Retail December/January 2024

DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

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Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents News

AND so we approach the end of another year, which was again quite a tough one for retailers, as the cost-of-living crisis continued to bite consumers, while increasing business costs remained a serious issue for store owners. The current slowdown in inflation is to be welcomed, the most recent figures of 9.8% the lowest since September 2022, but those figures remain high, and with a raft of employment legislation due to come into force next year, retailers will feel the impact on their bottom line.

Our Chief News Reporter, Pavel Barter, reveals that two government departments are compiling a report on the impact of increases in labour costs on employers (Page 2), which one wellknown industry leader has described as mere “window-dressing” or “trying to close the gate after the horse has bolted”. With figures from RGDATA estimating the impact of these various labour increases on retailers, it’s clear that employers need help and support from the Government if they are to survive into the new year.

Elsewhere, we report from the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Christmas Lunch, where the great and the good from the grocery trade came out in force to support our own charity, which helps those in the trade who have fallen on hard times.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year and thank all the suppliers, retailers, wholesalers and service providers who continue to support Retail News throughout the year.

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director

Government compiling report over labour cost increases for retailers.

3

Re-turn appoints new CEO.

4

Food safety conference explores food sustainability; Dairy co-operatives join forces in FarmGen collaboration.

Pakman Awards

Tesco Ireland open new Express stores; BAT Ireland welcome ban on under-18 vape sales.

Retail Groups Report

6

8

uncertainty out of waste segregation in the workplace is now available from MyWaste, Ireland’s official guide to waste.

3

Applegreen and M&S Food to Expand Partnership; Flogas Enterprise and Slane Irish Whiskey sign deal.

10 Irish grocery price inflation hits single figures; Ben Dunne RIP.

IGBF Christmas Lunch 12 Ireland’s grocery industry gathered

recently to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Irish Grocery Benevolent Fund at the annual IGBF Christmas Lunch.

30 Repak’s Pakman Awards celebrated Ireland’s recycling and waste management champions who lead the way in their commitments to sustainability and the environment.

31 Our annual

Retail Groups Report sees the country’s biggest retail groups 2023 in Retailing: The Highs and Lows report on - Ireland’s leading retail groups report a busy but on a busy but challenging challenging year. year and look forward to what 2024 will bring.

31

On the Vine

GS1 Ireland

24 GS1 powered QR codes with Digital

Link have launched in Ireland, with Kinsale Mead becoming the first GS1 Ireland member to unlock the power of these next generation codes in Ireland.

68 Jean Smullen presents some On the

Vine Awards for for individuals and companies who made their mark on the wine industry in Ireland during 2023.

SuperValu Off Licence of the Year

70 Four SuperValu stores won top awards

Consumer Trends 26 Global market

research company Euromonitor International’s Top Global Consumer Trends 2024 report identifies six insights into consumers’ values and shopping motivations in 2024.

26

Retail News

at the Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Awards.

Employment Law

72 Linda Hynes and Sinead Likely of

Lewis Silkin report on the key 2023 employment law developments, particularly their relevance to retail employers, and look ahead to what’s coming in 2024.

Regulars & Reports

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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Managing Director: Patrick Aylward Editorial & Marketing Director: Kathleen Belton

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The importance of support

Waste Management

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Chief News Reporter:

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Email: milly@tarapublications.ie

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Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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Industry News

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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

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Healthy Options

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Forecourt Focus: News

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Drinks News

76

What’s New

2|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

News

THE Irish Government is compiling a report on the impact of increases in labour costs on employers. A spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) told Retail News the report, which is being undertaken by DETE and the Department of Social Protection, will be finalised “in the coming weeks” and is supported by “qualitative evidence received” at a recent workshop attended by retail industry representatives “who were invited to contribute their views on these changes”.

Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland, welcomed the Government’s efforts to “establish a definitive Government report in terms of the cumulative impact of all the range of employment costs that are hitting retailers”.

Arnold Dillon, Director, Vincent Retail Ireland.

Jennings, CEO of CSNA, however, described the report as too little, too late: “This should have taken place in advance of the Budget rather than postBudget. They’re trying to close the gate after the horse has bolted. It’s windowdressing.”

DETE set up the workshop following concerns by retailers about labour cost hikes that are landing over the next 12 months. In January, the National Minimum Wage is due to increase from €11.30 to €12.70, and further rise to €15 by 2026.

There are new rules around extra sick pay leave, which is due to increase to five days in 2024 and 10 by 2026. Pension Auto-Enrolment is also due to land next year, while other matters under discussion included Parent’s Leave and Benefit.

“These are significant cost increases, which for many businesses will represent a fundamental shift in terms of their cost base,” remarked Dillon. “Retailers are big employers and employment costs and labour market costs are a sizable

Image from rawpixel.com

Government compiling report over increases for retailers

proportion of their overall costs.”

Jennings added: “It is clear the majority of these increases were done without sufficient consideration, in some cases without any consideration, of how they would affect small businesses.”

The labour costs are landing at the same time as supermarket retailers are investing in reverse vending machines for used bottles and cans, the ‘latte levy’ on coffee sales, and the decarbonisation of town centre buildings. Last October, Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA, wrote a letter to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD in which she criticised the Taoiseach’s “dismissal of concerns expressed by businesses about the potential adverse effects of increased employment costs”.

As part of this letter to the Taoiseach, RGDATA included a breakdown of the annual cost increases per employee, which will arise from the new policies.

An increase in National Minimum Wage amounts to an additional €3,154 per employee. Additional statutory sick leave adds up to €550; auto enrolment amounts to €386. In total, according to RGDATA, this means an additional €4,200 per employee in annual labour costs.

For outlets with many employees the burden will be staggering, they suggest.

“Convenience stores are facing maybe

a €25,000 to €50,000 increase in wage costs, and supermarkets are facing more,” Buckley told Retail News. “We have one member facing €290,000 in extra wage costs. The cost of employment is going to increase significantly over the next three years. The challenge for convenience retailers is trying to manage these increased costs.”

At the stakeholder workshop, retail representatives told government officials that wage increases will have a knock-on effect for employees in other pay grades.

“We're good employers,” said Tara Buckley. “We are not minimum wage employers. But the lowest person on the

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA.

Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie|3

News

labour cost rung starts in a store nowadays on the minimum wage and everyone else, working there two, three, five, seven years, takes on more responsibility, more training, more management and are paid more than the person arriving in the door on day one. If you have to give an extra €1.40 an hour to someone starting a new job, everyone else would expect to get an additional pay increase to match them.”

Retailers believe Budget 2024 failed to address these concerns.

“I defy anybody to point out a single retail-orientated benefit in [Finance Minister] Michael McGrath’s Budget statement,” said Jennings.

Buckley concurred: “The Government, despite their promises to provide some support for small business owners facing increased employment costs, did nothing in the Budget for those employers.”

In Budget 2024, the Government established the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB) grant: a €250 million package consisting of oneoff grants to help small firms. The scheme only applies to businesses that pay commercial rates beneath €20,000 and retail groups believe it will not apply to the vast majority of their members.

RGDATA contend “the chances of the rebate scheme impacting big employers in the retail sector are slim because their rates are higher than €20,000. For those Tara Buckley, Director General, who will get some money out RGDATA. of the scheme, it's a once-off payment - a few thousand euros and will go nowhere near covering the cost of these additional employment costs.”

At the workshop, retail groups proposed reform to the rebates scheme to allow more small businesses to avail of it. They also proposed reform of PRSI to assist employers facing huge additional labour costs. “Revenue should implement a structure overseeing our additional costs,” said Jennings. “CSNA has been in discussions about this with the Department of Enterprise. Now we’re speaking with Sinn Féin about the same thing. Allowances need to be made for small and medium enterprises that are going to experience cost increases.”

Retail Ireland hope the Government report on the cumulative costs of labour wage increases will inform future policy decisions.

“We'd like to think the report will put in very clear terms the challenges that businesses face,” Dillon stressed. “The hope is that it will then inform Government policy decisions and help businesses with additional support.”

In the face of 12 months of labour cost increases, the alternative is unimaginable, said Vincent Jennings. “Our biggest challenge has always been ensuring that our workers are properly paid but that we remain profitable. If these transitional costs are applied, they will have a monumental charge upon our industry, that labour as we understand it will become a tipping point to the profitability of our stores… and indeed the viability of our stores.”

Re-turn appoints new CEO

IRELAND'S Deposit Return Scheme, operated by not-forprofit organisation Re-turn, has appointed Ciaran Foley as Chief Executive Officer.

Re-turn is the not-for-profit organisation appointed by government as system administrator for Ireland’s new Deposit Return Scheme, which starts on February 1, 2024. It is dedicated to supporting and assisting retailers, producers and consumers in managing the transition to a Deposit Return Scheme smoothly and effectively.

Ciaran, formerly the Managing Director of DHL Ireland, will lead the implementation and integration of the Deposit Return Scheme in Ireland. He will be responsible for the strategic organisation Ciaran Foley, CEO, Re-turn. development of the Scheme and will oversee the legal obligations of members, business expansion, cost control and effective government and industry stakeholder communication.

As CEO, he will lead a core team of 30 and work closely with the committed Board of Directors in place, that includes Tony Keohane as Chair.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ciaran Foley as the CEO of Re-turn,” noted Tony Keohane.

“Ciaran's knowledge and experience in supply chain management and his commitment to sustainability are key to ensuring this significant circular economy initiative is successfully launched on February 1, 2024.”

Ciaran has spent over three decades in senior leadership roles. As Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain Ireland, he led an organisation of almost 1,000 employees, providing logistical solutions for customers across multiple sectors.

He established the DHL Supply Chain business as the leader in sustainability for logistics solutions in Ireland and secured an €80 million investment for the long-term supply of biomethane to 100% decarbonise DHL’s transport business.

As Supply Chain Director of Tesco Ireland, he oversaw the best-in-class operations across all elements of supply chain and distribution within the company, whilst taking on responsibilities for essential KPIs in retail, including waste and shrinkage. He is also Non-Executive Director at FoodCloud Ireland.

Commenting on his appointment to CEO of Re-turn, Ciaran Foley said, “I am honoured to be at the helm of such a crucial circular economy initiative. By introducing a Deposit Return Scheme, Ireland is joining a global success story which is thriving in 40+ regions worldwide, including 13 countries in Europe.”

He described the DRS as “a circular economy gamechanger for Ireland, shifting from 'take, make, dispose' to returning valuable materials and maximising their use creating a circular system for high-value plastics and cans.”

4|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

News

Food safety conference explores food sustainability THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) Food Safety Consultative Council recently hosted an open meeting to discuss how food safety interacts with food sustainability. ‘When Food Safety Met Sustainability’ explored the need to ensure the food system can meet the ever-changing needs of society, while continuing to protect consumers’ health in relation to food safety.

Over 200 people registered for the event, which was held in-person for the first time since 2019, with Irish and international speakers from the FSAI, the University of Nottingham, Codex Alimentarius Commission and representatives from FoodCloud, Keohane Seafoods, Cream of The Crop Gelato and Senoptica Technologies Ltd. Chaired by author and journalist Suzanne Campbell, the event also offered insights into how the pursuit of food sustainability is driving innovation, as well as exploring efforts in policy, standards development and regulation, which are shaping the way our food is produced, distributed and consumed. Understanding and recognising that food safety is a key part of sustainability goals, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, outlined the importance of food safety remaining front and centre of the necessary journey towards sustainable food systems.

“Sustainability, the ability to provide for both current and future needs, is an important consideration in food systems,” said Dr Byrne. “The FSAI is focused on ensuring that food safety and the protection of public health remain at the core of sustainable food systems. The FSAI regards food safety to be an integral part of food sustainability. The European Union has signaled its intentions through the ‘Farm to Fork’ initiative, and Ireland has set out its approach in ‘Food Vision 2030’. As a science-based regulator of food safety, the FSAI is actively engaging with the sustainability

agenda in the food-chain. At the FSAI, we continue to explore ways in which we can evolve our regulatory approach to assist consumers Pictured are Gail Carroll, Directory of in supporting Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Building, them in FSAI; Ray Bowe, Chair, Food Safety making Consultative Council; and Giselle Makinde, informed Founder, Cream of The Crop Gelato. choices, and also work with food businesses with the common goal of ensuring the safety of food, in a sustainable manner.”

The open meeting offered members of the public and food businesses an opportunity to engage with the FSAI directly, a point highlighted by Ray Bowe, Chair, Food Safety Consultative Council: “The Food Safety Consultative Council always aims to discuss topics that are key in the day-to-day lives of people. It is clear that there is a real desire to explore ways in which food can be produced in a more sustainable manner, and today’s meeting has shown how even small changes can have unexpected consequences, both positive and negative, within food chains. We continue to encourage everyone, including consumers, to embrace the challenges and opportunities in the ways we produce food, while ensuring its safety and nutritional benefits.”

Dairy co-operatives join forces in FarmGen collaboration TWO of Ireland’s leading farmer-owned dairy cooperatives, Tirlán and Dairygold, have joined forces to further strengthen the dairy sector's sustainability efforts by collaborating to bring the renewable energy solutions programme FarmGen to even more farm families across Ireland.

The new partnership is a clear indication of the dairy sector’s commitment to embracing new technologies to cut on-farm emissions and help farm families operate more sustainably and efficiently.

Tirlán first launched their FarmGen Solar PV programme in 2019 and since then have seen farm businesses demonstrate a keen interest in embracing sustainable technologies, with a large number of Tirlán farm families installing a range of fullyfinanced, turnkey solar-powered energy FarmGen systems since they were first introduced.

Dairygold suppliers can also now also avail of the solar PV programme as part of the switch to renewable energy solutions to reduce on-farm emissions and lower energy bills.

The solar-powered bundle is available through the programme’s experienced technical partner, PV Generation, who will supply and install state-of-the-art solar PV systems along with smart monitoring on farms. As part of this solution, FarmGen will manage the Government’s TAMS and SEAI grant application processes and submission for competitivelypriced financing if required, making it an even more attractive investment.

Pictured are Sean O'Brien, Chairman Dairygold Co-Operative Society; dairy farmer David Russel, Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary; and John Murphy, Chairperson, Tirlán.

Meanwhile, Tirlán have launched their first low carbon future store as part of their wider ‘Living Proof’ strategy to reduce emissions across their entire supply chain.

The Tirlán CountryLife retail store in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, is the first in the co-operative’s 52-strong local branch network to roll-out the new technology as part of a wider €11 million investment programme into the development and enhancement of its stores across 13 counties.

6|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

News

Tesco Ireland open new Express stores TESCO have opened their first store in Co. Kilkenny, with the opening of Tesco Ferrybank, with the result that Tesco now have a store in every county in the Republic of Ireland. At more than 3,800 square feet, the new store promises customers a modern retail experience and a wide selection of quality fresh local and Irish produce.

Local suppliers Flahavan’s, famous for their oats, and Hughes Agriculture and Farming, who supply parsnip and carrots for stores nationwide, are among a host of local producers who will be found on the shelves in Ferrybank.

“We’re very excited to open our doors here for the first time in Co. Kilkenny in Ferrybank,” said Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland. “This store is part of an €80 million

Manager Colm Cleary (centre back row) with staff outside the new Tesco Express in Ferrybank, Kilkenny. investment across the country, which will see the opening of new Express stores, along with the upgrade of 50 other stores. We have always had such a warm welcome from all the communities where we are now based, and we are committed to ensuring that

Pictured at the newly opened Tesco Express Cherrywood are (l-r): Joe Lennon, Cherrywood Educate Together National School; Store Manager Donal Fitzgerald; Alan Kelly, Cabinteely GAA; and Kathleen Byrne, Cherrywood Educate Together National School, who will benefit from the first campaign of Tesco’s Community Fund in the locality. our new stores play a big part in local communities for many years to come.”

Tesco Ireland also opened the doors of another new Tesco Express store at Cherrywood, South Dublin, on November 23.

Managed by Donal Fitzgerald, at just over 3,000 square feet and conveniently located close to the Cherrywood/Bride’s Glen Luas stop, the new store promises customers a modern retail experience and a wide selection of quality fresh and Irish produce.

“We’re very excited to open the doors of our latest Dublin store, in Ireland’s newest town, Cherrywood,” said Geoff Byrne. “We are looking forward to getting to know our neighbours in this new community, which is set to become the largest urban development in the country.”

BAT Ireland welcome ban on under-18 vape sales

BAT Ireland have welcomed the fact that the Bill to ban the sale of vapes to under-18s has passed through the final legislative stages in the Seanad on December 4, a full nine years after it was first proposed by Government.

BAT Ireland have been urgently calling for legislation banning the sale of vapes to under-18s for several years. Until now, the sale of vapes to under18s has been legal in David Melinn, Country Manager for Ireland, leaving shop BAT Ireland. owners and retailers to implement their own underage policies. BAT's own internal policies already prevented their retail partners from selling to those under 18, but this step brings much needed consistency and safeguarding.

The age-of-purchase ban, which is part of the Public Health

(Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, completed Report and Final Stage in the Seanad, and David Melinn, Country Manager for BAT Ireland, welcomed the Bill: “For years Ireland has trailed behind its EU counterparts when it came to restricting underage sales. Vapes are for adult only, and this legislation will be crucial in reducing the risk of underage access to these products.”

The Bill also includes a ban on vaping advertisements near schools and on public transport, as well as the introduction of an annual retail licensing fee, estimated to be €500 per shop.

“The Bill will appropriately restrict how and where vapes are sold, making it much more difficult for young people to access them. Importantly, this Bill also demonstrates there are a myriad of ways to restrict vaping, without resorting to knee-jerk style regulations that negatively impact adult smokers who are looking to switch through vaping,” commented Melinn. “While it may come as a surprise to many, BAT Ireland shares the ambition of Ireland’s smoke-free target. Globally our goal is to switch 50 million smokers to vaping by 2030.

“Last month’s Healthy Ireland Survey showed that one in four smokers who successfully switched from smoking used vaping to do so, a higher success rate than using other traditional alternatives. Vaping is Ireland’s gateway out of smoking,” said Melinn.

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8|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

News Applegreen and M&S Food to Expand Partnership APPLEGREEN and M&S Food are to significantly expand their partnership, following a successful first year of operations. The companies have signed an exclusive 10-year agreement that will add up to 60 new M&S Food at Applegreen locations during that time. Applegreen intends to open 15 new M&S Food locations by the end of 2024, which will increase the overall number of outlets to 20.

Applegreen opened an initial five M&S Food ‘shop in shop’ outlets over the past 12 months, which carry a range of up to 400 M&S products, complementing Applegreen’s existing range, and trading has exceeded expectations.

The first of the new stores will be in counties Louth, Meath and Limerick, with other locations to be announced throughout the year.

The M&S Food at Applegreen stores feature the best of M&S Food, including fresh fruit, salads, Irish sandwiches, lunch on-the-go, dinner options and a selection of other M&S favourites, such as Percy Pig sweets, M&S cookies, and Colin the Caterpillar cakes.

All of the new M&S at Applegreen outlets will also feature Click & Collect for M&S clothing and selected home product ranges.

“This is great news for Irish consumers, as Applegreen will now bring M&S Food products to a much wider market,” noted Fiona Matthews, Applegreen Ireland Managing Director. “M&S Food complements the existing Applegreen offer, as we are always evolving to meet our customers’ high expectations. M&S is a great fit for Applegreen, as we share a focus on offering high quality products, with great customer service, provided by top class colleagues in-store.

“We have been delighted by the positive customer reaction to our partnership with M&S Food, which offers our customers greater choice and a wider product range. Based on the success of the partnership to date, and our ambition for further growth, we plan to roll out more than one M&S Food at Applegreen concept each month next year. We look forward to bringing this exciting concept to up to 60 new locations and communities over the next few years.”

M&S Country Director for Ireland and Northern Ireland, Eddie Murphy said: “One of the primary objectives of our partnership

Pictured are Eddie Murphy, M&S Country Director for Ireland; Percy Pig; Applegreen Commercial Director Seamus Stapleton; and Applegreen Ireland Managing Director Fiona Matthews, at the opening of the M&S Food outlet at Applegreen in Mountgorry, Swords, Co. Dublin. with Applegreen is to expand the footprint of M&S Food in Ireland.

We’re excited to announce the rapid expansion of this partnership following a successful pilot. The addition of 15 new locations by the end of next year, and many more in the years to come, enables us to offer top quality, trusted value M&S products to a broader customer base in Ireland. The expansion reflects the successful partnership between M&S and Applegreen. We are delighted to incorporate the new locations into our wider network and to continue to work closely with Applegreen.”

Applegreen’s addition of 15 new M&S Food outlets by the end of 2024 will involve significant store redevelopments at each location.

The first M&S Food 'shop in shop' outlet opened last November at Mountgorry, in Swords, Co. Dublin. Further outlets were added in Booterstown, Co. Dublin, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Kinsealy, Co. Dublin, and the M11 services area at Cullenmore, Co. Wicklow.

Flogas Enterprise and Slane Irish Whiskey sign deal SLANE Irish Whiskey and energy supplier Flogas Enterprise (the division of Flogas that works with industrial and commercial customers and renewable energy producers) have signed a new Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA).

The County Meath based distillery, located on the historic grounds of Slane Castle, which is part of Brown Forman, have signed a CPPA which allows the company to purchase renewable electricity directly from the Cronalaght windfarm in Co. Donegal.

This purchase will meet 60% of Slane Irish Whiskey’s energy demand through wind energy.

This initiative directly supports the distillery’s target of procuring 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It is one of many sustainability initiatives the distillery has implemented; Solar Energy generated on site, a rainwater catchment system, heat recovery systems built into the production process, and a forestry restoration project, among other initiatives.

“We are delighted to support another business to achieving their sustainable energy goals,” said Karl Phelan, Account Manager at Flogas Enterprise. “Through the CPPA structure, we can easily connect our corporate energy customers to renewable energy

Pictured are Slane Distillery’s Alan Buckley, Assistant Distillery Manager; John O’Reilly, Finance Lead, Slane Distillery; Karl Phelan, Key Account Manager at Flogas Enterprise; and Gearoid Cahill, Master Distiller and Distillery Manager at Slane Distillery. generators. We are very excited to work with Slane Irish Whiskey and help them on their journey to become as carbon neutral as possible.”

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10|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

News Irish grocery price inflation hits single figures TAKE-HOME grocery sales in Ireland increased by 7.2% in the four weeks to 29 October 29, 2023, according to the latest figures from Kantar. While shoppers visited stores more often in October, with an average of 20.1 trips over the month (up 3.6%), volumes per trip continued to decline versus last year (down 5.9%).

Grocery inflation sits at 9.8% in the 12 weeks to October 29 and provided welcome news for consumers as it dropped into single figures for the first time this year.

“This is the sixth month in a row that there’s been a drop in inflation, although it’s still high,” noted Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar. “Compared to last month’s inflation rate of 10.5%, there has been a significant drop of 0.7%. The positive news is that this is the lowest inflation level we have seen since September 2022, and we expect this to continue to decline over the coming months.”

The percentage of packs sold on promotion rose slightly by 0.4% compared to last month.

The percentage of sales sold on promotion currently stands at 24.8%, up 6.9% year-onyear and the highest level seen since August 2023. Own label value share stands at 47.5%, with brands holding 47.4%, up 0.6% on last month for branded goods.

“Irish shoppers are looking out for the best deals and own label goods remained popular over the last 12 weeks, with sales up 11% compared to brands at 6.2% (+1.1% on last month),” noted Emer Healy. “Premium own label ranges had the strongest growth, up 12.1%, with shoppers spending an additional €14.8 million year-on-year. It looks like shoppers may be trying to temper their spend and seek savings now through own label lines so they can splurge on the upcoming holiday season.”

As the festive season approaches and Christmas hits the supermarkets early, consumers are already reaching for more branded and premium own label products. More indulgent categories are benefiting as a result, with seasonal biscuits and take-home confectionery all seeing more accelerated growth rates on promotion year-on-year.

The general outlook is slowly starting to improve for Irish consumers, with Kantar’s latest pressure group survey revealing that 16% of Irish households expect their finances to improve in the next 12 months.

Online sales remained strong over the 12-week period, up 28% year-on-year, with shoppers spending an additional €39.6 million on the platform. More frequent trips up 2.6% and new shoppers up 2.4% have contributed to online’s overall growth.

Dunnes, Tesco and Lidl all grew ahead of the total market in terms of value this month.

Dunnes hold 23.7%, with growth of 10.8% year-on-year and a boost in new shoppers, up 2.33%, contributing an additional

€23.9 million to their overall performance. Dunnes welcomed the strongest growth in new shoppers and volume per trip among all the retailers.

Tesco hold 22.5% of the market, with 11.3% growth yearon-year. Tesco had the strongest frequency growth among all retailers once again, up 13.1% year-on-year, alongside new shopper arrivals, which contributed an additional €81.7 million to their overall performance.

SuperValu hold 20.6% of the market, with growth of 6%.

SuperValu shoppers made the most trips in-store amongst all retailers, on average 22.3 trips alongside an increase volume per trip, which added an additional €32.6 million to their overall performance.

Lidl claim 13.5% share, with growth of 10.7% year-on-year.

More frequent trips contributed to an additional €43.1 million to their overall performance. Aldi hold 12.1%, with growth of 2.6% year-on-year, while more frequent trips contributed an additional €25.9 million to their overall performance.

BEN DUNNE RIP IT was with great sadness that Retail News learned of the sudden death of Ben Dunne at the age of 74.

One of the best-known figures from the Irish grocery sector over the last half-century, Dunne’s life was a colourful one and one often played out in the pages of our national newspapers.

Famously kidnapped by the IRA in 1981, Dunne was held captive for seven days until his £1 million ransom was believed to be paid, and this incident understandably affected him for the rest of his life.

Loved by staff in Dunnes Stores, the family business he had helped turn into Ireland’s first £1 billion company, Ben sold his stake in the company in 1994 for a reported £125 million. He has remained a much-loved media figure and social commentator in the decades since.

Never short of an opinion, Ben Dunne was one of the most controversial but universally liked figures of the Irish business community. We send our condolences to his wife Mary, children and extended family. May he rest in peace.

Local Stores, Local Communities, National Impact

ing sor mily n o p Fa ly s ttest d u i Pro d’s F lan Ire

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

SHOPPER FIRST APPROACH

OUR PEOPLE AT OUR CORE

RETAILER PROFITABILITY

DRIVING INNOVATION

SEAN LAVIN

www.londis.ie

HEAD OF SALES TEL: 086 254 1230 EMAIL: slavin@bwg.ie

12|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

IGBF Christmas Lunch

60 years of helping our own…

Ireland’s grocery industry gathered recently to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund at the annual IGBF Christmas Lunch.

MORE than 1,200 people from Ireland’s grocery industry gathered at the Clayton Burlington Hotel for the 2023 Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Christmas Lunch, held on Friday, December 1, to raise funds for the industry charity. This year marked its 60th birthday and this luncheon event, always the biggest in the IGBF’s social calendar, was a fitting way to celebrate the milestone, bringing together suppliers, retailers, and support companies alike within the Irish grocery sector to raise funds for the trade’s own benevolent fund.

Event-managed by Hotel Solutions DMC,

and hosted by Kevin Donnelly of Britvic, this year’s event saw entertainment by Choreoke Chorus Energiser, and lots of light-hearted fun on the day, with the return of the IGBF Best Dressed Christmas Outfit competition.

New President of Appeals revealed Kindly sponsored by the National Lottery and PRM, the annual Christmas lunch continues to be the biggest single fundraiser for the IGBF, thanks to the participation and support of the trade.

As he took to the stage, Joe Manning,

Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland, and the outgoing IGBF President of Appeals, reflected on his time in the role, thanked attendees and sponsors for their continued generosity for the charity and further thanked all those who attend and support the many IGBF events held around the country throughout the year.

At the lunch, Frances Higgins, Chairperson of the IGBF, announced the charity’s new President of Appeals for 2024 as Eoin Kellett, Managing Director, Mondelez Ireland, wishing him well in his new role.

The IGBF Executive Committee, pictured celebrating the charity’s 60th anniversary.

Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie|13

IGBF Christmas Lunch

Pictured are incoming IGBF President of Appeals, Eoin Kellett, Managing Director, Mondelez Ireland; Frances Higgins, BWG Foods, IGBF Chairperson; and outgoing President of Appeals, Joe Manning, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland, at the annual IGBF Christmas Lunch.

The National Lottery team, one of the main sponsors, enjoing the festivities.

Sharon Yourell Lawlor, MD, Think Plan Do Consulting, IGBF Executive Committee member; and Frances Higgins, IGBF Chairperson.

Kevin Donnelly, Managing Director of Britvic Soft Drinks Ireland, was MC for the day at the IGBF Christmas Lunch.

Making a real difference Frances Higgins also spoke about the personal difference that funds from the charity make in providing financial relief to members of the industry and their families, who find themselves in need of assistance.

She shared a video, in which Carolyn Akintola, one of the recipients of support from the charity, spoke about the personal difference that this support has meant to her. Carolyn, who lives with a life-changing disability, noted, “I want to say a huge thank you for what this charity does for me. With the help of the IGBF charity, I live. Without its support, I would only exist.”

On stage, Frances Higgins, in her role as Chair, also appealed to the suppliers, retailers, wholesalers and companies attending the Christmas lunch to keep raising awareness within their own businesses of the support that the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund provides for those working or who have worked in the grocery industry and to get in touch if they feel that colleagues, present or past, are in need of financial help.

The call on the day was to say that people can contact info@igbf.ie or gus.oreilly@igbf.ie and they will be listened to in total confidence.

For further information on the IGBF and its activities for 2024, please visit its website: www.igbf.ie.

Outgoing President of Appeals, Joe Manning, addresses attendees at the event.

14|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

IGBF Christmas Lunch

Frances Higgins, Group Head of Promotions, BWG Foods, and IGBF Chairperson, highlighted the support the IGBF provides to those within the trade who have fallen on hard times.

The Today's Women in Grocery (TWIG) Committee: Sharon Doherty, Tesco Ireland; Mary McBride, Bewleys; Jenny Eustace, BWG Foods; Siobhan Redmond, Suntory Beverage & Food; Eilis Tobin, Haleon; Brigid O’Neill, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Alison O’Doherty, Tesco Ireland; Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Think Plan Do Consulting; Michelle Darlington, Suntory Beverage & Food.

Pictured are some of the IGBF committee volunteers from around the country (l-r): Gus O’Reilly, Executive Secretary; James Johnson, Chairman of the IGBF Midwest Committee; Paddy McGarry, member of the Executive Committee and former IGBF President of Appeals; and Kevin Flynn, Southern Region Committee Chairman.

Paul Whittleton, Unilever, and Dan Reynolds, SHS Ireland, pictured enjoying the annual IGBF Christmas Lunch.

The Mondelez table, kind sponsors of the lovely Cadbury’s Advent Calendar, enjoying the IGBF 60TH Anniversary lunch.

The IGBF Christmas Lunch is the biggest event in the IGBF social calendar.

Pictured enjoying the IGBF Christmas Lunch are James McGilloway, Reckitt Benckiser; Karl O’Rourke, Heineken Ireland; and Martin Delaney, Reckitt Benckiser.

16|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Purina renews DSPCA sponsorship PICTURED are Joanne McKenna (right), Country Category Manager - Ireland, Purina PetCare, and Pat Watt, CEO, DSPCA, and his dog Lenny, and TV and Radio Presenter Bláthnaid Treacy with her dog Mabel, whom she adopted from the DSPCA, at the announcement that Purina is renewing its long-term partnership with the DSPCA, providing all the food and nutrition for cats and dogs in the care of the DSPCA, Ireland’s largest animal welfare charity, and contributing positively to the charity’s work to rehome cats and dogs annually. It is anticipated that Purina’s support will help with the care of over 3,500 cats and dogs over the course of the next two years alone. “Purina is delighted to build further on its long-standing, decadeplus partnership with the DSPCA, where it has supplied nutrition equating to over 300,000 meals and tasty treats,” noted Joanne McKenna. “The partnership renewal will now see both organisations come together to further promote the importance of animal health and wellbeing and demonstrate the positive impact of pet ownership for individuals and families.”

IGBF: a wheely good cause THE Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund ‘Tour De Grocer Cycle’ will take place again in 2024, on June 19 and 20. This year, the organisers have come up with another new and exciting route, which runs from Athlone, Co. Roscommon, to Spanish Point in Co. Clare and back again. The cycle will include an overnight stay in Spanish Point on day one, while the second day sees cyclists travel to Athlone on an alternative water-to-water route, with a stay in the Hodson Bay Hotel, along with their customary BBQ. The cost for each cyclist will cover two nights’ accommodation, meals, and support provided by the amazing team from Raycsports. For safety reasons, the maximum number of cyclists will be 30 people, so please book early to avoid disappointment. For more information, contact Marily in Hotel Solutions DMC: marily@hotel-solutions.ie, Phone: (01) 6309211.

Mace search for Unsung Heroes MACE have once again teamed up with their Brand Ambassador Johnny Sexton to offer people all around the country the opportunity to share in a prizefund of €10,000 in a community initiative, whereby the public nominate their Unsung Hero in one of five specially selected categories: Charity Award; Environment Award; Inclusion and Diversity Award; Sports, Health & Well-being Award; Youth Award. “I am genuinely proud to be working with Mace in promoting this positive community initiative throughout towns and villages in Ireland,” said Johnny. “The Mace Unsung Heroes campaign is a fabulous initiative as it puts the power in the hands of the general public for them to nominate someone who they believe is truly special and has had a profound and positive impact on their community.”

Brave brothers make a splash for Special Olympics EOIN and Lorcan Tully from the Viking Swimmers Special Olympics Club in Tallaght, are pictured at Sandycove Beach with Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, and Graham Roe, Director of Marketing, Communications & Fundraising at Special Olympics, at the launch of Special Olympics Ireland Polar Plunge 2023, which is proudly supported by Gala Retail. Now in its 21st year, the chilly challenge will see people from across Ireland ‘take the plunge’ this December in support of Special Olympics Ireland. For dates and more information visit, www.specialolympics.ie/polar-plunge.

Irish poinsettias in stock at SuperValu Pictured at the Uniplumo poinsettias glasshouses in Oldtown, Co. Dublin, are Isobel Geraghty and grower Paddy O’Dwyer as SuperValu celebrate 28 years working with the Irish supplier. SuperValu have announced that they expect to sell 115,000 Irish grown poinsettias in the run-up to Christmas. The vibrant red is a firm favourite with customers every Christmas. All poinsettias sold by SuperValu are Bord Biaapproved and carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark. This year marks the 28th year that the North Dublin based grower Uniplumo has worked with SuperValu to supply the popular festive plant.

18|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Barretstown sprinkle magic with Flahavan’s, Applegreen, Dealz and Lidl AS the festive season approaches, Barretstown have issued a national appeal to the public to help ‘Sprinkle Some Magic’ for children battling the impact of a debilitating illness this festive season. As part of the charity’s festive fundraising efforts, Barretstown has once again teamed up with Ireland’s favourite oat brand, Flahavan’s, to produce Magical Reindeer Food. The deliciously festive Magical Reindeer Food is available in Applegreen, Dealz and Lidl stores nationwide throughout December and is the perfect snack for Santa’s busy reindeer. This festive collaboration was also made possible by the generous support of Cappoquinn Logistics, who kindly donated transportation and logistical services for the reindeer food product. Magical Reindeer Food is a wonderful way to directly support the Barretstown Sprinkle Some Magic Campaign, with 100% of funds going directly to the charity with each €3 product purchase. Pictured at the announcement were Kathryn Thomas and Barretstown CEO, Dee Ahearn, with Rosanna Conaty, Axel Cassidy and Daisy Bresnihan.

New Tayto Christmas TV advert MR. TAYTO has some very exciting news this festive season; he is starring in his very first Christmas advert. This magical new TV advertisement follows Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. We all know that Santa is so busy each year, ensuring that every child around the world has a gift under their tree; however, when he returns to the North Pole, there are sadly no gifts under his own tree. In the true Christmas spirit of generosity, Mr. Tayto leaves a very special gift for Santa to enjoy over Christmas. The Tayto Christmas box, featured in the advert, has been a staple in Irish households at Christmas time, with projected sales of 1.2 million Christmas boxes this year.

BIM support Goatsbridge Trout Farm with upgrade GOATSBRIDGE Trout Farm have completed a €1.68 million investment which will see them improve efficiencies and increase production of their popular trout products at their Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, base. The investment was supported with grant aid of €666,540 from the Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme and the Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme, administered through Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). Mag Kirwan, who runs Goatsbridge with her husband Ger, said the investment - which included a factory extension, upgrading and introducing new state-of-theart production lines and introducing solar panels - will transform the business, which produces smoked trout, trout pâté, fish chowder and Ireland’s only caviar made from trout roe.

Limerick family win big at NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards THE Macnamara family, from Hospital, Co. Limerick - supplying Kerry Agribusiness – have been named as the overall winner of the 2023 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. The Macnamaras were announced as winners of the prestigious awards at a special ceremony held in Ballymaloe House in Co. Cork, where a total of 14 farming families from seven counties, representing 14 dairy cooperatives, were acknowledged for excellence in dairy farming and milk production. “The NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise the exceptionally high standards in dairy farming practice that Irish farming families exhibit every day across the country,” noted Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD. “My sincere congratulations go to the 2023 overall winner, the Macnamara family, on their success in reaching the pinnacle of this year’s programme.”

Achill Island Sea Salt awarded PDO status ACHILL Island Sea Salt, a family-owned business founded in 2013, has been recognised as a culinary treasure with a prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional quality of the O’Malley family’s hand-harvested sea salt, sourced from the waters of Achill Island, off the coast of Mayo. “We are thrilled to have achieved PDO status for Achill Island Sea Salt,” noted Maebh O’Malley from Achill Sea Salt.

“It's been a long process, and we wish to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their assistance throughout. To have our product recognised for its provenance and quality is a great boost for Achill Island Sea Salt and for Achill Island.”

20|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Dunnes Stores score for coeliacs this Christmas DUNNES Stores have teamed up with the Coeliac Society of Ireland to lead the way on gluten-free shopping with the 2023 Gluten Free Christmas Hub, good news for the 500,000 Irish people who are coeliac or gluten intolerant. The Christmas Hub 2023 is available online to all those who are gluten intolerant, packed with information and practical advice from health and nutrition experts, as well as tips, recipes and videos. It also provides helpful hints about staying healthy over the festive season. Most importantly, there is clear information on how to prepare food safely to avoid cross-contamination with foods that contain gluten. “We want to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy Christmas, for those who are hosting and may have someone who needs gluten-free solutions to those who suffer from coeliac disease and gluten customers but want to enjoy the festive season to the maximum,” said James Wilson, Food Director at Dunnes Stores. Pictured at the recent Coeliac Society Roadshow in Cork sponsored by Dunnes Stores are Vincent Healy, Dunnes Stores, Section Buyer, Dry Grocery Department, and Joanne Kett, Dunnes Stores Dry Grocery Buyer.

Irish millennials can’t get enough of mushrooms

GM Marketing 'Sleighs' with Aware NI campaign

A NEW study reveals that Irish consumers are the most likely in Europe to purchase mushrooms frequently.

The GEPC Promo (European Mushroom Growers Promo Group) has launched its EU co-funded promotion campaign ‘European Mushrooms, the Hidden Gem’, targeting millennials in nine European markets, including Ireland.

The study found that 58% of Irish respondents frequently purchase mushrooms, and are the most likely in Europe to regularly include them on their shopping lists. Overall, the research revealed that 63% of respondents think that their purchase of mushrooms for consumption will stay the same, 21% think it will increase, and 11% think it will decrease over the coming year. This shows an existing and growing interest in regularly including mushrooms in recipes. Visit europeanmushrooms.eu for more details.

GM Marketing are thrilled to announce the launch of their 12 Days of Christmas prize draw, a festive fundraiser to generate valuable donations for their charity partner, Aware NI, the depression charity for Northern Ireland that offers support and education to people with low mood, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and their caregivers.

Organised by Thrive, the Social and Well-being Committee at GM Marketing, the 12 Days of Christmas draw gives entrants the chance to win from a fantastic prize bundle worth over £5,000 in the run-up to Christmas, all while supporting a meaningful cause. Pictured are Kaitlyn Martin, Anna Mulgrew and Laimis Minelga, GM Marketing, Thrive Committee Members, with Clare Galbraith (centre) Head of Fundraising, Aware NI, at the launch of the GM Marketing 12 Days of Christmas campaign.

Fyffes fighting malnutrition in Belize THE Belize Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with Fyffes, have announced the signing of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to address malnutrition among school-age children in Belize.

This partnership is dedicated to supporting the Bella Vista School and Community Feeding Programme, with a specific focus on Bella Vista Primary School. Fyffes, in collaboration with the Agro-processing unit, will continue producing a banana flour product made from local bananas. This nutrient-rich supplement will be distributed by Fyffes to local communities, contributing to the sustained improvement of the nutritional status of school-age children. Caoimhe Buckley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Fyffes, pictured in Belize at the signing of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) to address malnutrition among school-age children in Belize.

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22|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

Retail staff continue to face heightened forms of harassment IN the last year, retail workers have seen a rise in violence and abusive behaviour from customers. This issue is being felt across the retail sector, from grocery retailers through to fashion, pharmacies, bookstores, DIY and more.

A staff survey from Circle K found that 83% of retail workers in Ireland experienced harassment from customers. The survey highlighted some very serious issues that retail workers have had to deal with, including incidence of physical assault and verbal abuse, as well as gender and race-based harassment.

The consequences of these incidents for staff are very real, including mental health issues, burnout and increased absence, which in turn affects day-to-day operations of the business overall.

The type of harassment and abuse that retail workers have had to endure has also changed in nature. In recent years, there has been an increase of protests of aggressive fringe political groups outside our government buildings, which has also reached certain businesses, as well as the recent abhorrent looting of retail stores during the rioting in Dublin city. Such protests may include campaigns against vaccinations or the stocking of particular products like books on certain themes. These protests can take the form of physical protests and demonstrations at stores, as well as incessant emails, telephone calls and website communications. The

Tel: 01-6051558 |

intention of these protesters is to shut the store and to cause disruption to its operation.

As these incidents are relatively new, many businesses are still navigating how they can support their staff to act correctly in these specific situations in a way that will diffuse the situation, while indeed protecting themselves from the offenders.

Retailers are increasingly aware of having adequate measures in place to support their staff and their wellbeing in the workplace. Many businesses have a code of conduct policy in place which guides staff members on how to act in the event of an incident. A number of different measures are put in place across retail businesses to deal with harassment of staff, including providing security awareness training, the use of tactical vests and panic buttons, ensuring stores have ample CCTV coverage and having a thorough reporting system in place, to name a few.

Many retail stores nationwide also have direct engagement with their local community Gardaí; some businesses would go as far as inviting them in to meet with their staff and discuss the incidents that are being reported and advise how they can work together to deal with these.

Despite the rise in incidents, the levels of reporting still remain low, and this is something that businesses will need to work increasingly closer with Gardaí on, in order to ensure these incidents are adequately reflected into our crime figures.

Over the last six months, Retail Ireland has been engaging with members and raising this issue with Government, highlighting the issues being experienced on the ground by retail staff members and looking at ways that Government and the Gardaí can support the sector through these challenges.

Most recently, Retail Ireland has been working with colleagues across Ibec to develop a toolkit for employees on how to best support, train and help their staff to deal with the increased levels of harassment that are being experienced in their stores. The toolkit, which includes case studies and feedback from businesses across the sector, will be launched over the coming weeks.

www.retailireland.ie

Need more?

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

24|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

GS1 Ireland

The next generation of QR codes

GS1 powered QR codes with Digital Link have launched in Ireland, with Kinsale Mead becoming the first GS1 Ireland member to unlock the power of these next generation codes in Ireland.

SINCE the early days of the Covid pandemic lockdowns. we as consumers have become increasingly familiar with the idea of scanning QR codes to access information, order from a menu or to look up credentials.

Today, those possibilities have grown exponentially with the ability to combine a product’s unique identifier (the GTIN or barcode number) with one, or more, links to additional sources of online information.

This is creating infinite new possibilities for brands, retailers and others to connect and engage with their customers; an opportunity Kate Dempsey of Kinsale Mead has already taken first-mover advantage of.

About Kinsale Mead and their GS1 QR code innovation Kinsale Mead is a multi-award-winning meadery located in Kinsale, Co. Cork, which was founded by husband-and-wife team Denis and Kate Dempsey in 2016 to reawaken the ancient art of mead-making in Ireland.

Kinsale Mead offers a range of mead products, ranging from Atlantic Dry Mead to Wild Red Mead, and a unique range of cask matured meads.

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GS1 Ireland retailers and consumers to access and view via the Verified by GS1 service.

Additionally, with the inclusion of the GS1 Digital Link data format in the QR code, Kinsale Mead have set up their first link in the GS1 Links Registry to bring consumers and other interested parties directly to a dedicated webpage for each product. GS1 Digital Links can be updated and amended by producers without impacting the QR code printed on the bottle.

The new GS1 QR codes are currently being rolled out across the Kinsale Mead range of products and are due to hit retail shelves in the coming weeks.

Are you interested in activating your GS1 QR code?

Contact the GS1 Ireland team today for information on how to get started or visit gs1ie.org/digital-link

Kinsale Mead was founded by husbandand-wife team Denis and Kate Dempsey in 2016 to reawaken the ancient art of mead-making in Ireland.

The business has grown steadily and today offers a range of mead products, ranging from Atlantic Dry Mead to Wild Red Mead, and a unique range of cask matured meads.

In fact, it was the Gold Award win for the Wild Red Mead at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Foods Awards in Dingle that sparked the initial conversation between Kate from Kinsale Mead and Maria from GS1 Ireland, about the possibilities for the new QR codes.

Kate was in the process of updating the product labels for her Mead range, so it was a timely point in the design process to set up the GS1 Digital Links for each product and to create the new multi-use QR codes.

These QR codes are different as they reference the unique barcode number (GTIN) for each product, and can be used to re-direct the user to one or more sources of information. They also future-proof Kinsale Mead’s adoption of barcode technology as a migration towards the use of 2D barcodes at the retail point of sale is underway for 2027 onwards.

Kinsale Mead joined GS1 Ireland in 2017 and today has seven products published to the GS1 Global Registry for buyers,

Why should you consider a 2D barcode?

QR codes are one of a family of 2D or “two dimensional” barcodes, that includes GS1 Data Matrix codes. Data Matrix barcodes are already widely used throughout the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors to capture and share specific product data, such as batch, lot and expiry date, alongside the product’s GTIN. These codes are set to see increased use across the retail and consumer goods industries in the coming years as businesses adopt new ways to meet the data challenges presented by the need for

The inclusion of the GS1 Digital Link data format in the QR code allows Kinsale Mead to bring consumers and other interested parties directly to a dedicated webpage for each product in their range.

The Power of QR codes GS1-powered QR codes, which combine a URL and a product’s barcode number, enable everyone, from consumers and distributors to retailers and regulators, to access varying levels of information.

• From 2027, retail point-of-sale scanners will need to be capable of scanning and processing data from 2D or “two dimensional” barcodes such as GS1 Data Matrix codes and QR codes.

• One barcode scan, limitless possibilities.

greater sustainability and transparency, better waste management, and enhanced product data accessibility, in line with consumer and regulatory demands.

Apart from providing additional functionality, 2D codes when printed are typically smaller than the standard EAN 13 barcode printed on the majority of packs today. With space on packaging under ever-increasing pressure, the option to transition to a smaller barcode format that does more is of real value to everyone across the supply chain.

Two-dimensional or 2D barcodes, such as QR codes, enable effective and more efficient inventory management processes, traceability programmes and sustainability initiatives.

Sunrise 2027 for two-dimensional barcodes at the retail point of sale GS1 Global and its board member companies have set the ambitious goal of having retail systems capable of scanning and processing the data from 2D barcodes by the end of 2027. It is estimated that by the end of 2023 alone, over 50% of retailers globally may already be capable of scanning 2D barcodes.

This transition to 2D barcodes and the benefits it will unlock for all, will undoubtedly be one of the biggest retail technology transformations since the introduction of the original linear barcode over 50 years ago. GS1 is supporting businesses around the world to maximise the value from this digital revolution. Are you ready?

26|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Consumer Trends

Top trends for 2024 Global market research company Euromonitor International’s Top Global Consumer Trends 2024 report identifies six insights into consumers’ values and shopping motivations in 2024.

EUROMONITOR International’s annual Top Global Consumer Trends report reveals emerging dynamics that will shape consumer decision making in 2024. It identifies the trends that are helping to shape consumers’ evolving values and explores how their behaviour is redefining their shopping motivations and needs. It examines how the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the importance of sustainability initiatives, and social, economic and political factors are crucial in understanding global consumer trends this year.

Euromonitor’s top Global Consumer Trends in 2024 are: 1. Ask AI: Generative AI is prompting an ecosystem reset. New tools are evolving into cocreators for consumers, influencing their decisions and reshaping their expectations of brand engagement. These platforms will become increasingly integrated into consumers' daily lives. Businesses should utilise generative AI to enhance personalisation and enrich the customer experience.

Generative AI has taken the world by storm. ChatGPT reached 100 million users within two months of launch, becoming one of the fastest-growing consumer applications in history. A flood of other apps that lean on the same large language models (LLMs) quickly followed.

Rapid adoption can be attributed to the accessible nature of these platforms.

Consumers can produce a plethora of content, from creative writing to music and art, with little technical expertise.

Advanced algorithms and LLMs combined

with simple interfaces are placing the power of machine learning in their hands.

Productivity and creativity tend to be the main drivers of use thus far, but new applications continue to pop up. As consumers keep testing the capabilities of this technology, they’ll expect brands to do the same. The Ask AI trend is all about ongoing experimentation and shifting consumer expectations of generative AI solutions.

Take chatbots and voice assistants, for example. More than 40% of consumers would be comfortable with voice assistants offering personalised recommendations, but less than one-fifth felt the same about using bots to answer complex customer service questions. Generative AI could enhance or refine these functionalities, resulting in a better user experience.

Using generative AI integrations to capture an enhanced level of customer insight, you can build unique user experiences. For example, create smarter virtual assistants that curate responses to individual queries, so shoppers can

immediately find what they need.

2. Delightful distractions: Consumers seek an escape from daily stress and anxieties to break away from the mundane. Delightful distractions invigorate and uplift emotions. These thrill-filled and feel-good moments can leave a meaningful impression. Brands that find opportunities to sprinkle in bliss, from touchpoints to campaigns, will build strong connections with customers. Some 29% of consumers would be comfortable with brands tracking their emotions and personalising experiences to their moods.

Small (unexpected) surprises or little acts of cheer can satisfy this demand to an extent. Shoppers will also look for products that elicit those rewarding emotions. Clever or creative messaging will further engage your audience. Add a light-hearted spin to order confirmation emails or in-store signage, for example. Little details and small gestures can go a long way.

Emotional marketing comes to the forefront here, too. Brands should focus on

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Consumer Trends tying their products to this cultural desire for optimism. Such tactics could cause your customers to crack a smile, then that positive feeling becomes associated with your brand. Bottom line: find moments where you can uplift your customers. Don’t be afraid to get silly or be playful, but always stay true to your brand personality.

3. Greenwashed out: While consumers are attempting to live more sustainably, they question whether companies and governments are fully utilising available resources to create a meaningful impact.

People know their eco-friendly choices help to an extent, but real change needs to be a collective effort. So, consumers are pushing the responsibility back on businesses. They want organisations to step up and show proof of their eco pledges, and they won’t accept empty promises or false narratives.

Environmental concerns remain top of mind. Some consumers will keep making sustainable choices within their means, whilst others who feel discouraged might not make as much of an effort. Barriers like affordability and distrust are big challenges preventing further action.

Emission reduction should be a focus area to cut through the noise. Offsetting isn’t enough, but accurately mapping out your carbon footprint is complex.

Businesses need to measure direct and indirect emissions, including upstream and downstream value chains. That’s not only challenging to track but also extensively regulated.

The good news: investing in long-term energy-efficient measures can be a costcutting strategy. Partnering with the right suppliers helps you avoid future penalties, and eco-friendly operations could have an immediate effect on your bottom line.

Complete transparency is also critical here.

You need to share concrete evidence of responsible business practices and validate progress. At the same time, demonstrate sustainable impact with specifics. If your product is made from recyclable materials, for example, put the amount of waste that was saved in production on the packaging.

That way, shoppers immediately know how their purchase decision or behaviour makes a difference.

4. Progressively polarised: Political and social issues are at the core of personal identities. These belief systems influence perspectives, values and attitudes. Consumers will not refrain from expressing their convictions. Social

responsibility, political affiliation and sustainability initiatives will motivate spending.

How consumers react to brands that take a stance can be unpredictable.

Businesses need to approach hot-button topics with care and remain authentic to brand ethos.

At the same time, consumers can also feel indifferent about corporate stances or simply don’t take these factors into consideration when shopping for particular items. They’ll search for products based on price, quality or benefits, not CSR and ESG efforts. Some may even steer clear of brands that promote a partisan agenda.

Brands have to tread a fine line on political and social affairs. Quite a contradiction from past years, where consumers urged companies to commit to a cause.

Inaction isn’t an option either.

Businesses still have a role to play. The difference now: supporting issues that matter to your customers but also match your brand identity and knowing how to strategically communicate your efforts.

Before taking a stance, know where your target audience stands. Companies should conduct extensive research to determine how influential social or political matters are in brand perception and the path to purchase.

5. Value hackers: With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, consumers are adjusting their financial mindset and 44% of consumers planned to save more money in 2023. They are employing increasingly clever strategies to get the very best deals. Businesses need to step up incentives, innovate around affordability and cater to cost-conscious needs.

Even as inflation decelerates, the residual effects still impede their purchasing power. Saving money remains a priority, but shoppers will look for novel ways to stretch their wallets. These consumers actively look for dupes (or knockoffs), pay with credit card or rewards points, switch to premium private label brands and participate in free activities.

Deinfluencers have also become popular on social media, where people expose products they believe are overhyped or overpriced.

Cost-effective and added-value solutions will help companies meet these consumer needs. Explore affordable options outside of traditional markdowns.

Bundle-and-save deals allow shoppers to purchase multiple products at a discount,

Alison Angus, Head of Innovation at Euromonitor International. for example. Private label lines can deliver comparable quality at a lower rate. Referral bonuses or early-bird rates also entice shoppers, whilst putting cash back in their pockets.

Remember: price is one component.

There are other factors to take into account.

Loyalty programmes could let consumers earn points to put towards future purchases. Find and offer extra perks that matter to your audience.

6. Wellness pragmatists: Consumers are seeking fast and effective solutions to improve both their physical and mental wellbeing. Demonstrated effectiveness will play a significant role in their purchasing decisions. Products need to be backed by facts and easily blend with current habits. Companies should offer practical options that leverage the power of science and technology.

Customised, nutrient-dense meals that require minimal prep continue to infiltrate the food sector. Brands keep refining personalisation capabilities in cosmetics and supplements, for example, to target specific concerns. New launches should aim to help your customers reach their wellness targets.

“Consumer preferences are closely linked to the sustainability agenda, technological progress and the impact of sociopolitical issues,” said Alison Angus, Head of Innovation at Euromonitor International. “Companies should handle sensitive subjects with caution, while staying true to their brand's core values.”

For more information see Euromonitor’s Top Global Consumer Trends 2024 report, visit: lp.euromonitor.com/whitepaper/2024-global-consumer-trends/ overview.

28|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Waste Management

Workplace waste made easy!

A toolkit designed to take the uncertainty out of waste segregation in the workplace is now available from MyWaste, Ireland’s official guide to waste.

A Government-funded initiative provides a free and extensive suite of signage and training materials to help workforces make accurate recycling decisions. This will assist Irish businesses achieve greater circular economy performance through increased recycling and composting rates.

A recent waste characterisation study carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency found that 74% of waste placed in the general commercial waste bins should be placed in either the recycling or food waste bins (Source: EPA National Municipal Waste Characterisation Project, September 2023). Food waste, paper and plastics are the top three wastes in commercial general waste bins and over 70% of food waste generated by the commercial sector is placed in general waste bins, with only 25% placed in food waste bins. mywaste_Toolkit_publication.pdf

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20/10/2023

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MANAGE workplace WASTE BETTER C

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INCREASE RECYCLING RATES COMPLY WITH NEW LEGISLATION PROMOTE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

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Go to mywaste.ie/business to download a FREE TOOLKIT designed to help you better manage your business waste.

This toolkit includes posters, bin labels and a step-by-step guide to better business waste management.

Printed copies are also free to order while stocks last.

#circularworkplaces

Waste segregation Action on reducing the amount of food waste in commercial bins throughout the county is now required, as food waste has not only economic consequences, but environmental and social consequences as well. Therefore, all food waste should be source-separated and placed in dedicated food waste bins, which will ensure that it can be processed correctly, further aiding Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.

Proper waste segregation means more waste materials can be diverted to the circular economy, which in turn reduces the need for new raw materials and resources. Following the guidance within the Commercial Waste Toolkit can significantly improve the quality and quantity of recyclable and compostable waste generated in Ireland.

Empowering you to improve waste management Speaking on behalf of the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, Kevin Swift, Connacht Ulster Region Waste Office, said: “This initiative will empower small and medium sized businesses, particularly those in the retail, hospitality, manufacturing and corporate sectors, to further improve how their waste is managed. With clear language and visuals, the materials will make it easy for staff to quickly understand what waste goes in what bin and should significantly increase the amount of recyclables and food waste diverted from the general bin and correctly placed in the recycling and food waste bins.”

Assets include posters, bin labels, brochures, checklists, training

animations and testimonials, and materials are available to order (while stocks last) or download free of charge from www. mywaste.ie/business/. In addition to using the assets linked, tips to help maximise recycling include visually checking your bins to identify incorrect segregation, colour coding, ensuring bins are placed in accessible designated locations and continuously increasing awareness and knowledge within the workforce.

Incentivised waste charging To further support waste segregation in Ireland, incentivised waste charging and other changes for waste collection in the commercial sector have been introduced through the introduction of the Waste Management (Collection Permit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023, which came into effect on July 1, 2023.

Measures in this piece of legislation include: •

•

•

•

•

All waste collection companies are now required to provide a residual, mixed dry recyclable and food waste bin to all their commercial customers; Waste collection companies must ensure that all business customers are placed onto a price plan that ensures that the cost to the customer for mixed dry recyclable or food waste is less than the cost of disposal for municipal waste; All waste collected must be weighed, with details on the weights of the individual bins communicated to customers; Waste collection companies will be required to at least collect the recyclable waste materials as specified on mywaste.ie; Collection of recyclable waste and food waste must occur at least fortnightly.

The various measures outlined, in addition to the toolkit resources, will assist in improved waste segregation, environmental sustainability and will also contribute to Ireland’s transition to a more circular economy.

For more information, visit www.mywaste.ie/business or www.mywaste.ie/contact.

Made Easy Go to

FREE toolkit

This toolkit includes posters, bin labels and a step-by-step Free to order while stocks last.

30|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Pakman Awards

Rewarding recycling excellence!

Repak’s Pakman Awards celebrated Ireland’s recycling and waste management champions who lead the way in their commitments to sustainability and the environment.

THE 2023 Pakman awards, which took place recently at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, saw representatives from leading businesses and community groups come together to recognise excellence in recycling and waste management.

Winners on the night included some notable names from the Irish grocery industry. Sian Young from Britvic Ireland was announced as the ESG Leader, a new award which recognises individual contributions.

Aldi Ireland were announced as the Battery and WEEE Champion, for their work raising awareness and highlighting the importance of recycling batteries and electrical items through internal and external communications. To date, Aldi Ireland have distributed over 200,000 ‘My Battery Boxes’, and customers have returned over 666,924kg of batteries.

Repak’s Plastic Pledge Award went to Lidl Ireland for their commitment to the five pledge objectives to reduce plastic, which resulted in the removal of over 15 tonnes of single use plastic.

Other winners included Bord na Móna for Waste Recovery Operator (Commercial and Household), and Refillz Zero Waste in the Waste Prevention category.

Overall winner Winning a Pakman Award is one of the highest accolades an organisation, company, community group or individual can receive for their environmental and waste management efforts. All category winners were entered into the competition to find the overall winner, which went to the Killarney Park & The Ross, a grassroots community project which was set up this year with the goal of eliminating singleuse coffee cups from Killarney town centre. To date the project, which comprises 25 local independent coffee shops and 21 hotels, has eliminated over 70,000 coffee cups from circulation.

Environmental champions Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak, described the winners as “an extraordinary group of environmental champions”. He said: “Each year, we continue to be inspired by the phenomenal efforts of those making a positive impact in waste management and mitigation procedures.

Now, more than ever, it is important to champion sustainability, and tonight, our winners have truly shown us that the future is bright.

“This year saw some of the highest quality entries we’ve ever had from companies, businesses, community groups and individuals, reflecting their commitment to help reach our future EU recycling targets and protect our planet for future generations.

"The standard of this year’s entries was not only exceptional but serves as inspiration for others in how to deliver exemplary environmental practices. I would like to thank our sponsors, congratulate all the winners and finalists and extend a special congratulations to The Killarney Park & The Ross, the winner of the 2023 Overall Pakman Award.”

Sian Young, Director of Sustainable Business for Britvic Ireland, accepts the the ESG Leader Award from Paddy Murphy, Director at Producer Register Limited.

Aldi Ireland were named Battery and WEEE Champion.

Pictured are (l-r): Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, with Christina Vetina, National Sustainability Assistant at Aldi Ireland, and Jason Carolan, Plastic and Packaging Manager at Aldi Ireland.

Lidl Ireland took home the Plastic Pledge Award. Pictured are (l-r): Tom Shipsey, Chairman of Repak with Dennis Spiegel, Senior Responsible Sourcing Manager at Lidl Ireland.

Images from rawpixel.com

2023 in Retailing: The Highs and Lows - Ireland’s leading retail groups report on a busy but challenging year.

32|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Spar: always looking to the future

Spar celebrated 60 years in Ireland in 2023 and the convenience retail brand remains as popular as ever with Irish shoppers.

SPAR’S seminal 60th birthday celebrations have provided the backdrop for Ireland’s leading convenience retail brand’s activity for the past 12 months. After all, when you’ve been ‘Under the Tree Since ‘63’, it is appropriate to pay homage to the achievement and acknowledge the now more than six decades that Spar retailers have been serving towns, cities and communities throughout Ireland.

The success of Spar is derived from the true partnership that exists between Spar’s retailers and brand owners, BWG Foods. It is a relationship based on two-way communication and one where retailers’ opinions and experience are not only sought but are listened to and, crucially, acted upon. For Spar, the sentiment of ‘being stronger together’ is very relevant.

This model has been successful and mutually beneficial since ’63, as Spar Sales Director, Colin Donnelly, attests: “Spar retailers really understand that this is a partnership and if they have a problem, we sit down and we talk about it and we get a resolution. The most important thing for us is to listen to retailers and take their learnings on board because, ultimately, the

partnership works both ways. That’s where the partnership really comes into its own, that they can and do come to us for advice and together we discuss the opportunities for growing their business together.”

Colin has been with Spar for more than 21 years and is still dealing with retailers today that he dealt with on his very first day, and one of the crucial areas of this relationship and the trust built up over the years is the willingness of retailers to welcome innovation and, to a certain degree, some experimentation when it comes to their in-store offerings. Spar has a well-established and fully deserved

reputation as the industry leader in retail foodservice, which is brought to life, in particular, through its fresh food offering and Spar Deli has consistently been a stand-out offering for customers who are used to purchasing only the finest quality fresh food, either food-to-go or food to buy and consume in-store.

Crucially, Spar is always addressing shopper needs through staying up to date with latest trends and sharing these with Spar’s nationwide network of retailers.

The dedicated Food Innovation team regularly hosts retailers for Deli Innovation Days, where these new concepts are first

Spar Number of stores nationwide: 400+ Typical store size: Varies Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Spar stores nationwide Website: www.spar.ie Social Media: Facebook.com/SparIreland; Instagram: @spar_ireland; Twitter: @ SparIreland Tagline: ‘Under the Tree at Spar’

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Retail Groups Report

Spar retailers have been serving towns, cities and communities throughout Ireland for 60 years. developed and shared with the estate before being introduced to market.

“Together with our retailers, we are excited to bring a new foodservice offering to life and our retailers are always welcoming to trying new concepts,” explains Colin. “What is critical is that we are also quick to spot when something is not working and move on from it. That’s the beauty of our experience and our confidence in our offering. As important as it is to innovate, it is equally important to spot that something isn’t working and act quickly.”

a trendsetter and frequently hosts study tours from the 48 nations worldwide who are eager to learn from the Spar Ireland model and how Ireland, for such a relatively small country, can have so many different types of store formats serving different demographics but all with a commonality when it comes to look-and-feel. Spar Ireland experienced one of its busiest years in 2023 with international visitors learning from Spar retailers.

As well as its award-winning store design, Spar also works tirelessly to drive brand awareness and show support for local stores through high-profile sponsorships and brand ambassadors, complemented by advertising campaigns that resonate with shoppers. Spar’s annual Christmas television advert, which was reimagined last Christmas, is an annual highlight for shoppers, while the radio advert featuring Hollywood actor Colm Meaney this year proved very popular with listeners and shoppers.

Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director.

An international trendsetter Another area where Spar differentiates itself is how the brand is renowned for being at the forefront of pushing retail standards internationally and regularly wins top international awards, particularly in the field of convenience retailing. Spar Ireland is recognised internationally as

Spar Deli is a stand-out offering for customers who are used to purchasing only the finest quality fresh food, either food-to-go or food to buy and consume in-store.

Spar Community Fund “The core of Spar remains steadfastly the community-centric approach to all activity and the community ethos that is fostered by our nationwide network of retailers, who are as passionate as we are about championing those within our communities who make a real difference in people’s lives,” Colin reveals. In year three now of the Spar Community Fund initiative, fronted

by Brand Ambassador Kellie Harrington, Spar donated €80,000 to deserving community projects across the country, something that is indicative of Spar’s ongoing commitment of giving back to local communities and their customers.

This is something everyone in Spar is passionate about, according to Colin: “For 60 years, Spar retailers have been proud to serve local communities around the country and the Spar Community Fund initiative allows us to continue our ongoing work of rewarding and acknowledging the communities Spar retailers are embedded in, which speaks directly to the very ethos of Spar.”

Spar addresses shopper needs through staying up to date with latest trends and sharing these with Spar’s nationwide network of retailers.

Coming off the back of 60th celebrations, Spar’s focus for 2024 will be built around the key positioning of ‘Always Changing’ as Spar continues to bring value-added to its retailers while protecting margin and helping to maximise retailer profitability. This will revolve around a strong focus on value, including continued expansion of the Spar Range, recognising the demand from shoppers during challenging times, while not compromising Spar’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy eating through the Spar Better Choices programme, that allows the brand to constantly evolve and engage with shoppers in new ways.

34|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Eurospar looks to the future

Eurospar has unveiled a new design concept that has a dual purpose of retailer profitability and enhanced shopper experience.

THERE’S an old adage that suggests if you’re standing still in business - and indeed in life - that you’re in fact going backwards. Perhaps a rudimentary outlook but one that does bear up under scrutiny.

To be successful, and to stay successful, you must always look to the future and ask, of yourself and those around you, what’s next?

Eurospar asked that very question and the answer was presented to attendees to the Eurospar Conference in March 2023 when Eurospar Your Supereasy Supermarket’s exciting new design concept was revealed. The new Eurospar Supermarket look-and-feel is designed with the dual focus of retailer profitability and enhanced shopper experience and, as proven by the response of shoppers in the first Eurospar to feature the design concept, Eurospar Dunboyne, it delivers precisely that.

From the impressive off licence to the enticing fresh food display in the first aisle, positioned to attract customers’ attention, there is a strong value image evident throughout the store, which further establishes Eurospar’s Supereasy Savings

commitment. The revamped look-and-feel incorporates black ceilings and brightly lit contemporary department signage that delivers a modern and contemporary feel to the store. This is immediately evident in Eurospar Dunboyne. A full suite of pointof-sale communication materials further complements the new store design concept and enhances Eurospar’s message of value for shoppers.

A real partnership The success of Eurospar can be attributed to one element, partnership. “Together with our retailers, we constantly seek new ways to grow and better serve the communities they operate in,” explains Peter Dwan, Eurospar Sales Director. “We have responded to this ambition by investing in our unique brand positioning of being ‘Your Supereasy Supermarket’.”

This tagline speaks directly to the sense of community that every Eurospar retailer possesses and the passion with which they serve those communities.

Eurospar retailers derive great pleasure and pride from being able to provide their customers with the best service possible, in

Peter Dwan, Sales Director, Eurospar. concert with everything they expect from a community supermarket.

This design response is a credit to the BWG Retail Development team and also has a particular emphasis on optimising in-store communications to maximise the overall shopper experience at Eurospar.

It also helps to communicate and amplify Eurospar’s credentials as a purveyor of

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Retail Groups Report

This new store design helps to communicate and amplify Eurospar’s credentials as a purveyor of fresh foods. fresh foods. This is an area where Eurospar really stands out, with ambitious plans to further strengthen its offering in this area.

A spirit of innovation These ambitions demand that Eurospar is constantly innovating with new ranges exclusively for Eurospar customers. As a result of this innovative spirit, sales of easy meal solutions and freshly baked goods across Eurospar stores have increased significantly in recent years; this has led to even further expansion of their fresh and chill space requirements in stores.

To this end, Eurospar retailers are regularly invited to partake in Eurospar Deli Innovation Days, hosted in their dedicated innovation centre in North Dublin. These events focus on new deli product ranges across hot, cold and prepack. “We believe there is considerable scope for us to leverage our ambitions to become the family shopping destination of choice,” notes Peter Dwan. This ambition is complemented by the determination to deliver a superior shopping experience, underpinned by a commitment to providing

Number of Stores nationwide: 51 Sales Director: Peter Dwan Typical store size: 450-1,200 square metres Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Eurospar Supermarkets nationwide.

Website: www.eurospar.ie Social Media: Facebook: @eurosparireland, Instagram: @eurospar_ireland Tagline: Your Supereasy Supermarket exclusive fresh foods, great value, exceptional customer service, unrivalled availability and a compelling rewards programme to provide an enjoyable shopping experience.

Commitment to responsible retailing The responsibility to local communities and the environment is one Eurospar retailers are particularly passionate about. For example, Eurospar recently embarked on an ambitious commitment to responsible retailing, encompassing a wide array of sustainability plans designed to build on the progress already delivered. Their plans are informed by international collaboration with colleagues from Spar International.

Complementing this strategy, Eurospar has become an official sponsor with the Junk Kouture sustainable fashion competition. This is a tremendous sponsorship for Eurospar and its retailers and speaks directly to their ambitious sustainability goals and their stated responsible retailing commitment, both locally and nationally.

Eurospar has always been proud of

Eurospar’s revamped look-and-feel incorporates black ceilings and brightly lit contemporary department signage that delivers a modern and contemporary feel to the store

The new look-and-feel has been positively embraced by customers in Eurospar Dunboyne. those local champions, those individuals or groups in communities whose commitment to their area can sometimes go unnoticed.

The ‘Let’s Celebrate Community’ campaign is designed to shine a spotlight on those within the community who go above and beyond to provide for their locality.

Eurospar shoppers are encouraged to nominate a group or person within their community for special recognition. In recent times, those selected for special merit include a suicide bereavement support group, a children’s cancer charity and a local food bank.

This initiative was significantly upweighted in 2023, with 10 local groups from across the country being presented with a €1,000 donation each on behalf of Eurospar retailers.

Ultimately, at its core, Eurospar is a network of local family-owned supermarkets supported by a team determined to help drive their sales and maximise margin, while serving and supporting their local communities.

This is reflected in all its activities and sponsorships, and is the foundation stone for the Eurospar family of retailers.

36|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Mace is always willing to Go The Extra Smile Ireland’s longest established symbol group continues to set the standard for convenience retailing in Ireland.

THE nature of the relationship between Mace retailers and their communities cuts to the heart of what is Ireland’s longest established retail symbol brand. That relationship is built upon the exemplary customer service delivered by their friendly and helpful staff. This core feature of the Mace DNA shines through in consumer research conducted year-on-year and was recently reflected in this year’s CX Ireland Customer Experience report, where the brand ranked number 20 out of 150 brands.

Mace is very proud to always have its retailers and their staff at the heart of its mission and it is the job of the wider Mace sales team to offer the best retail advice and support to every single retailer, which the team is passionate about. Mace is in constant communication with its retailers to support them in every facet of their business.

Mace Excellence Standards Programme Driving this is the Mace Excellence Standards Programme, which provides a framework for best practice retail operating standards in-store. It focuses on everything from shop-floor standards, value projection and customer service

to financial control. This Standards Programme is an excellent incentive for staff members to provide the best possible shopper experience for their customers.

Mace retailers also benefit from BWG’s expert Fresh Food Advisory team, whose aim is to drive fresh food participation instore and ensure the highest level of food safety standards, while also prioritising retailer profitability.

Additionally, retailers work closely with BWG’s Food and Beverage Innovation team, the BWG Alcohol Advisory team and the group’s leading coffee partners. The Mace online learning platform, uLearn@Mace, means that every Mace staff member is fully integrated into the Mace family from their first day of employment and learns how to go ‘The Extra Smile’ for their customers.

These resources play a very important role in the overall package Mace retailers deliver for their customers and ensure that Mace’s imprint on the convenience grocery retail sector in Ireland remains profound.

Mace has been the symbol standard-bearer longer than anyone else and has had a direct and tangible impact on the industry.

Where Mace has traditionally led, others

Mace is in constant communication with its retailers to support them in every facet of their business. have followed, and this responsibility is one every retailer is proud to shoulder.

“Mace is synonymous with the highest convenience retailing standards and that is a reputation we are very proud of,” explains Mace Sales Director Keith Crawford.

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Retail Groups Report

Keith Crawford, Mace Sales Director.

“As the oldest established retail symbol brand in Ireland, we have worked hard to build that reputation for ‘Going the Extra Smile’ and everyone is very proud to be associated with such an iconic brand as Mace.”

Here’s Johnny: the Sexton effect Mace is also exceptionally, and justifiably, delighted with the success of its relationship with the magnificent Johnny Sexton. His most recent stay in France was unfortunately cut short by a fortnight but Mace seized the golden opportunity to be part of the rugby conversation with a comprehensive programme of activity featuring the rugby legend and long-time Mace ambassador.

Mace continues to drive brand awareness through this unique and

Mace retailers continue to deliver for their customers and ensure that Mace’s imprint on the convenience grocery retail sector in Ireland remains profound.

award-winning partnership with the now former Ireland rugby captain. He has been a proud member of the Mace family since 2018 and will be continuing in that role for the foreseeable future. Initiatives such as the Mace Right Options healthier living programme and campaigns such as ‘Keep Signing Sexton!’ resonate strongly with Mace shoppers and elevate the brand to create stand-out in a very competitive marketplace.

As well as helping drive brand awareness, footfall and sales for all Mace stores, the very tangible reward for this fabulous partnership was highlighted by the awards won by Mace at the various industry awards ceremonies.

Mace was delighted to be honoured with two gold awards in the APMC Awards for the ‘Mace Right Options - A Walk with Johnny’ campaign, gold in the Best in Retail Award category and in the Best Talent Award category. Mace was also honoured with Gold for ‘Mace Right Options - A Walk with Johnny’ in the Sockies Best Video Campaign category and won Silver in the Digital Media Awards in Best in Retail category for the ‘Mace Jokes with Johnny’ campaign. Mace was also shortlisted for an AIMS award.

New Mace store design In terms of retail development, the response of customers to the new Mace store design in locations across Ireland has been very positive and well received by the industry. The new image is reflective of the shift convenience and forecourt stores have

Mace Sales Director: Keith Crawford Number of stores nationwide: 146+ Typical store size: Varies Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre, (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Mace stores nationwide Website: www.mace.ie Social media: https://www.facebook. com/MaceIreland/ https://www.instagram.com/mace_ ireland/ https://twitter.com/MaceIreland https://www.youtube.com/@ maceireland8951

been experiencing in recent years.

As part of Mace’s latest design revamp, the off licence has seen a true transformation, with feature ceiling design and lighting. In an innovative design feature, spirits are in open flow presentation and while retaining crucial functionality, the separated design of the off licence space is proving very popular with shoppers. As such, Mace’s revamped off licence concept is proving a real hero department for those retailers who have invested, with increasing growth in this area.

There has also been really positive reaction to the optimisation of Fresh Food displays, which are designed to appeal to the current customer base and attract new customers.

These gains are a true reflection of the ambition of the Mace brand and are in keeping with plans to further grow the brand through a comprehensive marketing programme, further community activations with brand ambassador Johnny Sexton, along with Mace’s robust charity programme and ‘Food…Too Good To Waste’ campaign.

From a store perspective, there are many developments in the pipeline, which are all designed to complement existing activity in this space, whilst the Mace team will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a strong value offering for customers and most importantly, maximise retailer profitability.

38|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Londis unveils new strategy

Londis recently unveiled its new three-year strategy, Achieving Together 20232026, and embarked on a stringent store audit programme that ensures the best food safety standards.

DIFFERENTIATING yourself within this industry is something Londis does to perfection. It achieves this by relying on its core values and principles and embracing those very traits.

Why is Londis such a standout within the retail grocery sector? Because it recognises that its greatest strength is its retailers and their staff and how intimately they know the communities in which they are embedded.

Londis retailers know their local communities. How? It’s simple really. It’s because Londis retailers are part of those same communities. They are local to those communities, just like their customers.

They are your friends and your neighbours, as well as being your local retailer.

It is what helps set Londis retailers apart: whether through first-class customer service, new innovative services, better choice of quality food-to-go and beverage offering or local knowledge.

Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

Londis retailers are local, like you!

Londis has been a proud and vital part of the fabric of Ireland for more than 60 years and in that time its nationwide network of independent retailers has served local towns, villages and cities right

Londis has been delivering for its customers across Ireland for more than six decades.

across the country. They have supported local jobs and local suppliers and have always catered to a wide and diverse base of customers through both neighbourhood, urban store formats and forecourt operations.

It is an ambition to be the best that has driven Londis for more than six decades and indeed, the ongoing objective of the Londis brand (and its retailers) is to continue to grow and evolve, which is also rooted in the ambition of Londis retailers for providing true excellence when it comes to service, quality, product-mix and value.

It is a truism that Londis retailers have an extra special something that only local people can deliver.

Londis Number of Stores nationwide: 130+ Sales Director: Conor Hayes Typical Store Size: Varies Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre, (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Londis stores nationwide.

Website: www.londis.ie Social Media: @LondisIreland on X (formerly) Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, @londisirelandofficial on TikTok Tagline: Local like you

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Retail Groups Report

The newly enhanced Londis store design is showcased in Gillan’s Londis in Castleknock, Dublin.

BWG Retail Food Safety Standard The continuing excellence of Londis is something Londis Sales Director Conor Hayes is particularly passionate about and has been proactive in future-proofing, with a strong focus not just on maintaining but continuously improving store standards, which is a critical element of the Londis strategy out to 2026.

“We want all of our stores to be of a similar high standard, so we have upweighted our standards programme for the estate,” says Conor. “This year, we did over 360 audits in our stores and we are also very active in progressing a comprehensive food safety standard for our stores. We have the BWG Retail Food Safety Standard, and we’ve partnered with LRQA on that so that’s a very stringent audit. It’s a huge audit and this is our first year with it. We believe it is so important that we get it right, for our retailers and ultimately for their customers.”

If retailers pass this rigorous in-house food safety standard, they can be fully confident in their store’s credentials, reveals Hayes: “If you pass this, you will pass anything, anywhere in the world, because even the EHOs will tell you that this is one of the most stringent audits that they’ve ever seen, so it’s great for retailers to make sure that everything is right.”

The relationship between the Londis brand owners and retailers is one predicated upon open communication and implicit trust. It is a true partnership and the joy and pride that Londis has with being sponsors of successful shows like Ireland’s Fittest Family is shared by every single retailer, as it is with their endorsement and support that Londis engages in this activity.

The pride every retailer feels at their brand winning successive awards at the Irish Sponsorship Awards for Best

TV Broadcast Sponsorship is tangible.

Similarly, Londis retailers love the sense of fun and humour that is at the centre of Londis’ marketing activity. The iconic duo of Liam and Des are now very much part of the brand story and the success of this approach is reflected in Londis winning a Sockie and a National Digital Award.

Expanding ranges to increase profitability What is also of vital importance to Londis is the continuing focus by the brand owners on helping retailers with their profitability and doing everything possible to ensure they are as profitable as they possibly can be, especially given consumers are always keen to seek out value-added when and where they shop.

In this regard, Londis has been, and will continue to, expand both house brand and own brand ranges.

“That’s high on the consumer agenda and it’s high on our agenda”, explains Conor. “We need to be able to maximise that, so we’re going to make sure we can get the range into every store we have.”

In that regard, the association with BWG Foods is crucial, Conor stresses: “It’s great to be a part of BWG where you have house brands. For example, BWG offers the quality, Bord-Bia approved Irish meat brand, Inishella. As part of BWG, we can use the house brands to supplement our own brand range and there’s some great plans around that. What is hugely positive for Londis retailers and their customers is that between own brand and house brands, we have more than 600 lines, which is huge.”

New three-year strategy Londis is a brand that is consistently evolving with the times and with 10 new stores, from Donegal to Duagh in Co.

Kerry, welcomed into the family in 2023, the ambition remains to further bolster the estate. Londis recently presented the new three-year strategy – ‘Achieving Together 2023-2026’ – to retailers at a special Londis Conference, held in Spanish Point, to great acclaim.

There was huge excitement at the design aspect of the new strategy, which is showcased in Gillan’s Londis in Castleknock, Dublin, and focuses on “subtle enhancements” instead of radical changes to a look and feel that was already working well.

“We weren’t going to rip it up and start again,” says Conor, “because it wasn’t the right thing to do, as we’re still very much growing, and the feedback we have is that the store look and feel is very good. The changes include a concrete tile and new modern internal signage, as well as a new pink background colour for the bakery to differentiate the bakery option versus the rest of the store.”

The enhanced Londis store design offers subtle tweaks to an already popular concept.

Londis’ well-established Bia Blás deli concept has been retained due to the positive feedback and research it has generated, albeit changed slightly, alongside an updated off licence and more clearly highlighted promotions. There are also a number of food innovation concepts being introduced to the estate, with regular food innovation workshops hosted to allow retailers and their staff to both taste and see how mouth-watering new creations can be designed in their own stores.

The growth and performance of Londis has been consistently exceeding the market but there is no suggestion of the brand, or its retailers, resting on their laurels; there is a lot done but, Conor insists, even more to achieve.

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Retail Groups Report

XL Continues to grow and thrive XL group is one of the fastest growing retail groups in the country, and 2023 saw the opening of its first greenfield site.

THE continuing growth of the XL retail brand within the industry is a success story that continues to engender justifiable pride in the performance of the brand itself and, crucially, the family of independent retailers throughout the country. XL is one of the fastest growing retail brands in Ireland and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Indeed, the ambition to grow and improve the brand, and the offering of the 230+ XL retailers is the motivating force that drives the culture of innovation for XL to develop new concepts and ideas to attract and retain more customers which, in turn, helps to manage margin and maximise retailer profitability. It is this culture that saw a significant number of new stores introduced to the XL family in 2023, which included securing greenfield forecourt and neighbourhood sites. These impressive

developments have been a game changer for the XL brand within the convenience sector and further sites are already agreed and under construction.

Greenfield site “There was great excitement when we cut the ribbon on our first greenfield site, in particular,” says XL Sales Director Paul Bealin. “XL Cloghan Service Station is a fabulous store and site. Retailer Martin Grogan and his hard-working team have been marvellous additions to the XL family and it is proving a great addition to the locality.”

That special sense of community is hugely important to all XL retailers and every XL retailer enjoys a hugely positive relationship with the communities they serve. This is achieved through a combination of the brand promise of providing ‘a great deal more at your local store’ and XL’s unique in-store and social media consumer campaigns and activities.

These campaigns will often involve a fun or a local community engagement element with prizes that often support Irish businesses, which is at the heart of XL’s ethos.

Successful sponsorship programmes This is also reflected in XL’s sponsorship programmes, as evidenced by XL being the first brand to recognise the significance of tapping into our cultural roots and by having An Siopa XL represented on the ever-popular Ros na Rún show on TG4.

This year, for the first time ever, Ros na Rún even participated in Culture Night and the XL Siopa was a key part of an exclusive tour, which is a great source of pride for the extended XL family.

Complementing that sponsorship, as a community brand, XL has also recognised the value in the fun and positive initiative of sponsoring the ‘Marty Party’, which is renowned sports commentator Marty Morrissey’s very entertaining stage show that has proven a very successful vehicle for Marty, the XL brand and XL retailers.

XL recognised that the ‘Marty Party’ would help the brand deliver something unique and this has been achieved in spades with sell-out audiences. XL was also delighted to re-engage with Hot Press magazine, sponsoring their ‘Irish community festival guide’ during 2023.

“These events and sponsorships are hugely important in promoting XL’s

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Retail Groups Report brand awareness around the country and are very popular with all our retailers who love that their brand is part of the national conversation as a result of these relationships,” explains Paul. “We are very discerning when it comes to how we promote our brand and the avenues we have chosen do resonate with our retailers and their customers.”

Complementing these attributes, XL offers ambitious retailers a flexible, market leading package which enables them to tailor their shop to consumer needs and react quickly to changing market conditions and help grow their business. What helps

2023 saw XL open its first greenfield site, with the launch of a service station at Cloghan, Co. Offaly.

Cash and Carry outlets located around Ireland, every XL retailer is never far from one and has the full support of their local branch, which is a huge advantage and comfort to the estate.

Paul Bealin, Sales Director, XL. set XL Retail apart is a true dedication to the retailer base, which is back-boned by a team that is passionate about retailing and that manifests itself in the service provided to retailers. XL retailers know that one of the dedicated sales team is never more than a phone call away and every member of that team is solution focused.

Strategically supported by 21 Value Centre

Brand new off licence concept At its core, XL is a community brand offering “a great deal more at your local store”, which now includes XL’s off licence concept, which has proven very successful and has helped increase footfall into those XL stores that have embraced this offering. XL has also introduced the hugely popular XL Deli concept, which is helping provide its retailers with a competitive extra in their offerings.

These enhancements, underpinned

XL has recently unveiled a new off licence concept, which is proving extremely popular with customers.

by the XL Retail Awards Programme, which are presented to XL stores that demonstrated outstanding industry excellence following a comprehensive programme of inspections and audits carried out by Ireland’s leading Retail Audit company, SMA Retail Specialists, ensure that XL stores meet their customers’ needs and react quickly to the ever-changing market conditions and help grow their business into the future.

XL Retail Sales Director: Paul Bealin Number of stores nationwide: 230+ Typical store size: 110 square metres Head office: BWG Foods UC, BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Wholesale partner: Value Centre Type of distribution network: 21 Value Centre and Cash & Carry Branches nationwide and chill distribution Website: www.xlstores.ie Social Media: www.facebook.com/ XLIreland/ Tagline: A great deal more at your local store

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Retail Groups Report

Super year for SuperValu 2023 was a super busy year for SuperValu, as the group celebrated new store openings, as well as marking 10 years of the SuperValu Food Academy.

2023 saw SuperValu celebrating 10 years of the Food Academy programme, with €230 million of Food Academy products sold in SuperValu stores over the last decade. Food Academy producers continue to perform strongly, supporting 1,500 jobs through the programme, which offers considerable benefits to both local communities and the national economy.

The Food Academy programme is a tailored business development programme for early to mid-stage producers, supported

by SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office. More than 1,000 local

food producers have completed the Food Academy programme since its inception, with over 300 Food Academy producers regularly stocked in SuperValu stores across the country, 52 weeks of the year. The initiative provides training in food safety, market research, branding, marketing, finance, sustainability and business development, through a range of dedicated workshops. Food Academy producers also have the opportunity to feature their products on SuperValu shelves nationwide, giving them real, tangible opportunities for growth in the market.

Pictured at the opening of the new state-of-the-art SuperValu Newcastle store, Co. Dublin, are (l-r): Bobby Heade, Store Manager; Breda Flaherty, Local Community Ambassador; Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu; and Micheal Morgan, Musgrave Operating Partners.

Fiona McQuail, Denis Smith, David O'Rourke and Youssef Liyounssi from Smith’s SuperValu, Navan, National SuperValu Store of the Year award winners, are pictured with Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu; Dan Curtin, Sales Director, SuperValu; and JF Michel, Accounts Director, 3, sponsor.

This year, 23 new Food Academy entrants launched a wide variety of products, including naturally leavened sourdough bread, low sugar fruit jam, organic microgreens and eggs, as well as products utilising spent grain to make protein snacks, and used coffee grinds to create a tan-removing soap.

“The Food Academy is a fantastic collaboration between SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office which has gone from strength to strength over the last 10 years, enhancing and supporting the growth of Ireland’s food and drink sector,” noted Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu, on the 10th anniversary of the programme. “At SuperValu, we are passionate about food and supporting the development of Irish food and drink producers in local communities across Ireland, having proudly done so since 1968. The Food Academy programme is a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to gain direct access to leading expertise to help them on every step of their journey - from start-up producer to securing their products on supermarket shelves.”

SuperValu Store of the Year awards Earlier this year, SuperValu’s National Conference, held in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry, saw Smith’s SuperValu in Navan, Co. Meath, crowned winner of the prestigious ‘National SuperValu Store of the Year’ title for 2023.

Smith’s SuperValu also achieved the ‘Best Large SuperValu Store of the Year’ award at the conference, while Garvey’s SuperValu in Cobh, Co. Cork, were named winners of the ‘Best Medium SuperValu Store of the Year’ title. Kavanagh’s SuperValu in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, took home the Best Small SuperValu Store of the Year’ award.

“Every year we are blown away by the high standard set by finalists who are paving the way as exemplar SuperValu stores nationwide and leading in our mission to build sustainable communities,” noted Ian Allen at the awards ceremony.

“I’d like to congratulate Smith’s SuperValu Navan for showing excellent leadership in the area of sustainability, implementing a truly innovative store product range and

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Retail Groups Report

Store owner Liam Ryan, pictured at his newly revamped SuperValu Togher store, following a €7.5 million investment. supporting local producers.”

Commenting on the excellent standard of the shortlisted stores, judge and independent retail consultant, Matthew Brown described it as “a great honour and privilege” to take part in the judging: “The standard of retailing excellence from the SuperValu stores I visited is absolutely world class. SuperValu is leading the way in fresh food innovation and expert levels of service provided by butchers, fishmongers and deli counters. The stores I visited also had an incredible approach to food innovation and celebrating local supplier stories. All shortlisted stores should be very proud of their achievements.”

Take Local Action, Make Global Impact 2023 also saw SuperValu launching a comprehensive sustainability campaign, entitled Take Local Action, Make Global Impact, which aims to showcase the small actions we can all take in our homes, stores and towns to make a collective global impact.

Owen Keogh, Head of Sustainability at SuperValu.

“At SuperValu, we are committed to bringing sustainability into every area of our business and making it easier for our shoppers to make more sustainable choices,” said Owen Keogh, Head of Sustainability at SuperValu. “Research shows that people want to make changes but sometimes don’t know where to start and that’s why we’ve launched our Take Local Action, Make Global Impact initiative.

Across all our digital channels and in-store, we will be encouraging and highlighting ways people can take small local actions that can contribute to a global impact; from recipes to help reduce food waste with recycling tips and highlighting in-store the extensive plant-based options and range of locally-sourced Irish products.”

November saw SuperValu announcing a partnership with food waste management company Too Good To Go, in a bid to tackle food waste, while also offering value to customers. Initially, the partnership will see 33 SuperValu stores take part, before being rolled out nationwide over the coming months. Through the Too Good To Go partnership, customers can purchase a Surprise Bag of surplus food from participating SuperValu stores, at a lower price.

New store openings Sustainability was also top-of-mind as SuperValu celebrated some new store openings in 2023. April saw the opening of a new state-of-the-art store in Newcastle, Co. Dublin, following a significant €15 million investment, creating 85 new jobs in the locality, while October saw the official opening of the revamped Ryan’s SuperValu in Togher, Co. Cork, following a significant investment of €7.5 million.

The innovative Newcastle store provides a wide range of high-quality produce in line with SuperValu’s new food experience offering, designed to offer customers an exciting, vibrant and simpler shopping experience, with extensive sustainable choices on offer.

“SuperValu stores are at the heart of many communities around Ireland and through this investment, SuperValu Newcastle will provide the local community with great value and the highest-quality service and produce available,” noted Ian Allen. “At SuperValu, we believe in making communities better by caring for our environment. From a sustainability perspective, this new store is a shining example of the best that SuperValu has to offer and has been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible.”

Liam Ryan’s new look SuperValu

created an additional 20 jobs in Togher, bringing employee numbers to 105. Liam has not only been committed to the people of Togher by employing local and creating a warm and welcoming in-store community for both customers and staff, but by also giving back to the community where and whenever possible. Since taking ownership of the store 32 years ago, Liam has supported many local charities, community groups, local schools and sporting teams, including St Finbarr’s GAA, Togher Tidy Towns, Cork City Childrens Hospital Club, Togher Boxing Club, and Marymount Hospice.

Pictured at the SuperValu celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Food Academy Programme are (l-r): Tim Harris, Tim's Table; Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager; Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia Chief Executive; Carol Diaz Rosario, Latin Streets Kitchen; Ciara McClafferty, Trading Director, Musgrave; Sadhbh Wood, Bean Around; Greg Swift, Head of Local Enterprise Office, Dublin City; Janet Drew, Janet's Just Delicious; and Dom McGroddy, Lily’s Tea. As part of the significant store investment, Ryan’s SuperValu has incorporated a number of sustainability upgrades to enhance the efficiency of the store. These upgrades include the installation of solar panels, the introduction of LED lighting throughout the store, as well as the installation of energy-efficient refrigeration doors. It is envisaged that these measures will lead to a 60% reduction in energy consumption across the premises by the end of 2023.

SuperValu serve over 2.7 million customers every week and have 220 stores nationwide. Together with their retail partners, SuperValu employ approximately 16,000 colleagues, making them one of the State's largest private-sector employers.

SuperValu continue to source locally wherever possible, which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish economy.

44|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Centra: driving convenience Centra continue to drive the convenience market, as they adapt their in-store offering to meet Irish consumers’ needs.

CENTRA enjoyed a brilliant 2023, where the group had a lot to celebrate. Centra recently held their national award ceremony at the Mansion House, Dublin, where they recognised and celebrated the best of Centra stores, their people and exemplary retail excellence.

Lee’s Centra, Pallas Green, Limerick, was named as the best Centra in Ireland, after receiving the much-coveted title of Store of the Year 2023. Other award winners on the night included Colin Harding from Ely’s Centra in Cashel, Co. Tipperary, who took home the Rising Star award, while Daly’s Centra in Drogheda, Co. Louth, won the Best Deli award. The Overall Off Licence of the Year award, kindly sponsored

by Diageo, was scooped by Power’s Centra Miller’s Glen in Swords.

The Store of the Year award, sponsored by 3, sees Centra stores nationwide assessed in areas such as quality, range, customer service, sustainability and local

community contribution. Retail Consultant Dr Alan Collins undertook a competitive independent auditing process, in which Lee’s Centra, Pallas Green, Limerick, exceled. Within the category, winners on the night also included Frayne’s Centra, Westland Row, Dublin, for Hi Convenience, and Garvey’s Centra, Adare, Co. Limerick, for Neighbourhood.

“As the leading convenience retailer with approximately 12,000 employees and 496 stores across Ireland, we are delighted to recognise and reward the very best of convenience excellence from our people and stores,” noted Ian Allen, Managing Director of Centra. “Congratulations to Ray and Brendan Lee and the team at Lee’s Centra, Pallas Green, Limerick, for winning Centra Store of the Year; this win is a testament to the exceptional standards, commitment and service they offer the local community of Pallas Green on a daily basis. This award is independently audited

Pictured at the Centra Store of the Year Award presentation to Centra, Pallas Green, Co. Limerick, are (l-r): Ian Allen, Managing Director, Centra; Ray Lee, store co-owner; Teresa Kiely, Store Manager; Brendan Lee, store co-owner; and Cormac Dawson, Sales Director, Centra.

and with a highly competitive process in place, receiving this recognition truly is a tremendous achievement within the convenience retail industry.”

The award ceremony included three categories: People, Excellence and Store of the Year. The People category acknowledged staff who demonstrated exceptional passion and enthusiasm, such as Length of Service award and Employee of the Year. The Excellence awards shone a light on stores delivering the best of Centra across the in-store categories like Deli, Moo’d, Bakery, Off Licence and Local Activations. The Store of the Year awards celebrate excellence in convenience retailing and exceptional consumer experience.

Cormac Dawson, Sales Director, Centra, said: “We are proud to recognise and celebrate our people who deliver exceptional service to their local community. These finalists offer the very best in retail excellence and are a testament to their teams’ hard work and determination in offering a consistently great service to their community on a daily basis.”

New Centra Go app Centra recently revealed that they have partnered with Snappy Group, the technology business behind Snappy Shopper, the fast-growing grocery and convenience store delivery app, to develop and power the group’s new home delivery app, Centra Go. The Centra Go app will offer shoppers a complete in-store shopping experience from the convenience of their own home, with unique features including bespoke categories, deli counter ordering and updated order alert preferences, connecting Centra stores and their customers like never before.

“At Centra, we strive to provide the best convenience offering to our customers and give them what they want, when they want it,” noted Ian Allen. “Shoppers will be able to order from thousands of grocery and deli product lines, from chicken fillet rolls to kitchen rolls, all now available as part of the online delivery trial. We are excited by our partnership with Snappy Shopper, their expertise in app development together with Centra retailers’ commitment to quality

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Retail Groups Report Centra Award Winners

Ian Allen, Centra Managing Director (right), pictured with driver Paolo Di Giovambattista, and Breda Cahill, owner of Centra Ballinteer at the launch of the Centra Go app. service will ensure that our shoppers have the most seamless shopping experience available.” €23 million store expansion programme Earlier in the year, Centra announced a comprehensive €23 million store expansion programme for 2023, including the opening of 18 new stores and the revamp of 35 existing stores in 2023, with their bespoke award-winning store design.

In-store, Centra continue to adapt their offering to meet the changing needs of consumers, with ranges like the Centra own brand and Centra Freshly Prepared range enjoying strong growth. Their Moo’d ice cream brand saw an expansion of gelato flavours, giving customers greater choice and enjoyment of the popular range, while Centra’s partnership with The Happy Pear continues to go from strength to strength, and is another success story for the Centra group.

Centra stores continue to play an active role in their communities, making significant financial contributions through employment, sponsorships and supports to a number of charities, which remains a priority for the business going forward.

“With nearly 500 stores, Centra is Ireland’s leading convenience retailer operating in every community across the country and is well-placed as a destination for top-up shopping,” noted Ian Allen at the Centra conference. “The breadth, scale and value offered through our Centra stores ensures that we can continue to meet the changing daily needs of our customers on their doorstep.

“We are also cognisant that these are challenging times, with increased living costs and high inflation. We’re continuously

Pictured at the Centra Conference at The Great Southern, Killarney, Co. Kerry, are Ian Allen, Managing Director, Centra; Ian Cuddihy, Centra Council Chair; and Cormac Dawson, Sales Director, Centra. adapting to meet our customers’ needs and I would like to thank them for their loyalty, as well as our retail partners in every community across Ireland for the role they have played in delivering this relentless value and service.”

Centra are one of Ireland’s leading convenience retail groups, serving over 3.5 million customers per week, providing convenient shopping with value and quality front of mind. With 496 bright and accessible stores, Centra support over 38,000 jobs and directly employ approximately 12,000 people across the

People Award Winners • Rising Star - Colin Harding, Ely’s Centra, Cashel, Co. Tipperary • Extra Mile - Caroline Senior, Martyn’s Centra, Mountrath, Co. Laois • Length of Service - PJ O’Donnell, Gibbon’s Centra, Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim • Employee of the Year - Mary Mulvihill, Sheehy’s Centra, Kilfinnane, Co. Limerick • Management Team Member - Joanne Dickie, Cuddihy’s Centra, Delgany, Co. Wicklow • Store Manager - Michela Ferrari, Singh’s Centra, Dorset Street, Dublin 1.

Excellence Award Winners • Deli of the Year – Daly’s Centra, Drogheda, Co. Louth • Bakery of the Year – Sweeney’s Centra, Ratoath, Co. Meath • Moo’d Counter of the Year – Fogarty’s Centra, Waterville, Co. Kerry • Off Licence of the Year (HiConvenience) – Jordan’s Centra, Blessington, Co. Wicklow • Off Licence of the Year (Convenience) – Hickson’s Centra, Tramore, Co. Waterford • Off Licence of the Year (Neighbourhood) – Power’s Centra, Miller’s Glen, Co. Dublin • Overall Off Licence of the Year - Power’s Centra, Miller’s Glen, Co. Dublin • Local Activation – Costello’s Centra, Kilmessan, Co. Meath Store of the Year Winners • HiConvenience – Frayne’s Centra, Westland Row, Dublin 2 • Convenience - Lee’s Centra, Pallas Green, Co. Limerick • Neighbourhood - Garvey’s Centra, Adare, Co. Limerick • Overall Store of the Year Winner - Lee’s Centra, Pallas Green, Co. Limerick country. At the heart of the communities in which they operate, Centra are proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship since 2010. Centra are part of Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, the retail franchise division of Musgrave Group, one of Ireland's largest grocery and food distributors.

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Retail Groups Report

A landmark year for Barry Group 2023 was a busy year for Barry Group, who announced plans to double their turnover over a five-year period, including a rebrand of their hugely popular Costcutter symbol group brand.

WITH strong ambitions come strong commitments. At the beginning of this year, Jim Barry, Managing Director of Barry Group, shared the company’s ambition to double their turnover over a five-year period through acquisitions, sustainability initiatives and a new leadership management strategy. As the first year of this strategy comes to a close, there is much to be celebrated on this journey to date.

For Costcutter, the Group’s convenience retail offering, 2023 was a landmark year with many achievements.

Firstly, the group’s footprint increased by 10% this year, resulting in over 100 new jobs in local communities. This growth is in line with their strategic growth plan, which sets targets for the next three years, as Barry Group look to elevate the position of Costcutter in the Irish convenience sector.

“We are excited to take Costcutter on a journey over the next few years,” shared Edwina Lucey, Sales Director. “We have made significant investments in the brand this year, which included expanding the team, a rebrand, the launch of our sustainability strategy and the evolution

of our in-store offering. We believe these strategic advances strengthen the brand and elevate it, not only in the eyes of the consumer but also with prospective retailers looking to join.”

New visual identity for Costcutter The Costcutter brand is evolving from many perspectives but one prevalent change is

a rebrand. While over the past 23 years, there have been many revisions made to the brand’s visual identity, this is the first time that Barry Group have refreshed it to this extent.

Speaking on the rebrand, Alan Cronin, Marketing Manager, noted, “While the Costcutter brand has served us well, this project was timely as we look to meet

Costcutter continues to grow across the country.

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Retail Groups Report

The hugely popular Urban Sips coffee brand from Barry Group. the needs of today’s consumer. As part of this rebrand we have created a new visual identity, which includes a new logo and store specification. At its core, it shows that we’re not just another convenience outlet; we are enabling thriving, happier, local communities.

Wherever we are in the country, we are united by a passion to make a positive difference in our customers’ daily lives, so they leave with a smile every time.”

This project also includes the development of a new off licence offering, which will be exclusively available to Costcutter retailers.

Sustainability strategy In addition to the launch of the new Costcutter brand identity, this year also saw the launch of their sustainability strategy which to date has made carbon savings of 15.8 tonnes. This strategy aims to deliver fundamental change to contribute towards a

sustainable future. Actions have included the transition of all own brand and deli packaging solutions to compostable materials, the introduction of segregated bin solutions, investing in renewables and further immersing the brand in local communities. This strategy has also heavily influenced in the new store specification, with all materials used having sustainable credentials.

To aid with the implementation of these initiatives, Barry Group maintain their unwavering commitment to beneficial partnerships with their retail partners. “We strongly believe that the key to success is collaboration,” shared Jim Barry. “Our focus is to provide our customers with dynamic solutions that support their current needs and their future success. We work with retailers to achieve this time and time again, and thankfully, it is something we have built a reputation for.”

Costcutter are title sponsors of Triathlon Ireland’s Youth Series, where 12-17-year-olds compete in triathlons, duathlons and aquathlons nationwide.

Multi-disciplinary support team Costcutter retail partners are supported by a multi-disciplinary team which encapsulates all aspects of their business.

Their primary contact is their Account Manager, who visits each store on a three-weekly cycle. Additionally, Fresh Food Advisers are also on a call schedule, offering training and support across all elements of deli and hot food, ensuring that the offering remains best in class.

Outside of these call schedules, retail partners are also offered training and support through regular cluster sessions, where members of the Barry Group team and industry experts train retailers on topics which are required to be successful in today’s competitive retail environment.

An additional focus for Barry Group is the delivery of strong promotions to deliver upon the value for money proposition. “We have enhanced our promotional campaigns,” explained Paul Roche, Head of Costcutter. “From a value for money perspective for consumers, we launched our ‘Price Fighters’ range this year, which consists of a range of products from both secondary brands and private label products, with savings of up to 30% compared to leading brands.”

Marketing & sponsorship programme Supporting the retail offering is Costcutter’s marketing effort. The brand retained their Triathlon Ireland sponsorship deal for a third year, as title sponsor of the Youth Series, where 12-17-year-olds compete in triathlons, duathlons and aquathlons nationwide.

Additionally, they have continued their alignment with celebrity chef Daniel Lambert, who has featured on Ireland AM multiple times throughout the year, making recipes using ingredients available from Costcutter.

Looking to 2024, Barry Group are energised by the opportunity that lies ahead. “While a core focus in 2023 was the evolution of Costcutter, in 2024 we will hone in on the execution of these changes,” revealed Holly Barry, Brand Strategist. “In January, Costcutter Bandon Road will be the first store to implement our new brand identity.

Our sustainability efforts will also be measured as criteria in our Store of the Year Awards in September. Additionally, we have heavily focused on the evolution of our in-store offering with some strong innovations being implemented at store level in the coming months. We look forward to seeing the impact that this will have on the brand and in the trade.”

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Retail Groups Report

Community convenience at Gala Retail Gala Retail has enjoyed another successful year and is eyeing further growth, as it maintains its place at the heart of community convenience.

AS another year draws to a close, 2023 has been a year of progress for Gala Retail as it continues to deliver for its retailers, with the introduction of new innovations, technology and marketing activations. It was a year that was packed full of activity, from partnerships to promotions and massive giveaways, with brand recognition continuing to increase, growing by 5% yearon-year (Source: B&A, November 22).

In the ever-changing convenience retail landscape, the Gala Retail brand continues to evolve with new in-store offerings, while reinforcing its commitment to communities through the brand’s marketing activities and associations, including its partnership with Special Olympics Ireland and Starcamp.

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

Giving back to Gala customers Community is at the core of the Gala Group’s values and is a theme that permeates through the group’s marketing

Gary Desmond, CEO at Gala Retail, and Lucy Kennedy launch Gala Gifts For All, its biggest-ever giveaway, worth €80,000. activities and associations. Committed to giving back to Gala customers in communities throughout Ireland and to support shoppers with everyday essentials, Gala kicked off 2023 with its biggest-ever giveaway, worth €80,000. Launched on Random Acts of Kindness Day, Gala Gifts for All gifted 800 shoppers from across Ireland with €100 vouchers. Every Gala store in Ireland took part, with lucky

Aoife Finn, Gary Desmond, CEO, and Siobhan Grimes, Retail Operations Manager, pictured testing the virtual reality store layout simulator at the annual Gala conference at the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

winners selected at random, helping to reward loyal shoppers with vouchers that can be used against everyday essentials.

In spring, Gala continued its giving ways, gifting staycation vouchers worth €40,000 to shoppers. This is the third year of Gala Getaways, a promotion that’s proved to be remarkably successful with Gala customers, and a new festive promotion is running in stores, rewarding with Smyths Toys’ vouchers - all in a bid to give back to shoppers who loyally support the Gala brand and its stores day in, day out. Shoppers are the cornerstone of Gala, and it’s shoppers and communities that are central to Gala’s annual marketing efforts.

A platinum partnership 2023 saw Gala enter its eighth year of partnership with Special Olympics Ireland, coinciding with the Special Olympics World Summer Games. As an official sponsor of Team Ireland, the Gala Group and its stores helped to fund the travel and participation of the 73 Irish athletes who represented their country at the Games, which took place in Berlin in June.

The Gala Group cheered on Team Ireland from afar, decked out stores in branded bunting, flags and merchandise

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2023 saw Gala Retail partner with Starcamp, Ireland’s number one children’s activity camp, for a third year.

which enhances the store planning experience for retailers, maximising every square foot of retail space.

Developed in collaboration with Irish-based Technology Group, Mersus Technology, the technology enables new retailers to the group to have an immersive experience when visualising what their future Gala store could look like.

Retailers at the conference were first to trial the new technology, and in 2024, the tech will be used to demonstrate how strategic refurbishments can boost turnover and profits through intelligent space utilisation and to deliver a ‘Gala reallife’ experience for new store owners who are joining the group.

for the Games and the group commissioned over 1,500 baseball caps and t-shirts, which were gifted to Team Ireland supporters going to Berlin.

Throughout 2023, Gala ran a Gala Gifts For Clubs initiative awarding Special Olympics clubs across the country with additional funding to help with new sports equipment and travel, and this December, both Gala Retail and Special Olympics Ireland are encouraging members of the public to get ‘freezin’ for a reason’ as the renowned Polar Plunge returns. The fundraising campaign, now in its 21st year, will see people from across Ireland ‘take the plunge’ to support Special Olympics Ireland’s athletes, as they prepare for next year’s Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games.

Team Ireland Basketball team ahead of Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023. This is the eighth year that Gala has partnered with Special Olympics Ireland.

Star partnership 2023 saw Gala Retail partner with Starcamp, Ireland’s number one children’s activity camp, for a third year. Starcamp is known nationwide for its award-winning summer camps, which take place in more than 250 locations across Ireland each year.

Attended by over 30,000 young children annually, the strength of Starcamp is in the confidence that it gives young people, and with physical camps taking place from Lifford to Listowel, there’s a real synergy with Gala Retail and its country-wide retailers.

Dynamic duo Eoin and Lorcan Tully are calling on members of the public to get “freezin’ for a reason” at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge with Gala Retail.

Innovation At its annual conference, Gala unveiled what’s believed to be Ireland’s first-ever virtual reality store layout simulator and one of the first in Europe. Gala invested €100,000 in the cutting-edge technology,

Looking ahead to 2024 2024 will be a major year for Gala as it celebrates a milestone 25 years in Ireland.

The Gala Group will continue to focus on the growth of its brand and stores, and one of the group’s biggest-ever promotions is set to launch in early 2024.

Giving back to shoppers and communities and delivering additional value to its retailers, is a pledge of Gala Retail, and the group has committed to significantly investing in sustainability pathways, with a Green Charter and support initiatives to be announced.

Retailers have already made progress in improving sustainability and aligned to the introduction of the new national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), Gala is committed to furthering its efforts across the group as the business plays an active role in fostering positive change across communities in Ireland.

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Retail Groups Report

Dynamic moves at Daybreak Thomas Morrison, Head of Retail & MarketPlace, Musgrave Wholesale Partners, explains the importance of innovation and retailer partnership to Daybreak and outlines and what’s to come in 2024.

WE challenge ourselves to always keep our fingers on the pulse of the latest consumer trends as we continually review and evolve the Daybreak brand. We’re supported in this by our in-house insights team, ensuring that we take a research-led approach that puts customer needs top of mind when we develop our offer.

The food to go segment is a big focus for us at Daybreak and it is an area which is under constant review to ensure our offer remains relevant to our shoppers. For instance, earlier this year we introduced an exciting new Munch & Co deli menu, which gives customers a wider choice with interesting new flavours, along with healthier and vegan options. The new deli menu covers all bases, from signature breakfast and lunch sandwiches to freshly prepared salad bowls and penne pasta pots cooked to order.

Similarly, we have introduced iced coffee to the Daybreak-exclusive 9 Grams coffee offer, and we run regular seasonal specials on our Lickety Split ice-cream menu.

Expanding our take-home food options is another focus and this year we launched a new range of delicious Daybreak Ready

Meals that have been a big hit with shoppers. These developments ensure that our stores offer exciting and fresh experiences for consumers. Variety is the spice of life, and we strive to provide Daybreak shoppers with diverse flavours and food options that align with the latest culinary trends.

Partnership and retailer collaboration One of our core values is partnership and we believe that developing a solid connection between the Musgrave team and Daybreak retailers is vital for achieving commercial success. We pride ourselves on the close relationship and personalised service we offer all Daybreak retailers.

To do this, each Daybreak store is supported by an experienced Business Development Manager who collaborates with retailers to create tailored business plans that align with their unique needs and objectives. Through hands-on practical support, we aid retailers in boosting their sales, reducing costs and enhancing overall store profitability.

We also work in partnership with retailers to continually develop the brand.

The Daybreak Retailer Council are a good

Thomas Morrison, Head of Retail & MarketPlace, Musgrave Wholesale Partners. example of this collaboration. The council are a representative group of retailers from across the country who advise the Musgrave team on important issues facing retailers and who support on key brand initiatives. For instance, in the last year, the retailer council have helped shape our value proposition and supported an ambitious brand rejuvenation project.

With their input, we were able to deliver a refreshed food to go offer, new take home meal options and new beverage solutions that are driving retailer sales and profitability.

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Daybreak’s Lickety Split ice-cream menu has proven a huge draw for customers nationwide.

Retailer support As mentioned, every Daybreak retailer has a dedicated Business Development Manager who provides practical support in driving the bottom line. But this is just the start.

We also have a dedicated Development Team who support new stores joining the Daybreak family or existing stores undertaking a refurbishment. Whether it is an existing retailer or new customer, all our store development plans are customised to the local needs and opportunities, taking into consideration factors such as store format, demographic make-up, consumer spend in the area and the competitive landscape. Once a plan has been agreed, our Development Team project manage it from end-to-end to ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget, all while minimising disruption to the retailer's business during the process.

Given the importance of the food to go category, our team of Fresh Food Advisors also play a key role in store developments, including delivering comprehensive training

plans and guides that ensure a successful execution of the offer.

Retailers also have access to the expertise of the wider Musgrave team, including Marketing, IT and HR. For example, the Musgrave HR team have developed a suite of services that allow Daybreak retailers to more cost-effectively train and recruit team members. This includes a HR Helpdesk that provides expert advice on all employment matters by professional and experienced Musgrave HR colleagues. Daybreak stores also have access to up-to-date HR policies and guidelines through the ‘Daybreak Retailer Zone’, along with HR Forums and regular webinars. We also introduced in 2023 an end-to-end recruitment solution, where stores can post and manage vacancies on the Daybreak careers page, which is supported by social media campaigns.

growth. Within the last 12 months, we have welcomed 22 new stores into the Daybreak family. In addition to new store openings, a major focus for us has been the implementation of our new brand identity into existing Daybreak stores.

This year we undertook 20 store revamps, and we are on track to keep up this pace and move full steam ahead into 2024 with additional refurbishments planned. In terms of commercial success, these stores have exceeded their business KPIs, and I can proudly say that they are performing extremely well.

A testament to the strength of our brand and the value of our store refurbishment programme can be seen with Mark and Anne Finn’s Daybreak store in Portumna, Co. Galway. The store underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2022 to expand both the size of the store and the offering available to shoppers.

Since reopening, the store has been trading very successfully and I’m proud to say that Daybreak Portumna won the 2023 NACS European Convenience Retailer of the Year Award, which is widely regarded as providing one of the greatest benchmarks of global convenience retailing excellence.

Winning this award demonstrates the professionalism of Mark, Anne and their team, but also spotlights the exceptional standards and unique offer of our Daybreak brand.

Growth and plans for 2024 and beyond Over the past year, I am delighted to report that Daybreak has experienced exceptional

Daybreak refreshed their Munch & Co deli menu in 2023, with interesting new flavours plus healthier and vegan options.

Finn’s Daybreak in Portumna, Co. Galway, won the 2023 NACS European Convenience Retailer of the Year Award.

With Daybreak, we have a proposition that consumers are responding to and a business model that has proven highly successful for retailers. As we look to the future, a key brand priority is to continue to roll-out our new store format at pace as it is proven to drive retailer profitability.

52|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

A stellar year for Tesco Ireland Tesco Ireland marked a number of key milestones over the course of 2023, including a programme to help tackle food insecurity and a partnership on food surplus.

2023 has been another exciting year for Tesco Ireland, with several key milestones marked and a number of new announcements made by the retailer.

Strategic plans to grow the store network, continued progress on sustainability commitments and updates on their work in communities were just some of the highlights of the last 12 months.

Domestic abuse policy Tesco Ireland made an important announcement in March to provide five days' paid leave for any of their 13,000 colleagues in Ireland suffering domestic abuse. The move was the first by any major retailer. It was welcomed by

campaign groups such as Safe Ireland, an organisation whose helpline number for people suffering domestic abuse and coercive control has been printed on the retailer’s till receipts since 2020. Tesco also widened access to bereavement leave to include early pregnancy loss leave, which will be available to partners and those involved in surrogacy.

Deposit Return Scheme trial Tesco Ireland showed their commitment to tackling waste and contributing to the circular economy by fully getting behind Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), set to launch in February 2024. The company has made a significant investment in stateof-the-art machines for all their 169 stores and ran a successful DRS trial in Tesco Extra, Drogheda, and in their Malahide Express store from May to October 2023.

From February 1, 2024, whenever customers buy a drink in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can that features the Re-turn logo, they pay a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When they return the empty, undamaged container, they get their deposit back in full.

Sustainable Development Goal Champions In May, Tesco Ireland were appointed

as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champion for 2023-2024 by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD. The retailer is among a group of 26 organisations awarded the special status as leaders who advocate and promote the SDGs into their work practices and activities. The special status aligns strongly to Tesco’s stated commitment to be carbon neutral in their own group operations by 2035 and net zero across their entire value chain by 2050.

Community In June, Tesco Ireland proudly ‘marked the millionth’, as they announced that the Stronger Starts programme has provided one million free, healthy and nutritious meals to primary school children and families at risk of food insecurity, since the programme began in late 2021. Stronger Starts is an innovative community support programme from Tesco that helps to build thriving communities nationwide, with children in 117 DEIS schools across Ireland receiving a pack containing fresh apples, onions, potatoes and carrots every week.

Within the one million meals, over 4.5 million pieces of fruit and vegetables have been provided to date.

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Retail Groups Report Property investment Tesco Ireland unveiled plans to spend €80 million this year on new store openings and an extensive store refit and refurbishment upgrade programme. This significant expenditure figure underpins Tesco’s continued strong commitment to the Irish retail market. The investment will be used to open eight new Express stores, conduct significant upgrade projects for 50 stores and for maintenance across the store network. The new stores will be located in Dublin, Cork, Waterford and for the first time in Co. Kilkenny, reflecting the Tesco Express model of opening stores in urban settings where there is demand for greater convenient shopping opportunities in high footfall areas. These new stores will create over one hundred jobs in local communities.

Renewed commitment on Stronger Starts As the kids returned to school in September, Tesco Ireland committed to doubling the reach of their Stronger Starts programme by the end of 2024.

The announcement means hundreds more primary school children most in need and their families will receive free nutritious fresh fruit and veg to help with healthier meal solutions at home. Stronger Starts is an innovative community support programme from Tesco that helps to build

Tesco Ireland CEO, Natasha Adams (left) and Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD; are pictured with Iseult Ward (right) and Aoibheann O’Brien (second-left), co-founders of FoodCloud at a special event in Dublin to mark a decade of partnership between Tesco and FoodCloud. thriving communities nationwide. By doubling the reach, Tesco aim to provide children in 240 DEIS primary schools who are most at risk of food insecurity with a food pack containing fresh apples, onions, potatoes and carrots every week.

Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme has provided one million meals to schoolchildren and their families nationwide. Pictured are (l-r): Rosie and Bobby Farrows (aged 9); and Sean Barrett (aged 7), celebrating Tesco Ireland ‘Marking The Millionth’.

Food surplus milestone In October, Tesco and FoodCloud celebrated 10 years of working together to distribute surplus food to families in need. Over the past decade, almost 20 million meals, or 7,900 tonnes of food, have been redistributed to people living in food insecurity across Ireland, thanks to Tesco Ireland’s Surplus Food Donations Programme. On average, the retailer redistributes and donates up to 40,000 meals every week to over 350 charities across the country. Typical donations comprise fruit and vegetables, bakery goods, meat and more.

In 2013, Tesco Ireland became the first retailer to partner nationally with FoodCloud. The programme, which began in one Tesco Express store on Talbot Street in Dublin city, is now in operation across Ireland, and has since expanded into the UK, Czechia and Slovakia.

Looking ahead 2024 will bring a busy schedule of store openings and continued work on store refurbishments nationwide. The launch of the DRS in February will mean substantial changes for both retailers and consumers. Tesco continue to proudly support 500 Irish suppliers. In fact, they are the single largest retailer purchaser of Irish food and drink in the world, buying €1.6 billion a year, more than any other single country in the European Union.

54|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Aldi grow their reputation with Irish shoppers With 161 stores nationwide, Aldi Ireland are committed to investing in Ireland, supporting Irish producers and delivering exceptional customer service.

2023 brought a unique set of challenges to the fore with increased cost pressures causing widespread concern for both shoppers and retailers alike. Despite this uncertainty, Aldi’s commitment to delivering quality products at the lowest possible prices to their customers has remained paramount.

As a result of this commitment, Aldi were voted as ‘Ireland’s Most Reputable Supermarket’ by Irish shoppers in the 2023 RepTrak Survey, as well as ‘Ireland’s Most Sustainable Supermarket’, according to the Ireland Reptrak Sustainability Index 2023.

Store openings and planning report Having opened their first Irish store in 1999, Aldi Ireland continue to expand their footprint in cities, towns and villages across Ireland, with a total of 161 stores nationwide.

The retailer opened six new stores this year, with the most recent having opened in Carrigaline, Co. Cork, on December 7.

The launch of two designated investment programmes for the Midlands and Limerick, worth over €33 million and €36 million respectively, further highlights Aldi’s commitment to bringing their value to local communities.

However, such investment in their store network does not come without its challenges. Earlier this year, Aldi commissioned a report with DCU Professor Anthony Foley to evaluate ‘The Financial Impact of Ireland’s Planning System Delays on Irish Consumers’. The report revealed

Pictured at Aldi’s announcement of a new supplier contracts worth €26 million with Lakeland Dairies, Clandeboye Estate Yogurt, Donnelly Fresh Produce and Velo Coffee Roasters are: Bryan Boggs, General Manager, Clandeboye Estate Yogurts; Brendan Lappin, Commercial Manager, Lakeland Consumer Foods Division; Colin Breslin, Managing Director of Buying and Services, Aldi Ireland; Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Rob Horgan, Velo Coffee Roasters; and Martin Gaffney, Donnelly Fresh Farms. that Irish grocery retail consumers are losing out on savings of €78,333 every month due to delays in planning appeal decisions, quantifying the value Aldi bring to the local communities in which they operates.

Supporting and investing in Irish suppliers Aldi have continued to support their network of 330 Irish food and drink producers, with new contract deals being agreed across a variety of products this year. The most notable of these announcements saw four new deals and contract extensions with Lakeland Dairies, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, Donnelly Fresh Produce and Velo Coffee Roasters, worth a total of €26 million. Aldi continue to spend €1.1 billion with their Irish suppliers annually.

The National Ploughing Championships 2023 The National Ploughing Championships took place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, in September, where Aldi were once again title sponsor for the eighth year and attracted huge crowds to the largest marquee at the three-day festival. Over 100,000 people came to the Aldi marquee to enjoy the very best of food and drink from 28 of Aldi’s Irish suppliers, daily entertainment from Mike Denver, as well as the National Brown Bread Baking Competition.

Key to this year’s event was the announcement of the 2023 ‘Grow with Aldi’ supplier development programme winners, alongside ambassador Roz Purcell, which saw Fem Fuelz, Onit Onions and The Craft Brew Tea Co. receive Specialbuy contracts for Aldi’s 161 stores in 2024.

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Retail Groups Report caps from their milk cartons this year, improving the recyclability of the products by replacing them with clear caps.

Aldi’s colleagues also hold sustainability and community close to their hearts, with many taking part in the Ring of Kerry charity cycle this year, raising over a total of €18,000 between their and Aldi’s own contributions. All funds were donated to Aldi’s charity partner, Barnardos Ireland.

Pictured at the official Aldi Cabra store opening was Jamie Stephens, Store Manager with Aldi Cabra store staff.

Electric Picnic For the second year running, Aldi featured as the official supermarket sponsor of Ireland’s premier music festival, Electric Picnic, providing a pop-up supermarket, offering great value and festival themed Specialbuys carrying the Electric Picnic badge.

Aldi hosted several activations across the weekend, including a Mamia baby and toddler area, a live podcast interview with Una Healy hosted by Jen Hogan, and a live cooking demo hosted by Trisha Lewis.

DJ Kevin the Carrot also made another appearance this year!

Rugby World Cup As Official Fresh Food Partner of the IRFU, Aldi supported the team with their Rugby World Cup Campaign. Aldi shared the story of Kevin the Carrot attempting to make the squad to finally receiving his first cap in France. This was supported across all Aldi’s social channels with the launch of a TV ad featuring Kevin and ambassadors Paul O’Connell and James Ryan, as well as across the Aldi store network, with Kevin rugby merchandise selling out in minutes.

Food awards success Aldi has had a very successful year at the key food awards in 2023, retaining the accolade of Ireland’s Most Awarded Discounter. Aldi won 63 accolades at the Great Taste Awards, 59 awards at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, along with being named Drinks Retailer of the Year 2023, and 46 awards at Blas ns hÉireann. Aldi’s Irish Bord Bia Assured steaks range also won a total of 10 wins at the International Taste Institute Awards, with the 36 Day Matured Specially Selected

Tipperary Dry Aged Black Angus Ribeye Steak, produced by ABP Cahir, making history by becoming the first Irish product to receive the prestigious Diamond Taste Award.

National sustainability Sustainability continued to play a critical role across Aldi’s business operations in 2023, with several new initiatives being introduced.

Earlier this year, Aldi were the first Irish supermarket to partner with food surplus app, Too Good to Go. To date, the retailer has already provided more than 97,000 Surprise Bags to customers. These bags, which retail for just €3.99, contain quality food worth at least €12, that would otherwise go to waste.

In a bid to reduce their plastic packaging, Aldi removed coloured plastic

Aldi mascot Kevin the Carrot pictured with supporters at the 2023 Bank of Ireland Nations Series, Ireland v England rugby game at the Aviva Stadium in August 2023.

Focusing on Aldi’s people Aldi continued to focus on their people in 2023 and were the first grocery retailer in Ireland to receive the highly esteemed workplace wellness accreditation, The KeepWell Mark, awarded by Ibec. This follows an assessment of all business areas to review policies and practices in the space of workplace wellness.

Aldi’s commitment to progressing gender equality throughout the business was supported by the launch of their Women in Leadership Programme in 2023. The focus of the programme was to generate a more diverse candidate pipeline for progression opportunities, with the pilot being a huge success.

Pictured are (l-r): Rory O’Connell, Account Manager at FoodCloud; Rachel Nugent, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Aldi Ireland; and Patrick McKinney, Key Account Manager at Too Good to Go. To mark National Food Waste Recycling Week, Aldi announced that they have avoided 1.2 million kgs of food from going to waste in Ireland through their partnerships to date with both FoodCloud and Too Good To Go. Looking forward to 2024 As 2023 draws to a close, Aldi’s ambition for 2024 is to continue investing in their prices, their people and the communities they serve. Value matters now more than ever, and the retailer is steadfast on delivering value to their colleagues, their 330-strong Irish supply base, their charity partners and of course, their loyal customers. Aldi will continue to build their store network in 2024, providing great quality products at the lowest possible prices to even more Irish communities.

56|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Lidl goes a long way Lidl continue to lead the way on sustainability, while delivering real value for their customers across the country.

AT Lidl, they are committed to continuing to support their customers in communities across Ireland during the cost-of-living crisis by offering the highest quality, Irish produce at the best prices on the market. Lidl know this past year has been a challenging time for many households, and they are confident that they won’t be beaten on price at their 179 stores across the country.

Lidl have also taken a strong stance in supporting their own employees during this challenging period. In January, they invested €14 million in pay increases that impacted all employees, while a further £3 million was invested in their operations in Northern Ireland, which they manage from Head Office in Dublin. On average, this resulted in a 7.5% pay increase for employees; approximately €2,000-€2,500 additional for every employee per annum.

Lidl became the first company in Ireland to commit to paying the Living Wage in 2015, and they were pleased to lead the way once again, becoming the first retailer to commit to paying the Living Wage for 2024, an additional investment of €3 million by the business, impacting 2,000 employees.

Recognising hard work, rewarding success and celebrating achievements have always been core to Lidl’s people strategy. They continue to deliver on their

Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer, Lidl Ireland, at the announcement that Lidl were awarded Top Employer certification in 2023 for the third year in a row.

Lidl ambassador Carla Rowe of Dublin is pictured at the launch of the 2023 Lidl Ladies National Football Leagues at Lidl Head Office, Tallaght, Dublin. commitment to being an employer of choice through not only industry-leading salaries but by offering a suite of industryfirst benefits such as paid maternity and paternity leave, compassionate leave for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, fertility leave and retirement and menopause supports, to name a few.

The best of Irish produce At Lidl, they are very proud to bring the best of Irish produce to customers, with an ever-growing network of more than 400 Irish suppliers. In 2022 alone, Lidl procured €1 billion worth of goods from Irish suppliers, and of that €1 billion, €318 million worth of goods were exported to Lidl stores globally in the UK, Greece, Finland, Denmark and Bulgaria, and as far as the USA. Recently, Lidl announced deals with a number of Irish suppliers including: • a €60 million deal with Kildare-based O’Brien Fine Foods; • a €22 million deal with Longford-based Panelto foods; • a €1.5 million deal with Dublin-based Begleys Fresh Produce.

Since the launch of the Kickstart programme in 2017, more than 500 Irish products have been added to Lidl’s shelves,

with dozens of local producers growing successfully with their support.

Supporting good causes Supporting good causes has long been a priority for Lidl, and they were pleased to continue their support for their national charity partner, Jigsaw - the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, this year.

As part of the partnership, Lidl pledged to raise €2.5 million for the charity, which provides free and confidential professional support to young people aged 12-25, in 14 centres across Ireland. To date, Lidl have raised more than €2 million for Jigsaw and have committed to raising an additional €500,000 by the end of the partnership in 2024.

Lidl are also extremely proud of their longstanding sponsorship of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA). In 2022, they announced an extension of the partnership, which will represent an investment of €10 million in 10 years of sponsorship. Much of this investment will go into grassroots initiatives like the Lidl Stamp Card programme that supports post-primary schools and local clubs. Their One Good Club mental health programme, developed in partnership with Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, has also been hugely successful in bringing awareness of the benefits of sport on

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Retail Groups Report

Pictured are Kevin Duffy, Senior Buying Director, Lidl Ireland, and John O’Brien, Managing Director, O’Brien Fine Foods, at the announcement that the two companies had signed a €60 million deal. young people and their mental health.

Lidl are also the Official Fresh Food Partner of parkrun, a free-of-charge, family friendly, community event held in parks and open spaces around the world every weekend. The three-year partnership will see Lidl support parkrun as they continue to encourage the public to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle by offering customers fresh, nutritious produce at affordable prices. Lidl will also provide exclusive coupons and free products to parkrunners and volunteers every week via the Lidl Plus App to reward their efforts and make it easier to make healthy decisions while shopping.

Leading on sustainability Since launching their ‘A Better Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy, sustainability, environmental and community support programmes have been a central part of Lidl's business strategy. Leading the way in sustainability in the Irish retail sector continues to be their priority, so shoppers know that by shopping at Lidl, they are positively contributing to protecting the environment.

Preparing for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Ireland has been a priority for Lidl over the past few months.

Since becoming the first retailer to launch a DRS trial in September 2021, Lidl’s reverse vending machines have collected more than

two million PET bottles and aluminium cans and they have voluntarily paid out more than €200,000 in money-back vouchers to customers, which are redeemable in Lidl stores.

The launch of DRS nationwide will require a significant shift in consumer behaviour, and Lidl have prioritised paving the way with their customer base to facilitate a successful roll-out of DRS in Ireland. Their proactive stance on the scheme not only underscores their position as an industry leader in sustainability but demonstrates Lidl’s commitment to ensuring Ireland delivers on its promise to implement the Irish Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy with a simple, customer-centric solution.

Optimising their packaging to be more sustainable has also been a focus for Lidl. In July, they introduced new prevented ocean plastic packaging for their strawberry range, further demonstrating their ongoing commitment to promote a circular economy. This industry-first packaging update will result in 9.3 tonnes of plastic, or the equivalent of 375,000 bottles, being prevented from entering the ocean in the Irish strawberry season. Together with their fish packaging update announced last year, Lidl are on course to prevent the equivalent of one million plastic bottles from entering the ocean this year.

This year, Lidl also announced the launch of their Waste Not Fruit and Veg boxes. The boxes, priced at just €3, contain at least 5kg of mixed fruit and vegetables from the store shelves. The fruit and vegetables included in the boxes will have come from multi-packs where some

product has become slightly damaged and removed, and the remaining items which are perfectly good to eat are then used to make up the Waste Not boxes. Following a successful trial in seven stores, they rolled out the Waste Not boxes across their store network. Lidl also hit the milestone of four million meals donated to local food banks and charities with their longstanding partner, FoodCloud.

Building on their succeses Since its launch in 2022, Lidl have welcomed more than 4,000 school children to their farm-to-fork educational experience on The Lidl Farm. Launched in partnership with AgriAware, they developed eight acres of land beside their regional distribution centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, into a resource to educate school children on the food life cycle. Complete with crops, animals and a train ride though the warehouse, the resource continues to be a hit with schools across the country.

As a business, Lidl recognise that while inflation is said to be stabilising, the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact many families across the country. At Lidl, they are committed to making sure communities have access to affordable, healthy and quality food. They plan to build on our successes of the past year by having positive contributions to local communities, working closely with their local suppliers and working hard to support their team and continuing to be an employer of choice in Ireland. Above all, they will continue to provide top quality products at marketleading prices to their growing customer network next year and beyond.

Pictured at the launch of Lidl’s Supplier Impact Report for 2022 are JP Scally, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, alongside Lidl customer assistant, Patrycja Samojiuk, and Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia.

58|Retail News|December 2023 / January 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Healthy Options: Clonakilty Blackpudding

Clonakilty embraces its ‘Rebel’ roots

Clonakilty Blackpudding is driving new usage occasions beyond the fry with a new ad campaign encouraging home chefs to ‘Be a Rebel’.

THE new ‘Be a Rebel’ campaign for Clonakilty Blackpudding debuted in October on nationwide television, online, radio and outdoor. The ad is designed to inspire home cooks across the country to bring some excitement and flavour into their everyday meals with a sprinkle of Clonakilty Blackpudding.

“Clonakilty Blackpudding, think it’s just for the fry?” asks the ‘rebel’ cook in the ad. “Get it into the Stir-Fry, Burgers, Lasagne! With its delicious secret mix of spices, Clonakilty Blackpudding is the making of any meal. So go on: Be a rebel.”

Championing versatility Clonakilty Food Co., the Irish familyrun business and makers of Clonakilty Blackpudding, are passionate about the versatility of the product and the endless ways it can give a variety of dishes a rebellious lift. The ‘Be a Rebel’ ad champions its use in brunch, lunch and dinner, alongside the brand’s Cork heritage.

The campaign’s digital execution is running specific Clonakilty Blackpudding recipes that highlight the product as a protein and iron filled addition to a salad, a flavoursome topping on homemade pizza or a tasty crumb on top of a wholesome soup.

The Clonakilty Blackpudding ‘Be a Rebel’ ad campaign encourages shoppers to embrace the versatility of this incredible product.

New frozen Clonakilty Blackpudding Bites are mouth-watering, bite-sized pieces of Clonakilty Blackpudding: ideal to have on hand in the freezer for easy meals and unexpected guests.

Expanding product range Following this campaign, Clonakilty Food Co. are delighted to announce that they are expanding their range of products and bringing their expertise to the frozen aisle.

Clonakilty Blackpudding Bites are mouthwatering, bite-sized pieces of Clonakilty Blackpudding and are ideal to have on hand in the freezer for easy meals and unexpected guests.

This new product follows a series of product innovations from the Cork based company, who launched Clonakilty Veggie Sausages earlier this year and their popular Clonakilty Veggie Pudding in 2019.

If you would like to speak to Clonakilty Food Co. about a listing, please email sales@clonakiltyblackpudding.ie or call their sales team on (023) 8834835.

Two Family Favourites Now Available in The Freezer Aisle If you would like to become a stockist, please email sales@clonakiltyblackpudding.ie or call our sales team on 023 8834835

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Healthy Options

Eat well, live well!

The trend towards health and wellness shows no signs of abating, as Irish consumers actively seek out food and drink products with health benefits.

MORE and more Irish consumers are embracing healthier lifestyles, prioritising a nourishing diet that promotes physical and mental wellbeing, and so the trend towards products that fit into this health and wellness movement, shows no signs of slowing down.

A recent report from Euromonitor International reveals that one in three consumers are willing to pay more for food with health and nutritional properties.

In addition, governments continue to implement regulations to promote healthier options, driving innovation and reformulation in the industry.

Functional foods, those that target specific health and wellness needs, have been on the rise for some time. The food industry is shifting from narrower functionalities like digestion and immunity to holistic approaches, according to Euromonitor. Emerging functional foods are addressing specific need states like energy, calmness and cognitive function.

The connection between gut health, brain function and mood regulation is also gaining attention, with innovation around pro-, pre-, and postbiotics. Those at the cutting edge of functional foods are targeting consumers at different life stages with different products, moving beyond the one-size-fits-all approach in food and nutrition.

Although the adoption of personalised nutrition is influenced by factors such as cost and consumer trust, various tools

like mobile apps and fitness trackers are widely used to provide targeted nutrition advice. The fields of microbiome analysis, epigenetics and biohacking can further expand the possibilities of personalised nutrition in the future.

The health and wellness food industry is poised for sustained demand, but challenges include inflation and strict regulations, Euromonitor predict. In the medium term, technology will shape the industry and make personalised nutrition more accessible, while in the long

term, lab-grown techniques can have a transformative opportunity, enabling the production of bioactive ingredients in the lab.

Heineken 0.0 Right across Europe the No Alcohol and Low Alcohl market market has grown hugely in recent years. Here in Ireland, that growth has been driven by the introduction and subsequent success of Heineken 0.0.

“Health and wellness has been a trend for a number of years and while it has

More and more consumers are discovering Heineken 0.0, as the brand enjoys impressive growth.

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Healthy Options evolved it is not going anywhere,” explains Bart Wijn, Off Trade Director, Heineken Ireland. “Shoppers want to enjoy a great tasting beer and sometimes that means a beer without alcohol. With the launch of Heineken 0.0, we have proven that it can be a really good-tasting alternative. More and more consumers are discovering Heineken 0.0 and we are behind other European countries on market penetration so there is ample room to grow. The great thing is that you are able now to enjoy a beer during lunch or any other occasion you choose.”

Linwoods Linwoods, the health food company famously known for their milled seed blends, are expanding their product portfolio with the launch of an exciting Overnight Oats Range into the healthy breakfast category. This development sees the family-run business apply their health

Linwoods have launched a new range of Functional Overnight Oats products as they enter into the healthy breakfast category.

credentials as leaders in the seed market to the breakfast category with an innovative and convenient solution for health focused yet busy consumers.

This new plant-based range is designed to offer functional benefits such as energy and protein. It comes in three flavours: Protein Chocolate is high in plant based protein for muscle growth and magnesium which combats tiredness and fatigue and supports muscle function; Energy Strawberry delivers energy supporting nutrients through Vitamins B6 and B12, which support energy yielding metabolism and tiredness reduction; Energy Original gives consumers the option to customise their oats with whatever toppings they prefer, whilst also adding those energy supporting B Vitamins into the diet.

Leading with the strapline Great Days Start Here, the range is geared towards young professionals with busy, athletic and social lives. Linwoods Overnight Oats offers a tasty, no fuss and nutritious breakfast solution to fuel demanding days.

Danone GetPro Danone Ireland have launched GetPro, a range of high-protein dairy snacks designed for people who want to get more out of their workouts, and enjoy a great tasting, healthy snack.

Containing 15-25 grams of protein per serve, the new range features 11 highprotein snacks including delicious and nutritious yogurts, puddings, mousses and drinks (both fresh and long life). Each product in the range is high in protein, with great tasting flavours and textures, the most delicious way to follow a workout and support consumers on their fitness journey.

With no added sugars and low or 0% fat, GetPro is launching with a 360 marketing strategy spanning shopper marketing, OOH, social, digital, ecommerce, earned and influencer marketing, as well as strong retail activations.

The launch supports Danone’s health commitments announced earlier this year, which state that at least 90% of Danone’s products by sales volume in Ireland will not be high in fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS), according to UK Government regulations, as adopted by Irish authorities.

“At Danone, we believe nutrition is about making a positive contribution to health and wellbeing and the introduction of the GetPro range demonstrates that,” noted Maria Murphy, Irish Marketing Director of Danone Ireland. “There is a genuine consumer need for great tasting, high-protein products that can support consumers on their fitness journey and all

Vanilla Long Life Drink, part of the new GetPro range from Danone Ireland. eleven products have been developed with this in mind. GetPro will tap into the evergrowing protein segment here in Ireland, cementing Danone’s leadership as the number one branded manufacturer in the yogurt category.”

Yakult Yakult recently rejuvenated the packaging across its entire portfolio - Yakult Original, Yakult Plus (which launched in April 2023) and Yakult Balance, formerly known as Yakult Light. With a refreshed look and feel, the new design will go further in highlighting each product’s flavour profile and nutritional benefits.

Yakult Light changed its name to Yakult Balance in August. There may be a new name and fresh look, but the contents inside the bottle haven’t changed, so Yakult Balance still provides consumers all the same benefits and refreshing lemon flavour as before.

Yakult Balance is also enriched with vitamin D, which supports immunity and muscle & bone health, as well as vitamin E - which helps maintain healthy skin and eyes and strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin D contributes to the normal

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Healthy Options function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function. Each bottle of Yakult Balance accounts for 15% of the EU reference intake for vitamin D. Yakult was developed over 85 years ago by the Japanese scientist Dr Shirota, who spent many years investigating the benefits of intestinal bacteria. In the 1930s, he selected and cultivated a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria - L. casei Shirota. This small and powerful bacteria was used to create the iconic fermented skimmed milk drink, Yakult. Today, more than 40 million Yakult products are consumed every day, in 40 countries and regions around the world.

For further information, please visit www.yakult.co.uk.

Corona Cero Introducing Corona Cero, a new nonalcoholic beer from Corona, offering Irish

Avonmore Oat Drink Avonmore recently entered the plant-based drinks sector with the launch of Avonmore Oat Drink, made from quality Irish oats.

Avonmore Oat Drink is available in both Original and Barista options. Both are lactose-free, low in fat with no added sugar and do not contain any dairy.

The oats used in Avonmore Oat Drink are traceable to organic oat farms operated by parent company Tirlán’s quality oats growers. The Original drink is fortified with calcium, while the Barista option is specially formulated to be frothy and foamable, making it a suitable accompaniment for coffee drinks.

Yakult has announced a fresh new look across all lines and a product name change for one of its most popular variants, Yakult Balance.

Avonmore Oat Drink is available in Original and Barista options.

New Corona Cero, a nonalcoholic beer from Corona.

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Healthy Options consumers more options for navigating the hectic festive period and creating a balanced new year. Brewed with 100% natural ingredients, Corona Cero promises a taste as crisp, refreshing and balanced as Corona Extra, but without the alcohol.

This new addition is part of Corona's commitment to cater to consumers' evolving tastes and preferences.

The new addition supports the growing trend towards mindful drinking. Sales of zero-alcohol beer were up 25% last year, with the market share for non-alcoholic beer quadrupling in just five years, showcasing the nation’s desire for more choice. The launch of Cero aligns with this evolving landscape, allowing consumers to enjoy the social aspect of having a drink without compromising their wellness goals.

“Corona has always been an invitation to enjoy more of life’s great moments outside, with close friends and a beer in hand – of course, there are many occasions where we don’t want to consume alcohol while we do this,” said Colin McGough, Corona Cero Brand Manager. “Corona Cero is about offering consumers even more choice and being responsive to the changing needs of our customers, all while staying true to our natural ethos. With Corona Cero,

we're excited to continue upholding our reputation for creating refreshing, highquality beers that consumers love."

Whoosh Instant Noodles Shoppers at Selfridges in London, one of the UK’s most prestigious retailers, are now enjoying instant rice noodles courtesy of Coleraine chef/entrepreneur Thana Thammavongsa’s Whoosh brand.

Following an approach from Selfridges’ buyers earlier this year, three of Thana’s healthy noodle varieties have now gone on sale at the leading London store.

Thana’s brand, Whoosh, introduced its own brand of instant noodle pots last year, aimed at the food-on-the-go retail markets.

“Our goal was to recreate the essence of our most cherished Thai and Vietnamese street food dishes, passed down through family recipes,” noted Thana. “Having our pots featured in a landmark like Selfridges is a dream come true.”

Whoosh’s three varieties of instant rice noodles - Thai Red Curry, Thai Tom Yum and Vietnamese Curry - are currently available to purchase from their own street food café in Coleraine, as well as from 25 locations across Northern Ireland.

The company is currently working on placing the noodle range in shops across the Republic Ireland.

Whoosh instant noodle pots from Coleraine are actively seeking stockists in the Republic of Ireland.

Bord Bia secures EU funding for an organic beef and lamb campaign BORD Bia has won two new EU contracts to promote organic EU beef and lamb and a separate campaign to promote EU mushrooms, as announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The combined value of the two campaigns is €5.7 million over three years. This comprises €3.96 million in EU funding and €1.73 million from Bord Bia and industry funding.

The organic campaign will invest €2.7 million (including VAT) in promoting organic beef and lamb in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Sweden, while the mushroom campaign will see €3 million (including VAT) allocated to promoting mushrooms across the UK. “This will be the first EU cofunded campaign for organic beef and lamb and comes at a pivotal time for the sector, as we look to increase market demand in key markets,” noted Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia Chief Executive. “The domestic market is the most important market for organic horticulture, dairy and eggs, and we have recently invested in a €1 million organic campaign here in Ireland.

Nearly two thirds of Irish organic beef is destined for export markets, while half of organic lamb is currently sold overseas. This new funding will ensure we can support the development of four export markets for organic beef and lamb, identified by Bord Bia as having the greatest growth potential.”

He also discussed the mushroom campaign: “Due to the Irish mushroom sector’s reliance on the UK, owing to the short shelf life of the product, it is exposed to trade fluctuations in the market. The campaign therefore aims to bolster demand by encouraging greater consumption of mushrooms among UK consumers through a range of consumer marketing activity.”

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Forecourt Focus: News Maxol announce partnership with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Maxol Group CEO Brian Donaldson is pictured with guide dog users Dawn Hopper with Micky and Christina Kelly with Effie.

MAXOL have announced the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as their newly appointed charity partner. In selecting the charity, CEO of the Maxol Group, Brian Donaldson explained that it wasn’t until he met and spoke to a guide dog owner that he fully appreciated the life-changing impact these highly trained and intuitive dogs can have, giving a person not only confidence but independence too.

Over the course of the two-year partnership, Maxol aim to support the charity by increasing awareness and the impact of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s work. The family-owned company has also committed to funding the training of at least six assistance dogs. It costs approximately €53,000 to breed, train and care for each of these special dogs over the course of their working lives.

“With so many charities in need of urgent funding, selecting just one to which we will commit our resources is hugely challenging,” noted Brian Donaldson. “But when we looked not

only at the work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind but the positive and tangible impact the charity can have on so many people’s lives - children, adults, and their families - we saw a really compelling case. This is a national organisation but with a strong and widespread community presence, much like our own business, and together with our local retailers we are looking forward to getting behind their work and ensuring Maxol makes a difference.”

Tim O’Mahony, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: ”We are delighted to be chosen as Maxol’s charity partner.

Their support will have a huge impact; ensuring that we can deliver more guide dogs and assistance dogs over the next two years – essentially bringing independence and mobility to the lives of our clients and many families. The partnership will have a life-changing impact across communities as we develop links with our nationwide volunteer branches and their local service stations.“

Fourth Texaco Support for Sport campaign launched THE Texaco Support for Sport funding initiative, which to date has seen €385,000 distributed amongst 77 sports clubs across Ireland,

Donncha O’Callaghan, Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, is leading the adjudication process for the Texaco Support for Sport initiative.

has been launched for the fourth successive year.

Under the scheme, hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, a fund of €130,000 will be distributed to 26 sports clubs on a countyby-county basis, with successful applicants receiving €5,000 in each case.

Open to sports clubs across the 26 counties, irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously), the initiative is one that recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society as a whole.

Launching the 2024 initiative, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, described sports clubs as “the heart and soul of so many communities, cities, towns and villages throughout the country and a key component in the fabric of Irish society.”

Donncha O’Callaghan, Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, is leading the adjudication process for the Texaco Support for Sport initiative: “I look forward to reviewing the 2024 applications and to rewarding those clubs that require access to vital funds so they can develop facilities, increase memberships, and broaden their appeal within their communities, at grassroot level.”

For more information, visit www.texacosupportforsport.com.

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Drinks News O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey 0.0 partners with sponsor Wexford Wanderers RFC Guinness Dunnes on responsible IRISH rugby star Tadhg drinking campaign Furlong recently helped to announced that O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey are the new sponsors of Wexford Wanderers RFC. The Wexford Wanderers Park will also now be officially known as O’Driscolls Park.

“There is a long link with my family and the club,” explained Michael Stafford, Managing Director of Stafford Bonding. “My Dad is an honorary life member and Grandfather Stafford and I played rugby for Wexford Wanderers, so the club is very close to my own heart. O’Driscolls is named after my mother’s side of the family, whose ancestors were the legendary Irish O’Driscolls pirate clan. We are an authentic local brand, and it is great to be able to give back by working with our local rugby club on this collaboration.” Pictured are (l-r): Michael Stafford, Tony Connolly (President of Wexford Wanderers RFC), Irish rugby star Tadhg Furlong and Michael Stafford Jnr.

GUINNESS 0.0 is partnering with Dunnes Stores to promote responsible drinking over the festive period. With every four-pack of Guinness 0.0 purchased at Dunnes Stores, consumers can avail of a second four-pack of Guinness 0.0 free of charge, available online and in stores nationwide. Customers can avail of this promotion throughout the month of December at over 100 stores nationwide, as well online at www.dunnesstoresgrocery. com while stocks last and subject to customer quotas.

Ronan Keating stars in Rockshore’s Christmas campaign IRISH pop music royalty, Ronan Keating, has partnered with Rockshore to release the most refreshing anthem of the season, which sees Ronan head back to the studio to celebrate the best of St Stephen's Day, by getting together for some playful banter with mates. Keating shares the mic with ‘Rocko’ to lay down their own distinctively witty lyrics to the Christmas classic, ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,’ crammed with affectionate slagging and having the craic at the expense of each other on their way to the pub. Linda Bradley, Head of Beer, Diageo Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with Ronan Keating to bring some refreshment to the festive season with our first-ever Christmas advert. We want to celebrate that affectionate banter that comes to life between best friends on the most refreshing day for a beer, St Stephen’s Day.”

Ahascragh Distillery wins at SEAI Energy Awards AHASCRAGH Distillery took home a prestigious award for the Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy at the 2023 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Awards. This accolade recognises the founders’ dedication and ingenuity in leading the way to decarbonising the energy source for the distilling industry. Nestled in the village of Ahascragh, Co. Galway, the newly renovated mill which houses Ahascragh Distillery produces zero energy emissions as fossil fuels or gas are not used to drive the production process, instead using wind and solar energy combined with high temperature heat pumps. Ahascragh Distillery founders Gareth and Michelle McAllister are pictured receiving their award.

Walsh Whiskey Brewing & Distilling bursary awarded JOHN Brennan, a second year student from South East Technological University (SETU), was awarded the Walsh Whiskey sixth annual bursary of €1,000 at the university’s campus in Carlow. John is an undergraduate student of SETU Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Brewing and Distilling. The prize is awarded by Walsh Whiskey, producers of Writers’ Tears and The Irishman premium whiskeys, to the student with the highest grades in the first year of the bachelor’s course, the first course of its kind in Ireland.

Pictured are (l-r): John Griffin, Walsh Whiskey; Dr John Byrne, SETU; Dr Blaise Ni Pharsis, SETU; Dr Sinead Morris, SETU; John Brennan (SETU winning student); Bernard Walsh, Walsh Whiskey; Dr David Phelan, SETU; and Dr David Ryan, SETU.

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Drinks News Bushmills release two 2023 Causeway Collection expressions BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey have unveiled two expressions from their 2023 Causeway Collection, which will be available exclusively on the island of Ireland. Curated and selected by Bushmills' visionary Master Blender, Alex Thomas (pictured), it features nine rare cask-finished Irish single malts boasting unprecedented finishing in diverse, rare and unique casks from across the globe. The latest expressions, carefully selected from Bushmills’ unparalleled aged reserves, are a 2010 Cognac Cask and a 1999 New American Oak Cask. “The sensational whiskeys in the Causeway Collection deliver bold, untold waves of flavour that pay homage to the heritage and natural landscape of Bushmills,” noted Alex. “We are delighted to share these very special innovations for whiskey lovers throughout Ireland.”

Irish Distillers partner with the Digital Repository of Ireland IRISH Distillers have announced a ground-breaking partnership with the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI), the national body charged with providing long-term, sustained digital preservation and access to Ireland’s humanities, cultural heritage and social sciences data. The partnership will see records from the Irish Distillers archive digitised and uploaded to the Repository and made openly available from anywhere in the world. The Irish Distillers Archive, based in Midleton, Co. Cork, is home to extensive archival records documenting the storied history and heritage of Irish Distillers. This includes records dating back to the eighteenth century created

by John Jameson & Son, John Power & Son and the Cork Distilleries Company, before the companies merged to form Irish Distillers in 1966. Pictured at the Irish Distillers Archive in Midleton are (l-r): Maeve O’Brien, Membership Manager, DRI; Dr Lisa Griffith, Director, DRI; Carol Quinn, Head of Archives, Irish Distillers; and Noelia Romero, Digital Archivist, DRI.

Coca-Cola Designated Driver campaign is back COCA-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, together with content creator Miriam Mullins, are excited to announce the return of their Designated Driver campaign for the 19th year. The campaign seeks to reward the Designated Drivers who stay sober on nights out to ensure friends and family get home safely, with two free soft drinks or water from the Coca-Cola range. Pictured at the launch of the initiative at the Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel were: Agnese Filippi, Country Manager, The Coca-Cola Company; Davide Franzetti, General Manager, Coc-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland; content creator and broadcaster Miriam Mullins; and Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Jack Chambers TD.

Britvic release preliminary results

BRITVIC have released their preliminary results for the year ended September 30, 2023, with revenue increasing by 6.6% to Stg£1,748.6 million (statutory increased 8.1%), driven by price/mix, with adjusted EBIT increasing 5.9% to Stg£218.4 million (actual exchange rate increased 6.0%), reported EBIT decreased 5.6%. The company described their results as “excellent progress in a challenging market”, where demand remained strong, albeit a modest volume decline due to a tough Q4, comparable with the hot summer in Europe in 2022, and poor weather in July and August 2023. Here in Ireland, Britvic Ireland is Ireland’s number one domestic producer of soft drinks and the number two soft drinks company (by volume) operating in the Irish market.

Their portfolio encompasses muchloved Irish brands such as Ballygowan, MiWadi, Club, Cidona and TK, as well as broader Britvic group brands such as Robinsons, Fruit Shoot and London Essence Company, and PepsiCo brands like Pepsi and 7Up, which they produce and market here under licence.

Red Bull Campus Clutch THE Red Bull Campus Clutch National Finals took place recently at the Red Bull Gaming Hub in SETU Waterford. A team-based Valorant tournament open only to those in third-level education, the state-of-the-art Red Bull Gaming Hub played host to a fascinating clash of Ireland’s most talented gamers. The winning team of Ciaran McDonnell (UCD), Adam Maxwell (UCD), Conor Duffy (UCD), Joe Geraghty (NCI) and Karolis Ziubrys (University of Galway) got the better of their SETU Waterford opponents on the day, and now head to Istanbul to represent Ireland in the Red Bull Campus Clutch World Finals, with €20,000 on the line.

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Image from rawpixel.com

On the Vine

The vine knowledge Jean Smullen presents some On the Vine Awards for for individuals and companies who made their mark on the wine industry in Ireland during 2023.

THE 2022 Drinks Ireland Wine Report, released in September 2023 by Drinks Ireland - Wine (DIW) shows volume sales of wine remain at 8.8 million cases, the same figure recorded in 2021. MAT off-trade figures for value sales of wine to March 2023 showed a small increase of +1.0% (Source: Drinks Ireland Wine 2022 Report & Niesen Scantrack March 2023).

According to the DIW report, the wine sector contributed €385 million to the Irish exchequer during 2022. In the past decade, wine has contributed over €3.5 billion to state coffers from excise duty. Ireland still has the highest excise rate on wine in the EU, with Irish consumers paying €3.19 per standard bottle of wine (13% ABV).

For sparkling wine drinkers, the excise hit is even worse, with a rate of €6.37 on a standard bottle.

Launching the 2022 DIW report, Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland, said other challenges for the Irish wine

industry include those created by the Irish Government’s unilateral plan to introduce health warning labels on wine rather than aligning with a planned EU harmonised approach. The Irish wine industry now faces the real fear that this initiative may lead to a reduced range of wine being available in the future.

A review of the year would not be complete without a few awards for individuals and companies who made their mark on the wine industry in Ireland during 2023.

Best generic wine event The prize for best generic event in 2023 goes to Wines of Portugal. The Portuguese Embassy in Dublin have worked extremely hard in recent years to raise awareness for their wines. Led by Luis Reyes of AICEP, on Monday, October 23, 2023, they organised a Portuguese Wine Fair to offer support to the Portuguese producers

Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland, warned that the Irish Government’s plan to introduce health warning labels on wine may lead to a reduced range of wine being available in the future.

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On the Vine already represented on the Irish market; 12 Irish importers took part and over 200 Portuguese wines were tasted.

A Portuguese Masterclass presented

by Bento Amaral was also very well attended. Bento is paraplegic, the result of an unfortunate accident. However, this never deterred his enthusiasm for living and he has worked extremely hard to improve inclusion within the wine industry for people with disabilities. As a founding member of HumanWinety, an organisation that helps empower and include individuals from minority groups within the wine and hospitality industries, it was a great honour to have Bento present the wines at this year’s Portuguese tasting.

Best supermarket portfolio Dunnes Stores receive this year’s prize for their exclusive range of wines; one of the best I have tasted from a supermarket portfolio. Led by wine buyer, Karen O’Donoghue, their range of exclusive wines is hard to beat. At a recent portfolio tasting, the price/quality ratio was outstanding.

When a 20% discount offer is added, this offers impressive value. The selection really hits the mark in terms of their innovative wines that will appeal to the more adventurous consumer.

Stand-out wines from the range include: Frederic Bousquet Cocobiroux Single Plot Vermentino (Pays d’Oc); BenMarco Malbec; Ponte de Xisto Douro DOC; badaBadoc Priorat; 2019 Chateau Grand Moulin Macquin Montagne (AOP St Emilion) and 2019 Enzo Bartoli Barolo.

The Findlater effect Findlater & Co are the recipients of two awards for their achievements this year.

The first is for their Give Wine a Future project and the enormous effort put in

by Laura Peterson of Wine Allies who works with Michelle O’Sullivan and Leah Wang from the Findlater marketing team. Their objective is to support producers actively working to improve conditions on the planet by introducing green initiatives to their vineyard practices. The team have focused on highlighting the work of Familia Torres and Cono Sur and they deserve huge recognition for their innovative approach.

The second award for Findlater & Co is for hosting the best trade event this year, bar none. On September 26, 2023, Findlater & Co proudly commemorated their bicentennial with a themed birthday party at the RDS Concert Hall. Guests included

Spring tasting events Details of the 2024 spring tasting events (confirmed at time of writing) include:

January 23, 2024

Borsa Vini Italia – Davenport Hotel, D2.

February 7, 2024

27th New Zealand Annual Trade Tasting – Westbury Hotel, D2.

February 7, 2024

Classic Drinks Portfolio Tasting – Smock Alley Theatre, Temple Bar, Dublin 8.

February 12-14, 2024 Wine Paris & Vinexpo February 19, 2024

Bibendum Portfolio Tasting – Dublin (Venue TBA)

February 19, 2024

Liberty Wines Portfolio Tasting – Dublin (Venue TBA)

February 19, 2024

Bibendum Portfolio Tasting –Belfast (Venue TBA)

February 26, 2024

Wine Cru Portfolio Tasting – Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer St, D2

March 4, 2024

Mitchell & Son Portfolio Tasting – RHA Gallery, Ely Place, D2

March 4, 2024

Le Caveau 25th Anniversary Portfolio Tasting – Dublin (Venue TBA)

March 6, 2024

Le Caveau 25th Anniversary Portfolio Tasting – Cork (Venue TBA)

March 10-12, 2024

30th Edition of Prowein – Dusseldorf

More details about these events can be found in the wine diary which is updated regularly at jeansmullen.com.

their worldwide brand partners, as well as all their nationwide local partners and trade guests. One of the biggest trade turnouts I have seen in many years, we all joined the Findlater & Co team for a night of celebration along the theme, ‘The Past Meets the Future’. The wines were impressive and the food and entertainment memorable. Happy 200th Findlater & Co and thanks for the memory!

Best use of modern media Finally, the award for the best use of modern media to promote wine during 2023 goes to Wine: The Long & The Short of It, a podcast created by MW student Antonio Dominiguez and wine specialist

In the past decade, wine has contributed over €3.5 billion to state coffers from excise duty.

Lynda Coogan. Antonia was born in Jerez, Spain, where her life-long passion for wine began. She has worked in the wine industry for over 13 years, 10 of which she spent running her own wine exporting business with a focus on the Chinese market. Today, she works as the assistant wine buyer for O’Brien’s Wines. Antonia is currently a stage two student on the Master of Wine programme. Lynda Coogan WSET Dip has over 15 years’ experience working in the wine industry. A well-known wine educator, Lynda features regularly on ‘Movies and Booze’ on the Sean Moncrieff show on Newstalk FM. Wine: The Long & The Short of it Podcast is aimed as consumers who want to learn more about wine in a fun and conversational way. They talk about the language of wine, they look at wine labels, they discuss trends, grape varieties and wine styles. Topics covered include: what is your wine style?; wine destinations: food and wine pairings; understanding wine labels; the truth about celebrity wines; alternative wine packaging; and much more. You will find them on all podcast platforms.

Autumn 2023 was enormously busy in terms of wine events, with so many portfolio and generic tastings taking place. As 2024 begins, the business of wine continues with several portfolio and generic tastings events already in the diary, some scheduled to take place on the same day, so forward planning will be needed.

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SuperValu Off Licence of the Year

SuperValu stores rewarded for off licence excellence Four SuperValu stores won top awards at the Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Awards.

NOVEMBER 23 saw the annual Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Awards presented at The Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny, with four SuperValu stores winning the top awards on the night. The winners were selected from over 220 SuperValu stores across Ireland, from which 27 finalists came through the judging process. All 27 finalist stores attended on the night and the winners are: • Overall Winner SuperValu Off Licence of the Year: SuperValu Dingle, Co. Kerry • Large Store of the Year: SuperValu Midleton, Co. Cork • Medium Store of the Year: SuperValu Ballisodare, Co. Sligo • Small Store of the Year: SuperValu Corbally, Co. Limerick

The winners of this year's Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Award will enjoy an exclusive trip, starting with a night in Paris, before visiting the home of Moët & Chandon in Epernay and the home of Hennessy in Cognac.

Tomas Garvey, Kevin O’Connor, Alan Kennedy and Jim Garvey were there on the night to represent SuperValu Dingle and were presented with the award for Overall Off Licence of the Year.

Tommy Grimes and John Hurley represented SuperValu Midleton and were presented with the award for Large Store of the Year.

Ray Carty and Anthony White represented SuperValu Ballisodare and were presented with the award for Medium Store Off Licence of the Year.

Andy O'Hara, CEO, Edward Dillon, pictured with Overall Store Winners Jim Garvey, Alan Kennedy and Kevin O'Connor of SuperValu Dingle, Kerry, Yvonne O’Shaughnessy of Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, and Terry Pennington of Santa Rita.

Tomas Garvey, Fern Carroll and Helen Griffin were there on the night to represent SuperValu Corbally and were presented with the award for Small Store Off Licence of the Year.

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

Speaking at the event, Andy O'Hara said: “It’s always a pleasure for me to present these SuperValu stores with their awards.

As always, it was a hard-fought battle and I offer my congratulations not only to the four winning stores, but to each of the finalist stores. The dedication and hard work of the teams in every store is second to none.”

The finalist stores were judged by Michael Cunningham and were marked

Andy O’Hara, Edward Dillon CEO, pictured with Tommie Grimes and John Hurley of SuperValu Midleton, Cork, winner of the Large Store of the Year, with Ciara McClafferty, Trading Director Musgrave, and Terry Pennington of Santa Rita.

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SuperValu Off Licence of the Year on a range of criteria, including overall appearance, innovation and customer service.

Guests on the night enjoyed a cocktail

reception tasting some of Edward Dillon’s best-loved brands, including Hennessy and Bacardi Caribbean Spiced, followed by an evening of laughter and delicious food

Andy O'Hara of Edward Dillon, with Anthony White and Ray Carty of SuperValu Ballisodare, Sligo, winners of the Medium Store Award, with Yvonne O’Shaughnessy of Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, and Terry Pennington of Santa Rita.

7up free is now 7up zero sugar FRESH NEW NAME SAME UPLIFTING TASTE

paired with Santa Rita wines. The event, hosted by Cork Red FM’s Colm O’Sullivan, was followed with entertainment from top Irish comedian Bernard O’Shea.

Helen Griffin and Fern Carroll of SuperValu Corbally, Limerick, pick up the Small Store of the Year Award from Andy O'Hara of Edward Dillon, Ciara McClafferty, Trading Director Musgraves, and Terry Pennington of Santa Rita.

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A busy year for regulators Linda Hynes and Sinead Likely of Lewis Silkin report on the key 2023 employment law developments, particularly their relevance to retail employers, and look ahead to what’s coming in 2024.

IN what has been another busy year in the world of workplace and employment law in Ireland, perhaps the most significant development has been the introduction of the much-anticipated Work Life Balance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, which introduces new family related rights for employees and the right to request flexible and remote working arrangements.

This year also saw the EU Pay Transparency Directive being finalised, although this has yet to be implemented in Ireland. This will create more rigorous gender pay gap reporting obligations throughout the EU and influence practice more widely.

With an ever-increasing focus on all things AI, this is an area which is gaining increasing attention over the last year.

With it being widely predicted to have a more significant impact than the Industrial Revolution and with legislation starting to materialise, AI is certainly becoming a big issue for many employers.

In this article, we look more closely at some of the more significant developments in 2023 and what developments are expected in 2024.

Work Life Balance Act The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (the Act) was finally signed into law on April 4 this year, although not all the sections have yet come into effect. The sections of the Act entitling employees who are carers or parents to five days’ unpaid leave for medical care purposes and extending breastfeeding breaks (from six months weeks to two years) commenced on July 3, 2023.

More recently, the entitlement to paid domestic violence leave commenced on November 27, 2023. This new right entitles employees who are victims of domestic abuse to five days’ paid domestic violence leave. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, in conjunction with Women's Aid, also recently published support documentation for employers, including a template policy document and guidance note. The guidance note confirms that domestic violence leave will be paid by the employer at the employee’s full rate of pay (as had been indicated by the Government earlier this year).

Image from rawpixel.com

Employment Law

It had been expected that the remaining sections of the Act, those entitling certain employees with caring responsibilities to request flexible working arrangements and the right to request to work remotely, would have commenced by now also.

However, at the time of writing, this had not yet happened. Employers should watch this space closely for developments, which are expected imminently, and in the meantime should consider what steps they may need to take to deal with the new rights when they are introduced. A code of practice is also awaited from the Workplace Relations Commission, and it is hoped this will provide practical guidance to employers in understanding these new rights.

Gender pay gap reporting Since 2022, certain retail employers have been required to publish the gender pay and bonus gap for their workforce, their views on what is causing any gap and their plans for closing it. Gaps are calculated using 12 months’ data up to June, and then published by December in the same year.

It was intended that an online reporting system would be in effect from 2023 but this has yet to be put in place.

While currently this only applies to organisations with 250 or more employees, the threshold for reporting drops to 150 employees next year, and so employers in that category should start looking ahead

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Employment Law relates to action organisations may need to take in light of gender pay gap reports, in that it will effectively impose a positive obligation on employers to take action where any pay differences cannot be justified by objective and genderneutral means, and it will also require the accuracy of pay gaps to be confirmed by an employer’s management, with employee representatives being given an opportunity to interrogate the methodology used.

There are several interesting developments coming down the line at both an EU and local level in terms of employment law and employers will need to adapt their current practices and policies accordingly (Image from rawpixel.com). at how they will meet their reporting obligations in 2024. From June 2025, employers with just 50 employees will have to comply.

In-scope retail employers face the challenge of identifying and eliminating, or at least reducing, any gender pay gaps found. Retail employers may also be required to set up or review current initiatives in a bid to tackle any gap. This may then have a knock-on effect on costs, which employers need to plan for now.

Even if a retailer didn’t have to report this year, they may want to consider doing a dry run and calculating gender pay gap statistics before they become legally obliged to. Doing a dry run means employers get the benefit of an extra data point. When it comes to analysing gender pay gaps next year, or in the case of an employer with 50-150 employees in 2025, employers will have a much better idea of the scale of the challenge ahead.

EU Pay Transparency Directive At EU level, the Pay Transparency Directive came into effect in June this year, but Ireland and the other EU countries have until June 7, 2026, for it to be implemented.

While Ireland’s current gender pay gap legislation seems to already align with many aspects of the Directive, it is likely that our legislation will need to change to ensure all the Directive’s requirements are met and so employers should be watching this space closely.

The Directive will expose pay to greater analysis and possibly more equal pay claims as employees will be entitled to more information about their pay. One significant difference, which should go some way further towards identifying pay inequality, is that the Directive will require the publication of pay gaps by “categories of worker”. Currently, employers in Ireland must publish pay gaps calculated for their entire workforce, and then separate calculations for part-time and temporary (fixed-term) employee groups. However, the rules do not currently require publication by job functions or grades of worker, rather simply their employment status.

This means employers will be faced with a more onerous task to identify and publish even more gender pay gap information and information about job structures in their organisations.

Another implication of the Directive

Statutory sick pay The entitlement to statutory sick pay (SSP) has been in place since January 1, 2023. While the entitlement is currently to three days of paid sick leave, this rises to five days in 2024 and will increase incrementally to seven days in 2025 and eventually 10 days in 2026.

To be eligible, employees must have worked for their employer for at least 13 weeks and obtain a medical certificate confirming that they are unfit to work. The rate of sick pay is 70% of an employee’s wage, subject to a daily maximum of €110.

This threshold may be reviewed and amended over time in line with changes in income or inflation; however, no such changes have been made yet.

Many retail employers will already provide sick pay to their employees, potentially over and above the statutory entitlement. Where this is the case, it is important that their contracts and policies state clearly that contractual sick pay is inclusive of SSP. Retail employers who don’t already pay sick pay will need to ensure appropriate processes and systems are in place to administer SSP during sick leave and to maintain records to demonstrate that they are compliant with the new law (which must be kept for four years).

The first WRC case on statutory sick pay was recently heard and provides us with a first look at the WRC’s approach to whether a company sick pay scheme is, on the whole, more favourable to an employee than their entitlement to statutory sick pay.

Although this is the first time this legal point has been raised, it confirms a number of key points, including that: • The Act in its entirety does not apply to employers who operate a sick leave scheme that confers benefits which are, as a whole, more favourable to the employee than statutory sick leave; • Contractual sick leave benefits which are either as favourable or more favourable than statutory sick leave will operate as a substitute for statutory sick leave;

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Employment Law • In determining whether a company sick leave scheme is “as a whole” more favourable than statutory sick leave, regard must be given to all of the criteria set out in section 9 of the Act. Where certain elements of the company scheme are less favourable than statutory sick leave, this will not disentitle an employer to rely on section 9 where the overall benefit granted by the employer’s scheme is more favourable.

Whistleblowing Wide-ranging changes were made this year to the whistleblowing legislation to fully implement the EU Whistleblowing Directive. The changes, which took effect from January 1, 2023, broadened the scope of, and enhanced, whistleblowers’ protection.

Since January 1, 2023, retail employers with over 250 employees have been required to have a whistleblowing procedure in place. From December 17, 2023, the requirement to put these measures in place will apply to employers with between 50-249 employees.

Employers who will be in scope after December 2023 need to ensure they update their policies and procedures in line with the legislation to effectively deal with whistleblowing claims and ensure their managers and other relevant staff are trained on the changes.

New statutory guidance on protected disclosures was published on November 20, 2023. While the guidance is targeted at the public sector, much of the content is also very helpful to private sector employers who come within the remit of the legislation. The purpose of the guidance is to assist employers in understanding and navigating their obligations under the protected disclosures legislation, and to provide practical advice as regards best practice in setting up and operating reporting channels for workers to raise concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace.

Auto-enrolment An auto-enrolment system, which will require retail employers to automatically enrol employees who meet certain criteria into a workplace pension scheme, is being set up. It was envisaged that the system would be set up in 2023 and ready to take employee enrolments in 2024. However, it is now expected that this will be set up in the second half of 2024 and will be gradually phased in over a decade.

All employees, existing and new, who

Employers should review template contracts to assess any changes that may need to be made on foot of new regulations (Image from rawpixel.com). fit the eligibility criteria and who are not already enrolled in a workplace pension scheme, will be automatically enrolled in the new scheme. Contributions will be paid by employees, and matched by employers, as a percentage of an employee’s gross earnings. Initial contributions will be 1.5% of gross income. This amount will be increased on a phased basis over 10 years with 1.5% added every three years until a total of 6% is reached. The State will also provide a top-up contribution. Employees can opt out or suspend contributions after six months of service.

Retail employers should review their own pension scheme arrangements and what (if any) contributions they and employees make to the pensions scheme or any Personal Retirement Savings Accounts. Once the draft legislation has been issued (which is anticipated to happen in the second half of 2024), retail employers will be in a better place to start making arrangements for the auto-enrolment system.

Extra holiday 2023 saw the introduction of an extra public holiday at the start of February to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s day. It is observed on the first Monday of February except where February 1 falls on a Friday, in which case it will be observed on that day. Retail employers should, if they have not already done so, amend HR systems, contracts and policies where they include a list of the specific public holidays in Ireland.

Changes to employee wages Tips and gratuities: From December 1, 2022, changes in relation to the payment of tips, gratuities and service charges came into effect.

Specifically, employees are now legally entitled to receive electronic tips and gratuities and they must be paid out to workers in a fair manner. An employer can no longer retain any element of electronic

tips. If impacted (for example, where the retailer may also operate café facilities), retail employers should make sure that their current practice is in line with these new rules.

National minimum wage: Minimum rates of pay will increase from January 1, 2024. The new rates retail employers need to pay are as follows: • Aged 20 and over - €12.70 • Aged 19 - €11.43 • Aged 18 - €10.16 • Aged under 18 - €8.89 Living Wage Bill 2022 It was announced in late 2022 that a “national living wage” will replace the national minimum wage from 2026. The national living wage will be set at 60% of the median wage in any given year. The latest increases in the national minimum wage (outlined above) are a further step towards reaching the ultimate aim of eliminating low thresholds of pay for workers.

Terms and conditions The European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022 (the “Regulations”), the aim of which is improving employees’ working conditions by promoting more transparent and predictable employment, became law in December 2022 and so 2023 has seen employers dealing with the new set of minimum requirements set out in the Regulations, including: • a six-month limit on the maximum duration of a probationary period (with some exceptions); • a general rule that a worker cannot be prevented from taking up work with another employer outside the work schedule; • rights to greater predictability of working time and reasonable advance

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Employment Law •

• •

•

notice for those on variable work schedules; limitations on the use and duration of on-demand or similar employment contracts (which are already effectively banned in Ireland); written notification of particular terms being provided to employees; a possibility for a worker with at least 26 weeks’ service to request a transition to a more predictable and secure form of employment; a right to mandatory training without cost.

While many of the requirements set out in the Regulations already existed under Irish law, employers who have not already done so should review template contracts to assess any changes that may need to be made on foot of the new Regulations, particularly with respect to the timing of the information being provided to employees, the length of probationary periods and the use of exclusive service provisions.

Platform workers A long-awaited decision of the Supreme Court in The Revenue Commissioners v Karshan Midlands Limited t/a Domino's Pizza was published on October 20, 2023, and will have important implications for workers in the gig economy in Ireland. In its ruling, which overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court found that Domino’s Pizza delivery drivers are employees, not independent contractors, for tax purposes. While this is a nuanced issue, for employers who operate in this sphere, it brings some important clarification. The Supreme Court essentially reframed the tests (including the much relied upon “mutuality of obligation” test) that should be applied to determine whether or not a working arrangement constitutes a contract of employment.

Diversity and discrimination Proposals are in place regarding the regulation of gender balance on the boards and governing councils of corporate bodies and related matters. The proposal is for a 40% female representation quota. There are also proposals in place regarding the requirements to be met for a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) concerning sexual harassment allegations or unlawful discrimination to be valid. The most notable are that: • the employee should be offered independent legal advice, in writing,

provided at the expense of the employer; • the NDA should include an opportunity for the relevant employee to decide to waive their own confidentiality in the future; • the NDA is of a set and limited duration.

While these changes are not yet law, retail employers may want to bear these proposals in mind when entering into a settlement agreement with an employee.

Settling matters privately with the use of NDAs may become more widely used going forward, given that WRC cases are now held in public.

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

AI in the workplace At present, there are no rules or regulations that apply specifically to the use of AI by employers in Ireland. However, this is an area that is evolving rapidly and has been gaining a huge amount of attention in 2023, so employers should stay tuned for any developments.

In July 2021, the Government launched a National AI strategy ‘AI - Here for Good’ to promote and support the development and adoption of AI in Irish business and society. The Data Protection Commissioner also more recently highlighted in the media the need for increased focus on AI and the importance of complying with data protection obligations in its use.

In August 2023, the Government published a progress report on Ireland’s current AI strategy, which includes supporting businesses and creating an AI advisory council. The Government has called for representatives to include business which will allow employers an opportunity to engage in policy-making around AI. This council is being established to “better understand the risks and identify the opportunities” of AI, while supporting the creation of a “more digitally integrated, inclusive and competitive society and economy”.

Regulating AI is also a key focus at EU level, with the proposed Artificial

Intelligence Act (AI Act) currently under negotiation between the European Parliament and Council. It is anticipated this could be implemented by 2025 if agreement is reached by the end of this year. This will significantly bolster regulation on the use of AI, with non-compliance subject to potentially substantial fines.

Employers looking to use these tools in the workplace context, particularly for recruitment or performance management, should be aware of the risks associated with it, and the need to ensure that AI supported decisions are explainable, transparent and retain an appropriate level of human oversight. Establishing good practice now, putting an AI policy in place and keeping it under regular review, will be an integral part of the retailer’s employment toolkit for managing the risks posed by AI in the workplace, while also reaping the many benefits of the technology.

In conclusion, it has been yet another busy year in the world of employment law and next year will be no different! There are several interesting developments coming down the line at both an EU and local level and employers will need to adapt their current practices and policies accordingly.

Awareness and compliance continue to be key to staying ahead!

About the authors For further information on these topics, please contact Linda Hynes (Linda.Hynes@lewissilkin.com), Partner, or Sinead Likely (Sinead.

Likely@lewissilkin.com), Senior Professional Development Lawyer, from Lewis Silkin. This article is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be sought in any given set of circumstances.

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What’s New TESCO EXTEND PARTNERSHIP WITH BANDON VALE TESCO Ireland and Cork-based cheese company Bandon Vale have together announced a major extension to their partnership, which will see the value of the contract grow from €12 million to €17 million. The ambitious plan will see Tesco significantly expand their range of cheese products with the West Cork based company. Bandon Vale operate a purpose-built packing facility in the heart of the dairy-rich area of Cork. The latest extension to the deal will see the producer provide a number of new products into their stores across Ireland. Pictured at the announcement were Eilis Mahon, Managing Director, Bandon Vale, and Aisling Pierce, Senior Buying Manager of Chilled and Frozen Foods, at Tesco Ireland.

CLONAKILTY UNVEIL NEW FROZEN PRODUCTS CLONAKILTY Food Co. are delighted to announce that they are expanding their range of products and bringing their expertise to the frozen aisles. Clonakilty Food Co. are launching two delicious frozen products: Clonakilty Blackpudding Bites and Clonakilty Cocktail Sausages. Clonakilty Blackpudding Bites are mouthwatering bite-sized pieces of Clonakilty Blackpudding, allowing fans to enjoy the unmistakable flavour of the secret Clonakilty spice recipe, in a smaller and more convenient format. Clonakilty Cocktail Sausages deliver the well-known taste of Ireland’s number one sausage, with the added convenience and versatility of frozen.

PEPCO OPEN SLIGO STORE DISCOUNT retailer Pepco are ending 2023 on a high as they celebrated the opening of their tenth Irish store in Sligo’s Cleveragh Retail Park on December 9, giving the first 50 customers a voucher of up to €100 to spend in-store. The latest brand new opening comes after Dealz completely revamped a number of their Irish stores, giving them top-to-bottom makeovers, converting them to the Pepco brand.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS IRELAND GIVE THE GIFT OF READING A NATIONAL charity organisation is gifting over a thousand books to young people this Christmas, including those who are affected by homelessness and in Direct Provision.

Children’s Books Ireland were recently honoured for their work by the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, winning a generous €10,000 to support their mission. Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children's Books Ireland, is pictured alongside Minister Paschal Donohoe and Andrew Algeo, CEO of the National Lottery, as she's presented with €10,000 cheque at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

Children's Books Ireland's core belief is that every young person should have the chance and the right to be a reader, using the National Lottery funding to collaborate with their charity partners to provide books to young people in need at Christmas.

NEW PRODUCTS FROM WILLOWBROOK FOODS FROM the shores of Strangford Lough, Willowbrook Foods are releasing a new range of foods, which includes fresh and vibrant crunchy salads, a mouth watering pasta salad range, along with their chicken Caesar and bacon salad. Their new branded signature range includes ingredients ranging from a creamy Caesar salad dressing and authentic Italian parmesan reggiano shavings in their Caesar salad, juicy sweetcorn and vibrant red peppers in the sweet and crunchy salad ,to fresh herbs and dressings used in their nut-free basil pesto and a bespoke indulgent mayonnaise made in their production facilities for their pasta salads. Pictured are (back row, l-r): Philip Woods, Customer Business Manager; Eamon McKey, Managing Director; John McCann, CEO MBE; Sinead Rafferty, Head of Business Development; and (front row, l-r): Maria Hamill, Senior Key Account Manager, and Alison Blair, Business Development Manager.

Thank you From

Retail News To all Retailers, Wholesalers and Suppliers for their hard work this year in what was a challenging environment.

Happy Christmas We understand and appreciate the effort that goes into keeping Ireland's shoppers fed and watered, 52 weeks a year.

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