SGF Go Local Programme - Phase 3 Approval

SGF are delighted to announce that further to the outstanding success during the first 18 months of the SGF Go Local Programme which aims to support convenience stores the length and breadth of Scotland to provide dedicated, long-term display space for locally-sourced Scottish products, that the Scottish Government has given its approval for the roll-out of phase 3.

The aim is to increase the turnover of locally and nationally produced Scottish products within the convenience store sector to mitigate lost volumes in other sectors, to aid economic recovery for Scottish manufacturers and producers and to promote a sustainable and prosperous convenience industry in Scotland.

The third year of the programme – which as with previous phases will be delivered in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink – has been allocated £190k and will see the selection of a minimum of 21 geographically, and demographically diverse stores, to secure increased display space for Scottish products, and use available Scottish supplier databases to increase a.) the number of suppliers and b.) the number of lines available to consumers to fill the secured space. The application process for phase 3 will open on 1st March 2022 and close at midnight on the 31st May 2022.

Of the stores participating in “Go Local”, an average increase in the Local Multiplier of £159k per annum on the healthier products was recorded, with a further 7.6% improvement in sales achieved following the deployment of the marketing assets – “We Support Local”. Work will also continue with the recruited stores from previous phases of the programme to develop their Scottish proposition further, audit the stores regularly for compliance, and continue to use the retailer data to measure the effectiveness of the product ranges, to improve the performance of existing and new stores to the programme.

SGF are also pleased to confirm that there will be a virtual "Meet the Convenience Retailer” event organised by our programme partners, Scotland Food & Drink, to provide retailers with the opportunity to meet new suppliers and enhance their Scottish range. This will take place on 3rd March 2022.

Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I am pleased to see the success of the Go Local programme and to provide further Scottish Government support for its third phase, which will give a boost to the convenience sector and help consumers access more of the fresh, quality produce they demand from our fantastic food and drink producers.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting local convenience stores and Scottish food and drink producers, who play a vital role in the local economy and the communities in which they operate.”

SGF chief executive Dr Pete Cheema OBE said: “The SGF Go Local programme has been an outstanding success to date and we are delighted that in recognition of this that the Scottish Government has given its approval for the third phase to commence. Its clear to see that convenience stores throughout Scotland are playing a key role in the economic recovery and in supporting local suppliers to find a new route to market. In addition, retailers are able to develop their proposition by offering their customers a high quality, locally sourced, fresh and healthier food offering. Everyone benefits.”

Scotland Food & Drink chief executive James Withers said: “The decision from the Scottish Government to fund the third phase of Go Local demonstrates a clear commitment to increasing the local supply base amongst the convenience sector in Scotland.

"As consumers continue to seek out the best quality Scottish products from their local convenience stores, we will work together with the Scottish Grocers Federation to ensure we are creating and maximising any opportunities for Scottish producers to work with these retailers.”

The SGF Go Local programme was designed to aid the economic recovery of Scotland’s food and drink sector by increasing sales of Scottish local products in the convenience sector to help mitigate losses in other channels because of Covid-19.