drinks association Board Members Discuss Industry’s Future

This week marked one of the biggest events on the industry’s calendar - the drinks association’s 2015 Annual General Meeting. First established by a small group of liquor merchants in 1897, today the
association’s Board of Directors represents a group of 28 of the industry’s most influential suppliers, who are driving the next big decisions.

Following a significant year for our industry, this year’s AGM provided Directors with an opportunity to discuss new services and the industry’s future.

Neil Grant & Lisa Saunders - Chair of Women in drinks Board

Neil Grant, Deputy Chair of the drinks association Board and General Manager of Treasury Wine Estates, said he expects to see a lot happen for the industry in the next year.

“2015 for the drinks association was about positioning the industry for the future. Ably led by our outstanding CEO, Sandra Przibilla, I believe our association is going to make a big difference in the year ahead”, Grant said.

Speaking of the association’s achievements in the last year, Grant highlighted the introduction of new services, the establishment of the Women in drinks Board and the 2015 Australian drinks Awards.

“We’ve also really enhanced our existing services and have continued to build on the way that we can add value back to our member companies, which is very important”, Grant continued. “Another key part of the year has been around taking the Board through a strategic review, which has really focused on governance, establishing engagement within the Board and how we move forward in the future.”

Chairman Ralph Dunning also gave words, thanking the Members, Directors and drinks association team for their support over the year.

“Without you and without your support, we would not be able to offer the suite of programs and activities that we do”, Dunning said. “The lifeblood of our association is among our 28 members – the largest and strongest suppliers to the alcohol and beverage industry – and the time and the effort our Directors put into the association to bring important issues to the table. Without them, we wouldn’t have a business that moves forward or a business that meets needs, and that’s what we’re really trying to achieve to remain relevant.”

“We have had a tremendous year and we are looking forward to an even better year”, Dunning added.

Dunning also gave recognition to long-standing member of the drinks industry and former Managing Director - Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Shane O’Hart, who sadly passed away in September. Joined by Campari Managing Director - Asia Pacific, Franco Peroni, Dunning gave thanks to O’Hart’s significant contribution to the industry at large, as well as to his time as a Director of the drinks association Board and at Campari Australia.

The drinks association Board’s next meeting will be on 2 December at the Executive Meeting, while the upcoming Network Breakfast LIVE at The Drinks Industry Show, presented by Nielsen’s Michael Walton, will provide opportunity for wider industry to meet and discuss relevant issues. For more information on drinks association news and upcoming events, visit www.drinkscentral.com.au

The drinks association is publisher of drinks bulletin.

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