Posts by theo@aacs.org.au

Criminals are producing counterfeit cigarettes with Australian-style plain packaging that could fool the public and authorities, sparking calls for the “urgent” passing of tough new illicit tobacco laws. New intelligence provided to the federal government has confirmed illegal products are being manufactured on an “industrial scale” in Cambodia and other countries in South-East Asia in factories owned, financed and controlled by organised crime groups. Recent offshore law enforcement operations have identified cigarette and tobacco products destined for Australia featuring the country’s standard green plain packaging and legitimate health warnings. This has fuelled concerns the general public and Australian law enforcement agencies will have limited ability to distinguish between illegal and genuine cigarettes on appearance alone. To tackle the issue, the government is seeking support from the Coalition and other senators to pass laws immediately that would give authorities new powers to shut down the illegal tobacco trade. New powers to…

Caltex Unveils Newly Redeveloped D’Aguilar Service Station Caltex has unveiled its newly redeveloped service station in D’Aguilar, strengthening fuel access and supporting future growth along one of South East Queensland’s key transport corridors. The 24-hour site, situated on the D’Aguilar Highway linking Woodford and Caboolture, opened to the public in early October. The Caltex D’Aguilar team yesterday welcomed Campbell Newman AO, along with other representatives from Arcana Capital, to officially mark the opening. Dean Gilbert, General Manager Chevron Australia Downstream (Caltex), said the investment reflected the company’s long-term commitment to customers and regional communities by providing fuel infrastructure they can rely on. “We’re investing in the infrastructure that helps keep Queenslanders moving,” Gilbert said. “Moreton Bay is a key growth corridor, and this site ensures customers have access to the quality fuel and convenience services they rely on today and into the future. “Through a strong partnership with Arcana Capital,…

Reitan Convenience Finland is reinventing its 116-year-old R-kioski network, launching two new formats: the food-led convenience chain Ärrä and the functional-coffee café concept Nivo. Niklas Lilius, CEO of Reitan Convenience Finland, gave Global Convenience a tour of both formats in Helsinki and explained the thinking behind the transformation, which has been influenced by international trend research from Insight Research’s Trends Team. From railway bookstore to Ärrä R-kioski has operated in Finland for 116 years, tracing its roots back to a railway bookstore, Rautatiekirjakauppa, at Helsinki Central Station. The name became so familiar that Finns simply call it “R”. “We have existed in the Finnish market for 116 years with a traditional kiosk concept, and now we are launching something completely new,” says Niklas Lilius, CEO of Reitan Convenience Finland. “We’re taking the essence of what’s existed previously and bringing it into the 21st century.” That meant rethinking the brand itself.…

Backed by a multimillion-dollar innovation hub in Melbourne, the Australian brand has stabilised creatine monohydrate in water, a challenge researchers have chased for decades, and is putting it in a can for the first time: 3g of creatine and Australian spring water, nothing else. Australian sports nutrition brand True Protein has solved one of the supplement industry’s longest-standing scientific problems: keeping creatine stable in liquid. Long regarded as the “holy grail” of sports nutrition, the breakthrough uses a proprietary, purely mechanical process developed with True Protein’s research partners, with no preservatives or chemical stabilisers. Its first product, True Protein Liquid Creatine (355ml, Still), launches in early 2027 at trueprotein.com.au. The launch comes as creatine’s popularity surges. Once seen as a bodybuilding supplement, it is now taken by athletes, everyday gym-goers, women, older adults and people interested in its cognitive benefits. That demand has sparked a wave of new formats, from…

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are poised to have an enormous impact on convenience retail—and they already know exactly what they want. During yesterday’s Education Session “What’s Convenient Now? Gen Z and Gen Alpha Weigh In,” industry leaders explored how younger consumers shop, what drives them to convenience stores and how retailers can earn their loyalty for years to come. Gen Z alone represents an estimated $6 trillion in c-store spending over its lifetime, according to data presented by Jason Zelinski, session moderator and vice president for North American retail at NielsenIQ. Gen Alpha is expected to have similar influence, putting a combined $12 trillion in potential spending at stake over the next 30 years. For retailers, capturing that spending starts with understanding just how intentional younger consumers are about their choices. “They want what they want. They’re very decisive in their product selection,” said Weigel’s President and CEO Doug…

Lonnie McQuirter, director of operations for 36 Lyn Refuel Station, has been named the 2026-27 NACS chairman. He began his term following the NACS Board of Directors meeting on October 6 during the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas. As director of operations, McQuirter leads 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned convenience store in South Minneapolis, Minnesota. Known for its commitment to local engagement and promoting locally made goods, 36 Lyn embodies McQuirter’s passion for building strong ties with the community. The store’s dedication to innovation has earned it three Inc. 5000 honors and a place in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal Fast 50.  As NACS chairman, McQuirter also leads the NACS Executive Committee, which provides strategic direction and financial oversight to the association. Executive Committee members are: Also serving on the Executive Committee are 2025-26 NACS Chairman Annie Gauthier, CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company LLC (dba Y-Not…