The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has officially launched its new Wholesale Local Food Champion training programme.
The move comes as the SWA ramps up its commitment to identify local sourcing opportunities for wholesalers and local producers – helping them to access new markets.
Following the 2021 launch of its local sourcing project – Delivering Growth Through Wholesale (DGTW), a collaboration with SAOS and Scotland Food & Drink, the SWA Wholesale Local Food Champion programme encourages Scotland’s wholesalers to appoint an individual to take responsibility for shaping the local sourcing strategy within their business.
The Champions will then have a massive handle on the importance of a strong, local food and drink supply chain, and become a point of contact for suppliers.
Comprehensive training will also include one-to-one mentoring support, with each Champion receiving a certificate of completion and Wholesale Local Food Champion marque to help producers easily identify individuals/wholesalers that can potentially help support their business.
SWA boss Colin Smith said the response to the DGTW programme from members and suppliers had been “tremendous”.
Registration of the SWA Wholesale Local Food Champion training programme, which is fully funded and supported by the Scottish Government, is now open. It closes on 19 March with the first 20 cohorts undertaking their training over two half days on 23-24 March. Wholesalers can register here.
