A new study from NFU Scotland has identified a potential £500 million economic opportunity for Scottish farmers and crofters if supermarkets increase their sourcing of local produce.
The findings, published this week, suggest that greater collaboration between retailers and the agricultural sector could result in more Scottish food being sold in supermarkets.
The research, conducted as part of NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch initiative, is the most comprehensive survey of its kind to date. Independent researchers visited a range of supermarket stores across Scotland, recording the origin of thousands of food products, including beef, lamb, pork, chicken, eggs, vegetables, and dairy items. The aim was to assess the availability of Scottish produce and identify areas for improvement.
The survey found significant variation in the presence of Scottish products across different retailers and categories. While some supermarkets stocked a high proportion of Scottish goods, others offered limited or no Scottish options in certain categories. For example, the availability of Scottish potatoes and vegetables differed widely between stores, and some outlets did not stock any Scottish cheese.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon commented: “ShelfWatch has delivered vital insight. Our clear message to retailers is that by working together, we have a golden opportunity to support Scotland’s farmers and crofters as well as giving their customers more of what they want.
“We know that the value of grocery sales across Scotland is significant and we believe Scottish farmers and crofters could get a greater share of this value if retailers work with us and the wider industry to take forward the actions we set today.
“Overall, these results show a disappointing level of Scottish sourcing with around 17% of own-label products labelled as Scottish and no real improvement throughout the year.
“That said, the picture is very mixed across each of the retailers. I’d like to congratulate Aldi in particular, who consistently held the highest levels of Scottish sourcing throughout the year, and also to Lidl for their ongoing commitment.
“Through this work, we have identified the key areas for action and commitment retailers. NFU Scotland, along with other industry partners, stand ready to work in partnership to support this. If we get it right, the results could be transformational for our farmers, crofters and growers.
“Of course, none of this will happen in isolation and we need to see effective government policy that supports a vibrant farming industry and enables our members to have the confidence to invest for the future”.
NFU Scotland is encouraging the UK’s major supermarket chains to work more closely with the industry to increase the visibility and availability of Scottish produce. As supermarkets account for a significant share of food sales, their support is seen as important for the future of Scottish agriculture.
The union also emphasised the value of clear labelling and marketing, enabling consumers to make informed choices about supporting local producers. The ShelfWatch project will continue throughout the year, providing ongoing data to monitor progress and encourage further engagement from retailers.
The research indicates that prioritising Scottish produce in supermarkets could unlock a substantial economic opportunity, with potential benefits for farmers, crofters, and rural communities across Scotland.
