Talks continue on grocery industry code of conduct

Supermarket giant Coles says an agreement in principle on a code of conduct for the grocery industry could be reached within four to six weeks.

Coles and Woolworths have been in discussions about a voluntary code with the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).

The code is being drafted as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigates allegations of misconduct by the retailers.

The Federal Government has said it would consider a compulsory code of conduct if negotiations on a voluntary code fail.

Coles spokesman John Durkan is optimistic that an agreement can be reached.

"We're working well with the AFGC on the code of conduct and we believe we have positive sentiment on both sides to be able to want to do something that's right for the industry," Mr Durkan said.

"So I'm feeling fairly confident that we can solve this and create our own voluntary code of conduct.

"We've had dialogue with the AFGC about how do we make sure that all parties have the code that they want, that is workable, and doesn't add bureaucracy and costs.

"What we're all worried about and interested in is that we don't just add more bureaucracy and cost to the industry."

Source: ABC News, 11 April 2013