Who we are
Manassen Foods is a privately owned company dedicated to serving the Australian food industry. Established in 1953, we are ranked in the top 40 suppliers in Australia.
With an exceptional stable of the finest imported and local food brands, Manassen Foods is one of Australia’s leading independent grocery importers and a one stop-shop solution for brand owners across the globe.
We employ a dedicated and passionate workforce of over 200 people whose values, commitment to excellence and corporate pride are demonstrated through their service to the company and our customers.
Our brand portfolio is diverse and spans many food categories in the retail and food service trade, including dry groceries, confectionery, biscuits and cakes, perishables and frozen foods. The company also has a strong focus on private label development with its retail partners and works closely with them in seeking quality suppliers.
Mission
We acquire, develop, build and distribute local and international food brands throughout Australia.
Purpose
To realise the potential of exciting food brands form around the world, by introducing them to the local marketplace for all Australians to enjoy.
Our Vision
To be consumers’, retailers’ and suppliers’ first choice for new and fascinating food products.
Our Regional Distribution Network
Manassen Foods is part of a network of brand marketing, sales and distribution companies. Our marketing reach includes New Zealand with Hutchinsons, in Hong Kong and Macau with Metro Alliance and Rainbow, and in Shanghai with Qinzhou.
Qinzhou Trade
KEY GROCERY SUPPLIER TO SHANGHAI REGION
Market reach: Shanghai
Portfolio: Mass Market Grocery products
End customers: Chain and independent supermarkets, wholesale distributors, e-commerce, >300 customers
Rainbow Asset
KEY FINE FOOD GROCERY SUPPLIER TO HONG KONG AND MACAU
Market reach: Hong Kong & Macau
Portfolio: High end Seasonal & Niche products
End customers: Chain and independent supermarkets, e-commerce, >100 customers
Metro Alliance
KEY GROCERY SUPPLIER TO HONG KONG AND MACAU
Market reach: Hong Kong & Macau
Portfolio: Mass Market Grocery products
End customers: Chain and independent supermarkets, wholesale distributors, e-commerce, >100 customers
Manassen Foods
Market reach: Australia
Portfolio: Mass Market Grocery and chilled products
End customers: Chain and independent supermarkets, wholesale distributors, >1000 customers
Hutchinsons
TOP SUPPLIER OF BRANDED PRODUCTS TO THE NEW ZEALAND FOOD INDUSTRY
Market reach: New Zealand
Portfolio: Mass Market Grocery and chilled products
End customers: Chain and independent supermarkets, wholesale distributors, >500 customers
Our Leadership
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Geoff Erby | CEO & Executive Director
Geoff Erby has been the CEO of Bright Foods Global since February 2011 and is focused on creating a regional growth platform underpinned by a China product portal. Prior to joining Bright Food, Geoff was the Managing Director of Goodman Fielder Home Ingredients where he was an active member of the executive team that listed the company on the ASX. He commenced his professional career at Coca Cola Amatil and progressed through a number of Senior Sales Management roles before joining Goodman Fielder in 1999. Geoff holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney and his family runs the Forres Angus Stud in Dungog, New South Wales.
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Simon Stewart | Chief Marketing Officer
Simon commenced his career at Coca-Cola South Pacific based in Sydney, during that time, Simon had an assignment in Atlanta with the Global Coca-Cola brand team. Post Coca-Cola, Simon was Global Vice President of Smirnoff at Diageo. Simon then moved to Allied Domecq, the second largest drinks business in the world. Simon began as Senior Vice President of Marketing, being promoted to Global Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently, Simon has been at Britvic where he began as Chief Marketing Officer and moved to Managing Director of the International business unit. Simon was on the Executive Board and an Executive Director of both Allied Domecq and Britvic.
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Michael Ryan | General Manager
Michael Ryan re-joined Manassen in November 2018 as General Manager Manassen responsible for our for Australian Retail business and as a member of the Group Executive. Michael has over 25 years’ experience in FMCG holding senior leadership roles at Mars, Nestle Purina & Goodman Fielder having begun his career in sales at Colgate-Palmolive. He was the Manassen Sales Director from 2006 to 2012. Prior to re-joining Manassen Michael was Managing Director at Blueprint Group and spent time in management consulting. Michael is passionate about working with people and leading teams to deliver value for our consumers, customers and business partners .
Michael is responsible for leading the critical components of customer management, principal partner management, operations and the supply chain of the Manassen Retail businesses. -
Lisa Crawford | Business Development Manager – Principal Partners
Lisa joined Manassen in 2016 to create greater focus in Principal Partner management and drive performance across this portfolio. Lisa is highly motivated to deliver the best results for the local and international brands she represents. She leads a team of skilled Business Development managers, whom succeed through closely integrating with the brands they represent. She also leads the Category Insights team, developing insights for increased success with retailers. Prior to working with Manassen Lisa led the Category, Shopper Insights & Sales planning teams at Ferrero, led the Category Development function at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and started her career in insights & account management with Nielsen. Lisa has a passion for cooking and is pleased to be representing many of Australia’s leading food brands.
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Neil Brand | GM Technical
Neil joined the business in 1995 as General Manager of the Cheese Cut and Wrap brand, and since then has held a number of senior roles within Manassen. Neil was instrumental in introducing the Vendor Quality Management assurance (VQM) plan to the company in 2000, as well as setting up the Food Import Compliance Agreement (FICA) with Government in 2008. He is also responsible for food safety and compliance across the group's businesses. Neil represents the company on the Food and Beverage Importers Association of Australia (FBIA) and is the President of this organisation. He has Bachelor of Science - Food Science.