The Scottish Grocer’s Federation (SGF) has announced that its Go Local Programme has received approval for a wider rollout and extension until the end of May 2026.
Administered by the SGF, the Go Local Programme provides individual grants for retailers to invest in expanding dedicated space for local products.
SGF said that the project, which was launched in December 2020 aimed at promoting locally sourced Scottish produce, will now “enter Phase 6 with 158 stores, representing communities and producers across the country, now flying the ‘Go Local’ banner.”
In Phase 6, an additional £195k will be allocated to the programme, with plans to select a minimum of forty stores that represent a broad range of geographic and demographic areas. This will help secure more display space for Scottish products. Additionally, the programme will leverage existing Scottish supplier databases to expand the supplier base and enhance customer choice.
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“Taking part in the programme results in an average growth in sales of goods sourced from local producers of 44%,” SGF said, adding that a report from earlier this year “provides evidence of a significant multiplier impact and boost for the local economy, with expected increases of around £169k per store per annum”.
The wider rollout came as the result of the project winning ScotGov approval, after cabinet secretary for rural affairs Mairi Gougeon MSP approved the expansion.
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Commenting on the announcement, Gougeon said: “Since 2020, we have been working with the Scottish Grocers Federation to get more Scottish products on the shelves in local convenience stores. We know people want to buy and support local producers and that’s why I am absolutely delighted to announce that we are providing a further £195,000 funding for phase 6 of the ‘Go Local’ programme”.
She added: “It’s great to see the impact the programme has made in the last five years, with over 130 stores supported by ‘Go Local’, 103 local producers participating in meet the buyer events and participating stores on average stocking 36% more Scottish local produce”.
Jamie Buchanan, programme director of Go Local said retailers see benefits from the project including “direct access to their local market while also improving sustainability, cutting out long-distance transport costs.”
“Customers ensure they are getting only the best quality local produce and provide a boost for their local economy at the same time,” he continued.
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