The Distributors Mid-Year – a walk on the wild side

The Distributors Members, Management Team, Suppliers and Customers gathered in Adelaide, City of Churches, for the Group’s Mid-Year Conference and Trade Show held May 8-10.
The conference program was packed with Group meetings, presentations and break-out sessions. Highlights included Complexica’s AI Business session focusing on big data to optimise sales & marketing activities, Jeff Rogut’s AACS State of the Industry presentation and the ever popular 5 minute Supplier speed-presenting. Suppliers had the opportunity to blitz present to 7-8 of The Distributors Members at a time in each rotation.
The Distributors Gala Dinner at Adelaide Zoo was a wild affair with the industry totally engaged with the jungle safari theme. Pre-drinks in the Intercontinental before transferring to the zoo, provided great entertainment for hotel patrons.
“It was incredible to see the lengths that our Suppliers and Members went to in selecting their costumes” said George Tsapoutas, General Manager The Distributors.
Animal onesies were a popular choice and proved beneficial given the cool weather. Safari suits with pith helmets, Steve Irwin look-alikes; animal face-painting; animal ears & tails and even suits made from zebra and leopard print fabric were among the costumes.
“We did not have a best costume award which was a shame but it would have been hard to choose a winner.”
The evening started early with champagne and canapes in the Giant Pandas enclosure. Adelaide Zoo proudly cares for Australia’s only Giant Pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, and guests had the chance to view the beautiful and endangered pandas during feeding time while the zookeeper shared facts about the breeding program. Guests were divided into smaller groups to see the feeding of the Sumatran tigers and African lions, while others experienced native wildlife with the opportunity to pat a snake, or quokkas and bilbies, before heading into a dazzling marquee erected in the centre of the zoo for dinner. This was the first marquee of its type for Adelaide Zoo.
The 200 strong crowd were entertained by Emcee Greg Ward with performances by Ding productions direct from the African Jungle. Winners of The Distributors Annual Awards recognising Supply Partners and Members were announced and toasted with delicious Frucor Suntory OVI Lychee Martinis.
The Distributors Retailer Trade Show in conjunction with JB Adelaide, FoodPlus and The Distributors Mt Gambier was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre the following afternoon with 46 exhibitors showcasing new product lines, product innovations and trends.
The Mid-Year Conference wrapped up on the Friday with guests choosing an excursion to the picturesque wine tasting region of Adelaide Hills and historic town of Hahndorf or the ultimate golf experience at the prestigious Kooyonga Golf Club, host of five Australian Opens and nine South Australian Opens.
The Distributors 2018 Award Winners

• Best New Product Launch: Yowie Series 2 from Universal Candy
• Supplier of the Year up to $10 million: CTC Australia
• Supplier of the Year over $10 million: The Smith’s Snackfood Company
• Member Celebrating 15 Years Service Award: Geoff Morris Wholesalers (The Distributors Mt Gambier)
• Member of the Year up to $15 million: Accredited Distributors Geelong.
• Member of the Year $15 million and above: JB Metropolitan Distributors

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About The Distributors
The Distributors are Australia’s leading National Independent Wholesaler Distributors to petrol & convenience, corner stores, pharmacy, newsagents, schools and the route market and specialise in confectionery, beverages, snacks, grocery and customer service. Operating 33 locally owned warehouses nationally, The Distributors provide National Coverage with Award Winning Localised Service. The Distributors continue to be awarded for the highest level of service unmatched in the industry: AACS Distributor of the Year 2015, 2016, 2017; Caltex Supply Chain Supplier of the Year 2015/ 2016; New Sunrise Distributor of the Year 2017; UCB Stores Wholesaler/ Distributor of the Year 2016 and 2017. www.the-distributors.com.au