I started my second term as Groceries Code Adjudicator on 31 October. The GCA has made a real difference since its establishment, significantly improving how Retailers are treating their direct suppliers. It is important work and I am pleased to be able to continue leading it.
The improvements we have seen would not have been possible without the support and information (shared confidentially) from many of you across the sector. I look forward to continuing to work with you.
There is more to do. In my second term, I will continue to use the confidential information suppliers provide me directly and through my survey to tackle significant Code issues including in relation to De-lists, delays in payment and forecasting.
I am also committed to
- Ensuring Retailers are effectively communicating with suppliers about change projects.
- Fair negotiation of cost price changes.
- Preventing Retailers from imposing undue requirements on suppliers.
Annual conference
My annual conference took place at the beginning of this month. I was delighted that hundreds of delegates joined in person and online. I hope everyone found it useful and engaging. As I said on the day, the CCOs are all available all year round so please contact them, confidentially, if you are having an issue.
If, after his presentation at the conference, you would like to know more about Richard Thompson’s work as Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator, I recommend his recent blog.
My team has already begun planning the 2025 conference and I look forward to sharing more details next year.
Amazon
At the conference I spoke about supplier perceptions of Amazon’s Code compliance, as shown by the results of my 2024 survey. I have made it clear that Amazon must take swift and comprehensive action to demonstrably comply with the Code.
I’ve been in close contact with Amazon since the conference, discussing the steps it is taking in response. If I believe that it is not complying with the Groceries Code and an investigation is the most appropriate way to bring about change, I will not hesitate to launch one.
I encourage suppliers to continue telling me confidentially about their experiences with Amazon and any changes they observe in its practices.
Looking ahead
I am currently meeting all the CCOs to discuss Code issues at their Retailers, how they are responding to the survey results and other topical issues. I will publish a record of these meetings on the GCA website once I have concluded this round of meetings.
Early next year, I’ll be launching my annual supplier survey. Your responses are crucial for identifying key industry issues and holding Retailers accountable. More details will be available on the GCA website and in subsequent newsletters.
Further information
- If you are reading this on the GCA website but want to receive future newsletters by email, you can sign up here.
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Getting in touch
If you would like to get in touch with me and the GCA team confidentially, please email [email protected]. You can also report issues via the anonymous platform telltheGCA.co.uk.
