Waitrose is again deemed to be the most compliant retailer in GCA survey
Suppliers have reported a slight increase in Groceries Code compliance issues over the past year.
According to the Groceries Code Adjudicator’s (CGA) annual survey, the number of suppliers experiencing a code issue over the past 12 months rose from 30 to 32 per cent.
In spite of that, more than 50 per cent of suppliers said they experienced no issues with the 14 designated retailers.
The most common issues highlighted by the 2,600-plus responses included:
- Issues with retailer processes for promptly resolving invoice discrepancies (raised by 20 per cent of suppliers)
- Suppliers incurring significant costs because of inaccurate forecasting (18 per cent)
- De-listing without reasonable notice (15 per cent)
- Delays in payment (14 per cent).
While the perceptions of some retailers’ code compliance declined in the 2026 annual survey, GCA noted that the average across the 14 designated retailers remained high, at 92 per cent.
Compliance scores ranged from 98 per cent to 69 per cent, with Waitrose perceived to be the most compliant retailer for the second year in a row.
Adjudicator Mark White said: “I am concerned that despite overall code compliance remaining high, there has been a small increase in suppliers experiencing issues. The findings are a critical reminder that the retailers must focus on ensuring code compliance. I am determined that they do.
“I will ensure that each retailer is investigating and taking action to resolve the issues that their suppliers report. I want to thank every supplier who responded to the survey. Your input will help me to drive improvements over the year ahead.”
