With the much-lauded Achievers Awards 2026 just over 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 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, sponsored by KP Snacks, the shortlisted individuals are:

Ewan Harvie, Brakes Scotland

Jordan McLay, United Wholesale Scotland

Katy Mullen, Bidfood Scotland

 

Sponsored by Pernod Ricard, Employee of Year candidates are:

Joanne Horne, Bidfood Edinburgh

Matthew Wardropper, JB Foods

Jason Butler, United Wholesale Scotland

 

Sponsored by TWC and Scotland Food & Drink, those shortlisted for Wholesale Local Food Champion are:

Ewan Harvie, Brakes Scotland

Katy Mullen, Bidfood Scotland

Matt Farmer, Brakes Scotland

 

In the Supplier Sales Executive of the Year category, sponsored by Unitas Wholesale, the finalists are:

Isabelle Stedman, Budweiser Brewing Group

Mark Carlton, AG Barr

Kirsten Blockley, Mackie’s Ice Cream

 

Sponsored by Volvo Trucks, Driver of the Year shortlisted nominees are:

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 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 Corn Exchange, Edinburgh on Thursday, 19th February 2026. Tables can be booked via our Achievers page or by contacting awards@scottishwholesale.co.uk