By Andy Young
ILG celebrated its 40 anniversary this week and also announced increased sales and a record profit.
Speaking at the ILG celebrations at the Dockside Pavilion in Darling Harbour, CEO Allen De Costa said that overall sales were up $83 million to $322m on last year. Profits reached $3m, which surpasses all previous ILG records.
De Costa also announced a "change of guard" for the ILG board, with the retirement of David Logozzo from Kemps Creek Liquor Master and the resignation of Colin Waller from The Heads Hotel Shoalhaven. Joining the board this year is Michael Thomas from Teralba Bottle Shop.
In his report to the members, Mr De Costa said, the continuing rise in bannered members now represents 82 per cent of ILG’s total business reinforcing the co-operative’s commitment to support and strengthen the independent sector of the Liquor Industry. He added, “ILG welcomed a number of prominent hotel groups both in NSW and QLD to its growing family; quite a significant impact for the Brisbane warehouse that necessitated additional warehouse space and extended trading hours to ensure we maintained the same service levels. These newly formed partnerships only reaffirm ILG’s position as the ‘obvious choice’ for wholesaling and liquor marketing."
ILG also confirmed that it is expanding its footprint in Far North Queensland, with the purchase of a warehouse in Townsville. The new facility will be used to service the area from Rockhampton to the north of Cairns including the islands to the east and townships to the West.
De Costa also set out bold plans for the future, targeting sales of $400m within the next 2-3 years, an increase of ILG’s Tier One Banner Advertising Members as well as improving Banner compliance and execution and also continuing to provide a low cost and efficient route to market to satisfy their Supplier shareholder members.
As a recent (18 months) ILG QLD member i cannot speak more highly of the team in QLD.
We have had excellent service, very few stockouts and most importantly we have shown higher margins due to the change to ILG.
Dale Ledger the QLD state manager has gone above and beyond to make our change over from another wholesaler easy and profitable.
I highly recommend them also on the basis of their fiercely independent stance and support of the success of independent liquor retailers.