Cambridge Food Jozini caught hiking prices of maize meal

In terms of the order, Cambridge Food Jozini has agreed to reduce its gross profit margin on the 25kg top white maize meal for the duration of the state of the national disaster. The retailer has also agreed to donate essential goods to Siyaphambili Qondile Home Based Care Project 1 to the value of R24,947.

This follows a complaint received in April 2020 indicating that Cambridge Food Jozini had increased its gross profit margins on the 25kg top white maize meal during April 2020 in contravention of the Competition Act read together with Regulation 4 of the Consumer Protection Regulations.

Report examines food price drivers and discrepancies during pandemic

17 Jul 2020

The Commission’s investigation established that prior to the declaration of a national state of disaster, Cambridge Food Jozini was selling the 25kg top white maize meal at far lower prices. It was found that in April 2020 the price of the product was increased by Cambridge Food Jozini from around R129,99 to R159,99 without a corresponding increase in costs.

To date, the Commission has referred and settled 30 Covid-19 related cases to the total value of around R15,380,849 of which R5,573,380 has been donated to the Solidarity Fund. There have also been donations of essential goods to affected communities to the total value of R551,886.

Agreements reached on Covid-19 excessive pricing

10 Jul 2020

The Commission urges firms to comply with the Competition Act during the state of national disaster and desist from exploiting consumers.