By Amelia Ball
Discussions from liquor suppliers and comprehensive brainstorming sessions added to the excitement that surrounded the inaugural Little Bottler conference, which wrapped up on the Gold Coast yesterday (June 2).
Almost 150 Little Bottler operators and supplier partners gathered at the RACV Royal Pines Resort to discuss the new brand, while also incorporating networking dinners and a morning on the renowned golf course.
Launched last year, Little Bottler has replaced the Independent Liquor Group’s (ILG) former banners, with 145 venues already completed and many more underway.
ILG CEO Doug Evans took the opportunity to reinforce the co-operative’s commitment to working closely with both members and suppliers to grow, strengthen and drive the brand, with a solid vision and plan in place.
With newly elected ILG chairman Neville Blair on board and the strategic repositioning successfully rolling out, members were excited to gather during this launch phase and work with conference facilitator Bianca Slatter from Raw Innovation to generate new ideas.
Representatives from Diageo, Brown-Forman, Lion Nathan, Constellation Wines, Pernod Ricard Australia and Foster’s Group updated the delegates about their brands and the state of the market, and new CUB managing director Alex Stevens was also on-hand to meet members.
It cemented a strong launch period for the brand and provided further direction and inspiration for those members on the ground.