Tesco supplies probe to be published in January

An investigation into Tesco’s relationships with suppliers is now due to be published towards the end of January, almost a year after the regulator said it had “reasonable suspicion” that the supermarket giant had breached the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.

The probe into Tesco's dealings with suppliers is nearing completion. Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

The Groceries Code Adjudicator previously said its inquiry, which began in early February, would be completed within six to nine months “and certainly by the end of this year”. It had an April deadline for taking evidence.

Christine Tacon, the adjudicator, said in a newsletter to industry in November that the investigation was “now in the final stages” but had taken slightly longer than the nine months she had anticipated. It is understood the report will be made public towards the end of January.

In February, Tacon said she had formed a “reasonable suspicion” that the retailer had breached the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.

She took the decision after considering information submitted to her about practices associated with the profit over-statement announced by Tesco last year.