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When Roz White and her husband Michael started their first White’s IGA store 31 years ago, they weren’t just opening a business; they were planting roots. Fast forward to today, and they’ve grown into a Sunshine Coast icon with six stores, over 520 staff, and deep connections to their local community.

Roz’s formula for success? A steadfast commitment to people, relationships, and purpose-led retail. From choosing not to implement self-checkouts—valuing connection over convenience—to building partnerships with 200 local Sunshine Coast suppliers, Roz’s vision has always been about more than just groceries; it’s about community. 

If you want insights into the mind of a buyer, Roz’s story is packed with practical lessons on creating impact in retail, including:

🛒 Purpose before profit – Why staying local and supporting 200+ Sunshine Coast suppliers ensures her stores are truly for the community.

🛒 Mastering market shifts – Her insights into changing consumer behaviour, from the growing demand for private labels to shifts in promotional spending.

🛒 Stand out by knowing your niche – Why brands need to understand their position in the market and explore innovative ways to differentiate.

🛒 Retailtainment at its best – Why making shopping an experience, rather than a transaction, keeps customers coming back.

🛒 Building trust – How strong supplier relationships create mutual success and why every brand needs to do their homework.

This episode of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford is presented by Thrive Collective, the company helping driving growth for brands like Welly, Bae Juice, and The Kimchi Company. 

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Whites IGA Website
• Locavores Podcast
• Roz White LinkedIn
• Food Agri Network (F.A.N.) Website
• Woombye Cheese Website
• Maleny Dairies Website
• COYO Australia Website
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider

Season 15

Season 15, out now, is 'Marketing Season' and is being presented by Foodpreneurs Festival.

The highly anticipated 2026 BiteBack Awards & Foodpreneurs Festival are both must-attend events dedicated to bringing consumer packaged goods food, drink (alc and non-alc), pet and supplements brand owners, buyers, media, industry specialists and distributors together under one roof.

You can't miss these events. Here’s why:

• Thousands of stockists looking for new products for their shelves.
• A chance to pitch for funding + mentorship to scale your brand.
• Workshops tailored to where you’re at - whether you’re just starting or scaling big (THIS IS NEW!)
• A NEW Marketing Clinic for hands-on brand strategy - you'll leave with five key messages ready to use.
• Opportunities to get recognised and get your brand in front of industry experts, media, buyers, distributors and fellow brand owners.
• If you’re an Industry Specialist, tap into a highly engaged, niche audience.
• And much, much more.

The full program drops early 2026. For now, block out May 21-22 and click this link to see how you can be part of it.