The SGF Healthy Living Programme is set to launch into 2019 with renewed energy and vigour, as well as a range of all-new in-store materials including POS and stands.
by Antony Begley
A new year is set to bring a vibrant new look and direction for the SGF Healthy Living Programme (HLP) as it aims to encourage more local retailers in to use healthy eating events as a way of engaging with the local community.
The HLP has been given a new lease of life since Kathryn Neil was named as Director in the wake of Ross Kerr’s retirement and with 2018 almost at a close, she is brimming with excitement about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both the HLP and for Scotland’s local retailers. She told SLR: “There’s no question that 2018 was a year of change for the Programme and that meant a lot of work in the background but our sights are now firmly fixed on 2019 and there’s a lot to look forward to.
“We will be unveiling some new activities and initiatives next year as we continue our drive to help and encourage local retailers to make sure they are offering their customers healthier options in-store.”
As revealed at the recent Scottish Grocers’ Federation Centenary Conference, a major thrust of the HLP’s activity next year will be the roll out of a brand-new range of in-store POS and equipment.
“We’ve been working on this for a while because we really wanted to get it right and ensure that the materials we’re providing to retailers really do help them grow sales and footfall,” says Neil. “We’ve learned a lot over the years about what works well in-store and also where there’s room for improvement. We’re confident that the new materials will deliver an even better performance in-store for retailers and will help grow sales of healthier products.”
The new package includes a new ‘hero’ image, new POS and new HLP stands. “We believe they are really vibrant and impactful, and we hope that retailers will agree and will be keen to upgrade,” says Neil.
Neil also says that 2019 will see fresh new initiatives from HLP but won’t be drawn quite yet on what exactly they are.
“All will be revealed in 2019,” she says. “I can tell you, however, that we will be engaging more actively than ever with suppliers and retailers to capitalise on the increasing interest in healthier lifestyles and diets among Scottish consumers. I would encourage retailers to join us on that journey.”