Ever since Tesco announced its Big Price Drop initiative, suppliers were asking themselves who would really be funding it.

Supermarkets routinely ask suppliers to chip in for promotions using the argument that they help shift more product. But what numerous suppliers are telling us now is that they are being asked for more than just a small contribution, but major lumps of money in some cases.

Tesco is undoubtedly not the only culprit here, but it’s completely unacceptable to be asking for sums that could, in some cases, push suppliers to the brink. If supermarkets aren’t making big enough profits for their shareholders that’s their own problem - they shouldn’t be heaping further pressure on suppliers that are supposed to be their partners.

But what is interesting in this instance is that suppliers seem to be fighting back. With stocks on many lines tighter than in the past and opportunities globally opening up, some suppliers are feeling increasingly confident to say no. That shift of power we’ve heard about might just start to happen.

This is our last issue of what’s been an extraordinary 2011. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and relaxing Christmas, and to add my hope that fresh produce businesses continue to find the ways to prosper in what will undoubtedly be an equally challenging 2012. -