In testimony provided this week at hearings as part of the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry, current and former senior managers at Woolworths have admitted to shortcomings in the accuracy of forecasted volumes it has provided to fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers.  

Current Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell agreed with ACCC senior counsel that data collected at the checkout on past customer purchases gave the supermarket a firm understanding of likely future demand, with former Managing Director of Woolworths Supermarkets Natalie Davis then reporting an internal review had found, given the data available to them, Woolworths had failed to provide volume forecasts to suppliers that were as accurate as possible.  

Chair of the NFF Horticulture Council, Jolyon Burnett said the testimony validated claims that have long been made by suppliers and industry representatives, saying this is a significant admission from Woolworths that undercuts their claims of having the interests of their suppliers at heart in their commercial dealings. 

Mr Burnett says the Council, its members and fresh produce suppliers will continue to watch these hearings with great interest and hope the Federal Government is doing likewise, as it considers final drafting of an updated Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.