The Independent Liquor Group (ILG) is strengthening its position in the Victorian market by rolling out its Super Cellars, Clubmart and Pubmart banners.
It was this time last year that ILG entered Victoria with its pilot retail store launched under The Liquor Co-op flagship, servicing the Bacchus Marsh local community. The strategy for this site was that it would be large enough to also act as a warehouse facility to ultimately offer wholesale services to hotels, bars, clubs and liquor retail in Victoria.
Paul Esposito, CEO of ILG, told TheShout that the Liquor Co-op has generated a great deal of interest and as such, ILG is well ahead of their targets with the Victorian strategy.
“In less than 12 months, we welcome Matt and Michelle Slade, our first bannered member from Super Cellars Wodonga. We are overwhelmed with interest from other independent operators for ILG to likewise bring its wholesale proficiency into Victoria.
“Joining the ILG banner roll out in Victoria will be Clubmart and Pubmart. These established brands in liquor retail will extend the flexibility to satisfy liquor stores, hotels, pubs and clubs wanting to belong to Australia’s largest liquor co-operative.”
ILG, which already has more than 800 retail stores and hotels operating within the co-operative banner groups across New South Wales, ACT and Queensland, has a target of 20 to 30 Super Cellars stores to be operating in Victoria in the next 12 months.
ILG is already a major player in the wholesale and distribution of wines, beers and spirits across NSW, ACT and QLD.
Membership to the co-operative allows the return of surplus to members in the form of subsidised wholesale prices and patronage rebates. Member shareholders automatically become part owner of two of its wide range wholesale distribution centres located in Erskine Park NSW and Mount John North QLD.
Speaking at the recent AGM, Esposito said that ILG’s net assets stood at $19.2 million. Sales revenue had grown by five per cent and member’s benefits were up 2.7 per cent. ILG membership grew by 12 per cent and total member benefits paid came to just under $11 million.
“With 44 years of wholesaling experience and operating from three distribution depots, ILG is well positioned for national expansion. ILG is now ready to take its unique imprint to the next level of growth,” he said.
ILG has appointed Wayne Taylor as a dedicated Business Development Executive (BDE) for the South East Region, to instigate the development in the region.
“We are extremely driven with our Victorian blueprint and well ahead of what we had intended given the interest generated from the Liquor Co-op in Bacchus Marsh. The co-operative structure remains our point of difference and it’s what sets us apart from our competitors. We represent a collection of independent family businesses working together for their longevity in this competitive market and industry. The sense of belongingness is the force behind the continued success of the ILG Family.
“Why take the journey on your own when you can belong and share the voyage with likeminded operators working collectively to future proof their commercial aspirations. Change is good,” said Esposito.
For more information you can reach out to Pat Kenny on p.kenny@ilg.com.au or 0409 308 341 or Wayne Taylor on w.taylor@ilg.com.au or 0427 846 902.