The latest survey from the UK Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA) indicates a continued positive trend in the relationship between suppliers and the 14 major UK retailers subject to oversight.
The proportion of suppliers encountering issues related to the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) has decreased, dropping from 33% in 2024 to 30% in 2025.
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There has also been an uptick in adherence to the code among these retailers. On average, compliance perception improved, with figures climbing from 91% to 93%.
The increase is primarily attributed to advancements made by the five retailers who previously ranked at the bottom concerning perceived compliance with the code.
Waitrose has achieved the highest ranking in terms of supplier treatment with its perceived compliance score at 98%, while Amazon continues to occupy the lowest position.
Marks & Spencer, B&M, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado all scored 97%.
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By GlobalDataThe GCA’s survey indicated that 66.4% of suppliers believe Amazon “consistently” or “mostly” complied with GSCOP, an increase from 47% in the previous year.
But this places Amazon significantly behind Lidl, which scored 91.1% compliance.
Amazon, which has been part of the GSCOP since 2022, operates in the UK market through its website and Amazon Fresh convenience stores.
In June 2025, the GCA initiated an investigation into Amazon for potential breaches of the code, particularly regarding timely payments to suppliers.
GCA adjudicator Mark White stated: I’m pleased that average code compliance has continued to improve across the sector and it’s particularly encouraging that the lowest 5 performing retailers have improved perceptions of their overall compliance with the Groceries Code.”
The GCA plans to collaborate with retailers to address the issues highlighted by suppliers in the survey.
White added: “I will speak to each retailer about suppliers’ views, and I expect them to review their individual survey results and make changes in response to issues impacting suppliers.
“When I raise issues with retailers, I do so in a way that protects suppliers’ confidentiality and does not reveal which suppliers I’ve spoken to or even what products they supply.”
