Grocers praise key FTC pricing settlement

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Supermarket News
Published: October 5, 2026
Source: Read at Supermarket News
Category: Food Access

The Federal Trade Commission said it reached a proposed price discrimination settlement with Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, the nation's largest wine and spirits distributor. The FTC sued the distributor in 2024, alleging that it charged smaller retailers more than large chains for the same products. The proposed order covers distribution in 26 states and would limit Southern Glazer's ability to charge higher prices to smaller retailers. An independent monitor would review paired transactions, with the distributor required to pay an independent retailer 1.5 times the price difference for a violation, or double the difference if the FTC brings an enforcement action. A district court judge must sign the order for it to become law.

Why this matters: For independent grocers that sell wine and spirits, the proposed order could reduce pricing disparities with large chains and create a path to direct payments when violations are found.

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