ShelfLife September 2025 by Mediateam

Looking back, moving forward

As the Barry Group celebrates its 70th anniversary, MD Jim Barry reflects on how the company was built on family values

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Pitch perfect

MACE’s brand ambassador and rugby legend Johnny Sexton discusses his strong alignment with the retailer

Staying relevant

There’s still growth opportunities for Irish whiskey, says Irish Distillers

ShelfLife September 2025 Vol.32 No.9

Editor

DONNA AHERN

donnaahern@mediateam.ie

Staff journalist

RYAN BRENNAN

ryanbrennan@mediateam.ie

Contributors

FIONNUALA CAROLAN

CAROLINE REIDY

NIKKI MURRAN

Head of business

IAN MULVANEY (087) 2208486

ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie

Account manager

MARK MORGAN (086) 8854930

mark.morgan@mediateam.ie

Circulation subs@mediateam.ie

Publisher JOHN McDONALD (01) 294 7744

john.mcdonald@mediateam.ie

Printing W & G Baird Ltd

ShelfLife is a controlled circulation magazine, available to selected individuals with interests in the retail and wholesale grocery trade, who fall within the publisher’s terms of control. For those outside these terms, annual subscription is €98.00 including postage & packing.

Managing director

JOHN McDONALD Sales director

PAUL BYRNE Operations director

BILLY HUGGARD

Published monthly by Mediateam Ltd., 55 Spruce Avenue, Sandyford, Dublin 18, A94 RP22

Telephone (01) 294 7776

Fax (01) 294 7799

ISSN: 1393 0753

At what cost?

There's been a lot of media coverage on the rising cost of groceries lately, and it's something I’ve been following closely. The increasing pressure on household budgets, especially when it comes to food shopping, has sparked widespread discussion and concern.

Speaking with ShelfLife, Vincent Jennings CEO, Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA) noted that Irish retailers are receiving demands for higher prices from a variety of sources both for traded products and services such as water and Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) royalty.

“There is no doubt that we have seen very significant increases in the wholesale prices for several products that come from Irish farms,” he noted.

“It is highly unlikely that these increases have not provided some benefits to the producers, reflecting their undoubted extra costs. We don’t and can’t expect any of our hard-working farmers to work without rewards but the end product remains: increases are not our creation, but we are at the frontline from our customers who are expected to pay considerably more for their groceries than ever before," Jennings added.

“Everyone in the supply chain is fully aware that much of the additional costs are as a result of the cumulative effect of dozens of Rules, Regulations and Directives designed without sufficient regard for the overall costs incurred and, more importantly, the strain they are putting on family budgets.”

Contents September

COVER STORY

36 Looking back, moving forward: As the Barry Group celebrates its 70th anniversary its managing director Jim Barry discusses the future plans for the company while also reflecting on the hard work that got them where they are today.

NEWS&ANALYSIS

FEATURES&REPORTS

14 Alan Jordan, owner, Centra Castletymon, spoke to Ryan Brennan about the milestone opening of the store, while celebrating 25 years of

I’m with the brand: Rugby legend Johnny Sexton recently caught up with Donna Ahern to

discuss his role as MACE brand ambassador and the highlights of his career as Irish fly-half.

26 Cathal Talty spoke to Ryan Brennan about his family-run MACE store’s 50-year journey, community ties, and plans for the future.

30 With nearly two decades at Irish Distillers, Anna Kelly, head of Innovation & Portfolio, talks to Fionnuala Carolan about how her approach to brand management and innovation has evolved over the years.

82 20 Quick questions: Lorraine McMahon, donnelly fresh.

ADVISOR

20 HR: Caroline Reidy reports that

in an era where transparency and empathy are paramount, the way redundancy processes are handled matters more than ever.

22 Recruitment: If you’ve been in retail long enough, you’ll know the value of a solid weekend crew. Nikki Murran explains why.

Donna Ahern

NEWSGRID

The top news stories in FMCG and retail from across

Ireland

Leprino Foods to close site

Leprino Foods has recently confirmed it will close its Portlaoise manufacturing plant in the second half of next year, in what it describes as a “difficult but necessary decision.”

The Co Laois site, which employs 132 people, specialises in mozzarella and string cheese production.

M&S announces investment in food supply chain

Marks & Spencer, has recently announced a landmark £340 million (€397.8 million) investment in its food supply chain – the largest in its history – as the company delivers against its strategy of reshaping for growth.

BWG Foods shortlisted for HR Awards

BWG Foods has recently announced it has been shortlisted in three categories at the prestigious HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025, recognising BWG’s innovative “Hire to Retire” (H2R) initiative.

BWG Foods’ “Hire to Retire” solution is a comprehensive, all-encompassing digital HR tool designed to manage the full employee lifecycle

XL Ireland renews Ros na Rún sponsorship for three more years

Applegreen raises €2m for Barretstown

Applegreen has recently raised more than €2 million for its charity partner Barretstown.

More than 80 Applegreen employees recently raised a combined €200,000 for Barretstown in a charity cycle from Belfast to the Barretstown campus in Co Kildare.

The cycle, which was the third such event since Applegreen started raising funds for Barretstown in 2023, was a ‘major success.’

TG4’s flagship Irish-language drama, returned this autumn for its landmark 30th season and with it a renewed commitment from the community retailer who proudly continues as the show’s title sponsor for another three years, through to 2028.

This extended partnership reflects XL Ireland’s ‘deep-rooted dedication’ to supporting Irish culture, language, and community life.

Tariff stability lifts Irish consumer confidence

Irish consumer confidence improved slightly in August as the US-EU tariff deal reduced uncertainty about the economic outlook. However, rising grocery prices and backto-school costs prompted a small further weakening in sentiment around household finances.

Revenue seize €340k contraband in operations

Revenue officers have recently seized contraband with an estimated value of over €340,440 in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort.

Lidl opens Dunboyne store

Lidl Ireland has recently opened the doors to its brand-new store in Dunboyne, Co Meath, with ladies Gaelic football stars including Meath vice captain Mary Kate Lynch and Meath senior Dunboyne player Katie Bermingham cutting the ribbon on the stateof-the-art new store.

Early bird shoppersgot their chance to meet and greet local ladies Gaelic football stars and enjoy special instore entertainment and opening day offers.

Katie the Carrot joins Ireland rugby team

■

ALDI’s beloved Katie the Carrot has recently been appointed as the newest member of the Irish women’s rugby team – as the team’s chief luck officer.

GROWYOUR BUSINESSWITH

Since we founded in 1959, O’Reilly’s Wholesale has grown from a small local distributor into a major player in the fast-moving consumer goods

sector, we supply over 6,000 products across Ireland and beyond.

While our business has evolved significantly over the decades,

SiSú Drinks wins €50,000 media bursary sponsored

by SuperValu

Guaranteed Irish and SuperValu recently announced SiSú Drinks as the winner of the 2025 Guaranteed Irish & SuperValu Media Bursary, a €50,000 fund created to boost the media presence of an outstanding Guaranteed Irish food or drink member Sponsored by SuperValu, the bursary will provide SiSú with the opportunity to advertise across SuperValu’s in-store digital screens, as well as other communications channels.

Founded by the McGann family in Limerick, SiSú is a family-run brand rooted in a passion for holistic nourishment and sustainability

Known for its award-winning, plant-based beverages, the brand continues to resonate with Irish consumers seeking functional, nutritious drinks that support a healthy lifestyle

Speaking about the bursary, Aisling McGann, COO of her family business SiSú, said: “As an emerging Irish food brand with a big ambition to inspire healthier choices through natural, innovative and good-for-you products, this bursary will make a meaningful difference.

“It will help us grow our reach, connect with more consumers, and continue building our brand that stands for health, strength, and sustainability It’s a proud moment for our family, our team and our hugely loyal following.”

Kelly Brothers ‘check-out’

new S&W Wholesale site

S&W Wholesale has recently announced it has appointed building contractor Kelly Brothers LLP from Warrenpoint as the main contractor on its new, purpose- built facilities in Newry

S&W Wholesale is one of Ireland’s largest independent wholesalers of FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods); while Kelly Bros. have been a leader in the construction sector across Ireland for almost 60 years.

The new site, which is located approximately three miles from its current headquarters in Carnbane Business Park, is situated adjacent to the A1 southbound.

The new facilities will support S&W’s future growth plans right across the island.

The proposal for the 16,730 sqm storage and distribution warehouse including ancillary office accommodation will be a major boost to the EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) business as it looks to the future.

Anthony McVeigh, CEO, S&W Wholesale, said: “We are pleased to appoint Kelly Bros. to deliver this major new infrastructure project for the business.

“The business has been curtailed in recent times through space constraints and operating across multiple sites.

Centra announced as food sponsor of The Traitors Ireland

RTÉ Commercial recently announced Centra as the food sponsor of The Traitors Ireland, which first aired on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on 31 August.

The partnership will be prominently activated in Centra stores and amplified through media across radio, digital, and social platforms, providing Centra with an opportunity to reinforce its connection to modern Irish consumers.

As part of the collaboration, Musgrave supplied a curated selection of fresh fruit, pastries, snacks and juices for the breakfast buffet featured in each episode along with a range of beverages available to contestants throughout the day and evening in the historic setting of Slane Castle

Viewers can expect to see the range of products feature prominently in Slane Castle’s communal areas as the drama unfolds.

Luke Hanlon, managing director, Centra, said: “As Ireland’s leading convenience retailer with over 500 stores nationwide, Centra is proud to partner with RTÉ as food sponsor of The Traitors Ireland.

“The partnership with The Traitors Ireland is part of Centra’s strategy to be part of the fabric of Ireland, showing up in key cultural moments and reflects our passion for supporting moments that captivate the nation, with Centra delivering fresh, convenient food wherever the story unfolds.”

The new site, which is located approximately three miles from its current headquarters in Carnbane Business Park

Viewers can expect to see the range of products feature prominently in Slane Castle’s communal areas as the drama unfolds

(L-R) Aisling McGann, COO, SíSu, Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu & Centra and Bríd O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish

PACKAGING WASTE WON’T GO AWAY BY ITSELF

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‘Bake it Pink’ returns to support Breast Cancer Ireland

Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Dr. Oetker and SuperValu have joined forces to launch Breast Cancer Ireland’s annual ‘Bake It Pink’ initiative.

This fundraising campaign is inviting bakers of all levels to ‘whip up’ pinkthemed treats to raise funds for Ireland’s leading breast cancer charity ‘Bake it Pink’ kicked off on 15 September and aims to engage households, community groups and businesses across Ireland in raising funds for critical education and outreach programmes, highlighting the eight signs and symptoms of the disease

Once again, this year the initiative will include a special invitation to all schools to get involved, with a bespoke and free of charge School’s ‘Bake it Pink’ kit being created for participating schools.

This year’s initiative set to grow further, fronted by well-known ambassadors and online baking influencers Lou Robbie aka ‘Little Lou Cooks’ and Alice Kelly aka ‘From Scratch Bakery’.

Last year’s event captured public imagination and raised €135,000 in much needed funds, with this year’s initiative set to be even bigger and better, fronted by well-known baking experts Lou Robbie (aka Little Lou Cooks) and Alice Kelly (aka The From Scratch Bakery). Both ambassadors are passionate about using their respective platforms to help promote awareness and encourage participation in his vital campaign.

To get involved – aspiring bakers can simply download the ‘Bake it Pink’ kit from www.breastcancerireland.com

The full range of Dr Oetker ingredients for your bake-off showstopper are available in SuperValu stores nationwide

Daybreak launches first-ever TV ad across Ireland

Daybreak has recently announced the launch of its inaugural TV advert which aired for the first time in August across RTÉ 1 and 2 as well as RTÉ Player and Virgin Media linear and on demand.

The advert will be the first in a series focused on key pillars of the Daybreak brand – local, convenience and good value

Each ad in the series will target a different shopper mission and feature a related offer, with the recurring message of Great Value –Close at hand.

First up is food-to-go with attention then moving to top-up shopping and big nights in for subsequent adverts.

Speaking about the new advert, Desi Derby, marketing director, Daybreak, said: “This is a major milestone for the Daybreak brand as we launch our first ever TV advert – a big step forward in showcasing what Daybreak is all about.

“Great value – close at hand captures the convenience and value our customers rely on, with stores acting as local hubs for communities across Ireland.

“The campaign highlights how we meet a range of shopper missions – from food-to-go to top-up shops and big nights in – all with great offers and local convenience.”

Emma gives fashion a pink uplift with 7UP

7UP Pink Lemonade have recently set out to brighten Ireland’s everyday moments with The Big Pink Uplift, a campaign designed to surprise people with unforgettable experiences at the press of a button. From flavour filled adventures and main-character commute boosts to one-on-one fashion uplifts, the Big Pink Uplift was all about turning the ordinary into something extraordinary

For Dublin local Emma, that promise came to life in the most stylish way possible Chosen as the winner of the Fashion Uplift, she was treated to a wardrobe refresh that brought colour, confidence, and plenty of personality

Known as a wardrobe whisperer and designer, Aisling has built her reputation on making fashion feel accessible, fun and empowering. For the Big Pink Uplift, she stepped into the role of Emma’s Fashion Pink Assistant, curating looks that celebrated Emma’s individuality Emma, a selfconfessed ‘Y2K boho babe with a love for all things vintage’, was eager to embrace the experience. Aisling drew on those inspirations to create outfits that were true to Emma’s personal style while introducing fresh twists and unexpected details.

(L-R) ‘Bake it Pink’ ambassadors Alice Kelly and Lou Robbie

The advert will be the first in a series focused on key pillars of the Daybreak brand – local, convenience and good value

(L-R) Aisling and Emma enjoying a refreshing 7UP Pink Lemonade

Fyffes launches new consumer campaign

EAT‘EM... LIKE‘EM... LOVE‘EM!

That’s the ‘call to action’ devised by global fruit grower and importer Fyffes as the world’s first-ever fruit label launches its latest brand awareness campaign designed to put its bananas in the Irish spotlight.

Now breaking in a multimedia campaign across print, digital, social, radio outdoor bus sides, point-of-sale and electronic display – with further activations planned for autumn, winter and into 2026 – the initiative was created to highlight Fyffes position as one of Ireland’s most iconic food names, a brand that’s been part of everyday life for well over a century

“Fyffes is about more than bananas. It’s about joy, nostalgia, and a little mischief,” says Emma Hunt-Duffy, head of marketing for Ireland.

A sample video can be viewed on YouTube at : Eat‘em... ike‘em... love‘em! - Fyffes

Kids in Ireland sway family food choices, research shows

According to new research from SuperValu, a staggering 91% of parents say their children influence the weekly food shop and meal choices, with over a third (34%) describing that sway as significant.

As families gear up for the back-to-school season, parents are balancing the tightrope between healthy eating and keeping kids happy, all while watching the budget.

The findings paint a picture of households where there is a real desire to be healthier but where children’s tastes and preferences have a real impact on what ends up on the table or in lunchboxes.

Speaking about the campaign, Daniel Davey, performance nutritionist, said: “As a parent and a nutritionist, I know how important it is to bring quality food into the home and make healthy eating realistic for families.

MyDaily launches across the island of Ireland

As part of

The findings paint a picture of households where there is a real desire to be healthier but where children’s tastes and preferences have a real impact on what ends up on the table or in lunchboxes.

O’Reilly’s Wholesale have recently announced the launch of MyDaily, a brand-new symbol brand set to redefine convenience retail across the island of Ireland.

Built on the promise of ‘convenience you can depend on,’ MyDaily represents a fresh chapter for independent convenience stores.

Supported by the trusted expertise and supply network of O’Reilly’s Wholesale, the brand provides retailers with the strength of a recognised identity while staying rooted in local communities. MyDaily will deliver the strength of a full central billing range, powered by partnerships with a wide network of trusted suppliers across the island of Ireland.

Arron Potts, head of development, O’Reilly’s Wholesale, said: “MyDaily is all about combining dependability with innovation, bringing a new standard of convenience to Ireland.”

Tenderstem teams up with Tribe Coffee

This September, Tenderstem, broccoli’s tastier cousin, is joining forces with Dublin’s trendiest coffee hotspot, Tribe Coffee Co for a ‘Veg up your Toastie’ weekend.

From Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 September, customers at Tribe’s Knocklyon and Rathgar cafés can try the Tenderstem limited edition toastie(s) for just €5.

On the menu, at a discounted price of €5, will be:

• Tenderstem x Tribe Nduja Special: Tenderstem, spicy Calabrian sausage, mozzarella, fresh chilli and hot honey

• Tenderstem x Tribe Classic Cheese Special: Tenderstem, red cheddar and mozzarella with hot honey

• Tribe is known for bold flavours, inventive specials, and their legendary Christmas toastie that draws massive queues every year ■

Fyffes Irish campaign

the rollout, MyDaily is also unveiling Evaro Coffee – an exclusive new premium coffee range

The Tenderstem x Tribe ‘Veg up your Toastie’ collaboration runs from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 September

A little sprinkle for every day happiness

To protect her delicate skin make Caldesene part of your everyday routine.

CSNA NEWS

Latte Levy: It hasn’t gone away you know!

Scam alert!

We have been made aware by a member in Dublin of a recent scam that took place in their store. An individual entered their store and wanted to purchase Paysafe vouchers and scratchcards, they then produced what they now are aware of was a stolen credit card. The individual took the card machine off the staff member and keyed in the card details. This has happened to over five stores in the Dublin area, please ensure that you make your staff aware to be vigilant for any activity like this in your store.

Members will be more than a little surprised to learn that the Department of the Environment and Climate Change has resurrected the silly notion of charging a levy on disposable cups.

In fact, they are doubling down on their silliness by considering that the way such a levy would work would be that you, the retailer (and the café owner, the fast food outlet etc.) would fund the levy by way of having to pay an extra 20 cent for each and every cup you get from your supplier!

A letter from renowned consultancy firm Indecon arrived this week in connection with this proposal, asking the association to forward a questionnaire to the membership as part of a stakeholder consultation in advance of a Regulatory Impact Assessment being undertaken.

It was clear from the prepopulated questions that had a variety of multiple-choice answers to select from that the authors have somewhere between little and very little understanding of retail and the extraordinary pressures our businesses are under on a daily basis.

They are obviously not aware that for every 1,000 cups we buy, a significant number of them do not go past our tills as sales; they can

be damaged, used by customers as an extra sleeve, partially filled but left at the machine, used by people taking medicine, filled with milk, and of course, stolen. Yet you would be expected to pay an extra €200 per thousand cups, with no chance of ever being able to recoup this in its entirety.

The original idea was that it would mirror the plastic bag charge, that it would be a separate line item on the pos/receipt and that Revenue would receive the money charged to the end user consumer.

This questionnaire even goes so far as to ask whether the retailer would charge all, some or no

charge to their customer - we must ask here - how on earth could anyone believe that a “no” or “partial” charge would make any commercial sense?

We have asked a number of manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, as well as other representative bodies in the retail and hospitality sector to resist this exercise and seek meaningful, open and transparent discussions with both the Minister and his officials, talks that can lay before those concerned the actual scientific truths about reusable cups when compared to single use cups.

We will certainly keep you informed.

Local Enterprise Offices (LEO)

We would like to hear directly from members of their dealings with LEO in their area, whether the contact related to mentoring/ training, grants or advice.

We are due to meet the Minister responsible for overseeing the LEO project and would like to provide him with honest assessments of the experiences of

our members.

It would be preferable for us to be able to identify members but if you wish for your experiences to be anonymised, we will honour your request.

If you would, in the first instance, respond to info@csna.ie with your feedback it would be appreciated, thank you.

The levy on disposable cups hasn’t gone away (Pic: Pexels)

CSNA NEWS

SARA ORME National president, CSNA

Energy drinks

Government indicates their intention to restrict general availability and ban under 18’s from purchasing energy drinks.

The Programme for Government has a commitment contained within it to address concerns expressed by some that energy drinks with high levels of caffeine (150mg per litre) in non-alcoholic beverages need to be regulated.

It has also been suggested that regulations for such energy drinks that have additional stimulants such as Taurine may be prescribed where the caffeine content is 80mg per litre.

A Private Members Bill (PMB) sponsored by a number of Independent Senators was given a Second Stage debate with Minister for State in the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O’ Connor in attendance. During the debate, the Minister committed to having all of the necessary scientific evidence assembled to create a robust Bill that would be in keeping with the PMB but would also have benefitted from consultation with what the Minister called “key stakeholders” in the consumption of energy drinks.

As it is likely that any moves to restrict, regulate and prohibit sales of energy drinks will have significant consequences to our members, the association has written to the Minister for State, whose remit includes Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs strategy and suggested that prior to any formulation of a Bill, she needs to ensure that the legitimate concerns retailers have towards creating penalties and sanctions need to be taken into account.

The Seanad accepted a government amendment to the PMB that allowed for an 18-month hiatus on any further consideration of the Bill pending stated progress towards a Government Bill (November 2026).

Non-compliant Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) products

Retailers are aware that all beverages contained in either plastic bottles or aluminium cans sold in the Republic must be DRS compliant and contain the Re-Turn logo.

This has been the law since the end of May 2024, over 14 months ago.

It is truly astonishing that we continue to get reports from concerned retailers (and members of the public) regarding the practice by some outlets such as chippers, vape shops, huckster stores and market traders who are selling beverages that do not have the logo on them.

This has the effect of creating an economic advantage to those selling without a deposit being charged.

It also leads to abandoned containers at our return points when they are rejected by the machines, necessitating our staff having to dispose of them manually, defeating the circular economy process.

Recently we were made aware of a very large chain of stores, an ethnic cash and carry and an online office supplies company carrying out a sale of beverages without abiding by their legal obligations.

Local Authorities need to enforce compliance much more diligently and protect most lawabiding retailers. ■

Plastic bottles or aluminium cans must contain the Re-Turn logo

Sale restrictions to under 18’s likely

CSNA NEWS

Centra Castletymon’s

“The Library” store opens

Centra Castletymon has unveiled its striking new “Library” store, celebrating 25 years in business. Alan Jordan, store owner, Centra Castletymon, spoke to Ryan Brennan about the milestone opening.

Centra Castletymon has celebrated a landmark opening with its newly fitted out store,“The Library,” which officially opened on 29 May this year The 4,022 sq ft convenience store is located in a former library building in a long-established neighbourhood shopping centre This marks a major milestone for the Jordan’s first-generation family business, now celebrating 25 years in operation this year

“We were trading next door for 22 years before moving into the building beside us, and this is a key milestone for us as a family business,” said Alan Jordan, store owner.

State-of-the-art upgrades

The new Castletymon store has been fitted to the latest Centra brand specification, featuring a host of energyefficient and customer-focused upgrades Key additions include:

• Energy-efficient LED lighting

• Electronic shelf labels

• A fully enclosed cash system

• Hot self-service unit and chicken rotisserie

• Double Frank & Honest coffee machines with iced and oat options

• A 12m market deck showcasing the“Dinners Made Easy” range

• Self-service tills

• Moo’d ice cream

• Solar panels on the roof

“The latest Centra spec is a standout factor in‘The Library,’”Alan Jordan said “The way we delivered the store from a structural point of view gives customers a great sense of WOW before they even step inside.”

Sales growth

Since opening, Centra Castletymon has exceeded expectations with a 35% increase in overall sales compared to the old location. Fresh food categories such as the deli, bakery, provisions, meat and poultry, coffee-to-go, and produce, have each grown by an average of 100%, positively impacting profit margins.

“Our customer count is up 15%, and spend is up 5% year on year,” Jordan confirmed.“Weekly offers and a

in Centra Castletymon

Alan Jordan, store owner, Centra Castletymon

strong promotional cycle have driven this growth.”

The enhanced fresh offering is proving to be a particular draw Shoppers are spending more time in the store, with grab-and-go lunch options, ready-tocook dinners, and premium coffee all contributing to a consistent increase in basket size Team-first approach

The Castletymon store employs 28 staff, including 18 full-time employees, among them the management team, and 10 part-time members. Leadership focuses on coaching with clear direction, targets, and pathways for team growth.

“A leader that coaches with a clear vision enables the team to deliver while fully understanding their role,” Alan Jordan explained.

Jordan places huge emphasis on professional development and sees his team as central to the store’s success.Training, mentoring, and the opportunity to take on new responsibilities ensure that staff feel part of the journey.

Community hub

Centra Castletymon also plays an important role in the local community. Spacious aisles, a wide product range, great value, and exceptional service ensure the store stands out in the competitive convenience sector.

“We are proud to be the hub in our local community, creating a best-in-class shopping experience. The community feedback has been fantastic,” said Jordan Local partnerships are growing too, with the store stocking selected produce from local suppliers. Staff also participate in neighbourhood initiatives, which Jordan believes builds loyalty and sets them apart from larger, less community-rooted operators Musgrave

partnership

The store has benefited from comprehensive support from Musgrave, including assistance from the retail partners, store design team, and project management staff. The Winning Store Operating Model (WSOM) ensured smooth operations from day one, while the Learning & Development team provided extensive preopening training

“Grants should be more available to encourage retailers to invest in energy efficiency, particularly solar, which aligns with government green and carbon-neutral targets”

Jordan credits the strong partnership with Musgrave as vital in delivering a smooth and successful transition to the new site “The design team did a cracking job, and we had support across sales, project management, and training – it was seamless,” he said

Tackling rising costs

Despite strong performance, the store faces challenges from rising business costs, particularly energy, which are now 2.5–3 times higher than a few years ago. Investments in energy-efficient equipment and solar panels have helped offset these increases.

The culminative impact of Government initiatives, including the living wage, statutory sick pay and pension auto-enrolment add both cost and administrative complexity

“Grants should be more available to encourage retailers to invest in energy efficiency, particularly solar, which aligns with government green and carbonneutral targets, ” Jordan said

Looking ahead

Centra Castletymon’s“The Library” store exemplifies a modern, community-focused convenience store that combines sustainability, innovation, and customer service. With strong sales growth, an empowered team, and an engaging shopping environment, the store is well positioned to thrive in a competitive retail landscape.

“The Centra brand is in a great place, set up to grow in a competitive retail market,” Jordan concluded.“It’s important we stick to the plan, doing the simple things exceptionally well, going above and beyond in our communities, and bringing our teams on the journey.”

Looking ahead, Jordan is confident that the store will continue to serve as both a retail success story and a cornerstone of the community.“We look forward to The Library continuing to inspire our community and the retail community,” he said ■

“We are proud to be the hub in our local community, creating a best-in-class shopping experience. The community feedback has been fantastic”

The deli area in Centra Castletymon

Jordan and colleagues in the Castletymon store

Dunnes holds steady as Ireland’s top grocer

Irish consumers enjoy a summer of racing, concerts and festivals to boost alcohol sales by

€7.2 million

Dunnes Stores holds steady with 23.5% grocery market share, and with sales growth of 6.3% year-on-year, the latest research from Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar) shows

Over the latest 12 weeks to 10 August 2025, Dunnes shoppers returned to the store more often, up 2.2%, which contributed €16.7 million to its overall performance.

Tesco holds 23.4% of the market, with value growth of 5.6% year-on-year

Shoppers increased their trips to store by 2.9%, which contributed €22.3 million to overall performance.

SuperValu holds 19.7% of the market with growth of 4.2%.

Consumers made the most shopping trips to this grocer, averaging 25.6 trips over the latest 12 weeks up 9.6% year-on-year

This increase in the number of shopping trips contributed an additional €61.6 million to its performance.

Lidl holds 14.2% of the market with growth of 9.5%.

Lidl also saw shoppers pick up more volume in store, up 3.1%, contributing an additional €13.8 million to overall performance.

Aldi holds 11.8% market share, up 4.4%. Increased store trips and new shoppers drove an additional €13.3 million in sales.

Concerts and events

August was a month of dancing, singing and celebrating as Irish shoppers contributed an additional €68.2 million to the grocery

An update on inﬂation

market’s overall performance, thanks to a host of festivals, sell-out concerts and the Galway Races.

Take-home value sales rose 6.2% over the four weeks to 10 August 2025 although shoppers were in store less often (-0.5%) and when in store continued to pick up less packs per trip (-2.6%), the latest grocery data from Worldpanel by Numerator showed.

“August kicked off with a bang with the All Together Now Festival, Galway Races and the upcoming Oasis comeback and Robbie Williams filling Croke Park,” commented Emer Healy, business development director, Worldpanel by Numerator

“Irish social calendars have been overflowing with consumers enjoying the last of the summer sun, spending a whopping €7.2 million extra on

alcohol and an additional €1.3 million on suncare.

“Shoppers also indulged in other ways, spending an additional €8.9 million on takehome soft drinks and chocolate

“With such busy calendars, it’s clear that shoppers needed a bit of an energy boost with nearly €1 million more spent on sports and energy drinks compared to the same time last year.”

Shoppers spent €735 million on promotional lines during the latest 12-week period, an 8.9% increase compared to the previous year Key growth categories included alcohol, frozen and household all growing ahead of the total market for promotional lines.

Brand boost

According to the research, brands have grown behind the total market, up 5.7%, with growth slowing to 3.7%. Despite this, shoppers still spent an additional €58.7 million on branded products, significantly up on last 12-week period.

Own label saw stronger growth over the 12 weeks at 6.3% with premium own label the standout performer, up 14.5%. Shoppers spent nearly €17.7 million extra on these ranges.

Brands currently hold 47% value share of the total market with own label at 47.1% value share.

Retailer and channel performance

Total online currently holds 5.6% value share of the market, with sales rising by 6.8% yearon-year, and shoppers spending an additional €12.5 million through this channel.

Over the latest 12-week period, shoppers purchased their groceries more often online, up 7.6%, contributing €13.8 million to its overall performance, down on last month’s €15.7 million. ■

Dunnes shoppers returned to the store more often

10 years flying off shelves.

10 minutes in the air fryer.

10 seconds on their plates. stock up now

Community spirit, pitch perfect with Sexton

Rugby legend Johnny Sexton recently caught up with Donna Ahern to discuss his role as MACE ambassador and the highlights of his career as Irish fly-half

Johnny Sexton is a legendary figure in rugby - an Irish former professional player who starred as a fly-half and captained the Ireland national team from 2019 to 2023. He also played club rugby for Leinster and French side Racing 92 He also represented the British & Irish Lions on their 2013 and 2017 tours

With over 1,100 points scored in his international career, Sexton ranks among the highest points-scorers in rugby union history He was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2018 and was also nominated for the award in 2014 and 2022.

Since 2018, Sexton has served as a brand ambassador for MACE, chosen for being “a wonderful role model for children and adults alike” and for his strong alignment with the brand’s values and ambitions.

Q: What has been the standout highlight of your rugby career?

A: The 2023 Grand Slam is of particular standout for lots of reasons. We won it at home, I was captain, and it was also the last game that I played at home for Ireland. I don’t usually focus on individual achievements, but this was the game where I became the highest points scorer in the history of the Championship which made it an extra special moment.

Q: Who has been the toughest opponent you’ve faced on the pitch?

A: Two players in particular come to mind, firstly Richie McCaw – he was captain of the All Blacks, an amazing player; also, Paul O’Connell, an absolutely amazing leader You always knew it would be a tough game when either of them was playing!

Q: Can you tell us about your role as a brand ambassador for MACE?

A: I first started working with MACE in 2018 and we have worked together ever since. I like the values that MACE represents, I really like the community spirit and friendly nature that MACE retailers and their staff stand for and have met many of them at various events over the years. We’ve worked together on many initiatives, both community-based ones and ones that promote MACE Right Options, the healthier living initiative that MACE runs. And of course, there are the MACE advertising campaigns, filming these definitely took me

out of my comfort zone but the reaction to them has been very positive which makes it all worthwhile

Q: MACE recently launched its biggest community initiative yet - the MACE Community Grants, with €50,000 in funding available for local groups across Ireland. Can you tell us more about the “Pitch to Win” campaign and its goals?

A: MACE has operated in local communities since 1960 and as such it is the longest established convenience retailer in Ireland. I love the idea of MACE Community Grants,

Johnny Sexton, rugby legend and MACE brand ambassador

it’s the largest community giveaway that MACE has ever run, with a fund of €50,000 for local groups and clubs to win a share of In total fifty of them will each win a €1000 grant to further benefit their local community

It’s incredible to see how passionate people are about making a difference in their communities. This campaign is all about giving local groups and clubs the chance to bring their ideas to life, and I’m proud to be part of it. We filmed “Pitch to Win” to launch the campaign and we had great fun filming with Ivy, Owen and Lucy who all got to pitch their ideas to improve their local communities. As you can see in the video they came up with some wild and wonderful ideas!

Q: As MACE’s long-standing brand ambassador, how important is it for you to support initiatives that empower local communities and clubs?

A: Community means the world to me, growing up and all throughout my career, I was always supported by a club or community in some shape or form. The support that they provide can’t be underestimated. As a 10, you spend a lot of time on your own doing kicking practice but to know that you are part of a team with clearly aligned objectives is immense I’m delighted to be able to support the MACE Community Grants initiative that will see fifty groups and clubs all around the country benefit in a way that will help them further enhance their communities.

Q: Every athlete has role models — which Irish player inspired you most on your journey to the top?

A: To be honest I think it was family that inspired me to play and also the coaches

that I’ve worked with over the years. I’ve been lucky to work with some great coaches who really inspired me to improve my game

Q: When you’re not training or coaching how do you like to spend your free time?

A: Family time is hugely important to me I love spending time with my wife, Laura, and my three children. Whether it’s going out for a walk with the dog or chilling out at home, there’s nothing better than spending time with them. I also like to get in a round of

golf, a game of padel and I play 7-a-side football now too.

Q: What’s one thing about you that people might be surprised to learn?

A: After rugby, my second sporting love is padel. It’s the fastest growing sport in Ireland and I first played it a number of years ago on holidays in Portugal. It’s a very social game and gives me an outlet for my competitive streak!

Q: Looking back at your international career, is there one match that stands out as especially memorable or emotional?

A: I’ve already mentioned the 2023 Grand Slam and I’d have to add the 2023 Rugby World Cup to that. The crowds, the support, the atmosphere and even though we lost and didn’t progress as far as we had expected to, I’ll still remember it very fondly

Q: Now that you’ve stepped away from international rugby, how do you stay connected to the game and what advice would you give to young players hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Q: Whilst I no longer play international rugby, I am still heavily involved in the sport. My work on the coaching ticket of the recent British and Irish Lions tour was an incredible experience. The players selected were a great bunch to work with and under the stewardship of Andy (Farrell) the players and coaches together put in a tremendous effort to come away with a series win. I will now take many of my learnings from that experience to my new coaching role with the IRFU ■

Johnny meets Emily: A still from MACE’s ‘Going the Extra Smile’ TV commercial which focuses on the renowned friendliness of its retailers and staff

Sexton at MACE’s ‘The Pitch to Win’ campaign launch. The retailer’s community initiative aims to brighten communities nationwide by awarding ¤1,000 grants to 50 deserving groups

Outplacement Services: A strategic and compassionate approach to redundancy

In today’s evolving business landscape, organisations are increasingly faced with the challenge of workforce restructuring. Caroline Reidy reports

Whether driven by economic pressures, mergers, or strategic shifts, redundancy is often an unavoidable reality. However, how an organisation manages this process can significantly influence its reputation, employee morale, and long-term success. One of the most effective ways to support employees during this transition is through the provision of outplacement services.

Outplacement is not just a courtesy, it is a strategic investment in people, values, and brand integrity. It provides structured support to employees exiting the organisation, helping them navigate the job market with confidence and clarity. As redundancy processes become more complex, especially in cases of collective redundancy, the importance of outplacement services has never been greater. What is outplacement?

Outplacement is a professional support service offered to employees who are leaving an organisation due to redundancy Delivered by external HR consultants or career coaches, outplacement services equip affected employees with the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to move forward positively These services are designed to assist individuals in securing new employment or exploring alternative career paths.

Outplacement typically includes career coaching, CV and cover letter development, interview preparation, job search support, and access to career resources. For many employees, especially those who haven’t searched for a job in years, this support is invaluable

Why outplacement matters

Redundancy can be a deeply unsettling experience, triggering stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Outplacement services help mitigate these effects by offering practical and emotional support. They also demonstrate an organisation’s commitment to treating employees with dignity and respect, values that are often central to corporate missions.

CAROLINE REIDY

Managing director

The HR Suite

If you are an organisation based in the Republic of Ireland and require further information or advice relating to HR, please do not hesitate to contact The HR Suite’s office on (066)7102887 or email info@thehrsuite.com

From a business perspective, outplacement services offer several key benefits:

• Protecting employer brand: How an organisation treats its employees during difficult times speaks volumes. Providing outplacement support enhances brand perception and helps attract and retain top talent in the future

• Minimising disruption: Supported employees are more likely to remain engaged during their notice period, complete handovers, and contribute to a smoother transition

• Boosting morale: Remaining employees feel reassured when they see their colleagues treated with care, reducing anxiety and preventing voluntary resignations.

• Reducing legal risks: While not legally required in Ireland, outplacement services can contribute to a more collaborative consultation process and reduce the risk of unfair dismissal claims.

• Accelerating reemployment: Structured support helps individuals secure new roles faster, aligning their next steps with long-term career goals.

What does outplacement include?

Outplacement programmes are tailored to the needs of the organisation and its employees. Common elements include:

• Career coaching: One-to-one sessions with career consultants help employees assess their skills, define goals, and develop job search strategies.

• CV and cover letter support: Expert feedback ensures that candidates present themselves effectively in a competitive job market.

• Interview preparation: Mock interviews, feedback sessions, and coaching help build confidence and refine personal profiles. This includes preparation for competency-based questions and navigating online or telephone interviews.

• Job search and networking assistance: Support includes LinkedIn profile optimisation, networking strategies, and access to career portals.

• Workshops and group sessions: Particularly useful in collective redundancy scenarios, these sessions provide peer support and practical guidance

• Wellbeing support: Emotional wellbeing is a critical aspect of career transition Organisations are encouraged to offer access to counselling services or Employee Assistance Programmes.

Integrating outplacement into redundancy processes

To maximise effectiveness, outplacement services should be integrated into the redundancy process from the outset. Early involvement of employee representatives or unions fosters trust and collaboration. Organisations should also consider varied support models to ensure that employees at all levels, from graduates to senior managers receive appropriate guidance.

Outplacement is particularly crucial during collective redundancy processes, where the scale and visibility of change amplify the need for comprehensive employee care In these cases, the legal and procedural obligations are more complex, and there is often greater scrutiny of how the process is managed.

While outplacement services involve a financial cost, they represent a meaningful investment in people and values. Organisations that support employees through redundancy not only uphold their duty of care but also reinforce their commitment to doing the right thing, even in challenging times.

Conclusion

In an era where transparency and empathy are paramount, the way redundancy processes are handled matters more than ever.

Outplacement services should no longer be viewed as a“nice to have” but as a critical tool for navigating organisational change with professionalism and respect. By supporting employees through career transitions, organisations safeguard their reputation, maintain morale, and demonstrate true leadership.

If you require further information or advice on the above, or should you feel you may require outplacement services, please do not hesitate to contact or HR consultancy team on 01 901 4335 / 066 710 2887 or email us at info@thehrsuite.com and our team will be more than happy to assist ■

Why retailers shouldn’t underestimate parttime student staff

If you’ve been in retail long enough, you’ll know the value of a solid weekend crew, writes Nikki

Murran

The students who come in, full of energy (and possibly too much caffeine), ready to cover tills, stock shelves, and keep the shop floor ticking over. But as labour shortages continue across grocery retail, it’s time to see part-time student workers as more than just rota-fillers, they’re a crucial part of your long-term staffing strategy.

Why hire students in the first place?

The obvious reason: they’re available when you need them most Students are often more willing to work evenings, weekends, and holiday periods That’s when footfall spikes and having reliable cover can make the difference between a smooth trading day and chaos in the aisles

But there’s more to it than availability. Students bring:

• Energy and tech-savvy skills: They’ve grown up in the digital world. From self-checkouts to stock systems, they adapt quickly. Deloitte’s 2024 survey found Gen Z and young millennials are more digitally fluent than any other workforce group a handy asset as stores become more tech-driven.

• A fresh perspective: Want to know what’s trending on TikTok or which new snack will sell out by lunchtime? Ask your student staff. They’re closer to your younger customers and can give insights your senior team might miss.

• The talent pipeline: That weekend cashier or deli assistant could be your store or department manager in a few years. Many of today’s retail leaders started out stacking shelves part-time while studying By investing in them now, you create loyal, home-grown talent.

What’s in it for you as an employer?

Let’s not forget, student staff aren’t just getting pocket money. They’re learning skills that ultimately benefit you:

• Communication: Handling customers (especially tricky ones) makes them more resilient.

• Teamwork: They learn to collaborate across generations and departments.

• Work Ethic: Balancing study and shifts build discipline. The CSO reported in 2023 that nearly half of Irish students work while studying, often out of necessity. Those who commit to both usually develop excellent reliability.

NIKKI MURRAN Director, Grocery Retail Recruitment,

Excel Recruitment www.excelrecruitment.com

When students develop these skills, you benefit from a more capable, adaptable workforce.

The common concerns (and how to solve them)

You may be thinking: But what about exams? Or when they graduate and leave? Both valid concerns. Here’s how to get ahead of them:

• Exam season drop-off: Plan early. Encourage staff to flag study leave well in advance. Building exam flexibility into your scheduling boosts retention.

• High turnover – Some will leave, yes. But those who stay longer usually do so because they see a future in your business.

• Reliability – Set expectations clearly at the interview stage. Students respect honesty, and in return, they’re more likely to commit.

Turning part-timers into future managers

Here’s where many retailers miss a trick: too often, weekend staff are treated as short-term solutions. They’re one of your best talent pipelines. The key is to spot potential early and offer development pathways:

1. Structured induction: Don’t just throw them on tills and hope for the best Give them a proper welcome and show them how their role contributes to the bigger picture.

2. Cross-training: Move them between checkouts, stock, fresh food, and customer service. This not only keeps the work interesting for them but also makes them far more useful to you.

3. Mentoring: Pair high-potential part-timers with experienced supervisors. A bit of guidance helps students picture themselves in a management role

4. Access to training programmes: Many retailers now open trainee manager or department manager programmes to part-time staff If a student sees a clear career path even if they’re still in college they’re far more likely to stay on after graduation

5. Recognition and progression: Celebrate milestones For example,

promote strong performers into “keyholder” roles, then onto team leader. These small steps show students that hard work and reliability are noticed and rewarded By nurturing your part-timers, you’re not just filling gaps on the weekend rota you’re actively building your future management team.

Why this strategy matters now Labour shortages aren’t easing anytime soon. Excel Recruitment’s 2024 data showed year-on-year increases in vacancies across retail, particularly in fresh food and convenience And with unemployment at just 4.1% (CSO, 2024), relying solely on full-time hires is unrealistic. At the same time, the Higher Education Authority (2023) reported that over 60% of full-time students in Ireland rely on part-time jobs They’re looking for flexible work You need staff. The fit couldn’t be clearer.

How to get the best from your student staff

If you’re hiring students, here are five

ways to make the most of it:

1. Be clear upfront: Set expectations around rotas, weekends, and exams.

2. Offer flexibility: Study comes first. Showing understanding builds loyalty.

3. Invest in training: Expose them to different areas of the store.

4. Recognise contribution: Small thanks go a long way.

5. Create a pathway: Show them how today’s weekend job can become tomorrow’s career

Conclusion

Hiring students isn’t just about filling shifts. Done right, it’s about developing future leaders while keeping your store running smoothly today.

So, the next time a student hands in a CV, don’t just see a weekend worker See the extra set of hands that gets you through Christmas week, the fresh perspective that connects you with younger shoppers, and maybe, just maybe, your next department manager. ■

Say cheese!

As Traditional Cheese Company celebrates 40 years in business this year, ShelfLife caught up with Managing Director Grainne Whalley to reflect on the company’s success to date

Founded in 1985, Traditional Cheese Company (TCC) has established itself as a leading supplier of specialty cheeses in Ireland. The company has grown significantly over the years, expanding its operations and facilities to meet increasing demand. TCC is known for its commitment to quality and has built strong partnerships with Irish farmhouse cheese producers, ensuring a diverse and high-quality product range

Q: TCC is celebrating 40 years in business this year — can you reﬂect on the company’s journey and what this milestone means to you personally, having been there since the beginning?

A: It’s hard to believe it’s 40 years since I joined Eugene Carr at Traditional Cheese Company. At that time, working from a container and one delivery van, TCC served a limited local market only 40 years on and four premises moves to bring us to our current location and nationwide delivery through our fleet of 10 delivery vans. We also serve all major retailers via their distribution centres and export to Europe, Canada and Australia. In the 1980s when the economy and restaurant scene was struggling, TCC identified the emerging pizza trend and introduced mozzarella to the market. We worked closely with Farmhouse cheese producers across Ireland and gave them a route to market. We continue to work and partner with Irish Farmhouse Cheese Producers and also import speciality cheese and fine foods from across Europe

Eugene’s passion for cheese has been the cornerstone of TCC and this passion has been imparted to the team as we continue to grow the company and expand our range throughout Ireland and the export market. It is with great pride looking back at the journey of the past 40 years and to see the growth and development we achieved. Sadly, Eugene passed away in 2023. I know he too would be immensely proud and we remember him fondly as we celebrate 40 years in TCC.

Q: TCC is now the number one supplier of speciality cheese in the Irish retail market. What do you think have been the key factors behind that success?

A: Understanding the market and customer needs have been key factors in the growth and success of TCC. We have an established trust and integrity with our team, our suppliers and our customers. They come to us for advice and know what we provide will be based on knowledge and expertise of the market and product.

TCC continue to work closely with cheese producers across Ireland and Europe and are

recognised as cheese industry experts. With our established Supply Chain, we bring product in from Europe five days per week, managing the complexities of speciality foods with short shelf life.

Q: The grading system Eugene Carr introduced in 1979 is still used by TCC today. How has that traditional approach helped maintain quality while also adapting to modern consumer demands?

A: Over 40 years on, TCC still use the grading system established by Eugene in 1979 to determine the attributes of each batch and select these to mature to specific levels of maturity for our customers. Our traditional grading system combines visual, organoleptic, and physical assessment of the cheese As a result, our customers can be sure of a consistent product, meeting the needs of the consumer

Q: Over the decades, TCC has introduced countless cheeses to the Irish market. Can you share a standout moment when you knew a particular product was going to change the game?

A: There have been many new cheeses and standout moments for TCC over the past 40 years. For example, in the 1980s, TCC introduced grated mozzarella for the emerging Pizzeria industry In the mid-90s TCC established the Mature Cheese Programme in Superquinn, this subsequently led to the launch the first top tier private label cheese range in Ireland. TCC worked closely with producers ensuring the product met strict criteria, with weekly tasting of each batch and grading according to taste, texture and flavour profile ensured excellence and quality in the product. It was during this period also that TCC brought Wensleydale Cranberry to the Irish market.

Q: As a recognised judge at international cheese awards, how does that global exposure inﬂuence the innovation and product development at TCC?

A: The team at TCC are recognised within the dairy industry across Europe and have vast knowledge and expertise of the market and product. Myself and other TCC team regularly judge at international cheese awards including Great Taste Awards, Salon de Fromage Paris, International Cheese Awards and World Cheese Awards. Participation at these awards is an honour for TCC, to be represented at this level on the world cheese stage

Q: Sustainability is clearly a priority for TCC, evidenced by your Origin Green Gold

Membership in 2024. How do you balance environmental responsibility with large-scale supply and innovation?

A: Over the years, we have established strict criteria to ensure we maintain and balance our commitment to sourcing and supplying quality innovative product to the consumer with our quality standards and sustainability initiatives. We have BRC AA accreditation, SEDEX, Organic Trust and Origin Green Gold Membership 2024

We were delighted to have attained Origin Green Gold Membership 2024 This involved setting and meeting specific annual targets in different areas of the business. In 2024, we excelled in the areas of Packaging (98% of our packaging is now recyclable or reusable), Energy Emissions (reduced emissions and the installation of solar panels expected to supply one-third of our energy going forward) and Product Range (introducing 18 new products in 2024 categorised as either low-fat, low-salt or low-sugar).

Q: Looking ahead to the next 10 years, what is your vision for TCC and the Irish cheese industry as a whole?

A: We will continue our partnerships with artisan producers developing new Irish products for export markets. With the expertise of our team and our commitment to quality, I am confident the innovative culture we started out with in 1985 will continue ■

Grainne Whalley, Managing Director, Traditional Cheese Company

Traditional Cheese Company has an extensive range of cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, and relishes that are suitable for in-store impulse buys, while their versatility also makes them ideal for cheese board preparation in bars and restaurants.

We also offer a vast range of products suitable for foodservice and manufacturing customers. Business to consumer is available on our website “www.thecheesestore.ie” where you can choose from our variety of gift-boxed cheeses, delivered anywhere in Ireland.

Cheese Company. 224 Holly Road, Western Industrial Estate, Dublin 12. Tel: 353 (0)1 4090400. Email: info@traditionalcheese.ie. Web: www.traditionalcheese.ie

Celebrating 50 years of MACE

Cathal Talty spoke to Ryan Brennan about his familyrun MACE store’s 50-year journey, community ties, and plans for the future

When the doors first opened in April 1974, this familyrun MACE store had one mission of providing the local community with quality goods and a personal customer service experience Five decades later, the store remains true to that mission while evolving into a modern retail world that balances tradition, innovation, and strong community ties

A milestone worth celebrating

This year marked a major milestone for the store, its 50th anniversary. The celebrations were highlighted by a visit from MACE brand ambassador Johnny Sexton, for a fun-filled celebratory event that brought together staff, customers, and the wider Lissycasey community.

“WeopenedinApril1974toofferthecommunityawide range of quality goods and a true local customer service experience,”CathalTalty,owner,MACELissycasey,explained “Our most recent key milestone was our 50th anniversary whenwewerethrilledtohaveourMACELissycasey,brand ambassador Johnny Sexton with us,when both ourselves and our community had a fantastic celebration.”

Over the years, the store has grown in its own right, boasting an award-winning For Food’s Sake deli, a newly revamped seating area, a large Bewley’s coffee offering, freshly baked goods from an award-winning bakery, a spacious off licence, and an extensive ambient product range.

Investing in the future

Continuous investment has been key to the store’s success.“We continuously invest in our store to offer our customers the best service experience,”Talty noted.

“We’ve upgraded our store to provide additional space for customers where needed, highlighting product quality and value.”

Sustainability has been a particular focus.“We’ve invested heavily in solar panels, LED lighting, and all fridges have the latest energy-efficient components, ” he added. These upgrades not only reduce costs but also reflect the store’s commitment to operating responsibly for the future

Growth and performance

Despite industry challenges, sales and growth remain strong.“By having a connection to the local community and offering both product quality and value, and also offering a high level of customer service, we are seeing a good return in terms of both growth and sales,”

Talty added

A team like family

The store is also a major local employer.“We are a strong local employer and offer employment to 20 full-time staff and 26 part-time staff,” he said.“Our staff are very loyal to us and in many cases, with our part-timers, we employ them from secondary school level up to when they finish third level.”

Some staff members have been with the store for decades.“Bridget, who is one of our most loyal staff members, has been with us 47 years and is very much part of the family,”Talty proudly shared

This loyalty is part of the culture.“We have a loyal staff team with a strong community connection,” he continued.“All the part-timers I know, or know their families well Local staff offer

Talty’s MACE For Food’s Sake deli

Bewley’s Coffee station in-store

Cathal Talty and his team outside MACE Lissycasey

“We have a loyal staff team with a strong community connection.”

the full customer service experience and help customers with product quality, range, and value.”

Deep community roots

As a local business, community ties are central.“It’s important we have a strong community connection with all activities, groups and organisations,”Talty added.“We are a strong supporter of our local Lissycasey GAA teams, Fergus Rovers LGFA teams, and community committees. All activities in a community for both young and old need funding, and we are only too happy to give back.”

The store also champions local producers.“We also support local producers who are an integral part of a community’s success, ” he added.

Standing out

For management, the answer is clear:“We are very conscious of the fact that people have a choice of stores to shop in, so you have to have that extra something for customers,”Talty explained.“Our customer service is a very important component, and our award-winning For Food’s Sake deli and seating area makes us a destination stop Our freshly baked goods from our award-winning bakery are very popular with both transient and local customers. ”

Product quality and value remain at the core “Our product quality and value are also a stand-out from other stores while always having a strong connection to our community,” he added.

Support From MACE

The store benefits from the backing of BWG Foods and the MACE symbol group.“We have a great relationship with BWG and our symbol group MACE, who have a strong community presence in Ireland, and it works very well with our store, ” the owner noted.“MACE provides the full range of quality products at the best value.”

Value amid rising costs

In today’s cost-of-living crisis, value is top of mind for both retailers and customers “Cost of living is a hot topic at the moment, and both ourselves and MACE are conscious of this and are actively offering quality goods at value prices,” he explained.“We have a very good community connection, and all our customers are pleased with the value offered in a modern and convenient shopping experience.”

Rising costs are a reality for all retailers, but investment has been the store’s answer.“All stores are experiencing rising costs in some way or another,”Talty acknowledged “We’re trying to counteract these rising costs by investing in our store. We have installed over 200 solar panels for electricity, we’ve installed solar panels for hot water for the deli area, all our lighting is

“We

LED, we’ve installed new energy-efficient fridges, and furthermore BWG offer affinity deals designed to assist retailers with the increasing costs associated with electricity, phone bills and a variety of other services.”

Looking ahead

As the store reflects on 50 years of success, its focus remains firmly on the future. Investments in sustainability, loyal staff, and strong community connections will continue to shape the business.

From humble beginnings in 1974 to a modern, award-winning retail destination today, this family-run MACE store has proven the power of combining product quality, customer service, and community commitment. Or, as Talty simply put it:“We’re here because of our community, and everything we do is about giving back to them.” ■

opened in April 1974 to offer the community a high range of quality goods and a true local customer service experience.”

Off-licence area in MACE Lissycasey

Talty’s MACE Lissycasey MACE Lissycasey’s fruit & veg aisle

Black Paper Food Containers NEWRANGE

Dino Group has delivered strong growth in the first half of its financial year, its latest financial results show (Pic: www.grupadino.pl)

The innovation, branded the Xpress Trolley, is currently being piloted at two Western Cape stores,

6. Shopper reveals supermarket fresh produce code

A smart shopper has revealed a little-known trick for finding the freshest fruit and vegetables at Aldi, the Daily Mail has reported.

The 26-year-old, who goes by @thefinancegurl online and is from Aberdeen, said there is a secret code on the fresh produce items that customers should look out for.

7. Tom Denyard named managing director of Waitrose & Partners

John Lewis Partnership has named Tom Denyard as its new managing director of Waitrose, the Retail Gazette reveals.

The executive is set to join the partnership in January, succeeding James Bailey who is leaving Waitrose at the end of September ■

Turning challenges into opportunities

Boost sales with smarter product displays

A strong product display does more than showcase goods - it drives purchases. In our European markets, recent changes in store layout and category space planning drew more shoppers to key sections, proving how merchandising directly boosts traffic and sales.

One innovation gaining attention is the Facer™ shelf management solution. With one pull, bottles are front-faced instantly, saving hours of daily restocking. Its adjustable metal frame keeps jars, cans, and bottles perfectly aligned, delivering a neat, appealing look that creates a refreshing shopping experience.

Save time and costs with shelf automation

Repetitive merchandising tasks take up valuable staff time Shelf automation, like Multivo™ pusher with dividers or Multivo™ Max pusher tray, solves this by handling frontfacing and stock rotation automatically For smaller stores, this translates into reduced labour costs, improved profitability, and more time for staff to focus on customer service.

In today’s retail environment, competition is fiercer than ever. For independent shop owners, the real question is: how can you stand out and remain relevant in your community? The answer often lies in creating a distinctive shopping experience. With the right merchandising, effective communication, and smart use of technology, small stores can make a big impact. HL Display Ireland

Stay flexible with easy range and promotion changes

Retail is driven by change - seasonal promotions, new product launches, or updated assortments. Flexible merchandising solutions that work across freezer, chiller, and ambient shelves make it simple to rotate ranges and refresh displays With systems designed to be reused across different units, retailers can adapt without the expense of replacing entire fixtures.

Engage shoppers with clear and inspiring signage

Signage is more than a practical tool - it’s your store’s voice. Well-designed communication guides shoppers, highlights promotions and builds brand connection. From aisle headers to shelf talkers and outdoor signage, the right visual and message guide how customers move through the store, how confident they feel in their choices, and ultimately, how much they buy

Protect

your profits with smart

loss prevention

Theft continues to be a growing concern, and independent stores are not immune Smart loss prevention solutions protect high-value items directly at the shelf or hook, deterring theft where it happens while keeping products accessible for honest shoppers. With easy installation and low maintenance, these systems help safeguard profits without disrupting store layout or design.

Remaining competitive as a local retailer is less about scale and more about smart strategy By investing in effective product displays, shelf automation, flexible merchandising, inspiring signage, and smart loss prevention, shops can create inviting spaces that customers trust and enjoy - while protecting profitability ■

Greenogue Business Park, #10, Beechwood Building, 14G Grants Rd., Rathcoole, Co Dublin, Ireland

Email: salesireland@hl-display.com Tel: 01 458 7470

There’s still growth opportunities for Irish whiskey, says Irish Distillers

With nearly two decades at Irish Distillers, Anna Kelly, head of Innovation & Portfolio, talks to Fionnuala Carolan about how her approach to brand management and innovation has evolved over the years

Anna Kelly started her career as a Jameson brand ambassador in the UK,roaming London bars with a whiskey tasting kit and a lot of enthusiasm,educating bar tenders on the smooth taste of Irish whiskey.The most nerve-wracking part?“Making Irish Coffees and praying the cream wouldn’t sink!”she says

Over the two decades,she’s learned the power of sticking to your brand fundamentals and not getting distracted by the noise.

Later,while working in marketing in the UK,she helped roll out a mixability campaign to drive trial,a great reminder that sometimes the simplest actions,like getting liquid into hands,delivers the strongest results.Eventually,she joined the global team in Ireland,working across market communications and leading global innovations.

She says that consistency is the most important trait for the success of a brand.“The importance of anchoring everything in our core truth and being consistent with that message:“Triple Distilled,SmoothTaste.”When we veer too far from that,we feel it in our brand metrics.No matter how innovative the idea,the message must remain rooted in what makes Jameson…Jameson”she says

How to remain at the top

Jameson Original is the world’s number one Irish whiskey and one of the world’s top 10 spirit brands,sold in over 130 countries.So she jokes“no pressure at all”remaining in that place.I ask if she can share the strategic thinking behind the restaging of Jameson Original and Black Barrel?“The restage was more evolution than revolution, she explains. “We spoke with consumers,bartenders and retailers across key markets,from dimly lit bars in NYC to busy off-licences in Johannesburg and saw clear opportunities to increase stand-out and amplify key product truths.

Anna Kelly, head of Innovation & Portfolio at Irish Distillers

“People have less time and patience when they are browsing choice on the shelf.With that in mind,we brought forward the most important cues: quality,craft and smoothness,adding a more modern twist,without losing what’s iconic about the pack.”

Black Barrel was a more complex challenge,she admits. “It’s the No.2 product in the portfolio,with one of the most intricate production stories from Midleton Distillery.We wanted to ensure the story behind the product was being fully told,so we worked closely with both the distillers and blenders along with consumers,going back and forth until we landed on a version that struck the right balancecelebrating the craft without overwhelming the audience The finished article resulted in us moving away from only talking about one aspect of the production story - charred barrels - to a more holistic story where we tell the untold story of this exceptional blend,made up of select batch of expertly aged whiskeys The blenders and distillers aren’t the type to shout about their work,it’s their day-to-day,but drawing out that quiet mastery was essential.”

The Jameson Triple Triple Chestnut Edition

The JamesonTripleTriple Chestnut Edition launched this year in key markets with a simple proposition:Always triple distilled,now triple cask “The addition of chestnut casks delivers a luxurious finish and the product is packaged with Jameson’s signature approachability and wit.The name is playful but purposeful:Triple Distilled,Triple Cask,Triple character.”

Chestnut wood isn’t commonly used in whiskey maturation although the master distiller Kevin O’Gorman had been talking about it for some time “To be honest,we weren’t immediately sold But once we tasted the liquid,we got it It was one of those moments where instinct meets innovation

“It reminded us that consumer feedback is critical,but it’s just one part of the puzzle.Listening to the distillery experts,the people who live and breathe this craft,is equally vital.This release was a genuine three-way collaboration between innovation,production,and marketing and I really enjoyed playing my part in bringing this expression to life.”

Staying relevant

Packaging is such an important element of a brand and finding the right balance between stand out on bar/shelf, relevance and nostalgia is a hard one to find.Jameson’s packaging needs to stay relevant across diverse global markets so how do they ensure that this happens?

“We invest heavily in research,both qualitative and quantitative”explainsAnna “We speak with trade and consumers across key regions to understand what matters most and where improvements can be made.With modern research tools,we can now activate multi-market studies and get insights back so quickly.It’s been a game-changer When a brand is thriving globally,you tread carefully.We aim to protect and enhance what’s working,not overhaul for the sake of it.”

Fostering creativity

In such a global company,a lot of focus is on fostering creativity and cohesion across multifaceted teams.Anna says that they manage this by“staying curious”,watching other categories to emerging cultural trends.The company has a foresight team tracking macro trends and informing the team of what’s coming down the line.They found this particularly helpful post-Covid,with so much consumer shift.

“Our global team includes people working on culture platforms,comms,content,consumer insights and an in-house creative team.We often hold internal idea panels to get fresh thinking and spark unexpected connections.

“We also stay close to our markets.It’s inspiring to see how Jameson shows up in places like SouthAfrica or Australia and we often build global toolkits from great local executions.

As they come out of the restage project,Anna has been involved in the evolution of the Jameson brand identity, always keeping a close eye on how other iconic global brands,from Nike toApple,use and leverage their visual brand identity

“Discipline and consistency of use comes up time and time again in terms of how these brands build global recognition.They are so consistent in how their brand shows up across multiple markets.

People have less time and patience when they are browsing choice on the shelf. With that in mind, we brought forward the most important cues: quality, craft and smoothness, adding a more modern twist, without losing what’s iconic about the pack.

Sustainability

Sustainability it a part and parcel of all businesses now but some are more invested than others Anna says that sustainability is embedded in their design process from the outset,and it’s not simply a bolt-on.

“Our approach is to adopt a circular mindset,which involves minimising waste.In terms of product design,we are guided by five Pernod Ricard principles across the packaging lifecycle - to rethink and explore new packaging solutions, reduce packaging where possible,reuse and move away from single use,and look to include materials that are responsibly sourced.Every new launch must now pass both a creative and sustainability brief.”

The future of whiskey innovation

After 20 years in the industryAnna is still excited about whiskey innovation,both at Jameson and in the broader industry

“There have been so many different headwinds over the last few years,impacting consumer behaviours,from Covid to shifting consumer habits that you have to keep a close eye on and constantly adapt.”

However,she finds the deepening engagement with premium spirits exciting,especially among younger and more diverse audiences.“Consumers are increasingly seeking heritage brands they trust,particularly those offering highquality products And we’re seeing a renewed focus on moments of connection,people want to celebrate the everyday with friends and family

“These trends reaffirm our belief in innovating purposefully,respecting brand DNA,and designing for reallife occasions.”

But the biggest opportunity?“Irish whiskey is still underrepresented at the higher super-premium tier And that’s where the category is seeing the most growth.”

As the company returns to events like The Big Grill,(with the support of a social and influencer campaign featuring foodie influencer Marcus O’Laoire),where it began showcasing its products in its early days,it does so as a major force in global food innovation - still driven by the simple goal of helping people eat more vegetables and do so deliciously. ■

To read this interview in full,check out the July/August 2025 issue of Drinks Industry Ireland (ShelfLife’s sister publication)

SELF SERVE VENDING BAN FOR TOBACCOANDVAPES

Are retail vending machines impacted?

No The ban only applies to self serve vending machines in locations such as bars and hotels

How can retailers prepare for the ban?

In the event that machines are removed from their current locations, volume is likely to shift to retail. This may have an impact on ordering patterns for retailers to avoid out-of-stocks.

RETAIL LICENCING FOR TOBACCOANDVAPES

How do retailers apply for the new licences?

The application process has not yet been made public by the authorities.

What happens if I don’t have my licence on 2nd February 2026?

There will be a six-month grace period beginning on this date to enable retailers to apply for licences. Sales of tobacco and vape products can carry on as usual during this period.

What is the cost?

A licence to sell tobacco products will be €1,000 per outlet annually, and the cost of a licence to sell vaping products will be €800 per outlet annually

Will a licence be required to sell nicotine pouches?

No The new rules apply to tobacco and vape products only

BAN ON SALES OF TOBACCO ANDVAPES BY UNDER-18S

How are retailers impacted?

The new rules will prohibit sales of tobacco and vaping product by store employees aged below 18.

Is there any exemption for family members of the licence holder?

Yes. The following relatives of the licence holder are exempt provided they are aged 16 or above: sister, step-sister, daughter, step-daughter, sister-in-law, brother, step-brother, son, step-son or brother in-law

TOBACCOANDVAPES FESTIVALS SALES BAN

What is changing?

The new rules will prohibit the sale of tobacco and vaping products from temporary or mobile containers. The most direct impact will be on festivals.

How are retailers impacted?

It is likely that consumers will purchase tobacco and vaping products in advance of the event they are attending. Retailers will need to consider ordering additional stock at these points to avoid out-of-stock situations

For more information, speak to your JTI representative

Bord Bia appoints Conor O’Sullivan as UK market manager

Bord Bia has appointed Conor O’Sullivan as its new UK market manager

Bringing over a decade of international experience to the role, having most recently served as Bord Bia’s China market manager, O’Sullivan will be responsible for leading global business initiatives in the UK.

The UK remains Ireland’s largest export destination for food and drink, accounting for over 30% of total exports and worth €5.6 billion in 2024

Bord Bia noted that it continues to be a strategic priority market for Irish producers.

Primark (which trades as Penneys in Ireland) has appointed Claire Taaffe as its new corporate affairs director

Commenting on the appointment, Shane Hamill, director of global business development at Bord Bia, said: “Over the past five years in Shanghai, Conor [O’Sullivan] has consistently leveraged his strong relationships skills and strategic insight to keep Bord Bia relevant and impactful in a famously fastmoving and complex market.

“In the UK Conor will leverage Origin Green in customer interactions, to safeguard Ireland’s global reputation and competitive advantage as a producer of quality sustainable food. I’m confident that his

experience and energy will bring fresh momentum to our work in the UK.”

In 2016 he joined Bord Bia as a market specialist in Shanghai where he played a pivotal role in the launch of Irish beef in China and transformed promotional strategies for Irish pigmeat.

Speaking about his new role, O’Sullivan, added: “Over the last decade, it has been immensely rewarding to play a part in the growth of Ireland’s incredible food and drink industry in Asia. I’m excited to continue doing so in Ireland’s largest export market.”

Taaffe brings a ‘wealth of experience’ in strategic communications, reputation management, and public affairs. Since joining Primark as director of communications in 2020, she has built Primark’s international communications team and developed its external reputation strategy, playing a key role in shaping and protecting the brand during a period of rapid international growth.

Eoin Tonge interim CEO at Primark, said: “As Primark’s operating environment evolves, building trust in our brand and business and building trusted relationships matters more

than ever Claire’s strategic insight and experience, coupled with her deep knowledge of our business, will be critical to strengthening our voice with colleagues, customers, communities, and stakeholders as we continue to grow.”

In her new role, Taaffe will lead Primark’s global Corporate Affairs function across its 17 markets. Her remit includes overseeing global communications, deepening stakeholder trust, protecting and enhancing Primark’s reputation, and leading ESG communications and public policy engagement.

Commenting on her new role, Taaffe, added: “I’m proud to take on the leadership of Corporate Affairs for such an iconic brand. Primark has deep roots, bold ambitions, and brilliant people It’s also a brand with strong inclusive, and democratic values, and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing. I’m excited to ensure our story is heard in the places and conversations that matter most.”

Taaffe, joined Primark in 2020 having held a number of senior communications roles at GSK. She is based at Primark’s international headquarters in Dublin.

Nestlé’s Board of Directors recently announced that Philipp Navratil has been appointed as CEO of Nestlé S.A., following the dismissal of Laurent Freixe with immediate effect.

In a statement on its corporate website, Nestlé noted that the departure of Laurent Freixe follows an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate which breached Nestlé’s Code of Business Conduct. In line with best practice corporate governance, the Board ordered an investigation overseen by chairman Paul Bulcke and lead independent director, Pablo Isla, with the support of independent

outside counsel.

Commenting, Paul Bulcke, chairman, Nestlé, said: “This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent [Freixe] for his years of service at Nestlé.”

He continued: “I am pleased to announce Philipp Navratil as CEO Philipp is recognised for his impressive track record of achieving results in challenging environments. Renowned for his dynamic presence, he inspires teams and leads with a collaborative, inclusive management style The Board is confident that he will drive our growth plans forward and

accelerate efficiency efforts. We are not changing course on strategy, and we will not lose pace on performance.”

Navratil began his career with Nestlé in 2001 as an internal auditor After holding various commercial roles in Central America, he was appointed country manager for Nestlé Honduras in 2009

Navratil, stated: “I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me, and it is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading Nestlé into the future. I fully embrace the company’s strategic direction, as well as the action plan in place to drive Nestlé’s performance.” ■

Conor O’Sullivan, UK market manager, Bord Bia

Philipp Navratil, CEO, Nestlé, S.A

Claire Taaffe appointed Primark corporate affairs director

Nestlé Board appoints Philipp Navratil as CEO following the departure of Laurent Freixe

Claire Taaffe, corporate affairs director, Primark

Barry Group | 70 Years Stronger

Looking back, moving forward

It is with great pride that I look in the rear-view mirror and reflect on the journey of Barry Group, founded by my father in 1955. What began as a small business, servicing shops in North Cork with a limited range of products, has grown into one of Ireland’s leading wholesale groups. The market of that time was very different from today: countless small local shops serving their immediate communities formed the customer base.

My father built the foundation that still supports our business. He instilled principles that remain central to how we operate – hard work, customer focus, value for money, great service, fairness, and above all, integrity. Many of our long-serving team members worked alongside him, and their knowledge and commitment have been vital in preserving and strengthening the culture established in the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, Barry Group is still proudly a family business but one that is run to international standards. This unique position allows us to compete with multinational players while delivering profitable and practical retail solutions tailored to the Irish market.

Multiple channels, one vision

Our structure has evolved to support a wide range of selling channels. On the retail side, our symbol groups – Costcutter, Carry Out and Quik

Pick – provide complete supply chain solutions for independent retailers across the country. Alongside these, we offer part supply chain services to a wide mix of partners, from small

“The buy-in from every department reflects a shared belief in what we are trying to achieve: sustainable, profitable retail solutions that benefit all partners..”

- Jim Barry

independents to some of Ireland’s bestknown retail brands. A growing part of our operations also involves supplying other wholesalers. This success is underpinned by our scale in buying – combining strong relationships with Irish suppliers with a wide network of international trading partners.

A team-driven culture

What makes me especially proud is our management and team. A service-first mentality runs throughout Barry Group. From our commercial staff who work directly with retailers to our logistics team who deliver best-in-class distribution standards, the collective effort is what ensures our customers receive the highest level of support. The buy-in from every department reflects a shared belief in what we are trying to achieve: sustainable, profitable retail solutions that benefit all partners.

Commitment to the future

Looking ahead, our aim remains clear We will continue to support our retail customers on their journey to run profitable businesses, delivering solutions that meet their needs as the market evolves. Building on our current standards, we are committed to continually enhancing our service offering and adapting to the changing expectations of consumers and retailers alike.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the role of our support partners. The relationships we have with our suppliers and customers, combined with the dedication of our own team, form a partnership model that sets the stage for long-term success. It is this shared approach – built on trust, cooperation and mutual benefit – that will continue to drive Barry Group forward into its next chapter

Barry Group, built on family values

A foundation of hard work

Barry Group’s roots go back to 1955, when founder James A. Barry set up a fruit and vegetable business from his mother’s home in Banteer, Co Cork. His earlier stint selling ice cream for Fitzpatrick’s in Kanturk sparked a passion for retail. Moving the business to a store at the back of his family home, James A. added groceries and confectionery, serving local retailers with a fleet of three trucks and an unwavering work ethic.

Growth and generational change

The late 1960s brought the first major expansion with the purchase of the K.B. Williams Flour Mill in Mallow. It became home to a Cash and Carry and a growing wholesale operation. In 1981, James A.’s son Jim joined full-time, bringing fresh energy and a shared vision. By 1982, a new 20,000 sq ft facility had

been developed, signalling the start of a broader product range and a stronger team.

From local to national player

Over the years, Barry’s of Mallow transformed into a leading wholesale distributor across retail, foodservice and hospitality The launch of the Quik Pick symbol group under Jim’s leadership offered independent retailers a competitive, low-cost brand supported by full service delivery and marketing. This success set the stage for bigger moves.

Strategic expansion

In 1998, Barry Group relocated to a 13-acre site in Quartertown, Mallow, with 100,000 sq ft of warehouse and offices. The early 2000s saw major developments: licensing Costcutter for the Republic of Ireland in 2000, acquiring Kilkenny Wholesale in 2005, and opening a bonded warehouse in

Over the years, Barry’s of Mallow transformed into a leading wholesale distributor across retail, foodservice and hospitality.

Barry Group | 70 Years Stronger

2007. The acquisition of Carry Out Off Licence in 2009 strengthened its alcohol retail footprint. A 50,000 sq ft extension in 2010 expanded both ambient and alcohol capacity

Innovation and continuity

Today, Barry Group operates from a 150,000 sq ft distribution centre, employs 255 people, and serves more than 1,600 customers nationwide and internationally. Its six business channels span general wholesale, export, contract, and its three retail brands –Costcutter, Quik Pick, and Carry Out. The 2019 addition of a chilled warehouse brought all storage under one roof, further enhancing service.

A living legacy

Three generations have contributed to Barry Group’s success, with two of Jim’s children now holding senior positions. This new generation brings fresh ideas and energy, while remaining committed to the principles of service, trust and integrity that have guided the business since 1955, ensuring the legacy built by the first two generations continues to thrive. James A. retained a strong interest in the business beyond his retirement, witnessing every milestone from the first fruit and veg deliveries to national retail leadership. His principles of integrity, service and community remain central to the business today.

This new generation brings fresh ideas and energy, while remaining committed to the principles of service, trust and integrity that have guided the business since 1955

Recognition and Leadership

Barry Group’s track record has been recognised with multiple industry honours, including:

• Excellence Through People Gold Award, 2008–2010

• Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award, 2010

• Cork Chamber Company of the Year finalist, 2010

• Deloitte Best Managed Company Award, 2010–2017 (Platinum level achieved in 2017)

• Great Place to Work Award, 2011–2017

• European Business Awards National Champion, 2015 and 2016

Jim Barry’s own leadership has been marked by:

• Appointment to the Board of National Wholesale Buying Group, 1990

• Appointment to the Board of Stonehouse Buying Group, 2000

• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, 2010

• Cork Business Person of the Year, 2010

• IGBF President of Appeals, 2011

• Cork BIC Hall of Fame Award, 2013

• Director Cycle Against Suicide, 2013-2014

• Most Trusted Leader at the Great Place to Work Awards, 2015

• Chairman of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award, 2019

• Irish Forecourt Lifetime Achievement Award, 2019

• Appointment to the Board of NOffLA, 2023

• Cork Chamber Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2024

• Co-Chair Access BIC, 2023Present

Building a greener future

In 2023, Barry Group launched its first sustainability strategy – a roadmap to ensure the business grows responsibly while making a meaningful contribution to society The strategy is built on three core pillars: supporting local communities, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening local economies.

Practical steps, real results

Since its introduction, Barry Group has made strong progress. Sustainability is no longer treated as an add-on but has become part of day-to-day decision-making across the business and its symbol groups. Greener practices now shape everything from logistics and operations to retailer support and team engagement.

Practical actions are already delivering results. Smart lighting, compostable packaging and the introduction of electric vehicles have been implemented across the business.

In 2025, solar panels were fitted at Barry Group’s headquarters, cutting energy use by almost half year-to-date. At store level, retailers moving to the latest specification have adopted energyefficient fridges and LED lighting, with many also installing solar panels or EV chargers. Collectively, these changes

have reduced energy bills by up to 30%, highlighting how sustainable choices also deliver strong commercial benefits.

Sustainable stores, sustainable choices

Costcutter’s newest store specification places sustainability front

and centre Own-brand packaging for Market Street Deli, Urban Sips and Freezi Licks has moved to sustainable solutions, and this shift is clearly communicated through in-store messaging and campaign assets.

The impact is already visible in stores. Multiple retailers have completed solar panel installations, while others are in the process of adding EV charging points. By embedding greener practices at store level, Barry Group is helping its retailers future-proof their businesses and meet growing consumer demand for more sustainable shopping options.

Supporting local communities

Sustainability for Barry Group extends beyond environmental measures to include a strong community focus. Retailers across the network have been given tools and incentives to operate more sustainably, while also maintaining their longstanding role as local supporters.

Nationally, Costcutter has partnered with Vision Ireland on the Dip at Dawn fundraiser, raising both awareness and funds. At local level, individual retailers continue to back clubs, events and charities in their communities. In 2025, Barry Group broadened this approach through a partnership with the Crann Centre in Cork, which supports over

By embedding greener practices at store level, Barry Group is helping its retailers future-proof their businesses

700 families living with neuro-physical disabilities. These collaborations reflect the group’s belief that sustainability and social responsibility go hand in hand.

Supporting local communities and national charities

Looking ahead

The next phase of Barry Group’s plan focuses on working more closely with suppliers. Over the coming 18 months, sustainability criteria will be embedded in procurement practices, ensuring improvements extend across the full supply chain.

The ambition is clear: to deepen Barry Group’s positive impact, reduce its environmental footprint, and continue strengthening the communities it serves. With a committed team, engaged retail partners and strong supplier relationships, Barry Group is determined to build a greener and more sustainable future.

Mallow Hospital

Crann Centre

Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund

Vision Ireland

Triathlon Ireland

From first store to national brand

When Barry Group acquired the Costcutter franchise for Ireland in 2000, the independent grocery market was a very different place. Fast forward 25 years and Costcutter has become one of Ireland’s most recognised convenience brands, supporting local communities while embracing modern design, fresh food innovation and customer service.

This year marks a milestone for the brand. As Costcutter Ireland approaches its 25th anniversary, the focus is not only on celebrating its heritage but also on looking ahead with a refreshed identity, strong sub-brands and an operating model that helps independent retailers compete in a challenging marketplace.

Small beginnings, growing reach

Barry Group’s decision to acquire the Costcutter brand for Ireland in 2000 was a bold move The aim was simple: to give independent stores the support and scale they needed while keeping the local character that shoppers value. By

the mid-2000s, Costcutter stores were trading from Cork to Donegal, each backed by the group’s expertise in sales, store development and marketing.

Reflecting on those early years, sales director Edwina Lucey says:

“When we first launched Costcutter, the idea was never just about supplying stock. It was about giving independent retailers the tools to grow their business while staying true to the communities they serve. That’s still at the heart of what we do today.”

Meeting changing consumer needs

The Irish convenience sector has changed dramatically over two decades. Today’s consumers expect quality fresh food, coffee, meal solutions and services that fit busy modern lives. Costcutter’s growth has kept pace with those expectations.

From 2010, Barry Group invested heavily in fresh food and deli. In-store brands such as Market Street Deli and Urban Sips Coffee strengthened food-

“..giving independent retailers the tools to grow their business while staying true to the communities they serve.”

- Edwina Lucey, Barry Group Sales Director

“Our retailers are the lifeblood of this brand. Everything we do – from modern specs to digital campaigns and fresh food innovation – is designed to give them the best possible platform to grow.

- Edwina Lucey, Barry Group Sales Director

to-go and coffee offerings, while Freezi Licks tapped into demand for ice cream. Together, these sub-brands helped transform Costcutter outlets into destinations throughout the day, not just for weekly shopping.

A modern look for a new era

In 2024, Costcutter unveiled its most

significant brand refresh to date. A new colour palette, clean typography and modern fascia design were introduced to help stores stand out in a crowded market while reinforcing the brand’s long-standing values of community focus, consistent value and quality service. Additionally, the introduction of the 55th Street Off Licence brand gave independent stores a competitive edge in wine, beer and spirits.

For retailers, the updated specification brought flexibility. Packages could be adapted to large urban stores with seating areas or compact rural shops, ensuring a strong national identity across diverse formats.

Supporting retailers, supporting communities

Costcutter’s retailer-first ethos remains central to its success. Franchisees have access to account managers, sales advisors, fresh food specialists and a marketing team that

delivers both national campaigns and local activations.

As sales director Edwina Lucey explains:

“Every store is different – from size and location to customer base – and our job is to recognise that. We don’t force a single model. Instead, we provide the support that allows each Costcutter store to succeed on its own terms.”

Community involvement is equally important. Costcutter retailers continue to sponsor clubs, support charities and provide local employment. A national partnership with Vision Ireland reinforces this ethos while individual stores remain active in their own areas.

As Edwina puts it:

“Our retailers are the lifeblood of this brand. Everything we do – from modern specs to digital campaigns and fresh food innovation – is designed to give them the best possible platform to grow If our retailers succeed, Costcutter succeeds.”

Heritage and innovation

As Barry Group marks 70 years in business, one brand that shows how heritage and innovation can work hand in hand is Carry Out Off Licence. Acquired in 2009, Carry Out has grown into Ireland’s leading independent off licence franchise. With more than 90 outlets nationwide, the brand combines the scale of a national group with the entrepreneurial spirit of local store owners.

“Carry Out is in a stage of radical evolution,” says sales director Edwina Lucey “We’re embracing a fresh brand image, investing in e-commerce and elevating our premium spirits offering –all designed to meet the needs of today’s customers.”

A radical rebrand

The rebrand has transformed flagship stores such as Downey’s Carry Out, Barrack Street, Waterford and Fleming’s Carry Out, Muckross Road, Kerry. Working with Tap Creative, the team introduced a more modern and responsible visual identity while staying true to the brand’s roots.

“While the old logo served us well, it was time for a more mature aesthetic,” Lucey explains. “We wanted to grow with our customers, without losing what makes Carry Out special.”

The change extended in-store, with digital touchpoints, category zones and educational features. One insight

From then to now:

2009: Barry Group Acquires Carry Out

2010–2015: National Expansion Across Ireland

2023: Carry Out Rebrand Launched

2024: E-Commerce Accelerates For Carryout.ie

Barry Group | 70 Years Stronger

“We’re embracing a fresh brand image, investing in e-commerce and elevating our premium spirits offering - all designed to meet the needs of today’s customers.”

- Edwina Lucey, Sales Director

was that Carry Out’s online following skewed female, but this wasn’t reflected in footfall. After changes to layout and engagement, female participation in footfall increased by 35%.

E-commerce growth

Carry Out’s online presence has

strengthened significantly, with traffic and sales both rising. Click & Collect has become increasingly popular, boosting in-store visits as well as convenience for customers.

Eoghan O’Mahony, e-commerce specialist at Barry Group, explains:

“We’ve invested in improving navigation, mobile responsiveness and order scheduling. Click & Collect bridges the gap between online and in-store, giving customers the flexibility they want.”

Beer and cider have been standout performers, with category revenue up 148% over the past 12 months, boosted by summer trading. Online baskets are also diversifying, with customers mixing beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic and ambient goods.

Looking ahead, Carry Out plans to expand same-day delivery, launch whiskey and wine subscriptions, develop wedding wine packages, and introduce custom hampers in 2025. By 2026, international delivery to Europe and North America is under review.

Click & Collect bridges the gap between online and in-store, giving customers the flexibility they want

Premium spirits focus

Premium spirits are at the core of Carry Out’s growth. In 2023, the brand launched The Barry Group Edition, a limited single pot still whiskey with Killowen Distillery, created in memory of founder James A. Barry. This was followed in 2024 by an exclusive partnership with Irish Distillers on Method and Madness Amburana Wood Finish.

Supporting franchisees

Franchisees benefit from marketing toolkits, training and data insights, helping local stores thrive. Carry Out outlets also play an active role in their communities through tastings, sponsorships and charity support.

Looking ahead

As Barry Group enters its eighth decade, Carry Out is focused on continued growth – expanding e-commerce, deepening premium partnerships and enhancing customer experience.

“Our goal is simple,” says Lucey “To keep giving customers more reasons to visit Carry Out – in-store and online –while helping our franchisees grow their businesses.”

For more, visit carryout.ie or follow Carry Out on social media for updates.

“Carry Out is the perfect partner for my business... Their exclusive product range is a game-changer.”

Barry Howell, Carry Out, Gurranabraher

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Sweet talk

Donna Ahern unwraps the latest trends and innovations defining the confectionery market

While health-conscious habits are on the rise, Irish shoppers still love a sweet treat. Indulgence remains a strong driver, with demand for flavour-packed favourites alongside natural and sugar-free alternatives. With Halloween on the horizon, the category gets a seasonal boost offering a golden opportunity for retailers to drive sales through themed displays and timely promotions.

Reflecting on shopping habits this time last year for example in the four weeks to 3 November 2024, Eimear Faughnan, business development director, Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar), commented on the company’s latest findings which are based on Worldpanel FMCG data. “October was an important month for Irish shoppers as they prepared for the first school holiday of the new term and Halloween, enjoying aboveaverage temperatures that delayed the need to don winter woollies,” she said. Shoppers stocked up on Halloween treats, spending a ‘frightening’ €8.9 million more than last year

Nestlé drives growth with KitKat and Yorkie

Nestlé continues to captivate consumers with a diverse range of innovative products and engaging promotional campaigns.

KitKat is the company’s leading confectionery brand in terms of both revenue and brand value, making it a cornerstone of Nestlé’s global portfolio Available in over 85 countries and with more than five billion bars sold annually, KitKat has fuelled break times for generations.

With its iconic tagline, “Have a break, have a KitKat”, the brand has become the

on chocolate confectionery Consumers spent an extra €1.6 million on sweets compared to the same period in 2023, which is something that retailers and brands will be happy to hear

In terms of specifically chocolate confectionery, according to a Euromonitor report, which was published in July 2025 titled Chocolate Confectionery in Ireland.

Technological advancements are set to play a key role in the evolution of chocolate confectionery Manufacturers are increasingly expected to adopt AI and machine learning

international symbol of a meaningful break from the stresses of daily life. Throughout its 90-year history, KitKat has continuously extended to cater to new consumption moments.

Earlier this year the brand launched the ‘Break Better’ campaign, encouraging consumers to prioritize quality breaks for a refreshed perspective after busy days This initiative coincided with the introduction of new KitKat sharing bars in three exciting flavours: Double Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Hazelnut. Each bar transforms the classic treat into a shared experience, featuring light and creamy fillings and multiple break-off pieces, making them perfect to enjoy with

within production processes to drive operational efficiency, improve consistency, and ensure high product quality

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to be fully implemented by the end of 2026, is expected to significantly influence chocolate confectionery in Ireland, the report shows The regulation aims to ‘prevent the import of products linked to deforestation, including cocoa, by prohibiting the sale of goods sourced from deforested land’.

family and friends. The launch is being supported this year with a comprehensive advertising campaign across TV, VOD, digital, social and outdoor media. To date, the new range has delivered over €1 million in value sales.

In the chocolate singles category, KitKat launched a Hazelnut variant of its classic 4 Finger bar and more recently the KitKat Chunky Funky bar, an eye-catching marbled bar to engage and excite younger consumers.

KitKat Chunky’s DUO format saw a +12% value sales growth YTD, which is expected to increase further with the recent launch of KitKat Chunky Salted Caramel DUO

Yorkie, another beloved brand in Nestlé’s confectionery portfolio has experienced a remarkable +14.4% YTD value sales growth within chocolate singles. This growth surged to +19.9% in the latest 12 weeks following the successful launch of the Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie variant, which is now also available in a DUO format. Yorkie continues to thrive in the DUO segment, with its total range delivering a remarkable +34% value sales growth YTD

Aero the original bubbly chocolate brand launched in 1935, has consistently innovated to enhance its product offerings. Core variants include milk chocolate and peppermint, while flavour variants provide additional sales opportunities. This year, Aero introduced a new Double Choc Brownie flavoured share

Nestlé Kit-Kat range

50 CATEGORY FOCUS Confectionery

bag as part of a bakery-inspired range featuring Aero, Milkybar, and Munchies. Alongside Aero Double Choc Brownie the range includes Milkybar Crispy Cookie and Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake.

Absolute Nutrition - healthy snacking that moves the market

Rowntree’s

Jelly Tots

Tangy

Rowntree’s also launched Jelly Tots Tangy, a vibrant twist on the classic sweet. This new sharing bag introduces a sour element, appealing to nostalgia while offering a tangy flavour experience. Made with real fruit juice, including apple, blackcurrant, lemon, lime, orange, and strawberry, these sweets are vegan-friendly, catering to a broader audience that values delicious treats.

During the summer, Rowntree’s partnered with the popular family savings app, Kids Pass, offering parents and guardians three months of free access, providing savings of up to 40% on various summer activities. Additionally, Aero launched a ‘Lost Bubbles’ promotional campaign, offering cash prizes to consumers who found limited-edition bubble-less bars.

Nestlé’s confectionery portfolio also includes well-loved brands such as Milkybar, Smarties, Rolo Toffee Crisp Lion and Polo Within the assortments category, branded offerings include Quality Street, Black Magic, Dairy Box and After Eight, which this Christmas, launches a striking limited edition pack design. Created by artist and designer Camille Wallala this design edition transforms the classic After Eight box to give it a contemporary new look allowing consumers to show up and gift in style this Christmas.

With many Irish consumers having a repertoire of favourite brands, retailers should maximise sales opportunities by ensuring prominent visibility of core formats such as KitKat 4 Finger, KitKat Chunky, Aero Mint and Aero Milk singles, Yorkie Milk and Yorkie Raisin & Biscuit while introducing new flavours and promotional events to generate excitement within the category

To further support retailers, Nestlé has developed impactful point-of-sale materials and prefilled displays to enhance in-store visibility and drive sales. To continue to drive top of mind awareness, key brands also benefit from advertising support during the year

Value performance source: AC Nielsen Total Market YTD 10/08/25

Absolute Nutrition makes healthy snacking simple, delicious, and trustworthy. Proudly made in Ireland, our range is designed to fuel busy lifestyles without compromising on flavour, giving families better choices for everyday moments.

The brands snacks are naturally high in protein, low in sugar, and free from artificial colours, preservatives, or unnecessary additives.

From the crunchy bite of our protein snacks to the wholesome taste of our treats, every product combines nourishment with real

enjoyment - whether it’s a school lunchbox, a post-workout refuel, or an office pick-me-up

As a growing brand in Ireland’s healthy snack market, Absolute Nutrition is making healthy eating easier and more mindful.

Parents value the clean, carefully sourced ingredients; kids love the taste; and healthconscious consumers appreciate the balance of nutrition and flavour That’s why Absolute Nutrition is fast becoming a true market mover in the snacking space.

Discover the Absolute Nutrition difference today - snacks that make healthy eating easy, enjoyable, and more popular than ever

Visit us: www.absolutenutrition.ie

Ampersand adds sweet new flavour with Vidal distribution in Ireland

Ampersand, one of Ireland’s leading FMCG distributors, has recently announced that it has been appointed as the exclusive Irish agent for Vidal, the international confectionery brand that brings colour, creativity and fun to sweet lovers in more than 90 countries worldwide

Founded in 1963 in Spain, Vidal is best known for its imaginative range of jellies, from classic fruit flavours to playful novelty shapes that capture attention on shelf Over six decades, the company has built a reputation for confectionery that is bold, colourful and loved by consumers of all ages. Alongside its iconic jellies, Vidal has expanded into sour belts, lollies and sharing packs, giving retailers a versatile mix that performs strongly across impulse and family occasions.

Ampersand is now bringing this energy and excitement to the Irish market with a launch range tailored for the trade The lineup is designed to maximise margins while covering a wide spread of price points. It features high-margin rainbow and strawberry belts and lollies retailing from 50c, laces and sour treats in €1.20 pouches, and a strong selection of sharing formats including the Mega Sweet Mix, Rainbow Belt Tray, Happy Mix and Party Mix at price points from €2.50 to €5. This balance of fun jellies, novelty belts and larger packs ensures strong appeal across treat, impulse and sharing occasions.

To drive impact in-store, Ampersand will also offer an eye-catching CDU and FSDU display unit. These colourful stands are designed to create theatre, capture shopper attention and encourage impulse sales, ensuring Vidal’s playful branding is unmissable in Irish outlets.

The addition of Vidal reflects Ampersand’s ongoing commitment to

partnering with international brands that deliver both consumer excitement and retailer value Already a global success story, Vidal’s entry into Ireland represents a fresh opportunity for retailers to bring a proven name in confectionery to their shelves, supported by strong trade margins and consumer demand.

With its iconic jellies, bright packaging and worldwide reputation, Vidal is set to bring a new burst of colour, flavour and fun to the Irish confectionery aisle in 2025

Retailers can place orders for the Vidal range now by contacting Ampersand on 01 413 0100

Vidal Party Mix

Jo’s Absolute Nutrition Protein Balls

Jo’s Absolute Nutrition Caffé Mocha

Nestlé Kit-Kat Chunky Salted Caramel

Nestlé Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie

Vidal Rolla Belta

Sonas Sweets, bringing

happiness to the onvenience sector

Since its launch with Ampersand in 2018, Sonas Sweets has grown into a standout player in the Irish confectionery market, proudly living up to its name Sonas, meaning happiness in Irish. With its vibrant branding and wide-ranging product selection, Sonas Sweets delivers both quality and value while supporting Irish jobs.

The range is designed to offer something for everyone Consumers can enjoy the ever-

popular €2 Mix-Up packed with a generous assortment of favourite sweets, or choose from the extensive €1 Hanging Bag range featuring an impressive 24 flavours. Each bag is carefully colour-coded for simple navigation: red for jellies, yellow and orange for fizzy and sour sweets, and blue for nibbles. This clear and vibrant packaging helps drive impulse purchases while standing out in busy convenience store environments.

At the heart of the brand is a focus on delivering joy, variety, and choice to consumers while supporting retailers with strong point-of-sale solutions. The packaging

Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery: A heritage brand moving forward

Few names in Irish confectionery carry the same history as Cleeve’s, a brand first established in 1882 and still delighting Irish consumers more than 140 years later. Today, Cleeve’s continues to combine its proud heritage with a modern edge, offering products that stand out for both their authenticity and their quality

Rebrand and recipe upgrade

In recent years, Cleeve’s has undergone a rebrand and recipe upgrade, giving the range a fresh new look and taste while remaining true to its traditions. The updated packaging strengthens its presence on shelf, while the recipe improvements highlight its commitment to delivering indulgence at the highest standard.

Chocolate bars with 30% cocoa

One of the brand’s strongest selling points is its 30% cocoa content across its chocolate bar range, a clear point of difference at a time when many competitors are reducing cocoa levels. The line-up includes the much-loved Macaroon Bar, refreshing Mint Crisp, indulgent Sea Salt Caramel, and playful Popping Candy designed to appeal to younger shoppers.

The Classic Assortment range

The Classic Assortment Bags continue to be at the heart of Cleeve’s portfolio These family favourites, made with locally sourced Irish dairy, are a perfect example of traditional recipes with enduring appeal:

• Original Iced Caramels – unique chewy caramels in pink and white icing sugar, enjoyed for over 90 years.

• Chocolate Caramels – caramels smothered in dark and milk chocolate gluten free

• Macaroon Bites – bite-size chocolates with coconut sprinkles, inspired by the bestselling Macaroon Bar

• Cleeve’s Slab Toffee Pieces – the famous toffee, pre-broken for sharing.

• Golden Days – dark chocolate caramels with coconut and sea salt, gluten free

Supporting Irish jobs

Cleeve’s is not only Ireland’s longest-surviving confectionery brand, it is also a champion of the local economy, supporting Irish jobs and businesses throughout the supply chain. Stocking Cleeve’s means supporting Irish heritage Irish workers, and Irish quality

is fully recyclable, reflecting Ampersand’s commitment to sustainability, while colourful stands, header boards, and dump bins boost visibility and encourage repeat purchases. The combination of affordability, quality, and strong in-store presence has made Sonas Sweets a firm favourite across the convenience sector

With a strong foundation in place, exciting plans are now underway for Sonas Sweets, with new developments set to roll out in the coming months. Watch this space for the next chapter in the Sonas story

For more information, please contact your local Ampersand representative or call 01 413 0100

A sweet summer for Bazooka candy

Bazooka Candy Brands, distributed in Ireland by Valeo Foods, has wrapped up a summer campaign that brought fun, flavour, and creativity to consumers across Ireland.

The ‘Sweet Bazooka Summer’ activation reached thousands of people through largescale sampling activities at family and retail destinations, including Emerald Park, The Square Tallaght, and Nutgrove Shopping Centre.

Shoppers and families got the chance to sample some of Bazooka’s most popular treats, including Bazooka Chews, Juicy Drop and Push Pop, putting the brand directly into their hands.

Reinforcing Bazooka’s reputation for edible entertainment, the sampling campaign was amplified with an experiential activity through a Bazooka Candy Factory-themed custom art

Cleeve’s Irish Chocolate range

Looking ahead

The future for Cleeve’s is bright, with new extensions planned for the Iced Caramel and Classic Assortment ranges to be unveiled soon. These additions will build on the brand’s iconic status while keeping it fresh for today’s market.

For more information, visit www.cleevesirishconfectionery.ie or follow Cleeve’s on social media.

Sonas Sweets delivers ‘joy, variety and choice’

installation at Nutgrove Shopping Centre by artist Mark Cronin.

Online, Bazooka ran three targeted influencer gifting campaigns with micro influencer platform, FetchIreland, delivering over 65 pieces of original online content, reaching over 200,000 accounts in two months. Through user-generated and relevant content, the campaigns built awareness of Bazooka’s range during a key selling time, sparking conversation and encouraging trial.

Commenting on the success of the campaign, Adam Gosling, head of retail, UK and Ireland, Bazooka Candy Brands, adds: “Our sweet summer of activation in Ireland delivered. We reached over 35,000 people directly with our products and spiked interest in our key products, including Bazooka candy and Juicy Drop, during the summer months.

“Ireland is an important market for us, and as a brand, we’re committed to supporting our retail partners by marketing Bazooka products, encouraging trial and driving shoppers to our retail partners’ stores. With several new lines due to launch in the coming months, we’re committed to further investing in Ireland and ensuring our products remain firm favourites with Irish families.”

For further information on Bazooka Candy Brands, please contact your local Valeo Sales Rep. www.bazookacandybrandsinternational.com

New Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirls - go on, give them a whirl

This Christmas, say hello to the Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirl; the new festive treat made for cosy nights in, cheeky moments of self-indulgence or that all-important stocking filler you won’t want to share. Available in stores from October, this swirly sensation comes in a triple pack ideal for gifting, sharing (if you must) or popping into a Christmas stocking, available at Tesco, Carrolls and Arnott’s Each Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirl is in the shape of a unique swirled cone consisting of a smooth milk chocolate shell, filled with soft, fluffy marshmallow and a luxurious layer of velvety caramel, all infused with the unmistakable flavour of Baileys

Original Irish Cream. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and oh-so-delicious. Either nibble, chomp, lick, crack, dunk or bite into a moment of selfindulgence. There’s no wrong way to enjoy them, so go on, give it a whirl. It’s Baileys Chocolate’s most indulgent launch yet.

Forest Feast launches new chocolate date duo

Pistachio Crisp Milk Chocolate Dates are sweet dates layered with creamy pistachio nut butter and crispy wafer, finished with velvety Belgian Milk Chocolate

Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Dates are generously drenched in Belgian Milk Chocolate and buttery French salted caramel flakes for the ultimate salty-sweet, chewy & chocolate delight.

Every batch is carefully handcrafted at the brand’s manufacturing facility in Co Armagh. Bronagh Clarke, marketing director, said: “Forest Feast continues to grow +35% YoY in Ireland over the last 52 weeks. This growth underscores our efforts to deepen brand awareness and expand penetration. With our consumers increasingly seeking innovation, we are strategically positioned to grow the category by launching two exciting new flavours, further strengthening our competitive edge.”

The new products are available in Dunnes and convenience stores, with Tesco, Musgraves and Fine Food Stores following in September

They will be supported by in-store media, consumer press, sampling and social media.

For more information contact: Bronagh Clarke - marketing director Email: bronaghc@forestfeast.com Barry Tyndell – head of sales Ireland. Email: barry@forestfeast.com

Forest Feast Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Dates

Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirls

Forest Feast Pistachio Crisp Milk Chocolate Dates

Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirls 3 pack

Bazooka and Juicy Drop

Bazooka Mix Upz

Lindt & Sprüngli launches new Crispy Creamy Dreamy Choco Wafer brand

Lindt, the #1 Boxed chocolate manufacturer*, has unveiled its latest innovation: Lindt Choco Wafer, now available nationwide across grocery and convenience retailers.

Crafted by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers, the new range combines the brand’s signature fine chocolate with crispy cocoa wafer texture and indulgent creamy layers. Designed for both everyday enjoyment and seasonal gifting, Lindt Choco Wafer is set to drive incremental growth in the wafer category

Awarded a ‘superstar’ rating from Nielsen, the brand is in the top 5% of innovation concepts:

• 72% of those tested said they would buy the product before trying the product,

• 89% said they would buy the product after tasting it,

• 70% said it was even better than they expected.

The range includes:

• Lindt Choco Wafer Milk Hazelnut 135g Box and Assorted 138g Box (RRP: €9.00)

Ideal for sharing memorable moments or gifting, each box contains individually wrapped wafers. Layers of crispy cocoa

wafers made with high quality cocoa powder are combined with smooth Lindt chocolate, a generous layer of gianduja cream, coated in milk chocolate and crunchy roasted hazelnuts. The Assorted Box includes Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut, Milk Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate wafers.

• Lindt Choco Wafer Milk Hazelnut 30g Bar and Milk 26g Bar (RRP: €2.00)

Perfect for on-the-go indulgence, these snack-sized formats offer a convenient treat when at home, at work, or paired with a hot beverage With clear messaging and portion control, Lindt Choco Wafer bars will play an important role in crafting permissible indulgence in snacking. Make sure to stock up now on the Lindt Crispy Creamy Dreamy range!

*Source: Nielsen Total Scantrack MAT 13.07.2025

Lindt’s Choco Wafer

Lindt’s Choco Wafer Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut

Confectionery

RYSE - delivers taste and performance

Since launching in May 2025, RYSE has rapidly established itself as one of the most exciting new entrants in the functional confectionery space. Now stocked in more than 250 store nationwide - including Daybreak, SPAR, Mace, Londis, and Avoca - the brand has grown its distribution every month since launch.

Commenting, Ian O’Rourke, co-founder and managing director, said: “We’ve been blown away by the hugely positive response from both retailers and consumers. It shows the strong support Irish retailers are willing to give homegrown start-ups, and we’re hugely grateful for that. Over the past few months, our focus has been on scaling distribution quickly, and now we’re turning to driving awareness and trial through social, sponsored

New Tony’s Chocolonely treats hit shelves in Ireland

Tony’s Chocolonely, the impact-driven chocolate brand on a mission to end exploitation in the cocoa industry, is bringing two exciting new products to Ireland - the much-anticipated Everything Bar and delicious new Littl’ Bits Milk Chocolate Biscuit Mix for all choco fans to taste and enjoy.

For chocolate lovers who’ve struggled to pick just one Tony’s favourite flavour, the Everything Bar is the ‘perfect solution’. This all-in-one bar combines the best-loved elements from Tony’s most popular barscrunchy caramel pieces from the Salted Caramel Bar, pretzel bits from the Dark Milk Pretzel Toffee Bar, chewy nougat from the Milk Almond Honey Nougat, plus almonds

and sea salt from the Dark Almond Sea Salt Bar It’s Tony’s most flavourful bar yet, and of course, is made with 100% traceable fairtrade cocoa.

That’s not all, Tony’s has been listening to fans and has created a brand-new flavour for the popular munchable snack range The Littl’ Bits Milk Chocolate Biscuit Mix - because why have one flavour, when you can have two? Dig into both buttery, chocolate-covered biscuit bits and creamy chocolate bites featuring chunky layers of classic milk and white chocolate Perfect to pair with a cuppa.

events and in-store sampling. They are powerful ways to show consumers the energy and focus benefits of RYSE.”

RYSE is well-positioned to tap into the rising demand for functional snacks that deliver both taste and performance. A recent Mintel study revealed that 78% of UK Gen Z consumers snack to maintain their energy levels*. Each RYSE bar contains 80mg of caffeine plus vitamins B6 and B12, offering a steady and sustained energy release in a perfectly sized snacking format.

The brand’s unique combination of flavour and function has already been recognised by the industry, with RYSE shortlisted for an Irish Quality Food Award in the Fortified/ Enhanced Food category Follow RYSE on social channels for updates on the awards and much more.

*UK Lifestyles of Generation Z Consumer Report 2025.

Sour Patch Kids launches new limited edition blue raspberry flavour

Sour Patch Kids is launching the latest in its lineup of lip-smacking sour sweets with new limited edition Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry flavour With 43% of consumers wanting sour flavours, and consumers looking for raspberry flavoured candy, the new launch is set to sour then sweeten tongues across the UK and drive incremental sales for retailers.

Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry will be available for a limited period of one year, sitting alongside the brand’s UK range which also includes Original, Cola, Watermelon, Fruit Mix and 2024 NPD, Strawberry Available in PMP and non-PMP** packs from July, the newest addition is vegan and will be available in 130g bags with an RRP* of £1.50 (€1.73) in line with the wider Sour Patch Kids range

Commenting on the launch, Nicola Matthews, head of marketing for UKI at Tony’s Chocolonely, said: “We’ve been paying close attention to what brand fans love and we’re so excited to bring the Everything Bar and Littl’ Bits Milk Chocolate Biscuit Mix to Irish stores. These treats are bursting with flavour and crafted the Tony’s way, with each bite supporting our mission to end exploitation in cocoa, using 100% traceable, Fairtradecertified ingredients. We can’t wait for Irish chocolate lovers to try them for themselves!”

Tony’s indulgent Everything Bar (180g) is available in selected Tesco stores and coming

The new flavour joins the brand’s portfolio at a time when it’s performing incredibly strongly across the market, even outpacing the category with growth of 26.9% year-on-year

Also launching in July is Sour Patch Kids Original 275g adding a larger pack sizealongside Sour Patch Kids Original 130g- to the range of SKUs available to retailers.

Cieran James, brand manager, Sour Patch Kids at Mondelēz International, said: “The growth in this category and consumers’ love of raspberry flavour means there is a real opportunity for an established and thriving brand like Sour Patch Kids to bring exciting, considered innovation to the confectionery fixture. This is our first new flavour addition in the UK since Strawberry – we can’t wait to hear what retailers, and their shoppers think!”

The launch will be supported by in-store activation and organic social media. ■ Nielsen IQ, Total Coverage, Sugar share bags, data w.e 17/05/25.

soon to Avoca, and Brown Thomas with a RRP of €4.50 Tony’s Littl’ Bits Biscuit Mix (100g) is available now at Tesco, with a RRP of €3.49.

Tony’s Chocolonely is proudly committed to ending exploitation in the cocoa industry with 100% traceable Fairtrade cocoa beans and guided by their rigorous 5 Sourcing Principles, championing transparency across the supply chain.

Visit www.tonyschocolonely.com for more information.

Tony’s Chocolonely

Tony’s Chocolonely Littl’ Bits

Each RYSE bar contains 80mg of caffeine plus vitamins B6 and B12

Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry

Fry-day, every day

From frozen favourites to ready-to-cook innovations, air fryer-friendly products are flying off shelves. Now is the time for retailers to stock up. Ryan Brennan reports

The air fryer has firmly established itself as a must-have kitchen essential in Irish households. Over the past few years, sales have soared, driven by consumers’ growing appetite for quick, healthier, and more convenient cooking solutions. With their promise of crisp, golden results using little to no oil, air fryers are transforming how families prepare everyday meals, from weeknight dinners to quick snacks.

The appeal lies in their versatility Shoppers are discovering that air fryers can handle far more than chips, with everything from chicken and fish to vegetables and even baked goods making their way into baskets designed for hot air cooking. Combined with energy efficiency compared to conventional ovens, the appliance is particularly attractive during a period of rising household costs.

For retailers, the boom in air fryer ownership represents a valuable opportunity Consumers are increasingly looking for products tailored to it, whether that’s frozen favourites made to crisp up faster, snacks

that deliver a satisfying crunch, or healthier options that can be prepared with less fuss. Brands are responding with innovation, offering lines that are not only convenient but specifically designed to maximise the performance of air fryers.

Strong Roots is air fryer ready!

Strong Roots claims it has seen a huge increase in the number of households in Ireland adopting air fryers, which are fast becoming a modern cooking staple Today’s consumers are looking for more convenient foods that feel fresh, exciting and aligned with modern-day eating habits.

In response to this growing trend, Strong Roots launched its latest innovation, the Strong Roots Air Bites range earlier this year Developed to meet consumer demand for quick, wholesome snacks, Strong Roots Air Bites are optimised for air fryer cooking, made with real vegetables, and ready in less than 10 minutes.

From the design of our freezer-friendly, portion-flexible packaging to optimised cook times for the air fryer, every element of the range was thoughtfully considered. Packed with goodness and available in three vegforward SKUs, Strong Roots has made it easier than ever for shoppers to enjoy nutritious choices they love and can return to again and again without any waste.

As more households make space for this now-essential kitchen tool, demand for complementary food ranges will only continue to grow For suppliers and retailers alike, the message is clear: the air fryer trend is no flash in the pan.

Strong Roots also ensured its wider product range, including household staples like Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries, is fully air fryer ready With the addition of clear, easy-tofollow air fryer cooking instructions (just 10 minutes) now featured on the back of packs, it’s no surprise it remains Ireland’s No.1 selling sweet potato fries.

As it marks 10 years of Strong Roots, it is more energised than ever to deliver delicious, wholesome meal choices. Its innovation pipeline is focussed on vegetable-forward, ready-in-minutes formats that deliver high nutritional value with minimal waste. Watch the freezer space for more air fryer ready choices!

Extra crispy, fluffy potatoes and perfect in the air fryer

Driven by extensive consumer research, Green Isle discovered that today’s shoppers are looking for a superior eating experience when it comes to frozen chips. Consumers want a smoother, softer potato coupled with a crunchier, crisper exterior – and Green Isle has answered the call with its Extra Crispy Range

Strong Roots Air Bites

58 CATEGORY FOCUS Air

The Extra crispy range gives consumers the ultimate extra crispy chip experience, the perfect addition to any family meal. You can choose from Extra Crispy French Fries or Extra Crispy Crinkle chips. They are made from carefully selected potatoes and prepared in sunflower oil. They are perfect in the air fryer, whether you’re enjoying them with your favourite meal or serving them as a snack.

Green Isle ambassador Derval O’Rourke commented: “My family and friends love getting together when there’s Extra Crispy French Fries or Extra Crispy Crinkle chips for dinner Extra crispy, fluffy potatoes, perfect in the air fryer They’re a win win.”

Mairéad Walsh, marketing manager, commented: “We listened to what consumers really wanted from their chips: a more satisfying, restaurant-quality, deliciously extra crispy chip, using breakthrough technology, our new Extra Crispy range ensures that your chips stay deliciously crispy long after they come out of the oven or air fryer.”

The two products currently available in the range are Extra Crispy French fries and Extra Crispy Crinkle chips. Each pack retails at €4.50 Find them in the freezer aisle

For generations, Irish families have trusted Green Isle to put good food on their tables. Green Isle is more than just a food company; it is a good company and is committed to making it easy to eat well and live greener To some people, Green Isle may just be the reliable pack in your freezer but dig a little deeper and you’ll realise that there’s much more to it than that. From sustainable packaging to tackling food waste, and

Slicey reinvents pizza for air fryers

Slicey, handmade Italian sourdough pizza slices, ready from the air fryer in just eight minutes, is a ‘game changer’. Designed specifically for air fryers, Slicey has a sourdough base that has been double fermented over 25 hours at two different temperatures, to create a crust that’s crisp on the outside and light on the inside Shaped seamlessly to fit into an air fryer basket, Slicey eliminates the need for preheating ovens or long waits, offering restaurant-quality pizza with zero hassle

The range now includes four flavours: Margherita, Pepperoni, Diavola and its newest addition, Cheesy Garlic, which has launched into stores recently Each slice comes in at 440kcals and delivers up to 15g of protein per Slice, making it the ‘perfect choice’ for busy families, students and work from homemakers looking for a convenient and high-quality snack.

Slicey has quickly established itself as a brand to watch. In under a year of trading, Slicey has sold close to one million units across the UK and Ireland. This growth highlights the demand for high-quality, convenient snacks that suit the modern lifestyle Whether it’s an after-school snack, a quick lunch between calls, or a late-night snack, Slicey offers a solution for today’s busy consumers.

Slicey is tapping into two growing global trends, the demand for Pizza slices on the go, and the increasing popularity of the air fryer Slicey is reimagining frozen pizza for modern lifestyles and creating a new space in the frozen food aisle, while proving that frozen food can be highquality, great-tasting, innovative and exciting!

ensuring its products are as nutritious as possible, it wants to create an Ireland where everyone can eat better and live greener That’s goodness for all.

Quick Fry Fries: McCain launch new Air Fryer range, officially recommended by Ninja

McCain has recently announced the launch of its brand new Air Fryer range, the perfect side dish for tastier fuss-free dinners that cooks in a matter of minutes. The range has been created in response to the ever-growing popularity of air fryers, with ownership of the appliance on the rise nationwide The Air Fryer range includes Deep Ridge Crinkle Fries as well as French Fries and is the only product officially recommended by Ninja, the UK’s ‘number one’ air fryer brand.

The brand’s latest innovation, thanks to the air fryer, combines maximum convenience with the tastiest, crispiest fries to take weeknight dinners to the next level.

While many McCain products can be cooked in an air fryer, this new range has been

designed specifically with air fryers in mind to ensure chips can be cooked in moments, plus, they’re full of flavour Air Fryer Deep Ridge Crinkle Fries cook in eight minutes, with the deep cut creating maximum crispiness. Air Fryer French Fries are made to cook in just five minutes, ensuring crowdpleasing fries that quickly cook to crispy perfection.

McCain has partnered with Ninja’s team of air frying experts who have given their seal of approval that these fries are a (crinkle) cut above all the rest, as the only air fryer product that Ninja officially recommends.

With a crisp and crunchy outside and a light and fluffy inside, McCain’s new Air Fryer range is the ideal side dish to pair with all manner of weeknight dinners such as chicken, burgers or salmon.

With air fryers offering a quick and exciting new way to cook up midweek meals, McCain’s new Air Fryer range is sure to bring joy to air fryer fans around the UK –available now from £3.20 (€4.99) at Tesco, Asda, Iceland and more. To learn more, please visit www.mccain.co.uk

Slicey Air-Fryer Pizza range

McCain AirFryer

Quick & Crispy

Deep Ridge Crinkle

McCain AirFryer

Quick & Crispy

French Fries

>> Green Isle French Fries Extra Crispy

Green Isle Crinkle Chips Extra Crispy

When it comes to quality, great tasting, chilled and frozen breaded chicken, Rosie & Jim is fast becoming the name on everyone’s lips. The Irish, family-owned brand has captured the hearts of consumers at home and abroad, with a loyal fan base in Ireland and surging demand in the UK and Germany.

From its Garlic Chicken Kievs and Southern Fried Chicken Goujons to its famed Salt & Chilli Shredded Chicken, perfect for creating that spice bag at home, Rosie & Jim delivers ‘quick, tasty, protein-rich’ meals that taste delicious straight from the air fryer Fans can discover recipe inspiration and serving ideas on the Rosie & Jim website, as the air fryer now takes centre stage as a go-to method for crispy, golden chicken.

2025 is making its mark as a breakthrough year for the Rosie & Jim brand with a major retail listing secured across hundreds of Morrisons stores in the UK. Meanwhile in Germany, the brand has

Dr. Oetker adapts to evolving consumer cooking trends

Dr. Oetker continues to lead Ireland’s frozen pizza snacking segment, adapting quickly to evolving consumer cooking trends— particularly the rising popularity of air fryers. Recognising the increasing demand for convenient, quick-cook options, in 2023 Dr Oetker introduced air fryer instructions across its Bistro range This early response to the air fryer demand has helped the brand maintain

made impressive inroads with further listings across top retailers including Kaufland, Bünting, Rewe, and Edeka, showcasing a clear shift in consumer demand for premium chicken products that deliver on taste and quality

Back home, the company is investing in a multi-million euro expansion at its Dublin 12 factory, in a bid to boost production capacity by 70% and tripling output to meet this continuous growing demand. With chilled and frozen varieties both flying off shelves, Rosie & Jim continues to build on its award-winning reputation for quality, nutrition, and taste

Founded by Jimmy and Rosie McLoughlin in 1997, the business remains true to its ethos of creating great quality chicken products. Now, with air fryers cementing its place in modern kitchens, Rosie & Jim’s golden breaded favourites look set to win over even mor fa at home and abroad.

its stronghold in the snacking segment. Today, Dr Oetker is the number one pizza manufacturer in Ireland’s snacking segment, commanding 64.7% market share. The Bistro range leads the category as the top snacking brand, with a 28.9% share, offering consumers the convenience of air frying in just 9–12 minutes.

Pizzini’s, another key player in Dr Oetker’s portfolio, holds a 16.5% share of the snacking segment and introduced air fryer cooking instructions in early 2025, further

strengthening the brand’s consumer Deep Dish—with an 11% market shar launch air fryer messaging on-pack coming weeks, making it even easier shoppers to spot air fryer compatibility glance. Looking ahead, Dr Oetker’s brand is also preparing to roll out air instructions in the coming months, that all of its snacking products in the portfolio cater to this growing demand.

*Source: Combined Market Read MAT (w/e 10/0 Dunnhumby, Symphony, Talysis, Kantar

Rosie & Jim’s Breaded Chicken range proves a ‘perfect’ match for air fryers

Chicago Town Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza

Dr. Oetker Pepperoni Bistro Baguette

Rosie & Jim’s Breaded Chicken range

Come home to Glenhaven: Air Fryer heroes for every family

For almost 40 years, Glenhaven has been putting dependable, family-friendly frozen food on the table While family life has changed with busier schedules and new kitchen gadgets, one thing remains the same: families still want meals that are tasty, reliable, and easy to prepare.

That’s where Glenhaven’s Air Fryer Heroes shine They cook fast and crisp beautifully, making them a ‘natural fit’ for busy households who don’t want to compromise on flavour

Glenhaven’s Crispy Tenders are now officially triple award-winning, after picking up a Great Taste Award, a Blas na hÉireann Award, and an Irish Quality Food & Drink

make everyday mealtimes easier, whether it’s a quick after-school bite, a midweek dinner, or a Friday night fakeaway

For retailers, that means reliable ‘basket-

HEROESAIRFRYER

Award winning Glenhaven Gold Irish Chicken Fillet Tenders

Popular choice: A Chicken Fillet Roll

Brew can do it!

Following a particularly warm and sunny summer, and the mild chill of autumn sets in, consumers are now craving the comfort of a warm brew.

ShelfLife reports

Ireland’s coffee culture is booming, with consumers showing a growing appetite for premium, organic, and sustainable options. From fresh brew formats to innovative flavours, the hot beverages market is evolving fast Ready-to-drink options are a popular choice for busy parents on the school run, students racing between lectures, and professionals needing a quick caffeine fix to kick-start their day. As lifestyles become increasingly fast-paced, convenience without compromising on quality is more important than ever

Following a particularly warm and sunny summer, consumers are now craving the

Key consumer trend: Convenient iced options

Iced coffee has quickly become a go-to beverage, particularly for under-35s, with 84.5% consuming at least one cold beverage in coffee shops in the last 12 months1 With 26% of consumers seeking convenient iced coffee options2 , it’s important for retailers to adapt their coffee offering to cater to these needs.

comfort and ritual of a warm brew as the milder and chillier autumn weather sets in.

This seasonal shift presents an ideal opportunity for retailers to spotlight indulgent hot drinks and limited-edition flavours. It’s important for retailers to note that while consumers often remain loyal to particular brands, they have also become

JDE Peet’s is the number one growth driver in the frothy/specialties coffee segment, contributing an impressive +22% growth per month. Its Kenco Iced/Hot is a flexible innovation that creates even more consumption occasions. These single serve sachets are the perfect fit for any store range, with iced lattes perfect for the summer and hot lattes ideal for the winter months, the Iced/Hot range provides a great opportunity for retailers to maximise their rate of sale throughout the entire year

Retailers should look to stock a range of frothy coffee products, including options from Kenco such as Kenco Iced/Hot and Kenco Millicano Tins to deliver incremental value to their category

As the demand for flavoured beverages continues to be popular, the brand recently launched three new flavours to our bestselling Kenco Iced/Hot range: Kenco Iced/Hot Dubai Chocolate, Creamy Latte and Whipped Americano Building on the already successful Kenco Iced/Hot Vanilla and Kenco Iced/Hot Salted Caramel flavours.

Frothy coffee

The growing trend of recreating the coffee shop experience at home is being proven through the immense growth within the frothy coffee segment. In fact, it has seen an increase in spend in Aug 2024 vs Aug 2025 in frothy coffee, gaining greater penetration than other coffee segments in the past five years, with the segment now worth over €32 million3 JDE Peet’s frothy (specialty coffee) range, including Kenco and Maxwell House, accounts for 52% of the frothy coffee category4 , caters

more discerning in their purchasing decisions. Offering a diverse selectionincluding speciality coffees, rich hot chocolates, and an array of teas from Chai to Green - can help meet evolving tastes and expectations, while also enhancing customer satisfaction and driving repeat purchases.

to this and has seen value growth of 6% in the last year, driven mainly by the successful launch of the Kenco Millicano Tins in 2024 and the continued growth of the Iced/Hot range, bringing new buyers into the category Kenco brought 42,000 new buyers into the category over the last year, mainly driven by iced/hot range growth.

1. Allegra Project Café Report Series–January 2024

2. Toluna/Harris interactive demographically representative poll of 1,105 coffee drinkers–from: Coffee is king of the cuppa: 10 charts that explain UK attitudes to coffee | Analysis & Features | The Grocer

3. Kantar Worldpanel Ireland, MAT Value August 10th 2025.

Velo Coffee Roasters introduce NespressoCompatible Coffee Pods: Award-winning flavours in every cup

Cork’s Velo Coffee Roasters has taken its passion for exceptional quality a step further with the launch of Nespresso-comparable coffee pods - same quality ethos with pod convince. These convenient capsules deliver the bold aromas and rich flavours that espresso lovers expect—balanced intensity, silky crema, and instant brew, all while retaining the sophisticated character of specialty coffee

Leading the debut line-up is the standout El Salvador pod, which has already garnered acclaim, earning two-star recognition at the Great Taste Awards, placing it firmly among the world’s finest coffee products. Furthermore, both the El Salvador variant and its companion, Your Pace or Mine pod, have

Kenco Sachets hitting more households with penetration +21% YOY*

Consistently driving volume through frequency (Frequency +36% YOY*)

A

& with

Arron Potts, head of development, O’Reillys Wholesale Ltd.

Q: What inspired O’Reilly’s Wholesale to launch Evaro, and how does it reﬂect the company’s values or vision for coffee?

A: Evaro was inspired by our vision to bring a truly premium, locally roasted coffee to the Irish market, one that balances craft, freshness, and sustainability. At O’Reilly’s Wholesale, we believe in championing quality products with strong provenance, and Evaro reﬂects those values. It’s more than just coffee; it’s a brand built on care for sourcing, respect for the craft of roasting, and delivering a consistently exceptional cup to our customers.

Q: Can you tell us about the sourcing and roasting process behind Evaro? What sets it apart in terms of quality and ﬂavour profile?

A: Evaro is a carefully crafted blend of washed, natural, and honey-processed Arabica coffees from Central and South America, combined with a small percentage of polished Robusta. The Arabicas bring smooth sweetness and complexity, while the hand-harvested and polished Robusta enhances body and crema without the bitterness usually associated with Robusta beans.

What truly sets Evaro apart is its zero-defect count, ensuring only the finest beans make it into the blend. Roasted locally on the island, the beans are delivered with ultimate freshness, so the aromas are only released when each cup is freshly ground and brewed. The result is a smooth, sweet but full-bodied flavour profile that works beautifully as both a black coffee and in milk-based drinks.

Q: How does Evaro cater to the evolving tastes of today’s coffee drinkers, particularly in the specialty and sustainable coffee space?

A: Today’s coffee drinkers are looking for more than just caffeine, they want flavour exploration, ethical sourcing, and quality they can trust. Evaro meets this demand with a blend rooted in specialty-grade practices, from hand-harvesting Arabicas at high altitudes to polished Robusta that enhance crema while maintaining balance. The attention to chemistry, balancing chlorogenic acids, lipids, and proteins in the bean, means a flavour profile that avoids bitterness and maximises depth. For bean-to-cup brewers, we’ve even adjusted the blend to ensure great body and taste, showing how Evaro adapts to evolving coffee preferences and brewing technology

Q: What kind of businesses or customers is Evaro designed for, and how are you supporting them with this new offering?

A: Evaro is currently exclusive to our MyDaily stores and is designed to support our independent retailers through our new symbol brand, backed by O’Reilly’s Wholesale This gives our partners access to a premium coffee with a strong story behind it, along with training, marketing support, and point-of-sale materials to help them maximise sales and elevate their coffee offering. As part of the Evaro supply, there is a comprehensive range of bean-to-cup machinery for all volume requirements including maintenance service and support. While Evaro is exclusive to MyDaily today, we’re always exploring opportunities for growth, so the door is never fully closed on expanding availability in the future.

Q: Sustainability is a big topic in the beverage industry – what steps has Evaro taken to ensure its coffee is ethically and responsibly produced?

A: Evaro is built with sustainability in mind at every stage From sourcing hand-harvested Arabicas in mineral-rich mountain soils to polished Robustas that reduce waste and improve cup quality, we’re working only with farms and cooperatives that prioritise ethical practices and fair conditions. Globally, coffee is the second most traded commodity after

oil, but too often this trade happens without beneﬁt to the farmers. With Evaro, we’re committed to ensuring our supply chain is transparent, responsible, and respectful of both people and the planet. Locally roasting also reduces shipping impact and keeps more value within Ireland.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals for Evaro as a brand, and how do you see it evolving in the competitive coffee market?

A: Our ambition is to establish Evaro as a recognised premium Irish coffee brand that marries quality, freshness, and responsibility. In the short term, we aim to expand the range with new blends, single origins, and perhaps limited editions that showcase unique processing methods like honey or natural. Long term, we see Evaro leading the way in sustainable packaging, direct trade partnerships, and education around coffee quality, helping businesses and consumers alike understand what makes a great cup

In a competitive market, we believe Evaro’s combination of freshness, science, and story will set it apart.

Contact details:

Name: Arron Potts

Phone: +44 7442626370

Email: arron.potts@oreillyswholesale.com

Evaro Coffee

Arron Potts

Evaro coffee station

been named finalists in this year’s Blas na hÉireann Food Awards, highlighting Velo’s consistent excellence in Ireland’s most prestigious food competitions.

These new pods combine the craftsmanship of Velo’s small-batch roasting with the sleek convenience of single-serve capsules, offering coffee aficionados an effortless but premium experience at home or in the office Positioned for busy mornings or indulgent mid-day

breaks, the El Salvador pod brings awardwinning taste straight from Cork to your cupeffortlessly

Velo’s move into the pod market reflects both an innovative spirit and a steadfast commitment to quality Whether you’re craving a quick espresso shot or a leisurely café-style moment, these new capsules promise a delightful, recognized, and satisfying brew every time

Java Republic research reveals coffee consumption surge in Ireland over last decade

A new study commissioned by Java Republic highlights a significant increase in coffee consumption among Irish adults, with nearly half (47%) of respondents reporting they drink more coffee now than they did ten years ago Additionally, 25% of coffee drinkers consume as many as four cups per day, reflecting a strong and growing demand for coffee in daily routines.

Coffee consumption trends

The research shows that coffee remains a staple in many people’s lives, with 76% of respondents identifying as coffee drinkers. This number is slightly higher among men (79%) compared to women (73%).

Daily consumption patterns indicate that 68% of coffee drinkers consume one to two cups per day, with this trend being more prominent among females (74%). Meanwhile, 5% drink five-six cups daily, and 2% consume six or more cups each day.

In addition to the decade-long increase, 40% of respondents also reported drinking more coffee now than they did five years ago

Velo El Salvador Capsules

Velo Coffee Capsules

>> Consumer preferences & purchasing decisions

When choosing where to buy coffee, taste is the most important factor, influencing 88% of consumers, followed by price (62%).

Despite potential price fluctuations, coffee lovers remain committed to their daily brew In fact, 50% said they would not reduce their coffee consumption if prices increased.

Quality is a priority for many, with 65% stating they would not accept a decrease in coffee quality to save on price.

Additionally, ethical considerations are becoming more relevant in purchasing decisions, with almost a quarter (23%) of consumers factoring in whether their coffee is ethically sourced.

Jeffrey Long, managing director, Java Republic, commented: “The coffee industry is evolving in response to rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and the growing impact of climate change on coffee-growing regions. Yet, one thing remains clear – consumers continue to prioritise high-quality, ethically sourced coffee Sustainability is no longer just a trend; it is now a decisive factor in purchasing decisions, as more people recognise the environmental and social impact of their choices.

Amid these challenges, the future of coffee lies in innovation and responsible sourcing rather than cost-cutting. Businesses that invest in quality, barista expertise, and sustainable practices will be best positioned for long-term success At Java Republic, it sees these shifts as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to premium coffee solutions, sustainability, and the evolving expectations of today’s coffee drinkers,” For more information, visit www.javarepublic.com

Nescafé launches new range of ready-to-drink Iced Lattes

Nescafé is ‘thrilled’ to reveal its latest launch, Nescafé Iced Latte. For the first time ever, a ready-to-drink iced coffee can be found in the ambient coffee aisle (where regular hot coffee products are normally found) in a brand-new multi-serve format.

Consumers are able to enjoy refreshing iced coffee moments in two delicious flavours: Iced Latte and Iced Caramel Flavour Latte.

These truly indulgent tasting lattes were specifically designed to be enjoyed cold and could not be easier to prepare. Simply shake the carton well to mix, prepare your chosen glass with ice and pour 250ml over it, then sip and enjoy.

Each carton contains three servings, making it easier than ever to enjoy a delicious and refreshing iced coffee at home, any day of the week.

Carol Anne Deasy, Nescafé marketing manager, Nestlé Ireland, said: “We are so excited to be introducing the new Nescafé Iced Lattes to coffee lovers in Ireland.

“Whether you’re enjoying a well-deserved break or catching up with friends and loved ones, it’s never been easier to enjoy the sweet taste and creamy texture of a perfect iced latte.

“Nescafé is dedicated to meeting the evolving preferences of consumers and we are delighted to showcase this commitment by providing even more ways for coffee drinkers to enjoy the exceptional taste of Nescafé in

Warbler & Wren partners with Birdwatch Ireland

As a local Dublin based roaster, Warbler & Wren is dedicated to making a positive impact along its sustainability journey. As “Guardians of Great Coffee”, its avian friends are at the very core of its brand, and it has announced its sponsorship with Birdwatch Ireland. This sponsorship embodies the shared passion for wildlife conservation and sustainability By supporting Birdwatch Ireland, it has taken an important step in helping to protect wild birds and their habitats, while also encouraging others to cherish and conserve the beautiful environment it shares.

At Warbler and Wren sustainability and quality are major considerations in all the

the comfort of their homes.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing more unique and indulgent experiences to coffee enthusiasts in Ireland.”

Both products contain 92 calories per 250ml serve, are a source of calcium and high protein, contain no artificial flavours and are suitable for vegetarians.

Nescafé Iced Latte is made using 100% responsibly sourced coffee, supporting coffee farmers to improve their lands and livelihoods. You can learn more here.

Nescafé Iced Latte and Ice Caramel Flavour Latte are available nationwide

Barry’s Tea strengthens brand presence with fresh packaging and upcoming new launch

Founded in 1901 in Cork, Barry’s Tea is a family-owned company with a rich heritage Its Master Blenders meticulously source the finest tea leaves from renowned growing regions in Rwanda, Kenya, and the Assam Valley in India. This unwavering commitment to quality ensures that only exceptional teas make their way into its blends.

Barry’s Tea continues to strengthen the portfolio with the roll out of new packaging designs across the black tea range on favourites like Barry’s Tea Gold Blend, Decaf Blend and Master Blend. The new designs are fresh and contemporary while retaining the iconic brand colours and heritage cues, ensuring strong recognition on-shelf

decisions it makes. All the blends are of the finest 100% arabica and packaged in 100% recyclable packaging from its roastery which is powered by renewable energy

Further detail on its complete coffee solution that includes training, service & equipment and marketing supports can be found at www.warblerandwren.com

Together, protect the feathered friends and celebrate the wonders of nature, one cup of coffee at a time

Barry’s Tea Master Blend continues to attract discerning shoppers seeking the best quality and consistency in the black tea category Later in the year, the brand will extend the Master Blend range with a new 160 teabag pack. The introduction of the larger Master Blend pack size will offer shoppers greater value and ensure they never run out of their favourite tea.

These initiatives underline Barry’s Tea’s reputation for quality, heritage, and consumer loyalty, while providing retailers with a stronger, modernised range to drive growth in the category ■

Barry’s Tea Master Blend

Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland and Garath Scully master roaster at Warbler & Wren

Warbler & Wren Craft Coffee Roasters

Warbler & Wren coffee cup

Just the tonic

Premium mixers are maintaining strong growth, proving resilient even in challenging economic times. ShelfLife reports

Whether for cocktails, mocktails, or relaxed evenings at home, consumers are continuing to reach for high-quality, flavour-forward mixers. A good mixer can truly elevate a drink, which is why it’s essential for retailers to stay on top of the latest trends and innovations in this evolving category Offering a well-balanced, on-trend selection not only meets customer expectations but also boosts profitability

The growing popularity of craft cocktails and premium drinking experiences has fuelled demand for mixers that bring bar-quality results into the home As at-home entertaining becomes a bigger part of modern lifestyles, shoppers are seeking products that deliver both convenience and sophistication.

Health-conscious consumers are also influencing the market, with increased interest in mixers made from natural ingredients, featuring lower sugar content and cleaner labels. In response, brands are becoming more inventivedelivering bold flavours, functional benefits, and standout packaging. For retailers, it’s the perfect time to refresh and refine your mixer offering.

Clearer Twist enters mixers market to ‘shake it up

Ross Lazaroo-Hood, co-founder and co-chairman, Clearer Twist, highlighted that the global mixer market was valued at $2.6 billion (€2.2 billion) in 2024 and is projected to grow to $3.8 billion (€3.2 billion) by 2034.

“Looking ahead, we expect to see more savoury and umami-driven flavours in cocktails and mixers - think matcha, complex botanicals, spices, and even pandan leaves,” he said.

“While these flavour fads come and go, one takeaway is key: consumers ultimately want uncomplicated mixers that stand the test of time and shelf life,” he added.

“The market is still flying high, with a jump during COVID with at-home entertaining for drinks and cocktails, and with Lo/No and mocktails becoming an exciting category to feature mixers.

“Although consumers are reaching for quality, the mid mass market has been ignored with almost every new brand wanting to be seen as ‘Premium’, going up against Fever Tree and resulting in a crowded shelf of lookalike brands - from labels to cansall blurring into one another

“Clearer Twist has entered the market to

shake it up and show that mixers can be fun, individual and versatile Our mixers can be enjoyed on their own over ice, or to enhancenever to overpower - your choice of spirit or low/no alternative. Whether it’s your everyday house pour or a top-shelf bottle, we aim to elevate the experience with a Twist,” LazarooHood noted.

“We want to be an affordable and accessible brand but also be fun. It’s all about enjoyment - something that the mixer category has seemed to have forgotten about as they focus on pushing luxury and higher price points, which ultimately alienates customers. Clearer Twist is different and wants to be the go-to mixer brand that everyone can enjoy.

“Clearer Twist is part of Clearer Group, which is a water company that specialises in waterbased products. With 93% of your mixer being water then why wouldn’t you trust the number one ethical water company to deliver a great quality mixer? We searched high and low for a high alkaline water that would bring a delicious beverage with less sugar, no artificial sweeteners and fewer calories - yet bold enough to stand out with unique flavour twists on the classics.

“We are excited for the future and are working hard to create new flavours and grow We became the first mixer to rename a football stadium - Clearer Twist National

Stadium at Windsor Park in Northern Ireland, which not only supports the Irish FA and local communities, but also takes the mixers onto an entirely new stage

“At Clearer Twist, our message is simple: have fun, enjoy your drink, and don’t be boring. Twist. Pour Enjoy.”

Distinctively Irish. Unforgettably refreshing. That is the spirit of Club Mixers

Club Mixers are a true taste of Irish heritage, crafted with care to add brilliance to every occasion. Dating all the way back to 1852, Club has ‘proudly stood’ as one of Ireland’s most iconic beverage brands, and its renowned mixers range continues that legacy with energy, character and unmistakable flavour

From crisp tonics and refreshing sodas to smooth ginger ales and more, Club Mixers are designed to elevate every drink and every moment. Whether you’re pairing with premium spirits, creating cocktails at home, or enjoying them simply on their own, its range offers the perfect balance of quality, consistency, and taste

What makes Club Mixers so special is not just what’s in the glass, but the story behind it. The brands history and heritage are woven into every product, proudly told through the playful illustrations that appear across its packs and throughout its brand.

The London Essence leads the lighter drinking movement

Following the rise in the popularity of consumers drinking less but better-quality liquids, and the long-term trend of lighter, lower calorie and lower sugar drinks, means there has been a need for brands to broaden it’s product offering to include ‘healthier choices’ that strengthen consumer’s overall drinking experience in terms of taste, serve and enjoyment.

Ross Lazaroo-Hood, co-founder, Clearer Twist Clearer Twist range

At the forefront of this evolving category and lighter drinking movement is London Essence, a premium drinks brand producing elegantly distilled mixers designed to accentuate the finest spirits. Each expression is delicately light at under 20kcal per 100ml, low in sugar at under 4g per 100ml and is crafted without the use of artificial sweeteners, thanks to its unique use of distilled essences.

Brian Greer, marketing manager, Britvic Ireland, said: “Following the long-term trend towards sugar reduction across the world, and being consumers of premium drinks ourselves, we found that many ‘premium’ options focused on natural credentials but were also very high in sugar It’s important to deliver light, natural options that also have great taste to ensure overall enjoyment.”

Through its relationship with the trade experts and conversations with world leading bartenders, London Essence also recognised that high sugar mixers often overpowered the characteristics of the spirit partner, instead of enhancing them.

With that in mind, the brand took inspiration from its heritage in creating distilled essences which capture the flavour of the finest

Schweppes introduces Pink Grapefruit Soda in new 1L PET and 330ml range

Renowned as Ireland’s number one mixer, Schweppes continues to delight consumers with its unmistakable effervescence, heritage of quality, and bold sparkling campaigns.

Versatile and stylish, it can be enjoyed chilled over ice or paired effortlessly with popular spirits. Whether it’s Vodka, Gin or Tequila, the zesty notes of pink grapefruit elevate every serve into a sparkling sensation.

Beyond its versatility as a standalone refreshment, Schweppes Pink Grapefruit Soda is the ideal partner for crafting the perfect Paloma – an iconic blend of tequila, grapefruit and lime – bringing a sparkling twist to one of today’s most popular cocktails!

The brand now unveils its latest refreshing innovation Schweppes Pink Grapefruit Soda, available in a convenient 1 litre PET bottle This new addition perfectly complements the Schweppes sparkling 330ml can and 4 x 330ml multipack range, ideal for straight drinking with a sparkling burst of pink grapefruit flavour

Crafted to deliver a vibrant citrus kick, Schweppes Pink Grapefruit Soda balances invigorating sharpness with a subtly sweet finish, offering a crisp and refreshing taste experience.

ingredients to deliver aromatic signature notes and great taste, with only a dusting of sugar Greer added: “Thanks to the growing mixer market and continual product innovation, curious consumers now have plenty of options in terms of flavour and pairing. However, it is important to offer quality, taste, and versatility first and foremost. A sign of a sophisticated mixer is when they can be enjoyed in any form – with or without a spirit – to satisfy all drinking occasions and preferences. Therefore, not only do we have a fantastic range of tonics and gingers, but also a delicious

selection of crafted sodas including our Pink Grapefruit brand.”

The London Essence range is designed to bring out the best in gins, vodkas and dark spirits through Mixer varieties including Original Indian Tonic Water, Blood Orange & Elderflower Tonic, Pomelo and Pink Peppercorn Tonic Water and Pink Grapefruit Soda in 6 x 150ml can packs as well as its iconic 500ml glass range that includes the Original Indian Tonic Water, Blood Orange & Elderflower Tonic, a delicate Ginger Ale and White Peach & Jasmine Soda. ■

The London Essence Indian Tonic

Schweppes Pink Grapefruit Soda 330ml

Schweppes Pink Grapefruit Soda 4 x 330ml multipack

Schweppes Pink Grapefruit Soda 1 litre PET bottle

ONES TO WATCH TOP 6

1 Yoggies (Cibo Vita) High Fibre Strawberry and Mixed Berry Yogurt Covered Fruit Bites, RRP €2.25, 57g, available from Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports 2 Swiss Pistachio & Shortbread Crunchy Clouds, €5.25, 140g, available from M&S Food nationwide 3 Pick ‘n’ Marks Chocolate Beans, €3.75, 150g, Chocolate Peanuts, €3.75, 160g, Chocolate Mega Mix, €3.75, 160g, available from M&S Food nationwide 4 ElectroWave Sparkling Electrolyte & Hydration drink, RRP: €2.79, available from Tesco and stockists nationwide 5 Juspy Collagen + Protein Powder, RRP: €16.49, available from Lidl Kickstart range (for a limited time) and stockists nationwide 6 The Smokin’ Butcher, Smoked Black Pudding, RRP: €2.99, available from Lidl Kickstart range (for a limited time) and stockists nationwide 12 3

EDITOR’S PICK

From high fibre yogurt covered fruit bites to Swiss salted blond chocolate with pistachios, shortbread and cornflakes - here’s our top pick of new and diverse products that Ireland’s food and drink producers have to offer

Connacht/Ulster Off-Licence of the Year 2026 winner - Brendan O’Reilly

In 2025, Dicey Reilly’s is celebrating two major milestones: being named Connacht/Ulster Off-Licence of the Year and marking 50 years in business.

For the Donegal-based retailer, it’s both a moment of pride and a springboard for the future. With a track record of regional wins stretching back to 2004 and national titles in 2013 and 2014, Dicey Reilly’s has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s leading independent off-licences. But for the family-run business, the story is about more than just awards it’s about consistency, innovation and community

1. How does this recognition compare to previous accolades, like your run of regional wins since 2004 and national awards in 2013 and 2014?

Winning the Connacht/Ulster Off Licence of the Year 2025 is especially meaningful for us, as it recognizes our consistency and continued evolution over more than two decades. Since our first regional win in 2004, we’ve worked tirelessly to raise standards year on year, and those efforts were further validated with our national titles in 2013 and 2014. This latest accolade demonstrates that we’ve not only maintained those high standards but also adapted to an everchanging market and customer base It’s a proud reminder that our passion, innovation and commitment to excellence remain as strong today as when we first started.

2. What does this year’s award mean to you personally and for the Dicey Reilly’s brand moving forward?

This year’s award is a strong endorsement of the Dicey Reilly’s brand and the values we’ve built over the years. Personally, it reinforces the belief that consistency, innovation and a deep respect for our customers create lasting success For the brand, it offers momentum as we continue to grow both in-store and online while staying true to our reputation for quality, expertise and hospitality It sets a benchmark for the next chapter in Dicey Reilly’s story

Winning in 2025 gives us fresh momentum as we look ahead, strengthening our commitment to delivering exceptional quality, service and choice for our customers, both in-store and online It’s a proud achievement, but also an exciting springboard for the future of Dicey Reilly’s.

3. How do you balance keeping such an extensive range fresh and exciting for your customers?

Balancing such a wide range is about listening closely to our customers while staying ahead of industry trends. We work hard to ensure our shelves always reflect the best of both worlds: trusted favourites that people return to time and again, alongside exciting new products that bring something different to the table

Regular tasting, supplier collaboration, and a willingness to champion innovation allow us to keep the range dynamic, while our experience and knowledge ensure that every addition meets the standards our customers expect from Dicey Reilly’s. It’s this mix of consistency and curiosity that keeps the offering fresh and relevant.

“We keep the range fresh by balancing trusted favourites with exciting new finds. Listening to our customers, working closely with suppliers, and championing innovation ensures every addition feels relevant and worth discovering at Dicey Reilly’s.”

4. How do you maintain that level of curation and ensure your staff stay so knowledgeable and passionate?

Maintaining that level of curation is about having clear standards and a genuine passion for what we do We’re selective about the products we bring in, ensuring each one adds real value to the range For our staff, knowledge and enthusiasm come naturally because they’re actively involved from tastings and training sessions to meeting producers and hearing the stories behind the products. That first-hand experience creates a deeper connection, which they can then share with customers. We also encourage curiosity and ongoing learning, so the team feels invested and confident.

5. Tell us about how your wine and spirits selection evolved. especially with Sinead earning a

Diploma and you a certification in Wines & Spirits.

Our wine and spirits selection has evolved enormously over the years, and education has been central to that journey. Sinead earning her Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma and myself completing a Wines & Spirits certification gave us both a deeper understanding of the category, from regions and production methods to food pairings and emerging trends. That knowledge has directly influenced the range we curate today allowing us to introduce more diversity, highlight producers with strong stories, and guide customers with confidence. It’s also inspired our staff training, so the whole team shares in that expertise The

(L-R) Gary Cahill, The Shed Distillery & Dalcassian Wines & Spirits, and Brendan O’Reilly, Dicey Reilly’s Ballyshannon

www.noffla.ie

result is a selection that’s not only broader and more exciting, but also carefully considered and well supported by advice our customers can trust.

6. How does that expertise shape your buying decisions and customer recommendations? That expertise underpins everything we do, from the products we choose to how we guide our customers. When buying, it allows us to assess quality with confidence, look beyond the label, and select wines and spirits that deliver real value and character It also means we can spot trends early and introduce innovative producers who bring something fresh to the range For our customers, that knowledge translates into better recommendations we can match wines to occasions, suggest pairings, or introduce them to something new with genuine authority Ultimately, the expertise ensures every decision is driven by quality, relevance, and the best possible experience for the customer

7. How has this venture influenced the profile of the offlicence and the broader business strategy?

This venture has elevated the profile of the off-licence by positioning us as more than just a retailer we’ve become a trusted destination for expertise discovery and quality The focus on wines and spirits, underpinned by our qualifications and curation, has attracted a broader customer base and strengthened our reputation within the trade Strategically, it’s allowed us to differentiate Dicey Reilly’s in a competitive market, build stronger supplier relationships, and create opportunities for growth, particularly online It’s not just shaped the off-licence, but the overall direction of the business blending tradition with innovation and ensuring we’re well placed for the future.

8. What’s the secret behind such consistent excellence and how have you innovated to stay ahead?

The real secret is that there isn’t one it’s a combination of

consistency, passion and a willingness to adapt. From the very beginning, we’ve held ourselves to high standards, whether that’s in the range we curate the service we provide, or the training we give our team. At the same time, we’ve never stood still. Innovation is built into our approach from embracing new categories like low and no-alcohol, to expanding our online presence, to investing in education so we can lead with real expertise That balance of respecting tradition while always looking forward has allowed us to stay relevant, resilient and ahead of the curve.

9. How are upcoming regulations, like new alcohol labelling rules, impacting your planning as a community retail business?

Upcoming regulations, such as the new alcohol labelling rules, are definitely shaping how we plan as a business. As a community retailer, our priority is to stay fully compliant while continuing to serve our customers clearly and responsibly We’ve already begun working with suppliers to understand how these changes will be implemented, and we’re preparing our team so they can explain the new labels and what they mean. For us, it’s not just about meeting legal requirements it’s about ensuring transparency and maintaining the trust of our customers. Clear communication, both on the shelf and in person, will be key and we see it as an opportunity to reinforce our role as an informed, responsible local retailer

10 Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Dicey Reilly’s? Looking ahead, our aspirations for Dicey Reilly’s are rooted in the same values that have carried us this far quality expertise and

community We want to keep raising the bar in terms of customer experience, whether that’s through expanding our range, enhancing our online presence, or continuing to invest in staff training and education. Strengthening our role as a trusted destination for both everyday favourites and unique discoveries is key At the same time we’re mindful of our responsibility as a community business supporting local producers, adapting to changing regulations, and promoting responsible retailing. Ultimately our goal is to ensure Dicey Reilly’s remains not only relevant, but a leader, for many years to come

11. Finally, what advice would you share with other independent off-licence owners or small retailers striving for both growth and distinction?

The best advice we can offer is to stay true to your values while always being open to learning. Consistency is vital in standards, in customer service, and in the way you present your business. At the same time, don’t be

afraid to innovate Invest in education, both for yourself and your team, because knowledge builds confidence and trust with customers. Listen closely to your community they’ll guide you on what works and where opportunities lie And above all, remember that growth and distinction aren’t just about size, they’re about creating memorable experiences that keep people coming back. If you put passion and authenticity at the centre of everything you do, success tends to follow.

“Stay true to your values, invest in knowledge, and let passion and authenticity set your business apart.”

Dicey Reilly’s Ballyshannon

New Look? Ah sure it’s the same delicious

Fresh look. A timeless whiskey pour.

Paddy Irish Whiskey is raising a glass to a bold new look - while keeping the awardwinning recipe that has made it one of Ireland’s best-loved whiskeys since 1779.

Its distinct triple blend of grain, malt and pot still Irish whiskey has been enjoyed for generations, at home and around the world. Whether neat, over ice, or mixed into a Paddy Apple Lemonade, the smooth, mellow flavour remains unchanged.

Paddy’s new pack design honours our roots and namesake, Paddy Flaherty, the travelling Cork salesman who carried his love of whiskey to every corner of the county Blending heritage with modern appeal, the refreshed look is built to stand proud on shelves and back bars worldwide

As a global leader in Irish whiskey, Paddy’s the new look signals a commitment to growth and securing the brand’s future for years to come - on shelves, behind bars and in glasses everywhere.

New Look?

Ah sure it's the same delicious Irish

A taste worth more: Stella Artois brings the perfect serve home

Born in Belgium more than six centuries ago, Stella Artois has always stood for more than just great beer it’s about ritual, refinement, and enjoying a taste worth more. At the heart of this tradition is the perfect serve, a pouring ritual that elevates every sip

As part of the current promotional cycle, Stella Artois will be running a ‘Gift with Purchase’ offer in participating stores. Shoppers buying a 4 or 10-pack of Stella Artois cans will receive a

Santa Rita Estates wins ‘Premium Drinks Business of the Year’ at the 2025 Positive Luxury Awards

Santa Rita Estates is proud to announce it has been named ‘Premium Drinks Business of the Year’ at the 2025 Positive Luxury Awards. This accolade recognises excellence in sustainability, innovation, and positive impact across the global luxury sector

Organised by Positive Luxury, the leading sustainability authority for the luxury industry, the Awards celebrate brands redefining luxury through responsible practices. The ‘Premium Drinks Business of the Year’ category highlights companies that combine craftsmanship ethical business conduct, and forward-thinking innovation to advance a more sustainable drinks industry

“Santa Rita Estates exemplifies how tradition and sustainability can work together to create lasting positive impact. From zero-waste operations and water efficiencies to active social engagement, Santa Rita delivers tangible benefits across environmental and social spheres,” said Amy

Nelson-Bennett, CEO of Positive Luxury “We celebrate their dedication to raising the bar for the luxury drinks industry.”

complimentary signature Stella Chalice glass - an icon of the brand, designed to enhance aroma, flavour, and presentation.

The activation will be supported by bold outof-home (OOH) advertising and impactful in-store tower displays, ensuring the offer stands out where it matters most. It’s a celebration of quality, tradition, and refinement reminding us that some rituals, like some tastes, are always worth more.

Elena Carretero, corporate affairs and sustainability director, Viña Santa Rita, commented: “Receiving this award is a great honour for the entire Santa Rita Estates team. It reflects a long-standing journey where sustainability is embedded in every part of our business – from vineyard and winery to people and communities. This recognition motivates us to continue building a more conscious and future-ready industry.”

The award ‘reinforces Santa Rita Estates’ commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and innovation across its operations in Chile and Argentina, including carbon reduction, biodiversity protection, and community empowerment’.

Findlater & Co. brings Sangre de Toro’s Spanish Legacy to Dublin’s Grafton Street

Since 1954, Sangre de Toro has proudly stood as the Spanish Wine Ambassador to the world, offering exceptional quality and outstanding value

Now, this timeless classic takes centre stage in Dublin with a bold new OOH campaign on Grafton Street, the city’s most iconic thoroughfare. The striking visuals ensure Sangre de Toro is truly impossible to miss, celebrating its Spanish heritage and inviting passers-by to discover its unforgettable character >>

Stella Artois (10 X 500ml cans)

Stella Artois (4 X 500ml cans)

Santa Rita Early Harvest Fresh Sauvignon Blanc

Findlater & Co. brings Sangre de Toro’s Spanish Legacy to Dublin’s Grafton Street

Whiskey!

>> The campaign highlights Sangre de Toro Original, a versatile red crafted from 100% Mediterranean grapes. A wine created to be shared, Sangre de Toro pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, from hearty stews to traditional paella.

Or for a local twist, celebrity chef Donal Skehan recommends pairing Sangre de Toro with his comforting Cottage Pie with Cheddar Mash - a much-loved Irish classic of seasoned minced beef in rich gravy, topped with creamy Irish cheddar mash. The wine’s depth stands up beautifully to the savoury filling, creating a perfect fusion of Spanish soul and Irish comfort food.

With a long-standing history in the Irish market through its distributor Findlater & Co., Sangre de Toro continues to be one of the country’s most loved Spanish wines. Today, bottles are available in supermarkets nationwide, making it easier than ever to bring the soul of Spain to your table

Heverlee premium pilsner launches in Irish off trade

Heverlee, the premium pilsner lager has recently launched in Ireland, with 660ml bottle and 4 x 440ml can packs available The lager brand which has secured listings in Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu and across convenience, is a strong addition to the growing premium-beer category

The story of Heverlee is one of rediscovery Once lost and forgotten – the recipe was found in a corner of Leuven, Belgium by master brewer, Joris Brams within the pages of the Abbey of the Order of Premontre records. This recipe inspired what would become Heverlee’s pilsner style lager, which has been lovingly resurrected by C&C Group

Only the finest ingredients are used to brew Heverlee, including the Noble Saaz hops – one of the most expensive and highly regarded in the world. This gives the 4.4% ABV lager a subtle sweetness from the malt and maize mash, with the distinct bitter aroma of Saaz creating a crisp and refreshing lager

The expansion into the Republic of Ireland off-trade follows growing success for the brand in Northern Ireland and Scotland, where Heverlee has seen volume growth of +26% YoY across all offtrade outlets1 contributing over 1k HL of growth in Scotland, making it the 5th fastest growing premium lager in the off trade there2

The launch will be supported by integrated digital and in-store activations, including gift-withpurchase, scan-to-win promotions, and consumer sampling activity

Commenting, Eimear Casey, brand manager, Heverlee, said: “Heverlee is a brand packed full of history and intrigue and will be a welcome addition to the growing premium lager category in Ireland. We are excited to be working with our partners in the off trade to bring this launch to consumers and see growth opportunities in the category with the introduction of this crisp, refreshing premium pilsner.”

Heverlee is available now through C&C Group in Ireland. ■ 1 Circana (IRI) 52we 28.12.24. 2 Circana (IRI) 52we 28.12.24

Heverlee: a brand ‘packed full of history and intrigue’

76 MARKET MOVERS

Goodfellas

Goodfella’s set to launch New York-Style Pizza range

Goodfella’s has launched a New York-Style Pizza range, replacing the existing Goodfella’s Takeaway range

According to the pizza brand, the new range promises indulgent toppings, quality ingredients and Goodfella’s ‘tastiest recipe ever’, backed by consumer testing, helping retailers attract the growing number of shoppers that regularly enjoy “fakeaways” at home in the frozen aisle

The Goodfella’s New York-Style Pizza range will roll out from 8 September in Tesco, closely followed by other retailers throughout September to November with a MRSP: €4.75*.

Goodfella’s Garlic bread will be available from 13 October in Co-op, and more widely available by the end of November with a €2.50*.

Goodfella’s New York-Style range in Fully Loaded Pepperoni, Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken, Ultimate Four Cheese and Hot & Spicy Meat Feast.

Irish Sisters Lavender Cordial launched by Papas Mineral Company

Papas Mineral Company launched its Irish Sisters Lavender Cordial

Introducing the new Irish Sisters Lavender Cordial. This handcrafted, artisan, small-batch blend aims to elevate the drinking experience. It captures the calming essence of lavender with a refreshing floral finish. Whether brightening a sparkling water, enhancing a gin, or adding flair to prosecco, this truly distinctive handcrafted cordial is sure to impress. Non-alcoholic and vegan; this Lavender cordial joins the Fiery Ginger Wine and the Raspberry & Rose cordials in the existing Irish Sisters range They are part of the Papas Mineral Company which also includes Longbridge Drinks. The company is known for its heritage soft drinks which are made in east Belfast, Co Antrim.

“Every step, from preparing the ingredients to bottling, is done by us, and we are proud to offer something you cannot find anywhere else” says company founder and director, Wayne Adair

For more information on stocking any of the Papas range contact info@papasmineralcompany.com or call +44(0) 2890 991210

Nordic Spirit Frosty Mint Max

Nordic Spirit has recently introduced the newest evolution in its portfolio: Max Strength – designed for customers seeking more from their nicotine pouches. Nordic Spirit is pushing strength to the limit with its first new 6-dot flavour, Frosty Mint Max.

Frosty Mint Max delivers an instant, icy blast of peppermint to create the frostiest experience Nordic Spirit has offered yet. Consumers can expect ultimate intensity with 17mg per pouch, and a burst of invigorating freshness that dials up the Frosty Mint flavour that consumers already know and love, to the Max.

Max Strength Nicotine Pouches are designed for experienced users who demand more from every pouch. The latest trends in the modern oral category have shown a shift in consumer preferences towards higher strength products that provide a more intense nicotine experience.

Irish Sisters

Nordic Spirit

Goodfellas New York Style range

Irish Sisters Lavender Cordial

Nordic Spirit Frosty Mint Max

78 MARKET MOVERS

How kefir is fuelling modern gut health

Niamh Brannelly, MSc Dietetics, Head of Nutrition at Danone UK and Ireland, discusses why kefir is becoming a staple in everyday routines

Once a niche product tucked away in health food stores, kefir has become a household favourite and one of the most sought-after functional foods in the wellness space. But what’s driving this surge? What makes one kefir different from another, and why is it increasingly associated with gut health? Today’s consumers are not only looking for foods that taste great but are also prioritising products that actively support their health. This is fuelling the rise of functional foods, designed to deliver benefits beyond basic nutrition. From aiding digestion to enhancing immune health and mental well-being, functional foods are becoming daily staples1 The global market is set to grow at 9.5% annually through 2028, with the UK leading innovation2 Fermented products like kefir stand out for their association with gut health, and with live yoghurt, are among the most consumed and researched fermented foods for their impact3 The gut is now more widely recognised as central to wellbeing, containing over 100 trillion microbes vital for digestion, immune defence, vitamin production, and brain communication. Approximately 70% of immune cells reside in the gut and over 90% of the body’s serotonin, linked to mood, sleep, and appetite, is produced there4,5 But not all are made equal Kefir is a cultured dairy product, traditionally made by fermenting milk with kefir grains, a symbiotic matrix of bacteria and yeasts. Homemade kefirs, and some commercially made products, including Activia Kefir, use kefir grains containing both bacterial and yeast live cultures6 , typically resulting in more diverse strains than yoghurt. In contrast, some other kefirs may use only isolated bacterial strains, which can result in a lower diversity of cultures. Nutritionally speaking, it’s a powerhouse, delivering many beneficial nutrients, including being a source of calcium7 and protein8 Activia Kefir is made with 16 strains of live cultures derived from authentic kefir grains, alongside Activia’s science-backed live cultures. Available in spoonable and drinkable formats, and flavours like Strawberry & Mango, and the UK’s best-tasting drinkable Strawberry Kefir9 , it attracts younger consumers seeking delicious products aligned with their health goals. A new trend here to stay? Health is now the second biggest purchase driver in the dairy aisle10 With that, sales of yoghurt drinks, particularly kefir, have nearly doubled since 202311 , with new shoppers driving almost two-thirds of Activia Kefir’s volume, highlighting its growing appeal. Its clear kefir isn’t just a trend. From our Activia Kefir and Fibre ranges to our high performance GetPRO protein line, over 90% of Danone’s portfolio is now non-HFSS (not high in fat, salt, or sugar)12 , aligning with the needs of health-conscious consumers. We’re proud to be leading the way in everyday health.

To discover more about Activia Kefir, go to https://www.danoneactivia.co.uk/products/kefir/kefir/activia-kefir-strawberry-drink/ 1 https://www.foodnavigator.com/. Article/2024/03/27/Functional-foods-and their-appeal-to-consumers; 2 Food and drink article great.gov.uk international; 3 Dimidi E, et al. (2019). Fermented foods: definitions and characteristics, impact on the gut microbiota and effects on gastrointestinal health and disease Nutrients.; 11(8): 1806; 4 Wiertsema SP, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Garssen J, Knippels LMJ The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 9;13(3):886; 5 Appleton J. The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018 Aug;17(4):28 32p; 6 Live cultures in yogurt improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose, while others are added for functional purposes, to help with texture and taste; 7 Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes; 8 Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones; 9 Based on blind taste test conducted in 2024 by 360 consumers aged 18-64 in the UK & Ireland vs Biotiful Strawberry Kefir; 10 Kantar OOH & IH, 52 WE 29 Dec 24 vs LY; 11 Kantar 52 we June 2025; 12 In Danone UK and Ireland.

Cuisine de France

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Squares gets scary for Halloween

Kellogg’s has introduced a limited-edition, spook-tacular change to the packaging of Rice Krispies Squares. The popular brand will be renamed ‘Rice Krispies Scares’ for the second year running in celebration of Halloween.

The limited-edition offering will come in Chewy Marshamallow (pack of four and pack of eight), Delightfully Chocolate (pack of four and pack of eight) and for the first year, Caramel and Chocolate (pack of four) gets scary The new packaging will feature a haunted house backdrop as the launch from Kellogg’s combines the three classic, well-loved flavours with the spookiness of Halloween.

The limited-edition design will be available from 1st September in all major supermarkets.

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Squares accounted for 110% of total cereal bar value sales growth making RKS #1 growing brand within the category1

1 Nielsen Total Scantrack L52wks data up to 10th Aug 2025. Rice Krispies Squares Multipack Value Sales.

For today’s time-pressed customer, convenience matters more than ever

Whether it’s a busy parent skipping breakfast, a commuter reaching for something with their morning coffee, or a student grabbing a quick snack between classes, fast-paced routines call for reliable, ready-to-eat options.

That’s where our new wrapped bakery range from Cuisine de France steps in – combining ease, hygiene, and quality into one neat package Designed with modern lifestyles in mind, this new collection delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a bakery-style treat without the wait. Wrapped individually for freshness, with no preparation required, each item offers foodservice operators a practical way to serve great-tasting baked goods throughout the day. The grab-and-go trend is growing, and our new range ensures you’re ready to meet it.

Kelloggs

Activia Kefir Drinks range

Chewy Marshmallow Rice Krispies Square

Cuisine de France new wrapped bakery range

80 MARKET MOVERS

(L-R) Dolmio Feasts Extra Cheesy Mac and Cheese, Ben’s Original Street Food Spicy Indonesian Style, and Dolmio Classics Rigatoni Bolognese

Official Launch: Dolmio and Ben’s Original Ready Meals Now Available in Ireland

Mars has recently announced the official introduction of Dolmio and Ben’s Original Ready Meals to the Irish market. This launch reflects its ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality meal solutions that meet the evolving needs of Irish consumers. Its expanded portfolio now features four distinguished lines: Ben’s Favourites & Street Food and Dolmio Classics & Feasts.

Ben’s Favourites & Street Food presents a diverse selection of quick, flavorful meals that celebrate world cuisine Ben’s Original Street Food offers a bold, globally inspired noodle and vegetable range These meals bring the vibrant flavours of street food from around the world right to your kitchen, with the range in Ireland including enticing varieties such as Thai Style Stir Fry, Korean BBQ Style, and Chow Mein Style Ben’s Favourites features popular signature rice-based dishes like Paella, Risotto, and Chilli Con Carne

Strong Roots

Strong Roots launches campaign to Make Sweet Potato Fries the ultimate midweek meal sidekick

Strong Roots, the B-Corp frozen food brand on a mission to fix the freezer aisle with wholesome, great tasting, veg forward meals, is launching a bold new integrated campaign this September positioning its iconic Sweet Potato Fries as the perfect, quick-to-prepare sidekick for busy midweek meals.

Backed by a £730,000 (€843,639) investment, the campaign spans high-impact out-of-home (OOH) activations in proximity to key retailers, platform-native social content and targeted e-commerce activations, all designed to reach high-intent shoppers at key decision-making moments.

From geo-targeted TikTok activations to dynamic POS, the campaign is precision-engineered to engage socially connected, time-pressed shoppers, driving footfall and reinforcing Strong Roots’ position as a leader in frozen plant-based innovation.

At the heart of the campaign is a powerful new creative platform, ‘No Competition’, which spotlights Strong Roots Sweet Potato Fries as the standout choice. With wit, warmth and cultural relevance, the campaign showcases the brand’s commitment to real food made from real

ingredients, delivering both flavour and convenience without compromise

Made with simple, natural ingredients, they’re delicious and wholesome, low in saturated fat, gluten-free only 154 calories and ready in just 10 minutes in the air fryer

Tayto Cornados now available in a variety of snacking sizes

Mr. Tayto has done it again! Following the huge success of last year’s launch of Tayto Cornados, Mr Tayto has listened to fans and unveiled a brand-new way to enjoy them. Tayto Cornados are now available in convenient 35g packs, designed for on-the-go snacking.

Building on the popularity of Tayto Cornados, the new format brings fan favourites Nacho Cheese and Spicy to shelves in a ‘perfectly’ portioned size. Tayto Cornados, the irresistibly crunchy, twisted, tornadoshaped corn snack, are now ideal for solo snacking, delivering that unbeatable crunch in a pack made just for you. No need to share!

Why share the whirlwind when you can have it all to yourself!

Tayto Cornados are available in 35g packs and can be found in retailers nationwide

Viral frozen fruit snack range launches in Irish retailers this September

This September sees award winning US frozen and TikTok’s viral snack trüfrü, launch into the Irish market across supermarkets nationwide The brand, which first launched in the US in 2017, has since reached close to $300m (€256m) in Retail Sales Value (Latest 52wks - w/e 22/02/25) completely changing the game in the US frozen snacking category

The brand launched with initially with three flavours; Strawberries in White & Milk Chocolate, Raspberries in White & Dark Chocolate and Pina Colada Pineapple in White Chocolate & Coconut, which rolled out from the start of September trüfrü will then be rolling out across more Irish channels and customers, including wholesalers and independents, in the coming months.

Find out more at https://trufru.co.uk / @trufru_ie ■

Tayto

Trüfrü

Tayto Cornados Nacho Cheese

Tayto Cornados Spice

trüfrü Nature’s Strawberries

trüfrü Nature’s Raspberries

trüfrü Pina Colada

Strong Roots Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH LORRAINE MCMAHON category and insights manager, donnelly fresh

Fresh food and fresh ideas, delivered with a fresh attitude.

1. Best series you recently watched on a streaming platform?

Andor on Disney+.

2. Best place for coffee?

The top of the Sliabh Liag Cliffs in Donegal, overlooking the Atlantic.

3. Top movie recommendation?

‘Wicked’ was an amazing re-imagining of the stage show. I can’t wait for the second movie.

4. Top book recommendation?

Too many! Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent was the last book I read. A strangely intriguing story that I couldn’t put down.

5. Which social media platform do you use most? Instagram.

6. Favourite inﬂuencer/content creator if you have one?

Cliona O’Connor. She is always busy but always ﬁnds time to make delicious meals.

7. Best advert on TV?

Bradys Family Ham adverts.

8. Worst advert on TV?

Not a fan of the betting adverts on TV or online. I feel they are shown too frequently.

9. Favourite grocery shop?

Dunnes Stores – though it’s not my regular store. It always feels like a treat when I do visit.

10. If you had to live in another country, where would you choose?

The Basque Country – Northern Spain/ Southern France – the perfect mix of sea, mountains and great food.

11. Greatest achievement to date?

Professionally: Rebranding the donnelly fresh business. Personally: Hiking to the highest waterfall in France.

12. Do you prefer working from home or in the office/ on-site?

A bit of both keeps me up to date with what’s going on. Store visits are my favourite working days.

13. Best piece of advice you ever received?

Don’t let the company you work for, change your personality.

14. Biggest fear? Spiders.

15. City or beach break?

City break – with lots of sites and lots of good food options.

16. Top restaurant recommendation?

Ottolenghi in London. A relaxed dining experience with the most amazing ﬂavour combinations.

17. Who is the last artist/group you saw live?

Nelly Furtado at All Together Now. An amazing comeback gig.

18. Apart from your own, what brand do you admire most?

Blanco Nino. I love its ethos and branding. It produces some of the tastiest tortillas out there.

19. Best customer service you ever received?

Faerly: An Irish online store that’s rooted in sustainability. Beautiful delivery packaging and handwritten notes - it’s the little touches.

20. What’s the last compliment you received?

That I was an inspiring role model (from one of my team). ■

Picnic spread: donnelly fresh range

Lorraine McMahon, category and insights manager, donnelly fresh

ShelfLife September 2025

Looking back, moving forward

+

At what cost?

Contents September

COVER STORY

NEWS&ANALYSIS

FEATURES&REPORTS

ADVISOR

NEWSGRID

The top news stories in FMCG and retail from across

Ireland

Leprino Foods to close site

M&S announces investment in food supply chain

BWG Foods shortlisted for HR Awards

XL Ireland renews Ros na Rún sponsorship for three more years

Applegreen raises €2m for Barretstown

Tariff stability lifts Irish consumer confidence

Revenue seize €340k contraband in operations

Lidl opens Dunboyne store

Katie the Carrot joins Ireland rugby team

GROWYOUR BUSINESSWITH

SiSú Drinks wins €50,000 media bursary sponsored

by SuperValu

Kelly Brothers ‘check-out’

new S&W Wholesale site

Centra announced as food sponsor of The Traitors Ireland

PACKAGING WASTE WON’T GO AWAY BY ITSELF

‘Bake it Pink’ returns to support Breast Cancer Ireland

Daybreak launches first-ever TV ad across Ireland

Fyffes launches new consumer campaign

Kids in Ireland sway family food choices, research shows

MyDaily launches across the island of Ireland

Tenderstem teams up with Tribe Coffee

A little sprinkle for every day happiness

CSNA NEWS

Scam alert!

Local Enterprise Offices (LEO)

Energy drinks

Non-compliant Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) products

Centra Castletymon’s

“The Library” store opens

State-of-the-art upgrades

Sales growth

Community hub

partnership

Tackling rising costs

Looking ahead

Dunnes holds steady as Ireland’s top grocer

€7.2 million

Concerts and events

Brand boost

Retailer and channel performance

Community spirit, pitch perfect with Sexton

Rugby legend Johnny Sexton recently caught up with Donna Ahern to discuss his role as MACE ambassador and the highlights of his career as Irish fly-half

Outplacement Services: A strategic and compassionate approach to redundancy

Conclusion

Why retailers shouldn’t underestimate parttime student staff

Turning part-timers into future managers

Conclusion

Say cheese!

Celebrating 50 years of MACE

A milestone worth celebrating

Investing in the future

Growth and performance

A team like family

Deep community roots

Standing out

Support From MACE

Value amid rising costs

Looking ahead

Top 7 retail stories from around the world

ShelfLife’spick of the week’s top global industry stories

Black Paper Food Containers NEWRANGE

Turning challenges into opportunities

Boost sales with smarter product displays

Save time and costs with shelf automation

Stay flexible with easy range and promotion changes

Engage shoppers with clear and inspiring signage

Protect