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Supermarkets sign up for summit
21/04/2008
Chief Executives from all leading UK supermarkets have agreed in principle to take part in Scotland's first Supermarket Summit.
Representatives from all major stores will sit on the summit, to be hosted by First Minster Alex Salmond, to discuss the part they can play in helping to deliver the Scottish Government's five strategic objectives.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"This summit will be an important first for Scotland. By bringing all the Chief Executives together, one of the issues we may discuss is the part that retailers can play in the promotion of quality Scottish produce, reducing the negative environmental impact of food and improving the nation's health to help make Scotland greener, healthier and wealthier.
"It has become increasingly clear from our national discussion on a food policy that there is far more to food than what goes on your plate. People want to know where their food comes from, how it was grown and the impact production has had on the environment.
"The Scottish Government has stepped up our dialogue with our major retailers and this initiative will offer the prospect to build on that through a joint meeting with industry leaders. I look forward to meeting with the supermarket Chief Executives later this year to further develop our working links."
Asda, Co-Operative, Morrison, Marks and Spencer, Sainbury's, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose have all agreed in principle to attend the supermarket summit.
The discussion on the national food policy closes on April 25.