MORE Scottish produce is making its way onto supermarket shelves as retailers increase home-grown sourcing and introduce new Scottish product lines.
The latest findings from NFU Scotlands ShelfWatch campaign show improvements across several major food categories, including milk, eggs, potatoes, chicken, pork and red meat.
ShelfWatch monitors the origin and visibility of produce sold by major retailers in Scotland, with the farming union using the findings to press supermarkets to increase their support for Scottish farmers and food producers.
Recent audits found more than 80 per cent of fresh milk available in the Scottish stores surveyed was labelled as Scottish, while the figure for eggs is approaching 75 per cent.
Aldi recorded 100 per cent Scottish sourcing for potatoes, eggs, milk and cream, while Tesco has increased the proportion of Scottish potatoes it sources by 15 per cent.
Lidl recorded the highest proportion of Scottish chicken at more than 91 per cent, while all retailers surveyed continued to source 100 per cent British fresh chicken.
Scottish sourcing was also found to be strong across soft fruit, pork and red meat.
M&S recorded a figure of 98 per cent in the latest audit, overtaking Co-op.
The campaign is also reporting changes in the number and visibility of Scottish products being offered by some of the countrys biggest supermarkets.
Asda has introduced more than 200 new Scottish product lines alongside increased promotion, while Morrisons is trialling a Scottish-first approach to merchandising.
Tesco has introduced Scottish-labelled pork and Aldi has agreed a three-year extension with Browns Group for the continued supply of Scotch Prime Pork.
NFU Scotland says the results demonstrate that its engagement with supermarkets is beginning to influence retailers decisions.
President Andrew Connon said: ShelfWatch is proving that constructive engagement works.
Retailers know we are measuring performance, publishing results and recognising progress. That is changing conversations and, importantly, changing what is appearing on supermarket shelves.
NFU Scotland has met six of the UKs eight largest retailers over the past month, with ShelfWatch discussed at each meeting.
Mr Connon said one retailer had even referred directly to its position in the campaigns rankings, telling the union: Were sixth in your league table, and we need to climb that table.
However, the union says the price paid for Scottish produce remains just as important as the amount reaching supermarket shelves.
As well as monitoring provenance, ShelfWatch examines shelf prices, with NFU Scotland arguing that excessive discounting or measures to restrict food prices must not result in financial pressure being passed back down the supply chain to primary producers.
Mr Connon said: The direction of travel is positive, but there is more to do.
Scottish farmers produce world-class food and we know provenance matters to many shoppers.
We want consumers who choose to buy Scottish to be able to identify those products easily, with clear labelling and good visibility in stores.
NFU Scotland says research showing 71 per cent of Scottish shoppers are more likely to purchase a product displaying the Saltire demonstrates the potential demand for clearly identified Scottish food.
The union says ShelfWatch will continue monitoring retailers and pushing for greater visibility for home-grown produce, while also calling for a supply chain which allows farmers and crofters to receive a sustainable return for the food they produce.
