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Supporting Scotland’s Food Industry
28 October 2009
Some of Scotland’s leading convenience stores have signed up to the Retailers’ Charter in which they pledge to drive forward support for Scottish food and drink.
It was confirmed at today’s Convenience Store Summit in Edinburgh that sales of Scottish branded produce in convenience stores across Scotland have already increased by six per cent since 2007. Total retail sales of Scottish food and drink brands have gone up by one fifth across Scotland, England and Wales since 2007.
The Retailers’ Charter sets an agenda for collaborative work around the national food and drink policy.
Today’s boost to the industry coincides with the publication of a new report outlining how Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink can be enhanced.
Opportunities highlighted in the Food and Drink Key Sector Report include:
Scotland’s expertise in food science and life science research can be harnessed to increase consumer awareness of healthy produce
Carbon labels would help consumers identify Scottish produce and cut food miles
Reducing waste and packaging should play a part in consumer buying behaviour
Greater focus on food and drink provenance – as highlighted in ‘Recipe for Success’
Speaking after chairing today’s summit, Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead said:
“Scotland’s convenience stores generate annual sales of £3.2 billion. Although sales of Scottish produce at these stores have increased in recent years there is real potential to achieve even more. The number of shoppers buying locally produced food has almost doubled in the last three years to 27%, compared to 15% in 2006.
“I want to see our retailers making the most of the wonderful fresh seasonal ingredients and food suppliers that we have on our doorstep.
“On average convenience stores devote 20 per cent of floor space to fresh produce and the amount of shelf space for locally sourced food is up 10 per cent in the last year. Our new National Food and Drink Policy can help these figures soar even higher.
“Today’s summit was a fantastic opportunity to share best practice, concerns and future prospects for what is clearly a thriving sector. Through our national food and drink policy we have the tools to create a food and drink revolution. If everyone growing, making, buying or selling food and drink in Scotland can pull in the same direction we will achieve a healthier, wealthier, more environmentally sustainable Scotland.”
John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, said:
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s recognition of the role of the convenience store sector within the grocery sector and their willingness to engage with the most senior figures in the Scottish convenience store sector.
“It is important that small shops, which provide a vital service within communities across the length and breadth of Scotland, have the right conditions for sustained growth. Today’s summit is an opportunity to explore how we can work in partnership with the Scottish Government to continue to deliver the best for Scottish customers.”
Additional Companies signing up to the Retailers’ Charter following today’s Summit:
C.J. Lang and Son Ltd
Drummore Stores
Khalsa Retail Ltd (T/A SPAR)
Scotmid Co-operative
David Sands Ltd
Landsburgh Bros Ltd (T/A SPAR)
Clydebank Co-operative Society Ltd
G & G Knowles (T/A NISA Local)
Broadway Convenience Store (T/A Premier)
Botterills Convenience Stores Ltd (T/A SPAR)
The Co-operative Group, Scotland
Abdul Majid & Son Ltd (T/A SPAR)
MSPs Visit Stores to Learn About Responsible Retailing
15 October 2009
For the second year running, convenience store retailers across Scotland have successfully joined forces with MSPs throughout Alcohol Awareness Week to raise awareness of the importance of responsible drinking and retailing.
Alcohol Awareness Week is a groundbreaking initiative, seeing Scottish Government, the alcohol industry, health professionals and the voluntary sector come together to get people to think about what they drink in terms of units of alcohol, and how this relates to the sensible drinking guidelines.
John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) said;
“This is the second year that SGF members have invited MSPs into their stores to jointly engage with customers within their local communities and encourage them to think about their drinking habits.
“We were delighted at the level of interest and support we received from MSPs. Store visits were organised across the whole of Scotland from Orkney to Gretna.
“As key stakeholders in their local communities our members understand the importance of fostering a culture of responsible drinking and invest significant resources to ensure they are responsible retailers of alcohol.
“During the store visits retailers had time to explain to MSPs some of the measures they take in their stores, including Challenge 25 and staff training, which help to drive up standards.
“If we want to improve Scotland’s relationship with alcohol we must accept that we all have a part to play. Hopefully AAW gives people ideas for small changes that can help them manage the amount of alcohol they drink.”
Retailers and MSPs Support Alcohol Awareness Week Together
1 October 2009
Richard Baker MSP with retailer Graeme Knowles
For the second year, Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) members will be inviting MSPs into stores to join them in supporting Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW) (4-10 October).
Last year the campaign encouraged drinkers, through a range of hints and tips, to make a positive choice when it came to drinking alcohol. The theme for this year’s campaign is to drive awareness amongst Scots and demonstrate that making positive lifestyle choices, changing drinking habits and drinking more responsibly will enable them to get more out of their day, week, and weekend; at work, at home and with friends and family.
John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF said,
“Consumed in sensible levels, alcohol can be part of a healthy lifestyle. However, some communities are blighted by anti social behaviour as a result of irresponsible drinking.
“As key stakeholders in their local communities our members understand the importance of fostering a culture of responsible drinking. With the support of MSPs, local shops look forward to engaging with their customers and encouraging people to think about the effect alcohol has on their health and behaviour.
“Everyone in a community has a part to play in changing the drinking culture in Scotland. Our members take their responsibilities as retailers of alcohol very seriously and invest considerable resources in staff training, Challenge 25 and other practical measures plus involvement in industry initiatives including AAW.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with MSPs in raising awareness of responsible drinking.”
Scottish Grocers Federation