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 and political stakeholders.
Its ‘Supply, Sustain and Support’ messages highlight the many 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.
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-efficient; low-carbon fleets; facilities; refrigeration; digital management systems and automated/advanced warehousing; cold-chain and logistics enhancements to support resilient, high-quality distribution; and sector-wide data and analytics capabilities to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
From a sustainability perspective, the SWA 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.
When it comes to support, the SWA calls for the reform of public procurement to maximise the use of
Scotland’s wholesale networks for local, healthy, and sustainable sourcing – supporting Good Food Nation ambitions and strengthening regional economies.
It also points to the need of continued co-funding of initiatives such as the SWA’s highly successful Delivering Growth Through Wholesale programme, linking local producers with wholesalers to scale supply, reach new markets, increase exports, and support regional and island economies.
Meanwhile, there are 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, 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.
“As the May 7 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.”
He added: “With the right investment, skills development and fair, practical regulation, the wholesale sector can help drive economic growth, support local producers and build a more resilient supply chain for every community in Scotland.
“Wholesale may not always be visible, but it is essential – and it has a crucial role to play in Scotland’s future.”
While the SWA raises these priorities, issues and asks with government and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, the run-up to the election presents an important opportunity to ensure the wholesale sector’s role and needs are clearly understood, and is reaching out to all election candidates to offer meetings during this period and following the election.
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