SPAR Australia is proud to announce the winners of the 2015 Supplier Awards. In a dinner held on 4 May 2016 and hosted by Peter Fitz Simons, SPAR Australia recognised the support of key suppliers across various categories and presented the coveted Supplier of the Year Awards, which this year went to Snack Brands Australia.

The support of SPAR Australia’s suppliers over the last year has again assisted in SPAR’s growth and the development of this great independent network. SPAR Australia continues to build its business and this year’s theme, The Power of Passion, represents the next key focus area.

SPAR Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Lou Jardin, gave a speech at the awards and focused on how far the SPAR Australia business has come over the last five years. Lou thanked the suppliers for the role they have played in this growth and the support they have shown the SPAR business.

Yoep Man, Managing Director of SPAR China, presented an overview of SPAR’s global operations and focus areas for growth. Yoep shared some recent key developments around the world and also provided the audience with insights into upcoming expansions that have not yet been announced. SPAR’s various formats ranging from convenience stores to hypermarkets and online ordering show just how diverse the SPAR business is and how responsive the brand is to the various regions in which it operates. Yoep explained some of the challenges and opportunities presented by the Chinese market and how SPAR is successfully using these to create points of difference and drive significant sales volume. Finally, Yoep shared the opportunities that exist for both Australian and international suppliers in working with SPAR in the areas of strategic collaboration, the supply chain, category management, and consumer trends.

In a night designed to acknowledge the suppliers who partner with SPAR Australia to drive growth for both businesses, SPAR would like to congratulate the following suppliers in their respective categories:

• 2015 Supplier of the Year – Snack Brands Australia
• 2015 Grocery Platinum Supplier of the Year – Mars Petcare Australia
• 2015 Grocery Gold Supplier of the Year – Lion Dairy & Drinks Australia
• 2015 Refrigerated Platinum Supplier of the Year – Devondale Murray Goulburn
• 2015 Refrigerated Gold Supplier of the Year – Peters Ice Cream
• 2015 Fabulous Supplier of the Year- Real Dairy Australia Pty Ltd
• 2015 Direct Supplier of the Year – Tip Top Bakery
• 2015 New Product Launch of the Year – Unilever Australia – Streets Blue Ribbo Golden Gaytime Ice Cream
• 2015 Retailers’ Choice Supplier of the Year – Coca-Cola Amatil

Snack Brands Australia, SPAR Australia’s Supplier of the Year for 2015 achieved a standout year, leading the way in each of the Award’s criteria. With strong growth of 27.2% over the previous year, great responsiveness in account management, a high level of support through promotional activity, and a great result at the Trade Show, Snack Brands Australia truly deserved to be named Supplier of the Year for 2015.