The Healthy Living Programme (HLP) is excited to announce that seven SPAR Scotland stores have successfully achieved Premium Status within our comprehensive Retailer Development Programme (RDP). This significant accomplishment underscores SPAR Scotland's deep-rooted commitment to fostering healthier communities and empowering consumers to make positive dietary choices.
Launched in 2023, the HLP's Retailer Development Programme is specifically designed to support and encourage Scottish convenience stores in enhancing their healthy product selections and promoting healthier lifestyles. The RDP features a tiered structure – Essential, Core, and Premium – providing a clear pathway for retailers to continually improve their offerings and community engagement.
Achieving Premium Status is a rigorous process, demanding excellence across various criteria. Stores must demonstrate outstanding performance in areas such as product range diversity, effective merchandising of healthy options, commitment to affordability and sustainability, inclusion of healthy food-to-go choices, proactive food waste management, and strong community involvement initiatives.
The seven SPAR Scotland stores now proudly holding HLP Premium Status are:
SPAR Scotland Company-Owned Stores:
- SPAR Bo’ness
- SPAR Crosshouse
- SPAR Garthamlock
- SPAR Hillfoot Road
Independent SPAR Stores:
- SPAR Blantyre
- SPAR Condorrat
- SPAR Renfrew
Kathryn Neil, our Programme Director, commented on this achievement: "SPAR Scotland has long been a vital partner and major supporter of the HLP. We are absolutely delighted that these seven stores have so clearly demonstrated their commitment to their customers and local communities by reaching our highest Premium level through the RDP. It is incredibly important to us to recognise the dedication and hard work these stores have invested in encouraging healthier choices for everyone."
This addition brings the total number of Premium status stores across Scotland to 17, reflecting a growing movement within the Scottish convenience sector towards prioritising public health. The Healthy Living Programme looks forward to continuing its valuable partnership with SPAR Scotland and supporting even more retailers in achieving this prestigious recognition, collectively strengthening the commitment to healthy living across the nation.
