SPAR Australia has announced the winners of the 2022 Supplier Awards at a dinner held on 11 November at the RACV Royal Pines Resort in Queensland. Hosted by radio broadcaster, TV presenter and professional MC, Robin Bailey, SPAR Australia recognised the support of key suppliers across various categories and presented the coveted SPAR Supplier of the Year Awards.
The support of SPAR Australia’s suppliers over the last year assisted in SPAR’s growth and continued development. SPAR operates on the ‘Better Together, Progress with Purpose’ premise that identifies the way into the future for SPAR Australia and the supply partners.
SPAR Australia Managing Director Lou Jardin presented to the group and spoke about the critical role SPAR’s suppliers play in the success of the business.
From supporting SPAR’s merchandise team in category reviews and consolidating the range, to promotional support, Mr Jardin shared SPAR’s five key strategies – presenting a value statement, implementing a focused range, clearing the clutter, merchandising for sales and keeping it clean and fresh.
He thanked the suppliers for the role they have played in SPAR’s development to date and the support they have shown the SPAR business.
Mr Jardin introduced Mark McGuinness who has recently been appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Mr McGuinness shared insights about the exciting journey towards the newly built Australian SPAR distribution centre and head office.
SPAR acknowledged the Supplier of the Year Award recipients on their success in the respective categories:
- 2022 Supplier of the Year – Bulla Dairy
- 2022 Chilled & Frozen Supplier of the Year – Bulla Dairy
- 2022 Grocery Supplier of the Year – Carman’s Fine Foods
- 2022 Non-Food Supplier of the Year – SAFCOL Petcare
- 2022 The Fresh Foods Supplier of the Year – J.L.King &Co.
- 2022 Convenience Foods Supplier of the Year – The Smiths Snack Food Company
- 2022 Promotional Support of the Year – Asahi Lifestyle Beverages
- 2022 SPAR Brand Supplier of the Year – Della Rosa
- 2022 Product Launch of the Year – Cadbury Caramilk Ice-Cream 4 pack
- 2022 Account Manager of the Year – Jarred Wellington.
Bulla Dairy achieved a standout 2022, narrowly edging out other great performing suppliers in each of the Award’s criteria. “Bulla Dairy demonstrated a willingness to understand and support the key strategies of SPAR Australia and has been the definition of ‘Better Together’. A balanced promotional program with a strong emphasis in participating in SPAR Australia’s Payless Everyday value campaign has contributed to Bulla Dairy’s high sale performance in very competitive categories.”
The awards were judged on year-round performance, recognising consistent achievement and support throughout the year.
The awards were presented by Mr Jardin and SPAR Australia National Merchandise Manager Colin Dwyer.
“SPAR Australia would like to thank all of the suppliers who supported SPAR Australia both at warehouse and retail levels throughout 2022 and congratulate both the nominees who made the judging process extremely competitive and the winners on their success.”
