Supermarket Supplier Issues Edge Up, GCA Survey Finds

The UK grocery sector continues to show strong compliance with the Groceries Code, although a small rise in supplier complaints suggests pressure points remain in parts of the supply chain, according to annual survey results. 

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) 2026 survey shows that the number of suppliers reporting at least one Code issue rose from 30% to 32% over the past 12 months.

Nonetheless, more than half of respondents said they had experienced no issues when supplying the 14 designated retailers, including grocers Aldi, Asda, the Co-op, Iceland, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons, Ocado, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

The most frequently cited problems in the annual GCA survey were retailer processes for resolving invoice discrepancies, inaccurate forecasting costs, de-listing without reasonable notice, and payment delays. 

Of the 2,600-plus supplier responses, 20% highlighted invoice-resolution issues, 18% pointed to significant costs caused by poor forecasting, 15% cited de-listing without reasonable notice, and 14% reported delays in payment.

Image: GCA

Mark White, the Groceries Code Adjudicator, said he was concerned that more suppliers had reported problems despite the overall level of compliance remaining high.

“The findings are a critical reminder that the retailers must focus on ensuring Code compliance,” White stated. 

“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.”

Solid Performance

Retailer performance remained strong overall, with average compliance across the 14 designated retailers at 92%.

Overall compliance scores ranged from 98% to 69%.

Waitrose was judged the most compliant retailer for the second year running.

Asda and Morrisons, meanwhile, slid down the scale.

Image: GCA

Produce Pressures

For fresh produce suppliers, the findings will be welcomed as evidence that the code framework is still helping to support fairer trading conditions, particularly around payment discipline and retailer behaviour. 

But the persistence of invoice and payment issues will also resonate in a sector where tight margins, short shelf-life products, and cashflow sensitivity make day-to-day trading friction especially costly.

The GCA said it will now work with retailers on plans to address the issues identified in the 2026 annual survey. 

YouGov will also carry out deep-dive supplier interviews on the GCA’s behalf, with the findings due to be presented at the GCA’s annual conference on 29 September 2026.

Given current trading conditions, the regulator also said it is monitoring the impact of the war in Iran and other input-cost pressures. 

GCA assured that it is reminding designated retailers of the importance of following the 7 Golden Rules when responding to cost price increase requests. 

Suppliers can confidentially raise concerns with the GCA by email, phone or via Tell the GCA.

Read the GCA Annual Survey 2026 here.