Loblaw supports the Grocery Code of Conduct, aiming for fairness and transparency in the industry
Loblaw Companies Limited has announced its support for Canada's Grocery Code of Conduct.
The announcement, made at the Company's Supplier Summit with more than 1,300 suppliers, is part of Loblaw's continued commitment to promoting a fair and transparent grocery industry in Canada.
This decision follows a series of discussions the Company held with the Code Interim Board and Working Group over the past six months. The final part of this process will be for all major industry participants to sign the Code.
"We have worked intensively and collaboratively with industry groups so that the Code is clearly drafted and fair for all industry participants," said Per Bank, president, and CEO, Loblaw Companies Limited.
“We believe in the value of a code of conduct for the industry and are happy with the progress made. The Code now requires the participation of all major retailers and suppliers to help bring in a new era for Canada's grocery industry, enhancing the relationship between retailers and suppliers, who both exist to best serve customers.”
The path to the Code was initiated by the Federal-Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture as a volunteer, industry-led solution.
The Code's more than two-year development has been a collaboration by organizations within the grocery industry – including retailers, processors, and manufacturers – to ensure support across the entire supply chain.
Throughout this time, a large focus of the consultation was on developing a code that works for small suppliers, consumers, and the industry, recognizing the complexities of the Canadian grocery market.
“It is welcome news that Loblaw has agreed to participate in the Grocery Code of Conduct,” said Michael Graydon, chair of the Interim Board for the Code of Conduct.
“Within a very complex food system, the vision for the Code has always been based on a fully inclusive, voluntary Code, developed by the grocery industry, and managed by its stakeholders across the supply chain. We are one step closer to the implementation of the Code as we continue to work with all industry partners to ensure we have maximum participation by all stakeholders.”
Loblaw says they will continue to work with the industry as the Code is finalized and put into practice.
