The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has responded to the Competition Commission’s order on a grocery market ombudsman with ambivalence.
FPC ceo Nigel Jenney said the industry welcomes the opportunity for sharing best practice and transparency throughout the supply chain provided through the commission’s order.
But the FPC is not backing the call for an ombudsman that the producer and independent retail representatives have supported.
Jenney said: “While we recognise the potential benefits of an independent resolution, which could also provide increased assurance of representing the interests of the consumer, the intervention by a groceries ombudsman would be viewed in most circumstances as an option of last resort by both suppliers and retailers.”
