The SNP has today welcomed the Competition Commission’s call for a supermarket ombudsman to oversee relationships between retailers and suppliers.

The Competition Commission has today asked the UK Government to establish the ombudsman.

Scottish Government  Minister for the Environment Roseanna Cunningham said:

“In Scotland there are an increasing number of good news stories to tell about the relationship between Scottish suppliers and supermarkets and our national food and drink policy will help build on this progress.

“We have repeatedly told the UK Government that we believe a supermarkets ombudsman would help provide long-term security for many parts of the food chain, including consumers. Supermarkets wield a huge amount of influence over the future of our food industry and, as the experience of the banking sector shows us, robust regulation is essential. UK Ministers must now ensure that supermarkets give a fair deal to suppliers and primary producers.

“Our retailers’ forum and new charter show that much can be achieved when we work in partnership. We will continue to work with our primary producers, processors and retailers - right across the supply chain - to promote Scottish produce and strengthen the industry.”

SNP MEP and Euroepan Agriculture Committee member Alyn Smith added;

"With supermarkets so dominant in the food market it is essential our

producers are properly paid for the food they produce and the UK

Government must follow the Commission’s recommendation and introduce an

ombudsman.

"Suppliers have long been concerned over the pressure that can be applied

by supermarkets to change contracts.

"Too often producers describe the relationship with supermarkets as a

David and Goliath situation with little alternative but to accept contract

changes or lower prices.

"Supermarkets have shown willingness to work with the Scottish Government

to promote Scottish produce but it is also important suppliers receive a

fair deal.

"If the supermarkets are behaving properly and conforming to the code of

conduct they should have nothing to fear from this step while food

producers could have plenty to gain."