Founded in 1975, the Independent Liquor Group operates today as a member-owned organisation of licensed liquor stores, hotels, registered clubs and restaurants, together forming Australia’s largest liquor co-operative.
Here, CEO Paul Esposito reflects on progress made during 2024 along with expectations for the year ahead:
“2024 was another outstanding year for ILG, marked by an uplift in sales revenue, record return to members and an ongoing growth in membership.
Servicing over 1,700 independent accounts, the co-operative has realised an impressive 26% revenue increase over the last three years. A remarkable outcome achieved from a collaborative effort in members enduring patronage as well as an augmented sales in our non-bannered channel.
Looking ahead, the future remains sound and exciting for ILG as we progressively fulfil various ventures charted in our long-term strategic plan.
Highlights include the upcoming move to larger premises in QLD, the establishment of a distribution centre in VIC, the ongoing enhancement of ILG’s digital solutions and the near completion of a new ERP software system. These key initiatives are designed to better position our independent members as leaders in a driven market.
We are also proud of the recognition our members have received at recent industry awards. These accolades underscore ILG’s unwavering commitment to fostering high performance and supporting our members in achieving excellence.
Our Liquorstop Warehouse platform has seen tremendous success in New South Wales, providing the on-premise sector with a streamlined ordering system with retail benefits that drive savings and margins. Plans are already underway to expand this platform to Queensland and Victoria in the coming year.
This year, ILG celebrates a historic milestone – our Golden Anniversary. Fifty years of service in the liquor industry is an achievement we are incredibly proud of, and we look forward to taking our members on a nostalgic journey through this extraordinary legacy. We thank our members for being part of the ILG story.
As Australia’s largest liquor cooperative, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner, delivering value-driven initiatives, personalised services, and opportunities that enable our members to thrive. From exclusive trading terms to marketing support, operational expertise, and digital solutions, ILG is here to ensure its members are equipped to succeed in an ever-evolving landscape.
Our promise is to uphold the cooperative spirit—working together, growing stronger, and shaping a future of shared success.
ILG is more than a business; it’s a community built on trust, continued improvement, and resilience. As we navigate challenges and seize opportunities, we reaffirm our dedication to being a foundation of the liquor industry and a driving force behind the success of our independent members.
At ILG, together we grow stronger!”
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This article was written by Paul Esposito for Drinks Guide 2025, which was distributed nationwide in December and can be viewed digitally here. If you did not receive a physically copy and would like to be added to the Drinks Trade/Guide magazine mailing list, get in touch with the team now.
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