Asahi Beverages crowned 2026 Metcash Food Supplier of the Year
May 2026 – Metcash, Australia’s leading wholesaler and distributor, has announced the winners of its 2026 Food Supplier of the Year Awards. The annual awards night provides Metcash with the opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of its supplier partners.
The awards were held at Hordern Pavilion on Thursday 7th May, and were hosted by comedian, podcaster and TV presenter, Tim McDonald and comedian, radio and TV star and winner of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Australia, Concetta Caristo.
Asahi Beverages were awarded the highest accolade of the evening, being crowned Metcash’s 2026 Food Supplier of the Year.
Grant Ramage, Metcash Food CEO said: “The Metcash Food Supplier of the Year Awards are a moment for us to reflect and celebrate an incredible year with our key supplier partners who continue to demonstrate unwavering support for the independent network. This year we relaunched our Food vision: Partners Powering Growth. This connects directly to our purpose and ambition to be an indispensable partner to our customers and suppliers, and we couldn’t be more grateful that our suppliers are onboard and are already supporting this vision.”
“We would like to say a big congratulations to all of our supplier nominees and award winners. This recognition serves as a thank you for the amazing partnerships and the ongoing hard work that goes into supporting and growing the independent network. We are looking forward to another strong year.”
In response to their win, Nigel Parsons, Chief Commercial Officer, Asahi Beverages, acknowledged the strong partnership between Asahi Beverages and Metcash, and the efforts of many teams from across the business.
Nigel Parsons said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as Supplier of the Year by Metcash. This award reflects the strength of our partnership, the collaboration between our teams and our shared commitment to supporting independent retailers across Australia while continuing to win with consumers in store every day.”
The awards evening also provided Metcash with a chance to celebrate and support multiple key charity partners.
Grant Ramage continued: “Supporting local communities and causes is what the independent network is all about. We are proud to announce that during the Supplier of the Year Awards evening, over $470,000 was raised for our long-term charity partners including Special Olympics Australia, the McGrath Foundation, and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. This generous donation will help each charity continue to drive great work across Australian local communities.”
18 category awards were presented on the night. The major award winners were:
- – Supplier of the Year 2026: Asahi Beverages
- – Sustainability Partner of the Year 2026: Mars Food Australia
- – Bakery Supplier of the Year 2026: Baked Provisions
- – Meat Supplier of the Year 2026: NH Foods Australia
- – Poultry, Seafood & Value Added Supplier of the Year 2026: Ingham’s Enterprises
- – Delicatessen Supplier of the Year 2026: JL King
- – Private Label Product of the Year 2026: Harvest Freshcuts – Beetroot & Feta Salad Kit
- – Integrated Supply Partner of the Year 2026: Peters Ice Cream
- – Chilled Perishables Supplier of the Year 2026: Chobani
- – Freezer Supplier of the Year 2026: Ingham’s Enterprises
- – Community Partner Award 2026: Mars Wrigley
- – LocalEyes Retail Media Campaign of the Year 2026: McCain Foods
- – Food Service and Convenience Supplier of the Year 2026: Patties Foods
- – Pantry Supplier of the Year 2026: JDE Peets Australia
- – Impulse Supplier of the Year 2026: Asahi Beverages
- – Household Needs Supplier of the Year 2026: Energizer
- – Health, Beauty & Baby Supplier of the Year 2026: Haleon Australia
- – Tobacco Supplier of the Year 2026: Imperial Brands Australia
Asahi Beverages team at the Metcash Supplier of the Year Awards event