Tesco is giving its alcohol suppliers “take it or leave it” terms in an effort to reduce costs during the financial crisis, it has been claimed.
According to the Sunday Telegraph, suppliers have been given a deadline before they have to agree to new terms, such as lower prices charged to Tesco.
One supplier told the paper that it has been asked to reduce prices between 5% and 10%.
A fortnight ago, it was reported that the supermarket had been battling with suppliers after allegedly demanding one-off cash payments.
But Tesco denied the fresh allegations and said it does not know who the quoted suppliers are.
A spokeswoman said: “We are having our usual negotiations with suppliers to get the best outcome for consumers.”
It is important that consumers get good deals to help them throughout the credit crunch, she added, and Tesco is looking to pass on savings to people.
Last week, Bart Becht, chief executive at Reckitt Benckiser, hit out at Tesco after it extended payment to non-food suppliers from 30 to 60 days.
The retail giant also dismissed claims that it is budgeting for weaker sales growth for the year.
