The presence of Teamsters Union delegations in supermarket fulfillment centers came as a surprise to those companies. They consider this intrusion “not part of fair price deal” agree with the government. However, they came out support the decision, because they understand that it helps them decline responsibility on the shortage of products.
Both in the executive branch and in companies admit that there is a supply problem. The products in these price lists are “sold out” within a few hours of the opening of the branches. Though they haven’t yet spoken publicly, gondola executives say mass-market producers they are directing more merchandise to other channels, such as the Chinese. The “Fair Prices” scheme does not apply there.
“We know it’s not a”decision of the truckers but some operations organized by the Secretary of Commerce. We welcome these ongoing checks because the success of the program depends on the offer. By examining the distribution centers and comparing the orders of the chains and the deliveries made by the suppliers, the responsibility for the deficiencies that can be seen in the gondolas is clear, liability not attributable to supermarket chains”, explained by the United Supermarket Association (ASU), the chamber that brings together the chains.
Supermarkets understand that the supply problem is generated by the suppliers and not by them. Regarding this delicate issue, they underlined that “there are companies that deliver less than before, and are directing more products towards Chinese and ‘informal’ channels”, underlines a sector executive. “The case of a $330 soda at “fair prices” comes to mind. Stocks in supermarkets run out quickly. People go to the nearest Chinese and that same drink sells for $490,” they drew a graph from a chain with a specific case, which clarion could check.
Although the official position supports the official decision, some chains have let themselves go some discomfort. “It’s a double-edged sword, it can also be used in equality negotiations.”
“If you had asked us, we would have suggested you check how much merchandise suppliers send to chains and how much goes to other channels, such as Asian channels“, they add in the chains.
The tour of groups of truckers in the distribution centers of the largest chains (Coto, Carrefour, Disco and soon Changomas) served to check how much merchandise there is in those structures. “There is also always a certain stock that the branch managers keep products for the next day. It is a practice that certain chains resort to, each has its own criteria,” added an industry source.
Source: Clarin
