British Farmer & Grower – 1st June 2020

Christine Tacon has been re-appointed as Groceries Code Adjudicator for a period of up to six months.

Ms Tacon was due to complete her term in June, but will stay on to provide “continuity and reassurance” as supply chains feel the impacts of coronavirus.

The news follows a temporary easing of domestic competition laws to help the industry deal with
coronavirus issues. The measures allow supermarkets to share data on stock levels, cooperate to keep shops open, or share depots and delivery vans.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “The food chain sector has been under
enormous pressure to ensure consumers’ needs are met during this pandemic.

“We welcome the GCA’s reappointment at this extraordinary time and believe it provides suppliers with much-needed reassurance, particularly when it comes to ensuring that retailers abide by the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).”

Recruitment for Ms Tacon’s successor was underway before the pandemic, but the government is yet to announce her replacement.