Monday marked the end of Grocery Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon’s first term in office. Ms Tacon has been reappointed to the role for a further 12 months.

The supermarket watchdog’s office said the first term has been marked by improvements in the sector, though the adjudicator can only investigate dealings between the UK’s ten largest supermarkets and their direct suppliers, and was only given the power to fine supermarkets found to be in breach of the sector code in 2015. Until then, the ombudsperson was only able to offer recommendations on future conduct and ‘name and shame’ supermarkets that were using their clout to abuse suppliers.

Even so, on Monday, Ms Tacon’s office said the proportion of direct suppliers to supermarkets reporting breaches of the Groceries Code by major buyers now stands at 56%, down from 62% in 2016 and from the high of 79% in 2014.

Ms Tacon said, “The overall fall is welcome but the more dramatic data comes from looking at supplier experience of issues that I have identified among my Top 5 and where I have used collaborative or more formal regulatory action to drive change.”

The watchdog highlighted improvements relating to suppliers’ concerns including unjustified charges for consumer complaints and packaging and design charges. She said, “Recently a supplier in the fresh produce industry told me that that they had been trying to resolve the problem of overcharging in this area for more than 10 years. But within 18 months of me focusing on the problem he was pleased to say the issue had gone away.

“I see this as a sign that the collaborative approach that I have promoted has been a real engine of change and is achieving positive results across all retailers. I am delighted that suppliers are seeing the benefits of this change.”

Commenting on Tuesday, NFU food chain adviser Christine McDowell said, “We look forward to supporting Ms Tacon in her role over the coming year. Her success since being appointed in 2013 has shown that there is value in enforcing best practice by driving change. The NFU will continue to support the GCA through raising awareness across NFU membership of the role’s aims and responsibilities.”

On Monday, it was also revealed that Aldi topped the charts for compliance with the Groceries Code (as judged by suppliers), with Sainsbury’s performing best of the ‘Big Four’ supermarkets.

Farm groups including the NFU Thave called for the GSCOP and the GCA’s role to be extended to cover more retailers, indirect suppliers to supermarkets, the dairy industry, food service businesses, and the ornamental sector. Labour and the Liberal Democrats both made manifesto pledges to increase the scope of the Groceries Code Adjudicator’s remit ahead of the General Election earlier this month.