About the Initiative

The Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) is a joint initiative launched by several EU level associations with the aim to increase fairness in commercial relations along the food supply chain.

The members of the EU level multi-stakeholder dialogue agreed on a set of Principles of Good Practice which contain a list of examples of fair and unfair practices in vertical trading relationships. These were warmly welcomed by the High Level Forum for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain of the European Commission in November 2011 and subsequently, a Framework for their implementation and enforcement was adopted in January 2013.

The EU level associations represent various interests from the food supply chain. They include the food and drink industry (FoodDrinkEurope), the branded goods manufacturers (AIM), the retail sector (the European Retail Round Table (ERRT), EuroCommerce and Independent Retail Europe), and agricultural traders (CELCAA). They form the Governance Group, which is responsible for the management of the SCI. Its mandate and rules of procedure are laid down in the Rules of Governance and Operations.

Rules of Governance and Operations

The Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) was established on 1st April 2013 by the following European associations representing the food and drink industry (FoodDrinkEurope), branded goods manufacturers (AIM), the retail sector (EuroCommerce, ERRT, Independent Retail Europe, Euro Coop), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEunited - formerly UEAPME), and agricultural traders (CELCAA).

Principles of Good Practice in vertical relationships in the Food Supply Chain

In November 2011, 11 members of the EU level multi-stakeholder dialogue adopted a set of Principles of Good Practice. These principles provide a framework for conducting business that respects contractual freedom and ensures competitiveness. The document also contains a list of examples of fair and unfair practices in vertical trading relationships.

The 11 signatory organisations are AIM, CEJA, CELCAA, CLITRAVI, Copa Cogeca, ERRT, EuroCommerce, Euro Coop, FoodDrinkEurope, SMEunited (formerly UEAPME) and Independent Retail Europe (formerly UGAL).

This document is available in 23 languages.