18|Retail News|March 2020|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News Interview
The energy of change! Mark Aherne, General Manager, Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ireland, discusses why the company’s brands are so loved by Irish consumers, what the Beam Suntory distribution announcement means for Ireland and how and why the company is leading the way when it comes to sustainability commitments. THE Lucozade Energy, Lucozade Sport and Ribena brands have been loved by generations of Irish consumers, with memorable advertising campaigns for each forming part of our collective childhoods, so much so that it would be easy for them to slip into the realm of heritage brands. But the company who owns those much-loved drinks, Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ireland, the local arm of the global Suntory Group, is not about to let that happen. These brands have remained relevant to new generations thanks to a combination of innovative
marketing and NPD. The company is also at the forefront of a new generation of multinational corporations who take their environmental responsibilities seriously, unveiling an ambitious sustainability roadmap in September 2019. The latest news for the company saw Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ireland named as distributor for the Beam Suntory range of premium spirits in Ireland. General Manager Mark Aherhe talks us through these issues and more. Your soft drinks brands (Lucozade Energy, Lucozade Sport, Ribena) are amongst the most loved in Ireland. What does that mean to the company? Lucozade Sport, Lucozade Energy and Ribena are at the heart of our business
and are loved by consumers throughout Ireland and the world over. Our brands have evolved through more than 90 years of knowledge, insight and expertise, and we’re proud that this insight-based approach to innovation is something that continues to be embraced by shoppers in Ireland. Lucozade and Ribena’s stories both start with innovators. Scientists with the Yatte Minahare spirit ('dream big, take challenges and never give up'), who had a clear purpose and the nation’s health in their hearts. Each of our founders shared a common spirit. They all wanted to do something totally different, were passionate about sharing their success with society, and each left a lasting legacy. Our founders’ spirit can be seen
