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INDEPENDENT LIQUOR GROUP: ILG REPORTS RECORD GROWTH AT 2023 FAMILY REUNION
ILG reports record growth at 2023 Family Reunion
Independent Liquor Group recently celebrated strong group performance as the AGM headed to the Gold Coast.
Members of the Independent Liquor Group (ILG) cooperatives came together on the Gold Coast for one of the highlights of the ILG social calendar, the Family Reunion. Delegates celebrated a record year for ILG, taking the opportunity to network and learn valuable insights about the group and wider industry.
ILG CEO Paul Esposito welcomed attendees with a reception at The Star’s Garden Lawn, ahead of the two-day conference program, which reflected on the achievements of the last year.
The following day was the Annual General Meeting (AGM) where Esposito highlighted the cooperative’s success across several areas and later sat down with National Liquor News to discuss the group’s performance.
“FY23 broke all records, highlighted by a huge uplift in sales revenue, record return to members and record membership. These results have been delivered on the back of a strong strategic plan to build a stronger ILG.
“Growth must be the focus in every part of the business. This year, and every year going forward, is going to be record breaking, because we’re not expecting to go backwards.”
In his CEO Report, Esposito detailed an increase in sales revenue for ILG from $414m to a record high of $497m, an increase of 20 per cent for FY23 and 82 per cent over the last three years. Over the year, members have also received a high of $17.7m combined cash and noncash benefits.
“This year’s performance is record breaking, we’re the second biggest wholesaler. Our target this year was to achieve $550m, we’re probably on track to hit closer to $600m.
“Moving into Victoria, the level of demand and interest has been overwhelming. We hope to be trading in Victoria by mid-November.
“NSW and Queensland are still experiencing double-digit growth, and regionally,” Esposito continued. “We’re seeing a lot of people in regional Queensland and NSW coming across because they like our platform, they like that they’re not told what to do or slugged with additional fees.”
The group reported an increase of 16 per cent in sales revenue in NSW, 21 per cent in Queensland and 33 per cent in Victoria.
Within the cooperative, the banner groups also experienced increased sales revenue, sitting at 33 per cent for Super Cellars, 23 per cent for Bottler and 19 per cent for Fleet Street.
Looking at the performance of liquor categories at ILG in comparison to national market data, ILG reported high levels of revenue growth across all categories, including 33 per cent for beer, 17 per cent for spirits, 24 per cent for RTDs, 22 per cent for wine, and 13 per cent for cider.
During the AGM, members of both cooperatives voted on amendments to cooperative rules proposed by the board, with the intention of reducing administrative burden, future proofing the cooperative and ensuring good governance.
“Our cooperative rules are decades old, so we needed to align them with more modern rules and take a national perspective,” said Esposito. “The old rules would have hindered us moving forward, so all we wanted to do was ensure that both cooperatives aligned, and that the rules are updated. Right now, it’s about making transactions easier and giving directors equal responsibilities.”
Finally, Esposito shared an update on the formalisation of ILG’s charity undertakings, which formed the ILG Foundation in November last year. Being actively involved in fundraising activities since its early inception, the group has raised close to $1m in funds over the years, and the incorporation of the ILG Foundation provides a platform to continue giving back to the community.
Closing the AGM, Esposito encouraged members to visit suppliers in the grand ballroom for the trade expo, which provided an opportunity for suppliers to showcase their products, raise brand awareness, and secure orders.
The selection of products on display ranged from in-demand RTDs such as Gravity Seltzer and Gee Up, beers including Balter and Coopers, to premium cocktail mixers from Mr. Consistent.
On the second day of conferencing, members were welcomed by Keynote Speaker Steven Bradbury who shared his story as an Olympic speed skater, along with strategies to inspire success in business.
Trading Manager Tony Oliverio gave a banner promotional program update, touching on the group’s achievements and the dynamic and flexible nature that allows ILG to support its suppliers and members.
Moving onto the digital marketing update, Scott Gardner, Head of Sales at Daily Press Group, shared an update on new initiatives and shared insights into ILG’s current stance in the digital world.
Gardener explained that Daily Press has been working with ILG for two years now, supporting the group with the development of its digital platforms and digital marketing strategy. The strategy update covered three main products, the ILG Wallet, ILG TV and ILG Plus. To read more about ILG’s digital initiatives, head to page 18.
Following the digital marketing update, Training Consultant Peter Hall gave a business development workshop update before Keynote Speakers Gihan Perera and Michael Walton concluded the conference by sharing insights about the importance of being connected to customers.
On the final night, members came together to enjoy a gala dinner where they were celebrated for their efforts with an awards ceremony.
ILG Award Winners
ILG Bottle Shop of the Year: Moonbi Bottler, NSW and Fairways Super Cellars, QLD
ILG Hotel of the Year: Churchill Sports Bar Super Cellars, NSW and Queensland Hotel Goondiwindi, QLD
ILG Club of the Year: Wenty Leagues Club, NSW and Townsville RSL Club, QLD
ILG Group of the Year: Don Hodge Group, NSW and Ingham Myers Group, QLD
Beer Supplier: Lion
RTD Supplier: Pernod Ricard
Wine supplier: Moët Hennessy
Spirits Supplier: Diageo
Overall Supplier of the Year: Pernod Ricard
