SPAR Australia held its 2022 Trade Show and Gala Awards at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on 9-11 June.
With over 530 delegates in attendance, and represented by 116 stores, SPAR Australia Trade Show showcased 124 exhibitor stands and the latest food, beverage, equipment and technology products and innovations to hit the market.
SPAR International Retail Development Manager (SE Asia) John Costanzo delivered an introduction on the opening night, offering an update on SPAR International with 13,500 stores in 50 countries.
Former Olympic gold medallist and swimmer Brooke Hanson OAM delivered an inspiring keynote, also hosting the SPAR Australia Trade Show and conducting showcases of exhibitor stands and products.
SPAR Australia’s night of nights Gala Awards was hosted by MC and former AFL footballer Richard Champion.
SPAR Australia Managing Director Lou Jardin addressed the event and said the SPAR business has been transformational over 12 years. He thanked the corporate team, SPAR retailers, suppliers and all who had been on the journey with SPAR.
Recognising the contribution to SPAR and the independent industry, Mr Jardin presented the inaugural Little SPAR Award to long-serving retailer Bob Little of SPAR Maclean, Queensland, who has been an independent retailer for more than 40 years.
Mr Lou Jardin stated: “This award is to recognise contribution to SPAR and to the independent industry by SPAR independent retailers. Bob and Judith are true role models and an inspiration to us all.”
At the presentation, Michael and Andrew Little (Bob & Judith’s sons), described what it was like growing up in the house above the store, and witnessing daily what Bob & Judith did to serve the community of Maclean.
Presented by Mr Jardin and SPAR Guild Council Deputy Chair Dimitri Spyrakis, the highest honours were awarded to Nash and Rash Attwal of SPAR Chevron Island, Queensland for SPAR Store of the Year, and Jason and Sharon Bull of SPAR Express Morpheth, NSW for SPAR Express Store of the Year.
SPAR Australia Gala Awards
Inaugural Little SPAR Award – Bob and Judith Little
Store of the Year
SPAR Express Store – SPAR Express Morpeth
SPAR Store – SPAR Chevron Island.
Department Awards
SPAR Grocery Award – SPAR Ballina
SPAR Express Grocery Award – SPAR Express Lambton
SPAR Dairy / Freezer Award – SPAR Jetty Village
SPAR Express Dairy / Freezer Award – SPAR Express Morpeth
SPAR Fresh Food Award – SPAR Babinda
SPAR Express Fresh Food Award – SPAR Express Tallebudgera
Food To Go Award- SPAR Express Oxenford
Community Partnership Foundation
SPAR Express Bourke
SPAR Richmond
SPAR Express Morpeth
SPAR Southtown
SPAR Blackbutt
Supplier Stand Awards
Small Supplier Stand – Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat & Co
Medium Supplier Stand – Coolphase
Large Supplier Stand – Tip Top Bakeries.
Look out for full coverage in the upcoming July issue of Retail World.
