Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct: What Shoppers Should Expect in 2026

Starting in 2026, Canada will officially implement its Grocery Code of Conduct, a landmark agreement designed to reshape the relationship between grocery retailers and their suppliers. While this initiative has been years in the making, many Canadians are wondering what it will mean for their weekly shopping trips.

What Is the Grocery Code of Conduct?

The code is essentially a set of rules agreed upon by major grocery retailers and suppliers. Its purpose is to ensure fairness, transparency, and predictability in the food supply chain. By establishing clear guidelines, the code aims to reduce disputes, foster collaboration, and strengthen Canada’s food system.

Will Prices Go Down?

One of the biggest questions for consumers is whether this code will lead to lower grocery bills. Experts caution against expecting dramatic price drops. Instead, the changes will likely be “invisible” to shoppers, focusing more on how retailers and suppliers interact behind the scenes. That said, by reducing inefficiencies and disputes, the code could help stabilize prices over time.

Benefits for Consumers

Even if the impact isn’t immediately obvious at the checkout counter, the code carries several indirect benefits:

• Supply chain resilience: Stronger cooperation between suppliers and retailers means fewer disruptions in food availability.
• Fairer practices: The code prevents retailers from imposing unfair demands on suppliers, which can ultimately protect product diversity and quality.
• Transparency: Clear rules and dispute resolution mechanisms make the system more predictable, which can reduce sudden price hikes or shortages.

Why It Matters

Canada’s grocery sector has faced criticism in recent years for rising food costs and strained supplier relationships. By introducing this code, the government and industry leaders hope to build trust and stability in the system. While shoppers may not notice immediate changes, the long-term goal is a healthier, more reliable grocery market that benefits both businesses and families.

In short: The Grocery Code of Conduct won’t slash prices overnight, but it’s a step toward a fairer, more resilient food system. For Canadian households, that means more stability in what’s on the shelves and, hopefully, fewer surprises at the checkout.