28 minute read
Year in Review: As another
Reeling in the year
F r o m O m i c r o n - f u e l l e d s t a f f s h o r t a g e s a t t h e s t a r t o f t h e y e a r , t o e x t r e m e e n e r g y i n c r e a s e s i n r e c e n t m o n t h s , 2 0 2 2 h a s c e r t a i n l y b e e n a m e m o r a b l e y e a r , n o t w i t h o u t i t s c h a l l e n g e s . F o r t u n a t e l y , p l e n t y o f g o o d n e w s s t o r i e s h a v e a l s o f l o u r i s h e d w i t h i n t h e g r o c e r y s e c t o r , a s w e o u t l i n e h e r e i n o u r r e v i e w o f a l l t h e u p s a n d d o w n s o v e r t h e p a s t 1 2 m o n t h s
January
Retailers hit by Covid-related staff shortages
2022 got off to a difficult start, with Covidrelated staff shortages leading to a quarter of retail staff being forced to close for a period of time in the preceding weeks, according to a survey by Retail Excellence. As a result of the highly transmissible nature of the Omicron variant, Duncan Graham, MD of Retail Excellence, said many of its members were operating with a “skeleton staff” due to Covid-related issues.
Regulator advises removal of Genrui antigen tests from shelves
The State’s medical devices regulator said one of the most commonly used Covid-19 rapid antigen tests, Genrui should be removed from the shelves, after over 500 users complained about false positive results. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) reported retailers were removing the product from sale on a voluntary basis pending further investigation.
Christmas 2021: Grocery sales finish ahead of previous year
In happier news, Nielsen IQ revealed Christmas 2021 saw Irish people spend €732 on groceries every second in the four weeks to 26 December. Total sales surpassed €1.7 billion, representing a growth of +0.3% versus Christmas 2020. In comparison to a pandemic free Christmas in 2019, total value sales were up +12%. Overall, Irish shoppers spent €28 million more during Christmas week in 2021 versus in 2020.
Freshly Chopped expands to six new countries
Brian Lee, founder and CEO of Chopped with Hans Wingender, MD of Fresh Food Fast Company in Leiden, Netherlands
The year also got off to a great start for healthy fast food retailer Freshly Chopped, which signed a new partnership deal with the Dutch company FFF International Holding B.V. (Fresh Food Fast Company) that will see the Freshly Chopped brand open 120 new outlets in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden over the next five years.
Aldi Ireland’s new corporate offices open
Meanwhile, Aldi opened its new state-of-theart corporate office in Naas, Co. Kildare in January, confirming it will recruit 600 new
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar alongside Niall O’Connor, group managing director, Aldi Ireland
store staff during the year. Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, officially opened the new 41,000 sq ft Birch House, Millennium Park facility which now houses Aldi’s national buying and marketing teams, which expanded from four staff in 2004 to 120 by January 2022.
Lidl invests €10 million in pay increases
Lidl announced a €10 million investment in pay increases for its workforce of 6,100 across the island of Ireland with all employees benefitting from an increase from 1 March. This increase was in addition to the retailer’s commitment to paying the new Living Wage rate of €12.90 as recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group back in 2015.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar and Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland’s director of human resources Maeve McCleane at Lidl’s head office in Tallaght, Co. Dublin
February
1,600 roles at risk in Tesco UK stores
Due to operational changes at its UK stores, Tesco reported 1,600 jobs were at risk of redundancy in the UK. The retailer announced night shifts to restock shelves were to be removed and overnight stock replenishment instead moved into the daytime. With some 3,000 vacancies available at the time, Tesco said it would help affected staff find alternative roles.
RGDATA director general Tara Buckley
RGDATA welcomed the new Town Centre First Policy announced by the government on Friday 4 February, expressing its hope that the measure will prove effective in halting the decline occurring in many Irish towns and villages. “If this new Town Centre First Policy is to be successful and achieve its objectives, it will be of vital importance that it is genuinely collaborative and actively involves all town centre interests,” said director general Tara Buckley.
Aldi gets green light for new Cootehill store
Aldi Ireland confirmed it was on track to open its new €6.5m store in Cootehill, Co. Cavan in mid-2023. The development will bring up to 25 permanent jobs to Cootehill, as well as create 60 jobs during the construction phase. Following Aldi being granted planning permission for a new store, the 1,315 sq m supermarket will be centrally located on Station Road close to Market Street; Aldi’s second in Co. Cavan.
Musgrave Group lobbies government on non-EU visa rules
Staff shortages led SuperValu and Centra owner, the Musgrave Group to lobby the government for changes to foreign visa rules to allow more workers into the country. The group met with Ministers Damien English and Simon Coveney, MEP Mairead McGuinness and other politicians. Director of corporate affairs Edel Clancy said staff shortages were an issue “across the board” for retail, which had created the need to recruit from outside Ireland and the EU.
Farmers end protests at two Dunnes Stores branches
Following an agreement by Dunnes Stores to discuss price increases to suppliers and address rising farm costs, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) agreed to end protests occurring on Monday, 14 February and overnight outside two Dunnes Stores outlets, at Bishopstown in Cork and Monaghan. While customers were prevented from entering shops, staff could enter. After a phone call from Dunnes Stores, IFA president Tim Cullinan said they had agreed to meet and discuss what should be done to restore producers’ viability.
BWG Foods increased sales by 7% in four months to end of January
BWG Foods increased its sales in Ireland by 6.9% in a roughly four-month period to the end of January, according to a trading update published in February by South African listed parent The Spar Group. Overall, The Spar Group described BWG’s performance as “impressive”. It was 11.5% ahead of the same period two years ago, pre-pandemic.
March
Bill to ban bookies betting on National Lottery debated in Seanad
At the beginning of March, we also reported how Senator Barry Ward’s bill to ban bookies taking bets on the National Lottery advanced to Committee Stage in the Seanad. In a Seanad debate, Senators Barry Ward and Micheal Carrigy both highlighted the importance of familyowned local shops and how the National Lottery is driving business and footfall to them, as well as donating to good causes. RGDATA and the CSNA both supported the Private Members Bill.
SuperValu and Centra support Irish Red Cross Ukraine appeal
impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. In addition to the fundraising campaign, Musgrave donated an additional €250,000 to the Irish Red Cross and Unicef. Shoppers in SuperValu and Centra were able to donate €2 in-store nationwide via a simple ‘Tap to Donate’ mechanism at the till. Over three weeks, customers donated over €500,000 to the Irish Red Cross.
Lidl wins High Court action over Aldi-commissioned price survey
Lidl Ireland emerged victorious from a High Court action relating to what the supermarket chain claimed was a flawed Aldi-commissioned price survey which Lidl came second in. Grant Thornton conducted the survey, and Lidl claimed the methodology used was flawed as it failed to compare like-for-like products. Lidl also claimed the prices were not in-store but came from a master list. The judge said he was remitting the matter back to the regulatory body Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) for an assessment by a differently constituted independent review committee.
CSNA calls for excise reduction on fuel to mitigate price spike
March continued
The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA) called on the government to deliver targeted relief from the severe international spike in fuel prices and its impact on forecourt retailers, by reducing excise duty. A cut of 20c per litre on petrol and 15c on diesel from midnight was agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday, 9 March, as well as a reduction of 2c off marked, or green, diesel.
M&P O’Sullivan announces ambitious growth plans
Cork-based food wholesale company M&P O’Sullivan Ltd. (M&P) appointed a new head of finance, Richard Horgan and a supply chain manager, Cathal Harris to the 117-year-old business to strategically drive its long-term sustainable growth. The fourthgeneration family-run company, which had recently added Brennan’s Caterworld to its portfolio, grew its turnover in 2021 by over 22% to €37.9 million, with similar growth targets for 2022 and beyond, including plans to expand its workforce by 40% in the coming five years.
Calls for Central Bank to probe payment outage
The CSNA and RGDATA called on the Central Bank to investigate after an eight-hour outage at card payments company Opayo on 21 March caused “extensive” problems in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol forecourts. “Retailers lost sales and credit had to be given to other customers, with the hope now that they will pay up,” said CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings. At the time, Opayo said the issue had been resolved and apologised for the disruption caused.
April
Pret A Manger announces expansion into Ireland
Pret A Manger announced plans to expand into Ireland for the first time as part of a deal with franchise partner Carebrook Partnership Ltd. Through the partnership, 20 Pret shops will be established across the island of Ireland over the next decade, creating approximately 500 jobs, The first shop opened on Dublin’s Dawson Street this summer, creating 25 jobs in the city.
Griffin’s Londis raises €30,000 for St James’s Foundation
The Griffin Londis Group presented a fundraising cheque for a whopping €30,000 to the St James’s Hospital Foundation, which was the proceeds from a hugely successful car giveaway raffle, which was also supported by Aryzta. Maxol launched a new loyalty app; the first of its kind in Ireland to implement FuelPay, a feature that allows customers to pay for their fuel from their vehicle. Maxol’s FuelPay works by using geo-fencing and the user’s phone GPS to determine at which service station the customer is located. Customers can turn on the fuel pump with their phones by entering the specific pump number on the app, without getting out of the car.
Patrick Buckley won a brand-new Kia Rio. In total, the Griffin Londis Group had raised more than €130,000 for the foundation.
Newspread deals blow to retailers
News retailers faced another rise in overheads, when wholesaler and distributor Newspread announced a weekly surcharge of €2.20 in the Republic and £2 in Northern Ireland. In a letter to retailers, Newspread blamed the price of fuel for the increase in charges, which would apply to invoices from 17 April as a temporary measure. The Fed’s Republic of Ireland president Martin Mulligan described the move as “yet another burden on already overburdened retailers”.
Ferrero recall extended
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advised on Friday, 7 April that Ferrero had extended its recall of implicated Kinder products to all best before dates and all pack sizes of Kinder Schokobons, due to the possible presence of Salmonella. The FSAI warned consumers who may have had the recalled products at home not to eat them. This extended food recall related to a number of Kinder products which ShelfLife outlined at the time.
UK grocery giant Tesco achieved a 35.8% increase in annual profit, according to its preliminary results for 2021/22. Tesco made retail adjusted operating profit of £2.65 billion in the year to 26 February, in line with guidance of slightly above £2.6 billion and up from £1.96 billion in 2020-2021. However, in the Republic of Ireland, Tesco posted a 2.9% decline in like-for-like sales to just below £2.5 billion (€3 billion). Nevertheless, Tesco pointed out this had increased by 10.6% compared with the same time two years ago.
Maxol loyalty app launches with first-to-market FuelPay feature
Television presenter Carl Mullan launching the new Maxol loyalty app
Retailers affected by robberies in Limerick area
A series of robberies took place in stores in the Limerick area during April. In one instance, the individuals involved were able to rapidly bypass the key opening/closing pad for shutters. They then broke the glass in the sliding entrance doors. Once inside, they proceeded to the cigarette gantry where they stole numerous products, as well as the contents from the tobacco drawers below. The thieves entered and left each of the affected stores within three minutes at night-time.
May
Pat’s Centra in Bettystown destroyed by devastating blaze
Pat’s Centra in Bettystown, Co. Drogheda, owned by the local Boshell family, suffered a devastating overnight fire at the start of May, which gutted the entire building. The blaze was discovered around 10.15pm on Sunday, 1 May, shortly after staff had locked up for the day. Several units of Drogheda fire service battled to contain the fire at the store which locals described as the “heart of the community”.
Iceland launches new online shopping service
Aldi reopens Clonmel store following €3.8m revamp
Alicia Byrne, Iceland Ireland and Ron Metcalfe, managing director, Iceland Ireland
Iceland Ireland launched a new online shopping service across a selection of its stores nationwide. Customers can now get their Iceland groceries delivered the next of the group’s commitment to provide customers with a convenient shopping experience.
Braeburn Coffee launches nationwide
Applegreen launched its newest creation, Braeburn Coffee, featuring non-dairy, and a range of ice coffee drinks at the touch of a button available in 26 Applegreen locations including all major motorway service stations. Applegreen said the coffee offering would be available in 75 outlets by the end of 2022.
Aldi Ireland announced it is set to open a new €10m store in Carrigaline, Co. Cork in 2024. The news came as the supermarket was granted planning permission from Cork County
Online retailer Ocado raised £575 million (€671 million) from investors to secure funding for the expensive roll-out of its grocery ecommerce technology. Ocado said the new funds would allow it to help customers, which include Kroger in the US and Australia’s Coles, to develop online grocery businesses. Council for its new 1,315 sq m store. Aldi said 60 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with 30 permanent roles created upon opening. The store will be centrally located just off the new Carrigaline Western Relief Road.
Tesco Ireland makes €40m investment in pay and benefits for retail colleagues
Tesco Ireland announced a significant investment in pay rates and enhancement to benefits for its retail colleagues, totaling €40 million. The retailer implemented an overall 10% pay award for retail colleagues, covering 2021, 2022 and 2023. This involved a 6% pay award effective from 1 April 2022 (2.5% of which will be backdated to April 2021) and a 4% pay award effective from 1 April 2023. The new pay award was additional to two years of discretionary colleague bonus payments of 2.5% for 2021 and 2% for 2022.
June
Aldi unveiled its newly revamped and extended Clonmel store following a €3.8 million overhaul. The environmentally friendly store is powered by 100% green electricity. Over the previous two months, the store underwent a complete refurbishment, including the building of a new extension, increasing the shop floor space by 25% to 1,405 sq m. day when orders are placed before 7pm. Iceland delivers up to a 15km radius of the selected stores. Ron Metcalfe, Iceland Ireland MD described the move as “further evidence”
Ocado secures €671 million in funding for tech rollout The Fed welcomes €30m boost for Irish postmasters
The Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers) welcomed the news that postmasters in Ireland would receive €30m of government funding over the next three years. The government said the money will be used to support the renewal and development of the Post Office network. The Fed’s Irish president Martin Mulligan, who is also a postmaster based in Athlone, described the announcement as “fantastic news” and thanked the executive for “the
June continued
>> effort they have put into getting the government to provide this much-needed support”.
Petrol breaches €2 per-litre ceiling
In June, petrol prices reached the €2-a-litre mark at filling stations across Ireland as inflation hit a near 40-year high. Prices stood at a national average of €1.91 per litre while diesel prices had fallen back slightly
Tesco must sell Joyce’s in Oranmore as part of acquisition approval
It was also revealed in June that Tesco’s acquisition of Joyce’s Supermarkets had been
July
Owen Clifford, head of retail sector, Bank of Ireland, with Supreme Champion Mark Byrne and ShelfLife editor Gillian Hamill
Mark Byrne named GMAs Supreme Champion 2022
Ireland’s grocery retail industry gathered at Dublin’s Royal Marine Hotel on Wednesday, 6 July, for the 2022 ShelfLife Grocery Management Awards, recognising individual management excellence in the sector. The independently judged awards ceremony was supported by platinum sponsor Bank of Ireland and carried out in association with Excel Recruitment.
The judges deemed Mark Byrne of Blake’s Centra, Blarney Filling Station, Co. Cork, an outstanding winner on account of the true dedication and passion he has demonstrated for the retail industry. at €1.94 per litre. The price of diesel had increased by 41% in the last 12 months, however the price of petrol had jumped 31% with the war in Ukraine driving up food and fuel prices globally.
Circle K opens brand new service station in Grange, Co. Sligo
Circle K officially opened an impressive new service in its nationwide company-owned network, Circle K Grange in Co. Sligo, on 8 July. The filling station opened initially in 2000, and with the redevelopment will now offer a wide range of products and services including Circle K’s deli menu, which includes 15,000 combinations. The store uses the SafePay endto-end closed cash system to create a safer environment for customers and the station’s 22 employees. cleared by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), subject to a number of legally binding commitments, including a requirement for Tesco to sell off the Joyce’s Oranmore supermarket to a suitable purchaser. The CCPC’s investigation identified potential competition concerns in the Oranmore area following the proposed acquisition.
bottles or 42,000 aluminium cans at any given time. The move will see Aldi’s Kildare customers being encouraged to return PET plastic bottles (up to three litres in size) and aluminium drink cans to the reverse vending machine.
Aldi launches largest reverse vending machine in Ireland at its Naas store
Aldi launched Ireland’s largest reverse vending machine at its Naas, Monread Road store in Co. Kildare, back in July. The unit is capable of collecting and storing up to 10,500 plastic
Grocery inflation in Ireland hits 7.7%, the highest level since 2008
Consumer spending on take-home grocery sales in Ireland fell by 3.1% over the 12 weeks to 10 July 2022, according to figures from Kantar. The decline slowed over the past four weeks to 10 July, with a drop of 0.9%. Despite a fall in spending, grocery inflation stood at 7.7% which was the highest level seen since August 2008. Kantar reported consumers were able to combat some of the effects of inflation through choosing cheaper products, but the average price paid for each item had still increased by 6.3%.
August
Lidl Ireland removes mandatory retirement age of 65
Lidl Ireland removed its mandatory retirement age clause for current and new employees in August. It now gives all employees the option to continue working beyond the age of 65. The retailer said its decision will allow the company to attract more “mature” and “life-experienced” talent, as well as offering more flexibility to current employees. It also pointed out that those who choose to continue their service can opt to extend their pension plan.
Bernadette Gilligan, a staff member at Lidl Ennis, said the move showed Lidl has colleagues’ best interests at heart Maxol expands dealer network with Kilkenny service station
Maxol announced it was expanding its dealer network with the latest addition of Spar Irishtown in Kilkenny city in August. Since partnering with Maxol earlier during the year, the store owned by John Eivers had undergone a major overhaul with the installation of a new Maxol canopy and comprehensive forecourt upgrade.
September
Energy crisis is a nightmare on every street: RGDATA
Retailer group RGDATA revealed in September that a survey of shopkeepers showed energy cost increases were crippling the sector. Essential food retailers were reporting “the most stressful period ever in business” with energy price hikes of up to 400% since January 2022. Retailer representatives including RGDATA and CSNA both called for immediate government action to stem rising energy costs.
Revenue seizes cigarettes and tobacco worth €5.5 million at Dublin Port
Revenue officers seized 4.5 million cigarettes and over 3 tonnes of ‘roll your own’ tobacco at Dublin Port on Tuesday, 30 August, with the assistance of its mobile x-ray scanner. The illegal cigarettes, branded ‘Kingdom’, and tobacco, branded ‘The Turner‘, had an estimated retail value of €5.5 million. They were discovered concealed in over 30 pallets manifested as ‘groupage’ from the Netherlands and destined for an address in Co. Meath. Investigations are ongoing.
Tesco Ireland to invest €50m in new stores and store upgrades over 2022
Tesco Ireland announced its plans to spend circa €50 million this year in store upgrades, maintenance, and new openings. Tesco had earmarked property capital expenditure of €50m in 2022 to include new stores, store upkeep and upgrade projects. There was also a separate rebrand and redesign programme getting underway at the time, with Tesco’s recently acquired portfolio of nine stores across Galway city and county owned by the Joyce family, which was completed in June.
Ukrainian beverage producer Obolon partners with Barry & Fitzwilliam
Barry & Fitzwilliam announced a partnership with Obolon, the largest domestic Ukrainian beverage producer. Obolon was the first privatized brewery in a post-soviet Ukraine, and went on to become the nation’s household beer. The ongoing war forced the company to pivot and find an opportunity to continue its activities. Despite the extremely difficult work conditions in wartime, Obolon strives to support its employees by providing them with jobs and salaries, as well as supporting the military who defend Ukraine.
Budget 2023: Retailers welcome measures to offset energy costs
Minister for Finance Pascal Donohue and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath
Retailers’ calls for energy supports seemed to have been heard on Budget Day. Ibec group, Retail Ireland, welcomed measures in Budget 2023 to offset spiralling energy costs and bolster household finances. However, the group cautioned that more supports would be needed if the energy crisis continued into 2023, and said the outlook for the sector remained very challenging.
“Without ongoing support, the energy crisis will push many vulnerable retail businesses to the wall,” said Retail Ireland director Arnold Dillon.
Aldi announced it was set to embark on a dedicated West of Ireland expansion programme which would see the company invest over €63 million and create 140 new full-time jobs and 350 construction jobs across Connacht over the next two years. The €63 million investment would see new Aldi stores in Ballina, Tuam, Mountbellew, Athenry, Ballyhaunis, and Monivea Road Galway, along with store upgrades in Portumna, Clifden, Galway Retail Park and Ballinasloe, some of which were already complete at the time. >>
September cont.
Mr Price and The Rehab Group win at Charity Excellence Awards
Mr Price and The Rehab Group won the People’s Choice award at this year’s Charity Excellence Awards in September, after they entered a partnership to change the job
Musgrave announces partnership with eCommerce platform in Singapore
Musgrave announced a new supply partnership with RedMart Singapore, the online supermarket arm of leading eCommerce platform, Lazada Singapore, and part of the well-known Lazada Group. The agreement was facilitated by Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland and followed a trade mission to South East Asia with Minister Charlie McConalogue, showcasing Ireland’s vision for a food systems approach to the sustainable development of the sector, Food Vision 2030.
Musgrave said the partnership would eventually see it supply over 400 products from its SuperValu own brand range and other Irish brands to Singapore’s leading online grocery platform. The RedMart deal followed a major investment by Musgrave in its new Irish food export fulfilment centre in Ballymun, Co. Dublin, which received approval from the Department of Agriculture.
October
A community in mourning
Friday, 7 October 2022 will be a day that will stay with many after the tragic events that occurred in the village of Creeslough, Co Donegal.
Throughout the immensely challenging and painful time in the aftermath of the terrible explosion in the village, the strength and teamwork of the close-knit community of Creeslough has been truly inspiring. Working closely alongside the local community and the Diocese, the Lafferty family and the team at S&W Wholesale opened a store the following month on Friday, 11 November next to St. Michael’s Church to bring back muchneeded services and essentials into Creeslough, with local jobs being supported.
Musgrave announces acquisition of Italicatessen
Musgrave announced the acquisition of Italicatessen for an undisclosed sum, landscape for people with disabilities nationwide.
Their initiative strives to make an impactful change by offering placements and jobs to students of the Rehab Group. Its success is measured in real job outcomes where people with disabilities get paid employment.
subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Italicatessen is a leading importer and distributor of premium quality, authentic Italian food and wines directly from Italy. Based in Wicklow, Italicatessen, employing 75 people, was founded in 2002 as a small family run business and has since grown to service over 900 customers.
“The acquisition of Italicatessen is an excellent strategic fit for our business which enhances our market-leading foodservice and retail offer,” said Noel Keeley, CEO, Musgrave.
The new Solid Fuel Regulations for Ireland came into effect on 31 October 2022. Under the new regulations, retailers should deal only with registered producers of solid fuels. All producers must register with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and must include their registration number on any invoice, credit note, dispatch and delivery docket, marketing material or website or at any premises relating to any fuel activity carried out by the producer.
November
Spar Kenmare, Co. Kerry named National Convenience Store of the Year at ShelfLife C-Store Awards 2022
On Wednesday, 23 November, Spar Kenmare, Co. Kerry was named Supreme Champion National Convenience Store of the Year 2022, beating off stiff competition to scoop the ultimate accolade at the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards 2022.
Ireland’s top retailers and brands gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire to attend the prestigious ceremony. Now in their 22nd year, the C-Store Awards are the only comprehensive and independently judged business accolades for the convenience store sector.
Together with returning master of ceremonies Marty Whelan, ShelfLife welcomed more than 400 guests from across the retail industry. A total of 26 awards were presented, celebrating the industry’s finest stores and people in a diverse range of categories.
Platinum sponsors, Mark Hargadon, commercial director, Aryzta Ireland (Cuisine de France) and Jim O’Connor, national field sales manager, National Lottery, presented the Supreme Champion Award.
The judges said of the national winner: “Spar Kenmare offers the finest range of hot and cold deli items, alongside a well stocked and well merchandised grocery range. The hot bread fresh sandwiches and fresh cakes are excellent to have with the Insomnia coffee range or just sit and enjoy a fresh ice cream from the Smooch range. A modern and bright store with pricing controlled by electronic POS, this forecourt was found to be spotless on all our visits and deserving of the highest accolade.”
November cont.
CCPC clears BWG’s acquisition of McCarrick’s, subject to binding commitments
BWG Foods’ acquisition of McCarrick Brothers Wholesale Longford Limited was cleared by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), subject to a number of legally binding commitments.
To address potential competition concerns, BWG proposed to make binding commitments to the CCPC which are intended to prevent BWG from acquiring McCarrick’s shareholdings in Stonehouse and Gala Retail Services Limited (GRSL) and to prevent the exchange of competitively sensitive information between BWG, Stonehouse and/or GRSL, which would constitute a breach of section 4(1) of the Competition Act 2002. The CCPC subsequently determined that the proposed acquisition will not substantially lessen competition.
Silvey Fleet to market Valero Energy Fuel Cards
Marks & Spencer Liffey Valley partners with The Butler’s Pantry M&S Food now available through exclusive Applegreen partnership
Eddie Murphy, M&S trading director, Seamus
Stapleton, Applegreen ROI commercial director and Fiona Matthews, Applegreen ROI managing director
Marks & Spencer launched the first of its in-store offerings with Applegreen, Mountgorry in Swords. This will be followed by Applegreen Booterstown, with three more Applegreen locations stocking M&S food in early 2023. M&S and Applegreen marked the arrival of M&S customer favourites at the Swords
American hamburger brand Wendy’s announces plans to enter Ireland
Iconic American hamburger brand Wendy’s announced it is planning to enter the Irish market, in a move to further expand its brand presence across Europe. The company is actively seeking wellestablished franchisee candidates in Ireland that have strong operations experience, local development expertise,
and influencers alike in this space.
ambition to grow quickly and a proven track record of growing brands in Ireland to help Wendy’s reach its full potential.
Barry Group to leave Stonehouse
On Friday, 29 November, Stonehouse Marketing Ltd. and Barry Group announced that Barry Group is to leave Stonehouse as of 31 December 2022. For more details on this news, turn to page 34.
December
M&S announced a new fresh dessert partnership with Wicklow-based company, Car, van, truck and heavy haulage fleet managers stand to benefit from the announcement by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, that it had reached agreement with leading UK fuel card resellers, Silvey Fleet to market its Texaco Fastfuel fuel card in the Republic of Ireland.
Silvey Fleet says it can now offer fleet managers and business owners, here and in the UK, access to “competitively priced fuel” at more than 400 sites throughout the Republic.
The Butler’s Pantry. The collaboration features a range of The Butler’s Pantry handcrafted cakes and desserts in M&S Liffey Valley, from cheesecakes with buttery, crumbly biscuit bases to a decadent tangy lemon meringue pie and light, fluffy sponges.
CCPC research highlights the need for improvements in labelling influencer ads
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) published its social media influencers report*, which found that failure to label ads is widespread throughout the industry.
Just 10% of consumers trust the information provided by influencers, according to the research. While there is a need for more consistency in transparency from influencers with regard to labelling their sponsored content clearly and correctly, the study finds there is also demand for more guidance and education for both consumers location on Thursday, 17 November, with the iconic Percy Pig officiating the launch celebrations.
*(Source: The research, which took place between October 2021 and April 2022, used a combination of focus groups, surveys, interviews and social media analysis to reach its conclusions)
Own label accounts for nearly half of Irish grocery sales
Sales of own label jumped 9.4% over the latest 12 weeks to 30 October 2022, with shoppers spending an additional €115m year-on-year, Kantar has found. Own label now accounts for almost half (46%) of the overall grocery market in Ireland. What’s more, value own label ranges saw the strongest growth, up 27% with shoppers spending €13.3m more year-on-year. Dairy products have the biggest market share (42.2%) within these value ranges.
For more of the biggest news stories from December, check out this month’s News Grid on page 5. ■
