Countdown has announced the winners of its annual supplier awards, held this month to recognise excellence and innovation across the New Zealand food and grocery industry.
After what has been an extraordinary year for the industry, the supplier awards were an opportunity for Countdown to celebrate the successes of their supply partners despite the challenges that have been thrown in the way.
For the first time, the awards were also broadcast through a dedicated live stream so that all Countdown’s supply partners and team could join in from across the country.
For their incredible efforts in the wake of COVID-19’s panic-buying and lockdown, ABC Tissue was recognised as Grocery Non-Foods Supplier of the Year, and CDC Pharmaceuticals received the Pharmacy, Health and Body Supplier of the Year award.
Steve Mills, Countdown’s General Manager Merchandise and Buying, says: “March and April 2020 saw some of the hardest retail conditions the world has ever seen, and certainly here in New Zealand the pressure on products like toilet paper, wipes, vitamins and hand sanitiser was unparalleled.”
“ABC Tissue and CDC Pharmaceuticals are fantastic examples of Kiwis working together to help make things happen, even under the most difficult circumstances,” says Mills.
Taking out the Supreme Supplier of the Year Award was DB Breweries who stood out for being a leader in innovation and collaboration.
“DB Breweries is an exceptional supply partner,” says Mills. “They are committed to partnering with Countdown to achieve shared goals and priorities, and this approach has seen some fantastic joint successes over the last year including implementing Zero Zone fridges in our stores to make it easier for customers to find zero alcohol products.
“It’s critical that we take a moment out of the busy retail environment to spend time with our supply partners and acknowledge the incredible work that happens every day in our industry. We want to thank all of our partners for their ongoing dedication and support of our business,” says Mills.
The full list of winners is below:
| Supreme Supplier of the Year | DB Breweries |
| The New Zealand Sustainability Award | NZ Hothouse |
| Integrated Supply Planner of the Year | Kerry French – Asahi |
| Account Manager of the Year | Carl Freimond- RB Hygiene |
| Small Supplier of the Year | Dad’s Pies |
| Produce Supplier of the Year | Southern Paprika |
| Bakery Supplier of the Year | Lahmajou Company Ltd |
| Meat & Seafood Supplier of the Year | Hellers |
| Perishables & Delicatessen Supplier of the Year | Dairy Works |
| Liquor Supplier of the Year | DB Breweries |
| Grocery Beverages & Snacking Supplier of the Year | Mondelez |
| Grocery Cooking, Baking, Breakfast & Health Supplier of the Year | Walter & Wild |
| Grocery Non-Food Supplier of the Year | ABC Tissue |
| Pharmacy, Health & Body Supplier of the Year | CDC Pharmaceuticals |
| FoodCo New Zealand Supplier of the Year | Speirs Foods Limited |
