Scottish independent SPAR retailers start free fruit trials with HLP

SPAR Scotland has rolled out the Healthy Living Programme (HLP) to independent stores, with five stores distributing free fruits to children as part of the Scottish government-funded programme.

SPAR Scotland has already completed three free trials in partnership with HLP in a number of company-owned stores across the country. The group is now turning its attention to rolling out the trial to independent SPAR retailer stores.

SPAR Blantyre and SPAR Inchture took part in the scheme on 16 March and SPAR Motherwell on 17 March. SPAR Scone is distributing free fruits today (22 March) and SPAR Kinmylies will be doing it tomorrow.

Visiting children will receive free apples, pears and bananas, and a team from HLP will be at every store event between 2pm and 4pm.

The campaign - a joint initiative between SPAR Scotland and HLP - encourages children to eat more fruit and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Paula Middleton, SPAR Scotland marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to roll this campaign out to our independent network for the first time. The trial has proved very popular, and we are grateful to get such great support from our SPAR retailers taking part.

“We know how important it is to encourage healthier snacking choices and consumers want to eat more produce. We have great quality fresh fruit and vegetables available in our stores and promoting this campaign remains a great way to persuade consumers to change their habits. It’s another step in connecting with our local communities.”

Kathryn Neil, programme director SGF Healthy Living Programme, added: “After the successful free fruit campaigns that SPAR Scotland have trialled throughout selected company-owned stores, it is encouraging that SPAR Scotland are now supporting their independent stores to also provide FREE fruit for children.

“The importance of introducing fruit to children’s diets at a young age is vital but unfortunately not all children have access to this simple food product. SPAR Scotland are assisting in taking away the barriers for children and promoting healthier lifestyles within their stores and linking with the local community.

“Through the ongoing partnership that we have with SPAR Scotland we aim to open the opportunities for all our younger generation to be tasting and accessing fruit and making this part of their everyday diet.”

The Healthy Living Programme has been working with convenience retailers since 2004 highlighting the availability of fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthier products from convenience stores across Scotland.

The programme is fully funded by the Scottish government and aims to connect local schools with convenience retailers. So far, they have engaged with over 18,000 school children across the country.