The Distributors’ management team, along with members, suppliers and customers, gathered at the Gold Coast in early May for its inaugural National Retailer and Wholesaler Trade Show & Conference.
The Marriott Resort & Spa at Surfers Paradise hosted the three-day casino-themed event, which saw more than 300 customers and over 50 suppliers attend.
The first day kicked off with the inaugural Retailer Trade Show, which provided the opportunity for members and suppliers to interface with convenience and route customers. The Wholesaler Trade Show followed in the afternoon, hosting more than 50 exhibitors showcasing new product lines, the latest innovations and trends.
Adopting a casino theme for its stand, Snack Brands Australia’s exhibit was a highlight of the trade show, complete with a blackjack table. Red Bull was inviting with its DJ truck, brightly lit information stand and promo girls offering delegates an energy pick-up throughout the day.
Complete with a bubble machine and beach umbrella, Lipton showcased its relaunched sparkling iced tea range, with the addition of a new peach flavour. Formerly available in cans, the range now comes packaged in a 500ml PET bottle and claims an improved taste.
With the increasingly growing trend for coconut water, Natural Raw C introduced its soon-to–be-launched Pure Energy Guarana & Acai, and Pure Protein & Cacao lines, bringing increased functionality and flavour into the coconut water segment. Another major player in coconut water, H2Coco, presented its newly launched Cocoespresso, with the product a combination of a full shot of coffee and coconut water –feedback from the trade was positive.
Also catering to the functional and better-for-you beverage market, FAL Food and Beverages showcased its Hi-Pro Boost protein drink, which is claimed to be scientifically formulated to increase performance, help with recovery and provide essential nutrients for active bodies. The product contains 42g of protein per serve and is packed in a 450ml foil pack to allow for on-the-go consumption. Also on display from FAL was naturally flavoured vitamin water Aqua Hero, which features popular characters from Marvel, Disney, Warner Bros and Universal on-pack. The beverage is sweetened with stevia, made with natural flavourings and contains vitamins C and B6.
Also in the better-for-you space, Tru Blu Beverages introduced TuTea FruTea, with the 300ml iced teas containing no added sugar, preservatives or colours. At under 300kj per serve, TuTea FruTea is made with natural flavours and is available in mango, blackcurrant, peach and lemon.
Offering new product development in the more traditional beverage segment of CSDs, Saxbys presented its new Diet Lime, Diet Pineapple, Portello, Groovy Grape and Snazzberry lines, with the latter a take on blue raspberry.
To coincide with the highly anticipated release of the Minions movie this month, Ferrero was building excitement around the launch of its Minions– themed banana flavoured Tic Tac. The launch represents Tic Tac’s first ever licence association, with the limited-edition flavour created using all-natural colours, complete with a minion printed on each individual mint.
Also in the confectionery category, Wrigley presented its new single-serve Eclipse Mints and display stand. Dynamic Brands Group also had a presence at the trade show with its gourmet jelly beans from The Jelly Bean Factory, Gran’s Fudge and novelty confectionery lines.
Catering to increased demand for healthy options in P&C, Sanitarium showcased its latest launch, Naturally Nood wholefood fruit and nut snack bars. The range contains dates and nuts, with some varieties featuring other fruits or cocoa, without any added nasties such as preservatives, artificial colours or flavours.
Also in the health space, Go Natural introduced recent innovations Raw Cacao Fruit Nut Cherry Coconut (black cherries, shredded coconut, dates and cacao), Raw Cacao Fruit Nut Licorice (licorice root blended with dates, Australian macadamias and almonds), Baked Muesli Slices in Banana and Cranberry Strawberry with Yoghurt, and Nut Delight Sea Salt Caramel (dark chocolate, almonds, caramel, brazil nuts, sea salt and peanuts).
Taking advantage of the opportunity to be in front of the trade, Mars promoted its MasterFoods squeeze-on packs of Aioli and Honey, with the latter representing the brand’s first entry into the sweet segment.
P&G reinforced the popularity of its Ambi-Pur Mini air fresheners, which launched last year. With its subtle design and small size, the Ambi-Pur Mini is claimed to provide a long-lasting fragrance through the unique no-leak wick.
The day wrapped up with a cocktail welcome party offering delegates an invaluable networking opportunity.
On the second day, members gathered for the mid-year state-of-business update and supplier presentations. That evening, the ballroom was transformed for the formal gala dinner, featuring entertainment from musical comedy act The Axis of Awesome, who played a combination of original material and pop parodies.
The dinner culminated with the presentation of The Distributors’ annual awards, recognising supply partners and members. The members’ awards were voted for by suppliers, with supplier awards voted by the members.
The award winners include:
- Celebrating 15 Years’ Service: KM Cupitt and Inland Distributors.
- Member of the Year greater than $10 million: Accredited Distributors.
- Member of the Year up to $10 million: ACW Sunshine.
- Supplier of the Year greater than $10 million: Nestlé Confectionery.
- Supplier of the Year up to $10 million:Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
- Best Trade Exhibitor (Gold suppliers): Snack Brands Australia.
- Best Trade Exhibitor (all other suppliers):Red Bull.
- Best New Product Launch: Bundaberg Traditional Lemonade and Apple Cider.
Speaking on behalf of the team at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, National Impulse Channel Manager Anthony Scodellaro said they were humbled to receive the awards for Supplier of the Year up to $10 million and Best New Product Launch.
“We are a family owned business, we work with the Fleming family, not for them, and this is quite personal for us,” he said. “Without you guys we wouldn’t have the distribution and ranging that we currently have, so thank you very much on behalf of everyone at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.”
In accepting the award for Member of the Year greater than $10 million, Accredited Distributors Managing Director Craig Bain took the opportunity to thank suppliers that they work with.
“To the suppliers that continue to support our channel, we really thank you,” he said. “The channel is changing dramatically and we need to change with the times.
“I am very passionate about the industry, because I worked at Cadbury Schweppes for a long time doing this channel and to come into it and see where it was back then to where it was today, I certainly think there is a lot of opportunity for us all.”
Festivities continued late into the night with guests choosing between The Distributors’ ‘casino’ and ‘night club’ to celebrate another successful year.
The conference concluded with the well-attended supplier forum, which provided suppliers with an update on the group’s strategic direction.
“We are very pleased with the attendance at our first ever National Retailer & Wholesaler Trade Show,” Distributors General Manager Alessandro Garofalo said. “It was a fantastic opportunity for our trading partners, customers and suppliers to share what our group can offer across our national footprint made of passionate and dedicated local businesses.
“Working more in partnership, sharing as much as we can to plan and work together will make sure that we are all successful.”
