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 campaigning voice of more than 1,500 local shops. As the convenience store champion SGF supports its members through lobbying, advice on legislation and issues that affect retailers, and through learning and networking events.

Membership of SGF comprises both retailers and suppliers, and the organisation prides itself on its ability to garner information and knowledge from the sector as a whole. This is then used to provide insight and practical help to benefit all members.

The core purpose of SGF is to lobby and champion the Scottish convenience store channel through strong leadership and good communication.