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| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wholesale distribution, Retail |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Founder | Joe David |
| Headquarters | Macquarie Park, Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
Key people | Paul Dumbrell (former automotive division manager) |
| Products | Food, liquor, hardware products |
| Website | www |
Metcash Limited is a prominent Australian wholesaler and diversified group specializing in the distribution of food, liquor, and hardware products. Based in Macquarie Park, Sydney, the company supports a network exceeding 6,500 retail outlets nationwide as of 2025, encompassing supermarkets, convenience stores, hardware centers, and liquor shops.
History
The origins of Metcash trace back to 1927 when Joe David launched a corner shop in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. Over time, the business grew to six stores before establishing a wholesale warehouse in Redfern in 1935. The company expanded into the liquor sector in 1966 following the acquisition of Harbottle Brown & Co, and further broadened its reach by purchasing AG Campbells' wholesale operations in 1980.
In 1987, the firm was renamed Australian Liquor Marketers. The following year marked the introduction of the IGA brand to Australia with ten stores joining the network. The company adopted the Metcash name in 2000. A significant development occurred in 2005 when Metcash and Woolworths jointly acquired Foodland; Metcash took over most Australian assets while Woolworths secured New Zealand operations along with 22 supermarkets in Australia.
Metcash expanded into automotive retail by acquiring a controlling interest in Automotive Brands Group—which owns Autobarn and Autopro outlets—in 2012 for A$53 million, incorporating it into its automotive segment. This division was subsequently sold to Burson Group (now Bapcor) in 2015 for A$275 million. Notably, Supercar driver Paul Dumbrell managed this automotive division.
In February 2024, Metcash revealed agreements to acquire Superior Food Group, Bianco Construction Supplies, and Alpine Truss for an aggregate sum near US$558.5 million, underscoring ongoing growth within food distribution and hardware sectors.
Operations
Metcash's business is organized into three primary segments: Food & Grocery, Liquor (Australian Liquor Marketers), and Hardware.
The company owns several retail brands such as IGA, Home Hardware, Cellarbrations, and Thirsty Camel. These brands are licensed to independent retailers who receive comprehensive marketing and operational assistance from Metcash. Additionally, the company supplies other retail chains it does not own, including FoodWorks and Friendly Grocer.
Its convenience store operations comprise Campbells Cash & Carry, C-Store Distribution, and Independent Grocers (NT).
Banners owned by Metcash
- IGA
- Foodland IGA
- IGA Express
- IGA Fine Food Market
- IGA Local Grocer
- Supa IGA
- Supa Valu IGA
- The Fresh Pantry
- Village Grocer
- Superior Food Group
- Superior Food Services
- Global Meats
Brands supplied by Metcash
- 4 Square (rebranded as Eziway)
- FoodWorks
- Friendly Grocer
- 7-Eleven
- BP
- Lucky 7
Convenience operations
- Campbells Cash & Carry
- C-Store Distribution
- Independent Grocers (NT)
Australian Liquor Marketers
Australian Liquor Marketers serves as Metcash’s liquor division, managing liquor store franchises and distributing products throughout Australia and New Zealand. Operating thirteen distribution hubs across Australia plus one in New Zealand, it stands as the country’s largest wholesaler serving independent liquor retailers with a client base of approximately 12,000 customers. Franchisees trade under eight major banners:
- Big Bargain Liquor
- Cellarbrations
- Duncan's Liquor
- IGA Plus Liquor
- Merchants Liquor
- Porter's Liquor
- The Bottle O
- Thirsty Camel
Independent Hardware Group
The Independent Hardware Group encompasses the following brands:
- Alpine Truss
- Bianco
- Hardings
- Home Hardware
- Mitre 10
- Plants Plus
- Thrifty-Link Hardware
- Total Tools
- True Value Hardware
Private label brands
Metcash's proprietary home brand portfolio consists of:
- Black and Gold
- Community Co
- Foodland