METRO has signed the new Canadian Grocery Industry Code of Conduct.
The company says the agreement will help bring more fairness and predictability to commercial relationships across the food sector.
The Code sets clear rules for how grocers and suppliers work together.
It covers how fees are handled, how contracts should be structured, and how disputes can be resolved without long delays.
METRO’s president and CEO Eric La Flèche said the company has supported the process since 2021.
He added that METRO continued working with the Code Office in 2025 to help prepare the industry for its rollout.
The Code comes at a time when Canada’s grocery market is highly concentrated.
A few large retailers control more than 80% of national food sales, creating pressure for smaller suppliers and independent stores.
Many Canadian growers and processors say they want more transparency and clearer business rules — especially around fees, penalties and last-minute changes to supply agreements.
The Code also includes detailed guidance on how and when retailers can charge fees, and what happens if a disagreement arises.
Suppliers will now have a structured mechanism for raising concerns or escalating disputes if negotiations fail.
Wider industry commitments are taking shape.
Loblaw agreed to support the Code earlier in 2024 after revisions clarified the dispute-resolution process.
Walmart signaled support later, saying the updated version offers a more balanced framework for retailers and suppliers.
Costco and Sobeys have also taken part in the discussions, helping move the Code toward full industry adoption.
For METRO, the agreement aligns with its position in Canada’s food retail market.
The company operates around 1,000 grocery stores under banners such as Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, Food Basics, Adonis and Première Moisson.
It also runs more than 600 pharmacies across Québec and Ontario.
The Code is expected to help smaller vendors, regional suppliers and produce growers by providing more stability.
Here you will find ongoing challenges in fresh produce in Canada, where growers often face unpredictable costs and sudden changes in retailer requirements.
The broader retail landscape is also watching closely.
Canada’s biggest chains — including METRO — play a central role in national food supply, as shown in top grocery stores in Canada 2025.
With all major players now involved, the Code is set to reshape how the sector operates.
The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct is now preparing training and guidance materials.
Full implementation is expected in 2026, with a new adjudicator overseeing compliance.
METRO says it looks forward to the next steps and a smoother, more predictable relationship between retailers and suppliers across the country.
Editor’s Note:
This article is based on official information published by METRO Inc. on December 8, 2025, and publicly available reporting on the development of the Canadian Grocery Industry Code of Conduct. No additional context or commentary has been added beyond the verified details released by the company and industry bodies.
