Canada's grocery code of conduct kicks in today, with buy-in from 5 major grocers

The voluntary grocery code of conduct for grocers, suppliers, wholesalers and primary producers in Canada is set to fully roll out on Thursday.

The grocery code is intended to promote fair dealings between grocers and their suppliers, including in the application of penalties and fees. It was set up in an effort to bring more transparency, fairness and predictability to the industry as a whole.

The code, governed by the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, includes trade rule provisions, a governance model and an adjudication and dispute resolution process.

Canada's five largest grocers — Empire, Loblaw, Metro, Walmart Canada and Costco Canada — have now formally registered.