The Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA) role is being reviewed by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This is a statutory requirement and the NFU is looking to feed member views into the consultation.
The NFU will be submitting member views into the review and would like to hear from you about how effective the GCA has been in exercising its powers to regulate retailer buying behaviour.
Any feedback we get from members will be kept confidential and will only be used to shape the NFU submission. No members will be identified in our response.
Why is the Grocery Adjudicator role being reviewed?
The GCA is the UK’s first independent adjudicator to oversee the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers. Established in 2013, its role is to make sure that large supermarkets* treat their direct suppliers lawfully and fairly by investigating suspected breaches of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) and arbitrating in disputes.
The Government are required to review the role every three years. This consultation therefore seeks views and evidence which will allow the Government to make an assessment of the GCA’s performance against measures set out in the GCA Act, such as
- How the GCA’s powers have been exercised
- How effective the GCA has been in enforcing the Code;
- Whether to amend or replace the permitted financial penalty powers
- Whether there is a need to set out guidance for the GCA to consider when deciding to investigate a breach
The NFU food chain team are calling on members to submit their views, confidentially.
Click here to complete the online survey – Deadline is 30 August 2019.
You can also submit your own views to the review, by clicking here
What is the Grocery Code Adjudicator?
The GCA is the independent regulator ensuring that the top 12 UK regulated retailers* treat their direct suppliers lawfully and fairly. The role enforces the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice (GSCOP), which stipulates a number of behaviours which retailers must abide by when trading with their direct suppliers. This includes, but is not limited to; delays in payments, retrospective changes to the supply agreement and payments for better shelf positioning.
GSCOP training available – discounted rates for members
If you supply one of the top 12 UK retailers, the NFU offers GSCOP training at a discounted price. Click here for more information on how to apply.
*Regulated retailers include: Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrison’s, Aldi, Co-Op, Lidl, Waitrose, M&S, Iceland, Ocado and B&M.