C&I NZ Expo 2024: A Success to Remember!

The C&I NZ Expo 2024 has officially wrapped up after an exciting two days at Auckland’s Due Drop Events Centre. With over 60 exhibitors and hundreds of products on display, the event proved to be a major success for convenience retail in New Zealand. Attendees and exhibitors alike took full advantage of the opportunity to network, share insights, and showcase innovative products.

A Showcase of Innovation

From fresh food-to-go and ice cream treats to cutting-edge cooking equipment and payment technology, the Expo had something for everyone. With an impressive variety of exhibitors, attendees were able to explore the latest industry trends and innovations across convenience retail sectors.

Safa de Valois, Group Publisher at C&I Media, expressed her satisfaction with the event:
“The C&I NZ Expo was a fantastic representation of convenience retail in New Zealand. The Industry Symposium featured incredible speakers, providing valuable knowledge that attendees were eager to take home,” she said. “Feedback from exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the high-quality, engaged attendees.”

Industry Symposium Highlights

The event kicked off with the Industry Symposium, which offered attendees a chance to hear from a range of thought leaders in the convenience retail space. Day one featured notable speakers, including Raewyn Bleakley (CEO, NZ Food & Grocery Council), Kerin Dickey (National Sales Manager at Bluebird Foods), James Donald (Co-founder and CEO of Ideally), and Troy Bennett (CEO of Bennett’s Petroleum Supplies).

On day two, the symposium continued with insightful talks from Matt Tierney (Manager, National Retail Investigation Support Unit at NZ Police), Ben Seaborn (Sales and Marketing Executive at Safer Cities), Theo Foukkare (CEO, Australian Association of Convenience Stores), and Kellie Struth (Head of Category and Marketing at APCO Service Stations).

Exhibitors Share Their Experience

The C&I NZ Expo provided an ideal platform for brands to make lasting connections and showcase their latest innovations. "The C&I NZ Expo has been incredible for us," said the Cookie Time team. "We created a memorable brand moment with our Cookie Time scoop shop, which was a hit among attendees."

Matthew Lane, General Manager of Night’n Day convenience stores, added, “It’s been a great opportunity to catch up with suppliers and ensure we’re accessible for building relationships.”

Shaun Winstanley, Founder of Firebird Energy, also shared his excitement: "The Expo has been fantastic. We made several key connections on day one and have already scheduled follow-up meetings with important industry figures."

Looking Ahead to 2026

This year’s C&I NZ Expo exceeded the expectations of both exhibitors and attendees. With so much enthusiasm and positive feedback, plans are already underway for the next event in 2026. Many exhibitors are already committed to returning, and the Expo team is now taking expressions of interest. To secure your spot and ensure a preferred position when the floor plan is released, email exhibition@c-store.com.au.

The C&I NZ Expo continues to be the premier event for the convenience retail industry in New Zealand, and the 2026 edition promises to be even bigger and better than ever. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for another exciting event!