NFU Scotland has challenged the UK’s largest retailers to work with the industry to increase Scottish produce on shelves.
This follows the publication of full year results for the Union’s ShelfWatch initiative, which showed a very mixed picture in respect of sourcing levels across eight major retailers. ShelfWatch, an initiative aimed at monitoring the availability of Scottish produce on sale at Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Lidl, M&S Food, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, conducted research over four phases throughout 2024 and early 2025.
Results released this week revealed stark variations in Scottish sourcing, with just 17% of all own-label products from Scotland. Aldi was the clear front runner, leading the rankings in every phase of research with an overall average of 40%. In second place was Lidl with a 30% average and Co-op in third with 22%. Meanwhile, M&S Food had the biggest, albeit modest, improvement across the year in its support for Scottish produce.
In response to this analysis, NFU Scotland has identified a potential £500m opportunity for Scottish farmers, crofters and growers if levels of Scottish sourcing were increased by just 12% in the coming years. To achieve this, NFU Scotland has written to all eight retailers setting out this challenge and outlining areas where the Union would like to see action.
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.”
