Asda gives boost to Scotland’s food and drink sector
Asda is to expand its range of local products in stores in Scotland with the addition of 140 new lines from new and existing suppliers.
The announcement was made at a reception at the Scottish Parliament 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 include cakes, crisps, yoghurts, pies, sausages, biscuits, beer, gin and whisky, Asda will also welcome new suppliers FreshMex, Rora Dairies and Hebridean Food Group to its portfolio.
Brian Boyle, Asda senior director retail, Scotland, said: “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 is continuing tow work with long-standing suppliers such as Nairn’s, Graham’s Dairies and Mackie’s who are continuing to innovate with new products. Others are also 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, Asda local buying manager for Scotland, added: “Our Scottish suppliers offer exceptional range, quality and innovation and we’re very proud to showcase our new suppliers and products. This includes FreshMex, one of our brand-new suppliers, who have branched out from an award-winning restaurant business into retail for the first time.
“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!”
