The Distributors held its mid-year Thrive conference on 16-19 May at the tropical gardens of the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Port Douglas surrounded by white sand beaches.
More than 250 delegates of national retailers, supplier partners and distributor members came together to network, learn about the latest trends, and preview new products and innovation across confectionery, snack, beverage and grocery categories. It was also an opportunity to drive business opportunities in speed-date style pitch deck and deal presentation meetings, taking place over 15-minute sessions which continued throughout the afternoon over two days.
A welcome dinner was hosted by Mondelez on Tuesday, 16 May around the poolside gazebo of the Sheraton Grand Mirage with special guest speaker and futurist Gus Balbontin providing a thought-provoking presentation on innovation and adapting business.
Opening the conference on Wednesday, 17 May, The Distributors CEO George Tsapoutas provided an update on the network and an overview of the last 12 months and highlighting the Group’s performance. AACS CEO Theo Foukkare delivered a keynote on the state of the convenience industry. MyBrandz General Manager Karen Campbell presented the latest update for the company’s software technology, a new app MyBrandzX which will soon be launched to market. And ACAPMA CEO Mark McKenzie provided an outlook for EVs and the future of the P&C industry. This was followed by a keynote by retired Australian Olympic Aerial Skier and motivational speaker Jacqui Cooper who shared her story and journey to become a world champion skier. The Thrive and Refresh tropical themed dinner was hosted by Frucor at Hemingway’s Brewery.
Rounding out the conference on Thursday, 18 May, The Distributors Cane Cutters Ball was held at the picturesque venue, The Grotto, to celebrate the achievements of the past year and acknowledging suppliers at the Supplier of the Year Awards.
Supplier of the Year Awards
Supplier of the Year – Better for You: Bounce
E-commerce: Accredited Distributors Geelong
Most Outstanding Sales Result: Nestle
Best Supplier DIFOT Award: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
Supplier of the Year (up to $5M): Sanitarium
Supplier of the Year (up to $10M): AIT
Best Product Launch Beverage: Red Bull, The Purple Edition
Best Product Launch Snack: Burger Man Saucee Original
Best Product Launch Confectionery: Lifesavers
Best Product Launch Novelty: Chupa Chups
Supplier of the Year (over $20M): Snackbrands Australia
Supplier of the Year (over $50M): Smith’s
Sales Representative of the Year: Renee Creasey
Member of the Year (under $18M): The Distributors Central Coast
Member of the Year (over$18M): The Distributors Brisbane.
Full coverage of the conference will feature in Convenience World June issue.
