Mars, the US food behemoth, no longer provides the domestic food chain Rewe (Billa, Billa+, Penny) since it won’t boost the pricing of some items. Rewe representative Paul Pöttschacher told Salzburg press that “it is true that Mars has stopped supplying Rewe in Austria.” Dog and cat foods like Pedigree and Whiskas, bars like Snickers or Mars, Wrigley’s chewing gum or Ben’s rice are all impacted.
According to the Rewe representative, Mars requested rates “to a degree that we cannot fathom and that is utterly unreasonable for us.” Pöttschacher emphasized that costs of similar competitive goods have increased less and that Mars charges less for its goods abroad.
The SN cited the official as adding, “We will not permit clients in Austria to pay noticeably more than in other countries.” Mars discontinued production because it would not accept lower price rises. However, since there are still stockpiles, customers are not yet being impacted by the negotiations. It is not about a “listing” of Mars items, in any case.
Dispute with Mondelez as well
Other foreign brands’ particular items also have issues. These included certain “by-products” from Haribo as well as spreadable Philadelphia cheese from Milka’s parent firm Mondelez, Pringles chips from Kellogg’s, and some Pringles. However, according to Pöttschacher, Rewe has consistently been able to reach an arrangement with the big domestic producers.
Because, in Coop’s opinion, Mars planned to apply “above-average price rises” across the entire range, the worldwide brand Mars has also had numerous products withdrawn from its lineup. To its clients, Coop offers substitutes from its own product lines. In Germany, neither Rewe nor Edeka are now supplied by Mars. Coca-Cola and Edeka are also at odds over delivery.