In a new periodic column, U.K. grocery code expert Henry Chambers shares his insights, experience, and occasionally provocative commentary as the industry in Canada steps into the new world of a Grocery Code of Conduct.
“Let’s get one thing clear from the start… The Canadian Code will not work unless you do something with it.”
That’s the message we’ve been sharing in workshops with more than 60 CPG companies so far. The Code (Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct – OGSCC) is a gift, and long overdue, but it will deliver value only if suppliers and retailers put it into action.
Recently, the organization opened a portal for retailers and suppliers, with Lactalis, Empire Company and independent Ontario retailer LaMantia’s being the first to register with the Code office.
Without action, we risk repeating history. In the UK, the adjudicator sat waiting for the phone to ring for two years because suppliers didn’t know how the portal worked, didn’t trust it, or didn’t even know it existed. Thankfully, Canada has learned from that experience, and president and adjudicator of the OGSCC Karen Proud has ensured the process is now simple, safe and accessible.
Canada: reasons to believe?
The UK Grocery Code adjudicator, Mark White, has had a busy few weeks. In court with Aldi (supporting W. Clappison, an agriculture supplier and potential $7M fine over “delisting notice periods”), his office has also launched a full investigation into Amazon’s continued Code breaches of “delay in payment terms.” This is above and beyond the multiple regular breaches by Amazon shown in the Code’s annual reports. And lastly, the adjudicator has published 2025 annual supplier survey results.
Key insights from the survey revealed that things are continually improving. Reported Code issues have fallen in the last 12 months from 33% to 30%, and perceived Code compliance has increased to 93%. It takes time, but the shift is happening. If you were writing a head principal school report, this would read “could do better.”
For those new to the Code, now is the perfect time to get started. With summer providing a quieter period, it’s an ideal opportunity to prepare for 2026 Joint Business Plans, new product launches, promotional planning and collaborative supply chain discussions. So, what are you waiting for?
Source : Grocery Business Magazine
