The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has set out its key priorities, ahead of the Scottish parliament election on 7 May.
One of the trade group’s key asks is for the Scottish government to formally recognise wholesalers as part of Scotland’s critical food infrastructure within national food security, resilience and circular economy strategies.
It also asks for a Scottish wholesale modernisation fund to be established, offering matched grants or low-interest loans for investment in energy-efficient, low-carbon fleets, facilities, and 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 is calling for the expansion of apprenticeships, upskilling, and leadership programmes aligned with Scotland’s digital, logistics and green skills priorities.
The group is also asking for 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.
When it comes to support, the SWA is urging for the reform of public procurement to maximise the use of Scotland’s wholesale networks for local, healthy and sustainable sourcing.
It also points to the need of continued co-funding of initiatives such as the SWA’s Delivering Growth Through Wholesale programme, linking local producers with wholesalers to scale supply, reach new markets, increase exports, and support regional and island economies.
There are also calls to establish a Wholesale Industry Advisory Group within government to ensure wholesalers have consistent policy voice alongside producers, retailers and hospitality.
“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,” said SWA CEO Colin Smith.
“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.”
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