- Mandatory code of conduct for large Australian grocers to protect suppliers.
- Potential fines up to 10% of annual turnover for non-compliance.
- Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Metcash impacted by new regulations.
Australia’s federal government is set to enforce a mandatory supermarket industry code of conduct, targeting major grocers like Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Metcash. This move comes after a review found that the current voluntary code fails to balance the bargaining power between supermarkets
and their suppliers, often resulting in unfair pricing pressures on farmers. The new regulation could see non-compliant companies fined up to 10% of their annual turnover, a substantial penalty aimed at ensuring adherence.
New Mandatory Code to Regulate Australian Supermarket Giants
The supermarket sector in Australia is notably concentrated, with Woolworths and Coles together holding two-thirds of the market share. This dominance has led to calls for stronger regulatory oversight to protect suppliers. Representatives from the affected companies have indicated a willingness to review and potentially align with the new mandatory code, underscoring a collective effort towards a fairer and more sustainable grocery supply chain.
The push for regulatory change follows a report by former competition minister Craig Emerson, which highlighted the deficiencies of the voluntary code in protecting suppliers. The federal government’s decision to enforce a mandatory code is part of broader scrutiny, with six inquiries into the supermarket sector’s practices. This initiative is seen as crucial for safeguarding supplier interests and fostering a more equitable market environment.
The concentration of market power in the hands of Woolworths and Coles, which together account for two-thirds of Australian grocery sales, has raised concerns about competitive fairness and supplier treatment. The introduction of a mandatory code is expected to mitigate these concerns by establishing clear rules and significant penalties for non-compliance. This regulatory approach aims to create a more balanced and fair grocery supply chain.
Representatives from Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Metcash have expressed a readiness to engage with the new regulatory framework, signaling an industry-wide shift towards compliance and sustainability. The National Farmers Federation has welcomed the move, anticipating that it will empower suppliers to contest unfair practices more effectively. The broader impact of these changes will likely be monitored closely as the new code is implemented.
The mandatory supermarket industry code represents a significant step towards ensuring fairer practices in Australia’s grocery sector, offering better protection for suppliers and fostering a more equitable market landscape.
“These changes should finally give the code the clout it needs to protect farmers.” – Charlie Thomas, Acting CEO, National Farmers Federation
