The Scottish Wholesale Association has warned the major supermarkets that secondary wholesaling deals must stop. Speaking at the SWA's supplier presentation last week Dick Smith, convenor of the Committee for Licensed Active Negotiations ­ a body associated to the SWA ­ and licensed trade director at CJ Lang, told delegates backdoor selling by multiples was getting out of hand. He said: "This is the greatest problem facing our industry. International suppliers have openly admitted they are allowing multiples to continue. The multiples are breaching suppliers selling guidelines. We need your help to avoid a market dominated by the multiples ­ wholesalers are your insurance policy." And he said it was in the interests of suppliers to protect their brand and credibility. This was the first time the SWA had brought its suppliers together under one roof - at the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh ­ and representatives were taking the opportunity to express their grievances. Sandra Johnston, convenor of the SWA body STAG ­ the Scottish Trade Activity Group ­ attacked suppliers for their off hand treatment of wholesalers and said more communication was vital. She commented: "You should be consulting wholesalers more ­ particularly in developing your marketing initiatives. Wholesalers are your brand opportunity ­ after all they have to sell your ideas to their customers. Do not write off the independent and wholesale sector." Over 100 wholesalers and suppliers attended the presentation which aimed to generate dialogue and encourage closer relationships. The meeting was hailed a success by executive director Kate Salmon who said they were already planning the next one in three years' time. {{NEWS }}