Group shot of 2025 winners

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