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Boosting Scottish sourcing: A £500 million opportunity for local farmers

A new survey reveals the potential for a significant increase in Scottish produce on supermarket shelves.

Local Scottish farmers exploring sourcing opportunities
Discover the £500 million opportunity for Scottish farmers to boost local sourcing.

Understanding the Current Landscape of Scottish Sourcing

According to a recent report by NFU Scotland (NFUS), a mere 17% of food available in major UK supermarkets is labeled as Scottish. This statistic underscores a significant opportunity for growth in local sourcing, which could potentially deliver a £500 million bonanza for farmers, crofters, and growers in Scotland.

The findings stem from NFUS’s latest ShelfWatch survey, which scrutinized the sourcing practices of eight major retailers, including Aldi, Asda, and Tesco, over several phases throughout 2024 and early 2025.

Survey Insights: Who Leads in Scottish Produce Sourcing?

The survey revealed that Aldi emerged as the frontrunner in Scottish produce sourcing, boasting an impressive average of 40% across all phases of research.

Following closely was Lidl, with a 30% average, and the Co-op at 22%. Notably, M&S Food demonstrated the most significant improvement in its support for Scottish produce over the year, indicating a positive trend in sourcing practices. Despite these advancements, NFUS highlighted a “very mixed picture” regarding sourcing levels among the retailers, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to enhance local produce availability.

The Call to Action for Retailers

NFUS has formally challenged all eight retailers to collaborate with the agricultural industry to increase the volume of home-grown and reared produce on their shelves. NFUS President Andrew Connon articulated the union’s vision, stating, “By working together, we have a golden opportunity to support Scotland’s farmers and crofters.” The union’s outreach aims to encourage retailers to recognize the value of grocery sales across Scotland and to take actionable steps towards improving sourcing practices. With a reported 6% increase in imports in 2024, the urgency for retailers to prioritize local sourcing has never been more critical.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Scottish Produce

As the demand for locally sourced food continues to rise, the potential for Scottish farmers to capture a larger share of the grocery market is substantial. NFUS’s ShelfWatch survey not only provides vital insights into current sourcing levels but also highlights the importance of understanding UK-wide produce sourcing. While the primary focus is on Scottish products, recognizing the broader context of British sourcing is essential for maximizing opportunities for local farmers. The challenge now lies in the hands of retailers to respond to this call for action and to embrace the benefits of supporting local agriculture.


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