Top priority for Groceries Code adjudicator: Needless breaches

The new adjudicator Christine Tacon​ said at the International Food and Drink Event (IFE) in London (March 18) that many people misinterpreted the code.

In this exclusive podcast  ̶  recorded on the noisy IFE show floor for FoodManufacture.co.uk ​ ̶  she outlined what her top priorities would be in the role.

Annual turnover of £1bn​

Tacon will be responsible for enforcing the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, which regulates interactions between the 10 largest supermarkets, each with an annual turnover of £1bn, and their direct suppliers.

She will have the power to launch investigations into suspected breaches of the code, including those arising from confidential complaints. Tacon will be able to arbitrate disputes between retailers and suppliers when the role of adjudicator – currently in its final Parliamentary stages  ̶  receives Royal Assent.

Tacon said while she was able to identify breaches to the code, she was unable to act on them until she gets her full powers – which might take another two months.