AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022
Safa de Valois Keith BergJames Wells Thomas Oakley-Newell 06 FACE TIME Harsika Manoranjen, National Account Manager, The Distributors 10 STORE REVIEW Community is at the heart of Endeavour Petroleum’s operations 14 FOODSERVICE How convenience operators are reimagining themselves as hospitality thinkers 18 PACKAGED BEVERAGES Energy drinks lead the sales charge as beverages continue to boom 22 SNACK FOODS The snack food category remains a convenience staple 26 PRODUCT RANGING We bring you all the latest new product launches 46 OPINION Theo Foukkare, CEO, AACS; Darren Park, CEO, UCB Stores; Stephen Wilson, Category & Insights Manager, Strikeforce 52 INDUSTRY NEWS The Distributors; SPAR; New Sunrise; APCO; AACS; C&I NZ Expo 68 PETROL NEWS Dan Armes, Founder, ServoPro; bp; Viva Energy; Ampol 10
DebCheers,Jackson
4 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au CONTENTS August/September 2022 EDITORIAL
W elcome to the August/September issue of Convenience & Impulse Retailing magazine. What an amazing time to be a part of the convenience industry with two of our very own stealing the show at NACS Asia Pacific Convenience Retailer of the Year Awards. APCO Café 24/7 in Wangaratta, Victoria was named the NACS Asia Pacific Convenience Retailer of the Year, and Shell Urbanista Colyton finished in the top three. It’s a testament to the staying power of our industry and the ingenuity of our retailers to think outside the square, lead with innovation, and adapt their offer to suit the needs of their local geographic – one size fits all is a thing of the past. Foodservice continues to be a major focus for all retailers, with significant focus in the take home food space, and this is a category that we have taken a dive into in this issue along with packaged beverages and snack foods. Also, in this issue we are grateful to have our regular columns from Theo Foukkare, CEO, AACS and Darren Park, CEO, UCB Stores, and Dan Armes, Founder, ServoPro, along with a special opinion piece from Stephen Wilson, Category and Insights Manager, Strikeforce. We also share highlights and winners from some recent retailer awards and conferences, including The Distributors, SPAR, New Sunrise, and APCO. To our readers, we hope you enjoy reading this issue of C&I Retailing Magazine as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.
52Athriving industry
Mars Wrigley has unveiled its latest innovation to hit the confectionery aisle with Maltesers debuting a global first caramel flavour. The caramel infused crunchy malt centre is housed in Maltesers’ signature milk chocolate, with the caramel oozing with complexity and bursting with toffee notes. Designed and made locally at Mars Wrigley’s innovation hub in Ballarat, the product plays to the popularity of caramel and milk chocolate and is the latest locally driven consumer-led product innovation for theAvailablebrand. now across supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide, Maltesers Caramel retails for $4.50. Scan the QR code for informationmore
Funday launches better for you Gummy Snakes
Founded in Melbourne, built and owned by athletes, SUPERBOOST is a purposeful and intentionally different sports fuel. With the next generation in mind, it is not only better-for-you, but packaged in an ecofriendly plant-based Tetra Pak carton. Perfect for the everyday athlete, right through to the elite. For more information contact The Distributors on 1800 989 022.
Copyright
Indulging Australians for more than 20 years, Signature Desserts’ singleserve cheesecakes are optimally designed for impulse purchases and easy on-the-go snacking.
Group Publisher: C&I Media Pty Ltd Safa de Valois Director:Commercial Safa de Valois PRIME TIME
Mars Wrigley launches global first caramel Maltesers
“We’re really guided by our customers,” says Daniel Kitay, Founder, Funday. “So many people talk about loving lollies in the past tense, ’Oh, I loved those when I was younger’. This is our way of injecting a little more childlike joy in your day, while still watching out for your health. Why should kids have all the fun?” For more information visit fundaysweets.com/pages/contactus.
SUPERBOOST is a refreshing, low sugar/low calorie sports hydration drink made from natural ingredients. It has a base of natural fruit juice, 15 per cent coconut water and added sea salt, which provides a high level of potassium powered electrolytes.
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 5
ThisDISCLAIMERpublication is published by C&I Media Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials.
The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement.
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. © 2022 - C&I Media Pty
On-the-go indulgence
The innovative packaging for the 100g cheesecake wedge was designed by Trevor Hansen when he was selling his cheesecake from an industrial snack bar, and even includes a spoon. With an attractive starting RRP of $2.99, the single-serve desserts enable retailers to capitalise on the escalating fast-food market and meet the consumer demand for innovative, readyto-eat desserts.
Charge your inner athlete with SUPERBOOST
The Intermedia Group takes its Corporate and Social Responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers. This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100% recyclable.
Ltd. Published by C&I Media Pty Ltd (A division of The Intermedia Group) 41 Bridge Road (PO Box 55) Glebe NSW 2037 Tel: 02 8586 6292 Fax: 02 9660 4419 E: magazine@c-store.com.au Average Total Distribution: 21,108 AMAA/CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 31 March 2019 Editorial Director: James Wells Production Assistant: Natasha Jara Editor at Large: Keith Berg Graphic Designer: Alyssa Coundouris Associate Publisher: Deb Jackson Deputy Editor: Thomas Oakley-Newell
Funday Natural Sweets has expanded its range of better-foryou confectionery with the addition of the iconic gummy snake. In creating the formula for a healthier version of the gummy snake, alongside food technologists, Funday made sure that one serving meant an entire bag. That’s 50g of lollies with only 3.3g of sugar.
INFORMATION PARTNERS: PROUD MEMBERS OF:
The Manoranjen family – Thurkesh, Seenithamby, Thanaledsumy, and Harsika George Tsapoutas, Harsika Manoranjen, and Chris Potter
”
Throughout high school, I loved to play soccer and basketball, and to this day those are still my favourite sports to play.
AMBITIONSBIGstory…
However, outside of sports, I also have a big passion for music.
We fled Sri Lanka while I was still only a little girl, and I vividly remember the day that we decided to leave. The army had gone door to door and rounded up all the men and had taken them away. I am not completely sure of where they were taken or if people were killed, but I do clearly remember that some of the men never came back. It was this very day that my father decided that we needed to leave for our own safety, so my parents, brother and I piled into our van and drove straight to the airport.
It is the one thing that calms me down when I am overthinking.
Coming back to Sydney as an eight-year-old, everything was new, and I was just starting to understand and take an interest in the world around me. I was eager, but also really scared of how the world would treat me as I didn’t know the English language at all.
Luckily, I am a fast learner, and my schooling was an absolute blast.
Throughout my life music has always been by my side. My first ever job was tutoring for a company called Fiona Tutoring Centre in Blacktown where I marked books all day.
Iwas born in Auckland, New Zealand to Sri Lankan parents, but we moved to Sydney when I was quite young and lived there for five years before moving to Sri Lanka.
Following this I briefly had a job as a night shift worker at Coles stacking shelves, but that’s not how I saw my future. Then I got a call from The Distributors for a role in customer support, and I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by. So, The Distributors became my first office job, and I absolutely love and adore it.
6 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au FACE TIME
Harsika Manoranjen is a National Account Manager at The Distributors. Born in New Zealand, she spent a few years of her childhood living in Sri Lanka during the Civil War, before ultimately settling in Australia with her family. This is her
One thing that I look for in any workplace is the culture and the people, and I can tell you that The Distributors is a place filled with love support.and
I went to an English Medium School in Sri Lanka, which was a very different experience to the schooling we have here in Australia. I made some lifelong friends at this school, but the culture there was so different, and students would be caned by the teachers for making mistakes like you hear about happening in the olden days. This might be different now as it’s been a few years since I’ve been back to Sri Lanka.
It was such a heartbreaking day, leaving a big part of my life and all my friends behind, but since then my life has flourished.
I started at The Distributors in 2019 as Customer Support for the Account Managers and the Customer and Supplier Manager at the time. Two and a half years later, I was given the amazing opportunity to step up and work as a Key Account Manager which has been by far one of the most interesting, yet challenging positions, I’ve ever held. It is a very stimulating job, and it always makes me think and stretch my brain a little further, which is how I thrive in life. This year has been one of the best of my life – I’ve bought my first house, I’m in my penultimate year of studying law and commerce, and I’m in a job that I love – but at only 21 years old, I’d like to think that the best years of my life are still to come. One of the best career highlights I’ve had so far is becoming National Account Manager at The Distributors. I really feel as though I am thriving in this role and am learning so much about myself and the skills that I can bring to the company. I’ve discovered that I am passionate about working with people and can’t imagine myself ever working in a role where I don’t have that face-to-face people contact moving forward. I really enjoy meeting new people and looking after key accounts and finding new opportunities for The Distributors as well. While my role can be quite mentally challenging at times, it also has its perks, and I have been fortunate to attend a few conferences where I’ve been able to meet with our members and customers, and forge deeper relationships with them. In fact, it was at one of our recent conferences where one of my customers told Safa de Valois that he should feature me in C&I magazine, which I found very flattering and humbling.
Abi
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 7 FACE TIME
As I mentioned earlier, on top of having this amazing role, I have also just bought my first house in Muswellbrook, which will eventually become an investment property, but for the next year or two will be my home.
One thing that I look for in any workplace is the culture and the people, and I can tell you that The Distributors is a place filled with love and support, and every single person that I’ve met in this role have been the most kind hearted people I’ve ever met.
Looking ahead, if you ask me where I’d like to see myself in five years, the answer is constantly changing. I am currently studying law and commerce majoring in accounting at Macquarie University and have always wanted to become a Barrister. I’ve got a particular interest in criminal law and ultimately see myself defending people in court. However, the last few years have taught me how important time with your family and loved ones is, and because of that, and knowing that being a criminal barrister would be a time-consuming lifestyle, it’s not a pursuit that I am in a rush to achieve, especially since I really love what I currently do for The Distributors. C&I
Christmas
Harsika and Chris Potter The Distributors celebrations Nadesan and Harsika
I believe it is a monumental achievement through luck and opportunity that I am where I am now, and I only want to keep growing and becoming more of an asset for The Distributors.
The Distributors is one of Australia’s leading national independent wholesalers. We are wholesaler distributors to petrol and convenience, corner stores, pharmacies, newsagents, schools, and the route market. We specialise in beverages, confectionery, snacks, grocery, and customer service, and we have around 35 locally owned warehouses nationally.
This year has been one of the best of my life – I’ve bought my first house, I’m in my penultimate year of studying law and commerce, and I’m in a job that I love.”
THE C&I EXPO 2023 WILL BE STAGED at the world class International Convention Centre in Sydney. Perched on the edge of sparkling Darling Harbour, the ICC offers a CBD location with accommodation for all budgets, and proximity to many convenient transport Followingservices.
"At this stage, the response so far at this year’s C&I Expo has been far better than we have ever had before. The amount of people that have shown interest and we are not talking about the normal one or two site owners.
Vern BrickmanAdverto & PumpTV Global
the demonstrated success of our recent Melbourne expo after a three-year hiatus, we look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors back to beautiful Sydney for an even bigger show next year.
“It has been good to meet a bunch of new potential customers, including multi-site operators in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. It is great that stores are looking for new buying options, such as ranging toys or our range of mobile phone accessories for example, rather than relying on existing suppliers as they are looking for a point of difference.” - Tal Avraham, Smooth Wholesales
To book your stand or request an exhibitor prospectus for C&I Expo 2023, email Safa de Valois safa@c-store.com.au or call +61 (0)405 517 115.
Yesterday we had more than 12 enquiries and this morning on the second day we have already had six - so I would have to say that this year’s Expo has been the most successful I have ever been to. If you want to kick-start your business, this is the place where you want to come.”
Venue
6WALLOPERABLE 15 6 6 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 33 66 6 6 6 6 6 6 63 6 15 33 6 3 66 3 3 15 3 6 6 6 6 6 6 66 33333 33333 3 33333 3333333333333 333 333 3 33 333 42 6 3 3333333333 3 333 3 333 33 333 33 33 33 66 6 33336 33 3 3 3 3 3 3 633 33 3 3 3 63 336 3 2 3 3 Organizer 2221201615141312111098761234517181928262527 29 30313233344645444342 3635 41 2616060493383740130120108137 100106105979810199 7475 585957 77767978 96 939495 92 109108107114135134133132131136126127128129130121122123124125116117118119120115 899091112111110 7172738281 555664 53546665697084838788 C&I Magazine 494748 5186 63C&IENTRANCECafeExpo 2023 28th- 29th March 333 6 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 6666 33 PLANFLOOR EVENT NAME: EVENT LOCATION: C&I 2023 Hall ICC,5Sydney EVENT ORGANISER:DATE: DRAWN CHECKEDBY:BY:APPROVEDBY: FASCIA:PANELS:SYSTEM: POWER:LIGHTS:CARPET:DRAWING NO: DRAWING DATE: C&I SCALE:18/3/20222023NOSCALE28th & 29th March 2023 Interpoint Event Rob J -Red-White-Octanorm/White text candiexpo.com.au/2023-expo “Today we have been run off our feet with quality enquiries with a lot of interest from our target market. This has been due to an excellent show combined with excellent advertising in C&I as we have relaunched our product with new branding that is more suitable to our target market. We have seen multi-site operators, service stations, groups who own 300-400 stores as well as food service buyers. All I have to do is to transfer them from enquiries to sales and I’ll be a happy chappy.” -Trevor Hansen, Signature Desserts “This show has been quality over quantity and having really good in-depth conversations with great retailers. I feel like I have done a dozen mini-range reviews here on the floor of the exhibition - it saves everyone’s time, and I can get cans in hands on the spot. We have seen multi-site operators from the convenience banners - one has 600 stores up the Eastern seaboard. It is a great opportunity to get a lot of work done and see a lot of people all at once. The buyers are inquisitive and looking for new products and inspiration.” - Murray Raeburn, Calm & Stormy Thursday 19 - Friday 20 October
relationships with local builders, signage people, and those within the community to help with the effort.
A unique part of the Endeavour business is its food and drink offering – Duck Over. Jeff Griffiths, Director of Endeavour Petroleum, said the name came about in fortuitous circumstances while the company was moving offices.
- Ross MarketingGilberthorpe,Manager FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Since Endeavour Petroleum’s inception in 1992, and the acquisition of its first site in regional Victoria in 1994, the company has grown to an impressive, and diverse, 30 sites.
More recently, Endeavour Petroleum decided to rebrand 15 of its sites. An undertaking that is almost at completion.
“Across the road was a creek, and our staff used to go over and feed the occasional one or two ducks. When we left that cafe, there was probably a habitat of 60 ducks who would demand food by coming and blocking the doorway so that customers couldn’t get in.
“In creating that freedom, we had to create our own brand. So, with our own brand, there wasn’t the restrictions that we had under a branding agreement and that just meant that we could express ourselves and our own style in our own way. That’s been the big success of the Endeavour brand. It is the fact that we’ve very much tailored our offer to that local community and it’s working really well for us.”
A DUCKING SUCCESS
Endeavour leased a shop in a strip shopping centre, converted it to offices, then leased the old milk bar on the corner and converted it to a cafe to help teach their staff about coffee.
Endeavour wanted to have the freedom to develop their businesses in the commercial area, the distributor area and food business.
ENDEAVOURING
Ross Gilberthorpe, Marketing Manager at Endeavour Petroleum, said the decision was made to rebrand 11 of their 14 BP branded businesses so their own business plan would not conflict with the corporate BP branding structure.
That’s been the big success of the Endeavour brand. It is the fact that we’ve very much tailored our offer to that local community and it’s working really well for us.”
“So, we had a lot of overweight ducks running around and I remember looking at these ducks one day while on the phone talking about fuel margins and pricing, and someone said I’m going to duck over and feed the ducks and I looked around and I envisaged the name – duck over grab a coffee, duck over grab a tea, duck over and grab a sandwich.
During the rebrand, Endeavour opted to not use the standard signage companies that do all the major rebrands, and created
10 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au STORE REVIEW
Community is at the heart of Endeavour Petroleum’s operations.
“It’s since taken off with the teal colours and the many variations of that. It’s just something that everyone gets. I’d love to say it was great strategy worked up by very intelligent people, but you’ve actually got the ducks to thank for it.”
LOOKING AHEAD
In-store at Endeavour August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 11 STORE REVIEW
” - Jeff Griffiths, Director Endeavour forecourt Duck Over in flight
Aside from the catchy and unique name, Duck Over sets itself apart from competitors by ensuring its offer is localised to the area the store is in, explains Gilberthorpe.
Gilberthorpe echoes that sentiment and revealed plans to release a loyalty program later this year that is more community orientated than what the major chains currently offer.
“The way the transactions are performed with the Endeavour account card, we look at card now being dominant in many locations. We all know the capability of cards and when I talk with people, we know even the busiest person likes to be recognised and if the card gave us their name and a bit of detail, if we had that bit more to engage, I think there’s a lot of opportunity for us to develop relationships.”
“The worry I have about alternative energies is to not turn it into a show. It’s a reality. It’s a business. So, let’s make it that, and that’s a word of caution I have for this whole thing – it’s not a sideshow, it needs to be treated as a business and it needs proper airplay.”
“One thing we recognise is a local community in Bairnsdale, Traralgon, or Warwick, is completely different to somewhere like Mount Gambier, and you can’t have exactly the same offers. There is some staple items that everybody has, but every store is going to be localised. It really represents what happens on that local community basis and what they want to eat.”
“We’ve joined the Hydrogen Council in Australia. I’ve met with parties about hydrogen, and we’re going to invest time in talking about the technologies and the equipment. We’re going to talk about our experience carrying fuel and how we would carry hydrogen. We’re already engaged and linking,” said Griffiths. It’s not just hydrogen that Endeavour is looking to utilise, but solar power too.
With Australians becoming more aware of their carbon footprint and how they can minimise this, looking at alternatives to fuel is something Endeavour is making sure they’re on the front foot with, and have already established a hydrogen agenda.
“We’ve also got a team looking at solar. We’re not just solar converting our sites, we’re actually working out large solar grids in Gippsland, where we will link and take power from major stations. We’ve given them commercial business first, so, before it’s even built, we’re signing up to take their solar because I learned it’s not just about putting solar cells on roofs that people think it is. It’s a lot deeper than that. And we’ve become engaged with some really progressive companies.
“But can you imagine if you had a loyalty programme, for instance, that would enable you to give back to a community netball team or a football team, where you pick where you want to send the points, not us?” C&I
airplay.itatosideshow;energyAlternativeisnotaitneedsbetreatedasbusinessandneedsproper
The
“The current loyalty programs run by all majors are purely to gain your information, so they can influence you to buy something you don’t really want to buy, then come back. That is 100 per cent what they do. And they do that unashamedly. Data gathering is key to their success.
Away from renewable energy sources, Griffiths believes point of sale intelligence is key going forward and necessary in developing and maintaining relationships with the customer, such as with the Endeavour account card.
If you supply goods or services to, own or work in independent grocery, a convenience store, service station, dairy, corner store or mini-mart, C&I Expo NZ is the one trade event you cannot a ord to miss in Attendance2022. is FREE and you can register now at Forcandiexpo.co.nzanExhibitor Prospectus or to discuss Stand options, please contact: Safa de Valois Group Publisher & Commercial Director +61safa@c-store.com.au405517115 P: 0800 455 785 | E: exhibition@candiexpo.co.nz Association Partner Silver Sponsors C&I Expo NZ will bring together convenience suppliers and retailers from all banners and brands for two days of education, networking and business building. You will taste, touch and see the very latest in NPD and merchandising services for the convenience industry. For more information visit www.candiexpo.co.nz
THE FUTURE IS Bright FOR C&I
“WeAucklandwereabsolutelyblown
After 28 years of successful expos in Australia, the C&I NZ Expo made its debut in Auckland in September 2019. It was a huge success with incredible support and enthusiasm for the show from the NZ industry. – Safa de Valois, C&I CommercialDirector The Cloud, away by the industry support for the inaugural C&I Expo NZ. The debut expo featured 70 exhibitors, huge foot tra c and over 220 industry professionals attended the Industry Symposium. We are looking forward to bringing the Expo back to Auckland in 2022 even bigger and better!”
We are seeing many astoundingintoinvestmembersheavilyfoodservice,withsomeresultsinretailsalesandshopperrepeatengagement.
Darren Park, CEO of United Convenience Buyers (UCB), one of the largest P&C buying groups, says the industry’s foodservice offer continues to evolve as new shoppers enter the channel
According to Theo Foukkare, CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), data from the 2021 AACS State of the Industry Report found that foodservice increased 12.3 per cent in 2021, generating almost $1 billion in sales.
Skye Jackson, General Manager Merchandise, Ampol, says foodservice has been one of Ampol’s fastest growing categories, with classic c-store favourites still the best sellers.
14 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au FOODSERVICE
F oodservice was the fastest growing category in the petrol and convenience (P&C) channel in 2021, with its momentum showing no signs of slowing as convenience operators continue to up the ante on their food offerings.
APPETITE FOR OLD FAVOURITES REMAIN
“Thepost-pandemic.circumstances of the previous two years has brought existing shoppers of foodservice to our stores and also introduced many new shoppers, many of whom have been surprised by the extent and quality of what we as a channel have to offer.”
Additionally, Ampol is seeing growth of hot food items thanks to its new MetroGo store concept in partnership with Woolworths.
“At our Foodary Blacksoil in Queensland, the local sausage is hands down the best seller. Knowing the local preferences is key to success in this category.”
” – Darren Park, CEO, UCB SERVING UP SALES
“Dim sims and chicken pieces are always a winner, but there are some stores where the local preference will result in certain lines being more important for them,” explains Jackson.
“In fact, according to the AACS report, in the last five years the category has added $460 million in value and was the fastest growing category in that period.”
According to the 2021 AACS State of the Industry Report, all foodservice sub-categories were also in growth, however, the largest growth came from take home food, which increased 21.9 per cent after a 29.1 per cent increase in 2020. This now takes it to the second largest category behind food savouries. Sandwiches and wraps also bounced back to strong growth of 17.1 per cent.
How convenience operators are reimagining themselves as hospitality thinkers, writes Claire Hibbit.
Foodservice maintained its strong trend of growth with the highest percentage of any category of 12.3 per cent [in 2021], explains Foukkare.
“At New Sunrise we coined the phrase, ’grow food and everything will grow with it’. Food-on-the-go and foodservice has been the backbone of our success.”
“Today, we still see hot pastries, such as potato scallops/cakes, dim sims, and chicken wings as the strongest performing [items] of many foodservice offers. That’s not to say that we don’t see value in other offers, it’s simply that many of our members are trusted in this menu area and as such, repeated sales follow.”
“We will have rising cost of goods, increased labour costs and operational costs, as well as supply shortages. The opportunity here will be to critically look at your supply chain, food menu, and food preparation process.
“Our Ampol MetroGo stores have a wider range of heated food products that are available to self-serve for customers. This range is where we see a lot of the growth in this new format.” Foodservice is also one of the strongest growth categories across APCO’s national network of stores as its customers seek “diverse, healthy, fresh, and high-quality product”.
New Sunrise’s Steve Cardinale says retailers need to be prepared for further economic challenges that lie ahead.
Jackson agrees that the rising cost of business, particularly food costs, needs to be carefully measured to deliver profit while making sure the customer feels they are getting value for money.
Above: Some popular food offerings being served up by UCB Stores
ADOPTING A HOSPITALITY MINDSET Park says UCB encourages members to pursue a foodservice agenda that is appealing and consistent.
“The core of our sales still come from dim sims and fried items from the bain-marie, which are at the heart of our food service,” explains Karl Wilson, Senior Executive Retail Operations, APCO. “However, we have had significant growth in burgers, fresh sandwiches, sushi, healthy options, and salads.”
”
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 15 FOODSERVICE
Don’t try and be everything to everybody. Be famous for something and do it with style.
“All sites can’t be a full-service sit-down experience. Therefore, the challenge is to strive for the sweet spot – that place where we are known for something and can repeat it every single day.”
For Park, he believes the biggest trend in roadside retail foodservice over the past 12-24 months has been the push from many of their members “to re-imagine themselves as hospitality thinkers”.
In addition to Jill & Jack Daily, New Sunrise offers two other food programs: Café Central, a simple grab-and-go food offer; and Good Food Fast, designed for roadhouses and stores with hot boxes.
– Steve Cardinale, Retail Director, New Sunrise
Park shares similar sentiments: “We need to be very mindful of food cost inflation. We compete for share of stomach with some very influential offers, who have massive buying power and can absorb more margin erosion than many roadside retailers can.”
“Jill & Jack Daily offers fresh sandwiches, wraps and fresh salads, but it is our freshly baked in-store meat pies which are our bestseller and what we are best known for.”
“We see so many of our members and of course other retailers bringing a broad range of menu items to market,” explains Park.
Kellie Struth, Head of Category and Marketing Operations, APCO, warns inflation and supply chain pressures are likely to impact costs, meaning retailers will have to monitor their pricing and promotional strategies closely.
According to Steve Cardinale, Retail Director of New Sunrise, foodservice has been the backbone of the group’s success since the launch of its food and beverage concept, Jill & Jack Daily, more than eight years ago. Today, there are more than 55 New Sunrise stores using the Jill & Jack Daily food and beverage program.
“Without undermining value and customer experience you need to be prepared. The simpler the menu the less stress it will be on the business, and the more you will be able to cope with staff and supply issues.”
“We are seeing many members invest heavily into foodservice, with some astounding results in retail sales and shopper repeat engagement,” he says. The challenge he says however, is to offer foodservice in a way that doesn’t cause business to “overbalance”.
“Out of the 21 meal occasions per week, on average Australians eat out of their home 10 times, that’s almost 50 per cent.
When it comes to placement in-store, Jackson says visibility is the most important consideration. “If they are seeing it on their way out the door, they’re not likely to buy from the offer.”
“This has delivered exceptional results in both categories. People want made on site products, coffee made by a barista, fresh juice, sandwiches, burgers etc. They want local products whether it be a pie, sweets, or local ingredients.”
“Invest in a baseline offer that you know you can repeat before investing into more capital and people. Seek shopper feedback, what did they like? What could we have done better? We have to all be in foodservice, and it must be a core competency of our channel now and tomorrow. But be clever about how you do it, and don’t overdo it too early on.” C&I
“Make sure your staff are well trained and understand the expectations for rotation and standards to ensure the experience is consistently great for your customers.”
Park’s key piece of advice to retailers is to “know your marketplace, their needs, and their habits.
If you make a promise to the customer and the promise is ’fresh’ make sure it is.”
Jackson believes consistency in the quality of food is what will be key from retailers to get customers back through the door.
“It’s not easy to move a c-store from ’c’ for convenience to ’c’ for café. There’s not only a whole set of new skills to learn, but a mindset shift is also needed – you need to be willing to accept higher costs and wastage. However, if you get it right it can mean higher sales across all other categories, increased customer count, and higher margins.
Beverages are one of the most cross-purchased products with onthe-go-food, therefore it’s important to have promotional deals associated with beverage, says Struth.
Cross-promotion between beverages and food-on-the-go is a success for APCO
Right: New Sunrise’s Steve Cardinale says, “Don’t try to be everything to everybody. Be famous for something and do it with style”
“The true test of quality lies in the personal question; would you eat this yourself?’ If the answer is yes, then it’s ready to go for your customers,” he says.
– Kellie Struth, Head of Category and Marketing Operations, APCO
Foukkare says that if the convenience channel is to become a destination for its food offering, retailers need to invest the time and energy into ensuring they deliver a consistently fresh, flavoursome, and good quality range of products.
“Globally, some of the leading convenience retailers in the UK, US, and Europe have truly become food destinations for their customers, delivering significant sustainable growth for a number of years. In many instances, these retailers are taking sales away from the QSR industry.”
“Allowing your customers to have access to your food while they are sitting at home relaxing has become more a key lever to capture increased spend, whilst at the same time also providing them with the opportunity to grab other top up items at the same time.”
“Over the years I have seen many people get burnt, mainly because they don’t have a clear understanding of what their food offer should be. Ask yourself, what training is needed? What should be on the menu? How will food be prepared and presented? What equipment is required?”
and find your niche,” she says, adding “your customer wants to buy your product so make sure you have it to sell. The offer must look plentiful and be available. If you make a promise to the customer and the promise is ’fresh’ make sure it is.”
For retailers looking to elevate their food game, New Sunrise’s Steve Cardinale advises operators to focus on their core offer and customer value proposition.
OFFER CONSISTENCY AND SIMPLICITY
He believes a complete strategy in today’s world has to include home delivery, and foodservice can play a leading role as the anchor in this space.
APCO’s Struth agrees, advising retailers to “know your customer, understand the demographic, and do not try and be everything to “Useeveryone”.localsuppliers
“Don’t try and be everything to everybody. Be famous for something and do it with style. Jill & Jack Daily is famous for pies. Our pies are not the cheapest in the market, but we believe they are the best quality. Whatever your thing is, be the best in town, and believe it’s the best in town. If you and your team don’t love it, then why would your customers?
16 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au FOODSERVICE
AACS’s members can call to receive uncapped advice on non-complex employment or work health and safety matters between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. In addition to the Workplace Relations Advisory service, AACS’s members are entitled to reduced rates for services delivered by NRA Legal for matters that fall outside of the scope of the hotline. For help call: In partnership with the and 1800 282 227 www.aacs.org.auTolearnmoreaboutAACSmembershipvisitourwebsite.
The AACS’s Workplace Relations Advisory service provides members with access to expert advisors to navigate the constantly evolving landscape of human resources, industrial relations and work health and safety by calling 1800 282 227. The service is manned by a team of leading workplace relations experts who specialise in guiding retail businesses to manage legal risk associated with employment and work health and safety.
Need Help with Relations?Workplace
According to the 2021 AACS State of the Industry Report, energy drinks performed the strongest throughout the year, reporting 16.1 per cent growth, with both multi-packs in regional areas and large cans in metro regions driving growth.
Energy drinks lead the sales charge as beverages continue to boom, writes Claire Hibbit.
“The segment is also showing some interesting trends as we start to see the evolution to sugar free and now the venture into enhanced energy.”
according to the 2021 AACS State of the Industry Report
Alison Pepper, Senior Category Manager, APCO, says the energy segment also continues to be the dominant sub-category of RTD for APCO, with 33 per cent of the category and 13 per cent growth vs last year – heavily driven and supported by Monster.
PLENTY OF FIZZ LEFT
“Packaged beverages have been a great category growth story over the past 12 months, which tells me that we can create more beverage purchases in our stores,” says Darren Park, CEO of United Convenience Buyers (UCB), one of the industry’s largest petrol and convenience buying groups.
“Ultra Gold (now number four in Monster for APCO) seems to have brought incremental sales to the brand,” she says.
– Skye Jackson, General Merchandise,ManagerAmpol
“Freshly squeezed in-store juice has been a great success story for the company, however, the sub-category with the largest growth has actually been RTD sports, with growth of 16 per cent for the 12 months to 1 May 2022.”
18 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PACKAGED BEVERAGES
Agrab and go staple, packaged beverages, are anything but flat in the convenience channel. In fact, packaged beverages recorded one of its strongest years in 2021, breaking through $2 billion in value for the first time,
RE-ENERGISED SALES
“The energy category has grown in the past 12 months and continues to drive growth in 2022,” she says.
When it comes to NPD, we need totheunderstand’why’.We are looking for a truly incremental range not ’me too’ products that will cannibalise the existing range.”
“We have also experienced significant growth with Red Bull and V Energy, the larger pack size is driving this and we continue to look to cross promote with these variants.
“The question is how? We have the range. We have the promotional program and bundles, and we have NPD. What we have witnessed recently (outside of lockdowns) is more beverage shopper missions, and as an industry we’ve done a very good job at leveraging these. How we hold these missions as growth on the prior year in many stores will be the challenge as foot traffic patterns change.”
Skye Jackson, General Manager Merchandise, Ampol, says energy is Ampol’s strongest performing beverage category, followed by carbonated beverages.
Energy drinks also provided the highest value growth contribution, delivering more than 30 per cent of total category sales.
She says customers have frequently opted for the larger pack size within RTD (helping to drive an increase in the basket value), while APCO’s food and beverage combos continue to be a strong driver of its promotional success and category growth.
A tried-and-true convenience category, packaged beverages, has traditionally been viewed by convenience retailers as a way to generate impulse in-store sales or associated sales with fuel. It is a highly expandable category, meaning consumers will also often add drinks to other purchases.
– Alison Pepper, Senior Category Manager, APCO Food and beverage combos are a great success for APCO stores
According to the 2021 AACS State of the Industry Report, packaged beverages delivered an extra $223 million in sales with all categories, outside of tea drinks, contributing to growth.
APCO’s food and beverage combos continue to be a strong driver of its promotional success and category growth
Pepper says since the pandemic, APCO has noticed “a greater loyalty to local”.
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 19 PACKAGED BEVERAGES
POST-PANDEMIC TRENDS
Park says the industry’s strength lies in the on-the-go and pickme-up “Beveragespace.categories and players that drive focus on beverage purchases with investments into promotional and bundling programs, ambient offers and cold drink equipment are nearly always going to grow harder,” he says.
Take home beverages improved nine per cent following on from 8.8 per cent growth in 2020, and now represents around 22 per cent of total packaged beverages.
“COVID brought about greater consumer awareness of our broader offer and as a result we have witnessed some big, positive shifts in our sales mix.
“It’s also no coincidence that some of our sites with the strongest growth in beverage are also sites performing well with their online platforms. The stores that secured, bedded-in and refined their online offers during the pandemic, continue to reap the benefits from it today.”
Jackson says Ampol is currently seeing a premiumisation in beverages, which is presenting significant opportunity to grow Ampol’s average basket size. The group has also reported solid growth in the water category.
Listen to the market, watch the growth areas, and expand on these promptly. Be adaptable and agile. Make the moves – swiftly, don’t hesitate.”
20 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PACKAGED BEVERAGES
Park says there are many sales and planning tactics retailers can leverage in the convenience channel, such as effective signage and strategic cross-promotions.
She says it is also important to make sure that the customer flight path to purchase is clear, with on-point, easy-to-read POS.
INNOVATION WITH PURPOSE Innovation has always driven the packaged beverages category, which has traditionally been quick to adapt to consumer trends. For example, the wellness movement saw manufacturers innovate and develop lower and no-sugar drinks, as well as introduce reformulations of existing products.
“Listen to the market, watch the growth areas, and expand on these promptly. Be adaptable and agile. Make the moves – swiftly, don’t hesitate.”
He also recommends leveraging packaged beverages with food and snack offers.
“Co-locate products if it’s possible and use sensible upsell techniques at the register area. This is of course a little more challenging, but as you come to know your shoppers and their habits, politely offering them a value proposition is just good service.” C&I
The RTD Sports category has been showing growth, particularly in no sugar variants
In fact, according to Pepper, some of APCO’s most successful combo promotions in the past 12 months were an NPD product partnered with a food item. To capitalise on the growth segments, Pepper also suggests cross promoting with other key categories.
“When it comes to NPD, we need to understand the ’why’. We are looking for a truly incremental range not ’me too’ products that will cannibalise the existing range.” Park says NPD is crucial to drive people back into trialling in the “Evencategory.ifthey aren’t sold on the NPD there’s a halo effect in many cases on the core portfolio,” he explains. With this in mind, a strong fridge presence is critical. It is recommended retailers provide shoppers with a balance of mainstream and premium beverage options as a way to generate trial. Additionally, planograms that place beverages by category, brands, or size, will assist in the shopper’s decision-making process, or even entice them to make an impulse purchase.
For Park, he says he would like to see NPD that “doesn’t always drive the category to unsustainable or uncompetitive RRPs and margins”.
Jackson believes there is a greater need for product ranges that “make sense to the P&C channel” and that are tailored to the market’s core customer base.
“Therefore, let’s be bold, let’s be innovative, let’s be thoughtful and let’s work together. Bring us in early in your thinking. We might have some knowledge that will make your NPD a success.”
” – Darren Park, CEO, UCB
“We don’t exist as a channel in a vacuum. We still need to be mindful that shoppers only have a limited amount of discretionary spend on offer.
Right: Leverage packaged beverages with food and snack offers
Let’s be bold, let’s be innovative, let’s be yourtogether.andthoughtfullet’sworkBringusinearlyinthinking.WemighthavesomeknowledgethatwillmakeyourNPDasuccess.
“Ensure associated product placement is precise, well priced, and collectively promoted (combo), and ensure that the associated combo products are easily accessible to encourage the uptake.”
“Ready to drink (RTD) coffee has also had some great growth and based on what we have seen in overseas markets there is still a lot more opportunity within this category. [However,] we need a broader range of products to achieve this, including another brand that can credibly sit beside BOSS, but there still needs to be mass-market appeal (and not a niche product targeting oat or almond milk).”
“Getting impulse lines to the front of the store is always effective in getting that impulse purchase from a customer that doesn’t have time or hasn’t thought to walk to the cool room,” says Jackson. Bundling beverages with snacks or confectionery is another way to gain incremental sales and encourage product trial.
“Show the shopper you are in the business of offering real value by using POS that is bright and engaging and interrupts, reminds, or persuades the shopper in some way.”
To stock the Wa t er fords Lemon Lime Bitters 330mL , or for more information, please contact Tru Blu Beverages on ( 02 ) 9912 6700, or visit the website trublubeverages.com.au Australia’s favourite Mineral Water brand Waterfords, is also available in a traditional Lemon Lime Bitters Sparkling Soda. Made from sparkling natural mineral water, Waterfords Lemon Lime Bitters 330mL exhibits a zesty citrus flavour, finished with a spicy bitters note! The result is a sophisticated, refreshing drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day!
“The P&C channel plays a vital role in reaching our consumers conveniently and efficiently, while they look for delicious snacking options on the move,” a PepsiCo spokesperson told C&I.
According to PepsiCo, Red Rock Deli was the number one brand driving the salty snacks category growth in the P&C channel in 2021, adding an incredible $2.2 million1 of incremental sales to the Thecategory.company says the long-awaited return of Toobs has also been a huge success, adding $1.4 million1 sales to the category in the latest MAT. While the organisation’s legacy brands such
SNACK ATTACK
SAVOURY SOLUTIONS According to Mondelez International’s third annual State of Snacking Report, released in January 2022, nearly 80 per cent of consumers globally say their definition of a snack has evolved over the last three years to include more or different types of foods, occasions for eating, or other elements.
The report found nearly nine in 10 respondents say they eat at least one snack for sustenance and one snack for indulgence each day (85 per cent), with the former being more popular earlier in the day, and the latter being more popular in the evening.
22 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au
In recent years, the snack food category has been re-shaped by better-for-you snacking options, however, according to the 2021 AACS SOI Report, the nuts, jerky, and rice snacks sub-category had varying results in 2021, with nuts in decline, while jerky, pork crackle, and bacon bites were all in growth.
SNACK FOODS
PepsiCo has several brands that lead the snack food category at large, from salty to extruded products for consumers to enjoy.
This trending preference for snacking spikes among younger generations, with 75 per cent of Gen Z replacing at least one meal each day with a snack.
Other snacking options, such as popcorn, also continued to decline in 2021, with popcorn sales dropping 5.8 per cent, driven by private label, which was down 19.2 per cent.
A ccording to the 2021 AACS State of the Industry Report, the snack food category backed up a solid 2020 year with growth of 4.2 per cent, adding another $8 million in value.
Nearly 80 per cent of oversnackgloballyconsumerssaytheirdefinitionofahasevolvedthelastthreeyearstoincludemoreordifferenttypesoffoods,occasionsforeating,orotherelements.
The snack food category remains a convenience staple, with consumers increasingly reaching for chips in flavours both new and familiar, writes Claire Hibbit.
” – Mondelez International, State of Snacking Report
However, chips remain at the heart of the category, representing 84 per cent of category sales in 2021 and was the only subcategory in growth.
The P&C channel plays a vital role in reaching convenientlyconsumersour and efficiently, while they look for delicious snacking options on the move. – PepsiCo Spokesperson
“Given Covid saw more people turning to P&C for items, as supermarkets couldn’t keep up with demand, those stores that responded strongly are hopefully capitalising on that,” says Taylor.
Earlier this year, Proper Crisps, which is headquartered in Nelson, opened a crisp manufacturing plant in Yarra Valley.
CHIPS REMAIN AT THE HEART OF SNACKING
as Smith’s and Twisties continue to have strong appeal among shoppers in the convenience channel, Doritos is also shining with new flavour rotations.
As foot traffic eases back into stores following Covid, PepsiCo says it is also seeing a resurgence of small self-contained packs (+5.7 per cent1 $ growth vs YA).
“What we’ve noticed is that chips remain at the heart of the snacking category, accounting for an impressive 82.7 per cent1 of category sales in the latest MAT.
Selling New Zealand made crisps in Australia since 2019, Proper Crisps saw its Australian sales double in 2021 with the Australian market now accounting for 20 per cent of the company’s business. Products made in Yarra will include Marlborough Sea Salt, Cider Vinegar, Smoked Paprika, Rosemary and Thyme, Onion and Chive, Free Range Sage & Onion, and Barbeque Rub.
Although still a ’youngster’ in P&C, Australian stockists of Proper Crisps include Supamart, Go Vita, and Harris Farm. In New Zealand, Proper Crisps is stocked in leading supermarkets, including Countdown and Farro, as well as P&C outlets.
For New Zealand-based Proper Crisps, the petrol and convenience (P&C) channel makes up a smaller slice of Proper’s sales, however, the company sees growth potential as consumers are actively after better-for-you snacking options that its veggie crisp range offers.
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 23 SNACK FOODS
According to the State of Snacking Report, consumers are looking to snacks to meet a variety of needs to a greater degree than they were even just two years ago. Convenience and freshness are top rising impactors of snack choices, but consumers are also more likely to seek both indulgent snacks and healthy snacks, both comforting bites and energising ones.
“Z has been a great supporter of Proper and we’ve just signed up with Number 8, unlocking the independents; Mobil, Caltex and Challenge so the next 12 months are all about growth for the Proper brand,” says Peter Taylor, Key Accounts, Proper Crisps. “NPD, premiumisation, and better-for-you, which have been seen in other channels, are key growth drivers coming through in P&C for snacking.
“Covid has delivered both challenges and opportunities in buckets so it will be an interesting 12 months.”
According to PepsiCo, consumers are reaching for potato chips, in flavours familiar and novel.
“We have also seen that indulgent snacking is a key growth driver within the salty snacking category in P&C, with premium potato (+8.9 per cent1 $ growth vs YA) and extruded (+9.2 per cent1 $ growth vs YA) acting as the biggest drivers, even outperforming the salty snacking category (+0.4 per cent2 $ growth vs YA) in the latest MAT.
”
4 Shopper Intelligence 2019 (Data supplied by PepsiCo Australia)
you,premiumisation,NPD,andbetter-for-whichhavebeenseeninotherchannels,arekeygrowthdriverscomingthroughinP&Cforsnacking.
24 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au SNACK FOODS
” – Peter Taylor, KeyProperAccounts,Crisps
According to PepsiCo, the biggest challenge for the snack food category is that the snack/treat shopper mission to a P&C store has noticeably declined, from seven per cent2 in 2020 to five per cent2 in 2021.
All products carry a 3.5 health star rating, are lightly salted, and fit the Proper philosophy of being 100 per cent plant-based and allergen-friendly.
APPETITE FOR INNOVATION
To combat this, the company has identified key opportunities in leveraging the high affinity of snacks with beverages, and foodon-the-go. It has harnessed this through high-impact activations and displays with the goal to drive overall basket spend in-store.
Smith’s, a brand that has been loved in Australia for 90 years, released Double Crunch in February, chips with deeper ridges, loaded flavours, and double the crunch – in flavours Original, Ultimate BBQ Ribs, and Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings.
Proper has cultivated two new flavours to grow its vegetable snacking range. Sweets & Beets, which combines a seasonal mix of New Zealand grown kumara with the iconic striped Chioggia beets, and a flavour twist to its classic Kumara with peppercorns, onion, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
3 IRI AU Convenience Scan 2021 (Data supplied by PepsiCo Australia)
Retailers are also encouraged to position eye-catching displays strategically within the store to interrupt the shopper’s journey and attract impulse spend.
According to the State of Snacking Report, consumers are more likely to be actively looking for new snacks to try year on year.
Consumers are also increasingly finding snacks to try based on their communities, via trial of snacks that are either recommended by family or friends or received as a gift. One of the biggest opportunities to drive sales for this classic ’grab-and-go’ convenience store category is to bundle snacks with other items such as beverages.
According to the State of Snacking Report, 82 per cent of global consumers say they “look forward to trying new snacks” –including 90 per cent of millennials – while three quarters “get excited when they find a new snack to try” (75 per cent).
Doritos launched a bold new Doritos 3D Crunch chip range across Australia in three flavours, Extreme Cheese, Spicy Salsa, and Sweet Chilli. The original Doritos 3D chip is a beloved snack of the 90s and has been the most requested Doritos innovation to return in Australia, as seen by consumer requests across social media.
Serendipitous discovery while browsing in-store is contributing to this lift, as are ads showcasing new snacks to try.
Taylor encourages retailers to offer in-store samples for new products. As he explains: “Often consumer decision making has been made before they walk in the door so how do you disrupt that especially when the consumer is in and out of the door? We know across the board sampling works for us so we focus on a sample bag for all our new flavours, that can be handed out to delight a customer – a win-win for the store and us.”
Displays should be placed in prime locations with strong visibility, particularly for smaller pack sizes, such as the walkway to the front counter, on the front counter, or near drink fridges. Chips are the second4 most unplanned category in-store, therefore displays on gondola ends and off locations in high foot traffic areas in-store are key to convert the impulse shopper. C&I
Sources: 1 IRI AU Convenience Scan MAT to 24.04.2022 (Data supplied by PepsiCo Australia)
SALES DRIVERS
For PepsiCo, it is essential to leverage innovations to drive incremental category sales. The company recently launched innovations from two of its core brands: Smith’s and Doritos.
Product innovation plays a key role for growth in the snacking category. In fact, innovations accounted for 8.5 per cent1 of snack food category sales in 2021 (vs 8.1 per cent3 in 2020).
The puffed-up versions of the classic triangle-shaped corn chip offer a lighter, airier, and crispier snack, providing the ultimate crunching experience for taking bold flavours to another dimension.
2 CMA Shopper Insights 2021 (Data supplied by PepsiCo Australia)
Made with a unique formula of New Zealand plant extracts, such as Pine Bark Extract, New Zealand Neuroberry Blackcurrants and a well-known L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea), Ārepa reduces mental fatigue and supports physical performance and immunity. Its hero ingredient, the Neuroberry, is a unique variety of blackcurrant found in New Zealand with beneficial properties due to the climate. The difference in climate leads to the increased levels of antioxidants, anthocyanins and Vitamin C. One serving of Neuroberries contains 108 per cent of our recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, has 16 times more Vitamin C than the equivalent serve of Strawberries and 56 times more than an Acai berry.
Thousands of Tasmanians have had a direct hand in making billions of Cadbury blocks over the last century, with today’s 450-strong team boasting more than 4,000 years of experience in chocolate-making, innovation, research and development.
“I’m often asked – do you ever get sick of chocolate? And the honest answer is no. One of the joys of my job is seeing our new products land on shelves and the excitement and satisfaction it sparks with the chocolatemakers at our factory, who work so hard to make Australia’s favourite chocolate.”
Cadbury celebrates 100 years with a special edition release
The result: brain drinks, brain powder and brain capsules that are 100 per cent natural, caffeine-free and improve and support brain health in the long term.
Paul Chatfield, Vice President, Marketing, said the new release is a tribute to all of the men and women at the Hobart factory who have played such an important role to Cadbury’s success over the past 100 years.
“On behalf of Cadbury fans worldwide – thank you to our Tasmanian chocolatemakers. Here’s to our first century in Australia and no doubt, many more centuries to come.”
“You don’t celebrate a century very often, so we asked them – what special edition Cadbury block should we make that is worthy of a centenary celebration? Mint Chip – the humble Aussie classic – proved the winner,” he said.
Jamie Salter, Manufacturing Manager, who has worked at the iconic Hobart factory for 35 years, said he is humbled to have worked with Cadbury for so long, particularly as the brand celebrates its 100th year of manufacturing.
Cadbury fans can find the new Cabdury Dairy Milk Chocolate Maker’s Block – a blend of smooth and creamy Cadbury Dairy Milk milk chocolate, with candied mint pieces – in all leading supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide for RRP $5.
Ārepa’s formula works to create a state of calm focus, while reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. It improves cerebral blood flow, having positive impacts on cognition, memory and mood while having strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have a neuroprotective effect and support long-term brain health. But it’s the science behind Ārepa that makes the brand unique to any other on the market. The team continues to undertake clinical research and trials to test and develop their formula as well as utilising cutting edge food technology to ensure their products are efficacious. Since launching in Australia, the brand has established two human clinical studies at leading universities in Melbourne and Sydney and grown sales by more than 150 per cent throughout the country. The growth has come from expanding into more Coles sites and stockists such as Harris Farm, Ritchies and more than 100 IGAs. With more studies and distribution partners coming soon to Australia, Ārepa is about to take the market by storm. For more information visit drinkarepa.com.
• C& I C &C•ECIOHCI&C•ECIOHCI&C•ECIOH I C HOICE•C&ICHOICE
26 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
Arepa – Fuel for the mind, body, and soul
Our C&I Choice product in this issue was created for when you need to be at your best. Designed and tested by neuroscientists, including Australia’s top neuroscientist and Ārepa’s Chief Science Officer, Professor Andrew Scholey, the Ārepa team has invested more than five years optimising and clinically testing the formula and manufacturing process.
Ārepa was founded in New Zealand in 2016 by food technology expert Angus Brown, and industrial design expert Zac Robinson.
•
C&ICHOICE
Cadbury is celebrating a century of Australian manufacturing by releasing a block inspired by the chocolate-makers at the Hobart Cadbury Factory.
(Confectionery),MarketingNestlé
Two Aussie icons are collaborating to create the ultimate mouth-watering snacking experience.
“We know KitKat lovers are passionate about how they eat their KitKat and similarly, MILO fans have unique ways of enjoying their hot or cold MILO. So now, we can’t wait to see how Aussies enjoy their KitKat packed with MILO.”
KitKat packed with MILO has been available from late July in three formats: KitKat packed with MILO Block (170g, RRP $5), KitKat packed with MILO Bar (45g, RRP $2) and KitKat Chunky packed with MILO (47g, RRP $2).
– Joyce Tan, Head of
T he KitKat team has launched its biggest collaboration ever with the new KitKat packed with MILO – an iconic pairing bringing KitKat and MILO together for the ultimate Australian break. Set to satisfy all chocolate-lovers, KitKat packed with MILO combines the classic crisp wafer and smooth milk chocolate Australians know and love, with a delicious MILO choc-malt fudge filling. The new range is available in three mouth-watering formats for your break – block, bar and chunky – each boasting a memorable MILO flavour.
28 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au
KitKat launches fresh new collaboration with MILO
Nestlé Head of Marketing (Confectionery), Joyce Tan said: “We’re beyond thrilled and proud to announce KitKat’s biggest ever collaboration with KitKat packed with MILO
PRODUCT RANGING We know KitKat lovers are passionate about how they eat their KitKat and similarly, MILO fans have unique ways of enjoying their hot or cold MILO. So now, we can’t wait to see how Aussies enjoy their KitKat packed with MILO
30 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
Regardless of what you are doing under this beautiful but harsh Australian sun, Aerial has you covered. Are you ready to get out and adventure?
powered by
Just look for the green recycled symbol on the stand.
“Extending our ocean-bound recycled plastic range to now include garbage bags ensures that we continue to help divert plastic waste away from our shorelines.”
Glad is continuing its partnership with Oceanworks by extending its ocean-bound plastic recycled range to include 56L and 75L Garbage Bags, the first of their kind in Australia. Since launching the ocean-bound plastic range in kitchen tidy bags in October 2021, Glad has helped divert the equivalent of 9.6 million 2L bottles worth of plastic waste away from the ocean to help preserve and keep our underwater life thriving for future generations.
Covid brought quite a few restrictions and as we have emerged from the new habits of lockdowns, we have wanted to express our freedom in colour and fun. This can be found now and into the summer with dynamic colour features on frames, vibrant mirror colours, and even paint splashes in the range. During Covid lockdowns many of us also took the time to recognise we need to do a bit better to be more sustainable.
Did you know that you live in one of the most beautiful, diverse, and of course sunniest countries in the world? From the Gold Coast in Queensland to Margaret River in Western Australia and everywhere in between there are amazing adventures to be had by simply taking a drive. One of the wonderful features of the Australian climate is the sunshine, something most of us are used to dealing with now, you know the mantra, slip, slop, slap and now slide.
Maybe you are on the way to the worksite and forgot your safety glasses, well look for the yellow tag in-store, get some solid shades and know you are compliant on site with medium impact safety glasses.
For enquiries or to ensure you have the best range of sunglasses in-store contact Aerial on 1300 AERIAL (237 425).
We’ve got you covered, Aerial
Joy Delis, Marketing Director of The Clorox Company ANZ, has expressed pride in Glad’s sustainability journey.
Vanessa Coleman, CEO, Oceanworks, outlined the importance of the partnership for our oceans.
Well, this is as true today as it was when you were knee high to a You’regrasshopper.goingto need a shirt, some sunscreen, a hat and of course sunglasses if you are going to drive through Australia. There is another feature you will find as common as the sunshine when driving through the country, and that is that leading convenience outlets have the Original Aerial Sunglasses built for adventures under the Australian sun. These aren’t ’cheap made sunnies’ but are proudly the original servo sunnies. The Aerial product is a culmination of decades of experience crafting sunglasses, testing what styles are being worn in Australia, ensuring to deliver on what the climate dictates we need and of course how many cool features can be packed into a pair. There is literally a pair for everyone, yes even big heads (the sunglasses affectionately known as Big Ed). Aerial takes the latest trends from across the world both current and emerging and ensures the range is available in-store.
Glad extends partnership with Oceanworks
In progressive work towards limiting Aerial’s impact on the environment, a range of sunglasses made from postconsumer waste can also be found in-store. We hope to move more of our range to this type of material as soon as possible.
Do you drive a lot? Did you know there are sunglasses in a service station that are literally built for driving (look for the maroon tag) they have blue blocking lenses to limit the strain on your eyes and hinged arms to reduce pressure on your head.
The new 50 per cent Ocean Bound Plastic Recycled Garbage Bags have been available at Woolworths and selected local supermarkets since mid-June.
“While there are no silver bullets to solving ocean plastic pollution, every ton of material successfully recycled represents meaningful change, which compounds over time as those practices are repeated and adopted by others. We decided to partner with Glad on this campaign as our goals aligned, and we’re both serious about making a meaningful impact. It’s a win-win-win when helping Glad with their switch to recycled plastic.”
orders@pacificoptics.com 1300 AERIAL (1300 237 425)www.pacificoptics.com CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY! SHAPES TO SUIT EVERY FACE & HEAD SIZE (looking at you big FORINDEPENDENTLYhead!)TESTEDCOMPLIANCE.TRUSTUS!BUILTTOUGHLIKETHEAUSTRALIANCONDITIONS
Product and Innovation Manager for V Energy, Nikki Apostolidis, comments, “we know our consumers love the taste of V Energy but are also starting to look for more options that are better for them. This led us to develop a new refreshing range that continues to offer that boost of energy with the iconic V taste”. The diversified recipe delivers a lighter and more refreshing taste, that happens to also be sugar free and low calorie.
According to Datamine research, energy drinks with low or no sugar are expected to deliver 40 per cent of growth in the energy drink category by 2025 as consumers are increasingly more health conscious. The ’sugar switchers’, who drink both full sugar traditional energy drinks and their sugar free counterparts are currently 24 per cent of all consumers and represent 49 per cent of energy sales
As our consumer needs and tastes evolve, Frucor Suntory will continue to develop great tasting drinks.”
Available now across Australia and New Zealand in two great tasting flavours Citrus Lemonade and Pineapple & Watermelon, in 250mL, 500mL cans, and 250mL multipack varieties (multipacks exclusively through grocery).
V Refresh will be available in new vibrant packaging, the contemporary design and use of pastel colours to communicate flavours is the start of a way for consumers to differentiate between the different V Energy range options.
F
V Energy is expanding with a new sub-range that looks fun and has a sophisticated twist.
“As our consumer needs and tastes evolve, Frucor Suntory will continue to develop great tasting drinks.”
rucor Suntory’s most popular beverage line, V Energy, is expanding with a new refreshing sub-range of energy drinks ’V Refresh’ which includes new flavours that are fruity, crisp, and light. Available in two delicious flavours Citrus Lemonade and Pineapple & Watermelon, V Refresh delivers the iconic V taste but with the added refreshment and energy boost consumers seek.
32 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
(based on Shopper Data 2021). This group represents 80 per cent of the category spend, providing a clear pathway for V Refresh as an option for this growing group of consumers.
V Energy paves the way for future innovation in the energy drink category
– Nikki Apostolidis, Product and Innovation Manager, V Energy
V Refresh looks fun and has a sophisticated twist. It’s the full package and worth a taste.
To support the launch of V Refresh an integrated marketing campaign will be executed to communicate the availability of the new range. This will include a new TV campaign featuring a revival of the infamous, but now ’refreshed’ V Bugs.
V Refresh has a new taste profile that challenges existing energy drinks but still delivers on the core tasting notes V Energy fans already know and love. The lighter and refreshing taste profile aligns with consumers’ evolving preferences.
34 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
Tash Sunderland, Marketing Manager at Kellogg’s Australia, said that LCMs are a beloved snack that Aussies know and adore, which is why they’ve developed products with the delicious flavours that consumers expect while having a quarter less sugar.
For gadget lovers who own multiple devices from various brands and in various versions, this Joyroom four-in-one multifunction charging, and data transmission cable is a boon. This cable, one of the bestselling gadget accessories at IPL Retail, will provide you with a unique mess free tech experience. An easy-to-carry accessory that also reduces the mess of multiple wires, this cable is highly efficient in data transmission. Also, it makes a fast and safe option for charging your gadgets. The cable is ergonomically engineered with a high-quality fireproof aluminum alloy shell with a durable nylon braid for safety and added durability. Moreover, the scratchresistant and anti-fracture construction helps it retain its new appearance for years, so you won’t have to worry about wear-related issues. With a length of 1.8m, you can operate your gadget even from a long distance.
Joyroom 1.8m four-in-one multifunction cable for a mess-free tech experience
The range, which is also free from artificial colours and flavours, is available in two varieties; Choc Strawberry, which combines the taste of chocolate with a burst of strawberry, and Caramel, which complements the crispy marshmallow base with caramel toppers.
“Our new LCMs 25 per cent less sugar range is sure to delight. We’re excited to see parents across the country liven up school lunchboxes and afternoon snack time, providing little moments of joy to their kids.”
The range is currently available at Coles and Woolworths, and will be rolled out to IGA in the coming months.
Kellogg’s Australia has rolled out a new range of LCMs containing 25 per cent less sugar than comparable LCMs bars.
Kellogg’s launches reduced sugar range of LCMs
Visit www.iplretail.com.au for more details and for other innovative gadget accessories.
What makes this accessory a must-have for every gadget lover is its ergonomic design that includes four different output ports to help you simultaneously charge multiple devices. The TPE connection cable is flexible, allowing you to easily adjust its position to fit devices of varying sizes. Equipped with a fast-charging adapter, you can have your devices charged faster than ever before. The design is compact, looks stylish, withstands rough use and is compatible with various models of iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, and other Android phones. This multifunction device will take your tech experience to a whole new level.
We live in a gadget era where we love to own multiple smart devices to make our lives easier and more enjoyable. However, with more gadgets, the cables, and accessories we need to pack while heading for a trip and the messy wires we need to handle give us a tough time. But not anymore.
LicencedNewBrandLuxuryCarCollection NSW - 2148 Australia LicencedNewBrandLuxuryCarCollection www.iplretail.com.au 1300 176 078 accounts@iplretail.com.au 5/1 Bowman Road, Kingspark NSW - 2148 Australia LicencedNewBrandLuxuryCarCollection www.iplretail.com.auWebsite: Tel:1300 176 078 accounts@iplretail.com.auEmail: 5/1Address:Bowman Road, Kingspark NSW - 2148 Australia
36 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
Another exciting feature is that the notification light comes in a variety of colours to match your unique corporate branding. It can also be ordered as a kit to be easily installed in existing FEP inflators. This product also features a configurable timer, allowing the light and beeper to be set to turn on and off at set times to suit your service station’s requirements.
Mars Wrigley Australia has debuted another brand new, locally developed innovation, M&M’s Crunchy Honeycomb.
At Airtec Corporation, innovation and development is at the heart of its products to keep up with the everchanging environment and needs of its customers. Airtec’s latest innovation in tyre inflation is the notification light for FEP inflators. In our evergrowing suburban areas, where service stations and residential areas are getting closer together, Airtec needed to create an innovative solution to reducing the noise of its inflator beeper, particularly at night. While the noise level on its inflators can be turned down, it’s not always enough for those densely populated areas where the beeper could disrupt surrounding residents. That’s where the notification light was born. It has been specifically designed for the service and gas station industry to automatically turn off the inflator beeper function overnight and use the notification light to indicate to the customer when a tyre has completed the filling cycle.
Following the success of M&M’s Crispy Honeycomb flavour that was launched in 2019, the company has now released its newest product innovation, which is another world first for Mars Wrigley.
Airtec’s latest innovation is a game changer for service stations
For more information contact Airtec on 1800 818 884
M&M’s Crunchy Honeycomb features a whole crunchy honeycomb centre, coated in M&M’s milk chocolate, and housed within the brand’s famous thin crisp shell. Made locally in Australia at Mars Wrigley’s Ballarat Innovation Hub, this is the second homegrown flavour to be unveiled by M&M’s this year, following the huge success of M&M’s Brownie at the beginning of the year. The Ballarat Innovation Hub has released a flurry of world first flavour innovations in recent times, with Mars Wrigley Australia also launching the global first Maltesers caramel flavour in late June M&M’s Crunchy Honeycomb is available now at all major supermarkets, retailers, and convenience stores nationwide and retails at $4.50 for a 130g pouch.
The notification light is perfectly suited to CBD service stations and council car parks in densely populated areas to minimise disruption to nearby residents and provide customers with an exceptional tyre inflation experience.
Mars Wrigley reveals another homegrown world first innovation
The notification light consists of 72 super bright, long-life LEDs that are embedded into the light panel to provide excellent colour and clarity. The sleek, modern design sits seamlessly at the top of the inflator between the top plate and the inflator body. The light kit is fastened to the inflator body with the top plate screws.
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 37 PRODUCT RANGING
Golden Gaytime spokesperson Annie Lucchitti says the OAK Chocolate collaboration is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Golden Gaytime and OAK unite to create the ultimate choccy ice cream
Available at IGA, Ritchie’s, Drakes and Romeos from today and popping into freezers in Coles, convenience stores and petrol stations from September, customers can pick up a box of four for RRP $9.50.
Golden Gaytime has released a brand new collaboration with OAK Chocolate.
Naked Life has expanded into the drinking chocolate category with its new range of nootropic infused alternatives.
“As a brand we evolve with our consumers, making better for you drinking options for the most important moments of the day, from morning kick-offs to guilt-free refreshment and even the evening calm.”
The launch comes after recent research suggests that eight in 10 consumers say that mental and emotional balance is as important as physical health.
“We witness firsthand every day that the health trend is far from done as people look for solutions and alternatives for their daily schedules.
The range is 99 per cent sugar free and features flavours such as Ginkgo Biloba, green tea extract, and green coffee bean to help stay sharp and focused, or passionflower, lemon balm, and magnesium to wind down.
The full range is now available at service stations across the country, as well as Woolworths and selected Coles stores.
Taking a twist on the original, the indulgent treat has an OAK-inspired ice cream centre, dipped in a layer of chocolate, and is smothered in Golden Gaytime’s famous biscuit pieces with a choccy twist.
“Golden Gaytime has been an Aussie favourite for over 50 years, and we’re known for some pretty impressive flavour experiences. Golden Gaytime OAK brings the iconic elements of Golden Gaytime together with the unmistakable OAK Choc Milk flavour hit. It’s creamy, crumbly, choccy –delicious. It’s a crowd pleaser that’s for sure, we’re ecstatic to be bringing the next level of Golden goodness to market.”
The new range, featuring three varieties – Calm, Energise, and Focus, is paired with West African cocoa and a super blend of natural nootropics andDavidantioxidants.Andrew, CEO and Founder of Naked Life, said the launch is a well-timed initiative.
Naked Life expands into drinking chocolate with new range
For internal use only, prices are subject to change. $59TELSTRALITE3 $119TELSTRAFLIP3TELSTRA$69SMARTESSENTIAL2.1 ESSENTIALTELSTRA $992 $109SMARTTELSTRA4 EASYCALLTELSTRA $1295 NOKIA C30ESSENTIALTELSTRAPRO 3 $129 ZTE BLADE $179A52 VIVO $199Y21s $299SAMSUNGGALAXYA13OPPO $249A16s VIVO TELSTRA$299Y55PREPAID4GXHOTSPOT$139TELSTRA PRE PAID 4GX USB WI $49FI TELSTRA PRE PAID 4GX WI FI $69PLUS Start TelstrasellingPre-Paid. $149
Order your free displaysTelstratoday.GondolaEndWingFixture Bay Displays Floor Display CounterSim/DLDisplay To place an order, please see your SimConnect Representative or use the details below: 1300sales@simconnect.com.au378390075446 1755 SimFreeLimitedstock,Ordertoday!CounterSpinner
For retailers, this product is wellsuited to petrol and convenience sites with Supercoat Dog Food’s high brand awareness featuring one of the greatest levels of penetration with one in three shoppers purchasing Supercoat Dog Food.
9CHA is available in 500mL bottles, Original and Jasmine traditional recipes, and the new Original No Added Sugar variety.
If you want to know about 9CHA, visit 9cha.com.au or email contact@ninecha.com.au.
The beverage is consumed predominantly by Gen Z and younger teens alike, both with the discretionary income to explore the latest ’new thing’.
This large number of pet-owning Australians means more and more consumers are looking for convenient purchases of pet food, and what better than the number one ranked brand in the dry dog category – Supercoat Dog Food. Supercoat Dog Food uses natural ingredients including real meat and 22 essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help provide dogs with immune protection.
The scientifically balanced protein to fat ratio is specifically designed for healthy digestion, with the goodness of real meat providing dogs with active energy to happily go about their day, while the added Omega-3 from fish promotes healthy joints, mobility, and a shiny coat.
Available in a number of variants, with pack options ranging from 3kg-18kg, there is a product for every man and his dog catering to all different life stages with tailored nutritional needs.
Available through The Distributors, the RRP ranges from $16.50 - $68 depending on pack size.
The pet space grew substantially during Covid, with many people seeing the time spent at home as an ideal opportunity to acquire a pet, evident by Animal Medicines Australia’s (AMA) research that almost 70 per cent of Australians now own a pet.
The sector continues to grow across the globe, with sales projected to reach US$4.39 billion by the end of 2027.
9CHA continues to lead the Milk Tea revolution
Using a specially formulated combination of high-quality natural ingredients, Supercoat Dog Food provides dogs with everything they need to live their best lives.
Supercoat is top dog in its category Australia’s number one dry dog food is as convenient as ever
“This trend has been identified by one of our national key trade partners, who will be expanding their range in August/September, with size and range extensions and off location displays throughout the second half of 2022,” says Issell.
For 9CHA, being an Australian made product in a category crowded with an increasing range of imports, has had its significant advantages and challenges.“We’veneeded to continue to innovate and reflect the local tastes people love and ensure that we are market competitive. Being able to supply without the headaches of importing finished product from overseas, has been a huge advantage,” says Issell.
40 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
Since its inception in 2019, 9CHA Milk Tea continues to lead the way within the everexpanding Milk Tea category.
“We’re working closely with large and small/ specialty retailers alike to expand the sector and know that with the support of the growing 9CHA customer base, we can continue to develop something clearly different to the mainstream players in both the Flavoured Tea and Milk Categories.”
Sean Issell, Co-founder and Managing Director, said the interest in a different style of dairy-based beverage has been immense. He says that there are more than 1,500 milk tea stores across Australia and many new entrants into the Milk Tea ready to drink business.
Nourish your dog with the tailored nutrition they need to bring out their best everyday.
The best way to showcase your product within a busy and often clogged space is via point of purchase solutions. Bindweld is a local manufacturer with more than 40 years of experience in creating, customising, manufacturing, and delivering innovation by design. With an internal graphic and industrial design team at your disposal, Bindweld can create any number of solutions to ensure your product is at the forefront of your consumer’s thoughts.
• Powered by Fujifilm, one of the world leaders in technology development
• Industry leading cloud-based content management system (CMS) and audience analytics software to update from a single location.
• Reach creative awareness for your business, products, and promotional offers instantaneously.
The process simply starts with a brief, and the Bindweld team does the rest. Starting with concept sketches and renders, creating the platform to provide quotes and pre-production samples if required.
• Fully integrated digital signage solution
• Influence your customers by providing dynamic, targeted messages that are noticed and remembered.
Why choose Fujivision? The process simply starts with a brief, and the Bindweld team does the rest, including concept sketches and renders 42 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
Showcase your new product with a customised point of purchase solution
• End-to-end support from installation through to software training and technical support
• Create Efficiencies by investing in a digital solution as opposed to constantly spending on traditional point of sale formats.
Bindweld creates and locally manufactures hangsells, clipstrips, CDUs, shelf interrupters, floor stands, dump bins, vacformed trays, full pallet displays and much more. Using a variety of materials such as polypropylene, cardboard of all gauges, flute board, acrylic, plywood, Foamex, and metal.
Fujivision helps your business to:
For more information on Bindweld’s offering, you can get in touch to arrange a meeting via email at sales@bindweld.com or calling 03 9466 1933.
• More than Screens. Fujivision’s cutting-edge data analytics and audience measurement solutions give accurate ROI, message performance and live content targeting. For more information visit: www.fujivision.com.au or contact: ffau.fujivisionsales@fujifilm.com / phone: 0408 227 952
Fujifilm has invested significantly in developing Fujivision, a digital signage division, that integrates bespoke digital signage solutions benefiting small businesses through to enterprise customers. The Fujivision solution already supports customers across retail, telco, restaurants, high fashion, real estate and petrol and convenience verticals. LED or LCD. Outside window/in-store/industrial/environment/video wall or outdoor all require different approaches. Use their experience and network of trusted partners to offer options at all price points and source products that are perfect for each location. From multiple site roll outs to custom installations, the Fujivision team has the expertise to deliver on your brief. Individual training is provided to ensure you get the most out of your signage network and benefit from the scalable options to add functionality and maximise efficiency. What you get:
Bindweld also sources and manufactures offshore for clients when the timing and quantities allow. With more than 15 years’ experience doing this, Bindweld can handle the brief from the design stage to the final stages of delivery and even assembly. Ensuring there is only one contact point for the entirety of the project.
All of this is done with more than 40 years’ experience with manufacturing within the FMCG, convenience and impulse and pet care spaces. Bindweld has multiple designers, print machines, die cutters, glue machines, vacformers, a laser cutter, CNC router, and heat bending machines all in house capable of creating your next masterpiece.Bindweldis also very mindful of the environmental footprint it leaves when producing these items, which is why they are now proud to offer a 50 per cent recycled cardboard option, and 100 per cent recycled polypropylene sheet to its customers. These materials are not only recyclable, but now can be reused and recycled when they reach the shop front.
• Customisable solutions tailored to your business, helping you reach your target audience
• Generate Revenue by advertising your products and services or through media sales.
• Engage with your customers and create a deeper, more immersive brand experience.
your marketing
It’s all about convenience INDULGENCE For sales enquiries contact your Category Manager at PFD Foodservices or Metcash For further information contact: trevor@signaturedesserts.com.au | Phone +61 7 3395 6633 Mobile +61 413 126 107 delicious, convenient, The Foodservice and Retail range includes Australia’s favourite flavours of Vanilla Bean, Lemon, and Mango, and are proudly all natural – we don't use any our Cheesecake SKUs are available in single and twin packs, making them easy to display, sell and consume.
– Joyce Tan, Head of (Confectionery),MarketingNestlé
Tan continued: “We’ve been making lollies here in Victoria since 1891 and with each new creation we hope each bite transports lolly lovers back to those shared moments and brings a smile to their face.”
The Allen’s Inspired by Kirks range will be available in a 170g pack for RRP $3.60 from all major supermarkets and convenience retailers nationally from late-August 2022.
So many Aussies share moments of Kirks soda flavours and Allen’s lollies at their social celebrations – and now we’ve togetherthesebroughticonsfortheultimateclassicpartycombo.
Nestlé Head of Marketing (Confectionery) Joyce Tan said: “We’re so excited to introduce Allen’s Inspired by Kirks as a celebration of party memories. So many Aussies share moments of Kirks soda flavours and Allen’s lollies at their social celebrations – and now we’ve brought these icons together for the ultimate classic party combo.”
Kirks Senior Brand Manager Catalina Pachon said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Allen’s who celebrate and love sharing moments together, just like Kirks. These new lollies are inspired by Kirks favourite flavours, which are well-known by generations of Australians. This new collab celebrates the love for these flavours in a new and delicious way.”
44 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PRODUCT RANGING
”
T he Allen’s team is bringing Aussie party icons together with the new Allen’s Inspired by Kirks lollies. This classic collaboration is inspired by Kirks Classic Pasito, Creaming Soda and Lemonade flavoured drinks – making lolly lovers’ dreams come true.
Allen’s combines the best of soda and lolly worlds with its new Allen’s Inspired by Kirks.
The Allen’s team has your spring party treats sorted with these three Kirks iconic flavours to make your taste buds tingle. Whether you’re craving subtle Lemonade sweetness, the tangy passionfruit punch of Pasito or smoothness of Creaming Soda – this delicious new lolly combo has a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
Allen’s launches the ultimate PART Y C O M B O
Convenience retail is the best industry in the world. Over the course of my career, I have never come across an industry filled with such diverse backgrounds, interests, and ideas – where everyone is on the same page with shared common goals of doing good to make the industry as a whole better.
One of the primary factors driving the industry forward is the diversity of the people that we employ all throughout the chain from raw materials through to the retail floor. By this I don’t simply mean gender diversity, I am also referring to the different cultural backgrounds from all over the world that bring with them their entrepreneurial spirit and freedom to succeed. All businesses are finally looking broadly to attract the best people to bring the best ideas to the table to help build their customer and business strategies. Another area delivering huge success for some businesses is talking with the 15 to 24-year-olds that are the future both in terms of their contribution to the workforce but importantly also their way of thinking, their shopping behaviours and their communication flows in the digital world. Being in business is hard. Whether you own your own company, work for a multinational or are a sole trader.
Reema
Andrew Cardinale
This thinking also applies to partnerships. Traditional fuel retailers are experts in what they specialise in, and as the industry continues its journey into roadside retail, we will continue to see strategic partnerships with all types of brands – QSR brands, specialty food operators, grocery brands, cafes, loyalty experts, florists – the list goes on. Unlocking partnerships aligned to delivering new customer occasions in our channel is a key driver for future success. We already have some great examples of this in Australia, and I am confident we will see more of this diverse thinking more broadly.
. L-R:
A
” – Theo Foukkare THEO FOUKKARE AACSCEO
The global convenience community is supportive, diverse, entrepreneurial, and thriving, writes Theo Foukkare Theo Misquitta, Prakash, and taken
If you aren’t working towards achieving a diverse team, the time is now. Never has it been so important to think differently, to embrace everyone and include everyone’s views in helping create a stronger better future.
When diversity, inclusion, people, partnerships, and teamwork align our industry continues to thrive and more Australians will see that convenience retail is the best industry. C&I UNITED INDUSTRY
Foukkare, Engelbert
This is where having the right mix of diversity can allow you to think differently, behave differently and ultimately execute differently. Females think differently to males, young kids differently to older generations, immigrants who have built businesses from scratch think differently to the corporate world – embracing this in today’s constant cycle of change is now more important than ever.
Spending time with local and global retailers willing to share their path to success is both humbling and extremely informative and personally satisfying. I am proud to say that I am part of such an amazing retail community.
on the AACS Down Under Study Tour 46 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au OPINION
Surrounding yourself with likeminded individuals that all have something greater than you to contribute is the key to sustainable growth and long term business viability. This can be hard, as people, some of us always want to be right. Unfortunately, the reality is that no one is ever always right.
When diversity, inclusion, isthatAustralianstoindustryteamworkpartnerships,people,andalignourcontinuesthriveandmorewillseeconvenienceretailthebestindustry.
In a competitive marketplace, yes there are different strategies implemented to align with the customer mission or varying business priorities, however the views and collaboration across retailers and manufacturers is that of a shared objective – to develop the industry to be more competitive and grow in share of the customer spend across the retail marketplace in Australia.
The key to success is realising that together we can all achieve more.
STRAWBERRY FLAVOURED SWIRLS & CURLS COATED IN CADBURY DAIRY MILK MILK CHOCOLATE THE COLOUR PURPLE IS A TRADE MARK USED UNDER LICENCE.
Suppliers providing retailers with new product (NPD) exclusivity is not new, and after a period of what I would call rational behaviour, we are witnessing this tactic reappearing in our Australian convenience channel.
The availability of exclusive products or NPD to shoppers in a specific convenience retailer builds sales and consideration for that retailer relative to their convenience retail competitors. These exclusive products can provide an extra level of delight (and build a shopping habit) for that retailer and critically this is the key point, those shoppers can visit multiple times per week.
” – Darren Park, CEO, UCB
If as a supplier, there’s a wish to overtly favour one industry player with category innovation over others, surely you lose the right to preach category management to the balance of the industry?
As a supplier you partner with a retailer who has a circa 30 per cent dollar share of the measured Australian convenience channel – with sites concentrated in metropolitan areas. You bring a high quality and innovative product to market, which will have broad on-the-go appeal. You build a commercial investment plan, which projects two key phases of your launch; • A 12-week exclusivity phase with this retailer • A second phase where you’ll launch across the balance of the convenience trade.
The convenience channel in Australia is profitable for suppliers, we have an environment where retailers actively support NPD and where in-store creativity, and shopper experience is rewarded.
All retailers aspire to win-win partnerships, we want them and so do suppliers. Supporting select retailers over others, aiding and abetting the artificial creation of shopper habits via NPD exclusivity at the expense of other retailers, could in fact harm our industry as a whole. C&I
PRODUCTCONVENIENCE:INEXCLUSIVITYLAUNCHAUSTRALIAN
Let’s explain how this works:
So, what happens to your investment plan and channel P&L (after the exclusivity phase with the retailer ends) if a large proportion of the convenience retailers (the remaining circa 70 per cent of share by measured value) decide not to range your (now 12-week-old) NPD? Will the NPD launch retailer volume and margin be enough to sustain your desire for a return on investment, not to mention broad shopper trial, acceptance, and repurchase? I don’t think so and it’s time to find this out once and for all.
THE SCOURGE RETURNS
Controversially I don’t hold retailers to blame, their strategies are in the main well known. I hold short sighted leadership in FMCG suppliers accountable, and here’s why.
The AACS 2021 State of the Industry Report states the average c-store visitation is 2.5 times per week. So, an exclusive product launched in a retailer for 12 weeks, gets 30 visits of habit building opportunity well before any other retailer. And many suppliers seem to find that bizarrely irresistible.
DARREN PARK UCBCEO The storechannelconvenienceinAustraliaisprofitableforsuppliers,wehaveanenvironmentwhereretailersactivelysupportNPDandwherein-creativity,andshopperexperienceisrewarded.
FMCG suppliers supporting select retailers over others could harm the convenience channel as a whole, writes Darren Park.
Secondly and speaking from a UCB perspective, we will refuse point blank to take NPD that has been gifted to other retailers in an exclusive manner, and I hope that other retailers consider their actions in this manner as well.
48 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au OPINION
At a recent NACS Conference in Europe, Jesper Østergaard, CEO, 7-Eleven Denmark, said we are now synonymous with new and innovative food products: “If you want to try something new, that’s (7-Eleven) where you go.”
ade from 97% fruit juice and all natural ingredients, Supa Essentials is juice filled with essential super goodness! Each 350mL bottle contains the equivalent of at least 2.5 serves of fruit plus 50% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C and 25% of Fibre. Nourish your body as well as your taste buds with the essential goodness of Supa Essentials! M To place an order or for further information, please contact Tru Blu Beverages on ( 02 ) 9912 6700, or visit the website trublubeverages.com.au NE W NE W Mango Magic + Orange + Rainforest Fruits + Alsoavailablein Natural Ingredients 97% Fruit Juice Vitamin C & Fibre At Least 2.5 Serves of Fruit C tains
With movement limited by government mandates and the very real fear of contracting Covid, often these stores were one of the only options for households purchasing a few items in the safest possible environment.
” – Stephen Wilson
During the depths of the pandemic there was plenty of commentary in mainstream and trade media about the vital role that petrol and convenience (P&C) played for local communities during these dark times.
In summary, while the growth and patronage levels experienced during early days of the pandemic are unlikely to be matched again there is no doubt that P&C stores offering competitive fuel prices, variety and choice of onthe-go food and a positive shopping experience for locals and ’passers-by’ will continue to remain relevant and thrive in an ever-increasingly competitive market. C&I
That largely depends on the overall offer. Good retail practices will continue to attract and grow a loyal customer base over Recentlytime.Iwas on a road trip and came across a P&C store in an outer suburban enclave largely removed from main street trading.
Often the local convenience store was the sole reliable source of everyday essentials with major supermarkets’ supply chain severely disrupted, and when products were often sold out as quickly as they were placed on shelf.
P&C stores offering competitive fuel prices, variety and choice of onthe-go food and a positive shopping experience for locals and ’passers-by’ will continue to remain relevant and thrive in an competitiveever-increasinglymarket.
50 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au OPINION
Finally, a more generic offer can be tweaked to cater towards categories and products that resonate with the core shopper or shoppers that frequent or regularly pass through the area.
The product range features hot and cold on-the-go food options, easy to access coffee and a huge range of chilled beverages, ensuring attractive options for all meal and snacking
It struck me that with limited retail choices in the immediate area, the independently owned P&C store was critical to ensuring that the 4,000 or so residents had access to fuel and essential everyday products.
With passing of time the significant contribution made by the sector has faded from the collective consciousness as the community largely reverts to pre-Covid habits.
STEPHEN WILSON Category & Insights Manager Strikeforce
So, why stop here and not take the drive 10 minutes up the highway to a regional centre to purchase top up items?
So, while this example of a P&C site is in a comparatively semi-remote area and largely removed from other major retail banners, the offering remains attractive and competitive.
Regardless of where a site is located, delivering on solid retailing principles as described earlier in this article is desirable to attract and grow a loyal customer base.
My mid-week observation is that this store is well patronised and offers the local community a broad range of products across all major categories that you would expect from a local retailer.
Stephen Wilson, Category & Insights Manager, Strikeforce, offers up insight on how petrol and convenience stores can remain relevant and thrive in a competitive market.
Internallyoccasions.thelayout is equally uncluttered with all areas of the store in easy line of sight making the shopper journey easy to Shelvesnavigate.arewell stocked and ticketed. Categories are laid out in a ’logical’ and methodical manner encouraging shoppers to take the full journey around the store with the potential of adding a few incremental items to their purchase increasing basket spend as a result.
RELEVANT AND RELIABLE
Finally, there are several signs and notices dotted at the entry and exit point demonstrating support for and involvement with local groups, clubs, charities, and schools underlining the importance of being part of the localWhilecommunity.thelocal community aspect is not a major driver of loyalty for ’out of towners’ it is a key consideration for locals who will make up a large portion of the site’s revenue stream.
So, does that mean that support from shoppers for convenience stores will also wain?
Firstly, the site is conveniently located on the corner of two main roads that converge bringing local and tourist traffic into and through the area. The forecourt is clean, bright, uncluttered and inviting with ample fuel pumps and parking space and is in stark contrast to the tired set of strip shops on the diagonal corner, making the convenience store a destination of choice. Despite being one of only a handful of options for fuel in the area, the site is competitively priced providing another reason for new as well as existing customers to patronise the business. The retail offering is good with numerous choices and brands offered across key in-store traffic driving categories.
HYPER REVITALIZATION ENERGISE YOUR LIFE! TAUENERGYDRINK.COM.AU For retail and wholesale enquiries please info@tauenergydrink.com.aucontact:
Over the course of the conference, attendees were offered insights from speakers such as Jason Fiddes of UCB, Stephen Cardinale and Joseph Alessi from New Sunrise, Theo Foukkare of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), Richard Forbes from the Independent Food Distributors of Australia (IFDA), Larry Warner from The Independent Vending Machine Operators Association (IVMOA), Sean Thomas of Lagardère Travel Retail.
Hamilton Island hosts The Distributors Mid-Year Conference and Trade Show.
The backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands was the perfect location for members, customers, and suppliers of The Distributors to come together and learn, network, and help grow their businesses.
T he Distributors 2022 Mid-Year Conference and Trade Show was successfully held in the beautiful surrounds of Hamilton Island from 7-10 June.
Opening night dinner and drinks were held at the Beach Pavilion, giving attendees the chance to mingle and take in the beautiful tropical surrounds.
On the final evening of the event, members, retailers, and suppliers enjoyed dinner and drinks, while being treated to a performance by renowned celebrity mentalist and mind magician Phoenix.
Also announced and presented by The Distributors board were this year’s award winners including membership recognition awards, and best performing companies within their respective categories. C&I
The second night saw a State vs State boat race, sponsored by Stuart Alexander, with attendees split into their respective states and whisked around the Whitsunday Islands. There were photo opportunities abound, and the event was the perfect precursor to the first State of Origin match.
INDUSTRY NEWS 52 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au
THE DISTRIBUTORS GOES TROPICAL
The style of the trade show, a ’speed dating’ format in which suppliers sat down with customers providing them with the opportunity to explain their product in depth, was met with a very positive response from suppliers and customers alike highlighting the benefits of one-on-one interaction.
Andrew Johnston, National Merchandising Manager at The Distributors, opened the conference with a look at the group’s goals in the coming year, current challenges they face, and a roundup of the success of its first online trade event.
Brydee Dixon, AIDA, said catching up with different suppliers has been very good. It’s nice catching up with the suppliers, in fact we just had a meeting with a supplier where we think we’ll take them on.” YEARLY AWARDS: Member of the Year (up to $18m) Central Coast Confectionery Member of the Year (over $18m) The Distributors Brisbane Supplier of the Year (up to $10m) CTC Australia Supplier of the Year (over $10m) Red Bull Best Product Launch PepsiCo Smith’s Chips Product Launch Beverage of the Year Red Bull E-commerce Award Accredited Bendigo Supplier Hall of Fame Award Snack Brands Australia MEMBERSHIPAWARDS:RECOGNITION 30 Year Membership Award Toowoomba Confectionery Wholesalers 30 Year Membership Award ACW Sunshine 35 Year Membership Award McDonalds Wholesalers 40 Year Membership Award Food Plus 40 Year Membership Award Central Coast Confectionery 40 Year Membership Award Westco Distributors 40 Year Membership Award Saxbys Drury Distribution The Distributors and Red Bull meeting Smith’s Chips, winner of Best Product Launch AJ and Keith hoping for a blues win Trish from Level Beverages and Trent from JCSean Thomas presenting Gala Dinner pre-drinks on the lawn INDUSTRY NEWS August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 53
Bill Younis from Stuart Alexander, Brydee Dixon of AIDA, and Chris Ashcroft of Stuart Alexander
George Tsapoutas’ welcome to the Gala Dinner
Bill Younis, Stuart Alexander, said the conference was a great opportunity to network and meet up with a lot of the wholesalers and contacts that they don’t normally see. The Distributors are beneficial to our business through the relationships that you forge, and that you continue to build, and the ability to present and be open and direct and get your message across and then getting these guys to support you. That’s the critical thing and that’s what these sessions do.”
INDUSTRY NEWS 54 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au
Tom Wild of Mondelēz said it was great to be able to up with both members and customers face-to-face. Being a part of The Distributors is critical to us as a confectionery supplier as they are able to get our products to the customers in a timely manner despite everything that’s happening now with some fairly serious supply chain challenges. Claire,
and Rana from AIT Saxby’s Food Plus Central Coast being awarded their Member Service Award The QLD team during the Origin boat race August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 55 INDUSTRY NEWS
Nicholas Faulkner and Tom Wild of Mondelez Australia
” The Red Bull team accepting an award Hayden,
Speaking to C&I on day two of the SPAR Trade Show, Managing Director, Lou Jardin, described these events as “absolutely vital for the networking and the opportunity to share ideas”.
Held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre over three days, the SPAR Trade Show gave retailers the opportunity to network and share ideas while also receiving some great deals from suppliers.
“This would have to be one of the best kept secrets I’ve ever had in my life,” said Bob. C&I CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT
ANNUAL TRADE SHOW AND AWARDS NIGHT
RETAIL
Jardin says that the key message he would like for retailers to take away from the 2022 SPAR Trade Show is building on the theme the group has been working towards for the past 10 years, and that is “Better Together”.
SPAR Express Morpeth and SPAR Chevron Island were the major winners on theJardinnight.also announced the inaugural ’Little SPAR Award’, which was presented to Judith and Bob Little from SPAR Maclean, who have retired after 40 years.
SPAR International is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2022, and with that the business has progressed its ’Better Together’ messaging and added to it ’90 Years of Progress with Purpose’.
SPAR Australia’s Trade Show and Awards Night was a phenomenal success with a record number of retailer attendees and supplier exhibitors.
Jardin told C&I that SPAR Australia has achieved phenomenal growth over the past two to three years, and says that’s for a combination of reasons, including confidence from retailers in terms of the business’ strategy and the level of support they receive from SPAR. As well as the level of execution from retailers, which has “created an environment where we’ve got really massive growth”. Awarding retail excellence
The events were a phenomenal success with a record number
SPAR
Jardin described Bob Little as “an icon in the industry” as he welcomed the Littles to the stage to accept the inaugural Little SPAR Award.
“Bob and Judith have been rock solid with SPAR right from the beginning and they epitomise what SPAR is about,” he said.
of retailer attendees and supplier exhibitors. A great chance to network Trade Hall Making connections McCain Foods’ stand Brooke Hanson & Lou Jardin 56 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au INDUSTRY NEWS
“Our retailers learn so much from each other and the more times we can get them together is critical for the development of the business going forward, for their own businesses as well as ours.”
Our retailers learn so much from each other and the more times we can get them together is critical for the development of the business going forward.” – Lou Jardin MAJOR AWARDS: SPAR Express Store of the Year Winner: SPAR Express Morpeth – owners Sharon & Jason Bull SPAR Store of the Year Winner: SPAR Chevron Island – owners Nash & Rash Attwal DEPARTMENT AWARDS: SPAR Grocery Winner: SPAR Ballina – owners Sagar Madarapu and Anusha Ayileni SPAR Express Grocery Winner: SPAR Express Lambton – owner Steven Sternbeck SPAR Dairy/Freezer Winner: SPAR Jetty Village – owners Joel & Janna Lacey SPAR Express Dairy/Freezer Winner: SPAR Express Morpeth – owners Sharon & Jason Bull SPAR Fresh Food Winner: SPAR Babinda – owners Helen & Diane Fantoni SPAR Express Fresh Food Winner: SPAR Express Tallebudgera – owners Jeff & Prue Sykes Food To Go Winner: SPAR Express Oxenford – owners Duncan Harvey & Grant Hawker SUPPLIER AWARDS: Small Supplier Stand Winner: Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co Medium Supplier Stand Winner: Coolphase Custom Built Supplier Stand Winner: Tip Top Bakeries Community/Partnership/Foundation Awards: SPAR Bourke, SPAR Richmond, SPAR Express Morpeth, SPAR Southtown, SPAR Blackbutt Gala Dinner room Lucy Balchin, Miles Hedge, Ben Kinzl (SPAR Suffolk Park) and Richard Champion Dimitri Spyrakis, SPAR Guild Council Deputy Chairman, with SPAR Store of the Year winners Nash and Rash Attwal (SPAR Chevron Island), and Lou Jardin August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 57 INDUSTRY NEWS
2DESIGNSPERTEAM LOGO&JERSEY 18TEAMS 36DESIGNS LICENSED AIR FRESHENERS $2.70PERAIRFRESHENER RRP:$5.95 FREECOUNTERDISPLAY STAND WITHEVERYFIRST ORDER TEAMLOGOS &PLAYERS COMINGSOON
Formoreinformationcontact PeleGuyDistributionon: 1300377341 orders@peleguy.com.au Seethefullrangeat: www.peleguy.com.au
60 August/September 2022 |
Brett Lee joined delegates in a game of backyard cricket
The Common Good
The conference, which has been heralded as ’the best yet’, was packed with keynote presentations on the economic and fuel retailing outlook in Australia and multiple supplier engagement sessions. There were presentations on New Sunrise initiatives and priorities, live cooking and coffee demonstrations, a celebration of annual award winners, as well as some magical experiences that will last a lifetime.
Business sessions were held over two days at two locations with the first day at Darwin’s Entertainment Centre. Supplier partners exhibited in the pavilion that was transformed into a colourful Willy Wonka inspired candy world.
Brett Lee and Greg Page Andrew Cardinale Kate Greaney, Coffee C&I | www.c-store.com.au
Set in the Top End of Australia, the New Sunrise Iceworks Conference opened with a moving welcome to country, followed by a night of laughter and entertainment. Supported by Asahi Lifestyle Beverages, the welcome party saw Australian cricket legend Brett Lee give delegates a firsthand recount of some personal experiences, before joining in a game of backyard cricket. The original yellow wiggle, Greg Page, joined in and took to wicket keeping duties and created a once in a lifetime opportunity for delegates to hit a six against an Australian cricket icon.
CELEBRATINGAustralia.THEVERYBESTOF NEW
New Sunrise held its 13th annual Iceworks Conference in Darwin, with 300 delegates gathering for five days of networking, insights, and workshops.
INDUSTRY NEWS
The latest New Sunrise Iceworks Conference was held in the Top End of SUNRISE
Managing Director of New Sunrise, Steve Cardinale opened the session with a fitting quote from Charles Darwin: “It’s not the strongest of species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change, that lives within the means available and works cooperatively against common threats.”
The New Sunrise Iceworks Snowball Awards and Gala Dinner The Iceworks Rodeo Joe Alessi, Joe de Petro, and Steve Cardinale
The following day’s business sessions were held in The Ballroom at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin, and attendees heard short, sharp yet inspiring talks on each of New Sunrise’s key initiatives to deliver future growth. Speakers included a State of the Industry presentation from Theo Foukkare, CEO, AACS. Throughout each session delegates were also treated to a firsthand view of exceptional New Sunrise retailers across the country, with a series of virtual retailer videos bringing to life the plans being delivered by the group. These included Jill & Jack’s in Wilston, Mood Foods and Ampol Parklea.
The conference ended with the New Sunrise Iceworks Snowball Awards and Gala Dinner where Matt Gollan at The Station Grocer took out the Snowball Retailer of the YearTheaward.event was held at one of the greatest sunset viewing locations, the picturesque front lawn of the Mindil Beach Casino Resort. It was hosted by Australian stand-up comedian, actor and writer, Peter Rowsthorn (aka. Brett from the iconic Australian series, Kath & Kim), who announced and celebrated the New Sunrise Snowball Award Winners. C&I
SNOWBALL AWARD WINNERS: Snowball Retailer of the Year Matt Gollan, The Station Grocer Snowball Supplier Partner of the Year Asahi Lifestyle Beverages Snowball Account Manager of the Year Joe De Petro, Snack Brands Australia
Delegates then heard from a selection of keynote speakers and industry leaders, including Kristina Clifton from The Commonwealth Bank, Brian Stephenson from IRI, then Mark McKenzie CEO, ACAPMA gave an update on the outlook on the fuel industry. Greg Page and Brett Lee also provided an update on Heart of the Nation and the importance of having AEDs accessible across Australia.
It was then over to the New Sunrise team, with presentations from National Merchandise Manager, Joe Alessi, National Retail Support Manager, Deb Adnum and National Marketing and Brand Manager, Andrew Cardinale on the New Sunrise key initiatives to deliver future growth by continuing to build the shopper experience and increase visibility to win the hearts and minds of Australian consumers.
To wind down after the two big days of sessions, delegates were treated to a unique Top End experience, The Iceworks Rodeo, supported by Monster Energy. This included performances from some of Australia’s best bucking bull riders as well as adrenaline pumping flips and tricks by freestyle motor X riders, followed by a whole lot of networking, whip cracking, selfies with animals and dancing.
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 61 INDUSTRY NEWS
CELEBRATES TWO YEARS OF SUCCESS This year’s APCO conference was split across two days and focused on celebrating the group’s excellence in retailing. APCO AWARDS INCLUDED: Service Award – 20 Years: Brendan Sager, APCO Support Office Outstanding Service Award: Christian Benci, Thoughtbox Outstanding Service Award: Olivia Bates, APCO Support Office Outstanding Service Award: Rob McDonald, Gigante Outstanding Service Award: Daryl Feighan, All Things In Print APCO Network Team Player Award: Michelle Martin, Master Data & Reporting Lead, APCO Support Office APCO Store Team Player Award: Julie Minett, APCO Wodonga APCO Store Team Player Award: Milly Byrne, APCO Strathdale Rising Star: Brent Marshall, APCO Skipton Street Retail Operational Excellence: APCO Grovedale Foodservice Excellence: Brett and Karen Anderson, APCO Wangaratta
the evening
“Part one was all about our valued suppliers, because we understood the importance of having a Supplier Only Business Forum for not only our suppliers but us also,” according to APCO.
Olivia Bates, Apco
Service Stations HR Business PartnerApco Support Office and Retailers at the Retail Conference 62 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au INDUSTRY NEWS
The conference was split into two parts, on two dates. Part one was a breakfast business forum for suppliers and part two was the retailer conference, trade expo, and gala excellence awards dinner.
A PCO Service Stations has held its annual retail conference and trade expo, with 200 delegates gathering over two separate dates to reflect on and celebrate the success of the past two years.
“This was an opportunity to share with our suppliers – our key account managers, national account managers, heads of channel and key stakeholders – our business in review as well as a pipeline view of where we are heading. This included our intended growth, our future business models, some of our business and category strategies, and how we foresee what teaming up with our suppliers looks like for 2022, the coming years, and how we can work collaboratively for mutual gain.”
This was followed by part two, which commenced with APCO’s Retailer Business Conference in the morning, where retailers were informed from the leadership team, similarly to the supplier forum. This included APCO’s business in review as well as a pipeline view of where the group is heading, as well as benefits and assistance to these“Thisretailers.wasfollowed by our Supplier Trade Expo, where our suppliers had the opportunity to interact with our retailers, showcase their product, find out what does and doesn’t work for our retailers, as well as Expo specials being offered. “We then wrapped up with our Retailer and Trade Partner in – an arena for APCO to and C&I
honour our retailers and our trade partners who have performed outstandingly throughout the year.”
recognise
APCO CONFERENCE
Excellence Awards
SUPPLIER AWARDS INCLUDED: Food Service Trade Partner of the Year: Gigante Coffee Beverage Trade Partner of the Year: Asahi Impulse Snacking Trade Partner of the Year: PepsiCo Tobacco Trade Partner of the Year: Philip Morris General Merchandise & Grocery Trade Partner of the Year: Pacific Optics Trade Partner of the Year: Gigante RETAIL AWARDS INCLUDED: APCO Retailer of the Year Runner Up (sponsored by Viva Energy): APCO Newcomb, Victoria APCO Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Mobil): APCO Strathdale, Victoria Apco Support Office and Retailers at the Retail Conference Excellence Gala Awards Night, including support office staff, retailers, and suppliers Robert Anderson, Service Stations Director, Apco L-R: Robert McDonald, Gigante, Alison Pepper, Senior Category Manager at Apco, Jordan Caligiore, Gigante, Kellie Struth, Head of Category and Marketing at Apco Ozzie Lumpkin, National Account Executive PepsiCo Hugh Thomas and Ross Humphreys, Apco Regional Business Managers, with Apco’s new uniforms August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 63 INDUSTRY NEWS
“With Johnny’s Deli, we’ve created a bespoke range of hot sandwiches that are heated on demand in specialist ovens to ensure customers can enjoy a delicious hot sandwich, with gooey melted cheese and toasty bread that’s hot in about 90 seconds.
“The range includes delicious versions of classic flavours you’d expect to buy at your local café or sandwich shop, like a Schnitty, Tuna Melt, or Reuben, with a few unexpected flavours like Mac n’ Cheese or Meatball deli sandwich.
The new range, which is heated to order, is being trialled in selected stores in Melbourne.
Metcalf-King says 7-Eleven’s team of in-house chefs and food scientists, created the base recipes and flavour profiles for the Johnny’s Deli range in their kitchens at home during COVID lockdowns.
“From there, extensive sensory testing was undertaken; our supplier partners were tasked with sourcing quality ingredients at scale, the process of building the sandwiches to ensure they could be created consistently and efficiently as part of our handmade sandwich assembly line was perfected, and testing to ensure the products were able to travel through our daily supply chain system was successfully completed.
“Some of our members when advertising new roles are receiving almost no applications, something that is unprecedented. We don’t necessarily need skilled workers, what we need is people to show up and affiliate customer service roles to maintain our operations.”
The Johnny’s Deli range is handmade from quality ingredients and has something for nearly everyone, with a choice of eight flavours, including vegetarian and red meat free options, which retail for between $9-$11.
“We’re proud to have invested in providing our customers with great quality and value choices for convenient food-on-the-go in collaboration with our supplier partners for more than a decade. We are incredibly excited to see customers experience the latest stage in our food evolution, as we roll-out the trial of the Johnny’s Deli range to a number of stores across Victoria in 2022.” C&I
New figures from the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have shown the scale of the labour shortage crisis crippling the retail industry, including petrol and convenience (P&C).
7-Eleven is trialling a new food on the go concept, Johnny’s Deli range, giving customers access to hot deli sandwiches to order.
“The Federal and State Governments, while working hard to attract overseas workers back, need to look at new incentives to accelerate the migration back into Australia.” C&I
7-Eleven trials new hot deli sandwich concept at select Melbourne stores
Retail labour shortage reaches record high across Australia
Foukkare highlighted that he believes that the overseas migration recovery will take up to two years to return to normal.
64 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au INDUSTRY NEWS
Theo Foukkare, CEO, Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), said the labour shortage is being felt right across Australia both in the retail and manufacturer community.
“Australia is no longer the destination of choice for overseas students as many countries opened their borders long before we did, and they have continued their study in countries like Canada, where permanent residency is much easier.
“Our customers want a convenient range of delicious food choices available fast for every meal and any snack occasion across the day,” Metcalf-King said.
The figures showed there were 40,300 job vacancies in retail trade in May – an increase of 11,200 or 38.5 per cent compared to February this year.
“While we have seen some overseas students already in Australia utilise the flexibility provided by the previous federal governments relaxing of working hours (from 20 hours per week to 40 hours per week), we simply haven’t seen the overseas migration return to pre pandemic levels,” explains Foukkare.
“Additionally, the entire business community is suffering labour shortages, so it is a much more competitive environment to simply employ staff –we are all looking for staff at the same time. Whether you are a retailer, manufacturer, restauranteur, or hospitality operator, we are all struggling.
“It is estimated that our retail members are currently seeking approximately 12,000 to 15,000 staff to fill all types of files from site managers, console operators, baristas, and night staff. Our labour force relies on international students and travelling holiday tourists to fill around 30 per cent of roles.
Emma Metcalf-King, Head of Food, 7-Eleven Australia, said the new range is just the start of the company’s latest phase of food evolution.
“Our products look and taste delicious, have amazing textures and will provide our customers with a convenient, quick and great value option for an on-the-go meal.”
The Symposium will be MC’d by Presenting Partner, Dave Hooker, Executive Director, New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS).
“The level of support from exhibitors and key retailers in New Zealand really showed the hunger for a dedicated trade event for the New Zealand market. We were so excited about the C&I NZ Expo returning in 2021 but COVID meant this was no longer possible.
The Convenience & Impulse Retailing New Zealand Expo and Symposium is returning to The Cloud in Auckland on 19-20 October, for two days of education, networking, and business building.
The inaugural C&I NZ Expo in 2019 brought together hundreds of retailers and suppliers from all banners and brands, and with a great selection of exhibitors on board and a solid line-up of speakers locked in for the 2022 event, it will be one not to be missed.
C&I NZ Expo 2022 is the only national event devoted to the needs of New Zealand’s convenience retailers. If you own or work in an independent grocery or convenience store, service station, dairy, corner store or mini-mart, you should register before you miss out.
Safa de Valois, Group Publisher at C&I Media, said that the inaugural C&I NZ Expo in 2019 was a huge success and exceeded expectations.
You’ll have the opportunity to sample the latest products to hit the market, meet directly with suppliers, learn from industry experts and network with leading retailers from across New Zealand.
Top: Melinda Baillie, Bruce Cotterill, Eddy Nader
The 2022 Symposium has a solid line-up of confirmed speakers from Australia and New Zealand, including Bruce Cotterill, Motivational Speaker and Transformation Coach, Eddy Nader, Managing Director, NPG Retail (Australia), Andy Baird, General Manager Retail and Customer, Z Energy, Haydn Tierney, Managing Director, Bowser Bean Cafe / Vantage Fuels (Australia), Melinda Baillie, Head of Trents Wholesale, and Julie O’Toole, Director, Coca-Cola Oceania. If you’d like to register to attend or if you’d like to exhibit, it’s not too late. Visit candiexpo.co.nz for more information. C&I
“Rescheduling the event to October 2022 has been warmly received and registrations are strong. We can’t wait to be back in Auckland to grow on the success of our last C&I NZ Expo.”
Attendance at the trade show is free to convenience retailers and we look forward to a good turnout on both days in October,” says Hooker.
The Convenience & Impulse Retailing New Zealand Expo and Symposium will be bigger and better than ever. C&I NZ Expo 2022 Symposium speakers announced
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 65 INDUSTRY NEWS
“NZACS is excited to partner with C&I to bring you this year’s Expo and Symposium. After the success of their first show in 2019, we are well overdue to get back together, share ideas and look at new business opportunities.
Bottom: Haydn Tierney, Julie O’Toole, Andy Baird
“When it comes to packaged alcohol, we’re living in an outdated regulatory environment that in some cases is more than 40 years old around the legislation.
“What we’re trying to do is to build a community of Australians that have an active interest in it, either from retailing or from a consumer ACCESS BY AACS STRIVES TO PROVIDE GREATER CHOICE AND CONVENIENCE FOR AUSTRALIANS
“We feel that in the alcohol space as an industry, and it varies by state, but our channel is one of the very few retail outlets that aren’t permitted to sell alcohol to everyday Australians even in a restricted format. As an example, in Victoria, petrol and convenience stores along with drive-ins, which are a thing of the past, are effectively the only two types of venues or outlets that aren’t allowed to sell packaged alcohol take away to consumers. So, we feel as though there’s a competition issue and we’ll be using the platform to work with the ACCC.”
Foukkare highlights that within packaged alcohol, currently $80 of every $100 that is spent goes to two companies – Coles and Woolworths.
“We believe that developing our community of retailers and allowing them to sell products that are currently restricted will allow them one, to survive, and two, be able to add more value to their local community in terms of accessibility to product ranges.
Theo Foukkare, CEO, AACS, told C&I that the overarching messaging will be to improve communities by developing retail offers to provide convenience and choice to consumers.
“Small businesses in our network of stores should be able to sell packaged alcohol to be able to compete with the large format retailers.
“Effectively, it’s about education. It’s about sharing the facts. And it’s also about providing consumers and retailers with information so that we can create a better community for our retailers around the country.”
T he Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has launched Access by AACS, a digital platform that will improve the future viability of the industry by raising awareness of inefficiencies and outdated regulation. Access by AACS will provide information and education for all relevant stakeholders around three key pillars: vaping, packaged alcohol deregulation, and the forecourt of the future.
C&I 66 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au INDUSTRY NEWS
You can visit Access by AACS at www.joinaccess.com.au
“I strongly believe that the convenience store of today is going to play a more important role in everyday Australians’ routines. And we believe that our community of retailers shouldn’t be restricted on selling various products that consumers want. That will help small business continue to remain viable for many years to come,” he says.
In this notion, Access by AACS will provide education around what vaping is, the different types of vaping products, as well as sharing information from around the world.
It will provide news stories, as well as educational pieces from doctors and reputable organisations globally, and will bring the conversation to the forefront and help educate stakeholders.
“We’re starting with these two and the third pillar is the forecourt of the future. So, in our case, what we’re seeing is government investing heavily in public infrastructure for vehicle charging. And for us, while public infrastructure charging will play a role, it isn’t the only solution. We are going to need, we believe, up to 15 times the planned investment to be able to develop a credible, reliable network of charging stations, and our industry is already strategically positioned to service the needs of Australia. So, we’re trying to generate involvement from all the governments, Federal and State, to be able to divert some of their funding into our industry so that we’re able to play a much bigger role in the short term needs of consumers.
“We believe in a fair retail environment where consumers should be able to buy what they want, when they want from reputable retailers under whatever the guidelines imposed by the government are. But restricting access to certain retailers for specific product categories we believe is uncompetitive, as well as inconvenient for everyday Australians.”
Access by AACS will improve the future viability of the industry by raising awareness of inefficiencies and outdated regulation.
Access by AACS will take the same approach with packaged alcohol.
Foukkare says that Access by AACS will be a source of information for stakeholders who may have limited or no knowledge on the three key pillars of vaping, packaged alcohol deregulation, and the forecourt of the “Mostfuture.people have heard that it’s illegal for nicotine containing vapes to be sold to consumers outside of the government-imposed prescription model, but most consumers aren’t aware of how difficult it is to be able to access a GP that is authorised to provide a script. And then most consumers also aren’t aware that the availability of it at pharmacy, if you do succeed in getting the script, is quite low. So, effectively, we’re trying to step out the process for the consumers to better understand it, but separately, in this priority, we’re not a health advocate, we’re more about providing choice to consumers. And we believe that all consumers, especially adults, should be able to access products freely like we do in many other parts of the world,” he says.
“Ultimately, I’d love to have a piece of point of sale in our network of convenience and service station retailers that via a QR code is able to educate them as well as sign them up to be able to keep them informed on an ongoing basis.”
perspective. And the end goal is for us to build that adequate database of Australians, so that we can keep them updated with what’s changing around legislation, but also share with them why they can’t get the products,” says Foukkare.
CARAMILK AND THE COLOUR PURPLE ARE TRADE MARKS USED UNDER LICENCE. THE CRUMBLIEST CREAMY TASTE OF CARAMELISED WHITE CHOCOLATEBACKPOPULARBYDEMAND
Fuel is the most expensive and high risk product service stations offer, yet many fuel retailers fail to put a system in place to ensure that their investment is protected.
Many petrol station operators don’t have any controls to record their site’s deliveries, dip readings and sales. As a result, you could be facing fuel loss without any alarm bells.
While some petrol station owners prefer to do their own loss monitoring, at ServoPro we recommend the use of a third party for SIRA. These specialist companies use inventory data and statistically analyse it to report MANAGING YOUR FUEL
Petroleum has toxic components such as toluene, xylene, benzene, and ethylbenzene that can cause serious risks to humans and the ecosystem if they are released into the environment. Any undetected fuel leak from a UPSS can pollute the petrol stations surroundings including air, water, groundwater, and soil.
CORRECTLY?
DAN ARMES ServoProFounder
It becomes business critical to involve a specialist in wet stock management to regularly monitor UPSS and detect any fuel leaks.
Dan Armes, Founder, ServoPro, offers insight into having a preventive approach to wet stock management.
68 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PETROL NEWS
ARE YOU
At ServoPro, we always advise our members that they are far better off having a preventive approach to wet stock management.Ifaleakoccurs from a UPSS, cleaning the contaminated surrounding (groundwater and soil) can cost anywhere from $100,000 to more than a million dollars. The UPSS owner can suffer economic losses from wastage of the fuel and may be liable for third-party damages for nearby contaminated sites.
Fuel is also one of the smallest profit margin products, so even small losses can have a big impact on the bottom line of the Managingbusiness.your wet stock (fuel stock) not only makes good business sense, but it also is a regulatory requirement in Australia to monitor Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS) for losses. It is illegal to allow or ignore contamination resulting from leaking or faulty UPSS. Loss monitoring has been mandatory for all new UPSS since 1 June 2008 and for old systems from 1 June 2009.
Make sure that all staff members are trained adequately to avoid any data entry errors. The integrity of dipsticks should also be checked on a regular basis as warped or hard to read dipsticks can result in inaccurate data being entered resulting in incorrect analysis.
the smallest leaks possible. This becomes essential at sensitive sites where a minor leak can impact the environment significantly.
” – Dan Armes
Common issues that are found using a specialist SIRA company and reporting include incorrect fuel deliveries, leaks from fuel pipelines and tanks, and the accuracy of dispensers and meters.
There have been cases of the wrong type of fuel being delivered into a tank resulting in customers receiving the wrong type of fuel for their vehicle. If the site operator is using third party wet stock monitoring, this will be detected far quicker than if no reconciliation is being done.
The benefits of using an external company for SIRA and wet stock management includes but is not limited to, delivery validation, identification of contaminants, dip data functionality, identification of pilferage, and specialist advice if there is an issue found.
Some petrol retailers choose to reconcile their wet stock manually via a written book or spreadsheet. The dangers of manually reconciling your wet stock include human error, data entry errors, formula errors and miscalculations. In many cases, these manual forms of reconciling wet stock are not only inaccurate but are also non-compliant. While the fuel retailer might think they are making an effort to detect leaks, if the EPA was to audit the site, they may not be deemed compliant.
The most common area where fuel losses are identified is in the sales process because of the poor calibration of pump meters. While individual meter miscalibrations may appear to be small and insignificant, these can result in the loss of significant profits aggregating over time.
The EPA conducts random audits of service stations nationally. It is important that all fuel retailers are aware of their obligations around compliance. When you receive a delivery from your fuel wholesaler how do you know if the correct amount of fuel has been delivered? There have been cases of theft while fuel is in transit. Third party wet stock monitoring will allow you to know in real time if you have received a short delivery. With small margins, fuel retailers cannot afford to be receiving short deliveries.
There was a case where a truck with a false floor and a fuel tank was parking over the fill point of underground fuel tanks and was pumping fuel out of the tanks. Without a system for reconciling fuel, the site operator would have never been able to detect such theft.
At ServoPro we have a range of partners who specialise in all areas of compliance including SIRA and environmental regulations including special rates for members. If you need any help and advice, feel free to contact us directly.
C&I August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 69 PETROL NEWS
When an abnormality is found in a site’s wet stock reconciliation, it is important that the site operator gets specialist advice to find the problem as soon as possible. It may be as simple as having the dispensers calibrated or worst case scenario there is a leak in an underground tank. Either way, the issues must be identified early and fixed immediately as this can have a direct impact on the bottom line.
All service station operators should be submitting reliable data to a third party vendor of choice every day and be reviewing reporting data weekly. To be able to manage fuel inventory effectively and efficiently correct analysis and reporting needs to be easily accessible.
If your pumps are over delivering, your customers will appreciate it, but it’s definitely not good for business. Wet stock monitoring reports can detect these miscalibrations and ensure this doesn’t happen.
To be able to manage fuel inventory effectively and accessible.needsandcorrectefficientlyanalysisreportingtobeeasily
For a small monthly fee, it makes good business sense to use a specialist company for your wet stock management and SIRA compliance. No service station owner who wants to run an environmentally responsible, profitable business and have peace of mind can afford to ignore this.
Reconciling your wet stock will also pick up if you have water entering your tanks either via a leak or build-up of condensation. The extra volume of water will be picked up during the data analysis.
• Darling River Eco Corridor 4 & 25
• Darling River Conservation Initiative Site #9
From July, all Ampol business customers will get access to Ampol Carbon Neutral. This will allow Ampol business customers to take meaningful action to start their decarbonisation journey, while also supporting important environment and community projects in Australia and overseas.
Through Ampol Carbon Neutral, customers are offered two carbon neutral portfolios to choose from – one that features 100 per cent Australian projects, and the other featuring 30 per cent Australian projects. The program offers a flexible opt-in model, with customers being provided choices to apply portions of their volume to meet sustainability targets.
Ampol also recently unveiled its electric vehicle charging solution, AmpCharge, which will offer customers recharging options at home, on the road, and at work. The first AmpCharge pilot sites will open this month, with the roll out to extend to approximately 120 locations by October 2023. HAS EXPANDED ITS CARBON NEUTRAL FUEL PROGRAM
• The Guatemalan Conservation Coast, Guatemala
• Kergunyah Native Forest Protection Project
• Jilin LinJiang Afforestation Project, China
Australian projects:
• Buckambool Human-Induced Regeneration Project
• Landfill Gas Extraction and Electricity Generation, Turkey Ampol Carbon Neutral has been certified by Climate Active, a program backed by the Australian Government aimed at empowering voluntary climate action through carbon neutral certification.
A mpol Carbon Neutral is aimed at offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the sourcing, refining, distribution, retailing and consumption of Ampol’s petrol and diesel products.
Ampol Carbon Neutral offsets emissions through the purchasing and retirement of a portfolio of carbon credits that have been handpicked by Ampol. These projects currently include nine Australian projects that are proven to deliver social and environmental benefits to regional farmers and localThecommunities.currentprojects
• Paroo River Ecosystem Restoration Project
International projects:
Brent Merrick, Executive General Manager, International and New Business, said that Ampol Carbon Neutral forms part of the company’s future energy and decarbonisation strategies.
• Catchment Conservation Alliance, Southern Rivers Initiative Site 4
“While we continue our important work to explore new lower emissions transport solutions for our customers, including electric vehicle charging through AmpCharge, Ampol Carbon Neutral provides a solution for customers looking to offset emissions from their consumption of fuel in the short term, while also supporting important environment and community projects.
“Through the successful delivery of the Ampol Carbon Neutral pilot, we have uncovered strong interest within our business customer base to support Australian-based projects that have a meaningful impact on the environment and local community. Seamless integration with our existing account management process is also an important benefit for our customers.
70 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PETROL NEWS
“I look forward to inviting our broader business customers to take part in this program, while continuing to progress investment in new fuel technologies to meet our customers’ needs well into the future.”
Ampol has announced the expansion of its carbon neutral fuel solution, Ampol Carbon Neutral, following the completion of a successful pilot program over the past 10 months.
forming part of Ampol’s carbon neutral fuel solution include the following.
• Glenogie Native Forest Protection Project
• Western Australian Rangelands Conservation Initiative
• Improved Kitchen Regimes Multi-Country PoA, Malawi
“In developing Ampol Carbon Neutral, we have conducted a comprehensive due diligence process to invest in high-value environment and community projects that adhere to stringent standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Many of the projects are Australian based, including native forest protection projects near Cobar and Brewarrina, New South Wales, and customers will be provided optionality to choose from two project portfolios to match their sustainability objectives.
C&I AMPOL
Visit www.envirotank.com.au or call us on 1800 818 354 for more information Ü ClerefloTM forecourt separators Ü ClerefloTM full retention separators Ü Third Party Peer Reviewed and Certified by UniSA as exceeding BSEN-858 Compliance Ü Fully Suitable for Use in Australian Conditions Demand Special Treatment. Demand Clereflo. The Conder Clereflo Range of Oil Water Separators
BOC will supply and install the state-of-the-art Linde hydrogen refuelling station. It will dispense green hydrogen produced by BOC at its Bulwer Island production site, just 10 minutes from the bp truckstop in Lytton. The green hydrogen will be produced by a 220kW electrolyser powered by solar energy generated onsite.
“BOC is committed to supporting the development of hydrogen as a zero emissions fuel and decarbonising the transport sector in Australia.
Under a partnership with BOC, the hydrogen refuelling station will be installed at a bp truckstop in Lytton, Queensland. The Queensland Government’s fleet of five hydrogen-powered Hyundai NEXOs will be the first to use the new refueller once it’s opened later this year.
“From hydrogen-powered trucks and coaches to trains and marine vessels, we are exploring every opportunity to capitalise on the opportunities of Queensland’s energy transformation,” he said.
John Evans, Managing Director of BOC South Pacific said the partnership with bp Australia was an important step forward in developing a hydrogen refuelling service station network in Queensland.
The hydrogen refuelling station will have capacity to refill a hydrogen car in three to five minutes and will in future be made available to drivers with a bp plus card who register with bp for access to the supply of hydrogen.
Frédéric Baudry, president, bp Australia and SVP fuels and low carbon solutions, Asia Pacific, said that bp is proud to be partnering with BOC and the Queensland Government in the development of Australia’s first green hydrogen refueller on an existing service station.
72 August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au PETROL NEWS
Bp Australia has taken a leap forward on its path to net zero with the commencement of construction of the first hydrogen refueller at a service station in Australia.
Linde has installed more than 200 hydrogen refuelling stations globally and successfully completed the hydrogen refuelling of more than 1.5 million cars, buses, and forklifts. C&I
“Working closely with our partner bp we will demonstrate how state-of-the-art hydrogen refuelling stations can be safely integrated into the existing service station network, paving the way for more infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen trucks and buses.
“We look forward to opening this facility to the public in the future, and working with our project partners ARENA, the Queensland Government and bp to showcase a world class end-to-end green hydrogen production, storage, supply and refuelling solution.”
BOC TO BUILD HYDROGEN REFUELLER AT BP TRUCKSTOP IN LYTTON
"Hydrogen will play an important part in the future energy and mobility mix, and partnerships – such as this one between Government, BOC and bp – will be essential in decarbonising industry and transport. Bp has extensive industrial experience with hydrogen and is now linking that with our expertise in supplying energy to the world, creating end-to-end offers and decarbonisation solutions for our customers. We are excited to be developing and deploying innovative offers that meet the changing mobility needs of our customers today and for the future.”
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick De Brenni said it was critical that locally made fuel continued to be available to power our heavy transport sector as it moved to lower its emissions and looked forward to supporting more green hydrogen initiatives from traditional fuel suppliers.
“The importance of this for our economic future cannot be overstated because this is another link in the supply chain, ensuring Queensland cements its status as a global force in the hydrogen industry.
The significant increase in Singapore Weighted Average Margin (SWAM) was the key driver of the increase, reaching US$33.62 per barrel for the quarter as the Covid demand recovery and low product inventory levels coincided with the global supply shock caused by Russian sanctions and by Chinese export quotas trending below historical levels.
The Lytton Refiner Margin (LRM) for the second quarter reached US$32.96 per barrel, materially higher than the US$10.59 per barrel realised in the first quarter, and US$11.24 in 4Q 2021.
The volatile market conditions also saw an increase in the landed cost of crude, which partially offset the uplift in SWAM.
Viva Energy hydrogen service station on track for 2023 delivery
Viva Energy has taken further strides towards the delivery of its industry leading hydrogen refuelling station, which is on track to open in late 2023.
The Geelong project, which is designed to service a diverse set of Australia’s most prominent commercial transport fleets, has passed several significant milestones.
Viva Energy announced its hydrogen vision in March when it named four foundation partners that have committed to the first seven hydrogen fuel cell heavy vehicles which will be refuelled at Viva Energy’s hydrogen outlet. It is continuing to engage with other potential partners keen to deploy hydrogen powered heavy vehicles and reduce their emissions. Green hydrogen is not currently available in commercial, deliverable quantities in Australia, so Viva Energy’s delivery model involves the production of green hydrogen onsite through the utilisation of renewable electricity and recycled water.
The electrolyser will produce hydrogen by using renewable electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The recycled water will be supplied from Barwon Water’s Northern Water Plant.
Ampol was able to take advantage of the strong refiner margin environment through increased refinery production of 1,564 ML, up from 1,413 ML in the first quarter of the year, which was impacted by the Brisbane River closure and unscheduled maintenance.
Last year Ampol considered closing the refinery, but a government support package enabled the refinery to stay operational until at least mid-2027.
Additionally, Viva Energy is partnering with Air Liquide for the provision of a ’fast fill’ hydrogen refuelling package designed to refuel at least 10 trucks or busses consecutively. This leading-edge system will be the largest in Australia and will be capable of dispensing 300kg of hydrogen in under two hours. This will provide Viva Energy’s hydrogen customers with a similar refuelling experience to today’s traditional service station.
Ampol has provided an update on the trading conditions and financial performance for the Lytton refinery during the second quarter.
Together, this equipment will provide Viva Energy with the capacity to generate and deliver more than 1,000kg of green hydrogen per day, powering a fleet of at least 15 hydrogen fuel cell heavy vehicles.
These are critical first steps in Viva Energy’s vision to establish Australia’s most ambitious hydrogen mobility project, which is expected to be the catalyst for a network of hydrogen refuelling stations reaching from Geelong and Melbourne to Sydney and Brisbane.
Viva Energy has extensive experience in the safe operation of high-voltage infrastructure and hydrogen at its nearby Geelong Refinery site and currently generates about 70 tonnes of hydrogen per day as part of the oil refining process.
August/September 2022 | C&I | www.c-store.com.au 73 PETROL NEWS
Ampol has reached an unprecedented result in the second quarter, almost tripling its 4Q 2021 result, which was the highest quarterly profit in four years.
Viva Energy’s hydrogen mobility project was made possible through $22.8 million funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and $1 million from the Victorian Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund.
The containerised electrolyser is being provided by Nel Hydrogen US, a subsidiary of Nel ASA in Norway, together with its local partner ENGV, and is expected to be the largest in Australia by a considerable margin. Once installed, it will be at least twice the size of any other electrolyser producing green hydrogen in the country.
Viva Energy has placed orders for a 2.5MW electrolyser for the creation of green hydrogen as well as a fast-fuelling hydrogen dispensing system capable of refuelling multiple vehicles at once. This equipment will be the first of its kind in the Australian market.
Ampol’s Lytton refinery to deliver unprecedented result - almost tripling sales
CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY!GET SUMMER READY! Adventure Dopamine Inducing Colours BUILT FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITI
orders@pacificoptics.com 1300 AERIAL (1300 237 425)www.pacificoptics.com through Australia! Earthy Tones & Polarised Recycled Shades ONS, CRAFTED FOR YOUR HEAD
orders@pacificoptics.com www.pacificoptics.com WORLD CLASS BRANDS WORLD CLASS SERVICE PHONEFOOTWEARHEADWEARSUNGLASSESACCESSORIES TOYSAUDIO& LIGHTINGFISHINGGAMES SPECIALITYTELCOBATTERIES CONTACT US TODAY TO MAXIMISE YOUR CATEGORY MANAGEMENT & SALES TM DON’T COMPROMISE WITH CHEAP ALTERNATIVES WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
