‘Key role’ of wholesalers highlighted at SWA conference

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary has paid tribute to the nation’s food and drink wholesalers, highlighting their continued contribution to the economy and food system

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, and MSP for Angus North and Mearns, told the Scottish Wholesale Association’s Annual Conference in Aberdeenshire on 5 June, “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.

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.”

Adopting the theme Kaizen – a Japanese business philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement – the conference 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.

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.