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Gordon MP Writes to Retailers Asking Them to Do More

NFUS SURVEY REVEALS STRONG SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH PRODUCE IN SOME SUPERMARKETS WHILE OTHERS ARE LETTING DOWN PRODUCERS 

Gordon MP Richard Thomson has reacted to NFU Scotland’s ‘Shelfwatch’ survey which was carried out recently across supermarkets in Scotland to gauge support for Scottish produce. 

Mr Thomson is a strong supporter of local produce and recently took time out to visit NFU Scotland’s event at Aldi’s Beach Boulevard Aberdeen Branch to thank local farmers for promoting Scottish produce and support their efforts in getting the message across to the public. 

The results of the NFUS survey showed strong support for Scottish produce from Aldi, with Lidl and Morrisons also performing strongly.  Disappointingly, three retailers – Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s – had less than 10 per cent of Scottish produce overall. 

Commenting on the survey’s findings, Richard Thomson MP said: 

“I congratulate NFUS on this initiative which has painted a clear picture of who is supporting Scottish producers and which retailers have much more to do.  

“We know that locally-produced is always best in terms of food miles, but here in the North-east we also know that our farmers produce some of the best and tastiest produce to be found. 

“Consumers must be given the opportunity to support local and Scottish produce wherever they shop.  I have therefore written to Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda who came out of the survey particularly poorly to encourage more support for local and Scottish producers from their Scottish stores.” 

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Note: Photo attached shows Gordon MP Richard Thomson (centre) with NFUS Vice-President Andrew Connon (extreme left) and North-east NFUS Organiser Lorna Paterson (second right) at an event promoting Scottish produce supported by Aldi. 

• Press Release