Foodland Supermarkets celebrated its suppliers and partners with its annual Supplier of the Year Awards. Held at the iconic Adelaide Oval on 17 November, independent supermarket network Foodland Supermarkets put on a showstopping dinner to pay tribute to each and every brand that contributes to its success.
Foodland Supermarkets Chief Executive Officer Franklin dos Santos said the highly anticipated awards night had become a ‘not to be missed event’ and was a great way to get everyone together to say thank you.
“Everyone works particularly hard to deliver the best and freshest produce, small goods, dry goods and beverages to the Foodland network year-round,” Mr dos Santos said.
“It’s important to acknowledge that our success is much more than just delivering great shopping experiences across our stores – a huge part of that success is thanks to our valued partners. They are the ones that help us serve our communities day in, day out.
“The awards night also gives us the perfect opportunity to thank individuals within our Foodland family who have celebrated milestones and excellence in service,” he said.
There were three inductees to the Foodland ‘Hall of Fame’ – Vince Violi from Seacliff Park Foodland, Tony Violi and Tony Clewlow who recently celebrated his retirement from Foodland Supermarkets Support office after more than 20 years as a Category Manager.
“For all their years of loyalty and service, we are grateful.”
In true Foodland form, its “first-class” South Australian producers were championed throughout the evening across the menu including Dumpling 100, SA Meats, Wintulichs, Barossa Fine Foods, Penfield Olives, Mitolo Family Farms, Thomas Cappo Seafoods and Ceravolo Orchards.
Finishing gourmet touches by The Little Cheese Co, Say Cheese, St George Cakes, Local Cellars, Bickfords and 23rd Street Distillery wrapped up the evening while guests were entertained by a live band.
Golden North Ice Cream served up never-been-seen before flavours at a pop-up ice cream bar as part of its centenary year celebrations – “an activation that guests took great delight in.”
“You can’t get more Foodland than that. It’s the mantra that we live by every day across our network – why look elsewhere for produce and products when we have the very best right on our doorstep? So, naturally we extended that ethos to our Supplier Awards night,” Mr dos Santos said.
“We congratulate everyone that took part in the awards and we look forward to another fruitful year in 2024.”
2023 Supplier of the Year Award winners
Friends of the Farm Award – Ceravolo Orchards, Bache Bros Pty Ltd, D&G Fresh Fruit Distributors, Gilmour Orchards and Nicol Carrots
Sustainability Award – Bega Dairy & Drinks
Merchandiser of the Year – Mondelez
Deli, Meat & Seafood – Don Smallgoods
Bakery – Tip Top Bakeries
Dairy – Bega Dairy & Drinks
Frozen – McCain Foods
Food – Nestle Australia Ltd
Confectionary, Snacks & Biscuits – Mondelez
Beverages – Asahi Beverages
Household & GM – TCC Distributors Personal Care – TCC Distributors
Pet – Real Pet Food Company
Sales Executive of the Year – Karen Hallam
SA Supplier of the Year – Our United Foods
Overall Supplier of the Year – TCC Distributors.
