The initiative is part of a strategic effort aimed at assisting Scottish food producers in enhancing the healthiness of their offerings, especially with the impending implementation of high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) regulations set to take effect later this year.
According to FDF Scotland, this funding opportunity is available to all manufacturers seeking to elevate the nutritional quality of their products, regardless of whether they fall under the HFSS guidelines.
Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage sector can apply for grants of up to £5,000, specifically designed to aid in reformulation projects that enhance the nutritional profile of their existing items.
The upcoming Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 will commence on 1 October 2026. These regulations will impose restrictions on HFSS products, which are assessed according to the UK Nutritional Profile Model (NPM), dictating where and how products can be marketed in retail locations.
For instance, HFSS items will be barred from promotions based on location, such as displays at store entrances or end-of-aisle positions, as well as from buy one get one free or multi-buy promotions. Additionally, seasonal and provenance-based marketing efforts—such as those for Burns Night, St Andrew’s Day, and Christmas—will also be impacted.
As the deadline for compliance approaches in less than six months, FDF Scotland is encouraging manufacturers, especially those dependent on these types of promotions, to take proactive steps.
“Once the Scottish HFSS regulations take effect this October, reformulation stands out as a crucial strategy to safeguard shelf space and promotional activities while enhancing the nutritional value of products,” noted Joanne Burns, the reformulation for health manager at FDF Scotland.
“Our Reformulation for Health Programme provides free, confidential assistance to manufacturers, helping them comprehend their NPM scores and explore viable reformulation options. This latest funding initiative aims to alleviate some financial burden and risk, and we highly recommend that Scottish SMEs seize this opportunity before the regulations are enforced.”
In addition to the funding, the FDF team will provide complimentary and confidential support, which includes guidance on navigating the regulations, calculating NPM scores, and identifying reformulation possibilities for any product category.
The funding of up to £5,000 can be allocated toward expenses like trial ingredients, nutritional analysis, recipe development software, and consulting services.
Pre- and post-reformulation NPM scores will be assessed to showcase the nutritional advancements achieved. Applications for the funding will remain open until 31 May 2026.