About SGF

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) was established in 1918 during a time of grave emergency in the nation’s affairs, following over three years of warfare and appalling losses. It was a time at home of hardship and sacrifice, of national effort, as the food rationing scheme evolved with all its complex elements of coupons, controlled prices and never ending forms.

At this time Scottish grocers, by no means immune from all the other difficulties and sorrows that the war had brought, found themselves increasingly frustrated and hedged around by an army of controllers. There was no voice to speak for them.

John McClelland of Dunfermline campaigned around the country, calling on grocers in many parts of Scotland to give their support to the project of forming a national federation. He was the prime mover in connection with the historic meeting that eventually took place in March 1918.

By the end of the first year the Federation had steadily made its presence felt and grew in stature numbering 3,159 members.

Since 1918 the independent grocery sector has changed dramatically as has the role of SGF. 

Today, SGF is the authoritative voice for the trade to both policy makers and the media. The SGF brings together retailers throughout Scotland, from most of the Scottish Co-operative, SPAR, Scotmid, Nisa, Keystore, Costcutter, Martin McColl, Premier, Day Todays and local independents. Our members sell a wide selection of products and services throughout local town centre, rural and community stores. According to recent statistics (2007) there are just over 5,600 convenience stores throughout Scotland, with annual sales in excess of £3.2 billion.

SGF promotes responsible community retailing and works with the Government and the media to encourage a greater understanding of the contribution convenience retailers make to Scotland’s communities.The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is the trade association for the Scottish Convenience Store Sector.