Achievers Awards 2025: Shortlists unveiled for five categories

With the Achievers Awards 2025 just a month away, the Scottish Wholesale Association has unveiled the shortlists for the five categories that shine a spotlight on the people who work tirelessly to make their companies – and the wider wholesale industry – successful and innovative.

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.

 

In the Rising Star category, the three shortlisted individuals are:

Matthew Farmer, commercial development co-ordinator, Brakes Scotland

Suzanne Hood, QHSE management trainee, Bidfood

Zygmunt Jan Ruszczyc, data engineer, United Wholesale Grocers

 

Employee of the Year also has three shortlisted candidates:

John McAndie, transport operations manager, Bidfood

Megan Smith, purchasing co-ordinator, Lomond Wholesale

Matthew Wardropper, junior buyer, JB Foods

 

In the Wholesale Local Food Champion, the four shortlisted entrants are:

Ewan Harvie, commercial development co-ordinator, Brakes Scotland

Gerry Davies, business manager, Bidfood

Matthew Farmer, commercial development co-ordinator, Brakes Scotland

Megan Smith, purchasing co-ordinator, Lomond Wholesale

 

In the Supplier Sales Executive of the Year, the finalists are:

Craig Barr, regional business development manager, AG Barr

Jonny Rennie, head of out of home, Taylors Snacks

Zoe Stephens, Scotland business account manager, KP Snacks

 

Finally, the Wholesale Driver of the Year finalists are:

John Martin, Braehead Foods

Stephen Maxwell, Booker Glasgow

Charles McSherry, JB Foods

Jesus Jiminez Ramos, Bidfood Glasgow

SWA chief executive Colin Smith said: “We’re incredibly excited to be showcasing so much talent at Achievers 2025 and our shortlisted finalists in these five important people categories have blown us away with their passion for wholesale and their drive to contribute to their businesses in a meaningful way.

 

“Not only are they full of ideas but they understand the commercial aspect of how wholesale operates and very much want to be part of their company’s journey to success – as well as helping to drive innovation within the wider wholesale sector.”

 

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 22nd 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.

Achievers highlights best practice and innovation within the industry and also recognises the dedicated people who keep its wheels moving. With 14 wholesale category awards and six supplier awards up for grabs, it’s a great opportunity for wholesalers 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 O2 Academy Edinburgh on Thursday, 20th February 2025.