At a time when many Americans are struggling with high food prices and the U.S. grocery sector remains less efficient than in many countries, the industry needs competition and innovation. The Federal Trade Commission’s decision to delay — and potentially block — the proposed merger between two supermarkets, Kroger and Albertsons, with an estimated combined market share of 12.9 percent, is unlikely to help. Instead, U.S. consumers need a more permissive regulatory environment where growing competition between incumbent supermarkets and new entrants expands consumer choice, improves food quality, and reduces prices.
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