‘The Power of Passion’ was the theme of SPAR Australia’s 2015 Supplier Awards presented in Brisbane on Wednesday.
The awards recognise the support of key suppliers across various categories. SPAR Australia says the support of its suppliers over the past year has again assisted in the retailer’s growth.
Speaking at the event, SPAR Australia’s Managing Director, Lou Jardin, discussed how far the SPAR Australia business has come over the past five years and said the current level of investment being made by retailers reflects the confidence they have in the brand.
Yoep Man, Managing Director of SPAR China and the person responsible for International Business Development – APAC for SPAR International, presented an overview of SPAR’s global operations and focus areas for growth.
Mr Man shared some recent key developments around the world and also provided the audience with insights into upcoming expansions that have not yet been announced to the market. He also explained some of the challenges and opportunities presented by the Chinese market and how SPAR is successfully using these to create points of difference and drive significant sales volume. One such example is the trial of occasion-based categories, such as Family Fun, for snack and beverage products.
Finally, Mr Man shared the opportunities that exist for both Australian and international suppliers in working with SPAR in the areas of strategic collaboration, the supply chain, category management, consumer trends and SPAR’s beliefs.
SPAR Australia says ‘The Power of Passion’ theme of the event represents the company’s next key focus area.
“SPAR retailers are passionate – passionate about retail, passionate about their businesses and passionate about their communities,” a spokesperson said.
“SPAR’s staff are passionate about driving success and profitability throughout their network, both to retailers and suppliers, and they’re passionate about their individual roles within this important business in the independent retail landscape.
“SPAR’s suppliers and partners are passionate about the brands and businesses they represent, passionate about achieving market share.”
Those who have been most passionate about working with SPAR to achieve their goals were recognised in the Supplier Awards, hosted by hosted by journalist and author Peter FitzSimons.
Snack Brands Australia was awarded SPAR Australia’s Supplier Of The Year for 2015. In addition to achieving strong growth of 27.2 per cent over the previous year, the company was praised for great responsiveness in account management, a high level of support through promotional activity, and a great result at the SPAR Australia Trade Show.
Also awarded were:
- 2015 Grocery Platinum Supplier of the Year – Mars Petcare Australia.
- 2015 Grocery Gold Supplier of the Year – Lion Dairy & Drinks Australia.
- 2015 Refrigerated Platinum Supplier of the Year – Devondale Murray Goulburn.
- 2015 Refrigerated Gold Supplier of the Year – Peters Ice Cream.
- 2015 Fabulous Supplier of the Year – Real Dairy Australia Pty Ltd.
- 2015 Direct Supplier of the Year – Tip Top Bakery.
- 2015 New Product Launch of the Year – Unilever Australia, Streets Blue Ribbon Golden Gaytime Ice Cream.
- 2015 Retailers’ Choice Supplier of the Year – Coca-Cola Amatil.
The awards were presented by Mr Jardin and SPAR Australia’s National Merchandise Manager Colin Dwyer, with Deputy Chair of the SPAR Guild Council Bob Little joining the pair to present the Retailers’ Choice Award on behalf of SPAR Australia’s retailers.