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SGF Comments on Competition Commission’s Grocery Market Inquiry
30 April 2008
Responding to the final report of the Competition Commission’s Grocery Market Inquiry, SGF (Scottish Grocers Federation) doubt the remedies put in place by the Commission will alleviate the stranglehold the national food chains have over the grocery market.
Whilst welcoming the introduction of a competition test and Ombudsman SGF believe the Commission could have done more to promote a more diverse retail offering.
SGF are concerned the competition test does nothing to prevent a grocery chain opening smaller stores and believe it would have been more effective if it had included smaller developments under 1000 sq m.
SGF recognise the need for an ombudsman but question how effective an ombudsman would be if they have limited powers to investigate the grocery market.
Commenting John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF, said:
“Planning is a devolved matter and SGF look forward to meeting with officials from the Scottish Government in the near future to discuss the outcomes of the inquiry and in particular the competition test.
“There is a need for an ombudsman however they must have the power to undertake proactive investigations into irregularities within the grocery market in order to ensure a level playing field.
“What is required is a plan of action to promote sustainable and diverse retailing with a healthy mix of large and small store offering genuine choice which is not dominated by multiple supermarkets. SGF will continue to work with politicians to ensure this becomes a reality.”
MSP Lends Support to SGF Healthy Living Programme
11 April 2008
Alex Johnstone MSP with SGF President, Colin Landsburgh
Colin Landsburgh, newly appointed President of the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF), was delighted to welcome North East MSP, Alex Johnstone, to his convenience store business, located in Carnoustie, earlier this week.
During a tour of the store Alex discussed with Colin the various issues and challenges currently facing local community convenience store retailers.
Commenting on the visit Colin said,
“Alex’s visit to the store enabled me to provide him with an insight into the outcomes for the convenience store sector of decisions made at the Scottish Parliament and to let him to see how important convenience stores are to the communities we serve.
“Issues we discussed included the increased burden of responsibility being placed on the retailers as a result of new legislation regarding the sale of alcohol and other age related products and how retailers can work with the politicians. It was also an opportunity to discuss successful initiatives including the SGF Healthy Living Programme which has improved the availability of healthier food options to communities through the local convenience store sector.”
Alex Johnstone MSP said,
“The visit was a timely reminder of just how important the local convenience store is to the viability and vitality of a town centre such as Carnoustie. For many people who do not have access to a car, stores such as Colin’s provide an important service to their local communities. Scotland’s relationship with alcohol is complex and politicians must work with businesses to raise awareness of sensible drinking. I was also extremely impressed with the selection of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer, much of which is sourced locally.”
Following the visit Alex lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating SGF on the healthy living programme.
S3M-01695 Alex Johnstone (North East Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): SGF Healthy Living Programme— That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) on the success of the Healthy Living Programme launched in 2004 with the support of the previous administration and which continues to have Scottish Government backing; recognises the importance of the programme in improving the availability of healthier food options to communities through the local convenience store sector; notes that convenience stores are becoming the main focus for many low income areas where car ownership is below the national average; further notes the current discussions surrounding the development of a national food policy, and welcomes the contribution of the convenience store sector to these discussions.
Scottish Grocers Federation