Pattison Food Group signs grocery code of conduct

Pattison Food Group, owner of Save-On-Foods, Buy Low Foods, Nesters Market and more, is the latest retailer to sign on to Canada’s grocery code of conduct, which becomes fully operational early next year.

The voluntary code has been developed by a group of leaders in the food industry, with the intention of evening the playing field for suppliers and smaller retailers.

Pattison Food Group joins Loblaw, Empire, Metro, Walmart and Costco as well as suppliers such as Lactalis in signing the code of conduct. 

“Fundamentally, this code aligns with what we’ve always done and how we conduct business with our supplier community,” said Jamie Nelson, president of Pattison Food Group, in a press release. 

“Integrity is one of our core values and this code provides a framework for fairness, transparency, and collaboration that benefits everyone—from suppliers to shoppers. We’ve operated with that mindset for all 110 years we’ve been in business,” he added.

READ: Grocery code of conduct. Canada could learn lessons from elsewhere

Signing the code is particularly significant for the Pattison Food Group’s wholesale operations, Associated Grocers, which supports independent grocers throughout Western Canada—many of whom operate in smaller or remote communities.

"Our wholesale arm plays a critical role in supporting independent grocers,” said Nelson. “This code is more than a compliance measure. It is a statement of values and will help ensure we get our fair share of product, so those smaller communities get the essential products they need.”

Implementation of the code begins Jan. 1.