Amazon Ranks Last Again in UK Grocery Code Compliance Despite Improvement

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has once again ranked as the worst-performing UK grocery retailer in compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), according to the 2025 annual survey by the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA). Despite showing progress from 2024, only 66.4% of Amazon’s suppliers believe the company “consistently” or “mostly” complies with the Code—up from 47% last year. This still placed Amazon last among 14 major UK food retailers, trailing far behind Lidl, which came in 13th at 91.1%.

Amazon, which operates Amazon Fresh convenience stores and sells groceries online in the UK, has been subject to the GSCOP since 2022. The Code is designed to ensure fair treatment of suppliers by large grocery retailers, including Tesco (OTC:TSCDY), Sainsbury’s (LON:SBRY), Marks & Spencer (OTC:MAKSY), and Ocado (LON:OCDO).

In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson acknowledged the improvement and noted ongoing efforts to address supplier concerns, including enhancements in payment practices, dispute resolution, and account management. “We’re pleased to see progress, but we recognize there is more to be done,” the spokesperson said.

The GCA recently launched a formal investigation into Amazon over alleged breaches of the Code related to delayed supplier payments spanning the past three years.

Overall, the 2025 survey shows sector-wide improvement. Average perceived Code compliance rose to 93%, up from 91% in 2024, and the percentage of suppliers reporting Code-related issues dropped from 33% to 30%.

GCA head Mark White expressed optimism, highlighting notable gains by the five lowest-ranked retailers from last year—Home Bargains, Lidl, Morrisons, Iceland, and Amazon—indicating a positive industry trend.