The Scottish Wholesale Association has unveiled the shortlists for the five categories that shine a spotlight on the people who work to make their companies and the channel a success.
The five categories – Rising Star, Employee of the Year, Wholesale Local Food Champion, Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, and 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.
Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “It is testament to the talent and quality of these exceptional individuals that the judges debated at length before confirming their shortlists. We already know that the reason Scotland’s wholesale industry is so successful is down to the talented and passionate individuals who contribute to their businesses in a purposeful and very important way – and often they go about their day-to-day duties under the radar.”
Read more: SWA Awards 2026 open for entries
In the Rising Star category, sponsored by KP Snacks, the shortlisted individuals are:
Ewan Harvie, Brakes Scotland
Jordan McLay, United Wholesale Scotland
Katy Mullen, Bidfood Scotland
Sponsored by Pernod Ricard, Employee of Year candidates are:
Joanne Horne, Bidfood Edinburgh
Matthew Wardropper, JB Foods
Jason Butler, United Wholesale Scotland
Sponsored by TWC and Scotland Food & Drink, those shortlisted for Wholesale Local Food Champion are:
Ewan Harvie, Brakes Scotland
Katy Mullen, Bidfood Scotland
Matt Farmer, Brakes Scotland
In the Supplier Sales Executive of the Year category, sponsored by Unitas Wholesale, the finalists are:
Isabelle Stedman, Budweiser Brewing Group
Mark Carlton, AG Barr
Kirsten Blockley, Mackie’s Ice Cream
Sponsored by Volvo Trucks, Driver of the Year shortlisted nominees are:
Alec Cartoon, Brakes Scotland
Andrew Nelson, Booker Ayr
Wendy Blane, CJ Lang & Son
