Power to fine supermarkets for Groceries Code breaches edges closer

The power to fine supermarkets up to 1% of their turnover for breaching the Groceries Code have edged a step closer after being laid in Parliament.

Groceries Code Adjudicator hamstrung in efforts to fine supermarkets

The Groceries Code Adjudicator has admitted she is hamstrung in her efforts to reprimand retailers as the government has not yet finalised her powers to hand out fines.

Tesco turns to advertising and management gurus to help rebuild brand's reputation

Tesco is bringing in organisation transformation firm Blue Rubicon and the advertising agency that Sir John Hegarty helped found, Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), to work with the company's leadership team in an effort to help turn the struggling retailer around.

Waitrose bucks grocery trend for store closures with 14 new openings for 2015

Waitrose is bucking the trend of store closures and job losses in the grocery sector by opening 14 new outlets in 2015, with more in the pipeline for 2016.

Big four grocers face 'unprecedented' competition, says Kantar

Christmas sales figures are neck-in-neck across the grocery market, according to Kantar's latest data, which shows the retailers are the closest they have ever been since the market research firm began keeping records 20 years ago.

Festive figures: Grocers celebrate small victories despite minimal growth

Despite "modest growth" of 0.6% across the grocery market during the festive period, Kantar Worldpanel says this gives cause to celebrate - representing the biggest boost across the sector since August 2014.  

Tesco's credit rating downgraded to 'junk' status

Global credit rating agency Moody's has further downgraded Tesco long-term credit rating from Baa3 to Ba1, which is considered "junk" grade for investments that are considered 'high risk'.

Richard Siddle: all eyes on Tesco to take lead in retailer supplier relations

When over 200 businesses are moved to fill in an in-depth, 20 question survey online in the week before Christmas you know you have hit a nerve.

Up to 95% of suppliers demand retailers change the way they work with them

Up to 95% of the 200 suppliers who took part in our survey into the behaviour of major UK retailers want them to change. Here Gemma McKenna reveals what suppliers really think of the big multiples

Tesco is worst retailer to work with say wine and spirits suppliers in Harpers poll

Tesco has been named and shamed as the worst retailer to work with in a survey of over 200 wine and spirits suppliers carried out by Harpers.co.uk. 

Accolade Wines releases alcohol-free Echo Falls drink

Accolade Wines-owned Californian brand Echo Falls has released a tea-infused alcohol-free sparkling drink made from fermented grapes. 

Tesco kicks off turnaround plan with asset sales and store closures

Tesco is taking radical steps to turn around its flagging business, including major cost-cutting, selling off assets, closing 43 stores and its Cheshunt headquarters and scrapping plans for 49 new ventures in a bid to fund lower prices.

Retailers need to eradicate code breaking measures warns Grocery Code Adjudicator

Major grocery retailers radically need to change the way they work with suppliers and ensure their trading practices in no way encourage members of staff to break the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.

Drinks suppliers: Last chance to rate major retailers in our survey

2014 saw the drinks supply sector rocked by news of Tesco's accounting practices, and the subsequent suspension of the supermarket's BWS chief brought the scandal closer to home. We would like to find out how suppliers rate retailers across the board. 

Harpers.co.uk's 10 most popular stories of 2014

The most popular stories on Harpers.co.uk throughout 2014 cover everything from TescoGate to Bordeaux 2013 to BrewDog and Bibendum PLB.

Fresh inquiry into Tesco accounts as suppliers come under spotlight

Prosecco sales rocket while still wine lags

Off-trade alcohol sales have risen 2.4% to £14 billion, with volumes up 0.8% - and Italian sparkler Prosecco has seen the most stunning increase of all, with values up 55% throughout 2014.

Tesco accused of 'blunderbuss' approach in scrapping supplier fees

Tesco's move to scrap supplier fees and instead focus on getting the lowest prices upfront has been greeted with scepticism by leading consultants who describe is as "old-fashioned" and taking a "blunderbuss approach".

Price wars saved UK shoppers £182m in last three months, says Kantar

While the grocery market has returned to very slight growth, real grocery deflation, which has seen prices fall by 0.7% versus last year, equates to savings of £182 million for consumers in the last three months, according to Kantar. 

Tesco in bid to scrap controversial supplier fees

Tesco is planning on scrapping its complex system of supplier fees in a move that could shake up the grocery sector.