Overview
- Retailers and agro‑food suppliers signed a non‑binding charter on November 30 to calm relations before the 1 December–1 March negotiations.
- The pact, initiated by Commerce Minister Serge Papin with support from Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, was signed by the FCD and five industry groups including Ania, Ilec, Feef, Pact’Alim and La Coopération agricole.
- The charter sets conduct principles, commits to highlighting product origin and fresh goods, and requires that SME negotiations conclude by January 15, 2026.
- Ministers pledged close follow‑up and participants plan review checkpoints, though leaders caution the accord has no legal force and disputes could still arise, particularly with multinational suppliers.
- A Senate inquiry on retail margins and debates over European purchasing alliances such as Concordis add pressure, against the backdrop of 2025 talks that delivered a 1.5% average price rise versus 5.7% sought by industry.