New rules ‘are a potential headache’
CONVENIENCE channel leaders are warning the new Scottish HFSS restrictions that come into force from today (1 October) add further complexity and potential confusion for retailers.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) says symbol store retailers face the complication of whether their contractual arrangements mean their businesses fall within scope of the regulations.
And while hundreds of everyday products may be affected by the new rules, small businesses will lack the time and resources to check every item, says the trade body.
The SGF claims that means many local stores could end up being heavily reliant on manufacturers and suppliers to provide clarity on which goods are non-HFSS compliant.
SGF chief exec Pete Cheema said: “The immediate challenge for many retailers is simply understanding what the new HFSS rules mean.
“For those in scope and operating stores over 2,000sq ft, the display location restrictions could mean a significant amount of products need to be reshelved.
“Whatever the circumstances, it is the retailers who will be held responsible for compliance.”
However, Cheema pointed out that the result of similar restrictions introduced south of the border two years ago seemed to show that there had been a minimal shift in consumer behaviour.
Instead, product reformulation by manufacturers to meet the health and nutritional requirements of the HFSS regulations had played a much bigger role in moving trends, the SGF chief exec said.
To help retailers whose stores are in scope, the SGF published a concise guide last month providing information about the products in scope, and details of the promotion, location and online restrictions to ensure full compliance across the sector.
The guide is available to download from the SGF website and Cheema added: “We recommend that anyone unsure of their responsibilities should check their position with their suppliers as soon as possible.”
