U.S. Department of Justice expands beef price antitrust probe

The U.S. Department of Justice has expanded its antitrust investigation into the beef industry to include eight major grocery chains. The department is seeking information to determine if retailers have engaged in price manipulation as beef prices reach record levels.

In letters sent to Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize USA, Costco, and Amazon, the DOJ requested data regarding beef sales, pricing, costs, margins, and purchasing strategies. This expansion follows a previous directive from President Donald Trump to investigate meatpacking companies for potential collusion and price fixing.

The investigation initially focused on the “Big Four” beef processors—Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef—which control approximately 85% of the U.S. beef processing market. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that high industry concentration and multiple plant closures across the country indicate possible anticompetitive activity.