The industry itself is becoming more competitive and independents are coming under increasing pressure to change the way we do business. IBA is a business that thrives on challenges and our membership now extends beyond 2000 stores, operating in every state and territory around the country.

IBA has worked hard to continue the development of their strong national brands to meet the needs of the retailer and the shopper.  Allied to the resources of Australia’s largest independent wholesaler ALM, and backed by the “Champion of Independent Retailers” Metcash (IGA), IBA has gone from strength to strength. 

The consolidation of independent liquor brands also continues at pace, with over 1,500 stores now operating under the Independent Brands Australia (IBA) brand umbrella. This is further enhanced by a strong relationship with the liquor alliance and their brand “Thirsty Camel”.

With our strengthened portfolio of brands, IBA is able to fulfil the various needs of independent retailers and delivers this through effective marketing initiatives. Through improved retail standards and execution, our stores continue to experience substantial growth in their turnover and profits each year. By focusing on retail standards and execution, IBA can compete more effectively with the chains, delivering better brands and marketing offers to our customers.

2010 Review

Overall, the liquor industry is slower than this time last year. It seems that consumer confidence is not as high as we are led to believe and consumption is more moderate. Our business is still seeing strong retail growth and continued support from independent retailers in our key retail brands.

Parallel imported beer has also had a significant impact on beer sales and price points to consumers. We were a little slow in responding to this activity thinking that the two major brewers would try to maintain consistency of pricing. We now have a strategy in place to ensure our customer base is supported.

There is an ongoing shift to buyers own brands or private label products. As more consumers look for good quality products at good prices, retailer demand on such products has significantly increased. We have had to develop a range of products in all categories to meet the demand.

With that said, 2010 offers us an opportunity to continue the drive our business to have the best retail execution in the market and provide the strongest marketing brands for independent liquor retailers.

Fergus Collins

CEO - Australian Liquor Marketers