Member Matters
Food for thought: February 2025
20 February 2025
What a difference a year makes in the food and grocery space. A year ago, the food and grocery sector was bracing for a wave of scrutiny—around a dozen inquiries into our supply chain, from the headline-grabbing Senate inquiry to the newly announced ACCC investigation.
This scrutiny provided an opportunity to highlight the cost and regulatory pressures manufacturers face. Now, as the ACCC prepares to release its final report on supermarket pricing by the end of February, all eyes are on the political climate. With an election looming, food prices and the cost of living will be central issues.
After representing the industry at the ACCC hearings in November, the AFGC is well-positioned to respond with a reasoned, balanced perspective on any findings and recommendations. Our priority remains ensuring a competitive and cost-effective industry that benefits both manufacturers and consumers.
Elsewhere, packaging reform is well underway, with the next steps in the consultation process pending. Member engagement will be essential in securing clear and consistent packaging rules under the new regime.
Meanwhile, calls for mandatory nutrition regulation are increasing. The ACCC recently denied authorisation for the infant formula marketing code partly due to its voluntary nature, and food ministers are considering stricter regulation of for toddler and infant food. The AFGC will continue advocating for balanced, evidence-based policy changes.
Shalini Valecha – Acting Director, Industry Affairs
Samantha Blake – Director, Retail
