Suppliers can raise concerns about supermarkets without their identity being revealed, the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) has said, according to the GCA's newsletter. The message came after the GCA's annual conference, where research firm YouGov presented findings from interviews with suppliers about what helps and hinders them in speaking up.

Key points

  • Confidentiality — the GCA says suppliers' identities are protected by law and will not be compromised.
  • Retaliation fears — suppliers raised concerns about negative consequences, but YouGov found their experiences with code compliance officers were generally positive.
  • Retailer commitment — all 14 retailers have pledged to ensure suppliers do not face retaliation for raising issues.

The GCA explained that when an issue is raised, identifying details such as the supplier's category and specifics of exchanges with buyers are removed. The office may then speak to trade associations to see if others have the same problem, or ask a code compliance officer (CCO) to explain how a retailer is preventing a code issue more generally, including through processes, buyer behaviour and training. This approach has led to retailers resolving issues without revealing who contacted the GCA.

At the conference, the GCA discussed suppliers' worries with Elizabeth Granger and Robert Skelton, the CCOs for TJ Morris and Ocado. All CCOs have committed to protecting supplier confidentiality, and all 14 retailers have committed to preventing retaliation. In regular progress meetings, the GCA and CCOs discuss issues raised, what has been done to resolve them, and how the retailer will check that the supplier has not suffered negative consequences. The GCA monitors how retailers meet these commitments.

Suppliers can contact the GCA confidentially at enquiries@groceriescode.gov.uk or report issues anonymously via telltheGCA.co.uk.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

If you supply groceries to a major retailer, you can report unfair treatment without giving your name. The GCA has set out how it strips out identifying details and works with trade bodies and compliance officers to fix problems. This matters because it reduces the risk of losing business for speaking up.

  • Know your options — you can contact the GCA directly or use the anonymous reporting tool.
  • Expect follow-up — retailers have promised to check that you do not face retaliation after an issue is resolved.
  • Check the commitments — all 14 retailers have signed up to protect confidentiality, so you can hold them to that.