3 minute read
News grid
NEWSGRID
The top news stories in FMCG and retail from across Ireland
Aldi is set to embark on a dedicated west of Ireland expansion programme which will 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. This €63 million investment will 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 are already complete.
Banks predict another 0.75% rate hike by ECB in October
Banks including Deutsche Bank and Bank of America have said they expect another 75 basis point rate hike from the European Central Bank in October, a day after the central bank delivered a supersized interestrate rise of that size to tame inflation. The ECB raised its key rates by an unprecedented 75 basis points (bps) in early September and promised further hikes, prioritizing the fight against inflation even as Europe is likely heading towards a winter recession and gas rationing.
Blas na hÉireann 2022 finalists announced
The finalists for Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards 2022 have been announced and the countdown is now on for the big return of the awards weekend in Dingle from Thursday, 29 September to Saturday, 1 October. Now in its 15th year, Blas na hÉireann saw a huge increase in entries with many new producers entering the awards this year. During the judging in June and July, almost 3,000 entries were judged, the highest on record.
Maxol expands dealer network with Kilkenny service station
Maxol is expanding its dealer network with the latest addition of Spar Irishtown in Kilkenny city, bringing the total number of new dealers this year to seven. Since partnering with Maxol earlier this year, the John Eivers Irishtown site has undergone a major overhaul with the installation of a new Maxol canopy and comprehensive forecourt upgrade.
Ukrainian beverage producer Obolon partners with Barry & Fitzwilliam
Barry & Fitzwilliam has 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 has 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.
CSNA welcomes ‘auto activation’ of Lottery scratch cards
Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) has announced that ‘auto activation’ on scratch cards has been implemented since 5 September 2022. The CSNA described the development as “a welcome relief to the network in general” and in particular to the agents who have received penalties imposed by PLI for numerous breaches of the non-activation rule. In some cases, this involved a penalty of five days’ trading with no Lottery product.
Tesco Ireland to invest €50m in new stores and store upgrades over 2022
Tesco Ireland has announced it is to spend circa €50 million this year in store upgrades, maintenance, and new openings. Tesco has earmarked property capital expenditure of €50m in 2022 to include new stores, store upkeep and upgrade projects. There is also a separate rebrand and redesign programme getting underway with Tesco’s recently acquired portfolio of nine stores across Galway city and county owned by the Joyce family, which was completed in June.
Revenue seizes cigarettes and tobacco worth €5.5 million at Dublin Port
Revenue officers recently 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.
Retailers repeat calls for minimum unit alcohol pricing in Northern Ireland
Independent retailers on both sides of the Irish border have confirmed their support for the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol in Northern Ireland. Leaders of the Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers) say MUP in the province would create a “level playing field” and allay fears of cross-border trading and the practice of independents being undercut by large supermarkets. ■
