At its annual Supplier Showcase and Awards Ceremony, Coles Liquor Group recognised eight leading and emerging suppliers for delivering “exceptional outcomes”. More than 330 suppliers and partners came together to celebrate.
Lion scooped the pool, taking home three awards – best Beer Supplier, Supply Chain Partner, and Product Launch of the Year.
Coles Liquor Group CEO, Michael Courtney, thanked suppliers for their role in ensuring the business delivers on its vision to be a simpler, more accessible and locally relevant drinks specialist.
“We know we are only as strong as our suppliers and every day we’re strengthening our relationships to ensure we are supporting collaboration, growth and innovation across the industry.
“In working with our more than 1200 suppliers, we’re delivering our customers’ favourite drinks on our shelves and working hard to help deliver value at a time when it’s needed most.
“It’s an honour to have many of our suppliers in one room and to recognise their outstanding achievements, from new product launches our customers are loving to sustainability initiatives that aim to make a big difference,” Courtney said.
The award winners
Lion, which won Beer Supplier of the Year for driving initiatives to create both commercial and sustainability wins within the category.
Accolade Wines, recognised as Wine Supplier of the Year for its focus on driving growth in the category, and partnering with Coles Liquor to launch new and first-to-market initiatives including the expansion of St Hallet Faith into Cabernet Sauvignon.
Campari Group, which won Spirits Supplier of the Year for partnering with Coles Liquor to support its Exclusive Liquor Brands strategy and working to deliver value back to its customers.
Carlton United Brewery Premium Beverages as RTD Supplier of the Year for continuing to set a benchmark for innovation within the drinks industry, driving outstanding customer outcomes.
Barrys Drink as Small Supplier of the Year for remarkable growth and driving customers into Coles Liquor stores since its launch in September.
Brown Family Wine Group, which took home the Exclusive Label Product Collaboration of the Year for crafting a Limited Edition Hot Cross Bun Cienna wine in time for Easter.
Lion for Product Launch of the Year with Kirin Hyoketsu which made a strong impact to the RTD category. Lion launched Kirin Hyoketsu Peach with Coles Liquor eight weeks ahead of market, seeing it rise to the no.1 RTD within its first week in stores.
Lion as Supply Chain Partner of the Year for working collaboratively to support Coles Liquor’s transition into its distribution centres.
Local Brewing Co which won Sustainability Partner of the Year for launching the Hazy Nectarine Pale Ale made from surplus nectarines and excess bakery bread from Coles supermarkets.
Uber Eats as E-commerce Partner of the Year for great partnership including the launch of initiatives including Wine Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, all while growing the offer into a further 50 stores.
