Rising imports prompt NFU Scotland labelling call

NFU Scotland has called for tougher country-of-origin labelling on food sold in shops and the hospitality sector, warning consumers are often left in the dark about where ingredients come from.

Speaking at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston showground on 18 June, vice-president Duncan Macalister said clearer labelling would help shoppers make informed choices and support domestic production as imports rise.

The union’s latest ShelfWatch audit of supermarket shelves in Scotland found food imports increased by 5% over the past year, driven by an 11% rise in pork imports and a 19% jump in soft fruit.

See also: Labour MPs seek better labelling and stricter import standards

Mr Macalister said ShelfWatch evidence shows shoppers actively look for Scottish and British produce.

“We know consumers are looking for Scottish produce – and Scotland is looking for British produce,” he said.

While fresh products are often clearly labelled, he warned transparency is lacking in processed and out-of-home food.

“You can buy an egg in any retailer and it is a British egg,” he said. “You can buy an egg sandwich and it could come from anywhere – there is no label on it.”

NFU Scotland said stronger origin labelling rules are needed to close gaps in sourcing information, particularly in the foodservice sector.

UK burger – or is it?

Mr Macalister added consumers should be able to trust provenance claims. “If you are having a Scotch steak, is it actually Scotch? If you are having a burger, you assume it is UK – but is it?”

The union warned that rising imports, combined with higher costs and regulatory pressure, risk undermining domestic production.

It is urging the UK government to tighten origin labelling rules, step up scrutiny of food and grain imports, and ensure trade policy does not disadvantage Scottish producers.

“This is not about stopping imports,” Mr Macalister said. “It is about making sure they do not come at the expense of domestic production, and that consumers have clear information about where their food comes from.”