The top news stories in FMCG

Retailers still in desperate need of government help with energy bills

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the Irish government is “very mindful of issues such as costs and competitiveness for business, particularly for SMEs” in a response to a recent request for government help made by indendepent retailers’ group, The Fed. However, The Fed Ireland president Martin Mulligan wasn’t impressed with the response He has called for an independent ombudsman to represent small businesses in taking the energy companies to task.

Dunnes holds highest market share

According to Kantar figures, Dunnes holds the highest share amongst all retailers at 23.2% and with growth of 15.3% year-on-year

Tesco holds 22.4% of the market with growth of 14.9% year-on-year and SuperValu holds 20.7% of the market with growth of 5.7%.

Lidl holds 13.3% share and Aldi holds 12.1%. A strong boost in new shoppers and more frequent trips contributed an additional €55.2m to overall performance.

Dairy price wars heat up

Supermarkets have been reducing the price of dairy products over the last number of weeks. Both Tesco and SuperValu reduced the price of its own brand butter by 40 cent from 4 May while Lidl, Tesco, Aldi and SuperValu, cut the price of 2 litres of milk by 10 cents the previous week. Lidl and Aldi have also since announced cuts to butter prices.

Tim Cullinan, president of the IFA said the cut in butter prices is concerning for farmers, who were “working below the cost of production”.

And Retail From Across

50 organisations to benefit from BOI Cost of Living Fund

Bank of Ireland has announced the next recipients of grants from its Cost of Living Fund. The donations are targeted at groups including children and families at risk, older people, domestic abuse charities, those with disabilities, lone parents and migrant communities including Taghmon Family Resource Centre and Tralee International Resource Centre. The bank has committed €1 million overall to organisations supporting those most at risk from cost-of-living pressures.

Largest ever Today’s Women in Grocery lunch raises vital funds

Following its largest ever annual networking lunch, Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) has announced that vital funds were raised for the IGBF and those in need across Ireland’s grocery, food, and retail sector The event was chaired by Sonya Lennon and included female speakers and business leaders from across the industry; held in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, on 5 May. For further details, turn to page 32

Grocery price inflation dips for the first time in two years

In the 12 weeks to 16 April 2023, take-home grocery sales increased 11.5%, the highest growth rate seen since February 2021, Kantar reported. Consumers are turning to shopping little and often to help manage household budgets. They are also returning to stores more often, with visits up 10.2%, which contributed an additional €278.4m to the overall market’s performance alongside a significant increase in average price per pack, up 14% year-on-year