I lifted part of the title from an excellent article by Matt McKinney in today’s Twin Cities Star Tribune, hence the quotes. Wish I’d read it before posting “Consumer Price Pushback Ripples Up the Supply Chain” (03-05). Not that the new info would have changed the thrust of the post, but I’d have had more documentation supporting my observation that grocery chain retailers are allying with customers in fighting for lower prices from producers – an event seldom seen in the past.
When this battle between customers and their retailer allies versus producers is fully joined – and fought across multiple business sectors – it really will be worth getting a ringside seat. Along with all the blood that will be spilled, we’re going to see a desperate struggle by producer brands to hold onto their crowns in the face of the onslaught by store brand and generics-wielding, customer-backed retailers.
I’m not betting on the brands.
