Edition 42: News from the Adjudicator
Read the latest newsletter from the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA).
2026 annual supplier survey
The GCA’s 2026 annual supplier survey is now live. It will remain open until Sunday 22 February, and I encourage as many suppliers as possible to complete it: https://start.yougov.com/refer/v2hzX1srKpYfq7
The survey is carried out by independent polling company YouGov, on behalf of the GCA, and responses will be treated confidentially.
The findings will help me to understand how each of the designated retailers has treated suppliers over the past year and inform the work of the GCA. I will use the results to hold the retailers to account for any issues or concerning behaviour and work with them to drive any necessary improvements.
Next steps
The GCA will publish the results in spring 2026.
YouGov will also conduct anonymous follow-up interviews with a select group of suppliers to explore their experiences supplying the designated retailers in more detail. If you would like to participate, please provide your consent and contact details at the end of the survey.
Raising issues
Each designated retailer has a Code Compliance Officer (CCO) who operates independently from the buying teams. CCOs are available to discuss any matters relating to their organisation’s obligations under the Groceries Code. Suppliers can confidentially raise issues with CCOs, and CCOs will only share a supplier’s issue with others in their business with the supplier’s express permission.
All designated retailers have committed to ensuring that suppliers who raise an issue, whether with the CCO, a buyer, or anyone else in the organisation, will not face any retribution for doing so.
I am committed to ensuring that suppliers feel confident raising issues and actively monitor the designated retailers’ adherence to their commitments.
You can also contact the GCA confidentially via email or by using my anonymous reporting platform, Tell the GCA. I have a legal obligation to protect your confidentiality, and I will never without express permission share any information with a designated retailer that could identify a supplier.
Mark White