Monitoring the use of location promotions in retail outlets: a baseline

In 2022, approximately two-thirds of all adults in Scotland were living with overweight or obesity (67%), with higher prevalence in men (70%) compared with women (63%). Excess body fat increases risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and 13 types of cancer (including breast and bowel). People in more socially disadvantaged groups are more likely to be overweight and obese compared to more socially advantaged groups. There is extensive evidence that the marketing of High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) products contributes to rising rates of overweight and obesity for children, young people and adults. These marketing activities include the use of location promotions for HFSS products by retailers. Evidence across a range of countries, demonstrates that restrictions on location promotions of HFSS products and an increase of availability of healthier products may improve purchasing and consumption of healthier food items. In early 2024, the Scottish Government consulted on measures to restrict the promotion of HFSS products where they are sold to the public, including across retail and out-of-home settings. The introduction of location promotion restrictions in Scotland presents a unique opportunity to examine the impact of restrictions on location promotions through pre/post testing. Collecting baseline data prior to the introduction of potential restrictions is essential to enable robust evaluation of the impact of the restrictions should they be implemented.

The primary aim of the study is to understand the current use of location promotions (e.g. end of aisle, check outs) in retail outlets where food is sold direct to the public for products to be in scope of the proposed regulations in Scotland. The purpose of this research is to generate a baseline from which changes can be compared post implementation.