To win any of the four awards in the Supplier category at the Australian Drinks Awards is a vote of kudos for member companies and it is hard to imagine a year when it would ever carry as much weight as it does this year.
As Advantage Australia’s General Manager, Steve Andrews explains, “The disruption to global and local supply chains, as well as dramatically unpredictable variability in both on- and off-premise demand resulting from impacts of the pandemic have been constant and severe.
“Trading partners have recognised each other as being highly collaborative in managing these difficulties, and this has fostered record high levels of trust in the industry.”
The winners of the Supplier Awards are determined via Advantage Australia's Engagement Program of on and off-premise retailers.
“A supplier will win the Supply Chain Management award based on the highest Net Favourable result by combining all supply chain measures," explained Advantage Australia's Steve Andrews.
Specifically, this means:
- Aligns with Advantage Australia’s key supply chain performance metrics
- Delivers orders at the date and time requested
- Delivers complete orders/high percentage fill rate
- Builds strong relationships with supply chain teams
- Proactive in implementing practices and processes that improve total supply chain efficiency
- Proactively works with Advantage Australia on forecasting to prevent out-of-stocks
- Provides timely, proactive communication about order status, adjustments, and changes
- Provides easy to reach, responsive customer support service
“The award recognises excellence in the capabilities and behaviours for managing both short- and longer-term supply complexities in collaboration with retailers and wholesalers, as well as the ability to consistently drive high quality service outcomes and deliverables,” explained Andrews.
The award is sponsored by Drinks Association Corporate Partner, GS1 in a partnership intended to drive industry standards and improve business and supply chain efficiency in the drinks industry.
GS1 supports the Australian liquor industry in many ways, including educating and supporting suppliers to meet trading partner and industry requirements. Their services include Customer Support Desk, Barcode Check, National Product Catalogue, Smart Media and site visits where appropriate.
"The GS1 system of standards is the most widely used in supply chains around the world, so there is a natural alignment between our core business and the recognition of top performers in supply chain management," explained GS1 Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Maria Palazzolo.
"The award is important because supply chain management has become increasingly critical to business success. A recent Deloitte study showed that 79 per cent of companies with high-performing supply chains, achieved above average revenue growth within their industries.
"An efficient supply chain leads to a better customer experience which has a flow-on for sales activity, but also a reduction in claims and other disappointments which can tarnish a business relationship. This keeps costs down and drives improved business performance."
With 114 GS1 member organisations covering over 150 countries, GS1 Australia helps suppliers export and import from around the world.
The Supplier Awards for the Australian Drinks Awards will be announced virtually on Thursday, 5 August. For those unable to attend, the winners will be published on the Drinks Trade and Drinks Association’s websites on Friday, 6 August.
It is hoped that all will be able to gather and celebrate as an industry in November.
“The Drinks Association hosts a wonderful night where industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of the year just gone. The past year has seen many challenges for businesses large and small during the pandemic. We look forward to another year working together," Ms Palazzolo said.
The Australian Drinks Awards will be held on Tuesday, 23 November at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney when winners of the Supplier awards will be celebrated in person.
Photo with thanks to Treasury Wine Estates.