The Achievers Awards, the long-established industry programme that rewards outstanding performance across the wholesale trade in Scotland, is to return in 2022, the Scottish Wholesale Association has confirmed.

Launched 20 years ago, Scottish Wholesale Achievers highlights best practice and innovation within the industry and also shines a spotlight on the dedicated, passionate people who keep its wheels moving.

There are two new awards for 2022:

● Community Service Award will recognise the efforts of wholesalers in supporting their customers, staff and communities during the pandemic

● Best Technology Initiative will reflect the way in which wholesalers are investing in digital and tech systems from new online ordering and data capture systems through to systems that improve picking and business efficiencies

Best Business Initiative replaces the previous Best Marketing Initiative while the two new awards introduced for 2020 – Rising Star of Wholesale (open to employers aged 26 and under) and Green Wholesaler of the Year – are back for 2022.

Meanwhile, a special supplier award has been added for 2022 that recognises either a company, team or individual who went above and beyond anything expected of them during the last year. This award is not restricted to support of wholesale but could include fundraising, charity work or community activity.

Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “Achievers is back after an enforced break with a full face-to-face event in Edinburgh on 10 February next year – dependent on any Covid legislation at the time and following all Government guidelines in place.

“This will be our first big physical event since the first lockdown in March 2020 and it will enable our wholesale and supplier members, stakeholders and others to once again celebrate everything that is great about the wholesale sector in Scotland.”

Entries will open on 14 June and will be quick and easy via online application on the SWA website. Supporting suppliers will judge the wholesale categories, supervised by an independent panel of judges with cross-sector experience and knowledge. Any wholesaler with a depot in Scotland may enter the competition.

“We refreshed Achievers two years ago in response to feedback from wholesalers and sponsors, and to reflect the areas of business that are most important to our members,” said Mr Smith. “In 2022, the competition will further evolve to take cognisance of the events of the last 14 months that have forced wholesalers and suppliers to diversify into new areas and implement significant change in order to survive.”


Wholesaler awards:

● Best Cash & Carry

● Best Delivered Operation – Retail

● Best Symbol Group

● Best Delivered Operation – Foodservice

● Best Licensed Operation

● Green Wholesaler of the Year

● Great Place to Work

● Employee of the Year

● Rising Star of Wholesale

● Best Business Initiative

● Best Technology Initiative

● Community Service Award


Supplier awards:

● Best Advertising Campaign

● Supplier Sales Executive of the Year

● Best Overall Service

● Best Foodservice Supplier

● Supplier Outstanding Achievement Award

The gala dinner and awards presentation will take place at the Sheraton Grand, Edinburgh on Thursday, 10 February 2022. Tables can be booked by contacting kate@scottishwholesale.co.uk

Entries open on 14 June at www.scottishwholesale.co.uk