Scotland’s wholesaler stars recognised

The SWA Achievers awards celebrated the resilience and perseverance of the Association’s wholesaler and supplier members in another enormously challenging year.

by Liz Wells

Scotland’s wholesalers have been recognised by the industry at the annual Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards.

More than 400 people attended the Achievers gala dinner and awards presentation, hosted by TV presenter Amy Irons, at the Sheraton Grand, Edinburgh, with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes in attendance.

Multiple winners on the night included United Wholesale Scotland, which won Best Cash & Carry for its depot in Queenslie, Glasgow, Best Technology Initiative, and Best Business Initiative.

Lomond Foods’ Meghan Henderson won the Rising Star of Wholesale category and the company also claimed the top prize in the Best Delivered Operation – Foodservice.

Wick-based Sutherland Brothers collected the Best Licensed Wholesaler accolade, while Green Wholesaler of the Year went to Booker, and Dundee’s CJ Lang won the Community Service Award.

Achievers crowned Hazel Boyd of Heineken UK the Supplier Sales Executive of the Year and soft drinks producer AG Barr won both the Best Overall Service and Best Foodservice Supplier categories.

Meanwhile, new category the Outstanding Achievement Award was won by Millers Larder, and Best Advertising Campaign went to Tennent’s Lager for its ‘Don’t Worry England. We Bottle It Too’ campaign.

Colin Smith, SWA Chief Executive, said: “At our last Achievers, in 2019, I spoke about how the industry was witnessing unprecedented change – little did I know that the most unprecedented disruption and change was waiting in the wings.”

He added: “It is often said that success is hard-won in challenging times and tonight that speaks for itself, and we celebrate and acknowledge the resilience and perseverance of our wholesaler and supplier members.”