November 2022: Record of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) progress meetings with Code Compliance Officers (CCOs)
Published 1 December 2022
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1. Attendees
The GCA (Mark White) and members of his team met with the CCOs and other representatives from the designated retailers (Retailers) as follows:
1.1 Wednesday 9 November 2022
- Amazon.com, inc.
1.2 Thursday 10 November 2022
- Lidl GB Ltd
- J Sainsbury plc
1.3 Monday 14 November 2022
- Tesco plc
1.4 Wednesday 16 November 2022
- B&M European Value Retail SA
1.5 Friday 18 November 2022
- Iceland Foods Ltd
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd
1.6 Tuesday 22 November 2022
- Asda Stores Ltd
- TJ Morris Ltd (trading as Home Bargains)
1.7 Wednesday 23 November 2022
- Aldi Stores Ltd
1.8 Thursday 24 November 2022
- Marks and Spencer plc
1.9 Friday 25 November 2022
- Waitrose Ltd
1.10 Tuesday 29 November 2022
- Co-operative Group Ltd
1.11 Wednesday 30 November 2022
- Ocado Retail Ltd
2. Key points
2.1 Retailer update
CCOs provided updates to the GCA about compliance activities including actions from the previous meetings held in July 2022, Code-related issues reported, topical issues and any upcoming initiatives likely to generate enquiries to the GCA.
2.2 Cost price increase (CPI) requests
The GCA and Retailers discussed the 7 Golden Rules for Retailers receiving CPI requests from suppliers and the need for Retailers to treat suppliers fairly and lawfully in the context of the high level of company insolvencies in the wider economy. Retailers explained to the GCA how they are ensuring adherence to the Rules, including the support and training being given to buyers and data being used to monitor performance.
2.3 Audit claims
The GCA and Retailers discussed retrospective audit claim levels and Retailers’ progress towards best practice in handling claims (including supplier-initiated claims).
2.4 Goods-in processes
The GCA and Retailers discussed suppliers’ experiences of delivering their products to Retailers. Retailers explained their work to ensure that all suppliers are paid promptly for goods that are ordered and delivered, and to reduce friction caused by issues when goods are received.
2.5 Data charges
CCOs explained any sale of data products to suppliers by Retailers or by third parties and measures Retailers are taking to avoid any requirement to buy such products.
2.6 GCA survey 2023
The GCA and CCOs discussed Retailer and GCA work ahead of the 2023 annual survey to ensure that suppliers believe with justification that they can raise issues with the GCA or CCOs without concern about possible negative consequences. Retailers agreed to support promotion of the survey to their suppliers.
2.7 Any other business
The GCA and Retailers discussed any other business specific to Retailers.