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Retailers' forum meets for first time
25/03/2009
Supermarkets today assured Ministers that they will continue to give full support to Scottish food producers and processors during the tough economic climate.
At the first-ever meeting of the Scottish Retailers' Forum this morning, Ministers met with representatives from the UK's leading supermarkets, Scotland Food & Drink and the Scottish Retail Consortium.
Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham and Minister for Public Health Shona Robison heard how the global economic situation is affecting supermarkets, producers and suppliers.
Forging better links between food producers and retailers, the developing national food and drink policy and the public health agenda were also discussed.
Speaking after the constructive talks in Edinburgh, Ms Cunningham said:
"This was a welcome opportunity to discuss how we can work together to help ensure a sustainable and profitable future for our retailers, farmers, producers and suppliers.
"More people than ever before want to know where their food comes from, how it is grown and the impact production has had on the environment.
"Our developing national food and drink policy is looking into how to support better choices in terms of provenance, health and environmental sustainability.
"We hope to get the best for Scotland out of our relationship with all retailers - from the massive multiple retailers down to the local community shop and convenience stores. By working together we can drive Scotland forward and unlock the full potential of our economy and our society. "
Ms Robison said:
"Today's meeting is a positive step which has allowed us to consider with retailers the significant contribution they are able to make to the public health agenda. Obesity continues to be a challenge in Scotland which cannot be tackled by Government alone.
"Retailers have already begun to tap into the enormous potential they have to encourage their customers to make healthier choices and I look forward to developing this work with them in the next few years."
Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
"The retail sector enjoys a good working relationship with the Scottish Government and today's meeting was an ideal opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of joint interest and areas of possible partnership working.
"Our members continue to support local producers and to promote high quality Scottish produce in their stores. The recession has made it even more important that any action takes into account the impact on all parts of the supply chain, including customers."
Paul McLaughlin, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said:
"There is growing demand for Scottish produce both in Scotland and across the UK and we must all shoulder the collective responsibility to uphold our reputation as a 'A Land of Food and Drink'.
"Supermarkets and multiple retailers have a pivotal role to play to grow that reputation as well as being the catalysts for collaboration, innovation and the development of skills throughout the supply chain."
At the Supermarket Summit last September it was agreed that a retailers' forum should be set up with supermarkets to discuss issues of mutual interest. This group will meet twice per year.
Over 103,500 people are employed in food and drink retail in Scotland. Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of UK consumers bought "local" in 2007, the same level as in 2006. Scotland has above average local food purchasing, at 75 per cent.