A fresh perspective for Groceries Code Adjudications

The Government has appointed a former lawyer, Mark White, to take over from Christine Tacon as the Groceries Code Adjudicator.

Mark will take up the role of Groceries Code Adjudicator (“GCA”) when the current Adjudicator, Christine Tacon, steps down from the role later this year. Christine was recently re-appointed for a term of up to six months to provide continuity to the groceries sector through the Coronavirus pandemic. In the interim, Mark will carry out the role of Deputy Groceries Code Adjudicator and to allow for a thorough handover of responsibilities.

Given his legal background, Mark’s appointment is welcomed by many, particularly those within the legal sector. Mark is a member of the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) and of the Lower Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) at HM Courts & Tribunal Service where he is responsible for hearing appeals against decisions from the Financial Conduct Authority and the Ministry of Justice and claims management cases. Prior to that he worked as group general counsel, company secretary and executive board member for Compass Group, a British multi-national contract food service company.

In the Government’s announcement about his new role as GCA, Mark said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to succeed Christine Tacon.  I welcome the opportunity to build on Christine’s work and as GCA my objective will be to drive forward the progress that has been made to date.” … “The exceptional times in which we find ourselves demonstrate the importance of a constructive relationship between the retailers and their suppliers, as well as the Code’s resilience in shaping those relationships…”

We previously wrote about the role of the GCA, our experience of bringing one of the first claims against a supermarket for a breach of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (“GSCOP”)  and our practical tips for farmer/producer relationships with retailers here.

If you would like to know more about the GSCOP and a potential claim, please do get in touch.