The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) was proud to support The Distributors’ 2025 National Conference held last week at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast.
As a cooperative of independent, locally owned logistics specialists, The Distributors are a critical enabler of the independent petrol and convenience sector.
Their ability to deliver a broad range of products efficiently, reliably, and locally helps drive the performance and profitability of convenience stores right across the country.
With economic conditions placing pressure on both consumers and retailers, the importance of agile, customer-focused supply partners has never been greater.
The pandemic, followed by cost-of-living pressures and shifting consumer behaviours, has exposed the weaknesses of rigid supply chains – and has highlighted the value of flexible distribution partners like The Distributors who understand the nuances of the convenience channel.
Throughout the conference, one clear message resonated: service is the cornerstone of success.
“Retailers, suppliers and distributors must align on the fundamentals – getting the right product, in the right place, at the right price, at the right time,” said George Tsapoutas, CEO of The Distributors.
“It’s about enabling local success and strengthening the connection between consumers and the brands they love.”
AACS CEO Theo Foukkare addressed delegates on Day 1, providing a detailed update on the key trends, regulatory challenges, and opportunities shaping the convenience landscape.
His presentation focused on the resilience of the sector and the critical importance of partnerships – particularly at the distribution level – to help independent stores thrive in a dynamic market.
The conference featured a packed agenda with knowledge-sharing sessions from industry leaders, including:
- Andrew Johnson, National Supplier & Customer Relationship Manager, The Distributors
- Michelle Terblanche, National Sales Manager
- Kumar Konduru, IT Manager
- Russell Burns, SalesForce
- Jamie Sullivan, Australian Independent Distributors Alliance
- Karen Campbell, Founder, My Brandz Software
- Dr. Colm Flanagan, Founder, HI.RO.CO
- Richard Forbes, CEO, Independent Food Distributors Australia (IFDA)
- Ashley Fell, Demographics expert, McCrindle
- Elisha Radwanowski, ACAPMA
Networking events, including the Welcome Function, PepsiCo Carnivale, and Gala Dinner, provided delegates with an opportunity to connect in a relaxed environment – capped off by the presentation of the annual Excellence Awards celebrating outstanding achievements across the supplier and distributor network.
Award highlights included:
- Supplier of the Year (>$25m): PepsiCo
- Best New Product Launch (Beverage): Suntory – Celsius
- Best DIFOT: Sanitarium (98.10%)
- Member of the Year: The Distributors Brisbane and Accredited Distributors Bendigo
As the national voice of the convenience industry, AACS acknowledges and celebrates the work of The Distributors in helping retailers stay competitive, responsive, and customer-focused.
These partnerships are foundational to the health of our sector and the future of independent retail in Australia.
Congratulations to the entire Distributors team on a highly successful event and for their unwavering commitment to excellence in service.
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