Yaffa Media, one of Australia’s largest independent media companies, has acquired Spanton Media Group and all its assets, including industry-leading title Australian Bartender, the Australian Bar Awards and Sydney Bar Week.
Yaffa Media managing director, Tracy Yaffa, said the company was thrilled to be adding the brand to its portfolio.
“As Yaffa Media heads into its 100th year of independent operation in 2025, the acquisition not only represents ongoing growth into its next century, but an unmatched opportunity to strengthen our coverage and expertise in the dynamic food and beverage sector,” Yaffa said.
Yaffa Media has 16 brands in its stable, including Food & Drink Business, the country’s leading media platform for the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
“Food & Drink Business has been part of Yaffa Media for 50 years, providing comprehensive coverage of Australia’s largest manufacturing sector. Through its daily digital newsletter, weekly video news bulletin, podcast, and bi-monthly magazine, the team delivers comprehensive coverage of the latest news, industry insights, profiles, and business commentary.
“To combine the industry knowledge and expertise of our team with that of Spanton Media presented an exciting and unmissable opportunity for Yaffa. Our highly experienced in-house events team created an even more ideal fit for Spanton Media’s portfolio,” Yaffa said.
Spanton Media has been at the forefront of the Australian bar and alcohol media sector since 1999 when it launched the monthly trade title, Australian Bartender. Recognised and respected as the voice of the industry, the company went on to create the ‘Oscars’ of the bar industry – the Australian Bar Awards – and Sydney Bar Week.
Spanton Media founder and MD, David Spanton, said he and co-founder Amy Spanton were excited to see Yaffa and its resources carry on what has been their passion for 25 years.
“I’ve long admired Yaffa Media for their influential publications and events. They produce market-leading business-to-business media, and it is a perfect fit for them to expand their footprint into the hospitality and drinks sector,” Spanton said.
All content from January 2025 will fall under the Yaffa Media banner, with David and Amy Spanton continuing to be involved in the business, ensuring continuity and sustained excellence.
“Amy and I are thrilled that Yaffa has decided to take on the business and use their vast resources to carry on what has been our passion for 25 years. We look forward to working with Yaffa and are excited to be involved in making all the assets a huge success for them,” Spanton said.
