Scotland's most ambitious, innovative, forward-thinking and resilient wholesalers have been recognised by the industry at the annual Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards.
Achievers, now in its 23rd year and organised by the Scottish Wholesale Association, recognises excellence across all sectors of the wholesale industry and the achievements that have made a difference to individuals, communities and businesses over the last year.
Over 500 guests attended the Achievers gala dinner and awards presentation, hosted by sports broadcaster Eilidh Barbour, at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh, on Thursday, 19 February. Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, was in attendance..
Recognising the importance of people within the wholesale industry, Achievers paid tribute to the many individuals who play such an integral part in the success of wholesale and supplier businesses, with awards for Rising Star, Employee of the Year, Wholesale Local Food Champion, Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, and Wholesale Driver of the Year.
Each winner in the people categories received ÂŁ1,000, while each runner-up received ÂŁ500 and each highly commended candidate ÂŁ250.
Wholesale Local Food Champion was won by Matt Farmer, commercial development co-ordinator at Brakes Scotland, while Employee of the Year was won by former Rising Star winner Jason Butler, now head of operations at United Wholesale (Scotland)
The Rising Star award went to another United Wholesale (Scotland) employee – Jordan McLay, operations and finance analyst at the Glasgow-based wholesaler, and Wholesale Driver of the Year had joint winners in Wendy Blain of CJ Lang & Son and Alec Cartoon of Brakes Scotland.
Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, was won by Isabelle – Isy – Stedman, key account manager at Budweiser Brewing Group.
SWA chief executive Colin Smith said: “Tonight is all about celebrating the outstanding performance and innovation across the Scottish wholesale channel. But more than that, it’s about recognising the people who make this industry what it is. The dedication, the knowledge, the ideas – and yes, the sheer graft – that keep our sector moving every single day.
“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.
“From warehouse assistants to delivery drivers, the people on the ground are the heartbeat of every wholesale business.”, who the judges described as “energetic and enthusiastic, as well as intelligent and commercially aware”. Her success, they said, comes from “developing excellent customer relationships built on an exceptionally strong data foundation”.
ACHIEVERS 2026 – FULL RESULTS
Rising Star
Winner: Jordan McLay, United Wholesale (Scotland)
Wholesale Driver of the Year
Joint Winner: Wendy Blain, CJ Lang & Son
Joint Winner: Alec Cartoon, Brakes Scotland
Wholesale Local Food Champion
Winner: Matt Farmer, Brakes Scotland
Supplier Sales Executive of the Year
Winner: Isabelle Stedman, Budweiser Brewing Group
Employee of the Year
Winner: Jason Butler, United Wholesale (Scotland)
Best Delivered Operation – Retail
Winner: CJ Lang & Son
Best Delivered Operation – Foodservice
Winner: Fáilte Foods
Best Foodservice Supplier
Winner: Rowan Glen
Best Symbol Group
Winner: Premier, Booker
Best Innovation
Winner: United Wholesale (Scotland)
Best Licensed Wholesaler – On-Trade
Winner: Inverarity Morton
Best Licensed Wholesaler – Off-Trade
Winner: United Wholesale (Scotland)
Great Place to Work
Winner: Brakes Scotland
Runner-Up: Bidfood Edinburgh
Project Wholesale
Winner: Tayto – Golden Wonder
Best Advertising Campaign
Winner: IRN-BRU
Best Marketing Initiative
Winner: United Wholesale (Scotland)
Sustainable Wholesaler of the Year
Winner: Booker
Best Overall Service
Winner: AG Barr
Best Cash & Carry
Winner: United Wholesale (Scotland), Queenslie