With 100 days to go until the Scottish Parliament election, the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has set out its key priorities and asks of candidates.
Its Supply, Sustain and Support messages highlight the issues and opportunities facing the Scottish food and drink wholesale sector, and “span business competitiveness, food and drink resilience, sustainability and net zero delivery and the transport policies that underpin efficient supply chains,” it said.
From a supply perspective, the SWA asks that the Scottish government formally recognises wholesalers as part of Scotland’s critical food infrastructure within national food security, resilience and circular economy strategies.
It also asks for a Scottish Wholesale Modernisation Fund to be established, offering matched grants or low interest loans for investment in energy efficiency.
From a sustainability perspective, the SWA also calls for the expansion of apprenticeships, upskilling and leadership programmes aligned with Scotland’s digital, logistics and green skills priorities. It also calls for funding to enable the SWA to develop tailored training and upskilling tools covering digital transformation, logistics, sustainability, and leadership.
Another ask is the introduction of targeted incentives, business rates relief, or funding to support wholesalers of all sizes in investing in fleet decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and new technologies.
There are also calls to establish a Wholesale Industry Advisory Group within government, to ensure wholesalers have a consistent policy voice alongside producers, retailers and hospitality.
Colin Smith (left), SWA chief executive, said: “Scotland’s wholesalers are the quiet backbone of the nation’s food and drink supply chain – the link that keeps convenience stores, schools, hospitals, hospitality and communities supplied every day.
“Our role is to set out clearly both the realities facing the wholesale sector and the opportunities that a modern, resilient channel can deliver for Scotland.”
“As the 7 May election approaches, our role is to set out clearly both the realities facing the wholesale sector and the opportunities that a modern, resilient channel can deliver for Scotland, its people, and the economy.
“We have valued constructive engagement with government in recent years and after the election we will continue to work with whoever forms the next administration to strengthen food security, support sustainable growth, and ensure food and drink wholesalers are properly recognised and considered in national policy and planning.
“Wholesale may not always be visible, but it is essential – and it has a crucial role to play in Scotland’s future.”
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
No comments yet