Citation
(2010), "Supermarkets supply code of practice", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 40 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2010.01740cab.023
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Supermarkets supply code of practice
Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 40, Issue 3.
A Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) came into force on Thursday, 4 January 2010 and must be properly enforced by an ombudsman to stop the bullying tactics of supermarkets towards suppliers, says Friends of Earth. The Code of Practice is designed to promote fairer dealing between supermarkets and their suppliers, and prohibit the biggest food retailers from unfair buying practices, such as retrospectively changing terms of trade.
Friends of the Earth has led the campaign for a supermarkets ombudsman since 2004. Last month the Government formally backed the creation of the new role in line with the recommendations of the Competition Commission.
The GSCOP was drawn up following the Competition Commission's two-year inquiry into alleged abuses in the groceries market. Research carried out by the FPB shortly after the inquiry was launched found that 76 per cent of respondents wanted a watchdog to oversee the GSCOP, which covers supplier issues such as late payment and retrospective pricing as well as consumer complaints.