As judging gets under way for the SWA Achievers Awards, the Scottish Wholesale Association has confirmed that record entries have been received for the 2023 competition.

The Achievers Awards will also move to a new venue – the O2 Academy Edinburgh – as the event evolves and welcomes entries from wholesalers the length and breadth of Scotland, including several first-time entrants. Tables for the gala dinner and awards presentation are selling out fast so those wishing to attend should book as soon as possible.

While the aims of Achievers remain the same – to highlight best practice and innovation within the industry and also recognises the dedicated people who keep its wheels moving – the 2023 awards feature a new category: Best Local Supplier.

This has been introduced to reflect the SWA’s ongoing ‘Delivering Growth Through Wholesale’ programme that aims to forge stronger relationships between wholesalers and local food and drink producers, helping to spark new business opportunities and increase the amount of local sourcing among Scottish wholesalers.

Reflecting on how Achievers has maintained its position as one of the UK’s premier wholesale events over two decades, Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “Achievers has resonated with the industry since its launch in 2003 and the SWA has been careful to ensure that the event has evolved to meet the needs of the Scottish wholesale market.

“Recognise industry innovations, trends and challenges has led to several new categories being introduced and these have struck a chord with wholesalers – for example, our Rising Star of Wholesale award.

“As well as shining a spotlight on the wholesale industry, our suppliers and the people who make it all come together, Achievers celebrates the ongoing innovation and resilience within our industry, and stands proud as a reminder of the importance of wholesale to the Scottish economy.

“Indeed, our position within the Scottish business community was endorsed by the Scottish Government earlier this year when Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes, attended the Achievers Awards 2022 to present the Rising Star of Wholesale award.

“We’ve also made it quicker and easier to enter with wholesalers and suppliers now able to submit their entries online via our website.”

Another early point of different for Achievers over other industry awards was involving an independent judging panel to ensure transparency. “This has always worked well for Achievers and the 2023 judging process will see our supporting suppliers judging the wholesale categories, supervised by our independent panel of judges with cross-sector experience and knowledge,” said Smith.

“In addition, our awards have also always been open to all wholesalers with a depot in Scotland – you don’t need to be a member of the SWA to enter – and I’m hugely encouraged that a number of first-time wholesalers have entered the 2023 competition.”

Meanwhile, tables are selling fast for the high-profile awards ceremony on the slightly later date of Thursday, 23 February, 2023. “We’re excited to be moving to a new venue after 20 years and looking forward to welcoming the industry to the O2 Academy Edinburgh next year.

Tables for the gala dinner and awards presentation can be booked via the SWA website at www.scottishwholesale.co.uk/achievers/ or by contacting awards@scottishwholesale.co.uk