Grocery Code of Conduct Reviewer to speak at Hort Connections

Hort Connections 2023 will feature a range of speakers discussing the horticulture industry to fellow industry professionals.

Fresh off his detailed examination of supermarket-supplier relationships, Independent Reviewer of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Dr Craig Emerson will address attendees Hort Connections over its 3–5 June tenure. He will be speaking on 5 June 2024 in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Emerson released his Interim Report into the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review in April, in which he recommended the code be made mandatory, along with other measures to strengthen the rules of engagement for supermarkets and suppliers.

The report is a significant milestone in the highly publicised debate about Australia’s grocery retail sector, and Emerson will speak to horticulture industry stakeholders about rebalancing the supplier–retailer relationship.

“Relationships between supermarkets and suppliers have been a hot topic of discussion during 2024, so we are very pleased to have Dr Emerson speak to the horticulture industry as part of the Hort Connections 2024 conference,” said AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote.

“Having been immersed in the many complex facets of this issue, Dr Emerson is sure to offer Hort Connections delegates informative and thought-provoking insights ahead of the release of his Final Report of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review.”

The program will also feature high-profile investment banker David Williams, the Chairman of PolyNovo Limited, RMA Global Limited and Inoviq Limited.

His involvement in the agriculture, food and beverage industry has included bringing Vegemite back to Australia, the merger of SPC and Ardmona, and bringing Tassal out of receivership.

Williams will speak to growers and other industry stakeholders about business models for long-term commercial viability in the horticulture sector.

For more information about Hort Connections 2024 and to register for the event, visit hortconnections.com.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/B4LLS