With the much-anticipated Achievers Awards 2025 just a month away, the Scottish Wholesale Association has unveiled the shortlists for the five categories that shine a spotlight on the people who work tirelessly to make their companies – and the wider wholesale industry – successful and innovative.

The five categories – Rising Star, Employee of the Year, Wholesale Local Food Champion, Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, and Wholesale Driver of the Year – recognise and celebrate the efforts of individuals who bring passion, knowledge, ideas and personality to their role, making a major contribution to the growth and success of their business.

In the Rising Star category, the three shortlisted individuals are:

  • Matthew Farmer, commercial development co-ordinator, Brakes Scotland
  • Suzanne Hood, QHSE management trainee, Bidfood
  • Zygmunt Jan Ruszczyc, data analysist, United Wholesale Grocers

Employee of the Year also has three shortlisted candidates:

  • John McAndie, transport operations manager, Bidfood
  • Megan Smith, purchasing co-ordinator, Lomond Wholesale
  • Matthew Wardropper, junior buyer, JB Foods

In the Wholesale Local Food Champion, the four shortlisted entrants are:

  • Ewan Harvie, commercial development co-ordinator, Brakes Scotland
  • Gerry Davies, business manager, Bidfood
  • Matthew Farmer, commercial development co-ordinator, Brakes Scotland
  • Megan Smith, purchasing co-ordinator, Lomond Wholesale

In the Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, the finalists are:

  • Craig Barr, regional business development manager, AG Barr
  • Jonny Rennie, head of out of home, Taylors Snacks
  • Zoe Stephens, Scotland business account manager, KP Snacks

Finally, the Wholesale Driver of the Year finalists are:

  • John Martin, Braehead Foods
  • Stephen Maxwell, Booker Glasgow
  • Charles Mcsherry, JB Foods
  • Jesus Jiminez Ramos, Bidfood Glasgow

SWA chief executive Colin Smith said: “We’re incredibly excited to be showcasing so much talent at Achievers 2025 and our shortlisted finalists in these five important people categories have blown us away with their passion for wholesale and their drive to contribute to their businesses in a meaningful way.

“Not only are they full of ideas but they understand the commercial aspect of how wholesale operates and very much want to be part of their company’s journey to success – as well as helping to drive innovation within the wider wholesale sector.”

Achievers, recognised as one of the wholesale sector’s most prestigious industry programmes, rewards outstanding performance across the wholesale trade in Scotland and is in its 22nd year.

It is the only awards initiative in Scotland dedicated to the wholesale food and drink sector with the gala awards celebration attended by over 500 people from across the UK-wide wholesale industry and its supply chain each year.

Achievers highlights best practice and innovation within the industry and also recognises the dedicated people who keep its wheels moving. With 14 wholesale category awards and six supplier awards up for grabs, it’s a great opportunity for wholesalers to gain recognition for their innovation and customer service, raise their profile, and celebrate the achievements of the last year.

The landmark gala dinner and awards presentation takes place at the O2 Academy Edinburgh on Thursday, 20th February 2025.

Wholesaler awards:

  • Best Cash & Carry (sponsored by Britvic)
  • Best Delivered Operation – Retail (sponsored C&C Group)
  • Best Symbol Group (sponsored by Pernod Ricard)
  • Best Delivered Operation – Foodservice (sponsored by Red Bull)
  • Best On-Trade Wholesaler (sponsored by Hi-Spirits)
  • Best Off-Trade Wholesaler (sponsored by AB InBev)
  • Best Marketing Initiative (sponsored by Suntory)
  • Wholesale Driver of the Year (sponsored by Philip Morris)
  • Great Place to Work (sponsored by Premier Foods)
  • Sustainable Wholesaler of the Year (sponsored by AG Barr)
  • Employee of the Year (sponsored by CCEP)
  • Rising Star of Wholesale (sponsored by KP Snacks)
  • Best Innovation (sponsored by JTI)
  • Wholesale Local Food Champion (sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink and TWC)

Supplier awards:

  • Best Advertising Campaign (sponsored by Tapestry)
  • Supplier Sales Executive of the Year (sponsored by Unitas)
  • Project Wholesale (sponsored by Tapestry)
  • Best Overall Service (sponsored by Bestway Wholesale)
  • Best Foodservice Supplier (sponsored by Bestway Wholesale)
  • Local Supplier of the Year (sponsored by Lomond Foods)

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