Scot Serve has won a prestigious industry award – Project Scotland – for an innovative sales and distribution initiative on behalf of its client, FrieslandCampina UK.

The Clackmannanshire-based company won Project Scotland in Scottish Wholesale Achievers 2014, which provides an opportunity for suppliers to reiterate their commitment to wholesalers north of the Border and display both their willingness and ability to better understand the specific – and often unique – needs of Scottish wholesalers.

Scotland’s leading food and drink sales consultancy entered ‘The Goodness of Milk’ initiative for theYazoobrand, owned by FrieslandCampinaUK. Judges praised Scot Serve for the effort that went into theYazoocampaign, which succeeded in increasing both distribution and rate of sale.

According to the judges, the project to boost sales and distribution ofYazoo1-litre inScotland’s top wholesalers and their symbol and retail groups represented a “significant investment” for a brand of its size.

The judges said: “The campaign was well thought-out, and although a similar project is being run south of the Border, Scotland got it first.

“That’s largely due to the hard work and determination of Graeme Clark of Scot Serve, who joined forces with Helen Cridge, trade marketing manager of FrieslandCampina, to deliver an excellent presentation to the Project Scotland judges.”

As a result of the project, which involved direct communication, van sales and promotions, sales of Yazoo 1-litre in key wholesalers in Scotland have increased by 42% in the year to date.

The judges were: Willie Davidson, Bellevue; Stephen Clinton, Booker; Stuart Harrison, JW Filshill; George Thomson, formerly of Forth Wines; Iain Hill, Iain Hill Ltd; and Ali Afsar, United Wholesale (Scotland).

Achievers, created and organised by the  Scottish Wholesale Association, recognises professionalism and excellence across all sectors of the wholesale industry in Scotland.

Almost 500 people attended the gala dinner and awards presentation, hosted by TV presenter Catriona Shearer, at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh in February.

Graeme Clark, managing director of Scot Serve, commented: “We were runner-up in Project Scotland last year – the first time we had entered Scottish Wholesale Achievers.

“To now win the category, in which we were judged against larger, national suppliers, is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our sales team.

“It also cements the excellent working relationship we have with  FrieslandCampina UK.”