Leading wholesaler and distributor, Metcash, has awarded its top-performing supply partners of the past year at its 2026 Food Supplier of the Year Awards, with Asahi Beverages taking home the top award.
Held this year at Hordern Pavilion on 7 May, the annual event provides an opportunity for Metcash to celebrate the unique achievements and success of its supply partners, acknowledging their strategic partnerships, passion, and continuous support of the independent retail network.
Metcash Food CEO, Grant Ramage, said the Awards are a moment for the company to reflect and celebrate an incredible year with its key supplier partners, who continue to demonstrate unwavering support for the independent network.
“This year we relaunched our Food vision: Partners Powering Growth. This connects directly to our purpose and ambition to be an indispensable partner to our customers and suppliers, and we couldn’t be more grateful that our suppliers are onboard and are already supporting this vision,” said Ramage.
“We would like to say a big congratulations to all of our supplier nominees and award winners. This recognition serves as a thank you for the amazing partnerships and the ongoing hard work that goes into supporting and growing the independent network. We are looking forward to another strong year.”
Asahi Beverages was awarded the highest accolade of the evening, being crowned Metcash’s 2026 Food Supplier of the Year. The company received the Community Partner Award in 2025.
Asahi Beverages CCO, Nigel Parsons, said the company was incredibly proud to be recognised as Supplier of the Year by Metcash.
“This award reflects the strength of our partnership, the collaboration between our teams and our shared commitment to supporting independent retailers across Australia while continuing to win with consumers in store every day,” said Parsons.
The full list of award winners includes;
- Supplier of the Year 2026: Asahi Beverages
- Sustainability Partner of the Year 2026: Mars Food Australia
- Bakery Supplier of the Year 2026: Baked Provisions
- Meat Supplier of the Year 2026: NH Foods Australia
- Poultry, Seafood & Value Added Supplier of the Year 2026: Ingham’s Enterprises
- Delicatessen Supplier of the Year 2026: JL King
- Private Label Product of the Year 2026: Harvest Freshcuts Beetroot & Feta Salad Kit
- Integrated Supply Partner of the Year 2026: Peters Ice Cream
- Chilled Perishables Supplier of the Year 2026: Chobani
- Freezer Supplier of the Year 2026: Ingham’s Enterprises
- Community Partner Award 2026: Mars Wrigley
- LocalEyes Retail Media Campaign of the Year 2026: McCain Foods
- Food Service and Convenience Supplier of the Year 2026: Patties Foods
- Pantry Supplier of the Year 2026: JDE Peets Australia
- Impulse Supplier of the Year 2026: Asahi Beverages
- Household Needs Supplier of the Year 2026: Energizer
- Health, Beauty & Baby Supplier of the Year 2026: Haleon Australia
- Tobacco Supplier of the Year 2026: Imperial Brands Australia
The awards evening also provides Metcash with a chance to celebrate and support multiple key charity partners.
“Supporting local communities and causes is what the independent network is all about,” said Ramage.
“We are proud to announce that during the Supplier of the Year Awards evening, over $470,000 was raised for our long-term charity partners including Special Olympics Australia, the McGrath Foundation, and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. This generous donation will help each charity continue to drive great work across Australian local communities.”
