Groceries code adjudicator Christine Tacon has urged fruit and vegetable suppliers to get together or use trade associations to let her know of any supply chain abuses.
Despite stressing that engagement from fruit and vegetable suppliers was not lower than in other sectors, Tacon told an NFU Forum at Fruit Focus that bigger brands were more likely to have the confidence to get in touch about supermarket complaints.
“I think fruit and vegetables is the same as other sectors in the sense that they are not coming forward [often enough],” said Tacon, who added that even if suppliers were addressing complaints directly to supermarkets she would prefer to be kept informed as well.
“If [fruit and vegetable growers] could organise themselves to come through a trade association that would be wonderful.”
The NFU has offered to be a first point of contact for growers with a complaint, while Tacon reiterated the fact that it is her legal obligation to protect suppliers’ anonymity.
Tacon pointed to her investigation into Tesco – which cost £1.2 million and highlighted issues over supplier payments – as evidence of the success of her office. A supplier poll in the first year of the adjudicator’s existence found eight out of 10 had experienced a breach of the code, but this fell to seven out of 10 in the second year and six out of 10 in the third.
Crucially, Tacon now has the power to fine retailers up to one per cent of UK turnover, as well as the right to arbitrate in disputes and award compensation.
She also reported positive engagement from supermarkets who were taking action when she raised concerns directly with chief executives.
Tacon did, however, stress that there was still a lack of understanding among smaller suppliers in particular, and urged them to train staff so they can be more savvy in retail negotiations.
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