COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has raised her concern over the decline in Scottish-branded products on supermarket shelves.
These issue was highlighted by the SNP MSP at a Rural Affairs questions session in the Scottish Parliament.
She cited findings from NFU Scotland's most recent shelf watch report, which observed a reduction in the amount of Scottish-branded produce in all major supermarkets, with the exception of Lidl.
Following the session, Ms Ewing expressed her frustration, saying: "Scottish produce really is the best there can be.
"I get very frustrated when I see supermarkets transporting products from great distances when we have such a wonderful supply on our doorstep."
She advocated for clearer labelling, adding, "Many shoppers want the opportunity to buy Scottish produce and for the labelling to make it clear whether that is what we are getting."
The MSP commended Lidl for bucking the trend, and also praised the Scottish Government for its efforts to support Scottish suppliers and increase the availability of Scottish produce on supermarket shelves.
She was particularly pleased with the government’s commitment of £10 million between 2023 and 2025 to support the delivery of Scotland's food and drink strategy, ‘Sustaining Scotland. Supplying the World’.
Ms Ewing concluded by emphasising the power consumers wield in influencing retailer operations.
She said: "At the end of the day, in many ways, we have power in our own purses.
"As consumers we can influence the way in which retailers operate by making sure that when Scottish-branded produce is made available, we buy Scottish-branded produce, or by rewarding with our custom those supermarkets who stock more Scottish produce."
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