PepsiCo’s Simply Potato & Corn Chips were Woolworths’ New Product Launch of the Year, while Cobram Estate Olives was recognised with the Better Tomorrow Award for its sustainability practices at the retailer's annual Supplier of the Year awards.
Woolworths held its annual Supplier of the Year Awards in Sydney this week, recognising the excellence of its suppliers across 18 categories.
Reckitt Hygiene was awarded Overall Supplier of the Year, with the retailer citing its “Can Loneliness & Create Connection” campaign that involved Glen 20 partnering with Meals on Wheels to donate 100,000 cans of Glen 20 to vulnerable Australians, as an example of the company’s sustained effort to meet increased demand for hygiene products and ongoing support for Australian communities.
Woolworths chief commercial officer, Paul Harker said, “Over the last three years, the joint business plan we have developed with the Reckitt Hygiene team has highlighted their commitment to driving growth and innovation across the hygiene category, while keeping up with high levels of demand to ensure supply made it to our shelves as quickly as possible.”
The Better Tomorrow Award, formerly the Sustainability Award, went to Cobram Estate Olives for its sustainable agriculture and production of its extra virgin olive oil.
Harker said Cobram Estate was a role model for the level of sustainable transformation possible today.
“It is leading the path to greener land management, agriculture, and production. Customers are counting on brands to make the products they buy better for the planet and our collective future, and we’re thrilled to see this well-loved Australian company walking the walk,” said Harker.
The Cobram Estate Olives Oliv.iQ proprietary integrated olive oil production system is a sustainability initiative that produces olive oil using 37 per cent less water than industry best practice and cuts the use of phosphorus fertiliser by 83 per cent and nitrogen fertiliser by 61 per cent compared to the industry average.
It has also reduced waste and repurposed materials left-over in its production process, with only 0.5 per cent of its operational inputs going to landfill. Cobram has set aside 500 hectares of land for native vegetation reforestation and conservation, and has become ‘carbon positive’, capturing more carbon than it emits to grow, process, and distribute its extra virgin olive oil.
Small Supplier of the Year was awarded to Melbourne pasta maker Lello, owned and operated by Leonardo and Linda Gelsomino.
Lello turned to developing its wholesale business after having to close its restaurant due to Covid lockdowns. It was trialled in store and Lello pasta sauce is now available in selected stores across the country.
Harker said Woolworths was proud to be championing businesses that make it possible for the retailer to provide quality food and everyday goods every day.
“We work with suppliers of all sizes, and as Australia’s largest retailer we’re pleased to support them to grow their business, reach new customers and make changes for a more sustainable future,” Harker said.
The Integrated Supplier of the Year Award recognises outstanding planning, communication, and support to the business, particularly after a huge year for suppliers who have managed changing demand from customers.
A spokesperson for Woolworths said, “Caroline Manuel was recognised for the great passion she has shown in her role, her quick planning skills and expert level of knowledge when it comes to her products.”
The full list of winners:
Overall Supplier of the Year: Reckitt Hygiene
Better Tomorrow Award: Cobram Estate Olives Ltd
Woolworths Category Manager of the Year: Danielle Clarke
Account Manager of the Year: Tom Kippenberger (Reckitt Benckiser)
New Product Launch of the Year: Simply Potato & Corn Chips, Pepsico
Meat/Seafood Supplier of the Year: British Sausage Company
Fruit & Veg Supplier of the Year: Perfection Fresh
Chilled & Bakery Supplier of the Year: GWF (Tip Top)
Small Supplier of the Year: Lello
Everyday Needs Supplier of the Year: Reckitt Benckiser (Hygiene)
Grocery Food Supplier of the Year: Mutti
Merchandising Team of the Year: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Metro Supplier of the Year: Elato
Community Champion Supplier of the Year: Humpty Doo
Cartology Campaign of the Year: Wonder Recycling Rewards (Goodman Fielder)
Woolworths Food Company Supplier of the Year: Northern Meat & Poultry Supplies (NMPS)
Logistics Partner of the Year: Sanitarium
Integrated Supply Partner of the Year: Caroline Manuel – Patties
