NEWS: 2024 INDUSTRY SUMMIT AND AWARDS

Retail Drinks celebrates retail excellence at 2024 Industry Summit and Awards

The 2024 Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards shared insights into Australia’s evolving retail liquor sector while recognising the achievements of individuals and businesses.

On Wednesday 13 November, around 400 members of the retail liquor industry came together for the 2024 Retail Drinks Industry Summit and Awards, held at Doltone House Darling Point in Sydney.

The Summit invited business experts and industry leaders to share the latest trends, information and ideas to inform business decisions, help businesses grow and ensure the success of the retail liquor industry.

Retail Drinks Australia CEO Michael Waters opened the Summit with an overview of Retail Drinks’ recent achievements and upcoming advocacy activity, and followed by the annual AGM, Jarna McLean, Director of Health & Lifestyle at Circana, shared insights into the state of Australia’s retail liquor market.

McLean highlighted declining alcohol consumption and the impact of economic pressures on liquor sales, which is especially prominent in the craft beer category with the exception of ginger beer, with single malt whisky also in decline and Prosecco now outperforming Champagne.

While consumers are focused on value, innovation is driving growth, with citrus flavours expanding from RTDs into the likes of wine. Interestingly, cider is also in growth, fuelled by innovation, and wine is beginning to rebound from a decline.

While growth can be seen in most categories, McLean outlined the challenges of glass spirits, with tequila currently the only segment commanding a premium price.

In an insightful session about retail liquor crime, safety and security, Retail Drinks Australia’s Head of Policy & Advocacy, Kary Petersen, gave an update on the Safe to Serve initiative and the Retail Liquor Safety and Security Survey.

Sparked by survey findings, Petersen facilitated a panel discussion with Neil Redfern (Redfern Retail Risk), Andrew Sayers (Coles Liquor), Andrew McKay (Red Bottle) and Damen Jones (NSW Police) about ensuring the safety of staff and customers without negatively impacting the retail experience, and the measures improving perceptions about safety.

Finally, closing the Retail Drinks Industry Summit, Australian actor and writer Rob Carlton spoke about the value of culture to an organisation and its significance in retail liquor.

Recognising retail achievements

Later in the evening, the 2024 Retail Drinks Industry Awards recognised the exceptional achievements of individuals and businesses across the sector, celebrating their dedication, hard work, and professionalism.

Waters thanked members who participated in the program, which attracted 532 nominations, and congratulated the winners.

“Thank you for taking the time to be a part of this year’s awards program; thank you to our awards partners for your support in helping us make this event the success it was; thank you again to the hundreds of members who took the time to nominate in this year’s awards program; and congratulations to all awards finalists and winners.”

The big winners of the night included some of the most recognisable names in Australian retail liquor.

Liquor Store of the Year was awarded to Liquorland Greensborough in Victoria, while the title of Large Format Liquor Store of the Year went to Dan Murphy’s Sunbury, also in Victoria.

Liquorland took home another prize, with the chain being named Online Liquor Retailer of the Year, reinforcing its success in both physical and digital retailing.

“What sets Liquorland apart is our unwavering commitment to ensuring we’re connecting with our customers in meaningful ways by prioritising convenience and great value on our extensive product selection,” stated Jon Haggett, General Manager of Commercial for Coles Liquor.

One of the most celebrated winners was Claudia Castles, the Store Manager of Dan Murphy’s in Bulimba, Queensland, who was named Young Liquor Retailer of the Year.

Castles has worked with Endeavour Group for almost four years and has played a key role in opening several new Dan Murphy’s stores across Queensland. Her passion for the industry and leadership skills were key to her win.

“I’ve loved every minute of working with Endeavour and it has ignited my passion for the drinks industry. I am so passionate about sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for what we do with my team and customers. This award means so much to me as recognition for my love of working in the drinks industry,” she said.

The award for Liquor Store Owner of the Year went to Paul Rajkovski, Owner of Bottlemart D’Amore Cellars in Victoria, who was recognised for not just his leadership, but the contributions of the entire team at D’Amore Cellars.

Rajkovski told National Liquor News: “I’m extremely grateful to receive the recognition for the countless number of hours and effort we put in to making Bottlemart D’Amore Cellars as good a shopping experience as possible for all.”

Michael Frost from Red Bottle Circular Quay in Sydney was named Liquor Store Manager of the Year and shared his gratitude to Retail Drinks Australia for the opportunity to be involved in the process.

“The award application, interview and mystery shopper components combined to give a priceless opportunity to see how your business is performing via a different lens. There’s a lot that we as a team at Red Bottle Circular Quay can take from the award process and we look forward to becoming a better team and a better business as a result,” he said.

Supplier winners and industry recognition

On the supplier side, Lion was a standout, taking home two major awards: Beer Supplier of the Year and National Supplier of the Year, highlighting its leadership in both product innovation and industry contribution.

Treasury Wine Estates was named Wine Supplier of the Year, while Diageo earned the title of Spirits Supplier of the Year, with Shane Beer from Diageo also named Sales Representative of the Year for his outstanding contribution to the spirits category.

A new category, Services Partner of the Year, recognised Uber Eats for its support of the retail drinks industry through its convenient and expansive delivery platform.

This year’s awards reflected the continued growth and professionalism of Australia’s retail drinks industry, and according to Retail Drinks Chairman John Carmody, the program speaks volumes about the sector’s resilience and passion.

“The Retail Drinks Industry Awards not only celebrate excellence but also set the benchmark for a responsible, sustainable, diverse, and professional retail drinks sector,” he said.