Retail News Magazine December/January 2023

2022 wasn’t the easiest year for any of us, with spiralling costs squeezing already tight margins, particularly the astonishing increases in energy costs, driven primarily by the war in Ukraine. While at the time of writing, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be any change in the situation in the foreseeable future, we have to hope that these unsustainable increases will eventually end and our energy bills will return to something approaching normality in 2023.

Ireland’s biggest grocery operators look back on the past 12 months in our annual Retail Groups Report, reflecting on the highs and lows of 2022, including the effects of the cost of living crisis on consumers and the retail trade, and looking ahead to what the new year will bring (Page 27-51).

Also inside, Maxol CEO Brian Donaldson explains the company’s new growth strategy, including a €100 million investment programme as part of their new 2023-2027 strategic plan (Page 16); Linda Hynes and Grace Walker of Lewis Silkin report on the key employment law developments over the last year, and preview the legislative changes coming down the tracks in 2023 (Page 22); and we reveal the winners of the ECR Shopper Awards (Page 52).

Finally, I’d like to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year and thank you all - retailers, wholesalers and suppliers - for your support of Retail News throughout the year.

Kathleen Belton

News

2 Retailers call for clarity on Deposit Return Scheme. 3 safefood appoints new Interim Chief Executive. 4

Circle K to fuel public sector vehicles; Dunnes secure Crossed Grain Trademark for own brand gluten-free range.  5 RGDATA slams Electric Ireland over price hikes; New IGBF President of Appeals revealed. 6 Government to further regulate sale of e-cigarettes; Ornua named Company of the Year for 2022 in Business & Finance Awards. 8

FSAI research explores online food shopping; Sea Fisheries regulator publishes annual report. 9

Grocery inflation in Ireland continues to hit record breaking high at 13.4%.

Maxol

16 Maxol Group CEO, Brian Donaldson, announced a €100 million investment programme as part of the company’s new 2023-2027 strategic plan, while also confirming a strong company performance for 2021, underpinned by unusual contributory factors, including the proliferation of staycations and people working from home.

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

20 Retail Ireland hosts Graduation Ceremony for the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme.

Employment Law

22 There have been a host of workplace and employment law developments in Ireland

over the past year, which looks set to continue in 2023, according to Linda Hynes and Grace Walker of Lewis Silkin, who highlight the main topics retailers should be aware of.

Retail Groups Report

27 Ireland’s retailers are well aware of the cost of living challenges facing consumers and are doing all in their power to keep prices low for shoppers, while simultaneously delivering on quality, sustainability and helping the most vulnerable in society through charity partnerships and food donations. The country’s biggest retail groups report on a busy but challenging year and look forward to what 2023 will bring.

ECR Shopper Conference and Awards

52 The ECR Shopper Conference and Awards took place recently, the first in-person event in three years, where finalists competed across three categories: the ECR Shopper Marketing Award, Digital Path to Purchase Award and ECR Category Management Award.

On The Vine

56 Jean Smullen looks back over 2022 in the wine trade, identifies the growth areas in Ireland and points out the challenges facing the wine industry in the years to come.

SuperValu Off Licence of the Year

60 SuperValu Bantry was the overall winner of the Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Award 2022.

Retailers call for clarity on

RETAILER representatives have described last month’s launch of a Deposit Return Scheme for bottles and cans as premature and misleading. “Not only that; it was illinformed,” said Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA). Environmental issues, retailer fees, lack of consultation, and fraud are some of the problems raised by the scheme that have not been addressed, according to retail groups we spoke to.

Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA, enquired: “How much will retailers get paid? How much will producers get paid? Who will do the sorting? Who will do the collection? What sophisticated IT system will manage it all? When will there be a communications campaign that will explain how it’s going to happen? There was no point in telling consumers now, when it’s not going to happen for another 14 months.”

Under the Deposit Return Scheme, which according to Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of State, will begin in February 2024, customers who buy beverages in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can, will pay a small deposit. This deposit will be refunded when the customer returns the empty container to a retailer and can be received in cash, donated to charity, or used as a voucher to purchase items in-store.

A government press release stated that “All producers and retailers are legally obliged to register with Re-turn… at www.re-turn.ie”. Minister Smyth said retailers will receive “a small fee” for managing these collections, which, according to Buckley, “takes into account time, staff time, training, energy costs and insurance. All of those elements have been put into the mix to try and deduct what the fee should be.”

However, a final decision on the fee has yet to be announced.

“The biggest issue for retailers is whether they are going to get a reverse vending machine (RVM) or not,” added Buckley. “It’s going to be extremely challenging for them to purchase or lease an RVM because of the cost. How can they invest in something that they’re not sure what the repayment will be? These are unanswered questions.”

In an interview with Newstalk 106108FM, Minister Smyth said: "We want all the shops in the country that sell drinks and cans to register at re-turn.ie, so that

we can go around and put those machines into the shops." Retailers suggest this statement was misleading.

“This was the biggest falsehood levelled in the launch by the Minister,” noted Jennings. “The vast majority of retail outlets will not have a reverse vending machine because of their price.”

CSNA, he said, consulted with Reverse Vending Machine producers, Tomra, who revealed that “RVMs cost, as a minimum, €15,000 per machine. The ones that compact bottles and cans go up to €40,000. If you listen to Ossian Smyth, it sounded like you would get a machine from Re-turn. That’s not the case.”

In the same interview, the Minister stated: "Smaller shops probably won't have a machine. They have the choice. If you're very small, just put [the containers] in a bag and the bag will be collected.” In this instance, a customer will bring an unlimited amount of containers and the shopkeeper will have to scan each one (assuming they are all valid), print out the receipt, and provide the customer with cash or a voucher.

Under the Scheme, returned containers are supposed to be clean. The process, however, raises environmental hazards. Buckley asked if “health or environmental inspectors will have issues with a bag of bottles and cans that held sugary or alcoholic drinks sitting in an

open bag in a fresh food store. Will it be an option for fresh food retailers to manually handle returned cans?”

Jennings said the CSNA raised these environmental questions with the Department but as yet, the questions have not been answered.

The process of accepting containers over-the-counter may also be time consuming. Under the Scheme, only PET plastic bottles, aluminium and steel cans from 150ml to three litres are included, while dairy products are excluded. There will be two rates on deposit returns: "15c up to a size of 500ml, and after that it is 25c”, according to the Minister.

The system could cause friction

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA.

Pictured at the launch of Aldi’s new Reverse Vending Machine in Naas in July 2022 are (l-r): Halina McNabb, Barnardos Ireland; Donald Mackay, Aldi Regional Managing Director; and Evie Sammon, Mayor of Naas.

Deposit Return Scheme

between retailer and customer, suggested Jennings: “If a machine doesn’t take your product, you can’t argue with a machine. That’s not necessarily the same with Mary behind the counter.”

Collection rates pose more additional unanswered questions. “Will you need a number of these bags filled before they are collected? If so, where do you store these bags?” queried Tara Buckley. Meanwhile, border retailers expressed concerns, on a recent episode of Joe Duffy’s Liveline, that the system may be open to fraud.

The containers will need to carry Re-turn logos in order to be accepted for deposit return. Will fraudsters across the border find a way to exchange Northern Irish products for cash?

Despite their dismay at the lack of detail in the launch, retailers support the Scheme’s environmental motivations. While other EU jurisdictions have collection rates of over 90% for single-

use plastic bottles, Ireland’s rate is only 60%. Under the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive, Ireland must ensure the separate collection of 77% of plastic beverage bottles placed on the market by 2025. This rises to 90% in 2030.

Some Irish supermarkets, including Aldi and Lidl have been trialling RVMs. Lidl Ireland described their trial as a success: customers recycled over 775,000 containers and customers collected over €68,000 in voucher payments. But is the Deposit Return Scheme as well prepared?

“There are a huge amount of people who haven’t even been consulted on this matter: fast food, hotels, bars, restaurants,” said Vincent Jennings. Tony Keohane, Chairperson of Deposit Return Scheme Ireland, said that green bins at homes will no longer be used for recycling bottles and cans when the Scheme is introduced in 2024. Consumers on Joe Duffy’s Liveline expressed their confusion

about the Scheme.

“It was premature telling people 14 months in advance,” said Tara Buckley. “I am on the board of Deposit Return Ireland. As a small retailer representative, I can assure you I have been making these points to them.”

Jennings suggested the creation of designated areas, such as schools, libraries, or municipal areas, where an RVM can hand out vouchers in return for scanned containers. These vouchers might then be used in local retail outlets.

“Re-turn needs to focus on getting the message out to retailers about their obligations,” concluded Buckley. “How is the scheme going to operate? How is it going to be cost neutral? And how they are going to manage it in an environmentally safe way?”

DRS Ireland did not respond to a request for comment before our print deadline.

safefood appoint new interim Chief Executive

DR Gary A. Kearney has been appointed as new interim Chief Executive of safefood, the body responsible for promoting food safety and healthy eating to consumers on the island of Ireland.

Gary will lead the North-South Body’s senior management team and 30 full-time staff promoting the importance of food safety and highlighting nutritional issues to consumers aimed at improving public health.

A highly experienced food safety expert, Gary has been with safefood since 2001 in roles including Laboratory Liaison Manager, Corporate Operations Manager and most recently, as the Director of Food Science since 2009.

“I’m extremely proud to step into the role of Chief Executive at safefood,” he said. “I want to use my experience and expertise to build on the organisation’s use of our high-quality research to promote a better understanding of food safety and healthy eating among the public and those working along the food supply chain across the island.”

Gary has a keen interest in the management of change, corporate governance, and staff development. “At safefood, it’s important we see the big picture in terms of how our work is informed by the latest research and evidence-base in food safety and nutrition; how we effectively develop, nurture and sustain co-operation with key partners in both Ireland and Northern Ireland; and finally, how we translate all that into communicating behaviour change to the public and with stakeholders across the food supply chain through our integrated marketing campaigns, training, and information services. I believe such a joined-up-approach will encourage best use of existing resources to obtain optimum value in order to protect public health.”

Dr Gary A. Kearney, interim Chief Executive of safefood.

Circle K to fuel public sector vehicles

CIRCLE K, Ireland's largest branded fuel card network, will now fuel vehicles operated by An Garda Siochána and across the public sector.

Following a competitive tender process by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), Circle K were awarded the new framework agreement for providing fuel card services to An Garda Siochána and all public sector bodies, excluding the Health Service Executive and the Health Sector. It includes County Councils, Prison Service, Defence Forces and many others. This contract commences in mid-December 2022 for four years.

“An Garda Síochána and Ireland's public sector bodies work to support communities throughout Ireland every day and at Circle K, with our market-leading network of service stations nationwide, we are delighted to be supporting them with this new contract,” noted Paul Balfe, Commercial & BCS Director for Circle K Ireland. “As a business, through our company-owned and dealer-operated sites, we have a presence in communities across the country, and we look forward to welcoming many of Ireland's vital public sector workers into our stores to refuel over the coming years.”

With a presence in every community, Circle K has the largest branded network in Ireland, with their Fuelcard being accepted

at over 475 locations, ensuring customers have choices and opportunities to service their business needs anywhere in the country.

Dunnes secure Crossed Grain Trademark for own brand gluten-free range

DUNNES Stores have become the first and only Irish food retailer to secure the coveted Crossed Grain Trademark for their own brand of gluten-free products. Now, Dunnes Stores and the Coeliac Society of Ireland have announced a new Christmas sponsorship deal involving the launch of the Gluten Free Christmas Hub 2022.

The certification represents safety and integrity, providing certainty that what is purchased at Dunnes Stores is manufactured to the highest standards. It also provides a quick reference point for customers when out shopping and removes uncertainty on the gluten-free status of a product.

“To be the first retailer in Ireland to receive the Crossed Grain Trademark is an honour and a privilege,” noted James Wilson, Food Director at Dunnes Stores. “All our customers are important to us and being able to reassure those who suffer particularly from coeliac disease and gluten intolerances of the highest quality and safest food products is a priority. We want to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy Christmas, for those who are hosting and may have someone who needs gluten-free solutions to those who suffer from coeliac disease and gluten customers who want to enjoy the festive season to the maximum.”

Over 10% of the Irish population cannot eat gluten for medical reasons. 2% of Irish people (102,000) are living with coeliac disease and almost 8% (408,000) with medically diagnosed gluten intolerance.

It can be difficult to enjoy Christmas when you are coeliac or gluten intolerant. With over 500,000 individuals falling into that category, Dunnes Stores have teamed up with the Coeliac Society of Ireland to lead the way in demonstrating how you can have a tasty, enjoyable festive season with friends and family without the fear of being ill as a result.

Dunnes Stores’ new Christmas Hub 2022 is available online to all coeliac sufferers and those who are gluten intolerant. The Hub is packed with information and practical advice from health and nutrition experts, as well as important tips, tasty recipes, and cookalong videos from top chefs. It also provides helpful hints about staying healthy over the festive season. Most importantly, there is clear information on how to prepare food safely to avoid crosscontamination with foods that contain gluten – allowing everyone to cater for guests who have to live and thrive gluten-free.

The Christmas hub can be located at www.coeliac.ie/christmashub

Paul Balfe, Commercial & BCS Director for Circle K Ireland.

Pictured are (l-r): Frances Buckley, Coeliac Society of Ireland Consultant Food Advisor; Vincent Healy, Section Buyer, Dry Grocery Dept, Dunnes Stores; and Gill Brennan, CEO, Coeliac Society of Ireland.

RGDATA slams Electric Ireland over price hikes

RGDATA has called on the Government to intervene and block the Electric Ireland price increases due to take effect next month. The trade organisation has claimed that the pending Electric Ireland increases will directly obliterate the benefit of support being provided to SMEs through the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme. RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley said that it is nonsensical for one arm of the State to be giving support to manage energy costs, while another State-owned body is hiking electricity costs to unprecedented levels.

“If the Government can block toll price increases by private companies, they must have the ability to block electricity price hikes by a State-owned entity - Electric Ireland,” argued Tara Buckley. “It is completely farcical that in a week where the Government is advising businesses to sign up for the TBESS scheme, a State-owned company, Electric Ireland is effectively grabbing the benefit of these increases by jacking up rates. The Government cannot stand by as a passive bystander on this issue and must intervene and block these increases immediately.”

Buckley said that it is not an option for the Government to decline to

get involved in blocking the cost hikes – and pointed out a range of different instances where Government pressure managed to stop corporate moves that were not in the interests of consumers.

“This week we saw the Government act to block increases in toll road charges which were sought by toll operators,” she said. “We also saw the Government force AIB to abandon plans to restrict services available from branches earlier this year. Surely the Government has the wherewithal to compel Electric Ireland, a subsidiary of the State-owned ESB to stop hiking prices. Otherwise, the Government supports for business will merely flow straight into the coffers of one State-owned company from the Exchequer.”

RGDATA said that it is already clear that the current level of State support for SMEs to cope with energy costs would be inadequate and that new measures will be required as a matter of urgency. The organisation welcomed the TBESS but said that it needs to be backdated to earlier in the year when prices started to increase and the current cap of €10,000 per month support needs to be revised upwards to take account of recent cost increases and the increased demand load over the winter period.

“Make no mistake – otherwise viable businesses will close if the Government does not step up with effective supports for business to tackle energy costs,” Tara Buckley concluded. “Most of the retailers that RGDATA represents have seen energy costs rise by over 300% since March 2022. They cannot absorb these hikes and need help to make it through the current energy challenges. If that help is not forthcoming, then many shops and jobs will not survive.”

RGDATA is sending an updated Action Plan on energy costs to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, and Damien English TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for the Retail Sector. RGDATA pointed out that there are a range of interventions that the Government can take which will make a decisive difference in tackling energy costs for SMEs.

New IGBF President of Appeals revealed

TESCO Ireland’s Commercial Director, Joe Manning, has been named President of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF). Joe replaces outgoing president Kevin Keating of Tennant & Ruttle, who has been in the role for the past 12 months.

“It’s my honour to serve as President of Appeals of the IGBF for 2023,” said Joe Manning. “Throughout my career in the industry, the IGBF has been an integral part of the retail landscape, providing essential help to those in need. Now more than ever, the role of the hardship fund is as important as it was when it began 59 years ago. It’s a testament to the long-standing members of the industry who have ensured that we look after our industry’s members, spouses and bereaved families right across the country. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and doing my part to support.”

In his role as Commercial Director with Tesco, Joe is responsible for ensuring the integrated commercial success of the business in Ireland. Having worked across a variety of commercial roles in Ireland and the UK for Cadbury/Mondelez International, Joe joined Tesco in 2014 as Ambient Category Director, before assuming the role of Fresh Director in April 2017. Joe was then appointed Commercial Director in 2018. In

addition to the commercial strategy, Joe oversees Sourcing and Food Waste elements of Tesco’s ESG strategy, supplier relationships and its support of Irish agribusiness. Joe is also a board member of Repak.

Joe Manning, IGBF President of Appeals and Tesco Ireland Commercial Director.

Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General.

Government to further regulate sale of e-cigarettes

The proposals will be incorporated into the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill which is currently being drafted. The Bill is expected to be finalised and published by year-end. The legislation will be designed to regulate any product that can be used for the consumption of nicotinecontaining vapour or any component of that product.

The Bill already contains measures to ban the sale of nicotine inhaling products to those under the age of 18 and to introduce a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products. Other measures contained in the Bill include:

• prohibiting the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products by persons under 18 years of age;

THE Government is set to add further regulations to the sale of e-cigarettes. Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, and the Minister for Public Health, Frank Feighan TD, recently received Government approval to introduce additional restrictions on the sale and advertising of nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes.

Under the new proposals, the sale of e-cigarettes (and related nicotine inhaling products) will be prohibited from self-service vending machines, from temporary or mobile premises and at places or events for children. In addition, advertisements for e-cigarettes will be prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and near schools.

• prohibiting the sale of tobacco products from self-service vending machines, from temporary or mobile units and at events or locations for children;

• introducing minimum suspension periods for retailers convicted of offences;

• introducing fixed penalty notices for offences.

“These measures are designed to protect our children and young people from starting to vape,” noted Minister Donnelly. “We recognise that nicotine is a highly addictive drug, and we are acting today to make these products less accessible to our young people and to remove the advertising for these products from our children’s everyday lives.”

Ornua named Company of the Year for 2022 in Business & Finance Awards

ORNUA were awarded the prestigious Company of the Year award for 2022 at this year’s Business & Finance Awards in association with KPMG.

Ornua CEO John Jordan accepted the award on behalf of the business at the gala award ceremony, held in Dublin’s Convention Centre, and attended by leading political, international business, and social leaders, including President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, among other distinguished guests.

Speaking about the recognition, John Jordan said: “Thank you to my colleagues at Ornua, our members, and the 14,000 Irish farming families we are proud to represent. Our success is down to their continuous commitment and dedication. An incredible achievement in a poignant year for us, having celebrated 60 years in the business just last year.”

Seamus Hand, Managing Partner, KPMG Ireland, presents Ornua CEO John Jordan with the 2022 Company of the Year Award, alongside Business & Finance President Ian Hyland.

FROM OUR TEAM TO YOURS, THANK YOU

The past 12 months have been challenging. Pandemic restrictions thankfully came to an end, only to give way to inflation and increased energy costs that are putting pressure on consumers and businesses large and small. Once again, it has been a year that has forced us all to rethink, adjust and adapt.

Retailers have been at the front lines of these recent challenges, playing a vital role at the very heart of Irish commercial and community life across the country. In convenience stores, supermarkets and forecourts throughout Ireland you continue to provide an invaluable service through difficult times, always delivered with absolute professionalism.

The JTI Ireland team is exceptionally proud to work closely with all of our trade partners and support you to provide the best service possible, in good times and bad. This is an absolute commitment. As 2022 draws to a close we have a simple message to share: from our team to yours, thank you.

FSAI research explores online food shopping

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) Food Safety Consultative Council recently hosted an open meeting to discuss online sales of food, from the consumer, the regulator and the industry’s perspectives. ‘Click and eat - what’s cooking in online food delivery?’ also explored the rapid development in the availability of food delivery options available since the Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted the importance of securing consumers’ trust that food hygiene practices and food safety legislation are being adhered to, regardless of the journey food may take to reach the consumer. Over 240 people registered for the virtual event, with Irish and international speakers from the FSAI and representatives from Deliveroo, Manna Drone Delivery, and Dropchef.

Recent research carried out by the FSAI showed that 60% of consumers surveyed trust that the food they buy/order online from grocery food shops and takeaways is safe to eat, with 35% trusting that the food is safe to eat from online shopper services and 21% from social media pages/groups (Research was carried out by Coyne Research between October 20 and November 1, 2022, with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults in Ireland).

Covid-19 saw the emergence of new shopping trends, and the research also shows almost two in five (37%) have ordered food online from a supermarket or other retail outlets, with over three in five of these respondents claiming to use the service at least once a month. Meanwhile, convenience is key for those opting to order a takeaway online, with four in five claiming this to be the number one reason.

Chaired by Suzanne Campbell, author and journalist, the event also offered insights into the impact technology continues to have on the food journey process, as the traditional model of consumers travelling to restaurants, shops or supermarkets is now joined by many food businesses using social media, websites, online marketplaces and apps to meet consumer demands.

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, outlined the importance of food safety remaining front and centre of the food journey, regardless of advances in technology or delivery methods: “Although consumers have more choices and convenience options than ever before, they are also being asked to place a higher level of trust in operators when they order food online. There must be a steadfast trust that all those involved in supplying, producing, marketing and delivering will adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene on an ongoing basis. Quite simply, consumers have a right to safe food, no matter where they buy it from. While this is undoubtedly an exciting time for innovation, with huge opportunities to use technology to grow food businesses and offer new production, preparation and delivery models, those opportunities also bring operational, regulatory and food safety challenges.

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI.

“At the FSAI, we continue to explore ways in which we can evolve our regulatory approach, to improve transparency for consumers to support them in making informed choices, and work with businesses with the common goal of ensuring safe and trustworthy food.”

Sea Fisheries regulator publishes annual report

THE Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), Ireland’s competent regulatory authority for the regulation of seafisheries and seafood safety, has published its annual report for 2021. The report details the significant programme of work undertaken by the SFPA to promote compliance with the EU Common Fisheries Policy, sea-fisheries legislation and seafood safety law, all with the goal of ensuring the future sustainability of Ireland’s marine resources and assuring public trust in the quality and provenance of seafood.

During 2021, the SFPA invested significant time and resources to ensure regulatory preparedness and compliance with EU sea-fisheries legislation and fisheries conservation control following

the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.

Throughout 2021, the SFPA oversaw regulatory compliance and controls for over 47,000 landings with an estimated value of over €435 million.

The SFPA continued to deliver on its remit to ensure the enforcement of seafood safety law up to the point of retail. This included overseeing food safety compliance across 2,711 food business operators, with 2,221 food safety inspections carried out.

“Ireland has a strong reputation for top quality seafood and an effective regulatory control system, promoting compliance with sea-fisheries and seafood safety law, underpins this,” noted Paschal Hayes, Executive Chairperson, SFPA.

Paschal Hayes, Executive Chair, SFPA.

Grocery inflation in Ireland continues to hit record breaking high at 13.4%

TAKE-home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 5% in the four weeks to October 30, 2022, driven primarily by an 8.5% increase in the average prices paid by shoppers, according to the latest figures from Kantar.

In the last 12 weeks to October 30, 2022, grocery inflation rose to another record-breaking high of 13.4%, as grocery sales increased by 4.7%, thanks to a 4.3% rise in shoppers returning to store and an 8.7% increase in price per pack, contributing an additional €115 million to overall market performance.

In the last month, online sales saw a return to growth, up 13.1%, with two important factors driving this increase in sales. The first is a rise in the number of new shoppers contributing €2.4 million to the channel’s overall performance, followed by an increase in the average number of online shopping trips by young families, sitting at 11 compared to just four last year.

“As food and drink prices continue to climb alongside a rise in household bills, the impact on shoppers’ budgets is unavoidable for many Irish consumers,” explains Emer Healy, Senior Retail Analyst at Kantar. “With inflation standing at 13.4% for October, the average annual grocery bill will go from €7,019 to €7,960 – an increase of €941 a year if consumers don’t make changes to what they buy and where they shop. At a basket level, that’s an extra €3.80 on top of the cost of the average shopping trip, which currently stands at €28.20. Irish households are looking to manage budgets through a ‘little and often’ approach to shopping. On average, families are adding one extra trip per month; we’re seeing a 9% increase in these smaller trips where less than €30 is spent. In comparison, the extra-large shopping trips where households spend more than €150 have declined by 4%.”

Sales of own label jumped 9.4% over the latest 12 weeks with shoppers spending an additional €115 million year-on-year. Own label now accounts for almost half (46%) of the overall grocery market in Ireland. Value own label ranges saw the strongest growth, up 27% with shoppers spending €13.3 million more year-on-year. Dairy products have the biggest market share (42.2%) within these value ranges.

“It’s interesting that shoppers are also beginning to seek out premium own label offerings as they move their out-of-home spend in-home as a means of controlling their discretionary spending,” notes Emer Healy. “As a result, shoppers are spending an additional €5.3 million on premium offerings, including spending an additional €902k on toiletries, €800k on fruit and €676k on chilled ready meals.”

Halloween brought some festive relief for consumers; while only 18% of households bought a pumpkin this year, compared to 24% in 2021, Irish consumers still spent an additional €2.2 million on chocolate confectionery and crisps and €1.8 million on sugar confectionery.

While it seems that Christmas starts earlier and earlier every year, this year fewer people are stocking up for Christmas in October. “This time last year, 30% of Irish households had already purchased seasonal biscuits, whereas only 23% have this year. And this also rings true with chocolate, as shoppers are spending €2.1 million less on gifting chocolate and €1.2 million less on seasonal chocolate. The exception to this is mince pies, as consumers have already spent an additional €220k on these festive treats compared to this time last year”, comments Emer Healy.

Retailers seeing growth during the period are meeting consumer demand for better deals through own label products and by offering shoppers club card or vouchering for shoppers while in-store.

Dunnes have the biggest share of the market at 23.1%, growing 7.8% year-on-year. This growth stems from a 3.5% increase in new

shoppers to store, contributing an additional €35.1 million to their performance.

Tesco hold 21.9% of the market, increasing by 0.4% compared with last year. Sales growth of 6.6% has been boosted by more frequent return trips by customers. SuperValu posted particularly strong results across the first year of the Covid pandemic and the latest data is the first period of growth since April 2021, with sales up by 0.5%.

Lidl claim 13.1% share, growing 7.3% year-on-year as new shoppers in store and existing shoppers returning more often contributed a combined additional €17.7 million to the overall performance. Aldi hold 12.7% of the market, growing 3.5% yearon-year, with existing shoppers returning to store more often contributing to their overall performance.

RETAILERS, BE AWARE

Centra announce trial with Too

Good To Go

CENTRA have partnered with food waste management company, Too Good To Go, in an effort to combat food waste. The new trial has been introduced to a select number of Centra stores across Ireland, with more locations to be added over the coming months. The partnership gives sustainability and value-focused customers the opportunity to purchase ‘Surprise Bags’ of surplus food via the Too Good To Go app at a reduced price. Customers simply reserve their Surprise Bag on the app, collect from their local store at a pre-set time to take home, and in doing so, save food from being wasted. “Centra’s collaboration with Too Good To Go is a great solution for the conscious consumer,” noted Ian Allen, Managing Director, Centra. “It’s practical, easy to use and offers great value. This food waste initiative adds to Centra’s existing sustainability efforts on food waste, energy efficiency and packaging.” Pictured announcing the trial at Centra Parnell Street, Dublin, are store owner Noel Dunne, with Patrick McKinney, Too Good To Go.

Tesco Ballybane opens for business after renovation

Coca-Cola launch Designated Driver campaign

TESCO Ireland recently opened the doors of their newest store at Ballybane, Co. Galway, after an extensive renovation. The store measures just over 7,000 square feet and the retailer is promising customers a brand-new shopping experience, with access to a wide variety of fresh Irish produce, as well as quality products from a host of local suppliers. The new store was officially opened by store manager and Mervue native Patricia Rabbitte, who said: “This is an exciting day for me and the entire team. We are really looking forward to welcoming the community back with open arms, and we hope that customers will enjoy their shopping experience with us." Patricia was joined at the official opening by Regional Director Shane Faherty, Area Manager Alan Coughlan, and store colleagues Kristina Malone and Karina Macleod.

AS the Christmas season returns in full swing for the first time in two years, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, together with 2FM broadcaster Carl Mullan, announced the return of their Designated Driver campaign for the 18th year. The campaign seeks to reward the Designated Drivers who stay sober on nights out to ensure friends and family get home safely with two free soft drinks or water from the Coca-Cola range. This year, Designated Drivers can also avail of free parking and a full car valet at Q-Park Car Parks in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Belfast every weekend during the month of December. For more information on Designated Driver 2022 and details of participating venues, download the Coca-Cola App. Carl Mullan is pictured at the launch with Minister of State for Transport, Environment & Justice, Hildegarde Naughton TD.

LIDL Ireland have announced a new contract extension worth more than €1 million with Lakeland Dairies, Co. Cavan. This new deal will see the Killeshandra-based dairy co-op supply a core range of ice cream products, including an exclusive festive Deluxe ice cream range, to Lidl stores nationwide this Christmas. Lakeland Dairies currently supply an existing assortment of Irish butter and milk products to Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland stores that is worth over €18 million. Pictured at the announcement are Emma Purcell, Buyer, Lidl Ireland; Tommy O’Donoghue, Head of Consumer Foods, Lakeland Dairies; and Brendan Conway, Buying Director - Food, Lidl Ireland.

Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post sponsor Christmas FM

CHRISTMAS FM, the well-loved Christmas radio station that kicks off the festive season around Ireland, have revealed that Cadbury, Coca Cola and An Post are on board again this year as Premier FM Sponsors for the radio station. This year, Christmas FM launched ‘The Magic of Christmas’ fundraising initiative which brings together Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and The Community Foundation for Ireland as their official charity partners for the next three years, over which time they hope to raise over €1 million. Pictured are Richard Miley, Marketing Communications Lead of An Post Mails and Parcels; Rebekah Hitchmough, Brand Manager at The Coca-Cola Company, and Garvan Rigby, co-founder of Christmas FM.

Lidl sign €1 million deal with Lakeland Dairies

Dear Retail & Wholesaler Partners,

As we approach the festive season, on behalf of John Player, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your hard work & continued support throughout 2022.

Once again, you have continued to deliver a seamless service to our valued consumers and, equally, to all of our trade customers. We have very much enjoyed working collaboratively with you in 2022 and we look forward to working even closer with you again in 2023.

I wish each of you & your families a very Happy Christmas and a very successful 2023.

Happy Christmas

Morgan Lee - Market Manager

with best wishes from all at John Player

Gala support for Polar Plunge

NIALL Quinn, former Irish international soccer player and Special Olympics Ambassador, is calling on people from across Ireland to get ‘Freezin’ For A Reason’ this December by taking part in Special Olympics Ireland’s Polar Plunge, which is proudly supported by Gala Retail. Niall is pictured with Special Olympics athletes (front, l-r): Jacob McKenna, Nicola Redmond and Eoin O'Connell for the launch. Jacob will be competing as part of Team Ireland in the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin. “As a proud sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala Retail is proud to support the Special Olympics Polar Plunge for a second year running,” noted Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail. “This fantastic annual event raises funds to support Special Olympics Clubs across Ireland and will help Special Olympics Team Ireland athletes on their journey to the 2023 World Games in Berlin.”

Ballymaloe Foods acquire MamaBear Foods

THERE could be a rare find hiding in Quality Street packs this Christmas after a shortage of foil meant two of the assortment's most famous sweets were temporarily wrapped in different colours. A limited run of Quality Street products, including tubs, pouches and cartons, will include the famous hazelnut noisette (green) triangle wrapped in an unfamiliar gold colour, while Quality Street fans might find the octagonal orange crunch decked in a dark bronze foil. The chocolates themselves remain entirely unchanged and identical in every way to those normally wrapped in orange and green. Quality Street's Senior Brand Manager, Jemma Handley, said: "I promise this isn't a publicity stunt…We simply didn't have enough of the right coloured foil to cover the production run of the two sweets in question and, rather than leave them out of the selection altogether, we decided to use different colours for a very limited period."

BALLYMALOE Foods have successfully completed their first business acquisition by acquiring MamaBear Foods. The deal was finalised by sisters Maxine and Rosaleen Hyde of Ballymaloe Foods, and Loretta Kennedy, the founder of MamaBear Foods, all pictured. MamaBear Foods produce a range of healthy ketchups and pasta sauces for the family, while Ballymaloe Foods are famous for their relish

will work together to grow

healthy and family-friendly

Lindt Ireland open Dublin pop-up shop

LINDT Ireland have opened a pop-up shop in South Anne Street in Dublin just in time for Christmas, so city centre shoppers can get their hands on all their Lindt favourites. The store will offer an array of luxury chocolates from Lindt, including bars, sharing boxes and gifts, from smooth melting Lindor truffles to careful blends of cocoa in Lindt Excellence and the iconic Lindt Teddy at Christmas. The store will also have a dedicated Lindor pick n’ mix section (pictured).

Aldi open new store in Mountbellew

PICTURED here are Anne Rabitte TD, Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth at the Department of Health, with Jolita Mazulyte, Store Manager, and Becca Connolly, Katie Mannion and Josh Brennan at Aldi’s newly opened store in Mountbellew, Co. Galway. The €7 million store is Aldi’s 11th in the county and has created up to 15 new permanent jobs in the local area, as part of a continuing €63 million expansion programme in the West of Ireland. The store has been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible, powered by 100% green electricity and featuring solar panels on the roof of the store.

When is a green triangle not a green triangle?

and award-winning condiments. The three mums

the MamaBear Foods business and expand the range of

products.

Local Stores, Local Communities, National Impact

We want you to be a part of this journey, so contact Sean Lavin to learn more about Londis and our new era of retail.

Industry News

OVER 1,200 people from Ireland’s grocery industry gathered at the Clayton Burlington Hotel for the 2022 Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Xmas Lunch on December 3 to raise funds for the industry charity. Now in its 59th year, this lunch event, the biggest in the IGBF social calendar, again officially marks the countdown to Xmas for the trade and brings together suppliers, retailers, and support companies to raise valuable funds for the charity.

Organised by Hotel Solutions DMC, and hosted by Marty Whelan, this year’s event saw entertainment by the XOD Dance Troop, and light-hearted fun on the day with the introduction of the ‘IGBF Christmas Jumper ‘competition.

Kindly sponsored by the National Lottery and PRM, the annual event continues to be the biggest single fundraiser for the IGBF thanks to the participation and support of the trade. Commenting on the day, Kevin Keating, the outgoing IGBF President of Appeals thanked attendees and sponsors for their on-going generosity: “Having been severely impacted in our ability to host live events by the Covid-19 pandemic for the past two years, returning to a full calendar for 2022 has been fantastic for the IGBF charity. This year, it has been our pleasure to welcome back some of the charity’s firm staples in our calendar such as the IGBF Sports Lunch, TWIG’s networking lunch, the Grocers Fun Run, our many regional golf and ball events and of course our annual Xmas lunch. These events give us as an industry a chance to bring our grocery community together face-to-face while raising much-needed funds for a very worthwhile cause.”

Frances Higgins, Chairperson of the IGBF, announced the IGBF's new President of Appeals for 2023, Joe Manning, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland, wishing him well in his new role. Reflecting on her first year as Chairperson, Frances

also noted “Yet again, we have been blessed by the generous ongoing support of the trade and of our sponsors at key events throughout the year. It is only through this support by our colleagues within the grocery sector that we as a charity can provide financial relief to members of the industry and their families, who find themselves in need of assistance”.

For further information on the IGBF and its activities for 2023, please visit www.igbf.ie

Pictured are Frances Higgins, IGBF Chairperson; in-coming President of Appeals Joe Manning, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland; outgoing IGBF President of Appeals Kevin Keating, Managing Director, Tennant & Ruttle; Gus O’Reilly, Executive Secretary; and Redmond Gavin, IGBF Vice Chairperson and Wine Director, Comans, at the annual IGBF Xmas lunch.

BWG Foods launch sustainable delivery fleet

BWG Foods have announced a significant €2 million expansion to their increasingly low carbon delivery fleet through the addition of 10 new bio-methane powered HGVs (Heavy Good Vehicles), adding to their existing fleet of two biogas trucks, which were originally launched in 2020 as part of a pioneering company programme to test innovative low carbon technologies across the business’ distribution operations. The new HGV trucks are fuelled with bio-methane in place of traditional diesel fuel, with the biogas being produced through the natural breakdown of food and sewage waste. BWG Foods contribute nonconsumable food waste from their distribution operations, including their 240,000 square feet National Distribution Centre in Dublin, to produce biogas fuel for their new biogas vehicles at Generation Green’s biogas production site at Nurney in Kildare, making this a circular solution that is unique in Ireland. Pictured are (l-r): Mark Crowe, Head of Transport, BWG Foods; Simon Marriott, Chief Operations Officer, BWG Foods; Billy Costello, Director, Generation Green; Joanne Mellon, Logistics Director, BWG Foods; and Aidan Keane, Chief Finance Officer, BWG Group.

THE first Guinness 19-tonne electric keg delivery truck, a Volvo FE Electric, is pictured at St James’ Gate, ready to deliver Guinness to pubs in Dublin in preparation for the festive season. “We hope to have all four of these vehicles on the road before the end of the 2022, delivering beautiful pints of Guinness to Dublin pubs over the of the festive season and beyond,” noted Diageo’s Managing Director, Barry O’Sullivan.

Guinness go electric!

Maxol Maxol to invest € 100 million in store development

Maxol have announced a €100 million investment programme as part of new growth strategy, according to Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group CEO.

THE Maxol Group have announced a €100 million investment programme as part of the company’s new 2023-2027 strategic plan. The announcement was made by Maxol Group CEO, Brian Donaldson, who confirmed a strong company performance for 2021, underpinned by unusual contributory factors including the proliferation of staycations and people working from home.

Newly released figures for the company for 2021 show a profit before exceptional items of €26.9 million, an increase of 57% on 2020 (€17.1 million).

While acknowledging that the trends which emerged during the pandemic provided “a Covid bounce”,” Brian Donaldson stresses that “it is Maxol’s long-term investment strategy that has been instrumental in driving the company’s performance in 2021 and indeed, the 2022 period to date.”

Heavy investment

Since 2018, Maxol have invested approximately €87 million in the redevelopment of existing sites, the acquisition of new sites, the introduction of sustainability measures across the business and the development of their fresh and chilled food offering.

Redevelopments generally result in larger retail and forecourt space, new or additional indoor and outdoor seating areas, more parking spaces, additional staff and proprietary offers such as Rosa coffee, the Maxol Deli and Premium fuels. Despite Covid-19 putting the company’s capital investment programme on hold for much of 2021, the business still succeeded in investing €7 million across seven sites.

2022 will account for €12.5 million worth of capital expenditure, with Maxol sites in Kilkenny and Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, being the most recent beneficiaries, where a spend of €2.8

million has resulted in bigger, brighter, lower carbon footprint stores, more parking and more food-to-go and eat-in options for customers.

Five-year strategic plan 2023-2027 Maxol are entering a new strategic era, as the business continues to prepare for the transition to lower emission vehicles.

“We are building on the good work and consistent investment of the past five years and have created a blueprint for how we will continue to transition the business in line with the reduction in fossil fuel sales and the rise in low and zero emission vehicles,” notes Brian Donaldson. “To achieve this, we have ringfenced €100 million, which is a significant commitment for a family-owned Irish business, that demonstrates the scale of our ambition.”

Brian Donaldson confirmed that under the new strategic plan, Maxol hope to acquire a number of new sites in 2023, which could result in the business growing to 250 service stations across Ireland.

In addition to site acquisition and streamlining operational efficiencies through technology, the planned €100 million investment plan will also be geared towards growing Maxol’s non-fuel incomes, with a focus on food and convenience retail. In light of this, Brian believes that current retail planning guidelines, which were introduced in 2012, and outline caps on retail space, need to be changed, maintaining that they are no longer relevant.

“At the moment our sector has a cap on retail floorspace of 100m² irrespective of location,” Brian reveals. “These retail planning guidelines not been reviewed since 2012, so they’re very much out of date and our sector has changed considerably as we make the move from fuel to food. Retail stores in other sectors

have much higher caps: in Dublin the cap is at 4,000m² and it’s 3,500m² in the cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Today we’re calling for the cap on retail space in our sector to be removed.”

Supporting local producers

Maxol aim to extend the number of Burger King drive-thru’s in their network from three to nine and will continue to develop their food credentials, with more fresh food-to-go and take-home meal solutions, while offering more high quality, locally sourced and produced goods.

“Supporting local has always been a priority for Maxol and I strongly believe we have a responsibility to spotlight indigenous producers wherever possible,” says Brian Donaldson. “Maxol have joined the Champion Green movement that backs local businesses, and we are finalising plans for a new initiative that will give even more local businesses an opportunity to have their products on sale at Maxol sites around the country.

“Our food and convenience retail offerings are becoming more important to the business as we see more people shopping local more often, due in part to the emergence of the hybrid working

model. This shift in consumer behaviour began during Covid-19 but has endured as people continue to support local. We have laid the foundations for future growth by the way in which we have planned our stores, which are conveniently located in towns and villages and run by local people for local people.”

Challenging outlook for 2023

According to Brian, 2023 will present a more challenging business environment, as the big issue of energy costs remains a priority for households and businesses alike: “Like every other business, we are operating in a highly volatile and unpredictable market and the cost of doing business is rising exponentially. Consumer prices are also rising but interestingly, in our sector we have not yet seen any significant contraction in customer spend, which is at odds with current economic indicators.”

Brian believes that the real impact of the cost of living increases will not be felt until after Christmas: “People will be more cautious as household budgets become squeezed, which will result in reduced consumer spend at the tills. This is where technology can play a role and we are

likely to see an uptake in Maxol Loyalty App members seeking out special offers and rewards, such as a free Rosa coffee or car wash.

“So we are heading into 2023 with a resilient business model backed by a major investment plan, but with a strong degree of caution, knowing that next year is unlikely to mirror the performance seen in 2021/2022,” he says.

Call to extend TBESS scheme

With energy costs spiraling and many smaller businesses already starting to struggle, Maxol believe that the Government needs to do more to support indigenous SMEs in the face of rising energy costs.

“While we welcome the fact that there has been an intervention in the energy crisis with targeted supports through the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, we’re calling on Government to extend the scheme to at least summer 2023 and to remove the cap of €30,000 per month per business,” the Maxol CEO states. “This cap prevents businesses with multiple retail outlets of availing of the scheme. So many SMEs are struggling, and they need more

Pictured announcing the fact that Maxol joined the Champion Green movement are Maxol CEO, Brian Donaldson, Marian O’Gorman of Champion Green and Minister of State for Business, Employment & Retail, Damien English TD.

Maxol

Sustainability a key priority Maxol’s environmental journey continues to evolve and sustainability remains a priority for the business under the company’s new five-year strategic plan. “Clearly ours is a company that sells fossil fuels, but that does not preclude Maxol from joining the fight against climate change and reducing our own carbon footprint across multiple areas of the business,” stresses Brian Donaldson.

Maxol have invested in a wide range of initiatives that deliver energy efficiencies, such as energy-saving heating, lighting and water systems: incorporating heat recovery, solar energy, and grey water harvesting for a lower carbon footprint and reducing waste through the use of compostable and environmentally-friendly packaging.

The CEO stresses that Maxol’s Premium fuel range, available at 45 sites, helps reduce vehicle CO2 emissions, leading to cleaner running vehicles on the road. Launched in conjunction with international sustainability company GreenPrint, the programme also invests

in carbon off-setting projects, resulting in 35,143 tonnes of carbon being offset since 2020.

EV hub: a first for NI Maxol are committed to supporting the move to Electric Vehicles (EV), with destination service stations that fulfil all customer fuel needs, their CEO stressed, but the company’s EV strategy is to “rollout EV services gradually and to be site specific to meet demand where it is most needed”.

Over summer 2022, Maxol began trialling cutting-edge technology at Townparks in Antrim, which Brian explains will create the blueprint for forecourt developments across their network: “We are using technology to create a measurably different service

station, reducing the site’s existing carbon footprint by up to 40%. This includes the introduction of photovoltaic (solar) panels, low energy CO2 refrigeration systems; exhaust air-heat pump technology to reduce heating loads and an energy management system to monitor and control the overall energy usage on the site.”

In a first for Northern Ireland and a significant step for the business, Maxol Kinnegar in Co. Down is delivering the company’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) hub, complete with five high-speed chargers servicing up to six vehicles at any one time. It opened on December 5 and planning applications for similar EV Hubs have been lodged for Maxol Newbridge and Maxol Ballycoolin, which the company hopes to develop in 2023.

Government support and certainty on energy costs.”

Clearly ours is a company that sells fossil fuels, but that does not preclude Maxol from joining the fight against climate change and reducing our own carbon footprint across multiple areas of the business.

Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group CEO: “Supporting local has always been a priority for Maxol and I strongly believe we have a responsibility to spotlight indigenous producers wherever possible.”

Retail Ireland hosts Graduation Ceremony for the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme

over 60 retail employer organisations. The programme is delivered in Dublin and Galway and recently expanded to include Cork. The apprenticeship is a two-year Level 6 programme, targeting existing retail employees seeking managerial positions in retail. It has been designed by retailers and work-based learning experts to ensure that the programme content is current, innovative and practical.

IN November, Retail Ireland hosted the second graduation ceremony of the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision at the Athlone Springs Hotel, to mark the conferment of awards to the Class of 2022. The event celebrated 66 apprentices graduating from the programme, with over 200 guests also attending, including workplace mentors, tutors, along with friends and family of the graduates.

The Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision is Ireland’s leading retail management / supervisory programme, with Ireland’s

top retail businesses participating. The programme was launched in 2019 to help career progression pathways in the sector and has grown every year since.

The guest of honour was Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD. Minister English delivered the keynote address, where he welcomed the success of the programme and stressed the key role the graduates will play in the future of retail.

Instrumental in career progression Meanwhile, Capability Manager at Boots, Edel Duffy, the newly appointed Chair of the Consortium Steering Group which oversees the programme, stressed the enhanced career potential of graduates. “I see the changes the programme makes on those that come through it, mainly in terms of confidence, capability, resilience and general performance,” she noted. “It prepares you for supervising and managing in the modern retail environment.

On this programme, apprentices work full time in retail and attend college 24 days per year (14 days in classroom and 10 online) completing modules in a number of key retail areas, including selling, customer experience, legal issues, supervision, supply chain, account, marketing, consumer behaviour, IT, merchandising and security.

The programme has very few exams, with modules assessed through practical tasks that bring immediate improvements to the shop-floor. Applications must come from employers, there is no registration fee and employers receive a grant of €4,000 for every employee enrolled to cover travel, accommodation and other costs.

Upon successful completion, graduates can progress into Year 2 of the three-year Degree in Retail Management Practice programme. For more information, visit www.retailirelandskillnet.com

Pictured

“Within Boots, we have promoted graduates from the programme into management positions and they are thriving. This apprenticeship programme has been instrumental in their career progression.”

Growing attendances

In its first year, there were 100 apprentices from 20 different retail businesses, but this has now grown to over 230 apprentices from

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

Damien English TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail.

are (standing, l-r): Dr Oran Doherty, Laurence Dempsey, Teresa Doherty, Arnold Dillon, Retail Ireland, Roisin Woods, Andre Nascimento, Samira Nicolo, Theresa Gallagher; (seated, l-r): Edel Duffy, Sean Carlin, Minister Damien English TD, Cathy Kearney.

You’ll be in good company at MACE

Line up with MACE brand ambassador Johnny Sexton and the rest of our winning team.

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

Our new stores are designed to be both bright and welcoming, to place you at the heart of the community in which you serve.

Speaking of service, our quality fresh foods and innovations meet the ever-changing needs of people and have been proven to drive profitable sales increases for MACE Retailers.

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

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

To find out more, contact:

Andrew McCann

(Regional Manager North) amccann@bwg.ie / 086 041 4334

Liam Attridge (Regional Manager South) lattridge@bwg.ie / 086 852 1362

www.mace.ie

New legislation: what you need to know

THERE have been a whirlwind of workplace and employment law developments in Ireland over the past year, which looks set to continue in 2023. In addition to the recent changes relating to gender pay gap reporting, statutory sick pay, whistleblowing and auto-enrolment, there are multiple proposals for further legislative change, ranging from dealing with remote work requests to work-life balance and other reforms flowing from the EU.

Some key developments that took place in 2002 include the following:

Gender pay gap reporting

From this year, relevant retail employers are required to publish the gender pay and bonus gap for their workforce, their views on what is causing any gap and their plans for closing it. Gaps must be calculated using 12 months’ data up to June, and then published by December 2022. The new requirements initially apply to organisations with 250 or more employees, dropping to 150 employees in 2024 and 50 employees in 2025. In-scope retail employers face the challenge of identifying and eliminating, or at least reducing, any gender pay gaps found. Retail employers may also be required to set up or review current initiatives in a bid to tackle any gap. Even if a retailer didn’t have to report this year, they may need to report in 2024 or 2025, depending on the number of employees, so should start preparing.

Statutory sick pay

From January 1, 2023, eligible employees

are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP), bringing Ireland in line with most other European countries. The entitlement will start at three days’ paid sick leave in 2023, rising incrementally to five days in 2024, seven days in 2025 and eventually 10 days in 2026.

To qualify for SSP, an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 13 weeks and must obtain a medical certificate confirming that they are unfit to work. The rate of sick pay is set at 70% of an employee’s wage, subject to a daily maximum of €110. This threshold may be reviewed and amended over time in line with changes in income or inflation.

appropriate processes and systems are in place to administer payment during sick leave and to maintain records (which must be kept for four years).

Whistleblowing Changes have recently been made to Irish whistleblowing legislation to fully implement the EU Whistleblowing Directive. The changes, which are effective from January 1, 2023, broaden the scope of and enhance

Many retail employers will already provide sick pay to their employees, potentially over and above the statutory entitlement. Where this is the case, they should update their contracts and policies to provide that contractual sick pay is inclusive of statutory sick pay. Retail employers who don’t already pay sick pay will need to ensure There are multiple proposals for further legislative change in 2023.

Linda Hynes and Grace Walker of Lewis Silkin report on the key 2022 employment law developments and preview what’s coming in 2023 that retailers should be aware of.

Employment Law

whistle-blowers’ protection. The main changes include:

• whistleblowing protections being extended to more categories of workers including shareholders, volunteers and applicants for employment;

• the definition and scope of relevant wrongdoings being broadened;

• employers not being obliged to follow up on anonymous reporting of wrongdoing;

• private sector employers being required to maintain and operate internal reporting channels and procedures;

• the list of prohibited penalisation against a whistle-blower being broadened;

• the burden of proof being reversed, i.e. penalisation will be deemed to have resulted from the worker making a protected disclosure unless the employer can prove that the act or omission was for some other justifiable reason (and not as a result of the protected disclosure).

From January 1, 2023, retail employers with over 250 employees are required to have a whistleblowing procedure in place. Retail employers with between 50-249 employees have an exemption until December 17, 2023, to put these measures in place but should start planning for this now, including arranging training for store managers and other relevant staff on the changes.

Auto-enrolment

An auto-enrolment system is being set up, which will require retail employers to automatically enrol employees who meet certain criteria into a workplace pension scheme. It is envisaged that the system will be set up by 2023 and ready to take employee enrolments in 2024. It will be gradually phased in over a decade. Contributions will be paid by employees, and matched by retail employers, as a percentage of an employee’s gross earnings (up to a maximum of 6%). The State will also provide a top-up contribution. The rates of contribution will be phased-in gradually over a decade.

Save as follows, it appears from the guidance that auto-enrolment will apply to all retail employers, regardless of size, from the date it comes into operation. It will not apply to employees who are already members of an occupational pension scheme. It is not clear, however, what qualifying criteria or minimum standards the occupational scheme must meet in order to dis-apply the auto-enrolment system.

Retail employers will not need to establish a separate pension scheme,

procure a pensions provider or pensions administrator, or select a savings option for their employees. However, they will be required to enrol their employees in the autoenrolment system.

Retail employers should review their own pension scheme arrangements and what (if any) contributions they and employees make to the pensions scheme or any Personal Retirement Savings Accounts. Once the draft legislation has been issued (which is anticipated to happen in early 2023), retail employers will be in a better place to start making arrangements for the auto-enrolment system.

Extra holiday

From 2023, there will be an extra public holiday at the start of February to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s day. It will be observed on the first Monday of February except where February 1 falls on a Friday, in which case it will be observed on that day. Retail employers should amend HR systems, contracts and policies where they include a list of the specific public holidays in Ireland.

Tips and gratuities

From December 1, 2022, changes in relation to the payment of tips, gratuities and service charges came into effect. Specifically, tips and gratuities which are paid in electronic form (that is, by debit or credit card) should be paid out to workers in a fair manner. If impacted (for example, where the retailer may also operate café facilities), retail employers should review their current practice.

National minimum wage

Minimum rates of pay will increase from January 1, 2023. The new rates retail employers need to pay are as follows:

Aged 20 and over €11.30

Aged 19 €10.17

Aged 18 €9.04

Aged under 18 €7.91

2023 developments in the pipeline

There are several legal developments in the pipeline, which retail employers should keep an eye out for. Many of the proposals are included in Private Members’ Bills, which are not sponsored by Government, but some are gaining traction and support from all parties.

Further information on some of the expected developments is covered below.

Flexible and remote work

Draft legislation is in place to allow employees with children up to the age of 12 (or 16 if the child has a disability or longterm illness) and employees with caring responsibilities to request flexible working arrangements for a set period of time for caring purposes. Retail employers will need to carefully consider and deal with these requests.

Retail employers should also prepare for employees making remote working requests. While remote working will not be feasible for many retail employees, retail employers will still have to consider their needs and the needs of their employees when considering a request. Amended remote working legislation is expected before the end of

Retail employers should review template contracts to assess any changes that may need to be made in the light of new legislation.

Employment Law

promoting more transparent and predictable employment. While the Directive has largely been introduced to provide more protection for gig economy workers, its remit extends to all employees.

A new set of minimum requirements to be introduced includes: a six-month limit on the maximum duration of a probationary period (with some exceptions);

Employment permits

Legislative changes

2022 and will now be included in the same legislation as the right to request flexible working arrangements.

Steps towards a potential four-day working week are gaining momentum with some employers trialling the effectiveness of a four-day week for their organisations. This follows the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect that was introduced in April 2021, confirming employees’ rights not to habitually work outside their normal working hours, and to “switch off” from work. While this may not be relevant to a lot of categories of retail staff, it may be relevant for retailers’ back office and support function staff.

Family rights

Draft legislation is in place to allow a better work-life balance for parents and carers. The proposals include five days’ unpaid leave for medical care purposes, an extension of the period during which time can be taken out from work to breastfeed, the extension of maternity leave entitlements to transgender men and five days’ paid leave for victims of domestic violence. Retail employers should review existing processes with a view to preparing for and ultimately implementing these changes.

An additional proposal is to allow the bereaved parent of a child who has died to take bereavement leave. In relation to miscarriage, while paid maternity and paternity leave upon stillbirth or miscarriage is currently only available after the 24th week of pregnancy, there are proposals to make provision for paid leave if miscarriage or stillbirth occurred before the 24th week. The proposals also provide for paid leave for the purposes of availing of reproductive healthcare such as IVF.

Terms and conditions

The EU Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions aims to improve employees’ working conditions by

• a general rule that a worker cannot be prevented from taking up work with another employer outside the work schedule;

• rights to greater predictability of working time and reasonable advance notice for those on variable work schedules;

• limitations on the use and duration of ondemand or similar employment contracts (which are already very restricted in Ireland);

• written notification of particular terms being provided to employees;

• a possibility for a worker with at least 26 weeks’ service to request a transition to a more predictable and secure form of employment; a right to mandatory training without cost.

Ireland has not yet introduced draft legislation to fully implement the Directive and some of the requirements are already fulfilled in existing legislation. Retail employers should review template contracts to assess the changes that may need to be made – however, we suggest waiting for the implementing legislation to be published (and any guidance) before making any changes.

Diversity and discrimination

Proposals are currently in place regarding the regulation of gender balance on the boards and governing councils of corporate bodies and related matters. The proposal is for a 40% female representation quota.

There are also proposals in place regarding the requirements to be met for a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) concerning sexual harassment allegations or unlawful discrimination to be valid. The most notable are that:

• the employee should be offered independent legal advice, in writing, provided at the expense of the employer;

• the NDA should include an opportunity for the relevant employee to decide to waive their own confidentiality in the future;

• the NDA is of a set and limited duration. While these changes are not yet law,

Draft legislation is in place to streamline, improve and modernise the employment permit system and increase its responsiveness to Ireland’s evolving labour market. The proposals include a new type of employment permit for seasonal workers, allowing subcontractors to make use of the employment permit system and additional eligibility conditions for certain employment permits to be specified. Some of these potential changes could be helpful for retail employers so watch this space.

Wage changes

Several pieces of legislation are being debated around minimum wages for interns and young people. Retail employers should monitor this legislation. A national "living” wage (the wage people need to take part in Irish society) is also to be introduced over a four-year period, to be in place by 2026, when it will replace the national minimum wage. The first step towards reaching the living wage is the 2023 increase to the national minimum wage covered above.

In conclusion, the whirlwind of employment law developments we saw in 2022 looks set to continue! Retail employers should continue to monitor these developments and review current practices and policies to ensure they comply with the upcoming changes. Many of the changes highlighted above commence from January 1, 2023, immediately following or during most retailers’ busiest period, so it is important compliance doesn’t get missed in the run-up to the busy season.

About the authors FOR further information on this topic please contact Linda Hynes (Linda. Hynes@lewissilkin.com), or Grace Walker (Grace.Walker@lewissilkin.com), from Lewis Silkin. This article is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be sought in any given set of circumstances.

will have implications for all employers, including those in the grocery retail sector.

retail employers may want to bear these proposals in mind when entering into a settlement agreement with an employee.

Retail Groups Report Milestone year for SuperValu

2022 saw SuperValu achieve multiple milestones on their journey to create thriving, sustainable and inclusive communities across the country.

SuperValu invested more than €35 million in over 50 stores, which saw it continue to grow its nationwide presence, and adding to the 16,000 people currently employed. The investment and expansion meant SuperValu increased weekly customers to 2.7 million during the year, cementing its position as Ireland’s leading grocery retailer.

Innovative food experience

A highlight for SuperValu was the launch of its new Dublin flagship food experience at its store in Knocklyon, a leading example of the future of retail that revolutionises grocery shopping, with a transformed food and enhanced sustainability experience.

From the point of entry, customers experience the taste of local range, including plant-based alternatives, with brands like The Happy Pear, and a new home ecorange. The state-of-the-art store provides customers with new innovative delicatessen, bakery, meal solutions and fresh food offerings, alongside the Happy Pear and Donnybrook Fair ranges.

SuperValu have been working hard with their suppliers all year to ensure they continue to deliver the best value and quality Irish products for customers.

They are acutely aware of both the scale and impact of price inflation right the way through the supply chain from producers to customers. They know that these issues are a cause of considerable concern for shoppers, suppliers and retailers.

SuperValu Own Brand currently has over 5,000 own brand products, across 3,000 packaged and 2,000 fresh items, and customers can save up to 50% by switching to these products. Customers are reacting positively to this, and SuperValu are continuing to see a marked increase in demand for their own brand range. Indeed, their extensive own brand range ensures customers continue to have choice and value in their shopping trolley.

Industry-first sustainability endeavours

SuperValu also announced the roll-out of an industry-first sustainability fund, aimed at empowering retailers to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. In the Republic

of Ireland, SuperValu retailers can avail of €50,000 to select a range of sustainable initiatives based on each store’s needs and set-up, including upgrading freezers and refrigeration units, LED lighting retrofit, solar panels, and electronic shelf edge labels (eSEL).

The fund, which is part of Musgrave’s all-island sustainability strategy, will result in an estimated 12% carbon reduction by the company over a two-year period. This 12% carbon reduction is equivalent to removing over 10,000 tonnes of carbon, planting 380,000 trees across the island of Ireland or powering over 5,000 homes.

SuperValu’s network of community retailers and their dedicated team members enjoyed a tremendous 2022, as they help to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout the country.

Trim TidyTowns Committee pictured at the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards ceremony in the RDS Dublin with Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu. Trim Co. Meath was named Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2022.

The new strategy aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero carbon by 2040, while providing consumers with more sustainable shopping choices in-store and enabling retailers to make every community in Ireland a sustainable one.

Supporting local and Irish SuperValu is a great supporter of local and Irish producers and continued to build on their longstanding commitment right throughout 2022. The acclaimed Food Academy programme, which is run in conjunction with Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices and gives start-up food and drink producers an opportunity to get their products on SuperValu shelves, is heading for its 10th year anniversary in 2023.

The programme, which has been an established part of the Irish food industry for nine years now, supports 1,500 jobs nationwide. Food Academy producers have sold a combined €200 million of products in SuperValu since 2013. In March and October, five local food producers were chosen to be showcased in SuperValu stores nationwide over a three-week period. But what sets the Food Academy programme apart is that Irish producers have their products on shelf 52 weeks of the year!

SuperValu TidyTowns: building thriving sustainable communities

SuperValu’s community support and commitment to developing sustainable communities was recognised with the extension of their 30-year sponsorship of the TidyTowns competition to 2027. Over the last three decades, SuperValu teams and local independent retailers have worked hand-in-hand to develop and grow SuperValu TidyTowns to what it is today; a uniting force, gathering people from all parts of the community to work together for a common cause. The competition has gone from strength to strength over the past 30 years of partnership, with an increased focus amongst entries for 2022 on innovative sustainability, biodiversity and conservation projects that will enhance Irish communities for years to come.

During the last three decades, the number of committees involved has almost doubled

to 1,000. This growth is something, as a community retailer, that SuperValu are very proud to have played a role in. The competition itself has also evolved during that time and has become the single most effective and important community sustainability initiative in Ireland, possibly even in Europe.

The immensely committed 30,000 volunteers have been to the fore in driving this evolution, with committees now focused on impactful biodiversity and environmental initiatives that are making a real difference for future generations. The gold dust skills of experienced committee members, combined with the energy of youth, are what make SuperValu TidyTowns a truly innovative and special competition.

Kelly, aged 10, from Portmarnock and Olivia I Hekaire, aged nine, from Santry.

hÉireann, Great Taste, Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards, World Steak Challenge, World Cheese, International Cheese & Dairy, Free From Awards, Farm Shop & Deli, PLMA and NPPA Awards 2022.

At its heart, the SuperValu TidyTowns competition is the public expression of the work countless individuals undertake to build community spirit and make their local area a better place in which to live and work.

Power of community 2022 also saw the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent humanitarian crisis. In response, SuperValu community retailers and customers mobilised to introduce a ‘Tap to Donate’ fundraiser, collecting over €700,000 for the Irish Red Cross and UNICEF Ireland, in addition to €250,000 donated directly by Musgrave Group to the charities, bringing the total raised to over €1 million.

The successful ‘Tap to Donate’ mechanism was re-introduced for World Autism Month to raise funds for AsIAm. The important event not only raises much-needed funds, but also raises awareness about the barriers that autistic people face in local communities.

Awards for excellence

SuperValu suppliers and Food Academy producers won a combined 304 awards for their award-winning products at the Blas na

These included SuperValu own brand and its Irish brand producers winning 46 awards at the Blas n hÉireann awards, made up of 13 gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze. SuperValu’s Food Academy food and drink producers also picked up a total of 73 awards, made up of 19 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze, as well as five Chef's Larder's, five best in county and the Rogha na Gaeltachta award.

SuperValu also won 108 Great Taste Awards, making them number one in the multiple market in Ireland. SuperValu’s Signature Tastes range won 58 awards, further solidifying its position as the number one premium range for taste and quality in an Irish supermarket. This year, SuperValu picked up five three-star awards, making SuperValu the Irish retailer with the most three-star awards, one of the highest accolades in the competition.

These highlights could not have been possible without the tireless hard work of SuperValu’s network of community retailers, their dedicated team members, and the communities they support all over Ireland. Their commitment enabled SuperValu to retain their number one position by attracting more shoppers and larger weekly shops, while powering the continued success of SuperValu stores around the country.

Pictured as Musgrave announced the launch of their new sustainability strategy and the introduction of a €25 million investment aimed at empowering retailers to achieve net zero carbon target by 2040 are Noel Keeley, CEO, Musgrave, with Alex

Retail Groups Report

Centra: redefining convenience retailing

Centra continues to revolutionise convenience retailing.

2022 was yet another stand-out year for Centra, Ireland’s leading convenience retailer. Through working in partnership with local retailers nationwide, Musgrave’s leading convenience brand has continued to revolutionise and redefine retail to ensure it meets the evolving needs of shoppers, while playing its part in developing thriving and sustainable communities.

Choices Define Us campaign

Centra is at the heart of communities all throughout Ireland, with 490 locally owned and operated stores nationwide, and is committed to offering choice that meets the evolving needs of shoppers today and into the future. A highlight for Centra in 2022 was the launch of a campaign that celebrates Choices called ‘Choices Define Us’.

To mark the launch of this campaign, Centra commissioned an in-depth study which revealed that almost one in two Irish people (46%) feel their daily choices have the power to impact positively on society. Through this campaign, Centra encouraged consumers to think about choice, and to

choose wisely as the choices they make have an impact on how people live, work and eat.

Sustainability

Centra retailers nationwide are continuing to make sustainable changes whether it’s in sourcing, packaging, energy reduction or supply chain solutions.Centra has committed to 100% of its own brand packaging and in-store packaging being recyclable, reusable, or compostable within the next three years. To date, Centra has achieved 96% of its 100% packaging goal. For example, Centra was the first convenience retailer in Ireland to launch 100% compostable and reusable bags and has removed 300,000 units of unrecyclable trays from its instore wrapped bakery and butchery ranges.

In addition to this, Centra announced the roll-out of an

industry-first sustainability fund aimed at empowering retailers to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. In the Republic of Ireland, Centra retailers can avail of €28,000 to select a range of sustainable initiatives based on each store’s needs and set-up, including upgrading freezers and refrigeration units, LED lighting retrofit,

JP McMahon, Patrick Horgan, Paul Ryder and Ursula Walsh pictured at the launch of Centra’s Choices Define Us campaign.

taxes and generates a total net wage of €160.4 million, which is injected into local economies.

Power of community 2022 also saw the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent humanitarian crisis. In response, Musgrave retailers, including Centra, and customers mobilised to introduce a ‘Tap to Donate’ fundraiser and donated over €1 million to the Irish Red Cross to support those impacted by the war in Ukraine though this fundraising drive.

Retail Groups Report

shoppers a range loaded with value, without compromising on taste or quality. Award winners within the Inspired by Centra range include Inspired by Centra Angus Sirloin Steak with Peppercorn Butter (Kepak), Inspired by Centra Salmon Sensation (Dunn’s of Dublin), Inspired by Centra Lamb Tagine (Ballymaguire Foods), Inspired by Centra Mexican Style Sweet Potato and Bean Salad (Wonderfoods) and Inspired by Centra Cold Pressed Ginger Shot (Sunshine Juice Ltd).

solar panels, and electronic shelf edge labels (eSEL).

The fund, which is part of Musgrave’s all-island sustainability strategy, will result in an estimated 12% carbon reduction by the company over a two-year period. The 12% carbon reduction is equivalent to removing over 10,000 tonnes of carbon, planting 380,000 trees across the island of Ireland or powering over 5,000 homes.

The new strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions to net zero carbon by 2040, while providing consumers with more sustainable shopping choices in-store and enabling retailers to make every community in Ireland a sustainable one.

Performance and impact

During the year, Centra reported strong sales of €1.98 billion and 2.5% annual growth for 2021. The robust performance was driven by growth in Centra’s convenience offering, including its awardwinning own-brand ranges and Inspired by Centra, and freshly prepared meals, as well as Frank & Honest coffee. The performance was also underpinned by increasing consumer demand for wide-ranging product offerings and Centra’s position as a local top-up grocery shopping destination.

The retailer also announced a €25 million investment in an ambitious expansion programme. The expansion highlighted plans to open 13 new Centra stores in 2022, creating over 430 new jobs in local communities around the country.

Centra supports over 38,000 jobs and directly employs 11,716 people across the 490 stores operating in Ireland.

An economic impact report by leading economist Jim Power highlighted how the financial contribution of Centra stores is valued at an estimated €646.7 million. Direct employment by Centra creates approximately €38 million in employment

Through the generosity of shoppers, the Irish Red Cross has been able to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities, and help families with life-saving food and hygiene items in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.

Musgrave immediately donated €250,000 to the Irish Red Cross and UNICEF as part of the appeal and recently delivered a truck full of essential items to Dublin airport for arriving refugees.

Centra has proudly supported the Irish Cancer Society’s annual breast cancer campaign for the past 13 years. Staff and customers from Centra raised €57,492 in support of the Irish Cancer Society’s 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. Continuing on the success of last years ‘Care For Your Pair’ campaign, this year's contributions were raised as a result of combined efforts by communities and Centra stores nationwide.

This year, Centra stores across Ireland participated in a variety of fundraising activities such as an in-store tap to donate initiative, cake sales and community walks, as well as highlighting the importance of early detection of breast cancer in stores and across social media.

Awards

Centra claimed 22 awards at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. Celebrating and rewarding the very best tasting Irish food and drink products, Blas na hÉireann awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country and see producers across the nation competing to take home the soughtafter Blas accolades.

The awards saw Centra producers take home six gold, nine silver and seven bronze awards. The big wins include five products from the premium Inspired by Centra range, expertly created to bring

Other key award winners from the Centra range include Centra Crème Fraiche (Clona Dairy Products), Centra Chicken with Garam Masala Soup 400g (Ballymaguire Foods) and Centra Gold Blend Tea Bags (Bewley’s).

Wines We Love

2022 also marked the refresh of Centra’s Wines We Love, which is a bespoke wine collection created exclusively for Centra by their passionate wine experts. The exclusive range makes choosing wine easy and convenient, whatever the occasion. The collection is Centra’s best yet and features 10 delicious wines, with something to suit every taste, featuring favourites like Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo and Pinot Grigio, ranging from €8-12: what’s not to love!

Looking forward

Looking ahead to 2023, Centra and its network of passionate retailers are looking forward to continuing on their journey as a market-leading convenience retailer and building on their reputation for value, quality and friendly service, as well as making a positive impact to ensure every community is a sustainable one.

Frank & Honest coffee has proved a huge winner in Centra stores nationwide.

Centra

continues to redefine retail to ensure it meets the evolving needs of shoppers.

Retail Groups Report

Spar shining strong in 2022

Spar Ireland, part of BWG Foods, operates over 400 Spar stores across the country, providing employment to over 12,000 people locally and supporting many local Irish food and beverage suppliers.

SPAR brought 2022 to a close with a crescendo with the launch of its brandnew Christmas advert ahead of the festive season. The new advert is very much a sequel to Spar’s previous award-winning and now iconic Christmas advert and revisits some of the same characters 10 years after the original ad aired. The advertising campaign, entitled ‘Finding Christmas’, represents a significant €1.2 million investment from the retail group and helped bookend what was a terrifically exciting year for Spar.

Revisiting the spirit of the 2012 classic advert, this was a fitting way to bring 2022 to a close as Spar picks up its original theme of ‘Finding Trees’ 10 years on but cleverly reinterprets it in a modern way that is more fitting with Ireland and its people in 2022, much like Spar retailers and customers alike. Spar is a brand that is ever growing, ever evolving but whose core ideals and aspirations remain the same – to serve the communities in which Spar are embedded. In this light, the warm message from Spar’s 2012 advert that ‘wherever you find the tree, we hope you like what’s under it’, reflects Spar’s famous ‘under the tree’ tagline and is as relevant today as it was 10 years ago.

Indeed, that famous commitment to

serving customers and communities has been the foundation stone of the Spar offering in Ireland for the last six decades, since the very first Spar stores opened in Spar Artane, Spar Bruff, Spar Tallow and Spar Charlestown, back in 1963, which is a milestone birthday that will be celebrated in 2023.

Of course, the launch of a new Spar Christmas advert was just one of many highlights during 2022.

Spar Better Choices with Seamus Coleman Spar’s association with Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman continues and is well established and the star footballer was delighted to spearhead the ‘Spar Better Choices’ back-to-school initiative, which was based on Spar making lunch box options more exciting and appetising for children and parents alike through recipes and an extensive range of fresh and healthy produce.

As part of the ‘Spar Better Choices’ campaign, Spar has created recipe ideas for lunch boxes, after school snacks and weekend treats that are packed full of nutritious fruit and vegetables and help encourage healthy habits into weekly routines. The leading Irish convenience

retailer cleverly used language as a way to engage children, with recipes like Veggie Dib Dabs, Love Heart Toasties, Star Faced Sambos and many more to make sure that packing lunches for school is both fun and nutritious.

Spar and Seamus also produced a ‘Seamus Says’ video series, which saw the Ireland and Everton captain provide top tips for keeping children active after school and at the weekends and Spar also ran an Instagram element to this campaign by offering families the chance to win a kitchen kit of essential kitchen utensils and a Spar voucher to stock up on healthy choices ingredients.

Sporting superstars

The long established and strong link between Spar and athletics was again amplified in 2022 when Spar teamed up with Israel Olatunde, European Athletics Championship finalist and fastest Irish man in history, to launch a Back-to-College competition for two third level students in Ireland to win €5,000 each in cash to support them this academic year. This competition was a follow-on to Spar’s hugely successful Community Road Trip with Irish Olympic boxing champion, Kellie Harrington, where

Spar will celebrate 60 years in Ireland in 2023.

the gold medal winner visited five deserving clubs and organisations around Ireland to present them with €2,000 each, further setting standards for community engagement.

Kellie is one of Ireland’s foremost athletes and her appeal knows no boundaries. Spar and Kellie have forged a terrifically successful partnership that will see Ireland’s favourite convenience brand support Ireland’s favourite athlete every step of her journey to the Paris Olympics in 2024, when she is favourite to add another Gold Medal to the Gold she won at the European Championships in Budva, Montenegro.

Just like Spar’s star Ambassadors, Kellie, Israel and Seamus, setting standards and driving innovation are pillars of the Spar offering, which is why from a customer perspective, Spar is a recognised leader in retail foodservice within the market. This wellearned reputation is driven by a rich heritage in food and beverage innovation built up over many years. Through a dedicated Food Innovation team, Spar takes great pride in being innovators and trendsetters when it comes to retail foodservice. This is particularly evident in Spar’s fresh food offering. Spar Deli has consistently been a stand-out offering for customers who are used to purchasing only the finest quality fresh food, either food-to-go or food to buy and consume in-store. Spar proved itself a market leader and innovator this year through responding to changing consumer trends via the launch of a plant-based fillet roll. First to market, Spar is always addressing shopper needs through staying up to date with the latest trends.

Retail Groups Report

Innovation & Ideas at Spar business forum

It is this topic of ‘Innovation and Ideas’ that formed the basis for Spar retailers to hold their first in-person event for more than two years when hundreds of retailers from across Ireland gathered at the business forum, showcasing the latest thinking in retailing trends, along with revealing new technologies and other solutions to support retailers’ businesses due to roll-out over the next 12 months.

Discussions on the day included presentations from Spar and BWG Foods management focused on the continued development and expansion of the Spar retail network across Ireland, and plans in place to launch new offerings, including an expanded Spar Own Brand Range. It is these discussions and collaborative meetings of Spar retailers that ensure the brand is to the forefront of convenience retailing in Ireland.

Spar and its retailers have been recognised through international and local awards programmes for innovation and world class standards in retailing. Spar Ireland is part of BWG Foods, the market leader in the convenience sector whose brands have been at the forefront of grocery retailing in Ireland for almost 60 years, with the promise of even more to come.

Irish Olympic boxing champion, Kellie Harrington, went on a Spar Community Road Trip, where the gold medal winner presented five deserving clubs and organisations with € 2,000 each, further setting standards for community engagement.

Retail Groups Report

Eurospar: SuperEasy super service

Eurospar continue to provide the best possible shopping experience for their customers, with great value and exceptional customer service.

EUROSPAR’S SuperEasy Supermarket estate is built upon the mutual desire to develop true partnerships between independent retailers and the Eurospar brand owner, working together to develop a communitybased network of supermarkets that cater to those communities in which Eurospar supermarkets are embedded.

The success of the Eurospar network is underpinned by the shared ambition of a unifying shopper proposition encompassing: great fresh food, great value, exceptional customer service, breadth of range, compelling rewards and enjoyable shopping experiences. Eurospar Ireland place a huge emphasis on retailer relationships and, as a result, guarantee that their retailers get the best individual service, advice and support from every member of the Eurospar Retail Operations Advisors’ Team. This dedicated team is focused on making life as simple as possible for retailers in every conceivable way to enable Eurospar retailers to devote their energies to serving their communities.

Super-competitive on price

In service to their customers and communities, Eurospar Supermarkets are always seeking ways to improve their offering and, as such, have always been competitive on price. The regular promotional offers remain best in class and the SuperEasy Rewards exclusive member

offers add a further dimension to value in Eurospar. Eurospar offers a three-week promotional cycle of offers, overlaid with regular week-long tactical activity, featured heavily across traditional and social media formats. Shoppers are exposed to these offers via handbills, in-store POS, in-store radio, national press and radio, as well as national and targeted social media.

Eurospar’s ‘Price Match or Better’ and ‘Price Check’ programmes also provide reassurance to shoppers that pricing is competitive in the supermarket sector. For areas of real differentiation, Eurospar have long promoted a ‘Famous for Great Value Wines’ commitment, which delivers a vast range of exclusive BWG Foods agency wines to suit all pockets, and their unique pricepoint merchandising structure ensures simplicity in the wine shopping experience.

Eurospar’s scratch bakery is also a hugely successful initiative within the estate.

Let’s Celebrate Community

These drivers are complemented by a sense of community that sets Eurospar retailers apart, which was exemplified during 2022 when Eurospar Supermarkets came together with their colleagues all over Ireland and promoted the ‘Let’s Celebrate Community’ initiative as a way to say thank you to those who go above and beyond to help the people of their local communities by asking their customers to nominate a local charity, group or organisation and explain how they go above and beyond for

Eurospar’s scratch bakery has proven to be a hugely successful initiative within the estate.

Retail Groups Report

the community to be in with a chance of winning €1,000 for their nominated group.

In a very clever move, the competition was an in-store entry only and helped engender community spirit by empowering customers to attend their local Eurospar and actively champion the credentials of their nominated most deserving person, people, club, group or organisation, as to how they make a difference to their local communities and make it a richer and happier place to live. This afforded local communities the opportunity to recognise what people do for their particular community and allowed Eurospar to salute just how important they are to that particular local area.

The Eurospar ‘Let’s Celebrate Community’ initiative perfectly complements Eurospar’s support of the annual St Vincent de Paul ‘Empty Plate’ appeal at Christmas. Through this appeal, Eurospar retailers and customers reduced the chances of a child in their community going hungry over the festive season. Throughout the campaign, all in-store donations were repatriated within local communities so those most in need didn’t do without. As an additional measure, Eurospar SuperEasy Supermarkets also made an additional donation from own-brand sales in store, which is another example of Eurospar’s commitment to the communities their retailers serve.

Furey Smyth Group’s environmental investment

This commitment also extends to a responsibility to safeguarding the environment. This is very evident in initiatives such as the investment programme that has significantly improved the environmental sustainability of the Furey Smyth Eurospar Supermarkets Group, which was completed in 2022. As part of the investment programme, Furey Smyth Group installed solar panel installations across all feasible locations and completed an overhaul of their expansive refrigeration infrastructure, which extends to over 100 refrigeration units.

The solar panels now provide efficient self-generated electricity to five of the group’s Eurospar Supermarkets, dramatically reducing the group’s reliance on carbon intensive, grid supplied electricity, while the new suite of ultra-energy efficient refrigeration units have significantly reduced energy consumption across the Furey Smyth Group from the single most carbon intensive aspect of grocery retailing. To date, the group has seen a 40% decrease in energy usage, at a time when electricity prices have reached an alltime high, with that figure projected to increase further as longer daylight and increased sunshine during the summer months lead to greater solar generation output.

This marks the single biggest sustainability investment

FACT FILE:

Name of group: Eurospar

Number of Stores nationwide: 52

Typical store size: 800-1300 square metres

Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722

Wholesale partner: BWG Foods

Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Eurospar Supermarkets nationwide.

Website: www.eurospar.ie

Social Media: Facebook: @eurosparireland, Instagram: @eurospar_ireland

Tagline: The SuperEasy Supermarket

Eurospar’s retailers are hugely committed to the communities they serve.

programme by an independent retailing group in Ireland and follows other initiatives across the Furey Smyth Group, including the roll-out of energy efficient lighting across all their Eurospar Supermarkets, along with a comprehensive infrastructure optimisation initiative aimed at identifying energy efficiency opportunities across all aspects of retailing, including heating limiters, timed lighting, and regular technology maintenance.

Driving value

In this regard, the Eurospar team drive an innovative marketing programme to support the brand’s positioning as the SuperEasy Supermarket and communicate this position through: driving value by giving shoppers the best value for money on everyday products and special offers; driving value through Spar Own Brand Range, which consists of various ranges from Spar Eco Range to Spar Natural, providing shoppers with an easy and affordable alternative.

Eurospar SuperEasy Supermarkets commit to providing the best possible shopping experience for their customers, as well as providing exceptional customer service, what shoppers need when they need it.

Eurospar Supermarkets are always seeking ways to improve their offering and, as such, have always been competitive on price.

Londis leading by example

LONDIS remains a symbol brand that prides itself as being very much a familyorientated one and wears that ethos as a badge of honour. Londis is about a ‘family’ philosophy that permeates through the group, their retailers and Londis Ireland’s actions. Londis retailers, their staff and the wider Londis team very much live up to the brand promise of ‘Local like You’. It’s what helps differentiate Londis retailers within the industry. It is not just a tagline; it is a truism that informs every decision made – at group level and by Londis’ individual and independent retailers, who also play a strong role in Londis’ continuing evolution through engagement with their representative body, the National Council of Londis Retailers.

It is that family ethos that made the in-person meeting of Londis retailers in September 2022, for the first time since the advent of the Covid pandemic, so special. Entitled, ‘Innovations & Ideas’, the event allowed Londis retailers to hear first-hand the innovative plans for the brand and their businesses. Against this backdrop, the meeting showcased the latest thinking

in retailing trends, along with revealing a number of technologies and other innovative initiatives which will roll-out over the next 12 months for all Londis retailers. What made it truly memorable was the ability to be back in a social setting with so many Londis retailers and colleagues catching up.

In his address to retailers, Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director, acknowledged the resilience shown by Londis retailers over the past two years and heralded the fact that Londis continues to grow, something, he emphasised, which every Londis retailer should be justifiably proud of.

“Our network of Londis retailers is very much a tight-knit community of like-minded business-people, so it was fantastic to gather socially and to share conversations regarding the future of our business, our offerings and our brand,” Conor noted. “Londis has always been at the very forefront of retail innovation in Ireland and across the world, and this meeting was the perfect platform to share ideas and to present our exciting plans.”

ShopLink Pro: cutting edge technology

Part of these plans for the future include BWG Foods’ new Artificial Intelligence ordering platform, ShopLink Pro, which is an extension of their cutting-edge ordering platform, ShopLink, and leverages hundreds of complex data points to predict consumer demand for in-store products, allowing for smarter forecasting of stock requirements, while also considering business promotions and category management to deliver sales forecasts.

This is just one of the reasons Londis are such pioneers in the grocery convenience industry and was a perfect introduction to the presentation of BWG’s Head of Food & Beverage Innovation, Orla Jordan, who showcased a number of the latest food and beverage concepts that will be in Londis stores throughout Ireland in the coming weeks and months. These concepts include an extension to the traditional bakery to offer premium ‘Bakery Breads’ without the requirement for proofers or ovens, as well as an addition to Londis’ beverage offering called ‘The Local Tea Company’, and an

Londis’ pioneering spirit combines a family-oriented philosophy with cutting edge technology.

Retail Groups Report

advertising and social media campaign, 'Overheard in Londis', featuring Liam and Des, at the prestigious Eir Spider Awards 2022. This highly competitive category recognised Londis’ submission as a compelling, provocative B2C campaign that successfully drove brand awareness, perceptions, and performance. Looking for big, bold, provocative, aspirational, emotional work, the judges selected Londis’ very popular campaign as a worthy winner.

extension to their pizza offering called Pazza @ Home. A new and exclusive Asian offering called Háo Chi Bar was launched on the day as well.

These interactive meetings are critical to the ongoing evolution of the Londis brand as they offer an opportunity for like-minded colleagues to gather and share ideas, innovations and inspiration, while also affording the opportunity for the very important social interaction, with many of best learnings and take-outs often coming from talking to other retailers. For Londis, the social element is just as important as the business forum, which was evident at the Spanish Point gathering.

Key national sponsorships 2022 was a year of many highlights for Londis. As well as a hugely successful Retailer Meeting, Londis also renewed its sponsorship of Ireland’s most adventurous obstacle course, Hell & Back, as well as the spectacularly successful hit television show, Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ One. The show is a great fit for Londis. It’s a family show that gives local heroes a chance to represent their families, communities and counties on the big screen in a healthy, fun and competitive way and is a perfect vehicle for Londis to sponsor by affording the retailer an exciting platform to promote healthy eating options and to encourage everyone to be more active.

This was Londis’ fourth year sponsoring the show; over that time, Londis have forged a fabulous relationship with it and the show’s coaches, in particular with Davy Fitzgerald as a brand ambassador and champion. The sponsorship has also yielded nationwide acknowledgement, as Londis has won ‘Best TV Broadcast Sponsorship’ at the Irish Sponsorship Awards to add to the brand’s

Londis is about a ‘family’ philosophy that permeates through the group, their retailers and Londis Ireland’s actions.

Drive and determination

It is successes like these that help Londis stand apart in a very competitive industry and the drive and determination shown by the Londis brand and its retailers is never sated. Indeed, the Londis ambition is to continue to grow and evolve, rooted in the ambition of its retailers for true excellence. Whatever the ask, Londis retailers are renowned for throwing themselves wholeheartedly into it. Whether that be providing the best of essential services to their communities or raising funds for the brand’s charity partners by doing crazy things like parachute jumping, Londis retailers are always ready for anything.

Londis stores serve local communities right across the country, supporting local jobs and local suppliers. Londis is one of Ireland’s most established community retail brands and caters to a wide and diverse base of customers through its forecourt, neighbourhood and urban store formats.

FACT FILE:

Name of Group: Londis

Number of Stores nationwide: 140

Typical Store Size: Varies

Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722

Wholesale partner: BWG Foods

Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre, (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Londis stores nationwide.

Website: www.londis.ie

Social Media: @LondisIreland on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Tagline: Local like you

success in winning the Best B2C Category for their national

Londis Duleek, Co. Meath, sold a massive € 8.9 million winning Lotto ticket.

Londis are pioneers in the grocery convenience industry, with innovative concepts like Bia Blas proving hugely popular with Irish shoppers.

Retail Groups Report Ace year for Mace

Mace enjoyed a notable 2022, from high profile campaigns with Johnny Sexton to the roll-out of a new store design.

2022 was one brim-full with notable and creditable achievements for the Mace brand and all their independent retailers. Some of the highlights include Mace’s nationwide Johnny Sextonfronted community campaign to search for Ireland’s ‘Unsung Heroes’, a hugely successful Tour de Mace initiative in aid of Mace’s charity partner, Down Syndrome Ireland, and the first in-person retailer event in more than three years.

It has been a hugely exciting time for Mace, Ireland’s longest established symbol retail convenience brand, with the promise of so much more to come in 2023, with Mace recently announcing that Johnny Sexton has renewed his ambassadorial role with the brand, which will take in the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023 in what is a tremendous coup. This partnership highlights just how successful this magnificent relationship has been for Mace and Sexton.

Indeed, the Ireland and Leinster captain has always been fulsome in his praise of the brand and has spoken on many occasions of just how proud he is of the association, with community initiatives

such as the ‘Unsung Heroes Campaign’ and ‘Mace Right Options’ having a direct and positive impact on customers and the communities Mace retailers serve, which is very important to Johnny.

Mace Right Options

The 2022 ‘Mace Right Options’ campaign focused on promoting healthy eating and exercise among customers, as well as encouraging them to choose the ‘Right Options’ when shopping in their local Mace store. It triumphed the aim for a balanced diet to help lead a healthy life and ‘Mace Right Options’ as a programme that promotes healthy eating and exercise. In a departure from the norm, Mace launched a new series of videos featuring Sexton, called ‘A Walk with Johnny’, which were accompanied by an in-store and social media campaign, with prizes of home gym equipment up for grabs for five lucky customers.

The four-part series saw Johnny chatting to another elite athlete at the top of her game, Meath Ladies Gaelic Footballer, Vikki Wall, as the two discussed their approach to four

subjects, all of which are particularly relatable to Mace shoppers, namely the importance of healthy living, staying active, healthy eating and goal setting.

The success of this campaign was recognised when Mace won Bronze in the Best in Retail and Consumer Goods Award at the Digital Media Awards.

Mace also teamed up with Sexton on the aforementioned nationwide community campaign to search for Ireland’s ‘Unsung Heroes’, an initiative whereby Mace wanted to recognise people across the communities of Ireland who go that extra mile to make a difference but, in some cases, may not receive the recognition they deserve. The ‘Mace Unsung Heroes’ initiative was designed to foster community spirit and recognise true local

The new look Mace off-licence has seen a true transformation, with new feature ceiling design and lighting.

Retail Groups Report

heroes in communities all around Ireland, which it succeeded in doing magnificently.

Tour de Mace

In support of Mace’s official Charity Partner, Down Syndrome Ireland, Mace retailers ran very successful Tour de Mace events over the summer months, whereby Mace retailers across Ireland invited customers and staff to donate between 15 minutes and one hour of their time to cycle on static bikes and raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. All funds raised go towards supporting Down Syndrome Ireland’s 10-week online education course, ‘Ability Online’, which provides support to adults aged 29+ with Down Syndrome who are struggling with isolation and job losses, combining online tasks and group discussions.

Barry Sheridan, Down Syndrome Ireland CEO, was delighted to take part in the static cycle: “Each Tour de Mace event helps make a real and lasting difference to people with Down Syndrome and their families throughout Ireland. We are thrilled with the enthusiasm being shown in helping raise funds for our charity.”

New Mace store design

In terms of retail development, the response of customers to the new Mace store design in locations across Ireland has been very positive, while the new look was also well received by the industry. The new image is reflective of the shift convenience and forecourt stores have been experiencing in recent years. Optimisation of Fresh Food displays are designed to entice a peckish local or passer-by. The off-licence has seen a true transformation, with new feature ceiling design and lighting. In an innovative design feature, spirits are in open flow presentation and while retaining crucial functionality, the separated design of

the off-licence space is proving very popular with shoppers.

Mace is very proud to always have its retailers and their staff at the heart of its mission and the Mace group is forever seeking to improve its offering to customers through exceptional customer service, a diverse range of products and innovation, which was to the forefront at a special business forum discussing ‘Ideas and Opportunities’ within Irish grocery retailing in 2022. This meeting, the first in-person gathering of Mace retailers in more than three years, also showcased a number of technologies and solutions to support the continued growth of Mace retailers’ businesses, with this suite of supporting technologies launching across Mace over the next 12 months.

Innovative new technologies

Among the new solutions showcased on the day was BWG Foods’ new predictive Artificial Intelligence (AI) stock management system, ShopLink Pro, which leverages hundreds of complex data points to predict consumer demand for in-store products, allowing for smarter forecasting of stock requirements, while also considering business promotions and category management to deliver the next five-day sales forecasts. The BWG team also revealed an innovative new HR Support service for retailers to manage this very important part of their business, which will be rolling out in 2023.

these innovations is the ongoing investment in training and upskilling tools available from the U Learn@ Mace Academy to help educate new and existing staff on all the relevant policies and procedures when working in a Mace store, ensuring best-in-class customer experience, which is the cornerstone of the Mace offering and has been for more than 60 years.

Looking forward to what 2023 will bring, Mace will continue the rollout of its new strategy and image, with a significant number of projects happening all around the country within the existing estate. The Mace team is also delighted with the huge amount of interest from potential new retailers, who see the benefit and value of working with Ireland’s longest established symbol brand.

FACT FILE:

Name

The response of customers to the new Mace store design in locations across Ireland has been very positive.

BWG Foods, owners and operators of the Mace brand in Ireland, also showcased a number of their latest food and beverage concepts including Háo Chi Bar, The Local Tea Company, Popsicle, Pazza @ Home and I-Scream, the exclusive ice cream offering.

Complementing

Wholesale partner: BWG Foods

Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Mace stores nationwide.

Website: www.mace.ie

Social Media: https://www.facebook. com/MaceIreland www.youtube.com/MaceIreland www.instagram.com/mace_ireland www.twitter.com/MaceIreland

Tagline: Going the extra smile

The new Mace store design includes optimising fresh food displays to entice shoppers.

Retail Groups Report

Excellent year for XL

2022 proved a superb year for XL in terms of growing store numbers, while developing in-store categories like alcohol, deli and coffee sales.

THE evolution of the XL brand continued at pace throughout 2022, with particular focus placed on developing areas like alcohol, deli and coffee sales, while continuing to deliver great choice, service and exciting consumer promotions to their customers. XL retailers are also passionate about providing value to their customers, while not compromising on quality, and the growth in the last 12 months is a foretaste of the future as XL have ambitious and, critically, achievable plans for not only consolidating that growth but also enhancing it.

These ambitions will be met while remaining steadfast to the core values that have helped deliver the growth to date: offering XL retailers a flexible, market leading package which enables them to tailor their shop to consumer needs and react quickly to the ever-changing market conditions and help grow their business.

What helps set XL apart is a true dedication to their retailer base. The XL Sales Development team is passionate about retailing and that manifests itself in the service provided to retailers. XL retailers know that one of the team is never more than a phone call away and every member of that team is solution focused. Strategically positioned with 21 Value Centre and Cash and Carry outlets located around Ireland, every XL retailer is never far from one and has the full support of their local/nearest branch.

XL: supporting your entrepreneurial spirit

From a retailer perspective, XL offers you the opportunity to own your own business, pursue your entrepreneurial spirit as an independent retailer and, at the same time, benefit from being part of a nationwide brand with access to big buying power and the many invaluable support mechanisms that membership of a symbol group brings. XL offers independent retailers a mutually beneficial partnership opportunity in which the key objective is to maximise retail sales and margins. XL offers a flexible, marketleading package, which enables retailers to tailor their shop to consumer needs, and also to react quickly to changing market conditions in order to grow their business. XL’s affordable fit-out cost is one of its many attractions. XL’s tagline, “A great deal more at your local store”, underpins the brand promise of serving local communities and the strong support afforded retailers by their dedicated Development Manager offers a very supportive environment for XL retailers to flourish in.

That camaraderie and collegial spirit was very evident in September 2022 when, for the first time in more than three years, XL retailers got together for their first in-person Retailing Standards Awards celebrations at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Co. Westmeath. The prestigious awards ceremony recognised XL stores that demonstrated outstanding industry

excellence, following a comprehensive programme of inspections and audits carried out by Ireland’s leading retail audit company, SMA Retail Specialists.

In total, 18 Retailing Standard Awards were presented to XL retailers, including the coveted Store of the Year Award, which was won by Enda Scully’s XL Daingean, Co. Offaly. The celebrations on the night also paid tribute to how XL retailers have been providing an invaluable service to their communities and customers for a quarter of a century and how the brand continues to grow and evolve.

“XL retailers have been proudly serving their communities and customers for 25 years and it was wonderful to be in a position to celebrate that achievement together for the first time since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic,” noted Paul Bealin, Cash & Carry Sales Director, BWG Foods. “I want to congratulate all XL retailers on their achievements, with a special word for Enda and all in Scully’s XL Daingean on their continuing to set the benchmark for the XL brand and marketplace overall. Here’s to another 25 years of outstanding retail service.”

Landmark Lotto wins 2022 was certainly a year to remember for XL retailers. As well as celebrating the landmark birthday, a number of XL retailers basked in the reflected glory of

Retail Groups Report

XL’s offering

selling record-winning National Lottery tickets. The record-breaking Lotto jackpot win of €19.06 million was sold at Laura’s XL store in Castlebar, Co. Mayo in January, while Local family run XL Mount Merrion, owned and operated by Adrian and Renée Peters, sold the winning Quick Pick ticket for €2,310,972 in October, and XL Turlough Stores, in Turlough Co. Mayo, sold the winning ticket for the Daily Million top prize win worth €1,000,000 in November.

At its core, XL Retail passionately believes in supporting Irish. This manifests itself in how the brand does business and, indeed, who they do business with through engagement with suppliers. Sourcing products locally is hugely important, as all XL retailers pride themselves on supporting Irish suppliers in every way they can. As part of BWG Foods, the XL Retail Group is able to leverage industryleading expertise, knowledge and insight into what customers want. Take for example, the emergence of foodservice within the retail estate, where XL’s offering

enables retailers to provide a diverse and appetising deli menu in environmentally friendly, compostable packaging. It is through initiatives such as this that XL Retail and their retailers continue to serve their customers’ needs.

The Marty Party

Every year, through BWG Foods, XL Retail Group provides a unique platform to Ireland’s indigenous suppliers, and emerging Irish businesses, to showcase their goods and offerings to a wide array of retailers. This is just one of many ways XL retailers show their support of Irish culture, legacy and business and it is this commitment to the promotion of Irish culture and legacy that has led to XL’s support of the hugely popular ‘Marty Party’ in 2022, which was a brand-new live stage show starring RTÉ sports commentator, Marty Morrissey. The ‘Marty Party’ took place initially in Wexford and Drogheda and was a mixture of gameshow classics, live music, dance and special

“Marty is a fascinating character with a personality and likeability that has endeared him to the whole nation over the course of his career on Irish television and radio,” explained Paul Bealin. “When the opportunity presented itself to support these events, we were delighted to get involved.”

Looking to the future, XL will break new ground when the group opens its first ever green-field site in Cloghan, Co. Offaly, in 2023. These very positive developments offer further evidence of XL’s ambition and its standing as one of the fastest growing brands in the convenience retail industry, one which is proving very attractive to retailers and, indeed, aspiring retailers alike.

enables retailers to provide a diverse and appetising deli menu in environmentally friendly, compostable packaging.

guest appearances from Marty’s huge array of contacts, including Eurovision winners, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan.

The record-breaking Lotto jackpot win of €19.06 million was sold at Laura’s XL store in Castlebar, Co. Mayo in January.

Retail Groups Report

Great year for Barry Group

IT’S been another incredible year for Costcutter, Barry Group’s leading family run convenience franchise. Whilst at the beginning of the year, the Group’s retailers were continuing to support their communities as concerns of the Covid-19 pandemic were at an all-time high, they are exiting 2022 in a much more positive sentiment as Costcutter celebrates a year of growth and successful strategic advancements.

Within the remit of strategic advancements, Barry Group focused on the development of the brand to ensure that it remains a key player in the Irish convenience sector for the coming years. “2022 was a reset year for us,” shared Edwina Lucey, Sales Director. “We started the year with an in-depth analysis of the brand, focusing on topics including our national footprint, store spec, digital infrastructures, marketing communications, our offering and sustainability. The key objective was to ensure that we are facilitating our retailers to be favoured and progressive retail outlets in their communities. Since then, we have built long term strategic plans, which will commence being activated in 2023 to act as a roadmap in achieving success.”

The Costcutter offering Barry Group pride themselves on the service that they provide their retailers across their symbol groups. Firstly, each customer is visited by their account manager on a threeweekly cycle. During this visit, all aspects of successfully running a retail store in a partnership mindset are discussed, with the ambition of retailers being leading operators in their communities. The Costcutter fresh

food advisors also have a comprehensive call schedule to stores nationwide, offering training and support across all elements of deli and hot food to ensure that the deli and fresh food offering remains best-in-class.

Outside of these call schedules, retailers are also offered training and support through regular cluster sessions, where members of the Barry Group team and industry experts train retailers on topics which are required

Barry Group have enjoyed a tremendous 2022, with a year of sustained growth and strategic advancements for Costcutter and Carry Out.

Pictured at the official opening of Costcutter Grenagh are (l-r): Tommy Mullane, Paul Roche, Head of Costcutter; Edwina Lucey, Sales Director, Barry Group; Peter Bolster, store manager, and John Murphy.

to be successful in today’s competitive retail environment. In the next year, the Group will also be launching a new Retailer Excellence Academy which will further build on this programme.

Innovation

Whilst innovation is at the forefront of the Costcutter offering, it is delivered in a practical and affordable manner. “Practicality is at the heart of all we do,” stated Paul Roche, Head of Costcutter. “Whilst it is easy to get carried away with opportunities to elevate our offering, we are rooted in reality and believe that for the brand to be successful, it is important we have our retailers at the centre of every decision we make. For example, our store spec is designed to appeal to the modern consumer, while also being an economical and long-term affordable option for progressive retailers. The cost-of-living crisis is not only relevant to our consumers, but also our retailers, who are looking to run their stores as efficiently as possible. Therefore, it is our responsibility to act on this.”

With this in mind, a key addition to Costcutter’s portfolio of concepts is a new pizza brand, Amici’s, which will optimise the deli space for the evening trade and offer consumers yet another reason to shop in Costcutter stores nationwide. Throughout 2023, a further three concept brands will be added to the list, which already includes Urban Sips, Freezi Licks Ice Cream and Market St. Deli.

Shopper value

As the primary shopper mission is now price and pack value, Costcutter have responded to this through the development of a new range of own label and branded products called ‘Price Fighters’.

“We are very aware of the pressures that our customers are facing and genuinely want to help them by launching this range, which promises savings of up to 30% on brands across our range,” shared Holly Barry, Brand Strategist. “This range has been crafted by our commercial team to meet the needs of today’s consumer, spanning across multiple categories in-store, while also affording our retailers a competitive edge in the current cost of living crisis.”

Supporting local communities

At the core of the Costcutter brand is the pledge to local communities, which is reflected in the brand’s tagline, Proud to be Local. While this is activated through many aspects of the brand, it is especially prevalent in Costcutter’s marketing communications.

As part of the 2022 marketing plan, a charity partnership with Movember was reignited and raised €20,000 through charity initiatives in-store and the Group’s

sponsorship of Triathlon Ireland’s Youth Series was also activated nationally.

Both of these partnerships have been deemed a success over the past two years and the group are looking forward to further developing them over the coming years. Additionally, Costcutter collaborated with TV chef Daniel Lambert, who featured on Ireland AM, making delicious meals using ingredients that are available in stores nationwide.

Sustainability

Not unlike other businesses, sustainability was high on the agenda for 2022 and will continue to grow in importance over the coming years for Barry Group. While in the process of launching the strategy which brings the business to 2030, Costcutter have committed to make significant change to reduce their carbon footprint, which will be launched in January 2023.

Looking into the future

Sharing some insight into the future of Barry Group and their symbol offerings, Costcutter and Carry Out Off Licence, Jim Barry, Managing Director, said: “Our response during Covid-19 stood to us in good stead –we got a lot of new customers that have still remained with us today. We enhanced our credentials and credibility with a number of customers, and we are getting a long-term payback from that now. Our team was agile and responded well. Overall, 2022 has been a reset year for us, where every element of our business is performing well. We are on a rising curve, which is putting us in a good place to achieve the objectives of our threeyear plan, which begins in February 2023. We are excited and bullish about this plan, and we have ambitious growth targets for the next few years.”

The Market St. Deli concept has proved a real winner for Costcutter in Ireland.

Urban Sips, the premium coffee option from Costcutter.

Retail Groups Report

Gala Retail going from strength to strength

Giving back to Gala customers

The Gala Group continues to grow, with a refreshed

brand being rolled out across the country and a host of new stores joining the group.

THE Gala Retail brand continues to evolve in the ever-changing convenience retail landscape, developing the Gala brand and in-store offerings while reinforcing its commitment to communities through the brand’s marketing activities and associations.

Adapting to the changing shopping habits of Irish consumers, 2022 saw the continued roll-out of the refreshed Gala brand in stores across the country. The latest Gala branding is what modern convenience retailing is all about and provides a positive shopper experience. With a vibrant and contemporary colour palette and store layout options that cater to the differing requirements of customers who shop in the many Gala convenience and forecourt stores across the country, each Gala store is unique.

The past couple of years have seen steady growth for Gala, with the group reporting sales increases of 28% since March 2020, including a 10% sales increase for the year to date at the annual Gala conference in September. The group continues to grow, with the addition of 43 new stores to the Gala portfolio, including 13 new forecourt stores since 2020.

In addition to developing the Gala brand in stores, Gala’s focus has been on the continued growth and development of their range of in-store concepts, offering customers variety and choice in their fresh food and foodto-go offerings. Continually evolving in response to consumer trends, Gala’s range of concepts is designed to meet customer demand. Gala’s Coffee Junction and Baker’s Corner offerings are a cornerstone of Gala stores, and the addition of the ‘New Street Deli’ and ‘Galato’ offerings in recent years has proven to be beneficial for retailers, driving sales and encouraging repeat custom with shoppers.

Star partnership

2022 saw Gala Retail embark upon their second year of sponsorship with Starcamp, Ireland’s number one children’s activity camp, including the first ‘National Confidence Day’ for children in Ireland, which took place earlier this year. Gala Retail’s sponsorship sees the Group support Starcamp in their delivery of activity camps in communities across the country.

A title sponsorship, Starcamp with Gala Retail is well-respected for its nationwide Easter and summer camps, which take place in 280 locations across Ireland each year. With over 20,000 children taking part, all of whom benefit from fun activities developed to build children’s confidence and self-esteem, Gala’s sponsorship includes the provision of over €10,000 worth of prizes for participating children and their schools.

Community is at the core of the Gala Group’s values and is a theme that permeates through the group’s marketing activities and associations. In-store promotions for 2022 focused largely on giving back to Gala customers in communities throughout Ireland and saw the brand rewarding loyal Gala customers with opportunities to win family passes to some of Ireland’s top attractions as part of their ‘Summer Days’ promotion.

Summer 2022 also saw the return of the ‘Gala Getaways’ promotion for a second year, with €40,000 of staycation gift voucher prizes being awarded to customers in Gala stores across the country, with one lucky winner being selected from each participating store.

Celebrating community spirit

Now in their fourth year, the Gala Retail Inspiration Awards returned, seeking to recognise and celebrate inspirational individuals from across Ireland. The awards, delivered in association with Virgin Media Ireland, saw 26 inspirational people - one from every county across Ireland - receive a prize in recognition

Pictured at the launch of Starcamp with Gala Retail Summer Camps: are (l-r): Bobbi Osborne; Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail; Starcamp Leader Jennifer York; and Olivia Hekaire.

of the work they have done to support their communities, going the extra mile to help others. €26,000 worth of prizes were gifted by Gala Retail to the award-winning inspiration heroes in each county, with each winner receiving a gift voucher for IrelandHotels.com.

Cork native Noreen Murphy, from Bantry was named as Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her extensive and inspirational work in the mental health and charity sectors within her local community.

A platinum partnership Gala’s role as a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland continues, supporting the organisation and clubs in delivery of services for their athletes across Ireland. In 2022, the sponsorship supported the delivery of Advancement Games across the country, which saw athletes compete in the hope of being selected as one of only 73 athletes who

Pictured at the launch of the Special Olympics Ireland Polar Plunge, supported by Gala Retail, are (l-r): Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail; Special Olympics Ambassador and former Irish international footballer Niall Quinn; and Special Olympics athletes Nicole Redmond, Eoin O'Connell and Jacob McKenna.

Pictured

will represent Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin next June.

Footballing legend Niall Quinn joined Gala and Special Olympics Ireland for the launch of the Polar Plunge supported by Gala Retail. The Polar Plunge events supported by Gala Retail aim to raise funds that will support Special Olympics Ireland’s athletes, as they prepare for next year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin.

Looking ahead to 2023 2023 will see the Gala Group continue to focus on the growth of their brand and stores, expanding the footprint of the Gala brand across the country, while continuing to offer their retailers innovative concepts and retailing solutions, combined with the support and tools they need to build a store offering that meets changing consumer demands.

In the current economic climate, Gala customers need value and choice from their local retailers, along with a customer experience that will keep them coming back. In 2023, Gala will turn their focus to maximising value for both Gala retailers and customers, by working with wholesalers to streamline offerings and ensure competitive pricing on goods.

Gala marketing activities will continue to focus on rewarding customers and giving back to communities, while supporting their commercial and charity partnerships.

Gala Getaways are go! Pictured are (l-r): Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail; radio and TV personality Lucy Kennedy; and Denyse Campbell, IHF.

at the Presentation of the Gala Retail Inspiration Overall Award are Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, with Gala store owner Mary Burke, and Noreen Murphy, who was named Inspirational Hero of The Year.

Retail Groups Report

Tesco celebrate 25 years in Ireland

meals since its inception.

2022 saw Tesco celebrating a quarter of a century in Ireland, with a host of new initiatives and a report which highlighted the retailer’s economic contribution to the country.

2022 has been a momentous year for Tesco as the company marked 25 years in Ireland. To help Tesco look back on that time, they tasked international economic consultants Indecon with the job of carrying out an independent socio-economic assessment of Tesco’s activities on the Irish economy.

The research found that Tesco is the leading retail buyer of Irish food and drink in the world, with purchases totalling €1.6 billion a year, and the company is now a bigger buyer of Irish produce than any country in the European Union. According to Indecon, exports of Irish food and drink to Tesco represented almost 6.5% of the total value exported during 2021, with Tesco accounting for €0.87 billion of the export total. The exports to Tesco stores in the United Kingdom and Central Europe have grown by more than 47% in 15 years.

Tesco have operated in the Irish retail market since 1997, and now with over 160 stores nationwide, they employ almost 14,000 people in cities and towns around Ireland, supporting 45,000 jobs directly and indirectly. In partnering with over 500 Irish suppliers, their purchases of Irish agri-food support more than 13,000 farming families.

Irish suppliers continued to innovate for Tesco over the last year, replacing imports in certain areas, such as family-owned Cork business Silver Pail which secured a contract to supply the Tesco Ireland own-brand icecream range. Country Crest, Keelings and Lir Chocolates continue as long-standing suppliers, with Folláin, the Gaeltacht-based jams and preserves company, the latest to join the 500-strong Irish firms supported by Tesco in the past year.

Community Fund

Supporting the communities that they serve has always been hugely important to the Tesco business. Through the Tesco Community Fund, €1 million is being made

available to local community projects annually. Since 2014, the Community Fund has provided vital supports to community groups nationwide, amassing €6 million in donations to over 21,000 community projects.

Tackling food waste

Tackling food waste remains a key priority for Tesco Ireland, and surplus food is donated at the end of each day in every county to families in need in the communities in which they operate. Complementing their ongoing work with FoodCloud, Tesco are the first major grocery retailer to work with food sharing app Olio in Ireland. Olio works with volunteer ‘food waste heroes’ who visit stores to collect surplus food and redistribute it to the local community. Through the Tesco FoodCloud partnership, 2.5 million meals were donated in the 2021/22 financial year, with the FoodCloud partnerships leading to almost 15.5 million

Tesco continue to publish independently verified food waste data for their own operations and remain committed to driving progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to halve per capita global food waste by 2030.

Tackling food waste is an integral part of Tesco’s business and they will continue to make every effort to tackle this challenge in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12.3, and the bid to help halve food waste from farm to fork by 2030.

Charity partnership

This year Tesco have grown their charity partnership to include CHI hospitals and urgent care centres at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly with Children’s Health Foundation. This partnership follows Tesco’s seven-year partnership with Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street, which has raised €7.5 million to date. Going forward, they are committed to helping treat all sick children in Ireland, with funds raised by colleagues, customers and CHF supporters going towards vital equipment and paediatric research.

Sustainability

Tesco are committed to reaching net-zero

Pictured at the launch of the Dún Laoghaire based trial of an electric Tesco home delivery van were Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy; Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland, and home delivery driver Phillip Maher.

Retail Groups Report

emissions in their own operations by 2035 and across their entire value chain globally by 2050, in line with the UN’s aspiration of keeping global warming below 1.5C. Tesco proudly recommitted to BITC’s Low Carbon Pledge, and they are also a member of Repak and a signatory to the Repak Plastics Pledge.

Some examples of Tesco Ireland’s sustainable practices and actions include the fact that 100% of the electricity used in Tesco is procured from renewable sources. No food waste from Tesco has gone to landfill since 2009 and now, as a result of their partnership with Green Generation, it’s

going to anaerobic digestion and creating renewable gas to power six of their stores. Meanwhile, committing to ambitious packaging targets has meant working closely with suppliers to remove ‘red list’ plastics from all their packaging.

Tesco only ever use packaging where there is a clear requirement to do so like maintaining food safety or if it is necessary for transport, and are very proud to have developed the first soft plastics recycling solution in the retail sector. Working with Irish company Paltech, Tesco are developing new materials from those plastics that can be used again in-store for signage and more. By 2025, they aim to halve the packaging weight in their business, and all paper and board will be 100% sustainable.

Tesco Ireland have begun to electrify their fleet of home delivery vans, with a trial commencing from their Bloomfields store in Dún Laoghaire. They continue to work with ESB to provide almost 50 electric vehicle charge points in Tesco stores nationwide.

“Sustainability is very important to Tesco as a business, and we know it creates both opportunities and challenges for all of us in the supply chain and that we have a role to play in influencing change where possible,”

explained Natasha Adams, CEO, Tesco Ireland. “We continue to address key issues such as packaging and food waste reduction in our ongoing efforts to minimise our overall environmental impact. Every little helps.”

Pictured at the relaunch of the Tesco Ireland €1 million Community Fund available for local communities across Ireland were Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland (centre), with (back row): Mick Rochford, Aoibeann’s Pink Tie; and Michael Loughman, Sleep out Cavan; and (front row): Hugh Stephens, Ashbournes Men’s Shed; and Karen O’Sullivan, Irish Community Rapid Response.

Natasha Adams, CEO, Tesco Ireland.

Retail Groups Report

Lidl leading the way

Lidl Ireland enjoyed a strong 2022 and remain committed to offering customers quality products at affordable prices.

LIDL are extremely proud of the Irish produce that they sell across their network of 176 stores nationwide. 2022 has been a challenging year, due to economic uncertainties and rising inflation. The last few months have been difficult for consumers and as we face into the winter months, it is likely the cost-ofliving crisis will only escalate further. Lidl are committed to offering customers the best value in the market by providing quality products at affordable prices, and do everything possible to keep the price paid by customers to a minimum, while not compromising on quality.

Being a purpose-driven organisation is important to Lidl, as it allows them to connect with customers and society in a meaningful way, through living their vision and mission and by taking strong stances and supporting good causes. Last year, Lidl were announced as the first retailer in the world to launch a dedicated period poverty initiative. Alongside this, they updated their compassionate leave policy to acknowledge early pregnancy loss and miscarriage as a bereavement.

We’ve seen time and time again that companies are expected to stand up for something, and that today’s generations opt to donate their time, attention, and loyalty to socially conscious brands. Lidl see themselves as a key leader in this area, highlighted by Lidl Ireland being named Most Reputable Retailer in Ireland in the RepTrak Reputations Study 2022.

Future-Proofing for a Sustainable Business

Since launching their ‘A Better Tomorrow’ corporate social responsibility strategy, sustainability, environmental and community support programmes have been a central part of Lidl’s business strategy.

Leading the way in sustainability in the Irish retail sector continues to be their priority and they have been working on several impactful initiatives:

goal of reducing the consumption of own-brand primary plastic packaging by 20% - one year ahead of the

• Committing to becoming carbon neutral by 2025;

• Committing to 46% reduction in their operational emissions by 2030;

• Launch of dedicated Supplier Engagement Programme supporting suppliers responsible for 70% of product emissions.

This year, they announced the roll-out of the first Electrical truck and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) into their logistics fleet, a first in the Irish food retail industry.

Lidl are exceptionally proud to be first-to-market with an industry leading approach to a Deposit Return Scheme, when they launched their first machine in Glenageary. The trial was expanded to Claremorris in recent months and customer uptake has surpassed all expectations.

In September this year, Lidl Ireland announced that they have achieved their goal of reducing the consumption of ownbrand primary plastic packaging by 20%, one year ahead of schedule thanks to a number of strong initiatives. These include a collaboration with Lidl’s biggest fresh seafood supplier (Keohane Seafoods), which has seen a reduction in size of 11 of its ownbrand fresh seafood packages. The total plastic weight has been reduced by more than 20%, which equates to the reduction of 28 tonnes of plastic packaging from customer packaging annually.

This October, Lidl hosted their second Sustainability Conference with a special keynote speaker, former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. The hybrid event covered a wide range of sustainability topics including packaging, energy, logistics and waste, while also seeing Lidl announce a Lidl Farm experience

Robert Ryan, Chief Operating Officer, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, announced the rollout of the first Electrical truck and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) into the retailer’s logistics fleet.

Elaine O’Connor, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, pictured as Lidl became the first national supermarket to achieve their

target timeframe.

Retail Groups Report

that schools can visit, where children can learn important lessons about growing fruit and vegetables.

Supporting communities

Lidl are very proud to bring the best of Irish produce to customers, with an ever-growing network of more than 400 Irish suppliers. The retailer recently announced deals with Irish suppliers worth more than €11 million, including a €3 million deal with award-winning beekeepers, Healy’s Honey, based in Cork; a €6 million deal with Hassetts Bakery, based in Cork; and a €2 million deal with Carrick Farms, based in Dublin.

Since the launch of the Kickstart programme in 2017, more than 500 Irish products have been added to Lidl’s shelves, with dozens of local producers growing successfully with their support. This year, Lidl introduced 30 more Irish products from small local suppliers to stores nationwide. For the first time, they introduced non-food items to the programme, so it now features everything from sustainable tampon products to protein bars and much more.

In January, Lidl announced a four-year extension of their award-winning sponsorship of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), that will ultimately mark a decade of #SeriousSupport. The extension represents an investment of €10 million in 10 years of sponsorship.

This year, Lidl also announced they are extending their charity partnership with Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland, for a further two years. As part of the new partnership, Lidl pledged to raise €2.5 million for the charity, which provides free and confidential professional support to young people aged 12 to 25, in 14 centres across Ireland. To date, Lidl Ireland have raised over €1.8 million for Jigsaw and have committed to raising an additional €700,000 by the end of the partnership, in 2024.

For the first time this year, Lidl partnered with parkrun to become the Official Fresh Food Partner. The three-year partnership will see Lidl support parkrun as they continue to encourage the public to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, providing exclusive coupons and free products to parkrunners and volunteers every week via the Lidl Plus App.

Supporting people

Recognising hard work, rewarding success, and celebrating achievements have always been core to Lidl’s workplace initiatives. Lidl continue to deliver on their commitment to being an employer of choice through industry-leading salaries and a suite of industry first and ground-breaking benefits such as Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave, Compassionate Leave for

Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss, and Menopause Supports.

This August, Lidl became the first company in Ireland to announce the removal of the mandatory retirement age clause to prospective and current employees. Continuing in the company’s commitment to be a more diverse and inclusive employer, all Lidl employees will have the option to continue their service beyond the current retirement age of 65 years old. Lidl offer a top of the range pension programme to all employees, and those who choose to continue their service can opt to extend their pension plan on an individual basis.

In March, Lidl invested more than €10 million in salary increases, which benefitted every employee. More recently, Lidl became the first Irish supermarket to commit to the 2023 Living Wage in recognition of the ongoing hard work and dedication of store and warehouse colleagues, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

Looking forward

As a business, Lidl recognise that 2023 will be a very difficult year for many, and are committed to making sure communities have access to affordable, healthy and quality food. Lidl plan to build on their successes of the past year, continuing a positive contribution to local communities, continuing to work with local Irish suppliers and maintaining their commitment to their employees through their policies. They are looking forward to working closely with their charity partner, Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, to raise awareness of their service and continue to assist in fundraising initiatives to raise vital funds for them, alongside Lidl’s sponsorship and ongoing support of the LGFA.

Sustainability goals include making their packaging as recyclable as possible and increasing the use of recycled material in their packaging until 2025, and with that, helping to create supply and demand for the circular economy and support the Irish waste recycling industry. Lidl recognise the importance of biodiversity and the role that pollinators play in the growth of fruit and vegetables, and they plan to continue to roll out pollinator gardens across their Irish stores.

In addition, Lidl are committed to expanding and upgrading their existing network of stores across the island, and above all, continuing to provide top quality products at market leading prices to their growing customer network.

Pictured at the official opening of the Lidl Farm in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, are former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, with Lidl CEO, J.P. Scally, and Alan Jagoe, Chairman of Agri Aware, and schoolchildren Sophie Ryan, Dylan Murray and Nathan Murray.

Pictured at the launch of Lidl’s prevented ocean plastic packaging collaboration with Keohane Seafoods are Cáit Lynch, Responsible Sourcing Manager, Lidl Ireland, and Colman Keohane, MD, Keohane Seafoods.

Retail Groups Report

Aldi: supporting communities and suppliers

Aldi Ireland continue to support Irish communities, local producers and all their customers through the cost-of-living crisis.

2022 has been a year of continued economic and social challenges across the country. Ireland’s retail industry has not been immune to these challenges, which have impacted the entire economy.

Right from the outset of the current inflationary climate, Aldi Ireland and their team have been committed to delivering value for Ireland. This means continuing to support their network of suppliers across the country, shielding their customers and keeping retail prices low, and continuing to invest in their network so that they can continue to bring the best quality products at unbeatable value to the communities in which they operate.

150th store opening

Despite the extraordinary challenges faced by Irish retailers throughout 2022, Aldi have continued to display their commitment to investing in local communities across the country. Aldi kickstarted their 2022 Irish expansion and investment drive in January, opening their new state-of-the-art corporate office in Naas, Co. Kildare, announcing plans to recruit 600 new store staff in 2022.

Expanding their footprint to all corners of Ireland is a key priority for Aldi, who opened their 150th Irish store earlier this year in Caherciveen, Co. Kerry. The new store is Aldi’s westernmost store in Europe and represents an investment of over €5 million in the local area, creating up to 20 permanent jobs with market leading pay.

Since March the retailer has opened five more stores, bringing their store count to 155 across the country. Aldi also announced a dedicated West of Ireland expansion programme which will see the company invest over €63 million and create 140 new full-time jobs and 350 construction jobs across Connacht over the next two years.

This €63 million investment has recently seen new Aldi stores open in Ballina, Tuam and Mountbellew. Further new stores are planned for Athenry and Ballyhaunis, along with store upgrades in Portumna, Clifden, Galway Retail Park and Ballinasloe, some of which are already complete.

Supporting Irish suppliers

Supporting its dedicated Irish food and drink producers remained paramount for Aldi this year. 2022 saw the fifth year of its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme, which to date has seen Aldi invest more than €5.5 million in supplier development. In May, Aldi backed the ventures of 24 finalists, putting their products on sale for a twoweek period. Five producers won long-term contracts with Aldi.

Aldi also committed to several deals with Irish suppliers across a variety of products. These included a €100 million contract with Kilkenny-based potato supplier Iverk Produce, a €10 million contract with artisan pizza supplier Sorrento Pizza, and two new deals with Dublin-based confectioners Broderick’s Handmade Cakery and Cookie Dó, worth a total of €8.5 million. In total, Aldi will spend €1.1 billion with their Irish suppliers in 2022.

The National and World Ploughing Championships 2022

The National and World Ploughing Championships took place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, in September, where Aldi was once again title sponsor for the 7th year and attracted huge crowds to the largest marquee at the three-day festival. Over 150,000 people came to the Aldi marquee to enjoy the very best of food and drink, daily entertainment from morning to evening by Mike Denver and other Aldi ambassadors, as well as the Aldi sponsored National Brown Bread Baking Competition in association with the ICA and NPA.

Electric Picnic

In September, Ireland’s premier music festival Electric Picnic returned after a three-year gap with a record 70,000 people converging on Stradbally for three days. For the first time, Aldi featured as the official supermarket sponsor, providing a pop-up supermarket with amazing value and festival themed Special-buys to help attendees get the most out of the weekend. A team of 57 Aldi employees camped on-site, ensuring the store was buzzing from 7am through to 1am each day with more than 42,000 people visiting the store. DJ Kevin the Carrot

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, and Niall O’Connor, Group Managing Director, Aldi Ireland, at the official opening of Aldi’s new 41,000 square feet Birch House, Millennium Park facility which houses Aldi’s National Buying and Marketing teams.

Food Awards

Aldi have had a very successful year with food awards, winning 48 accolades at the Great Taste Awards, 71 awards in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards and 41 awards at Blas na hÉireann. The National Parenting Product Awards saw Aldi take home 22 accolades. Aldi was also announced as Retailer of the Year at the FreeFrom Food Awards, along with 46 product wins across multiple FreeFrom categories.

Aldi’s steak range won a combined 30 awards throughout the year. The Tipperary Dry Aged Black Angus Rib Eye, produced exclusively for Aldi by supplier ABP Cahir, is the most awarded steak in Ireland. Aldi are delighted to retain their crown as Ireland’s most awarded discount retailer.

Sustainability

Aldi recognise that their operations go far beyond what you see on their shelves, and with sustainability in mind, the retailer is more motivated than ever to continue their efforts in having a positive impact on the environment. In February of this year, Aldi introduced their first ever reverse vending machine trial at their Mitchelstown store in Co. Cork. Aldi’s newest recycling trial comes with a twist, with €1,000 being donated to charity partner Barnardos on a monthly basis.

Sustainability is ingrained in Aldi’s ethos, and they have been carbon neutral since 2019. Aldi continue their commitment to planting 1 million native trees around Ireland by 2025, together with Green Belt forestry consultancy. To date, over 500,000 trees have

been planted across the country. In June, Aldi pledged to double their electric vehicle charging points across all stores over the next 12 months, adding 41 EV charging points to their store network. The charging points are powered by 100% green electricity, as are all Aldi stores.

Aldi continue to work with its Irish suppliers to introduce new, sustainable packaging solutions, which have resulted in over 2,150 tonnes of virgin plastic being removed from their store network. Aldi have also replaced over 930 tonnes of non-recyclable packaging materials with recyclable alternatives. In recognition of their ongoing efforts, Aldi were voted Green Retailer of the Year at the 2022 Green Awards.

Community Engagement

Aldi are dedicated to giving back to the community through their charity partnerships. Following on from the launch of their partnership in 2020, Aldi and Barnardos Ireland announced an extension of partnership for a further two years which will see Aldi raise a further €1 million for Barnardos, adding to the €1 million already being raised for the charity.

Aldi also partner with FoodCloud and have donated 2.6 million meals to date, benefiting their local charity network. This equates to a saving of over 1 million kgs of food from going to waste. This also benefits the environment with an equivalent saving of 3.2 million tonnes of CO2. 2022 saw another successful year for Aldi’s Community Grants programme, which helps fund local charities and community organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities. Each local charity supported is chosen by Aldi employees, enabling them to help the local good causes they are passionate

Retail Groups Report

about. By the end of 2022, the programme will have donated €537,000 to over 1,000 local charity branches and community groups across Ireland.

Looking forward to 2023

Despite the challenges of the past year, Aldi continue to invest in Ireland and expand their national store network.

Aldi have opened six new stores in 2022, in Caherciveen, Co. Kerry, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ardee, Co. Louth, and Tuam and Mountbellew in Co. Galway, and are looking forward to continuing to expand in 2023, with more store openings planned right across the country.

Value matters, now more than ever, and Aldi remain more committed than ever to delivering value. Aldi Ireland will continue to invest in their business, in expanding their store network to reach more people, in creating important local jobs, and in supporting those most vulnerable in our communities through their charity partners.

Aldi Group Managing Director Niall O’Connor and Store Manager Colm Foley pictured with staff at the opening of Aldi's 150th Irish store in Abbey Place, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry. Also pictured are Colin Breslin, Managing Director, Aldi Ireland, and Kerry duo Tadhg and Derry Fleming.

Pictured are Niall O’Connor, Group Managing Director, Aldi Ireland; Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Bernard Broderick, Joint Managing Director, Broderick’s; and Ciarán Fitzpatrick, Managing Director, Cookie Dó. Aldi signed two new deals with Broderick’s Handmade Bakery and Cookie Dó, worth a total of €8.5m.

DJ Kevin the Carrot entertained Electric Picnic goers with live sets, and his festival adventures attracted over 1.1 million views on TikTok alone.

entertained with live sets and his festival adventures attracted over 1.1 million views on TikTok alone.

ECR Shopper Conference and Awards

ECR Awards reward top shopper engagement campaigns

The ECR Shopper Conference and Awards took place recently, the first in-person event in three years, where finalists competed across three categories.

the reasons why they felt they should take home the overall prize.

The 2022 ECR Shopper Conference and Awards took place in the Radisson Blu in Dublin, the first in-person event since before the pandemic. There were over 120 attendees, representing the great and the good from the Irish FMCG sector, including Britvic Ireland, Buymie, Coca Cola Helenic, dunnhumby, Goosebump, Green Isle Foods, Heineken Ireland, Irish Distillers, Johnson & Johnson, Manor Farm, Mars Ireland, Musgrave Group, O'Brien’s Fine Foods, Pluto, Recommender X, SEL, Shelfstock, Shopper Intelligence, Sicín Sásta, Tayto Snacks, Tesco Ireland, The Delta Group, v360, and Valeo Foods.

Event MC was leading shopper & consumer behaviouralist, Ken Hughes, who introduced the 12 finalists across the three award categories: ECR Shopper Marketing Award, Digital Path to Purchase Award and ECR Category Management Award. All finalists presented their case studies, with the audience on the day voting for the winner in each category.

ECR Shopper Marketing Award

The ECR Shopper Marketing Award was hotly contested, with all five finalists providing strong presentations, illustrating the successes of their marketing campaigns and

Orla McKenna, Coca-Cola Portfolio Development Lead, & Laura Sherry, Customer Marketing Manager, talked attendees through the CocaCola summer music campaign, Feel Every Beat. “This campaign was about sharing magic,” explained Orla. “We focused on music and this was one of the largest campaigns we have ever implemented and featured prizes of tickets to gigs in Ireland and in Europe.”

According to Laura, “We took over six stores in Dublin as part of this project and engaged directly with over 8,000 shoppers

around the city and it featured a very strong partnership with Tesco and Dunnes. It also included a bespoke execution with Aldi, the first such partnership with a branded product in the Irish market.”

The results were impressive, with transactions up 7% from June to August, and sales of Coca-Cola Zero sugar up by 2.8% for a campaign which saw 3,000 displays in stores across Ireland and attracted 3,500 entries through Tesco and Dunnes.

Niamh Blighe, Senior Shopper Marketing Manager with 7Up, presented the results of the Friends, Food, Fizz campaign that ran during the summer. “This was our first post-Covid summer campaign and we were looking to leverage the strength of 7Up with food. We were main sponsor for the Battle of the Food Trucks show. After the show finished, we brought the winners and their truck to Tesco Naas where we took over the store for a highly successful experiential day.”

Alana Dwyer, Goosebump, is pictured presenting the ECR Shopper Awards to Aisling Twomey, Donegal Catch.

Eoghan Phelan, Managing Director, V360, presenting the ECR Digital Path to Purchase Award to Debbie Mullaney, Heineken Ireland, and Joseph Fitzmaurice, Tesco Ireland.

ECR Shopper Conference and Awards

we are a high quality sustainable brand that offers far more than just cod. The campaign featured a new website element, a tie-in with local fisherman around the country and a very strong partnership with Tesco and SuperValu.

The results of the campaign were extremely impressive, with Donegal Catch returning to its number one position in the category, delivering a +64% increase in unit sales, while social channels recorded a +67% increase in followers, 1.1 million impressions and led to overall category growth of 12%, which benefitted both the brand and retail partners. The project was an extremely worthy winner on the day despite strong competition in the category overall.

Digital Path to Purchase Award

Competition for the Digital Path to Purchase Award was equally robust, with four finalists vying for the prize.

The results were impressive, with 54,000 streams of the show, +12% total store displays on target, 186,000 samples of 7Up Free distributed which was +14% on target and a highly successful partnership with Tesco and Centra that benefited both the retailers and the brand.

Conor Ó' Raghallaigh, Senior Account Manager, and Becca Simmons, Account Manager, with full-service agency Pluto shared their experiences on the Powers Gold Label Campaign. “With this campaign, we wanted to retain the traditional strengths of the brand, while repositioning it away from a view of being old fashioned,” Conor noted. “We targeted a very specific demographic of slightly older, more affluent consumers with our Win a Day at the Races campaign.”

According to Becca, the campaign “featured very strong POS activation and elements within the extremely space-competitive alcohol aisle. Our use of vertical displays helped us maximise visibility. We needed to be very hands-on during this process, getting into stores to see how activations were working on the ground.” Amber Torpey, Shopper Marketing Executive with Ballygowan, shared the story of their Hint of Fruit launch. “We were looking to introduce a tasty alternative to water for healthy hydration,” Amber explained. “We targeted men and women, aged 20-34, who have a focus on both personal health and environmental concerns. This was a three-phase campaign, taking place from February to September, which utilised a full suite of promotional tools, including retailer partnerships, disruptive displays, with support from multi-channel and digital marketing.”

The results for the campaign were also very impressive, with over 10,000 cooler unit take-overs. It delivered category growth of over 29%, which delighted all parties involved in the campaign and the new water flavour products achieved 12% share of the market in year one of production.

The winner in this category, however, was Donegal Catch. Aisling Twomey, Marketing Manager, demonstrated how they established the brand as the authority on white fish in Ireland and successfully rose to meet the challenge of private label alternatives.

“Donegal Catch had lost its position as number one in the category and a big part of our strategy was to differentiate our brand from private label alternatives,” Aisling explained. “We created a ‘sea to plate’ journey that would engage customers and let them know

Rebecca Lyons, Category Manager with Mars, told attendees how their Digital Ding campaign for the Extra chewing gum brand brought digital displays into the shop and is transforming the brand’s ability to interact with consumers. “We have a very strong presence in the gum category, with displays in a huge variety of shops around the country,” Rebecca explained. “One of the core focuses of this digital campaign was to bring digital activity right into the point of sale. To date we have installed 40 digital headers in-store to our existing displays in a simple, cost-effective manner that suits our needs but also those of the many retailers we deal with.”

The displays have allowed Mars Ireland to “use simple phrases and suggestions to nudge customers at the critical moment,” according to Rebecca, and the results have been impressive. Not only has the introduction of the digital headers delivered an improved presence for the brand into shops but also delivered a remarkably impressive +38% uplift in sales at the locations where the technology has already rolled out.

Richard Moyles, Head of Customer Relations with Buymie, explained how Buymie currently work with Dunnes and Lidl in Ireland: “Our app based ordering service, assisted by the Jervis AI, allows customers to browse and buy from both our grocery retail partners. We exist to synthesise the digital ordering and physical delivery to the point of being almost a simultaneous activity. In most cases, we can

Colm Rooney, Shopper Intelligence (right) presenting the ECR Category Management Award to Brendan Nolan, Sicín Sásta

Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland, and CoChair, ECR Community.

ECR Shopper Conference and Awards

Tesco Ireland, showed how they transformed fresh food in-store at Tesco. By transforming signage and displays in the test store, they let the quality of Tesco fresh food shine and increased fruit sales by +3.5%, veg by +5.3% and salad by 9.2%. Proof of their success is that the test changes from the Arklow store are now being rolled out in other Irish locations and there is strong interest from the UK market as well.

The winner of this award was Sicín Sásta from Manor Foods. Brendan Nolan, Marketing Manager with Manor Foods, shared details on their Chicken Raised Right campaign. Getting people to trade up to premium product variants is a challenge, especially in the price conscious chicken category. Sicín Sásta employed a strategy that touched every part of the brand from the ground up.

get goods into the hands of customers in an hour.”

Buymie are looking to “entirely transform digital shopping in Ireland”, according to Richard. “By making the lives of our customers better by reducing their trips to the shops and by using efficient delivery methods, not only can we add value to people’s shopping process, we can actually reduce carbon emissions, meaning our system is sustainable as well as simple to use.”

Simon O'Connor, Digital Commerce Manager for Britvic, told the conference that Britvic’s dedicated digital team “delivered the digital nudge to support the 7Up with food focus that the brand employed this year”. Their ground-up approach saw the Britvic team undertaking a host of actions “such as changing the product shots we use online to make them easily readable on all devices, right through to bringing a digital nudge effect to all online interactions and even onto the shop floor.”

Given the importance of impulse purchasing to the soft drinks sector, the extension of the digital nudging through to in-store is critical in creating success in the category, according to Simon: “Technology has come to the level when you can use a digital nudge at the precise moment that the customer will complete their purchase, either in-store or online.”

Another strength of digital activity is the ease with which results can be monitored and the digital activity undertaken by 7Up to support its broader campaign delivered a 25% increase in digital sales value alone, which is an extremely impressive return.

Debbie Mullaney, Channel Manager, Heineken Ireland, and Joseph Fitzmaurice, Beer & Cider Buying Manager, Tesco Ireland, discussed their Amplify Your Summer campaign, which was the overall winner of

the Digital Award on the day. The introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing in January of this year was the biggest legislative change to hit the alcohol sector in years. According to Debbie, “We needed to fit in with how the category would change and introduce a sense of excitement with this digital project.”

According to Joseph, they “maximised the impact of digital activities on this campaign by bringing the journey we started online right into the store; we followed up with front-of-store elements, and the eight-week campaign featured dramatic in-store stages featuring videos and sound to bring the excitement onto the shop floor.”

The campaign delivered a very successful increase in market share of 1.1% in an extremely competitive market. Legislative change is always difficult to deal with for a brand, but the opportunities presented by digital technology have now given brands a new suite of tools to help to deal with such changes.

ECR Category Management Award

There were three finalists for the ECR Category Management Award: Britvic Ireland, Sicín Sásta, and v360/Tesco Ireland.

Ian Mahon, Senior Category Manager, Britvic Ireland, and Rosanne Aylward, Head of Insights, dunnhumby Ireland, explained their campaign to drive squash sales and grow the category. There are four billion “water occasions” taking place in Ireland each year and Britvic and dunnhumby were looking to increase penetration and frequency with their joint project, which saw a full revamp of the squash and water category in-store. During the campaign, MiWadi increased its market share from 55% to 63% and penetration in Tesco stores increased to 48%.

Robert Flavin, Director, Strategic Planning, v360°, and Aisling Ryan, Head of Propositions, Loyalty and Tesco Mobile,

“We changed everything from packaging, trade-marked the new name, acquired the domain name and social handles for Sicín Sásta and sold the brand 360 degrees, which resulted in the highest advocacy rate for any brand,” Brendan explained. “We got people talking about chicken for a change.”

The results were certainly awardwinning, with sales up +40% year-on-year, a +25% increase in online sales and a 20% share of the premium category in year one.

Impressing their peers

In closing, Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland, told attendees, “Everyone nominated today has executed an excellent campaign in these challenging times. The fact that the overall award is voted on by their peers today means that the final winners have impressed their peers, who understand exactly how challenging the times are, and makes winning even more impressive. Today we have celebrated the excellence we find in shopper marketing, digital marketing and category management in Ireland and everyone is a winner today.”

The Britvic Ireland Team: Ian Mahon, Amber Torpey, Dee Cunniam, Simon O’Connor, Niamh Blighe, Matt Heywood.

Pictured are Helen Kenny, Green Isle Foods, Co-Chair of ECR Ireland, with John Phelan & Kevin McCarthy, Recommender X

Sicín Sásta: category management winner

Sicín Sásta won the ECR Category Management Award for their Chicken Raised Right campaign.

SICÍN Sásta were winners of the Category Management Award at the recent ECR Awards, hosted by Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland, and Co-Chair, ECR Community, in the Radisson Blu, Golden Lane, Dublin, on November 8, 2022.

Launched in 2021 across retailers nationwide, Irish chicken brand Sicín Sásta came to the Irish market layered with welfare and sustainability credentials, humour, full of flavour and steeped in Irishness, and not just by name!

The underlying objective was to create a brand in the Irish chicken market that would disrupt the retail status quo. To give a reason to trade up, to buy Irish chicken that is raised right with ethical standards that stack up. To be a brand of chicken that consumers seek out, and have a reason to buy that fits in with their values

Disrupting the Irish chicken market

Following detailed research carried out over 18 months prior to launch, the brand identified a fundamental lack of awareness and education around the life of a chicken and were questioned as to why no chicken brand was talking about it. Chicken is not produced (born) on the supermarket shelf!

They said it couldn’t be done but Sicín Sásta disrupted the Irish chicken market from development to production to the brand on-shelf, creating a unique brand with smart planning, great welfare, great taste, great disruptive packaging and great marketing.

Adding value to the category

Positive shopper research and retailer data shows that Sicín Sásta has grown the premium market and has a 20% share in its retailers, 50% of sales are incremental to the category, plus Shopper Intelligence research shows that 99% of consumers who have tried Sicín Sásta would buy it again. On top of that, with Sicín Sásta in a typical shopping basket, the value of that basket overall is increased by 30% when compared against having only standard

chicken in that basket.

Sicín Sásta continue to tell their story, combining generational farming credentials with a renowned Irish sense of humour.

New products coming next year

There are two selections of Sicín Sásta chicken: Sicín Sásta Free Range and Sicín Sásta Farmers’ Own. Available in retailers nationwide, both selections stand out in-

store with their distinctive, colourful, ecofriendly packaging. Delivering great taste and sustainability to suit varying budgets, the full range answers the needs of today’s consumer, who want to do the best for their family and for the planet, and the good news is that there are more new products in the pipeline for 2023.

For more information, visit sicinsasta.ie

Pictured at the ECR Awards are the Sicín Sásta team (l-r): Laura Carolan, Brendan Nolan, Marie Doyle, Rebecca O’Brien.

On the Vine Wine business returns to normal

2022 was the year the wine business returned to a degree of normality. Prices went through the roof, not helped by MUP, all the increased production, logistics and commodity costs kicked in, and wine prices increased. However, the opening up of the hospitality industry meant that for the first time in three years, the trade got out there and were actively selling wine again.

This was certainly reflected in the huge number of in-person wine events that took place during 2022. From February onwards, the trade saw a huge increase in tutored tastings, wine fairs, and portfolio tastings, which were taking place almost on a weekly basis. The generic bodies also came back to the Irish market with a vengeance and we all got to meet each other in person again, across a spittoon.

Wineries from Argentina, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Italy, New Zealand, DOCa Rioja, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa travelled to Ireland to sell their wines. In the wake of Brexit, the Irish market holds

greater appeal for those generic bodies targeting key European markets. This trend is likely to continue in 2023 with a number of generic fairs and portfolio tastings already booked in (details at the end of this article). Wine Paris and Vinexpo return to Paris from February 13-15, 2023, and Prowein returns to its traditional date from March 19-21, 2023, in Dusseldorf.

The changing face of wine

Speaking of Vinexpo Paris, in November at their press briefing, they asked Wine Intelligence CEO Richard Halstead to reveal what younger consumers want from wine and why they are drinking less, but spending more than their parents do. Richard Halsted’s report made for sobering reading in relation to the future for the global wine industry.

He outlined the “fundamental changes afoot for the wine industry and its consumer base,” before noting the number of regular wine drinkers aged 18-39 years old had fallen from 37% in

2010 to 26% today. “Wine drinking is by and large an old person’s game,” he said, explaining that the challenge for the wine trade involves remaining relevant to the emerging consumers. The UK statistics are most likely mirrored here. The breakdown by generation of those who drink wine regularly are: Boomers (55+): 48%, Gen X (40-54): 25%, Millennials (2539): 21%, Gen Z (18-24): 5%.

Boomers and Gen X remain the key targets because wine dominates their spend. They account for 73% of the wine drinking population and 66% of total spend in the off-trade. Gen X (40-54) are more willing than boomers to trade up in the offtrade and they are more adventurous.

Gen Z and Millennials buy their wine in the on-trade and increasingly look for premium and super premium wines. However, this generation accounts for only 26% of the regular wine drinking population but they spend more in bars, pubs and restaurants, accounting for approximately 50% of the on-trade

Jean Smullen looks back over 2022 in the wine trade, identifies the growth areas in Ireland and points out the challenges facing the wine industry in the years to come.

spend for wine. Gen Z tend to be price sensitive, though they will trade up for a social occasion. They also have a specific interest in sweeter styles of wine (i.e., residual sugar), rosé and sparkling. Finally, Halstead said younger consumers were interested in a “much broader portfolio of competing products”, which meant that “wine is not going to have it easy ever again”.

Growing trends in Ireland

Here in Ireland, it is Interesting to note that the growth in sales for organic wine is strong; however, as of February 2022, it still only accounts for 0.9% of the total still wine market. It would appear that the opportunity for organic wines sales lies with the younger demographic. Once they are aware of what organic wines are, they have the highest conversion rate. The report shows that 10% of regular wine drinkers are now aware of carbon-neutral wines, with 17% of these drinkers coming from the Gen Z (18-24) generation, 19% Millennials (25-39), 12% Gen X (40-54) and 6% Baby Boomers (55+) (Source: Wine Intelligence, February 2022).

The other significant wine market trend is the growth in No/Low alcohol products. 23% of consumers are purchasing more No/Low alcohol and this category continues to show strong growth. Research has shown that regular wine drinkers have been decreasing their alcohol intake as they become more conscious of the negative effects of excessive alcohol. Younger consumers are also more likely to opt for low alcohol alternatives.

So, as 2023 begins, here in Ireland the business of wine continues, with portfolio and generic tastings, trade and consumer events and all the work needed to keep wine visible and relevant.

[yellow tail]: Ireland's favourite Aussie [yellow tail], Ireland’s favourite Australian wine brand, have a range of affordable wines suitable for all year round, from refreshing whites to sip on while soaking in the sun, to rich and bold reds for cosy nights in winter. They also have the perfect wine for a special occasion, [yellow tail] Bubbles Rosé. It is bursting with millions of tiny bubbles and strawberry flavours. The palate is soft and creamy, with soft aromas of floral, wild strawberry, red cherry and sweet musky notes making it the ideal wine for celebrating.

In 1957, founders Filippo and Maria Casella migrated from Sicily and arrived on Australian shores. They began making wine with the family’s winemaking philosophy at its heart; to bring family and friends together on any occasion. It was this approach that inspired John Casella’s vision for [yellow tail] in 2001; to create an approachable wine that everyone could enjoy. By doing so, he wanted to demonstrate that wine could be fun, easy to choose, easy to drink and easy to understand.

In 2007, [yellow tail] was launched in the Irish market. The top-selling product in the range is the Pinot Grigio, while other wines in the range include Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, Jammy Red Roo, Rosé, Jammy Rosé Roo and Bubbles Rosé.

SPRING TASTINGS

[yellow tail] Bubbles Rosé: perfect for a special occasion.

Look

Monday, January 16, 2023: French Wine Discoveries Wine Fair, Camden Court Hotel, D2.

Monday, January 23, 2023: Italian Tutored Tasting with John Wilson, Venue TBA.

Monday, January 30, 2023: New Zealand Annual Trade Tasting, Westbury Hotel, D2.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023: Bibendum Portfolio Tasting – Belfast, Venue TBA.

February 13-15, 2023: Wine Paris & Vinexpo, Paris.

Monday, February 20, 2023: Liberty Wines Portfolio Tasting, Venue TBA.

Monday, February 20, 2023: Tindal Wine Merchants Portfolio Tasting - Marker Hotel, D2.

Monday, February 27, 2023: Cassidy Wines Portfolio Tasting, Westbury Hotel, D2.

Monday, February 27, 2023: Bibendum Portfolio Tasting, Cork, Venue TBA.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023: Bibendum Portfolio Tasting, Galway, Venue TBA.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023: Bibendum Portfolio Tasting, Dublin, Venue TBA.

Monday, March 6, 2023: Mitchell & Son Portfolio Tasting, Dublin, Venue TBA.

Santa Rita 120 De-

Sauvignon has proven very popular since its launch in March of this year.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023: German Portfolio Tasting, Dublin, Venue TBA.

March 19-21, 2023: Prowein, Dusseldorf.

Details of all these events can be found in the wine diary, which is updated regularly, at jeansmullen.com.

alcoholised Cabernet

Coca-Cola unveil Real Magic Christmas Experience

COCA-COLA invited people to kick off the countdown to Christmas as they announced the very first Coca-Cola Real Magic Christmas Experience, which stopped in Dublin’s RDS from December 8-10 and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter on December 16 and 17. Visitors were able to enjoy a can of CocaCola Zero Sugar or Coca-Cola Original Taste as they had an exclusive family Christmas photo taken with the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck! Delicious seasonal snacks were available to purchase on-site, with Coca-Cola donating a percentage of the value for every meal sold to their charity partners, FoodCloud (ROI) and FareShare (NI), part of Homeless Connect, while Coca-Cola’s Christmas market vendors had bespoke Coca-Cola Christmas gifts at each event for purchase.

Walsh Whiskey award bursary to brewing student

MATTEO Costarella, a second year Brewing and Distilling undergraduate at South East Technological University (SETU), was the fifth recipient of the annual Walsh Whiskey €1,000 bursary. The prize is awarded by Walsh Whiskey, producers of Writers’ Tears & The Irishman premium whiskeys, to the student with the highest first year grades in the Bachelor of Science in Brewing & Distilling course at SETU. The four-year course was the first of its kind in Ireland when initiated in 2017. Matteo, who travelled from Italy specifically to study Brewing and Distilling at SETU, was delighted to receive his award from Bernard Walsh, Co-founder & Managing Director of Walsh Whiskey. Pictured are (l-r): Dr David Ryan, Programme Director; Aisling Fitzgerald, Faculty of Science Secretary; Matteo Costarella; Bernard Walsh; Dr David Phelan, Head of Department of Applied Sciences; and Claire Minnock, Head of Marketing at Walsh Whiskey.

PepperBox wine launches into Irish market

NEW PepperBox wine has launched on the Irish market. PepperBox has been lovingly created to target the more adventurous shopper who has a keen interest in cooking at home, and who is prepared to pay a little more for their wine to match this food and impress their hosts, or indeed for the guests to choose a wine to take round to their hosts and impress. PepperBox was created by Casella Family Brands (Europe) Ltd, who were inspired to create a premium wine aimed at people who appreciate food.

Boann win big at awards ceremony

BOANN Distillery scooped five awards at the recent Irish Whiskey Awards, making it one of the biggest winners. The family-owned distillery won across several categories for their whiskeys, gin and whiskey liqueur. Co Meath-based Boann clinched Best Irish Gin for Silks Gin and Best Irish Newmake Spirit/ Poitín for the Boann ‘New Born’ New Make Spirit, a big winner at last year’s World Whiskies Awards, where it won World’s Best New Make Spirit. Adding to the haul were three golds for The Whistler PX I Love You nine-year-old single cask release, their 1848 Apple Brandy and The Whistler Irish Honey liqueur. “We are absolutely delighted with Boann’s success at the Irish Whiskey Awards, given the awards’ reputation amongst industry and consumers,” said Boann co-founder, Sally Anne Cooney.“Our whole team have been working extremely hard to produce top quality products that can compete on both the national and international stage.”

Double gold for Powerscourt at Irish Whiskey Awards

THE team at Powerscourt Distillery were delighted to take home two Gold awards at the recent Irish Whiskey Awards 2022 for their Fercullen whiskeys. Their latest release, 21-year-old Single Malt, along with their Limited Edition Italian Gardens, both took home Gold at the Awards and mark a significant achievement for the Enniskerry Distillery, who are going from strength to strength. The Fercullen 21-year-old Single Malt took gold in the Irish Single Malt Whiskey (16 years & older) category, while the Estate Series, 'The Italian Gardens', a limited Edition Blended Fercullen Irish Whiskey Amarone cask influence, took top honours in the Gold – Irish Blended Whiskey (Limited Release) category. Pictured are (l-r): Ger Garland from Irish Distillers and John Cashman, Head of Whiskey, Powerscourt Distillery.

REDBREAST Irish Whiskey recently celebrated the second year of Robin Redbreast Day, an annual global date in the calendar designed to raise awareness and donations for charity partner BirdLife International and their joint mission to protect common birds. A-list actor and Redbreast fan Chris O’Dowd teamed up with Redbreast and their iconic mascot, Robin, to star in another witty birdwatching video to entertain and inspire viewers. For every share and like the video receives, 25-cent will be donated to the global conservation charity BirdLife International, who use the funds for their vital work in species and habitat protection, advocacy and conservation. To raise additional funds for BirdLife International, Redbreast Irish Whiskey are also celebrating another festive season with the launch of the third edition of their 12-year-old bird feeder bottle. The world's most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey features an intricately designed bird feeder with a beautiful red copper finish - the perfect gift for whiskey lovers to keep their garden visitors fed during the winter months.

NEW Baileys Tiramisu Cocktail is everybody’s favourite dessert in drink form. Baileys Tiramisu Cocktail combines all the best flavours from the most indulgent dessert. Deliciously rich and creamy coffee is swirled with decadent cocoa flavours, topped off with just a hint of vanilla and expertly blended with Baileys Original Irish Cream. The limited-edition Baileys Tiramisu Cocktail Liqueur is available now exclusively at SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide while stocks last.

New look for Franciscan Well

FRANCISCAN Well have launched a new

positioning as they celebrate 25 years

From this month, customers enjoying their favourite Franciscan Well craft beer, either at home or in the pub, will begin to see the new look reflected on newly designed cans, packaging and in-store branding in the off trade, and on pint glasses and beer taps in the on trade over the coming weeks and months.

A launch campaign, which embraces and celebrates the craft brewer’s Cork heritage, will run for the remainder of 2022 and continue into 2023.

As part of the brand refresh, Franciscan Well are also launching Well Hazy Pale Ale, a brand new hazy beer, which is available now in the Irish on-trade, with an off-trade

visual identity and refreshed brand

of the Cork-based craft brewery in 2023.

Baileys launch new Tiramisu Cocktail Redbreast reunites with Chris O’Dowd

SuperValu Off Licence of the Year

Bantry SuperValu wins top off licence award

SuperValu Bantry was the overall winner of the Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Award 2022.

THE annual Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Awards took place on November 17 at The Galway Bay Hotel, with four SuperValu stores winning the top awards on the night. The winners were selected from over 220 SuperValu stores across Ireland, from which 26 finalists came through the judging process. All 26 finalist stores attended on the night and the winners are:

Overall Winner SuperValu Off Licence of the Year: SuperValu Bantry, Co. Cork

Large Store of the Year: SuperValu Glanmire, Co. Cork Medium Store of the Year: SuperValu Cobh, Co. Cork Small Store of the Year: SuperValu Tullow, Co. Carlow

Guests on the night enjoyed a cocktail reception, tasting some of Edward Dillon’s best loved brands, including Bombay Sapphire Gin, Bombay Citron Presse, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple. Hosted by RTE’s Shay Byrne, with entertainment from top Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell, guests had an evening of laughter and delicious food paired with Santa Rita wines.

This year’s Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Award winners receive an exclusive trip to Spain, visiting the Rioja Region and exploring the sights of Madrid.

Winning stores

Jim O'Keeffe, Ronan Dempsey, Anthony Harte and Damien Scull were there on the night

to represent SuperValu Bantry and were presented with the award for Overall Off Licence of the Year Winner.

Lillian Twomey and Noel O'Riordan were presented with the award for Large Store of the Year for SuperValu Glanmire, while the award for Medium Store Off Licence of the Year was presented to John Paul Curtin, Jim Garvey and Kevin McCarthy from SuperValu Cobh, and Tommie and Bridget Hickson from SuperValu Tullow took home the award for Small Store Off Licence of the Year.

Each of the winners were presented their award by Andy O’Hara, CEO, Edward Dillon, and Trish Feely of Santa Rita Estates.

Exceptional standards

The finalist stores were judged by Michael Cunningham and were marked on a range of criteria including overall appearance, innovation and customer service.

“We’re delighted to be back with our first awards ceremony since 2019,” noted Andy O’Hara. “As has always been the case, the standard of stores is second to none. It’s fantastic to see the passion from each store and the hard work their teams put in to achieve such excellence. We would like to thank and congratulate all the four winning stores, and also to each of the finalist stores.”

Andy O'Hara, CEO, Edward Dillon, presents the Overall Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year to Jim O'Keeffe, Ronan Dempsey, Anthony Harte and Damien Scull of SuperValu Bantry, Cork. Also pictured are Yvonne O’Shaugnessy of Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland and Terry Pennington of Santa Rita Estates.

Applegreen Charitable Fund reaches € 5 million

THE Applegreen Charitable Fund has reached the incredible amount of €5 million. Supported by customers and colleagues, the funds are raised by ongoing fundraising activities throughout the year. An initiative like ‘You Buy, We Give’ is a prime example, where 1-cent per sale is donated by Applegreen to the fund at no extra cost to the customer.

Established in 2009, the aim of the fund is to give back to the communities in which Applegreen operate in 126 stores across Ireland. Throughout the years, many charity partners have been supported, with a particular focus on children and local communities, with the aim to deliver tangible and visible benefits to the communities that Applegreen serve.

Charities that have benefitted from the fund over the years include the Irish Youth Foundation, Pieta, Enable Ireland, Friends of the Cancer Centre and FoodCloud. New charity partnerships will be announced by the Applegreen Charitable Fund in January 2023.

Continuing the commitment to the Charitable Fund, Applegreen have also launched Double Donation December. Coinciding with Giving Tuesday (November 29), a day to support local causes and communities, the initiative sees normal donations of 1-cent increasing to 2-cents for the month of December for every customer transaction in-store.

“We are very proud to have hit this milestone figure of €5 million,” revealed Rosie Begley, Applegreen CSR Manager. “This has supported a wide range of charities and initiatives all over the country and makes a huge difference in local communities. We are extremely grateful to our customers, employees and suppliers, who are a huge part of this milestone.

For more information on the Applegreen Charitable Fund visit www.applegreenstores.com/charity/.

The essence of the Applegreen Charitable Fund is to always keep our employees and

Camile Thai invests € 1 million in three Circle K locations

AWARD-winning Thai food specialist, Camile Thai are set to invest €1 million in the opening of three new Petite Camile concept stores in partnership with Circle K, located at three Circle K motorway service areas; Junction 5, Rathcrogue, Co. Carlow; Junction 14, Fermoy, Co. Cork; and M11, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

Camile Thai have partnered with Circle K since February 2020 and already have two Petite Camile stores at Circle K M9, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, and Circle K M6, Athlone. The Petite Camile concept was developed by Camile Thai Kitchen to allow for faster preparation of freshly made, healthy food ‘on the go’. Since launching their first store at Circle K, Camile Thai have sold over 5,000 of their ‘on the go’ Petite Camile meals to Irish customers.

customers at the heart of what we are trying to achieve in our local communities. We are thrilled that the fund has raised over €5 million for adult and children’s services in Ireland and we want to thank our customers and colleagues for playing their part to help raise these vital funds.”

Katsu believe it?

“We are delighted to announce that we are extending our partnership with Camile Thai Kitchen,” revealed Hannah Marr, Senior Category Manager, Alcohol & Partnerships, Circle K Ireland. “With Camile Thai Kitchen’s new investment, we will be able to bring Petite Camile’s fantastic offering to more communities nationwide… Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and by partnering with Camile, we can provide them with an even greater choice of food options.”

Commenting on news of the expansion and the success of the Petite Camile concept, Daniel Greene, Managing Director of Camile Thai Kitchen, noted: “We developed the Petite Camile concept with customers in mind, responding to the growing demand for freshly made healthy food-to-go, so it’s great to be celebrating the launch of three exciting new locations."

SINCE Circle K added the Katsu Chicken Roll to their food menu at deli stores in 2020, the retailer has sold a staggering 166,000 of their own unique take on the classic chicken fillet roll, using over 2,500 litres of the delicious sauce used to make the scrumptious meal on-the-go.

The news comes as Circle K launched Katsu Loaded Fries to deli stores across Ireland, in response to the cult following the Katsu Chicken Roll has amassed since it was introduced to the deli menu. The Loaded Fries also come with other choices for toppings, including Taco Chilli Beef and Garlic. Also joining the deli menu is a brand-new range of chicken wings which come in five different flavours: Frank’s Hot Sauce, Korean BBQ, Sriracha, Sweet Chilli and Traditional BBQ.

Pictured are (l-r): Judy Glover, Senior Market Development Director, Circle K Ireland; Daniel Greene, Managing Director of Camile Thai Kitchen; and Hannah Marr, Senior Category Manager, Alcohol & Partnerships, Circle K Ireland.

Circle K delivery fleet to be fuelled by 100% HVO renewable diesel

CIRCLE K announced that their fleet of delivery vehicles will be fuelled exclusively by milesBio HVO100 by early 2023. The company is the first fuel retailer in Ireland to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) renewable diesel in their fleet of delivery vehicles, which will be the equivalent of over 2,000 cars removed from the road once the rollout is complete.

Circle K’s fuel station located at Dublin Port will be the first to fuel the fleet with HVO renewable diesel, with work underway at two further locations in Galway and Cork, to ensure Circle K’s full fleet of vehicles will be powered by milesBio HVO100 by early next year.

milesBio HVO100 is a completely fossil-free biofuel made from waste, by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption from the food industry and can be used to power diesel vehicles. HVO alternative diesel offers an up to 90% reduction in carbon emissions over regular diesel, which will help to greatly reduce the emissions from Circle K’s fleet of fuel delivery vehicles.

While milesBio HVO100 is new to Circle K Ireland, this renewable diesel has been available across Scandinavia at Circle K locations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark in recent years, which is helping to guide the introduction of the renewable diesel here.

milesBio HVO100 will also be available to commercial customers at Circle K’s service station in Dublin Port, with the product to be rolled out at Circle K’s locations in Cork and Galway in the coming months, to support commercial customers in decarbonising the journeys of their own respective fleets. Circle K anticipates that organisations operating large fleet transport vehicles in sectors

such as refuse, retail, and logistics, amongst others, will benefit greatly from this new product.

“The launch of milesBio HVO100 across our fleet of delivery vehicles will have a significant impact in reducing emissions across our Irish operations and once fully rolled out early next year, will equate to the emissions of over 2,000 cars being removed from the road,” revealed Jonathan Diver, Fuels Director with Circle K Ireland. “We are delighted to be introducing alternative fuels of this nature to Circle K Ireland and hope our lead will encourage others to do the same.”

Maxol launch Christmas Fundraiser for Aware

MAXOL have launched a festive ‘pay it forward’ style initiative to encourage acts of kindness while raising thousands of euro for mental health charity, Aware. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Aware is receiving an average of 2,600 calls each month to its free support line and urgently needs more funding.

Maxol will directly donate 10-cent from every cup of their Rosa Coffee or other hot drink purchased during November and December to Aware. Last year, the Christmas campaign raised more than €65,000 and Maxol hope to surpass that figure with their new Cup of Kindness Campaign.

The concept is simple: with Maxol's new Cup of Kindness campaign, customers can perform an act of kindness by purchasing a Rosa Coffee or other hot drink for someone else when they buy one for themselves. Participating customers will be presented with a star when they purchase a hot drink for another person, on which they are invited to write a message of kindness. The star is then hung from a Cup of Kindness Christmas tree in the Maxol store.

The next customer can take that star to pay for their cup of Rosa Coffee or hot drink. And, if they wish, they too can purchase a Cup of Kindness for the next customer and hang a star on the tree. Maxol hope that this will spark a cycle of kindness during the festive season that will help improve people's day and raise much-needed funding for Aware, with 10cent from every single hot drink purchased going to the charity.

“The ongoing support from corporate organisations like Maxol has enabled Aware to build on our regular services and we recently set up four weekly Ukraine Support Groups, which are providing a space for people who have fled following the invasion of their country in February,” noted Drew Flood of Aware. “These are vital services and we are already seeing the benefits, but we need ongoing funding so we can continue to support those who need us.”

Jonathan Diver, Fuels Director with Circle K Ireland.

Pictured launching the fundraiser for Aware are (l-r): Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group CEO; presenter and mental health advocate Keith Walsh; and Drew Flood, Aware.

What’s New

LOGIC: CONSISTENTLY INNOVATING TO MEET CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS

SINCE JTI launched Logic Compact three years ago, they have consistently innovated, adding new flavours, and grown the product range to meet adult consumers' and customers’ needs. Logic Compact is a rechargeable (re-usable) pod system, which allows users to easily change flavours without cleaning or maintenance. The JTI team don’t stand still, with continued innovation and product enhancement for Logic Compact as they maintain their focus and resources on the growing Pod segment. JTI’s Salesforce and customer services team is on hand to provide expert support and advice about the Logic range and help you maximise vaping category sales. You can order Logic products through their web ordering portal JTI Engage, your local JTI trade marketer, by calling JTI customer services on (01) 4045400, or through cash and carry.

RUDD’S REVEAL NEW LOOK AND REFRESHED RANGE

THE Rudd’s brand has long stood for breaking ground within the artisan food world in Ireland since its launch in 1973, and the creativity continues to this day. Rudd’s have recently revealed a new look, giving the brand a more modern refreshed feel, as well as an updated range of products to meet all customer needs. The new look makes it easier to navigate the customer’s needs, whether it be the Favourites Range for quality traditional breakfast products, a lean and functional option in Eat Well, some plant-based alternatives in Plantiful or just something a little bit unique in the Chef’s Table range.

SPILLING THE TEA ABOUT BARRY’S NEW INFUSIONS FLAVOURS

BARRY’S Tea are pouring with excitement about the launch of the two newest members of the Barry’s Tea Natural Infusions family, both with added vitamins: Focus, which does not contain any caffeine, and the heart-warming Protect infusion. Responding to consumers’ increased demand for decaffeinated black tea, Focus contains natural botanicals of apple, hibiscus, spearmint & ginseng with the added benefit of Vitamin B6, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. The Protect infusion encourages tea drinkers to take some much-needed R&R time out of their busy days. The blend contains all of the delicious ingredients we like to take over the winter months, with a blend of echinacea, ginger, cinnamon, lemon peel and the added benefit of Vitamin C.

X-LITE ARE LEADERS OF THE PACK AS THEY WIN LION’S DEN 2022

MARKS & Spencer Liffey Valley has unveiled its new fresh dessert partnership with The Butler’s Pantry. This partnership is a first for both The Butler’s Pantry and M&S that reflects the shared ethos of provenance, quality and value. Relying only on the freshest ingredients, The Butler’s Pantry make all of their food by hand and from scratch in their Co. Wicklow kitchen. All of the products that are now stocked in M&S Liffey Valley are created by award-winning chefs and bakers using fresh Irish ingredients. Michelle Twohig, M&S Local Buyer Ireland and Northern Ireland, Nuala Delaney, Managing Director, The Butler’s Pantry, and Catherine De Groot, Brand and Design Manager, The Butler’s Pantry, are pictured at the unveiling of the Marks & Spencer Liffey Valley's new in-store patisserie concession in partnership with The Butler’s Pantry.

X-LITE were the winners of a Lion’s Den event from Bradley: The Brand Agency at the Food and Drink Conference in the Sport Ireland Campus, Dublin 15. X-Lite’s prize saw them receive a Digital Marketing Package from Bradley: The Brand Agency, to the value of €10,000 for a digital campaign to promote their food start-up. This includes digital strategy, planning, creative, advertising spend and evaluation, along with digital insights and mentoring from the Bradley team throughout the process. Pictured are (l-r): Andrew Bradley, James Burke, Shane Ryan, Eoin Sheehan, Oliver Feeney & Patrick Joyce (X-Lite), Jacquie Marsh, Colin Murphy.

M&S LIFFEY VALLEY PARTNERS WITH THE BUTLER’S PANTRY

Thank you

From everyone in Retail News

To all Retailer s, Wholesalers an d Suppliers for their hard work this year in what was a hugely challenging en vironment.

We understand and appreciate the effort tha t g oes into keeping Ireland's shoppe r s fed and watered, 52 we eks a year, no matte r t he season.