The Government is set to expedite the introduction of new regulations governing relationships between supermarkets and suppliers before the election.

The Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation has confirmed the grocery regulations, drafted over concerns big grocery chains were being heavy-handed with suppliers, are about to be be signed by Richard Bruton. "The regulations are currently being finalised and it is hoped to sign them into law in the coming weeks," the department said.

Major players in the grocery sector have been tipped off the new laws are on the verge of being introduced, so Ministers will be able to point to the fulfilment of another commitment from the programme for government.

Mr Bruton launched a consultation on the proposed new rules more than 12 months ago. Senior members of the industry have been told the new laws will not differ greatly from the draft regulations published over a year ago.

Supposed bullying

New laws to combat allegations of supposed bullying and manipulation of suppliers by big grocery chains have been on the agenda for more than seven years.

The big supermarket chains lobbied hard against a statutory code to ban sharp practices such as the demanding of contributions towards advertising costs or other fees related to their listing.

Farmers and other supplier groups complained they felt pressured to pay fees or they would be delisted.