The annual search for Scotland’s local retailing stars has reached a major milestone as the shortlist for the 2026 SLR Awards is officially revealed. In a year defined by formidable hurdles the resilience and innovation of the Scottish local retailing sector continue to ensure the industry remains at the forefront of the UK market.
Among the most competitive categories this year is Fresh and Chilled which recognises stores that excel in offering high quality produce and meal solutions. The finalists for 2026 are
PGMA has returned as the category sponsor for Fresh and Chilled emphasising the importance of this sector in the modern convenience landscape. Martin Devlin the Commercial Manager at PGMA believes managing this category effectively is a non-negotiable for retailers looking to grow their business. Having a strong offer of good quality Fresh products that are a frequent repeat purchase helps not only to drive footfall but form the basis of a wider bigger basket spend for meal solutions.
The 23rd edition of the awards will take place on 17 June at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow. As part of the SLR Awards commitment to supporting the community all shortlisted stores are invited to attend the ceremony free of charge including overnight accommodation.
The event will bring together the individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond over the last twelve months to provide essential services to their local communities. Final judging visits are now underway to determine who will take home the top prize on the night.
