Grocery
The Commission has responsibilities to monitor and regulate the grocery sector under the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023.
In 2022, our market study into the grocery sector found that there needs to be more competition for all New Zealanders to benefit from better prices, more choice, and more convenient shopping. The Grocery Industry Competition Actopen_in_new was developed in response, making us the regulator of the grocery sector. The Act is complemented by existing and new regulation under the Commerce Actopen_in_new and Fair Trading Actopen_in_new
On 13 July 2023, Pierre van Heerden was formally appointed as the first Grocery Commissioner. Read more about our Board of Commissioners
Our work focuses on the following areas to improve competition in the grocery sector:
- creating pricing and promotional transparency for consumers
- establishing a new supply code of conduct to create a level playing field for all suppliers
- establishing a new wholesale regime that will make it easier for new entrants to enter the market and existing retailers to compete and innovate
- ongoing monitoring of the state of competition in the grocery sector and that will report on whether it is delivering benefits for New Zealanders over time
- taking action to address non-compliance where necessary
Our new responsibilities to regulate sit alongside our ongoing work in the grocery sector enforcing the Fair Trading Act and the Commerce Act – with priorities including our focus on restrictive and exclusive covenants, refusals to supply due to low retail pricing, and pricing and promotional practices.
If you wish to receive communications related to grocery or want to get in touch, subscribe to our email list.
Anonymous Reporting tool
We recognise there are situations where someone who has knowledge or specific information about the conduct of a grocery industry participant (eg, a regulated grocery retailer, supplier, or other retailer) and might be reluctant to report it for fear of negative consequences or reprisals (such as being delisted from a retail store).
The Commerce Commission’s Anonymous Reporting Tool provides a secure channel to be able to report information without disclosing your personal information.
Learn more about our anonymous reporting toolopen_in_new and how to report a concern.
More in this section
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Grocery updates
We regularly publish updates on matters arising in relation to the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023 and associated regulations.Read more -
Annual Grocery Report
As part of our regulatory role, we actively monitor the grocery industry and produce annual reports on the state of competition in the industry and how it is developing over time.Read more -
Review of the Grocery Supply Code
As part of its grocery responsibilities the Commission is required to review the operation and effectiveness of the Grocery Supply Code, with the first review due by 28 September 2025.Read more -
Wholesale Supply Inquiry
The Commerce Commission is carrying out an Inquiry into the wholesale supply of groceries to consider whether additional regulation should apply.Read more -
Information for regulated grocery retailers
As the grocery industry regulator, our role includes monitoring competition and efficiency in the grocery industry, promoting transparency, carrying out reviews, inquiries and studies, making information available and enforcing the law.Read more -
Consumer Complaints Disclosure Standard
The Commerce Commission has a role under the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023 to promote competition in this industry.Read more -
Information for suppliers
As the grocery industry regulator, our role includes monitoring competition and efficiency in the grocery industry, promoting transparency, carrying out reviews, inquiries and studies, making information available and enforcing the law.Read more -
Information for wholesale customers
The Grocery Industry Competition Act (GICA) establishes a new wholesale supply regime that creates obligations on the regulated grocery retailers (‘RGRs’ - Woolworths NZ, Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island) to set up systems to facilitate wholesale supply to other grocery retailers.Read more -
Information for retailers – unit pricing
The Unit Pricing Regulations have come into effect as of 31 August 2023.Read more -
Information for consumers
The changes introduced by the Grocery Industry Competition Act are designed to make it easier for new or existing retailers to compete with the major supermarkets.Read more