One of Australia’s largest independent media companies, Yaffa Media, has acquired Spanton Media Group along with all its assets, which feature prominent titles such as Sydney Bar Week, Australian Bartender, and the Australian Bar Awards. Yaffa Media’s diverse portfolio also encompasses food and drink enterprises, AdNews, and Ragtrader.
In 2025, Yaffa Media has effectively completed 100 years of independent operations, marking an exceptional milestone. This milestone, in conjunction with a significant acquisition, represents the potential for positive development in the centuries ahead. With a portfolio of over 16 brands, Yaffa Media is a leading media platform for the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Food & Drink Business has been an essential component of Yaffa Media for the past 50 years, offering comprehensive coverage of Australia’s largest manufacturing sector. The team offers complete coverage of the latest news, industry insights, profiles, and business commentary through its up-to-date newsletter, weekly video news dispatch, podcast, and bimonthly magazine.
As reported in Adnews, Yaffa Media’s Managing Director, Tracy Yaffa, said of the acquisition,
“We are thrilled to take on such quality media brands and look forward to servicing the vibrant hospitality and drinks sector.”
For 25 successful years, Spanton Media Group has been the pioneer in the Australian market, dedicating its publication and events to the bar industry. Spanton Media Group has established the top most trade events, including the annual Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards, Sydney Bar Week, and the “Oscars” of the bar industry, set to celebrate its 24th anniversary in 2025. They have been the publishing voice of a monthly trade publication magazine, Australian Bartender Magazine, and of Australian Bartenders since 1999. They presented Yaffa with an exciting and undeniable opportunity to collaborate our team’s industry knowledge and expertise with theirs.
The founder and MD of Spanton Media, David further stated,
“I’ve long admired Yaffa Media for their influential publications and events. They produce market-leading business-to-business media, and it is a perfect fit for them to expand their footprint into the hospitality and drinks sector. Amy and I are thrilled that Yaffa has decided to take on the business and use their vast resources to carry on what has been my passion for 25 years.”
The Yaffa Media will categorize all content starting in January 2025. Both Amy and David Spanton will remain actively immersed in the business, guaranteeing sustained excellence and continuity.
