Seen and heard

Centra aims for 100% sustainable deli packaging by 2025

Musgrave recently announced a €25 million investment as part of a new sustainability fund

Centra has announced new sustainable deli packaging changes as part of its commitment to eliminate, reduce and replace unsustainable packaging. Centra aims to deliver 100% sustainable deli packaging in delis nationwide by 2025. Centra deli packaging innovations include compostable salad bowls and soup cups, reusable knives and forks and new compostable sandwich wrapping paper.

The move towards more sustainable deli packaging, the latest step in Centra’s sustainability journey, will see over 234 tonnes of waste being diverted from landfills.

One of the new and exciting packaging innovations is compostable sandwich wrapping paper which does not contain silicone coating and Centra has also introduced Frank & Honest compostable coffee cups and lids.

Musgrave recently announced a €25 million investment as part of a new sustainability fund aimed at empowering Centra retailers to achieve net zero carbon by 2040.

Nearby celebrates the opening of 100th store

In April 2022, Nearby celebrated its first birthday and what a year it has been! Since day one, the brand’s offering has gone from strength to strength, with stores now across the entire island of Ireland. Today, the team enjoy the success of the last year and celebrate the opening of their 100th store.

With an ambitious growth plan and great uptake from local businesses, the team have recently opened four new stores throughout Dublin, one in Meath and another in County Down. The newest addition to the Nearby family opened on 21 July in Creeslough, Co. Donegal.

If you’re thinking about making a change and want to find out more about joining the Nearby family, get in touch with the team today. With over 100 retailers located across the island of Ireland, you’ll be in great company!

Musgrave calls for urgent financial supports for SME food retailers

Musgrave is calling on the government to introduce a temporary financial support package for SME food retailers currently experiencing devastating energy price increases. The package should include the introduction of an energy rate cap, the suspension of commercial rates, capital allowance super-deduction, VAT warehousing and the inclusion of food retailers in existing, and future, support schemes.

The average energy bill for a SuperValu and Centra is expected to treble, and in some cases quadruple from September since last year. Based on current outlook, the average Centra store will see energy bills rise from circa €50,000 in 2021 to up to as much as €200,000 in September 2022.

“The current inflationary environment, coupled with soaring energy costs, has put our retail partners under pressure like never before,” said Ian Allen, MD of SuperValu and Centra. “Energy is the second highest bill, after labour, a store owner must meet and with sales volumes back on last year, the new crisis of rapidly surging energy costs is compounding the cost of doing business in a high volume and low margin sector.”

Ian Allen, MD of SuperValu and Centra has pointed out that the average Centra store will see energy bills to up to €200,000 in September 2022

SuperValu scooped 108 awards, while Centra won an impressive 50 awards

SuperValu and Centra are the big winners at the 2022 Great Taste Awards

The winners of the renowned Great Taste awards have been announced with SuperValu taking home 108 awards and Centra taking home 50 awards. This marks the most successful year ever for the brands at the Great Taste awards, and places them at number one in the Irish market.

SuperValu won 108 awards, making it number one in the multiple market in Ireland. SuperValu’s Signature Tastes range won 58 awards, further solidifying its position as the number one premium range for taste and quality in an Irish supermarket. Centra took home a total of 50 awards making it the number one convenience retailer in the country, including 19 awards for the Inspired by Centra premium range.

This year, SuperValu picked up five three-star awards, making SuperValu the Irish retailer with the most three-star awards, one of the highest accolades in the competition.

Three of the SuperValu Own Brand range were awarded the coveted three-star accolade. These winning products were SuperValu Sour Cream, SuperValu Summer Eating Irish Lamb Tomahawk Chops and SuperValu over-the-counter Cowboy Steak.

Other key highlights within the winners are five awards for coffee brand Frank & Honest, one award for The Happy Pear and two awards for Moo’d ice cream. ■