Retail News E-Magazine March 2025

Springing into action

Welcome to latest issue of Retail News, your premier source for the latest insights, trends, and innovations in the FMCG retail industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, we bring you the news, analysis, and thought leadership that helps to shape the future of retail.

As we enter spring, we can start to enjoy the longer evenings and look forward to the months ahead. March is Guaranteed Irish month, and the organisation is celebrating with ‘The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish’ campaign (Page 25). Jean Smullen highlights some of the ‘must stock’ wines for Easter (Page 34), while we also reveal the big winners of the SuperValu Store Awards (Page 20).

We have an in-depth Interview with the IGBF President of Appeals, BWG Foods’ Simon Marriott (Page 14), who looks back on an extremely interesting career, from flying helicopters to working for the biggest retailer in the world, en route to taking on this latest challenge for the grocery charity.

We also reveal the winners of the coveted Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards (Page 22), examine the Cadbury line-up for Easter (Page 26), and the latest trends in vaping (Page 32), in a jam-packed issue.

We hope you continue to enjoy the journey of being kept up to date and at the cutting edge of FMCG industry with Retail News as your guide.

Brian Clark Advertising & Marketing Director, Retail News

Agri-Regulator seeks additional powers over retailers.

3 Tesco Ireland open new Dublin store; Lidl appoint new Chief Customer Officer. 4 Pandemic behaviours remain as fifth anniversary approaches; Entries open for Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards.

5 Lidl break ground on Fair City store; Free digital training on sustainability.

6 Retail groups call on Government for support; New Chair of Prepared Consumer Foods Council.

7 Food conference explores role of AI in food safety; M&S Ireland enhance Family Leave policies; Tesco expand Stronger Starts programme.

Retail News Interview

14 BWG Foods’ Simon Marriott has had a varied and hugely interesting career, the latest chapter of which sees him taking over as IGBF President of Appeals.

19 New KitKat sharing bars offer the nation a new way to break.

SuperValu Awards 2025

20 SuperValu stores from across the country were rewarded at the SuperValu Awards 2025.

Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards

22 The winners of the 2025 Irish Food

Writers’ Guild Food Awards were announced recently.

Guaranteed

Irish

25 March is Guaranteed Irish month, and the organisation is celebrating with ‘The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish’ campaign.

Cadbury Easter

26 Cadbury have unveiled their new range of Easter treats for 2025, with a host of new additions joining old favourites.

Ice Cream: Dairyglen

30 Dairyglen have been elevating ice cream excellence with fully managed solutions for more than 30 years.

Hale Vaping

32 Closed-pod vapes are showing steady growth in the vaping sector, with Lost Mary Tappo driving market growth.

On The Vine

34 Jean Smullen examines some of the ‘must stock’ wines for Easter.

Employment Law

48 Síobhra Rush and Kate Walsh of Lewis Silkin on gender pay gap reporting requirements for retailers and what the new EU rules on pay transparency will mean.

Agri-Regulator seeks additional powers

IRELAND’S Agri-Food Regulator is seeking additional powers from Government to force retailers to provide price and market data about their dealings in the food supply chain.

The Regulator has a statutory obligation to publish analysis of such data but says it is prevented from doing so due to lack of response from a major retail company. BWG Foods, Musgrave Group, Tesco Ireland, Aldi, Lidl, and Marks and Spencer Ireland all responded to the Regulator’s request for information.

“We're pleased that most businesses have engaged and put a positive foot forward in terms of improving transparency,” Niamh Lenehan, CEO of An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator), told Retail News. “But unfortunately some have not. It is problematic where very significant businesses are not involved.”

The Regulator, which emerged from the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023, has the power to seek data through the Act. “Now we are looking for the power to compel,” said the CEO. For the past seven months, however, the Government has not made any indication it is ready to grant this power. Last September, the Regulator’s board wrote to the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, requesting additional powers. “But the Regulator didn't get a formal response

from the department,” said Lenehan. “We are in the same position as we were in September.”

The establishment of the Agri-Food Regulator was the culmination of years of concern over unfair trading in the agrifood sector. In 2019, following complaints from farmers and other suppliers, the EU passed the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive, which obliged Member States to adopt 16 rules around unfair trading in business relationships within the agricultural and food supply chain.

“These are in place to protect weaker suppliers,” Lenehan explained. “Access to the protection is based on a supplier having a smaller turnover than a buyer. The directive uses an annual turnover figure to calculate this. If you had €50 million turnover and I had €10 million, I will be regarded as needing protection.”

In December 2023, the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act came into force in Ireland, establishing the Regulator for the purposes of promoting “fairness and transparency” in the food supply chain. Lenehan is CEO of a seven-person board, based in Backweston, Co. Kildare. Joe Healy, a former IFA president, acts as chair. The Regulator has an annual budget of €2.5 million, approval to recruit 17 staff, and power to investigate the 16 rules around unfair trading outlined in both the 2019 EU

UTP Directive and Ireland’s 2023 Act.

These rules include the prohibition of short notice cancellations for perishable products, late payment for agri-goods, refusal to confirm supply agreements in writing, buyers using supplier trade secrets, and buyers making unilateral contract changes.

“A number of these practices relate directly to retailers: practices that are prohibited unless expressly agreed with the supplier in advance,” noted Lenehan. “These include the return of unsold products and practices around promotion. There are various promotions within retail and we need to be clear about the details and agreements involved in those promotions.”

Under its enforcement powers, the Regulator “may carry out inspections of retailers and enter premises where there are reasonable grounds for believing there are records or anything used in connection with agricultural and food products. The regulator can examine those records and take copies both on its own initiative and on foot of complaints.” Supermarkets may be fined up to €10 million for breaching supplier rules.

Under the 2023 legislation, buyers with a turnover greater than €50 million per annum must also submit annual reports to the Regulator. Applicable retail groups have

over retailers

Niamh Lenehan, CEO of An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator).

to appoint an internal liaison officer to act as a point of contact. “We provide an annual overview of the processes to ensure no breaches. If there are inadvertent breaches, a retailer can bring them to our attention. For retailers, it's a very significant report in terms of the records they have to provide us with. They also have to provide us with the contact details of all their suppliers,” Lenehan notes.

The first compliance reports (for the business year of 2024) are due to be filed with the Regulator at the end of March, 2025.

As well as seeking information around complaints and investigating allegations of unfair trading, the legislation includes a provision that allows the Regulator to seek information around price and market data. Lenehan describes this as a broad mix of financial and cost data around “prices paid, received, margins, rebates, discounts”.

The Regulator’s recent survey of the horticulture sector, for example, required inspecting data around “carrots, broccoli and other items in terms of prices paid, received and the volume of throughput. We take in the raw data and aggregate it.” The process, she said, does not involve identifying specific retailers and “does not cause any detriment to businesses”.

Yet now the Regulator appears to be caught in a Catch-22. Under the Act, the board was required to report to the Minister of Agriculture within 12 months of its establishment about its ability to acquire this data. Yet it is hampered in its task since it does not have the power to force retailers to give up the information. One retailer in particular did not respond to their requests last year, when seeking data around price and margins from businesses in the egg supply chain. They also did not respond to a request for comment from Retail News for this article.

“We consulted and engaged with businesses up and down the country,” said Lenehan. However, due to the unwillingness of the retail group to engage, they were forced to use publicly available data within the report. Joe Healy, chairperson of the board, said in July 2024 at the time of the report: “While the Board is grateful to the businesses that provided information, we are disappointed that some retail businesses did not see fit to provide the requested data with a view to improving transparency.”

Niamh Lenehan told Retail News that Minister Martin Heyton TD has responded to the board’s latest request: he “asked for some clarifications which we are going to provide.” The Regulator, she insisted, “has been very vocal that these powers are needed so we can fulfil our remit.”

Tesco Ireland open new Dublin store

TESCO have opened their newest store on Dublin’s north side. The Express store on Collins Avenue will create 12 new jobs and brings to 183 the number of Tesco stores now located across Ireland. The store measures almost 4,500 square feet and will offer an extensive range of groceries, fresh produce, household items, and more.

Store Manager, Claire Kelly has been with Tesco for 17 years and has managed several stores in that time, including Malahide and Ratoath. Speaking at the official opening, she said “We are very pleased to be opening this brand-new store on Collins Avenue and are very much looking forward to welcoming our new customers and getting involved in the community at a local level”.

Lidl appoint new Chief Customer Officer

LIDL have announced the appointment of Ivan Ryan to the role of Chief Customer Officer for Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland. This newly established position on Lidl’s Board of Directors will see Ivan lead all customer focused aspects of Lidl’s business. Ivan moves into the new role having occupied the position of Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland since August 2023. “We are already fully focused on delivering for our customers and this new role will help to align our activities and ensure the interests of the customer are at the heart of every decision we make as a business,” noted Ivan Ryan.

Pictured at the opening of Tesco’s new store on Collins Avenue are Store Manager Claire Kelly, Area Manager Declan Heeny, Deputy Manager Jennifer Poole and colleagues.

Pandemic behaviours remain as fifth anniversary approaches

TAKE-home value sales increased by 4.9% in Ireland over the four weeks to 23 February 23, 2025, compared to the same period last year. This is according to the latest Irish grocery data from Kantar, which also examines how consumers’ habits have evolved since the pandemic, as the five-year anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown approaches.

Grocery inflation rose by 0.3 percentage points and now stands at 3.7% compared to the same 12-week period last year, following recent periods of stability.

“In 2020, we couldn't have predicted the full extent of the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on all of our lives,” comments Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar. “However, five years later, we can see its lasting effects on consumer behaviour. Our data shows that habits haven’t fully returned to pre-pandemic norms, and shopping trips remain lower than before.”

Households made fewer visits (down by nearly two) to supermarkets in February 2025 than in 2020. While the trend for online shopping appears to have stuck as well, with the online channel taking a record 6.9% market share in February compared to 2.7% in the same period in 2020.

“Right now it's hard to separate the cost-of-living crisis from post-Covid trends, with value-seeking a key consumer focus,” Emer explains. “Despite expectations, shoppers aren't visiting more stores for deals, averaging only four stores over the past 12 weeks.”

Kantar points to growing supermarket loyalty schemes that offer exclusive discounts as playing a key role in attracting shoppers. “Retailers continue to roll out discounts, as a way of easing the pressure on household budgets, and Irish consumers are more than happy to take advantage of them,” Emer notes.

Spending on promotion rose by 11.6%, with shoppers spending an additional €92 million versus last year. Promotions now account for 23.9% of all sales going through the tills. Representing nearly half (45%) of all grocery value sales, own label products remain popular, with sales jumping 3.8% versus last year as shoppers spent an additional €62.6 million on these ranges. Brands performed slightly ahead of the total grocery market, growing by 5.6% compared to last year.

February was a busy month for Irish consumers, who celebrated both the bank holiday weekend and Valentine’s Day. Love was in the air with shoppers spending an additional €14.4 million on chocolate and sweets and €4.2 million on wine, as many celebrated at home.

Entries open for Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards

ENTRIES for this year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards are now open. Now in their 12th year, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards are renowned for being the most prestigious awards in the Irish food and drink industry. Entries close on Friday, May 2, at midnight, and there is a special Small Producer discount for companies with fewer than 10 staff and annual sales of under €1 million, and a new discount for medium producers, who have annual sales of under €3 million but over €1 million. For more information, visit irish.qualityfoodawards.com

A box of chocolates continues to be the present of choice, with sales jumping by 6.9% in February.

Shoppers also prepared for pancake day, stocking up on sweet spreads and spending an additional €1.3 million versus January.

Online sales rose by 14.6% year-on-year, with shoppers spending an additional €27.8 million through this channel. Over the latest 12-week period, the number of online shopping trips increased by 10.4%, alongside shoppers picking up more packs when shopping online, which contributed a combined €22 million to online’s overall performance.

Over the latest 12 weeks, Dunnes hold 24.6% market share, with sales growth of 6.9% year-on-year. Dunnes welcomed new shoppers to store and with existing shoppers picking up more per trip, this contributed a combined €18.2 million to their overall performance.

Tesco claim 23.9% of the market, with value growth of 6.5% yearon-year. New shoppers and increased trips to store contributed a combined €27.1 million to overall performance.

SuperValu maintain 20.4% of the market, with growth of 4.5%. Consumers made the most shopping trips to this grocer, averaging 23.7 trips over the latest 12 weeks. The increase in the number of trips contributed an additional €41 million to their performance.

Lidl hold 12.8% market share, up 4.6%. New shoppers drove an additional €4.2 million in sales. Aldi claim 10.9% market share, up 4.7%, while more trips in-store drove an additional €9.5 million in sales.

Lidl break ground on Fair City store

LIDL have started construction work to develop a brand-new store in Carrigstown, located in Fair City, as the retailer continues to deliver on its ambitious expansion plans.

Lidl Ireland has secured a successful three-year product placement deal with Ireland’s longest running soap, Fair City. On-set construction of Lidl Carrigstown at RTÉ studios in Donnybrook is currently underway, with the first episode including the new supermarket retailer due to air in early summer.

Featuring a realistic Lidl shop interior and exterior set designed by the retailer in collaboration with RTÉ, the store will be built in line with Lidl’s ‘concept’ store design which offers all of Carrigstown a premier shopping experience.

Turning the sod at Lidl’s new Carrigstown store on the set of Fair City, Lidl Ireland Senior Project Manager, Tom Mughal, said: “Fair City is synonymous with Irish culture, so it’s only fitting that Lidl marks its 25th anniversary in Ireland by announcing a new, high profile product placement deal with the soap and the development of a brand-new Lidl Carrigstown store.”

Lidl Ireland also recently announced an €8 million investment in pay increases for their existing workforce in the Republic of Ireland, with a further £1.1 million being invested in the retailer's operations in Northern Ireland. This latest investment will see all of Lidl’s 6,000 employees in Ireland benefitting from an average of 3% pay rise, equal to, on average, €1,300 additional for every employee per annum.

“We are proud to reward the hard work and dedication of our employees with further pay rises in 2025, bringing our total investment in pay increases since 2022 to €47 million,” noted Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland. “Although inflation has eased somewhat over the past 12 months, we understand the pressures that so many still face with the cost of living, and we are committed to continuing to invest in our people. We will not compromise in providing colleagues with best-in-class support, not just in pay, but also through a wide array of benefits and initiatives which every Lidl employee is entitled to.”

Free digital training on sustainability

The European Recycling Platform (ERP) have launched their Sustainability Programme, a free digital training resources to support businesses and individuals in making sustainable decisions and minimising their environmental footprint.

Launched in celebration of ERP’s 20th anniversary, the programme promotes positive change and collaboration towards a sustainable future and is a valuable tool for sustainability managers to educate on their company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts.

• Enhanced Corporate Reputation: sustainable management practices contribute to a credible and positive image.

The key benefits for those who participate in the ERP Sustainability Programme include:

• Enhanced Knowledge and Expertise: gain up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and best practices.

• Improved Business Performance: identify opportunities to reduce costs through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource optimisation.

Proactive Compliance: stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations.

• Employee Engagement: empower employees by equipping them with essential skills to navigate evolving circular economy topics.

Sustainable Growth: align business goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), paving the way for long-term growth and impact.

For more information or to sign up, visit erp-recycling.org/ ie/whats-up/learning-center/erp-sustainability-programme

Pictured celebrating the sod turning of the new Lidl Carrigstown store are (l-r): Brigie de Courcy, Fair City Executive Producer; Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl Ireland; Fair City character Renee Phelan (played by Una Crawford O’Brien); Gavin Deans, Commercial Director, RTÉ; and Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland.

Retail groups call on Government for support

RETAIL representative groups have lost no time in making contact with the new Government to voice their concerns.

RGDATA has written to new Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD, setting out three key issues that they believe he needs to address as a matter of urgency: implementing the promises in the Programme for Government to tackle retail crime; not approving the Judicial Council call for a 17% increase in personal injury payouts; and reforming the retail defamation bill to provide the necessary support for local retailers and their staff.

“We are very keen to see rapid progress in the implementation of the specific commitments in the Programme as they apply to our sector,” wrote RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley, who also stated that an RGDATA delegation would like to meet with the Minister at the earliest opportunity “to outline the scale of the problem that our members are facing from crime and to address the urgency with which the Government needs to tackle this menace on our businesses and our communities”.

RGDATA maintain that the Defamation Bill, in its current format, does not address the key issue that local retailers and their staff face whilst politely and legitimately going about their business. “Legal reform is urgently required to protect retailers from defamation arising from efforts to protect their stock, staff and property,” wrote Buckley.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) have renewed calls for a dedicated Ombudsman to champion

small businesses and to help them manage “overly burdensome” regulation.

In letters to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD, and Mary Lou McDonald TD, leader of Sinn Féin, outlining their concerns, the Fed’s president in Ireland Martin Mulligan said that this has been “a challenging period for retailers, with energy and labour costs continuing to skyrocket”, while “increased government and EU interventions and regulations are adding to the cost of doing business”.

Members’ concerns over increasing energy and insurance costs, high bank charges and falling margins were also raised.

Mulligan stated that government support was vital to enable the independent retail sector to thrive. As well as calling for an Ombudsman for smaller businesses, the letter stated more effective police and court action was required, along with better intelligence sharing, to tackle soaring crime.

New Chair of Prepared Consumer Foods Council

FOOD Drink Ireland (FDI), the business association within Ibec representing homegrown and international manufacturers and suppliers across the food and drink sector, announced Killian Barry, Danone Ireland Managing Director, as the new Chair of the Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) Council. He will be joined by Miriam Walker, Managing Director of Arytza Ireland & UK, as ViceChair.

“It is a privilege to assume this role during such a dynamic period for the food and beverage industry,” said Killian. “The prepared consumer food sector is a strong and varied sector, not just in Ireland, but also at a global level, and this is a key moment for the sector. PCF manufacturers are constantly striving for excellence in areas such as health, sustainability, and market growth and I’m excited to see how this sector will continue to flourish over the next two years. I look forward to working with all Council members, with a one sector approach to maintain and grow our collective strength and success.”

Martin Mulligan, President of the Fed in Ireland.

Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General.

Food conference explores role of AI in food safety

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) Food Safety Consultative Council recently held an open meeting to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in food safety. ‘AI in Food Safety: Innovation, Risks, and Opportunities’ brought together leading experts to explore the potential of AI and its real-world applications in reshaping the future of food safety systems .

Over 220 people registered for the event, which took place at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, with a lineup of Irish and international speakers from the FSAI and representatives from UCD, Kerry Foods, Teagasc, Tomra, Creme Global, and The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

Chaired by author and journalist Suzanne Campbell, the event also offered insights into the practical applications of AI technologies, including machine learning, predictive modelling, and machine vision, highlighting their potential to revolutionise food safety systems. Discussions also addressed the challenges and risks associated with AI implementation, underscoring the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks and ongoing research.

“Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can enhance our food safety systems in ways we have never seen before. From ensuring traceability in the food supply chain to creating predictive models for disease outbreaks and implementing machine vision systems for quality control, AI is already becoming embedded in the day-to-day operations of the agri-food sector,” said Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI.

“As we stand at the intersection of innovation and responsibility, we must be mindful of both the tremendous opportunities and the

inherent risks associated with these technological advances. We must ask critical questions: How can we leverage AI to enhance food safety while safeguarding public trust? What steps must we take to ensure that AI technologies are applied responsibly, in line with legislation and best practice, and that the reliance on emerging technologies does not compromise food safety standards? The FSAI remains committed to embracing technology while upholding the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection.”

M&S Ireland enhance Family Leave policies

MARKS & Spencer have announced significant enhancements to their maternity, paternity, and adoption leave policies in Ireland, including maternity and adoption leave of 26 weeks for all eligible colleagues. Additionally, the retailer will double its paternity leave to four weeks, also at full pay.

Building on their commitment to family-friendly policies, M&S are among the first retailers in Ireland to introduce a Neonatal Leave Policy. This policy provides up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave for

colleagues whose babies require specialised neonatal care. M&S has also introduced a Child Loss Policy, supporting all colleagues who suffer the loss of a pregnancy or child.

“We are delighted to announce these significant improvements to our family leave policies to support colleagues through life’s big moments,” noted Liz Moran, Head of People for M&S in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Tesco expand Stronger Starts programme

80 new schools are to be added to the Tesco Stronger Starts Food Programme, as new research reveals significant health benefits for children and families, arising from the three-year-old programme. Stronger Starts sees Tesco provide free packs of fresh fruit and vegetables to almost 5,000 children in 240 Deis primary schools across Ireland every week.

The Tesco Stronger Starts Food Impact Report, conducted by IPSOS B&A, highlights the significant health and wellbeing benefits for children and families receiving these free fresh food packs. One of the major findings reveals that 87% of parents and guardians observed a positive impact on the proportion of healthy foods prepared at home, indicating the programme's success in promoting healthier eating habits.

Additionally, 78% of parents and guardians noted improvements in their child's diet and physical health, while 73% observed a positive impact on school attendance, linking improved nutrition to better educational outcomes. The study also revealed additional benefits, with eight out of 10 parents observing improved energy levels in their kids, and enhancements in mood and overall wellbeing.

“Our commitment to championing children’s health is at the core of this initiative, and based on the report findings, we are today announcing the expansion of the programme to reach an additional 80 Deis schools, along with the pilot of a schoolsbased cookery programme to bring essential life skills to children, based around food,” noted Tesco CEO, Natasha Adams.

Pictured are Dr Pamela Byrne (right), CEO of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, with Dave Lang, Deputy Chair, Food Safety Consultative Council, and Elske van der Vaart, Netherlands Food And Consumer Product Safety Authority.

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, and Tesco Ireland CEO Natasha Adams.

Spar partner with Sharlene Mawdsley on athletics campaign

SPAR have partnered with Irish Olympian, European Athletics Championship gold medallist and 400m star Sharlene Mawdsley to promote their ongoing commitment to Irish athletics ahead of the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. Spar have sponsored the European Athletics Championships since 1996, supporting over 80 competitions over those 29 years. To celebrate their ongoing commitment to Irish athletics, Spar ran a competition to win a VIP trip for two to the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn from March 6-9. “Spar has a long-standing tradition of supporting athletics both here in Ireland and internationally,” noted Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director. “We are proud to partner with Sharlene Mawdsley to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Aldi celebrate two years of Too Good To Go

ALDI Ireland and Too Good To Go are proud to celebrate the second anniversary of their strong partnership, marking a key milestone in their joint efforts to combat food waste. Over the past two years, this collaboration has successfully saved over 250,000 Surprise Bags of food from going to waste, making a substantial impact on the environment and communities across Ireland. “This achievement emphasises the dedication of our team and the incredible support from our customers, who have embraced this initiative wholeheartedly. We look forward to continuing this journey and making even greater strides in the fight against food waste through this partnership,” noted Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability Manager at Aldi Ireland, pictured with Machaela O’Leary, Sales Manager at Too Good To Go Ireland.

St Vincent De Paul celebrates €220k charity gift card discounts with Lidl Ireland

AS part of Lidl Ireland’s commitment to supporting local communities for A Better Tomorrow, the retailer confirmed that St Vincent De Paul has availed of more than €220,000 worth of discounts in 2024 through Lidl’s Charity Gift Card programme. Lidl’s programme enables registered charities across Ireland to purchase Lidl gift cards for a discounted price. Pictured marking the milestone at Lidl’s Head Office in Tallaght are (l-r): Liam Butler, Business Development Director at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland; Rose McGowan, National President for St Vincent de Paul; Kenneth Trappe, Strategic Partnerships Manager; and Elizabeth Smyth, Head of Fundraising.

Tesco open new Navan store

TESCO have opened a new store at Clonmagadden, Navan, Co. Meath, with the creation of 23 new jobs. Store Manager, Debbie Comiskey, has been with Tesco Ireland for 15 years and has previously managed several stores across Dublin. Speaking at the official opening, she said, “We have been working hard to prepare for opening our new store and are looking forward to getting to know our new customers and becoming part of the local community in Clonmagadden”. Navan Educate Together students 11-year-old Tamy Akobo and Katie Poole, along with their teachers Patrick Kelly and Claire Dixon, joined other special guests to help cut the ribbon.

Laois Butcher to lead Team Ireland at World Butchers’ Event

MARK Williams, from Laois, is set to be part of the Irish team at the prestigious World Butchers’ Event in Paris at the end of March. This marks Williams’ third time representing Ireland on the world stage, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to the craft. His team comprises six talented senior butchers, and includes Jim and Bernadette Murphy from Tullow, Co. Carlow; Paul Hamilton from Fivemiletown Co, Tyrone; James Etterson from Cabra in Dublin; and Ger O’Callaghan from Leap, Co. Cork. They are joined by apprentices Ebonie Murtagh from Northern Ireland and Leon Moore from Dublin, who are eager to learn from the best.

Strong performance for Glanbia in 2024

GLANBIA pic have announced a strong performance in their preliminary results for the 2024 financial year ended January 4, 2025. Adjusted EPS was up by 6.8%, while group revenues of $3.8 billion (2023: $3.6 billion) represent an increase of 5.8%, pro forma constant currency. “On behalf of the Glanbia team, I am pleased to report that the Group delivered a strong performance in 2024 with adjusted EPS growth of 6.8% to 140.03$c, driven by growth across our portfolio of better nutrition brands and ingredients,” said Hugh McGuire, Chief Executive Officer (pictured). “Optimum Nutrition and Isopure, our protein growth brands, delivered double digit volume growth in the year and we saw good growth across our premix and protein solutions businesses within Nutritional Solutions.”

M&S launch prostate cancer campaign

MARKS & Spencer are teaming up with British Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and the Marie Keating Foundation to encourage more men to take ‘a brief check’ for prostate cancer. The campaign will see M&S leverage their market leading position in men’s underwear, along with their customers and 1,800 colleagues in Ireland to spark a nationwide conversation about prostate cancer. M&S will harness the platform of their stores, website and social channels to drive nationwide conversation about prostate cancer. The retailer will also be donating €5 per pack for all men’s Autograph underwear (excluding vests and socks) to the Marie Keating Foundation until the end of March, further supporting the charity’s life-changing work.

fund

LIDL have launched a new Green Fund to award communities across the country with €100k in funding in support of local projects that aim to tackle key environmental challenges across climate and biodiversity, circular economy and sustainable living, for the benefit of towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. Charities, primary and secondary schools and community groups from every county can now apply for Lidl’s new Green Fund, which offers a top award of €25k to a lead project or initiative, with a further €75k allocated to multiple smaller projects regionally. Pictured are broadcaster and sustainability advocate, Fionnuala Jay (centre); Head of Sustainability at Lidl Ireland, Elaine O’Connor; and CEO of Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), Tomás Sercovich.

Hugo Keenan returns as Optimum Nutrition Ambassador

OPTIMUM Nutrition are thrilled to welcome back Leinster Rugby star Hugo Keenan as Official Optimum Nutrition ambassador. As part of their ongoing partnership with Leinster Rugby, the Irish International fullback joins fellow ambassadors, England Rugby International Marcus Smith and France International Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who each embody Optimum Nutrition’s ‘There's more in you’ philosophy. Through their recently launched #TruthUnlocked campaign, Optimum Nutrition are helping to bust common sports nutrition myths head-on. Optimum Nutrition aim to tackle these misconceptions that abound in the sports nutrition industry by providing a fresh perspective through research-backed factual information, giving consumers the chance to unlock their full potential.

Ariel launch new laundry solution

AS our lives get busier, our washing loads get bigger and across the country our washing machines are also getting larger. Research by Ariel found that 38% of people are spending between 15 and 45 minutes every day doing laundry, with that figure climbing to 46% for ages 35-44, with an additional 15% of that age group spending up to an hour every day on this one household chore. The research comes on the back of a brand-new laundry solution from Ariel, fit for the modern laundry routine. Ariel’s ‘The Big One’ is a new, bigger pod, designed to handle tougher loads. Its enhanced formula delivers maximum clean with 2x stain and odour removal power and freshness delight versus Ariel 3in1 Pods, even in cold cycles.

Lidl unveil €100k green

Industry News

Gala Retail celebrate Team Ireland at Winter Games

Aldi open new store in Waterford City

TEAM Ireland competed on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, proudly supported by Gala Retail. Turin, Italy, hosted over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries, competing in eight winter sports, from March 8-15. Among them were the incredible athletes of Team Ireland, who represented their country in skiing and floorball. For over a decade, Gala Retail have been a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, championing athletes and their families across Ireland. The long-standing partnership is built on shared values, and over the years, Gala have played an integral role in ensuring athletes have the resources, encouragement, and support they need to reach their full potential, both on and off the field. “Just like Special Olympics, Gala is at the heart of communities across Ireland, and we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact this organisation has on athletes, their families, and supporters nationwide,” noted Tony Cluskey, Marketing & Ambient Trading Manager at Gala Retail, pictured with Team Ireland athletes, along with Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, and staff from Aer Lingus.

Blackberry Hearing secure Tesco deal

BLACKBERRY Hearing, a premier Irish-owned hearing aid provider, have secured a landmark partnership with Tesco Ireland, bringing dedicated hearing experience stores to five key Tesco locations. The new outlets are located at Tesco Extra stores at Naas, Maynooth, Portlaoise, Gorey and Ballincollig. The rollout will continue throughout the year, with several more Tesco locations expected to feature Blackberry Hearing stores. Blackberry Hearing are also an official Tesco Clubcard Rewards Partner, enabling Tesco Clubcard holders to use their Clubcard vouchers for savings on hearing devices and accessories at any of Blackberry Hearing’s 60 locations across Ireland. Michael Carroll from Tesco Maynooth is pictured with Evelyn McKeogh, Ann McAteer, Dr Luke Higgins and Matt Gleeson from Blackberry Hearing.

Lidl open new Ballysimon store

LIDL Ireland opened the doors of their latest Limerick store in Ballysimon recently, with crowds queuing from early for the opportunity to be the first shoppers to explore the aisles. Limerick Ladies Gaelic Footballer Yvonne Lee joined the store team to cut the ribbon and officially open the new store, which is the retailer’s sixth store in the county and takes their growing store network to 183 across Ireland. As part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ladies’ Gaelic Football, local LGFA club Claughaun GAA received a special donation of Lidl sponsored training jerseys. Pictured are Yvonne Lee with Lidl's Shane Porter and Violeta Karbauskaite.

ALDI Ireland have opened their newest store in Waterford City. The new €3.8 million city centre store is located in City Square Shopping Centre, and will replace the existing store at The Glen. The new store was officially opened by the local team, led by Store Manager, Robbie Kavanagh and Munster and Ireland rugby player, Jack O’Donoghue. “It's fantastic to be here today to see Aldi expanding its presence in Waterford,” said Jack. “The new store right in the heart of the city will not only offer great value to shoppers but also strengthen Aldi's ties with local suppliers and the community.” Pictured are Cora Fogarty, assistant manager, Cllr Declan Barry, rugby player Jack O’Donoghue, Cllr Lola O’Sullivan, and Store Manager Robbie Kavanagh

M&S honour long-serving staff

MARKS & Spencer (M&S) are celebrating four Irish colleagues who have each reached the milestone of 25 years of service at their iconic Grafton Street store. These dedicated individuals embody the heart and soul of M&S, having contributed passion and commitment to the brand for over a quarter-century: pictured are Brenda Burke, Angela Bradley, Gillian Lockhart, and Vivian McSweeney.

Flying ahead with charitable work

From flying planes at 17 to becoming part of the biggest retailer in the world, Simon Marriott has led an interesting life. His latest challenge has seen the BWG Foods’ Chief Retail and Commercial Officer take on the role of President of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund.

SIMON Marriott has been part of the BWG Foods management team for a quarter of a century, from Trading Director to Chief Retail and Commercial Officer. Yet, unless you’ve had direct dealings with the softly spoken Yorkshire man, you may not recognise him, as he likes to fly under the radar.

However, Simon’s natural aversion to the spotlight will be sorely tested over the course of 2025, as he takes over from Mondelez Ireland’s Eoin Kellett as President of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund. It’s a role which the Leeds native describes as “a privilege”, and the latest chapter in what has been a very interesting career that saw him begin his working life training to be a pilot for the British army.

“I was always interested in flying,” admits Simon. “It was my absolute passion, so I grew up wanting to fly.”

Simon applied for and was granted an RAF scholarship at the age of 16, “They paid for all of my flying lessons, so I actually got a pilot's licence when I was 17. I couldn't drive; I was still in school, but at the weekends, my dad would drive me to the airport, where I'd pick up an aeroplane, go off for an hour and then he'd drive me back home again.”

Simon also learned to fly helicopters, all before his 18th birthday, but then disaster struck: “Between 17 and 18, my eyesight deteriorated and I couldn't pass the optical flying test; the dream was gone, just like that.”

From electronics to Walmart

Simon had no interest in becoming a commercial pilot, which he could still have done wearing glasses, so he went back to college, graduating in 1990 with a degree in French.

“I then read an article about a guy who was a self-made multimillionaire, Alf Gooding, who had an electronics business in Cardiff and wanted to expand into Europe. So I wrote him a letter and said, ‘Mr Gooding, if you're expanding your business into Europe, you probably need somebody who speaks brilliant French like me. I'm a young graduate looking for a job.’ And he wrote back and invited me to meet him,” Simon remembers. “So I went down to Cardiff and he offered me a job that day.”

Simon laughs, explaining the air of disbelief when he tries to tell his 22-yearold son that he got his first job by writing a letter to a complete stranger or that his beloved Leeds United were once in the Semi-Final of the Champion’s League.

Simon began working in the buying department at Race Electronics, ostensibly

to “learn about the electronics business” before moving into their European offices. However, he loved it so much, he stayed in buying, switching to another cutting edge electronics company a few years later. His next career move was back to Leeds with Mars Pet Food, before being head-hunted by ex-Mars Marketing & Sales Director Alan Leighton, who had joined the management team at Asda and set about changing that company’s culture to one similar to the “young, dynamic and very exciting business at Mars”.

When Asda were acquired by Walmart in 1999, Simon suddenly found himself “part of the biggest retailer in the world”. Around this time, his Leeds-based Irish girlfriend Jane (now Simon's wife) was offered a role in Dublin, and Simon took the decision to cross the Irish Sea with her. Within five minutes of a meeting with a Dublin-based recruitment firm, they showed him a job spec and asked him to come back for a

It's a phenomenal achievement for the IGBF to be running for 60-plus years and still going strong.

formal interview.

That position was Trading Director of BWG Foods, which intrigued him greatly, and was when he met Leo Crawford, the legendary CEO of BWG, who only retired late last year.

“In an early conversation with Leo, I explained the three things I wanted from my career,” he smiles. “I said, ‘I want a challenge. I want to be part of a good team. And I want to have fun: I’m going to give this everything and I need to enjoy it.’ Leo said, ‘I think we can meet those three objectives’. And sure enough, 25 years later, here I am. We have great relationships, and we've done an awful lot together. There's still a lot to do, so the challenge is still there. And I genuinely do still enjoy it.”

Awareness of the IGBF

Simon reveals his knowledge of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund actually began before he had officially started in BWG: “I went to the IGBF Halloween Ball in October 2000, a week before I formally started, and I was introduced to people as BWG Foods’ new Trading Director.”

The relationship between BWG Foods and the IGBF has always been a close one, and Simon is conscious that as President of Appeals, he is following a roll-call that reads like a ‘who’s who’ in the business, with BWG luminaries like Leo Crawford, Willie O’Byrne and John Moane having served in the role over the years, while Frances Higgins, BWG Foods’ Group Head of Promotions, has been part of the IGBF executive committee for many years and is the Fund’s first female Chair.

“Frances asked me if I would consider taking on the role of President of Appeals, and I was delighted to,” he admits. “It is a privilege.”

Simon does, however, confess to feeling “apprehensive” of the position for two reasons: the first is his inbuilt tendency to avoid the spotlight whenever possible, and the second because of the commitment required for such an important role. Here, he explains, Frances Higgins’ negotiating skills were obvious: "Frances reassured me that there's a brilliant team in the IGBF - and further support within BWG - to help handle the organisational side of things."

Simon explains that the biggest surprise of the role so far has been the sheer number of people around the country who give up their time to organise events for the Fund, which became obvious when he attended the first event of the year as President of Appeals, the Mid West Ball.

“I did all my duties, standing up at the podium, saying a few words and thanking the sponsors, but it became obvious that there's a really good team of unsung heroes who organise these events year in, year out,” he notes. “James Johnson has been organising the Mid West Ball for the last 20 years or so and very few people know about James, other than the rest of the people working on that organising committee. Those committees and teams are the people who do so much work to make sure the events are successful. I’m just the figurehead. My responsibilities are to try to raise as much money for the charity as possible. I'll be the fellow on the phone, asking people to book a table, to buy tickets, to sponsor prizes but it is all the committees around the country who do the hard work.”

Simon plans to make it to as many of

Retail News Interview

Frances Higgins, BWG Foods’ Group Head of Promotions and IGBF Chair,

BWG Foods’ Chief Retail and Commercial Officer and IGBF President of Appeals.

the events as possible over the course of his year as President of Appeals, including taking part in the Tour de Grocer, the IGBF charity cycle, taking place on June 18 and 19, 2025, from Carlow to Waterford. “I need to get back on the bike now and do a bit of training,” he grins.

“I'm really confident that all the events in the calendar are going to be brilliant,” Simon stresses. “I don't need to meddle in any of those apart from to go along and thank people for their support. But I’m quite comfortable asking people to get involved, whether that's buying raffle tickets, donating prizes, coming along to events, sponsoring events. That's what I do; I ask people for money all the time. But for me, the big thing I think that we need to do is to raise the profile of the charity.”

Simon acknowledges that the IGBF has done a tremendous job of broadening its support base with the addition of new events in recent years, like TWIG (Today’s Women in Grocery), the Grocers’ Fun Run and the Tour de Grocer cycle.

“The IGBF really hasn’t stood still. It has added new events that have brought a new audience. The industry is full of fellas like me with grey hair who've been here for 25

years,” he laughs, “so it has to be about the new people coming in. We have to spread the word there. I think the events have helped to do that enormously.”

Simon pays tribute to last year’s President of Appeals, Eoin Kellett, who was responsible for creating and organising the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch for a decade: “It just opened the IGBF up to a new audience by trying something new, bringing a different dimension to the charity.”

Highlighting the work of the Fund

He also recognises that while BWG have been firm supporters of the IGBF for decades, perhaps they could do more to highlight the work of the fund amongst staff, particularly those below management level.

“Here in head office, we've got a great appreciation of what the IGBF does,” he explains. “We make our contribution to the charity every year. We play a big role in it. We all go along at Christmas and we all have a great time. But I would like to spread the word further.

“We've 22 cash-and-carries. We've 1,000 retailers that we supply every day. We've a National Distribution Centre that has 400plus employees from 30-plus nationalities.

Most of them have been there for five, 10 or even 15 years, but I’m not sure if they have an appreciation of what the IGBF is. So, I would love to get the message out to the people who might actually need that help, that if they do fall on hard times, which is something that happens to people all the time, they know where to turn to get help. I’d like them to understand that they don’t need to be in absolutely dire straits before they ask for assistance, not just from a BWG perspective but across the industry.”

Simon has engaged the services of the marketing and communications team in BWG, as well as their corporate reputation team, to put together a plan to communicate the work of the IGBF to the wider BWG community and potentially to the rest of the grocery trade.

To this end, he wants to “get the word out” to workers in the NDC, to the Cash & Carries and to the retailers they supply: “I want us to put up posters, to spread the word that here is a charity that cares for the people who are engaged in this industry. And if you fall on hard times or if you need something, then we want to make ourselves available to you.”

with Simon Marriott,

A phenomenal achievement

The IGBF is unique among charities in that it is run by and for the grocery trade. “It's a phenomenal achievement for the IGBF to be running for 60-plus years and still going strong,” Simon notes. “People will get together at events and it’s not about who you work for; there's a brilliant social dimension to it, which absolutely supersedes everything. The IGBF gives us that because without it, you wouldn't see people who are in similar roles in some of the other organisations, because you spend all your time concentrating on your own business; ours is a competitive industry.”

Simon cites the example of John Cooney, former Trading Manager at Musgrave, who retired in 2024: “The IGBF Christmas Lunch was the only time that our paths would cross. We never saw each other during the year because we were dealing with our own suppliers. But we had mutual respect for each other and when we met up, we would always have a drink together and I think this industry is unique in that respect.”

Simon believes that the rotating President of Appeals works really well because it allows people to come in with new ideas. Simon is currently working on his own event for later in the year, but doesn’t want to “break cover on it just yet”.

“I think it's nice to bring something in that you can try for a year, and if it works, then the next person can replicate it if they want, or they get to put their own stamp on it,” he says. “It’s about taking the baton and running with it for 12 months, giving it everything, working with the committees and the phenomenal work that they do. At the end of the year, you hand on the baton, and hopefully, you've left a bit of a legacy, you've done something which has made a contribution to the charity. That's my ambition really, to make a difference.”

So far, Simon is managing to juggle his responsibilities as President of Appeals with the day job. “It is a challenge and it does sometimes lead to longer days but it’s only for 12 months,” he smiles. “I rely on my colleagues here for an awful lot and if I ask for help on anything, they will help out, and the IGBF themselves do so much work, they make life easier for the President. President of Appeals is a great role to have, because there is tremendous support, both from my team here in BWG and the massive team of IGBF people, who do so much work all year round.”

Broadening the support base

When he sits back in December at the IGBF Christmas Lunch, having passed the mantle of President of Appeals on to the next

incumbent, what would Simon like to have achieved?

“I'd like people to look back and say there's a broader appreciation of what the IGBF does,” he reveals. “I’d like to have done a good job of communicating that it's not just about a social side of things, which is wonderful, but that it's about the charitable work that we do. We support 200 families, but we could do more.

“We know there are people out there who we could be helping but maybe they don't know who to ring or where to look for help from. Or maybe they are reluctant to ask for help. I want to break down that barrier and communicate that the Fund is there and encourage people to pick up the phone, to log onto

the website, to make contact. Obviously, the other side of the job of President of Appeals is about revenue, so there's a responsibility to raise as much money as I can. But I’d also like to get more people involved. I'd like to more people to think about how they could play a role in the IGBF. Working for the IGBF doesn’t have to be burdensome; you can help out in any capacity, by sponsoring an event, donating prizes, buying tickets, donating products for a goodie bag. There's so many ways that people can get involved from a manufacturing perspective or a producer perspective, and I hope and believe that people will continue to support the charity because I think everybody gets something out of it.”

Simon Marriott: “There's a really good team of unsung heroes who organise these events year in, year out… I’m just the figurehead.”

Retail News Interview

New 2026 alcohol labelling rules

A SIGNIFICANT regulatory shift is on the horizon as new alcohol labelling rules take effect in Ireland from May 2026. The legislation, introduced under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act and formalised in Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 249 of 2023, aims to increase consumer awareness about their alcohol consumption. Ultimately, the seller of the product to the consumer is responsible for compliance and is liable for very significant financial penalties if found in breach of the rules. While the retail sector supports the goal of providing consumers with clear health information, it has raised practical concerns about the challenges of implementing the new labelling requirements effectively and ensuring a workable transition plan that minimises disruption for businesses and consumers.

• Health warnings must be displayed in specific dimensions:

• “Drinking alcohol causes liver disease” (45 x 10mm)

• “There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers” (45 x 15mm)

• The pregnancy warning symbol must be 15 x 15mm.

• For containers with a surface area of less than 80 square cm, at least 75% of the available space must be allocated for health warnings, symbols, and information.

This will make Ireland the first country in the EU to implement such extensive labelling regulations on alcohol products.

Challenges and concerns from the retail sector

Very significant concerns have been raised about the feasibility of implementing these new rules. Retail businesses have identified the following key challenges:

1. Transition Period for Stock

If suppliers cannot facilitate the new labelling requirements, retailers will then be forced to either discontinue the product line or meet their legal obligations by ‘over stickering’ the product themselves.

Current alcohol labelling regulations

Currently, alcohol labelling requirements in Ireland align with broader EU regulations. Labels on pre-packaged alcoholic beverages must include product descriptions, business addresses, container volume, and alcohol strength if it exceeds 1.2% ABV. However, drinks above this threshold are not required to list ingredients or provide nutritional information. While there are no mandatory health warnings, the industry has voluntarily implemented consumer information initiatives such as anti-drink/ drive logos, pregnancy warnings, and energy values for some products.

Key changes coming in 2026

From May 22, 2026, Section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act will mandate additional labelling requirements for all alcohol products sold in the Republic of Ireland. These include:

• A health warning linking alcohol consumption to fatal cancers.

• A general warning about the dangers of alcohol consumption.

• A pregnancy warning against drinking alcohol while pregnant. The quantity of alcohol in grams per container.

• The energy value of the alcohol in kilojoules and kilocalories per container.

• A reference to a government-run website providing public health information about alcohol (www.askaboutalcohol.ie).

• Mandatory health label size of 60mm x 30mm, with a black border of 1–2mm thickness.

Retailers are currently assessing the impact of these changes and working with hundreds of domestic and global suppliers to ensure compliance. However, many alcohol products have long production lead times and shelf lives, raising concerns about how existing stock will be handled when the new requirements take effect. Businesses stress the need for a transition period that allows stock already delivered to retailers before May 22, 2026, to remain eligible for legal sale.

2.

Labelling Format: Per Container vs Per 100ml

The new rules require alcohol content (in grams) and energy values (in kilojoules and kilocalories) to be displayed per container, rather than per 100ml or per serving – the standard format used in Ireland and across the EU. This deviation from established practices presents significant logistical and financial challenges, particularly for small and independent businesses that may have to rely on over-labelling solutions. The current proposal would also make contingency planning complex and expensive.

3. Impact on International Suppliers

For many alcohol products such as wine and premium spirits, Ireland is a relatively small market by international standards. Some suppliers, particularly those with limited sales in the market, may find it economically unfeasible to create separate labels for Ireland. This could result in certain product lines being withdrawn from the Irish market, limiting consumer choice and disrupting supply chains.

Navigating the path to compliance

Retail businesses are actively working to ensure full compliance with the legislation, while developing realistic implementation plans in collaboration with suppliers. Given the wide range of alcohol products affected, clarity on operational aspects is essential for retailers to establish effective compliance strategies. Addressing these concerns is critical to avoiding unintended consequences such as disruptions in product availability and enforcement challenges.

Tel: 01-6051558 | www.retailireland.ie

Need more?

For more information about Retail Ireland and details of how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie

A new way to break

New KitKat sharing bars offer the nation a new way to break.

ICONIC chocolate brand KitKat is already renowned for helping people to ‘Have a Break’, and is now on a mission to help the nation ‘break better’. The legendary crispy wafer that’s fuelled break times for generations is encouraging everyone to stop overstretching and start taking quality breaks to gain a refreshed perspective, especially after a busy day!

KitKat recently unveiled a new range of sharing bars, which will make it easier to create those moments of connection, by sharing a delicious treat in the evening while relaxing with family and friends.

Available nationwide, KitKat sharing bars come in three new flavours:

• KitKat Double Chocolate: featuring a cocoa-flavoured filling, covered with thick, milk & dark chocolate marbled swirls.

• KitKat Salted Caramel: a salted caramelflavoured filling, covered with thick caramel flavour milk chocolate and marbled swirls.

• KitKat Hazelnut: a hazelnut-flavoured filling, covered with thick, milk & dark chocolate marbled swirls.

These innovative bars provide a unique, and multi-sensory eating experience thanks to their delicious light and creamy fillings and chocolate that melts effortlessly in the mouth. This contrast in textures makes for an exceptional experience, made all the more eye-catching by the stunning swirled effect created by the marbled coating.

Helping consumers to really unwind Maria McKenna, Confectionery Marketing Manager, Nestlé Ireland, said: “In today's non-stop world, it's far too easy to let the evenings disappear in a blur. We want KitKat fans to hit that pause button and really unwind at the end of the day… and what better way to do that than by catching up with your favourite people and sharing a delicious treat?

“KitKat's always been about those feelgood breaks and now with sharing bars, we're making it even easier to disconnect and reclaim your evenings.”

Each sharing bar features multiple break-off pieces, making it ideal for enjoying together with friends and family. KitKat Sharing Bars are 99g and contain no artificial

colours, flavours or preservatives. They are suitable for vegetarians.

KitKat sharing bars form part of the brand's ongoing ‘Breaks for Good’ mission, which focuses on initiatives that benefit both people and the planet. This includes sustainably sourcing cocoa, reducing environmental impact, and supporting communities. For more information, please visit www.kitkat.co.uk/breaks-for-good

KitKat fans will also be pleased to hear that as well as sharing bars, the KitKat Hazelnut 4 finger also launched to much consumer excitement earlier this year. Watch this space for more exciting things to come in 2025!

About KitKat

KitKat is one of Nestlé’s flagship brands, celebrating its 90th birthday this year and enjoyed in more than 80 countries. Invented in York in 1935 as 'Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp', the name KitKat was adopted a couple of years later. The brand has gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon, with its ‘Have a Break, Have a KitKat’ message, championing the importance of taking a moment to pause.

SuperValu Awards 2025

SuperValu rewards top stores at national awards ceremony

Three SuperValu stores from across the country were rewarded at the SuperValu Awards 2025, which took place at the SuperValu National Conference, held recently in The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

GARVEY'S SuperValu in Listowel, Co. Kerry, has been awarded the prestigious title of National SuperValu Store of the Year for 2025, while also taking home the award for Best Large Store of the Year 2025. Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel was shortlisted for the highly coveted retail accolade, along with eleven other finalist stores from around the country, at the SuperValu National Conference, which was held in The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

In what was a highly competitive final, Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel stood out from the shortlist to take home the top prize. The finalists were audited and adjudicated by independent competition judge and retail consultant Paul Ellison, who highlighted that in a very competitive Irish retail market, SuperValu excels in delivering exceptional customer service, quality food leadership, community support and value. This creates a real sense of

purpose for participating stores, with owners, managers, and colleagues fully supporting the competition.

This award acknowledges the exceptional standards consistently achieved by the team at Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel. Outstanding performance was noted in key categories, including fresh food offering, food leadership and quality, people management, sustainability initiatives, and community involvement. Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel was recognised for its unwavering commitment to excellence across all categories, highlighting its outstanding community involvement, particularly its dedication to the local area through GAA sponsorship.

Dedication and support

Receiving the awards, store owner, Jim Garvey paid tribute to their dedicated team and the ongoing support of the store’s loyal

customers: “I am honoured to receive both awards, which reflects our dedicated team's hard work and commitment throughout the year. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without them. At Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel, we prioritise quality, value, and exceptional service, alongside sustainability initiatives to create the best shopping experience for our customers. I’m delighted our efforts have been recognised. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team, loyal customers, and local community for their unwavering support. We’re proud to bring these awards home to Kerry.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Luke Hanlon, Managing Director, SuperValu, congratulated Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel: "This competition has been a longstanding tradition for the SuperValu brand, and each year, we are truly amazed by the high standards set by the finalists, and this year is no exception. I would like to extend

Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel were the winners of the National SuperValu Store of the Year for 2025 and Best Large Store of the Year 2025 awards. Pictured are: Dan Curtin, SuperValu Sales Director; Jim Garvey, Fergal Nash, Thomas Garvey, Paul O’Connor, Joe Moynihan, Kevin McCarthy, Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel; and Luke Hanlon, SuperValu Managing Director.

SuperValu Awards 2025

The team from Hannon's SuperValu Ratoath, including store owners Rory and Raymond Hannon, are pictured receiving the Best Medium Store of the Year 2025 award from SuperValu Managing Director Luke Hanlon, SuperValu Sales Director Dan Curtin and the award sponsor, Jean Francois Michel, Account Director of Three Ireland.

my congratulations to Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel for demonstrating outstanding leadership in quality food, excellent customer service, and support of the local community. The team at Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel is highly deserving of these awards, and I wish them continued success in the future. A special thank you also goes to all SuperValu store owners and their dedicated teams for their unwavering commitment to local store excellence, which continues to shape SuperValu as the trusted brand it is today."

The team at SuperValu Listowel took to social media to celebrate their huge achievement, with an online video showing staff members from throughout every area of the store proudly holding the Award. “We’ve only gone and won SuperValu Store of the Year 2025,” said their Facebook page. “We couldn’t have done it without all our wonderful staff. A huge thank

you to everyone on another massive achievement.”

Upholding the highest standards Hannon's SuperValu, Ratoath, Co. Meath, was named Best Medium SuperValu Store for 2025, while SuperValu Malahide, Co. Dublin, was crowned Best Small SuperValu Store for 2025.

Store owners Rory and Raymond Hannon paid tribute to their staff: “This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team, who continuously uphold the highest standards of local store excellence in their daily roles.”

Luke Hanlon, Managing Director, SuperValu, said, “This year featured intense competition across all categories, highlighting the exceptional leadership in quality food, excellent customer service, and support of the local community,

The team from SuperValu Malahide, including store owners Eddie Kane and Dan McCartney, are pictured receiving the Best Small SuperValu Store 2025 award from SuperValu Managing Director Luke Hanlon, SuperValu Sales Director Dan Curtin and the award sponsor, Jean Francois Michel, Account Director of Three Ireland.

within the SuperValu network. Hannon's SuperValu Ratoath excelled across the store, enabling the best shopping experience for their customers and earning them the Best Medium SuperValu Store Award.”

On their Facebook page, the Hannon’s were ecstatic with their win: “We are absolutely buzzing, and for our team, this mean’s the world to them! Never have we been prouder of our team! We honestly wish we could have had all 70 of them with us but we celebrate as a team in the coming weeks!” The Hannon’s also made special mention of their customers: “Thank you to every single one of our amazing customers; we are so grateful and thankful for your business every day!”

Strong food leadership

SuperValu Malahide store owners Eddie Kane and Dan McCartney, were also delighted with their win: “At SuperValu Malahide, we understand the importance of strong food leadership and quality products, exceptional customer service, and sustainability in our industry, while also embracing our responsibility as a proud supporter of the local community. We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which celebrates both our store and the outstanding efforts of our team.”

Luke Hanlon added: “This recognition highlights their dedication to excellence and the high standards upheld in our industry, and I extend my best wishes for their continued success. I deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of our retailers and their teams, whose efforts make a meaningful impact in communities across the country every day.”

SuperValu Malahide took to Instagram to celebrate their win: “This achievement is a testament to David and our team's hard work. We thank our colleagues in the SuperValu family for their support. We look forward to celebrating this win with the Malahide community in the coming months.”

SuperValu serve over 2.9 million customers every week and have 222 stores nationwide. Together with their retail partners, SuperValu employ approximately 14,500 staff members, making them one of the State’s largest private-sector employers. SuperValu continue to source locally wherever possible, which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish economy. SuperValu source 100% of their fresh meat and poultry from Bord Bia approved farms and over 1,800 Irish suppliers.

Celebrating the best in Irish food and drink

From ice cream to black pudding, poitín and cheese, the winners of the 2025 Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards were announced recently, while the IGWG Chair had a warning about the issue of greenwashing.

THE winners of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards 2025 have been announced. Now in their 32nd year and with no applications or submissions allowed, eight winners from across Ireland were chosen for an IFWG award, based solely on quality, integrity and a commitment to genuine sustainable practices.

“Bord Bia is proud to support the Irish Food Writers’ Guild and its annual awards, which celebrate the excellence and integrity of Irish food producers,” noted Una Fitzgibbon, Director of Marketing, Bord Bia. “These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of producers who uphold the highest standards in quality and sustainability. Bord Bia values the opportunity to collaborate with the Guild in recognising and promoting these outstanding contributions to the Irish food sector. The IFWG plays a vital role in highlighting the achievements of these producers, and we commend this year’s eight recipients for their leadership and commitment to sustainable food production.”

The IFWG Food Awards are unique in that no business or individual can enter, nor do

Seán Murphy, Murphy's Ice Cream, IFWG Food Award winner 2025, pictured with some of his delicious ice cream from Dingle, Co. Kerry.

they know if they have been nominated for an award. The Guild is the sole nominating and decision-making body, whose members nominate and anonymously buy products for tasting. Proportional representation voting is undertaken at a Guild tasting meeting. Winning products must be produced in Ireland and the main ingredient must be Irish grown or produced.

The IFWG Food Awards took place at Ananda Restaurant in Dublin, chosen for its consistent use of high quality Irish produce, where guests enjoyed a lunch featuring the winning produce.

Winners of the 2025 IFWG Food Awards

The winners included:

Food Award: Sneem Black Pudding – Peter O’ Sullivan Butchers, Co. Kerry. Sneem Black Pudding is a traditional blood sausage with a smooth, mousse-like texture, crafted in small batches using locally sourced ingredients, including fresh blood, and a recipe passed down through generations, resulting in a rich, earthy flavour, with subtle seasoning and exceptional provenance.

Food Award: Murphy’s Ice Cream, Co. Kerry.

Crafting award-winning ice cream with a focus on local, inventive flavours, Murphy’s Ice Cream uses milk from the Kerry cow and ingredients sourced from nearby farms, creating indulgent, high-quality

Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards

Winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Jane & Louis Grubb, from Cashel Blue. treats that celebrate the best of County Kerry.

Food Award: 40 day aged Côte de boeufHiggins Family Butcher, Co. Dublin. Known for their dry-aged expertise, Higgins Family Butchers’ 40 day aged Côte de boeuf is a standout, expertly aged to enhance its rich, tender flavour and exceptional texture, making it a must-try for meat lovers and a signature offering in their acclaimed range.

Irish Drink Award: Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur - Mourne Dew Distillery, Co. Down. The Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur combines rich, nutty flavours with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and cream, offering a smooth, innovative twist on traditional poitín. Recognised for its exceptional quality, it’s a standout among Mourne Dew’s renowned range of spirits.

Notable Contribution to Irish Food: Moy Hill Farm, Co. Clare.

A vibrant regenerative farm that blends sustainability and community spirit, Moy Hill Farm nurtures nutrient-dense organic produce, while promoting biodiversity and teaching future generations the art of holistic farming.

Environmental Award: Master Chefs Ellan Farm, Co. Limerick.

A pioneering initiative by Master Chefs, this organic farm blends sustainability and zero-waste practices to supply high-quality, locally grown food to Ireland's catering industry. Their farm-to-table-backto-farm approach sets a new standard in ethical, community-focused food production.

Community Food Award: Irish Seed Savers Association, Co. Clare.

A beacon of sustainable agriculture, Irish Seed Savers work tirelessly to conserve Ireland’s food crop heritage, ensuring the protection of genetic diversity in our food systems. Their efforts to safeguard plant genetic resources are crucial to the future of food security and biodiversity.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jane and Louis Grubb of Cashel Blue, Co. Tipperary. In 1984, Jane and Louis Grubb introduced Cashel Blue, Ireland’s first native blue cheese, made with milk from their family farm. Their legacy continues, blending tradition with innovation, producing award-winning cheeses like Cashel Blue, Crozier Blue, and Shepherd’s Store. Their dedication to quality has made them a cornerstone of Ireland’s cheesemaking industry.

The problem of greenwashing

Speaking at the presentation of the Awards, Paula McIntyre, Chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, warned about the issue of greenwashing: “Greenwashing has infiltrated the food and drinks sector in ways many of us don’t even realise and

when sustainability is merely used as a marketing tactic, consumers are misled and the credibility and reputation of true sustainable producers is undermined.”

Offending brands, she warned, use “vague buzzwords, deceptive green packaging, and even dubious certifications to take advantage of consumers’ efforts to shop and eat more sustainablywithout making any real environmental impact. Meanwhile, truly sustainable Irish producers work tirelessly to uphold the highest ethical and environmental standards, often without the recognition or support they deserve. For more than three decades, the IFWG has been spotlighting many of these outstanding producers, with sustainability a consistent thread linking our annual award winners. And this year is

no different.”

Acknowledging that for the most part, Ireland’s food and drink industry is committed to playing its part in tackling climate change, she argued that “we cannot allow greenwashing to go unchecked and ultimately, consumers rely on producers to be honest and transparent in how they communicate and promote their produce.”

The IFWG’s Chairperson called on regulatory bodies to adopt a more proactive and vigilant approach to tackling the issue of greenwashing and for environmentally conscious consumers to be even more discerning. “Unfortunately, when it comes to sustainable practices, we cannot simply accept a brand’s claims at face value,” she said. “We must interrogate claims more carefully to ensure authenticity and while this can be challenging, it’s critical if we are to protect the integrity of our world-class food sector, and the vibrant and hard-working producers who make it so. I’d like to commend the work being done by Bord Bia to support Irish producers through collaboration and education, helping them navigate sustainability challenges with integrity and authenticity.”

For more information: www.irishfoodwritersguild.ie

Fergal Smith, Moy Hill Farm, winners of the Notable Contribution to Irish Food Award.

Donal Farrell and John Donnelly, Mourne Dew Distillery, who won an IFWG Award for their Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur.

The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish

March is Guaranteed Irish month, and the organisation is celebrating with

‘The Guarantee of

Guaranteed Irish’ campaign.

GUARANTEED Irish continues to drive positive change through enterprise with ‘The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish’ campaign in 2025. As Guaranteed Irish enters its 51st year of championing Irish businesses, the organisation remains at the forefront of driving enterprise-led positive change in communities across Ireland.

‘The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish’ campaign, which will be elevated through their many retail members this year, continues to spotlight the transformative impact Irish businesses have on quality employment, community development, local supply chains and provenance.

Their member partners include SuperValu, Centra, Topline, Cork Builder Providers, Applegreen, United Hardware (Homevalue), Insomnia, Circle K, PTSB, FBD Insurance, DID Electrical and Petstop, who exemplify these values, not only by providing employment but by actively giving back to the communities in which they do business.

Expanding

reach through collaboration

Through tailored visual assets, videos, OOH and radio advertising, the campaign aims to connect with consumers on a deeper level, demonstrating how their support of Guaranteed Irish members directly impacts their communities.

Pictured at a bus shelter with the ‘The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish’ campaign are (l-r): Bríd O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish, and Sinead Mitchell, Head of Marketing and PR, Guaranteed Irish.

Collaboration between Guaranteed Irish and its retail members remains at the heart of the campaign, which includes:

• Radio ads on national radio; Posters in retail members’ stores;

• Social media, featuring employees and community initiatives

• New OOH media placement

By activating these assets across multiple channels, the campaign will reach more consumers, reminding them of the direct impact their choices have on sustaining local communities.

Bríd O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, shared her enthusiasm for the 2025 campaign: “As we continue to celebrate over 50 years of Guaranteed Irish, our focus is on the extraordinary positive change our

members deliver every day. From quality jobs to meaningful community engagement, Guaranteed Irish businesses are pillars of resilience and progress in Ireland. This campaign shines a light on these stories, and we are proud to see our retail partners embrace this messaging to amplify its reach. By working together, we are making an even greater impact.”

The campaign emphasises the core belief of Guaranteed Irish: that enterprise is the heartbeat of strong communities. By creating meaningful jobs and elevating living standards, members of Guaranteed Irish contribute to building a more sustainable and prosperous Ireland. Consumers are asked to look out for the ‘G’ in stores, forecourts and on radio!

About Guaranteed Irish

Guaranteed Irish is a national organisation that supports all businesses based in Ireland (indigenous and multinational) supporting jobs, communities, and provenance. The not-for-profit membership network has been championing businesses based in Ireland since 1974. The iconic Guaranteed Irish symbol is the national symbol of trust for doing business in Ireland. Guaranteed Irish supports a network of 2,300+ member businesses, employing 130,000+ people across Ireland, generating an annual combined Irish turnover of over €14.5 billion.

For more information, visit www.guaranteedirish.ie

‘The Guarantee of Guaranteed Irish’ campaign will be elevated through retail members and via Social Media throughout 2025.

Cadbury Easter Egg-Squisite: Cadbury reveal Easter range

Cadbury have unveiled their new range of Easter treats for 2025, with a host of new additions joining old favourites.

THIS Easter, Cadbury are thrilled to introduce exciting new additions to their range, alongside the return of beloved fan favourites. Whether consumers are planning an Easter egg hunt with friends, colleagues or family, searching for the perfect gift, or indulging in a treat for yourself, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy.

New launches

Cadbury’s new range promises to elevate every Easter celebration and includes:

Cadbury Easter Favourites

Pouch: Packed with Cadbury

Mini Eggs, Cadbury Creme Eggs and Mini Cadbury

Dairy Milk Eggs, this pouch is the ultimate Easter egg hunt companion; perfect for sharing and discovering sweet surprises with friends and family.

Cadbury Easter Favourites Pouch 335g features an assortment of Cadbury Mini Eggs, Cadbury Creme Eggs and Mini Cadbury Dairy Milk Eggs - perfect for Easter Egg Hunts.

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Traditional Egg 202g is a Cadbury Dairy Milk Egg, filled with a secret surprise inside of a Marvellous Creations bar bursting with flavour.

• Cadbury Marvellous Creations

Traditional Egg: A deliciously whimsical addition that’s sure to delight every tastebud (exclusively available at Tesco).

• Toblerone Truffle Edgy Egg: Toblerone lovers can now indulge in this premium new Easter offering, with delicious Toblerone Truffles inside!

Toblerone Truffles Edgy Egg 286g is a geometric Toblerone Egg - crack open to reveal Toblerone truffles - the ultimate chocoholic snack.

Returning favourites

Back by popular demand, Cadbury are bringing back timeless favourites that fans have been waiting for, including: Cadbury Creme Egg Bar: The iconic Cadbury Creme Egg experience in a convenient bar format.

• Cadbury Mini Eggs Orange: A tangy twist on the classic Cadbury Mini Eggs, perfect for adding a splash of zest to your Easter (Exclusive to Tesco).

Cadbury Creme Egg White Traditional Egg 195g and Cadbury Caramilk

Traditional Egg 183g, two returning favourites for 2025.

Cadbury Creme Egg Bar, 123g: the iconic Cadbury Creme Egg experience in a convenient bar format.

• Cadbury Creme Egg White Traditional Egg: A traditional Easter Egg with a modern white chocolate twist (Exclusive to Dunnes Stores).

• Cadbury Caramilk Traditional Egg: Perfect for gifting the Cadbury Caramilk lovers in your life.

Cadbury Mini Eggs Orange are a tangy twist on the classic Cadbury Mini Eggs, perfect for adding a splash of zest to your Easter (Exclusive to Tesco).

The ultimate Easter eggs

For those seeking the crème de la crème of Easter treats, Cadbury’s returning Ultimate Eggs are guaranteed to impress. Featuring luxurious chocolate creations paired with indulgent extras, these eggs are perfect for gifting or treating yourself. These Easter delights are now available in stores.

Cadbury Fingers Ultimate Egg features smooth chocolate paired with the crunch of classic Cadbury Fingers (Exclusive to Tesco).

Highlights include:

• Cadbury Half & Half Ultimate Egg: An exciting duo of Cadbury Dairy Milk and White chocolate with wrapped chunks.

• Cadbury Fingers Ultimate Egg: Smooth chocolate paired with the crunch of classic Cadbury Fingers (Exclusive to Tesco).

Cadbury Easter

About Cadbury

EVER since John Cadbury opened a grocer's shop in 1824 in the UK, Cadbury has been the nation’s favourite chocolate bar. Cadbury have a wide range of well-loved delicious chocolate that reminds the nation that there is a ‘Glass and a Half’ of generosity in everyone. The brand’s success is built upon its deep understanding of customers, shoppers and the category, ensuring it continues to evolve to remain relevant. The health and wellbeing of its customers is hugely important and so Cadbury helps run Be Treatwise, to remind people that treats are special, to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. Portion control and consumer education, through on-pack labelling, have a huge part to play in Cadbury’s strategy to ‘inspire mindful snacking’. The brand recently announced a programme to bring all Cadbury standard chocolate products predominantly purchased for consumption by children, under 100 calories. Cadbury supports sustainably sourced cocoa through Mondelēz International’s Cocoa Life programme, which helps to support cocoa farmers, communities and landscapes. Cocoa Life aims to bring dynamic change to communities and landscapes where cocoa grows before becoming chocolate for the snacks our consumers love. For more information visit www.cadbury.ie

Additionally, five egg-tastic eggs are relaunching as part of the Ultimate Egg range this year: the Cadbury Crunchie Inclusions Egg, Cadbury Mini Eggs Inclusions Egg, Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruit and Nut Inclusions Egg, Cadbury Marble Ultimate Egg and the Cadbury Dairy Milk Chunky Egg.

Cadbury Half & Half Ultimate Egg features an exciting duo of Cadbury Dairy Milk and White chocolate with wrapped chunks.

Dairy delivers day in, day out!

The Irish dairy sector is renowned all over the world for the quality of its products. New formulations with added health benefits continue to drive sales.

IRISH dairy is revered all over the world, and as well as milk, cream and butter, it goes into making amazing products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and countless other products.

Ireland’s 17,000 dairy farmers work 365 days a year to produce the highest quality dairy produce. Last year’s Irish dairy exports were in line with 2023 values, as almost 1.6 million tonnes of product, worth €6.3 billion, was shipped to approximately 140 markets worldwide. Irish dairy forms the basis for so many successful and globally admired food products, award winning cheeses and yogurts exported all over the world.

Avonmore

As Ireland’s number one dairy brand, Avonmore products are enjoyed on a daily basis in households across Ireland. Avonmore’s continued success comes from its commitment to high quality products, a deep understanding of the consumer and their needs, and continuous innovation.

Enjoyed by families nationwide, Avonmore’s expertise in dairy extends across milk, cream, soup and butter, with key growth products including Avonmore Super Milk, Avonmore Protein Milk and Avonmore Whipped Cream.

Avonmore Super Milk has a key role to

Avonmore’s expertise in dairy extends across milk, cream, and butter, with key growth products including Avonmore Super Milk, Avonmore Protein Milk and Avonmore Cream.

play in the fresh milk sector. Given that we don’t get enough sunshine in Ireland because of our northerly latitude, we don’t get enough vitamin D. Avonmore Super Milk is enriched with vitamins D, B & E, extra Calcium and Folic Acid, making it a great choice for all the family.

Avonmore Protein Milk has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2014 and has an extensive range of

sku’s, offering added benefits to everyone involved in sports and exercise.

Mooju, Ireland’s number one flavoured milk brand, is another successful brand in the portfolio. Popular with a younger audience, success is built on its quirky brand personality and its fantastic taste.

Avonmore Cream continues to perform well and is the number one branded cream in the market with an extensive range

to suit both sweet and savoury occasions.

With such a wide range of product offerings, it’s no wonder Avonmore continues to be Ireland’s number one dairy brand.

Yoplait

Yoplait, the yogurt expert, kicked off 2025 with two new reformulated recipes on their leading kid’s brands, Petits Filous and Frubes, to ensure that their products are even healthier, yet still retain the same delicious taste.

Since 2015, Yoplait have improved the health credentials of their kids’ portfolio globally by reducing sugars by 25%.

“Petits Filous and Frubes are well-established and much-loved brands for many families in Ireland. These same families have come to expect our unmatched product quality and premium taste, which is an integral guarantee for all Yoplait brands,” explained Deirdre Lowry, Brand Manager, Yoplait Ireland. “Equally, it is important to us to guarantee healthier products on an ongoing basis and in this instance, we have managed to reduce sugar without resorting to adding thickeners, sweeteners, processed fibres or flavours.

“Our ongoing mission is also to educate consumers about the nutritional value of fortified kids’ yogurts and attract ‘lost consumers’ back into the category,” she continued. “International reports inform us that many

children are at risk of poor development and growth because they were lacking key nutrients such as Vitamin D, Calcium and Iodine, all of which are found in fortified kids’ yogurts. These same insights showed that some parents were switching from kids’ yogurts into biscuits, cakes and confectionery – all of which are low in essential nutrients.”

Yoplait will continue with their education and awareness campaign into 2025 and their kids’ brands will continue to drive relevance and excitement with consumers. Petits Filous is rolling out a fresh new look which emphasises the health credentials of the brand with a focus on bone health, while Frubes is running an on-pack promotion offering a once in a lifetime family trip to Japan, a first for the kids’ yogurt category.

“If we are able to re-educate about the positive nutritional benefits, showcase our brands to consumers and encourage them to switch back, we have identified a significant potential sales opportunity for retailers over the next five years” added Lowry.

Yoplait has been spreading French dairy know-how throughout the world since 1965, and the brand is present in over 50 countries. Yoplait launched in Ireland over 50 years ago. Iconic brands, including Petits Filous, Frubes, Wildlife and Yop, have become staples in Irish homes.

NDC on the ball with Garry Ringrose

THE National Dairy Council is delighted to continue working with Garry Ringrose as an ambassador in 2025. Like all athletes, Garry knows the important role that diet and nutrition plays in fuelling the body for success in training and on the pitch!

Dairy has long been a trusted, as a reliable source of nutrition, not only for consumers, but for high performing athletes. At a time where Irish athletes are reaching new heights on the global stage, we want to explore the important contribution of Ireland’s world-class dairy produce in supporting sport stars to make an impact.

“I am delighted to be working with NDC as an ambassador and to promote the significant benefits of milk – Nature’s sports drink,” said Garry. “Maintaining a nutritious and well-balanced diet is essential when training to ensure we are performing to our best ability. Dairy plays a crucial part in a balanced diet and I am a great supporter of the sporting benefits gained from drinking milk when it comes to hydration and recovery. The perfect post-performance recovery drink, milk is rich in protein – an important nutrient for muscle growth and maintenance – and provides a natural carbohydrate source to help refuel energy stores.”

Dr Mary Harrington, Senior Nutritionist with NDC, said, “As well as being an affordable, natural, versatile, and widely available choice, the unique composition of milk makes it an excellent recovery drink, for after exercise. A 200ml glass of milk provides lactose to help start the refuelling of muscle carbohydrate stores, high-quality proteins which play a role in muscle growth and maintenance, and since milk is a fluid containing electrolytes such as potassium, it also helps to rehydrate.

"Milk is naturally one of the most nutrient dense foods available and provides a source of eight essential nutrients with important roles for health. This includes calcium and phosphorous, to support bone health, iodine to contribute to normal cognitive brain function, vitamin B2 to assist with energy release, and vitamin B12 to support normal functioning of the immune system.”

Yoplait’s Petits Filous is moving from 9.3g of sugar to 8.9g (this includes naturally occurring sugars from lactose and fruit), with a new pack design emphasising the brand’s health credentials.

Dairyglen: your complete ice cream solution

Dairyglen have been elevating ice cream excellence with fully managed solutions for more than 30 years.

DAIRYGLEN don’t just sell ice cream machines or soft-serve mix; they provide a complete, fully managed solution to ensure your business thrives. “Our goal is to take care of every aspect of your ice cream operation, from installation and training to ongoing support, maintenance, and repairs, so you can focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience,” explains Sasha Hitchen, Senior Marketing Executive. Dairyglen.

Fully managed solutions

What makes Dairyglen truly unique is their fully managed solutions, designed to support you every step of the way. From set-up to daily operations and long-term success, Dairyglen ensure your ice cream business runs smoothly and profitably.

• Comprehensive training & support: Dairyglen offer full training for your staff, covering HACCP food safety, machine operation, and menu development. Their experts equip your team with the knowledge and skills to deliver a high-quality end product and delicious recipes.

• Menu creation & customisation: Dairyglen work closely with their partners to create a tailored menu that enhances their business. Whether it’s developing a brand new concept, seasonal menu, new flavours, or unique recipes, their team helps you craft an offering that stands out.

• Remote machine monitoring & maintenance: Dairyglen provide industry-leading Gel Matic softserve machines with full installation, training, and ongoing maintenance. Their cutting-edge remote diagnostics allow Dairyglen to dial into machines remotely, resolving many issues without the need for an on-site visit. If further support is required, their dedicated service team ensures a swift response, with engineers dispatched

promptly for on-site repairs.

Dedicated customer support with rapid response: Dairyglen’s customer support team is available to assist you with any technical or operational needs, offering a one-hour response time to minimise downtime and keep your business running smoothly. Marketing & brand growth: From in-store branding to promotional campaigns, Dairyglen help businesses maximise their exposure and attract more customers. With a strong digital presence and creative marketing support, they drive engagement and sales for their retail partners.

Why choose dairyglen?

“With over 30 years of industry expertise, Dairyglen are more than just a supplier - we

are a committed partner in your success,” notes Sasha Hitchen. “Our fully managed solutions remove the stress from running an ice cream business, allowing you to focus on what matters most: delivering a superior customer experience and driving profitability.”

Join the growing number of businesses across Ireland that trust Dairyglen to provide top-tier ice cream solutions and unparalleled support. “Let us help you build a thriving ice cream offering with our premium products, cutting-edge technology, and dedicated service,” Sasha concludes. “Partner with Dairyglen today and experience the difference that true industry expertise and commitment can make to your success.”

For more information, visit www.dairyglen.ie

Lost Mary Tappo grows share

Closed pod vapes are showing steady increases in the vaping sector, with Lost Mary Tappo driving market growth.

In 2024, vaping sales made up to 2.5% of the overall turnover of local convenience stores. (Source: VBI). This looks set to increase, based on current 2025 levels. With a wide variety of available brands, growing customer demand and further regulations of the tobacco industry, the vaping market continues to grow.

In general, vape devices come in three types: disposables, open systems and closed pods. The first category barely needs an introduction. They are popular single-use vapes that come pre-filled and fully charged, so they can be used straight out of the package and then, as the name suggests, should be disposed of responsibly.

Open system devices can be recharged but need to be occasionally topped up with e-liquids. Closed pod vapes are a plug-and-

play solution where all a consumerneeds to do is swap one sealed, pre-filled pod for another when depleted.

Closed pods account for around 10% of the market and over the past year they have seen a steady 3% increase year-onyear. It is a growth area for the vaping market and shows no signs of slowing, as consumers move towards more sustainable options.

One of the best known in this category is the Lost Mary Tappo; it provides a more sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to disposable devices by offering vapes with 2ml pre-filled pods that users can replace once depleted. They are easy to use, with no fuss, and allow consumers to enjoy their favourite flavours from Lost Mary.

Lost Mary Tappo

The Lost Mary brand needs no introduction, as it’s the number one vaping brand in Ireland. A clear customer favourite in disposable, Lost Mary have brought all their technology, flavour profiles and value to the closed pod system market. Lost Mary Tappo was the fastest growing pod system in 2024 and looks set to continue this trend in

The Tappo device comes in four colours and 15 flavours, including Watermelon and Blue Razz lemonade. What’s more, their ample 750 mAh battery means that users can go a full day without needing to recharge their device, maintaining the routine they used to have with disposable vapes; they are both beginner and budget friendly. Backed

The Tappo device comes in four colours and 15 flavours, including Watermelon Ice.

by Quaq Mesh, Cell and Capsule solutions, Tappo unleashes a taste burst and brings a supreme performance, as well as having a battery indicator and visible pod statuscheck with a quick look.

Responsible retailing

The vaping industry is dynamic and everevolving. New technological developments make vapes more and more user-friendly, while smart designs are bound to catch consumers' eyes.

However, responsible and forwardlooking retailers should invest in sustainable solutions that meet evolving consumers needs and help make a positive impact on the environment.

Lost Mary Tappo is a ‘must have’ item for your vaping customer needs. Talk to your Hale representative today.

Lost Mary Tappo was the fastest growing pod system in 2024 and looks set to continue this trend in 2025.

On The Vine

Wines for Easter 2025

Jean Smullen examines some of the ‘must stock’ wines for Easter.

EASTER is very late this year with Easter Sunday falling on April 20, 2025 which means Monday, April 21 is a bank holiday. With the May bank holiday following two weeks later, there will be two long bank holiday weekends in proximity, so expect a surge in demand for wine as families get together to celebrate on both occasions.

Bibendum Ireland

Ireland’s number one wine brand, Santa Rita, recently held a press tasting to show new additions to their portfolio and remind us why they still command the number one wine brand position on the Irish market.

A few of their stand out wines included the 2024 Santa Rita 120 Early Harvest Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc (€10). The rise of local eating and drinking continues to grow this year, as consumers look to lower their carbon footprints. No and low alcohol drinks continue to push into the mainstream, which has seen the addition of new wine regions and grape varieties, as well as organic and vegan wines and wines with lower ABV (alcohol by volume).

Santa Rita has been a firm favourite with Ireland’s wine drinkers for over a decade now. The Chilean wine giant still tops the wine charts as the nation’s most loved wine brand and

is very widely available. This lower alcohol early harvest Sauvignon Blanc is a find! They pick the grapes early, when they are less ripe, which results in an ABV of 10.5%, which is great if you are watching your alcohol intake. It does not scrimp on flavour though; you get all that lovely acidity and citrus fruit in this lower alcohol version. Complement your lamb this Easter with the Santa Rita 120 ‘Deep Red’ (€12), a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carménère. Made by Oscar Salas, each variety making up this blend undergoes a separate fermentation before blending. 20% of the wine is then aged in French oak barrels; this style will appeal to the customer who enjoys a lighter style of red wine, quite fruit forward with lovely cherry red fruit flavours.

The Santa Rita 120 De Alcoholised range (€7), which includes both white and red wines, has a very approachable Sauvignon Blanc and a fruity Cabernet Sauvignon and an ABV of 0.4%.

For fans of Argentine Malbec, look out for the Doña Paula El Alto Single Vineyard 2023 (€20), brand new to the market and made from 100% Malbec grown in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. This had beautifully perfumed notes, and a lovely light structure. High altitude vineyards mean this is a lighter style of Malbec and will hold much appeal with the mid-price market this Easter.

Ampersand

Ampersand are very strong in the independent off licence sector and many of their wines regularly feature in the annual NOffLA Gold Star Awards.

The popularity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc shows no sign of abating. Sauvignon Blanc itself is still the most popular white grape

Ampersand have added a brand-new New Zealand wine to their range, the 2024 Massey Dacta Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, named in honour of a tractor brand.

2024 Santa Rita 120 Early Harvest Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc is a standout wine from their portfolio.

On The Vine

variety sold in Ireland, with Pinot Grigio in second and Chardonnay in third place. The latest figures from Drinks Ireland Wine, released in November 2024, show that white wine continues to be the nation’s favourite, accounting for 48% of wine consumed, ahead of red by four percentage points. New Zealand wine experienced the largest growth on this market during 2023, achieving case sales of 720,730, up from 586,815 in 2022. New Zealand wine accounts for 7.7% of total wine sales, which in 2023 amounted to 9.4 million cases (Source: Drinks Ireland Wine 2024).

Ampersand have added a brand-new New Zealand wine to their range, which will be in demand this Easter, the 2024 Massey Dacta Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (€16). For most now grown-up kids, especially those who grew up in rural Ireland, Massey Ferguson Dacta is a tractor. This was also the case for farming kids who grew up in New Zealand; Dacta is a tractor brand, and this wine is named in honour of it. The Glover Family’s vineyard is in Dillons Point, a sub-region of Marlborough, only three kilometres from the sea, along the banks of the Opaoa River. This has lovely tomato leaf aromas, and lots of ripe sweet citrus fruit on the palate.

Apothic Red has a loyal consumer base in Ireland. chocolate.

Apothic Red was a Gold Medal winner at the 2020 and 2022 Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards, Apothic Cabernet won a Gold at Mundus Vini in 2023 and Apothic Merlot won Silver at Mundus Vini in 2024.

Comans Beverages

The range of wines produced by Gallo Family Vineyards includes the very popular Apothic range. Apothic Red (€13) has a very loyal consumer base here in Ireland and continues to perform strongly. The name is derived from Apotheca, the ancient Greek word for a wine store. Apothic Red is made from a blend of red grapes, including Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and has one of the highest repeat purchase rates on this market.

This Easter, Apothic will be running a PR campaign to highlight chocolate and wine pairing. They recommend matching the Apothic Red (€13) with dark chocolate covered cherries, the Apothic Cabernet (€13) with chocolate covered strawberries and the Apothic Merlot (€13) with milk

Edward Dillon & Co.

For those who want to push the boat out this Easter, Moët & Chandon is the champagne of choice for commemorating special moments and any special occasion. Look out for their personalised gift boxes, aimed at making the gift of a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne even more meaningful, exclusively available in 75cl size for Moët Imperial (€69), the House’s signature champagne since 1969, and for Rosé Imperial (€79).

Richmond Marketing

The Traces range is brand new to the Irish market. The Rosé is a Vin de France from Provence made from organically farmed Grenache. The market for these and many

other similar wines are Generation Z, who are fanatical users of social media and must have an Instagram post that includes a pale pink Rosé in hand or they are nobody! Mid-strength wines are very much in vogue for 2025.

With up a lower ABV, these lifestyle wines will be in great demand. Perfect for ‘Mid-March’, which joins ‘Dry January’ and ‘Sober October’ in the wine lexicon. In the USA, ‘Better for You’ wines are gathering momentum. The Traces brand has just launched its 11% ABV, low-calorie, sugar-free wine range in Ireland. And the label preaches to the converted, with a large A 11%, C 78 (that’s calories) and S Sustainable.

The label states, 0% sugar, fat, carbs, protein, and it also is endorsed by Weight Watchers with its official WW 3 points value per serving. To say this wine is on trend would be an understatement. There are three options in the range: a fresh Sauvignon Blanc, a very drinkable red and the popular Grenache Rosé.

“Partnering with Maxol has elevated our business and allowed us to better serve our customers. Our Regional Manager has been invaluable to us, providing knowledge and expertise throughout. I would recommend Maxol to anyone and look forward to growing the business together in the years ahead”

Donal Hannon Maxol Newmarket, Cork.

Call one of our Regional Managers today to start fuelling your business.

Dermot Cogan 00353 (0)87 231 5122

Declan Murphy 00353 (0)83 371 6143

Norman Graham 0044 (0)79 4481 0038

Corrib Oil Castlebar officially reopens

CORRIB Oil officially re-opened their Castlebar store on February 28. The store, located at Humbert Way, Ring Road, re-opened in November after a six-week refurbishment. The site features a number of high-profile Irish and international retail offerings, including Spar, Insomnia Coffee and a brand-new concession with Zambrero, the global fast-food chain offering feel-good Mexican food. The new store also includes an on-site oil office, where customers can order their home heating oil while in-store.

“We’re excited to be officially re-opening our Castlebar store,” noted Gillian Morris, Head of Retail, Corrib Oil. “We have been growing our retail footprint over recent years, reflecting our firm focus on meeting the fuel, retail, home heating and food needs of local communities.

“The refurbishment of this site underscores the scale of our commitment. Working with partners like BWG, we’re committed to offering an enhanced and expanded service to all our customers, both here in Castlebar and across the

country.”

Manager of Corrib Oil’s Castlebar store, Sean Ryan, added, “This store supports 44 jobs locally, who are proud to be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, community-based business. Many of those team members have been with us for many years, and it’s a great honour that some of our longstanding Castlebar staff got to cut the ribbon last Friday.”

Earlier in February, Corrib Oil announced

plans to more than doublet their nationwide store presence to 100 by 2030, creating 1,200 new jobs across the country. That announcement came just weeks after Corrib announced a franchise partnership with quick-service restaurant brand, Wendy’s, which will bring 10 new quick-service restaurants to Ireland over the next two years, adding to Corrib’s growing retail and dining offerings.

Applegreen to open 20 new M&S Food stores this year

APPLEGREEN will open 20 new M&S Food stores this year, as part of a major expansion of their successful partnership with Marks & Spencer. Applegreen will make a multi-million-euro investment in the further roll-out of the M&S Food partnership this year, as each of the 20 new “shop-inshop” locations will undergo a bespoke upgrade to introduce the M&S brand. The expansion will mean that by year-end, Applegreen will be operating 41 M&S Food stores across the island of Ireland, with plans to further expand the network to 60 outlets in the medium term.

The first of the new M&S Food at Applegreen outlets opened in Ennis recently at Applegreen’s Limerick Road location.

“Our partnership with M&S has been working really well over the past two years, and we’re delighted to be bringing M&S Food at Applegreen to 20 additional

locations this year,” said Mark Ryan, Head of M&S Operations at Applegreen. “The expansion of our M&S Food partnership is one of the key elements of our growth plans in the Irish market, alongside further investment in our Braeburn Coffee brand, and significant investment in new and upgraded sites. We have a hugely

dedicated Applegreen team working on our plans to deliver another 20 new M&S Food stores this year and we also have significant support from our partners in M&S.”

“This expansion with Applegreen is terrific news for M&S customers across Ireland,” said Eddie Murphy, Country Director for M&S in Ireland and Northern Ireland. “We're bringing our trusted quality and delicious M&S Food range to even more locations, offering great value and convenience as part of this growing partnership with Applegreen. We’re particularly excited to be extending our Click & Collect service to these new stores, making it even easier for customers to access our clothing and home ranges.”

Staff at Corrib Oil Castlebar cutting the ribbon during the official reopening of the new look store.

Circle K receive Guaranteed Irish accreditation

CIRCLE K have been awarded the Guaranteed Irish symbol, recognising the company’s contribution to local employment, enterprise, and community investment across the country.

With 2,300 employees, 170 company-owned service stations, and a further network of 250 stations owned by independent retail partners, Circle K play a critical role in Ireland’s retail industry, providing not only essential services for customers but also long-term career opportunities from entry-level roles to leadership positions. Over the past year, the company has expanded its presence, created new employment opportunities and strengthened its support for local communities.

“We are proud to be recognised with the Guaranteed Irish symbol, as it reflects our deep commitment to Ireland, not just in terms of business operations, but in how we invest in jobs, communities, and the country’s longterm economic growth,” noted Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland. “Our 2,300 employees are at the heart of everything we do, and we remain focused on providing sustainable employment, career progression, and development opportunities across our network.

“Through significant investment in renewable energy, EV infrastructure, and lower-carbon fuels, we are also playing our part in Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable future. As we continue to grow, we will keep working to support our customers, communities, and partners in a way that delivers longterm benefits for Ireland.”

Celebrating Circle K’s Guaranteed Irish accreditation are Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, Sinead Mitchell, Head of Marketing & PR at Guaranteed Irish, and Gerry Casey, Circle K Express Castlebar, at Circle K Kill North.

Sinead Mitchell, Head of Marketing & PR at Guaranteed Irish, noted: “We are delighted to award the Guaranteed Irish symbol to Circle K, a company that exemplifies the values of supporting local employment, fostering community engagement, and promoting sustainable business practices. Their commitment to investing in Ireland's future not only benefits their employees and customers but also strengthens the wider community. We look forward to working closely with Circle K to further promote local enterprise and contribute positively to Ireland's economic and social wellbeing.”

Gerry Casey, a member of Circle K’s dealer partner network, added: “As a proud Circle K dealer partner, being part of this network has been a great support to our site, giving us access to a trusted brand and services that our customers rely on every day. The Guaranteed Irish accreditation reinforces the importance of local businesses and communities, and we’re delighted to see Circle K recognised for its commitment in this way. It’s a proud moment for all of us, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the backing of a strong and supportive network.”

Circle K have built a strong reputation as a major employer in Ireland, offering a variety of career paths and training initiatives that allow employees to progress within the business. The company actively invests in its people, promoting from within and providing leadership development programmes to help employee career development.

As part of their commitment to an inclusive workplace, Circle K have launched two new programmes: BeYou & BeWell. BeYou

focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and BeWell promotes mental and physical wellness in the workplace. The company was also nominated for two National Diversity & Inclusion Awards for Advancing Gender Equality and Advancing Disability Equality, recognising their ongoing efforts in this space.

As part of their commitment to long-term investment in Ireland, Circle K continue to grow their network and infrastructure. Circle K operate Ireland’s largest and most advanced EV charging network, with 14 EV charging locations currently live and an additional eight sites awaiting energisation. By May 2025, this network will expand to 25 live locations, with a further 20 sites in development, including five large-scale hubs featuring up to 10 chargers per site. In addition to their own network, Circle K customers can access EV charging at 54 locations nationwide through partnerships with Ionity, Tesla, and ESB.

Circle K have also committed to powering their operations with 100% Irish renewable solar energy, through an agreement with EDF Renewables Ireland, while they are also the largest provider of HVO100 renewable diesel in Ireland.

Circle K actively support local community initiatives and national partnerships that make a tangible difference. The company has a long-standing commitment to giving back, fostering inclusion, and investing in programmes that benefit Irish communities. As part of this commitment, Circle K have raised over €500,000 for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, and are also a strong supporter of grassroots sports. In partnership with the Football Association of Ireland, the company launched a €30,000 ‘Kits for Clubs’ giveaway, providing essential kit and equipment to local football teams across the country.

Looking after number one!

The Baby Food & Care sector is a valuable one, with new products with added benefits helping to drive sales.

BABY food in Ireland is set for stabilisation in prices over the coming years, with lowering average prices also supported by the gradual growth of cheaper brands and own brands, further stimulating pricing competition between branded players, according to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International.

Health and wellness trends continue to boost demand for functional and clean label products, according to Euromonitor, whose Product Claims and Positioning report on baby food in Ireland revealed that ‘no added sugar’ remained the most widespread dietary and health label in the category. Across baby and child-specific products, added value claims will drive retail value sales, as premiumisation rises, Euromonitor believe. The rising interest in sustainability will drive further product innovation in nature-identical ingredients that attempt to imitate natural compounds. They are synthetic but chemically identical to natural ingredients, thus protecting the environment

Cow & Gate

Cow & Gate has been trusted by Irish parents for over 100 years. Leveraging their expertise, Cow & Gate are excited

to introduce a new range of baby foods to support every parent in their baby's weaning journey.

Their new baby food range offers convenient and nutritious options, including pouches, cups, and jars, allowing parents to continue their Cow & Gate journey. With

Cow & Gate Foods - Fruit Pouches, part of the new First Spoons range.

part of the new First Spoons range.

Baby Food & Care

no added salt, sugar (contains naturally occurring sugars and salt only), or preservatives (no artificial preservatives as required by legislation), their foods provide a healthy start for little ones.

Retailers can benefit from stocking this trusted brand, known for its quality and commitment to baby nutrition. Cow & Gate’s expert team is also available to support customers as they begin introducing food to their babies, ensuring a seamless and reassuring experience.

Important notice; Breastfeeding is recommended from birth onwards with the introduction of appropriate weaning foods around six months and not before 17 weeks of age. Talk to your healthcare professional.

SMA Nutrition

SMA Nutrition recently pioneered a global category first by incorporating NaviLens technology into the packaging of their entire infant nutrition range. NaviLens technology is a game-changer, empowering visually impaired parents with formula feeding independence.

Gone are the days of struggling to find products or decipher tiny labels. With the all-important NaviLens technology, visually impaired parents and caregivers can now easily make informed purchasing decisions and get answers to their feeding queries, both in-store and at home. According to the latest Census data, almost 300,000 people live with sight loss in Ireland.

Scannable codes, similar to QR codes, have been integrated into all SMA packaging. When a visually impaired

shopper points their device towards the SMA product, their smartphone can detect the on-pack code from up to three metres away. This triggers their phone, and the customer can choose to access all product information including the ingredients, allergen, and recycling information read aloud in their phone's language, or view it on their device using accessibility tools.

Vicky Woods, Managing Director of Nestlé Nutrition UK and Ireland, said: “The breadth of the technology means visually impaired parents can independently choose, find, and understand all the onpack information they need should they decide to use formula. By providing the crucial instructions in 37 languages, the products become more accessible and user-friendly for those who aren’t native English speakers. Even sighted parents who are preparing night feeds and need someone to read preparation instructions in the early hours can benefit.

“Nestlé is tremendously proud to have worked closely with the NaviLens team to customise the user experience to be suitable for this unique category. We are also grateful for the support of the RNIB, whose advice has been invaluable in adopting this technology across our portfolio.”

John Worsfold, Head of Solutions

Innovation at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said: “Blind and partially sighted parents should have the same freedom, independence and choice as sighted customers when it comes to buying products and accessing onpack information. Currently, important information on packaging can often be in very small print, making it difficult or impossible for people with sight loss to read.

“Technology such as NaviLens is a game changer and allows blind and partially sighted people to independently identify and access key information on packaging. This is why we’re so pleased to collaborate with brands such as SMA Nutrition on our ongoing mission to highlight how the industry can raise its game and make packaging more accessible.”

Milton

The Milton brand, from Allegro, has a range of sterilising products for both baby and home, including a new Sterilising Starter

The Milton Sterilising Starter Kit from Allego comes with three of Milton's multi-award winning essential products: a baby bottle cleaner, a cold water unit and a pack of 28 sterilising tablets.

NaviLens technology allows visually impaired parents and caregivers to easily make informed purchasing decisions and get answers to their feeding queries, both instore and at home.

Kit, which contains everything new parents need to begin safely cleaning and sterilising baby's equipment. The Milton Cold water method of sterilising has been used by parents and healthcare professionals for over 75 years and has been specifically formulated to kill 99.9% of germs. This kit contains three of Milton's multiaward winning essential products: a baby bottle cleaner, a cold water unit and a pack of 28 sterilising tablets.

safefood for business is a FREE food safety eLearning tool for small businesses in the food industry - from manufacturing to catering and service.

Train your staff in basic food safety over 8 short and practical modules. Plus, you can track their progress across any device as they work towards a certificate of completion.

Scan the QR code to sign up for food safety training and get access to online resources

International Irish Whiskey Day celebrates export success

INTERNATIONAL

Irish Whiskey Day took place on March 3, and the Irish Whiskey Association celebrated by highlighting the sector’s continued success, with exports having surpassed €1 billion in 2024.

The Irish Whiskey Association also published its latest ‘Irish Whiskey in Numbers’ data set, illustrating the industry’s strong performance.

The latest figures from Bord Bia and the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) show that Irish Whiskey sales exceeded 15 million cases last year, reflecting sustained global demand. Notably, exports to India surged by 107%, making it the fastestgrowing market. “The success of the Irish Whiskey sector is due to the innovation, resilience and hard work of our Irish Whiskey producers – passionate distillers that are found in almost every county in Ireland, deeply proud of the heritage of Irish Whiskey,” noted Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association (pictured).

Coca-Cola HBC complete acquisition of BDS Vending

COCA-COLA HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland have completed the acquisition of BDS Vending Solutions Ltd, a well-established food and drink vending services business in Ireland, with a fleet of approximately 2,000 vending machines. This transaction is part of Coca-Cola HBC’s strategy to enhance their route-tomarket and direct-to-consumer capabilities and will provide new opportunities across their well-rounded snacks, cold and hot beverage portfolio. The transaction was approved by the CCPC.

“BDS Vending, together with Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, has the potential to transform the vending industry on the island of Ireland,” said Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland. “This acquisition will see our business bring agile ways of operating to the market, harness innovative technology, while also building capabilities in our route-to-market. In turn, we will offer our customers greater choice through our 24/7 portfolio and further enhance our consumer experience. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Coca-Cola HBC Group.”

Boann Distillery win at Icons of Whisky Ireland Awards

BOANN Distillery have emerged as double award winners at the prestigious Icons of Whisky Ireland Awards 2025, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dublin recently. The family-owned Meath distillery was honoured with Distiller of the Year in the Producer Category and Production Team of the Year in the People Category, cementing their reputation as a leader in the Irish whiskey industry. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion of our incredible team at Boann Distillery,” said Pat Cooney, founder of Boann Distillery. “Every bottle we produce is a reflection of our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. We are honoured to be acknowledged at such a prestigious event, and we look forward to representing Ireland in the global finals.” Pictured are James Cooney, Peter Cooney, Alex Witt, Andy Mooney, Paddy Cooney and Stephen Randles, some of the team behind Boann Distillery.

Britvic plant orchards at Newcastle West

JENNIFER Young and Sian Young, Sustainable Business and Corporate Affairs Director at Britvic Ireland, pictured at Ballygowan’s Newcastle West facility as staff took part in an orchard planting event to mark Britvic’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. The event follows the recent launch of Ballygowan Hint of Fruit Apple flavour, which is now available in selected retailers across Ireland and adds to the Ballygowan Hint of Fruit family, which already has flavours including Strawberry, Summer Fruits, and Mango and Passion Fruit. The planting of 16 pollinator-friendly native apple trees is a welcome addition to existing biodiversity and sustainability initiatives at the Newcastle West facility, including the use of 100% renewable electricity sourced from a wind farm in Tipperary. The Newcastle West site is also an official Area of Conservation for the native black honey-bee following the installation of five colony beehives last May to mark World Bee Day.

Powerscourt Distillery’s John Cashman joins World Whisky Hall of Fame

POWERSCOURT Distillery’s John Cashman, a distinguished figure in the Irish whiskey industry, has been announced as the 100th inductee into the prestigious Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. John's whiskey creations, including the latest World Whiskey awardwinning Fercullen Single Malt, have garnered accolades in international competitions, showcasing his exceptional talent and commitment to excellence. Powerscourt also took home nine awards at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards, with Fercullen Falls from Powerscourt Distillery named Ireland’s Best Blended, while they also received the Icons of WhiskySustainable Distillery of the Year Award, as well as Sustainable Officer of the Year for Siobhan Walsh.

Bushmills unveil oldest Irish single malt ever made

BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey have unveiled the oldest Irish single malt ever released: Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of the River Bush’. Meticulously cared for by two generations of whiskey makers, and matured for almost half a century in the Oloroso sherry butts from the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain, which imbue it with its deep and rich mahogany hue, this rare and precious Irish single malt is an artful marriage of Bushmills’ most elusive reserves, dating back to 1978. “This isn’t just a smooth, rare single malt whiskey, this is real history in the making,” said Alex Thomas, Bushmills Master Blender. “For 46 years, we’ve patiently watched over this remarkable liquid and witnessed it transform into this rich, dark beauty. This is Bushmills at its best.” The new whiskey is limited to 300 bottles, 38 of which are available in Ireland with an RRP of €12,000.

Jameson Triple Triple launched with music giveaway

JAMESON Triple Triple has landed in Ireland, bringing triple the smoothness, triple the depth, and now triple the unforgettable music experiences. To celebrate its arrival, Jameson are giving one lucky winner and two mates the chance to win VIP access to three of the best gigs of the year. Because when it comes to great whiskey, great music, and great nights out, three’s not a crowd; it's a party. With an exclusive St Patrick’s Day gig at Jameson Distillery Bow St, a peak summer festival and a winter pilgrimage to Other Voices 2025, this is the ultimate prize for music lovers who believe the best nights out come in threes. Jameson Triple Triple is triple distilled, triple cask, and, some say, triple smooth. This new whiskey introduces Bourbon and Sherry casks to hand-selected Chestnut casks, creating a match made in wood heaven.

Secretary of State visits Coca-Cola production facility

THE newly appointed General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, Simon Fitzpatrick, recently welcomed UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP to the company’s state-of-the-art production facility in Lisburn. During the Secretary of State’s visit, Simon highlighted Coca-Cola HBC’s commitment to fostering local talent, strengthening the capabilities and skills of its people to drive innovation and growth in the communities it serves: “Our long-standing business on this island emphasises our commitment to supporting the development of a stronger local economy for our customers, people, and communities.” Pictured welcoming the Secretary of State are Country Plant Manager, Kieran Given; Supply Chain Director, Joanna Sneddon; and newly appointed General Manager, Simon Fitzpatrick.

Redbreast teams up with Andrew Scott

REDBREAST, the world’s most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey, has partnered with BAFTA winner, Golden Globes and SAG nominee, Andrew Scott, and SXSW Film & TV Festival to shine a spotlight on films and filmmakers that deserve to be discovered. This exciting collaboration marks the launch of the ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ platform, part of the brand’s overarching global campaign ‘Quite the Find’, which celebrates the thrill of discovering hidden gems, just like that first sip of Redbreast Irish Whiskey. To kick off Redbreast’s partnership with SXSW, ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ will spotlight short film formats. “I’m delighted to be partnering with Redbreast on this campaign to encourage creativity and discovery worldwide,” said Andrew Scott, Brand Ambassador for Redbreast Irish Whiskey. “It’s been really fun to be part of, especially given their initiative to encourage filmmakers of the future, whose voices need to be supported now more than ever.”

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Employment Law

Síobhra Rush and Kate Walsh of Lewis Silkin review and update us on gender pay gap reporting requirements for retailers and what the new EU rules on pay transparency will mean once they come into effect.

Navigating the updates on gender pay gap reporting and pay transparency

GENDER pay gap reporting is no longer a novel concept, as large employers have been subject to these requirements since 2022. However, this year the threshold for reporting drops to organisations with 50 or more employees, making it relevant to significantly more retailers than before. With recent updates in Irish legislation and 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 gap reporting

By now, many retailers are already very familiar with the process for preparing their gender pay gap reports. For others, it is something that they are only getting to grips with this year, and without a central portal of reports (which was due to be put in place by government once reporting requirements started), it can be a daunting task to take on. Irish law requires employers to

report their gender pay gap under a number of headings each year, along with the measures that are being taken to eliminate or reduce the gap. The key gender pay gap statistics which employers are required to report on include:

• mean and median pay gaps; mean and median bonus gaps;

• the proportion of men and women that received bonuses;

• the proportion of men and women that received benefits in kind (BIK);

• the proportion of men and women in each of four equally sized quartiles.

These statistics must be contained in a report published no later than six months after the ‘snapshot date’, which can be any date in June that an employer chooses.

The Regulations set out in detail the process for calculating the data

required for the reports and they are supplemented by a Guidance Note on “How to calculate gender pay gap metrics” and “FAQs for employers”, both published by the Government. We understand the Government has issued a tender for the development of an online gender pay gap reporting portal, with development due to start soon.

New regulations from 2024

The Regulations were updated with effect from May 31, 2024, which provided some clarifications:

• The formula used to calculate an employee’s working hours was updated.

• There is a new definition of Basic Pay, so that share options and interests in shares are now treated as BIK, rather than bonus remuneration.

The Basic Pay definition also includes reporting of pay for those

employees on maternity, paternity, adoptive or parent’s leave.

Shares options and interests in shares:

As share options and interests in shares are excluded from an employee’s hourly remuneration (because they are a BIK), employers only need to calculate the percentage of male and female employees who received them.

Basic Pay calculation and certain types of leave:

The Basic Pay definition was amended to include payments made to employees while they are on adoptive, maternity, paternity and parent’s leave. This should include any social welfare benefits received by the employee and any salary “top-up” that the employer is paying for the period of leave.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive

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

While much of the focus of the Directive has been its impact on gender pay reporting, the obligations and potential implications extend far 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.

What’s more, while the gender pay reporting requirements only apply to

employers above certain headcount thresholds, some of the new rights that employees have 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 imposes far-reaching changes to the nature of data to be reported on

and once implemented here, it will require employers to report on gender pay gaps between “categories of workers” broken down by basic and variable pay.

Categorising employees in this way could potentially be a complex task in terms of addressing internal job scales/structures.

The Directive will also introduce changes to the consequences arising from reporting and impose more onerous obligations on

Employment Law

employers. For instance, where there is a gender pay gap of 5% or more between male and female workers in a category, and this cannot be objectively justified on a gender-neutral basis, and the unjustified difference has not been rectified within six months, it triggers a “joint pay assessment”. This will require the employer to co-operate 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. As such, we can expect to see a bigger role for employee representatives in the reporting process overall.

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 historyemployers 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 all workers, irrespective of the size of the employer. This information must be supplied by the employer within two months of the request. 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 clauses which prohibit employees from this type of disclosure will no longer be permitted.

Proposals for draft legislation implementing parts of the Directive

On January 15, 2025, the Irish Government published a General Scheme of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, which includes two provisions aimed at enhancing transparency prior to employment and transposing Article 5 of the EU Pay Transparency Directive.

Measures in relation to job advertising

The first measure proposed in the Bill requires employers to provide information about remuneration levels or ranges in job advertisements. This goes slightly further than the Directive, which does not state that this information must be published on the advert, but it is something that a candidate is entitled to ask for at any stage during the recruitment process.

It is still not clear exactly how detailed the information on pay range will need

to be, but we expect as this draft Bill progresses, it will ensure that employers cannot circumvent this new requirement by, for example, publishing very broad remuneration ranges.

Measures in relation to pay history

The second measure proposed in the draft Bill to improve pay transparency is that employers are prohibited from inquiring about job applicants’ previous pay or their current pay rates, in accordance with the Directive. This measure aims to prevent employers from continuing a practice which results in pay discrimination (even where it may have started elsewhere). At present, employers may inquire about an applicant’s current pay and base their offer on the information provided. However, if an applicant is a woman who faced pay discrimination in her previous job, this method would perpetuate the disparity in the new role. This new measure seeks to prevent this from happening.

What’s next?

As the newly formed Irish Government has yet to publish its updated legislation programme (which is expected in the coming weeks), it remains uncertain whether this draft Bill will progress in its current form to become a formal Bill and eventually law. It is possible we may see further initiatives, or variations of the draft Bill aimed at implementing the Directive.

About the authors: FOR further information on these topics, please contact Síobhra Rush, Partner of Employment Law, or Kate Walsh, Associate, 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.

Employment

In the meantime, in anticipation of the new measures, employers need to:

• In terms of job categorisation, the Directive requires Member States to give guidance and tools to employers to facilitate them in this exercise. However, it is worth addressing this now at an industry level if possible to get ahead of what’s required.

• Think carefully about remuneration ranges that will need to be included in job advertisements.

• If not already doing so, refrain from the practice of asking applicants about their current or previous pay.

• Consider how they will deal with pay information requests. This information must be provided within two months of the employee (or representative/body) making the request. Employers must

remind employees of their right to this information on an annual basis, making sure the right to access pay information will remain top of mind for employees.

• For the purpose of responding to pay information requests, employers will need to consider how they will identify which roles are “like work”, but also which are “of equal value”. In the latter, this could refer to two jobs which might be quite different but which, when properly analysed using job evaluation methodologies, can be determined to require the same level of skill, effort and decision making. This is crucial in retail, particularly given recent cases in the UK involving retailers (See www. lewissilkin.com/insights/2024/08/28/ next-retail-workers-win-equal-payclaims).

• Remove any restrictions on employees concerning pay discussions, if such policies or rules exist.

• Ultimately, employers need to start identifying and investigating pay gaps and areas where they could be exposed to allegations of bias or discrimination before this information is opened up to greater scrutiny.

Proposals across Europe

A few EU Member States have published their proposals on the implementation of the Directive with varied approaches. It is important for retailers with operations in different countries to keep on top of the differences in proposals in each Member State.

Conclusion

With the reduced thresholds for reporting this year, many more retailers than before need to look ahead and prepare for gender pay gap reporting. Now is also the time for retailers to start identifying and exploring any pay gaps and areas where they could be exposed before the information required by the Directive is opened up to greater scrutiny.

What’s New

NESCAFÉ LAUNCH NEW RANGE OF READYTO-DRINK ICED LATTES

NESCAFÉ are thrilled to reveal their latest launch, Nescafé Iced Latte. For the first time ever, shoppers can now find ready-todrink iced coffees in the ambient coffee aisle (where they usually find regular hot coffee products) in a brand-new multi-serve format! From May, consumers will be able to enjoy refreshing iced coffee moments in two delicious flavours, Iced Latte and Iced Caramel Flavour Latte, with three servings in each carton. These truly indulgent tasting lattes were specifically designed to be enjoyed cold and could not be easier to prepare. Simply shake the carton well to mix, prepare your chosen glass with ice and pour 250ml over it, then sip and enjoy! "We are so excited to be introducing the new Nescafé Iced Lattes to coffee lovers in Ireland,” noted Carol Anne Deasy, Nescafé Marketing Manager at Nestlé Ireland.

FANTA APPLE ZERO SUGAR LAUNCHES

FANTA has announced the launch of Fanta Apple Zero Sugar, a delicious new addition to the flavour portfolio, now available across Ireland. This exciting new flavour promises a rich and refreshing taste experience, designed to tantalise the taste buds of both loyal Fanta enthusiasts and those seeking a guilt-free, pickme-up moment. “We're thrilled to introduce Fanta Apple Zero Sugar to the Irish market,” said Allie Kaspruk, Fanta Brand Manager in Ireland at The Coca-Cola Company. “This new flavour embodies our commitment to innovation and providing consumers with a rainbow of options that cater to their evolving preferences. We know that people are looking for exciting and flavourful beverages that fit into their lifestyles, and Fanta Apple Zero Sugar delivers on that promise.”

CARAMICO PIZZA LAUNCHES IN IRELAND

CONSUMERS can have gooey, cheesy pizza paradise in their home with the new Caramico Pizza Company cookat-home pizza range. Caramico pizzas start with a 36-hour slowfermented sourdough base, and are expertly crafted, offering a variety of toppings that cater to both traditional and adventurous tastes. Whether consumers prefer the simplicity of a classic Margherita, Pepperoni, a hearty Meat Feast, or the delicious heat of the Spicy Pepperoni & Nduja with hot honey drizzle, Caramico Pizza promises bold and indulgent flavours that bring the takeaway experience to your home. Caramico Pizza Company’s range of oven pizzas are available in SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide.

LIDL PLUS LGFA CLUB REWARDS SCHEME

KITKAT AND NESCAFÉ TEAM UP FOR A NEW KIND OF COFFEE BREAK

TWO of Nestlé’s top brands, KitKat and Nescafé, have teamed up to create a delicious new mocha flavour KitKat. The new two-finger bar contains a crispy wafer biscuit covered in delicious coffee flavour chocolate. With 104 Calories per biscuit, they're a great treat to enjoy while taking those all-important breaks throughout the day! The bar is free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives and is suitable for vegetarians. “The rich, warming taste of Nescafé mocha flavour, combined with our classic KitKat two-finger chocolate biscuit, offers a perfect way to elevate your coffee break to a new level,” noted Maria McKenna, Confectionery Marketing Manager, Nestlé Ireland.

CONTINUING the momentum of their ‘Get Behind the Fight’ campaign to smash inequality in sport and provide #SeriousSupport to Ladies Gaelic Football, Lidl Ireland have announced the return of their Lidl Plus LGFA Club Rewards Scheme, which gives communities the chance to support their local clubs and earn rewards through their stamp card initiative. Lidl customers registered through the Lidl Plus app and signed up to be part of the rewards scheme to earn rewards for their local club – from Lidl sponsored jerseys to €5,000 in cash funding - with the top-performing club in the country scoring a cash prize of €50,000, and three runners-up earning up to €10,000 in funding. Dublin footballer Carla Rowe is pictured at the launch.