A grocery sector expert says he's pleasantly surprised by Nicola Willis's plans for the sector.

The Economic Growth Minister has confirmed she's seeking advice on potentially breaking up the supermarket duopoly.

That could include separating the retail and wholesale arms of Foodstuffs and Woolworths.

Ernie Newman says told Andrew Dickens he was sceptical before the announcement but is impressed by what he's heard.

He says Nicola Willis has come across as a "minister on a mission" and she's done her homework.