Irish Government Propose New Grocery Code of Practice

The Irish Times today publishes details of a Code of Practice that would
- prohibit listing or promotions/displays fees
- require written agreement on retailer marketing costs or shrinkage allowances
- appoint a grocery-funded ombudsman
- allow public consultations response by the end of September!

Issue of statutory or voluntary left open for now, but given the fact that so many backs are closer to the wall than in the UK, coupled with the political pressures arising from a post-Celtic Tiger environment, means that it is highly likely that this code will be implemented on a statutory basis, with an Ombudsman to ensure that the Code's teeth are used.

A pointer for the UK?

Full copy of new draft Code of Practice here