The Robinson-Patman Act was passed in 1936, but the federal government stopped enforcing it during the deregulation of the 1980s. The FTC resumed its enforcement in December when it sued Southern Glazer’s, the largest U.S. distributor of wine and spirits.

"Today's complaint against Pepsi is wholly deficient, not only because the pleadings fail to state a claim, but because the Majority rushed the case out the door before it had evidence to support the allegations,

The FTC is suing PepsiCo for allegedly rigging the market by offering “unfair pricing advantages” that can contribute to inflation.

Company’s conduct has forced competing retailers, including convenience stores, to pay higher prices, agency says

Walmart declined to comment. "The FTC's action will help ensure all grocers and other businesses — no matter the size — can get a fair shake and compete on the merits of their skill, efficiency, and talent,

The commission alleges that the retailer, whose name was redacted in the statement from commissioners, received “unfair pricing advantages” that were not made available to others.

The Federal Trade Commission on Friday sued PepsiCo in a last-minute blitz of lawsuits before the end of the Biden administration, alleging that the beverage giant forced many consumers to pay higher prices by giving Walmart unfair pricing advantages.