About us
The Groceries Code Adjudicator regulates the relationships between the UK's largest grocery retailers and their direct suppliers by encouraging, monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.
Who we are
The Groceries Code Adjudicator (the GCA) was established on 25 June 2013 by the Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013 and is responsible for enforcing the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (the Code). The GCA is funded by a levy on designated retailers with a UK annual groceries turnover of more than £1 billion. Mark White is the current Adjudicator and was appointed on 31 October 2020.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) designates those that come under the Code. The CMA reviews the market each year, gathering information directly from relevant retailers and considering for designation any retailer which has UK annual groceries turnover of more than £1 billion.
Designated retailers
The designated retailers currently covered by the Code are:
- Aldi Stores Ltd
- Amazon.com, Inc.
- Asda Stores Ltd
- B&M European Value Retail plc
- Co-operative Group Ltd
- Iceland Foods Ltd
- J Sainsbury plc
- Lidl GB Ltd
- Marks and Spencer plc
- Ocado Retail Ltd
- Tesco plc
- TJ Morris Ltd (trading as Home Bargains)
- Waitrose Ltd
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd
How we work
The GCA ensures that the designated retailers treat their direct groceries suppliers fairly, complying with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.
The GCA identifies Code issues through engagement with suppliers, its annual survey, and reporting by the retailers.
The GCA treats information confidentially and has a legal duty to preserve anonymity.
If a supplier believes it has a Code issue, it can confidentiality contact the GCA by email or through the anonymous reporting platform, Tell the GCA.
When the GCA identifies issues, it engages with retailers whilst preserving anonymity. The GCA expects retailers to take timely steps to address concerns and prevent recurrence.
If required, the GCA uses its statutory powers to ensure fair treatment of suppliers.
GCA powers
Including if suppliers are experiencing the same issue at multiple retailers, the Adjudicator can publish formal guidance to the sector.
The GCA can arbitrate in disputes between its designated retailers and their direct suppliers. Arbitration awards are binding and may include compensation.
The GCA can also launch investigations where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the Code has been broken. If a breach of the Code is found, the GCA can make recommendations, require retailers to publish details of any breach and, in the most serious cases, impose a fine.
For more information, read the latest GCA annual report and accounts.
Subscribe to the GCA newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news, information, and events.
The GCA is sponsored by Defra and works closely with the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator.