Press Releases

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) says the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase minimum and award wages by 4.75 per cent will add significant labour costs to a convenience sector already grappling with surging operating expenses, an escalating illicit tobacco trade eroding legitimate revenue, and some of the toughest trading conditions on record. AACS Chief Executive Officer Theo Foukkare said convenience retailers value their teams and support fair wages, but a decision of this magnitude cannot be considered in isolation — particularly when the sector’s own data shows labour costs have already risen much faster than inflation. “Convenience stores are the backbone of local communities — they open early, close late. Many are open around the clock — and we know our people are central to that,” Mr Foukkare said. “This decision lands on top of cost pressures that are already stretching operators to their limit. Our 2025…

We are excited to share that early this year, Bowser Bean has reached a remarkable fundraising milestone of $1 million for Make-A-Wish Australia! In celebration, we recently held a $1M Party at the BSL – Red Energy Arena Bendigo. Crew members, Make-A-Wish representatives, and key stakeholders gathered to celebrate this achievement with inspiring presentations, the unveiling of commemorative plaques, and heartfelt personal testimonials. This milestone reflects our 15 year partnership with Make A Wish Australia, and the ability to make a difference in the lives of critically ill children and their families. We are truly humbled by this achievement, and the combined efforts of our crew and customers over the years. The $1M Party came just a few days after this year’s World Wish Day – where once again, our network engaged in in-store fundraising activities and wore our themed t-shirts. This was a highly successful day raising over $6265!…

The latest national wastewater data has confirmed a troubling reality – nicotine consumption in Australia is rising, even as the legal market continues to collapse. The latest National Drug and Alcohol Wastewater survey shows national nicotine consumption increased by 4 per cent between August 2024 and August 2025, with levels now reaching historic highs across both capital cities and re-gional Australia. Regional areas continue to record higher consumption than capital cities, with the Northern Terri-tory now having the highest per capita nicotine consumption in the country. Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) CEO Theo Foukkare said the findings reinforce what retailers and communities have been warning for some time. “This data confirms what we’re seeing on the ground – more Australians are consuming nicotine, but they’re increas-ingly buying it from the black market instead of regulated retailers,” Mr Foukkare said. “The report also found that nicotine consumption has been trending…

The business started with the Booth’s family grocery store in Dandenong. Discovering a gap to call on retailers offering a range of confectionery, the business was soon renamed Terry and Vics. From those humble beginnings, in April 2026 Accredited Distributors will celebrate 50 years in business. The business has now grown to include four branches across Victoria, Albury, Bendigo, Geelong and Dandenong. Collectively servicing over 8000 customers across the community and employing over 200 staff. Our annual Trade Show is the talk of the industry bringing customers, suppliers and Accredited Distributors staff together. This is an opportunity for suppliers to showcase their new products & offer hot priced deals to those attending. Accredited Distributors are now part of the Distributor Group, Australia’s leading national independent convenience wholesaler and distributing to petrol, convenience, corner stores, pharmacy, newsagents, schools and the route market. We specialise in the sales and distribution of beverages,…

The UCB Stores (United Convenience Buyers) Australia Stores Australia Conference 2026 didn’t just kick off on the Gold Coast—it launched. The room was humming from the first moment, with Bennie Bishop turning the dial all the way up and setting the vibe for what’s already shaping up to be an unmissable event. Darren Park got real about the pressure facing fuel retail right now—but flipped it into a challenge the room was ready to take on. The message? The gap between “ok” and “excellent” is widening… and this is the moment to step up, lean in, and hashtag#ELEVATE everything—teams, service, offer. Then the insights started flying. Daniel Tripolitano brought fresh thinking on beverages (and plenty of “why didn’t we think of that?” moments), while Elisha Radwanowski cut through the compliance noise with practical, no-nonsense advice. Theo Foukkare reinforced just how big the opportunity still is in energy and coffee, and…