A new survey by Ireland’s agri-food regulator has found that while incidents of unfair trading practices have declined over the past year, many suppliers remain reluctant to report problems due to concerns about potential retaliation from major retailers and wholesalers.
The study examined more than 1,313 trading relationships involving 485 suppliers and eight of Ireland’s largest grocery retailers and wholesalers, including Aldi, BWG Foods, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Musgrave Group, Sysco and Tesco. The survey, conducted by Red C Research, provides one of the most detailed assessments of supplier experiences within the country’s food supply chain.
According to the findings, one in nine suppliers reported experiencing an unfair trading practice during the past year. While this represents an improvement from last year’s survey, when one in seven suppliers reported similar issues, regulators say challenges remain across the sector.
The most frequently reported concerns involved the cancellation of orders for perishable goods with less than 30 days’ notice, delayed payments and requests for suppliers to absorb losses linked to damaged or deteriorated products. Such practices can create significant financial pressures, particularly for smaller producers and food businesses that depend on predictable orders and cash flow.
The survey also highlighted a continuing reluctance among suppliers to file formal complaints. Fear of losing business or damaging commercial relationships was identified as the primary reason many companies chose not to report suspected breaches of trading regulations.
Awareness of the regulator’s confidential complaints system has improved compared with previous years. However, the report noted that some suppliers remain uncertain about how the process works and how to engage with it effectively.
Niamh Lenehan said the survey provides valuable insight into the realities facing suppliers throughout the food industry.
She noted that supplier satisfaction with buyers has improved, with many businesses highlighting the benefits of strong communication, mutual understanding and partnership-based relationships. At the same time, she stressed that the fact that 11% of suppliers still reported experiencing unfair trading practices shows further work is required.
Lenehan said building confidence in the complaints process remains a priority. Many suppliers continue to fear negative consequences if they raise concerns, despite protections designed to ensure confidentiality.
The latest survey is the second conducted by the regulator and covers 40% more trading relationships than the 2025 study, providing a broader picture of conditions across the sector.
The findings come as the agri-food regulator prepares to receive expanded powers later this year. Under new legislation, the regulator will be able to require businesses to provide information on pricing, supply chains and employment costs. It will also gain authority to impose fines for non-compliance, while a formal appeals process will be introduced for affected businesses.
The enhanced powers are intended to improve transparency throughout the agri-food sector after repeated difficulties in obtaining market data voluntarily from companies. Regulators hope the changes will strengthen oversight and help ensure fairer trading conditions across Ireland’s food supply chain.
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