Lyla Lindsey
Metcash is an Australian wholesale distribution and marketing company that supplies food, liquor, and hardware to independent retailers across Australia and New Zealand. The company was founded in 1935 by Joe David, who opened a wholesale warehouse in Redfern, New South Wales, to support his expanding chain of 'corner stores'. Over the years, Metcash has expanded through acquisitions and rebranding, including entering the liquor market in 1966 and purchasing Harbottle Brown & Co. The company changed its name to Metcash in 2000 and has since continued to grow and diversify its business interests.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Metcash's history and origins
Metcash, Australia's leading wholesale distribution and marketing company, was born in 2000, replacing Davids Limited. The name acknowledges the pivotal role played by South African-owned Metro Cash & Carry, the company's majority shareholder until 2004.
Metcash's story, however, begins in 1935 when 24-year-old Joe David opened his first 'corner store' in Woolloomooloo, NSW, which he named 'Davids'. Soon, David expanded his business to six stores and opened a wholesale warehouse in Redfern to support his growing enterprise. David saw an opportunity to assist other independent retailers, so he established the first professionally organised voluntary retail group and offered a Retail Services program.
In 1966, Davids entered the liquor market by purchasing Harbottle Brown & Co. In 1980, the company acquired the AG Campbells wholesale business. In 1987, the business was renamed Australian Liquor Marketers, which, by then, had expanded to service hotels, liquor stores, restaurants, and other licensed premises throughout Australia and, later, New Zealand.
In 2005, Metcash and Woolworths purchased Foodland. Under the agreement, Foodland was divided, with Metcash acquiring most Australian operations and Woolworths taking over New Zealand operations and 22 Australian supermarkets. In 2012, Metcash acquired a majority share in the Automotive Brands Group, which operated the Autobarn and Autopro chain of stores. The company then sold its automotive division to Burson Group (now Bapcor) in 2015.
Australian Money: Is It Fireproof?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Metcash's acquisitions
Metcash, Australia's leading wholesale distribution and marketing company, has made several acquisitions over the years as part of its strategic growth plans.
In 2005, Metcash and Woolworths jointly purchased Foodland, with Metcash acquiring most of the Australian operations, while Woolworths took over the New Zealand sector and 22 Australian supermarkets.
In 2012, Metcash expanded into the automotive sector by acquiring a majority stake in the Automotive Brands Group, which included the Autobarn and Autopro chain of stores, for $53 million. However, in 2015, Metcash sold this division to the Burson Group (now Bapcor) for $275 million.
Metcash has also made significant acquisitions in the liquor sector. In 1966, the company entered the liquor market by purchasing Harbottle Brown & Co. In 1980, they further expanded by acquiring the AG Campbells wholesale business, which was later rebranded as Australian Liquor Marketers in 1987. Today, Australian Liquor Marketers is the liquor arm of Metcash, supplying liquor to over 12,000 customers across Australia and New Zealand.
More recently, in 2024, Metcash announced the acquisition of three businesses for a combined total of $560 million. These included the foodservice distribution business Superior Food Group, South Australian hardware supplies business Bianco (acquired for $82 million), and Alpine Truss, a framing and truss operator (acquired for $64 million). These acquisitions aimed to bolster Metcash's presence in the food distribution and hardware sectors, enhancing their market share and expanding their customer offerings.
Additionally, Metcash has gradually increased its ownership stake in Total Tools, a leading tool retail network in Australia. In 2020, they initially proposed acquiring Total Tools, and by 2023, they had achieved complete ownership.
Fashion Nova: Shipping to Australia?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Metcash's business model
Metcash is Australia's leading wholesaler and distributor, servicing independent retailers across the food, liquor, and hardware sectors. The company aims to support independent retailers in becoming the "best store in their town" by offering merchandising, operational, and marketing support.
In the food sector, Metcash supplies independent supermarkets and grocery stores with a range of products, including groceries, fresh produce, and packaged goods. The company has a strong focus on supporting local communities and providing personalised service to its customers.
The liquor arm of Metcash, Australian Liquor Marketers, operates liquor store franchises and distributes liquor to businesses across Australia and New Zealand. With nearly 2900 franchisees, it is the largest supplier of liquor to independently owned liquor retailers in Australia. The company supplies to over 12,000 liquor customers and has 13 distribution centres across Australia and one in New Zealand.
In the hardware sector, Metcash has made several acquisitions to strengthen its position. In 2012, the company acquired a majority share in Automotive Brands Group, which operated the Autobarn and Autopro chain of stores. More recently, Metcash acquired 70% of Total Tools, a large tool retail network in Australia, increasing its stake to 100% in 2023. The company also acquired Bianco Construction Supplies and Alpine Truss, a large frame and truss facility in Victoria.
Mortgage Brokers: How They Profit in Australia
You may want to see also
Metcash's presence in Australia
Metcash is Australia's leading wholesale distribution and marketing company. The company was founded in 1935 by 24-year-old Joe David, who opened his first 'corner store' in Woolloomooloo, New South Wales, which he named 'Davids'. Over time, David expanded his business to six stores and opened a wholesale warehouse in Redfern to support his growing enterprise. This warehouse would eventually become the foundation of Metcash.
Today, Metcash has a strong presence in Australia, particularly in the food, liquor, and hardware sectors. The company supports independent, family-owned retailers and small businesses across the country by providing merchandising, operational, and marketing assistance. These retailers play a vital role in their local communities, often serving as the only source of fresh food and groceries in remote areas.
In the liquor sector, Metcash operates through its arm, Australian Liquor Marketers, which runs liquor store franchises and distributes liquor to businesses across Australia and New Zealand. With almost 2900 franchisees, Australian Liquor Marketers has 13 distribution centres across every Australian state and territory and one in New Zealand. It is the largest supplier of liquor to independently owned liquor retailers in Australia and the largest broad-range liquor wholesaler, supplying 12,000 liquor customers.
Metcash has also expanded into other industries, acquiring a majority share in the Automotive Brands Group in 2012, which operated the Autobarn and Autopro chain of stores. Additionally, the company has invested in tool retail, food services, and construction supplies, demonstrating its diverse presence in the Australian market.
Fluorite Deposits: Australia's Top Mining Sites
You may want to see also
Metcash's independent retailers
Metcash is Australia's leading wholesale distribution and marketing company, with a diversified business across food, grocery, hardware, and liquor sectors. The company has a strong focus on supporting independent retailers and has established a professionally organised voluntary retail group offering a Retail Services program.
Metcash's businesses include IGA, Mitre 10, Home Timber and Hardware, Cellarbrations, and Bottle-o, among others. The company has a strong presence in the liquor industry through its arm, Australian Liquor Marketers, which runs liquor store franchises and distributes liquor across Australia and New Zealand. With nearly 2900 franchisees, Australian Liquor Marketers operates under multiple brand names, including The Bottle O, Cellarbrations, and Thirsty Camel. The company has a wide reach, with distribution centres in every Australian state and territory, as well as New Zealand.
Metcash has continued to expand its portfolio by acquiring businesses such as Total Tools, the largest tool retail network in Australia, and food service businesses like Superior Foods. The company also has a presence in the automotive industry, previously owning the Automotive Brands Group, which operated Autobarn and Autopro stores.
By supporting independent retailers and offering a range of products and services, Metcash has established itself as a leading wholesale distribution company in Australia, providing a network of support for its retailers.
Understanding the Exchange Rate Between USD and AUD
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Metcash is Australian-owned. It was founded in 1935 by Joe David, who opened a wholesale warehouse in Redfern, NSW, to support his six 'corner stores', which were also known as 'Davids'.
Metcash is Australia's leading wholesale distribution and marketing company. It supports independent, family-owned businesses in the food, liquor and hardware sectors.
Metcash was founded in 1935 by Joe David, who opened a wholesale warehouse in Redfern, NSW, to support his six 'corner stores', which were also known as 'Davids'. In 1966, Davids entered the liquor market, purchasing Harbottle Brown & Co. In 1980, it acquired the AG Campbells wholesale business, and in 1987 the business was renamed Australian Liquor Marketers. In 2000, it was rebranded Metcash.
Metcash believes that independent, family-owned businesses are vital to Australia. These retailers support their local communities, employing local people and sourcing produce from local communities. Metcash helps them to be the 'Best Store in Their Town' by providing merchandising, operational and marketing support.
Metcash owns Total Tools, the franchisor to the largest tool retail network in Australia, as well as food service business Superior Foods, Bianco Construction Supplies and Alpine Truss, a large frame and truss facility in Victoria.
