March 2023: Record of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) progress meetings with Code Compliance Officers (CCOs)
Published 27 March 2023
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1. Attendees
The GCA (Mark White) and members of his team met with the CCOs and other representatives from the designated retailers (Retailers) as follows:
1.1 Monday 13 March 2023
- Asda Stores Ltd
- Iceland Foods Ltd
1.2 Tuesday 14 March 2023
- TJ Morris Ltd (trading as Home Bargains)
1.3 Friday 17 March 2023
- Marks and Spencer plc
- Tesco plc
- Waitrose Ltd
1.4 Monday 20 March 2023
- B&M European Value Retail SA
- Co-operative Group Ltd
1.5 Tuesday 21 March 2023
- Aldi Stores Ltd
- Amazon.com, Inc.
1.6 Thursday 23 March 2023
- Ocado Retail Ltd
1.7 Friday 24 March 2023
- Lidl GB Ltd
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd
- J Sainsbury plc
2. Key points
2.1 Retailer update
CCOs provided updates to the GCA about compliance activities including actions from the previous meetings held in November 2022, Code-related issues reported, topical issues and any upcoming initiatives likely to generate enquiries to the GCA.
2.2 Cost price increase (CPI) requests
The GCA and Retailers discussed the 7 Golden Rules for Retailers receiving CPI requests from suppliers and the need for Retailers to treat suppliers fairly and lawfully. Discussions covered issues including the systems Retailers are using to manage CPI requests, the support, guidance and training being given to buyers, and the data being used to monitor performance including the time taken to acknowledge, substantively respond to, and implement agreed CPI requests.
2.3 Audit claims
The GCA and Retailers discussed retrospective audit claim levels and Retailers’ progress towards best practice in handling claims (including supplier-initiated claims).
2.4 Protecting supplier relationships
The GCA and Retailers discussed the February 2023 extension to the CCO commitment to confidentiality, in which Retailers committed to ensuring that suppliers do not face negative consequences as a result of raising issues. CCOs confirmed that Retailers want to hear from suppliers and to work collaboratively to resolve issues and strengthen relationships.
2.5 Dispute resolution
The GCA and Retailers discussed dispute resolution processes as set out in the Groceries (Supply Chain Practices) Market Investigation Order 2009.
2.6 GCA survey 2023
The GCA updated Retailers regarding the timing of, and actions related to, the GCA survey 2023.
2.7 Any other business
The GCA and Retailers discussed any other business specific to Retailers.