Sainsbury is hoping to replicate the early success of its Northern Irish local sourcing initiative with a similar scheme for the Scottish market, which could mark a further decentralisation of power from its Holborn HQ.
Scotland-branded areas are going into all its stores in the country, showcasing locally produced foods and covering an array of products from Scottish beef and more than 100 own label suppliers to iconic brands such as Irn Bru and Scott’s Porage Oats. The Taste of Scotland aisle will become a mainstay of its merchandising throughout its 20 Scottish stores.
A Sainsbury spokeswoman said the supermarket had spent up to £100m on Scottish produce in the past year and planned to significantly increase that figure. To help build sales, Sainsbury is also looking into setting up a buying unit in Scotland, as it did in Northern Ireland in August. It said some of its Scottish stores were now among its most successful.
“Following on from what we’ve done in Northern Ireland, we’re looking to increase our relationship with Scottish suppliers and sell more locally sourced food.”