The Delicia supermarket chain, operating 60 stores in Nagano Prefecture, has come under scrutiny by the Fair Trade Commission for utilizing the labor of supplier employees without compensation for display tasks in its stores. According to the Commission's findings, Delicia may have violated antitrust laws through the abuse of its superior bargaining position, impacting nearly 1,100 workers from about 180 suppliers. This situation reportedly persisted from at least April 2022 until July 2025, where these employees undertook essential display work amid ongoing changes to various store setups.

The suppliers conveyed to the Fair Trade Commission that they felt compelled to comply with Delicia's requests due to fear of losing their business relationship, particularly given Delicia's strong market presence in the region. Despite receiving requests that included billing for temporary staffing, payments were never made. Suppliers expressed that they were unable to assert their need for compensation, citing concerns over potential repercussions on ongoing business dealings with Delicia. This reliance highlights the power dynamics at play in the supermarket industry, where smaller suppliers may struggle against larger chains.

Following the investigation, Delicia has taken steps to reform its business practices by agreeing to pay for the temporary staffing it previously exploited. However, the Fair Trade Commission has indicated that such misconduct is common in the industry and will intensify its monitoring efforts at the local level to prevent further violations. This case epitomizes the ongoing challenge of ensuring fair competition and protecting the rights of suppliers in the face of dominant market players.