The NFU is committed to ensuring that suppliers feel empowered to raise concerns when issues arise with their retail customers and are actively engaged with the GCA on members behalf.
How to report a problem
Suppliers with concerns relating to your contract or cost price negotiations with one of the 14 designated retailers have several options for escalating concerns:
- Contact your CCO (Code Compliance Officer) – Under the GSCOP (Groceries Supply Code of Practice) a retailer must appoint an independent CCO. Their role is to ensure the retailer complies with the Code and to act as a confidential point of contact for suppliers. CCOs are not part of the buying team, and anything discussed with them is handled in complete confidence. A full list of CCO contact details is available online, along with further guidance on their responsibilities.
- Raise the issue with the GCA (Groceries Code Adjudicator) – Suppliers can report concerns directly to the GCA by emailing [email protected] or calling 0207 215 6537.
- The GCA can take up the issue on your behalf in a way that does not break your confidentiality and does not reveal who you are.
- Use the GCA’s anonymous reporting platform – The Tell the GCA platform allows suppliers to share information anonymously at any time. This is particularly useful for those who want to highlight issues without revealing their identity.
- Contact the NFU – If you do not want to do either of the above, please contact us at the NFU and we can raise this for you with the GCA in as confidential a manner as you need.
Detail is key
The more detail you can provide, the more effectively the GCA can understand the situation and take appropriate action. The Adjudicator will use his judgement to ensure you are not prejudiced especially should any issues arise at a time of trade price / new contract negotiations.
Information that is particularly helpful to share includes:
- which retailer you are experiencing issues with
- a clear description of the issue
- the category you supply, the crop or product involved
- details about the buyer – for example, whether they are new or junior, or a more experienced senior buyer
- whether you have contacted the Code Compliance Officer and how they responded.
Confidentiality and supplier protection
The NFU recognises that many suppliers worry about potential repercussions when raising concerns.
Whether you contact a CCO, the GCA, or the NFU, all information shared is treated with the strictest confidence, unless you explicitly agree otherwise.
Strengthen your negotiation skills
The NFU offers a discounted negotiation workshop (details to be published online soon) which aims to give the skills to build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with your buyer. It helps build skills to communicate effectively during a negotiation in a way that delivers messages clearly and consistently, aiming for a win-win outcome.