The 15th annual New Sunrise iceworks conference held on 11-15 September in Tokyo, Japan, was a resounding success, bringing together over 450 delegates from across Australia and marking it the “largest Sunrise family gathering” to date. 
“The week saw the presentation of the Sunrise future marketing proposition, evolution of its customer focused brand identity and its desire to drive preference as a location to eat, drink and rest,” says New Sunrise National Merchandise Manager Joseph Alessi. The week also saw a market visit in the local Tokyo convenience trade and celebration of recent success at the annual Snowball Gala Dinner.
‘Kampai’: a toast to success
The New Sunrise annual iceworks event is more than just another industry conference; it is a celebration of the collaborative spirit that binds this unique ‘family’ together. “From the immersive study tour to the enlightening business sessions and capping it off with the Snowball Gala Awards Night, the presence and active engagement of both supplier partners and retailers over the week enriched every facet of this extraordinary event,” Mr Alessi said.
Particular cause to celebrate this year, was the recognition of Mood Foods Kempton as AACS Convenience Store of the year, and New Sunrise as AACS Convenience Retailer of the year – both in March 2023 – recognising the dedication and innovation of the collective New Sunrise retail network and the above market growth delivered over consecutive years. “The high attendance bore testimony to the growing strength of the Sunrise family and community within the industry, leaving all delegates with a truly unforgettable experience,” Mr Alessi said.
The pinnacle of this celebration was the Snowball Gala Awards Night, where outstanding achievements were recognised and celebrated. “New Sunrise extends heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners and nominees, acknowledging their dedication and innovation as sources of inspiration for the entire industry.”
Business sessions: The Obeya – room with many views
The iceworks 2023 business session saw and engaging collaboration of speakers from industry leaders, retailers and supplier partners – bringing to life the sessions theme of the Japanese ‘Obeya’, a room with many views.
Delegates heard from keynote speakers in the review of the current market, behaviours, trends and future insights, with presentations by: Brett Barclay (Director Convenience Measures Australia), Kurt Peterson (Business Development & Partnerships Director, IRI Circana), Corinne Barclay (Director, Convenience Measures Australia), Mark McKenzie (CEO, ACAPMA), Deb Cooper (Channell Manager, Frucor) and Theo Foukkare (CEO, AACS).
The business sessions also included a supplier panel, with input from senior representatives from key manufacturers, and a retailer panel, with input from independent retail operators across different Australian markets. “This platform was particularly engaging for industry leaders to share insights, engage in discussions on sustainability, supply chain optimisation, and customer engagement strategies, all of which added depth and richness to the event,” Mr Alessi said.
New Sunrise: Pillars of progress
New Sunrise presented its future marketing and business plans in front of over 400 delegates, including the evolution of the Sunrise customer identity as well as its new TV Campaign, set to launch in Q4 2023.
Delegates heard from New Sunrise Managing Director Steve Cardinale, who set the clear vision for the group delivered via its expansive program, including a new launch of its food and beverage platforms, additional retailer support, digital and online marketing programs and an exciting new TV brand campaign featuring original yellow wiggle, Greg Page.
“Wednesday’s study tour allowed delegates to gain firsthand experience of the global convenience store landscape, providing inspiration and best practices from the Japanese ‘kombini’ market, that can be implemented within their own businesses.”
Arigato Gozaimasu: Thanks to all delegates
New Sunrise thanked its delegates for making iceworks 23 a success. “A special thanks to supplier partners. Their support extends beyond the conference and has a lasting impact on businesses and consumers, driven through the success of the Passport to Profit program,” Mr Alessi said. “Their dedication to the New Sunrise pillars, growth drivers and support of the independents has been instrumental in delivering the outstanding results the group has delivered.”
iceworks 2023 provided a unique platform for suppliers and retailers to engage in meaningful discussions and build relationships. “This year’s core range workshop was another demonstration of the delivery of industry leading programs and tools to support independent convenience retailers and suppliers to achieve mutually beneficial goals.”
The legacy of iceworks 2023: Forging ahead together
iceworks 2023 was not merely another industry event, but a unique gathering of family, friends, and like-minded individuals, who together, have shown the industry its true innovation, resilience and future potential as a retail network. “With Sunny flying high for all New Sunrise members, the drive to achieve new heights and set new standards continue to allow members the opportunity to unlock the potential ahead.”
