Coles Express

OVERALL
Owned	AUS
Rating

Fuel & convenience stores operator

There are more than 650 Coles Express stores located across Australia. Coles Express operates the retail side of the business and Viva Energy is their exclusive fuel supplier.

Company Ownership

Eureka Operations Pty Ltd	AUS	website	email
Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd       owns 100% of Eureka Operations Pty Ltd	AUS	website	email	facebook	twitter
Supermarkets and liquor stores Coles was spun-off from Wesfarmers in November 2018. Wesfarmers kept Officeworks, Kmart and Target, which were part of Coles Group when it was acquired by Wesfarmers for $20 billion in 2007. The new Coles Group operates over 2,500 retail outlets around Australia across three divisions: Supermarkets, Liquor and Convenience.
Coles Group Ltd           owns 100% of Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd	AUS	website
Retailing Coles Group was spun-off from Wesfarmers in November 2018. Wesfarmers kept Officeworks, Kmart and Target, which were part of Coles Group when it was acquired by Wesfarmers for $20 billion in 2007. The new Coles group operates over 2,500 retail outlets around Australia across three divisions: Supermarkets, Liquor and Convenience. Coles was founded in 1914, publicly listed in 1929, merged with Myer in 1986 and sold Myer in 2006.

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Company Assessment

PRAISE	CRITICISM	INFORMATION
Eureka Operations Pty Ltd
		Leading price hikes In 2008 Coles Express petrol stations were singled out by the ACCC for leading price hikes in four capital cities. [Source 2008][More on Governance] Fuel supplied by Shell Coles Express obtains their fuel products exclusively from Shell [Source 2013][More on Governance]
Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd
Palm oil scorecard - WWF This company received a score of 9 out of a possible total of 9 in the WWF Palm Oil Buyers' Scorecard 2016, which rates companies on what they are - and aren't - doing to prevent the negative environmental and social impacts of palm oil production. [Source 2016][More on Palm Oil] Fishing policy Green rating in Greenpeace Canned Tuna Guide. "Coles has taken 6th place. It has successfully made the transition to FAD-free and pole and line tuna. Coles has a solid sustainability and ethical sourcing policy for its private label tuna and sources mostly skipjack. All Coles brand tuna is now being sourced with responsible fishing methods. Coles has also invested in research that supports better traceability in the Pacific. We welcome Coles' improving approach to transparency." [Source 2017][More on Oceans]	High free range stocking densities For eggs to be labelled free range, the Model Code of Practice says there should be a maximum of 1500 hens per hectare. In 2018 Choice updated its list of which egg brands meet the Model Code. According to the report, this company uses a stocking density of 10,000 hens per hectare for its free range eggs, well in excess of the Model Code. [Source 2018][More on Animal Rights] Misleading conduct In April 2015 the Federal Court ordered this company to pay penalties of $2.5 million for making false or misleading representations and engaging in misleading conduct in relation to the promotion of its par baked bread products, in proceedings brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The products were promoted as "Baked Today, Sold Today" and in some cases "Freshly Baked In-Store", when they were in fact partially baked and frozen off site by a supplier, transported and 'finished' at in-store bakeries within Coles supermarkets. [Source 2015][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Unconscionable conduct In Dec 2014 this company admitted to unconscionable conduct against some of its suppliers and agreed to pay a $10 million penalty in a settlement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Coles was also ordered to refund over $12 million to suppliers. [Source 2014][More on Governance] Underpaying workers In 2016 the full bench of the Fair Work Commission found that Coles underpaid its employees and cut penalty rates in a cosy deal with the shop assistants' union that has cost low paid workers perhaps $70 million a year. Coles was given 10 days to provide undertakings to either compensate employees left worse off by working shifts with low penalties, or to overhaul rosters. [Source 2016][More on Finance]	2007 DUMP Award winner - Poor Packaging Coles has been awarded Environment Victoria's 'People's Choice Award' in their 2007 DUMP report. Criticised for needlessly packing fruit and vegetables, particularly organic products, on polystyrene trays and covering them with cling wrap. [Source 2007][More on Packaging] 2009 DUMP Award winner - Poor Packaging In 2009 Coles received Environment Victoria's Golden DUMP (Damaging and Useless Materials in Packaging) Award for their 5 Pack of Lemons wrapped in unrecyclable and unnecessary plastic packaging. Shortly afterwards, Coles withdrew this product from their shelves. [Source 2009][More on Packaging] Breaching advertising codes This company has been criticised for misleading advertising. In 2015 the Advertising Standards Bureau upheld complaints about a tv ad by this company on the grounds that it breached advertising codes. The ad was subsequently discontinued or modified. Follow link for details. [Source 2015][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Misleading labelling In July 2013 the ACCC ordered Coles Supermarkets Australia to pay six infringement notices totaling $61,200 for alleged misleading representations about the country of origin of fresh produce made in five of its stores between March 2013 and May 2013. [Source 2013][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Fined for unsafe workplace Fined $170,000 and ordered to pay legal costs in April 2012 after a worker fell through a ceiling at their Manly store in 2007 and received injuries. According to WorkCover, Coles management failed to implement adequate safety procedures. [Source 2012][More on Workers Rights] 2010 CHOICE Shonky Award Named and shamed in the 2010 CHOICE Shonky Awards. Coles supermarket gets a shonky for its meal promotion fronted by celebrity chef, Curtis Stone. The deal claims you can feed four people for less than $10 the catch is you have to already happen to have some of the ingredients in your pantry--which aren't included in the price! If you include the uncosted 'pantry items' (including 3/4 of a bottle of wine) in Curtis' $7.76 Coq au vin it would actually cost more than $30. [Source 2010][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Sweatshops in Bangladesh This March 2012 report by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights reveals how 5,000 workers at a garment factory in Bangladesh toil under harsh and illegal sweatshop conditions making clothing for several companies including Coles/Wesfarmers' new Mix label. Workers are paid 16 to 22 cents an hour and routinely work seven-day, 84-hour work weeks with forced overtime. Every labor law in Bangladesh is routinely, systematically and grossly violated. [Listed under Information as Coles no longer sources garments from Bangladesh] [Source 2012][More on Workers Rights] Worker abuse in Bangladesh This 2013 investigative report by Four Corners reveals that this company ordered clothes from factories in Bangladesh that did not meet international standards. Workers in Dhaka described unacceptable conditions that see them work long hours for little pay, sometimes under the threat of abuse if deadlines are not met. [Listed under Information as Coles no longer sources garments from Bangladesh] [Source 2013][More on Workers Rights] Fined for selling underweight bread In Oct 2016 Coles was fined $7,500 after some of its private label loaves of bread sold in three Brisbane shops were found to be underweight. [Source 2016][More on Irresponsible Marketing] 2017 CHOICE Shonky Award Named and shamed in the 2017 CHOICE Shonky Awards for its Coles Complete Cuisine cat food. Despite its name, this tinned treat is likely too low in fat to qualify as a 'complete' food. [Source 2017][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Irresponsible marketing This company the Parents' Voice Shame Award for Pester Power in 2018 for its Little Shop promotions. The Pester Power award goes to the food marketing campaign that uses techniques which appeal to children, leading to them nagging their parents for unhealthy foods. [Source 2018][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Misleading advertising In April 2014 the ACCC accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Coles Supermarkets following an investigation into a video and cartoon 'Our Coles Brand Milk Story', which was published on social media. The ACCC found the video to be misleading and deceptive. The undertaking requires Coles to not make misleading or deceptive representations in relations to milk for 3 years, and review its Australian Consumer Law compliance program. [Source 2014][More on Governance] Anticompetitive behavior On 31 May 2005, Coles subsidiary Liquorland admitted that it had entered into illegal agreements with five applicants for liquor licences. Liquorland was subsequently penalised $4.75 million by Justice Gyles of the Federal Court for these contraventions. [listed under Information due to age of court findings] [Source 2005][More on Governance] MSC certified products This company sells products which are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. [Source 2016][More on Oceans] GM-Free brands Coles branded items were rated 'green' in Greenpeace's 2011 Truefood Guide, except for chicken products. This signifies a clear policy on excluding GM-derived ingredients, including oils derived from GM crops, and animal products from animals fed on GM crops. Chicken products may be fed GM grain. [Source 2011][More on Genetic Engineering] Sustainable Seafood partnership with WWF Coles partnered with WWF in 2011 to improve the sustainability of their seafood supply, and educate consumers about sustainable seafood choices. [Source 2014][More on Oceans] Microbeads phase out This company has agreed to phase out the use of microbeads in their own-brand products by 2017. These particles are not retained by wastewater treatment so end up in the ocean. While microbeads aren't thought to be a health hazard to consumers, they are a threat to the marine environment. [Source 2016][More on Oceans] Organic products This company manufactures or distributes products that are certified organic under the Australian Certified Organic label. [Source 2018][More on Eco-Certification] Fairtrade products This company sells Fairtrade Certified coffee under its Coles brand. However this only represents a fraction of their total coffee sales. [Source 2016][More on Workers Rights] 2013/4 Fairtrade Award winner Coles won the Fairtrade Retail Chain of the Year award 2013 and 2014 Fairtrade Awards. [Source 2013][More on Workers Rights] ABAC signatory This company has signed the ABAC Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code, which is designed to regulate alcohol advertising and marketing within Australia. [Source 2017][More on Irresponsible Marketing] DrinkWise contributor This company makes voluntary contributions to DrinkWise Australia, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2005 by the alcohol industry, whose stated goal is to help bring about a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia. [Source 2015][More on Irresponsible Marketing] Good Egg Award 2013 The RSPCA Good Egg Awards acknowledge major companies that make the switch to cage-free eggs. Coles Brand Eggs were awarded a Good Egg Award in the Retail category in 2013 for their commitment to only sourcing cage-free eggs for their Coles Brand eggs. [Source 2013][More on Animal Rights] Better Work Partner This company is a partner of Better Work, an initiative of the UN's International Labour Organization and the International Finance Corporation which brings diverse groups together - governments, global brands, factory owners, and unions and workers - to improve working conditions in the garment industry and make the sector more competitive. [Source 2016][More on Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives] Sustainability claims This company has a number of sustainability claims on its website, covering the areas of waste & recycling, supply chain improvements, energy saving initiatives, and sustainable palm oil. [Source 2013][More on Sustainability Reporting] Sustainable Agriculture Initiative member This company is a member of the Australian chapter of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the main food industry initiative supporting the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide. Created by Nestle, Unilever and Danone in 2002, the SAI Platform is a non-profit organization to facilitate sharing, at precompetitive level, of knowledge and initiatives to support the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices involving the different stakeholders of the food chain. [Source 2014][More on Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives] Food and Grocery Code of Conduct signatory This company has signed up to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, which governs certain conduct by grocery retailers and wholesalers in their dealings with suppliers. It has rules relating to grocery supply agreements, payments, termination of agreements, dispute resolution and a range of other matters. [Source 2015][More on Governance] Ethical sourcing policy Coles have a publicly available Ethical Sourcing policy on its website. [Source 2015][More on Sustainability Reporting] Supplier Factory Disclosure List In September 2014 Coles joined Target, Kmart and Woolworths in being open and accountable about exactly where its clothes are made, by disclosing the locations of its supplier factories in India, Cambodia and Vietnam. This is a crucial step on a journey towards better conditions for workers, Oxfam Australia said. [Source 2014][More on Governance] Bonsucro member This company is a member of Bonsucro - Better Sugar Cane Initiative, a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation fostering the sustainability of the sugarcane sector through its leading metric-based certification scheme and its support for continuous improvement for members. [Source 2017][More on Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives] Sedex member This company is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), a not-for-profit, membership organisation that leads work with buyers and suppliers to deliver improvements in responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains. Tens of thousands of companies use Sedex to manage their performance around labour rights, health & safety, the environment and business ethics. [Source 2018][More on Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives] C grade in 2018 Ethical Fashion Report C grade in the Baptist World Aid Australia's 'Ethical Fashion Report 2018', which grades companies, from A to F, on the strength of their systems to mitigate against the risks of forced labour, child labour, and exploitation in their supply chains. Assessment criteria fall into four main categories: policies, knowing suppliers, auditing and supplier relationships, and worker empowerment. [Source 2018][More on Workers Rights] Alcohol - direct involvement Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business. (Does not include sale of alcoholic beverages as a non-core business). [More on Product Safety] Transparency Pledge The Apparel and Footwear Supply Chain Transparency Pledge (Transparency Pledge) helps demonstrate apparel and footwear companies' commitment towards greater transparency in their manufacturing supply chain. Transparency of a company's manufacturing supply chain better enables a company to collaborate with civil society in identifying, assessing, and avoiding actual or potential adverse human rights impacts. This is a critical step that strengthens a company's human rights due diligence. This company has made no additional commitments to meet Pledge standards. [Source 2017][More on Sustainability Reporting]
Coles Group Ltd
		Sustainability claims This company has a number of sustainability claims on its website under the headings ethical sourcing, responsible sourcing, environment, health and nutrition, community and suppliers, and our people. Coles also outlines 10 key commitments in the area of food waste and packaging. [Source 2018][More on Sustainability Reporting] 43/100 in KnowTheChain Benchmark In 2018 KnowTheChain benchmarked 120 large global companies in the ICT, Food & Beverage, and Apparel & Footwear sectors on their efforts to address forced labour and human trafficking in their supply chains. This company received a score of 43/100. [Source 2018][More on Workers Rights]

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New Retail category and Duopoly chart
5th Apr 2014 — Our website has a new category – Retail. It covers all the major supermarkets, department stores, fuel & convenience stores, hardware stores, liquor stores and toy stores. Woolworths and Wesfarmers dominate all these sectors, but there are other options. Are your shopping choices supporting gaming, worker exploitation or anticompetitive practices? It's estimated that 40 cents in every dollar we spend goes to a Woolworths or Wesfarmers (owner of Coles) retail entity. See our interactive Duopoly chart to find out more about the retail brands they own.  [source]

ACCC is to take Coles and Woolworths to court over fuel discounts.
26th Feb 2014 — Woolworths and Coles will test the competition regulator's power to rip apart generous fuel discounts of more than 4¢ a litre, with a December truce between the supermarkets and watchdog already collapsed. Both supermarket chains, which last year raked in $13 billion in petrol sales through their co-branded stations, will now face the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in the Federal Court with the legal stoush the latest chapter in a long-running war of words. The often fractious relationship again flared up on Tuesday when the ACCC said it had begun court proceedings against Woolworths and Coles for allegedly breaching court-enforceable undertakings made last year to limit discounts linking fuel and grocery shopping. At the heart of the latest dispute are new promotions by Woolworths and Coles that offer fuel discounts from supermarket dockets that can then be bundled or stacked on top of discounts for purchases made at their petrol stations, effectively a much larger petrol discount than the agreed 4¢. Read more...   [source]