Asda is enhancing its range of local products in Scotland, with the addition of 140 lines from new and existing Scottish suppliers – an increase of more than 20% on the retailer’s existing range.
The announcement came at a parliamentary reception yesterday, which was held to showcase Asda’s local suppliers to MSPs and food and drink sector stakeholders.
As well as 140 new local products, which includes cakes, crisps, yoghurts, pies, sausages, biscuits, beer, gin and whisky, Asda will also welcome three new suppliers to its portfolio. FreshMex, a restaurant business with its first retail offering; Rora Dairies, which produces local yoghurts; and Hebridean Food Group, which creates a range of ready meals.
Brian Boyle, Asda’s Senior Director Retail for Scotland, commented: “Local sourcing in Scotland has been a priority for Asda since we opened our first store here more than 50 years ago – and our customers tell us they want to see great quality local products in their stores, at competitive prices.
“We care about local sourcing because it’s a cornerstone of our business – supporting the communities we serve. We were delighted to have so many suppliers join us to sample and showcase some of the 140 exciting and innovative new products we are going to see this year on shelves in Asda stores across the length and breadth of Scotland.”
Asda noted that established suppliers, like Nairn’s, Graham’s Dairies and Mackie’s continue to innovate in the creation of new products. Meanwhile, others are growing their business across the border, like the Loch Lomond Group, which has just expanded its range of spirits with Asda, both in Scottish stores and across the whole of the UK.
Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager for Scotland, said: “We help our suppliers grow their businesses in a way that works for them, whether that’s with new local products in only a few of our shops, going national with UK-wide listings or joining the many Scottish suppliers making own-label products for Asda. And we’re always on the lookout for new Scottish lines!”
