The food supply chain ombudsman, agronomist Jože Podgoršek, who monitors the relations between retailers, suppliers and consumers, presented this year’s achievements and findings which relate to both the good and poor practices of retailers in Slovenia.

Mr. Podgoršek said he questioned himself, while reflecting on the matter, whether Slovenia really needs such an institute – an ombudsman for the relations in the food supply chain – and whether its costs are justifiable. “I have to say that the food supply chain now is different than what it would have been without an ombudsman, regardless of who would be in this position”, he said. He stressed that among other things he also managed to prevent many poor practices by turning the unfair actions of retailers into good practices.

Lettuce per head, not per kilogram
The ombudsman explained that large retail chains are the strongest negotiators in the food supply chain. At the end of June, at the very peak of lettuce production, Mercator started introducing a new practice – buying from the producers themselves. Lettuce was no longer purchased per kilogram, but per head; on the condition that a head weighs between 350 and 450g. Lettuce producers then turned to the ombudsman, who, after talking to the management, achieved that Mercator postpones its requirements to 2017 and organizes a technical day for producers, in which they would be presented with technical solutions on how to produce lettuce in line with Mercator requirements.

Among the retailers’ good practices Podgoršek listed the sale of solely Slovenian red meat in regular and discount sales (Spar, Mercator), the introduction of net purchase prices (the final cost which the supplier gets, without the deductions which come later) for fruit and vegetables or for the entire food groups (Mercator, Lidl, Hofer, Engrotuš), and the greater promotion of Slovenian food products and suppliers.

Gregor Cerar; translated by K. J.