Supermarket News Column: Upcoming Grocery Code Changes: Supporting Suppliers

Since the Grocery Code’s introduction in September 2023, more than 750 industry professionals have completed NZFGC’s training programme delivered in partnership with NextGen Group. As the Code evolves NZFGC’s capability-building support is too.

Many will be aware, changes to the Grocery Supply Code are coming in 2026, following the outcome of the Commerce Commission’s review. As the Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden told us last year on an NZFGC webinar, these updates strengthen supplier protections, clarify obligations, and reinforce the principles of fair dealing across the sector.

We have launched updated supplier Code training and introduced a refresher course, designed to incorporate both the new 2026 changes and the lessons learned from the first 18 months of Code implementation.

We are offering two training pathways to support suppliers through the 2026 Grocery Code changes. The 2026 Complete Code Training is a full day workshop designed for those who are new to the Code or new to the grocery industry, providing a comprehensive introduction to the Code’s principles, insights from its first 18 months, and all upcoming 2026 updates. For those who have previously completed Code training, the 2026 Code Training Refresher offers a practical half day update on what has changed, how the Code is operating in practice, and how suppliers can apply it effectively day to day, with sessions coming up in Auckland, Christchurch, and online.

The refreshed programme includes open, virtual, and in-house workshops, providing:

• Clear guidance on the Grocery Industry Competition Act and the Code.

• Real-world scenarios and supplier–retailer case studies.

• Practical tools for raising concerns and working constructively.

• Deep insight into how the Code is being applied in practice, and what the 2026 changes mean.

We receive positive feedback about our training partner, NextGen Group, who is widely recognised as a leading commercial consultancy to the food and grocery sector in Australia and New Zealand. Their expertise extends across FMCG, beverages, foodservice and, increasingly, a diverse set of industries well beyond the traditional grocery sector. Behind the training are two respected experts: Mike Rudman and Anthony Grant, both of whom bring extensive commercial, regulatory, and Code‑specific experience. Their understanding of both the rules and the intent of the Code ensures participants receive guidance that is not only technically sound but also highly practical. They excel in using case‑based learning to build supplier confidence in day-to-day negotiations and retailer engagement.

Mike Rudman brings decades of FMCG leadership from senior roles at Unilever, Lion Nathan, and Fonterra. Known for his strategic clarity and practical approach, he has already trained thousands of supplier executives across Australia and New Zealand on the Grocery Codes. As Mike says “Suppliers want to know what’s really changing and how it affects their day to day conversations with retailers. The NZFGC Code training focuses on real world scenarios, so teams walk away knowing how to apply the new Code in practice.”

Anthony Grant is a retail behaviour and negotiation specialist whose career includes buyer, category, and commercial roles at major retailers such as Coles, Carlton & United Breweries, 7 Eleven, and United Petroleum. Known for translating buyer thinking into actionable insight, he brings a grounded, supplier focused perspective to Code education. Anthony sees that the Code changes are “a real opportunity for suppliers to lift capability and confidence. Our training is all about giving people the practical tools they need to navigate the updates with clarity and skill.”

The NZFGC remains committed to supporting suppliers every step of the way. To register for an open session or arrange an in house workshop or if you other topics you’d like to discuss with the NZFGC team, contact admin@fgc.org.nz.