HFSS promotion ban: ACS launches retailer survey

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched a survey to understand how businesses intend to respond upcoming regulations on high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products.

The government has last week confirmed that the restrictions on the promotions on HFSS foods in stores will come into force in October next year.

The measures will be applicable to medium and large businesses, including those with 50 or more employees or over 2,000 sq ft. Symbol groups are treated as large businesses, thereby including retailers affiliated to such groups in the scope of the scheme.

The survey asks retailers and suppliers to share anonymised feedback on the location, promotions and categories they are most concerned about and how they plan to mitigate these challenges.

“These are some of the most impactful regulations our sector will have dealt with in recent years. Retailers, wholesalers and suppliers all want to understand how their supply chain partners are responding, and this survey should help everyone to plan for the new rules taking effect from October 2022,” James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said.

ACS urged all retailers and suppliers impacted by the regulations to respond to the survey by 13 August 2021.