December 16, 2025
RED FM News Desk
After years of debate and negotiations, Canada’s long-awaited grocery code of conduct is finally coming into force, marking a significant step toward greater fairness and transparency in the country’s food supply chain.
The voluntary code governs relationships between major grocery retailers and their suppliers. It was first proposed amid growing concerns over rising food prices, escalating supplier fees and the increasing power imbalance within Canada’s highly concentrated grocery sector.
Federal and provincial agriculture ministers have argued that clearer, more consistent rules are needed to curb practices that can quietly push costs through the supply chain—even when those costs are not immediately apparent to consumers.
While the code does not regulate grocery prices or guarantee immediate savings at the checkout, supporters say it has the potential to bring long-term stability by reducing unexpected fees, disputes and disruptions that can affect product availability, competition and consumer choice.
The grocery code of conduct is set to take effect on January 1. Here’s what it means, how it will work and what Canadians can expect when they head to the grocery store.
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