About us
The Groceries Code Adjudicator is responsible for regulating 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) determines which retailers come under the Code, reviewing the market and designating any retailer which meets the annual turnover threshold.
The designated retailers currently covered by the Code are:
- Aldi Stores Ltd
- Amazon.com, Inc.
- Asda Stores Ltd
- B&M European Value Retail SA
- 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 is the independent regulator ensuring that designated retailers treat their direct suppliers lawfully and fairly. The GCA is responsible for encouraging, monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Code.
The GCA works collaboratively with the retailers it regulates to respond to issues raised by suppliers, trade associations and other representative bodies. All information received by the GCA is treated confidentially and the GCA has a legal duty to preserve anonymity.
If the GCA hears of suppliers experiencing the same issue, the Adjudicator can publish formal guidance.
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.
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