This Month: 2026 Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards – Advantage All Stars Named Finalists
At the bar with Stewart Robertson from ACW 2025 Rep of the Year Awards Night Recap Return of Tip of the Day from Mark Williams
I
It
The
is
to a good
our top line numbers are good and for that I would like to thank you all for your contribution.
Kind regards,
George Tsapoutas | CEO
Join us on the beautiful Gold Coast for the 45th anniversary of The Distributors Mid-Year Conference, a prestigious three-day event held at JW Marriott Gold Coast from Tuesday, 26th May to Friday, 29th May 2026.
This conference promises to captivate and engage our members and customers, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a dynamic program showcasing the latest industry insights, emerging trends, and groundbreaking product innovations.
For more detailed information about the event, please visit The Distributors Mid-Year Conference Website.
The Distributors Advantage Named Finalists in the 2026 Asia Pacific
The Distributors Advantage All Stars Program has been recognised among the finalists of the prestigious 2026 Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards, reinforcing its position as a standout leader in loyalty innovation and performance across the region.
This year’s finalist announcements spotlight the most respected and influential loyalty programs across Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Asia Pacific, with brands assessed against rigorous criteria including customer experience, innovation, engagement, and measurable business impact.
Shortlisted in Two Key Categories
The Distributors Advantage All Stars Program has earned finalist status in two highly competitive categories:
– Best Overall Loyalty ProgramBusiness to Business
– Best Overall Loyalty ProgramBusiness to Employee
Being recognised in both categories reflects the program’s ability to drive measurable value across commercial partner networks while also delivering meaningful engagement, recognition, and motivation for employees.
Standing Among Industry Giants this year’s Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards finalists
All Stars
Pacific Loyalty Awards
list reads like a who’s who of elite global and regional brands.
The Distributors Advantage All Stars Program is proudly shortlisted alongside some of the largest and most trusted names in loyalty, including:
– Woolworths Group (Everyday Rewards)
– Flybuys
– Telstra (Telstra Plus)
– Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank Yello)
– American Express (Membership Rewards)
– Emirates (Emirates Skywards)
– Accor (ALL – Accor Live Limitless)
– MYER (MYER one)
– Qantas Frequent Flyer
– Westpac Rewards
The inclusion of The Distributors Advantage All Stars Program alongside these major brands highlights the growing recognition of B2B and B2E loyalty programs as powerful drivers of long-term engagement, performance, and brand advocacy.
This latest recognition builds on past success, following a winning performance at the 2024 Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards, where the program was honoured for its excellence and impact. Returning as a finalist in 2026—this time in two categories—underscores the program’s continued evolution.
Congratulations to all finalists, and we look forward to celebrating excellence in loyalty with industry peers in March.
The
Distributors Advantage All Stars Named Finalists in the 2026 Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards
Best Overall Loyalty Program
Grocery & Beverage
Everyday Rewards – Woolworths Group –Australia & New Zealand with Eagle Eye
My Dan’s Membership – Dan Murphy’s
Retail
Flybuys
MYER one
Financial Services
CommBank Yello –Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Virgin Money Rewards –Virgin Money with Ascenda
Travel, Accommodation & Transport
ALL – Accor Live Limitless
Entertainment & Leisure
ALL – Accor Live Limitless
Société – Luxury Escapes
MCA Rewards – Motor Culture Australia with Sota See the full list of categories and finalists here!
New World Clubcard – Loyalty Made Fun –New World (Foodstuffs) with Lobyco
Flybuys – Flybuys
Priceline Sister Club
Treasured by Metro
American Express –Membership Rewards
Westpac Rewards with Mastercard Loyalty & Shopback
Ascott Star Rewards
My NRMA Rewards Emirates Skywards
pub+ ALH Hotels Group with Eagle Eye
Best Overall Loyalty Program
Utilities & Telco
Z Rewards – Z Energy with Eagle Eye & Ellipsis
Power Shout – Genesis Energy with Simplicity Loyalty
One Wallet – One New Zealand Telstra Plus
Business to Business
Beyond Business by Qatar Airways – WOGI
The Distributors Advantage All Stars –Gratifii
Business to Employee
pub+ TEAM – ALH Hotels Group with Eagle Eye
MMS Rewards – McMillan Shakespeare with Wink
Restaurant & QSR
Red Rooster’s Red Royalty – Craveable Brands with Tranxactor
pub+ – ALH Hotels
Best Use of Digital Technology
AAMI Driver Rewards – Suncorp
IGA Rewards – Metcash
Club Gyprock – J&C Advertising
Bridgestone Rewards – Bridgestone Tyres with 212F
The Distributors Advantage All Stars –Gratifii
Schnitz: Crumb Collective – Schnitz
Mastercard Travel Rewards –Mastercard with Wink
Shping Rewards Program – Authenticateit Pty Ltd TA SHPING
MCA Rewards – Motor Culture Australia with Sota
The Distributors Advantage All Stars Named Finalists in the 2026 Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards
Best Loyalty Program Launch
Sheike Society – Sheike
Société – Luxury Escapes
Best Loyalty Program Re-Launch
THE ICONIC Front Row – Talon One
MCA Rewards – Motor Culture Australia with Sota
David Jones Rewards – David Jones ALL Accor+ Explorer – Accor Plus
Salvos Stores • Full Circle Rewards –Salvos Stores
My NRMA Rewards – NRMA
Best Use of Multi-Channel Communications
Surf Dive ‘n Ski Tribe Loyalty Program –Boardriders with Totpo & Dotdigital
Adore Rewards: Every Channel, One Loyalty Story – Adore Beauty with Tall Bob
Mitre 10 Club Discount Days – Quantum Jump Telstra Plus EOFY Campaign – Telstra
Best Loyalty Program Short Term Marketing Initiative
Sheike Society – Sheike
Westpac Rewards: ‘Build the Brand’ Campaign – with Mastercard Loyalty & ShopBack
Mitre 10 Club Discount Days – Mitre 10
The Ascott Limited X Chelsea Football Club –Game On, Stay On – Ascott Limited
Best Loyalty Program Long Term Marketing Campaign
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC): Cross-Border Spending Loyalty Program – ICBC with Mastercard
Qantas Frequent Flyer Program Partnership with Adairs Linen Lovers
Z Rewards – Z Energy with Eagle Eye & Ellipsis Flybuys
Best Social (CSR) or Sustainability Initiative
Mastercard Priceless Planet Coalition Power Shout Gifting – Gensis Energy with Simplicity Loyalty
Best of the West’ by Transurban IMO Car Wash
Best Customer Experience (CX)
Telstra Plus Points Discount
IGA Rewards – Metcash
Best Use of Artificial Intelligence
MYER
AAMI Driver Rewards Suncorp with Mastercard
Westpac Rewards: Touchpoints of Trust –The Connected Experience Initiative with Mastercard Loyalty & Shopback
Telstra Plus Product Recommender
Prezzee Magical Moments Everyday Rewards
Photo: 2024 Asia Pacific Loyalty Awards
Hear what Last St Brewery had to say....
We’ve known Russ for years, and watching him dream up his own full-flavour energy drink brand has been nothing short of inspiring (and honestly, a lot of fun). He’s clever, genuine and wildly creative - the kind of person you just want to get behind. So when he told us he was launching Russ Energy, we didn’t hesitate. We’re proud to produce and stock his drinks at Last St because they’re bold, delicious and invented by a legend we’re lucky to call a mate.
Click here to visit Russ Energy page at Last St Brewery.
60 Seconds with
60 Seconds with Russ from Russ Energy
A brief history on yourself –career, family, sports and hobbies: Studied Chemical Engineering and Business. Process Engineer @ Arnotts to Weathertex to full time Junk Food connoisseur. I play guitar, run and enjoy entertaining people.
What do you best like about your work?
I get to eat snacks full time.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Definitely not one of Australia’s leading Snack experts.
Probably a Doctor, which I could have studied but chose Engineering last minute.
What is your favourite drink?
A tie between Russ Energy Original (no bias we chose this flavour as 1990’s Billsons was my #1 ever) and Billson’s Fruit Tangle.
Favourite food?
Pepperoni Pizza with ranch as a dipping sauce.
Favourite restaurant?
The Grain Store Newcastle.
If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be?
James Hetfield, Metallica. Just so I could shred live.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
Staying close to friends and family amongst my chaotic life. Proud to never say “I’m too busy.”
Who would you most like to be sitting next to on a long-haul flight, and why?
Jeff the purple wiggle as he would fall asleep and leave me alone to binge watch a TV series.
Most embarrassing moment?
Posting a video eating a meal, to realise after hundreds of comments I haven’t been holding my fork right my entire life.
A Night to Celebrate –Gala Awards 2025
What a night.
The room looked incredible, the energy was high, and the applause was genuine and loud.
Our annual Gala Night brought together The Distributors Queensland and Northern NSW network to celebrate another outstanding year across every branch.
This evening is always about more than trophies. It is about recognising the people who consistently show up, lift their teams, support their customers and quietly go above and beyond all year long. It is about celebrating performance, resilience and the culture that makes our group what it is.
Member Piece
A Night to Celebrate Gala Awards 2025
Cont.
Here are the standout performers from 2025:
Branch Award Winners
The Distributors Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay
Rep of the Year: Philip Oates
Sales Support: Patrick Breen
True Grit: Patrick Breen
A big congratulations to Philip, and a special mention to Patrick who walked away with two awards on the night. A fantastic result.
Beach and Bush Distributors
Rep of the Year: Donald Winkler
Sales Support: Phil Hendry
True Grit: Jason Stein
A strong showing across the team, with each winner playing an important role in a very successful year.
The Distributors Brisbane
Rep of the Year: Brad Jackson
Sales Support: Brad Jackson
Sales Support: Jodie Wood
True Grit: Jodie Wood
The Distributors Queensland – Cairns
Rep of the Year: Tracey Giuffrida
Sales Support: Samantha Ormiston
True Grit: Clinton Sullivan
Another impressive year for the Cairns team, with strong leadership and consistent performance.
Branch Award Winners cont.
The Distributors Toowoomba
Rep of the Year: Alana Sternberg
Sales Support: Karen McGarrick
True Grit: Alana Sternberg
Alana taking home both Rep of the Year and True Grit is a tremendous achievement and speaks volumes about her impact.
Group Awards – Queensland and Northern NSW
Rep of the Year
Winner: Karen McGarrick
Runner Up: Allan Mullins
To be recognised as Rep of the Year across the entire Queensland and Northern NSW network is a significant accomplishment. Congratulations to Karen on an exceptional year, with Allan pushing hard as Runner Up.
Supporting Suppliers
Winner: Patrick Breen
Runner Up: Tracey Giuffrida
This award recognises those who support the broader network and contribute beyond their immediate role. A great result for both Patrick and Tracey.
Branch of the Year
Winner: Toowoomba
A huge congratulations to the Toowoomba team. Consistency, teamwork and strong leadership have once again delivered outstanding results
Account Manager of the Year
Winner: Marina Cindric
Professional, reliable and always focused on her customers. A very deserving winner.
A Night to Celebrate Gala Awards
2025 Cont.
Standout performers from 2025 cont:
Supplier of the Year Awards
The Distributors Queensland and Northern NSW
Novelties: Australian International Traders
Confectionery: Nestlé
Snack Foods: PepsiCo
Beverage: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
We thank these partners for their continued support, engagement and commitment to our network.
Gala Night is always a highlight of the year. It gives us the chance to pause, reflect and properly acknowledge the effort that goes into building strong branches, strong partnerships and a strong group.
To every winner and finalist, congratulations. To every team member across the network, thank you for another year of hard work and commitment.
Here’s to building on it again in the year ahead.
Member Piece
At the bar with Stewart Roberston from ACW
A brief history on yourself –career, family, sports and hobbies: Brought up in Dandenong, Victoria with 2 elder brothers. I played Aussie Rules for Dandy West football club until I discovered motorbikes, girls, pubs and cars which totally led me astray for a couple of years.
I landed a job as a delivery driver for Dandy Bacon which evolved into a Cash Van Sales position which was amazing as I had no sales experience. After a couple more years I applied for a position as a Sales Representative for Stimorol Australia Pty Ltd a Danish chewing gum manufacturing company, Stimorol took on many agency products Vicks Vapo drops,TicTacs, Scanlens Football / cricket cards, Bubble Yum, Tetley Tea, Billy Tea and coffee.
I was promoted to Qld State Manager in 1984 and made the move to Brisbane in that year.
The Queensland business grew to over 30 people servicing route and grocery.
I was again promoted to Regional Manager taking on South Australia and Western Australia as well.
In 1991 Stimorol decided to pull out of the Australian market having reached a market share in the gum market of 28%. Myself and the then Victorian State Manager started Australian Confectionery Brokers Pty Ltd and kicked off with Mike & Jack and Vicks Throat / Vapo drops in our portfolio. In between this I got married and started a family.
A brief history of the business:
Commenced trading in June 1993 at Textile Ave Warana. Computer system was SOE and I employed my father as bookkeeper, (manual cashbooks). Employees totalled 9 and turnover was a modest 70-80k per week.
In 1999 upgraded to ACR and employed a Bookkeeper (Marilyse).
I purchased Suncity Distributors in 2007 after Metcash purchased Stedmans Wholesale, I felt the business needed a buffer between Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast. As the business grew more space was required and nearby warehouses were leased to fill the gap until December 2018 the business purchased a larger warehouse in Yandina moving in June 2019.
Total employees now total 43 with a turnover of 30+ Million.
How and when did you become a Distributor member:
After commencing business on the Sunshine Coast I had an interview with Peter Jones who was running the then AICW. After much debate, I was accepted as a member, some time after that members took destiny into their own hands and formed a national office, “The Distributors.“
Best event/trip (incentive/reward) attended as a member over the years and why:
Very hard question to answer with so many fantastic trips offered by suppliers. Standouts were China ( Great Wall canape`s) fantastic shows and accommodation.
Greece including the Greek islands, Turkey, on boats for three days off Bodrum on the Aegean Coast but destinations don`t make it special, people make it special and create the memories.
With 33 years of great times and great friends there are a lot of great memories.
At the bar with Stewart Roberston from ACW cont.
What was your journey in becoming business owner?
My wholesaling journey commenced in 1993 after being approached by Rick Lee one of the then owners of Amalgamated Confectionery in Brisbane who was wanting to sell off the Sunshine business he had established to keep competitors at bay. The rest is history.
What do you best like about your work?
Definitely the people, from all sides of the business. Suppliers, associates. business partners and employees. Good people make life enjoyable.
The ability to work with my sons.
What is your favourite drink?
Have been known to have a couple!!
Favourite food?
A good steak
How do you best get away from it all and relax?
Having the fortunate situation of living in both the country side and beachside,
I enjoy the tranquillity of the farm, animals and a beer round the fire at night, and a body surf and walk along the beach when beachside.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
My 2 sons, who have grown up to be fine men.
If you could be someone else for a day who would it be?
Donald Trump, love to know what makes him tick.
Member Piece
2025 Christmas Competition Winners
Thank you to everyone for the fantastic entries we received this year for our annual Christmas Competition. The effort and involvement certainly produced some great displays and got us all feeling the spirit of Christmas.
Featured below are our Winners for the 2025 Christmas Competition –well done TD Cairns & Townsville, Inland Distributors Dubbo and Harcher Perth!
1st place went to – TD Cairns & Townsville ($300 voucher)
2nd place went to – Inland Distributors Dubbo ($150 voucher) 3rd place went to – Harcher Perth ($50 voucher)
1st
TD Cairns & Townsville
Member Piece
Inland Distributors Dubbo
Harcher Perth
Using the Order Template to Manage Overstocks from Mark
Here’s a quick tip of the day to filter for overstocks in your ordering template by clicking the Overstocks button.
It automatically filters for all products with more than 25 weeks cover OR Nil Sales in the past 8 weeks. You can then:
1. Filter for stock value greater than say $2,000 in column DF
2. Click the “Sup Overs” button to hide/unhide important columns – Such as Last Stock receipt date in column AB, Cost and Sell in columns BX & BZ
3. The filtered sheet is formatted to Print landscape on a page without all the buttons for you to perform stock checks in the warehouse.
to Mark Williams
Watch the step by step video created by Mark himself by Clicking here.
Illicit Tobacco Enforcement WA announces toughest penalties
Feb 16th, 2026
The Government of Western Australia announced sweeping reforms to the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 aimed at crushing the illicit tobacco and vape trade, following the largest seizure of illegal products in state history.
Under the proposed changes, individuals caught possessing large commercial quantities of illicit tobacco or vaping products could face fines of up to A$4.2 million ($3 million) and 15 years’ imprisonment, while companies could be fined up to A$21 million ($14.9 million) — the toughest penalties in Australia. The laws, to be introduced to Parliament on Feb. 17, would also allow store closures of up to 90 days during investigations.
Premier Roger Cook described the illegal trade as a “scourge on our society,” blaming organized crime for fueling violence including firebombings and shootings targeting smoke shops across Perth.
Police Minister Reece Whitby said authorities have seized 1.26 million illicit cigarettes, 467 kg of tobacco, nearly 17,000 illegal vapes and A$770,000 ($547,000) in cash in the
last year, ($1.2 million) across WA Minister Health would to swiftly retailers, legislation address potential linked to
‘This increasing Here’s follow illegal National
in Australia
Feb 6th, 2026
Aussies Stop $700m in illegal Nicotine Products at Boarder in Q2
year, with a further A$1.7 million million) in parcels intercepted WA and Victoria. Health Meredith Hammat said WA would work alongside police swiftly shut down non-compliant retailers, with a second tranche of legislation later this year expected to further measures, including potential eviction powers for landlords to illicit trade activity.
‘This action will hopefully start to contribute to increasing Ranch sales in WA. Here’s to hoping other states follow this tough line against illegal tobacco sooner than later.’
Chris Ashcroft National Account Manager
Australian authorities intercepted illicit tobacco and vaping products representing an estimated AUD 1 billion ($700 million) in evaded duties during the second quarter of the 2025–26 financial year, according to the Australian Border Force (ABF). The agency seized more than 467 tons of illegal cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco through intensified offshore and domestic enforcement operations, alongside growing vape-related detections. Major seizures included 14.4 million cigarettes from China, 2.5 tons of molasses tobacco concealed in cargo, 52,800 vapes hidden in a shipment from Kuala Lumpur, and 5.4 million cigarettes in a falsely declared container from Poland.
Payday Super
What does it mean?
Payday Super is a mandatory change effective 1 July 2026, requiring employers to pay employee superannuation contributions at the same time as salary and wages, rather than quarterly.
Super must reach employee funds within seven business days of each payday. This shift aims to reduce unpaid super, requiring more frequent, precise calculations and faster, consistent cash flow management for businesses.
How to Prepare
Upgrade Payroll Systems: Ensure your software can automate payments for each pay run.
Verify Data: Regularly audit employee super fund details to ensure accurate, timely payments.
Review Processes: Plan for increased administrative workload and update cash flow projections to accommodate more frequent, smaller payments.
Payday Super is now Law
Key Implications for Your Business
Operational Shift:
Payroll cycles will need to align with super payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly), changing from quarterly to more regular, smaller payments.
Cash Flow Management:
You will need to manage cash flow more closely, as super liabilities will become payable much sooner after earnings are generated.
Compliance & Penalties:
Failure to pay on time (within 7 business days) will incur strict Super Guarantee Charge (SGC) penalties, including interest and administration fees.
Administrative Changes:
The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will close. You will likely need to update your payroll software to handle more frequent reporting and payments.
Employee Visibility:
Employees will track their super closer to their payday, which reduces disputes and increases transparency.
Increase orders and save time with this Widget
Barcode Template is NOW AVAILABLE! Wayne Henderson from Universal Candy called it a GAME CHANGER ........
Introducing Barcode Labels for Trade Shows, Retailer or Wholesaler Shelving or a Specific Barcode Catalogue.
Try this Feature in Widget World
“Use your existing MyBrandz log-in to get access to these features. If you have forgotten your log-in Contact the MyBrandz Team.”
With many tradeshows on the horizon, watch the video below to see how Widget World can save you loads of time and increase orders.
Want to know more?
Click here to watch the video and see what you have full access to.
NOW AVAILABLE
E-NEWS FLYERS IN WIDGET WORLD
Great news for all Wholesaler Users:
E ective immediately, all E-News Flyers are now available directly within Widget World.
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving system e ciency, we have centralised the location of key marketing assets.
How to Access Them:
To help you navigate this, we have prepared a comprehensive training video. This includes a visual guide and a step-by-step tutorial that demonstrates exactly where to nd the new yers and how to apply it in your design.
Try It in Widget World
“Use your existing MyBrandz Log-in to get access to Widget World. If you have forgotten your log-in, or any other difficulties, Contact the MyBrandz Team.”
ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR 2026
Business Snapshot from Scott Ensor
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
Top Line revenue for the group MAT to the end of January was up +5% over January LY, with growth in NSW/ACT and QLD up +6%, and WA up 5%.
Quote:
“The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.”
Credit: Jack Handey
By category, growth in Biscuits was up +14%, Beverages up +10%, and Confectionery up +6%. Six of our Top 10 Suppliers by revenue were in growth with Suntory up +18% and Red Bull up +12%.
All of the Top 10 Accounts by revenue were in positive growth for the period versus the same period last year, and 6 of them were in double digit growth. Compass Group and NSG led the way up +17% and Metro Petroleum was up +16%.
The Distributors Group Sales
The Distributors Category Sales
Category Results
TD State Results
The Distributors State Results
Business Snapshot cont. from Scott Ensor Business Update
