October/November 2024: Record of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) progress meetings with Code Compliance Officers (CCOs)
Published 12 November 2024
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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 Monday 28 October 2024
- Co-operative Group Ltd
1.2 Tuesday 29 October 2024
- Ocado Retail Ltd
1.3 Thursday 31 October 2024
- TJ Morris Ltd (trading as Home Bargains)
1.4 Monday 4 November 2024
- Marks and Spencer plc
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd
1.5 Tuesday 5 November 2024
- Asda Stores Ltd
- Lidl GB Ltd
- Waitrose Ltd
1.6 Wednesday 6 November 2024
- B&M European Value Retail SA
1.7 Thursday 7 November 2024
-
Amazon.com, Inc
-
Tesco plc
1.8 Friday 8 November 2024
- Iceland Foods Ltd
- J Sainsbury plc
1.9 Tuesday 12 November 2024
- Aldi Stores Ltd
2. Key points
2.1 Retailer update
CCOs provided updates to the GCA about compliance activities including actions arising from the July 2024 Retailer meetings, reported Code-related issues, topical matters, and any upcoming initiatives likely to generate enquiries to the GCA.
2.2 GCA 2024 annual survey
The GCA and Retailers discussed the delivery of Retailer plans to address areas of concern identified in the GCA’s 2024 annual survey of suppliers.
Discussions focussed on the issues reported as being most prevalent at each Retailer and covered matters including forecasting, marketing costs and de-listing. Retailers presented progress against agreed actions to ensure fair and lawful treatment of suppliers.
2.3 2025 and 2026 GCA Survey
The GCA updated Retailers about plans for the 2025 survey and emphasised the importance of Retailer promotion of the survey.
The GCA led discussion about potential adjustments to Retailer facing elements of the 2026 survey. Any changes would be intended to enhance the ability of the GCA and Retailers to take prompt action in response to suppliers’ concerns regarding compliance with the Code.
2.4 Payment Practices
The GCA and Retailers discussed payment practices and performance, including as evidenced by the 2024 GCA survey, by statutory reporting and by Retailers’ own analysis where relevant. Where necessary, Retailers agreed to provide additional data to the GCA.
The GCA emphasised the importance of ensuring suppliers are paid according to agreed terms and encouraged Retailers to continue improving their payment practices.
2.5 Any other business
The GCA and Retailers discussed any other business specific to each Retailer.