Views sought on the performance of the Groceries Code Adjudicator
The performance of the Groceries Code Adjudicator will be examined in a statutory review launched today (18 October 2016).
The performance of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) will be examined in a statutory review launched today by Business Minister Margot James.
The Groceries Code covers the 10 largest UK supermarkets and is designed to help control practices that have a negative impact on suppliers and stifle supply chain innovation. The GCA is the independent body that oversees compliance with the code.
Since the appointment of Christine Tacon CBE as GCA in 2013 there has been significant progress on issues covered by the Groceries Code. A recent YouGov survey showed an 8% fall in code-related issues reported by supermarket suppliers from 2015, and a 17% decrease compared to 2014.
Alongside the statutory review, government will also launch a call for evidence to explore the case for extending the remit of the GCA, to include indirect suppliers to supermarkets.
Business Minister Margot James said:
It is important that suppliers of all sizes get a fair deal when working with supermarkets. The Groceries Code Adjudicator is making a significant impact, with suppliers reporting that nine out of the 10 retailers covered have improved their compliance with the Code over the past year.
We are also looking at evidence for extending the GCA’s remit in recognition of concerns raised by other suppliers in the grocery sector – particularly primary producers and farmers – who are not covered by the Code. Government wants to do all it can to help these businesses and we look forward to hearing their views and those from across the sector.
The statutory review will collect the evidence needed to assess the GCA’s performance and make sure the role is effective.
The review is available at Groceries Code Adjudicator: statutory review.