The Scottish government has declared that regulations restricting the promotion of foods and drink products high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) in stores will be implemented starting from autumn 2026.
The initial plan has been modified to exclude temporary price reductions (TPRs) and meal deals from the restrictions.
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Free-standing display units will not be subject to these rules.
The adjustment aligns Scotland’s approach more closely with policies already in place in England and Wales.
The price promotion restrictions will apply to businesses with a workforce exceeding 50 employees, which includes stores affiliated with franchise or symbol group networks. These restrictions target promotional strategies such as multi-buy offers and complimentary refills on sugary soft drinks.
Retail spaces larger than 2,000ft² will face location restrictions, with HFSS products not permitted for display near checkout counters, aisle ends, sheltered external areas of the store and entrances.
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By GlobalDataThe Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) policy and public affairs head Luke McGarty stated: “SGF believes in responsible community retailing and our members work hard to deliver lifeline services to communities across Scotland. So, it’s a big win for SGF and the sector that the Scottish government has listened to our concerns about the practicality and impacts of including cost saving deals for customers such as meal deals and TPRs in the measures.”
The government said the scope of the promotional restrictions in Scotland will be focused on prepackaged food and drink items that are categorised as HFSS, according to the 2004/05 nutrient profiling model.
This evaluates food and beverage products based on their nutritional content, using a scoring system to determine their classification. Foods with a score of 4 or more, and beverages with a score of 1 or more, are designated HFSS and will be subject to the forthcoming promotional restrictions.
McGarty added: “One area where we do have questions, however, is the decision to include independent retailers that are part of a symbol group in the price promotion restrictions. Nonetheless, we argued for a longer implementation period to ensure the sector has time to adjust to the measures, so we are delighted that this concern has been taken into consideration by ministers.
“Over the next 16 months, SGF will be working with ministers to ensure that retailers have clear guidance and everything they need to make the transition as easily as possible.”
