October 2026: Record of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) progress meetings with Code Compliance Officers (CCOs)
Published 22 October 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/october-2026-cco-progress-meeting-record/october-2026-record-of-the-groceries-code-adjudicator-gca-progress-meetings-with-code-compliance-officers-ccos
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 7 October 2026
- Asda Stores Ltd
- Waitrose Ltd
1.2 Monday 12 October 2026
- Tesco plc
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd
1.3 Wednesday 14 October 2026
- Aldi Stores Ltd
- Marks and Spencer plc
1.4 Thursday 15 October 2026
- B&M European Value Retail plc
- Lidl GB Ltd
1.5 Friday 16 October 2026
- Amazon.com, Inc
1.6 Monday 19 October 2026
- Co-operative Group Ltd
- Iceland Foods Ltd
1.7 Tuesday 20 October 2026
- Ocado Retail Ltd
1.8 Wednesday 21 October 2026
- J Sainsbury plc
1.9 Thursday 22 October 2026
- TJ Morris Ltd (trading as Home Bargains)
2. Key points
2.1 Retailer update
CCOs updated the GCA on compliance activity since the May/June 2026 progress meetings, including progress against previously agreed actions. Updates also covered Code-related issues reported to CCOs, changes within Retailer businesses that may pose risks to Code compliance, and upcoming initiatives likely to generate enquiries to the GCA.
2.2 Retailer action plans
The GCA discussed with CCOs the Retailers’ progress in addressing Code issues reported by suppliers, including in the 2026 GCA annual survey. Discussions covered progress against the priorities identified from the survey, challenges to delivery, how Retailers were measuring the impact of their action plans and feedback received from suppliers. Actions and reporting requirements arising from the meetings were proportionate to the evidence of Code issues and supplier feedback.
2.3 Cost price negotiations
The GCA discussed with Retailers that cost price negotiations must be fair and must not expose suppliers to excessive risk or unexpected costs. In conducting those negotiations, the GCA expected Retailers to continue to apply the 7 Golden Rules – prompt responses, no surprises, and fair use of evidence. The GCA noted that price itself was a matter for Retailers and suppliers to agree.
Discussions covered any material changes in the number of cost price negotiations, Retailers’ processes for handling cost price increase requests, and the culture and oversight of negotiations, including buyer training and expectations set by commercial leaders.
2.4 Ensuring suppliers raise issues
The GCA and CCOs discussed the barriers to suppliers raising issues identified in YouGov’s deep dive interviews, which included low supplier awareness of the process when they raise issues and of the benefits of doing so. Discussions covered the independent role of the CCO, CCOs hearing issues in confidence, Retailers’ commitment that suppliers raising issues face no negative consequences, and how to demonstrate the benefits of coming forward, such as resolution of specific issues or achieving systemic improvements.
Noting the importance of removing the barriers to suppliers raising issues, the GCA asked Retailers to explain what further action they had taken in their next progress reports.
2.5 Any other business
The GCA and Retailers discussed any other business, including any matters specific to each Retailer.