Aldi and the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) are in a legal dispute over whether the regulator should be allowed to give evidence in a High Court case involving a supplier’s delisting.

Lawyers for both parties appeared in court in London yesterday (12 February), with the GCA arguing it should be permitted to submit evidence, The Grocer reported.

The case concerns farmers Matthew Rawson and John Clappison, who run the last sprout and brassica farm in Yorkshire. The farmers are suing Aldi for £3.7m in damages, claiming their company, W Clappison Ltd, was delisted without sufficient notice, violating the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.

The GCA intervened back in December, following accusations that Aldi’s actions forced the closure of the farm.

A judge has deferred the decision on whether the GCA will be allowed to present evidence, with a ruling expected soon.

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The German discounter argued that the GCA’s involvement would add unnecessary costs and complications to the trial, expressing concerns that it could be a biased move.

James McClelland KC, representing the GCA, dismissed Aldi’s concerns, stating: “The GCA has a clear interest in the case’s outcome. We believe it is important for the High Court to consider the GCA’s input to ensure the judgment is properly applied.”

WCL was one of Aldi’s suppliers for more than 20 years before the retailer ended the contract in February 2024. WCL claims the decision, with crops already planted for Aldi, led to the collapse of the business.

The farmers are seeking £3.7m in losses, alleging that Aldi did not provide “reasonable notice” of the delisting.

A GCA spokesperson said: “As the case is ongoing, the GCA will not comment at this time.”

Aldi is also facing legal challenges from rival Asda, which is involved in an equal pay case that could result in significant payouts for thousands of workers.

Similarly, Morrisons employees recently made progress in their own equal pay case after a ruling by the Employment Tribunal.