Grocery Industry Dispute Resolution Scheme
The Grocery Industry Dispute Resolution Scheme run by the New Zealand Dispute Resolution Centre is available for use.
What is it for?
For suppliers, the scheme is designed to resolve disputes under the Grocery Supply Code worth up to $5 million quickly, fairly and confidentially.
Who is it for?
Suppliers to the Regulated Grocery Retailers – Foodstuffs North Island Ltd, Foodstuffs South Island Ltd and Woolworths New Zealand Ltd (the RGRs) and their related parties, such as franchisees. It also applies to wholesale customers of the RGRs. The brands covered are PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, Gilmours, Liquorland, Foodie Mart, On The Spot, Raeward Fresh, Countdown, Woolworths, FreshChoice and SuperValue.
How does it work?
The scheme is an out-of-court process that can result in:
- a binding agreement between the parties reached in private and confidential mediation or
- a binding decision from an adjudicator in a private and confidential adjudication process.
The RGRs pay for the scheme, but suppliers (‘claimants’) need to pay for the costs of their representation.
It is set up under the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023 and the Grocery Supply Code 2023, and is governed by the Scheme Rules.
Find out more about the scheme here (www.grocerydispute.co.nz) or contact registrar@nzdrc.co.nz for more information.