Who Owns Coles Group?

Coles Group has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The company plans to power the entire Coles Group with fully renewable energy by 2025. Coles aims to reduce combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75% by 2030. The company has signed renewable power purchase agreements and invested in onsite solar installations.

Coles implements sustainable sourcing practices across its supply chain, working with over 8,000 suppliers. The company emphasizes responsible sourcing, transparency, and collaboration with suppliers to improve environmental outcomes. Sustainable sourcing initiatives focus on seafood sustainability, responsible palm oil sourcing, and animal welfare standards.

Coles drives circular economy activities through waste reduction programs, packaging innovation, and food waste initiatives. The company partners with OzHarvest and SecondBite to redirect surplus food to people in need. Coles' partnership with SecondBite has delivered millions of equivalent meals to Australians in need.

The company maintains ethical labor practices across its operations and supply chain. Coles publishes a Modern Slavery Statement and maintains a Supplier Code of Conduct. The company has faced scrutiny regarding labor practices, working conditions, and employment policies, particularly regarding wage rates and working hours for retail staff.

Coles Group received recognition for its supplier partnerships and sustainability initiatives through its annual Supplier Partner Awards. The 2024 awards, held on October 17, 2024, recognized outstanding suppliers across multiple categories:

• Product Launch of the Year: Arnott's Group, for Tim Tam inspired by Jatz crackers
• Fresh Supplier of the Year: Rock Ridge Fresh, for year-round fresh produce supply
• Community Champion of the Year: Mondelez, for supporting SecondBite and FightMND
• Sustainability Supplier of the Year: Hewitt Foods, for water conservation and biodiversity research
• Supply Chain Partner of the Year: TMX and Accenture, for automated distribution projects
• Digital Commerce Partner of the Year: PepsiCo, for integrated online shopping experiences
• Grocery Supplier of the Year: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, for category growth

Coles Group has faced several significant controversies, particularly related to pricing practices and supplier relations.

In February 2026, the ACCC took Coles to federal court, alleging the supermarket offered misleading discounts through its "Down Down" promotions. The ACCC argued Coles breached the law by offering illusory discounts on many products. Coles admitted in court to pressuring suppliers amid the pricing controversy. The court case revealed evidence of Coles exerting pressure on suppliers, raising concerns about the retailer's market power. Woolworths faced similar court challenges over comparable allegations.

Coles and Woolworths control approximately two-thirds of the Australian grocery market. This concentration has led to ongoing scrutiny from regulators and consumer advocates about market concentration and its impact on competition and pricing. The Australian government has conducted inquiries into supermarket pricing and competition, reflecting broader public concern about grocery affordability.

The pricing controversies damaged consumer trust in Coles, particularly regarding the authenticity of promotional pricing. The company faced criticism for not adequately rebuilding trust after the pricing practices were exposed.

Coles operates under intense regulatory scrutiny from the ACCC and other government bodies. The company has also faced scrutiny regarding labor practices, working conditions, and employment policies. As one of Australia's most visible companies, Coles faces high community expectations regarding ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.