The GCA has published its 2025/26 annual report.
The year covered by the report saw inflationary pressures in the sector and the 14 designated retailers developing their systems and continuing to evolve their commercial strategies.
The report covers the GCA’s work in the period, which ensured that, notwithstanding a small increase in suppliers facing issues, the level of compliance with the Groceries Code remained generally high. During the period the GCA regulated the retailers proportionately, including using its statutory powers, launching a targeted investigation into whether Amazon.com, Inc. has breached paragraph 5 of the Code. The GCA also took action so suppliers could raise Code issues with Retailers confidentially and without facing any negative consequences.
In his foreword to the annual report, the Adjudicator explained
“In 2026/27, I aim to reverse the fall in perceived Code compliance as shown in this year’s survey and to reduce the occurrence of the Code issues that suppliers report most. I will continue to focus proportionately on Code compliance in relation to delays in payment, forecasting, marketing costs, and de-listing practices.
“I will pursue these priorities through targeted engagement with CCOs and senior leadership at Retailers, close monitoring of Retailers’ actions and assurance arrangements and continued engagement with suppliers about the issues that they are facing. The annual survey will remain a core tool for assessing progress and for holding the sector to account.
“I will seek to further build confidence in the GCA’s regulatory approach and to encourage suppliers to contact me. I want to hear about all issues suppliers are experiencing and encourage suppliers to confidentially get in touch if they have concerns. Contact details, including details of my anonymous 24/7 reporting platform, Tell the GCA, are on the GCA website.”
The annual report fulfils the GCA’s statutory reporting requirements, providing an update on its financial position.
