(L_R) Paul Harker, Woolworths director Fresh Foods, Claire Peters, Woolworths Supermarkets MD, Matt Jazayeri, Danone, Zoran Opsenica, Danone, Blanca Ca
rbonell, Danone, Peter McNamara, Woolworths director of Longlife
Global food and beverage company Danone was the big winner at Woolworths’ annual Supplier of the Year Awards, held in Sydney on Tuesday night.
The food company was awarded the Overall Supplier of the Year Award, and also took home awards for Chilled, Bakery & Deli.
Woolworths Supermarkets managing director Claire Peters praised Danone for driving above-market growth in a competitive environment.
“We are impressed by Danone’s customer and category focused approach, which has seen them partner with us to launch exclusive products that are helping bring new customers into the category,” Peters said.
She acknowledged the company’s “continued product innovation and deep understanding of the changing needs of our mutual customers” as key to its success.
Siggi’s Yoghurt and Darrell Lea’s block chocolate took Product of the Year awards, while P&G were named Large Supply Partner of the Year.
BioPak took the Sustainability Supplier of the Year award for its design of Woolworths’ compostable bakery trays which the retailer said has helped remove 505 tonnes of plastic packaging in the past 12 months.
The trays are made with sugarcane fibre and are certified home compostable and recyclable. BioPak also supplies sugarcane pulp trays to some of Woolworths’ fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers.
“Our customers quite rightly want us to reduce plastics in our stores and expect us to be looking for alternative packaging to deliver this,” Peters said.
The Longlife Supplier of the Year award went to Boundary Bend, producers of premium Australian extra virgin olive oil brands Cobram Estate and Red Island, which faced a number issues including crop damage and subsequent low yields but managed to deliver increased growth and market share.
Meat wholesaler Frewstal was awarded Protein Supplier of the Year, and Mackays Banana Marketing Co was awarded Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Supplier of the Year.
Peters thanked suppliers for their contribution to the supermarket giant and said these strong collaborative partnerships “are critical” in meeting the needs of customers.
