Edition 43: News from the Adjudicator

This newsletter covers the latest supplier survey results, the government’s statutory review, and a forthcoming change to the GCA’s departmental sponsorship.

Survey results

I published the results of my confidential 2026 annual supplier survey on 16 April. Overall compliance with the Groceries Code remained high, but I was concerned that the survey results showed a small increase in the proportion of suppliers reporting Code-related issues. Common issues highlighted relate to invoice discrepancy resolution, forecasting accuracy, De-listing and delays in payment.

The survey is an important part of my regulatory arsenal. The results help me to identify where retailers are performing well, and where issues persist and further action is needed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your experiences.

These results are a critical warning to every retailer that they must treat suppliers fairly and lawfully and where necessary, make changes to ensure that they do. I will hold retailers accountable for taking effective action to resolve the issues raised by suppliers.

Reporting issues

In my 2026 survey, 60% of suppliers said they would be willing to raise an issue with the GCA. I know there is more to do to reassure suppliers that still have concerns about coming forward with an issue.

If you have a Code issue, you can contact the GCA confidentially via enquiries@groceriescode.gov.uk, or by using my anonymous reporting platform, Tell the GCA. I have a legal obligation to protect your confidentiality, and I will never without express permission share any information with a designated retailer that could identify a supplier.

Alternatively, if you would like to get in touch with a designated retailer’s Code Compliance Officer (CCO) confidentially, contact details are available on the GCA website.

CCOs will treat information shared confidentially and only share a supplier’s issue with others in their business with the supplier’s express permission. All designated retailers have committed to ensuring that suppliers who raise an issue, whether with the CCO, a buyer, or anyone else in the organisation, will not face any retribution for doing so.

Statutory review

In April, the government published its report on the fourth statutory review of the GCA, covering the period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025. I’m pleased the government recognised the GCA’s effectiveness.

Following the review, I will redouble my efforts to strengthen stakeholder confidence in the GCA, to address suppliers’ concerns about retaliation, and to increase transparency about the GCA’s operation.

I will continue to prioritise addressing any fear of negative consequences which may be deterring suppliers from reporting potential Code breaches.

Change in sponsorship

Like many independent regulators, the GCA is sponsored by a government department. I make decisions about enforcing the Code independently of government, working with the sponsor department on matters including governance and accountability.

The government recently announced that from 1 July 2026, sponsorship for the GCA will transfer from the Department for Business and Trade to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The GCA will remain independent, working to ensure designated retailers treat their direct groceries suppliers lawfully and fairly. I still want to confidentially hear from all direct suppliers about any Code issues you are facing.

Further information

• If you are reading this on the GCA website but want to receive future newsletters by email, you can sign up here.
• You can follow the GCA LinkedIn account to keep up to date with the latest news, information, and events.