Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

ACS calls for consistent approach to HFSS regs across UK

ACS calls for consistent approach to HFSS regs across UK

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the Welsh Government consultation on introducing restrictions on high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products, highlighting the impact on retailers and need for a consistent regulatory approach across the UK.

The consultation looks at HFSS products in terms of placement, promotions and defining what products are impacted. The Welsh Government’s proposals are similar to those being introduced in England on HFSS products, but there are some key differences:


  • The Welsh Government is proposing to restrict "temporary price reductions" of HFSS products and meal deals including HFSS products
  • The Welsh Government is proposing to restrict the siting of HFSS products on "free standing display units" in addition to at store entrances, at the tills, and at the end of aisles
  • The Welsh Government is seeking views on how to define HFSS products, via differing nutrient profiling models

In its submission ACS has called for the Welsh Government to ensure that the regulations are fully aligned with those being introduced in England to ensure consistency, reduce the burden on businesses across the food supply chain and avoid confusion amongst retailers. In regards to the restrictions on the placement of HFSS products, ACS has called for an exemption for small shops under 280sqm (3,000sqft), including shops operating under a symbol group brand.

“We know from our members that customers are watching every penny at the moment in light of the cost of living crisis and if the Welsh Government decides to proceed with these regulations we would urge them to restrict temporary price reductions or meals deals from the definition of value promotions as these help customers to save money, manage their budget and feed their families," said ACS chief executive James Lowman.

“Retailers are facing huge cost increases through energy bill and rising labour costs, the last thing they need is another bill for relaying their stores in order to move products two metres away.”

There are currently no set timescales for the introduction of the proposals after the consultation period, but Wales’ overall health strategy states that "by 2030" measures will be in place. The consultations were launched as part of the Welsh Government’s ten-year plan, Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales.

ACS’s submission is available here.

More for you

 The Wholesale Group’s first tradeshow at Cheltenham Racecourse, bringing together suppliers and wholesale members.

Tradeshow saw 190 suppliers and 180 wholesalers unite for networking, deals, and industry growth.

The Wholesale Group

The Wholesale Group celebrates first tradeshow

UK's newest buying group The Wholesale Group held its first tradeshow since its launch in January 2025 which saw supplier partners and members come together to plan for future growth.

Held at Cheltenham Racecourse on Thursday (20), the event saw more than 190 supplier partners meet with more than 180 wholesale members.

Keep ReadingShow less
RH Amar's new 94,756 sq ft headquarters in High Wycombe.

RH Amar Expands with New 94,756 Sq Ft HQ in High Wycombe

RH Amar signs deal for new purpose-built HQ

RH Amar has signed a deal which will see it move to a new 94,756 sq ft state-of the-art facility in High Wycombe at the end of the year.

The move follows a period of significant growth and expansion for the UK food distributor and growth partner which has seen it achieve double-digit growth in each of the past five years, with new business wins including Weetabix, Dr. Oetker and Divine Chocolate.

Keep ReadingShow less
G4S workers protesting over pay dispute, risking UK cash shortage.

G4S strike could leave UK

Photo: iStock

Cash crunch: banks, ATMs, pubs face shortage as G4S workers vote to strike

Banks, hotels, ATMs and pubs are facing a cash shortage as more than 1,000 G4S workers vote to strike over a real terms pay cut.

GMB members deliver money to companies such as NatWest, Lloyds Santander, Tesco, Asda, Wetherspoons, McDonalds and Travelodge.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trading Standards enforcing new Tobacco and Vapes Bill measures in the UK.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill to crack down on illicit tobacco and vapes.

Photo: Nottinghamshire Police

Government unveils '£10 million boost' to smoke out illicit tobacco, vapes

Tighter and tougher protections to protect children and communities from illicit tobacco and vapes have been unveiled on Sunday (22) as the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves closer to creating a smokefree UK.

A new £10 million boost for Trading Standards will bolster operations in local communities for the next year, to fund an expected 80 more apprentice enforcement officers to stop harmful tobacco and vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shops and stopping underage sales.

Keep ReadingShow less
CCTV footage of a masked robber in a black Nike hoodie holding a knife at VR Supermarket on Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, during a robbery on March 20, 2025
iStock image

Birmingham convenience store robbed at knifepoint

A knife-wielding masked robber robbed a convenience store in Birmingham, forcing the staff to empty the till.

In CCTV footage seen by local publications, a man was seen entering the VR Supermarket in Kingstanding Road just before 3pm on Thursday (20).

Keep ReadingShow less