FTC Questions Grocery Chains' Pricing Practices Amid Higher Pandemic Profits

• FTC recommends policymakers further investigate elevated grocery store profits since pandemic • FTC found grocery retailer profits 6-7% above total costs in 2021-2022, higher than 2015 peak • FTC says heightened profits cast doubt on claims rising prices simply follow rising costs • FTC advises studying impact of reduced trade promotions spending during pandemic • FTC findings did not directly inform recent case against Kroger & Albertsons merger