Supermarket Code Takes Effect, but Real Reform Starts with Transparency: Box Divvy Podcast with Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Box Divvy's Unsupermarket podcast speaks with Assistant Minister for Competition Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP about supermarket dominance, unfair practices, and why community-led models are part of the solution.
A new episode of Unsupermarket, the podcast by community food network Box Divvy, features a compelling conversation with Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh MP, recorded on the day the new mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct came into effect.
Hosted by Jayne Travers-Drapes, co-founder of Box Divvy, and team member Leigh Lind, the episode explores the supermarket duopoly's grip on pricing, the challenges faced by farmers and suppliers, and how new rules—and new models—could reshape the future of food purchasing in Australia.
“The risk with the old code was that supermarkets would hold their suppliers over a barrel and suppliers wouldn't complain for fear of retaliation,” said Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh. “Now we've got an anonymous complaints mechanism through the competition watchdog, the ACCC, and multi-million dollar fines for supermarkets who do the wrong thing.”
“Linking people better back to their neighbours and to the farmers in their area helps to build connections. It’s not just about saving money, it’s also about joining people together,” he added.
The conversation covers:
• The duopoly's growing market share despite the entry of Aldi
• Shrinkflation tactics that are "dudding" consumers
• Farmers being stuck with rejected produce
• Fear of retaliation stopping suppliers from speaking up
• Zoning laws that limit competition
In contrast to the supermarket giants, Box Divvy offers a human-scale alternative. With more than 300 local food Hubs across NSW and the ACT—most run by neighbours from their garage or carport—the network connects members with affordable, seasonal produce and pantry items, most of it grown or made in Australia. Members typically save around 30% compared to supermarket prices, with no joining fees—just a commitment to order regularly.
“At Box Divvy, our mission is to unsupermarket people and connect local communities with farmers and local producers through our food Hubs,” said Jayne Travers-Drapes. “We deliver market-fresh seasonal fruit and veg and groceries.”
“We actually let our members know where food comes from—who grew it, who manufactured it if it's a grocery item,” she added. “When they join, they tell us they feel disconnected from where their food comes from.”
Box Divvy is also pushing for full price transparency—not just what shoppers pay, but what farmers and wholesalers actually receive. Unlike major supermarkets where margins are hidden, Box Divvy members can see exactly how their money flows through the supply chain.
“The farmers are telling us, ‘Why don’t consumers know what we get paid at the supermarket level?’” said Leigh Lind. “There’s a growing gap between what supermarkets pay and what it is on the supermarket shelf. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
The episode also touches on Australia’s changing relationship with food, and how new community-led models are reviving old ways of shopping—based on trust, connection, and locality.
“We’ve only had about three generations of supermarkets in Australia,” said Jayne. “I remember going with a list and giving it to my grocer and he’d pack our groceries. Then suddenly we had a trolley and had to serve ourselves.”
“We see firsthand every week how a local community-led food system can work,” added Leigh Lind. “One that prioritises transparency, reduces waste, and strengthens connections between people and producers.”
“Supporting organisations which are providing a competitive threat can help everyone in the ecosystem,” said Andrew Leigh. “Then the challenger grows and you get more competition, which is good for choice and good for prices.”
Watch the episode on YouTube here
About us:
About Box Divvy
Box Divvy is an innovative food cooperative connecting Australian farmers with local communities. Members order online and collect their groceries from a local Hub, often run by a neighbour. The offerings include fresh, seasonal produce, pantry staples, and chilled items, delivered quickly to ensure quality. With over 300 Hubs and 13,000 members across NSW and ACT, Box Divvy provides a cost-effective alternative to supermarkets while ensuring farmers are fairly compensated. Learn more at www.boxdivvy.com.
Contact details:
Media Contacts:
Fleur Townley | [email protected] | 0405 278 758
Greg Townley | [email protected] | 0414 195 908