Despite this, the results also highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly around forecasting, cost price negotiations and payment practices.
The survey gathered insights from suppliers on the issues they face and whether they are being treated fairly and lawfully by retailers.
This year’s results show a broadly positive trend, but several areas of concern remain, especially for primary producers operating at the start of long and complex supply chains.
Increased awareness of GCA’s role
Supplier awareness of the GCA’s (Groceries Code Adjudicator) role increased by 1% from 2025 to 2026, with a notable rise in those rating their understanding as good (up 3%).
Awareness that the GCA operates confidentially also rose by 3%, reinforcing confidence among suppliers that they can raise issues safely.
These improvements demonstrate the value of continued engagement between the GCA and suppliers, and the importance of clear communication about the protections available under the GSCOP (Groceries Supply Code of Practice).
”The findings are a critical reminder that the retailers must focus on ensuring Code compliance”
Groceries Code Adjudicator Mark White
Acute challenges
Most issues related to the GSCOP either improved or remained stable. However, two areas saw increases:
- Delays in payments rose from 11% to 14%.
- Reports of no compensation for forecasting errors/forecasts not prepared with due care increased from 9% to 10%.
The percentage of suppliers reporting no issues fell slightly (down 1%), suggesting that while overall compliance remains strong, some challenges are becoming more acute.
Pressure points remain for supplier issues
Several supplier-experienced issues saw increases compared to 2025:
- Inadequate processes to resolve invoice discrepancies rose from 17% to 20%.
- Significant costs due to inaccurate retailer forecasting rose from 17% to 18%.
- Refusal or unreasonable delays in agreeing CPIs (cost price increases) rose from 14% to 15%.
These findings reflect the ongoing pressure many suppliers face, particularly those dealing with volatile input costs and tight margins.
Key trends
Long-term trends from the GCA’s annual survey showed steady progress in some areas:
- Any issue (Code language): Down 2%
- Willingness to report issues to the GCA: Up 1%
- Written supply agreements: Unchanged
- Suppliers who have raised an issue with a retailer: Down 2%
These trends highlight both the progress made and the continued need for stronger protections, particularly for suppliers who remain reluctant, or unable, to raise concerns.
Groceries Code Adjudicator Mark White said that he was 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 performance strong overall, but variation persists
Overall, compliance with the Code remained high across most retailers.
Most retailers, including B&M and Home Bargains, achieved ‘net consistently’ compliance ratings above 90%. Morrisons scored 89%, while Amazon remained the lowest rated retailer at 68%, continuing a long-standing gap between its performance and the sector average.
Gaps for farmers and growers
Despite the positive direction of travel, farmers and growers continue to face barriers towards accessing the protections of the GSCOP. Many primary producers are one step removed from retailers, making it harder to raise issues directly.
The ASCA (Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator) is beginning to address some of these gaps, with dairy contracts moving towards compliance and other sectors expected to follow. In our Efra submission, the NFU recommended closer collaboration between the GCA and ASCA to strengthen oversight across the whole supply chain. We are pleased to see this has been implemented, with the recent announcement that the Groceries Code Adjudicator role will move into Defra.
NFU calls for strengthened protections
The NFU continues to advocate for a fairer, more transparent supply chain and is calling for several key reforms:
- Extend GSCOP eligibility to cover more retailers, food service, food manufacturing businesses, and intermediaries.
- Legally incorporate the GCA’s seven ‘golden rules’ into the GSCOP to address unfair cost price negotiation practices.
- Include ornamentals supplied to UK supermarkets within GSCOP and ensure they fall under the GCA’s enforcement remit.
These changes would help ensure that all suppliers – especially those at the start of the supply chain – are treated fairly and consistently.
The NFU remains committed to securing stronger protections for primary producers and ensuring that the grocery supply chain operates fairly, transparently and sustainably for all.
