UNITED Wholesale ­(Scotland) has defeated its peers to take the top title in the Scottish wholesale industry's biggest awards programme.

The Glasgow-based firm, which has depots in Pollokshields and Queenslie, was praised for "consistently high standards" and named Champion of Champions in the 12th annual Scottish Wholesale Achievers awards. It was the first time it had lifted the award, which has been won by Glasgow-based JW Filshill five times since the competition started.

The accolade, one of four won by United in this year's awards, came as the company completes phase two of the £2 million expansion of its Pollokshields depot, and prepares to move into the east of the country.

United, which trades as a cash and carry and delivered wholesaler to convenience stores under the Day Today fascia, is investing £2 million to open a depot in Newbridge on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Scheduled to open in September, the new premises will be licensed and accommodate delivered wholesale and cash and carry customers.

In addition to lifting the overall champion title, United, whose single biggest shareholder is former Glasgow MP Mohammad Sarwar, won the awards for best symbol group and best marketing initiative. It shared the great place to work title with foodservice delivered wholesaler 3663. Other winners included CJ Lang, Failte Foods, Gordon & MacPhail, Sutherland Brothers, Booker, AG Barr, United Wholesale Grocers, Forteith Foodservice, Scot Serve and Bestway Batleys Foodservice.