Our Story
Four decades of serving South Australia's hospitality industry.
Northland Distributors was founded in the early 1980s by a South Australian family with a simple goal: to supply local hospitality businesses with quality products at fair prices, backed by genuine service. What started as a modest operation has grown steadily over four decades into one of Adelaide's most trusted packaging and hospitality supply distributors.
The beginning
Founded in Adelaide's northern suburbs, Northland started as a small family-run operation supplying takeaway packaging and basic disposables to local fish and chip shops, cafés and delis. Word spread quickly — customers valued the personal service and reliable stock.
Expanding to Adelaide
Northland expanded its reach across Adelaide, acquiring Pronto Distributors' pizza box delivery business — strengthening our foothold in the growing takeaway and food service market.
Growing the range
Through the mid-1990s, the business expanded its product range significantly — adding cleaning chemicals, tableware, glassware and a broader selection of foodservice packaging. The Cavan warehouse became the hub for weekday metro deliveries across Adelaide.
Strengthening the team
Adam Marinakis and Simon Ruciak joined the Northland team, bringing fresh energy and expertise that helped the business grow its customer base across Adelaide's expanding café and restaurant scene.
Expanding our reach
The 2000s brought new customers from the growing café and restaurant scene in Adelaide. Northland built strong supplier relationships that allowed us to offer nearly 5,000 product lines — one of the broadest ranges available from a single South Australian distributor.
Embracing sustainability
As the industry began shifting toward more sustainable practices, Northland invested in building out its eco-friendly and compostable packaging range. We worked with suppliers to bring certified compostable and recyclable alternatives to our customers.
Keith Ryan joins the team
Keith Ryan joined Northland, bringing extensive packaging industry experience that further strengthened the team's depth of knowledge and commitment to customer service.
Farewell to Adam
After nearly 20 years at Northland, Adam Marinakis entered retirement — leaving behind a legacy of dedication, strong customer relationships and a business in great shape.
A new chapter, same values
In 2026, Craig and Trisca Price took the helm as General Manager and Business Manager, backed by Bonson Packaging — a like-minded family business established by the Tsui family in Auckland in 1984. The partnership was built on shared values: long-term relationships, personal service and a commitment to doing right by customers. For Northland's customers and suppliers, it's business as usual — the same team, the same service, the same Northland.
We're proud of what we've built over 40 years, and we're proud of the relationships we've maintained with customers who've been with us since the beginning. If you're new to Northland, we'd love to show you what we can do for your business.
Come and see us
Visit our showroom at 6 McLeod Court, Cavan to browse our full range in person.