As the effects of climate change worsen and impacts are felt across food supply chains, action from business is needed.
Wholesalers are particularly vulnerable to climate risks such as extreme weather shocks, which can cause reduced crop yields and increased price volatility. A changing climate can also lead to disruptions in logistics and supply chain networks.
The Scottish Wholesale Association is committed to supporting our members in achieving environmental goals and safeguarding their businesses in the process.
The Scottish wholesale sector is stepping up to the challenge, joining the UK-wide ambition for the sector to reach Net Zero by 2040. For further details, please see our Net Zero Roadmap.
SWA provides support, information, and guidance to help our members take steps towards greater sustainability, whether they are just starting out, or are further along on their journey to Net Zero.
SWA is working with Adaptation Scotland and partners across the private sector to help our members be prepared and resilient to the effects of climate change.
Our guide, Climate Change Risks and Adaptation in the Scottish Food & Drink Wholesale Industry, highlights the key climate challenges wholesalers face and the adaptation actions they can take to respond.
The guide offers straightforward steps to support the workforce, premises, products, supply chain, and the surrounding environment. It also features real examples from wholesalers, showing how they are adapting and finding opportunities to strengthen their business resilience.
Our research identifies key sources of greenhouse gas emissions for the food and drink wholesale sector as:
There is a variety of actions members can take, from exploring what the key sources of carbon emissions are in their business, to setting targets and developing a decarbonisation strategy.
Findings show that eHGVs can match, and in some cases exceed, diesel performance on local delivery routes - with up to 95% of short and regional journeys achievable using electric vehicles.
