The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has announced that its Annual Conference 2026 will bring together leading industry figures, retailers and business partners to explore the future of convenience retailing. Held under the theme ‘Customer & Community: More Than a Store!’, the event will take place on 18 December at the Doubletree by Hilton, 36 Cambridge St, Glasgow, from 8:30am to 4pm.
Event Highlights and Key Speakers
Scottish broadcaster Rona Dougall will host the conference, which will feature a line-up of speakers including cabinet secretary for economy, tourism & transport Stephen Flynn MSP, alongside industry experts and prominent retailers. The event aims to provide an opportunity for the convenience retailing sector to come together, share insight, discuss challenges and opportunities, and celebrate the contribution independent and multiple convenience retailers make to communities across Scotland.
Historic Appointment for SGF
A key highlight of this year’s conference will be the announcement of Co-op operations director Kate McCrae as the next vice president of the trade association’s National Executive Board. McCrae’s appointment marks a significant milestone for SGF, as she becomes the first female vice president in the Federation’s history. Following two years in the role, she will go on to become SGF’s first female president.
The conference programme will combine business updates and sector insight with interactive sessions featuring the UK Deposit Return Scheme DMO, Exchange for Change, Bobby’s Foods, The Knowledge Bank and Allwyn.
Industry Leaders Respond
Pete Cheema, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, said: “The SGF Annual Conference is always a hugely important opportunity to bring our industry together, celebrate the contribution of convenience retailers and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing our sector.
“This year’s theme, ‘Customer & Community: More Than a Store!’, perfectly reflects the role that convenience stores play in communities across Scotland. Our retailers are much more than places to shop, they are at the heart of local communities, providing essential services, supporting local economies and responding every day to the changing needs of their customers.
“I’m particularly delighted to welcome Kate McCrae as our incoming vice president. Her appointment is a significant moment for SGF and I’m incredibly proud that she will become the first female president of the Federation in two years’ time.
“It is a fantastic milestone, and I look forward to working closely with Kate as she takes on this important leadership role.
“We have an excellent programme lined up for 2026, with a fantastic range of speakers, contributors and interactive sessions. I’m looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across the industry for what promises to be an engaging, informative and enjoyable day.”
Looking Ahead
The theme, ‘Customer & Community: More Than a Store!’, will run throughout the day, highlighting how convenience retailers continue to adapt, innovate and respond to changing customer expectations while playing an increasingly important role in the communities they serve. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear directly from key industry organisations and business partners, gain practical knowledge and explore developments that will shape the future of convenience retailing.
