Yarra Valley winemaker takes out Small Supplier of the Year at Endeavour Group’s third annual Supplier Awards

Last night Australia’s leading drinks and hospitality business Endeavour Group hosted the largest gathering of drinks industry representatives since the pandemic at its first annual Supplier Summit and third annual Supplier of the Year Awards.

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A thousand drinks industry representatives came together at Accor Stadium in Sydney’s Olympic Park for the Supplier Summit and networking event, with presentations from senior leaders from Dan Murphy’s, BWS and ALH Hotels, followed by a celebration of its supplier partners and their triumphs over the last year.

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For the first time, the Supplier Summit combined the Group’s Supplier Forum with a networking event for small suppliers and the annual Supplier of the Year Awards. The event was hosted by Endeavour Group leadership, with a special performance from legendary Australian rock artist Jon Stevens.

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Endeavour Group Director of Buying and Merchandise Tim Carroll paid tribute to the efforts of the Group’s more than 2,000 trade suppliers and their focus on innovation to meet customer needs.

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“We believe that our ability to grow relies on strong relationships. We value our suppliers as strategic partners; integral to our ability to deliver on range, quality and value for our customers,” Mr Carroll said.

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“Our new Trade Supplier Charter outlines our approach to best practice in supplier relationships, with a focus on building partnerships for growth, and that’s what this event is all about.

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“Today gives us an opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements in the last year, but also to signal where we’re heading for the year ahead with a focus above all else on making the products our customers love to drink.

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“Congratulations to all tonight’s winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all our trade suppliers for their partnership and shared commitment to being at the centre of Australia’s social occasions.”

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A note from this year’s judges

The Supplier of the Year Awards acknowledge excellence at a critical time when working together to deliver what customers want to drink is more important than ever. As judges, we were more than impressed with the award nominations this year and heartened by the depth, collaborative nature, and creative scope of our trade supplier relationships.

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This year’s judging panel was led by ALH Hotels Managing Director Paul Walton and Endeavour Group Director of Merchandise and Buying Tim Carroll.

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Sustainability Award

This award recognises a supplier that has sustainability at its heart. The winner will demonstrate business practices on a specific project that go above and beyond to create a more sustainable future for our industry.

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Winner: Wonki

You can read more about Wonki here

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What our judges thought

This inspirational product gets full marks for an innovative, sustainable solution. We love working with start-up products with meaning and purpose that deliver great taste and meet market demand. This product talks straight to our younger, environmentally conscious consumers and sets a new benchmark in the Premix category.

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Finalists

• A Glass Of – Precycled, single-serve wine pouches
• Archie Rose Distilling Co. – Grain partnership
• Bodriggy Brewing Co. – Carbon neutral
• Brick Lane Brewing – True Zero
• Cape Byron Distillery – Waste Management & Brookie’s Gin
• Duxton Vineyards – Rewild Bagnums
• Eden Hall Wines – HECEES Project
• Fontanafredda – Bosca Vigna
• Hither & Yon – Carbon neutral
• Samuel Smith & Son – Earth Day
• Wonki – Discarded seasonal ingredients

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Product Innovation of the Year

An award recognising product innovation that contributes to the acceleration or transformation of its category or develops a new sub-category through either recruiting new customers or creating new occasions.

Winner: Zonzo Estate
Zoncello Limoncello Spritz

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What our judges thought

Zoncello Limoncello Spritz is an exciting success story. Endeavour worked closely with Zonzo Estate to deliver on its ambitious goals for this outstanding product. Its success paved the way for other variants in the Zonzo drinks stable. Congratulations to Zonzo for having the foresight to recognise a customer need and for transforming the ‘aperitif of the moment’ through convenience and accessibility.

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Finalists

• A Glass Of – Precycled, single-serve wine pouches
• Australian Vintage Limited – CTZN
• Carlton & United Breweries Premium Beverages  – Brookvale Union Dark Premix Range
• Carlton & United Breweries – Balter Cerveza
• Carlton & United Breweries Premium Beverages – Hard Rated
• Coopers – Australian Lager
• Diageo Australia – Bundaberg Campfire
• Lion – Kirin Hyoketsu
• Lion – Stone & Wood Hinterland Big Pale Ale
• Mr. Consistent – Lychee Martini
• Treasury Premium Brands – Pepperjack Mid Strength Shiraz
• Zonzo Estate – Zoncello Limoncello Spritz

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Collaboration Award

This award recognises the true value of collaboration, identifying an individual or team that has driven a project alongside the Endeavour Group to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

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Winner: Lion

Trade Plan & James Squire On-Pack Promo

What our judges thought

Lion led the way with a proactive approach to supporting our Trade Plan – a recent initiative and an important strategic pillar for Hotels. The team has worked exceptionally hard with our teams this year across ALH. From the Support Schooners campaign with funds raised for the Great Barrier Reef’s coral IVF efforts to James Squire’s successful On-Pack promotion with BWS to the Furphy and State of Origin activations.

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Finalists

• Brown-Forman – Margarita Month **On-Premise nomination**
• FELLR – FELLR X Messina Sorbet Seltzer Series
• Lion – Trade Plan & James Squire On-Pack Promo **On-Premise nomination**
• Lion – Execution Guidelines
• Mr. Consistent – Yuzu & Blood Orange Sour
• Pernod Ricard Australia – Appy Deals
• SouthTrade International – Hard Fizz Cool Room
• Treasury Premium Brands – Penfolds Gifting Strategy
• Treasury Premium Brands – Project Horizon
• Vok Beverages – Galway Pipe Bourbon Barrel Tawny
• Young Henrys – Classic Range

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Best Brand Activation of the Year

This award recognises the supplier that has achieved an outstanding in-store or digital campaign activation across our channels with a multi-team, collaborative effort.

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Winner: Mighty Craft
Better Beer: Day For It Day

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What our judges thought

And what a Better Day it was! On 12 December 2023, Better Beer sold more beer in-store than any other, and the campaign successfully engaged millions of customers. Congratulations, Better Beer, on another hugely successful activation that has evolved into an annual event. It gives our customers something to look forward to and highlights how influencer-led brands that live and breathe digital can strategically leverage these channels for remarkable results.

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Finalists

• Accolade Wines – Grant Burge Wines ‘Leave Your Mark’
• Carlton & United Breweries – Balter Cerveza Launch
• Carlton & United Breweries – Peroni Nastro Azzurro AO
• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners – -196 Double Peach
• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners – Canadian Club Niagara Falls Trip
• Lion – James Squire On-Pack Promo **On-Premise nomination**
• Mighty Craft – Better Beer: Day For It Day
• SouthTrade International – Hard Fizz Cool Room
• Treasury Premium Brands – Penfolds 2023 Collection Release

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Digital Partner of the Year

This supplier embraces best practice through their understanding of the world of e-commerce, demonstrated by the quality of product content and attributes supporting customer engagement.

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Winner: Carlton & United Breweries

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What our judges thought

Congratulations to the Carlton & United Breweries team for delivering e-commerce best practice. From online sales, customer growth, and customer penetration growth, Carlton & United Breweries stood out this year. As a digital partner, it exceeded expectations in total customer penetration growth and total customer growth year to date.

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Finalists

• Accolade Wines
• Australian Vintage Limited
• Brown-Forman
• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
• Carlton & United Breweries
• Diageo Australia
• Hawke’s Brewing
• Treasury Premium Brands

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Supply Chain Award

This award recognises the supplier that has demonstrated the agility and ability to problem solve, or innovate in partnership with us across the supply chain.

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Winner: Forester Estate

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What our judges thought

Forester Wines has set the gold standard for vendor collaboration in the past year. Their commitment to partnership and excellence should inspire all other suppliers, and their efforts deserve the highest recognition. They are highly deserving of the Supplier Chain of the Year award. Congratulations Forester Wines on a well-deserved win.

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Finalists

• Accolade Wines
• Brown-Forman
• Cellarhand
• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
• Coopers
• Forester Estate
• Joval Wines
• Lion
• Oatley Fine Wine Merchants
• Pernod Ricard Australia

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MixIn Campaign of the Year

Awarded to the supplier that has openly embraced Endeavour’s retail media channels as part of their total media mix to drive outstanding in-store and digital campaigns that bring together customers, brands and products.

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Winner: Moët Hennessy

Hennessy

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What our judges thought

By collaborating with MixIn and leveraging all available assets, Moët Hennessy achieved excellent results for Hennessy throughout this campaign. Endeavour’s MixIn team worked closely with Hennessy to build brand awareness and deliver to our customers during key purchasing periods for the company’s leading Cognac brand. It proved a successful example of what can be achieved with Endeavour’s customer insights to curate a targeted MixIn campaign that delivers results.

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Finalists

• Australian Vintage Limited – Tempus Two
• Brown-Forman – Jack Daniel’s
• Carlton & United Breweries – Great Northern BCF IMC
• Carlton & United Breweries – Peroni AO partnership
• Lion – XXXX Gold
• Moët Hennessy – Chandon
• Moët Hennessy – Hennessy
• Moët Hennessy – Moët & Chandon
• Pernod Ricard Australia – Absolut
• Pernod Ricard Australia – Chivas Regal XV
• Treasury Premium Brands – Pepperjack Mid Strength Shiraz

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Local Product of the Year

Celebrating local producers making outstanding Australian products, this award will recognise a product that resonates with our customers and communities.

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Winner: Oakdene Wines

Sparkling NV Brut 750ml

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What our judges thought
The absolute definition of a local champion. They work so hard and well with our Bellarine Peninsula stores. So much so that Ocean Grove Dan Murphy’s has become their #1 customer across all channels. A worthy winner. Congratulations Oakdene Wines.

Finalists

NSW/ACT

Angullong Wines – Pinot Grigio 750ml

Framer Drinks – Lime & Cucumber Seltzer Can 330ml

Hawke’s Brewing Co. – Half XPA Can 375ml

Joval Wines – Nick O’Leary Riesling 750ml

Yaala Sparkling – Lemon Myrtle & Native Blossom Sparkling Water 330ml

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QLD

SouthTrade International – FIZZ Tropical 330ml

Heads of Noosa Brewing Co. – Black Japanese Lager 330ml

Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Co. – Pink Gin Liqueur 700ml

Margarita Margarita – The Classic Margarita Mix 1L

RTC Foods – Suckerpunch Dill Pickle Chips

White Oat Distillery – Chilli Mango Gin 700ml

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SA/NT

Goode Wine Company – Wangolina Sauvignon Blanc 750ml

Hey Diddle Wines – Montepulciano 750ml

Lincoln Estate – Sauvignon Blanc 750ml

Little Bang Brewery Co. – Face Inverter Citrus Sour Can 375ml

Mischief Brew – Grapefruit Soda 250ml

Route 9 Distillery – Square 1 Big Red Gin 700ml

The Eldredge Vineyards Trust – Blue Chip Shiraz 750ml

Z Wine – Rustica Shiraz 750ml

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TAS

Mewstone Vineyards – Hughes & Hughes Pinot Noir 750ml

Pagan Cider – Cherry Apple Cider 330ml

Riversdale Estate Vineyard – Scorpio Pinot Noir 750ml

Ullage Wine - Ghost Rock Cradle Pinot Gris 750ml

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VIC

Bellbrae Estate – Longboard Pinot Noir 750ml

Leura Park Estate Vineyard – Jack Rabbit Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 750ml

Oakdene Wines – Sparkling NV Brut 750ml

Payten and Jones – Chardonnay 750ml

Wolf of the Willows – PUP Hazy Pale Ale 355ml

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WA

Margaret River Beer Co. – Megsy Ginger Beer Can 375ml

Flowstone - Moonmilk 750ml

Running with Thieves – Grapefruit Gin & Soda Can 375ml

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Exclusive Product of the Year
This supplier has worked extensively with Endeavour Group to create a successful exclusive product that meets a customer need.

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Winner: Young Henrys

Classic Premium Lager 375ml

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What our judges thought

Congratulations, Young Henrys! It was a joy to collaborate with Young Henrys to bring this product to our customers. Young Henrys is developing impressive, innovative products in the Beer category. It has its finger on the pulse of the needs of the contemporary Beer customer and delivers on key trends with promising results.

Finalists

• Accolade Wines – Grant Burge Ink Shiraz Bagnum 1.5L
• Ampersand Projects – Whisky & Dry Lime 6% Can 330ml
• Carlton & United Breweries Premium Beverages – Brookvale Union Mixed 10 Pack
• Carlton & United Breweries Premium Beverages – Vodka Cruiser State of Origin 10x275ml
• Diageo Australia – Don Julio Tequila 1942 750ml
• Diageo Australia – Baileys Salted Caramel 1L
• FELLR – FELLR X Messina Mixed 10 Pack
• Fever-Tree – Margarita Mix 500ml
• Kopparberg Australia – Kopparberg Brewed Ginger Beer 375ml
• Lion – Stone & Wood Hinterland Big Pale 375 ml
• Mighty Craft – Better Beer Middy Lager 355ml
• Mr. Consistent – Yuzu & Blood Orange Sour 750ml
• Treasury Premium Brands – Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc Bagnum 1.5L
• Young Henrys – Classic Premium Lager 375ml

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Trend Leader of the Year
A true industry leader, this supplier demonstrates an entrepreneurial approach to industry trends. Collaboration and a customer-led approach are qualities exhibited by this award winner in achieving category growth.

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Winner: Carlton & United Breweries Premium Beverages
Hard Rated

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What our judges thought

The CUB Premium Beverages team considered customer engagement end to end for the Hard Rated launch, ultimately leading to the brand’s market-leading success. It is a well-deserved win for a brand that excelled the minute it was launched under its previous nomenclature. Congratulations to CUB Premium Beverages for innovative excellence and setting the pace for lemon-flavoured drinks.

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Finalists

• Australian Vintage Limited – Spritzers
• Billson’s Brewery – Sunset Fizz
• Carlton & United Breweries Premium Beverages – Hard Rated
• Doom Juice Wine – Doom Juice
• Fourth Wave Wine – Spritzers
• Pernod Ricard Australia – Spritzers
• Solbevi – Limoncello Spritz
• Treasury Premium Brands – Spritzers
• Zonzo Estate – Zoncello Limoncello Spritz

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Account Team of the Year

The Account Team of the Year will have a proven record of collaboration, a passion for meeting the needs of customers, and metrics demonstrating the value of the partnership.

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Winner: Good Drinks Australia

What our judges thought

We are thrilled to award this category to Good Drinks. As a relatively new business, Good Drinks has made considerable effort to align with our strategic goals and partner with us to achieve them. The team impressed us with its seamless collaboration and effective work methods. It has demonstrated the ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring it meets and exceeds expectations in its partnership with us. Good Drinks has been receptive and reacted to feedback quickly and efficiently. Congratulations to all members of the Good Drinks team on this incredible achievement.

Finalists

• Accolade Wines
• Campari – On-Premise ** On-Premise nomination**
• Carlton & United Breweries – Beer and Cider
• Carlton & United Breweries Premium Beverages – Premix
• Fourth Wave Wine
• Good Drinks Australia
• Lion
• Lion – On-Premise ** On Premise nomination**
• Pernod Ricard Australia
• Pizzini Wines
• Samuel Smith & Son

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On-Premise Supplier of the Year
An exemplary partner who has achieved over and above expectations resulting from their collaborative ways of working and shared values.

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Winner: Lion

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What our judges said

Congratulations to the Lion team on a deserved win as On-Premise Supplier of the Year. Over the last 12 months, Lion went the extra mile in its working relationship with ALH, allowing for heightened engagement as a key strategic partner in 2024. With Lion’s enthusiastic commitment to aligning with Endeavour’s goals in the on-premise space, we have made great strides in meeting market expectations and the evolving needs of our guests.

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Small Supplier of the Year (Retail)

An exemplary partner who has achieved over and above expectations resulting from their collaborative ways of working and shared values.

Winner: Zonzo Estate

With innovation at its core, Zonzo Estate in the Yarra Valley expanded to Spirits, Liqueurs, and Beer before it captured the hearts of customers with its smash hit, the Limoncello Spritz. The Spritz followed Zonzo’s success with Australia’s first bottled Peach Bellini, the Bellina ‘Bellini Di Cristina’. Zonzo is the poster child for all small-batch suppliers starting local and evolving to become a brand on everyone’s lips. Supporting small producers to become successful national brands is key to our purpose as a national retailer. Zonzo Estate is a standout small local producer and a clear favourite this year for the Small Supplier of the Year.

What our judges thought

Congratulations to Zonzo Estate, a success story we love to tell and the deserved winner for the Small Supplier of the Year 2024. Its outstanding achievements over the past year have been ground-breaking. Our customers couldn’t get enough of the market-leading ‘Sunshine in a Bottle’ Limoncello Spritz. With this track record, we can’t wait to see what they deliver next!

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Large Supplier of the Year (Retail)

An exemplary partner who has achieved over and above expectations resulting from their collaborative ways of working and shared values.

Winner: Carlton & United Breweries

Once again, CUB has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to driving the Beer, Spirits and Premix categories through market-leading innovation, portfolio diversity and exciting customer engagement. In particular, with its broad generation appeal, the success of Hard Rated in the past 12 months has spearheaded CUB’s strategic growth, positioning it as a leader in the Premix space. CUB has worked hard to build on our relationship through collaboration and communication and, throughout 2024, has worked closely with Endeavour to prioritise strategic growth opportunities. We have partnered on several successful initiatives and look forward to working with CUB on many more.

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What our judges thought

Congratulations to CUB on winning Large Supplier of the Year 2024 for a second consecutive year. New product development is retail's lifeblood, and this year, CUB has dominated this space with leading innovations. Partnering with CUB on exciting projects has delivered above-and-beyond results for our customers. We are excited to continue this dynamic momentum and look forward to sowing the seed for another year of success in 2025.

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Media contact:

Lizzy Bold

[email protected]