Tacon urges trade to respond to groceries survey

“We are very pleased that all 10 retailers have promoted it to their suppliers,”​ she told FoodManufacture.co.uk. However, she said time was running out to respond to the poll, the deadline for which was May 1.

When the poll was launched, Tacon said: “I want a high level of response from suppliers to give me a deep understanding of what is happening in the sector; I will use the results to work with the retailers on the practices that need to change.”​

The survey, which is being conducted by the independent market research organisation YouGov, is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of grocery retailer practices.

Frank and honest​

It allows suppliers to give frank and honest feedback on their experience of how the regulated retailers are complying with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice and on the impact of the GCA.

Tacon said: “I hear from suppliers throughout the year, but my annual survey is a crucial tool in creating the broadest possible picture of the relationship between retailers and their suppliers. ​

“This is the second survey YouGov has conducted on my behalf and I particularly want to know how retailer practices have changed over the past 12 months.​

‘Anoymous’​

“It is being carried out by an independent organisation to give me expert analysis and provide respondents with confidence that their feedback is anonymous.” ​

The 2014 survey helped the adjudicator identify her top issues and shaped the GCA agenda for subsequent months. The new survey is open to trade associations and other representative organisations as well as direct and indirect suppliers to the retailers.

It can be accessed via the GCA website: www.gov.uk/gca​.  

Results of the research are scheduled to be reported at the GCA conference being held in Westminster on June 22.