Every retailer reportedly increased their support for Scottish produce, which is up from 19% at the same point last year. When Scottish and British products are combined, said NFU Scotland, the figure rises to 89%.

Scottish sourcing increased year-on-year for chicken, soft fruit, vegetables and fresh pork, while milk and eggs showed “particularly high” levels of Scottish sourcing.

NFU Scotland said the figures “also showed what retailers can achieve through their sourcing decisions”. Aldi led the way, recording the biggest year-on-year increase of just over a quarter, taking it to 68% Scottish sourcing, followed by Lidl at 51%. Co-op and M&S were both around 30%, while Tesco continued to improve, reaching 23%.

Alan Leslie, buying director at Aldi Scotland, commented: “We know Scottish shoppers want to buy local wherever they can, which is why we invest so heavily in sourcing from Scottish suppliers, and in clear labelling that shows customers exactly where their food comes from.

“Scottish farmers and producers are at the heart of our range, so it’s hugely encouraging to see that recognised once again by NFU Scotland. Almost seven in every ten own-label fresh products on our Scottish shelves now come from Scottish farms. This is the result of long-term partnerships with suppliers who produce some of the best food anywhere in the world.

“That matters all the more at a time when farmers and producers in Scotland and across the UK are facing rising costs, unpredictable weather and volatile markets. We believe retailers have a crucial role to play in supporting them, which is why we remain committed to working closely with our suppliers and with organisations like NFU Scotland so that we can keep filling our shelves with the very best Scottish food and drink.”

However, NFU Scotland warned that progress on sourcing could not be taken for granted, and said that current policies under discussion on food price caps, imports, production standards and misleading labelling could have “significant implications” for Scottish producers and the food available to consumers.

As noted in the Scottish Government’s own consultation, said NFU Scotland, there is a real risk that proposals to introduce a food price cap on essential items could create additional commercial pressure on retailers to meet a fixed selling price. This could make cheaper imported food more attractive, increasing the risk of Scottish produce being displaced from supermarket shelves, and such proposals could also further erode producers’ already limited bargaining power, creating additional uncertainty and pressure for domestic production.

NFU Scotland went on to say that at the same time, the impact of imports and production standards must be considered. If Scottish producers are expected to meet higher production standards, while competing with food produced to different standards at a lower cost, this risks creating an uneven playing field. Clear country-of-origin labelling is also important so consumers can see where their food comes from and make informed choices.

“Efforts to improve food affordability must not come at the expense of the farmers and crofters producing that food.”

NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon commented: “The latest ShelfWatch figures show that domestic sourcing is holding up, with some really positive examples of retailers increasing their support for Scottish farmers and crofters.

“This matters because a resilient food supply starts with a resilient primary production sector. Farmers and crofters need a viable market for the food they produce, and retailers have a hugely important role to play in maintaining and strengthening domestic supply chains.

“But this progress cannot be taken for granted. Proposed food price caps could create additional commercial pressure on retailers, making cheaper imported food more attractive and potentially displacing Scottish produce from our own supermarket shelves.

“Any pressure created at the retail end of the supply chain risks being passed back through processors and suppliers to the primary producer, putting further pressure on the businesses already carrying the cost of producing our food. Efforts to improve food affordability must not come at the expense of the farmers and crofters producing that food.”

The Union called for greater transparency across the food chain, which it said was needed to understand where Scottish food is being used and to ensure producers can benefit from a growing demand for domestic produce.