May/June 2026: Record of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) progress meetings with Code Compliance Officers (CCOs)
Published 12 June 2026
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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 Wednesday 27 May 2026
- Tesco plc
1.2 Thursday 28 May 2026
- Co-operative Group Ltd
1.3 Friday 29 May 2026
- Waitrose Ltd
1.4 Monday 1 June 2026
- Aldi Stores Ltd
- TJ Morris Ltd (trading as Home Bargains)
1.5 Tuesday 2 June 2026
- J Sainsbury plc
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd
1.6 Wednesday 3 June 2026
- Iceland Foods Ltd
1.7 Thursday 4 June 2026
- Marks and Spencer plc
1.8 Monday 8 June 2026
- Asda Stores Ltd
- Ocado Retail Ltd
1.9 Wednesday 10 June 2026
- B&M European Value Retail plc
1.10 Friday 11 June 2026
- Amazon.com, Inc
- Lidl GB Ltd
2. Key points
2.1 Retailer update
CCOs updated the GCA on compliance activity since the March 2026 round of progress reporting, and on progress against actions previously set by the GCA. CCOs also provided updates on changes within Retailer businesses that may pose risks to Code compliance.
2.2 CPI requests and the 7 Golden Rules
The GCA discussed with Retailers their approach to cost price increase discussions and reiterated the importance of conducting these discussions fairly and transparently. The GCA highlighted the role of the 7 Golden Rules in supporting this and that buyers need to understand as well as apply the Rules in practice.
2.3 Retailer action plans
The GCA discussed with CCOs action by Retailers to address Code issues reported by suppliers, including in the 2026 GCA annual survey. These discussions covered the level of perceived Code noncompliance at Retailers as well as specific Code issues (including delay in payments and issues associated with de-listing and forecasting) and Retailers’ plans to address those issues. Actions for Retailers, and reporting requirements arising from the meetings, were proportionate to ensure that Retailers’ plans improve Code compliance.
2.4 Hearing from suppliers
Having previously discussed the importance of suppliers being able to raise Code issues with confidence, the GCA and CCOs discussed some suppliers’ reluctance to raise Code issues with Retailers and concerns about negative consequences were they to do so.
Retailers explained to the GCA the practical steps that they were each taking to fulfil their commitment that suppliers raising issues will not face any negative consequences. These steps included the setting of expectations by senior leaders, the training and monitoring of buying teams, strengthening of internal processes and escalation routes, auditing of supplier-related data and proactive checking in with those suppliers that had raised issues in the past. The GCA proportionately requested further action to address supplier concerns and monitoring to ensure those actions are effective in practice.
2.5 Any other business
The GCA and Retailers discussed any other business, including any matters specific to each Retailer.