JB Metro 2014—2015 Awards Presentation Night - Convenience & Impulse Retailing

On Friday 4 September the JB Metro held it’s 2014—2015 Awards Presentation Night at The Terrace Room L’Aqua in Cockle Bay Wharf. Upon arrival guests were treated to Espresso Martinis with a healthy twist – H2Coco’s Cocoespresso water was a genius update of an already trending cocktail. Given coconut water’s hydrating qualities, it just might be possible that the combination helped prevent hangovers before they had even set in. One thing is for sure – Cocoespresso Martini’s go plenty well with a view across Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

First drinks down, guests were seated and served entrees – both the gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream and the risotto with prawns were hit and kept everyone happily occupied before the first awards were presented to Suppliers. Given the company’s extensive number of contracts with Australia’s leading suppliers, it’s not surprising it was a night of fierce competition. Trophies were awarded across several categories to both individuals and brands.

To kick-start the presentations though, Bruce Spiteri, Owner of JB Metro, presented to Adrian Shipway and Irene Power with awards for their outstanding service over the last 25 years. The support that JB Metro provides their staff makes it easy to understand why their team are so loyal, something that is also reflected in the relationship between JB Metro and their suppliers.

25 Years of Service! Adrian Shipway and Irene Power were recognised for their amazing commitment to JB Metro. — 25 Years of Service! Adrian Shipway and Irene Power, with JB Metro Owner, Bruce Spiteri, were recognised for their amazing commitment to JB Metro.

Natasha Poyner from Bundaberg Brewed Drinks won Account Manager of The Year. Natasha was widely praised by everyone at the presentation. — Natasha Poyner from Bundaberg Brewed Drinks won Account Manager of The Year. Ms Poyner was praised by Mr Spiteri and JB Metro General Manager, Steve Hochbaum, for her excellent work as Bundaberg’s Account Manager.

Red Bull took out the Beverage Supplier of the Year Award in the $500k and over segment.

While H2Coco, who had already won accolades for their Cocoespresso Martinis, was award Beverage Supplier Of The Year for the $500k and under segment. — While H2Coco, who had already won accolades for their Cocoespresso Martinis, was awarded Beverage Supplier Of The Year for the $500k and under segment.

Nestlé won Confectionery Supplier of the Year for the $3M and over segment. They also won hearts with their Allen's lolly bar. — Nestlé won Confectionery Supplier of the Year for the $3M and over segment. They also won hearts with their Allen’s lolly bar.

Confectionery Supplier Of The Year Under $3M went to the chocolate icon, Ferrero.

JC Sales Management, supplier for Johnson & Johnson and many other grocery giants, was awarded Grocery Supplier Of The Year for the Over $500k segment, — JC Sales Management, supplier for Johnson & Johnson and many other grocery giants, was awarded Grocery Supplier Of The Year for the Over $500k segment.

Grocery Supplier Of The Year Under $500k was awarded to Procter & Gamble, supplier of many of Australia's favourite Beauty, Grooming and Well-Being products. — Grocery Supplier Of The Year Under $500k was awarded to Procter & Gamble, supplier of many of Australia’s favourite Beauty, Grooming and Well-Being products.

Park Avenue Foods, supplier of products licensed by the likes of Disney, took out Novelty Supplier Of The Year.

Grand Supplier of the Year

With wine and cocktails flowing freely, and the early winners now cradling their trophies as well as their drinks, mains were served. Whether they received chicken or lamb, everyone was a winner when it came to their meals – thankfully the announcement of more awards allowed us all to make room for desert!

Neil Brooks was 2nd Runner Up in the Sales Rep Of The Year showdown, — Neil Brooks was 2nd Runner Up in the Sales Rep Of The Year showdown.

Jeff Spiteri came 1st Runner Up Sales Rep Of The Year.

And the Sales Rep Of The Year went to May Saad. Ms Saad's enthusiastic reaction to winning the award after 10 years with the company had the entire room in stitches, especially her coworkers. It's this kind of enthusiasm from the JB Metro team that make the company such a success. — And the Sales Rep Of The Year went to May Saad. Ms Saad’s enthusiastic reaction to winning the award after 10 years with the company had the entire room in stitches, especially her coworkers. It’s this kind of enthusiasm from the JB Metro team that make the company such a success.

All of the awards done, it was time again for conversation and drinks. . Desert was served, but not before some cheeky guests had availed themselves of the Allen’s lolly bar.

Safa de Valois, Publisher C&I Media, and Ben Schofield, National Business Manager Superior Sales Force, enjoying the Allen’s lolly bar.

For those who didn’t take home a trophy there was plenty of fun to be had with delicious food, lively conversation and dance floor for those who dared. After all, events like these aren’t just about winning awards, they’re about showcasing the industry’s vibrancy and the competitive, but warm friendships between colleagues. When all was said and done, the night had showcased just how valuable the relationships between distributors and brands can be. With attitudes like those on show at JB Metro Distributors’ 2014—2015 Awards Presentation Night dominating the industry, it’s hard not to see a bright future for the FMCG business.

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