Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct is a reality
Dispute resolution is now in play
This is the ninth of our trends that we have published for 2026. The Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct has been taking shape and they are actively seeking people to serve in the role of dispute resolution. This should be a positive step to level the playing field in the value chain. It will be interesting to see if any companies pursue this avenue or if the implementation is a deterrent and there are no issues worth taking to this level.
Our SKUFood trends are different. We focus on the entire value chain and look for insights to help you as you navigate through another year in this challenging industry. There are several sources for trends to help you understand what is happening with consumers. They are important and we encourage you to consider how they impact your target market and your products.
Grocery Code of Conduct website is a good resource
Some websites are nice but not that effective. This website is full of useful information for everyone in the industry. They have done a good job explaining what the code is, how it will be implemented and the features for all participants. Check out the website.
Consider participation before you need it
Now that the Grocery Code of Conduct has been fully implemented industry needs to participate. The first step in participating is to become a member. There are various options that are based on company sales. The dues are very reasonable for the small to medium sized businesses.
Sales* Tranche Annual Membership Dues
More than $1 billion $35,000
More than $500 million up to $1 billion $20,000
More than $200 million up to $500 million $7,500
More than $50 million up to $200 million $3,000
More than $10 million up to $50 million $500
More than $50,000 to $10 million $250
Less than $50,000 $50
*Sales are defined as ‘annual sales of grocery products in Canada’
The big businesses are definitely absorbing the bulk of the costs.
This seems to be one of those cases where you should participate before you really need the support. If you are scrambling to join and navigate the process when you have an issue you might not maximize the benefit.
Dispute resolution the biggest benefit
We have a Grocery Code of Conduct because some members of the value chain (suppliers and smaller retailers) were frustrated with how other members of the value chain (large retailers) were conducting business. Listing agreements were in place and some of the large retailers would arbitrarily make changes or impose increases to the cost of doing business.
We believe the biggest benefit of the Code is the dispute resolution process. Now everyone in the supply chain, who has signed onto the code, will be able to take advantage of this feature.
The office of the Grocery Code of Conduct recently delivered a webinar to explain the dispute resolution process. Probably best to watch their interpretation. Here is a link to the webinar. It is beneficial to get the definitions they provide.
It was interesting to see this article in The Grower. Obviously, there are some things going on to warrant this information gathering.
I do have travel coming up to Toronto, Regina, Saskatoon, Vancouver and Guelph so if you want to connect or have an event in any of these locations give me a call or send me an email.
Peter
SKUFood Recipes for Success Podcast
In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with John Ernst, a next-generation leader from Terra Beata Farms, one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognized cranberry growers and processors. After graduating from the Smith School of Business with a passion for entrepreneurship, John stepped into the family business during a period of rapid growth and hasn’t looked back.
Over the past six years, he has played a key role in expanding Terra Beata’s reach across retail, food service, and export markets, while also contributing to acquisitions and capital projects that continue to shape the company’s future. John’s perspective blends formal business training with hands-on experience in agriculture, manufacturing, and brand development within the agri-food space.
In this conversation, we explore what it means to join a family business at a pivotal moment, how Terra Beata has evolved from a cranberry farm into a value-added food brand, and the realities of scaling operations while staying true to their roots. This episode highlights the balance between tradition and innovation, and what’s required to grow a legacy brand into its next chapter.
If you would like to be a guest send us a note. We are always working on the upcoming episodes.
Facts about Buy Canadian
It was interesting to see some facts regarding the Buy Canadian movement of food stores. The graph in the article illustrates quite a significant change. We continue to encourage producers and processors to be very clear on packaging and other consumer marketing about your Canadian origins.
Canadian products are getting more opportunities. US products are not giving up market share so these changes are happening as consumers make the choice at the shelf.
With the focus on Canadian food and beverage we wanted to share a program we have developed with Alain Bosse, the Kilted Chef. We partner to share insights about Canadian food and beverage at conferences and events. We talk about where products come from, share insights about some hidden gems and of course Chef Alain has great tips for using the products at home. This is designed to be entertaining and engaging. Not just for food industry audiences, it works for everyone.