Ferguson Plarre's 2024 Retail Excellence Awards

This year, we hosted our annual Retail Excellence Awards at the stunning Higher Ground Melbourne, and what a night it was! With over 250 fun-loving Plarre people in attendance, we came together to celebrate the achievements of our stores, owners, and teams, welcome new members to the Ferguson Plarre family, and strengthen the bond that makes our network so special.

Throughout the evening, we honoured six outstanding winners whose hard work, passion, and dedication stood out in 2024.

Most Valuable Plarre Award

Amy-Lea Hovey – Hoppers Crossing & Point Cook

Amy-Lea embodies what it means to lead with positivity and generosity. Always open to discussing opportunities and challenges, she consistently shares her wins—and her learnings. Her willingness to help is genuine and thoughtful, a quality that truly sets her apart. Whether it’s discussing the success of programs like our Danish initiative or lending a hand to fellow owners, Amy-Lea’s knowledge-sharing spirit is inspiring.

Loyalty Legend

Doreen – Owned by Dan & Anita, Managed by Jody and Team

Doreen continues to shine as one of our top-performing stores, thanks to their stellar promotion of the Sweet Rewards program. The team doesn’t just highlight the benefits to customers—they go the extra mile by assisting with app downloads and guiding customers through enrolment. This hands-on approach ensures every customer starts enjoying their rewards right away. The results speak for themselves: a true loyalty legend!

Barista of the Year

Sharnie Robinson – Whittlesea

Sharnie’s commitment to the craft of coffee-making is unmatched. Her attention to detail, skill, and consistency make her a standouting barista and a deserving winner of this award.

Marketing Excellence Award

Nadine & the Kalkallo Team

Nadine may be one of the newest members of the Ferguson Plarre family, but she and her team have already made a lasting impact. Kalkallo isn’t just a store—it’s a vibrant hub that reflects the energy and excitement of the Ferguson Plarre brand. From creative campaigns to eye-catching decorations, Nadine’s passion for connecting with her community shines through. Her team’s ability to create a memorable, welcoming experience for customers has set a new benchmark for excellence.

Company Bakehouse of the Year

South Morang – Elise, Tom & Team

South Morang, our very first drive-thru Bakehouse, continues to break records and exceed expectations! Over the past year, the team served an incredible 83,000 cars through the drive-thru window, crafting over 80,000 coffees and serving more than 28,000 breakfast items. With a remarkable increase in transactions and sales growth, South Morang has become a daily destination for its growing community. The team’s dedication, led by Elise and Tom, is nothing short of inspiring. As the surrounding area expands, we know this is only the beginning for Ferguson Plarre drive-thrus!

Bakehouse of the Year

Cynthia & the Greensborough Team

The Greensborough team, led by Cynthia, proves that even a small kiosk can make a big impact. Serving over 130,000 customers this past year, they’ve become a cornerstone of their local community. From hosting cupcake and gingerbread decorating days to collaborating with the local council, Cynthia and her team go above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere that families love. Cynthia and her team’s dedication, creativity, and community spirit are what make Greensborough a shining example for us all.

A Huge Congratulations to Our Winners and Finalists!

To all of our winners, runner-ups, and participants: you’ve made 2024 a year to remember. Your hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence continue to make Ferguson Plarre proud. Here’s to another year of success, growth, and sharing the love of great food with our communities!