Grocery & Retail Ireland Magazine, Summer 2023

INDUSTRY NEWS

COUNTRY CREST

It’s 30 years since brothers Michael and Garbriel Hoey established the Country Crest brand.

GARVEY’S SUPERVALU, COBH

Has been recognised as one of the top supermarkets in Ireland by claiming a prestigious award.

N17 PLAZA

It’s been a successful first year in business for the N17 Plaza located near Tuam.

KAVANAGH’S SUPERVALU CLAREMORRIS

‘Best Small SuperValu Store of the Year’ at the SuperValu National Conference.

HERLIHY’S CENTRA, FERMOY

Dominic Kelleher was named Supermarket Delicatessen / Food to Go Manager of the Year.

DUNLEAVY MEATS

A third-generation meat processing business based outside Ballina.

Tel:

Fax:

KEARNS FRUIT FARM

Growing fresh, delicious and premium quality Wexford strawberries for over 50 years.

SUPERVALU KNOCKLYON

We meet award-winning store manager Doug Thompson.

HERLIHY’S CENTRA, BISHOPSTOWN

Rebecca Murphy was named as C-Store Manager of the Year (Large).

LIDL IRELAND

Plans to open another 50 stores across Ireland.

CASEY’S LONDIS CASTLEBAR

Retail Team of the Year Award Winners at the 2023 National Grocery Management Awards.

PETTITT’S SUPERVALU BRAY

Opened the doors of its brand-new store in June 2021.

Aldi Athenry store opens with creation of 30 new local jobs

ALDI’s nationwide expansion continues with the opening of its new store in Athenry, Co Galway, creating 30 new permanent jobs and investment of over €12m in the local area.

Located in Cross Street, the store becomes ALDI’s 12th store in Galway and 159th nationwide and was officially opened today by the local team and Store Manager Austin Mahony.

Last year, ALDI announced significant expansion plans, including a €63 million investment in six new stores across the West of Ireland. The first of these stores, Ballina, Tuam, and Mountbellew opened in 2022, with Ballyhaunis and Athenry opening in 2023 and finally Monivea Road, Galway City, which is set to open in 2024.

The €63 million investment will see the creation of up to 490 new jobs, comprising 140 permanent roles in ALDI and 350 indirect construction jobs.

Since opening its first Galway store in West City Centre Retail Park in 2000, ALDI has made a capital investment of over €42 million in the county. Across its 12 stores in Galway, the retailer employs over 265 people with a €7.5 million total annual salary spend.

Working with 11 local producers, ALDI spent €20 million with its Galway based suppliers in 2022.

Additionally, ALDI has invested €1.6 million in Galway as part of its Project Fresh initiative. ALDI Project Fresh stores focus on reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, using sustainable energy supply and avoiding CO2 emissions.

Speaking at the Athenry store opening, Austin Mahony, ALDI Athenry Store Manager said: “This new €12 million store in Athenry is the latest step in ALDI’s expansion programme and I’m delighted to open our 12th store in Galway today. This new store, and the 30 new jobs created, will support our ambition to deliver value to the people of Ireland at the locations most convenient to them.

As a leading retailer in Ireland, we are very conscious of the current challenges facing consumers and businesses. The cost-of-living crisis is impacting every household and we know what it means for our customers. Working alongside our strong network of local suppliers, we will continue to work hard, mindful of the challenges facing our customers and supporting them where we can.

Households and families in Athenry and the surrounding areas can now shop at their local ALDI and enjoy our

range of great quality fresh produce, Irish ingredients and household products, all at affordable prices. Our promise to our Galway customers is that we will never be beaten on price, and we will always provide the best value when they shop with us.”

The spacious new 1,170 sqm store features ALDI’s award winning Project Fresh layout and features wide aisles and hispec fixtures and fittings. ALDI shoppers will be able to make use of 91 car parking spaces and 4 electric vehicle charging spaces. A total of 15 bike parking spaces are also available outside the ALDI store.

The store has been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible, powered by green electricity and featuring solar panels on the roof of the store, powering items such as energy saving lights and ALDI’s new chiller fridges. It also features ALDI’s new Electronic Shelf Labels in store in place of traditional paper price labels, meaning that stock or price changes can be quickly and easily communicated to customers.

GROCERY & RETAIL NEWS

Tesco Ireland launches new deposit return scheme trial

TESCO Ireland has officially launched its new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) trial for PET plastic drinks bottles and aluminium/steel drinks cans at its Tesco Extra Store at Donore Road in Drogheda.

Ahead of DRS commencing nationwide in February

Five Irish food suppliers secure lucrative opportunity with Musgrave Marketplace

MUSGRAVE MarketPlace has announced five new partners following the first round of its Green Shoots programme. In collaboration with Bord Bia, the Dragons Den style initiative invited pitches from local Irish businesses with the opportunity for their product to be promoted and sold across Musgrave MarketPlace branches and online platforms.

Companies presented to a panel of foodservice experts spanning the areas of culinary, purchasing, sales and marketing with five providers selected – Vanilla Bean Patisserie in Cavan, Uneek Functional Cheese Company based in Limerick, West Cork natives, The Cultured Food Company and Spice of Life as well as Builin Blasta from Galway.

The businesses will now be listed in three Musgrave Marketplace branches as well as online. There will be the opportunity to host monthly sampling events in branch and an extensive promotional campaign will now begin across Musgrave Marketplace social media and digital platforms as well as in foodservice brochures.

2024, the retailer is running two in-store DRS demonstration trials, at Drogheda Extra and Malahide Express stores. The government’s Deposit Return Scheme is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle drinks containers, such as bottles and cans. Minister of State Ossian Smyth TD attended the initiative’s launch alongside Tesco Ireland’s communications director Rosemary Garth, country operations manager Darrin Honer and store manager Eoin Killoran.

Congratulating the successful businesses, Mark Moriarty Trading Director of Musgrave Wholesale Partners said: “At Musgrave Marketplace we are committed to providing our customers with the most extensive range of products and supporting local Irish suppliers is extremely important to us. Green Shoots brings these two commitments together.

“We are always scouting for new and innovative food and non-food products to supply to our large network of customers in Ireland. This new initiative allows us to showcase local Irish suppliers and I look forward to seeing more businesses come on stream in the coming months.”

Maureen Gahan, Foodservice Specialist with Bord Bia added: “Bord Bia is delighted to collaborate with Musgrave Marketplace in the initial supplier selection process. A key element of Bord Bia’s role is to act as a bridge between Irish food and drink producers and industry buyers. A range of product categories with new growth potential were identified by restaurant customers. Bord Bia facilitated a series of 1-21 bespoke presentations with suppliers in these categories, from which Musgrave Marketplace selected the final group of participants.”

Musgrave MarketPlace is the only 100% Irish owned national foodservice wholesaler. They are committed to supporting Irish jobs, Irish businesses and the future of the foodservice industry across the island of Ireland.

Maxol breaks ground on £2.35 million expansion of Braid River and Marino Service Stations

MAXOL is investing £2.35 million in a significant redevelopment and expansion of Maxol Braid River Service Station in central Ballymena and a modernisation of Maxol Marino near Holywood.

The investment is part of a wider five-year capital investment programme worth £84M that Maxol recently announced across its network to meet the growing demand for convenience-led forecourt services that include coffee, groceries and food-to-go.

Maxol’s innovative and sustainable forecourt design will be fully implemented at Maxol Braid River. A host of cutting-edge technologies will be used to reduce the site’s existing carbon footprint which include photovoltaic (solar) panels to reduce electrical import requirements; solar efficient glazing; the use of LED lights; low energy CO2 refrigeration systems with doors fitted throughout the store; exhaust air-heat pump technology to reduce heating loads; and an energy management system to monitor and control the overall energy usage on the site.

A new EV Charging Hub will be developed and operated under Maxol’s Recharge brand. It will have up to four 200kw EV charging units serving 1 vehicle each, providing charging for four cars at any one time.

Elsewhere on the forecourt, Premium Fuels will be introduced to enable customers to make greener motoring choices; car parking facilities will more than double from the current 11 to 32 and Pay at Pump technology will be available at two fuel pumps to ensure greater convenience for customers during busy trading periods.

Braid River’s current retail space will grow by 140%

from 102 sq. meters to 246 sq. meters. With a doubling of frozen food provision and the number of grocery and chilled bays increasing significantly, customers can expect to find a much bigger range of locally produced food including an expanded grocery offer, and an extended fruit & veg, dairy, and frozen food ranges.

A new Delish Deli with a self-serve chicken bar will be introduced, along with new Frozen Coca Cola and Frozen Fanta slushie machines. The popular BARISTA BAR Coffee for quality coffee on the go will be expanded to two units for improved speed of service and enhanced with a new bakery for pastries and sweet treats.

For customers’ speed and convenience two selfcheckouts will also be installed.

The investment at Maxol Marino Service Station on the main Belfast to Bangor Road at Cultra will enhance and upgrade current customer facilities both on the forecourt and in-store.

Customer flow around the store will be improved by the relocation of the entrance and parking will be increased to accommodate 23 customer vehicles.

The retail space will be refreshed with new flooring, ceiling, lighting and new check-outs. There will also be more refrigeration space added for Grab & Go and dairy produce and additional shelving for an enhanced grocery offer.

Frozen Coca Cola and Fanta slushie machines will be introduced and the forecourt will be refreshed to create a warm welcome for customers with better signage amongst the improvements.

GROCERY & RETAIL NEWS

Musgrave Northern Ireland crowns ‘Store of the Year’ winners

THREE local SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores have been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Store of the Year’ at Musgrave’s annual awards ceremony.

The Musgrave awards ceremony celebrates and recognises the achievements, hard work and dedication of its retail partners across the three brands.

SuperValu McCool’s Kells claimed the title of SuperValu Store of the Year for the second year in a row. The store was once again recognised for its outstanding service, friendly and welcoming staff, as well as its excellent standards and support for the community.

Centra McGleenan’s Keady scooped the Centra Store of the Year award, being acknowledged for its high customer service standards and strong sales driven by a hardworking team. Mace Store of the Year went to MACE Dolan’s Gortin Road in Omagh. Strong work ethic amongst all levels of staff, high levels of footfall and store standards propelled the store to win this title.

Also on the night, Centra Farrell’s Stewartstown Road was awarded Newcomer of the Year, while SuperValu Portstewart and Centra Carrickfergus were champions in the Musgrave owned store categories.

The ceremony also saw SuperValu Limavady and Centra Bradley’s Maghera crowned Fundraisers of the Year for Action Cancer, while MACE McDonald’s Victoria Street in Lurgan received the same award for its work with Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.

Trevor Magill, Managing Director of Musgrave Northern

ALDI to invest €7.2m in six more energy efficient stores this year

ALDI Ireland will invest €7.2 million in upgrading six of its stores throughout the country in 2023. Alongside the recently opened renovated Athy store, Bandon, Ballinasloe, Mullingar, Sandyford, and Cashel will be part of the supermarket’s award-winning Project Fresh retrofitting programme, which overhauls a store’s infrastructure with energy-saving upgrades.

Since the beginning of the programme in 2016, ALDI has invested €62 million in the roll out of Project Fresh across its network of stores. This year, ALDI launched Project Fresh Enhanced, which will see for the first time exciting new units such as a fresh herb stand, a dedicated bread and cake fixture, and a Health and Beauty feature installed in the upcoming revamps.

To date, 93 stores have already been upgraded, with 5 more to be completed in 2023 and the remaining few stores to be revamped in 2024. Since 2016, all new stores and store extensions built and opened by ALDI have been built in the

Ireland said: “The Musgrave Store of the Year awards provide us the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, hard work and dedication of our retail partners and Musgrave owned stores, across our three brands.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all our retailers who work so hard to maintain the highest standards across our brands. Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners who never fail to deliver the best customer service to communities across Northern Ireland.”

The awards ceremony was hosted by journalist and broadcaster Sarah Travers in The Culloden Estate and Spa Hotel. Finalists are selected following several rigorous rounds of performance and standards audits, with the highest accolade being ‘Store of the Year’.

Project Fresh format.

Through the Project Fresh innovations, ALDI stores are significantly cutting their energy consumption with the use of modern and efficient chiller doors and refrigeration systems. This not only reduces each store’s environmental impact, but also allows ALDI to reinvest savings made in its store network to improve the overall shopping experience for customers and ensure that they are getting the freshest products at the lowest prices.

ALDI’s Project Fresh programme has delivered a number of key energy-saving infrastructure upgrades across its store network. These upgrades include, among others:

New store chiller doors to reduce refrigeration energy consumption by approximately 20%.

Latest generation CO2 refrigeration packs, which make energy savings of 18% per store per year when compared to the same store in the previous year.

LED lights, which use 60% less energy per year.

As a leading retailer in sustainability, ALDI’s stores are also fully powered by green electricity. ALDI has invested heavily in improving its energy management systems and its entire store network is now powered by 100% wind generated energy. ALDI was the second retailer in Ireland to achieve ISO 50001 accreditation in recognition of its efforts to improve energy efficiencies.

COUNTRY CREST BRAND CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

It’s 30 years since brothers Michael and Garbriel Hoey established the Country Crest brand, providing fresh potatoes to the retail sector. Since then, the family-run business in Lusk, Co. Dublin has become one of the largest suppliers of potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions and fresh prepared meals in Ireland, and is also a supplier of premium Bord Bia Quality Assured beef.

In 2008, the brothers set up their prepared meals division which led to the creation of Ballymaguire Foods. It’s a measure of how far the sister companies have come that they recently announced a €25 million expansion of their production facilities in Lusk that will result in the creation of over 200 jobs over the next five years.

The investment will increase food production capabilities as Country Crest seeks to build capacity and support customer growth. Construction has commenced on the first phase of work and is expected to be completed and operational within a matter of months. The expansion will also include the establishment of a new R&D kitchen.

Country Crest managing director Michael Hoey said: “This

is an exciting time for our convenience food business here in North Co. Dublin. This is a vote of confidence in the Irish food industry, an industry that continues to thrive, despite the tough economic conditions we are all experiencing at present.”

Farm-to-fork producer Country Crest said that over 60% of its ingredients, including all its vegetables and proteins (chicken, beef and ham), are sourced in the North Dublin area. Making the announcement, Ballymaguire Foods managing director and co-owner Ed Spelman commented: “We are delighted to be making this investment in our business as we continue to grow and expand our reach from our Lusk base.

“Our production capability will be greatly increased and

The Hoey brothers Michael and Gabriel alongside accomplished chef Edward Spelman, Managing Director of Ballymaguire Foods, who work 364 days a year to deliver the best quality food products, using the best of ingredients

will be mainly used to fuel the opportunities we see in both this country and mainland Europe. Our customers appreciate our agility and ability to adapt to new trends and tastes whilst using the best Irish ingredients where possible.

“Our Irish suppliers will also benefit in the future as many of our ingredients are sourced on the island of Ireland from chicken to beef and fresh vegetables.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said: “This announcement is a brilliant example of pure quality and excellence in a sector where Ireland excels and especially around sustainability and producing quality clean food.

“For generations, the Hoey family has employed hundreds of people from the locality and have never been found wanting in giving back to the local community. Their success stemming from the land is to be applauded and I wish them continued success for years to come.”

Country Crest’s business of farming, producing and distributing fresh, great-tasting healthy food is driven by a passion for innovation and sustainability. From the roots of

the century-old family business comes a promise to respect and protect the purity of the land. Michael and Gabriel Hoey’s vision is to become an even more successful and diverse agri-food business whilst remaining true to nature and the environment. They know how important it is to respect and nurture the purity and power of the land because this will influence our lives now and for generations to come.

Set up to grow and pre-pack fresh potatoes for the retail sector, Country Crest has built strong relationships with the best Irish growers and national retailers who appreciate their passion for authenticity, innovation and the best possible produce.

In 1995, Minister Noel Davern officially opened a new facility for washing, grading and packing potatoes. The €3.8 million investment represented a state-of-the art development for Country Crest and resulted in a doubling of staff.

Ten years later, the Hoey brothers set about reviving an almost obsolete industry, making a €4 million investment in a state-of-the-art onion grading, packaging and primary

Country Crest is one of the largest suppliers of potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions and fresh prepared meals in Ireland

The company has built strong relationships with Irish growers and national retailers such as Tesco

storage facility. This state-of-the-art 3,000 tonne storage and drying facility harvests their Irish onion crop.

In 2008, they recognised the opportunity to add to their existing produce business by establishing a prepared foods division, focusing on quality vegetable accompaniments and main meal dishes, from which Ballymaguire Foods was born. Winter and spring cereals, as well as grasses, are also grown on their agri-food site, thereby creating the most sustainable food sources for their Ballymaguire Foods meal solutions division.

The company’s focus on sustainability was enhanced with

the introduction of an 80-metre on-site wind turbine which supplies over 60% of their energy needs in 2009.

The integration of sustainability with their business philosophy, coupled with the implementation of a variety of innovative sustainability initiatives, resulted in Country Crest winning the 2011 Bord Bia Food & Drink Industry Sustainability Award. The company was then invited to become a pilot company for Bord Bia’s Origin Green Sustainability Development Programme.

Country Crest also boasts its own cattle feeding unit onsite. This allows the team to complete and assure traceability

Thirty years ago brothers Michael and Gabriel Hoey established the Country Crest brand, providing fresh potatoes to the retail sector

The Hoey family provide an immeasurable boost to the local economy

Sales & service for hot and cold high pressure washers. Main sales & service for high pressure Cat pumps. Reelcraft hose reels, replacement hoses, guns & lances. Providing facilities to the pharmaceutical industry, agricultural, dairy, food & engineering sectors.

Westpoint Trade Centre, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Tel: 021 481 0977 | Mob: 087 240 6899 info@europumps.ie | www.europumps.ie

Grocery & Retail Ireland

Country Crest rear Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Limousin and Hereford cattle on their farm

The Farm Shop was a natural evolution of the Hoey family’s farming tradition

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Country Crest

The

Farm Shop was a natural evolution of the Hoey family’s farming tradition and ambition to ensure that their local communities have the best fresh food readily available

of quality beef, specifically the cuts they use for their prepared foods division. Traceability is an integral part of the company’s ethos and a practice that remains of the highest priority across all divisions: fresh produce, farming and prepared foods manufacturing.

In addition, Country Crest operates its own Farm Shop from Donabate, Co. Dublin. The Farm Shop was a natural evolution of the Hoey family’s farming tradition and ambition to ensure that their local communities have the best fresh food readily available.

It has become a ‘foodie destination’ where customers can choose from some amazing ingredients – craft meats from the butcher’s counter, local in-season fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh breads and cakes, Irish artisan foods and even prepared meals and soups from the Ballymaguire Foods range. The Farm Shop is a great way for Country Crest to keep in touch with its local communities and to understand what consumers are looking for.

But more than that, it’s a fantastic platform for the company to champion its amazing food products made by small Irish businesses, both locally and around the country.

Here’s to the next 30 years of this family success story!

COUNTRY CREST

Rathmooney, Lusk, Co. Dublin, K45 NPO3.

Telephone: +353 1 843 7061

Email: info@countrycrest.ie

Website: www.countrycrest.ie

GARVEY’S SUPERVALU COBH WINS AGAIN!

Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh has been recognised as one of the top supermarkets in Ireland by claiming a prestigious award.

No stranger to winning coveted awards, the Co. Cork retailer saw off strong competition to be named ‘Best Medium SuperValu Store of the Year’ at the SuperValu National Conference which was held in The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney recently. The store was judged on a wide range of criteria, including product range, presentation, sustainability, customer care and hygiene standards.

The competition was judged by retail consultant Matthew Brown who praised the store for its innovative practices and its celebration of local suppliers. He said the Garvey’s SuperValu, Cobh team should be very proud of their achievement and that they put on a ‘world-class’ performance.

“We are over the moon to have won this award and would like to congratulate all those who have been shortlisted as we

know the hard work and high standards set by stores each year,” Garvey’s SuperValu store manager John Paul Curtin says.

“I’d like to congratulate our amazing team who go above and beyond for our customers. This award is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm they show every day of the week and would not be possible without them and our fantastic customers. Customer service and quality products are what we pride ourselves most on.”

SuperValu managing director Ian Allen commented:

“Every year, we are blown away by the high standard set by finalists who are paving the way as exemplar SuperValu stores nationwide and leading the way in our mission to build sustainable communities.

“I’d like to congratulate Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh for showing excellent leadership in the area of sustainability,

‘Best Medium SuperValu Store of the Year’

implementing a truly innovative store product range and supporting local producers. The team at Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh are hugely deserving of this accolade and I’d like to wish them every success going forward.”

The award caps a very successful 12 months for the store which also won ‘Best Bakery’ and ‘Best Meat Offering’ at the 2022 National Grocery Retail Awards as well as ‘Medium Store of the Year’ at last November’s SuperValu Off-Licence of the Year Awards. In addition, Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh was a finalist in the 2022 ‘Best in Fresh Awards’ and was also a Top30 finalist in the Retail Excellence Awards after being rigorously tested with a 10 pillar of retail submission and an onsite visit from Retail Excellence and Echochamber personnel.

Employing 70 people, the store is part of the Garvey Group which operates seven SuperValu and three Centra stores in

the South and South-West. The SuperValu stores are located in Corbally, Tralee, Castleisland, Dingle, Listowel, Dungarvan and Cobh, while the three Centra outlets are in Dungarvan, Adare and Newcastle West.

Founded in Tralee in 1935, the Garvey Group’s success has been achieved through the vision of its management team, the skill and wholehearted committed of all employees, its dedication to achieving the highest standards and its ongoing support of the local communities it is proud to serve. Passionate about fresh food, the Group prides itself on offering customers the very best in locally-sourced fresh produce which is delivered on a daily basis. Each store goes to great lengths to source the freshest fresh fruit and vegetables from farmers and food producers in their locality. They believe fresh is always best!

Since opening its doors in 2007, Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh

has gone from strength to strength. In November 2021, it underwent a €2.5 million revamp which has enabled it to offer an extended range of produce across a new premium meat counter, fishmonger and bakery.

The new-look store also boasts an enhanced fresh food offering with a new focus on artisan and vegan departments, including a Happy Pear vegan section alongside a new deli and cheese counter. The new store was also designed with the environment in mind, coming with 562 solar panels that produce enough renewable electricity to power over 400 homes a year. Eco-friendly LED lighting also features throughout, alongside closed refrigeration units which have

Sourcing the freshest fresh fruit and vegetables from farmers and food producers in their locality

led to a 40% reduction in energy consumption across the premises.

“We have the largest number of solar panels of any SuperValu store in Ireland which underlines our commitment to sustainability.

“These changes meant that we were able to secure SEAI grants for Cobh GAA and St Benedict’s Priory for their energy upgrade works,” John Paul explains.

“Under the same roof, we have a beauty salon, opticians, hairdressing salon, chemist and café, while a primary care centre is also due to open soon. It’s important to be a onestop shop, especially when you have other large retail outlets

A new focus on artisan departments

Best Wishes and Continued Success to GARVEY’S

SUPERVALU

Delivering Innovative Solutions for Retailers

T23 Rowan Avenue, Stillorgan Industrial Park, Blackrock, Dublin, A94 DH00

Phone: +353 1 295 4844

Email: sales@digi.ie www.digi.ie

Delighted to of been part of the recent revamp of Garvey’s Supervalu Cobh, Best wishes and continued Success to all

Telephone: 023 885 4652

Email: info@wcg.ie Web: wcg.ie

Best Wishes to Garvey’s Supervalu, Cobh

Together, let’s find the best IT Solution for your business. For over 30 years, DB Computer Solutions has partnered with hundreds of customers across Ireland. By listening, we apply the most appropriate solutions to help businesses flourish.

 I.T Services and I.T Support Services.

 Networking.

 Sage 50Cloud, Sage 200 Professional, Sage 200 Standard, Sage CRM and Sage Payroll

 Cloud Services, Microsoft Office 365 and Virtualisation Services.

 Hardware & Infrastructure Provision and Deployment.

 Sage Support Services.

 Integrated applications includes Barscan, Manufacturing for Sage, Remote Rep and much more.

How can we help you?

Contact us today on 061 480980 | info@dbcomp.ie Or find out more at www.dbcomp.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Garvey’s Supervalu, Cobh

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Garvey’s SuperValu, Cobh

beside you.”

In addition to the goods already available, the new store places a strong emphasis on fresh produce from local suppliers, with 75% of goods being sourced in Ireland. It brings a taste of Cork’s famous English Market to Cobh with brands such as O’Flynn’s Sausages, Pig’s Back and Mr Bell’s Spices.

“The first aisle has a market feel to it. We wanted to create a ‘Best in Cork’ section featuring local premium produce. We have great local brands like Hassett’s Bakery, Hanley’s Pudding, Glorious Sushi, Little Thai Kitchen, Field Fresh Potatoes, Slaney Farms and Athula Fusion Foods,” the affable store manager continues.

When entering Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh, customers are greeted with a smile and an array of quality fresh foods across all departments. The store offers a full range of scratch bakery, deli, meat, fish, dairy and groceries. Its fishmonger, Michelle Lynch, has been part of the team for 18 years. In addition, the store’s craft butchers offer a wide range of prepared-by-butcher meals, while its 28-day dryaged beef is renowned for its flavour and tenderness.

Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh also has a large selection of specialty foods and stocks a wide variety of wines and beers in its off-licence from local, national and

We wanted to create a ‘Best in Cork’ section featuring local premium produce. We have great local brands like Hassett’s Bakery, Hanley’s Pudding, Glorious Sushi, Little Thai Kitchen, Field Fresh Potatoes, Slaney Farms and Athula Fusion Foods

international producers. Furthermore, the store combines the best of SuperValu’s own grocery brands with the leading brands.

The store has been a long-standing supporter of the local community in Cobh. SuperValu sponsors the GAA Football All-Ireland Championships and the National Tidy Towns competition, and also works closely with schools and communities as part of its ‘Save the Bees’ campaign.

“We provide over 100 food hampers to people in need every Christmas. We also provide sponsorship to the local GAA and soccer clubs, the Tidy Towns and are also committed to working towards making Cobh an autismfriendly town. We’re immersed in the local community.”

Open 8am-9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 8pm on Sundays, Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.

GARVEY’S SUPERVALU COBH

Tiknock, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 CY96.

Telephone: 021 490 8340

The new premium fishmonger

One of the top supermarkets in Ireland

N17 PLAZA HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

A successful first year in business for the N17 Plaza located near Tuam in Co. Galway culminated in its SPAR outlet winning ‘Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Large) – Silver Award’ at the 2022 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards.

Aone-stop shop for all your needs when making the journey along the M17 Motorway, the N17 Plaza – which takes its name from the iconic Saw Doctors song and the road that inspired it – is one of the latest additions to The Plaza Group. Opened on March 11 2022 and employing 70 full-time and part-time staff, it features a food court consisting of a Supermac’s, Papa John’s Pizza, SuperSubs, Mac’s Deli, Mac’s Place Deli and coffee barista as well as a large, spacious seating area. There is also a SPAR convenience shop and Texaco fuel pumps which are open 24 hours, and EV charge points for electric vehicles.

The N17 Plaza is part of the Plaza Group which also operates eight other Plazas in Moneygall, Tipperary Town, Mallow, Kiltullagh, Kinnegad, Charlestown, Portlaoise and Loughrea. The Plaza Group is one of Ireland’s leading independent motorway and primary route services group. It was formed by the managing directors of Supermac’s, Pat and Una McDonagh, who have over 40 years’ experience in the sector, offering world-class food and retail services.

The variety of choice on the menu means there is something tasty and tempting at the Plazas for everybody. The Plazas serve fresh coffee from their barista, while their attention to quality and service means that the deli offering at Mac’s Diner is going

A one-stop shop for all your needs when making the journey along the M17 Motorway

from strength to strength. Key to the Group’s success is a strong relationship with customers. What the Plazas offer, it is driven by customer demand.

The ShelfLife National C-Store Awards celebrate success in one of the country’s most vibrant sectors. The annual awards bring together some of the most dynamic companies for a memorable night to celebrate the industry’s finest stores and people in a diverse range of categories.

“Our first year in business has gone really well. Winning this award is the icing on the cake,” N17 Plaza Site Manager Harry Cronin says.

“We’re conveniently located close to the super-junction of the M17 motorway and N17 road, and are the perfect place to stop before continuing on your journey. Alan Bradburn is manager of our SPAR store and I would like to congratulate

him and his staff on winning this award. It is no more than they deserve.”

Harry is grateful for the support the N17 Plaza receives from local and passing customers on a daily basis.

“People have been so supportive. One of our objectives when we first opened our doors was to be a part of the local community and to help Tuam to grow and prosper,” he explains.

“Not only have we created employment, we have also supported local groups and organisations. And they have repaid us to the extent that 68% of our trade is local. I would like to thank the people of Tuam and the surrounding area for embracing us and helping us to get off the ground.”

He continues: “We’re also extremely grateful for the passing trade we receive. Lots of buses stop off here on

N17 Plaza brand ambassador Bundee Aki sporting the Galway colours

N17 Plaza and Supermac’s were proud to offer invaluable support to Climb With Charlie

The N17 Plaza is part of the Plaza Group which also operates eight other plazas

Galway football captain Sean Kelly presents a signed jersey to Galway GAA sponsor Pat McDonagh

the way to Knock, the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan and other well-known destinations in the West.”

The N17 Plaza is proud to sponsor the Pat McDonagh Business Award, the inaugural winner of which was 2021/22 Leaving Cert student Eimhin Mulligan. This is a dedicated Business Studies award for Leaving Cert students attending St Jarlath’s College in Tuam.

Eimhin was picked from a wide range of nominees by an independent team of internal and external adjudicators. The winner excelled during his time at St Jarlath’s College, at both Business and Accounting subject exams in the 2021/22 Leaving Cert. Eimhin is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in University of Galway.

Upon receiving his award, Eimhin said “I’ve always had a major interest in business studies and the business world and this award is a great boost for me, not to mention what it will do for my CV.

“I’d sincerely like to thank all the teachers and staff in St Jarlath’s College and to the N17 Plaza and Pat McDonagh

for sponsoring this great award.”

The award’s main objective is to entice current St Jarlath’s Leaving Cert students to explore the options available to them postLeaving Certificate in a business-related course and career.

The initiative includes a cash prize and a Business Award plaque, an achievement that can be added to his CV.

As the N17 Plaza continues to go from strength to strength, Harry Cronin would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers, suppliers and staff for all their support to date.

THE PLAZA GROUP

Supermac’s Head Office, Ballybrit, Galway.

Telephone: 091 774100

Email: info@plazagroup.ie

Web: www.plazagroup.ie

KAVANAGH’S SUPERVALU, CLAREMORRIS WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

There were great celebrations recently when Kavanagh’s SuperValu in Claremorris was named ‘Best Small SuperValu Store of the Year’ at the SuperValu National Conference which was held in The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.

Winning this coveted accolade recognises the exceptional standards of the Kavanagh’s SuperValu store which underwent a €2 million revamp last year. The Co. Mayo store employs 70 people and is very active in supporting local community groups as well as being a champion of local suppliers. SuperValu stores throughout the Republic of Ireland were assessed and adjudicated by independent competition judge and retail consultant Matthew Brown. The judging process focused on key criteria such as product range and innovation, store presentation, fresh food offering, sustainability, customer care, and store quality and hygiene standards.

Speaking at the awards, SuperValu managing director Ian Allen congratulated Kavanagh’s SuperValu and the other award winners, while Matthew Brown commended them for their “world class” standard of retailing excellence.

Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Claremorris store manager Damien Hall says winning the ‘Best Small SuperValu Store of the Year’ award was a testament to its team of dedicated staff and the support of its loyal customer base.

“We were both surprised and delighted to win the award,” he enthuses.

“We weren’t expecting it because of the calibre of opposition we were up against. There were three other fine stores in our category so it means a lot to us and our town.

Damien Hall (Store Manager), pictured with some of the team at Kavanagh’s SuperValu

This award is down to our brilliant team of employees who make the store what it is. We have to go the extra mile with everything because of the competition we face from other large retailers in what is a small country town at the end of the day. We had a staff night out to celebrate the win.

“I’d also like to thank our customers for the support they’ve shown us over the years. They inspire us to keep providing fresh, local produce along with the very best in customer service and shopping experience.”

Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Claremorris is one of 11 SuperValu stores within the Kavanagh Group. Fronted by Noel Kavanagh Snr and Noel Kavanagh Jnr, the Group’s other stores are located in Westport, Castlebar, Kiltimagh, Moycullen, Barna, Clifden, Donegal town, Buncrana, Dungloe and Ballybofey. The Kavanagh Group also operates a Centra convenience store in Derry and four Budgens retail outlets across the UK. In addition, the Kavanagh family own the Wyatt Hotel in Westport.

Established in 1952, the Kavanagh Group is a family of independently-owned local businesses which are committed to providing their customers with great service and quality products. They believe this can only be achieved through working together. That’s why they provide the support and services needed for their local managers to run stores in the heart of their community.

The award comes at an exciting time for the Claremorris store which underwent a complete revamp in 2022. The new-look store features products from The Happy Pear and Signature Taste ranges as well as Taste of Local produce which complement the store’s existing range of everyday staple goods along with top-quality fresh foods. Kavanagh’s SuperValu prides itself on its fresh produce, exceptional service and commitment to local jobs.

All fresh meat, fruit and vegetables are locally sourced and can be traced back to the farm where they were produced. Unlike many other big supermarket chains which operate

The cheese counter

The tempting patisserie counter

All fresh fruit and vegetables are locally sourced

in this country, SuperValu is Irish-owned and enjoys a wonderful relationship with its customers. At Kavanagh’s SuperValu, staff are on first-name terms with many of their customers.

“Our business has increased significantly since the revamp,” Damien explains.

“We have full deli, fish and meat counters, an instore bakery and café as well as a post office. The bakery has been especially busy since it was relocated to the front of the store. Our Signature Taste section showcases our local producers and suppliers. We have also installed new sustainable refrigeration along with new counters and shelving throughout the store.

“We remained fully operational during the revamp which took three-and-a-half months to complete. We literally worked day and night to keep things running smoothly. But it all proved worthwhile in the end.”

Damien is supported by a top-class team which includes fresh food manager Teddie Molloy, grocery manager Aíne Grogan, HR manager Evelyn Cawe, deli manager Catherine Quinn, head butcher Stephen Collins and head baker

We remained fully operational during the revamp which took three-and-a-half months to complete. We literally worked day and night to keep things running smoothly. But it all proved worthwhile in the end

The in store off licence

The impressive fish counter

Dublin:

D E L I V E R I N G Q U A L I T Y S I N C E 1 9 8 6 Dublin: 01 460 0322

OF FULL REFRIGERATION SOLUTION TO KAVANAGH’S SUPERVALU, CLAREMORRIS

01 460 0322

Transport

Refrigeration

Cork:

Cork: brltd ie Follow us

01 460

09496 40045 info@brltd ie www brltd ie Follow us for latest news

for

latest news

latest news

Commercial Refrigeration

Transport

Refrigeration

Commercial Refrigeration

Refrigeration

Pharmaceutical Mapping

Bespoke

Cranes 021 4882077 Roscommon: 09496 40045 info@brltd ie www

Commercial Refrigeration

KIT Insulation

Pharmaceutical Mapping

Tail

Tail Lifts

Bespoke

Bespoke KIT Insulation

Tail Lifts

“It’s a real team effort,” he stresses.

“We have 70 people working here who put their shoulder to the wheel on a daily basis. For example, Catherine Quinn, Stephen Collins and Michael O’Brien have over 85 years’ combined experience between them. This award wouldn’t have been possible without that kind of knowledge and experience.”

A quantity surveyor by profession, Damien’s passion for retail drew him back to where it all started with the Kavanagh Group in his local store in Castlebar as a 16-year-old in 2002. After completing Kavanagh’s trainee management programme in 2015, he worked as assistant store manager in Castlebar before taking up his current position in 2020.

“The Covid-19 outbreak happened that year so it was a real baptism of fire. But it was a great learning experience and we got through it in the end,” he reflects.

As proud long-standing sponsors of the GAA Football All-Ireland Championships, SuperValu is committed to inspiring the next generation of GAA stars. Through this

sponsorship, SuperValu and the GAA bring together in true partnership two of the country’s most community-focused organisations. Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Claremorris and the GAA share common values through focusing their approach on relationships, honesty, hard work, achievement and community identity.

SuperValu also sponsors the National Tidy Towns competition and works closely with schools and communities as part of its ‘Save the Bees’ campaign.

Open 8am-9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 8pm on Sundays, Kavanagh’s SuperValu Claremorris would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.

KAVANAGH’S SUPERVALU, CLAREMORRIS

The Square, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, F12 R3P4.

Telephone: 094 936 2242

www.kavanaghgroup.ie

Grocery

Michael O’Brien to name but a few.

Bakery tables in store

The bakery

The well-stocked Deli

SYNONYMOUS WITH WEXFORD STRAWBERRIES

Jimmy Kearns of Kearns Fruit Farm near Enniscorthy has been growing fresh, delicious and premium quality Wexford strawberries for over 50 years. He is joined in the family-run business by his wife Susan, son Noel, son-in-law and former Wexford hurling goalkeeping great Damien Fitzhenry, sales manager Peter Donnellan – who is the new joint-chair of the Horticulture Industry Forum – and up to 80 staff at peak times.

One of Ireland’s leading strawberry growers, Jimmy was in his early teens when he lost both of his parents, Margaret and Pat, within the space of 10 months. Pat had started the business in the early 1950s and a young Jimmy was left to take up the reins. More than half a century later, Jimmy is still going strong, growing strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and barley in the shadow of Mount Leinster. The fresh strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are supplied to multiples such as Dunnes Stores, Musgraves and Lidl, while the barley goes to Boortmalt in Enniscorthy for malt production.

“Strawberries account for about 98% of our business,” Jimmy says.

“We also produce raspberries and a small amount of blackberries and barley, which we grow with the help of the strawberry compost. We used to grow more barley and

wheat, but you need volume to survive and that is why we concentrate on growing fruit now.

“Like many growers in the area at the time, my father initially grew strawberries for jam production. The likes of Chivers and Robinsons had factories in the area who all the local growers supplied their strawberries to. But since they closed, the number of growers has fallen dramatically.

“We have stayed going, thank God, and grow about 70% of our own produce. We produce 35 tonnes of strawberries a week at the height of the season. The other 30% comes from Philip Somers, John Greene and John Mernagh, who were colleagues of mine in the old Wexford Fruit Producers group, and six or seven smaller growers.

“We take great pride in everything we produce and are members of both the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme and the Good Food Ireland Initiative.”

Strawberries are grown for seven months of the year,

while raspberries have a shorter time frame of three months. The process begins in December when strawberries are planted in heated glass tunnels. The first of the 60-day crops are planted in April for July picking when the main crop also arrives. Raspberries and blackberries are planted at the end of March and are harvested 10 weeks later. Kearns Fruit Farm plants strawberries every two weeks from March onwards. In total, about one million strawberry plants are planted each year in Curraghgraigue.

When we spoke to Jimmy in May, production was running behind schedule after a wet spring.

“We would normally expect to be in full production at this time of year, but are only at about 30%,” he lamented.

“Whereas 2022 was a good growing year, the weather has gone downhill since February. The ‘light levels’ weather has been poor. We can compensate for heat by turning it up in the glasshouses, but not for light levels. We have demand,

but can’t fulfil it which is very frustrating.

“Growing isn’t manufacturing – you just can’t press a button. We’re at the mercy of the weather and that’s just the way it is.”

Matters are compounded by the reluctance of retailers to pay growers a fair and sustainable price for their products. Many fresh produce growers are in a weak position to bargain for a fair price as they are competing with each other and often only have the capacity to supply one of the supermarket chains.

Peter Donnellan is joint-chair of the Horticulture Industry Forum (HIF) which was formed as an umbrella organisation for Irish Fresh Produce Growers to address serious challenges facing the industry. The HIF currently has representatives from five sectors – Vegetables, Mushrooms, Soft Fruit, Top Fruit and Protected Crops. Teagasc, Bord Bia and the IFA are associate members of the Forum.

Jimmy Kearns with his grandchildren

Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, Peter plans to meet with all major retailers to discuss the issues facing growers. He is also encouraging all growers to contribute to a new draft National Strategy for Horticulture which is currently open for public consultation.

“Growers are facing unique challenges at this time,” he explains.

“The main ones relate to the supply chain and how it works, and how retailers are driving a hard bargain. There is a real need to engage with the retailers on their long-term intention to support local horticulture producers through sustainable pricing to ensure the viability and growth of the sector.

“The focus also needs to be on educating consumers on how there is a home market and producers, but at a cost. We need to get more money for our produce – that’s the bottom line. Consumers have enjoyed low prices for the last 25-30 years. They’re going to have to pay a little more for their food going forward.

“There have been massive increases in production costs across the board which haven’t been reflected in shop prices. Everyone wants cheap food, but it can’t be produced. The fragility of the food chain was shown up by the extreme weather in Spain earlier this year which led to a shortage of salad foods such as tomatoes and cucumbers.”

The Kearns Fruit Farm sales manager continues: “We’ve had to deal with Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine which

We’re constantly investing in our people, equipment and facilities. We currently have one hectare of heated glass to give early production, one hectare of cold glass and have plans to build another hectare of heated glass. You can’t stand still in this business

Jimmy Kearns has been growing fresh, delicious and premium quality Wexford strawberries for over 50 years

has seen fertiliser and chemical costs skyrocket. Labour shortages and succession are other issues facing the industry. Increasingly, young people don’t see it as a viable career. There are lots of other career options out there with better pay.”

Kearns Fruit Farm employs 25 full-time staff and up to 80 at peak times. The Farm houses numerous tunnels and glasshouses as well as a state-of-the-art packhouse. There is also an array of machinery to carry out the various tasks, and vehicles to undertake deliveries.

“We’re constantly investing in our people, equipment and facilities. We currently have one hectare of heated glass to give early production, one hectare of cold glass and have plans to build another hectare of heated glass. You can’t stand still in this business,” Peter stresses.

Regardless of what the future holds, quality and freshness will continue to be the number one goal of Jimmy and the Kearns Fruit Farm team. Buying Irish strawberries means

“We take great pride in everything we produce and are members of both the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme and the Good Food Ireland Initiative”

that, as well as supporting a locally grown product and local industry, consumers also benefit from the nutritional and health benefits of this delicious fruit. Strawberries are a versatile fruit which are naturally high in Vitamins C and K, and are also an excellent source of fibre, folic acid and phytonutrients known as anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant red colour.

Jimmy would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as his staff for their hard work, dedication and skill.

KEARNS FRUIT FARM

Curraghgraigue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Telephone: 053 9255495

Email: sales@kearnsfruitfarm.ie

Web: www.kearnsfruitfarm.ie

Sales Manager Peter Donnellan with Jimmy Kearns

Succulent strawberries account for about 98% of Kearns Fruit Farm’s business

Very best wishes

and continued success to Jimmy, Peter and all the team at Kearns Fruit Farm

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Kearns Fruit Farm

MEET SUPERVALU KNOCKLYON’S AWARD-WINNING STORE MANAGER DOUG THOMPSON

Doug Thompson of SuperValu Knocklyon was an extremely popular and thoroughly deserving recipient of the ‘Supermarket Manager of the Year – Large’ award at the 2023 National Grocery Management Awards. When we touched base with the manager of SuperValu’s flagship Dublin store to discuss his second Supermarket Manager of the Year award inside three years, we discovered that Doug is also an engaging interviewee.

SuperValu Knocklyon general manager Doug Thompson is the archetypal team player first and foremost. When he was presented with the prestigious ‘Supermarket Manager of the Year – Large’ award at the 2023 National Grocery Management Awards in The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire on Thursday night, May 18th, the affable Australia native immediately dedicated the award to his colleagues at SuperValu Knocklyon – SuperValu’s flagship Dublin store, which is owned and operated by the Musgrave Group and commands a prominent place at the very heart of the local community.

“It was a privilege to attend the awards and a great honour to receive this award, which reflects the work that not only I do but that the entire team here does every day,” notes the man who also collected a Supermarket Manager of the Year award previously in 2020. “It really is all about the team and for me being there on the night to accept this award on their behalf was an unbelievable honour.

“The highlight for me was being able to take the award back to the store on the Friday and present it to the team. Everybody was delighted that SuperValu Knocklyon had been selected and there was a great buzz in the store that day – which is nothing new, really – and we all had our photos taken with the award and celebrated the win accordingly.

“We have a very cohesive team and we do celebrate these awards. The store has won multiple awards since its relaunch last year and we had a shelf put in place specially to hold these awards. This one sits happily on that shelf next to the others!”

40

SuperValu Knocklyon general manager Doug Thompson was crowned the prestigious ‘Supermarket Manager of the Year – Large’ award

The totally revamped (in 2022) flagship Supervalu store on Knocklyon Road delivers a modern, sustainable, vibrant, fresh, affordable and customer-friendly grocery shopping experience across some 15,000 square feet. The general manager works closely alongside a team of 145 colleagues, including no fewer than ten other in-store managers who report directly to him.

Of course, running a key retail outlet is not about winning awards but looking after customers and staff: “There are two non-negotiables for me: happy customers and a happy team,” Doug stresses. “If you manage those two, then you are on your way to running a pretty successful store. My team are very experienced, they know the customers and they are all very personable. Some of my colleagues have been here 20 years and they know the customers well and go out of their way to look after them.”

Doug himself has been in Ireland for five years and SuperValu Knocklyon is the fourth SuperValu store he has managed in that time, having joined the team in January, 2022 – a landmark year in the store’s history as it was relaunched as SuperValu’s flagship Dublin store - an exemplar of the future of retail revolutionising grocery shopping with a transformed food and enhanced sustainable experience.

Hand in hand with that relaunch, SuperValu noted that its new food experience-based store would allow customers to enjoy easier and simpler grocery shopping, combined with more sustainable choices. From the point of entry at SuperValu Knocklyon, customers experience a taste-of-local range, to plant-based alternatives, as well as a home ecorange. The state-of-the-art store provides customers with a

new, innovative delicatessen, a bakery, meal solutions and fresh food offerings, alongside the renowned Happy Pear and Donnybrook Fair ranges.

SuperValu’s standard-setting branch in Knocklyonone of 44 SuperValu stores in Dublin - also operates on 100% green electricity and runs on LED lighting made from recycled CDs, using 60% less energy than standard systems.

Prior to coming to Ireland, Doug Thompson accumulated a wealth of experience in retail management, working as store manager for Coles at various locations across Australia and also serving as regional manager for Kmart Australia in Auckland, New Zealand.

“Ensuring availability at all times is key,” he states, elaborating further on the secrets to effective, award-winning grocery store management. “It’s important to make sure that the shelves are always fully stacked and this is something I’m very passionate about with my team. You have to be able to engage on price, too, and the unique market feel and good vibe we have in the fresh food department at SuperValu Knocklyon is huge.

“Other standout features of the store includes its sustainability; running on 100 per cent renewable electricity and using LED bulbs across the entire store. We’re very green and we also pride ourselves on using a large range of local suppliers in Dublin. We have 49 local suppliers at the moment and 75 per cent of our products are sourced in Ireland. So we’re very local and our taste-of-local section is one of the biggest and busiest in the SuperValu network.

“Being a flagship store, last year was a very involved year here and we were constantly in the spotlight during the

year, hosting conferences and visitors, while SuperValu’s sustainability launch also took place here. As store manager, this year has been a very exciting one for me to drive things forward and learn how to trade the store. We have a very positive growth rate, which we are very happy with considering that these are obviously difficult times with inflation and the cost of living crisis.”

SuperValu Knocklyon is engrained into the very fabric of the local community and this is something that Doug is also extremely proud of: “We do a lot of work with local sports clubs and are a major sponsor of the Ballyboden St Enda’s senior hurlers. We also work closely with Knocklyon Network, which is a local neighbourhood group, with whom we collaborate extensively on how we can best improve and enhance the community and the neighbourhood,” Doug concludes.

“We also sponsor their Local Heroes Awards, which were launched last October. I’m honoured to be one of the judges

Grocery & Retail Ireland

SuperValu’s flagship Dublin store is owned and operated by the Musgrave Group and commands a prominent place at the heart of the local community

SuperValu’s standard-setting branch in Knocklyon operates on 100% green electricity and runs on LED lighting made from recycled CDs

We do a lot of work with local sports clubs and are a major sponsor of the Ballyboden St Enda’s senior hurlers. We also work closely with Knocklyon Network, which is a local neighbourhood group, with whom we collaborate extensively on how we can best improve and enhance the community and the neighbourhood

Best Wishes to Doug and all at SuperValu Knocklyon

at SuperValu Knocklyon

who helps to choose a Local Hero every month from an impressive list of worthy nominees. That’s been another very successful local initiative and is one we’re delighted to be associated with, as ultimately grocery retail is all about people and community.”

SuperValu Knocklyon demonstrably leaves no stone unturned in terms of serving the local community in any way possible. It’s a mutually-beneficial relationship that works well for all parties … and a multi-award-winning one too!

SUPERVALU KNOCKLYON

Knocklyon Road, Templeogue village, Dublin 16.

Tel: 01 4942421

Email: supervaluknocklyon@supervalu.ie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Knocklyon

The totally revamped flagship Supervalu store on Knocklyon Road delivers a modern, sustainable, vibrant, fresh, affordable and customer-friendly grocery shopping experience across some 15,000 square feet

HAPPY DAYS AT HERLIHY’S CENTRA BISHOPSTOWN

Herlihy’s Centra Bishopstown came up trumps once more at the 2023 National Grocery Management Awards when conscientious store manager Rebecca Murphy was named as C-Store Manager of the Year (Large). We touched base with Rebecca to find out more about the exceptional customer- and staff-orientated atmosphere and culture she has helped instil in this vibrant 4,000 sq. ft store, which has been at the heart of local community activity for 43 years and counting.

The cream of Ireland’s grocery retail industry gathered at Dublin’s Royal Marine Hotel on Thursday, May 18th for the annual Grocery Management Awards, which recognise individual management excellence in the sector. A total of 21 winners were named on the night, including Herlihy’s Centra Bishopstown manager Rebecca Murphy, who brought the prestigious C-Store Manager of the Year (Large) award from the capital back to the banks of the Lee.

Bishopstown is where it all began for the Herlihys in 1980, when Pat and Maureen –parents of present-day group owners Brian and Kevin Herlihy – threw open the doors to their original friendly, neighbourhood Centra. A family ethos has always prevailed at Herlihy’s Centra Bishopstown and the other six stores in the group. Pat, who was a director in Musgrave Group, instilled a strong working ethic in his family and his son Brian took over the business in 1996 and embarked on a programme of expansion.

Herlihy’s Centra Bishopstown is part of the Herlihy Group, which comprises seven Centra stores across County Cork – located in Bishopstown, Fermoy, Grand Parade, Mallow, Millstreet, Oliver Plunkett Street and Patrick Street and generating direct employment for over 300 people.

Renowned for their unbeatable customer service and fresh offerings, Herlihy’s Centra Bishopstown have collected multiple industry awards down through the years, so it was no major surprise when they were back capturing national headlines again in mid-May.

Team Herlihy

A previous winner of the C-Store Manager of the Year (Small) award while she was managing Herlihy’s Grand Parade Store in the city, Rebecca Murphy was delighted to this time accept the coveted Large convenience store manager of the year award:

“The Grand Parade store was easier to manage as it is smaller, whereas Bishopstown is a much larger store and therefore this is a bigger achievement,” she reflects. “In winning this, it feels like I have progressed and that’s a nice feeling. It wasn’t easy and I’m definitely more proud of this one, although I have to say that winning any award like this is a huge honour.”

Having started out as an intern in the bakery before gradually working her way up through the ranks, Rebecca has been on a tremendous journey thus far with Herlihys, with whom she has worked for over a decade now, transferring between the Grand Parade and Bishopstown stores on numerous occasions. In total, she has been store manager for coming up on seven years, the last two of these at Herlihy’s Centra Bishopstown.

“I knew I was shortlisted for the award and obviously I was very happy to hear my name called out on the night,” the modest award-winning store manager continues. “In total, we had eleven people nominated across 13 different categories this year. Dominic Kelleher from the Fermoy store, who

actually started here in Bishopstown as a butcher, was named as the Supermarket Delicatessen/Food to Go Manager of the Year, which was a fantastic achievement.

“Fermoy is the flagship store now – it’s the biggest store in the Herlihy Group and the head office is located there. But Bishopstown will always be the original store and will always command a special place in the group. Brian and Kevin grew up here and their mother, Maureen, still lives behind the shop. This is a family-run business with a strong emphasis on relationships and customer and staff care, and that is very much evident in Bishopstown.”

Invariably delivering a genuinely friendly service, offering the best in wholesome fresh food and proud to be prominent at the heart of the community, Herlihys strive for excellence at all times and leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of achieving the very best in products, services and value. All staff both young and old play a vital role in maintaining and improving the quality of customer care and the delivery of topquality fresh produce. The continued success of the business is very much based on a strong partnership with staff, whose support, enthusiasm, initiative and honesty drives the group’s mission to be the best.

The fresh food offering in Herlihy’s is unique in that they are demonstrably passionate about freshness. Significant time and effort is invested into developing new recipe ideas

Megan on the Shop Floor

Margaret

Mary at the Checkout

Rebecca Murphy, Store Manager

Margaret at Bakery

and meal solutions, which are marketed under the Herlihy’s Kitchen brand. All these products are made from scratch in custom-built kitchens and the bakery in Fermoy, which is responsible for production for all seven stores. Constant innovation to produce modern and nutritious meal solutions for time-pressed consumers is key to the success of Herlihy’s Kitchen.

Margaret in the Deli

Rebecca is quick to point out that she doesn’t strictly consider the C-Store Manager of the Year award to be a personal accolade: “It’s not necessarily for me; it’s all about my staff. I am not front of house; they are the people customers see and are served by. My role is to provide the staff with everything they need so that they can give great service to our customers.

“To support them, care for them and consider their needs … and sometimes you have to almost be like a counsellor, to listen to their concerns and always make sure the staff are happy, that morale is high and that they are all happy to come to work. Creating a positive working environment is crucial and to achieve this I take care of my staff.

“Having happy staff is easier said than done. There are a lot of spinning plates that you have to keep up all at once and it can be challenging. When the feedback is good, then all the effort is worthwhile. We had a mystery shopper report recently and the feedback – that we give genuinely lovely customer service – was fantastic. That’s a real boost for the entire team.

“At the end of the day, I couldn’t have won the Grocery Management Award without my staff. I only have two hands and there is only a limited amount of work I can do. I’m only as good as my team and it’s my job to make sure they are comfortable in their job and happy to come into work every day. Of course I’m happy to get the award and to have my name on it but it’s very much about the entire team and the store as a whole.

“I have 40 staff and they are a really great bunch. While it’s a job first and foremost, we have fun together too. There’s no point coming into work and being miserable. That creates a poor impression and would impact on customers. As soon as you walk into a place, you can pick up on the atmosphere and we have a genuinely happy, friendly feel here in Bishopstown.

“Customers are at the forefront of everything the Herlihys do and that’s in their mission statement. Brian and Kevin are retail to the core; they grew up in the store and got their

pocket money in the store. They have that insight into the business that you don’t necessarily get in other stores. You can feel the passion from them and it is contagious. They are knowledgeable, passionate and they care about their staff and their customers. They know the names of all their staff and are interested in us and how we are getting on.

“On a personal level, I wouldn’t have stayed here for over a decade if I didn’t enjoy the atmosphere,” the 2023 C-Store Manager of the Year concludes. “I have been lucky in that they saw something in me and nurtured my skills and rewarded me with a series of promotions. That same opportunity is available to anybody here if they want it and are prepared to work for it.

“Even today, I still sit down for one-to-one meetings with Brian every couple of weeks, and you simply won’t get that attention to detail everywhere else. There’s something special in the air here and it’s all coming from the owners.”

HERLIHY’S CENTRA BISHOPSTOWN, Curraheen Road, Bishopstown, Cork.

Tel: 021 4541232

Email: 245-herlihy-store@centra.ie Web: herlihycentra.ie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/herlihyscentra.bishopstown

CASEY FOODS DISTRIBUTORS LTD

R515,

Kieran the Butcher

Owner Brian Herlihy

HERLIHY’S DOMINIC KELLEHER WINS AGAIN!

Dominic Kelleher, Fresh Food Manager of Herlihy’s Centra in Fermoy, was named Supermarket Delicatessen / Food to Go Manager of the Year at the recent National Grocery Management Awards, having previously received the Protein & Provisions Manager of the Year Award in 2019.

Dominic’s colleague at Herlihy’s Centra in Bishopstown, Rebecca Murphy, was also honoured with the Large C-Store Manager of the Year Award to complete a memorable double for the Herlihy Supermarket Group. Established in 1980 when former Musgrave Group director Pat and Maureen Herlihy opened their first Centra in Bishopstown, the Herlihy Group now operates six other Centras in the Cork area – Mallow, Millstreet, Patrick Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Grand Parade and Fermoy. Fronted by Brian and Kevin Herlihy –Pat and Maureen’s sons – since 1990, the family business employs 250 people and continues to go from strength to strength.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Irish retail calendar, the National Grocery Management Awards is Ireland’s premier scheme for recognising and honouring management excellence. To win one is a high point in the career of many of Ireland’s best performing managers from across a variety of categories and at various levels of career progression. The event is also the principal event for managers from across all wholesale brands to gather with colleagues, business partners, suppliers and friends.

An old head on young shoulders – he won’t be 30 until July – Dominic was delighted to receive his award from Ray Murphy, Bunzl Ireland Sales Director, at a gala event which took place at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on May 18 last.

“It’s great recognition for our team and for the outstanding work they do each and every day,” the affable Fresh Food Manager says.

“Herlihy’s Centra Fermoy employs 55 people in total and 18 of them are in the fresh food department which I manage. It’s a real team effort. We are a small supermarket with a focus on convenience and small trolley shops. I oversee all the fresh departments within the store, including prep bakery, confectionary bakery, deli / kitchen, butchers / fish,

provisions, fruit & veg, dairy and frozen.

“Management is about making tough decisions and in the autumn of 2022, we closed our meat counter as it had become unviable economically. This decision significantly reduced our cost base, while there has been no reduction in sales. So far in 2023, fresh sales have grown by 3.2% with the deli up 9%.”

He continues: “Any manager is only as good as the team you have behind you. We are always encouraging our employees on innovation and we take all new ideas on board. The main thing is to listen and if you work hard for your employees, they will work hard for you.

Fantastic pre-prepared food

Ray Murphy Bunzl Ireland, presents the Supermarket Delicatessen/Food to Go Manager of the Year Award to Dominic Kelleher of Herlihy’s Centra, Fermoy

“We do yearly appraisals. This gives our employees an opportunity to have their say. My door is always open. I believe it’s important to have a healthy relationship with your employees, not to micro-manage, and let your team take ownership and responsibility.”

Man of the Match with Strand United in two Cup finals, Dominic is a young, ambitious and highly-motivated individual who in a relatively short time has made significant career progression with the Herlihy Group. He has been in retail for 14 years, the last nine of which have been with the Herlihy Group.

“I started out in Bishopstown where Rebecca Murphy

worked in the bakery. She’s now Store Manager there and I was thrilled to see her win the Large C-Store Manager of the Year Award. She was also recognised in 2020 in winning that award, so it is a double for her also. Since coming to Fermoy, I’ve learned a lot from Store Manager Denise Cummins. Denise has vast experience which she is always willing to share and previously won the Deli / Food to Go Manager of the Year Award in 2018. At the start of this year she became Store Manager and I was promoted to Fresh Food Manager,” he explains.

Based on Patrick Street and boasting over 9,000 sq. ft., Herlihy’s Centra Fermoy is the largest store in

The award winning Herlihy’s Centra in Fermoy

the Herlihy Group which it has been part of since 2003. The store underwent a major revamp in 2019 which transformed its offering.

Passionate about fresh food is the motto of the group, while the scratch bakery instore supplies an extensive range of bespoke products to all stores within the group. These include delicious and wholesale homemade breads, scones, tarts, brownies and all cakes for special occasions from the confectionary bakery.

“Everything in our scratch bakery, confectionary bakery and deli is freshly made. We have a fully-equipped production facility,” Dominic points out.

“Our deli is all about offering, range and presentation. Takeaway options, an online catering menu and a delivery service are available. We’re also renowned for our carvery, and benefit from the loyalty of returning customers on a daily basis.

“Our staff really take the time to get acquainted with our customers. This attention to detail and willingness to help and take care of customers doesn’t go unnoticed. Our customers expect the best when they come into our store and that is exactly what they get from the quality of our products to the service they receive. Our products and service are second to none.”

In addition, Herlihy’s Centra Fermoy features a large sitdown area that can cater for 32 people, Moo’d handcrafted Irish ice-cream, Donnybrook Fair, off-licence, frozen food section, general groceries and a customer toilet.

“They’re a great company to work for,” Dominic says of the Herlihy Group.

“They’re always eager to involve staff in decisions or projects. They’re very transparent. The Herlihy family are very hands-on. Brian is the Managing Director and his brother Kevin (Operations Director) oversees the (Cork) city stores. In October 2021, their sister Claire rejoined the business to take responsibility for training and food safety. Other key personnel include Maurice Flynn, who is Operations Manager and oversees the country stores.”

Proud to support local, Herlihy’s Centra Fermoy supports a wide number of local charities and organisations such as Marymount Hospice and Blackwater Search & Rescue and for the last two years has been involved in supporting the St Colman’s College Harty Cup hurling team.

“It’s our way of giving something back,” states Dominic, who concludes by thanking his colleagues, customers and suppliers for their continued support.

HERLIHY’S CENTRA

36-40 Patrick Street, Fermoy, Co. Cork. P61 HP77.

Telephone: 025 32611

Email: 230-fermoy-store@centra.ie

Web: www.herlihycentra.ie

Facebook: facebook/herlihy-centra-fermoy

Hot food in the Delicatessen

The Donnybrook Fair stand

Quality through staff training

Passionate about fresh food

Brothers John Dunleavy MD and Production Manager Brian Dunleavy

GENERATIONS OF PASSION AND CARE

Dunleavy Meats Ltd is a third-generation meat processing business based outside Ballina in Co. Mayo that supplies quality beef products to the retail, wholesale and catering sectors in Ireland and overseas. Fronted by brothers John (Managing Director) and Brian (Production Manager) Dunleavy, the company employs 140 staff and is slaughtering 900 cattle a week.

From humbling beginnings, Dunleavy Meats has grown to become one of Co. Mayo’s most successful companies. The business was established in 1961 by Michael Dunleavy whose parents John and Maura built the Mayo Sligo Livestock Mart in Ballina.

For many years, Michael ran both the butcher shop and the family farm. As the reputation for the product grew, so too did the business. In 1998, works commenced on a new purpose-built abattoir and deboning facility about four miles outside Ballina on the Killala Road. Three years later, Dunleavy Meats acquired its EU licence and began to export.

Since then, through a high level of investment and building relationships with customers and suppliers, the company has grown substantially with about 85% of its produce now being exported. Its main export markets are mainland Europe, Africa, Philippines, and the Caribbean, with China and middle eastern countries on the horizon.

With Michael now retired, the family business continues to go from strength to strength under the direction of his sons John and Brian, who have been at the helm for well over a

decade.

“We take great pride in providing the finest beef to our customers, who include wholesalers, local butcher shops and the high-end catering sector,” John explains.

“Our background has earned us a strong respect for the traditions of cattle raising and traditional butchery styles. We are constantly developing new products, offering a wide range from carcass to primal cuts. We are committed to expanding our customer-base in all international food markets and developing long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.

“We have doubled our staff and output over the past decade. We also supplied lamb for a number of years, but it has been beef only since about 2017.”

While the various ranges are produced to different quality criteria, they have two things in common. All cattle are selected by the company’s professional butchers for each range and produced from stock that have been grass fed which, of course, has many health and nutritional benefits such as high levels of Omega 3.

Nephin is Dunleavy Meats’ premium beef brand representing the finest quality and premium taste. All Nephin

Communications team

cattle are 100% grass fed, are under 36 months and are singled out by trained procurement specialists who select according to demanding specifications that ensure Nephin beef delivers consistently.

“Our hand-selected beef is produced to the highest possible standards to ensure consistency and quality throughout the range,” John says.

Dunleavy Meats employs a Manufacturing Practice approach where product integrity begins on the farm with suppliers and with this partnership, consistently high standards are maintained in what is a controlled, hygienic and safe environment. Furthermore, Dunleavy Meats can provide complete and instantaneous traceability. The system also gives the company the flexibility to control and monitor product specifications in a real-time environment, which underpins its Total Quality Management System.

It is the company’s policy to produce beef products which meet and exceed customer safety and quality requirements. Dunleavy Meats employs a technical team which executes quality control checks to ensure the product meets customer requirements. This demonstrates its compliance with relevant legislation, customer codes of practice and thirdparty standards. Dunleavy Meats is BRC ‘AA’ certified, which is the highest possible rating for a BRC food safety audit and reflects its culture of food safety.

The Ballina processing facility is truly state-of-the-art. The

lairage is cutting edge when it comes to observing animal welfare best practice. With curved races, non-slip floors, a constant feed and water supply, and optimum pen spacing and sizes, the highest welfare standards are ensured.

The EU approved slaughtering and deboning hall are installed with the latest technology employed to maximise efficiencies, maintain hygiene levels and deliver consistency.

With 70% of the beef quality being determined postslaughter, Dunleavy Meats takes practices such as chilling beef very seriously. Great care is taken to ensure that carcasses are well spaced in chills so that there is no touching. The fact that there is large chilled storage space enables the business to chill beef in batches according to pre-selected carcass criteria for its brands. Gradual and consistent chilling is especially important in the hours after slaughter.

The loading bay provides ample space to organise and select products for palletising and carcass dispatch along with dock-levelled loading bays and barcode scanning allows Dunleavy Meats to dispatch in an organised manner at speed.

The company’s focus on sustainability was recently enhanced with the installation of a 500kW solar panel system by Local Power. The solar panels generate 30% of all power on average.

“We’re using renewable energy only. We haven’t used

Dunleavy Meats currently employs 140 staff

Nephin is Dunleavy Meats’ premium beef brand

The plant is based outside Ballina

The business was established in 1961 by Michael Dunleavy

fossil fuels since they were replaced with an industrial version of an air-to-water heat pump,” John explains.

Further enhancement works took place at the plant during the Covid-19 pandemic. The car park was extended, new offices and staff changing facilities were added, while new loading and dispatch facilities were also introduced.

The company also invested in new equipment, while all staff were rigorously tested to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Over the years, Dunleavy Meats has invested significantly in its facilities, including new office space, a boardroom, training room, canteen, staff changing facilities and a loading and dispatch area. In addition to the investment in facilities, fostering a positive culture within the business where all staff are treated with dignity and respect has been a key focus for management.

Staff training and developing a system of two-way communication has had a positive impact on staff morale. Other morale-boosting initiatives include complimentary buses to bring staff to-andfrom work, social soccer, an EAP and regular staff raffles to name but a few.

The company has gone from strength to strength with John and Brian having big plans for the future which will see it become a key provider of employment opportunities locally.

Dunleavy Meats would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and skill.

DUNLEAVY

Cooneal, Ballina, Co. Mayo F26 YC52

Telephone: 096 33930

Email: john@dunleavymeats.com

Web: www.dunleavymeats.com

Best wishes to John, Brian and all the team at Dunleavy Meats and continued success!

We offer packaging solutions including barrier shrink bags, vacuum packaging options, Oven friendly vacuum pouches / Sous vide vacuum pouches. Printed cardboard outer sleeves / boxes, beef collagen Sausage Skins. Please email Sales@flexipak.ie for further information / Visit our website www.flexipak.ie

Flexipak is a forward thinking Irish packaging company supplying all sectors of the Irish food industry

Unit 4 Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11, D11 R1WA

Tel: 01 8397619 | Mob: 086 8246535

www.flexipak.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Dunleavy Meats

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

w Frozen, Chilled and Ambient transport services to and from the UK and continental Europe

w Chilled and Frozen storage and Order picking services

w Online tracking system

w Online delivery booking system

w Specialist refrigerated transport to Sweden and Denmark

w BRCGS AA Approved

w 30 Years in Business

w Refrigerated Groupage Specialist to the Irish Food Industry

Templeconnell, Churchtown, Mallow, Co Cork Phone: +353050524411

Email: orders@southgatedistribution.com

www. southgatedistribution.com

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Dunleavy Meats

•

•

•

•

Phone: 096 - 76770 | Mobile: 087 - 2849909 Email: liamhackettcommercials@gmail.com

A BETTER TOMORROW WITH LIDL

At the official opening of Lidl’s Regional Distribution Centre in Mullingar were Minister of State Peter Burke and Alan Barry, Chief Development Officer, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland

With plans to open another 50 stores across Ireland, these are very exciting times for Lidl which recently received the coveted Green Retailer Award and opened its newly extended Mullingar regional distribution centre following an €80 million investment.

The first Lidl Ireland stores opened in 2000 and over two decades later, the retail giant has almost 180 stores, three regional distribution centres and employs more than 6,000 people in the Republic of Ireland. Lidl takes great pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest prices, and works with a network of more than 260 Irish suppliers from the communities it operates in to keep its shelves stocked with nutritious, fresh produce.

Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland was delighted to receive the Green Retailer Award at the 2023 Green Awards which took place at The Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin on February 21 last. Now in their 16th year, The Green Awards recognise the extraordinary contribution and commitment that companies make towards growing a green future in Irish business today.

The Green Retailer Award comes on the back of Lidl Ireland’s commitment to become a carbon neutral business by 2025. Two years ago, the discounter launched several initiatives as part of that commitment. It developed

a dedicated Supplier Engagement Programme – the first of its kind in Irish retail – to focus on collaboration with key suppliers to develop CSP and sustainability projects to improve the suppliers’ environmental impact and, in turn, help them to sustainable growth in the future.

It is also helping customers to lower their carbon impact by installing EV charge points at its stores. Overall, the chain aims to reduce its own operational emissions by 46% by 2030 and has been working with the Carbon Trust to collaborate on measuring its carbon footprint and to model in-depth reduction pathways aligned to the Science Based Target Initiative guidelines.

The Supplier Engagement Programme, which is running for five years, aims to develop long-term plans with suppliers to address not only reducing carbon emissions, but also cutting the amount of packaging, circularity and other areas.

Lidl Ireland’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its newly extended Mullingar regional distribution centre which features a football pitch-sized rooftop solar panel array consisting of close to 3,000 panels which will help to reduce

Proud to support registered charities through their charity gift card programme

the centre’s carbon output by 220 tonnes per year.

The facility, which is one of the Lidl Group’s largest worldwide and one of the largest distribution centres on the island of Ireland, will create an additional 100 permanent jobs. Speaking at the opening, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Peter Burke said it was “a momentous occasion” for Mullingar and the wider food industry.

“With an investment of €80 million, this facility will not only create 100 new jobs, but also make a significant contribution towards a more sustainable future by harnessing solar power to meet a substantial portion of its energy requirements,” the Minister added.

“I am honoured to be here today to officially open the building and I commend Lidl for their commitment to our local community, and for their support of Ireland’s green agenda. I am confident that this investment will have a positive impact on the region and I look forward to witnessing its continued growth and success.”

Just last year, we announced a further €550 million investment in our store and logistics network over a period of three years. We do see room for roughly another 50 stores across the island. We have a number in-build at the moment. We have store openings coming up in Limerick and Bettystown later this year

Lidl Ireland’s newly extended Mullingar regional distribution centre features a football pitch-sized rooftop solar panel array consisting of close to 3,000 panels

Lidl Ireland CEO JP Scally

Caption

ROOSTER ♦ KERRS PINK ♦ MARIS PIPER ♦

Lidl Ireland chief development officer Alan Barry said the centre reflected the company’s ongoing investment in the Irish food sector. “This investment supports Lidl’s growing footprint of stores nationwide and is in line with our ongoing €550 million three-year expansion plan which we first announced in 2021,” he commented.

“As part of this plan, we’re also on track to deliver several new stores this year with Clonmel, Kilkenny and Ballincollig opening earlier this year, and Limerick and Bettystown set to open in the next few months.”

The Mullingar facility originally opened in 2008 to service stores in north Dublin, the midlands and the north-west, and 1,000 construction jobs were created as it was extended by 15,000 sq. m. to 62,000 sq. m. This expansion will enable Lidl to increase capacity by a third, and the facility will now serve all 177 Lidl branches nationwide, operating 24 hours a day with capacity for 42,000 pallets.

Speaking earlier this year as the company announced

a €1 billion investment into the Irish agri-food industry for 2022, Lidl Ireland CEO JP Scally said he “sees room” for another 50 stores across Ireland.

Of that €1 billion, €682 million stayed within Ireland for sale to Irish consumers and €318 million was exported to many countries, including Britain, Germany, Cyprus, Italy, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Poland and the US.

“We certainly have more expansion to do,” Mr Scally said.

“Just last year, we announced a further €550 million investment in our store and logistics network over a period of three years. We do see room for roughly another 50 stores across the island. We have a number in-build at the moment. We have store openings coming up in Limerick and Bettystown later this year. We’ve many more that are in the planning phase as well.

“So hopefully over the next number of years, we will continue with an expansion rate bringing us to about 50 additional stores.”

Ireland’s first food retailer to launch electric and HVO-powered trucks into logistics fleet

Supporting Irish suppliers

LIDL

LIDL

LIDL

Hopestown, Ballinea, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. N91XN75

Tel: 00353 44 9343010

Mob: 00353 87 7371983

Mob: 00353 87 1817791

Email: Kathleen@lynninternational.ie

AC Logistics & Freight Limited

T/A AC International

Email: acinternational01@gmail.com

Telephone: +353-86-077-0885

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Lidl Ireland

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Lidl Ireland

Zenton Ltd T/A

CASEY’S LONDIS CASTLEBAR WINS AGAIN!

Casey’s Londis Castlebar underlined its status as one of Ireland’s leading convenience stores by scooping the coveted Retail Team of the Year Award at the 2023 ShelfLife National Grocery Management Awards which took place at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on May 18 last.

Part of the Casey Retail Group which is celebrating 25 years in business, Casey’s Londis Castlebar has won numerous accolades in recent years, including the C-Store Best Food to Go Department 2017, C-Store Best Fresh & Chilled Retailer 2019, Forecourt & Convenience Retailer Best Food to Go 2019, C-Store Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Bronze) 2021, National Grocery Management Forecourt Delicatessen / Food to Go Manager of the Year 2022 and now National Grocery Management Retail Team of the Year.

The National Grocery Management Awards are Ireland’s premier scheme for recognising and honouring management excellence. To win one is a high point in the career of many

of Ireland’s best performing managers from across a variety of categories and at various levels of career progression. This unique scheme is independently judged and seeks out best management practice among those who carry responsibility without ownership in the Irish retail sector.

“Our awards wall is testament to the high standards and achievements of our team over the years,” enthuses Casey’s Head of Foodservice Kathryn Maloney, who was the Forecourt Delicatessen / Food to Go Manager of the Year for 2022.

Store Manager Aiden Hennigan attributes Casey’s success to teamwork, attention to detail, strong leadership, efficiency, good communication and customer service among other

Casey’s Londis Castlebar scooped the Retail Team of the Year Award

things. “We’re delighted with this award which reflects well on every member of our team,” he says.

“We empower our team to make their own decisions. They are our greatest asset and we value their options and feedback. We involve them in team meetings every week when we review the previous week and set out our goals for the week ahead. We review sales, waste, services and achievements. Everything is communicated clearly through a whiteboard, Zoom calls and WhatsApp groups on a daily basis.”

Aiden continues: “The customer is king and that’s why it’s so important that they are given eye contact and are acknowledged. Our team members enjoy an excellent relationship with our customers which is a big reason why they keep coming back.”

Initiatives such as ‘Free Food Friday’, which see Casey’s Londis Castlebar support the local community with deliveries of delicious Four Star Pizza, has helped to drive business

outside of the store.

“We get a lot of business from factories, workplaces, schools and sports clubs by bringing the service to them. We also offer discounts to hospital staff, students, bus drivers and so on. As proud supporters of local produce and community groups, we sponsor the local GAA (Castlebar Mitchels), cycling, tennis and rugby clubs as well as LauraLynn, Candlelight and the Tidy Towns.

“It’s our way of giving something back,” continues Aiden, who has been with the Casey Retail Group for 23 years.

The Casey Retail Group was founded by Gerry Casey in 1998 with the opening of the Castlebar store under the Centra brand. Due to its success, further stores were opened in Ballina, Limerick, Galway, Newbridge and Balla, which is the latest addition. The Casey Retail Group employs 240 people in total, including 50 at its original store in Castlebar

In 2017, the Group became part of the 100% Irish-owned Londis symbol group, with the business experiencing one of

Store Manager Aiden Hennigan attributes Casey’s success to teamwork, attention to detail, strong leadership, efficiency, good communication and customer service

its most positive transformations to date. Its new store design model has not only given all stores a welcome new look and feel, but the innovative layout has improved the shopper experience. The stores are spacious, bright, well laid out and easy to shop in, with a strong emphasis on fresh foods.

One of the Group’s most notable innovations has been the development of The Kitchen at Casey’s. This is a new food service concept that provides an even better range of wholesome hot foods, salads and sandwiches which are all prepared and cooked in-store.

Changing to the Londis brand has enabled Casey’s to bring additional quality Irish franchises like Chopped and Bewleys to their customers to complement their own wholesome instore offering. The recently revamped 5,000 sq. ft. Castlebar store boasts a Circle K filling station, Chopped, Deli, Carvery, Four Star Pizza, Bewleys, Off-licence, ATM, customer toilets as well as seating for 60 people indoors and 40 people outdoors.

The Castlebar forecourt alone sells approximately 3,000 dinner solutions a week across The Kitchen at Casey’s, Chopped and Four Star Pizza brands. This doesn’t include sides, meal deals, sandwiches or rolls.

As foodservice operators, Casey’s deliver a vast and varied range of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and food to go options under one roof, appealing to all ages and to all different tastes from 6am to 12 midnight on weekdays (Saturday and Sunday opening hours are 7am to 12 midnight). Through their energetic, passionate people and market-leading brands, they aim to exceed their customers’ expectations with friendly, professional customer service.

The Casey’s Retail Group prides itself on strong commercial partnerships with BWG Foods, Aryzta Foods, Chopped, Four Star Pizza, Bewleys and Supermacs who share its vision and work closely with the business on all aspects of achieving a shared goal. The Ballina and Limerick stores are home to the ever-popular Supermacs franchise.

As Casey’s Londis Castlebar continues to go from strength to strength, the store would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as their staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.

Here’s to the next 25 years of one of Ireland’s most successful retail groups!

Knockcroghery, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Telephone: 094 902 5844

Email: londiscastlebar@caseyretailgroup.ie Web: www.caseyretailgroup.ie

CASEY’S LONDIS CASTLEBAR

Proud to be supplying Pettitt’s SuperValu for over 30 years

Proud to be supplying Pettitt’s SuperValu for over 30 years

Barnland Nurseries, Barnlands, Gorey, Co. Wexford Y25 WP20

Barnland Nurseries, Barnlands, Gorey, Co. Wexford Y25 WP20

Tel: (053) 942 2137

Tel: (053) 942 2137

Email: sales@fortflowers.com

Email: sales@fortflowers.com

www.fortflowers.com

www.fortflowers.com

AWARD IS ICING ON THE CAKE FOR PETTITT’S SUPERVALU BRAY

Since opening the doors of its brand-new store in June 2021, Pettit’s SuperValu Bray has become part of the fabric of the bustling Co. Wicklow town. The store has increased its workforce from 80 to 126 and is home to the newly-crowned In-store Bakery Manager of the Year, Sinéad Dodd.

Sinéad made the short trip to the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on May 18 last to receive the coveted and richly-deserved award at the ShelfLife National Grocery Management Awards. Sinéad and her team have been instrumental in the growth of the bakery which is now the third busiest in the SuperValu chain. Her passion for producing the highest quality of breads, cakes and other treats, along with her amazing customer service skills and the relationships she has built with customers, is second to none.

The National Grocery Management Awards are Ireland’s premier scheme for recognising and honouring management excellence. To win one is a high point in the career of many of Ireland’s best performing managers from across a variety of categories and at various levels of career progression. This unique scheme is independently judged and seeks out

best management practice among those who carry responsibility without ownership in the Irish retail sector.

Sinéad was delighted to bring home the award which she has dedicated to her colleagues.

“It’s all down to teamwork. We have a great team,” the affable Scratch Bakery Manager stresses.

“We have a top-class team of 19 people made up of bread bakers, confectioners and bakery assistants. We’re all about encouraging team members to be the best they can be, especially when they clearly have the potential and interest.

“We have a huge regular daily customer base which reflects well on us and our fresh produce. Our celebration cakes have become a firm favourite, while our sourdough bread flies out the door. We’ve moulded into the community and they’ve moulded into us. It’s important to look after your customers because we wouldn’t be here without them.

Mark Morgan, ShelfLife, presenting the instore Bakery Manager of the Year award to Sinéad Dodd.

Sinéad Dodd with the award winning team

“I’m thrilled to win this award and would like to thank our customers, my work colleagues and our Store Manager Aidan Doyle for all their help and support. It’s very much appreciated.”

Offering a wide selection of delicious fresh breads, cakes and celebration cakes, the scratch bakery at Pettitt’s SuperValu Bray has helped to establish it as the supermarket of choice for many in Ireland’s longest established seaside town.

“It has surpassed all expectations. We’re already the third busiest bakery within the SuperValu chain and are aiming for number one,” Sinéad smiles.

Congratulating Sinéad on her accolade, Store Manager Aidan Doyle says: “When it comes to consistent high quality, friendliness, cleanliness and keeping staff motivated, Sinéad is in a league of her own. She’s also an outstanding baker who we’re very lucky to have. When a customer enters our store, the first thing they see is the bakery. It’s very important that it gives a good impression. That’s why the customers keep coming back.”

There is no doubt that Pettitt’s SuperValu has been warmly embraced by the people of Bray since opening two years ago. Located on the Southern Cross Road, just off the N11 and close to the M50, DART and Dublin Bus routes, the €4 million 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art store became the sixth SuperValu for the long-standing Wexford family business which also has outlets in Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey and Athy, and employs over 700 team members in total. To coincide with the opening, the Pettitt family announced a partnership with Wicklow GAA which sees them sponsor the Wicklow minor hurling and football championships, highlighting their support for grassroots development, while also providing weekly Protein Packs for the Wicklow senior hurlers and footballers. SuperValu is all about supporting local producers and local communities.

Pettitt’s provides Click & Collect dedicated car parking spaces for city commuters in addition to SuperScan technology which allows customers to track their spend and pack as they go. The store boasts 170 car parking spaces and also offers a bag packing and carryout to car service as

The official opening of Pettit’s SuperValu Bray

Best

Salad Leaves and Greens, Hand Grown, Sown and Picked, free from artificial fertilizers and pesticides

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettitt’s SuperValu

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettit’s SuperValu



Best Wishes to Pettitt’s SuperValu

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettitt’s SuperValu

Ballinamona,

Telephone:

well as toilets / baby changing facilities and online shopping – home delivery or Click & Collect. It is located next door to a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, creche and veterinary surgery.

Pettitt’s are delighted to have brought their renowned customer service and quality food produce to the locals in Bray. The new store features many of their award-winning in-house brands such as Pettitt’s Bakery, a Blás na hÉireann award winner for its amazing sourdough bread, partnered by their other Blás na hÉireann winning brand, Pettitt’s Kitchen, which scooped four awards at last year’s event. Store owner Cormac Pettitt says: “Since 2015, our Pettitt’s Kitchen and Pettitt’s ‘Cook at Home’ ranges have included home-made traditional and ethnic meals, also made from scratch by our dedicated team of chefs and butchers, six days a week using natural and wholesome ingredients. We also have our very own Pettitt’s Florist creating bouquets for all occasions. It’s about using high quality, fresh produce and ensuring we have outstanding service and value, to cater for customers of all ages and ethnicities with a wide variety of multicultural cuisines”.

Speaking at the opening, SuperValu Head of Store

“At SuperValu, we believe in making communities better by caring for our environment. From a sustainability perspective, Pettitt’s new store in Bray is a shining example of the best that SuperValu has to offer and has been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. The store is fully equipped with eco-friendly LED lighting, using 60% less energy than standard lighting, while its refrigeration units will run on naturally occurring gases, saving 500 tonnes of CO2 per annum, the equivalent of planting 25,000 trees, compared to standard refrigeration gases. These measures will complement SuperValu’s ambitious sustainability targets which are focused on packaging and carbon emission reductions as part of our ambition to positively impact the world we live in.”

Since the opening, the store’s focus on sustainability has been enhanced with the installation of 600 solar panels.

Mr Twohig added: “As Ireland’s leading food retailer, SuperValu is wholly committed to supporting the local communities in which it operates, and as such, is proud to support two of Ireland’s best loved competitions in

Development Operations Michael Twohig highlighted the store’s commitment to sustainability.

Providing an extensive range of fresh fruit & vegetables

Ireland’s premier supplier of end to end Bakery solutions across all sectors of the industry

Expert Advice - Quality Equipment

Excellent Service and Support

Unit 5, Block 14G, Grants Avenue, Greenogue Industrial Estate, Rathcoole, Co Dublin

T: +353 (01) 257 5444 | E: declanc@dupan.ie www.dupan.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettit’s Supervalu

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettitt’s SuperValu

Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Y21 WF53

Tel: +353 53 9230680

Email: info@oneillsbacon.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettitt’s SuperValu

QUALITY LOCAL GROWN WEXFORD POTATOES

Rosspile, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford Y35 DP48

T: 087 2324189 (Larry) T: 086 3278485 (Bernie)

E: whelanpotatoes@gmail.com

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettitt’s SuperValu

Big enough to compete, small enough to care

Clonard Ave, Clonard, Co. Wexford

T: 053 9124040 E: robbie@carpetcentre.ie

www.carpetcentre.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Pettitt’s SuperValu

New Deerpark, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Y21 R836

Tel: 086 3049447

Email: gorsefarmbunclody@gmail.com www.gorsefarm.ie

SuperValu TidyTowns and the GAA Football Senior AllIreland Championship. In addition, we believe in inclusive communities and work closely with AsIAm to make our stores, towns, and villages more Autism Friendly.

“As a community retailer, we take great pride in making a lasting positive impact everywhere we have a presence. With our new position at the heart of the locality, SuperValu looks forward to playing its role in contributing to the thriving community in Bray through the new Pettitt’s store.”

Opening times at Pettitt’s SuperValu Bray are 7.30am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 10pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Store Manager Aidan Doyle would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support to date.

PETTITT’S SUPERVALU BRAY

Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Telephone: 01 661 9664

Email: pettitts@pettitts.ie

Web: www.pettitts.ie

Top class offerings in the Delicatessen

The impressive Fishmongers counter

Grocery & Retail Ireland

Shine a light on reduced energy costs of up to 80%

Reduce your energy consumption with a fully funded lighting upgrade for your business.

Future proof your company’s efficiency with a lighting upgrade and enjoy a guaranteed monthly reduction in your lighting bills and carbon footprint. We’ll carry out a comprehensive audit, create a bespoke lighting design and oversee installation, leaving you to enjoy a brighter workplace.

energia.ie/business/lighting-solutions