Scotland’s food and drink wholesalers were hailed as vital connectors in the nation’s economy and food system at the Scottish Wholesale Association’s conference, which spotlighted sustainability, resilience, and the sector’s evolving role in local supply chains.
The SWA's annual conference in Aberdeenshire on Thursday (June 5).
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, were among the ones who paid tribute to the nation’s food and drink wholesalers, highlighting their continued contribution to Scotland’s economy and food system.
Gougeon, who is the MSP for Angus North and Mearns, told the Scottish Wholesale Association’s Annual Conference in Aberdeenshire: “You are a cornerstone of our national goals – from economic growth to sustainability to community wellbeing.”
Acknowledging the “vital role” that wholesalers play in Scotland’s national food and drink supply chain and food resilience, she said: “Wholesalers are the essential connectors – linking our brilliant producers with retailers, hospitality businesses, public sector institutions, and communities across the country.
"From the heart of our cities to the most remote island communities, your reach is vast, and your impact is profound.”
Gougeon added, “The economic contribution of this sector is significant – not just in terms of turnover and jobs, but in the resilience and reliability that your collective efforts bring to Scotland’s food and drink infrastructure.
“And at the centre of this work stands the Scottish Wholesale Association – a powerful voice and a trusted partner for the industry.”
Gougeon also participated in a panel discussion as part of the event’s ‘Creating Value and Building Resilience through Sustainable Local Supply Chains’ session.
The panel discussion explored the importance of a resilient supply chain, the opportunities for SWA members, and heard key advice from those who have benefited from the training sessions held as part of the ‘Delivering Growth Through Wholesale’ programme.
This programme, a collaboration with Scotland Food & Drink, SAOS and the Wholesale Local Food Champion initiative, is working to strengthen the Scottish food and drink supply chain. To underpin this, an exhibition featuring some of Scotland’s finest producers ran throughout the conference.
Also participating in the session was Sam Henderson, managing director of Lomond Fine Foods, sharing the Glasgow-based wholesaler’s sustainability journey, efficiency initiatives, and recent B Corp accreditation.
Stephen Curran, wholesale director of AG Barr and Claire Rennie, founder of Summerhouse Drinks which produces craft soft drinks and tonic waters at her premises on the family farm near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, were the other panel members.
As the discussion explored how sustainable local supply chains deliver long-term value, not only commercially, but also across communities and the environment, key takeaways from all panel members were that resilience and adaptability will be critical for the future of wholesale – and that collaboration between suppliers and wholesalers creates mutual growth. Sustainability, they noted, should not just be viewed as a responsibility – rather, it’s an opportunity.
A refreshed purpose, mission and vision – along with a new logo and branding – was also unveiled by the Scottish Wholesale Association.
Chief executive Colin Smith told an audience of wholesalers, suppliers and stakeholders that the organisation’s purpose “is to be the invaluable voice of Scotland’s food and drink wholesalers and trusted partner of the food and drink supply chain, the Scottish Parliament, and Scottish Government”.
Smith said: “Our mission is to protect and advance our members and the sector, serving as the gateway to Scotland’s food and drink supply chain. We speak with knowledge, honesty and integrity, always placing our people at the heart of everything we do.”
Discussing the SWA’s vision, he added: “We aim to be the driving force behind a well-connected, skilled and sustainable local wholesale food and drink supply chain.”
Smith noted: “As part of the SWA rebrand, we will also be launching our new website this summer which will be a resource platform for our members and industry to share ideas and best practice, showcase the best of our industry, and signpost members to support.”
Meanwhile, in the ‘Empowering People – Innovative strategies for recruitment and retention’ session, Jason Butler, head of operations at United Wholesale (Scotland) – and a previous Rising Star of Wholesale winner at Scottish Wholesale Achievers – shared his experiences of the wholesale sector, and career development opportunities.
Other contributors were Lisa Byars, director of the employment team at Burness Paull and Sonya Harper, central operations director of Dundee-based Spar wholesaler CJ Lang.
Also speaking during this session was Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain Consulting, a firm that helps organisations turn neuroinclusion into a business advantage. Welcome Brain collaborates with companies to unlock the commercial benefits of supporting neurodivergent talent – boosting performance, retention, and innovation in the process.
Adopting the theme Kaizen – a Japanese business philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement – the conference, on 5th June, looked to the future, shining a spotlight on what a thriving Scottish wholesale sector looks like now and in the future, and what wholesalers should be doing to ensure that the industry goes from strength to strength.
Keynote speaker António Costa, the global CEO of the Kaizen Institute, expanded on the Kaizen methodology that can help you transform your business and its five core principles. A panel session also showcased examples of how elements of Kaizen can leverage results for the wholesale sector and wider supply chain, and how to apply them in your business.
Speaking as part of the session titled ‘Go to Gemba – Making it Happen in Your Business’, Mr Costa was joined by colleagues Chris Scott, manager at Kaizen Institute Scotland, and Daniel Mendes, partner and general manager at Kaizen Institute UK & Ireland.
The conference’s second keynote speaker was Captain Emma Henderson, a former airline captain and
founder of Project Wingman, a charity providing wellbeing support to NHS frontline staff during Covid. She shared her inspirational journey from airline captain to charity CEO – discussing how leadership, resilience and adaptability can help businesses to thrive.
Other speakers included: Tanya Pepin, co-founder and manager director of industry insights specialist TWC; Jo McLean, a data protection solicitor with the top-tier independent Scottish commercial law firm Burness Paull; and Mark Bentley, business development director at HD Insights. All three participated in the ‘Data and AI – Opportunities and Challenges for Food and Drink Wholesale’ session.
SWA president Tom Slaven, retail director of Glasgow-based United Wholesale Grocers, closed the conference ahead of a celebration dinner. The event was hosted by Scottish broadcaster Vanessa Kennedy.
