What it does: Metcash is Australia’s leading wholesale distribution and marketing company with sales of over $16 billion in FY21.
Mission: At Metcash we have a single purpose - Successful Independents - it is at the heart of everything we do.
Size and presence: We have over 80 years of experience supporting and championing the interests of independent grocery, liqueur, and hardware sectors. Headquartered in Sydney, our world-class distribution facilities across the country allow us to operate on a huge scale to unite Australia's independent grocers, delivering products to more than 10,000 retail premises and a further 90,000 wholesale customers across the food, grocery, liquor, and hardware markets.
Best known for: Our core operations are key to providing our customers and retailers with merchandising, operations, and marketing support through our strong retail brands.
The good bits: Our core operations are key to providing our customers and retailers with merchandising, operations, and marketing support through our strong retail brands.
The not-so-good bits: Management and Team Leaders are outright bullies.
Metcash Ltd. is a wholesale distribution company, which specialized in grocery, liquor, hardware, and other fast-moving consumer goods. The company operates through the following segments: Food and Grocery, Liquor activities, and Hardware and Automotive. The Food and Grocery segment comprises the distribution of dry grocery, perishable, and general merchandise supplies to retail outlets. The Liquor activities segment comprises the distribution of liquor products to retail outlets and hotels. The Hardware and Automotive segment comprise the distribution of hardware supplies and automotive parts and accessories to retail outlets. Metcash was founded by Joe David in 1927 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.“
For a large part of its history, Metcash carried the name of the founder of its predecessor business, Davids.
Founder Joe David was the second son of Lebanese migrants; a visionary and entrepreneurial thinker. In May 1927, at the age of 24, he opened his first ‘food’ store at Woolloomooloo, NSW; closely followed by six others. As the businesses prospered, Davids continued to expand and in 1935 opened a wholesale warehouse in Surry Hills, NSW. For a large part of its history, Metcash carried the name of the founder of its predecessor business, Davids.
The Davids' business identified a niche market with a great opportunity; supporting and wholesaling to independent retailers. The company formed the first professionally organized voluntary retail group in NSW and also established the industry’s first Retail Services Program for independent retailers. In 1980 the company acquired AG Campbell's wholesale business.
Metcash is a pioneer in distribution; warehousing expertise and a leader in supply chain and operational logistics.
To improve efficiency and drive value in the business, Davids pioneered technological improvements in their wholesale and retail operations, introducing several innovations to Australia: an electronic data interface for retailer ordering; case labels; retail shelf labels; scanners, and other systems followed over the years. Today Metcash continues the traditions established by its founder; and is acknowledged as a pioneer in distribution; warehousing expertise and; a leader in supply chain and operational logistics.
In 1988, the global retail banner IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance)was introduced to Australia. IGA has remained a flagship retail banner for independent retailers and is one of the company’s most recognized brands.
On 4 September 2000, Metcash Trading Limited (Metcash) became the official company name replacing Davids Limited. The name acknowledges the pivotal role of South African-owned Metro Cash & Carry (a majority shareholder from 2000-to 2004) in the strategic direction of the company.
In November 2005, Metcash made the significant acquisition of Foodland Associated Limited (FAL); all former FAL stores (Action, Dewson, and Supa Valu stores), that met IGA specifications were rebranded under IGA.
In March 2010, Metcash acquired 50.1% of Mitre 10, the iconic hardware business with over 400 independently owned Mitre 10 stores and over 400 non-branded independent customers. Mitre 10 joined the Metcash group with a fifty-year history of supporting independent home improvement and hardware retailers, who are an integral part of local communities around Australia. The focus for Mitre 10 is to generate supply chain improvements and build a strong merchandise and marketing model.
On 1 July 2010, Metcash announced it would acquire Interfrank Group Holdings Pty Ltd, the owner of the Franklins chain of 85 supermarkets, comprising 77 corporate stores and supply to 8 franchised stores. The transaction was completed in November 2011 with all viable Franklins stores converted to the IGA banner.
In 2012 Metcash agreed to acquire a 75.1% stake in Automotive Brands Group (ABG) for $53.8m on 2 July 2012. ABG is Australia’s largest distributor and franchise operator in the automotive parts and aftermarket sector.”
We believe: Independence is worth fighting for; in treating our people, retailers, and suppliers the way we like to be treated; and in giving back to the communities where we live and work.’
Every day, we come to work with a unified vision. In an industry dominated by big chains, we give independents a fighting chance. We’re always keen to stick up for the little guy and support the communities that support us. Because we’re so much more than just wholesalers and suppliers. We’re the power behind a Local Australia and New Zealand.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy aims to enhance Metcash’s inclusive culture by:
Metcash wouldn’t be who we are without our people. And right now, you’re in the right place to take the first step towards a meaningful career where no two days are the same. It’s a place where you can go home, knowing that what you do here matters. But don’t take our word for it. Look around – you can see the impact you can make on independent Aussie and Kiwi businesses everywhere.
Metcash is committed to giving our people the tools and support they need to build a meaningful career that works for them. Our MetCareers portal is a dedicated hub for all things career development, with useful resources like career maps, success profiles, tools, and templates to help grow your capabilities, plan your career pathways, and meet your career goals.
12 weeks of paid parental leave
Wellbeing days
Flexibility
Purchase leave + 5th-week annual leave
Free flu vaccinations
Discounted private health insurance
Life and income protection insurance
Discounted gym membership
‘Departure lounge’ accommodation discounts
Car purchase discounts and novated leases
Camp met cash
Free get membership and discounts
Free on-site parking
Employee assistance program
Service recognition program
Being committed to minimizing our impact on the environment isn’t just something we say. We’ve established policies around lower energy consumption and emissions, and are currently exploring the introduction of solar into our distribution centers.
We have an ongoing focus to reduce landfill waste and continue to work with our contractors, building managers, and people to promote better recycling and recovery.