C&I - Convenience & Impulse Retailing

Inspired by one of the world’s fastest-growing beverage trends, Dare Charged Strawberry Matcha combines the sweet, fruity taste of strawberry with smooth matcha and a kick of naturally occurring caffeine, creating a deliciously refreshing grab-and-go drink for Australians looking to get it done with a Dare in hand. From taking over social feeds, café menus and celebrity drink orders, matcha continues to have a moment.

When life gets bust, sitting down for a regular meal is not always possible. That’s why Dairy Farmers has created Meal on the go, a nutritionally balanced, ready to drink meal for busy Australians who need a convenient option when they’re short on time. Each bottle provides 30g protein, 6g dietary fibre and 18 vitamins and minerals, delivering balanced nutrition in one convenient grab and go format. It is also lactose free and contains no sugar added.

Coca-Cola is turning up the flavour this summer with the launch of Festival of Flavours, a new limited-edition platform created exclusively for the convenience and petroleum channel. Leading the launch are two new flavour variants, Orange Cream and Ice Cream Float, available in both Classic and Zero Sugar across 375mL cans and 600mL PET bottles. Inspired by nostalgic flavour combinations, the range delivers a fresh twist on the iconic Coca-Cola taste.

Image: iStock/Dony Victorian authorities have shut down 61 stores linked to organised crime in just four weeks, seizing more than $3 million worth of illicit tobacco products and over $500,000 in cash as part of a major crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade.

Image: Image source: NACS Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations at 36 Lyn Refuel Station, has been appointed Chairman of NACS for 2026-27, bringing an independent convenience retailer’s perspective to the leadership of the US-based industry association. McQuirter officially began his term following the NACS Board of Directors meeting on 6 October, held during the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas.

Image: Image: iStock/Catrin Haze Woolworths has increased its freight fuel levy in response to rising diesel costs, as transport operators across Australia continue to navigate fuel price volatility amid the conflict in the Middle East. The supermarket group’s logistics division, Primary Connect, increased its local road freight levy from 17.47 per cent to 19.88 per cent on 5 October, while its linehaul levy rose from 44.20 per cent to 50.30 per cent.

Image: Image source: Nestlé Nestlé has announced a multi-year international partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), with MILO set to become an official NBA partner in Australia and New Zealand from 1 January 2027. The global agreement will see Nestlé brands MILO, NESQUIK and NESCAU partner with the NBA across multiple international markets, with a focus on encouraging youth participation in basketball and strengthening connections with fans.

Image: Image source: 7-Eleven 7-Eleven has officially opened a new store in Oakleigh, Melbourne, returning to the suburb where the convenience retailer first established its Australian presence in 1977. The opening marks a significant milestone for the business as it approaches 50 years of operations in Australia, with the new store bringing 7-Eleven’s evolving convenience offering back to the community where it all began.

Image: Image supplied by Ferndale Foods Australia Australian confectionery brand JILA is set to reach almost 27,500 retail outlets in South Korea by early 2027, marking a significant international expansion for Ballarat-based manufacturer Ferndale Foods Australia. The brand has secured distribution across 16,500 stores through South Korea’s CU Convenience and Olive Young retail networks, with a further 11,000 outlets expected to be added in the first quarter of next year.

Image: (Source: Supplied) On-Country Pathways has put its 200th P-plater on the road, with Lowes Petroleum’s fuel sponsorship helping it reach more rural communities. The free driver-mentor program for First Nations youth has grown to 17 communities across the Riverina Murray and North East Victoria in under four years. Regional fuel transporter Lowes Petroleum has committed to further sponsorship as the program expands.