In an effort to combat obesity and reduce health disparities, the Welsh Government has proposed prohibiting meal deals and multi-buy offers. However, industry representatives have cautioned that this could be detrimental to food producers, reduce food selection, and increase food prices.
Sara Jones, the head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, discussed the proposed ban on meal deals and seasonal promotions on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast. She stated that members could support certain proposals, such as multi-buy bans, and concurred that the government is attempting to combat obesity and promote public health. However, she was concerned about the disproportionate impact on producers compared to the health benefits.
David Thomson, of the Food and Drink Federation Cymru, expressed concern over rising costs for Welsh residents at a time when families are already struggling to make ends meet. James Lowman, chief executive officer of the Association of Convenience Stores, remarked that the proposed rules were “unnecessarily inconsistent” with those agreed upon in England, putting additional pressure on retailers to begin from scratch at great expense.
A spokesperson for the Welsh government stated that any specific measures will be designed to promote healthier foods and reduce health inequalities and premature deaths, and that the crisis in the cost of living will be carefully considered when making decisions. The Welsh government has consulted widely and discussed these proposals with industry representatives. Currently, they are contemplating the next steps regarding price promotions and locations.
