Ice-cream franchise Baskin-Robbins has awarded its Coffs Harbour franchisee Philip Talbot with the top title, Annual Brand Champion.

The award recognises a franchisee whose top performance includes excellence in operations, sales and marketing.

Talbot also picked up the NSW prize for marketing excellence.

Ian Martin, Baskin-Robbins Australia general manager, said “In awarding the national prize, Phillip stood out for his ongoing commitment and excellence displayed within his Coffs Harbour store. WeÍre proud to have Phillip as part of the Baskin-Robbins Australia family, and are delighted he will shortly be opening his second Baskin-Robbins restaurant nearby in Grafton.”

Other winners

• State Brand Champions: Joseph Galante, Fremantle, WA; Violet & Kevin Nguyen, Castle Towers, NSW, Vic/Tas & SA; Julie Hollard, Mackay, QLD
• Marketing Excellence: Gail Bland, Canning Vale, WA; Philip Talbot, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Vic/Tas & SA; Julie Hollard, Mackay, QLD
• Restaurant Excellence: Peter Bartlett, Mandurah, WA; Jason Bowing & Seline Young, Northgate, NSW, Vic/Tas & SA; Steve McLeod, Camp Hill, QLD

Four partnership awards were presented to recognise more than a decade of commitment to the Baskin-Robbins brand. These include franchisees from Cairns and Clontarf in Queensland, and Newcastle and Sydney in New South Wales.