Responding to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Consultation on Restricting Promotions of Food and Drink High in Fat, Sugar or Salt, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Scottish Retail Consortium Head of Policy, said:

“The Scottish Retail Industry is committed to helping consumers make healthier choices. Fresh fruit and vegetables are heavily price promoted and often the very first thing shoppers see when entering food retailing stores.  The availability of healthy snack alternatives has risen considerably, and the quantity of fruits and vegetables in products like sandwiches and ready meals has increased. Our industry has led the way on reformulating products to reduce salt, sugar, and fat from products. We’ve pioneered traffic light labelling and clear energy information on products and signage to help consumers understand products and make informed choices.

“There is much in this consultation Scottish retailers can support. Most retailers have reduced or removed multi-buy promotions of less healthy products, and we think there is a good case for putting this into legislation to ensure a level playing field. Similarly, there is an opportunity to align definitions across the UK which would ensure the policy is both more effective and less disruptive to retailers who operate both within and outwith Scotland.

“We also note the Scottish Government does not currently support introducing restrictions on temporary price promotions. This is a sensible approach. Promotions within categories allow retailers and brands to compete to attract customers, improving competition and keeping prices down. With inflation running at a 14-year-high it would be regressive and irresponsible to put up costs in this manner with no evidence at this time that it would significantly improve public health. We hope Scottish Ministers will keep consumers in mind as this process continues over the coming months.”