Hygiene brand Reckitt Benckiser has been named Woolworths’ Supplier of the Year at its annual awards ceremony held in Sydney.
Reckitt Hygiene was awarded Overall Supplier of the Year for its sustained effort to meet increased consumer demand for hygiene products and its ongoing support for Australian communities through a number of purpose-led initiatives.
Paul Harker, Chief Commercial Officer at Woolworths, said over the past three years, the joint business plan they developed with the Reckitt Hygiene team has highlighted their commitment to driving growth and innovation across the hygiene category, while keeping up with high levels of demand to ensure supply made it to shelves as quickly as possible.
“Many of our partners faced increased demand, and challenges in meeting it over recent years, however Reckitt Hygiene not only rose to the challenge but did so without taking their foot off the pedal on innovation, new product development and community engagement. We’re proud to have partnered with them on their Glen 20 Meals on Wheels initiative again this year.”
Cobram Estate Olives was awarded the Better Tomorrow Award, formerly the Sustainability Award, for its work on sustainable agriculture and production of its extra virgin olive oil.
“Cobram Estate is a shining beacon for the level of sustainable transformation that’s already possible today. It is role modelling the path to greener land management, agriculture, and production. Customers are counting on brands to make the products they buy better for the planet and our collective future, and we’re thrilled to see this well-loved Australian company walking the walk.”
The Small Supplier of the Year Award was taken home by Lello, Melbourne artisan pasta maker, which grew their wholesale business after their Italian restaurant was forced to close during the Covid lockdowns.
“We’re proud to be championing the businesses who make it possible for us to provide quality food and everyday needs to hundreds of communities across the country.
“While this year has continued to deliver challenges for our industry, the collaboration and partnership of our suppliers has made us better together.”
Below is the full list of winners from Woolworths’ Supplier Awards:
- Overall Supplier of the Year: Reckitt Hygiene
- Better Tomorrow Award: Cobram Estate Olives Ltd
- Woolworths Category Manager of the Year: Danielle Clarke
- Account Manager of the Year: Tom Kippenberger (Reckitt Benckiser)
- New Product Launch of the Year: Simply Potato & Corn Chips, Pepsico
- Meat/Seafood Supplier of the Year: British Sausage Company
- Fruit & Veg Supplier of the Year: Perfection Fresh
- Chilled & Bakery Supplier of the Year: GWF (Tip Top)
- Small Supplier of the Year: Lello
- Everyday Needs Supplier of the Year: Reckitt Benckiser (Hygiene)
- Grocery Food Supplier of the Year: Mutti
- Merchandising Team of the Year: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- Metro Supplier of the Year: Elato
- Community Champion Supplier of the Year: Humpty Doo
- Cartology Campaign of the Year: Wonder Recycling Rewards (Goodman Fielder)
- Woolworths Food Company Supplier of the Year: Northern Meat & Poultry Supplies (NMPS)
- Logistics Partner of the Year: Sanitarium
- Integrated Supply Partner of the Year: Caroline Manuel – Patties
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