​​​​In the midst of negotiations on the mechanism for reducing the prices of basic food products, major retailers say that they strictly adhere to the voluntary agreement to lower the shelf price of fresh Romanian milk and see no reason why this agreement should not be extended to basic food as well, rather than a regulatory one. act in this sense.

Big retailers: We all strictly adhered to the agreement to keep the price of Romanian milk below 7 lei

The Association of Large Retail Chains (AMRCR) recalled that a voluntary agreement involving retailers, processors and farmers was agreed in April under the auspices of the Government, which agreed that large retail chains would cut at least 10% of the storage price of fresh of Romanian dairy product – 1 liter – so that it falls below 7 lei, starting from May 1, 2023, for 6 months.

• “All members of the AMRCR strictly adhered to their commitments, as evidenced by the weekly Monitoring Group meetings organized at the Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of the then Minister of Agriculture, in which the Competition Council also participated.
• From this point of view, we believe that the members of AMRCR have shown seriousness and responsibility, and we have not been informed that, by complying with this Commitment, we would cause negative side effects that could be attributed to us, and this would create the impression , that we would not abide by the voluntary agreement in the form in which it was agreed.
• In light of the above, using the rationale that we would not comply with a voluntary agreement on milk is one that has no real cover and cannot be used as an argument to eliminate the option of a broader voluntary agreement for staple foods.” This is stated in a statement sent on Friday evening by the Association of Retailers.

Cholaku says he will not hesitate to issue a regulation if an agreement is not reached by the end of the year

Major retailers reacted on Friday after Prime Minister Çolaku said he wanted to reach an agreement by the end of the year to lower prices on basic food products, but would issue a regulation if necessary.

“What I can tell you very clearly is that I want a deal that we can do before the end of the year, like it was done in France, that’s no secret.

It would be less desirable for a normative act to be issued, but if it is imposed, then be sure that we will also come with a normative act,” said the head of the executive power.

Asked if there would be a 6-month extension, Marcel Cholaku said: “It’s a very good start.”

Retailers will agree voluntarily, not GEO: It is absolutely necessary that the mechanism applies not only to retailers but also to the whole supply chain

Members of the Association of Large Retail Chains of Romania (AMRCR) reacted on Friday, saying they support a voluntary agreement to reduce prices of basic food products.

• “We insist on the voluntary application of the price reduction mechanism, and not through the issuance of a regulatory act, proving by large store chains the seriousness of applying the voluntary milk price reduction scheme, an aspect certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Competition Council, which monitors the permanent application of these discounts.
• In addition, in order to have a visible effect in the pockets of Romanians and accelerate the reduction of inflation, it is absolutely necessary that the voluntary mechanism applies not only to traders, but also to the entire product chain, as the government representatives also showed. .”, the retailers reported.

List of products presented by retailers / Minister of Economy: Romanian producers will not be obliged to limit their commercial addition

Prime Minister Marcel Čolaku announced on Wednesday that he had already received a response from major grocery chains to a proposal for a scheme to reduce the prices of basic food products, namely the first list of targeted products.

• “Thus, we have all the conditions to finalize an agreement or regulatory act in the near future, and I thank them very much for their promptness and such an approach.
• This means a guaranteed reduction in the price of some basic products from the range of essential products for the population, namely bread, milk, cheeses, meat, eggs, flour, malay, oil, vegetables and fresh fruits.
• I want to clearly emphasize that this will be a reduction that does not put pressure on Romanian producers.” stated to Cholak.

At a press briefing held after the government meeting, Economy Minister Radu Oprya wanted to make sure that producers would not be affected by the price reduction mechanism, as happened with milk.

• “I want to send a message to the producers. They will not be affected, this mechanism will not affect Romanian producers. We will complete this mechanism in a very short time, either GEO or by agreement.” said Minister Radu Oprea.

According to him, the mechanism will not provide for a price ceiling.

• “We have no intention of limiting prices. It is not about a fixed price for food products, but about limiting the commercial allowance in the comfort zone for those who produce, for those who sell and who distribute. It’s a longer chain, but it won’t affect Romanian producers.” Oprea told Radu.

Asked if Romanian producers would be forced to limit their commercial income, Oprea said no.

“If they are not affected, it means that producers will not be forced to limit their commercial allowance. It’s a better formula, and if dialogue works, why not come up with a better formula?“, Radu Oprya also stated.

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