FGA2025 Recap: 30 Years In, Eyes on the Future

Member Matters

21 May 2025

The 30th anniversary of Food and Grocery Australia brought energy, insight and bold calls for industry reinvention. From surprise moments (a near live haircut!) to powerful new commitments, the message was clear: this sector is ready to advance.

Collaboration is the competitive edge

Anthony Holme (AFGC Chair) set the tone:

Collaboration is how we move forward and how we win.
“We’re facing more challenges than ever.”

Amanda Bardwell (CEO, Woolworths Group) echoed the sentiment:

Called for open sharing and more collaboration between Woolies and suppliers.
“We need your help,” Bardwell said in her first public event as CEO.
New strategy coming soon; Annette Karantoni appointed to streamline supplier engagement.

Doug Jones (Metcash CEO) underlined the power local and the importance of productivity

“You can’t beat local.”
Supporting independents and communities isn’t just right – it’s good business.
Productivity should be a key priority for the new government

Retail Media: From Add-On to Anchor

Mike Anthony (CEO, engage):

Retail media is no longer a side hustle- it’s central to brand strategy.
Brands must balance it with traditional marketing and align teams early.

Retail Media Panel (Cartology, Patties, Unilever, Mutti):

You can’t bolt retail media on – it has to be integrated and consumer-first.
Real alignment between sales and marketing is key.
Smarter investment decisions are essential as the space matures.

Economic Realities & Strategic Uncertainty

Rabobank (Ben Picton & Stefan Vogel):

Global turbulence (Trump tariffs, trade fragmentation) reshaping the game.
Local outlook: Wages up, confidence lagging.
Interest rate cuts expected.

Gina Cass-Gottlieb (ACCC Chair) reinforced the regulatory lens:

Trust, transparency and proportionate enforcement will guide the ACCC’s work.
Supermarkets, sustainability claims and trade barriers are key watchpoints.
“We are accessible.”

Trust, Transparency & Brand Risk

Michele Levine (Roy Morgan):

Distrust is the biggest risk to any brand.
Trusted brands are transparent, consistent and values-aligned.

Consumers want clarity, not confusion:

From ACCC and Metcash to retail shelves, the call is clear:
- Don’t make shoppers think twice.
- Discounts and data both matter.
- “Nobody wants to feel lied to.”

The New Consumer & Shifting Culture

Michelle Newton (fiftyfive5):

Consumers are redefining value, trust and loyalty.
Five key trend drivers: economic pressure, tech shifts, wellness culture, social transformation, and identity.
Gen Z reshaping priorities: “5am is the new 5pm.”

Consumer Trends Panel (PepsiCo, Bulla, Accenture):

Brand innovation must balance risk with relevance.
Trend cycles are faster – brands need to adapt without losing themselves.

Innovation Starts with Mindset

Dustin Garis, Former Chief Troublemaker at P&G

“Revolt against routine” to spark business creativity.
One delegate nearly got a haircut and another a free trip to somewhere exotic.
Measure “life profit” as seriously as financials.

Dr Peter Fuda (leadership expert) took the leadership lens further:

“Hand high – then put it higher.”
Leaders must elevate the narrative and raise the bar.
Change starts with intention.

New Tools & Platforms Launched

SmartFacts – Giving consumers real-time product data.
Sustaining Australia TV – Telling the innovation stories behind the industry:
→ Explore SATV

What’s Next: Takeaways to Lead With

Partnership is power – no brand or business can win solo.
Retail media is maturing – embed it, don’t tack it on.
Trust is a non-negotiable – once lost, it’s near impossible to regain.
Consumers are changing – understand them or fall behind.
Innovation needs bravery – from new tools to new thinking.
Leadership means lifting the bar – in strategy, behaviour and belief.