GCA launches survey into manufacturer/retailer relationships
The 2022 GCA survey, carried out by independent polling company YouGov, will give suppliers the opportunity to tell the GCA in confidence about any Code issues they are facing.
Now in its ninth year – and the second during White’s tenure as GCA – the annual survey will mark how well retailers are complying with the code, as well as identify areas where the GCA can press for improvements and highlight good practice.
White said the record number of responses to the previous survey had been invaluable in helping him crack-down infractions of the Groceries Code.
Discussions with the senior leadership
“The responses helped me progress discussions with the senior leadership of the retailers and their Code Compliance Officers about issues such as delisting, forecasting and suppliers’ concerns about the increasing numbers of inexperienced buyers they are encountering,” he continued.
“I have been pressing the retailers to ensure they have the right training and support in place to help these new buyers build strong and effective relationships with their suppliers so that they have deeper understanding of the businesses they are working with.”
The 2022 survey largely mirrors previous surveys to provide important benchmarking information and to rank retailer compliance with the Code.
However, it has been updated to include topical questions about supplier requests for cost price increases and how the regulated retailers react to mentions of the Code. Suppliers will also have the opportunity again to give positive feedback on retailer behaviour.
Survey open now
The survey is available for suppliers until Sunday 27 February, with the results to be announced in the GCA newsletter and the on the GCA website in late spring 2022. YouGov will conduct follow-up interviews with a select group of respondents to explore supplier concerns in more depth.
“I do urge suppliers to continue their valuable support for the GCA survey,” White added. “Their views are very important and will help to secure continued improved performance from the retailers.
“Supplier responses are particularly valuable at this time as the sector is experiencing such fast-paced change and the information they contain can give me early intelligence of any major issues emerging.”
