The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy said the groceries sector had seen significantly more compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCoP), under Tacon’s leadership. Tacon will continue her role as GCA after holding the position since its creation in 2010.
Minister for small business, consumers and corporate responsibility Margot James said: “This reappointment recognises the significant and valuable contribution of Christine Tacon in ensuring suppliers get a good deal when doing business with supermarkets.
‘A model example of modern enforcement’
“Under Christine’s guidance, the GCA is now recognised internationally as a model example of modern enforcement. It is vital the government retains this expertise, which is why I am delighted to reappoint Christine and thank her for her work so far.”
The government had reviewed Tacon’s performance in October 2016, as a statutory requirement. A full report will be published at a later time, the government said.
The reappointment came after the GCA’s survey today revealed fewer food and drink suppliers were complaining of abuse from big retailer customers.
Groceries Supply Code of Practice
The survey showed 56% of suppliers had experience one or more problems with retailers over the past year, related to the GSCoP. Last year, 62% of suppliers reported problems, while 79% reported them the year before.
Aldi was ranked the best for retailers’ compliance with the GSCoP for the fourth year in a row. Sainsbury was ranked highest of the big four supermarkets for a fourth consecutive year.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drink Federation said extending the GCA’s remit would be unimaginably complex, and would “paralyse the progress” that’s already been made. It came after James last year revealed the GCA’s remit was being reviewed, following Dairy UK’s call for the remit to include foodservice companies, retailers and wholesalers.