Built on relationships

It’s a philosophy that has shaped the business for more than four decades. From long-standing customer partnerships that span generations, to industry-led fundraising efforts that have raised significant support for charitable causes, Aliant’s story is one grounded in connection.

“We’ve always believed in relationships,” Managing Director Greg Robertson says. “Over time, they become more than business — they become great friendships.”

In 1985, David and Judith Robertson purchased a small frozen food business, laying the foundation for what would become Aliant. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Greg Robertson and his wife Jody, Aliant has grown to nearly ten times its original size, while staying firmly anchored in its family values.

Now, with third-generation family member Lachlan beginning his journey in the business, that legacy continues.

“We’ve always been a family business,” Greg says. “And I think that shows in how we treat our customers, our suppliers and our people.”

Some customers have been with Aliant since the early days – a rarity in a fast-moving and competitive market.

“We still supply customers we started with back in the 1980s,” Greg explains. “Over time, those relationships become more than business: they become friendships.”

When Greg and Jody married, more than a dozen customers were on the guest list – a reflection of the genuine relationships that underpin the business.

“We’ve grown alongside our customers,” Greg says. “Their business is our business and you’ve got to help them succeed.”

Evolving with the industry

While the foodservice landscape has changed significantly over the decades, so too has Aliant.

What began as a frozen-only offering has expanded into a diverse product range, including dairy, dry goods and specialised categories such as halal and international cuisines.

“People’s tastes have changed a lot,” Greg says. “You’ve got to move with that. Whether it’s Mexican, different cultural foods, or new dining trends.”

At the same time, Aliant has continued to build strong, long-term relationships with both customers and suppliers – something Greg sees as essential to navigating an increasingly complex market.

“There are still customers out there who value service and relationships,” he says. “That’s what we focus on.”

Stronger together

As a long-standing member of Countrywide, Aliant has combined its local, relationship-driven approach with the benefits of national scale.

“In today’s market, being part of Countrywide is more important than ever,” Greg says. “The scale, the tools, the programs – they all help us deliver for our customers.”

From digital ordering platforms to loyalty programs, those tools have enabled Aliant to enhance its customer experience while maintaining the personalised service it’s known for.

Giving back

Beyond business, giving back has become a defining part of the Aliant story.

Through industry-led charity initiatives and fundraising efforts, Greg and the team have helped raise significant funds for a range of causes – from cancer research to youth and community support programs.

“It’s something we’re really passionate about,” he says. “As an industry, we can make a real difference when we come together.”

Greg and Jody have played a key role in leading charity initiatives within the Countrywide network, including long-running fundraising auctions that have supported organisations such as the Leukaemia Foundation, Youngcare and Soldier On.

Family at the core

Family remains at the heart of everything Aliant does, not just within the Robertson family, but across the wider business.

Many team members have been with the company for more than a decade, with several spanning over 20 years. In some cases, multiple generations of families work within the business – something Greg is particularly proud of.

“We’ve got three generations of a family working for us – the mother, the daughter, and the granddaughter,” Greg says.

“That says a lot about the kind of place this is,” Greg says. “People want to be here, and they feel part of something.”

Looking ahead, the future of Aliant remains firmly focused on people – from loyal customers and suppliers to the next generation stepping into the business.

For Greg, that means giving son, Lachlan, the space to carve his own path.

“He’ll decide what he wants to do,” he says. “But if he chooses to take it on, I think there’s a great opportunity to keep building on what we’ve created.”

After over 40 years, Aliant’s story continues to be shaped by the same principles that started it all: family, service, and a commitment to doing business the right way.