Colin Smith is Chief Executive of the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) and is dedicated to shaping a resilient, forward-looking wholesale industry through effective representation, collaboration and leadership. With more than 30 years’ experience across wholesale, retail, sales, marketing and business ownership, he is passionate about promoting the value of Scotland’s wholesale sector and supporting members to thrive in an evolving marketplace.
After graduating with Honours in Business Studies from Edinburgh Napier University, Colin joined Bellevue Cash & Carry, where he held a range of sales and marketing positions during his first seven years in the industry. Following five years with Costco Wholesale, he returned to Bellevue as Head of Sales and Marketing before becoming Scottish Regional Manager for Bestway’s Best-one symbol group after Bestway acquired Bellevue in 2010.
In 2013, Colin secured private equity investment to build and manage his own business, the multi-award-winning Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh, which he successfully sold in 2018.
Appointed Chief Executive of the Scottish Wholesale Association in 2018, Colin brings extensive expertise across the food and drink supply chain and a collaborative leadership style. He works closely with members, suppliers, government and industry stakeholders to advance member interests, strengthen Scotland’s food and drink wholesale sector, foster innovation and sustainability, and drive transformative change across the industry.
What do you think are the greatest opportunities for the Scottish tourism, retail and hospitality industries in 2027?
Scotland's tourism, retail and hospitality sectors have a tremendous opportunity to build on the country's reputation for quality, provenance and innovation. Consumers are increasingly looking for authentic local experiences, high-quality Scottish produce and businesses that can demonstrate strong sustainability credentials.
There is also significant opportunity in collaboration across the supply chain. By strengthening connections between producers, wholesalers, retailers and hospitality operators, we can help more Scottish products reach consumers while supporting local economies and creating greater resilience. Advances in technology, data and workforce development will also play an important role in improving efficiency and helping businesses respond to changing consumer expectations.
What are you looking most forward to seeing, meeting, or attending at ScotHot?
One of the great strengths of ScotHot is its ability to bring together people from every part of Scotland's food, drink, tourism and hospitality sectors. I'm particularly looking forward to meeting producers, wholesalers, hospitality operators and industry innovators who are helping to shape the future of our industries.
I am always interested in seeing new products, emerging technologies and fresh ideas that can help businesses become more sustainable, more efficient and more resilient. Just as importantly, ScotHot provides an excellent opportunity to have meaningful conversations with colleagues and partners from across the supply chain.
Why do you think events like ScotHot are important to the industry?
Events such as ScotHot are vital because they create a platform for collaboration, learning and innovation. They bring together businesses of all sizes, facilitate new relationships and encourage the sharing of ideas, insights and best practice.
Our industries are facing rapid change, from evolving consumer behaviour and workforce challenges to sustainability and technological transformation. Bringing people together to discuss these issues and explore solutions is essential. ScotHot helps businesses identify opportunities, build partnerships and gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to succeed in a changing environment.
Most importantly, it showcases the strength, diversity and ambition of Scotland's tourism, hospitality, food and drink sectors and reminds us what can be achieved when we work together.
