The 2024 Independent Brands Australia (IBA) Trade Workshop for independent liquor retailers and annual awards were held on the Gold Coast this week.
General Manager Merchandise and Operations John Barakat welcomed independent liquor delegates and suppliers during a drinks reception held at The Star on Monday evening.
On Tuesday Barakat and Metcash Liquor CEO Kylie Wallbridge (above) introduced the trade workshop’s two-day agenda, with Wallbridge noting that “Independents are a force to be reckoned with!”
There were panel discussions and keynote addresses from Craig Woodford at MST Marquee, David Shukri at Shopper Intelligence and Andrew Gerrard from Circana.
IBA also held its annual awards on Wednesday night, which saw Campari take out National Supplier of the Year – Large; and Brown Family Wine Group win National Supplier of the Year – Small.
Campari Australia Head of Customer – Independents Sarah Quinn said: “What an incredible week for Campari at the IBA Trade Show on the Gold Coast.
“A huge shoutout to our team on the ground—your hard work and dedication was well and truly rewarded by Campari winning IBA National Supplier of the Year.
“Our partnership with IBA has never been stronger, or more collaborative. Congratulations, Campari Australia—what an achievement. Excited for what’s next!”
Retailers of the year were also announced, with a double win for Western Australia’s Cellarbrations Baldivis – which took out National Retailer of the Year and National Store Manager of the Year (James Allen).
Meanwhile, Scott Armstrong from Maeva Hospitality Group was inducted into the IBA Hall Of Fame 2024 and congratulated by 2021 inductee Tony Bongiovanni from Cellarbrations at Gisborne.