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 Act was developed in response, making us the regulator of the grocery sector.  The Act is complemented by existing and new regulation under the Commerce Act and Fair Trading Act

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, contact grocery.regulation@comcom.govt.nz

Anonymous Reporting tool

We recognise there are situations where someone who has knowledge or specific information about the conduct of a grocery industry participant (e.g., 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 tool and how to make a complaint.

Anonymous Reporting Tool

Grocery updates

Find our grocery updates for the sector.

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.

Review of the Grocery Supply Code

Read information about the first Review of the Grocery Supply Code.

Wholesale Supply Inquiry

The Commerce Commission is carrying out an Inquiry into the wholesale supply of groceries to consider whether additional regulation should apply.

Information for regulated grocery retailers (RGRs)

The Grocery Industry Competition Act places new requirements on regulated grocery retailers. Read information for regulated grocery retailers

Information for suppliers

Read information for suppliers to learn more about the rights suppliers and the responsibilities on regulated supermarkets under the Grocery Supply Code.

Information for wholesale customers

The Grocery Industry Competition Act requires the regulated grocery retailers (RGRs) to consider requests for wholesale supply in good faith. Read information for wholesale customers

Information for retailers – unit pricing

The Unit Pricing Regulations introduce requirements for unit pricing to some grocery retailers. Read information for retailers – unit pricing

Information for consumers

We work to ensure that New Zealand consumers benefit from more competitive prices and more choice when buying their groceries. Read information for consumers about our work for them in the grocery sector.