Scottish Wholesale Association: Bridging the Gap

The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has announced plans to host a new networking event this month as part of its strategy to highlight the growing importance of foodservice to its members and the wider wholesale industry.

The inaugural event, Bridging the Gap, has been organised by the trade association's foodservice group and will provide a platform for suppliers to meet with SWA members, discuss market opportunities and share information.

Speakers will include James Withers, chief executive of industry leadership organisation Scotland Food & Drink, Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland, the charity which works to help people achieve their potential within the hospitality sector.

The event will be chaired by Fergus Chambers, the chairman of fine foods wholesaler and game processor Braehead Foods and a director of hospitality industry consultancy The Buell Group.

Kate Salmon, executive director of the Scottish Wholesale Association, said: "Strong links between wholesalers and suppliers are vital to the continued growth and future prosperity of the foodservice market and by bringing together key industry leaders we hope to encourage further dialogue between our members and suppliers.

Other speakers at the event, taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh Airport on Tuesday, 24 October, include: Julie Dunn, president, Scottish Wholesale Association; Jon Mack, general manager, Bidfood Scotland; Ants Rixon, director of regional on-trade at Bibendum Wine; Jim Rowan, managing director, Dunns Food and Drinks and Ross Brown, channel controller, Premier Foods

Scottish Wholesale Association to review and modernise its operations

The whole nine yards: what can your wholesaler do for you