Food and Grocery Code of Conduct

About the food and grocery code

The remade Food and Grocery Code of Conduct started on 1 April 2025 and is now mandatory. The code automatically applies to large grocery businesses. It regulates how large grocery businesses do business with their suppliers.

Acting in good faith under the food and grocery code

Large grocery businesses must deal with suppliers in good faith. The good faith obligation is intended to build trust between parties and improve standards of conduct.

Rights and responsibilities under the food and grocery code

Suppliers doing business with large grocery businesses have rights and protections under the food and grocery code and under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

Large grocery businesses operational obligations under the food and grocery code

Large grocery businesses have certain operational obligations under the code for dealing with suppliers.

Resolving disputes under the food and grocery code

Suppliers can raise a dispute with the large grocery business directly. A code mediator must be appointed by the large grocery business to help resolve disputes.

Enforcement of the food and grocery code

The ACCC is responsible for enforcing compliance with the food and grocery code. Breaches of the code can result in consequences such as infringement notices or court action.