The Federal Government’s recent review of supermarket unit pricing might seem like a consumer issue at first glance, but for businesses supplying to major retailers, it’s one worth watching closely.
In September 2025, Treasury launched a short consultation on potential reforms to the Retail Grocery Industry (Unit Pricing) Code of Conduct, closing just weeks later. While shoppers might welcome clearer labels, these changes could have real commercial impacts for suppliers, distributors, and retail operators.
A Quick Recap: What Unit Pricing Does
Unit pricing lets customers compare the cost of products by standard measurement, such as price per 100g or per litre, regardless of brand or pack size. It’s been mandatory for large supermarkets since 2009, helping consumers identify better value.
Until now, compliance has been relatively inexpensive and penalties limited. However, with cost-of-living pressures rising, the Government is now signalling it’s ready to tighten expectations and strengthen enforcement.
Why the Government Is Taking Action
The ACCC’s supermarket inquiry highlighted an issue that’s been frustrating shoppers: shrinkflation, where pack sizes quietly shrink while prices stay the same or even rise.
With inflation and trust in corporate behaviour under scrutiny, the Government wants pricing that’s clear, consistent and fair. It’s part of a broader push to rebuild transparency across essential goods sectors.
What Might Change
The consultation paper outlined several potential updates, including:
- Shrinkflation alerts – retailers may have to disclose when a product gets smaller without a matching price cut
- Clearer displays – larger, more prominent unit pricing both in-store and online
- Wider coverage – extending the code beyond major supermarkets to smaller retailers and e-commerce platforms
- Standardised measures – removing confusing “per roll” vs “per sheet” comparisons
- Civil penalties – introducing enforceable fines for non-compliance
These changes could reshape how costs are communicated, how packaging is designed, and how prices are presented to customers.
What It Means for Your Business
If you operate in food, grocery, or household goods supply, this review could impact your bottom line in several ways:
- Packaging and labelling costs – suppliers may need to adjust packaging or labelling systems to meet new requirements
- System and software updates – retailers could face costs to reconfigure shelf labelling or online catalogues
- Transparency opportunities – businesses that proactively adapt could strengthen consumer trust and brand reputation
At a broader level, these changes reflect a growing expectation that Australian businesses will communicate value clearly and fairly. That same principle applies to internal operations too, whether it’s how you manage costs, track cash flow, or forecast future performance.
The Cash Flow Connection
Understanding regulatory change is one part of running a resilient business. The other is managing your cash flow effectively to absorb new costs, remain profitable, and plan ahead.
At Trekk Advisory, we help business owners see the full picture, from analysing compliance impacts to creating accurate cash flow forecasts and budget projections.
If you’re uncertain how these upcoming pricing rules might affect your operations or margins, a clear business cash flow plan can make all the difference. It helps you prepare for increased operational expenses, stay compliant, and keep your finances steady even in shifting market conditions.
What You Can Do Next
- Stay informed – follow Treasury’s updates as submissions are reviewed and recommendations finalised later this year
- Review your cost models – understand how labelling or packaging changes could influence your margins
- Forecast early – use cash flow forecasting tools or templates to map out potential financial impacts before new rules are introduced
Trekk Advisory’s accountant-led team can help you prepare with clarity and confidence so regulatory shifts don’t catch you off guard.
Ready to Strengthen Your Cash Flow?
Good financial management goes beyond compliance. Having visibility over your cash flow gives you the power to make smarter, more confident decisions for your business.
That’s where our Cash Flow Playbook comes in. It’s a free, practical guide that shows you how to manage your inflows and outflows, stay cash-flow positive, and plan ahead with confidence.
Contact Trekk Advisory to talk through your business forecasts, budgeting, and cash flow planning, and take the guesswork out of what’s next.
