SPAR Australia has recognised leading independent retailers across its network, naming SPAR Blackbutt as its 2026 Store of the Year following the group’s annual Trade Show and Gala Awards Dinner on the Gold Coast.
The event was held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from 29 to 31 July, bringing together retailers, suppliers, directors and SPAR Australia team members.
SPAR Express Urangan was named the 2026 SPAR Express Store of the Year.
The awards highlighted investment across SPAR Australia’s independent retail network, including store refurbishments, equipment upgrades and improvements designed to strengthen the customer shopping experience.
Managing Director Lou Jardin recognised retailers for continuing to invest in their stores and the wider SPAR network.
Suppliers also used the three-day Trade Show to present products and promotions to retailers before the event concluded with the Gala Awards Dinner on 31 July.
The Little SPAR Award, which recognises a long-term contribution to the SPAR community, went to Will and Lisa Guy of SPAR Richmond. The retailers have been part of the SPAR network since 2016.
Bob and Judith Little were the first recipients of the award when it was introduced in 2022.
Several stores were recognised for performance in individual grocery and retail categories.
SPAR Blackbutt received the Grocery Award in addition to being named Store of the Year, while SPAR Express Yamba won the SPAR Express Grocery Award.
SPAR Malanda received the Dairy/Freezer Award, and SPAR Sussex Inlet was recognised with the Fresh Food Award.
The Food To Go Award went to SPAR Express Ryke Fuel in Kingaroy, while SPAR Jandowae received the Community/Partnership/Foundation Award.
The awards underline the role of independently operated stores within SPAR Australia’s network. The SPAR brand entered Australia in 1994, while the current operating company was formed in 2006.
Jardin Investments Pty Ltd received the licence to operate the SPAR brand in Australia from SPAR International in 2010. SPAR Australia supports independent retailers alongside company-owned stores and supplies retailers through its distribution centre in Brisbane.
The 2026 awards follow continued investment by retailers in store facilities and operations as SPAR Australia develops its independent grocery network.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on information published by SPAR Australia and SPAR International regarding the 2026 SPAR Australia Trade Show and Gala Awards Dinner. The story has been independently edited and structured by Global Supermarket News for its international grocery retail audience.
