Drakes Supermarkets celebrates 50 years of excellence and strengthens supplier partnerships at the 2024 Annual Conference on the Gold Coast.
Drakes Supermarkets hosted its 16th annual Supplier Conference at the newest beachfront luxury hotel, Langham Gold Coast.
The exclusive event gathered Drakes Executives, valued supplier partners and their families for an immersive experience focused on building business relations and celebrating the company’s 50-year legacy.
The five-day conference commenced with an exciting Welcome Party in the Diamond Ballroom at the Langham Conference Centre where attendees were able to mingle and enjoy the evening before being entertained by Australian singer-songwriter Tones and I.
“As an Australian company, I am a big believer of supporting Australian businesses, and whilst many choose to travel overseas for their conferencing, I am very proud to hold our conferences in Australia, strengthening our countries local businesses and talent,” Managing Director Roger Drake said.
Throughout the conference, supplier partners engaged in informative sessions designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The business session provided an opportunity for Drakes Executives to present key insights into the company’s growth trajectory, future initiatives and a comprehensive review of the past year’s achievements. Adam Spencer, one of Australia’s most respected keynote speakers also presented on a strong focal point for business, the future of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
A key highlight of the business session was the opportunity for suppliers to engage directly with Drakes executives, encouraging open dialogue and allowing suppliers to ask questions directly to presenters throughout the day.
To conclude the conference, Drakes hosted the Supplier Awards Gala Dinner, a celebratory event recognising the outstanding contributions and achievements of its supplier partners.
“Whilst we wish to congratulate our award winners, we must also acknowledge all who were nominated for the 2024 Drakes Supplier Awards, and thank all of our supplier partners for their continued support and valued business relationship,” Mr Drake said.
Winners of the 2024 Drakes Supermarkets Supplier Awards
| Grocery Account Manager of the Year | Karlee Cindric – PepsiCo ANZ
Kristian Griffiths – Fonterra Australia |
| Fresh Foods Account Manager of the Year | Aaron Drinkwater |
| The Guido Manzueto Memorial Award | Warwick Meats |
| Product Launch of the Year | Yummy Snacks Foods (Federick Street Finest Range)
Brunnings Garden Products (Les Burdett Lawn Food) |
| $8M+ Supplier of the Year | PepsiCo ANZ |
| Non Fresh up to $8M Supplier of the Year | Suntory Oceania |
| Non Foods Supplier of the Year | The Clorox Company |
| Tobacco Supplier of the Year | Imperial Brands Australasia |
| Dairy Supplier of the Year | Fonterra Australia |
| Frozen Supplier of the Year | Patties Food Group |
| Meat Supplier of the Year | D.R. Johnston/JBS Australia |
| Deli & Seafood Supplier of the Year | Don Smallgoods |
| Bakery Supplier of the Year | Vili’s Family Bakery |
| Produce Supplier of the Year | Yummy Snacks Foods |
| Ready to Eat Supplier of the Year | Youfoodz |
| Support Services Supplier of the Year | Arneg Oceania |
