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EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR’S ILETTER t’s hard to believe we’re already midway through 2021, but what a year it’s proving to be, so far. Industry events are at the forefront as the sector deals with the new normal: from SPAR Australia’s Supplier of the Year Awards to Ritchies’ 150th anniversary celebration, the Metcash Supplier of the Year Awards to the launch of Romeo’s Retail Group’s new upmarket Locali and Food Hall in Sydney recently. The resounding sentiment for the independent sector has been strongly positive, with closer than ever collaboration between retail, suppliers and wholesalers to support the industry through this most challenging of times. At Convenience World, we’re looking forward to exploring the latest products, trends and innovations at the upcoming mid-year conference of The Distributors (also celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary), the Naturally Good Expo, Food South Australia Summit (another milestone with its 10th anniversary), and Foodservice Australia 2021. Watch this space for more news and developments. The Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) has presented a vision for doubling the size of the nation’s food and grocery manufacturing sector to $250 billion by 2030. Its new report, ‘Sustaining Australia: Food and Grocery Manufacturing 2030’, identifies major opportunities and vulnerabilities for the sector, as well as potential growth paths. The full report is available at the AFGC’s website. The ANZPAC Plastics Pact (ANZPAC) has launched in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands region, uniting businesses, NGOs and governments behind a series of ambitious 2025 targets to eliminate plastic waste. ANZPAC represents the total plastics supply chain, including leading brands, packaging manufacturers, retailers, resource recovery leaders, government institutions and NGOs. Read more at Convenience World’s website. In the latest Retail World 360, Convenience World’s sister digital platform, Foodland Supermarkets CEO Franklin dos Santos offers insight into the future of the Foodland business and its five-year growth strategy. Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer addresses pivoting strategies from food and beverage manufacturers, as well as challenges and opportunities arising during the pandemic. Australian Institute of Packaging Executive Director Nerida Kelton outlines how reusable and refillable programs are a positive step to minimising environmental footprints for retailers and brands. Head to Retail World 360 for more inspired thought leadership on the evolving world of IIOT, packaging, sustainability, manufacturing, logistics, automation and technology. In this issue, we share the latest trends and products to hit the market in the winter edition of The Beverage Guide, what’s in season in the winter warmers and confectionery categories, and what’s trending in fuel and forecourt. The Beverage Guide features IRI’s beverage overview, a summary of emerging category trends, market value and category growth across various beverage segments. Additionally, there’s research from the Australian Beverages Council showing that consumers continue to make informed choices in line with the industry’s efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles. And Exceedra says better-for-you and functional products are highlighting the need for a review of the traditional beverage category. In our winter warmers feature, we address the opportunities and changing needs of the shopper. IRI presents the category trends for on-the-go food and drinks for the petrol and convenience channel. Illuminera also shares opportunities for fuelling occasion-based marketing for the winter season. We hope you enjoy this issue of Convenience World. Join our community and subscribe to our magazine and eNewsletter here, and don’t forget to follow us on our social platforms: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Lorna Gloria Managing Editor 2 CONVENIENCE WORLD MAY/JUN, 2021