Empire and Lactalis become the first to join forces with Canada's Grocery Code, marking a significant participation in the industry.
Canada's Major Grocers Expected to Join Grocery Sector Code of Conduct
In a significant move towards enhancing fairness and transparency in the Canadian grocery sector, Loblaw, Metro, Walmart Canada, and Costco are anticipated to join the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC) [1]. However, as of August 2025, their formal membership remains pending or in progress [2].
The OGSCC, established last year, has already welcomed its first supplier and retailer members. The Sobeys parent company, Empire, and Lactalis Canada have officially signed on [3]. Karen Proud, the president and adjudicator of the OGSCC, expressed delight in welcoming these inaugural registrants [4].
The status of Loblaw, Metro, Walmart Canada, and Costco is currently "expected to join" rather than formally enrolled in the Canada Grocery Code of Conduct [5]. The member directory maintained by the OGSCC lists these four retailers as expected rather than confirmed members [2].
In related news, T&T Supermarkets, a popular Asian grocery chain, is planning to expand its footprint in the United States. The chain is set to open its 6th U.S. store in Chino Hills, California, marking its second supermarket in Southern California [6].
Meanwhile, Loblaw, another major Canadian grocery retailer, is using print receipts to drive sales and customer loyalty [7]. The latest dunnhumby trends report provides insights on Canadian and Mexican consumers' feelings about U.S. grocery products [8].
As the dispute resolution mechanism and other final governance documents are completed, Ms. Proud expects other grocers to register with the OGSCC [9]. Formal recruitment efforts are expected to begin this fall [10].
References: 1. OGSCC Press Release 2. OGSCC Member Directory 3. CBC News 4. Retail Insider 5. Grocery Business 6. Supermarket News 7. Canadian Grocer 8. dunnhumby Trends Report 9. Retail Insider 10. OGSCC Press Release
The four major grocers, Loblaw, Metro, Walmart Canada, and Costco, are anticipated to join the Canada Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, adding their names to the supply chain of businesses adhering to the Code. As the dispute resolution mechanism and other final governance documents are completed, these grocers may also contribute to financing the operations of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct through their membership fees.
