The Co-operative Group’s 350 Scottish stores have enjoyed a surge in patriotic shopping with sales of home-grown produce up 33% in value in the past year, the mutual has reported.
The fillip comes ahead of Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, which begins on 2 September during which Scots will enjoy a celebration of the nation’s produce and the people who produce and sell it.
Bakery and prepared meals have led the charge – up 45% each– with the likes of Glasgow-based McGhee’s, Aberdeenshire’s Murdoch Allan and Stornoway’s Stag Bakery shifting large amounts of sweet and savoury favourites.
Bells Pies and McIntosh of Strathmore’s have helped propel ready meals.
Locally-brewed ales and sprits, such as Aberdeen’s Fierce Beer and Edinburgh’s Pickering’s Gin, have enjoyed almost 40% sales growth.
And Scottish-produced dairy items have added 28% sales value on last year.
John McNeil the Co-op’s managing director in Scotland, said: “It’s great to see that we Scots are so patriotic when it comes to what we eat and drink.”
Scotland had “a proud heritage” in producing what he said were some of the most delicious delicacies in the world and its customers were passionate about buying food produced on home soil.
Charlotte Bleasdale, ranging manager, hoped customers would use Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight as “a great excuse to pop into their local store” and discover the ever-growing range of Scottish-sourced food and drink.
Fergus Ewing, Scottish cabinet secretary for the rural economy and connectivity, said the Co-op’s Scottish products’ sales figures provided yet more evidence that people were looking to buy quality Scottish produce.
“Scotland’s food and drink industry is a cornerstone of our economy, with exports worth a record £5.5 billion in 2016. We are working hard to support our producers to generate sustainable growth and further boost demand for Scottish produce both at home and abroad. Our supermarkets have a key role to play in helping us achieve our ambitions,” Ewing said.
No comments yet