Yaffa Media, one of Australia’s largest independent media companies whose portfolio includes AdNews, Food & Drink Business and Ragtrader, has acquired Spanton Media Group and all its assets, including industry-leading title Australian Bartender magazine and the Sydney Bar Week events. Yaffa Media is celebrating 100 years of independent operation in 2025, and this acquisition represents positive growth for the next century.
“I’ve long admired Yaffa Media for their influential publications and events,” says Spanton Media Founder and MD David Spanton. “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.”
Spanton Media Group has been leading the way in the Australian market with its publications and events dedicated to the bar industry for 25 years. They founded leading trade events, including Sydney Bar Week and the annual Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the bar industry, which is in its 24th year in 2025. Spanton Media has been publishing the voice of Australian bartenders, Australian Bartender magazine, a monthly trade magazine, since 1999.
“[Yaffa Media] 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.” – David Spanton, Founder Spanton Media Group
Celebrating 100 years in 2025, Yaffa Media has proven it’s a dynamic media business with 16 brands in their stable. They have continually adapted their business model, moving with the rapid changes to the modern media landscape. Their expansion into the digital world and their ability to manage events in-house makes them an ideal fit for the Spanton Media portfolio.
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.”
All content from January 2025 will fall under the Yaffa Media banner. Both David and Amy Spanton will continue to be involved in the business, ensuring continuity and sustained excellence . “We look forward to working with Yaffa and are excited to be involved in making all the assets a huge success for them,” adds David Spanton.
To find out more about Yaffa Media and their brands, click here.
For sponsorship and booking enquiries for Australian Bartender magazine (both print & digital and Sydney Bar Week events, click here.