Tesco's Clubcard Scheme Faces Competition Regulator Investigation Over Lack of Transparency

Consumer group Which?

claims that the UK's largest supermarket chain is breaking the law by not providing clear pricing on the "vast majority" of its food and drink promotions.

The complaint comes as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigates whether the grocery sector is ripping off shoppers.

The focus is on Tesco's use of unit pricing, which helps shoppers compare prices for the same products.

Which?

wants Tesco to give unit prices on its Clubcard offers, as Sainsbury's does under the Nectar Prices scheme.

Tesco denies the suggestion that it is breaking the law.

Food inflation has been a sticky element of the main Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure this year, keeping the rate at a higher level than had been expected and intensifying the squeeze on household budgets.

The government is considering the idea of a food price cap to bring food inflation down.

Tesco's Clubcard Prices scheme has been endorsed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for complying with legal requirements and guidelines.

However, Which?

has accused Tesco of having unclear pricing that is confusing for shoppers and could be breaking the law.

Tesco is disappointed with the ill-founded claims and is actively looking at ways to make pricing clearer for customers.

The CMA is currently reviewing unit pricing on promotions, including loyalty promotions, and will set out its findings in July.