A new retailer that showcases the 'best of Scotland's independent food producers' has opened in the city centre.

Foodies, a store that provides retail space for over 60 artisan food sellers, opened its first location in Buchanan Galleries on Monday.

Traders include producers of coffee and specialist teas, honey, jams, chutneys, relishes, sauces, marinades and glazes.

The shop will also sell biscuits, chocolate, oatcakes, soft drinks, herbs, and seasonings.

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The concept was dreamed up by Lynzi Leroy, the chief executive of the non-profit Scottish Design Exchange (SDX), which features the work of hundreds of artists and designers at its stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as via its online store.

Foodies will have the same business model as SDX, giving traders the opportunity to have a high street presence.

The independent Scottish producers will pay a fixed monthly fee to rent space in the store and keep 100 per cent of their sales.

Responding to overwhelming demand from SDX traders and customers for a dedicated food store, Lynzi anticipates the new shop will be a hit with both tourists and Glaswegians.

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If successful, she hopes to open more Foodies shops across Scotland.

Lynzi said: “Scotland has some of the world’s finest food producers but, unless you are a big company with deep pockets, it can be hard to get your products in front of customers.

“Thousands of smaller, independent producers struggle to reach their target market, and the idea behind Foodies was borne out of a desire to help them.

“Other than at farmers’ markets, which tend to be limited to weekends and where footfall can be affected by poor weather, there is really nowhere for them to market and sell their products – until now.”

Kathy Murdoch, Centre Manager at Buchanan Galleries, said: “We’ve noticed an increase in our customers’ desire to shop more locally, and Foodies is the perfect solution thanks to the fantastic range of Scottish traders onboard.

“We’ve continuously supported the growth of Scottish Design Exchange within Buchanan Galleries and have watched the store go from strength to strength. We’re confident that Foodies, and its traders, will follow in the success of the 3 other SDX stores across Scotland, and bring locally made products to a wider customer base.

“With a huge range of products from over 60 proudly Scottish traders, Foodies will have something for everyone, and will no doubt tickle the tastebuds of our local Glaswegians looking for their favourite treats or tourists in search of a true taste of Scotland.”

Foodies will be located one unit away from the SDX Glasgow store which has been trading in Buchanan Galleries for the past five years. During that time, it has built a loyal customer base, generating more than 32,000 transactions, worth a total of £832,000 in sales, in the past year alone.