The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has asked that the Scottish Government to formally recognise wholesalers as part of Scotland’s critical food infrastructure within national food security, resilience, and circular economy strategies.
This comes as the SWA set out its key priorities and asks of candidates and political stakeholders ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, where it also asked for a Scottish Wholesale Modernisation Fund to be established.
Going into further detail about this fund, it asked for 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 also called 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.
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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.
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.”
