"It has to do with the wars in the stores," he said, referring to the intensely competitive supermarket industry.

Price Chopper offered one of the best values in the supermarket industry.

The supermarket industry is facing a difficult time.

"That industry has gained largely at the expense of the supermarket industry," he said.

The latter amount is far larger than the supermarket industry's overall net profit of $3 billion to $4 billion last year, he said.

The competition commission also had its scope widened to cover investigations of whole industries, not just specific firm, for example the supermarket industry.

The issue is not unique to the supermarket industry.

Ms. Gardiner and a growing number of shoppers like her are the supermarket industry's worst nightmare.

The supermarket industry has commissioned a study, due out early next year, on whether discounters are getting special prices not available to other retailers.

It is admired in the supermarket industry for its rapid growth around the Southeast.