Scottish Bakers, a trade body for Scotland’s bakery sector, has responded to the recent HFSS consultation initiated by the Government, stating that the plans will make it more difficult for Scotland-based businesses to compete “on a level playing field.”

The consultation is seeking to introduce distinct trading regulations for businesses that sell goods in Scottish stores.  These differ from regulations in other regions of the UK.

Unlike the rest of the UK, the Scottish Government will move ahead with introducing restrictions on temporary price reductions, meal deals, free refills of sugar sweetened drinks and freestanding display units. Scottish Bakers said that the action will, in turn, make it more complex for Scotland-based business to compete on a level playing field.

Scottish Bakers chief executive Lesley Cameron commented: “The plans are poised to significantly affect small-scale Scottish food and beverage producers, intensifying the complexity and financial burden associated with selling bakery products in Scotland.

“Scottish Bakers is committed to actively influencing these regulations during the consultation process, advocating for considerations of their impact on our members. Concurrently, the Reformulation for Health initiative remains steadfast in supporting Scotland’s food and beverage industry in enhancing the health profile of their products.”