The New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS) Supplier Awards and the Peter Jowett Award for young industry leaders were presented on 27th October at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland.
More than 90 industry members were in attendance, including the teams from Bluebird, Coca Cola Amatil, British American Tobacco (BAT), Frucor Suntory, and Tip Top.
After the official Welcome and a brief AGM, NZACS Executive Director Dave Hooker introduced the four Peter Jowett scholarship finalists who presented on the topic:
“In a world where fuel prices are on the rise, the cost of living is increasing, the call to look after our natural environment is getting louder, the biggest dollar sales c-store category (tobacco) is decreasing in sales, what does the c-store industry need to do – other than food-to-go and coffee – to have a sustainable future in New Zealand?”
Rowan Lowe, a 23-year-old Trade Marketing Representative from BAT suggested a new revenue stream, with an easily identifiable area in store that allows consumers to browse sustainable local products.
Lowe was awarded the Peter Jowett Scholarship (worth NZ$4000) for her ECOCERY concept, which would offer a product range that is ethical and sustainable, made locally and is environmentally friendly with recyclable packaging.
Runner-up was Tom Daglish from Frucor, who identified a gap in c-stores for a Health & Wellness offer. Daglish suggested charging stations for hybrid and e-vehicles, combined with a gym on the top floor of the store – a multipurpose “Power Hub”.
Supplier Awards
Suppliers from all over New Zealand were in attendance at the NZACS Awards dinner and celebrated for their outstanding achievements. The following Awards were presented:
BEST SERVICE TO C-STORES
Winner: Coca-Cola Amatil
CHILLED / FROZEN CATEGORY
Winner: Tip Top
BEST ADMIN SUPPORT
Winner: Bluebird
BEST DELIVERY SERVICE TO STORES
Winner: Coca-Cola Amatil
BEST STOCK SUPPLY TO STORES
Winner: British American Tobacco
BEST HEAD OFFICE SERVICE AND SUPPORT
Winner: Coca-Cola Amatil
BEST HEAD OFFICE SERVICE AND SUPPORT FOR A MEDIUM SUPPLIER
Winner: Signature Marketing
BEST NATIONAL RETAIL BRAND STORE COMPLIANCE
Winner: Z Energy
BEST REGIONAL BRAND STORE COMPLIANCE
Winner: Nelson Petroleum
SUPREME SUPPLIER AWARD
Winner: Coca-Cola Amatil
