The Federal Government has completed its review of supermarket unit pricing — a topic that might seem purely consumer-focused but could carry real implications for businesses in the grocery supply chain.

What’s Happening

Unit pricing lets shoppers compare the cost of products using a standard measure — such as dollars per 100 grams or per litre. Since 2009, large supermarkets have been required to display these figures to help customers identify better value.

This system has operated with relatively low compliance costs and limited penalties. But that could soon change. Treasury recently consulted on strengthening the Retail Grocery Industry (Unit Pricing) Code of Conduct, with submissions open only from 1–19 September 2025 — a short window for feedback.

Why the Review

The move follows the ACCC’s supermarket inquiry, which found that while unit pricing is useful, there are still gaps. One major concern is shrinkflation — when pack sizes shrink but prices stay the same or rise.

With cost-of-living pressures still high, the Government wants pricing to be clearer and fairer, helping rebuild trust between retailers and consumers.

Possible Changes

The consultation paper proposed several reforms:

• Shrinkflation alerts – supermarkets may need to flag when a product’s size decreases without a price drop.
• Clearer displays – larger, more visible unit prices in-store and online.
• Wider coverage – applying rules to smaller retailers and online platforms.
• Standardised measures – ensuring consistent “per 100g” or “per litre” comparisons.
• Civil penalties – introducing fines for non-compliance.

Business Implications

For suppliers, packaging and labelling decisions could face greater scrutiny — especially when changing pack sizes or formats.

For retailers, new systems may be needed for shelf labels, software, or e-commerce updates. These could add costs, but they also offer an opportunity to show transparency and build consumer loyalty.

In the longer term, clearer pricing may affect how products are positioned, marketed, and priced across the sector. Businesses that prepare early can avoid disruption once the new rules are introduced.

What’s Next

Now that submissions have closed, Treasury will review feedback and the Government is expected to announce its response later this year.

Companies involved in food, grocery, or household goods should monitor the outcome closely. The upcoming reforms could shape packaging, pricing, and compliance obligations across the industry.

At Pitt Martin Tax Pty Ltd, we can help you assess potential compliance costs, evaluate financial impacts, and prepare for these regulatory changes. If your business sells or supplies to supermarkets, now is a good time to review your pricing systems and get ready for what’s next.

Pitt Martin Group is a firm of Chartered Accountants, providing services including taxation, accounting, business consulting, self-managed superannuation funds, auditing and mortgage & finance. We spend hundreds of hours each year on training and researching new tax laws to ensure our clients can maximize legitimate tax benefit. Our contact information are phone +61292213345 or email info@pittmartingroup.com.au. Pitt Martin Group is located in the convenient transportation hub of Sydney’s central business district. Our honours include the 2018 CPA NSW President’s Award for Excellence, the 2020 Australian Small Business Champion Award Finalist, the 2021 Australia’s well-known media ‘Accountants Daily’ the Accounting Firm of the Year Award Finalist and the 2022 Start-up Firm of the Year Award Finalist, and the 2023 Hong Kong-Australia Business Association Business Award Finalist.

Pitt Martin Group qualifications include over fifteen years of professional experience in accounting industry, membership certification of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), membership certification of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants (CPA), Registered Australia Tax Agents, certified External Examiner of the Law Societies of New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia Law Trust Accounts, membership certification of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia Limited (FBAA), Registered Agents of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), certified Advisor of accounting software such as XERO, QUICKBOOKS, MYOB, etc.

This content is for reference only and does not constitute advice on any individual or group’s specific situation. Any individual or group should take action only after consulting with professionals. Due to the timeliness of tax laws, we have endeavoured to provide timely and accurate information at the time of publication, but cannot guarantee that the content stated will remain applicable in the future. Please indicate the source when forwarding this content.

By Yvonne Shao @ Pitt Martin Tax