The Beverage Reconciliation Industry Network Group (RING) has seen major beverage companies join forces to help First Nations businesses build connections with corporate procurement teams during Indigenous Business Month.
The initiative was delivered through collaboration between eight RING member organisations: Asahi Beverages, Australian Venue Co., Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Coles Group, Diageo, Endeavour Group, LION and Suntory Oceania.
The Beverage RING Meet the Supplier event brought together 44 buyers and procurement professionals from 18 organisations, with a focus on consumables and workplace supplies, providing six First Nations businesses with an opportunity to showcase their capabilities directly to a wider network of potential customers.
The First Nations businesses were:
- Borger Safety & Workwear
- Integrity Health & Safety
- Kulbardi
- Panku Safety Solutions
- Supply Solutions Group
- The Supplies Mob
Established in 2024, the Beverage RING brings together organisations from across the beverage industry to advance reconciliation through shared learning, partnerships and collective action.
Integrity Health & Safety COO, Tim Cohen, said events like the Beverage RING Meet the Supplier were “incredibly valuable”.
The collaboration across eight organisations meant participants had access to a broader network of potential buyers through a single event.
“As a First Nations business, being able to present our capabilities directly to buyers from some of Australia’s leading organisations helps open doors, build relationships and create awareness of what Indigenous businesses can offer,” Cohen said.
The session also welcomed representatives from organisations outside the beverage industry, extending opportunities for connections across other sectors.
“It’s encouraging to see so many organisations coming together to support Indigenous businesses through meaningful engagement,” he said.
Beverage RING chair, Rebecca Loch.
The Beverage RING chair and Lion Sustainability leader, Rebecca Loch, said reconciliation required more than good intentions. The network's focus on translating commitments into practical initiatives was designed to increase the visibility of First Nations businesses and help build relationships with potential corporate customers.
“During Indigenous Business Month, it’s particularly meaningful to see eight organisations coming together through RING to create opportunities for First Nations businesses.
“By connecting suppliers directly with procurement teams across our industry, we’re helping build relationships that can lead to lasting business opportunities. It’s a great example of what we can achieve when we collaborate and turn our commitments into action,” Loch said.
Organisations from across the beverage, retail, hospitality and related sectors that are interested in learning more about the Beverage RING or exploring future involvement are encouraged to contact Rebecca Loch.
