Loblaws to sign Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct

Loblaw says it’s ready to sign on to Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct.

This comes on the heels of intense public and political scrutiny of the company, including a near three-week boycott from consumers as the grocery giant continues to rake in profits while Canadians struggle to pay for the essentials.

READ MORE: High grocery prices have customers searching for better deals across Ontario

This code of conduct has been years in the making, and was developed by food industry leaders with the goal of levelling the playing field for suppliers as well as smaller retailers across Canada.

Last year, the Loblaw Company and Walmart Canada rejected the call to sign, instead saying they would continue to raise prices even as food insecurity across the country skyrocketed after pandemic shortages and rising inflation.

Loblaw’s president, Per Bank, is now backpedalling, saying “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,” Bank said. “Enhancing the relationship between retailers and suppliers, who both exist to best serve customers.”

The Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC) says it is welcome news that Loblaw’s has signed on. Michael Graydon, OGSCC Chair, says “the vision for the Code has always been based on a fully inclusive, voluntary Code … 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.”

The Loblaw Company says it will continue to work with the industry on next steps as the Code is finalized and eventually put into practice.

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