Trader Joe’s accused of ripping off small brands

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Everyone loves TJ for having low prices.

But now a new report from Taste, says some of your favorite items could actually be dupes!

The publication says TJs may have ripped off smaller brands by asking for samples of their products under the guise of selling them in the store and then turned around and made its own similar product.

“They’re specifically doing this to diversity brands, or so-called ethnic brands,” one food brand told the publication.

Reached for comment, the chain said, “We are proud of our long history of supporting vendors and their growth with us. For a range of reasons, we are unable to work with every company we contact and realize our decisions to not pursue certain products can be disappointing.”

Trader Joe’s operates 545 stores in 42 states plus Washington, DC. Two stores are located here in Santa Monica.

Photo: Anthony92931 / Wikiemedia Commons

 

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