Funding for convenience stores to boost sale of local products

Convenience stores are to increase the amount of Scottish produce they sell in an initiative that will transform the sector, the Scottish Government has said.

It is hoped that convenience stores will increase the amount of local produce they sell.

A £100,000 funding package is to be handed to ten convenience stores to create marketplaces selling more local produce. Shops will be encouraged to use the investment to increase the space given to Scottish products, broaden the range of Scottish products offered and enhance consumer engagement with Scottish products.

The Go Local initiative hopes to encourage shoppers to buy more locally-created products. It comes weeks after The Scotsman launched its own campaign, #SupportLocal, to boost business for local companies in the run up to the festive season.

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Convenience stores have played a vital role supporting their local communities through the pandemic – this initiative offers the chance to enhance their offering by stocking more Scottish produce. It will also make a difference for Scottish producers – with many struggling with other markets closed off to them, reaching more customers here at home could make a big difference to their businesses. Most importantly, it will give more people the opportunity to buy and enjoy locally sourced Scottish products, including fresh and healthy produce.

“This initiative is a useful addition to the Healthy Living Programme, which already supports Scottish independent retailers to offer healthy food choices, increase sales and assist in the goal of achieving a healthy nation. It all forms part of our commitment to be a Good Food Nation, helping everyone to take pride and pleasure in, and benefit from, the food they produce, buy, cook, serve, and eat each day.”

The Go Local programme will be delivered by the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF), with Scotland Food & Drink supporting on the local sourcing elements of the project.

SGF chief executive Dr Pete Cheema said: “At a time when the food and drink industry in Scotland faces unprecedented challenges, we are delighted that the Scottish government is providing funding for the Go Local programme. The programme supports not only Scottish retailers but also Scottish manufacturers and will strengthen the entire supply chain. Consumers have embraced shopping locally and conveniences stores can now ensure that customers have access to a wider range of Scottish products.”

One of the pilot stores is Watson’s Grocers in Moniaive, Dumfries and Galloway.

Proprietor Graham Watson said: “I believe that the Go Local programme will be an invaluable tool for retailers to effectively promote Scottish products and will give a much needed boost to the Scottish Food and Drink Industry. We as a trade have punched way above our weight over the last few months of the pandemic and it invariably has been the local shop that has made the difference to our communities. This new programme will enable me to meet the increased demand from customers for quality Scottish products and to support local producers.”

Grants will be awarded for the installation of new equipment dedicated to locally sourced Scottish products on a 50% match-funding basis, capped at £10,000.

An evaluation of the pilot phase is expected to be completed by June 2021.

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