Trends in Retail Competition

The event this year comes at a time of unprecedented pressures on society and businesses. In addition to the imperative to find ever more sustainable approaches to production and commerce, with the associated costs on business and others, there are growing pressures on governments, notably relating to welfare, health and now defence. National growth agendas, industrial policies and the rise of import duties introduce further complexities and possible friction points.

Against this backdrop, the event will explore the evolving nature of competition enforcement, the
changing dynamics of retail competition, the effects on the supply chains, investments, innovation, and ultimately consumer welfare.

The programme approaches these big themes by starting with an overview, followed by an evermore
detailed view of grocery markets, identifying the barriers to competitiveness and growth, the
growing cost pressures on all market players and the obstacles to the achievement of these crucial
strategic goals. The discussion will explore the present state of play, as well as what needs to change to ensure a better future. 

The Symposium offers a forum for lively and informed debate on these important themes. It is an
opportunity to explore how business may best deliver for consumers and society, while promoting fair and open markets and delivering innovation and growth.

The Symposium is held under the Chatham House Rule and is free to attend. To register, please follow the registration link. While the Symposium is being run as an in-person event, there is the option to join online for those unable to travel to Oxford. If you select online participation in the registration form, a calendar invitation with meeting link will be sent to you in due course. The link should not be shared, with people encouraged to register for the link in their own name. If you select in-person participation, a place will be allocated to you, subject to availability. 

Outline Programme

9.40 Keynote address - Lord Tyrie, Former Chair of the CMA and of the Treasury Select Committee

10.15 Panel discussion - Competition, (cross border) industrial policies and societal goals
Moderator: Michelle Gibbons, AIM
Panellists: Stuart Hudson, Brunswick Group; Ian Wright CBE, Food & Drink Export Council; Bertram Neurohr, Oxera; Stephen McDonald, Which?

11.45 Panel discussion - Competition and growth in grocery markets
Moderator: Bryan Roberts, IGD
Panellists: Griet Jans, Belgian Competition Authority; James Lowman, Association of Convenience Stores; Martyn Chu, Danone; Fraser McKevitt, Kantar

14.00 Keynote address - Juliette Enser, Competition and Markets Authority

14.25 Panel discussion - The EU distribution agenda and the way forward
Moderator: Greg Hayes, Clifford Chance
Panellists: Miguel Perez Guerra, AB InBev; Philippe Chauve, European Commission; Nicola Tosini, NERA; Ole Marquard Andersen, Schwarz Group

15.50 Panel discussion - Dynamics of market power and innovation in grocery
Moderator: Clemens Graf York von Wartenburg, Dechert
Panellists: Direction Générale des Entreprises (invited); Tara Chapman, Frontier Economics; Christiane Dahlbender, Mars; Natalie Berg, NBK Retail