Deposit Return Scheme will reduce choice in Scotland

Scotland leads the UK with a Deposit Return Scheme, but this will result in a reduction in wines sold in Scotland.

The unique packaging and administration required for the Scottish Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) means there are costs that can be too high for small suppliers to the Scottish market.

Plans by smaller drinks suppliers to pull out of the market have been flagged to UKHospitality Scotland who said that “suppliers are highlighting a number of drinks brands and products that will not be available in Scotland after 16 August 2023”.

Because of the up front payments to the government for the deposits, cashflow has been identified as a key problem for smaller players. In response Circularity Scotland has announced that £22 million of cashflow support will be made available to Scottish producers preparing for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).