Scotland’s farmers and suppliers have already made use of the new supermarket watchdog, but more must come forward and report any ‘foul play’ in the grocery supply chain.
After his first meeting with new groceries watchdog Christine Tacon, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead appealed to suppliers “not to hesitate” when it comes to either whistleblowing or seeking any help.
Mr Lochhead said the meeting was “very helpful” when it came to hearing how Ms Tacon intends to address unlawful or unfair treatment by the country’s big supermarkets.
“To achieve a supply chain that is not dysfunctional or unbalanced, it’s important that retailers with big buying power operate fairly in their purchasing practices so as not to disadvantage smaller business,” said the Rural Affairs Secretary.
He said: “Scottish suppliers should not hesitate to seek the Grocery Code Adjudicator’s help and advice, and I was encouraged to hear that she has already been contacted by a number of them.”
Ms Tacon, who told a farming conference at Thainstone last week she would be “adopting a softly, softly approach” in the first instance to give supermarkets the opportunity of addressing any breaches of the groceries supply code of practice, added that she is keen to hear from Scottish suppliers, and will maintain confidentiality.
“I am legally required to protect their anonymity when requested,” she said.