[ convenience & impulse retailing ]
NZACS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE Dave Hooker, Executive Director, New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores (NZACS), provides an update on what the association has been up to throughout 2021.
“AT THIS STAGE WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A LEVEL 1 CHRISTMAS AND A BUSY SUMMER FOR ALL MEMBERS.”
Dave Hooker, Executive Director, NZACS
We came into 2021 with strong membership renewal and a full program of planned events. We were able to complete our annual fundraising golf tournament followed by two very successful State of the Industry breakfasts in Auckland and Christchurch. More recently, COVID concerns over the Tasman and here in New Zealand have forced the postponement of the bi-annual C&I Expo, which is now scheduled for April next year. There has also been a delay to the annual awards night and Peter Jowett scholarship. Next year looks to be busy for the association with the Auckland Expo supported by the Leaders’ Summit on the mornings prior to opening. We are also engaging with external providers to host a retail simulation workshop for interested members
as part of our commitment to retail education. I recently reviewed our annual financial results, which are back in the black after several tough years. I am also very pleased with the appointment of Joanna Graham from bp and Louise Mitchell from NPD to our management committee, which significantly strengthens our retail bench. While we have been constrained on the events front, we have continued to work with and be involved with government on the latest COVID response committee, providing information required by our channel on operations under various lockdown levels. We were also contacted by the Commerce Commission to provide input into their inquiry around the supermarket business in New Zealand. We intend to maintain a watching brief in this space as the outcome may impact our channel either positively or negatively. NZACS made a comprehensive submission around the Smokefree Aotearoa proposals as they once again represent significant risks and opportunities to our members. We are very appreciative of our retailers and manufacturers over these difficult months and have tried to repay them by providing guidance and support with retail under the various COVID lockdown levels. At this stage we are looking forward to a Level 1 Christmas and a busy summer for all members.
In this issue… We hear from former Peter Jowett winner Rachel Williams, and we explore the evolution of NPD’s Refresh Café offer. Cartel Food Co tells us about its latest product launches, and we chat with Andrew Poore about his new role at Pacific Optics Australia.
PETROL AND CONVENIENCE NEWS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY 44
FMCG BUSINESS - OCTOBER 2021