Major retailers have claimed that a new scheme can encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables to try to tackle obesity.

Eight of Scotland's biggest food sellers, including supermarket giants Tesco and Asda, have signed a commitment to help customers reach the government-recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Firms can choose from a list of initiatives, such as increasing the proportion of fruit and vegetables in their own-brand products like ready meals, smoothies and soups.

The cost of fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables could be kept "affordable", and items could be displayed in places where shoppers might be tempted to buy them on impulse.

Boots, The Co-operative, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Waitrose are also taking part in the voluntary arrangement, which is being co-ordinated by the Scottish Retail Consortium and is backed by the Scottish Government.

Consortium director Ian Shearer said: "The obesity challenge facing Scotland is considerable and retailers are committed to helping the Scottish government put a long-term strategy for tackling the problem into action.

"The advice to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day is well known. The further commitment being outlined today shows retailers are ready to do even more to help consumers eat healthily.

"The promise stores are signing up to will have an impact on how they price, promote and prepare fruit and vegetables. These are practical and affordable steps which make it easier for all customers to enjoy healthier diets."

Government figures for 2009 show that two thirds of men aged 16-64 and more than half of women in Scotland are overweight, which includes those classed as obese.

Obesity-related deaths in Scotland increased by over 40% to 196 in the five years to 2009.

Retailers can choose which of the initiatives on the list they want to put into practice. One option is ensuring a range of pre-prepared and ready-to-cook vegetables are available.

Sport Minister Shona Robison, who is responsible for healthy weight issues, welcomed the announcement.

She said: "Scotland is leading the way on this initiative, a key part of our Obesity Route Map strategy, and I am delighted that our work with retailers, producers and the food industry will help improve the availability of healthier foods.

"By enabling consumers to make informed choices about what is best to eat and the benefits of fruit and vegetables, this commitment from Scotland's retailers can help improve diet and tackle unhealthy weight."