The Interim Commission of the Parliament studying the pricing structure of food products, medicines, and fuel continues to examine the factors influencing price formation for food and essential consumer goods.

Today, the Commission heard representatives of small and medium-sized retail networks, including Universam, Zghapari, Goodwill, Agrohub, and Europroduct.

According to the Chair of the Commission, Shota Berekashvili, after holding meetings with local producers, distributors, and importers, it was important for the Commission to also hear from representatives of retail chains in order to determine the factors influencing product pricing.

During the session, representatives of the retail networks spoke about the so-called cashback component, noting that the funds received from it allow them to balance prices for essential consumer goods and, in some cases, sell certain products at cost price.

Participants also discussed payment arrangements for sold products, noting that a clear distinction should be made between the date a product enters a retail network and the date it is sold. In many cases, producers and distributors begin calculating payment deadlines from the date products are delivered to the retail chains.

The meeting with retail network operators was conducted in a question-and-answer format.

At the end, Commission Chair Shota Berekashvili summarized the issues discussed at the meeting: "We believe it is possible to create an institutional framework that will make relations within the pricing chain - from producers and distributors to retail networks - more transparent and competitive. We heard many interesting opinions and ideas during the meeting. The idea of establishing logistics centers is particularly important, as it would allow small market owners to receive products at lower costs. Another key issue is regulating payment terms, which would enable participants in the sector to plan their marketing processes more effectively".