Drakes Supermarkets has hosted its 17th annual Supplier Conference at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on Four Mile Beach, bringing together executives, suppliers and their families for five days of business sessions, networking and celebrations.
The event opened with a poolside “Sip & Dip” welcome dinner, featuring live entertainment and a fireworks display.
John-Paul Drake, Director at Drakes, said Drakes’ success only exists because of the strength of the relationships it has with its supplier partners.
“It’s not luck, it’s not good timing – it’s partnership. The Drakes Supplier Conference is about celebrating these relationships with not just the people we do business with, but with their families as well.”
The conference’s business session saw Drakes Executives share company achievements and outline plans for the year ahead. Attendees also heard from guest speakers Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury and author Adam Spencer, followed by a comedy hypnosis show by Haiming Jiang.
A highlight of the conference was the Supplier Gala Awards Dinner, where Drakes recognised outstanding supplier performance across multiple categories. Entertainment was provided by The Ten Tenors.
Roger Drake, Managing Director, said they are extremely grateful to the suppliers for taking the time to attend their conference.
“Widely recognised within the industry as one of the most informative, open, and honest events, it’s an opportunity for the Drakes team to share valuable insights and outline our future direction.
“As a proud family-owned business, we’re especially pleased that our conference welcomes not only our valued suppliers, but their families as well. It sold out this year; so, I would recommend suppliers to register early as it is the best value conference you will ever attend.”
2025 Drakes Supermarkets Supplier Award Winners
- Grocery Account Manager of the Year: Jason Knowles – McCain Foods Australia Pty Ltd
- Fresh Foods Account Manager of the Year: Daniel Mazurke – Tip Top Bakeries
- The Guido Manzueto Memorial Award: Andrew Spriggs – Dons Smallgoods
- Product Launch of the Year: Solo Energy
- Frozen Supplier of the Year: McCain Foods Australia Pty Ltd
- Dairy Supplier of the Year: Dons Smallgoods Pty Ltd
- Tobacco Supplier of the Year: Imperial Brands Australasia
- General Merchandise Supplier of the Year: Energizer Australia
- Non-Foods Supplier of the Year: Real Pet Food Company
- $8M+ Supplier of the Year: Asahi Beverages
- $4M–$8M Supplier of the Year: Mars Wrigley
- Non-Fresh up to $4M Supplier of the Year: Vittoria Coffee
- Ready to Eat Supplier of the Year: JL King & Co
- Produce Supplier of the Year: Mitolo Family Farms
- Bakery Supplier of the Year: Riviera Bakery
- Deli & Seafood Supplier of the Year: Inghams Enterprises
- Meat Supplier of the Year: Slape & Sons
- Support Services Supplier of the Year: Jarvis Marketing
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