Scotland’s most innovative, forward-thinking wholesalers – and their people – have been recognised and rewarded by the industry at the annual Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards.
Now in its 22nd year and organised by the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), the awards recognise excellence across all sectors of the industry as well as the achievements that have made a difference to individuals, communities and businesses over the last year.
Over 500 guests attended the gala dinner and awards presentation, hosted by sports broadcaster Eilidh Barbour, at the O2 Academy Edinburgh last week (20 February).
Categories incorporated retail, foodservice, licensed, technology and sustainability and there was also an award for the wholesaler deemed Great Place to Work, this year won by Faílte Foods of Glasgow. The event also recognised wholesale members Dunns Food and Drinks and JW Filshill, both of which are celebrating their 150th anniversaries in 2025.
SWA chief executive, Colin Smith, said: “Tonight is all about recognising and celebrating the exceptional achievements of not only businesses but also individuals in the Scottish wholesale channel, the gateway to Scotland’s food and drink industry.
“The people who work in wholesale are the glue that binds our food and drink industry together – be it those who work in partnership with our producers and suppliers, or those who help support, develop and deliver into the local retailer, hotel, school or hospital.
“Today, Scotland’s wholesale industry is far more widely recognised by MSPs and MPs alike for the vital role it plays in the food and drink supply chain.
“Every wholesaler, every supplier – be they local or national, large or small – are an essential cog in Scotland’s complex food and drink supply chain. That’s why is it more important than ever that we celebrate their success and recognise everything they do to ensure that food and drink reaches our plates and tables.”
ACHIEVERS 2025 RESULTS
Rising Star of Wholesale
Matt Farmer, Brakes Scotland
Project Wholesale
AG Barr
Local Supplier of the Year
Taylors Snacks
Wholesale Driver of the Year
John Martin, Braehead Foods
Great Place to Work
Faílte Foods
Best Delivered Operation – Retail
United Wholesale (Scotland)
Best Delivered Operation – Foodservice
Brakes Scotland
Best Foodservice Supplier
AG Barr
Supplier Sales Executive of the Year
Craig Barr
Wholesale Local Food Champion
Megan Smith, Lomond Foods
Best Symbol Group
Spar Scotland, CJ Lang & Son
Sustainable Wholesaler of the Year
JW Filshill
Best Licensed Wholesaler – On-Trade
Inverarity Morton
Best Licensed Wholesaler – Off-Trade
United Wholesale (Scotland)
Employee of the Year
Megan Smith, Lomond Foods
Best Advertising Campaign
Irn-Bru ‘Mannschaft’
Best Innovation
Lynas Foodservice
Best Marketing Initiative
United Wholesale (Scotland)
Best Overall Service
AG Barr
Best Cash & Carry
United Wholesale (Scotland), Queenslie, Glasgow
Lifetime Achievement
Jonathan Kemp, AG Barr
Lifetime Achievement
Ian Johnstone, AG Barr
No comments yet