The Scottish Wholesale Association traces its roots to 1940, when the Wholesale Grocers Association of Scotland was established by Sir Gilbert Archer of the The Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh. Originally formed as a buying group, its aim was to help independent merchants work together to buy in bulk and secure essential supplies during wartime shortages.
During the Second World War, the Association co-ordinated supplies of rationed goods such as flour, supporting wholesalers and maintaining Scotland’s food distribution network.
Post-war expansion saw the Association represent a growing number of wholesale grocers, strengthening its voice in trade and government discussions.
Kate Salmon joined the SWA as Executive Director, beginning a long career that modernised the organisation and strengthened its standing as a key voice in Scotland’s food and drink supply chain.
Reflecting its broadened membership beyond grocery and its evolving role in Scotland’s food and drink sector, the Association adopted a new name – the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA). This change marked a shift toward representing the full spectrum of wholesale businesses across Scotland. The SWA also relocated from Broughton Place to McDonald Place in Edinburgh.
The Association broadened its policy and lobbying work, representing members on issues such as food hygiene and packaging legislation, while building strong relationships with the Scottish Government and other trade bodies.
SWA played a central role in discussions around Alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), ensuring the wholesale sector was represented. The Association also advocated for business rates reform and responsible regulation across the supply chain.
Colin Smith became Chief Executive of the SWA, succeeding Kate Salmon. Under his leadership, the Association has strengthened its focus on collaboration, innovation, skills, and sustainability – ensuring wholesalers have a strong, united voice within Scotland’s food and drink industry.
SWA worked tirelessly to support members during the pandemic. A £15 million Scottish Wholesale Food and Drink Resilience Fund was established by the Scottish Government, following liaison with the SWA, providing a lifeline to affected wholesalers.
The SWA launched the DGTW (Delivering Growth Through Wholesale) programme to help educate local and regional producers understand the wholesale route to market and create new local supply chain opportunities for Scotland’s wholesalers.
The SWA strengthened its commitment to environmental leadership by joining Scotland’s Zero Emission Truck Taskforce and launching its Decarbonisation of the Wholesale Industry project and Net Zero Roadmap, supporting members on their journey to net zero.
SWA launched the Scottish Wholesale Food and Drink Directory, a national resource linking producers with wholesalers and supporting stronger local supply chains.
The SWA unveiled today's refreshed brand identity and new strapline
“The Collaborative Voice of Food and Drink.”
The rebrand reflects the Association’s evolution from its origins as a buying group to a modern, inclusive organisation representing wholesalers, suppliers, and service providers across Scotland’s food and drink industry.
