Metcash


Metcash Limited is an Australian wholesaler and service provider to independent businesses across food, liquor and hardware. ASX-listed, the company is headquartered in Macquarie Park, Sydney.

History

In 1927, Joe David founded his first corner store in Woolloomooloo, Sydney trading as Davids. Having expanded to six stores, in 1935 Davids opened a wholesale warehouse in Redfern. In 1966, Davids entered the liquor market by purchasing Harbottle Brown & Co. In 1980, the AG Campbells wholesale business was acquired.
In 1987 the liquor group was renamed Australian Liquor Marketers. The IGA brand was introduced to Australia by Davids Holdings in 1988 when 10 stores became members of IGA.
In 2000, the business was rebranded to Metcash. In 2005, Metcash and Woolworths purchased Foodland. Under the agreement, Foodland was divided into two with Metcash acquiring most of the Australian operations and Woolworths acquiring the New Zealand operations and 22 supermarkets in Australia.
In 2010, Metcash acquired the Franklins brand and converted its stores to the IGA banner. In the same year, Mitre 10 hardware business became part of the Metcash Group.
In 2012, Metcash took a majority share in Automotive Brands Group, which operated the Autobarn and Autopro chain of stores, for A$53 million and incorporated it into its automotive division. The company then sold its automotive division to Burson Group in 2015 for A$275 million. The chief executive officer of the automotive division was Supercar driver Paul Dumbrell.
In 2016, Independent Hardware Group is created with the combination of the Mitre 10 and Home Timber & Hardware networks.
In 2020, Metcash acquired 70% of Total Tools. Total Tools is franchisor to the largest tool retail network in Australia.
In February 2024, Metcash announced that it had signed three acquisition agreements cumulatively valued at approximately US$558.5 million.
In 2025, Metcash merged Independent Hardware Group and Total Tools to form the Total Tools and Hardware Group. It also launched its retail media network LocalEyes.

Operations

The company has three business divisions, being Food, Liquor and Hardware.
It owns many different banner brands, including IGA, Home Hardware, Mitre 10, Total Tools, Cellarbrations and Thirsty Camel. It licenses these banners to independent retailers, and provides marketing and operations support. The company also supplies banners that are not owned by Metcash, including FoodWorks and Friendly Grocer.
Metcash also operates a foodservice and convenience division, made up of Superior Foods, Campbells, C-Store Distribution and Independent Grocers.

Metcash Food & Grocery

Metcash supported brands

  • IGA
  • Foodland IGA
  • IGA Local Grocer
  • Supa Valu IGA
  • Village Grocer

    Foodservice and Convenience

  • Superior Food Group
  • Campbells
  • C-Store Distribution
  • Independent Grocers

    Supplied by Metcash

  • FoodWorks
  • Friendly Grocer
  • BP
  • Ampol Foodary

    Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM)

is the liquor arm of Metcash, distributing liquor to independent businesses and premises around Australia and New Zealand. The company has 13 distribution centres across every state and territory of Australia, and in New Zealand. It is Australia's largest supplier of liquor to independently owned liquor retailers and largest broad-range liquor wholesaler, supplying to 12,000 liquor customers. Independent Brands Australia supports national retail brands including:

Black & Gold

A value brand that competes with Woolworths Essentials, Coles Simply and FoodWorks Best Buy.

Community Co

A mid-price line designed to match established branded products.