The work will be guided by a newly created Member Advocacy Council, giving Countrywide members a direct role in setting the organisation’s advocacy agenda.
Richard Forbes has been appointed to lead the function after spending the past six years as CEO of the Independent Food Distributors Association. His experience includes representing businesses operating throughout Australia’s foodservice supply chain and engaging with governments on matters affecting distributors and their customers.
Countrywide CEO Jeff Dhu said the new structure would place members at the centre of the organisation’s advocacy work while drawing on Forbes’ established industry knowledge and relationships.
Independent distributors perform a critical role in supplying cafés, restaurants and caterers, as well as hospitals, schools, aged care facilities and other institutional kitchens. Many also service regional communities where reliable food distribution can be more complex and costly.
The announcement follows an ACCC decision in April 2026 authorising Countrywide and its members to negotiate collectively with suppliers on trade terms, including price. That approval will remain in place until May 2031.
Together, the collective bargaining authorisation and new advocacy function point to a more coordinated approach from Australia’s independent distribution sector. While individual businesses will retain their local ownership and customer relationships, Countrywide will have a clearer platform for addressing common issues at a national level.
For foodservice operators, the strength of the independent distribution sector has direct implications for product availability, competition and service coverage. This is particularly important outside metropolitan centres, where independent distributors often provide the connection between manufacturers and hospitality businesses.
Countrywide said its advocacy work would support a competitive and sustainable distribution sector capable of continuing to serve foodservice businesses and essential community institutions.
More information is available through the Countrywide announcement.
