Police have allegedly seized more than $12 million worth of illicit tobacco from properties in Melbourne and northern Victoria as part of a joint operation between Victoria Police and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Over several months, police searched a remote property at Arcadia, south of Shepparton, a home in the town of Undera, near the Victoria-New South Wales border, and properties in Werribee and Altona Meadows, in Melbourne’s south-west. Detectives from Taskforce Lunar, which is targeting the disputes between organised crime gangs in the illegal tobacco trade, allegedly uncovered a seven-acre illicit tobacco crop at Arcadia they say would have generated almost $9 million in excise value if sold legally. No-one was found on the property and the crop was ploughed under. Two large kilns were allegedly discovered at the Undera home, which investigators allege were used to dry illicit tobacco, along with almost two tonnes of product worth…

Ampol has appointed Michele Bardy to its leadership team in the position of Executive General Manager, Infrastructure. Bardy, who has a background in chemical engineering, was most recently Vice President of Energy Solutions for Eastern Australia at Santos where strategy, asset development, and operations of their hydrocarbon processing services, clean fuels and carbon capture and storage were among her responsibilities.  Matt Halliday, CEO and Managing Director at Ampol, said Bardy’s extensive previous experience will support Ampol’s vision to have the most competitive and compelling products and services for its customers. “Under Michele’s leadership, the infrastructure business unit will play a key role in the future of Ampol, and we are investing significantly so this portfolio of assets and our people, that are so important to operating them, are ready for tomorrow.” Prior to joining Santos, Bardy worked in ExxonMobil’s Downstream Refining and Supply division in Australia and the USA. Bardy…

The Coalition has backed a “common-sense” approach for a regulated, controlled vaping model in which vapes are sold like tobacco. The Coalition’s proposal would see a strictly regulated retail model with vapes sold in the same way that tobacco sales are managed, with plain packaging, sold behind the counter, and ensuring no one under the age of 18 can legally or illegally access these products. David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals, said the Coalition’s strictly regulated model under the TGA will ensure there is controlled licencing to over 18s, similar to cigarettes. “The model will stop criminals from exploiting our children and also protect our children from vapes.” Labor’s announcement that vapes are to be sold from pharmacies without the need for a prescription, has been heavily criticised by the Coalition, as well as the Pharmacy Guild, which represents over 5,800 Australian pharmacies. “Labor’s half-baked model will continue to expose…

Frank Beard is a longtime convenience retail enthusiast who currently works in marketing for Rovertown. His column, The Road Ahead, examines innovation in the c-store industry. I recently rewatched “Back to the Future” and got a kick out of the gas station scene. After Marty McFly accidentally travels back in time, Hill Valley’s gas station is the first sign that strange things are afoot. He stands there and stares, perplexed, as a team of Texaco station attendants rush toward a car like a NASCAR pit crew. The scene works because gas stations went through such drastic changes between 1955 and 1985, but if “Back to the Future” was suddenly remade today, they’d have to cut it. The average store just didn’t change enough between 1994 and 2024. Rather, today’s stations are a more refined version of the model that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s after the convenience business merged…

Based on an analysis of dozens of convenience retailers throughout 2023, Rovertown reveals top coupon categories, practical tips, and two tactics for success. ST. LOUIS (June 20, 2024) — Rovertown, the mobile app platform designed for convenience retailers, today released a report revealing the best practices for success with mobile app coupons. Based on an analysis of dozens of convenience store apps from January 1 – December 31, 2023, the report reveals the top-performing categories of coupons, helpful tips, and two couponing tactics utilized by best-in-class retailers. “Coupons are one of the most direct ways to convert app engagement into sales. That’s why it’s essential to have an effective strategy,” says Tyler Cameron, Head of Strategy and Analytics at Rovertown. “Our analysis reveals several insights that will help retailers level-up and drive better results with coupons.” Highlights include: ● Coupons Drive Retention. Retailers see an immediate, 18-point increase in the…

AACS and the 40 senior level delegates recently returned from the International Study Tour to Zurich and Barcelona, marking yet another achievement in its commitment to advancing the convenience store industry in Australia. Delegates had the opportunity to visit a diverse range of convenience stores, gaining valuable insights into innovative retail practices that are reshaping the global convenience sector. From Zurich’s efficient urban stores to Barcelona’s vibrant neighbourhood hubs, participants immersed themselves in different operational models and customer experiences. Beyond professional engagements, the tour also allowed members to enjoy the cultural and scenic delights of both cities – from Zurich’s picturesque old town to Barcelona’s stunning architecture and Mediterranean charm. Reflecting on the tour’s success, Theo Foukkare, AACS CEO remarked, “This study tour has been a tremendous success for our members. We’ve seen firsthand how convenience stores are evolving globally, and we’re excited to bring these insights back to enhance the industry in Australia.” Looking ahead, AACS is already gearing up for…