‘Go Local’ initiative launched to promote local produce at Scottish c-stores  

Scottish government has unveiled a new initiative to boost the sale of local produce at convenience stores.

Ten local stores will see a total investment of £100,000 in the initial phase of the ‘Go Local’ initiative. The funding will help the stores increase the space given to Scottish products, broaden the range of Scottish products offered and enhance consumer engagement with Scottish products.

“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,” commented Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

“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.”

Graham Watson, of Watson’s Grocers in Moniaive, Dumfries and Galloway, one of the ten pilot stores, said the programme will be an invaluable tool for retailers to effectively promote Scottish products.

“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,” he said.

The initiative will be delivered by the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), which appointed Jamie Buchanan, previously the formats and merchandising director with CJ Lang, as the director of the ‘Go Local’ programme.

“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,” said Pete Cheema, SGF chief executive.

“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.”

Each retailer will get a maximum grant of £10,000 on a 50 per cent match-funding basis. An evaluation of the pilot phase is expected to be completed by June 2021.

SGF said it will employ a dedicated specialist to help with the macro layout and product selection at stores. Scotland Food and Drink will support on the local sourcing elements of the project.

Alcohol and discretionary foods such as confectionery, sweet biscuits, crisps and sweet pastries will not be included in the programme.