The Distributors – Celebrating 45 Years in 2026

The Distributors, a cooperative of independent, local P&C focused transport and logistics companies, came together on the Gold Coast this week for the National Conference, where distributors were joined by product and service suppliers, key retailers and industry experts to learn, focus, plan and celebrate.

The pandemic bought the role of all supply chain participants into sharp relief for many Australian consumers, however in petrol and convenience, where deep product offerings are combined with ever evolving new product lines and local delivery pressures, the importance of the ‘into store’ element of the supply chain has never been far from operators minds. This often hidden (at least from the customer) element of the supply chain is absolutely vital to the success of independent P&C operators.

Just as the distribution chains were recovering the cost of living crunch, and the resultant changes to consumer purchase patterns, has once again been a challenge to supply chain planning, from in country product manufacturing all the way to the retail shelf, a challenge that has been compounded by the fuel crisis.

The Distributors have proven themselves over and again to be more than a supplier to be a partner in success, delivering the local, customised and exceptional service that retailers demand.

This core commitment to service is a fundamental tenent of The Distributors as a group, a commitment that was woven throughout the conference.

“Retailer, Supplier and Distributors need to work together to focus on having the right product in the right location at the right time at the right price, so that our consumers continue to shop, support and seek local” says George Tsapoutas, CEO of The Distributors.

“We are in the business of connecting. We connect suppliers with retailers, retailers with products, products with consumers, consumers with brands, and brands with retailers and consumers – and if only for a moment, we connect people with their needs and fun. We deliver meaningful connections when we focus on service”.

“For us as Distributors, it is all about SERVICE! We are known for our service and we have to ensure that we continue to focus and deliver that exceptional service every day for our customers. This is critical to our long term success. This is our focus throughout all the world throws at us, from changing economic headwinds to the pressures of international conflict”, continued George.

This message was heard loud and clear by the cooperative members in the Member Only Session on Day 1, where Mr Tsapoutas provided members with an update on the results of the previous year and the projects planned for the coming year.

Members received a confidential update on internal delivery platforms as well as several insights presentations on key channel performance and technology developments, with presentations from;

Mark Breust, Head of Commercial, The Distributors
Michelle Terblanche, National Sales Manager, The Distributors
William Lombard, Finance Manager, The Distributors
Kumar Konduru, IT Manager, The Distributors
Mark Williams, Operations Manager, The Distributors
Jamie Sullivan, Director, Australian Independent Distributors Alliance
Karen Campbell, Founder, My Brandz Software
Neville Kripp, Managing Director, Inzant,

as well as an employment compliance deep dive into the operation of the Road Transport Contractual Chain Order by ACAPMAs Elisha Radwanowski.

Held in the stunning environs of the JW Mariott on the Gold Coast, Day 1 continued with the broader supplier and partner delegates joining for some learning and networking, guided by Master of Ceremonies Greg Ward.

After a networking lunch delegates were provided with a behind the scenes look at the Fuel Crisis and its impact from ACAPMAs CEO Rowan Lee.

After a full day learning delegates kicked back for a relaxed (if somewhat rain altered) dinner at the poolside Welcome Function presented by Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International and Nestle Australia .

Day 2 proper kicked off for everyone else when the suppliers, distributors, retailers and experts came together for a detailed presentation form from Theo Foukkare, CEO, AACS on the state of the industry before the commencement of the “speedating” style Pitch Deck Sessions. These deep, focused networking sessions seeing suppliers sitting down together explore offerings in a tight 20 minutes per meeting.

After an intense but productive day of “speed-dating” meetings the delegates were treated to a truly energising presentation on the importance of procedures in business from fighter pilot, author of ‘The Sky Is Not The Limit’ and Red Bull stunt flyer Matt Hall. Mats messages were myriad and resonated in the room including that most people think Event = Result, when in reality Event + Response (lesson, action, attitude) = Result. What you learn from a “crash”, how you RESPOND matters more than the crash itself. Procedures are everything. Good procedures are key to success, but only if you follow them. Matt asked the room to;

Dream big but don’t put a timeline on it – timelines are for defined goals but they can be the death of a dream

Surround yourself with people who’s response to your dream is not “that’s silly” but instead is “thats awesome, what can I do to help”

Each day plan ‘What I will do’ and more importantly ‘What I will not do’ tomorrow

Go to bed with ‘I cant wait for tomorrow’ energy.

The delegates then headed to Miami Marketta to show their true colours at the PepsiCo Smiths Game On State of Origin. Fuelled by State-pride, fabulous food and the energy of the Band delegates settled down to watch what turned out to be a great game.

Day 3 at The Distributors annual conference saw the continuation of the intense (but invaluable) “speed-dating” sessions between members and suppliers after a keynote presentation from Dominique Lamb, former QLD Small Business Commissioner and current Director of Community Affairs for Brisbane 2032 Olympic Committee.

The day wrapped with a series of physical and photography challenges with the CELSIUS Fit and Fun competition that saw one lucky member take home a new PS5.

With the meetings, learnings and some silly fun done for the day delegates cracked out the black ties to celebrate 45 years of The Distributors in general and to award the Excellence Awards to specific suppliers, reps, new product and the ever important DIFOT winners.

As a special treat for delegates, @carolyn creswell Carolyn Creswell OAM, Founder and Managing Director, Carmen’s Australian Kitchen, delivered a keynote over dinner. Carolyn generously shared her 3 Key Resets in business and at home;
1. Let them fail – you cant solve everyone’s problems
2. Speak up – don’t avoid difficult conversations
3. What’s actually important now? – and what should you NOT be doing