Countdown parent Woolworths Group has implemented several key policy changes in the aftermath of last year’s Commerce Commission grocery industry investigation – and says it welcomes the Grocery Industry Competition Bill passed by Parliament.

The bill seeks to promote competition and efficiency within the grocery sector and will establish a Grocery Commissioner to oversee and monitor the conduct and competition of businesses in the marketplace.

Ahead of the new law, Woolworths has now signed 13 agreements with wholesale clients and anticipates more to follow. The grocer has made unit pricing mandatory across categories, refreshed its privacy policy, and updated the terms and conditions of its Onecard loyalty program to enable customers to easily understand how their data is used.

Furthermore, the retailer has planned a full rollout of electronic shelf labels by the end of the 2025 financial year.

Woolworths New Zealand MD, Spencer Sonn, said the Grocery Industry Competition Bill gives “clear direction” to the company, which is committed to improving conditions for its customers.

“The passing of the bill today gives us certainty about the path forward, and we’re looking forward to being a part of the future of New Zealand’s dynamic grocery sector.”

He added the retailer is looking to work “constructively” with the new commissioner to “ensure all grocery retailers are held to the same standards”.