Have you noticed the retailers talking about their wonderful supplier relations, just when the new Groceries Code Adjudicator is announced? Funny that. Christine Tacon seems keen to do her bit to ensure fair play in the supply chain. However, I sit in a trusted position among suppliers and I can guarantee that most think invoking GSCOP would be as effective a business strategy as torching their factory! The retailer’s obligation is to their shareholders and until driving a hard bargain becomes bad for business then that’s just what they will do. The real catalyst for change is the shopper turning their back at the tills.
The truth is someone will need to pay for the extra rig our needed in the supply chain. Consumers won’t like it and supermarkets won’t do it so, once again, look out suppliers.
