Some 460 people attended the gala dinner and awards presentation, hosted by radio presenter Nicky Docherty, at the Sheraton Grand in the capital.
Filshill, based at Hillington, Glasgow fended off stiff competition from businesses all over the country to win the sought-after Champion of Champions accolade, sponsored by Gallaher.
Judges praised Filshill’s “consistency and professionalism” at all stages throughout the competition which involved anonymous visits as well as lengthy interviews with key managers and feedback from customers.
The family firm, headed up by managing director Ronnie Hannah, also won two other categories on the night – Best Licensed Wholesaler (Off-Trade), sponsored by Scottish & Newcastle and Best Retail Wholesaler (Delivered), sponsored by InBev. In the Best Retail Development Programme category, sponsored by PepsiCo, Filshill was runner-up.
JW Filshill, a £150m-plus turnover company employing over 250 people, supplies the fast-growing KeyStore chain of convenience stores across Scotland. The wholesaler lifted the Champion of Champions accolade for the first time in 2004 and again in 2007.
Kate Salmon, SWA executive director, commented: “Standards in Achievers 2008 have been higher than ever, demonstrating that the Scottish wholesale industry is progressive, ambitious and constantly striving to raise the bar in an ever-challenging and extremely competitive marketplace.
“A key component of the judging process is feedback. Wholesalers need to know where they have scored highly and where there is room for improvement so our sponsors will now be providing each wholesaler that has entered their category with constructive comments, in writing, on various aspects of their businesses.
“This gives wholesalers the opportunity to review specific areas of their operation and, if necessary, take action to implement change or make improvements.
“Achievers also continues to provide suppliers with an unprecedented opportunity to gain a better understanding of the wholesale sector in Scotland and create more effective communication channels.”
SCOTTISH WHOLESALE ACHIEVERS 2008: THE WINNERS
Champion of Champions, sponsored by Gallaher
Winner: JW Filshill, Glasgow
Best Cash & Carry Depot, sponsored by Imperial Tobacco
Winner: Booker Dunfermline
Runner-up: Bellevue Cash & Carry, Edinburgh
Highly Commended: United Wholesale Grocers, Glasgow
Best Cash & Carry – Catering, sponsored by United Biscuits
Winner: Bellevue Cash & Carry, Edinburgh
Runners-up: Edwards Cash & Carry & CJ Lang Aberdeen
Highly Commended: Booker Hamilton
Best Licensed Wholesaler – Off Trade, sponsored by Scottish & Newcastle
Winner: JW Filshill, Glasgow
Runner-up: Gordon & MacPhail, Elgin
Highly Commended: Bellevue Cash & Carry, Edinburgh
Best Retail Development Programme, sponsored by PepsiCo
Winner: CJ Lang & Son, Dundee
Runner-up: JW Filshill, Glasgow
Highly Commended: Booker Dundee
Best Marketing Initiative, sponsored by Diageo
Winner: Costco
Runner-up: Bellevue Cash & Carry, Edinburgh
Best Retail Wholesaler – Delivered, sponsored by InBev
Winner: JW Filshill, Glasgow
Runner-up: CJ Lang & Son, Dundee
Highly Commended: Sutherland Bros, Wick
Best Licensed Wholesaler – On Trade, sponsored by Whyte & Mackay
Winner: Gordon & MacPhail
Runner-up: Waverley Vintners
Highly Commended: Booker Dundee
Best Foodservice Wholesaler – Delivered, sponsored by Britvic
Winner: 3663
Runner-up: Brakes
Highly Commended: William Yule, Kirkcaldy
Best Training Programme, sponsored by AG Barr
First: 3663 Newbridge
Runner-up: Brakes
Highly Commended: CJ Lang & Son, Dundee
Employee of the Year, sponsored by Tetley
Winner: Denis Shepherd, Martex Dundee
Runner-up: Kenny Tonner, Glencrest Glasgow
Highly Commended: Willie Ashwood, Batleys Glasgow
SUPPLIER AWARDS
Best Overall Service
1st: United Biscuits
2nd: Coca-Cola Enterprises
3rd: AG Barr & Diageo
Best Advertising Campaign
Cadbury’s Gorilla
Best Marketing Initiative
Winner: Mars for launch of Planets
Runner-up: Imperial Tobacco
Highly Commended: PepsiCo
