Every year, Advantage Group asks retailers to score their suppliers. This survey is not just about whether shelves are full or ranges are right, but whether their relationship is truly a partnership. Are suppliers bringing insight, thinking digitally, driving their category forward and understanding the different channels?

The results are drawn from almost 2,100 individuals across 11 of the UK’s biggest retailers. They are not usually made public – but this year for the first time The Grocer can reveal them. The picture will make for some uncomfortable reading.

Overall supplier performance had a score of 33, compared with 34 last year and 28 the year before that. Participants are asked to rank each aspect of the relationship on a scale from -100 to 100 across 38 competencies grouped into six main areas: organisation & people, category & consumer marketing, trade & shopper marketing, supply chain & customer service, private label, and ecommerce.