By James Atkinson
Woolworths Liquor Group (WLG) and the Winemakers' Federation of Australia (WFA) have signed a new code for fairness and transparency that they have declared is a landmark agreement for the sector.
The Good Wine Buyer and Supplier Principles: A Code for Fairness and Transparency establishes guidelines for the commercial relationship between WLG and its wine suppliers, the parties said.
Key aspects of the Principles include:
- Fairness and transparency across all aspects of the commercial relationship;
- Clarity in marketing and promotional activity;
- Open, early and ongoing communication between both parties;
- Recognition of intellectual property rights; and
- Dispute resolution process;
WLG director Brad Banducci said the retailer was committed to working productively with wine suppliers.
"These Principles, developed in agreement with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, representing all Australian wine producers, will ensure our buying teams specifically recognise the agricultural roots and specific needs of this sector," he said.
"We owe it to the industry to ensure our team engages professionally and with appropriate respect to the generational craftsmanship of Australian wine families, as well as deliver on the consumer excitement that comes from new entrants to the wine industry and their innovations."
WFA chair Tony D'Aloisio said the federation will monitor implementation of the code, which will be reviewed every two years.
“We welcome the progress we have made with WLG on the key issues and the constructive way they have responded to the issues raised by our members regarding retail market practices," he said.
Banducci said the agreement was one of a number of initiatives that WLG was working on to improve relationships with suppliers, including the new Supplier Portal that was launched in July.
The new code of conduct is available to download here.