Networking and knowledge

The SFTA today is a member organisation focused on connecting and supporting food trade operators and partners in Scotland.  We exist to enthusiastically build relationships in the food sector; to promote networking, increased trade knowledge and information exchange, along with a social side to the industry. If you share our enthusiasm, why not join us?

Our history

Formerly known as The Scottish Provision Trade Association, the SFTA was founded in 1889. The core principle behind the formation of the Association was to secure, develop and promote the produce trade in Scotland. The Association’s “brief” was not to look after the interests of one particular trade, but to cater for the needs of importers and the wholesale provision business as a whole, and this it did successfully through the dark days of economic depression and war as well as in happier times. Today we still retain a broad, inclusive and welcoming “brief”.

The SFTA has an archive in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow. If you would like to view the archive, please give them at least two hours’ notice and give yourself plenty of time to view the information as documents cannot be borrowed. Many people have enjoyed looking back at how our trade was in days gone by – try buying a shop for £20 today(!)