Retail News March 2024

Gridlock: the EV challenge

THIS month’s Retail News takes a deep dive into Ireland’s forecourt sector, examining how our dynamic service stations continue to be the envy of Europe. The move away from traditional fuels continues apace, and the country’s biggest fuel retailers are cognisant of both serving the needs of their customer base and their wider environmental obligations, with the advent of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and of course Electric Vehicle charging. However, there are a number of challenges in terms of installing EV charging hubs, mostly in terms of the time it takes to connect to the national grid. Our Chief News Reporter, Pavel Barter, investigates why there is such a delay and asks if and when this will improve (Page 2).

We examine the figures from Experian Catalist, the London-based experts who provide a leading global source of information and analysis on petrol and retail forecourts (Page 22), report on the continued growth of the Inver brand across the country (Page 26) and the latest news from the forecourt sector (Page 28).

Elsewhere, IGBF President of Appeals Eoin Kellett, Mondelez Ireland, talks us through his exciting plans for the year (Page 14), we reveal the SuperValu Store of the Year (Page 32) and Paul Malone, spokesperson for Vape Business Ireland, argues that the Government should enforce existing legislation before introducing new laws on vaping (Page 38).

Contents

News

2 Getting onto the grid: why are EV charging hubs taking so long?

3 Lidl announced €15 million pay rises.

4 BWG Foods to invest €35 million in Mace brand; Tesco Adamstown Store Manager wins big at Annual Awards.

5 DRS collects more than two million containers in first month; Bord Bia reveals international trade programme.

6 T WIG announce top speaker line-up and new Chair; Triple success for Boann Distillery.

7 Own label gains share as inflation falls to 4.7%.

Shop Profile

12 Alan Maher’s Londis forecourt in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, is thriving following an extensive revamp two years ago.

Retail News Interview

14 Eoin Kellett, MD, Mondelez Ireland, has organised the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch for the last nine years and this year sees him taking on the role of President of Appeals.

Pepsi

19 Pepsi is unveiling a complete rebrand, with exciting new pack designs.

Forecourt Focus: Analysing the Market

22 2023 saw the number of forecourts in Ireland decrease slightly, as the big operators continue to invest in high profile, large scale sites on busy commuter routes.

Forecourt Focus: Inver

26 John O'Leary, Managing Director at Inver Energy, on the brand's continued growth.

Orchard Thieves

30 Orchard Thieves Wild is a brand new, less sweet cider from Heineken Ireland.

SuperValu Store of the Year

32 Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, Wexford Town, has won the SuperValu Store of the Year Award for 2024.

National Lottery

36 The official launch of the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

Vaping & E-cigarettes

38 Ireland needs to enforce the legislation that is already in force rather than introducing knee-jerk regulations on vaping, according to the leading vaping trade association.

Lidl Ireland

47 Lidl’s new Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report highlights the retailer’s support of Irish suppliers, both domestically and globally.

NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards

48 National Off-Licence Association has revealed the winners of its annual OffLicence of the Year Awards 2024.

Employment Law

52 Linda Hynes and Sinead Likely of Lewis Silkin explore the gender pay gap reporting requirements for retailers, what they should be doing now and what the new EU rules on pay transparency will mean once they come into effect.

Getting onto the grid: why are hubs taking so long?

THE electric vehicle [EV] revolution is in full swing, so why are forecourt owners struggling to get EV charging hubs up and running?

Right now in Ireland, around 110,000 pure battery electric vehicles are on the road. The Department of Transport has prioritised the EV market while the Zero Emissions Vehicle Ireland [ZEVI] group is in place to support consumers and businesses making the switch to zero emission vehicles. So why are forecourt retailers struggling to secure grid connection for charging facilities, due to what they describe as barriers around infrastructure, time delays and cost? It is not for lack of trying.

Maxol Group recently announced their first high speed charge facilities at two of their stores in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and Ballycoolin in Dublin. Each location will feature six 200kw charges that refill a car battery in 15 to 20 minutes. These 12 high speed chargers are part of Maxol’s €2.5 million investment in EV and a plan that takes in another 20 locations over the next three years. Circle K, meanwhile, are continuing a €7 million roll-out of their own branded EV chargers over the next 18 months and are adding 12 Ionity high-power charges to sites.

“We have strong sustainability and decarbonisation plans,” Jonathan Diver, Fuels Director with Circle K Ireland, told Retail News . “EV is a big part of what we do. We're pushing on in line with the government’s ambitious targets around roll-out of EV.”

Yet in the face of these ambitious expansion plans, forecourt retailers feel restrained. “Delays in rolling out EV hubs have been frustrating,” notes Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland. “Access to power capacity and the time it takes to connect to the grid are ongoing challenges, with no immediate improvements in sight.”

Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group CEO, estimates “that from start to finish, it can take a lead time of 24 months to get an actual EV hub up and running.”

According to Diver, applying for grid access takes 90 days. If ESB agree to a connection, it can take another 90 days to approve, after which there are more delays.

Jonathan Diver has one question for Government: “Can they speed this up so we can get this done quicker?” According to a spokesperson for the Department of Transport, the delivery of EV is a priority but it comes with challenges: “The availability of grid connection at some locations has presented some difficulties, which we are working to overcome. ZEVI continue to engage with stakeholders on issues and work closely with partners such as ESB Networks.”

ESB Networks have implemented a screening process in which forecourt retailers can get prospective sites screened for an outline assessment as to how long it will take to deliver EV infrastructure. Retailers describe this assessment as further illustrating the lengthy waiting times. The process has a colour rating: green, amber, red and purple. “Green

means that the power is there almost immediately, and you can get on with installation,” said Diver. “There are very few greens. In most cases, you see amber, reds and purples, so you're looking at network access that will take anything from six months to 18 months or even beyond that.”

Donaldson maintains that “the screening process is helpful but it tells us more or less what we already know. There isn't the capacity there.” The Maxol CEO suggests Government should streamline the planning process in order to accelerate applications. However, plugging into the EV grid is also a costly affair.

“The process is not aided by the high costs for substation and connection fees to establish hubs,” said Arnold Dillon, Retail Ireland. “A large part of that cost has to be paid for by us - the charge point operators - and that's a big barrier in terms of the lead times but also the cost of making the business case stack up.”

There appears to be a disparity in connection costs. Large company-owned forecourt networks in Ireland are seeing connection fees ranging from €20,000 in some locations to six-figure sums in others. These groups are choosing to work with the lower connection cost locations for now and approach the others at a later date. Independent retailers do not have that luxury. Retailers believe there needs to be a more balanced and equal connection price.

Arnold Dillon, Director, Retail Ireland.

EV charging

Retailers are also calling for more grant support for EV infrastructure developments. The government has committed €100 million over the next three years to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure across Ireland, which includes €21 million to support the National Motorway Scheme “and aims to have 1200kW EV charging on every 60km of motorway and dual carriageway [in Ireland] by 2025,” according to a Department spokesperson.

Is this enough? Arnold Dillon is not so sure. “The recent EV Grant Scheme is welcome, although it is targeted at motorway and dual carriageway locations, so it doesn’t help offline sites or those community sites close to towns and villages.”

Brian Donaldson agrees: “Funding and grants need to be made available for those locations that are not close to motorway service areas. Other communities and hubs will require EV infrastructure.”

Circle K too would like to see “more grants available for other national route ways and urban areas”.

The Department of Transport has introduced other schemes, such as the Shared Ireland Sports Club Scheme, which aims to deliver fast chargers at up to 200 sports clubs across the island, and the Just Transition fund, which aims to deliver EV charging at community facilities. Retailers wonder why they can’t introduce similar schemes that target roadside retail operations.

Regardless of these barriers, service station businesses vow to continue their ambitions EV plans. “In the future, Maxol will provide a mosaic of energies,” said Brian Donaldson. “Not everyone can afford to move over to the EV at this stage, but we want to be able to make sure that we can continue to meet the needs of early adopters.”

There are certainly long-term commercial opportunities in the EV market, adds the Maxol CEO: “We see opportunities around increased dwell time. Our customers might typically spend three to five minutes [on site] but when you are charging your car, you have 15 to 20 minutes more time in which to entice those customers in - to spend more within the range of products and services that you offer. That's an opportunity.”

Circle K Ireland, meanwhile, has a large fleet card business. “A lot of businesses rely on us for their energy needs on the road. So for that type of business, it's important that we put in the charging infrastructure to make it easier for our customers,” said Diver. “Longer term, the numbers will arrive for EV business at our locations. It's a question of when rather than if.”

But in order to get there, retailers believe it is going to take investment, foresight and support from Government. These organisations are playing a vital role in decarbonising transport and would like their aspirations to come to fruition sooner rather than later.

Lidl announced €15 million pay rises

LIDL have announced a further €15 million investment in pay increases for their existing workforce in the Republic of Ireland, with a further £3 million being invested in the retailer’s operations in Northern Ireland. All employees benefit from an increase from March 1, 2024. Lidl have invested €32 million in pay rises for employees in the Republic of Ireland, with employees benefitting from an approximate 13.5% increase since February 2023. This latest investment will result in every Lidl employee benefitting from an approximate 6% pay rise, equal to on average €2,000 additional for every employee per annum.

Lidl were the first retailer to commit to paying the new Living Wage rate of €14.80 as recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group in October 2023. Lidl was also the first company in Ireland to adopt the Living Wage recommendation in 2015.

“Navigating the changing face of retail against the backdrop of rising cost-of-living, climate crisis and the impact of global geo-political events has been no easy feat, which is why now more than ever it is vital for us to continue to prioritise our people – an investment we will never compromise on,” noted Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.

“We have a strong commitment to our customers to offer them the best value in the market and our people are key for us to deliver on that promise. We are proud to reward the hard work and dedication of our employees by investing €32 million in pay rises over the last 12 months, impacting every employee in the business and making Lidl the highest paying supermarket on the island.”

For the fourth year running, Lidl have been recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer for 2023. One of only 11 Irish companies and the only retailer to receive the accreditation, the Top Employer accreditation is a globally recognised and highly sought-after certification, held by international brands such as Heineken, Puma and PepsiCo. It showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work, exhibited through excellent HR policies and people practices.

Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland.

Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol Group.

Jonathan Diver, Fuels Director with Circle K Ireland.

BWG Foods to invest €35 million in Mace brand

BWG Foods have announced a new €35 million investment programme for their Mace business, which is aimed at supporting the convenience retail network’s ambitious growth and expansion plans.

The investment programme was announced to retailers and partners recently at Mace’s Retailer Conference event in the Europe Hotel in Killarney, where BWG Foods revealed an ambitious new business strategy. The new strategy, entitled Partners for Ambition, aims to drive increased shopper footfall and spend, protect and enhance retailer profitability, and reinforce Mace’s positioning as one of the country’s leading retail brands.

This follows three years of accelerated growth for the Mace business, driven by a €28.5 million investment by BWG Foods and Mace retailers from 2020, which delivered cumulative growth of 41% during the period. Mace registered record sales of €400 million in 2023, marking a 6.5% increase on 2022, significantly outperforming the market and making Mace the fastest growing convenience retail group in Ireland.

A key factor in Mace’s recent performance has been major investment in brand related activations and Mace store redevelopments, including national advertising and targeted digital media campaigns, such as their iconic partnership with brand ambassador Johnny Sexton. Growth has also been underpinned by investment in footfall-driving departments, such as Mace’s For Food Sake deli and their wide-ranging off licence offering.

BWG Foods are now forecasting further growth of 5% for the Mace business in 2024, which would push retail sales to €420 million. Over €1 million is to be invested this year in a new marketing campaign, featuring brand ambassador Johnny Sexton, to support 2024 growth ambitions.

Mace is led by Sales Director Keith Crawford, who was appointed to the role in 2023 to oversee the development and implementation of their new business strategy in close collaboration with the Mace Retail Council, chaired by retailer Sinead Roche.

“The exceptional performance of our Mace network is a

testament to the unwavering commitment of our retailers and the ever-growing strength of the brand itself,” explained Keith Crawford. “Convenience retailing is still very much a people-driven business and Mace are currently benefitting significantly from having a highly motivated network of dynamic retailers, who have big ambitions to grow the brand and their businesses. We believe the €35 million investment will enable our Mace retailers to realise their ambitions and we look forward to supporting them on that journey over the coming years.”

In conjunction with the investment from BWG Foods, Mace’s retailers are also projected to continue to invest significantly in their own retail operations, with a focus on rolling out a new store design, extending existing and opening new stores and implementing key sustainability initiatives, such as the continued roll-out of renewable energy installations.

Tesco Adamstown Store Manager wins big at Annual Values Awards

DAVID Murphy, Store Manager at Tesco Adamstown in West Dublin, took home the highly coveted Store Manager of the Year Award at the company’s recent Annual Values Awards.

David, who is originally from Foxrock, was one of the big winners at the awards ceremony which took place at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin.

The awards, which have been running for 10 years, are voted for by Tesco colleagues nationwide and recognise excellence amongst the retailer’s 13,000 strong workforce across nine different categories, including Colleague of the Year, Store Team of the Year, and the Unsung Hero award. Nominated by his colleagues in Adamstown, David is recognised for his resilience and excellent leadership skills.

Pictured are (l-r): Irish rugby legend Johnny Sexton; Daniel O’Connell, Retail Director, BWG Foods; Sinead Roche, Chair, Mace Retail Council; Keith Crawford, Sales Director, Mace; and Louise Quinn, Republic of Ireland football international.

Tesco Ireland Store Manager of the Year David Murphy is pictured with Geoff Byrne, COO, Tesco Ireland.

DRS collects more than two million containers in first month

FIGURES from Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), reveal that more than two million drinks containers were returned to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide during February, the first month of the scheme.

Over 705,000 transactions were recorded during the month, with Thursday, February 29, revealed as the most active day, with just under 201,000 drinks containers returned.

“I am really encouraged by the support and participation shown by Irish consumers during the first month of the scheme,” enthused Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn. “Over this past weekend, we collected

another 670,000 containers and to have nearly three million deposit returns at this early stage shows a willingness and commitment to reducing litter, protecting our environment and better recycling.”

There are now 2,202 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and over 150 manual return points across 1, 380 deposit return locations, facilitating the growing number of consumers helping to reduce litter and achieve our EU recycling targets.

Deposit Return Schemes are active across 15 European countries and have successfully promoted positive recycling practices. Ireland’s rates of initial participation are very strong when compared to our EU counterparts, according to Re-turn. Romania, with a population of over 19 million, launched its Deposit Return Scheme on December 1, 2023, and collected 31,000 containers in its first month of operation and 2.24 million in its second month.

“We understand that this is a huge behavioural change for all Irish consumers, and we appreciate everyone's patience during the four-month transition period as retailers sell through nondeposit products, together with Re-turn logo stock and some stock that may incur a deposit but does not feature the Re-turn logo,” said Ciaran Foley. “Please be assured that if you pay a deposit on a drinks container, you’ll get it back when returned empty and undamaged to Reverse Vending Machines in participating shops nationwide. From June, all drinks containers in plastic bottles or aluminium cans included in the scheme from 150ml to 3 litres will feature the Re-turn logo.”

Bord Bia reveals international trade programme

BORD Bia has announced its international trade programme of activity for 2024, including ministerial-led trade missions and a calendar of 24 trade show events across China, Europe, Japan, the US, and South East Asia.

Highlights in the 2024 trade events calendar include a trade mission to the US starting on March 24, which will be led by the Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development, Martin Heydon TD, along with another trade mission to China later in the year.

“Irish food and drink exports are worth €16.3 billion to the Irish economy, so structured engagements like trade shows and trade missions offer a real opportunity to communicate the premium quality of Ireland’s food and drink to both existing and potential customers overseas,” noted Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole. “The impact of meeting face-to-face with international customers is incredibly important for driving business and leads to benefits all along the supply chain, particularly for farmers as our primary producers.

“Trade shows are strategically important for Irish exporting companies looking at building new contacts that allow industry to diversify into new markets. Bord Bia’s teams and network of 14 overseas offices are instrumental in executing business conversion from leads generated at these trade shows, creating significant return for the Irish economy.”

Included in Bord Bia’s trade show activity are a host of new trade shows focusing on the meat, dairy and drink sectors.

For the drinks category, there will be two new Prowein trade shows, both in Singapore in April and in Mumbai in November. In October, there will be ministerial trade visit to France to coincide

with SIAL, one of the largest international trade shows that takes place every second year in Paris. SIAL remains a crucial landmark on the global food industry calendar.

Bord Bia recently hosted seven Irish companies at Biofach, the largest organic trade show in Germany, and in October, Bord Bia will also exhibit at the Nordic Organic Trade Show in Stockholm for the first time as part of the wider programme of activity in building the awareness of pasture-raised organic beef and lamb across Europe.

Bord Bia is also organising and coordinating the Irish presence at a host of other European trade fairs for retail and food service channels the coming months, attracting trade buyers from across Europe, the UK, US, China, South East Asia and Japan.

TWIG announce top speaker line-up and new Chair

TODAY’S Women in Grocery (TWIG), a subcommittee of the Irish Grocers’ Benevolent Fund (IGBF), are thrilled to announce the speakers for their highly anticipated networking fundraiser event on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Now in its eighth year, the annual TWIG event promises to connect professionals in the grocery, food and retail sector.

Sonya Lennon returns as the MC and will host a panel discussion with industry experts addressing an audience of key figures in Ireland’s grocery sector. These distinguished speakers come from various sectors of the grocery industry and include:

Mandy Hennebry, Head of Ireland, Unilever;

• Michelle Vance, Chief Executive Officer, Lily O’Brien’s; Charlene Flanagan, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Ella & Jo Cosmetics;

• Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer, Lidl Ireland & Lidl Northern Ireland;

• Brendan Courtney, Presenter, Entrepreneur & Co-Founder, Lennon Courtney.

This year’s theme, ‘Defining You’, invites the panel to share their journey to success in the industry. From pivotal decisions to impactful relationships, the panel will offer candid insights into the transformative moments that have shaped their careers.

“We are delighted to be hosting our annual networking event and welcoming our colleagues and peers from the industry to discuss their defining moments,” noted Frances Higgins, Chair of the IGBF and TWIG committee member. “Each year, it is rewarding to see so many representatives and leaders come together to raise essential funds for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund. It’s all the more rewarding that this event has sold out for yet another year, demonstrating the important role that TWIG plays in our industry.

“This year’s theme, ‘Defining You’, is a great opportunity to discuss how some of our greatest challenges can play an important role in our personal and professional growth. I welcome our incredible line-up of speakers and eagerly anticipate the insightful conversations that we will have on May 3 next.”

This year’s networking event is the first under the new leadership of Mary McBride, Head of Retail at Bewleys Coffee Ltd, who has assumed the role of Chairperson for TWIG.

“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chairperson for Today’s

Women in Grocery, which plays an important role in empowering and celebrating the thousands of women who work in our industry,” she said. “Our annual networking event provides a great opportunity to bring women in our sector together to not only build their connections, but to learn about and share insights into various aspects of our industry. My predecessors have been key in advancing this organisation and I look forward to leading TWIG further in its mission of empowering women in the grocery industry.”

McBride succeeds Sharon Yourell Lawlor and Michelle Darlington as dedicated Chairs, and will continue to advance TWIG’s aim of engaging and enriching the lives of those in the grocery industry and to promote diversity, empowerment and professional development within the sector.

The Today’s Women in Grocery networking event will take place on Friday, May 3 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, sponsored by Musgrave, Diageo, CPM and Suntory Beverage and Food Ireland. The event is sold out but to be added to the waiting list, please contact Karen Satell at Hotel Solutions via email: Karen@hotel-solutions.ie.

Triple success for Boann Distillery

BOANN Distillery has three reasons to raise a glass after a triple success at the World Whiskies Awards 2024. The Meath distillery’s Winter Solstice Single Pot Still has clinched the title of Best Pot Still in Ireland in the 12 years and under category.

It was also a gold national winner in the New Make and Young Spirit category for ‘The Poor Creature’ and in the Blended Malt category for ‘The Good, the Bad and the Smoky’ - part of its Whistler range.

The country winners were unveiled recently at the final World Whiskies Awards judging season in London and now compete for the title of World's Best at the final.

First bottled in 2022, the Winter Solstice was Boann's first ever single pot still release and marked the revival of whiskey distilling in Drogheda for the first time in 160 years.

“We are thrilled with this award and it is a great sign of what to expect from Boann Distillery in the coming months and years,” said Pat Cooney, MD and founder. “It was a hugely important launch for us and essentially rolled back the years to a time when Drogheda was a world leader in whiskey production.”

and under category at the World Whiskies Awards.

Pictured are the TWIG committee, (l-r): Sharon Doherty, Jenny Eustace, Brigid O Neil, Alison O’Doherty, Lorraine Butler, Frances Higgins, Michelle Darlington, Eilis Tobin, Mary McBride, Siobhan Drummond, Sharon Yourell Lawlor.

Boann Distillery’s Winter Solstice Single Pot Still won the Best Pot Still in Ireland Award in the 12 years

Own label gains share as inflation falls to 4.7%

TAKE-home

grocery sales

increased by 5.4% in the four weeks to February 18, 2024, according to the latest data from Kantar, with grocery price inflation driving value sales growth rather than consumers buying more. In February, the average price per pack rose 3.7%, while volumes per trip fell this month by 3.1%.

Frequency of trips continues to be a main contributor to the market’s growth, up 3% year-on-year.

Grocery inflation stands at 4.7% in the 12 weeks to February 18, 2024, down from 5.9% in January, making it the tenth month in a row that inflation has fallen.

“It's great news for Irish consumers as inflation levels have reached their lowest point since April 2022,” noted Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar. “This gradual decline is expected to continue throughout 2024. As consumers continue to closely manage their household budgets and look for the best value, it’s no surprise that own label goods continue to perform strongly. We saw this behaviour over the course of 2023 and it’s clear to see this is now a more established norm for shoppers into 2024.”

Own label now holds 46% market share, as sales of own label ranges grow ahead of the total market at 7.5% year-on-year, with shoppers spending an additional €112 million year-on-year. Premium own-label ranges are performing strongly, with shoppers spending an additional €19 million on these lines, a 12.5% increase compared to this time last year. Sales of branded goods were also up 4.7% over the 12 weeks, growing slightly behind the total market.

Promotional levels increased after the post-Christmas slowdown, as retailers looked for ways to encourage shoppers through their doors. Over 27% of all spend in the 12 weeks to February 18, 2024, was made on items with some promotional offer, up 3.9% versus last year. Dunnes, Tesco, Aldi and Lidl all saw strong growth in sales on promotion ahead of the total market.

“Love was most definitely in the air for Irish consumers this month, with over 58% of Irish households purchasing boxed and gifting chocolates over the 12 weeks to February 18, 2024,” adds Emer Healy. “We saw volumes of boxed and gifting chocolates up 3.7%, with shoppers spending an additional €1.7 million year-onyear. As Valentine’s Day fell mid-week this year and with many

shoppers managing household budgets, some people chose to show their love at home. Shoppers spent an additional €4.3 million on chilled ready meals, €1.8 million on chilled desserts and €916k on sparkling wine.”

Valentine’s Day wasn’t the only celebration in February, with many Irish shoppers indulging in Pancake Tuesday, which saw shoppers spend a combined additional €2 million on flour, eggs and chocolate spread.

Online sales were up 17.3% year-on-year, with shoppers spending an additional €28.3 million online versus last year. The main contributor to this performance was more frequent trips, which contributed an additional €7.7 million. Alongside frequency, the online channel continues to attract new shoppers, with 18.4% of Irish households purchasing groceries online, alongside picking up slightly more volume, up 0.5% year-on-year.

Dunnes, Tesco and Lidl all grew ahead of the total market in terms of value this month. Dunnes have 24.3% market share, with growth of 8.9% year-on-year. This growth stems from more frequent trips, up 5.9%, which contributed an additional €46.7 million to the overall performance.

Tesco hold 23.5% of the market, up 8.8% year-on-year. Tesco saw the strongest frequency growth amongst all retailers for another month in a row, up 12.4% year-on-year, which combined contributed an additional €91.8 million to the overall performance.

SuperValu hold 20.6% of the market and growth of 4.2%. SuperValu shoppers make the most trips in-store when compared to all retailers, an average of 20.9 trips.

Lidl have 12.8% share, with growth of 7.2% year-on-year. More frequent trips contributed an additional €34.7 million to the retailer’s overall performance. Aldi hold 10.9% market share, with more frequent trips and new shopper arrivals contributing an additional €5.2 million to their overall performance.

Mr. Tayto at St Patrick’s Day parade

TAYTO is celebrating 70 years of being the original Irish crisp this year and to mark this incredible milestone, Mr.Tayto is pulling out all of the stops. As the man behind Ireland’s most loved crisp and snack brand (Source: Nielsen Value Sales, January 24), it is only fitting that Mr.Tayto took to the streets of Dublin in this year’s National St Patrick’s Day parade. Joining the traditionally extravagant and colourful array of pageants, transitions, marching bands and ceremonials, Mr. Tayto appeared on his very own Tayto transition. Decorated with Tayto 70th celebratory branding, Mr. Tayto encouraged the nation to get the party started! This summer, Tayto will showcase the highlights of the brand’s seven-decade history on a nationwide 70th Birthday Roadshow. The ‘Tay70’ birthday showcase promises to be an unforgettable and engaging experience that will celebrate the very best of Tayto, including the brand's rich history, memorabilia, interactive games and fun activities for all ages.

EssenceMediacom retains Lidl Ireland account for further three years

ESSENCEMEDIACOM, one of Ireland’s leading media planning and buying agencies, has successfully retained the Lidl Ireland account for a further three years from February 2024. EssenceMediacom has held the contract since 2021. Over the past three years, EssenceMediacom has planned a number of highly impactful campaigns for Lidl, including ‘Go Full Lidl’, a mammoth multi-media campaign to drive home the message that shopping at Lidl means getting everything you need without having to compromise on quality. The Dublin-based agency also brokered and launched Lidl’s partnership with Virgin Media, as well as the recent multi-media campaign featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger for its Parkside range of DIY tools. “We are firmly focused on continuing our growth trajectory in 2024 and we look forward to building on our successful relationship with EssenceMediacom to continue delivering creative, high-impact campaigns and advancing the Lidl brand in Ireland,” said Orlaith McIvor, Senior Media Manager at Lidl Ireland, pictured with Simon Kenneth, Chief Client Officer, and Manuel Yoacham, both from EssenceMediacom.

Aldi reopen Tipperary Town store after €3 million upgrade

ALDI Ireland officially reopened their store in Tipperary Town recently, following a €3 million upgrade and expansion. The store expansion includes the addition of up to six new permanent jobs and 15 extra car parking spaces. The redevelopment follows Aldi’s award-wining Project Fresh design, providing shoppers with an improved shopping experience, and offers customers a large shopping space, with the retail floor expanded by 33% from 990 to 1,315 square metres. Michael Essex, Aldi Tipperary Town Store Manager, described the reopening as “a significant milestone in Aldi’s ongoing nationwide expansion, reinforcing our commitment to providing enhanced shopping experiences and creating job opportunities.”

Too Good To Go App celebrates new milestone

TOO Good To Go, the social impact company behind the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food, has recently published its 2023 Impact Report, which highlights the fact that Too Good To Go has saved more than 100 million meals in just one year by helping to save 121,686,720 meals from going to waste. The milestone marks a 46% increase from 2022, reinforcing Too Good To Go as a global leader in the fight against food waste. The environmental impact of saving over 121 million meals in 2023 is equivalent to avoiding 328,554 tonnes of CO2e from entering the earth’s atmosphere, and nearly 100 billion litres of unnecessary water use.

Connemara salmon producer completes €543k investment with BIM Support

ONE of Ireland’s leading producers of organic salmon, Connemara-based Cill Chiaráin Éisc Teoranta (CCET), has completed a substantial €543,000 investment aimed at future-proofing the business and protecting local jobs. The production arm of the Irish Seafood Producers Group (ISPG), CCET has transformed its operations through the investment, increasing quality and efficiency and upscaling production of value-added products. A significant €272,000 of the total investment was grant aided under the Brexit Process Capital Support Scheme recommended by the Seafood Taskforce established by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD and implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). Pictured are Gerard Madden, Operations Manager, and Bridie Casey, Financial Controller near the factory site in Kilkieran, Connemara.

GIY and SuperValu launch Let's Grow programme

SUPERVALU and not-for-profit social enterprise, GIY, have teamed up for the second year to bring the ‘SuperValu Let's Grow’ programme to another 50,000 primary school children throughout Ireland this spring. This means that 100,000 primary school children will have been educated in growing food through the ‘SuperValu Let's Grow’ initiative, having been supplied with the resources to grow their own fresh food for free at school. The partnership aims to elevate the significance of homegrown food within classrooms and households across Ireland. Students Darragh Walker Doyle (8), Olivia Wall (8) and Kendrick Bhekizulu (7) are pictured with Michael Kelly, founder of GIY, and Alan Jordan, owner of SuperValu Fortunestown, at Solas Chríost National School in Tallaght.

Henderson Technology partners with Brisk Technology

MrPrice win diversity award

HENDERSON Technology has appointed Brisk Technology as an authorised EdgePoS reseller to the retail sector in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. “We selected Brisk Technology to be an EdgePoS reseller because of their extensive experience and the pride they take in delivering excellent customer service. Their team of engineers, trainers and support departments all share the same high standards as the team at Henderson Technology,” said Darren Nickels, Retail Technology Operations Director at Henderson

Directors

MRPRICE have won the Advancing Social Inclusion Award at this year’s National Diversity Inclusion Awards, the fourth award in under 24 months for the retailer, who have 65 stores nationwide with a staff base in excess of 1,600 people. The judge said MrPrice “demonstrated an inclusive recruitment policy that involves going out to marginalised communities to attract people into the business. They are actively implementing this strategy across the whole company, putting in place inclusive measures which recognise that everyone can and should be supported to flourish in their own right.” Edel McSorley, Operations Director for MrPrice, said the company always “aim to level the playing field of employment and opportunities for everybody”. MrPrice staff are pictured at the National Diversity Inclusion Awards.

Technology, pictured (left) with Ben Nesbitt and Paul Ely,

at Brisk Technology; and Kristine Moore, Henderson Technology, Retail Technology Channel Manager.

Daybreak raise €62,588 for Irish Heart Foundation

DAYBREAK are thrilled to announce that they raised €62,588 for long-term charity partner, the Irish Heart Foundation, in 2023. Throughout 2023, Daybreak organised a series of fundraising activities to raise much-needed funds for the charity, including the ‘Keep it Moving’ campaign in September, which saw 150 Daybreak stores nationwide participate in an active ‘marathon in a month’ challenge. “We are delighted to have raised €62,588 for the Irish Heart Foundation throughout 2023,” noted Molly Byrne, Assistant Brand Manager Daybreak.

“We want to thank our Daybreak colleagues for their fundraising efforts throughout the year and, of course, our generous customers for their continued support.” Pictured are (l-r): Mireya Gines, Senior Grants Officer, Irish Heart Foundation; Molly Byrne, Assistant Brand Manager, Daybreak; and Cliodhna Burke, Senior Business Development Manager, Irish Heart Foundation.

IGBF Tour de Grocer set for June

THE Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund’s Tour de Grocery charity cycle takes place on June 19 and 20, when industry colleagues will cycle 300km over two days to raise much needed funds for the IGBF charity. The IGBF are asking companies to support the event by entering cyclists or pledging a donation. Day one will take the cyclists from Athlone to Spanish Point, with the return journey via a different route on day two. For more information, contact Marily in Hotel Solutions DMC. Email marily@hotel-solutions.ie or call (01) 6309211.

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards

open for entries

ENTRIES are now open for the 2024 Irish Quality Food and Drinks Awards. Now in their 11th year, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards have become a well-recognised badge of excellence amongst customers and the food and drink community across the island of Ireland. The broad range of categories recognise a variety of quality products from retailers, wholesalers, foodservice and own label brands. The Small Producers category is specially for companies with fewer than 10 staff and annual sales under €1 million, with a significantly reduced entry fee. For more information, visit irish.qualityfoodawards.com

Gilfresh Produce to supply Aldi Ireland with prepared vegetables

GILFRESH Produce, leading vegetable growers and packers based in Co. Armagh, are delighted to have been awarded a tender to supply several prepared vegetable lines to Aldi Ireland as part of their Nature’s Pick range. Gilfresh Produce have been supplying Aldi with a wide range of whole head and prepared vegetable products since May 2022. The lines that Gilfresh Produce will supply include Nature’s Pick Carrot Batons, Nature’s Pick Shredded Cabbage, Nature’s Pick Carrot, Cauliflower & Broccoli Florets and Nature’s Pick 5 Veg Soup, as well as Gilfresh Produce’s very own Oriental Stir-Fry, which is already available in 161 stores nationwide. Last year, Aldi spent over €1.3 million with Gilfresh Produce, showcasing just how popular their products are amongst Irish shoppers. “Gilfresh Produce have extended their portfolio of prepared vegetable products since we began working with them in 2022,” noted John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director. “We are delighted that several of their products are now part of Aldi’s Nature’s Pick range, which is highly rated by our customers. At Aldi, we are committed to working with producers like Gilfresh Produce who continue to expand and grow their business, delivering customers a wide range of high-quality products.” Pictured are (l-r): Naomi Anderson, New Product Development Technologist at Gilfresh Produce, and Matthew Johnston, Account Executive at Gilfresh Produce.

Londis shines in premier county

Alan Maher’s Londis forecourt in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, is thriving following an extensive revamp two years ago, which has resulted in turnover growth of 50% in the busy store.

FROM the first moment you enter the shop, it is clear for anyone to see that Londis Clonmel is a family affair, with the family of Alan Maher, his wife Ineta, daughter Mia and son Cillian at the heart of the operation. The children’s enthusiasm for the store is clearly evident and is shared by the entire staff, who are clearly devoted to the store and enjoy a close relationship with Alan and Ineta.

The store’s origins date back to early 1970s when the site was primarily an auto garage with a grocery store attached. When Alan’s uncle purchased the store in 1992, it provided Alan with his first taste of retailing by working evenings and weekends in the shop. In 1994, Alan had an opportunity that would shape his future working life, which was to buy a share in the business. It is one he didn’t hesitate to take.

As a result of his new shareholding status, Alan took up the reins as Store

Manager and eventually bought the store outright in 2004 and has not looked back since.

Alan was planning a major upgrade on his Clonmel forecourt around 2020, having purchased the car dealership next door, but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed everything. “Luckily, we had migrated the shop into a temporary space before the pandemic got really serious,” the store owner recalls. “We were able to keep the shop open during those very difficult times and it really stood to us and to our relationship with the community.”

A complete transformation

Work was finally able to continue after restrictions were lifted and the new store opened in May 2022. While the amount of grocery retail space did not change much during the project, the rest of the shop was entirely transformed. Prior to the redevelopment of the store, Alan had a clear vision for the store to become “super convenient, as convenience is our business”. The store revamp means the store now stands at 3,000 square feet, which has allowed Alan to unlock its potential and its favourable forecourt location. The extra

Pictured are Martin Burke, Store Manager; Alan Maher, Store Owner, and Dermot O'Neill, Londis RDM, outside the Clonmel store.

space meant that a comfortable seating area could be added, alongside an in-house bakery, Bia Blás hot and cold deli, full off licence, extended grocery space, multiple coffee machines, customer seating area, customer toilets and modern staff facilities.

“We went for the highest possible quality of offering when it came to everything in this project,” stresses Alan. “We are unusual for a forecourt, as fuel would only make up around 25% of our turnover, and we do not offer car wash or home fuel. In reality, we are more of a food business that also sells petrol and diesel. So, we went with a premium coffee offering and our in-store bakery offers an extremely high quality range of fresh baked goods. Likewise, the new and improved deli is also able to produce food-to-go of a much higher quality than we were previously able to produce.”

Turnover up by 50%

The new-look shop will celebrate its second birthday in May 2024 and all the hard work has paid off. According to Alan, turnover is up almost 50% in those two years. The new shop has elevated everything it offers to customers and that has contributed greatly to the increase in trade, but the team running the shop is as high quality as the store finish.

Shop Profile

Fact File:

Owner: Alan Maher

Location: Cashel Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Size: 3,000 square feet, including deli and seating

No. of Staff: 45, full time & part time

Opening Hours: 06:30-21:00, Monday-Sunday

“I wanted to make sure I had a great team to work with from this fantastic new shop,” Alan reveals. “I hired Martin Burke as Store Manager and his wife Louise shortly after the shop opened in 2022. They have been absolutely fantastic and played a huge part in the success of the shop. Martin has a lot of retail experience, like myself, and he is a real hands-on manager, always

on the floor working alongside all the other staff, while Louise has organised the back office affairs of the business and we have all worked extremely hard to make this venture a success.”

Super support from Londis

The management team has played its part in the huge increase in turnover produced by the project, but the rest of the staff play a crucial role in the customer experience. “Londis are fantastic when it comes to support for staff,” Alan stresses. “I have two staff members doing degrees with Londis at the moment. Through their state-of-the-art Academy, they offer training support in everything from customer service to hygiene and a host of on-point training courses and beyond. It really is great to have that type of support available.”

The majority of trade is in food-to-go, as the shop sits on the Cashel Road in Clonmel, so it has a good mix of local residential, local business customers and passing trade, much of which is repeat business. Grocery sales are a small but important part of the mix and Alan says, “Londis has a great selection of offers that I can pick and choose from in order to offer some really good value items to customers. We do not get people doing their weekly shopping, but when they need to top up, we can offer them some really decent value for money, which is very important in these times of high inflation.”

In closing, Alan pays tribute to the Londis team, who have “played a really important role in our success”. Londis, he concludes, are “a group that really respect the individual retailer and let you run your shop the way you want. Londis provide great support and advice, as well as a nationally recognised and trusted brand. Their support during the project and on a day-to-day basis is the final part of the formula that has helped us make this project such a success.”

Maher’s Londis now stands at 3,000 square feet, which has allowed Alan to unlock its potential and its favourable forecourt location.

The Bia Blás hot and cold deli has proved hugely popular with customers at the Clonmel store.

Eoin-ing the Role

Eoin Kellett is no stranger to the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund, having organised the Sporting Legends Lunch for the last nine years. This year, however, sees the Mondelez Ireland MD taking on the role of President of Appeals.

IRELAND’S grocery industry has been good to Eoin Kellett, Managing Director of Mondelez Ireland, so much so that he is very keen to give back to the sector in which he has spent pretty much his entire working life.

“I’m always conscious that I made my life in this industry,” he admits. “It’s a tough industry but it’s been good to me. I’ve paid for my house and raised three kids in a job I love with people who are amazing, so I owe this industry a lot and I’m happy to give back to it.”

Eoin began life in the FMCG market back in the late 1980s as a merchandiser with RHM Ireland. “I was handed the keys of a bright blue Renault Trafic van with a Capri Sun rainbow on the side of it,” he smiles. “That was my introduction to the grocery industry.”

The grocery trade was already in Eoin’s blood, however, as his grandfather ran

Pictured at the inaugural IGBF Sports Legends Lunch are (l-r); former Ireland football manager Brian Kerr; rugby legend Alan Quinlan; Eoin Kellett; MC Síle Seoige; and Dublin football star Bernard Brogan.

Retail News Interview

a grocery store in Phibsborough in the 1960s, which was coincidentally just around the corner from his wife’s grandfather’s own shop on North Circular Road.

Eoin moved to Limerick at the age of 21 for a full-time role with RHM in the sales and merchandising department, then working as a sales rep for the company in Dublin. He became a national account manager on the cake side of the RHM business when Gateaux and Kipling merged, before graduating to the role of Sales Director.

Eoin has been aware of the IGBF, since his days with RHM, when his former MD, Canice Kelly was President of Appeals: “He brought us all to the old black tie ball in October, which was my first introduction to the IGBF and I got a sense of what it was about.”

When Premier Foods purchased RHM in 2006, alongside their Chivers and Erin business, it effectively saw the three companies integrate into one, with Eoin taking over as Sales Director of Premier Foods. However, the global recession of 2007/08 had a massive impact on the business, with the result that the leadership team, including Eoin, shaped what Premier Foods should look like going forward, and it was a future that didn’t include his own role: “I packed my bags and left after 22 great years.”

Having decided to take at least six months off, with

a dream of deep-sea fishing off the coast of Massachusetts, Eoin was lured to Cadbury/Mondelez just three weeks later as a Channel Director, looking after the convenience sector.

“In hindsight, I should have taken more time off,” he admits with a rueful grin.

“I now say it to anyone who is moving on: take a bit of time to get your head right.”

Eoin confesses to struggling during his first year with Mondelez: “I thought I knew everything but this was a completely different way of working. I thought I had prepared myself for it but I was wrong. It was a huge learning experience and I'd always try and pass that learning on. I had a tough 12 months here and I am lucky that the MD at the time, Brian O'Sullivan, stuck by me.”

Eoin came through that sticky period and quickly became a vital part of Mondelez’s Irish business, eventually becoming MD in 2016. “My first official visit to the UK was on the morning of the Brexit vote, so we had Brexit, followed by Covid. It’s been an interesting few years,” he smiles.

Sporting Legends Lunch

Around 10 years ago, Eoin decided that he was going to do more than just attend and support IGBF events. A coffee meeting with former Dublin GAA star and founder of Legacy Communications, Bernard Brogan, saw Eoin’s idea for a sports-themed event turned into reality, when the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch was born.

“Síle Seoige came on board as MC and did a great job of pulling it all together on the day,” Eoin remembers the first event. “We had Brian Kerr, Alan Quinlan and Bernard, and it was brilliant. I said I would do it a second year and then a third year, with a view that one of these years, it's not going to be as good, and that when that happens, I'm out of here. But each year, it has been great.”

We wondered if Eoin got to meet some of his heroes during the Sporting Legends lunch. “Whether they were heroes beforehand, they were certainly heroes afterwards,” he says. “Paul O’Connell was amazing. Henry Shefflin is one of the most impressive people I've ever met. Niall Quinn was just so polished, with great stories. I love sport so meeting anybody like that and sitting talking to them was just amazing. Last year, we had Roy Keane, Stephanie

Eoin Kellett is a keen runner; here he is pictured at the finish line of the Chicago marathon and after the IGBF Fun Run.

Retail News Interview

Roche and Ken Doherty. Roy was getting the boat back that evening and I thought he would be gone as soon as the lunch was over, but he stayed for about two hours and got a photograph with everybody in the room.”

A keen marathon runner, Eoin was particularly pleased the year that Paula Radcliffe was one of the guests. “To be sitting beside her, talking about running for an hour or two was special.”

2024 is the tenth year of the Sporting Legends Lunch and Eoin’s last in charge. “I’m hanging up my boots,” he laughs. “I always said if you have a good panel, people will leave the room buzzing. I’d like to go out on a high this year. But it is a popular event and someone will take over.”

Eoin estimates that the Sporting Legends Lunch has raised close to half a million euro over the 10 years. “One of the reasons it works is because we keep it relatively small, with 32 tables,” he stresses. “Yes, it is for charity but people are paying decent money to come along and we want them to enjoy it. We don’t ever want to take that support for granted.”

Taking on the big job

While this year is his last as the face of the Sporting Legends Lunch, he is certainly going out with a bang, as he also took on the big job of President of Appeals for 2024. He admits to being nervous when he was asked to take on the role.

“I still am, to be honest with you,” he smiles. “I didn't say yes straight away. I needed to have a think about it. I met Joe Manning [Tesco Ireland Commercial Director and 2023 IGBF President of Appeals] for a coffee and we talked about his plans for his year as President of Appeals. Joe is a great guy and I have a lot of respect for him so he gave me the confidence then to come back and say, ‘Yes, I’d love to do it’. I'm 35 years in this industry and it’s been really good to me, so I was honoured to be asked to represent the industry in that regard.”

With the growth of CSR in recent years, many big companies already have their own charity partners for the year, so how difficult is it for the IGBF to compete for funding?

“It is a challenge in terms of budgets,” Eoin admits. “In Mondelez, we have our charity partner and yet hardly a day goes by that another charity doesn't approach you for help with something, which is fine; we respect every request that comes in. We also support the IGBF every year and I think a lot of companies work like that; they have a set budget and some of that goes to

Eoin Kellett: “I would love if we had an IGBF scholarship established that would cover maybe two or three college or university places every year going forward, for kids who have achieved the results needed but finances are impeding them going on to third level.”

the IGBF to support events.

“The challenge we have is that with all the new events, we need to get new support, as sometimes the pot of money allocated within a company for the IGBF remains the same and it just gets spread across more events. It just makes it more difficult when you're trying to come up with new ideas to get more people involved.”

Helping 200 families per year

Eoin is very proud of the fact that the

IGBF helps 200 families nationwide every year: “200 families sounds like a lot of but in an industry with tens of thousands of employees over the years, it isn’t a huge number. I’ve no doubt that there are other people really struggling who we could help, so I am hoping to do something a bit different this year to maybe make people more aware of it.”

The IGBF has been around for a long time but remains as important as ever, according to the President of Appeals. “You

can see from the number of families we help how important it is,” he insists. “But it should be more important; there should be more people tapping into it who need help and that's the message we need to get out there. We need to start helping people who maybe don't even know we're there and are really struggling.”

He cites the example of a recent testimonial video, where one of the recipients of help from the Fund says that the aid she receives from the IGBF has helped her to do more than merely exist, but to live. “When you hear stories like that, you realise how important the IGBF is. There are things that we take for granted but the Fund effectively changed her life.”

He also points to a recent Sporting Legends Lunch where funds raised from the raffle on the day were used to purchase laptops for school children: “In the space of 20 minutes, we had sold enough raffle tickets to pay for six or seven laptops. That’s the power of the people in the room at IGBF events and the power of this industry.”

Education and scholarship

Indeed, the area of education is one that Eoin is extremely passionate about, particularly ensuring that children have access to third level education. “That's the kind of thing that keeps me awake at night, to think of some kid working hard, doing absolutely everything, delivering results and just not being able to afford to go to third level,” he reveals.

Eoin has spoken to the IGBF National Executive Committee and is hoping to put in place a scholarship programme to help at least one student per year to access third level education: “If we could get at least one kid a spot in college that they deserve because the work they put in, wouldn’t that be amazing?”

IGBF broadens its reach

The last few years have seen the IGBF broaden its reach with new events, like TWIG (Today’s Women in Grocery), the Grocers’ Fun Run, the Tour de Grocer cycling event, and the IGBF President’s Summer Fundraiser at Leopardstown Racecourse, which was introduced last summer.

The latter event proved so popular that Eoin is planning to run it again in 2024. “Joe Manning put a really great day together. The hospitality area in Leopardstown was beautiful, with a balcony looking out onto the finish line and a garden down below with benches. It was a super day and the atmosphere was great.”

SUMMER FUNDRAISER

The Summer Fundraiser attracted 700 people and Eoin is hoping to attract “at least that number again this year”. He feels that events like the race day help to broaden out the audience at IGBF events, whereby companies can use them to invite larger numbers of their workforce or clients as a team-building or corporate hospitality exercise.

“Events like the Race Day at Leopardstown are about raising money for the Fund, of course, but they’re also about the industry coming together and enjoying themselves, so the more people you can have at these events, the better,” he notes.

RACECOURSE

Juggling roles

Juggling the work of President of Appeals with his role as MD of Mondelez Ireland has been “OK so far”, according to Eoin. The fact that he was already so heavily involved with organising the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch meant that he was used to giving a certain amount of time to the Fund anyway: “As well as the Sports Lunch, I tended to try to attend most events if I could and I was always at the National Executive meeting anyway.”

When his tenure as President of Appeals ends in January 2025, Eoin would love to be able to look back on his year at the helm with an education scholarship

The IGBF President’s Summer Fundraiser takes place at Leopardstown Racecourse on June 20.

up and running.

“I would love if we had an IGBF scholarship established that would cover maybe two or three college or university places every year going forward, for kids who have achieved the results needed but finances are impeding them going on to third level. Those kids tend to excel once they get there, because they have had to work that bit harder for everything throughout their lives. They're given this

opportunity that we take for granted and they grasp it with both hands, so I would love to get a scholarship programme in place to allow us to help them,” he stresses.

“Other than that, I’d love to be able to say that people have enjoyed a few of the events over the year, like the Race Day at Leopardstown, where I’d love to have a big number of guests enjoying the day. It is a great event, with live music and a great buzz.”

The Race Day will be “the big tester”, he maintains. “I need sponsors and I need 700800 people to attend on the day. That could get tricky over the next few weeks and that’s the bit I will have to juggle. But I have made some great friends in this industry over the years and I’ve already reached out to a few of them and have two or three more that I am waiting to hear back from. If they come on board as sponsors, it takes the pressure off and I can juggle it that bit easier.

“But there are so many decent people working in this industry,” he concludes. “It's a tough market with tight margins and negotiations can be tense but it is always done with the right values. It is those values that attracted me to the IGBF and those values that mean I don't mind picking up the phone to people I know in the industry to ask for a dig-out and they always say ‘yes’, whether it’s in terms of sponsorship, spot prizes, whatever. We always just come together as an industry and I think it is amazing.”

Eoin Kellett has organised and ran the IGBF Sports Lunch for 10 years, with the panel including some of the bestknown names in Irish sporting history.

Eoin Kellett addresses attendees at the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch in 2023.

Pepsi gets a major rebrand

Pepsi is unveiling a major rebrand, set to shake up the cola category.

PEPSI is unveiling a complete rebrand in March, with exciting new pack designs for all formats rolling out across grocery, wholesale, licence and convenience. The rebrand will create a consistent identity across the Pepsi Max, diet, regular and flavoured cola ranges, with new packaging visuals, in-store materials and displays.

The roll-out will be supported by a fully integrated campaign, including TV, digital, out-of-home, in store branding and experiential marketing. In line with Pepsi’s Thirsty for More campaign, it will highlight Pepsi's commitment to celebrating those who challenge conventions and want to have fun, while forging deeper connections through shared passions. The campaign underscores how the great, bold taste of Pepsi fuels these moments of enjoyment.

Ireland’s fastest growing cola brand

As Ireland’s fastest growing cola brand (Source: Nielsen Total Scantrack, Sales Value, MAT data to December 31, 2023), this rebrand forms part of Pepsi’s vision to ensure long-term growth in the cola category. Pepsi Max, a €28.5 million brand (Source: Nielsen Total Scantrack, Sales Value, MAT data to December 31, 2023), continues to recruit more buyers into the cola category than any other brand (Source: Kantar Latest 52 weeks, data to December 24, 2023).

In a blind taste challenge, 66% of Irish people preferred the taste of Pepsi Max (In a blind taste challenge on the island of Ireland from September 13, 2022, to December 4, 2022, 10,014 out of 15,200 people surveyed (66%) preferred the taste of Pepsi Max to IOI’s biggest selling full sugar cola. For verification, see www.pepsimax.ie).

The new design focuses on great taste and refreshment, aligning with research showing that taste is a key driver for carbonated soft drinks (Source: Empathy Brand & Usage Tracker, July to September 2023).

Modernising the flagship Pepsi brand

By modernising its flagship Pepsi brand with bolder, more vibrant packaging, this refresh helps retailers capitalise on sales amid evolving consumer tastes; in particular, the no sugar category has

grown by over 13% in 2023 (Source: Nielsen Total Scantrack, Sales Value, MAT data to December 31, 2023).

The vibrant new look will grab attention at shelf, playing a key role in enticing new consumers into the category. This rebrand will help retailers maximise sales by sparking a renewed interest in the brand. Pepsi and Pepsi Max are well-known and loved by many, but as a brand with such a rich history, it’s vital to evolve its look and feel, driving relevance for the next generation.

Applications open for Bord Bia Masters programme

Bord Bia has opened applications for the 2024 MSc. Insights and Innovation Programme, which begins this October.

BORD Bia, in association with DCU Business School, has opened applications for the 2024 MSc. in Insights and Innovation. Commencing in October, this highly sought after 15-month, fully funded programme combines academic study with a 10-month placement with some of Ireland’s leading brands and agri-food market leaders, including Tirlán, Kerry Foods, Kepak, Irish Distillers, Bewley’s and Lakeland Dairies.

Passionate about agri-food Launching applications for this year’s MSc. programme, Karen Connaughton, Industry Talent Manager at Bord Bia, said: “The MSc. Insights and Innovation Programme, in partnership with DCU Business School, prepares experienced graduates for leading roles in the agri-food industry. We offer a fully funded Masters, a €30,000 bursary over a 15-month period, placements with world-class food and drink companies, and an opportunity to

work on practical innovation projects. I would encourage anyone with a passion for Irish food, drink and horticulture to consider this excellent programme.”

Ideal candidates should have an Honours undergraduate degree, a minimum of three years of work experience, ideally in related sectors, as well as a demonstrable passion for innovation and creativity, with a clear desire for a career in the Irish agri-food industry. A willingness to commit to a fulltime 15-month programme is also required for applicants.

Vibrant and dynamic industry

Professor Dáire Keogh, President DCU, welcomed the continued partnership between Bord Bia and DCU at the launch of the 2024 programme. Meanwhile, Programme Chair, Dr Peter Robbins, said, “This is one DCU’s most exciting programmes. Innovation is at the very top of the corporate agenda right now and the

number of roles and opportunities in this sector for people with the right skills is exploding. The food and beverage industry is one of the most vibrant, dynamic markets there is. We’re looking for change agents, people with a passion for the industry and who want to drive insight-led innovation in successful Irish businesses.”

Entering its fourth iteration, the MSc. Insights and Innovation programme is one of many programmes available through Bord Bia’s Talent Academy, which was established to help identify and develop future leaders for Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture industry.

To deliver the Talent Academy executive education programmes, Bord Bia collaborate with Ireland’s leading academic institutions, including DCU Business School and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

For more information, visit www.bordbia.ie/about/talent-academy/ msc-insights-and-innovation

Pictured are (l-r): Karen Connaughton, Industry Talent Manager, Bord Bia; Dr Peter Robbins, Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at DCU Business School; Cathy McHugh, MSc Insight and Innovation Participant/ Powerscourt Distillery; Professor Daire Keogh, President, DCU; and Nicola Martin, Head of Client Insight, Innovation & Brand Development, Bord Bia, as Bord Bia opens applications for the MSc. Insights and Innovation programme in association with DCU.

Consumer mood improves

THE consumer mood has improved as we move through the first quarter of 2024. The Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index posted its largest monthly gain in over three years in January. This follows a year of modest gains in the second half of 2023, with cost of living concerns weighing heavily on the outlook.

The January 2024 results put Irish consumer confidence at its highest level in almost two years. The mood during the intervening period was mostly downbeat, with the war in Ukraine pushing up prices and undermining real income growth.

There are a number of reasons why sentiment is now recovering. Inflation is now firmly on a downward trajectory, and well down on the highs of last year. Prices across the economy rose by 4.1% in January 2024 compared with January 2023. This is only the third time since September 2021 that the annual growth in the CPI was below 5%, while also being the third consecutive month where the inflation rate was lower than 5%.

Grocery price inflation in particular has dropped significantly, prompted by a price war between many of the major operators in the market over recent months. At the same time, we’ve seen energy prices fall back from their highs of last year.

Last October’s Budget also introduced a range of measures to support household incomes, many of which took effect in January. Taken together, real incomes across the economy have started to grow again. Households are more upbeat about the prospects of their finances into the future.

Spending patterns have, however, changed. Since Covid, we have seen a great proportion of people’s wages being spent on experiences, such as holidays and events. It’s not a given that extra money in the economy will necessarily translate directly into an increase in retail spending. On a more positive note, the Irish population continues to increase. There are more people employed

in the economy and more consumers spending their money in retail as a result. This trend looks set to continue.

However, plenty of significant headwinds remain for Irish retail. Employment costs have increased dramatically in recent times, and look set to continue to rise over the next couple of years. This follows a raft of new and costly employment reforms, including a dramatic 12% increase in the minimum wage in January.

These changes are putting many retail businesses in jeopardy and demand an urgent government response. We need to pause on the introduction of any new cost increases, a new strategy to safeguard the competitiveness of the sector and a major new package of supports targeted at a vulnerable but viable business. The alternative means lost hours, lost jobs and a significant acceleration of business failures. Campaigning for these measures is the number one priority of Retail Ireland.

New Toolkit to manage bullying and harassment

ON foot of widespread concern across the retail sector, Ibec has published a new Toolkit on Combatting Aggression and Harassment in the Workplace. The comprehensive guide provides practical information and resources for retail businesses and draws on the real world insights and experience of member companies.

The guide examines employer responsibilities from both an equality and health and safety legislative position. It also outlines what tools can be used to address and prevent such incidents escalating, such as risk assessments and workplace harassment and aggression checklists. It includes case studies which identify good practice, while the resources section highlights how to address follow-up challenges, such as reporting safety concerns from social media and reporting incidents to the Gardaí.

The publication of the guide follows extensive work between Retail Ireland and Ibec’s Employment Law Services with the aim of providing meaningful and practical support to businesses managing these issues. It is available at www.retailireland.ie

Forecourt Focus: Analysing the Market

Forecourt market focuses on the future

2023 saw the number of forecourts in Ireland decrease slightly, as the big operators continue to invest in high profile, large scale sites on busy commuter routes.

2023 saw some consolidation in the Irish forecourt market, with the total number of forecourts down by 22 to 1,850, according to the latest figures from Experian Catalist, the London-based experts who provide a leading global source of information and analysis on petrol and retail forecourts (Source: Experian Catalist Market Summary Report, Republic of Ireland V4 2023, data released February 2024).

This would tie in with recent trends, which have seen the largest operators in the market focusing on large-scale sites, particularly around motorways and other busy commuter roads, most of these

involving multi-million euro investments.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that it is primarily smaller forecourts that are closing, with economics certainly playing a part in this, in terms of both structural issues, such as old pumps and tanks needing replacing, as well as running costs.

The biggest players in the market remain relatively unchanged, with Circle K’s 356 sites, Top Oil’s 250, Applegreen’s 191, Texaco’s 150 and Maxol’s 143. Some brands, however, increased their presence, with DCC adding four sites to their total, bringing their number of service stations to 130, while Inver increased their numbers

dramatically, from 86 to 116, following parent company Greenergy’s purchase of Amber Petroleum.

Investing in the future of fuels

Many of the big players, notably Circle K and Maxol, continue to invest in sustainable new technologies, primarily in the form of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, and of course electric vehicle charging.

The Maxol Group recently announced their first Ultra Rapid EV hubs for the Republic of Ireland at two of its destination stores, Maxol Newbridge in Kildare and Maxol Ballycoolin in Dublin, at a cost of €2.5 million. Each will feature six high speed 200kw chargers offering a 15-minute charge time. Maxol’s Ultra Rapid EV hub in Newbridge will open in March, followed by Ballycoolin in May.

Circle K and Ionity, meanwhile, one of Europe’s leading high-power charging networks open to all brands, announced the latest expansion of high-power EV chargers across the Circle K network in Ireland last month. Ionity will be increasing the number of high-power charging stations at six Circle K sites across the country, including Athlone, Co. Westmeath; Gorey, Co. Wexford; City North, Co. Meath; Cashel, Co. Tipperary; and Kill North and Kill South, Co. Kildare. At least two additional highpower chargers will be added at each site (four at City North), increasing the number of chargers available to customers at each location to six.

Both companies, however, have argued that their ability to roll-out new EV chargers are hampered by infrastructural issues.

“Access to power capacity and the time it takes to connect to the grid are ongoing challenges with no immediate improvements in sight,” according to Maxol Group CEO, Brian Donaldson, who revealed that despite the challenges, Maxol are currently considering a further 20 sites across Ireland, for which they aim to submit planning applications for similar EV charging hubs during 2024.

“EV charging and new and alternative fuels are all part of the future and we have invested €225 million in the last 10 years to future-proof the business in preparation for the transition to EV mobility, ensuring our sites remain relevant to our growing

customer base and are fit for purpose,” Donaldson said.

Forecourt Focus: Analysing the Market

Circle K have called for the introduction of grant support for EV infrastructure developments, “especially considering extremely high costs in securing a grid connection,” according to Jonathan Diver, Fuels Director with Circle K Ireland.

“Despite the challenges posed by the high costs and lengthy lead times in securing a grid connection, our team is working hard to provide more high-power charging points for customers throughout the country,” he said. “We will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders to try and bring these important services to the market quicker to meet the needs of our current and future EV customers.”

Motor Fuel & Shop Sales Volumes

The first Catalist forecourt database for Ireland was created about 25 years ago and its original principles are still applicable today. The basis of the data is from visiting all the sites across Ireland on a regular basis. A team of Experian Catalist surveyors visit circa 1,000 forecourts a year and they are tasked with establishing the annualised running rate for both motor fuel volume (petrol & under canopy diesel) and forecourt shop sales for every forecourt. They collect annualised running rates rather than actual historical volumes, as this allows direct comparisons over time, allows for new sites coming on stream, and is not complicated by periods out of the market due to redevelopment or temporary closures etc.

All data in the following tables from Experian Catalist is based on ‘open’ sites (including sites under development and excluding non-retail sites).

Market share by brand

† DCC’s sub-brands includes Certa (49 sites), Emo (79 sites) and Great Gas (2 sites).

†† Inver – includes sites branded Amber, previously reported separately.

* Brands include sub-brands or subsidiaries as appropriate (identified as Share Brand in the database).

** Open sites include all currently operating petrol stations & sites that are under development at time of publishing.

*** MF Volume refers to all grades of fuel bought on the forecourt by cars, vans and light commercial vehicles (Petrol, diesel, LPG etc.) and is based on Catalist estimates. This excludes fuel sold to the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) commercial sector usually through separate facilities away from the normal forecourt.

**** Effectiveness is Volume Market Share divided by Outlet Market Share.

Forecourt Focus: Analysing the Market

Market share by ownership

The table below shows how the Republic of Ireland market is divided according to ownership.

Market development by brand

The table below compares the number of open and under development sites by brand, for the current release of data and the same period last year. It also shows the change in site numbers for

each brand during the last 12 months to give a clearer picture of which brands are expanding and which brands are reducing their site numbers.

* Amber sites were not part of Inver in 2022 but were in 2023. † Inver – includes sites branded Amber, previously reported separately.

Maxol Group CEO, Brian Donaldson, pictured at Maxol’s new Ultra Rapid EV hub at Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Percentage of sites with a shop and car wash by brand

The vast majority of forecourts now have a shop attached, particularly for the biggest operators, with 98% of Applegreen forecourts having a shop, 97% of Inver sites, 96% of Circle K forecourts and 94% of Maxol sites.

Forecourt shops are where Ireland really excels, regularly winning international awards, and driving trends internationally.

Forecourt Focus: Analysing the Market

Increasingly, what separates one forecourt from another is the quality of the non-fuel offering, with various food concessions now becoming familiar sights on forecourts, from Burger King to Freshly Chopped.

Long gone are the days when the forecourt offered a handful of chocolate confectionery items and you were lucky to find a sandwich for sale. Today, there is a wealth of quality food-to-go available, particularly in the bigger motorway service stations, which are

increasingly tapping into the trend towards healthier options. It is also very common to find top quality coffee, potentially served by an in-store barista, in the latest forecourts.

Indeed, with the advent of EV charging, the food and beverage offering will become even more important, as potentially customers will be spending relatively longer in refuelling their vehicles (with even the latest chargers taking in the region of 15 minutes for a full charge).

Comparison of shop sales in relation to shop size

The table above gives average shop sales per annum and average shop size and looks at the relationship between the two. It also shows average shop sales per annum per thousand litres of fuel sold, which gives an insight into the strength of the relationship between fuel and shop sales across the various brands.

Further Information

These figures provide a summary of the data in the latest release of the Experian Catalist Republic of Ireland database. For an explanation of these figures or if you require any further information, please contact before March 31, 2024:

James Haigh

Business Consultant - UK and Ireland

Experian Catalist

Mobile: +44 (0) 777 914 0937

Email: james.haigh@experian.com

After March 31, please contact: Justin Armsworth justin.armsworth@experian.com

Pictured are Jonathan Diver, Fuels Director, Circle K Ireland; and Andreas Atkins, Ionity’s Country Manager for the UK and Ireland.

Inver continues to grow

John O'Leary, Managing Director at Inver Energy, explains the secrets behind the Inver

brand’s continued growth in Ireland.

FOR over 40 years, Inver has been a trusted supplier of quality fuels across Ireland and a leading Irish retail forecourt brand since 2012. The fast-growing Inver network includes 117 forecourts, with 18 companyowned and operated sites.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, John O'Leary, Managing Director at Inver Energy, shares his vision: “We experienced remarkable growth last year and moving forward, we remain committed to investing in new sites and expanding our network by welcoming independent dealers to the Inver brand.”

In Ireland’s competitive forecourt retailing landscape, Inver prioritises excellent customer service and competitive product offerings to captivate consumers. “Beyond strategic site selection, to enhance convenience to motorists and local shoppers, our consumers demand high-quality service and food-to-go options. Staying attuned to consumers' preferences and market trends is key,” John explains.

In a market where building trust with consumers is challenging, Inver prides itself on providing a range of quality-assured fuels. “Our extensive infrastructure and supply chain expertise allow us to import, distribute and blend fuels, while ensuring complete traceability and a high-quality fuel offering,” the MD notes.

Investing in renewable fuels

As the transport industry takes steps towards decarbonisation, exemplified by the introduction of E10 (10% ethanol) in 2023, Inver is investing in renewable fuels. With readily available Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and B20 (20% biodiesel), Inver offers customers a range of solutions to reduce their carbon emissions. “Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to expand the availability of HVO across our network and offer a range of high blend biofuels to cater to and support the diverse needs of our customers,” O'Leary states.

Community engagement

Community engagement has always been an integral part of Inver's DNA and the company continues to nurture

relationships with local communities. Through the Leading Lights programme, each of Inver’s forecourts has a fund of €1,000 to go towards local community charities, sports clubs and volunteering groups. “In 2023, Inver donated over €63,000 to 75 community-focused organisations across Ireland. This was made possible through our network of Inver dealers who are passionate about supporting and giving back to their communities,” explains O’Leary. “As our network grows, so does our commitment to local initiatives that work hard to make a difference.”

Inver prioritises excellent customer service and competitive product offerings to captivate consumers.

John O'Leary, Managing Director at Inver Energy.

Applegreen open new roadside service area in Limerick

APPLEGREEN officially opened their doors to customers at a new location at the Clondrinagh Roundabout in Limerick recently, bringing over 80 new jobs to the local area, as part of an investment of €10 million. The service station operates on a 24/7 basis, with the onsite restaurants open between 11am and 11pm.

The new location provides a fully operational service-station forecourt and brings several exciting brands to Clondrinagh, including M&S Food, Braeburn Coffee, Subway, and a Bakewell deli, as well as a children’s play area. It also boasts a stand-alone Burger King Drive Thru and a Subway restaurant.

Through Applegreen’s partnership with M&S Food, the Applegreen at Clondrinagh features Irish customers’ favourite M&S Food ranges, including fresh fruit, salads, Irish sandwiches, great quality fresh flowers, and convenient lunch and dinner options. Ever-popular M&S treats, such as

Percy Pig sweets, M&S cookies and Colin the Caterpillar cakes, are also available on-site. It also features a Click & Collect service for selected M&S Clothing and Home product ranges.

This is Applegreen’s eighth location for their highly successful partnership with M&S Food. Up to 15 additional M&S Food at Applegreen ‘shop-in-shop’ stores are planned by the end of this year, rising to 60 over the next decade.

Applegreen’s exclusive partnership with M&S Food complements the company’s leading roadside proposition in the Irish market and brings the M&S Food range to a much wider Irish customer base.

The new service area at Clondrinagh is Applegreen’s fourth location in Co. Limerick and their thirtieth in Munster.

“The opening of the new Applegreen Clondrinagh service area is a landmark occasion for us and we are excited to bring Applegreen and our retail partners to

the local area, thus creating over 80 new jobs,” noted Fiona Matthews, Applegreen Ireland Managing Director. “The awardwinning M&S Food range is now available in Limerick for the first time, thanks to our innovative partnership and we know already that customers are very keen to sample the extensive range of M&S Food products available. This is really exciting for local customers and since we began our roll-out of partnership stores with M&S last year, we have seen a very positive customer reaction to the new range.

“The new service area will also offer the local community a new stand-alone Burger King Drive Thru & Subway restaurant, Braeburn Coffee and Bakewell deli,” she continued. “On top of all this, there will be ample space for customers on site, including the very popular children’s play area and we really look forward to welcoming people from today.”

Pictured are Mark Ryan, Head of M&S Food Applegreen; and Laura Harper, Trading Director, Marks and Spencer Ireland and Northern Ireland; at the official opening of the new Applegreen at the Clondrinagh Roundabout in Limerick.

Maxol announce their first Ultra Rapid EV hubs

THE Maxol Group announced their first Ultra Rapid EV hubs for the Republic of Ireland, which will open at two of its destination stores, Maxol Newbridge in Kildare and Maxol Ballycoolin in Dublin, at a cost of €2.5 million. Each will feature six high speed 200kw chargers offering a 15-minute charge time. The Maxol Group CEO Brian Donaldson confirmed that the business is currently considering a further 20 sites across Ireland, for which it aims to submit planning applications for similar EV charging hubs during 2024.

While this signals a significant commitment from Maxol and is positive news for Ireland’s electric vehicle drivers, it has not been without its challenges, according to Brian Donaldson, who said: “While our strategy is to offer EV charging in areas where we see greatest demand, the speed at which we can roll-out our EV transition programme is hugely frustrating. Access to power capacity and the time it takes to connect to the grid are ongoing challenges with no immediate improvements in sight. The process is not aided by the high costs for substation and connection fees to establish these muchneeded hubs both in ROI and NI.

“However, EV charging and new and alternative fuels are all part of the future and we have invested €225 million in the last 10 years to future-proof the business in preparation for the transition to EV mobility, ensuring our sites remain relevant to our growing customer base and are fit for purpose. Customers will seek out service stations where they can have a meal or a coffee, catch up on emails or take 15 minutes in comfortable surroundings while they charge their vehicle,” said Brian Donaldson. “Maxol, in its 104 years, has always been innovative in its approach and is committed to supporting the move to EV with full facility service stations that meet all our customers’ needs.”

In developing their Ultra Rapid EV hubs, Maxol take a 360-degree approach to developing a more sustainable site. The business uses technology to create a measurably different service station, reducing the site’s existing carbon footprint by up to 40%. This includes the introduction of photovoltaic (solar) panels, low energy CO2 refrigeration systems, exhaust airheat pump technology to reduce heating loads, and an energy management system

to monitor and control the overall energy usage on the site.

This is a landmark move for Maxol in the Republic of Ireland and the next phase in their EV mobility roll-out. Supporting the wide-spread move to EV, the company’s Ultra Rapid EV hub in Newbridge will open in March followed by Ballycoolin in May. Maxol’s commitment to introducing a

range of greener options for customers across the business, such as lower emission fuels including HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is central to The Maxol Group’s ESG strategy. The company launched Northern Ireland’s first dedicated Ultra Rapid EV hub in Kinnegar, Co. Down, in December 2022 and Maxol Braid River, Ballymena, at the end of last year.

Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol Group, at the new Ultra Rapid EV hubs at Maxol Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Meet Orchard Thieves Wild Apple Cider

The new addition to the Orchard Thieves family is launching nationwide this April 2024.

IN 2015, Orchard Thieves cider burst onto the scene to shake up the cider category, coming in as a challenger brand to the market leader. Since that launch, Orchard Thieves has enjoyed amazing success, including thieving the number one spot as the biggest draught cider in Ireland.

In recent years, research has shown that younger consumers now have a varied preference around taste and levels of sweetness, especially when it comes to cider (Source: Source: MCCP Qualitative Research March 2022: Understanding Gen Z, the Cider Category and Orchard Thieves).

Bold new launch

The team at Heineken Ireland wanted to yet again bring bold new news to the cider category and create an option that appealed to a broad range of consumers, be it current or even lapsed cider drinkers.

The new line extension, Orchard Thieves Wild is a less sweet, more natural tasting

4% apple cider with a crisp refreshing finish. It has dramatically reduced sugar content (2.2g per 100ml), less calories and no artificial sweeteners.

Developed for the Irish market Orchard Thieves Wild was developed specifically for the Irish market, with Irish consumers having fed into every step of the journey from recipe to design. Extensive research has validated that the high-quality taste and product design

will drive purchase intent with younger consumers ahead of current cider brands in market (Source: Metrix Lab Quantitative Research; 325 Respondents 50:50 Male: Female 20-35 years old P3M & lapsed cider drinkers).

In trade, Orchard Thieves Wild will be served from draught in a new branded stemmed pint glass, the first of its kind in the cider category. The launch will be supported by a disruptive marketing campaign, which includes media support, sampling plan & PR.

Orchard Thieves Wild will be available in pint format nationwide and will also be available in a 4 x 500ml can pack in stores. Contact your local Heineken Ireland representative to order.

Orchard Thieves Wild is available in the 4 x 500ml can pack in stores.

SuperValu Store of the Year

SuperValu Store of the Year revealed

Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, Wexford Town, has been named as the winner of the coveted SuperValu Store of the Year Award for 2024.

and Graham Staples from Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, Wexford,

the much-coveted title of Nationwide SuperValu Store of the Year for 2024.

PETTITT’S SuperValu, St Aidan’s, in Wexford Town, Co. Wexford, has been crowned winner of the prestigious National SuperValu Store of the Year for 2024. Along with nine other finalist stores from around the country, Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, was shortlisted for the much-coveted accolade at the SuperValu National Conference, which was held in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.

Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, Wexford, also achieved the Best Large SuperValu Store of the Year award at the conference.

The Wexford supermarket pipped competing stores from all over Ireland to the post, with those shortlisted being audited and adjudicated by independent competition judge and retail consultant, Paul Ellison. The store audits focused on product range and quality, customer service, store presentation and innovation, fresh food offering, store hygiene standards and sustainability.

Representatives, including Ann Kane, Pat Maher, Shona Clynch, Declan Dempsey, Cormac Pettitt, Paul Murphy, Nicky Byrne, Callum Quirke, Niamh Dunne, Rosaleen Casey and Graham Staples, from Pettitt’s

Pictured at the 2024 SuperValu Conference, at the Great Southern Killarney are (l-r): Ann Kane, Pat Maher, Shona Clynch, Declan Dempsey, Cormac Pettitt, Paul Murphy, all from Pettitt’s SuperValu; with Ian Allen, SuperValu Managing Director; Nicky Byrne and Callum Quirke from Pettitt’s SuperValu; with Dan Curtin, SuperValu Sales Director; Niamh Dunne, Rosaleen Casey

who won

Cormac Pettitt and Nicky Byrne, from Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, Wexford, who won the much-coveted title of Nationwide SuperValu Store of the Year for 2024 and the Best Large SuperValu Store of the Year award at the 2024 SuperValu Conference.

SuperValu, St Aidan’s, were presented with their award by SuperValu Managing Director, Ian Allen, SuperValu Sales Director, Dan Curtin and the award sponsor, Jean Francois Michel, Account Director of Three Ireland.

Exceptional standards

This award acknowledges the exceptional standards consistently achieved by the team at Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, with outstanding performance noted in key categories such as bakery, kitchen, cook-at-home and the florist offering. Throughout the judging process, the store

exhibited exceptionally high standards, offering premium quality of products, including extensive innovation across fresh produce. The store was also noted for its professionalism in leadership and management and for supporting a dedicated team who consistently delivered excellence in service, as well as their dedication to the community through partnerships with both the Wexford senior hurling and football teams.

In addition, the store’s sustainability advancements were cited, recording an impressive 60% reduction in CO2 emissions following the installation of new

refrigerators and solar panels, ensuring the store is working towards a greener, more sustainable environment.

World class shopping experience

Receiving the award, store owner, Cormac Pettitt of Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, paid tribute to their dedicated team and the ongoing support of the store’s loyal customers: “This national award is brilliant recognition for the amazing team in our St Aidan’s store. We have over 160 loyal and dedicated employees, who take great pride in providing our customers with a world class shopping experience, day in and day out. 21 of these employees have been with us for more than 20 years. We are thrilled to bring this award back home to Wexford.”

Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu, congratulated Pettitt’s for their outstanding award as National SuperValu Store of the Year 2024: “The store displayed exemplary leadership qualities in sustainability, showcasing a hugely innovative store product range and supporting local suppliers, producers and the wider community. The team at Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, are very well deserving of this award and I wish them every success in the future.

“These Awards are a longstanding competition for the SuperValu brand and every year we are truly blown away by the standards set by finalists, with this year being no different,” he continued. “The commitment of our retailers to excellence within the SuperValu brand is evident, with this year’s competition showcasing the highest calibre of stores across the retail footprint. In particular, the considerable sustainability initiatives that have been implemented and the energy savings achieved across the SuperValu brand is significant. I want to acknowledge and congratulate all our SuperValu store owners for these efforts.”

Other Award winners

Other Award winners included Quish’s SuperValu Tramore, Co. Waterford, who took home the Best Medium Store Award, and McGuinness’s & Cosgrove’s SuperValu Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, who lifted the Best Small Store Award.

Both stores were recognised as industry leaders for retail excellence and commitment to service. Independently judged by retail consultant Paul Ellison,they each achieved remarkable results across product range and quality, customer service, store presentation and innovation, fresh food offering and store hygiene standards, as well as sustainability.

Pictured at the 2024 SuperValu Conference, at the Great Southern Killarney, are Niall Shanaghy, Ciaran Quish and Cormac Quish from Quish’s SuperValu, Tramore, Co. Waterford, who won the award for Best Medium SuperValu Store of the Year for 2024, alongside SuperValu Managing Director, Ian Allen (second from left), and SuperValu Sales Director, Dan Curtin (centre).

Pictured at the 2024 SuperValu Conference, at the Great Southern Killarney are Edel McGuinness, Des Cosgrove, Martha Cosgrove, Stephen McGuinness, Wioleta Wronlewska, Martin Mullen and Aaron O’Boyle from McGuinness’s & Cosgrove’s SuperValu Strokestown Co. Roscommon who won the award for Best Small SuperValu Store of the Year for 2024, alongside SuperValu Managing Director, Ian Allen and SuperValu Sales Director, Dan Curtin.

Celebrate ageing with Nivea

Shoppers can celebrate the different stages of ageing with Nivea Q10 Energy, Q10 Power and Q10 Power 60+.

ON-TREND skincare ingredients come and go but when it comes to it, those tried-and-tested nutrients already present in our skin constantly top the list. Nivea was the first brand in the skincare market to launch an anti-wrinkle range that contains pure, skin identical co-enzyme Q10, a renowned Nobel prize-winning ingredient innovation, and Nivea has been celebrating this hero ingredient for more than 25 years.

Recharging and rejuvenating skin

Nivea’s skin identical Q10 range is known for its ability to recharge and rejuvenate the skin daily, specially formulated to support the skin’s natural creation of Q10 to protect cells from damage and slow the formation of fine lines, whilst also supporting the production of collagen, naturally.

The Q10 Energy range has an improved formula with three antioxidants for full anti-oxidative power. Carefully chosen, the smart combination of the skin's own Q10, Vitamin C and Vitamin E provides

a powerful, triple antioxidant effect, protecting the skin against cellular stress and free radicals.

The Q10 Power range combines two powerful ingredients, Q10 and Creatine, for maximum anti-wrinkle and firming power.

The Q10 Power range is the most powerful anti-age range yet, with cellactive Q10 and 10 times more creatine vs previous Q10 formulas. It is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

•The Q10 60+ range is specially designed for the needs of skin over the age of 60, replenishing nutrients already in our skin

Nivea Q10 Night Serum, part of the Q10 Power range.

whilst providing deep nourishment for mature skin with Argan Oil. The range helps to replenish levels of Q10 in the skin, protecting from dryness and reducing the visible signs of skin ageing. The replenishing, yet nongreasy formula deeply nourishes mature skin for 24 hours.

Nivea is the only brand offering a bespoke identical version of the Q10 molecule, which is structurally 100% identical to that which we produce in our own skin cells – we call this ‘skin identical’. Nivea combines its powerful skin identical Q10 with Creatine. The dermatologically approved ingredient duo works perfectly together to deliver energy to our skin cells.

Q10 Power: combining two powerful ingredients, Q10 & Creatine, for maximum anti-wrinkle and firming power.

Q10 Power 60+: specially formulated with Q10, together with organic Argan Oil to deeply nourish and replenish mature skin.

Nivea Q10 AntiWrinkle Eye Cream is hugely popular.

New look for Naturo

LEADING natural petfood company Mackle

Petfoods have announced a refresh of their entire award-winning Naturo brand.

Created by owner John Mackle in 2010, Naturo has grown to become the number one natural wet pet food in the UK for seven years running and is in the top four of all wet pet food brands UK-wide (Source IRI Grocer Retail 12/23). Currently, the brand has annual sales of €35 million globally.

The rebrand of Naturo reflects the core values and focus of the brand and promotes the natural ingredients and benefits to pets and their owners. Naturo is created with six key nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, omega oils, prebiotics, minerals and vitamins, brought together through a range of recipes to support healthy growth, digestive systems, coat maintenance, healthy hearts and wellbeing and vitality.

Improved recipes

“We are delighted to share the new refresh of our Naturo brand,

specialist stores across Ireland, distributed via Chanelle Pet.

To learn more about how Naturo can help meet the needs of your pet parent customers and drive sales, email customercare@naturopetfoods.com or contact Mackle Petfoods, 40 Corrigan Hill Road, Moy, Bt71 6SL. Phone: +44 (0) 28 8778 4641. Website: www.naturopetfoods.com

National Lottery

Applications open for National Lottery Good Causes Awards

The National Lottery have officially launched this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

THE National Lottery have officially launched this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards, which honour the inspiring work and achievements of projects, clubs and individuals all over Ireland, who with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities.

The awards ceremony will take place on October 12 in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

“This is the sixth year of the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, and again, we are reminded of the extraordinary positive impact that the people who drive Ireland’s Good Causes have in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all,” noted National Lottery CEO Andrew Algeo. “Everyone who is associated with the National Lottery can feel proud that the funding from ticket sales supports the success stories that are the Good Causes. Since 1987, over €6 billion has been raised by National Lottery players for Good Causes and €4 million is raised each week. We look forward to working closely with Good Causes and Minister Donohoe’s department over the next couple of months to ensure Good Causes funding is as transparent as it can be.”

Incredible impact

Minister Paschal Donohoe TD, a strong advocate of the Awards, commended the work being carried out by Good Causes in communities all over the country: "I am delighted to be here at the launch of this year's Good Causes Awards and to celebrate the incredible impact that National Lottery funding has on communities across our nation. It has been wonderful to meet with and hear first-hand how National Lottery funding supports

Pictured at the launch of the National Lottery Good Causes Awards in Dublin are Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD; and CEO of the National Lottery, Andrew Algeo; with Nicola Duffy and Alison Ryan, players from Irish Homeless Street Leagues.

organisations such as Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services and the Homeless Street Leagues, who through the power of sport are doing life-changing work for those who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness. This year, my department is focused on progressing with initiatives that will strengthen and acknowledge the positive impact of National Lottery contributions in communities nationwide.”

Sinead Smith, CEO of Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services, spoke about winning the overall Good Cause of the Year award 2023 and how they utilised their €35,000 prize last year: “Thanks to the award funding, we're making a meaningful impact in the lives of women affected by domestic violence. Investing in professional counselling with €24,000 ensures 400 hours of essential support, empowering 65 women on their path to recovery. Additionally, allocating €11,000 towards staff support, wellbeing and training underscores our commitment to maintaining high-quality services and adapting to evolving challenges, reinforcing our dedication to women’s and children's rights.”

Award categories

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Causes funding between the years 2019 and 2023 are eligible to apply. Applications for the Awards are now open and beneficiaries can enter and check eligibility at www.lottery. ie/goodcausesawards

The Awards will have seven categories:

• Sport - winning through inclusion.

• Health and Wellbeing - promoting healthier & happier communities.

• Arts & Culture - celebrating Irish creativity.

Heritage -protect, preserve and promote.

Youth -nurturing Ireland’s Next Generation.

• Irish Language- cothú grá na cainte.

Each category winner will receive €10,000, while the overall Good Cause of the Year will receive an additional €25,000. A special category, Hero of the Year, will also be announced at the Awards final, in recognition of outstanding work done by an individual within an organisation and will receive a prize of €5,000.

Line up with MACE brand ambassador Johnny Sexton and the rest of our winning team. You’ll be in good company at

AtMACE, we’re looking for retailers who bring a smile to work every day to join our amazing team.

Our new stores are designed to be both bright and welcoming, to place you at the heart of the community in which you serve. Speaking of service, our quality fresh foods and innovations meet the ever-changing needs of people and have been proven to drive profitable sales increases for MACE Retailers.

You will have the support of our experienced team around Ireland, along with award winning marketing to grow your business.

facebook.com/MACEIreland

Take the first step and get in touch with Andrew or Liam who can give you a full introduction to what the MACE brand and MACE team can do for your business.

www.mace.ie

instagram.com/MACE_ireland

youtube.com/MACE_ireland

Enforcing existing regulations key to tackling illicit trade

Ireland needs to enforce the legislation that is already in force rather than introducing knee-jerk regulations on vaping, according to the leading vaping trade association.

THE Irish vaping market has grown rapidly in recent years. Vape Business Ireland (VBI), the vaping trade association, expects revenue from the vaping sector in Ireland will reach €115 million in 2024. According to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2023, 8% of the population currently use e-cigarettes either daily (5%) or occasionally (3%).

“There are significant reputational challenges facing the vaping industry in Ireland, and slowness to introduce regulations has not helped,” admits Paul Malone, spokesperson for Vape Business Ireland (VBI). “VBI strongly welcomed the enactment of the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, which introduced a ban on the sale of

vaping products to those under 18. VBI had been calling for this ban for nine years, and in that time, our members abided by a strict Code of Conduct to not sell products to minors.”

VBI are calling for the Department of Health and HSE to bolster the resourcing provided to environmental health services in order to carry out a greater number of test purchase inspections in retail to enforce the under 18 vaping sales ban.

“We now face a significant threat with calls for kneejerk regulations like category bans and bans on flavours, packaging and point of sale display of vapes,” Paul Malone states, but believes this would be the wrong approach to legislating this market.

“VBI is a strong advocate for commonsense regulation,” Malone insists. “The Government must first focus on rollingout and enforcing the recently passed regulations, and look to roll-out evidencebased regulations like a low excise on vapes, rather than jumping to extreme bans which will hurt Irish businesses.

“We actively supported the introduction of the ban on the sale of vaping products to those under 18, and we would like to see more enforcement of the ban on sale to under-18s, as well as more enforcement targeted at addressing noncompliant product and growing illicit trade concerns,” he continued. “We are concerned that the Government’s intention to introduce a

Vaping & E-cigarettes

further vaping bill could result in a kneejerk rush to further regulation that will damage the industry.”

VBI believe that it is critical that vaping is recognised as an important and effective alternative for adult smokers. “It has helped 200,000 Irish adults to quit; and according to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2023, vaping is helping more people to quit smoking than nicotine replacement therapies, with 25% of successful quitters using vapes as a quit smoking aid, compared to 19% who used NRT,” Malone says.

“To support this, VBI opposes any regulation to restrict flavours, which make vaping more appealing to those who wish to quit smoking, and also point-of-sale advertising, which allows several small vape shops to keep the lights on in a difficult time for SMEs today.”

VBI argue that a rush to further regulation could lead to the type of unintended consequence which has already been seen in other countries. In Denmark, a ban on flavoured vapes resulted in an increase in the percentage of young people smoking and a decrease in the percentage of vapers who were quitting smoking. Similarly, a ban in San Francisco resulted in rising teenage smoking rates for the first time in decades. A flavour ban in Estonia has already been rolled back after it was identified as one of the main key reasons for the emergence of a black market for e-cigarettes.

Adults who want to quit smoking need alternative solutions that work for them, Malone insists. According to the Government’s Healthy Ireland Survey 2023, one in four adults who successfully quit smoking used vaping to do so and Malone argues that flavours are “a crucial component” in helping smokers to quit: “While many ex-smokers start with a tobacco flavour, over time, they transition to other flavours such as fruit, enabling them to fully disassociate nicotine from the taste and smell of tobacco.”

VBI argue that other nicotine replacement therapy products (such as lozenges and gum) include flavoured options – an acknowledgement of the importance of flavours for adults looking to quit smoking, according to Malone, who notes how the Department of Health themselves have acknowledged that “flavours may be useful” in helping smokers to quit. “According to research by European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates, over 95% of vapers choose non-tobacco flavour,” he says. “A ban on flavoured vapes could therefore force many users to vape tobacco flavour only, a

situation which could cause many to turn back to smoking as has been seen in Denmark and San Francisco.”

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill came into force in December 2023, finally banning the sale of vaping products to under-18s, which VBI strongly support and have done for almost a decade. “While slow to be adopted into law, the regulation is welcome,” Malone argues. “Now, it must be supported by effective enforcement as detailed above.”

The roll-out of a new retail licensing system for vaping products will also support enforcement by clamping down on those shops still selling vapes to under 18s, the VBI spokesperson stresses, warning, however, that “It is crucial that the cost of retail licensing is not prohibitive for SMEs across the country and that the Government consults extensively with the sector before adopting secondary legislation to enact this new system.”

Illicit and non-compliant products on the Irish market remain a huge concern. “We know that the vast majority of retailers are doing the right thing, and proper enforcement of the law will help weed out the small number of ‘bad actors’ who are impacting the reputation of this industry in Ireland,” Malone stresses. “It is vital for public health that only compliant products appear on the market. We would like to see better resourcing of HSE environmental health, to enforce regulations and ensure only compliant product is sold on the Irish market and that no vaping products make their way into the hands of minors.”

Logic

salt enriched recipe to optimise the vaping experience for all consumers.

existing adult vapers.

The improved recipe is available across all Logic Classic Tobacco strengths, including 6mg, 12mg and Intense 18mg.

The 18mg offering contains nicotine salt e-liquids. JTI Ireland’s Nicotine Salt e-liquids are designed to create a richer vapour and more intense flavour, which some adult consumers find more satisfying.

Logic Classic Tobacco flavour pods from JTI Ireland have been upgraded with a new nicotine salt enriched recipe, the latest step made by Logic to optimise the vaping experience for all consumers.

Logic’s Tobacco flavour is integral to the portfolio and has long been a consumer favourite. Therefore, it’s key that these enhancements to the range reflect JTI Ireland’s commitment to quality and help to facilitate the best possible moments for

JTI Ireland understand the importance of providing an exceptional vaping journey, which is why they strive to continually improve all their products, from the device all the way down to individual flavour profiles.

JTI’s Salesforce and customer services team is on hand to provide expert support and advice about the Logic range and help you maximise vaping category sales. You can order Logic products through their web ordering portal JTI Engage, your local JTI Business Advisor, by calling JTI customer services on (01) 4045400, or through cash and carry.

Vaping & E-cigarettes: Hale Vaping

Combating the illicit trade

Hale Vaping are helping retailers to combat the illicit trade and safeguarding the integrity of Ireland's vaping industry.

THE vaping landscape in Ireland has seen remarkable evolution over the years, with a burgeoning market driven by innovation and consumer demand for healthier alternatives to traditional smoking. As one of the leading e-cigarette distribution companies in Ireland, Hale Vaping is proud to have played a pivotal role in shaping this transformation, championing authenticity, compliance and consumer safety.

However, amidst the industry's growth and progress, a looming threat persists – the infiltration of illicit, grey-market, noncompliant stock. This clandestine trade not only undermines the integrity of the vaping industry but also poses significant risks to both retailers and consumers.

“At Hale Vaping, we recognise the urgency of addressing this challenge head-on, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to combating illicit trade through proactive measures and collaborative efforts,” stresses Simon Carroll, Managing Director, Hale Vaping.

Central to this approach is Hale Vaping’s prioritisation of partnerships with reputable manufacturers and rigorous supply chain monitoring. “By vetting all products for authenticity and compliance, we ensure that only authorised merchandise reaches the hands of retailers and consumers,” Simon explains. “Moreover, our close collaboration with regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies enables us to swiftly detect and deter illicit trade activities, safeguarding the interests of legitimate businesses and upholding industry standards.”

Significant challenges for retailers & consumers

So just how does the presence of illicit products affect both retailers and consumers in the vaping industry? The proliferation of illicit products poses significant challenges for retailers and consumers alike, according to Simon: “Retailers may unknowingly stock counterfeit or unauthorised merchandise, leading to reputational damage and potential legal repercussions. For consumers, purchasing illicit vaping products not only jeopardises their health and safety due to potentially inferior quality and lack of regulatory oversight but also undermines efforts to promote responsible vaping practices.”

What can retailers do?

Retailers can take steps to avoid inadvertently selling illicit vaping products, according to the Hale Vaping MD. “Retailers play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the vaping industry by exercising due diligence and discernment in their product procurement practices,” he insists. “It's essential for retailers to partner with reputable distributors like Hale, who prioritise authenticity and compliance.”

Hale Vaping vet all products for authenticity and compliance, ensuring that only authorised merchandise reaches the hands of retailers and consumers.

Regular training and education on identifying counterfeit products can empower retailers to recognise red flags and avoid stocking illicit merchandise. Additionally, maintaining transparent communication channels with

distributors and reporting any suspicions of illicit trade activity can help stem the influx of unauthorised products into the market, according to Simon.

Hale Vaping recognise the importance of equipping retailers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the challenges posed by illicit trade.

Supporting retailers

Hale Vaping supports retailers in navigating the complexities of the vaping industry amidst the prevalence of illicit trade.

“At Hale Vaping, we recognise the importance of equipping retailers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the challenges posed by illicit trade,” Simon reveals. “In addition to providing a robust selection of authentic, TPD-compliant vaping products, we offer comprehensive retailer support services. This includes personalised sales assistance, merchandising guidance and efficient stock management solutions, tailored to the unique needs of each retailer.

“Our commitment to transparency and integrity ensures that retailers can confidently partner with us, knowing that they're receiving genuine products backed by unwavering quality assurance standards.”

Lidl report recognises €1.6 billion spent with Irish suppliers

Lidl’s new Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report highlights the retailer’s support of Irish suppliers, both domestically and globally.

LIDL Ireland have revealed that they procured more than €1.6 billion worth of goods and services from Irish suppliers and business partners in 2023, via their Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report. A total of €1.1 billion worth of goods was procured from the Irish agri-food industry, with an additional €500 million worth of services provided by local Irish businesses to the retailer last year. Of the €1.1 billion worth of goods procured from local food and drink suppliers, €800 million stayed within Lidl Ireland’s operations to be sold through its local store network and more than €300 million was exported internationally through Lidl’s expansive network of stores.

Peeling back the curtain

“Growing our local supplier network has always been a priority for us and we are proud to have established relationships with almost 1,800 suppliers and business partners from Bantry to Ballyjamesduff, Gorey to Galway,” said J.P. Scally, CEO, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. “This year, we’re pleased to peel back the curtain for the first time and showcase our valued business partners who make our business what it is behind the scenes.

“Many of our relationships span more than 20 years and we very much see our suppliers and business partners as an extension of ourselves,” the CEO continued. “We’re proud to play a part in helping them grow, succeed and showcase their quality Irish products and services on the global stage by facilitating export deals through

our global network of Lidl stores across 31 countries.”

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond TD, said: “Lidl’s new report demonstrates a strong commitment in supporting the growth of Irish businesses, many of whom Lidl have worked with for more than 20 years, since the retailer first arrived in Ireland. Since then, Lidl has helped grow many Irish suppliers internationally through export opportunities across the Lidl global store network. With €1.6 billion worth of goods and services procured in Ireland by Lidl in 2023 alone, Lidl sets an example for the retail industry by showcasing the importance of strong local partnerships as a driver of economic growth in Ireland.”

Longstanding partnerships

From a €22 million contract with Longford baker Panelto Foods to a €1.5 million deal secured with Abbey Farm Foods in Laois, suppliers across Ireland have benefitted from Lidl’s support in 2023. Many of these deals included significant exports, with Kildare-based cooked meats producer, O’Brien Fine Foods, securing a €60 million contract with the retailer in late 2023 which has facilitated them exporting to Lidl stores across mainland Europe, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Romania and Slovenia. Meanwhile, Bantry-based Keohane’s fresh and frozen Irish seafood

reaches the shores of Great Britain, Germany, Cyprus, Italy and even the USA.

On the services side, Lidl’s longstanding partnership spanning almost 20 years with Castlebar’s Structural Design Solutions (SDS) Limited, who provide expert services in engineering consulting, has supported the retailer’s rapid expansion plans on the island and further afield. The fruitful partnership has also enabled SDS to open new offices in the UK to service Lidl GB’s operations and also a new office in Spain that will position them to provide engineering services to Lidl Spain. Lidl have also tapped into local sustainability expertise, with Waterford’s Enerpower responsible for the installation and management of the retailer’s vast rooftop solar portfolio across its 81 stores, two regional distribution centres and head office campus, making Lidl the largest owner of rooftop solar array in the Republic of Ireland.

Alongside their established supplier network, Lidl Ireland are committed to supporting small and medium sized homegrown businesses through their industryleading Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, supported by Bord Bia. Now in its eight year, the programme has seen Lidl investing €8.5 million in growing more than 150 Irish businesses across the island of Ireland, with 14 products now part of Lidl’s everyday product range.

JP Scally, CEO, Lidl Ireland (centre), is pictured with Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, and Florrie Purcell, founder of The Scullery.

Celebrating excellence in the off-trade

The winners of NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2024 were announced recently.

THE National Off-Licence Association has revealed the winners of its annual Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2024, now in their 28th year, which were presented recently at the Honourable Society of King's Inns.

The Awards, which included 46 finalists, saw Molloys Liquor Store in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, awarded National Off-Licence of the Year 2024, while Nolan's of Clontarf were named Responsible Retailer of the Year 2024, and 64 Wine, Glasthule, were awarded Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2024.

NOffLA, which was established in 1991, represents independent specialist off-licences across Ireland, with the sector representing 5,900 jobs in 26 counties. The Awards recognise and showcase the excellence of independent off-licences and highlight those retailers that offer exceptional service to customers and demonstrate excellence in retail standards.

Calls to reduce excise

“We are delighted to celebrate the NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards, which recognise the finest of community retailing and

all that is great about the independent off-licence sector,” explained Cathal McHugh, NOffLA Chairman. “NOffLA members deliver high standards of service to their customers, representing the genuine essence of ‘shopping local’.”

The NOffLA Chairman described 2024 as “an extraordinary time for small businesses, with inflation and growing prices affecting NOffLA members and the wider retail sector.”

He called on the Government to provide an immediate lifeline to these local enterprises by reducing alcohol tax rates, which remain the highest in Europe.

“We've had Minimum Unit Pricing in place for over two years now, which stops alcohol from being sold at dangerously low costs, meaning that Ireland's excise scheme is no longer justifiable on the basis of public health,” Cathal argued. “With the State already receiving record tax revenues, it is time for the Government to alleviate the persistent cost pressures on firms by bringing excise rates in line with European levels.”

Other award winners

All 46 finalists at the Awards were awarded Certificates of Excellence and a Customer Service Award based on their performance. Other awards on the night included:

The 19 Crimes Best First Time Entrant 2024: Number 21, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

The Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2024: 64 Wine, Glasthule, Co. Dublin

The El Coto Customer Service Award of the Year 2024: The Vintry, Rathgar, Dublin 6

• The Redbreast Spirit Specialist of the Year 2024: O'Donovan's OffLicence, Riversdale Midleton, Co. Cork

• The Guinness Beer Specialist of the Year 2024: Molloys Liquor Store, The Liberties, Dublin 8

• The Dona Paula Wine Specialist of the Year 2024: McHugh's Artane, Dublin 5

• The Jack Daniels Munster Off-Licence of the Year 2024– Carry Out Tramore, Co. Waterford

• The Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Connacht/Ulster OffLicence of the Year 2024: Dicey's Off-Licence, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal

• The Alpha Zeta Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2024: The Wine Centre, Kilkenny

• The Bacardi Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2024: McHugh's Kilbarrack, Dublin 5

• The NOffLA RTC Online Trainees of the Year 2024: Peyton Tuomi, Blackrock Cellar; Arthur Halligan, Carry Out, Tramore; and Cian Roche, Gibney's of Malahide

The NOffLA Responsible Retailer of the Year 2024: Nolan's of Clontarf, Dublin 3

The NOffLA National Off-Licence of the Year 2024: Molloys Liquor Store, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

The team from Molloys Liquor Store, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, are pictured with the NOffLA National Off-Licence of the Year 2024 Award.

All the category winners from the NOffLA National OffLicence of the Year Awards.

Drinks News

Peroni partners with Ferrari

PERONI Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, the super-premium Italian beer brand from Asahi Europe & International, has announced a new global partnership with Ferrari. The multi-year partnership will see Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% enter a new racing chapter alongside Scuderia Ferrari and Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli series, continuing the motorsport sponsorship journey. To celebrate the partnership and to initiate the elevated experiences to come, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% has unveiled a limited-edition product run of Tifosi Nastro Azzurro 0.0%. 2,024 bottles of Tifosi Nastro Azzurro 0.0% have been produced, with each bottle individually numbered from 1 to 2,024. The bespoke bottles embrace the visual identities of both brands, marking the beginning of an exciting new partnership. Pictured are Scuderia Ferrari team drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Boost Drinks honour students at Smedias

STUDENTS

Harriet Eadie and Ellen Curran are joined by Boost Drinks ambassador, Hannah Mullan, at the announcement that Boost is the title sponsor of the 2024 National Student Media Awards (Smedias), whose aim is to celebrate the best that students have to offer in journalism, photography, film, TV, radio and more. “We’re so thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Boost Drinks National Student Media Awards,” explained Lucy Manby, Brand Manager, Boost Drinks. “We are searching for the next generation of student journalists, broadcasters and photographers who will hopefully go on to have a glittering career in the media.” See www.oxygen.ie for more information.

Raising a glass to a delicious time!

SUPERVALU recently held a Spanish Wine event at Little Lemon, Dublin, to celebrate SuperValu’s Spanish Wine Sale which ran recently. Guests on the night enjoyed exquisite Spanish tapas made with SuperValu quality ingredients and embarked on a captivating wine-tasting journey led by SuperValu wine expert, Kevin O'Callaghan. Spotted on the night were TG4 presenter Doireann Ni Ghlacan , radio presenter Louise Cantillon, Clint Drieberg and David Mitchell, Lorna Duffy, Mary-Claire Fitzpatrick, Nirina Plunkett as well as Brendan O Loughlin , Jodie Dodrill and Raquel Llorente. SuperValu wine expert Kevin O’Callaghan is pictured at the tasting event with freelance wine specialist and Chair of Wine Spirit Women, Sinéad Smyth.

Hendrick’s launch Grand Cabaret

HENDRICK’S Grand Cabaret is a new limited-release gin for dreamers, artists and free-spirited souls. An exquisitely extravagant expression and the most significant release yet from Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret is inspired by a historic fruit-based libation which was in vogue in Paris in the early 20th Century. Hendrick’s Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, was inspired after reading about a stone fruit ‘eau de vie’ that was served with a dash of gin and scented with rose, which gained popularity at fashionable Parisian parties in the early 1900s. “It’s the first time I’ve experimented with stone fruits in Hendrick’s Gin, and I love how it adds a decadent depth of flavour and yet still has the signature refreshing lightness of Hendrick’s,” said Lesley.

Belfast spirits company expands in Singapore

KIRKER Greer Spirits, part of the award-winning DKG Group, are thrilled to announce their expansion into the vibrant Singaporean market in support of their global growth plans. Partnering with The First Pour, a leading distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Kirker Greer Spirits are introducing their awardwinning portfolio of premium brands to the discerning consumers and world-class bartenders of Singapore from early spring. Kirker Greer Spirits boasts a diverse portfolio that includes Ukiyo Rice Vodka, Ukiyo Tokyo Dry Gin, Ukiyo Blossom Gin, Ukiyo Yuzu Gin, Born Irish Whiskey, and Kirker Shamrock Whiskey.

New regulations on gender pay gap reporting and pay transparency

Linda Hynes and Sinead Likely of Lewis Silkin explore the gender pay gap reporting requirements for retailers, what they should be doing now and what the new EU rules on pay transparency will mean once they come into effect.

GENDER pay gap reporting is no longer a new concept - reporting requirements have been in place for certain employers since 2022. However, this year the threshold for reporting dropped to organisations with 150 or more employees, making it relevant to significantly more retailers than before. In 2025, the threshold drops again, so that by then, retailers with just 50 employees will have to comply and report their gender pay gap.

With further significant changes coming down the tracks at an EU level, we look at

what retailers can do now to best prepare themselves to meet their obligations.

Gender pay reporting

By now, many retailers are already very familiar with the process for preparing their pay gap reports. For others, it is something that they are only getting to grips with this year or are perhaps anticipating for next year when the threshold drops again. Gender pay gap reporting is not straightforward; it often requires the input of various stakeholders in the

business, including legal, HR, rewards, communications/PR and senior management. Data may need to be compiled from various sources (typically, this involves splicing payroll information with data from HR systems). For that reason, it is important for retailers to get prepared and establish their reporting processes early.

Even for those retailers not yet required to publish reports, doing a dry run internally now will help to identify the scale of any gender pay gap issue (or

Employment Law

coffee in the workplace count as ‘benefits in kind’ is unclear. A good measure to use might be to only count those benefits in kind that are taxable benefits.

What else must employers include in reports?

Besides the key statistics, the report needs to contain a written statement setting out the reasons for the differences in remuneration (i.e., the causes of the gaps) and what measures (if any) are being taken, or proposed to be taken by the employer, to reduce the gaps.

As matters stand, gender pay gap reports must be published on an employer’s website or, if it does not have a website, in a place where employees and the general public can access it. Reports need to be accessible for three years from the date that the data is published.

An online reporting portal system, which will consist of a central portal where all employer reports will be uploaded and can be accessed publicly, was expected to be set up for the 2023 reporting cycle, but this did not happen. We will wait to see if this will be established this year before the next reporting cycle.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive

There has been much publicity recently around the EU Pay Transparency Directive. While this came into effect in June 2023, Ireland and other EU member states have until June 7, 2026, before it must be implemented.

not set out in that list, but the Guidance clarified that it should be. The Regulations also state that ‘working hours’ only include time when someone is working or is available to work. When someone is on leave, they are neither. However, the FAQs clarified this and said that pay for leave is included as ‘pay’. It also says that periods of paid leave should be included when calculating the total working hours for an employee.

The FAQs do not say what to do about periods of unpaid leave. Our view, however, is to take these into account – use the notional hours during the period of leave. Since periods of paid leave must be included (even if paid at a much reduced rate e.g. 50% of normal pay, as can be the case for periods of maternity leave), the logic follows that this must be the approach intended.

Temporary and part-time employees

The FAQs state that someone is a temporary employee if, on the snapshot

date, they were not employees on a contract of indefinite duration. If someone’s contract changed during the previous 12 months, that would not affect this. What matters is their status on the snapshot date in June. The same applies in relation to part-time employees.

Pensions

The FAQs say that pay should be calculated before deductions at source. This means before tax. If pension contributions are also taken before tax, they should be taken into account (they are essentially a negative payment, rather than a true deduction). If they are taken from an employee’s net salary, they should not be taken into account.

Benefits in kind

This has a very broad definition. It is “any non-cash benefit of an estimated monetary value”. There is no minimum requirement for something to count as a benefit in kind. Whether benefits such as free tea and

Many retailers may wonder whether they really need to be concerned with the Directive now when it is still a few years from being implemented and, for smaller retailers, whether it will impact them at all? However, while much of the focus of the Directive is on its impact on gender pay reporting, it extends beyond this. Alongside requiring employers to report in far more detail on gender pay disparities, it also grants employees important new rights to information about pay. This means retailers need to start preparing for much greater openness about pay generally.

What’s more, while the gender pay reporting requirements only apply to employers above certain headcount thresholds, the new obligations towards employees around pay information will, for the most part, apply to all employers, whatever their size.

What does the Pay Transparency Directive mean for gender pay reporting?

The Directive will require changes to the nature of data to be reported on. It goes

The EU Pay Transparency Directive requires employers to report in far more detail on gender pay disparities, and also grants employees important new rights to information about pay.

much further than current reporting obligations and will require employers to report on gender pay gaps between ‘categories or workers’, broken down by basic and variable pay. Categorising employees in this way could potentially be a complex task.

Another implication of the Directive relates to action employers may need to take in light of gender pay gap reports. The Regulations already require organisations to provide a written statement explaining the reasons for any pay gaps, and measures to eliminate or reduce any differences in pay. The Directive takes this further again by effectively imposing a positive obligation on employers to take action where such pay differences cannot be justified by objective and gender-neutral means.

The Directive will also introduce changes to the consequences arising from reporting; where there is a gender pay gap of 5% or more between any category of worker and this cannot be objectively justified on a gender-neutral basis, and the unjustified difference has not been rectified within six months, it triggers the more onerous ‘joint pay assessment’ procedure. This requires the employer to cooperate with worker representatives to analyse the pay differences, the reasons behind them, and the effectiveness of measures to address the differences. The employer must also remedy the differences within a ‘reasonable’ period.

The Directive will also require the accuracy of pay gaps to be confirmed by an

employer’s management, with employee representatives being given an opportunity to interrogate the methodology used. The Regulations do not currently contain a requirement for anyone senior within the employer to vouch for the accuracy of the statistics and so this development will present an additional practical challenge for retailers to overcome in order to meet their gender pay gap reporting obligations.

Other pay information obligations

The Directive also contains other pay transparency measures, the focus of which is on allowing employees to have more information about pay, both before and during employment, and which will apply to all employers regardless of size. The new rights for employees include:

• Pay transparency for job-seekers: in job vacancy notices or before job interviews, employers will have to disclose the initial pay level or range for the position.

• Ban on asking about pay history: employers will be prohibited from asking job candidates about their pay history, including their existing salary.

• Right to pay information for employees: employees will have the right to request information from their employer on their individual pay level and on the average pay levels, broken down by gender, for categories of workers doing the same work or work of equal value. This right will exist for

About the authors

FOR further information on these topics, please contact Linda Hynes (Linda.Hynes@lewissilkin.com), Partner, or Sinead Likely (Sinead. Likely@lewissilkin.com), Senior Practice Development Lawyer, from Lewis Silkin. This article is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be sought in any given set of circumstances.

all workers, irrespective of the size of the employer. This is directly aimed at one of the major obstacles to enforcing equal pay between men and women, the lack of knowledge about what others doing comparable jobs are paid. No ban on pay disclosures: employees should not be prevented from disclosing their pay to others for the purpose of enforcing the principle of equal pay, and contractual terms to this effect will be prohibited.

Conclusion

With the reduced thresholds for reporting this year and next, many more retailers than before need to look ahead and prepare for gender pay gap reporting. However, it’s not just gender pay reporting that employers need to look at - the Pay Transparency Directive introduces a range of new pay information rights which, alongside gender pay gap reporting, look set to have a major impact on employers.

The rights to information about how pay is determined and about the average pay of potential comparators are especially significant. Now is the time for retailers to start identifying and exploring any pay gaps and areas where they could be exposed before this information is opened up to greater scrutiny.

What’s New

NEW RANGE FROM MACKLE PETFOODS

MACKLE Petfoods have been cooking up some new products to maximise variety for your pet’s diet and better suit their stage of life. Naturo premium chunks in gravy have now launched in 100g pouches; perfect for all dog breeds who love their gravy cans, these pouches are conveniently sized so there is no fuss saving food for later, or when you’re out on doggy adventures! They could also be a tasty topper for dry food. By popular demand, Naturo have introduced new 400g puppy Grain Free chicken tray for larger puppy breeds. Naturo’s brand new pouch range for cats has recipes to suit all stages of your furry feline’s life, delivering all the essential nutrients your cats require in new tasty & convenient 85g pouches!

APOTHIC REVEAL CHOCOLATE/WINE PAIRINGS

APOTHIC Wine have shared the best chocolate delights to pair with their award winning red wines Apothic Red, Apothic Cab and Apothic Merlot. Chocolate and wine were made for one another, with red wine only enhancing the luxurious flavours of cocoa beans. With notes of cherry, mocha and vanilla, Apothic Red pairs beautifully with dark chocolate covered cherries for a deliciously romantic tasting experience. The bold, fruit forward Apothic Cab pairs beautifully with a chocolate covered strawberry, enhancing the strawberry flavour while helping to cut through the richness of dark chocolate to create an indulgent and delicious experience. Apothic Merlot’s smooth characteristic won’t overpower your favourite milk chocolate and instead will help pull back the sweetness, elevating the pairing and providing a unique tasting experience.

DEALZ & PEPCO INVITE CUSTOMERS TO GET THEIR ‘LEPRECH-ON’

DEALZ have launched a range of themed clothing and accessories to help shoppers make the most of St Patrick’s Day. Shoppers can get their hands on specially themed bow ties, glasses hats, headbands and necklaces, as well as headboppers, facepaints, hand flags and whistles, with most of the range priced at just €2. The range also includes themed banners, hair bows, mini-hats, top hats and scrunchies.

POT NOODLE UNLEASHES THE SLURP IN NEW CAMPAIGN

POT Noodle, the iconic instant noodle brand, recently launched a through-theline marketing campaign in Ireland, aimed at recruiting the next generation of Irish snack lovers. Throughout the campaign, Pot Noodle is taking over university campuses and supermarkets across the island of Ireland to offer quick, tasty meals to on-the-go consumers and hungry students. This activity celebrates the launch of Slurp, Pot Noodle’s latest, unmissable nationwide 360-degree campaign and the first of its kind in Ireland for the brand, which is live now across video on demand, Spotify, Meta, TikTok and out-of-home. The attention-grabbing OOH takeover is now live across bus supersides, 6-sheets and specials. This includes two bespoke OOH special builds with an eye-catching 3D billboard on Wexford Street and a UCD Sports Campus bus shelter, the first 3D roof build in over 10 years with a built-in audio sensory unit helping to share the sound of the slurp with commuters and passers-by.

IRISH YOGURTS CLONAKILTY CELEBRATE 30 YEARS

IRISH Yogurts Clonakilty, a family run, Irish business producing a variety of delicious award winning live yogurts, crème fraiche and kefir, are delighted to mark 30 years in business this year. Established on March 1, 1994, by Diarmuid O’Sullivan with the support of his wife Mary (pictured), Irish Yogurts has gone from strength to strength and is now available in supermarkets all across Ireland and the UK. Quality and taste are of paramount importance to the brand. This is highlighted through the various awards and achievements that Irish Yogurts Clonakilty has gained over the 30 years it has been in business, including receiving numerous Great Taste Awards, Blas na hÉireann Awards and a Golden Fork Nomination, to name but a few.