The Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) have once again showcased the very best in Australia’s retail liquor industry at an event held at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.
More than 600 people from across the industry gathered to see over 60 awards presented to the people, brands, venues and operators from across the beer, wine and spirits categories, and on- and off-premise sectors.
This year saw the addition of two new retail categories: Best Retail Manager, to recognise the hard work, dedication, and passion of liquor store owners and operators, and Best Online Liquor Retailer, to celebrate the growing impact of digital platforms in the industry and their role in shaping the future of liquor retail.
The inaugural Best Liquor Retail Manager award was won by Imogen Murphy from Thirstville in Marrickville, NSW. Having worked in liquor retail for many years, Murphy took the plunge in opening her own store only a year ago, and so was both overwhelmed and delighted to have been recognised as Australia’s Best Retail Manager in the industry that she loves so much.
“I am absolutely obsessed with the career that I have chosen and find that I am constantly satisfied with the work I put into it, but to gain the acknowledgement from my peers in the industry was unexpected but also so rewarding. I feel reassured in myself and that I can be proud of my efforts,” she said.
“I believe all the finalists obviously gained our recognition because we love what we do, and I would love to say what sets me apart is I’m constantly happy and giving 110 per cent all the time, but that just isn’t true. I think the fact I am comfortable to be transparent and acknowledge that I haven’t finished learning, and never will, allows me to continue to work within the industry with infectious excitement.”
The second new award for the evening, Best Online Liquor Retailer, was won by Dan Murphy’s. Dan Murphy’s has earned its reputation as Australia’s leading online liquor store through its innovative Marketplace platform, which supports small suppliers by providing them with significant exposure to millions of potential customers.
The platform’s dropshipping model allows suppliers to manage their products and logistics independently, while benefiting from the credibility and wide reach of the Dan Murphy’s brand. Additionally, the Marketplace offers a seamless user experience, from easy onboarding to prompt payments, and provides small businesses with valuable growth opportunities, such as the potential for in-store placement based on strong online sales performance.
Agi Pfeiffer-Smith – Managing Director, Dan Murphy’s, told National Liquor News that they were thrilled to be recognised as Best Online Liquor Retailer this year.
“At Dan Murphy’s, we place a strong emphasis on understanding our customers and adapting to their evolving shopping preferences. Through our innovative digital platforms, we provide personalised experiences that cater to individual tastes and preferences. Our MyDan’s program, with its 5.4 million active users, allows us to tailor recommendations and offers, ensuring each customer enjoys a unique and engaging experience.
“We have invested in our digital shopping experiences, creating a very intuitive environment for our customers. Both our website and Dan Murphy’s Marketplace – an extension of danmurphys.com.au – not only offers a vast selection of products but also incorporates features that make browsing and purchasing as seamless as possible. By leveraging data and feedback, we continuously refine our services to meet the expectations of our tech-savvy customers.
“And of course, personalisation is at the heart of our strategy. Whether through customised promotions, tailored product suggestions, or exclusive online content, we’re committed to creating a shopping journey that resonates with each customer’s individual lifestyle and preferences. Our ability to combine the convenience of digital shopping with the personalised touch of in-store service sets us apart.
“As we head into the festive season, our customers will see our online platforms shine. Offering an unmatched digital experience, customers will have access to everything they need for hosting and toasting in one place, enjoying the ease of browsing and buying from a carefully curated range of products.”
The Best Retail Store category was won by Wilberforce Cellars in NSW. It was a great night for the Wilberforce Cellars team, with Store Manager Georgia Monaghan also being Highly Commended in the Best Retail Store Manager category.
Monaghan said: “It is such a surreal feeling just to be nominated, let alone claim the Highly Commended title. To be recognised by peers, industry leaders, and colleagues is an affirmation that the effort I’ve put in, along with the support of my team, is truly making a difference.
“While the recognition is very personal, I also see it as a reflection of the work we’ve all done together as a team. I’ve always believed in empowering my team members, encouraging them to develop their strengths, and supporting them in reaching their goals. Being recognised means they’ve contributed just as much to the success and growth of the business as I have. All in all, it feels incredibly rewarding to be recognised for the hard work and dedication that goes into leading a retail operation, and it only fuels my passion to do even better in the future.”
In a rare occurrence for ALIA, this year the Best Retail Group category was a tie with both Red Bottle and Liquor Barons sharing the accolade.
Andrew Mckay from Red Bottle was there on the night to accept the award and told National Liquor News that it was a great privilege to be recognised in such a category.
“As a group, it means a huge amount to our entire team to win this award, as it’s recognition by the industry that we are delivering on our mission to lift the standard of good independent liquor retail and to deliver a great retail experience for our customers and opportunities to our valued suppliers,” he said.
“As a family business, built on solid retail experience, we also aim to have fun along the way, which I feel we manage to achieve.”
Scott Towers, Director of Red Bottle, also had these words to say: “We are extremely happy and proud to be named Best Retail Group. It’s always good when recognition comes from your peers. Obviously it’s a team effort and we have a great team of managers who put in a lot of hard work, and this award validates what we do and how we do it.”
Meanwhile, it was a great night for the Liquor Barons team, who turned out in force on the night, with the entire 14-member team flying over from Perth to partake in the celebrations.
As well as being crowned Best Retail Liquor Group, Liquor Barons was also nominated in a few other categories, with Liquor Barons Duncraig being Highly Commended in the Best Liquor Store category, and Basil Giglia from Liquor Barons Carlisle, being a nominee in the Best Retail Manager category.
Liquor Barons General Manager, Chris O’Brien, said it was an honour to accept the Best Retail Liquor Group award on behalf of the Liquor Barons co-operative.
“It’s a proud moment for the ‘little’ banner group from WA. We were up against all the large national chains, and we’ve comprehensively beaten them again. This is a huge achievement for our cooperative of family-owned Western Australian businesses,” he said.
“This award reflects the strength the Liquor Barons group has in this current market. Our promotional program is the sharpest it’s ever been, our strong consumer brand continues to lead the West Australian market, and most importantly we are continuing to drive profitability year on year for our store owners.
“With this being our fifth win in 11 years, it’s proof that independent liquor retailing, and the way the Liquor Barons Cooperative is operating, is the ticket to success.”
Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners of the 2024 ALIA awards. And stay tuned for the December issue of National Liquor News for more comprehensive coverage of the awards.