SWA announces Achievers people awards shortlists

The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has unveiled the shortlists for the five Achievers people awards categories.

The five categories – Rising Star, Employee of the Year, Wholesale Local Food Champion, Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, and Wholesale 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.

The shortlisted candidates are:

Rising Star, sponsored by KP Snacks

Ewan Harvie, Brakes Scotland

Jordan McLay, United Wholesale Scotland

Katy Mullen, Bidfood Scotland

Employee of Year, sponsored by Pernod Ricard

Joanne Horne, Bidfood Edinburgh

Matthew Wardropper, JB Foods

Jason Butler, United Wholesale Scotland

Wholesale Local Food Champion, sponsored by TWC and Scotland Food & Drink

Ewan Harvie, Brakes Scotland

Katy Mullen, Bidfood Scotland

Matt Farmer, Brakes Scotland

Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, sponsored by Unitas Wholesale

Isabelle Stedman, Budweiser Brewing Group

Mark Carlton, AG Barr

Kirsten Blockley, Mackie’s of Scotland

Wholesale Driver of the Year, sponsored by Volvo Trucks

Alec Cartoon, Brakes Scotland

Andrew Nelson, Booker Ayr

Wendy Blain, CJ Lang & Son

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.

“That’s why we are honoured to showcase their efforts in our people awards at Achievers – the unsung heroes who are highly valued by their employers, but who also deserve industry-wide recognition. Not only are they part of their company’s success, but they are also key to driving innovation within the wider wholesale sector – regardless of their role.”

Achievers, recognised as one of the wholesale sector’s most prestigious industry programmes, rewards outstanding performance across the wholesale trade in Scotland and is in its 23rd year.

It is the only awards initiative in Scotland dedicated to the wholesale food and drink sector, with the gala awards celebration attended by over 500 people from across the UK-wide wholesale industry and its supply chain each year.

With 14 wholesale category awards and five supplier awards up for grabs, it’s a great opportunity for businesses to gain recognition for their innovation and customer service, raise their profile, and celebrate the achievements of the last year.

The landmark gala dinner and awards presentation takes place at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh on 19 February 2026. Tables can be booked via the SWA website or by contacting awards@scottishwholesale.co.uk