A simpler, more accessible, locally relevant drinks specialist: The value proposition that drives the Coles Liquor business.
Coles Liquor hosted over 330 suppliers and partners at its 2023 Coles Liquor Supplier Forum. Held at Marvel Stadium last week, the event provided the Coles team and suppliers the opportunity to connect, collaborate and strengthen partnerships.
The event started with the General Manager Commercial, Chris Tabois, who took to the stage to share Coles Liquor's progress and the strategic direction for the journey ahead.
Tabois said: "We extend our gratitude to all our suppliers for their continuous collaboration and belief in our shared vision to be a simpler, more accessible and locally relevant drinks specialist.”
Michael Courtney, the new Coles Liquor Chief Executive Officer, took the opportunity to introduce himself to the supplier network providing an insight into his personal life, his career to date and also shared the priorities for the year ahead.
Having moved into the liquor business recently from Coles Express, Courtney was emphatic in his message: “Our focus remains firmly on providing excellent value, delivering an extensive range and continuing to ensure that our customers experience great service. I want this consistency to give you confidence in continuing the great work you’ve been doing with our team.”
Mia Lloyd, General Manager Customer, armed suppliers with valuable insights into customer behaviour and innovative approaches to enhance customer experiences. This was followed by an overview of the strategic plans for Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars in FY24.
Andy Hampson, Head of Supply Chain completed the session by sharing the technological advances the business is making in promotional planning, automated forecasting and ordering, before the attendees made their way to an immersive expo area, where the Coles Liquor team shared a preview of key initiatives for the year ahead.
2023 Coles Liquor Award Winners
Following the forum, the Coles Liquor Awards recognised the incredible suppliers that have delivered outstanding quality, innovation, service, and performance.
The 11 Coles Liquor Award winners were:
- Sustainability Partner of the Year – Brick Lane Brewing Community
- Local Supplier of the Year –Yering Station, Rathbone Wine Group
- Beer Supplier of the Year – Carlton & United Breweries
- Wine Supplier of the Year – Accolade Wines
- Spirits Supplier of the Year – Campari Group
- Ready To Drink Supplier of the Year – Billson's
- Supply Chain Partner of the Year – Lion
- Product Launch of the Year – Vodka Cruiser Double Range Asahi Beverages
- E-commerce Partner of the Year – UberEats
- Exclusive Label Product Collaboration of the Year – Brewmanity Beer Co. Slider Cold XPA
- Exclusive Liquor Brand Supplier of the Year – Australian Vintage Limited
Campari and AVL recognised at 2023 Coles Group Awards
On the evening following the Coles Liquor Supplier Forum and Awards Ceremony, some of Coles' liquor partners attended the 2023 Coles Group Awards in Melbourne. The event distributed 16 awards that recognised exceptional suppliers across the entire Coles Group.
Among the winners, were two of the Drinks Association's Category One Members, Campari Australia who was crowned Liquor Supplier of the Year, and Australian Vintage Limited who won Exclusive Liquor Brand Supplier of the Year.