The government has launched a review of the performance of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, which oversees the relationship between large supermarkets and their suppliers.

Since the appointment of Christine Tacon as GCA in 2013 there has been an 8% fall in code-related issues reported by supermarket suppliers from 2015, and a 17% decrease compared to 2014, according to a recent YouGov survey.

However, shadow small business minister Bill Esterson recently called for an expansion of the GCA’s role to help ensure a level playing field in grocery retail.

Launching the review today, business minister Margot James said: “It is important that suppliers of all sizes get a fair deal when working with supermarkets. The Groceries Code Adjudicator is making a significant impact, with suppliers reporting that nine out of the 10 retailers covered have improved their compliance with the Code over the past year.

“We are also looking at evidence for extending the GCA’s remit in recognition of concerns raised by other suppliers in the grocery sector – particularly primary producers and farmers – who are not covered by the Code. Government wants to do all it can to help these businesses and we look forward to hearing their views and those from across the sector.”

The statutory review will collect the evidence needed to assess the GCA’s performance and make sure the role is effective.

The review is available here.