Retailers, officials and industry leaders gathered in Falkirk on 11 June for the Scottish Grocers Federation’s annual policy event, the SGF Mini-Summit, to discuss upcoming regulatory changes.
These include new restrictions on the sale and promotion of less healthy food and drink coming into force this autumn. The HFSS regulations will be followed by tighter controls on the sale and supply of tobacco and vapes from the end of 2026 and throughout 2027, with the UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme rolling out from October 2027.
Expert panellists from the Scottish Government, Trading Standards and across the industry provided guidance for retailers and suppliers, alongside discussion on the impact these changes will have on local shops and the services they provide.
The session also examined the rise in illicit trade and the need for stronger enforcement to tackle rogue sellers.
SGF Chief Executive Pete Cheema said: “The Scottish convenience sector is under immense pressure — from external and global issues, from the worrying trend in retail crime and illicit trade, and from a conveyor belt of new regulation coming into force over the next year.”
Cheema said the event highlighted those challenges, provided important guidance on compliance and the best advice for businesses on how to manage those changes.
He added: “SGF will continue to engage with government and decision makers on these key issues and ensure our sector’s voice is heard.”
