SPAR Scotland has cemented its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting local communities by achieving Premium status within the SGF Healthy Living Programme (HLP) Retailer Development Plan (RDP). Seven SPAR stores have been awarded Premium status, showcasing their dedication to providing healthier products and encouraging community engagement.
The RDP, launched in 2023, is designed to help Scottish convenience stores improve their offerings of healthy products and encourage consumers to make healthier choices. Premium status stores must meet strict criteria in areas such as merchandising, product range, affordability, sustainability, food-to-go options, food waste management, and community involvement.
The seven SPAR stores that have achieved Premium status include:
SPAR Scotland Company Owned Stores:
• SPAR Bo'ness
• SPAR Crosshouse
• SPAR Garthamlock
• SPAR Hillfoot Road
Independent SPAR Stores:
• SPAR Blantyre
• SPAR Condorrat
• SPAR Renfrew
Currently, there are 17 stores in total holding Premium status within the RDP, and SPAR Scotland is proud to have achieved such a significant milestone.
The RDP has three levels: Essential, Core, and Premium, and it provides retailers with a clear pathway for development. The initiative enables stores to reach the highest level, regardless of their size or location. The ultimate goal is to support as many retailers as possible in reaching HLP Premium status.
“Our partnership with the Healthy Living Programme has been long-standing, and we have worked together on numerous campaigns, from summer roadshows to in-store events and primary school visits," said Paula Middleton, Head of Marketing at SPAR Scotland. "We are incredibly proud of our stores reaching Premium status and look forward to supporting more SPAR retailers in achieving this recognition.”
SPAR Scotland’s ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing is further demonstrated through their in-store events. Throughout the year, SPAR stores host visits from local schools, offering children free fruit, store tours, and educational talks about making healthier food choices.
“We are committed to supporting the promotion of health and wellbeing in our communities,” added Middleton. “Our partnership with the Healthy Living Programme demonstrates how important it is for us to provide healthier options for our customers. We are excited to continue supporting the SGF and HLP throughout 2025 and beyond.”
Kathryn Neil, Programme Director at SGF Healthy Living Programme, said: “SPAR Scotland is a major supporter of the Healthy Living Programme, and we are delighted that they have demonstrated their commitment to their customers and local communities by achieving Premium level through our Retailer Development Plan. It is important to give the stores the recognition for all the hard work that they've put into encouraging their customers to make healthier choices.”
The Healthy Living Programme, fully funded by the Scottish Government, has been working with convenience retailers since 2004. It promotes healthier product ranges, particularly fruits and vegetables, in stores across Scotland, and aims to connect local schools with convenience retailers. The programme has successfully engaged with over 43,000 schoolchildren to date.
