“Looking Back to the Future” at The Distributors Mid-Year Conference and Trade Show

Celebrating 35 years, The Distributors “Looking Back to the Future” themed Mid-Year Conference and Trade Show was a resounding success for The Distributors Members, Management Team, Suppliers and Customers.


Held over 3 days, May 4 to 6, Rydges Fortitude Valley Brisbane hosted The Distributors Conference with the Retailer and Member Trade Shows at the nearby heritage façade Royal International Convention Centre.
The Retailer Trade Show attracted over 300 Convenience and Route Customers providing the opportunity for Members and Suppliers to interface with their customers. Customers came ready to place orders as Suppliers offered over and above deals on their products. The Wholesaler Trade Show followed in the afternoon, which hosted 55 exhibitors showcasing new product lines, product innovations and trends. The day wrapped up with an evening cocktail hour.
During the conference, The Distributors Members gathered for business sessions as well as supplier presentations with a focus on future NPD and Go to Market Strategies. AACS CEO Jeff Rogut delivered a well-attended and insightful breakfast presentation on 2015 State of The Industry.
The Gala Dinner held at the Brisbane City Hall was a terrific venue for the “Back to the Future” theme, a throwback to the 50’s with the award-winning Aerial Angels providing the entertainment. Doc, Biff Tannen and Marilyn Monroe partied alongside Madonna and Patsy Stone from Ab Fab with plenty of other celebrity sightings.
The night was a toast to the 35th anniversary of The Distributors with four out of the five inaugural board members joining the celebration alongside current and past board members. Inaugural Board Members included Terry Booth, John Earle, Des Samson and Ray Southeren. The dinner culminated with presentations of The Distributors annual awards recognising Supply Partners and The Distributors Members.
“This is our 35th year operating as The Distributors and it was wonderful to see our Suppliers and guests get behind the theme and go down memory lane with their products,” said George Tsapoutas, General Manager, The Distributors.
“It is an exciting time for our Group and we plan to continue to grow and expand our Go-To-Market Model across the country. We will be looking to increase our business footprint and operating model in areas where we currently do not have a local operation. This will enable The Distributors to maintain our focus on Localised Service and react to the changing face of the impulse market place and consumer purchasing habits. We will also continue to develop our offer in growth categories, looking for new products and suppliers to take to market and to make sure that together with our trading partners we are all successful.”
Surplus food from the event was donated to OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity.


Award winners are:
Celebrating 35 Years Service
· Accredited Distributors Pty Limited
· J&A Wholesalers
· Kev Baldwin Wholesale Confectionery Pty Limited
Celebrating 30 Years Service
· Juicy Isle Pty Limited
Celebrating 25 Years Service
· JB Metropolitan Distributors Pty Limited
Celebrating 15 Years Service
· Link Distribution Services Pty Limited
· Southern Sweet Distributors
Member of the Year $15m and above
· JB Metropolitan Distributors Pty Limited
Member of the Year up to $15m
· A.C.B Suncity
· A.C.W Sunshine
Supplier of the Year $10m and above
· Nestle Confectionery
Supplier of the Year up to $10m
· Universal Candy
Best Trade Show Stand (Gold Supplier)
· Snack Brands Australia
Best Trade Show Stand (Silver/Bronze Supplier)
· Bundaberg Brewed Drinks

Best New Product Launch
· Cadbury Mint Twirl