Metcash Food Expo 2023

July 16th – 18th saw thousands of retailers, suppliers, industry stakeholders, Metcash team members and staff from around Australia converge on the Gold Coast in Queensland to attend the Metcash Food Expo with this year’s theme being ‘Proudly Independent’.

Taking up the entire Gold Coast Convention Centre, the Metcash Expo team are to be congratulated on an extremely well run and smooth logistical challenge. This involved approx. 400 suppliers with a wide variety of grocery, fresh produce, delicatessen foods such as small goods and cheeses, bakery, and dairy items all took part to share their insights and products with retailers, including refrigeration, ovens, steamers and other equipment and service providers together for the three day event.

This event is a rich opportunity for retailers and suppliers of goods and services to meet and discuss their businesses and learn about the many new innovations and future consumer trends vital to strengthening retailer’s relevance with customers.

Also, it is a very important opportunity for retailers to meet with the many technology companies that are continuously developing new and more efficient means to engage with their customers. The latest point of sale systems, Cyber security, staff engagement and consumer engagement technologies were all present. Cutting edge tech company GPK, a supplier of outstanding tech support services to the supermarket industry, has leveraged the latest Artificial Intelligence capability to create face and product scanning recognition, as well as, full inter-store equipment connectivity, to create accurate time-saving efficiencies and to better manage the store.

Suppliers are to be congratulated for their commitment and investment into this event and for driving the growth of their businesses through the independent supermarket sector.

Much information was shared, many opportunities to do business created and the continued strong support of the independent sector demonstrated.

MGA’s stand was attended by:

• David Inall, CEO MGA Independent Retailers,

• Martin Stirling, Head of Legal

• Jenny Nguyen, Employment Lawyer

• George Kovits, National President Liquor

• Mark Paladino, Business Development

Joining MGA were Corporate Partner representatives Lee Surace - First Super, Michael Hellis – AustBrokers Country Wide & Anthony Di Fiore – Adroit Insurance & Risk, providing valuable assistance to members visiting the stand.