Posts by theo@aacs.org.au

UCB celebrated its trade partners during a Gala Dinner at its annual 2025 UCB National Member Conference at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. Following three days of insightful business sessions, a trade show, and numerous networking opportunities, attendees were treated to a Disney themed gala dinner, during which UCB recognised its trade partners that have gone above and beyond to provide excellent service. Winners are chosen based on feedback from UCB members, making the recognition all the more valuable. UCB 2025 Trade Partner Award Winners

In a world that’s evolving faster than ever – driven by technology, shifting consumer behaviours, and changing workforce expectations – there’s one constant we can’t afford to overlook: the power of great people. It’s our people that make the real difference. The convenience industry is, at its heart, a people business. Yes, we talk about innovation, automation, data and AI – and all of those are important. But none of it matters if the people driving the experience aren’t empowered, connected and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes. Leadership today is less about titles and more about influence. It’s about showing up with clarity, authenticity, and empathy. And more importantly, it’s about creating environments where individuals can do their best work – and feel proud doing it. The shift to hybrid work has fundamentally changed the way we operate. Flexibility isn’t a perk anymore – it’s an expectation. But while flexibility…

Shell said that once it owns the program, it will have the ability to work directly with participating brands. Shell Oil Products U.S. (“Shell”) has signed an agreement to acquire the Fuel Rewards loyalty program from PDI Technologies and Excentus Corporation, according to a press release. Fuel Rewards is a rewards program offered at over 12,000 participating Shell locations where members can save cents-per-gallon off on fuel. The program also includes stackable bonus offers from participating restaurants and retailers in addition to access to VIP experiences, gift cards and more. Barbara Stoyko, senior vice president, Shell mobility & convenience Americas said: “Customer loyalty is a key driver of growth to our business and our wholesalers’ businesses across the Shell network, and the signing of this agreement demonstrates our long-term commitment to our mutual success. After the transaction is completed, we will continue developing the Fuel Rewards program to meet the…

Plus, Love’s, Maverik and more also recently opened new locations. Rutter’s opened its first location of 2025 featuring its new on-site bar and lounge, according to a press release sent to NACS. The nearly 11,000-square-foot store is the retailer’s 89th location and features a 21+ space with nearly 75 alcoholic beverage options, including canned cocktails, beer and wine, five video gaming terminals, large-screen TVs to watch sports, exclusive bundle deals and access to Rutter’s food service menu. The location is also open 24/7. Love’s Travel Stops recently opened a new travel stop in St. Clairsville, Ohio. The store is the company’s fourth travel stop to open in 2025, according to Love’s. The new location has 21 truck parking spaces, laundry, showers, a CAT scale, four RV hookups, Wi-Fi and other amenities. The travel stop will add 120 jobs ranging from store retail operations to foodservice and truck maintenance. The location also has space…

The brand is bringing back an iconic effort with a focus on shareability and customization to engage a cohort of digital natives that crave authenticity. Dive Insight:Coke is refreshing one of its best-known and most-successful campaigns with a focus on Gen Z, a group that is comfortable making connections online but also craves authentic experiences that outlast fleeting digital moments. “Share A Coke” originally launched in Australia in 2011 and the U.S. in 2014 and was most recently iterated on in 2018. The marketing effort has become well-known for its focus on soda bottles with names printed on the packaging, a strategy that has contributed to a sense of personalization. The theme of the latest version of the campaign is captured in new video creative in which three young consumers have their mental state represented by digital icons in a sort of augmented reality. Their respective concerns fall away when they message…