Australia’s “leading” wholesale distribution and marketing company, Metcash, presented its 2025 Supplier of the Year Awards on 8 May, with Mars Food Australia taking home the top award.
The awards presentation at The Venue Alexandria in Sydney in early May was hosted by award-winning actors and comedians Shane Jacobson and Stephen Curry.
The annual event provides an opportunity for Metcash to celebrate the unique achievements and success of its supply partners, acknowledging its strategic partnerships, passion, and continuous support of the independent retail network.
“We’re proud to be able to take the time to celebrate and reflect on another strong year of thriving partnerships and collaboration with our key supplier partners,” said Grant Ramage, Metcash Food CEO. “We’re very grateful for their support and recognise the incredible work that goes into helping us achieve our goal of championing independent retail in local communities.
“All our suppliers deserve to be recognised for the valuable roles they play when it comes to supporting independent family-owned businesses to compete with the chains.
“Congratulations to all our suppliers who have received awards this year. Your support and collaboration with Metcash and independent retailers help drive continued growth and success. We’d like to thank all our suppliers for their dedication, and we’re looking forward to another great year of partnerships.”
In response to winning the top award, Mars Food Sales Director Jen Gilbert acknowledged the strong partnership between the company and Metcash, and the efforts of many teams from across the business.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to receive such recognition from Metcash, being named as their Overall Supplier of the Year 2025, and we couldn’t be prouder,” she said. “At Mars Food & Nutrition, we pride ourselves on being a purpose led business, striving for ‘better food today and a better world tomorrow’.
“Our incredible partnership with Metcash plays a critical role in enabling us to achieve these goals, reaching all local communities with our great range of locally manufactured, tasty, accessible and healthy products through much loved brands like Masterfoods, Ben’s, and Dolmio.
“Results like these happen as a result of a mutual and collaborative approach to driving sustainable growth, underpinned by the trust in our partnership built with the Metcash teams, groups and stores. A huge thank-you again to Metcash for their recognition of the Mars Food team, and we look forward to an ongoing successful partnership in the future.”
As well as celebrating the achievements of many valued suppliers, the awards represented another opportunity for Metcash to support several key charity partners.
“Giving back to local communities and causes that matter is at the heart of what we do,” Mr Ramage said. “We’re proud of our ongoing partnerships with Special Olympics, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, and the McGrath Foundation.
“Thanks to the generosity of those who attended the Supplier of the Year event, we were able to donate $152,000 each to Special Olympics, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and McGrath Foundation. These funds will allow them to continue to deliver the amazing work they do every single day.”
The major award winners
- Supplier of the Year 2025: Mars Food Australia
- Produce Supplier of the Year 2025: One Harvest
- Bakery Supplier of the Year 2025: Allied Pinnacle
- Meat & Seafood Supplier of the Year 2025: JBS Australia
- Delicatessen Supplier of the Year 2025: Ingham’s Enterprises
- Sustainability Partner of the Year 2025: Kellanova
- IMC Retail Media Campaign of the Year 2025: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- Private Label Launch of the Year 2025: Baby Boo Nappies
- Integrated Supply Partner of the Year 2025: Mars Food Australia
- Chilled Perishables Supplier of the Year 2025: Real Dairy
- Freezer Supplier of the Year 2025: McCain Foods
- Retail Excellence Partner of the Year 2025: Colgate Palmolive
- Food Campbells and Convenience Supplier of the Year 2025: Suntory Oceania
- Pantry Supplier of the Year 2025: Mars Food Australia
- Impulse Supplier of the Year 2025: Stuart Alexander & Co
- Community Partner Award 2025: Asahi Beverages and The Smith’s Snackfoods Company
- Everyday Needs Supplier of the Year 2025: Real Petfood Co
- Health, Beauty & Baby Supplier of the Year 2025: Unilever Australasia
- Tobacco Supplier of the Year 2025: Phillip Morris Ltd.
Metcash Food Supplier of the Year at The Venue, Sydney on 8 May 2025. Photo: Pat Brunet / Event Photos Australia.
Metcash Food 2025 Supplier of the Year Awards.
Hosts Stephen Curry and Shane Jacobson.
Humpty Dumpty Charity cheque.
McGrath Foundation Charity cheque.
Special Olympics Charity cheque.
Metcash Food 2025 Supplier of the Year – Mars Food Australia.
