FTC vs Kroger

Two grocery giants are in court defending their bid to merge into America’s super-est supermarket.

Back in October 2022, Kroger (#2 largest food seller) agreed to buy its rival Albertson’s (#4 largest) for $24.6B. The two operate a combined 5,000+ stores under 30+ brands like Safeway, King Soopers, and Jewel-Osco.

The Biden-Harris admin sued to block the deal in February, arguing the merger would reduce competition and quality, provide fewer union jobs, and (further) raise grocery prices. Kroger argues the merger will lower costs by enabling their regional shops to compete with national competitors like Walmart (which would remain America’s #1 grocer) and Costco, and non-traditional rivals like Amazon.

The three-week trial could reshape the grocery industry and play into the presidential election, as both parties promise to tackle rising food prices.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Rising prices can make anyone anxious… yet difficult times like these give Christians the incredible opportunity to share (rather than hoard) what God has given us—remembering Jesus’ command for radical generosity.

“Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back.”
Luke 6:30 (CSB) (read full passage)