Supermarket ombudsman Christine Tacon to take the spotlight at PPMA 2014

The seminar session will not only shine a light on Tacon’s work with the UK’s largest supermarkets but demonstrate her aim to work with associations like the PPMA to help encourage feedback from suppliers, whether its personal, anonymous or through a trade association.

Grant Collier, head of marketing for the PPMA Group, said: "After surveying the 367 manufacturers that took part in the government’s Automating Manufacturing Programme there is clear evidence that the reluctance to adopt new technologies, like automation is in part driven by endless squeezing of supplier margins by the major multiple retailers. The Adjudicator’s actions to remove trading practices will hopefully help to change this culture and encourage much-needed investment in automation for the UK’s food industry – the largest manufacturing sector in the UK.

"Christine has taken on a huge responsibility dealing directly with the supermarkets and we have no doubt this will be beneficial to PPMA members.”

As Groceries Code Adjudicator’ Ms Tacon is tasked with ensuring that supermarkets treat their suppliers fairly and lawfully. With her responsibilities backed up by law, Tacon not only can launch investigations into suspected breaches of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), she can also name, shame and even fine guilty parties for any misconduct.