JW Filshill, the Glasgow-based delivered wholesaler and cash & carry, has been named the best wholesale business in Scotland at the Scottish Wholesale Association’s prestigious ‘Achievers’ awards. Now in their 17th year, the ‘Achievers’ recognise professionalism and excellence in all sectors of the wholesale industry in Scotland.
JW Filshill, supplier to KeyStore outlets across Scotland and the north of England and operating out of premises at Hillington, fended off stiff competition to win the sought-after Champion of Champions accolade, sponsored by JTI. Filshill also won three other categories, Best Delivered Operation (Retail), sponsored by Philip Morris; Best Symbol Group, sponsored by Carabao; and Best Licensed Operation, sponsored by Halewood Wines & Spirits.
Bidfood Scotland was also celebrating after claiming the Great Place to Work award, sponsored by Premier Foods, and being joint winners with Lomond Foods in the Best Delivered Operation (Foodservice) category, sponsored by Pritchitts.
The Best Marketing Initiative award, sponsored by Quorn Foods, went to United Wholesale (Scotland) for its ‘Summer of Sport’ initiative to drive a comprehensive wholesale and retail sales and marketing activation across all areas of its business.
It was double honours for Booker, Shawfield, who won the Best Cash & Carry title, sponsored by AG Barr. Craig Shand, the depot’s stock control and replenishment supervisor also won the Employee of the Year category, sponsored by AB InBev.
In the suppliers’ award categories, Linda Fraser of Nestlé was named Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, sponsored by Unitas Wholesale. She was praised by the judges for her commitment to customer service.
‘Project Scotland,’ which highlights suppliers’ understanding of the Scottish wholesale industry and their commitment to the sector, was won by Quorn Foods in partnership with Clackmannanshire-based Scot Serve for its ‘Quornvenience’ project.
AG Barr came top in Overall Service by Suppliers, judged by SWA members voting for the shortlisted suppliers over a four-month period. A new award for Achievers 2019, Best Foodservice Supplier, saw foodservice wholesalers vote on the shortlisted suppliers’ performance, again over a four-month period. The winner of this inaugural award was Unilever Food Solutions.
Finally, the Best Advertising Campaign award went to Bud Light for ‘Dilly Dilly’. Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “We are witnessing unprecedented change in our industry yet our wholesalers and suppliers continue to raise their game. Success is hard won in challenging times such as these and it is only right to acknowledge the success of our wholesaler and supplier members.
“Achievers is the perfect vehicle to recognise the very best in our industry and I applaud the exceptional levels of innovation that we are seeing from our members as they seek new revenue streams, develop their operational processes and strive to provide the best possible customer service.
Almost 450 people attended the Achievers gala dinner and awards presentation, hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch at the Sheraton Grand, Edinburgh on Thursday, 31st January.
*** Don’t miss our JW Filshill interview in this issue ***
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