Minister launches SGF healthy living programme

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Published on Monday, 16 January 2012 09:37

The Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, launched the SGF health living programme at the weekend at his local Scotmid store in Kilsyth Road, Haggs, near Bonnybridge. 

The aim of the campaign is to increase consumer awareness that healthy food is available within their local convenience store and at an acceptable price.  

The campaign is part of the Scottish Grocers Federation Healthyliving Programme focusing on fruit & vegetables, milk, water, porridge, fruit drinks, low fat yoghurt, wholemeal bread and chicken.  These foods will be highlighted in stores as being good for a healthy diet.

Colin McLean, Chief Operating Officer at Scotmid Co-operative, said, "Scotmid operates at the heart of Scottish communities and as such we feel a strong responsibility toward our customers to provide a range of foods which includes many healthy options.  As an ethical Co-operative Society we have supported a number of health issues over the years; most recently this includes a diabetes in schools project, promoting dental health in children, and the installation of defibrillators in our stores."

Michael Matheson MSP, said, "We are determined to help people make healthy lifestyle choices and improve the nation's diet.  Many consumers are on the lookout for both affordable and nutritious, good quality food.  That's why we are supportive of initiatives that highlight good value, healthy options and help promote healthier options all year round."

Ross Kerr, the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) Healthyliving Programme Director, said, "This winter's healthy eating event has been organised to make consumers aware that their local convenience store stocks a good range of healthier alternatives.  Scotmid has been at the front with its support of this programme and is featuring this particular event throughout all its stores with an exciting offering of promotions across a variety of healthier for you products. 

"The SGF Healthyliving Programme has been the driver of healthy eating within convenience stores throughout Scotland with over 1,060 stores now involved."

Scotmid has been involved in The SGF Healthyliving Programme since its inception in 2004.  This promotion began on 4 January and runs until 6 March. 

December Edition of Community Shop

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Published on Monday, 19 December 2011 18:12

Please click here to download the December edition of Community Shop.

SGF Chief Executive, John Drummond, Comments on Nielsen Figures

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Published on Friday, 16 December 2011 10:50

It is our view that it would be premature to state unequivocally whether the 2010 Alcohol Act had reduced alcohol consumption in Scotland.

Having talked to our members we do not recognise the drop in alcohol sales to the magnitude suggested by the Nielsen figures reported in The Grocer.

That is not to say that sales aren’t suffering right now. This is an exceptionally difficult time for retailers, particularly in Scotland where consumer confidence and sales are lagging behind the rest of the UK.

Even the most cursory glance at the latest retail figures demonstrates how difficult the retailing environment in Scotland is and how exceptionally careful consumers are being with their money.

What the figures don’t report is whether there has been any corresponding increase in online sales and upon whose shoulders any reported decline in consumption rests.

My fear, as with minimum pricing, is that when government interferes with price it is the low and moderate drinkers which are penalised the most.

SGF Responds to SRC Sales Figures

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Published on Friday, 16 December 2011 10:49

The Christmas period is a vitally important time for retailers and we would have hoped that November sales would be more buoyant, providing a better springboard into December.

However, these figures are a reminder of the squeeze household budgets all across Scotland are experiencing with consumer confidence in Scotland continuing to lag behind the rest of the UK.

They should also be considered amongst the wider pressures facing retailers, which like households, are not immune from the dual pressure of contracting incomes and rising overhead costs.

That is why it was so disappointing that the Scottish Government missed their opportunity to help retailers during their recent announcement to proceed with a hike in business rates of 5.6% next April. This is an extra burden the sector could well do without.

SGF responds to 5.6% increase in business rates

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Published on Friday, 09 December 2011 20:55

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance confirmed yesterday that the 2012-13 business rates poundage will be 45p meaning a 5.6% increase next April in business rates.

Commenting on the announcement SGF Chief Executive, John Drummond, said:

“We welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment to allow businesses to spread the 5.6% increase over three years but this sugar coating doesn’t disguise the fact that this is a bitter pill to swallow.

“September’s Retail Price Index was anomalously high and forecasts predict that inflation will be closer to 3% next April.

“Scottish retailers, like households, are not immune from the dual pressures of contracting incomes and rising overhead costs and the situation isn’t made any easier by a continuous raft of Government-imposed regulations which has cost the sector dear in recent years.

“This is clearly a missed opportunity for the Scottish Government which has on numerous occasions called on HM Government to give it the power to cut corporation tax, yet refuses to use an economic lever it does have to make businesses more competitive.

“The small business bonus scheme, whilst welcome, will be little succour for a great many of our members.”