Banner Groups
Reign of the independents Some of the country’s biggest banner groups discuss their thoughts on the current state of the Australian off-premise industry and how they have carved out strategies of success.
Despite a couple of years of pandemic uncertainty, Australia’s off-premise industry is an incredibly vibrant one at the moment. With on-premise venues forced to close and many changing restrictions on the lives of consumers, the liquor retail sector was where many people turned to, developing shopping habits that remain influential even as things return more to normal. Independent retailers often saw great results from these changes in habits, as consumers embraced local and small businesses like never before. And from that, they’ve learned the value of these retailers and continue to show their support. This has meant great things for Australia’s independent banner group networks, who are helping keep countless independent retailers competitive and make the most of their businesses. These banner groups aren’t resting on their laurels either – they’re continuing to push for the best for their members and contributing to that vibrant off-premise industry that consumers are enjoying. In these pages, we caught up with the people behind some of the country’s leading banner groups – Thirsty Camel VIC, Liquor Marketing Group (LMG), Independent Liquor Group (ILG), Independent Liquor Retailers (ILR), Liquor Legends, Independent Brands Australia (IBA) and Liquor Barons – to find out how they’re performing, what they’re working on, and what plans they have for this year and beyond. 42 | National Liquor News
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