Independent Liquor Group (ILG) has marked its 50th anniversary year with solid financial results, continued national growth and the election of new directors to its Board.
At the Group’s Annual General Meeting, members elected Tracy Hatch (Wellshot Hotel), Ripple Parekh (Parekh Retail), Robert McGhee (Hillside Hotel), Shaughn Murphy (Lucky Star Tavern) and Doug Dalley (MacKay Northern Beaches Bowls Club) to the ILG Board, bringing fresh perspectives from across the on- and off-premise sectors.
Chairman Damien Bottero reported group sales revenue climbing to $530 million, returning $14.7 million in member benefits, including $4.2 million in non-cash rewards. He said that while ILG recorded only a small profit for the year due to ongoing investment in key growth areas, the strategy was deliberate.
“Management has adopted a long-term approach designed to strengthen working capital and fund opportunities for sustainable growth,” Bottero said.
He confirmed that ILG’s new Swanbank facility in Queensland is nearing completion, with a three-month overlap planned to ensure a smooth transition from the Brisbane warehouse. The Group also achieved full cyber security certification, reinforcing its commitment to operational resilience.
Vision for growth and innovation
In his CEO’s report, Paul Esposito highlighted ILG’s long-term vision of growth, culture and futureproofing, with an ambition to expand beyond the eastern seaboard.
“Our purpose is clear – to grow sustainably, build a strong member culture, and position ILG for the next generation,” he said. “We may not have the resources to expand rapidly, but national reach is part of our future.”
Esposito outlined that ILG’s net assets now stand at $27.2 million, with key infrastructure projects well underway. The Swanbank site will soon begin IT installations, and is leased with an option to buy, positioning ILG for future flexibility.
Record revenue and category performance
ILG achieved a record-high sales revenue of $530 million, a 1.09 per cent increase year-on-year and continues to set its sights on reaching the $1 billion milestone within the next five years.
The Group welcomed 280 new members, growing its retail banners by three per cent, and increasing Victoria’s sales revenue by 14.2 per cent. Member cash and non-cash benefits hit a record $19.038 million, while investments included $1.5 million in signage, $1.2 million in e-commerce, marketing and POS systems, and $1.3 million in capital and ERP systems.
Liquor category performance remained robust, with spirits growing 12 per cent, RTDs tracking in line with market growth, and wine outperforming the market. While cider has struggled, it showed improvement over the most recent quarter.
Freight subsidies totalling $1.4 million ensured ILG members continued to receive competitive pricing and market-leading service.
Esposito said FY26 targets include achieving $575 million in sales revenue, increasing the total member and customer base to 2,100, and driving e-commerce sales beyond $25 million.
“We’re building a smarter, more efficient business,” he said. “From e-commerce to logistics, every improvement is about delivering greater value to our members and ensuring ILG’s long-term strength.”
ILG’s commitment to community giving also continued through the ILG Foundation, which raised $42,684 to the end of June.
Reflecting on ILG’s 50th anniversary milestone, Bottero said the Group’s success remains rooted in its cooperative values.
“ILG was founded on the belief that independents are stronger together,” he said. “Fifty years on, that philosophy continues to drive everything we do – supporting our members, investing in our future, and celebrating the shared success of this incredible network.”
Keep your eyes peeled for more highlights from ILG’s 50th anniversary celebrations in November issue of National Liquor News.