Posts by theo@aacs.org.au

Sydney, April 2026: Stuart Alexander & Co has announced the evolution of its brand identity, marking a significant milestone in its 140-year history and reinforcing its position as a modern, forward-looking partner in the Australian FMCG landscape. Founded in 1884, Stuart Alexander has grown into one of Australia’s leading distributors, representing a portfolio of premium global brands across confectionery, beverages and specialty foods. Today, the company partners with internationally recognised brands – Chupa Chups, Mentos, Hershey’s, Reese’s, Ocean Spray, Fisherman’s Friend, Terry’s Chocolate, Guylian, Lotus Biscoff, Kiddylicious, Trek, Hermesetas, Stevia Sweet, Monin and Tabasco – bringing them to Australian consumers through a strong national omnichannel distribution network. The refreshed identity has been designed to better reflect the business as it stands today and its ambition for the future, with a continued focus on growth through partnership. While the visual expression has evolved, the company’s core purpose remains unchanged: to create…

Fuel retailers in the Northern Territory are now required to lock in prices for 24 hours, with penalties for those who fail to comply. The changes prevent retailers from increasing fuel prices within a 24-hour period once published, though they may still lower them. Strict penalties apply for non-compliance, including fines of up to $18,900 for individuals and $94,500 for corporations. Offences include failing to report prices on time, increasing prices within the 24-hour period, or selling fuel above the reported price. Marie-Clare Boothby, Attorney-General of the Northern Territory, said the reform was designed to provide certainty for consumers and protect against price exploitation. “Fuel is an essential component in all areas of the economy – from mining and gas, agriculture and construction, to our most basic services and amenities. And while we can’t control global conditions or national decisions, we are doing what we can to protect the interests…

The convenience-store giant’s roadmap also includes opening 1,300 new stores. Seven & i Holdings plans to remodel at least 7,000 convenience stores in North America by 2030 as part of a broader transformation of its 7-Eleven business. The Tokyo-based company said in an investor presentation Thursday that the remodels will focus on cleaner, modernized stores with simplified layouts and interior upgrades tailored to local customer demand. “Elevating customer experience requires fundamentally improving existing stores first,” the company said. The presentation indicated that, in addition to the remodels, Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven plans to open roughly 1,300 additional “New Standard” stores by 2030. 7-Eleven’s New Standard stores were developed from lessons learned through its “Evolution” stores, which offer in-store restaurants and premium products. Seven & i said these stores have created a scalable template for growth over the next decade and have contributed to higher traffic and sales than traditional stores. The…

Foodservice and merchandise sales for the U.S. convenience retail industry reached $341.2 billion in 2025, a 1.7% increase over 2024. It marked the 23rd consecutive year of inside sales growth, according to newly released State of the Industry data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Total convenience industry sales, including in-store and fuel, were $817.5 billion. The industry’s 2025 performance was shared during the NACS State of the Industry Summit, the premier event for analysis, performance insights and trends shaping the year ahead. NACS has produced this annual dataset since 1970. Foodservice Leads Inside Sales Foodservice once again led in-store sales, accounting for 28.5% of the total. The category has grown significantly over the past two decades, up from 11.9% in 2005. Its impact on profitability is even greater, contributing 38.9% of in-store gross profit dollars in 2025. Foodservice includes prepared food, commissary items and hot, cold and…

NACS released the latest State of the Industry data, showing foodservice led inside sales. Foodservice and merchandise sales for the U.S. convenience retail industry reached $341.2 billion in 2025, a 1.7% increase over 2024. It marked the 23rd consecutive year of inside sales growth, according to newly released State of the Industry data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Total convenience industry sales, including in-store and fuel, were $817.5 billion. The industry’s 2025 performance was shared during the NACS State of the Industry Summit, the premier event for analysis, performance insights and trends shaping the year ahead. NACS has produced this annual dataset since 1970. Foodservice Leads Inside Sales. Foodservice once again led in-store sales, accounting for 28.5% of the total. The category has grown significantly over the past two decades, up from 11.9% in 2005. Its impact on profitability is even greater, contributing 38.9% of in-store gross…

To grow in the future convenience operators are becoming restaurants which not only compete but also win in the QSR space with improved quality and expanded offers becoming the main reason customer visit. In our 2025 search for the convenience retailer which epitomises that sector ambition, Dan Munford and Harry Milloff visited the location which came through as the winner of our ‘Best Foodvenience Store in the World’ – Rutter’s 106 in Milton, Pennsylvania, USA. The team at Rutter’s has set a new benchmark for what modern consumers expect from a convenience destination and created a whole new conversation around hospitality. This ‘winner’s video’ exclusive production is their chance to tell their story. WATCH