Christine Tacon, formerly of the Co-operative Group's farming unit, has been named as the first Groceries Code Adjudicator. Consumer affairs Minister Jo Swinson announced Tacon's appointment in a statement on Monday morning.

As well as arbitrating disputes between supermarkets and their suppliers, the adjudicator will be able to investigate suspected breaches of the Grocery Supply Chain Code of Practice, which MPs have agreed can include confidential complaints "arising… from any source". Under the current agreement, if she finds evidence of foul-play, Ms Tacon will be able to make recommendations against a supermarket, require them to publish details of their breach, or impose a fine.

The ombudsperson's remit is limited to the UK's ten largest supermarkets, whose annual turnover is over £1bn.

Ms Tacon said on Monday, "Being the Groceries Code Adjudicator is a significant responsibility, and I am honoured to have been given the chance to make a permanent and enduring difference to the groceries sector. Coming from a commercial background, I am sure that if we can increase trust between retailers and their direct suppliers, it will lead to greater efficiency and can only have a beneficial impact on the rest of the supply chain."

Ms Swinson said Tacon will act as Adjudicator-Designate until the Adjudicator post is officially created, with the passing of the Grocies Code Adjudicator Bill into law. Then she will serve for four years. The bill is still before parliament at the committee stage. It is expected to be passed in the Spring.

Christine Tacon ran the Co-operative Group's farming business, the largest in the UK, for 11 years until 2012. She was awarded a CBE for services to agriculture in 2004. Her appointment is still subject to scrutiny from the MPs on the Business Innovation and Skills Select Committee, and her passing a security check.

On making the announcement in PArliament on Monday, Jo Swinson said, "This is an incredibly important position in the retail groceries sector making sure that large supermarkets treat their suppliers fairly and lawfully,"