Three of the UK’s major retailers have defended to the BBC their record of offering consumers local food following an investigation by two of the broadcaster’s reporters in Scotland.

Tesco, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer all told the BBC they were committed to using produce from the areas where their stores were located.

The responses came after a week-long experiment by reporters Giancarlo Rinaldi and Angela Soave in the south of Scotland trying to survive on food from the local areas alone. They described their difficulties in sourcing goods in larger supermarkets.

The food challenge took place in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. Both reporters said it had proved difficult to find local produce in bigger stores.

Tesco said it had much to be proud of in its work in Scotland in general, and Dumfries and Galloway in particular. A spokesman said: “Tesco works together with local communities and regional suppliers to bring our customers a wide range of quality Scottish products. We recognise the importance of buying locally to ensure freshness and quality and are privileged to work with more than 150 Scottish suppliers from the Highlands and Islands to Dumfries and Galloway.” He said many small producers had benefited from Tesco’s work with the retailer.

Morrisons said it was constantly reviewing its specific local and regional ranges. A spokeswoman said a successful launch of a Yorkshire range was likely to see a similar concept in its Scottish stores in the next 12 months. She said: “We have established relationships with over 100 Scottish suppliers to ensure that we offer the best Scottish products to our customers. In season, Scottish strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are available.

A spokeswoman for Marks & Spencer said it sourced more than £260m of its food from Scottish suppliers. “Where possible we sell Scottish produce in Scottish stores, but an increasing amount is sold in the rest of the UK,” she said. “Our approach to food sourcing is centred on working in partnership with farmers and growers. We also believe in the importance of consumer awareness in driving best practice and have worked hard to respond to the increasing demand for information.”

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