SAVED: PAGE: ACTIVE AREA:

NFU Scotland to Undertake Largest Ever Survey of Food on Sale in Scottish Supermarkets

ShelfWatch to visit Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Lidl and Aldi in next 48 hours.

On behalf of farmers and crofters, NFU Scotland is undertaking the largest ever survey of Scottish supermarket shelves, shining a light on how and where Scottish produce is being made available to buy.

Knowing that Scottish consumers want to source local produce, the survey will celebrate and recognise good practice on supermarket shelves while identifying those stores where more can be done. It will highlight how consumers and retailers can build their support the amazing produce from our Scottish farmers and crofters.

On the Union’s behalf, an independent research firm will visit 73 stores across Scotland in the next 48 hours.  Researchers will look at beef, lamb, pork, chicken, soft fruit, vegetables and dairy products (milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt) on offer in Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Lidl and Aldi stores.  The survey will look at the country of origin of the goods being offered, identify if they are Scottish, British or imported, and also look at the price.

This is the first of four ShelfWatch surveys to be carried out on behalf of NFU Scotland in the next 12 months and the first set of results will be presented at the Union’s AGM, conference and annual dinner, taking place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on 8 and 9 February.  

All retailers involved in the survey have been notified in advance and invited to join a panel session at the AGM to discuss the results. 

NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said: “Primary producers provide all of society with the one thing that we cannot do without, which is food. However, securing a fair return from the marketplace, whilst carrying all the risk, remains a real challenge for farmers and crofters.

“The ways in which Scottish consumers can support local produce through the likes of local shops and butchers, farm shops, farmers’ markets, and direct sales from the farm are growing. But supermarkets are by far the dominant force when it comes to food sales. It is right that, through this major independent retail survey, we shine a light on whether they are meeting their responsibilities.

“The first results from this survey, to be revealed at our AGM and Conference, will give us a fantastic opportunity to not only hold our retailers to account and highlight to our consumers what is going on in some shops, but also give credit to those who are tremendous supporters of local food production within Scotland.

“All major retailers have a role to play if we are to genuinely tackle the deepening food security crisis. The results of this survey give us a platform for future discussions with supermarkets on responsible treatment of suppliers and guaranteed delivery of a fair price to producers for the food they produce. All retailers are invited to join us at our AGM to highlight what commitments they are undertaking to support Scottish farmers and crofters.”  

Notes for Editors

  • NFU Scotland’s AGM, Annual Dinner and Conference will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8DL on Thursday 8 February and Friday 9 February. The conference theme is Conference Theme: “The role of the market and related supply chains in supporting a profitable and sustainable agriculture sector.”
  • A conference programme is available on request from media@nfus.org.uk 
  • Should media wish to attend the conference please contact media@nfus.org.uk 
Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 07788 927675

Author: Bob Carruth

Date Published:

News Article No.: 02/24


< Article List

Close

Report Abusive Comment

Comment Content:

Why it offends me (optional):



Have Your Say

No-one has commented on this article yet. Be the first to have your say...

New Comment

Share

Total Pages:
Total Results:
Page Start:
Page Result #:

About The Author

Bob Carruth

A dairy farmer’s son, I joined NFU Scotland in 1999 after 13 years as an agricultural journalist. Following spells as a regional manager and policy lead on milk, livestock and animal health and welfare, I became Communications Director in 2008.

Quick Contact

 
 
Which Region do you live in?  
Are you a member of NFU Scotland?  
 
 

This form collects and sends the information supplied to NFU Scotland. You can read our privacy policy for full details on how we protect and manage your data.
  I consent to having NFU Scotland collect the above details.

Registred Address

NFU Scotland
Head Office
Rural Centre - West Mains
Ingliston, Midlothian
EH28 8LT

Place of registration: Scotland

Company Registration Number: SC214564

Tel: 0131 472 4000
Email: info@nfus.org.uk

NFU Mutual Logo

Get the App

NFUS App QR Code

©NFU Scotland • All Rights Reserved • Web design by Big Red DigitalLog in

Close

Contact Us

 

 

 

No Robots:

This form collects and sends the information supplied to NFU Scotland. You can read our privacy policy for full details on how we protect and manage your data.
  I consent to having NFU Scotland collect the above details.