Groceries Code Adjudicator sets 2026 conference, maintains focus on supplier pricing and Amazon probe

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Groceries Code 2026 priorities

Highlights

The Groceries Code Adjudicator will host its annual conference on 29 September 2026, emphasizing supplier protection and reviewing the latest YouGov survey findings.
An active investigation into Amazon.com, Inc. launched on 20 June 2025 is probing potential Code breaches related to supplier payment delays between 1 March 2022 and 20 June 2025.
The adjudicator’s 2025/26 annual report notes sector compliance remains high, but targets improved Code adherence in 2026/27, specifically addressing payment delays and de-listing practices.

Conference agenda and supplier pricing oversight

As reported by GOV.UK, the Groceries Code Adjudicator says its annual conference is taking place on Tuesday 29 September, bringing together suppliers, retailers and industry representatives to review fair treatment of suppliers and the support available for raising concerns confidentially.

The event will also include a detailed presentation from YouGov on the 2026 annual survey results. The conference is positioned as part of the adjudicator's broader work to monitor compliance across the groceries sector and reinforce awareness of supplier protections under the Groceries Code.

The adjudicator says inflation remains a central issue for the sector, with both suppliers and designated retailers closely watching costs and prices. While the Code and the adjudicator do not determine the outcome of commercial negotiations, the office says it is focused on ensuring those talks are handled fairly, with prompt responses, no surprises and appropriate use of evidence.

The newsletter says the 7 Golden Rules, published in 2022, continue to shape retailer practice on cost price increase requests. The adjudicator adds that all 14 Code Compliance Officers have recently been engaged to ensure retailer processes and buyer training are aligned with those rules, while suppliers are also being urged to understand their rights and report potential breaches confidentially through retailers' compliance channels or directly to the GCA.

Amazon investigation and annual compliance outlook

Separate from the conference and pricing guidance, the adjudicator says its targeted investigation into Amazon remains ongoing. The probe, launched on 20 June 2025, is examining whether Amazon.com, Inc. breached paragraph 5 of the Code, which covers delays in payment, over the period from 1 March 2022 to 20 June 2025.

The investigation is focusing on the scale of any breach, the effect on suppliers and the underlying causes, with particular attention on goods receipt and payment processes, deductions handling and the use of deduction settlements in commercial negotiations. The adjudicator says it has gathered information from suppliers and Amazon and is analysing the evidence, adding that supplier confidentiality will be protected throughout the process.

The office also says it has published its annual report and accounts for the 2025/26 financial year. The report says compliance across the sector remains high despite a small increase in suppliers facing Code issues, and the adjudicator states that in 2026/27 it aims to reverse a fall in perceived Code compliance while focusing on payment delays, forecasting, marketing costs and de-listing practices.

Our earlier article on Tesco (TSCO) highlighted how the retailer’s share buyback programme, alongside improving sales and UK grocery market share, was supporting investor sentiment despite short-term price consolidation. It also noted the near-term technical trading range and pointed to Tesco’s customer-focused initiatives, including the return of Free Fruit for Kids, as a sign of continued engagement in a cost-conscious environment.

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