Tesco cashes in on local goods

SALES of local produce are expected to generate more than £500 million this year for supermarket giant Tesco.

Regionally-produced food and drink have seen a sales increase of 40 per cent as customers choose to support local companies and reject bigger brands.

Tesco commercial director Willie Hamilton said: "Some 84 per cent of our customers are saying they would like to buy local lines. It's a fantastic opportunity and that's why we're investing so much."