Compliance with the Groceries Code remained high but there has been a small increase in suppliers facing Code issues, the GCA annual survey showed today [16 April 2026].
The number of suppliers reporting experiencing a Code issue over the past 12 months rose from 30% to 32%. However, more than 50% of suppliers continued to report having experienced no issues when supplying the 14 designated retailers.
The most common issues highlighted by the 2,600 plus responses include
- Issues with retailer processes for promptly resolving invoice discrepancies (raised by 20% of suppliers)
- Suppliers incurring significant costs because of inaccurate forecasting (18%)
- De-listing without reasonable notice (15%)
- Delays in payment (14%)
See further detail of the results in .
Mark White, the Adjudicator said
“I am concerned that despite overall Code compliance remaining high, there has been a small increase in suppliers experiencing issues. The findings are a critical reminder that the retailers must focus on ensuring Code compliance. I am determined that they do.
“I will ensure that each retailer is investigating and taking action to resolve the issues that their suppliers report. I want to thank every supplier who responded to the survey. Your input will help me to drive improvements over the year ahead.”
Retailer compliance performance
Whilst the perceptions of some retailers’ Code compliance declined in the 2026 annual survey the average across the 14 designated retailers remained high, at 92%. Compliance scores ranged from 98% to 69%. Waitrose was perceived to be the most compliant retailer for the second year in a row.
Next steps
The GCA will work with the retailers on their plans to address the issues raised by their suppliers in the survey.
YouGov will undertake a series of deep-dive interviews with suppliers on the GCA’s behalf. The results will be shared at the GCA’s 2026 annual conference on 29 September 2026. Details of the conference will be published on the GCA website.
Hearing from suppliers about issues
The GCA encourages suppliers to get in touch about any issues they’re facing. It is monitoring the impact of the war in Iran and other input costs and is reminding all designated retailers about the importance of following the 7 Golden Rules when responding to cost price increase requests.
Suppliers can confidentially contact the GCA at any time by email, phone or using the anonymous platform, Tell the GCA.
