Scotland supermarket produce is only 26% Scottish, says NFUS
© Tim Scrivener NFU Scotland has revealed that, on average, just 26% of own-label products on supermarket shelves in Scotland are Scottish, despite retailers’ public commitments to local sourcing.
Publishing its ShelfWatch: Year in Review 2025-26 report (opens as PDF), NFU Scotland (NFUS) said it audited more than 80,000 own-label products across 2025, with a further 20,000 assessed in January 2026 alone.
The large-scale analysis found disparities between retailers’ stated support for Scottish farmers and crofters and the reality on shelves.
See also: Aldi tops Scottish sourcing in latest NFUS ShelfWatch report
The report highlights strong performances from some retailers. Aldi tops the table for Scottish sourcing alone, with 65% of its own-label lines labelled Scottish.
When Scottish and wider UK sourcing are combined, the Co-op ranks first – with Scottish-labelled products making up almost one in three of its lines.
Both the Co-op and Aldi recorded less than 2% imported goods. In contrast, Asda’s imported own-label lines stood at 23%, and Tesco was 16%.
‘More still to do’ – Aldi boss
Aldi Scotland’s buying director, Alan Leslie, said: “Scotland’s larder is world-renowned, and we take great pride in championing Scottish sourcing at Aldi.
“Our dedicated Scottish buying team has supported local farmers and producers since 2009, helping us bring the freshest, top-quality products to our stores.
“Being recognised once again as Scotland’s leading supermarket for Scottish produce reflects our continuous progress, but we know there’s more to do.”
Co-op pride
Highlighting the Co-op’s approach, director of commercial Nicole Tallant said:
“We’re proud to champion home-grown and locally sourced products across our stores, as part of our long-term commitment to sourcing all our own-brand fresh and frozen meat, fresh milk and cream from British farms.
“We are pleased that our sourcing of British-grown produce – which includes Scottish blueberries, potatoes and carrots – has been recognised by NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch.”
Sandy Milne, an NFUS member and farmer representative on the Co-op Dairy Group committee, who farms in Angus, has supplied the Co-op with milk for a number of years.
He said: “I’ve seen first-hand the retailer’s long-term support for Scottish farmers bringing goods like milk from my farm to shelves across Scotland, for which I have been very proud to be a part of.”