The First Minister has called on supermarkets to take immediate action to address rising food prices, warning that households are already feeling the strain as costs continue to climb.
The appeal comes as food inflation increases, with concerns that further global pressures could push prices even higher in the months ahead.
Plans are already in place to introduce legislation later this year aimed at capping the cost of essential food items, but there is growing emphasis on the need for action now.
The proposed measures would apply to large supermarkets and focus on keeping the price of a core basket of everyday goods within reach for households.
Under the plan, a maximum price would be set for a selection of essential items, expected to cover up to 50 products.
This would include staple goods such as bread, milk, eggs, cheese, rice and chicken.
Supermarkets would still be able to set prices across the rest of their range, provided at least one version of each essential product remains below the capped level.
The approach is designed to balance affordability with flexibility, while ensuring that basic items remain accessible.
John Swinney said:
“The cost of food is through the roof and is hurting people in Scotland right now and the latest inflation figures show that it is only getting worse.
“It is a serious public health issue and we will legislate.
“The SNP Government will act with a bold plan to introduce a legal cap on the cost of essential food items as a matter of urgent priority after the election.
“We will have legislation in place this year to make essential food items more affordable for people.
“But that does not mean people are not struggling now, every time people get to the checkout with their messages, they are seeing the impact.
“So I am asking the large supermarkets to take immediate, voluntary action today in advance of the new law being in place this year.
“The big supermarkets have an opportunity to do the right thing by people who are struggling right now and I urge them to do it ahead of the legal cap being in place.
“Filling up a basket of essentials should not empty your pocket and an SNP Government on Scotland’s side will take action to support people during these tough times.”
Formal discussions with supermarkets, farmers and other stakeholders are expected to take place shortly after the election, with the aim of shaping how the policy is delivered.
The issue of food affordability continues to be a central concern for households, with pressure mounting on both government and retailers to respond.
