The Scottish food and drink wholesale sector has been described by MSPs as an “unrecognised hero” and the “glue” of the supply chain at a debate in Scottish parliament.
Politicians from across the political spectrum united to commend the sector’s invaluable contributions to the food and drink sector, in their constituencies and the nation as a whole.
The Members’ Debate, initiated by Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, provided a platform for politicians from all parties to speak about the often overlooked, yet vital role of wholesalers in the food and drink supply chain.
Mr MacDonald stated: “The Scottish wholesale sector provides a vital service, ensuring our food and drink supply chain runs smoothly, supporting retail and hospitality businesses.
“The sector is undoubtedly crucial to the success of so many other businesses. It impacts on every village, town, and city across the country, and without the support of the wholesale sector many of our small convenience stores would struggle to survive. It is right that we both acknowledge and commend the contribution of the sector.”
Representatives from all political parties echoed MacDonald’s sentiments. David Torrance, SNP MSP for Kirkcaldy, highlighted the vital role of wholesalers in Fife, mentioning Fife Creamery especially, stating: “I take this moment to express my appreciation for the Scottish wholesaling sector and to highlight the success of wholesalers in my constituency.
“We would all be worse off if the sector were not as strong as it is, and we would do well to support its continued success. The Scottish Wholesale Association’s outlining of its members’ concerns represents a welcome first step towards considering how we can support wholesalers across Scotland so that our strong and vibrant food and drink network can continue to flourish.”
Meanwhile, Brian Whittle, Scottish Conservative MSP for South Scotland, praised the sector: “Without wholesalers, the supply chain would collapse. They are the unseen and perhaps unheralded link between producers and retailers.
“Our world-class producers do their thing, and our retailers present those world-class products to the public. The glue in the middle is our wholesalers, who ensure that there are buyers for our producers and suppliers to those retailers.”
Scottish Labour’s Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, reiterated: “The wholesale sector has shown much resilience in recent years, in responding to the challenges from the pandemic that have affected supply chains and, more recently, in navigating inflationary pressures. If we are to kick-start the growth of Scotland’s economy and promote the food and drink sector globally, the wholesale industry has a vital role to play.
“We need to ensure that we recognise the current value of the wholesale sector to the economy while, equally, recognising the sector’s great potential in promoting local food and drink.”
Liam McArthur, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, was keen to highlight the role wholesalers play in supporting the islands: “The pandemic, as it has done in many other respects, brought home to MSPs – certainly to me and, I suspect, to many others – how integral wholesalers are in the communities that we represent.
“This weekend, the Scottish Parliament will mark its 25th anniversary in the presence of local heroes from around the country. I would argue that many in our wholesale sector fall firmly into that category.”
The debate stemmed from ongoing Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) collaboration with Mr MacDonald, who recently visited Mark Murphy Foodservice (part of Dole UK) which is based in his constituency. During his visit, he observed the operations first-hand and engaged with representatives from both SWA and Mark Murphy, discussing some of the challenges faced by the sector.
These insights were later raised by Mr MacDonald and his colleagues in the Chamber, highlighting the need for further attention and support for the industry. Mr Macdonald stated: “Wholesalers are not only facing competition from supermarkets – there are also other challenges including restructuring of the grocery market, Amazon moving into selling groceries, wholesale bypass, changing customer demands, Brexit, and regulation.
“This is happening at the same time the wholesale sector is facing low margins, recruitment issues and rising food costs.”
In responding to the debate, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP said: “I say this with all sincerity: it is a good debate to have, because the wholesale sector is a good news story.
“However, as Brian Whittle said, it is very much a sector that flies under the radar. It is an unsung, unrecognised hero of our fabulous food and drink sector, so it is absolutely right that the Parliament comes together to acknowledge the significant role that wholesalers play in our national food and drink supply chain and in food resilience.
“If members will pardon the pun, when it comes to linking up the food and drink sector, our wholesalers are the oil in the wheels, ensuring that in all corners of the country, from the Borders to the Highlands and the Islands.
“I hope that the industry understands that the Scottish Government holds the sector in extremely high regard. That is why we have developed a strong collaborative partnership with the Scottish Wholesale Association.”
Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, expressed his gratitude, stating: “We are delighted that Mr MacDonald, an enthusiastic supporter of the wholesale sector and the wider food and drink industry in Scotland, has presented such a positive motion in the Scottish Parliament.
“This debate and the vocal cross-party support that it has received underscores the significance of our sector, as well as demonstrating the powerful voice of the SWA in raising the profile of wholesale, and SWA’s standing within Parliament by securing the various wholesale assistance funds and grants over the past four years and our commitment to supporting Scotland’s economy and communities.
“It cements not just our commitment but that of our members to supporting Scotland’s economy and communities.”
“Our wholesale members are always keen to invite their local MSP to visit their businesses and learn more about their role and they contribute to both their local and wider Scottish economies. We would welcome MSPs to reach out to SWA or to their local wholesaler to learn more about our important sector.”
The debate also highlighted the SWA’s collaborative initiatives, supported by direct Scottish Government investment, aimed at increasing opportunities for Scottish producers and strengthening the supply chain, such as the Delivering Growth Through Wholesale programme, Wholesale Local Food Champion training, and the recently launched Scottish Wholesale Local Food and Drink Growth Fund.
