SGF Welcomes UK Government Announcement on Grocery Ombudsman

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that a Grocery Ombudsman will be established to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).

The establishment of an Ombudsman was one of the recommendations made by the Competition Commission following their Grocery Market Inquiry. Consultation on the shape and powers of the body will commence next month.

John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF, said,

“Without an independent Ombudsman, the new GSCOP, which comes into force in February, would have been ineffective.

“I hope this announcement will introduce a culture change within the major supermarkets and an acknowledgment that they must be open and transparent in their supplier dealings.

“This announcement will protect the interests of consumers, the food industry and suppliers.”