the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) is evolving—and so should your commercial strategy

What every UK grocery supplier needs to know about GSCOP isn’t just written in the code — it’s in how your team uses it. According to the latest Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) survey, supplier treatment by UK retailers continues to improve. That’s good news. But it also signals a shift in the playing field. If you're leading a commercial team in FMCG or retail, chances are you've heard of GSCOP. The challenge? Knowing it exists isn’t enough.

Without proactive training, your team could be missing out on margin, influence, and strategic leverage — even in a compliant environment.

why GSCOP still matters

The Groceries Supply Code of Practice is a legally binding framework that protects suppliers from unfair treatment by designated UK retailers. Think of it as your commercial safety net. It covers things like, retrospective changes to agreements, unjustified charges and being pushed into promotions without consent. But here’s the catch: GSCOP only works if your team knows how to use it. Even with better retailer behaviour, suppliers face:

• Margin pressure from inflation and promotions
• Contract complexity across multiple retail channels
• Delayed payments and retrospective deductions

GSCOP protects suppliers from unfair practices—but only if your team knows how to use it.

Why this matters now? Retail negotiations in 2026 are more complex than ever. You’re dealing with tighter margins, unpredictable supply chains and buyers who are under pressure themselves. GSCOP gives you leverage—but only if your team is trained to spot the red flags and push back with confidence. 

risks of staying passive

Let’s be honest. Sales teams that aren’t GSCOP-aware often:

• Accept unfair terms without challenge
• Waste time resolving (internal) disputes
• Miss chances to renegotiate or escalate
• Lose margin through vague agreements

GSCOP is more than a code, it’s a commercial capability

Sales teams who are fully GSCOP-ready negotiate with clarity, protect margin under pressure, and build retailer relationships based on mutual respect. When GSCOP is embedded in your commercial strategy, it becomes a lever for smarter decisions, stronger outcomes, and long-term advantage.

I am curious to hear your perspective

Want to exchange thoughts on how GSCOP can strengthen your commercial strategy? As a recognized trainer on GSCOP we have lots of experience.  Feel free to leave a comment or get in touch — I’d be glad to continue the conversation.