Bunnings' dominance of gardening sector spurs calls for equal scrutiny

The retail giant, Bunnings, controls 70 per cent of the plant market, and there's concerns that market power is negatively impacting suppliers, and reducing options for consumers.

CHONGQING, CHINA - MARCH 3, 2024 - Tulips in bloom at Chongqing Zoo in Chongqing, China, March 3, 2024. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Credit: Future Publishing/Future Publishing via Getty Imag

Key Points

• Whilst the pricing policies of Australia's big grocery stores are under the microscope, CEO of Greenlife Australia Jo Cave says it's time for Bunnings to be scrutinised too.
• About 25,000 people are employed by the greenlife sector, and the majority of plants grown end up in Bunnings.
• Greenlife Industry Australia, the main industry body representing commercial growers of plants, is pushing for Bunnings to be included in the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.