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Summer market heating up
With the summer holiday season in full flow, welcome to the latest edition of Retail News, your premier source for the latest insights, trends, and innovations in the FMCG retail industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer, we bring you the news analysis and thought leadership that helps shape the future of retail.
This July/August double-issue features our annual focus on Ireland’s Top Wine Brands, as wine correspondent Jean Smullen examines the best-sellers and best cellars available on this market (Page 43). We also carry an in-depth interview with Cian Murphy, CEO of the National Lottery (Page 18), as he celebrates his first year at the helm, while our special feature on Event Management (Page 32), examines some of Ireland’s leading locations for company launch events, meetings, and conferences, with stellar advice from leading event management expert Michelle Thornton of Hotel Solutions DMC.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, our insights offer a valuable perspective for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in today’s competitive market.
We hope this edition of Retail News equips you with the knowledge to thrive in a dynamic retail environment.
Brian Clark
Contents
2 Budget 2026: retailers reveal their wish-lists for Government.
4 Tesco announce 400 new jobs with €40 million investment in new stores; Business awards programme to celebrate cross-border retail entrepreneurs.
6 Lidl mark 25 years in Ireland with economic impact report.
7 Youth vaping rates drop by 28%; UCD host free masterclass on Gender Pay Gap reporting; Re-turn roll out bin surrounds programme.
8 Spar and Eurospar supporting Team Ireland to 2028 Olympics; Carrigaline LGFC wins €50k from Lidl.
Sustainable Energy
16 Aldi Ireland have announced a twoyear partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland.
Retail News Interview
18 CEO of Ireland’s National Lottery, Cian Murphy discusses the National Lottery’s special relationship with its retail partners, and why he believes Ireland should ban lottery betting in bookmakers.
Organic Food: Biona
22 Biona are expanding their range of organic foods across a host of supermarket groups.
Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards
24 Stonehouse celebrated their 25th anniversary at their annual Gold Standard Awards.
Anuga 2025
27 Anuga 2025 is the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages.
Food Waste
28 The average Irish shopper wastes 10% of their food purchases annually, according to BWG Foods.
Pritt
30 Pritt has been trusted by parents, teachers and children for more than half a century.
Event Management
32 We reveal the most important concerns when organising a corporate event, from location to budget and understanding your core objectives.
Tobacco: JTI Ireland
42 The latest news from Silk Cut and your chance to win big with Amber Leaf.
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
43 Ireland’s top selling wine brands, broken down by category.
Repak Awards
59 The Repak Resource Awards set out to find Ireland’s circular economy champions.
Shopper Behaviour
60 Different shopper missions are reflected in how we search, find and choose products in-store.
Lidl Kickstart 2025
64 Lidl Ireland 's 2025 Kickstart supplier development programme.
Smart Security
66 How modern network cameras can help Irish retailers respond to rising crime, while advancing green digital transformation.
Budget 2026: retailers for Government
THE housing crisis is among the list of concerns that retailers are flagging with Government in the run-up to Budget 2026.
The housing crisis in Ireland affects everyone. While it’s not usually first or foremost on the retail sector’s preBudget wish list, some retail groups are seeing strains on their staff who cannot find or afford suitable accommodation. The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA) is amongst those calling for new schemes and incentives for employers to help staff find reasonably priced accommodation.
“If a member of staff lives 10 miles away and there's a limited public transport system and they can't afford a car, then we're not doing them or ourselves any favours,” noted Vincent Jennings, CSNA CEO.
Housing, concurred ISME in their Budget 2026 submission, “is the prime driver of wage demand to the point that it has almost become a business cost.”
And business costs are still plaguing the retail sector in 2025. Simon Marriott, Chief Retail and Commercial Officer at BWG Foods, described to Retail News the “mounting pressure” from rising staff and operational costs.
Retail remains one of Ireland’s most labour-intensive sectors. Cumulative cost increases - including the rollout of the living wage, pension auto-enrolment, additional statutory leave, and sick pay - mean many businesses are facing labour cost increases of up to 37% over five years.
“Without mitigation, we risk reduced hours, stalled investment, and potential job losses,” added Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland.
Independent retailers, in particular, continue to operate in a challenging business environment, according to a Musgrave spokesperson: “These familyrun businesses, vital employers in towns and villages across Ireland, have been disproportionately impacted by policies that increase the cost of doing business in low-margin, labour-intensive sectors like retail. While we welcome the Government’s acknowledgement of these pressures and some recent corrective steps, the cumulative burden of new employment
regulations, soaring energy costs, rising insurance premiums, and growing levels of retail crime is unsustainable. These challenges are exacerbated by increased input costs and the exclusion of retail from some support schemes available to other sectors.”
Nobody seems immune from rising costs. The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) describes its members as being under “immense strain”, compounded by the additional threat of tariffs. But this is where Government intervention can assist, across the retail grocery sector.
“Targeted policy support in the upcoming Budget could help ease the burden and protect the economic sustainability of these critical businesses,” noted BWG’s Marriott.
Most retail groups want to see PRSI reforms. Employers are currently paying 8.9% employer PRSI on earnings of up to €527 per week; and 11.5% on earnings above €527.
RGDATA called on Government to reduce this rate from a respective 8.9% to 6%, and 11.15% to 9%. Retail Ireland would like to
see “a targeted PRSI rebate for employers with lower-paid employees, calibrated to reflect actual labour cost increases.” Similarly, Musgrave are calling for a PRSI rebate, based on the number of lowerearning workers on the payroll, as well as the inclusion of food-to-go and in-store cafés in any VAT reduction for hospitality, with some commentators supporting the call for a restoration of the VAT rate to 9%. While the coalition government promised this restoration in its Programme for Government, it is by no means guaranteed.
RGDATA would like a new 6% PRSI rate for students who work in retail. The association, in their pre-Budget submission, describe a “clear public policy rationale” for this rate, given the vocational nature of this employment. How might such a rate be applied? In a format similar to the Wage Subsidy Scheme, RGDATA suggest, “which many of our members engage with when they provide employment to people with disabilities”.
BWG, meanwhile, have requested “an increase in the Employer PRSI threshold and grants for transitioning to the living wage, paired with sector-specific wage benchmarks”. This measure would make it easier for SMEs to attract and retain skilled workers while staying competitive, according to Simon Marriott.
January 1, 2026, promises another hike in the national minimum wage (NMW). Between 2020 and 2025, the NMW saw a 38% rise: over twice the rate of inflation. Vincent Jennings hopes the wage will be “looked at through a different prism” now
Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA.
reveal their wish-lists
the living wage has been deferred to 2029. “I'd like to think any increases will reflect the annual inflation figure,” he said.
Retailers have called for operational relief measures in the Budget: public service obligation (PSO) levy on energy, for example, to be stood down for small businesses. This fixed tax-like rate is imposed as part of energy bills and charged according to capacity rather than usage. BWG want to see “enhanced grants for energy efficiency upgrades”, which “would help manage cost, while promoting sustainability.”
Musgrave would like a temporary reduction in PSO and Use of System charges until energy markets stabilise, as well as a state-led investment in renewable energy, without pushing the burden onto SMEs. They’d also like to see tax relief or grants to assist retailers to invest in sustainability measures.
Musgrave are also calling for a new Power Up-style grant to support SMEs still grappling with elevated energy costs. With Irish energy costs still extremely high when compared to our EU neighbours, Musgrave want a benchmarking exercise on SME
energy costs versus other countries, with supports where needed.
Arnold Dillon told Retail News the sector is making strong progress in reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy, packaging reductions, and circular economy initiatives: “However, further progress will require targeted investment and better-aligned regulation.” Retail Ireland is calling for specific incentives within the budget, including the promotion of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in transport and distribution.
The administrative strain from running a small business can tie employers up in knots. In this light, BWG have called for Government to explore regulatory frameworks for SMEs through digital compliance platforms, tailored guidance, and lighter reporting requirements.
Insurance is another big concern. These
rising costs can, insists Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, be driven down through administrative measures. RGDATA want the Government to explore changes to Employers Liability and Public Liability cover and they propose a new method of imposing the Insurance Levy for some categories of risk, which “tackles insurers that stubbornly refuse to pass on savings”.
Retail Ireland’s insurance priorities include a consistent judicial application of personal injury guidelines, stronger legal penalties for fraudulent claims, better engagement by insurers on risk reduction, and greater transparency around insurance pricing, claims, and legal costs.
NOffLA want their own tax reduction, specific to the alcohol category. “In Budget 2026, we’re calling for a 10% reduction in
alcohol excise duty to ease the burden on these businesses and begin the process of bringing Ireland’s rates in line with EU norms,” said a NOffLA spokesperson. “Ireland’s excise levels remain among the highest in Europe.”
Convenience store owners would like a spotlight shone on the impending vape tax. According to Vincent Jennings of CSNA, the tax is not supported by tax stamps which ensure a product’s legitimacy. Without stamps, the black market might pounce.
Crime too is never far from the budgetary agenda.
Musgrave have called for a grant scheme for anti-theft measures, as set out in the Programme for Government, as well as continued investment in high visibility patrols by An Garda Síochána, which has already shown results in Dublin city.
BWG too are urging the Government “to continue increasing Garda presence in urban areas”. Simon Marriott would also like to see tougher sentencing for repeat offenders and opportunities for greater community engagement to raise awareness around retail crime. The introduction of the promised Retail Crime Strategy and the Dublin City Taskforce might help.
“Adequate Garda resourcing will be essential and should be supported in Budget allocations,” agreed Arnold Dillon.
Simon Marriott called for “enhanced CCTV support and data-sharing between retailers and law enforcement”, as a vital measure “to protecting workers, restoring public confidence, and ensuring vibrant, safe shopping spaces across Ireland.”
Will the Government listen? Having submitted their budgetary requests, retailers must now wait until early October (when Budget 2026 is likely announced) to find out.
Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA.
Simon Marriott, Chief Retail and Commercial Officer at BWG Foods.
Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland.
Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME.
Tesco announce 400 new jobs with €40 million investment in new stores News
TESCO Ireland have announced plans to create 400 new jobs across the country. This initiative is part of a significant €40 million investment aimed at expanding the retailer’s operations by opening 10 new stores nationwide over the next 12 months.
These new jobs will bring Tesco Ireland’s permanent workforce to over 13,500, further solidifying the retailer’s position as one of the largest private employers in Ireland. Among the career opportunities being offered across the country will be roles for Customer Assistants, Grocery Home Delivery (GHS) drivers and Line Managers.
Driving this significant job growth will be the opening of 10 new Tesco stores nationwide, both larger supermarkets and smaller Express shops, bringing Tesco’s total presence in Ireland to 193 stores. Notably, 100 of these new opportunities will be created at Tesco’s new Fermoy store in County Cork, set to open at the end of July.
In addition to Cork, new Tesco stores will be opened in Dublin, Galway, Louth, and Meath, with recruitment for supermarkets in both the M1 Retail Park and Howth set to start in the autumn.
Tesco staff enjoy leading reward and benefits, including a free virtual GP service, a free 24/7 employee assistance programme, free life assurance, a generous pension savings retirement plan and a bonus scheme. The retailer’s unique Colleague Clubcard offers 10% discount year-round on groceries, increasing to 15% one weekend each month, along with an ‘always-on’ 20% discount on F&F clothing.
“This €40 million investment underscores our commitment to maintaining our position as a leading employer and retailer in Ireland,” noted Geoff Byrne, Tesco Ireland CEO. “Our colleagues are at the heart of our business, and we look forward to welcoming new team members this year and recognising them with market-
Pictured at the announcement of the creation of 400 new jobs for Tesco Ireland, through a € 40 million investment, are Tesco Ireland CEO, Geoff Byrne; Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD; Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon TD; and Tesco South Lotts Road staff member Elle Bewley.
leading reward and benefits.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, described the announcement as “an incredible boost for our local towns and the Irish economy. The creation of these jobs, particularly with the opening of 10 new stores across several counties, including Cork, Dublin, and Galway, is a clear endorsement of Ireland's retail sector and workforce. Our Programme for Government commits to driving balanced regional development and further investment in rural communities, and this multi-million-euro investment is a prime example of positive regional impact.”
€500,000 business awards programme to celebrate crossborder retail entrepreneurs
THE North–South Business Cooperation Awards are a major new initiative designed to celebrate and support cross-border entrepreneurship and encourage start-ups on the island of Ireland.
The Awards are the brainchild of Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands - including easyJet. com, easyHotel.com and many others and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. A total prize fund of €500,000 will be awarded to 18 entrepreneurs, across nine teams, who have started businesses registered in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland within the past five years and are now trading crossborder.
These new awards are inspired by similar business awards run by the Stelios Foundation in Cyprus, the birthplace of Sir Stelios’ parents, for the last 16 years.
“These Awards represent more than just recognition - they embody a commitment to building a better, more connected future
on the island of Ireland,” noted Sir Stelios. “When businesses from both sides of the border collaborate, they do more than drive economic growth; they build trust, create lasting jobs, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our retail communities. We are working for lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland.”
The Awards will culminate in a highprofile ceremony at Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Ian Jeffers, Chief Executive of Cooperation Ireland, which is partnering on the initiative, added: “Sir Stelios’ commitment to backing ambitious entrepreneurs across the island is both timely and inspiring. By supporting ventures that operate beyond traditional boundaries, we’re helping to embed lasting economic ties that benefit communities North and South.”
For more information, visit www.stelios.ie and www.stelios.foundation
Pictured at the launch of the North-South Business Cooperation Awards at Monaghan Peace Campus are (l-r): Tracy Ghori, Co-ordinator at the Stelios Foundation; Daniel Mulhall, Former Irish Ambassador to the US, UK, Germany and Malaysia; and Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Creator and Owner of the easy family of brands, and Founder and President at the Stelios Foundation.
Sunshine boosts grocery spending by €29 million
ABNORMALLY hot weather over the last two months and the June bank holiday have seen Irish shoppers out and about more often, with take-home value sales up 5.7% over the four weeks to June 15, 2025, compared to the same period last year. According to the latest grocery data from Kantar, shoppers were in store an average of 22.7 times during June, contributing an additional €28.8 million to the market’s overall performance. This is the highest summer frequency recorded since June 2021, when frequency was an average of 21.4.
Grocery price inflation currently stands at 5.3% compared to the same 12-week period last year. “The rise in average prices is clearly affecting both sales performance and shopper behaviour,” explained Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar. “As grocery bills rise alongside other household expenses, Irish consumers are cautious with their spending and actively seek out promotions to secure the best value.”
An unusually sunny kick-off to the summer in Ireland alongside the June bank holiday was a cause for celebration for many people, according to Emer: “Thanks to the warmer weather, we saw shoppers picking up more suncream compared to the same time last year (+6% but also looking for ways to cool down and freshen up. Shoppers spent a combined additional €11.6 million on prepared fresh fruit, water and dilutes, smoothies and juices. Convenience was also a priority as the sun shone, with an additional €2.4 million spent on chilled ready meals.”
Shoppers spent €802 million on promotional lines during the latest 12-week period, a 15.7% increase compared to the previous year. Key categories saw significant growth, including table sauces, fabs and mixers, carbonates, frozen confectionery, beer and cider, all growing ahead of the total market for promotional lines.
Brands and own label both performed strongly, growing at 6.2%. Shoppers spent an additional €197 million on these ranges versus last year. Own label overtakes brands in value share of the total market at 47.3%, compared to brands with a 47.1% value share. Premium own label experienced double-digit growth (+15.3%) over the 12 weeks, outperforming the total market (+6.9%) and both brands and total own label. This growth has resulted in a 4.1% value share for premium own label, compared to 3.8% last year. Retailers must continue to find a balance between delivering
compelling value and navigating rising operational costs.
Total online holds 5.9% value share of the market and sees sales rising by 9.1% year-on-year, with shoppers spending an additional €17.5 million through this channel. Over the latest 12-week period, shoppers purchased their groceries more often online, up by 8.9%, contributing €16.9 million to its overall performance.
Over the latest 12 weeks, Dunnes hold 23.6% market share, with sales growth of 8% year-on-year. Dunnes shoppers returned to store more often, up 5.6%, which contributed a combined €43.9 million to their overall performance.
Tesco maintain 23.3% of the market, with value growth of 7.7% year-on-year. Shoppers increased their trips to store by 4.4%, which contributed €34.1 million to overall performance.
SuperValu hold 20.2% of the market with growth of 5.6%. Consumers made the most shopping trips to this grocer, averaging 25 trips over the latest 12 weeks; this is the highest shopping trips seen since July 2023. This increase in the number of shopping trips contributed an additional €51.7 million to SuperValu’s performance.
Lidl hold 14% market share, up 8.5%. Lidl recruited new shoppers in-store, while encouraging consumers to make larger trips, resulting in an additional €13 million in sales. Aldi claim 11.8% market share, up 6.4%. Increased store trips and new shoppers drove an additional €26.9 million in sales.
Vapes driving electrical device sales surge
VAPES were one of the biggest drivers behind a 75% surge in electrical device sales figures over the last five years, according to new data in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland’s 2024 annual report.
A total of 93 million household electronic items were purchased in 2024, almost three times the volume sold in 2006, including a reported 31 million vape and e-cigarette devices sold last year alone.
More than 1.1 million vape devices were also recovered, despite being notoriously difficult to capture due to disposal habits, with many ending up in waste bins. WEEE Ireland says it continues to work with retailers and regulators to design more effective solutions for this new category of waste.
The country’s biggest e-waste recycling scheme is now calling for a national leap forward in "e-waste intelligence" as consumption reaches record levels, putting pressure on Ireland’s ability to meet EU recycling targets.
“Each one of those 93 million devices contains valuable materials like aluminium, copper, lithium, cobalt,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. “We’re using these materials far faster than they can regenerate. Global demand is set to triple by 2050 - a trajectory that cannot be sustained. With over 80% of the EU’s rare earths coming from China, Ireland’s dependence on imports leaves us dangerously exposed. We must reduce that risk by rethinking consumption, embracing circularity, and recovering more materials here at home.”
WEEE Ireland CEO, Leo Donovan is calling for a national leap forward in "e-waste intelligence" as Ireland’s consumption of electronics balloons.
Lidl mark 25 years in Ireland with economic impact report
LIDL Ireland recently unveiled the findings of their ‘Economic Contribution of Lidl in the Republic of Ireland’ report, commemorating 25 years of operating in the country. Conducted by Oxford Economics, the report demonstrates Lidl Ireland’s economic and social footprint since first opening their doors in Ireland in 2000. The report highlights Lidl’s direct financial contribution to the Irish economy, their wider impact on employment and Irish suppliers, and underscores Lidl’s positive role in communities across the country, delivering meaningful social impact through their support for charities like Family Carers Ireland and championing gender equality in sport with the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association.
The report reveals that in 2024, Lidl Ireland contributed €997 million to Irish GDP. Of this, €891 million came from Lidl’s Irish store-based activity across their network of 186 stores, representing considerable growth of 39% over the last five years. Lidl’s sourcing from Irish suppliers for direct export to their international markets generated an additional €107 million to Irish GDP. In 2024, Lidl’s total Irish operations led to tax revenues of €329 million being contributed to the Exchequer.
centre in Cork.
In 2024, Lidl spent €1.3 billion with their network of 400 Irish suppliers - an increase of 70% over the last five years. Lidl have expanded their export opportunities for Irish producers, providing direct access to 27 international markets, such as Croatia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
In 2024, Lidl employed 5,529 people directly through their network of more than 180 stores, three regional distribution centres and centralised operations in the Republic of Ireland. The report also estimated that Lidl sustained a further 4,710 jobs in 2024 considering both supply chain and the wider impacts of consumer spending, bringing the total number of jobs supported by the retailer to approximately 10,240 jobs across the Irish economy last year.
Over the last 25 years, Lidl have built a reputation as one of Ireland’s leading employers. They were the first nationwide employer to commit to paying the Living Wage in 2015 and have maintained this commitment over the last decade. Since 2022, Lidl have invested more than €47 million in pay increases for employees across Ireland, delivering an approximate cumulative increase of 23.5%.
Since launching in Ireland, Lidl have invested almost €2.4 billion in capital investment, €694 million (29%) of which has been made in the last five years as the retailer expanded in response to rising consumer demand. In February 2025, Lidl committed to investing a further €600 million over the next five years, with the development of up to 35 new stores and a €200 million new regional distribution
Lidl are leaders in sustainable retail development, recently announcing a €10 million investment in Ireland’s first Net Zero Energy store in Maynooth, set to open in November 2025, and the retailer has forged long-standing partnerships with national charities, raising over €6 million to support vital causes, including the Irish Heart Foundation, Barretstown, Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, and their current charity partner, Family Carers Ireland. Lidl have also been a driving force for equality in Irish sport through their sponsorship of the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association.
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, congratulated Lidl on 25 successful years in Ireland: “Their growth story has been truly remarkable — from a new entrant disrupting the Irish retail market to becoming a household name rooted in communities across the country. Their support for the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association and their emergence as one of Ireland’s most desirable employers reflects a deep and lasting commitment to Ireland, our economy and our people. A €997 million contribution to the Irish economy in 2024 alone speaks volumes about the scale of their impact. We are proud to have Lidl as part of Ireland’s business landscape, and I look forward to their continued success in the years to come.”
Robert Ryan CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, noted how Lidl Ireland are proud of their achievements: “Since day one, our goal has been clear: to provide consumers with the highest quality produce at market-leading value, while operating sustainably and creating tangible, positive impacts in the communities we serve.”
He stressed how their growth has been fuelled by “the hard work and dedication of our outstanding employees across the country, as well as our incredible network of 1,800 Irish suppliers and business partners, who have grown alongside us.”
Pictured are Robert Ryan, CEO, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland; and Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, at the launch of the report entitled ‘The Economic Contribution of Lidl in the Republic of Ireland’.
News
Youth vaping rates drop by 28%
THE proportion of 15-19 year-olds using e-cigarettes daily has fallen by 28% between 2023 and 2024, decreasing from a 12.9% incidence rate to 9.3%, according to new analysis of the Government’s annual Healthy Ireland survey.
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), the national trade association for vaping retailers, maintains that this is clear evidence of the positive impact of the December 2023 ban on the sale of vaping products to under-18s, a measure RVI actively campaigned for.
“The proof is in the punch,” said Lorraine Carolan, National Spokesperson for RVI. “This significant drop in young people
UCD host free masterclass on Gender Pay Gap reporting
UCD Professional Academy is hosting a free masterclass on gender pay gap reporting on Wednesday, July 28, from 2-5pm. With Gender Pay Gap reporting requirements expanding to mandate all companies with over 50 employees to publish gender pay gap reports for 2025, UCD Professional Academy’s free online event is aimed at HR professionals, DEI leads, compliance managers, and business leaders responsible for pay reporting and employer reputation. Through this masterclass, UCD Professional Academy wants to equip Irish businesses with the knowledge, tools, and best practices needed to file and produce their reports.
Tracy
O’Brien, HR Subject Matter Expert and Lecturer at UCD Professional Academy.
Delivering the webinar on behalf of UCD Professional Academy is Tracy O’Brien, HR Subject Matter Expert and Lecturer at UCD Professional Academy. “With the requirements now expanding to companies with over 50 employees and the deadline moving from December to November, organisations must act swiftly and accurately to meet compliance standards and align with public expectations for transparency and equity,” she said. “UCD Professional Academy are offering this free webinar to equip Irish corporates, and I encourage those to sign up. The Gender Pay Gap statistics are still quite staggering, highlighting persistent disparities in pay and progression between men and women across sectors. It’s vital that employers not only meet their legal obligations but also take meaningful action to close these gaps and build more inclusive workplaces.”
For more information, visit www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/ resources
vaping tells us that the under 18 vape sales ban, which was only introduced in December 2023, is working.
“The Government’s priority in the months ahead must be ensuring full enforcement of the under-18 sales ban,” she argued. “To date, the HSE has failed to allocate proper resources for enforcement, with just 384 test purchase checks carried out in 2024 for both tobacco and vaping products. We would like to see the Government increase resourcing to HSE Environmental Health and really work hard to implement this relatively new regulation, before rushing forward with the proposed vaping bill, which will introduce extreme bans on vaping products.”
Lorraine stressed that RVI members understand that the Government is concerned about underage access to vapes, but said that the proposed bill’s plans to ban flavours “could discourage adult smokers from switching and risks shuttering small businesses across the country”.
Re-turn roll out bin surrounds programme
RE-TURN, the administrator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, is expanding its successful bin surrounds initiative nationally, following a highly effective pilot programme in Dublin City Centre. This next phase begins in Dublin’s Dún Laoghaire Harbour and will extend to Galway City, Meath, Carlow, Clare, Westmeath and further areas of Dublin City Centre in the coming months.
This initiative aims to make on-the-go recycling visible and accessible, while reducing litter and preserving valuable recyclable materials. Launched in October 2024 in partnership with Dublin City Council, the pilot programme saw 80 bin surrounds launched across Dublin City Centre, and has experienced a high level of public engagement and support.
Research from Re-turn found that containers left on the bin surrounds were collected on average within 16 minutes. A survey carried out by Re-turn reveals that 79% of the public support on-the-go recycling schemes and would welcome a similar scheme in their local area.
Re-turn's bin surrounds provide a visible, accessible, and practical way for the public to recycle on the go, reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution while supporting Ireland's strategy for a circular economy.
“We are committed to providing the public with convenient and visible recycling options, and the bin surrounds pilot scheme is successfully delivering on that promise,” noted Ciarán Foley, CEO of Re-turn. “We are encouraging the public to utilise bin surrounds and assist with the recycling of plastic bottles and cans. Together, we can support the circular economy and make a real difference in our communities and environment.”
Pictured are (l-r): Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn.
Spar and Eurospar supporting Team Ireland to 2028 Olympics
SPAR and Eurospar have been confirmed as Official Retail Partners to The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland. The partnership will see Spar and Eurospar support Team Ireland as they build towards and compete at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
On hand to launch the partnership were double Olympic Champion rower Fintan McCarthy, two-time Olympic 100m hurdler Sarah Lavin, two-time Olympic boxer Aoife O’Rourke, two-time Paralympic swimming medallist Róisín Ní Riain, former World Champion Para Rower Katie O’Brien and two time Paralympian and former European Para Table Tennis Champion, Colin Judge.
This partnership builds on the retail groups’ heritage of supporting local and elite sports, which includes sponsoring the European Athletics Championships since 1996, supporting more than 80 competitions and promoting healthy living through sport and a balanced diet.
“We believe strongly in the positive impact of sport for all ages and abilities, and in the adage that it takes a village to raise an athlete,” said John Moane, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group. “With a family of more than 450 community retailers across Ireland, it is a natural fit for Spar and Eurospar to become Official Retail Partners to Team Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland.
Carbery Group launch Horizon 10 programme
Pictured at the Multi Sport Pavilion, Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin are Olympic hurdler Sarah Lavin; Simon Marriott, Chief Retail and Commercial Officer, BWG Foods; Olympic boxer Aoife O’Rourke; Olympic Federation of Ireland Chief Executive Peter Sherrard; Paralympic table tennis player Colin Judge; Paralympic rower Katie O’Brien; Olympic rower Fintan McCarthy; Paralympics Ireland CEO Stephen McNamara; and Paralympic swimmer Róisín Ní Ríain.
This is a huge opportunity for Spar and Eurospar to support and showcase the talents of Ireland’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they build towards the LA Games in three years’ time. Over the course of the partnership, we’ll be providing opportunities for our customers and our 14,000 colleagues to get involved and show their support too.”
CARBERY, global leaders in dairy, nutrition and taste, have launched Horizon 10, a foresight programme of research, data analysis and thought leadership that will identify emerging opportunities and challenges that shape the future of food, markets and technology. Through Horizon 10, Carbery aim to build stronger partnerships with customers by exploring future-focused opportunities together and enable their next phase of growth as a leader in food innovation and production.
“Horizon 10 reflects our commitment to thinking long term, about what we make, how we make it, and where we focus,” said Jason Hawkins, CEO, Carbery Group. “It’s about working differently and supporting our customers as they navigate change. We want this to be a shared journey, grounded in insight, innovation, and collaboration.”
Horizon 10 is guided by three core focus areas that will help shape Carbery’s direction over the next decade: The Future of Food, Geographical Markets, and Technology. For more information, visit www.carbery.com/horizon10
Carrigaline LGFC wins €50k from Lidl
LIDL Ireland, in partnership with the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), have officially announced Carrigaline Ladies Gaelic Football Club as the overall winner of the first prize in the Lidl Plus LGFA Rewards Scheme 2025. The club’s outstanding engagement, passion and dedication both on and off the pitch earned them the top prize of €50,000, while the three runners-up - Gráinne Mhaols Ladies Gaelic Football Club (Clifden, Co. Galway), Lurgan Ladies Gaelic Football Club (Virginia, Co. Cavan), and Navan O’Mahony’s Ladies Gaelic Football Club (Navan, Co. Meath) - will each receive €10,000 in funding from Lidl Ireland to invest in their development and facilities.
“Thanks to the Lidl Plus LGFA Rewards Scheme, communities have the chance to make a real difference to their local LGFA teams, and this passion and dedication has led Carrigaline LGFA to claim the top prize of €50,000 of vital investment,” noted Tara O’Connor, Regional Managing Director for Munster, Lidl Ireland.
Lidl Ireland’s Tara O’Connor, Regional Managing Director for Munster; Kim Kerins, Sales Operations Director; and Stephen Hegarty, Sales Operations Manager; are pictured presenting the cheque for € 50,000 to Carrigaline LGFA.
Aldi reopens in Clifden
ALDI Ireland reopened their store in Clifden, Co. Galway, on July 3, after being closed for almost six months ago due to damage caused by Storm Éowyn. As well as the necessary repair works, the store has been fully refurbished to include the addition of a new in-store bakery and self-service checkouts. “Throughout the time we’ve been closed, the support we’ve received both from Aldi and the community in Clifden has been amazing and I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with our Clifden customers again,” said store manager Barbara Hehir. Pictured are (l-r): John Muldoon, Connacht Rugby Coach and former international player, with Barbara Hehir, Aldi Clifden Store Manager, Andrea Nemethova, Aaron Holton, Andrea Medlicott and Martina McDonagh.
Centra serve up French flair
CENTRA are turning up the charm (and the cheese) this summer with the launch of their first ever ‘French Inspired’ event, a three-week celebration of French food and drink that ran from July 2-23. From full-bodied reds and crisp whites to creamy French cheeses and crunchy fresh baguettes, the sale made French favourites more accessible than ever, all with Centra’s signature convenience. To celebrate the event, Centra teamed up with Doireann Garrihy and Jennifer Zamparelli, two of Ireland’s most recognisable voices, to bring the best of French flavour to life. From tempting food moments to stylish serving inspiration, their social content highlighted just how easy it is to elevate your everyday with a French twist.
Musgrave reveal second season of podcast
FOLLOWING the success of their inaugural series, Musgrave have announced the return of their original podcast series, ‘Growing Good Business’. The second series launched on June 30 and continues to offer a compelling behind-the-scenes look at what makes Musgrave and its people unique. “This series captures the breadth and depth of Musgrave – from food innovation and sustainability to inclusion and diversity – and celebrates the people who make our brands and retail partnerships so special. It’s a powerful way to share who we are and what we stand for, through the voices of our own colleagues,” noted Edel Clancy, Director of Corporate Affairs, Musgrave, pictured with Patrick Haughey, Founder and Managing Director, AudioBrand.
Lidl launch Oasis-inspired jacket
LIDL Ireland have released an iconic, limited edition ‘Lidl by Lidl’ jacket, inspired by the Oasis reunion tour, which includes two sold out gigs at Croke Park on August 16 and 17, offering fans the ultimate rock n roll star look to wear to the gigs for a cool €35. The ultimate live music experience jacket has two built-in drink cooling pockets to stop tins getting warm, while the zipper doubles as a bottle opener. Complete with an embroidered Lidl by Lidl badge on the sleeve in the retailer’s iconic supermarket colours, it also comes with a tambourine for spontaneous jam sessions. 100% of sales will be donated to Lidl Ireland’s charity partner, Family Carers Ireland.
SuperValu
offer pet insurance with lifetime cover for pets
SUPERVALU Insurance recently announced the launch of its pet insurance product, in partnership with trusted global insurer Cover-More. Life insurance and mortgage protection were added last year and relaunched in June 2025 with Ireland’s leading life insurer, Irish Life, helping the business to deliver continued growth. This new offering provides lifetime cover for pets, a significant advancement in protection for pet owners. It also includes vet fee cover up to €6,000, the highest level of veterinary cover currently available in the Irish market. Policyholders also have access to SuperValu’s 24/7 PawsOnCall Careline for round-the-clock support when needed. “We’re delighted to bring a market-leading pet insurance product to the market in Ireland,” noted Garry O’Sullivan, Head of SuperValu Insurance. Isla May Ryan joined Sarah Heffernan, Head of Marketing Distribution for Cover-More Europe; Catheriona Cotter, CSPCA; and Garry O’Sullivan at the launch of SuperValu Pet Insurance at the Green Way Park, Mahon.
Show Me ID summer campaign kicks off
EMER Currie TD, Assistant Government Chief Whip and Fine Gael TD for Dublin West, has launched the 2025 Show Me ID Summer Campaign, which is reminding retail staff of the importance of asking for ID during the school summer holidays. The ‘Show Me ID – Be Age OK’ online training module educates retailers and hospitality staff across the country on maintaining high standards of compliance around age-restricted products. These include alcohol, tobacco products, lottery tickets and vaping products.
‘Show Me ID’ is calling on retailers to play their part in preventing underage drinking, smoking and vaping now that the summer holidays are underway, by always asking for ID if unsure and refusing a sale if they have any doubts over legal age. Emer is pictured with John O’Sullivan, Assistant Manager, and staff at Londis Racecourse Foodhall, Castleknock, Co. Dublin.
Boann help to craft whisky to mark Lions partnership
IRELAND’S Boann Distillery has helped craft a landmark blended whisky to celebrate The British and Irish Lions partnership. Named after the year of the Lions' founding, 1888 is a luxury blend that unites grains and malts from five distilleries across Ireland and Britain. These include Co. Meath’s Boann, Echlinville (Northern Ireland), Cameronbridge (Scotland), White Peak (England), and Penderyn (Wales), each bringing a unique character to a truly unified dram. With just 1,888 individually numbered bottles released, 1888 aims to offer fans a tangible piece of Lions and whisky history in this rare collaboration. It was launched to mark Scottish company, Patron Saint Whisky’s appointment as an Official Supplier to The British & Irish Lions Men’s Team. Pictured are co-founder Aidan Muir and former British and Irish Lions John Rutherford and Craig Chalmers.
Lidl’s Football Special celebrates LGFA
LIDL Ireland have announced the return of iconic fan favourite soft drink, Football Special, to their 229 stores across the island of Ireland, featuring special edition artwork to celebrate this year’s ladies’ Gaelic football season and the TG4 All-Ireland Championship Finals. Returning for a limited time only, Lidl shoppers can get their hands on 1L original Football Special bottles featuring the ladies’ Gaelic football artwork for just €1.79 on promotional release in-store from since June 26, coinciding with LGFA knockout stages, and again from July 31 ahead of the TG4 AllIreland Championship Finals. Newly added to the promotion, the classic drink will also be available in 330ml cans for the first time, priced €1.19, featuring its traditional label. Pictured are Eoin Slevin, Lidl Buyer; Carla Rowe, LGFA Player; and Seamus McDaid, Managing Director at McDaid's.
Frank and Honest add oats to the menu
FRANK and Honest have expanded their drinks menu to include oat drink options across 331 stores nationwide since mid-June. The oat drinks available are Oat Lattes, Oat Cappuccinos, Oat Flat Whites, and Oat Iced Lattes, all with the Frank and Honest signature house blend. To celebrate the launch of oat drinks, Frank and Honest teamed up with Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby of the I’m Grand Mam podcast to take customers ‘Under Oat’. On June 17 at Centra Drumcondra, the I’m Grand Mam hosts challenged customers to confess ‘Under Oat’ and invited them to taste test the new oat drinks range and give their Frank and Honest opinions.
BnM Accelerate Green Grow 2026 programme
APPLICATIONS are now open for the Accelerate Green Grow 2026 Programme, Ireland’s pioneering accelerator for climate-focused enterprises from Bord na Móna. The programme will commence in January 2026, offering another cohort of scaling sustainability innovators the opportunity to accelerate their climate impact. Since its inception in 2022, the programme has supported 60 Irish companies, helping them scale their solutions, expand into new markets, secure investment, and collectively contribute over 700 jobs to the Irish economy. Mairéad McGuiness, former MEP and European Commissioner, is pictured with Tom Donnellan, CEO, Bord na Móna, Sharon Doyle, Bord na Móna, and the Accelerate Green Grow 2025 cohort at the launch of Bord na Móna’s 2025 Accelerate Green Programme. For more information, visit www.accelerategreen.ie
Aldi invest 55 million in green energy solutions
Aldi Ireland have announced a two-year partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland to bring 6.3MW solar power to 44 Aldi stores across Ireland.
ALDI Ireland recently announced a €5 million investment in green, energyefficient solutions, marking a major step in the retailer’s ongoing sustainability journey.
Through a new two-year partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland, Aldi are rolling out a nationwide solar retrofit programme at their stores nationwide. The initiative will see solar panel installations begin in 2025 at 22 selected stores, with an additional 22 stores scheduled for installation in 2026.
In total, the €5 million programme will retrofit 44 stores over the next two years. Once installed, each solar panel system will comprise of 288 solar panels and is expected to generate an average of 100,000 kWh annually; the equivalent of powering a washing machine for over 1,000 cycles, which covers approximately 30% of each store’s electricity consumption.
This move is part of Aldi’s broader commitment to finding greener, more energy-efficient solutions that reduce environmental impact and support longterm cost management. By lowering electricity consumption and reducing energy costs, the initiative helps the business to safeguard its energy supply, reduce its dependency on the national grid and manage external price pressures, which is all part of Aldi’s commitments to operate and grow sustainably, while delivering innovations and efficiencies that drive low prices for customers.
New partnership
Aldi’s partnership with Greenvolt Next Ireland is a strong example of how strategic investments in renewables can benefit both the bottom line and the environment. The growth will allow Greenvolt Next Ireland to bring on new contractors to support Aldi’s roll-out nationwide.
This investment is projected to double Greenvolt Next’s retail PV sector output in 2025, positioning the company for further growth across Ireland and strengthening its position as a leading renewable energy supplier.
Greenvolt Next, supported by Greenvolt Group, provides businesses with decentralised renewable energy solutions, including solar and electric mobility, among many others.
Harnessing solar power
“At Aldi, we are committed to continually investing in green solutions that improve energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact,” noted Rachel Nugent, Sustainability Manager at Aldi Ireland. “We’re excited to launch this
solar retrofit programme, beginning with 22 stores in 2025 and continuing with even more in 2026.”
Owen Power, CEO at Greenvolt Next Ireland, said: “Major retailers like Aldi have a quick and easy route to adopting renewable energy. With their large flat roof spaces, installing solar panels is straightforward, doesn’t interfere with daily operations, and requires low maintenance. It is fantastic that Aldi are seizing the benefits of solar to meet their climate goals, as well as reduce energy costs and reliance on the grid. We are thrilled to be Aldi’s chosen delivery partner in harnessing solar power.”
Pictured at the announcement of the partnership between Aldi Ireland and Greenvolt Next Ireland are Barry Kirwan, Aldi Buying Director, and Owen Power, CEO at Greenvolt Next Ireland.
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A safe bet
As he celebrates a year as CEO of Ireland’s National Lottery, Cian Murphy discusses the enduring popularity of National Lottery games across the entire country, why Good Causes remain integral to the National Lottery’s ethos, why he believes betting on Lottery games should be banned in bookmakers, and the recent record €250 million EuroMillions win.
CIAN Murphy joined the National Lottery in 2020 from AA Ireland, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer. Before joining the National Lottery, his career spanned marketing, digital, and product roles, as he explains: “I’m passionate about building great customer experiences and finding innovative ways to communicate them. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of Ireland’s most iconic brands, including Paddy Power, AA Ireland, and now the National Lottery.”
One thing unifies Cian’s working life to date, he maintains: “Throughout my career, I’ve operated in fast-paced, highly competitive industries where standing out to consumers is essential. This has shaped my approach to customer engagement and brand strategy. At the National Lottery, the unique challenge is our indirect relationship with players; most tickets are sold through retail partners. That’s why we place such strong emphasis on collaboration with our retail network to ensure our message resonates.”
In a wide-ranging interview, Cian discusses the unique position of the National Lottery in Irish society, its special
relationship with its retail partners, the importance of Good Causes to the ethos of the National Lottery and how the Lottery ensures its games remain top-of-mind with consumers across the country.
How did you feel about taking on the role of CEO?
“I felt humbled to be entrusted with such an exceptional iconic Irish brand. It’s brilliant to be able to walk into shops all around the country and see our product and offering playing such a key role in the offerings of so many different types of retailers. I’m also very aware of the responsibilities we have in being custodians of a state asset – and one which is viewed so positively by the Irish public.”
As you celebrate your first year in the role, how has it differed from your expectations?
“I think the thing about the National Lottery which isn’t immediately obvious is just how many different stakeholders we have. Our players depend on us to deliver a dream, some joy and for a lucky few – life changing prizes. Our retail partners depend on us
as a key part of their product offering and finally our Good Causes depend on us for their funding. There are very few organisations that have that type of broad impact across society.”
How is the National Lottery and its products performing in Ireland, across Lotto, EuroMillions, scratch cards etc?
“Ireland’s National Lottery enjoys one of the highest participation lotteries in Europe, with millions of adults participating every week. On average, each week 1.1 million adults play National Lottery games. There are very few products that have that broad participation base.
“What’s also quite unusual about the Lottery is that participation is quite consistent across gender, income, geography etc. Recent milestones, such as the record-breaking €250 million EuroMillions win, underscore the excitement and reach of our games. We were delighted to have sold Ireland’s biggest ever Lottery prize worth €250 Million in the EuroMillions draw on Tuesday, June 17. The winning ticket was sold at Clifford’s Centra on Shandon Seet in Cork
City Centre.
“This was a truly historic moment for the National Lottery and for the country. Not only does it mark the 18th EuroMillions jackpot win in Ireland and the 13th National Lottery Millionaire created in 2025, but also Ireland’s biggest ever Jackpot win. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winner and our sincere thanks to the team in Clifford’s Centra for being part of this unforgettable milestone.”
Which product areas are proving particularly successful?
“As of June 2025, we’ve created 13 new National Lottery millionaires across our diverse range of games. This includes six Lotto jackpot winners, one record-breaking €250 million EuroMillions winner - the largest National Lottery prize ever awarded in Ireland - and six additional millionaires from various other games in our portfolio.
“This year has also seen strong momentum in our scratch card category. In May, we introduced All Cash Millionaire,
the latest addition to our popular All Cash series and the first-ever National Lottery scratch card to feature a €1 million top prize. With three ways to play and over 20,000 prizes ranging from €100 to €10,000, it’s already proving to be successful with players.
“We also launched All Cash Surprise, offering a top prize of €150,000 and introducing a new digital twist; players can scan a QR code to unlock an interactive game experience. These innovations reflect our commitment to expanding the scratch card portfolio and driving omni-channel engagement.”
How important are retailers to the success of National Lottery games and products?
"Retailers are the heartbeat of our business. They’re far more than sales outlets - they’re community anchors that provide employment, support local initiatives, and contribute to the vibrancy of towns and cities across Ireland. They also play a vital role in bringing the National
Lottery to life for players nationwide. Their success is deeply intertwined with ours, making them natural and essential partners.
“While digital channels continue to grow, retail remains our dominant sales channel, underscoring the enduring importance of our retail network. As we navigate a competitive and rapidly evolving gaming landscape, we remain committed to supporting our retail agents through strategic investments in technology, communication, and infrastructure.
“We’re enhancing our retail partnerships by investing in better in-store visibility and more collaborative communication. This includes equipping retailers with the tools to effectively represent the National Lottery brand in-store and tailored training programmes to enhance their understanding of our games and responsible gaming practices.
“By fostering a strong partnership with our retailers, we can ensure that they continue to play a vital role in our
Clifford’s Centra celebrate selling Ireland’s biggest ever EuroMillions jackpot. Cian Murphy (right), CEO, National Lottery, is pictured alongside store manager, Simon Champ, outside Clifford’s Centra on Shandon Street in Cork city centre.
Retail News Interview
growth strategy, while benefiting from their association with the National Lottery.”
Given the nature of the FMCG business, where margins are tight and costs are increasing, how do you ensure that National Lottery retailers are encouraged to continue to support games?
“The National Lottery is continually evaluating how retailers can be encouraged to support our games. Being a National Lottery retail agent offers several key advantages Most notably, it can significantly boost footfall, as customers often purchase additional items while buying lottery tickets, creating valuable cross-selling opportunities. It also provides a dependable and consistent revenue stream through commissions on ticket sales and prize payouts.
“To support our agents, we offer a comprehensive framework that includes promotional materials, ongoing training, and regular updates on new games, in-store promotions, and Good Causes initiatives, both locally and nationally. This ensures retailers are well-equipped to succeed and to share in the continued success of the National Lottery. Furthermore, the National Lottery's reputation for integrity and community support can enhance the overall credibility and appeal of a retail location. By partnering with us, retailers can offer a product that is trusted, popular, and beneficial to their business.”
How do you ensure that the games you offer continue to engage consumers?
“As CEO, my focus is on driving growth and protecting the thrill of the National Lottery, while ensuring that we remain relevant, sustainable and safe for all our players. We’re committed to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape by aligning our games with changing player preferences, without losing sight of the Lottery’s rich heritage. Internally, we’re investing in technology, communication, and process improvements to enhance the overall player experience, both in-store and online.
“In terms of brand changes, we’re redefining our brand purpose to better showcase our social impact and reinforce our leadership in responsible play. Our aim is to modernise the National Lottery, while remaining true to the values that have earned the trust of the Irish public. You’ll see this come to life through new initiatives that celebrate local wins and highlight the meaningful difference National Lottery funding makes in communities across the country.”
How important is innovation to the National Lottery games portfolio?
“There are numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. We are focused on expanding our product offerings and enhancing the player experience through new technologies and platforms. This includes continuing to invest in our retail
network presence, making our games more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.
“A key part of our in-store strategy is celebrating local success stories. We’ve been across the country this year in
“Over the past five years, research shows our retail partners have lost an estimated €61 million in commission due to consumer spend being diverted to lottery betting. On average, this equates to a 25% loss in commission per retailer, not to mention the reduction in footfall and associated sales.”
Marty Whelan is pictured alongside Cian Murphy CEO of the National Lottery, Minister Emer Higgins TD, and Councillor Caroline Brady at Na Gaeil Óga, CLG, as they’re announced as one of the 146 County Finalists in this year’s National Lottery Good Cause Awards.
towns and villages celebrating National Lottery wins through the very stores where winning tickets were sold, bringing the excitement of winning closer to home and reinforcing our community connection.
“We’re also deepening our commitment to responsible gaming and social impact. With the support of our new partners at FDJ, we’re strengthening our standards in player protection and integrity, while increasing our contributions to Good Causes across Ireland. Our vision is to ensure the National Lottery continues to be a positive force in Irish society, delivering entertainment, supporting communities, and making a meaningful difference for years to come.”
One important feature of the business of the National Lottery is the amount it contributes to good causes, right across the country. How important is this to the entire ethos of the National Lottery in Ireland?
“Supporting Good Causes is woven into the fabric of the National Lottery. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago. In 2024 alone, €239.3 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland. These funds have a profound impact, reaching into every corner of the country and supporting projects that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
How important is it that the Good Causes Awards include the entire country, with county winners announced in May/June?
“The National Lottery Good Causes Awards are now in their seventh year. The awards honour, showcase and celebrate the inspiring work being carried out nationwide by thousands of projects, clubs and individuals who have received support from Good Causes funding.
“In June, 146 local organisations from all over Ireland were announced as County Finalists in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2025. The 146 County Finalists will now progress to the next stage of the judging process and compete for a place in the National Finals. The 35 National Finalists will be announced during the summer. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 18, in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.
“It has been an honour to announce and
Retail News Interview
celebrate the 146 outstanding Good Cause beneficiaries selected as County Finalists in this year’s Good Causes Awards, each one a shining example of the meaningful and lasting impact that projects, clubs, and individuals have on communities across Ireland. These awards were created to honour the positive impact that Ireland’s Good Causes have in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all, and to ensure their efforts are recognised and celebrated on a national stage. Everyone associated with the National Lottery can feel proud that funding from ticket sales helps support the success stories that are Ireland’s Good Causes.”
The National Lottery has called for betting on the Lotto/EuroMillions to be banned in bookmakers. Why do you believe this is important?
“An important personal goal for me is to ensure the continued success of our retailers and to continue to grow funding for Good Causes. A crucial aspect of this will be the implementation of a bookmaker betting ban for all National Lottery games. Ireland is currently an outlier in a European and international context by permitting bookmakers and other unregulated providers involved in lottery betting to accept bets on draws operated by the National Lottery. We would encourage Government to follow the majority of EU countries in closing this loophole which we believe has a significant impact on our Good Causes and retail agents.
“The impact on our retail agents is significant: over the past five years, research shows they’ve lost an estimated €61 million in commission due to consumer spend being diverted to lottery betting. On average, this equates to a 25% loss in commission per retailer, not to mention the reduction in footfall and associated sales. It’s a substantial and ongoing cost, both to retailers and to the communities we serve; that must be addressed.”
One area of concern around all kinds of betting/gambling is the problem of addiction. What steps does the National Lottery take to tackle gambling addiction? “Ensuring a safe and responsible playing environment is a cornerstone of our operations. We take our responsibility to provide a safe playing environment very seriously. It is also vital for us that players see and understand the importance we place on player safety. We have implemented a robust player protection programme that includes online and instore safeguards.
“Online, we enforce mandatory age verification and provide tools for players to set limits on their spending and playing time. We used advanced technology to monitor playing patterns for signs of excessive play and provide resources and support for players who may need help. We also offer a wide range of personalised exclusion options for those who need them.
“In retail, we have a Think 21 ID policy, a roll-out of extensive signage outlining the age limit to play National Lottery games, regular mystery shops conducted across the retail network, and our on-going retailer training programmes continue to support our retailers in complying with our player protection policies under our Sales Code of Practice.
“Our commitment to responsible gaming is unwavering, and we continually review and enhance our policies to ensure they meet the highest standards of player protection.
“All new games are devised with responsible play at the forefront of our minds and must be approved by the Office of The Regulator of The National Lottery prior to going on sale.”
How do you expect the National Lottery’s games portfolio to perform in the coming months/year?
“In August 2023, PLI was acquired by La Francaise des Jeux. The acquisition is a significant development that brings substantial benefits to Ireland’s National Lottery and our stakeholders. The collaboration allows us to draw on FDJ’s experience to further enhance our product offerings, introduce innovative gaming experiences, improve our best practice in responsible gaming and Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as operational efficiency.
“For our stakeholders, including our players, retailers and the broader community, this acquisition ensures that we can continue to grow and deliver on our commitment to Good Causes across Ireland. It strengthens our ability to provide substantial funding to these causes, while maintaining high standards of integrity and player projection The support and knowledge brought by FDJ will help us adapt to changing market conditions and ensure the long-term sustainability of the National Lottery.
“It’s important to clarify that this acquisition represents a change in shareholding only. The National Lottery remains a state asset, regulated by the Regulator of the National Lottery, and continues to operate for the benefit of Good Causes throughout the country.”
Biona: proudly organic for over 40 years
Biona are expanding their range of organic foods across a host of supermarket groups.
AS one of the first organic companies in Ireland, Biona is a family-run business with over 40 years’ experience supplying Irish and international retail partners.
“All the products in our range are naturally grown on organic farms without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides,” reveals Carmen Ferguson, Brand Manager at Windmill Organics. “So it’s no surprise Biona has become a leading organic food supplier to independent health stores and many leading Irish retailers, including Dunnes, SuperValu and Tesco. We’re known as one of the most innovative brands in grocery, offering over 270 organic and vegetarian products in over 20 categories.”
The Irish organic sector is amongst the fastest growing in the world, and in line with EU targets, the country plans to increase organic agricultural land from
8.5% to 25%, Carmen notes. This is because of the growing number of Irish consumers who are looking to make healthier choices and eat food that is good for them and good for the planet. When you add in the increased understanding about the potential long-term health impacts of consuming too much ultra-processed food, it’s easy to see why a growing number of people want heathier clean-label foods, with organic as the natural choice.
Dedicated organic section in-store
“To respond to this growing desire to eat healthily, we recommend Irish retailers have a dedicated organic section within their store, and stock a diverse range of core organic food and drink products, including staples like grains, pasta, and canned goods,” Carmen advises. “It’s also worth noting that, while there are certain times of the year when healthy options are higher up people’s agenda, such as in January, in reality, this is not a short-lived phase but something that many consumers now wish to do all year round.”
One retailer who does recognise this is Tesco Ireland, with whom Biona have recently agreed 39 new listings, including their organic rye breads, canned beans and pulses, nut butters and granolas.
Consumer desire for ‘No pesticides’ “It’s important for Irish retailers to understand that the key difference between organically and conventionally grown produce is that organic methods work in harmony with nature, without the use of harmful artificial chemicals, pesticides or GMOs,” Carmen stresses. “Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on chemical inputs to maximise yields, organic farming nurtures soil
health through crop rotation, composting, and natural fertilisers, fostering biodiversity and reducing environmental harm.”
Research from Biona has revealed that ‘no pesticides’ is the number one reason consumers enter the category and stay in it, according to Carmen, who reveals that shoppers are also attracted to the higher nutritional content of organic food.
“Many farmers in the UK and Ireland are now moving towards more sustainable methods of farming such as regenerative agriculture, which is a step in the right direction,” she concludes, “but the gold standard of farming is of course organic and will remain so.”
Biona has become a leading organic food supplier to independent health stores and many leading Irish retailers.
Organic Cranberry Juice from Biona has proven a real winner with consumers.
Stonehouse celebrate 25th anniversary
Stonehouse celebrated their 25th anniversary at their annual Gold Standard Awards.
THE annual Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards, which took place recently at the prestigious K Club in Straffan, were a remarkable celebration of excellence, achievement, and enduring partnership, as the wholesale group celebrated its 25th birthday in style.
Marking a quarter-century of success in the FMCG industry, the event brought together Stonehouse members and key suppliers to reflect on the journey so far and to look ahead with renewed energy and purpose.
The weekend was infused with both nostalgia and celebration. From its formation in 2000 as a result of the merger of two well established groups, National Wholesale Grocers Alliance, which was formed in 1961, and Keencost Stores, which had been established in 1971.
The 25th anniversary served not only as a commemoration of past milestones but also as a platform to recognise the individuals and companies who have contributed to the group’s continued growth.
Strong, resilient membership
Janice Gibney, Chief Operations Officer,
reflected on some of the challenges faced over the past 25 years and highlighted the resilience of members in navigating a currency change, major recession, Brexit, a global pandemic, impacts from war and everything else along the way. She highlighted the current economic uncertainty and the impact it will have on the market and stressed the importance of continued collaboration between suppliers and members to navigate all uncertainties.
“The nature of Stonehouse ensures our members remain independent, which allows them to react to changes in the market quickly,” Janice stressed. “Our customer service and customer reach is second to none, which means suppliers can be guaranteed their products will reach every customer in every town and village across Ireland, so it is essential we maintain the strong working relationships we have with each other.”
The night also saw the newest member of the group, Seery’s Cash & Carry, welcomed to the Stonehouse family, while special
recognition was paid to M&P O’Sullivan, who are celebrating 120 years in business this year.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and optimism as both longstanding partners and new members gathered to celebrate shared values and goals.
Gold Standard Awards
The centrepiece of the weekend was the Gold Standard Awards ceremony, which honored outstanding achievements across various categories. No fewer than 14 Stonehouse members achieved the Gold Standard Award and were celebrated for their excellence in performance, service, and partnership over the past year. These awards are a reflection of the commitment, resilience, and innovation that define the Stonehouse ethos.
A triple triumph was achieved by McBride’s, who were named as winners of both the White Hat Sales and Support and the Homestead Sales and Support awards, as well as achieving the Gold Standard Award.
Tayto Snacks were honoured with the Promotion of the Year award, recognising the importance of strong impactful promotional activity that resonates with customers.
The Product of the Year title was awarded to Cadbury Dairy Milk Mini Eggs 8-Square from Mondelez, highlighting the continuous need for innovation and variety to engage customers.
The highlight of the awards evening was
Britvic Ireland were winners of the Supplier of the Year Award. Pictured are (l-r): Allen Lynch, National Account Manager, Britvic Ireland; Kevin Donnelly, Managing Director, Britvic Ireland; Janice Gibney, Chief Operating Officer, Stonehouse; Peter Slattery, Head of Sales – Convenience & Wholesale, Britvic Ireland; and Conor Kilduff, Stonehouse Chairman.
Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards
at the Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards are (l-r): award winners Patrick O’Sullivan, M&P O’Sullivan Ltd; Colin Doyle, H. Murphy, Arklow; with Conor Kilduff, Stonehouse Chairman; Josy Marshall, Millbrook Foods; Janice Gibney, Chief Operations Officer, Stonehouse; award winners Liam Higgins, H. Murphy, Enniscorthy; Jim Callaghan, H. Murphy, New Ross; Hugh Clifford , Perry’s Cash & Carry; and Sarah Egan, Sheehan’s Cash & Carry.
Pictured are some of the Stonehouse Gold Standard winners (l-r): Andrew Elliott, Elliott’s Cash & Carry; Michael McBride, John McBride Cranford Ltd; Janice Gibney, Chief Operations Officer, Stonehouse; Ciara Barrett, Barrett’s Cash & Carry; Conor Kilduff, Stonehouse Chairman; Seamus Stapleton, Applegreen; Jim Byrne, JR Byrne & Sons Ltd; Cathal Conaty, Conaty Food & Catering Supplies; and James Murphy, Byrne’s Cash & Carry.
Tony Costigan, National Account Manager, Mondelez (centre) accepts the Product of the Year award from Mags Condell, Trading Manager, Stonehouse; and Stonehouse Chairman, Conor Kilduff.
Shane McBride, Sales & Business Development Manager, John McBride (Cranford) Ltd, is pictured accepting the Homestead Sales & Support Award from Janice Gibney, Chief Operating Officer, Stonehouse, and Conor Kilduff, Stonehouse Chairman. The company also won the White Hat Sales & Support Award.
the announcement of the prestigious Supplier of the Year 2025, which went to Britvic Ireland. This recognition is a testament to Britvic’s consistent quality, innovation, and unwavering support of the Stonehouse network. Their win was met with resounding applause and highlighted the vital role suppliers play in the success of the industry as a whole.
Throughout the weekend, the luxurious setting of The K Club provided the perfect backdrop for celebration, reflection, and connection. Attendees enjoyed exceptional hospitality, lively networking events, and a shared sense of pride in what has been accomplished over the past 25 years.
“As the Stonehouse group looks to the future, the 25th Anniversary Gold Standard Awards weekend served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, unity, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” concluded Janice Gibney. “Here’s to the next 25 years of growth, partnership, and continued success.”
Pictured
Tayto Snacks took home the Promotion of the Year award. Pictured are (l-r): Mags Condell, Trading Manager, Stonehouse; Jonathan O’Connor, National Account Manager of Tayto Snacks; and Stonehouse Chairman, Conor Kilduff.
Retail Ireland: Monthly Update
Impending obesity strategy could reshape grocery retail
THE Department of Health is currently reviewing Ireland’s national obesity policy, with a revised strategy expected later this year. The updated framework is likely to introduce significant changes for the grocery retail sector, particularly concerning instore promotions, product reformulation, labelling requirements, and health communications.
The existing policy, ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland 2016-2025’, laid the groundwork for initiatives such as the Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax, the Reformulation Roadmap, and voluntary advertising codes. However, its forthcoming successor could be much more ambitious, with potential measures including:
• Stricter regulations on in-store marketing and promotional activity;
• Increased pressure to reformulate private-label and branded products;
• Expanded front-of-pack and nutritional labelling requirements;
• Revised public health messaging influencing product placement and shelf positioning.
While the Programme for Government had signalled this review, no formal public consultation has been launched to date. The Department has conducted stakeholder workshops, but industry-wide engagement has been limited, raising concerns given the likely operational and regulatory implications for retailers.
Retail Ireland is collaborating with relevant Ibec associations representing suppliers to ensure the business perspective is reflected in the development of any new measures, and to support members in navigating forthcoming policy shifts.
NIS2: What grocery retailers need to know
A MAJOR change in how businesses manage cybersecurity is coming down the line, and retailers need to be ready. The NIS2 Directive, the EU’s updated cybersecurity law, is currently being transposed into Irish law and is expected to take effect later this year. While many associate cybersecurity with tech firms or utilities, NIS2 has a much broader reach, and large grocery retailers, e-commerce operations, and logistics providers may all fall under its scope.
What Is NIS2?
Formally known as Directive (EU) 2022/2555, NIS2 strengthens the original Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive. Its goal is to raise baseline cybersecurity standards across key sectors and ensure organisations better manage both internal threats and risks in their supply chains. In short: if your operations rely heavily on digital systems — and most do — this law may apply to you. Retail services that could fall within scope include:
• Retail or wholesale groups with centralised IT, ecommerce, or logistics systems;
• Online marketplaces and large-scale e-commerce platforms;
• Food and grocery distributors;
• Managed IT or digital service providers that support retail systems.
Key changes Under NIS2
If your business is in scope, here’s what to expect:
• Mandatory incident reporting: serious cybersecurity incidents must be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) within 24 hours.
• Executive responsibility: senior management will be personally accountable for compliance.
• Supply chain security: you’ll need to assess and manage cybersecurity risks in your supply chain, not just within your own organisation. Stronger enforcement: regulators will have powers to audit, inspect, and issue penalties for non-compliance.
Tools and support are available
To help businesses prepare, the NCSC has developed an online selfassessment tool to check if you’re in scope: www.ncsc.gov.ie/nis2/ amiinscope. You’ll also find a dedicated NIS2 resource hub at www. ncsc.gov.ie/nis2, which includes guidance documents, instructions for incident reporting, information on grants for SMEs etc.
What should retailers do now?
Even if you’re unsure whether you’re directly affected, it’s a good idea to:
• Use the self-assessment tool to check your status.
• Review your current cybersecurity measures and supply chain risk controls.
• Familiarise yourself with the NCSC’s guidance and explore the Cyber Fundamentals (CyFun) framework.
Cybersecurity is no longer just a back-office issue; it’s a core part of business resilience and regulatory compliance. Retailers who act early will be better positioned to manage risk, avoid penalties, and build trust with consumers and partners.
Tel: 01-6051558 | www.retailireland.ie
Need more?
For more information about Retail Ireland and details of how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie
Anuga 2025: number one for food & beverage business
ONCE again, Anuga 2025 is setting new benchmarks as the world’s largest and most influential trade fair for food and beverages. From October 4-8, 2025, it will present a unique overview of the global food & beverage industry in Cologne –with ten specialised trade shows under one roof, making it the central hub for the international F&B community.
Under the key theme ‘Sustainable Growth’, Anuga will spotlight forwardlooking innovations along the entire value chain. Key trends for 2025 include personalised nutrition, alternative proteins, sustainability, convenience, premium
products, and clean label. The newly launched Anuga Alternatives trade show will put the spotlight on promising developments such as cultivated meat, mushroom-based proteins, and algae-based solutions.
Wide-ranging event programme
A particular highlight is the high-profile stage programme across three key platforms. At the Anuga Trend Zone, curated by Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor, international experts will share exclusive market data and future-oriented insights. Anuga Organic on Stage will explore topics related to organic farming, bio trends, and sustainable supply chains, with compelling panel discussions, start-up pitches, and best practices. On the Anuga Horizon Stage, located at the heart of the new Anuga Alternatives area, the focus will be on alternative protein sources, food tech, cell-based innovations, and circular economy ideas.
As a global trendsetter, Anuga not only
International Business
Media Services Ltd.
Tel: +44 1425 48 68 30 info@koelnmesse.co.uk
offers a wide-ranging event programme, but also inspiring special areas, such as the Anuga Organic Supermarket, the Anuga Taste Innovation Show featuring the Top Ten Innovations of 2025, the Anuga Halal Market, and the Anuga Kosher Market. Additional highlights include renowned conferences like the Anuga Halal Forum, the Frozen Food Conference, and award ceremonies such as the Ecotrophelia finals. Find out more at: www.anuga.com
S DAIRY ORGANIC
New research reveals Irish food waste stats
The average Irish shopper wastes 10% of their food purchases annually, according to new research from BWG Foods.
THE average Irish shopper is believed to waste approximately 10% of the food they purchase annually, with younger cohorts admitting to higher levels of wastage, wasting 14% of their total food purchases, versus just 7% for all those over the age of 55.
According to the new research published by BWG Foods, more than a quarter (28%) of young adults, aged 18-24 years old, claim to be unaware of the impact of food waste on the environment. Mirroring this trend, while the vast majority of adult shoppers (83%) feel guilty about wasting food, younger cohorts were less likely to exhibit any guilt.
The research from BWG Foods found that 81% of all shoppers actively try to limit food waste as a means of reducing their environmental impact. However, just 72% of the 18-24 age range do the same, indicating a broader and more concerning trend amongst the Gen Z grouping.
Looking through the lens of costs, 85% of shoppers try to limit their food waste as a means of managing their food costs. Similarly, 72% of shoppers have been motivated to reduce their food waste as a result of increasing food costs in recent years.
Considering that a typical single person spends an average of approximately €6,600 per year on food, they are currently losing up to €660 as a result of food wastage, with this figure likely to continue increasing as a result of price inflation.
Food waste: a double negative
“Food waste is a double negative,
Too
To Go,
representing a very significant financial loss to the consumer, while at the same time massively impacting the environment with food loss and wastage now accounting for up to 10% of total CO2 emissions,” revealed Megan Kelly, ESG Manager with BWG Foods.
“Growing, processing and transporting food uses a huge amount of resources, such as land, water, energy and fertiliser, meaning when food is wasted, these resources are too. Fortunately, solutions are gathering significant pace and we can combat this major challenge by empowering consumers to reduce their food waste, while also increasing the redistribution of food that is destined for waste.”
Too Good To Go
This new research comes as BWG Foods marks the milestone of having 100 of their Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores signed up to one such solution, the Too Good To Go online marketplace for
surplus food. Too Good To Go is a global social impact company that connects users with partners to rescue unsold food and stop it going to waste. Users can purchase ‘Surprise Bags’ of surplus food sold at less than 50% of their original retail price, therefore reducing waste while delivering value to consumers.
“Too Good To Go has quickly emerged as a meaningfully effective platform for reducing food waste,” stressed Megan, “and we would encourage consumers, including those more value-focused, to embrace it as a real opportunity to do good by the environment and by their own pockets too.”
Machaela O'Leary, Sales Manager at Too Good To Go, added: “With 100 stores now live, BWG’s Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL brands are making it easier than ever for people across Ireland to rescue Surprise Bags and save good food from going to waste. It’s a win-win: shoppers get access to great food at great value, and together we help tackle one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges one bite at a time.”
Pictured are (l-r): Machaela O'Leary, Sales Manager at
Good
and Megan Kelly, ESG Manager with BWG Foods.
BLUEBERRY
ZESTY PEAR
Pritt: the top crafting kit
Pritt has been trusted by parents, teachers and children for more than half a century, with its non-toxic, childsafe formula helping children to learn through crafting.
WHEN it comes to creating a happy, safe, and engaging learning environment, one name consistently rises to the top: Pritt. Known for its reliability, innovation, and child-friendly design, Pritt has become a beloved companion in classrooms and homes around the world.
Kids and teachers can make school projects more exciting this year with Pritt’s ‘Wild Nature’! Featuring fun animal characters like a playful monkey, let creativity run wild with Pritt.
Safe for little hands
First and foremost, safety is non-
Pritt is extremely proud of its strong sustainability credentials.
negotiable, especially when it comes to products used by young learners. Pritt leads the way with a non-toxic, childsafe formula made from 97% natural ingredients, including water, sugar, and potato starch. It’s gentle enough for children as young as three years old, giving parents and educators peace of mind while the children explore their creativity. Whether it’s sticking, pasting or building, children can confidently get hands-on with their projects, knowing they’re using a product that’s been designed with their well-being in mind.
Versatile and easy-to-use
Crafting isn’t just about fun; it’s also a valuable part of the learning process. That’s why Pritt is designed to handle
a wide range of materials, from paper to cardboard. Its smooth, wrinkle-free application, when compared to other glue sticks, ensures a clean finish every time, while the repositionable formula gives young learners the freedom to adjust their work (dependant on temperature, humidity, and absorbency of paper). With stick sizes available in 11g, 22g, and 43g, there’s a Pritt for every project. Whether it's a small collage or a full-scale classroom display, Pritt’s got you covered.
A brand you can trust With a proud legacy that stretches back over 50 years, Pritt has become a trusted name in schools and homes worldwide. Pritt’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it stand the test of time, while continuing to evolve to meet modern classroom needs.
Supporting child development through craft
Crafting is more than just creative fun; it’s also a vital tool for growth. Activities like cutting, gluing, colouring, and assembling help children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, both of which are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, tying shoelaces, and using utensils. With Pritt as their crafting companion, children can enjoy the freedom to explore, create, and learn, all while building important life skills.
Find out more about Pritt at prittworld.co.uk
Pritt’s non-toxic, child-safe formula is made from 97% natural ingredients, including water, sugar, and potato starch.
Planning a corporate event
What are the most important concerns when organising a corporate event, from location to budget, time management and understanding your core objectives?
WHEN planning a conference, convention or other corporate event, there are a variety of factors to take into account. The most important is to be very clear on the objective of the event in question, whether it is intended for training, motivation, marketing or public relations, if it’s an awards presentation or an event aimed at garnering national news coverage either for the company hosting the event or the
sector being covered.
Budget is another key concern, with contributing factors including how many days you want your event to run for, how many attendees you envisage, what grade of hotel you require, noting that the rate charged will vary considerably based on which season your event takes place in (i.e. it will often prove far less expensive to run an event in January than in June). You also need to ensure your event does not clash with other big events (sporting occasions, concerts etc) as this can have a massive effect on costs, particularly for accommodation.
You also need to examine how you will fund your event, whether it will be fully internally funded or if you will look to partfund the event through sponsorship or via delegate fees to attend.
Choosing the right venue
Location is obviously vital. It’s important
to recognise where your attendees will be travelling from in determining the best location for your event. Will most be coming from Dublin? If so, locating your event close to the capital is probably a good idea. If it is an all-Ireland event, however, perhaps somewhere more central might be a good bet, providing reasonably equal access from all corners of the country.
If you are organising an international event, it would be important to make sure there is sufficient infrastructure, accommodation and accessibility in the surrounding areas.
Managing your time effectively
Time management is another vital element in planning an event. How much time will it take to organise the event properly, particularly for larger conferences and events. For large events, it is recommended that planning begins 18 months prior to the start date to ensure availability for your
The right venue is a crucial concern when it comes to organising events. early, and organising visas if required.
chosen dates – experts note that April, May, September and October tend to be the busiest conference months.
Your planning also needs to take note of a variety of other factors, including: Booking presenters and speakers
You need to ensure your venue has the right technology available for your event.
• Manage online registration, which may involve designing a brand-new website.
Marketing the event – what PR/press coverage you need, particularly if you are looking for delegates to pay to attend.
• Do you need special branding for your event: if so, this needs to be organised early.
• Organise transportation for speakers, including meet-and-greets at airports, train stations etc.
• Organise conference literature, including name badges, stationery etc.
• Social programme, amenities and entertainment.
Specialist event management companies
Sometimes, it can make more sense to out-source this amount of organisation to specialist companies, for whom this is their bread and butter, who then locate the right venue for your event and then manage the actual event, so you are free to enjoy proceedings.
Organising corporate events in Ireland calls for a blend of strategic planning, local know-how, digital integration, and sustainability consciousness. By defining clear objectives, choosing the right format, integrating robust technology, and prioritising wellbeing, safety, and ecoresponsibility, your event can resonate deeply and achieve lasting business impact.
Event Management
Expert advice for event management in Ireland
1. Define clear business objectives
What is the core goal of your event?
Are you driving brand awareness, capturing leads, launching products, rewarding staff, or reinforcing corporate culture? These objectives shape every element, from venue to content, budget to tech. Align your KPIs early to ensure measurable outcomes.
2. Select the ideal venue and format
Ireland’s event venues range from urban sophistication to celtic charm, and each have their own advantages and potential pitfalls. Urban sites in big cities, like Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Belfast, offer tech-ready infrastructure, excellent transport links and accommodation, but you will need to factor in high costs, limited parking, and strict local authority requirements. More rural settings, such as castles, may be unique and picturesque, but you may need to arrange a lot of services, from generators and toilets to access routes. You could consider hybrid formats to extend reach — 50%+ in-person combined with virtual attendees boosts accessibility and ROI. Check for A/V readiness, breakout room availability, accessibility compliance, and green credentials.
3. Craft high-impact content & engagement
When it comes to speakers, should you prioritise experts over celebrities? Opting for thought leaders and interactive formats has many advantages. A combination of presentations with networking, workshops and wellness breaks tends to work well, and you should also ensure diversity and inclusion via accessible content and facilities. Interactive features like live polling and app chat can boost engagement levels.
4. Manage logistics and budget with precision
Budgeting correctly is vital, and you should factor in venue, catering, travel, staffing, tech, marketing, and allow for contingencies. Time of year will influence costs, and sponsorship or attendance fees can help to alleviate costs, but also may turn some potential attendees off.
5. Navigating red tape
Do you need planning permission –the city or county council will know.
Do you charge delegates to attend your event or not? There are pros and cons to each.
If you do, allow several weeks for applications. You may also need licences for outdoor gatherings, alcohol sales, amplified sound etc, while public liability insurance must cover all aspects, and you may need a risk assessment, safety statement, and often crowd management plans, depending on the size of the event and the venue. When it comes to security planning, you should ensure there is secure Wi-Fi, visible staff, and risk monitoring at onsite and virtual touchpoints.
6. Have a plan B
Things can and do go wrong. Ireland’s famously changeable weather demands respect, particularly if part of your event involves being outdoors (i.e. a barbecue, garden party theme etc). You should prepare for all scenarios: always have a back-up venue or sturdy marquees, and have last minute essentials on hand in case of adverse weather. If an orange or red warning lands, safety is non negotiable, so ensure you have a Plan B.
8. Engage attendees with engaging marketing
Use email campaigns aligned with your CRM database. You can promote your event via corporate LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or even create event pages on Eventbrite or Billetto Ireland. There are also benefits to engaging in media partnerships, with niche publications and trade media generally working more effectively than general outlets in terms of targeting your audience.
Choosing the right speakers is vitally important to make your event a success.
9. Follow-up analysis
7. Integrate sustainability & CSR efforts
You should implement green practices, such as encouraging reusable water bottles, digital agendas, local catering, recycling stations. Some event organisers track their carbon footprint and share progress transparently.
If yours is an annual or ongoing event, you should send attendee surveys, share presentations, and publish event insights immediately post-event. You should also analyse engagement metrics, including attendance numbers, app/social media interaction etc to identify lessons and prepare for future enhancements.
Your event, your way - in a space that works for you
At Gleneagle, we’re dedicated to turning your event into an extraordinary experience. Located in the heart of Killarney, Co. Kerry, we offer the perfect setting for conferences, team-building workshops, product launches, and seminars – with top-class facilities, expert support, and a stunning backdrop for success.
Hotel Solutions DMC have grown to become one of Ireland’s leading event management companies, explains Michelle Thornton, Managing Director.
HOTEL Solutions DMC, a family-owned Irish business, are one of Ireland’s leading event management companies. Since our establishment in 2002, we have developed a reputation for excellence in the conference, events & incentive sector.
A company’s annual conference is probably the most important event of the year. Hosting a flawless conference or event is not just about filling seats, it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your company’s culture, where employees are engaged and celebrated. Running a successful event is all down to both innovation and attention to detail. Hotel Solutions DMC are masters at this; we look after every detail of your event from start to finish, which allows you to turn up and focus on your objectives.
Finding the right venue, which is the ideal fit for your event, is really important. At
Michelle Thornton, Managing Director, Hotel Solutions DMC.
Hotel Solutions DMC, we don’t just provide space, we provide solutions and here’s why your next gathering deserves to be with us.
Tailored spaces that inspire
Whether you're organising a high-powered business summit, an intimate workshop, or a vibrant networking event, our hotel and venue partners are versatile and can customise their space to reflect your goals and your brand. With state-of-theart technology, comfortable seating and dynamic layouts, we create an environment that fosters connection and creativity. We know every hotel and venue, the length and breadth of Ireland, and critically, we can offer you the right option for your needs at a price that fits your budget.
Service that anticipates, not reacts Planning an event shouldn’t be stressful. That’s why our experienced event team is with you every step of the way. From logistics and AV set-up to catering and guest accommodation, we are proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to making your vision come to life.
Tech-ready and future-focused
We work with a professional team of AV companies, providing fast, reliable Wi-Fi. plug-and-play audio visual systems, hybridready set-ups, conference backdrops, online registration and booking platforms. At Hotel Solutions DMC, we are not just keeping up with technology, we like to keep ahead of it. Whether your audience is across the table or across the globe, we ensure they stay connected.
A culinary experience worth talking about
Forget boxed lunches and uninspired menus. We work on your behalf with the hotel or venue to provide fresh, locally inspired dishes that energise attendees and elevate your event. From coffee breaks to cocktail receptions, we serve up excellence.
Results that reflect your reputation
Your event is a reflection of your brand and we take that seriously. Our goal is to help you make a lasting impression, build stronger relationships, and achieve tangible outcomes. When you succeed, we succeed.
Book with confidence, host with purpose
At Hotel Solutions DMC, we believe events are more than just meetings; they’re milestones. Let us help you make your next one extraordinary.
Free venue finding service
From overnight accommodation, to a small meeting, large conference or restaurant, Hotel Solutions DMC offers a free venue finding service for parties of 1 to 1000; just email us with your list of requirements and we will have a proposal back to you within 72 hours, offering you a number of options at our preferred rates throughout Ireland, saving you time and money.
Contact us today to schedule a meeting or request a custom quote.
A s a F R E E V e n u e F i n d i n g A g e n c y , w e w o r k
w i t h n u m e r o u s H o t e l s & V e n u e s i n b o t h
I r e l a n d & a b r o a d , w e c a n m a k e t h e
n e c e s s a r y b o o k i n g s f o r y o u r s p e c i f i c
a c c o m m o d a t i o n , c o n f e r e n c e s , m e e t i n g s &
e v e n t s - o f f e r i n g o u r p r e f e r r e d r a t e s
Co n f e r e n c e s & E v e n t s
W i t h o v e r 2 3 y e a r s e x p e r i e n c e i n t h e
b u s i n e s s , w e s p e c i a l i s e i n o r g a n i s i n g
C o n f e r e n c e s , M e e t i n g s , E v e n t s , G a l a B a l l s ,
E n t e r t a i n m e n t , G u e s t S p e a k e r s , C h a r i t y
E v e n t s f r o m s t a r t t o f i n i s h W e o f f e r f u l l
P r o d u c t i o n , O n l i n e R e g i s t r a t i o n , W e b D e s i g n & E v e n t M a n a g e m e n t . W e w e l c o m e m e e t i n g s
o f a n y s i z e - n o m a t t e r h o w b i g o r s m a l l
I n c e n t i v e s & T e a m b u i l d i n g
P r o g r a m m e s
W e w a n t t o i n s p i r e & d e l i g h t w i t h o u r
I n c e n t i v e p a c k a g e s , s o y o u c a n r e l a x
k n o w i n g y o u r V I P ’ s a r e i n g o o d h a n d s . W e
c a n d e s i g n b e s p o k e p r o g r a m m e s t o m e e t
y o u r n e e d s W e a l s o a r r a n g e T e a m B u i l d i n g
f r o m G i n M a k i n g t o O v e r l a n d D r i v i n g
E x p e r i e n c e s t o n a m e b u t t w o
The Forde Suites: where retail meets results
The Forde Suites are the impressive new conference and event offering at The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath.
IN a retail landscape that demands more from every meeting, every moment, and every investment, it’s rare to find a conference venue that delivers on both experience and outcomes. Yet that’s exactly what one of our long-time Retail News readers discovered recently when they chose The Forde Suites at The Johnstown Estate for their annual retail strategy summit. The result? Their most successful event to date - and an experience that’s setting the bar for future industry gatherings.
Located just 35 minutes from Dublin
Designed for large-scale corporate gatherings,
can accommodate over 1,000 delegates across adaptable spaces.
city and airport, The Forde Suites are the impressive new conference and event offering at The Johnstown Estate in Enfield, County Meath. From the moment guests arrive through a private entrance, the tone is set for something different. This isn’t just a meeting venue, it’s a destination, where business goals and guest experience meet in harmony.
Flexibility,
scale and service
What makes The Forde Suites stand out for retail professionals? Flexibility, scale, and service. Designed for large-scale corporate gatherings, the suites can accommodate over 1,000 delegates across adaptable spaces. Whether it’s break-out sessions for buyers and suppliers, keynote addresses, or product unveilings, the venue’s soundproof moveable walls and highspec AV infrastructure make transitions seamless. One of the standout moments of the retail summit was a high-impact product showcase launched under the vaulted ceilings of the Orangery, a glasslined space filled with natural light and creative energy.
But the space is only part of the equation. Retail thrives on details, and The Johnstown Estate delivers them in spades. From fast, high-density Wi-Fi and on-site technical support to the elegantly
finished rooms and lounges (think plush seating, art deco accents, and ambient lighting), the experience balances style with functionality. Attendees could check into modern guest rooms equipped with Dyson dryers and Nespresso machines, then unwind in the award-winning spa or with a cocktail in the stylish new Parterre Bar after a day of presentations.
Another key win? The food. Curated by executive head chef Tommy Butler, the menu was a standout talking point among guests. Delegates enjoyed everything from locally sourced lunch platters to elegant dinners at Fire & Salt restaurant. Even the coffee breaks were memorable - with homemade pastries, Irish cheeses, and fresh juices making networking more delicious.
Positive client feedback
For the retail client in question, the summit wasn’t just a meeting; it was a chance to recharge team culture, launch new initiatives, and leave partners impressed. The surrounding estate offered opportunities for team-building activities like archery and outdoor challenges, all woven effortlessly into the itinerary by the expert events team. Crucially, the feedback was resoundingly positive: ‘Best event we’ve ever hosted’.
The Orangery, a glass-lined space filled with natural light and creative energy.
The Forde Suites are more than a venuethey're a statement. For retail professionals looking to host conferences, strategy days, or supplier events that inspire and perform, this venue should be top of the list. It’s where Irish retail meets innovation, luxury, and hospitality that truly delivers.
For booking information, visit thejohnstownestate.com or contact their events team directly on events@thejohnstownestate.com.
The Forde Suites
• Reduce your water bills
• Lower your environmental impact
• Tackle water scarcity in Ireland
• Hit your sustainability targets
• Bespoke training for all sizes of business
Event Management
Exceptional events at Hodson Bay Group
HODSON Bay Group are an Irish familyowned business, comprising of four luxury, four-star hotels: Hodson Bay Hotel on the shores of Lough Ree, 10 minutes from Athlone town; Galway Bay Hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way in Salthill; Sheraton Athlone Hotel in the heart of Athlone town; and the Hyatt Centric in The Liberties, Dublin.
With over 30 years of experience, Hodson Bay Group have built an enviable reputation for quality and excellence and are the only hotel group in Ireland to achieve the prestigious Deloitte Platinum Award for Business Excellence. The group is home to two world-class spas, unforgettable dining experiences, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. They are passionate about offering new and enriching experiences by embracing local culture, history, and attractions. With sustainability at the core of everything they do, the team across all four hotels ensure that every visit creates lasting memories, while respecting our environment.
Exceptional event facilities Hodson Bay Group are renowned both domestically and internationally for their exceptional conference, meeting, and event facilities. Catering to events of all sizes and types, the group's hotels are strategically located for convenient access from airports and regional hubs across Ireland. With experienced and dedicated teams at each property, they ensure seamless organisation and flawless event hosting.
Traces of Excellence
ONE of the most exciting new entrants to the Irish wine scene, Traces has made a name for itself over the past year by aligning with evolving consumer preferences for moderation, wellness, and transparency. This contemporary wine brand is resonating with a new generation of drinkers and re-engaging those looking for something new by delivering wines that are lower in alcohol, light in calories, and free from carbs and sugars, without compromising on flavour or quality.
The Traces range features a selection of carefully crafted 11% ABV wines that are as enjoyable as they are approachable. With a crisp French Sauvignon Blanc, a delicate Rosé, an exciting
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addition landing this August in a Merlot and an Italian Prosecco, the brand continues to deliver on its promise of light, easy-drinking wines for modern lifestyles. All offerings are 100% vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial ingredients, appealing to today’s increasingly health-conscious and ingredient-aware consumers.
The latest innovation
Building on its momentum, Traces made a splash this summer at Beyond the Pale music festival in Glendalough with the debut of its latest innovation: the Hugo Spritz. This ready-to-drink canned cocktail combines elderflower with hints of mint and lime for a refreshingly light and flavourful option. At just 80 calories per can, the Hugo Spritz embodies Traces’ ethos of delivering uncompromising taste with a better-for-you twist, and is already earning its place as a seasonal favourite.
The Hugo Spritz: Traces’ ready-todrink canned cocktail combines elderflower with hints of mint and lime.
With its focus on wellness, taste, and innovation, Traces is not just keeping up with market trends; it’s helping to define them.
Traces is distributed by Richmond Marketing.
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Tobacco: JTI Ireland
Silk Cut: a cut above the rest
NOT all tobacco brands are cut from the same cloth, which is why Silk Cut remains Ireland’s number one cigarette brand (correct at time of printing; Source: NIQ Ireland Extended Scantrack, Cigarettes Volume YTD May 18, 2025).
Silk Cut’s commitment to excellence ensures a consistent delivery of highquality products that provide Irish adult smokers with the smoothest and most refined smoking experience, allowing them to enjoy their moments to the fullest. Available in Purple, Blue, and Silver, Silk Cut offers King Size and 100s formats along with various pack sizes. Silk Cut is also available in Silk Cut Choice Green, Silk Cut Choice Super Line Green, and Silk Cut Red. Stay a cut above the rest; stock up on Ireland’s number one cigarette brand.
Silk Cut, Ireland’s number one cigarette brand.
Your chance to win big with Amber Leaf
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The latest instalment of Amber Leaf’s highly anticipated annual Limited Edition bundle campaign is set to launch this month and this time, it’s not just Limited Edition,
it’s next level.
For the first time ever, Amber Leaf is teaming up with JTI Collect, JTI’s dedicated trade engagement platform for verified retail and trade partners, to give away an array of rewards.
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partners, to give away an array of rewards.
The latest instalment of Amber Leaf’s highly anticipated annual Limited Edition bundle campaign is set to launch this month.
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Ireland’s wine winners
Jean Smullen reveals Ireland’s top selling wine brands, broken down by category.
THE latest available figures for the wine market in Ireland to December 2024 show that Irish consumers continued to drink less but better. The market for still wine returned to its pre-pandemic level of approximately 8.4 million cases, with volume sales remaining flat and value sales showing a small increase, mainly due to the increase in cost-of-living prices.
White wine continued to overtake sales of red wine, and the lower ABV category also grew. Overall, in terms of producing countries, there was small growth for the sale of wine from Chile and France, with New Zealand wine sales also growing more strongly and showing the highest percentage growth overall for the period December 2023 to December 2024, mainly due to greater availability and competitive pricing. All the other producing countries,
including Australia, Spain, Italy, USA, Argentina, South Africa, and Germany, showed a small decrease in their overall market share. Sparkling wine sales increased, with Prosecco leading the way. There was a small increase in the sales figures for Cava, Crémant and no-alcohol sparkling wine.
This year, the annual Retail News Wine Brand feature, has a change of format, as we focus on the top brands broken down by category (Entry level, Premium, Super Premium and Ultra-Premium), which for greater clarity, are listed alphabetically.
Apothic - Comans Beverages (Premium Category)
In 2024, the key markets for Californian wine were Canada (35% of all sales), the EU (13% of all sales), the United Kingdom
(13% of all sales), and China with 8% of total exports. The total value of US wine exports in 2024 was $1.24 billion. After several years of decline, in 2024 the sales for Californian wine began to increase, with volume sales to the EU increasing by +46%, to the UK by +24%, and sales of wine on the Chinese market increased by +47% (Source: Trade Monitor Data, US Dept of Commerce).
The range of wines produced by Gallo Family Vineyards includes the very popular Apothic range. Apothic Red has a very loyal consumer base here in Ireland. In the premium category, volume sales to December 2024 for the brand were steady. This is the sixth most popular brand in the Premium category. The name is derived from Apothecia, the ancient Greek word for a wine store. Apothic Red is made from a blend of red grapes, including Zinfandel,
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
The Apothic range from Gallo Family Vineyards has a very loyal consumer base in Ireland.
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has a high repeat purchase rate on this market. Apothic Red was a Gold Medal winner at the 2020 and 2022 Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards, while Apothic Cab won a Gold at Mundus Vini in 2023 and Apothic Merlot won Silver at Mundus Vini in 2024.
Wine production in California brings employment to over 422,000 people on the American west coast. California is the
source of 80% of wine produced in the United States and is the fourth largest wine producer in the world. Barefoot is the number brand from the USA on the Irish market, and number three in the Entry Level category. Barefoot, also part of the Gallo stable, is distributed in Ireland by Comans Beverages, who work closely with Barefoot’s country manager Philip Smith.
Sales of Barefoot in 2024 were very strong, showing a +7.9% increase on the previous year. This brand has a very strong identity and thanks to its availability, continues to perform strongly. The Barefoot range includes Barefoot Moscato, Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Barefoot Malbec, Barefoot Chardonnay, Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio, Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay and Barefoot Pink Moscato, alongside Barefoot Pinot Grigio, Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc, Barefoot Merlot, and Barefoot White Zinfandel; the varietals are widely available with an RRP of €10.50.
This summer, Barefoot are working with Mission PR on a strong campaign targeting national media, featuring Barefoot wines as a match for sunny brunches and sizzling BBQs and highlighting tips for summer entertaining. This follows on from their campaign earlier in the year, matching
Barefoot with Chocolate (for Easter). The emphasis of highlighting the food and wine pairing and a strong PR campaign gives this brand a strong presence on the market.
The Brancott brand has been owned and distributed by Group Pernod Ricard since 2010. The brand, formerly known as Montana, was first created in the early 1960s by Frank Yukich (Jukić), son of a Croatian immigrant, who in 1975, planted the first Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, and opened the first winery in the now globally renowned wine region.
This year, Pernod Ricard completed the sale of its international wine brands, including Brancott to Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), owner of Accolade Wines. The sale, finalised in April 2025, means Pernod Ricard will now focus on its premium spirits and champagne business. Distribution of
Sales of Barefoot remain extremely strong in Ireland.
Brancott Estate is a strong performer across Ireland.
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
Brancott and other GPR brands will move from December 2025, when Brancott and the other brands in the Pernod Ricard portfolio will be distributed in Ireland by a new global wine company called Vinarch.
Brancott is a strong performer for New Zealand wine in the Premium category, the fourth most popular, behind Villa Maria, Oyster Bay, and Graham Norton’s own, the impending move had a small impact on the brand’s visibility, with sales overall for 2024 down by -2.8%.
Casillero del Diablo – Concha Y Toro (Entry Level Category)
Casillero del Diablo is Concha y Toro’s flagship brand and the company manage their brand directly on this market, with Richmond Marketing responsible for the sales and distribution. The brand has had very strong visibility in recent years because of a very strong TV campaign featuring brand ambassador Pedro Pascal, star of the TV series 'The Last of Us' which featured on Irish and UK television. Their brand identity centres around the name of the wine, Casillero del Diablo, which translates as ‘The Devil’s Cellar'. The winery's original 19th century founder, Don Melchor, spread the word that the devil lived in his cellar to deter wouldbe wine thieves. This back story has helped
to create a strong identity for the brand, which features an extensive Entry Level range of varietal wines, as well as the more premium Diablo Red, first launched on this market in 2018; and the newer Diablo Golden Chardonnay, and Diablo Crystal Sauvignon, launched here in 2023. The sales for the brand during 2024 were strong, showing a volume increase of +3.7%.
Dadá - Comans Beverages (Entry Level Category)
The hugely popular Argentine wine brand leads the way on this market in terms of volume sales. Enormously popular since it was first launched by Comans Beverages in 2014, the flagship wine, Dadá is made from a blend of Malbec and Bonarda grown in the region of San Juan and produced by Finca Las Moras. This is a mediumbodied fruity wine, with moderate tannins and the influence of American oak. It has captured the taste buds of the Irish public and a decade on, continues to make a strong impact in terms of sales on the Irish market. Sales during 2024 showed strong growth +10%, and the brand continues to be the fourth most popular brand in the Entry Level category.
As well as the popular Dadá 1, the range also includes Dadá 2 Merlot and Dadá 3 Cabernet/Shiraz, as well as their Dadá White Malbec launched in the summer of 2023. Last year Comans introduced the latest white varietal to the Dadá range, the Dadá Sauvignon Blanc. All varietals are
regularly available on offer and retail at price points between €10 and €12.
Colin McGann, Commercial Manager at Richmond Marketing, has a very positive story to tell about his flagship Spanish brand, Faustino. He told Retail News that Faustino continues to grow its ranking within the Drink Business International Award as the Most Admired Wine Brand. The listing for 2025, released at the end of March, shows that Bodegas Faustino climbed four positions to 15th place in the world’s top wine brands. Those figures are also reflected on the Irish market, where Faustino I features very strongly in the Ultra-Premium category, with sales showing the highest increase against all the other wines in this category, up an astonishing +107%.
Colin noted it’s not only the premium Faustino I which is performing strongly. Sales of the other wines in the range, the lighter offerings such as the Faustino VII Sauvignon Blanc, Viura and Rosado, really picked up last year, with retail sales doubling and tripling during the summer of 2024 and already seeing fantastic growth results again this summer.
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc, enjoying a high profile on the Irish market.
Diablo Golden Chardonnay, part of the more premium Diablo range from Concha Y Toro.
The ever popular Dadá 1, made from a blend of Malbec and Bonarda, and the more recently released Dadá Sauvignon Blanc.
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
As well as the key Faustino range, Colin also highlighted a brand-new wine from Bodegas Leganza called Malamigo (translated from Spanish as “Bad Friend”). Developed for novice wine consumers who look to spice things up and live a little rebelliously. There are two wines in the range, Malamigo El Rebelde (“The Rebel”) made from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Syrah, and Malamigo Lady Drama, a semisweet white made from Malvasia and Sauvignon Blanc.
Graham Norton - Barry & Fitzwilliam (Premium Category)
The long-standing partnership between Graham Norton and Invivo began in 2014 with a single New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine and spirits portfolio, including 10 products and more than 300 accolades. Since launch, Graham’s
Faustino I Gran Reserva showed huge growth in the UltraPremium category, with sales more than doubling in 2024.
Sales of Faustino VII Sauvignon Blanc have shown strong growth in Ireland over the last year.
Mayor, Nadine Taylor presented Graham with the first 'Grape Ambassador' Award, in recognition of his long-term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and his brand’s global success.
i heart – Freixenet Copestick (Entry Level Category)
GN blend.
wines and spirits have become Irish favourites, with Graham Norton Wines being included as a Top 20 Brand four years in a row, with GN Sauvignon Blanc sales alone rising +47% YOY in 2024. Graham Norton took his passion for wine a step further and joined Invivo Wines’ co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough, New Zealand, this year. The Cork native rolled up his sleeves in the Awatere Valley, getting hands-on with grape picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality with his long-term Invivo winemaker partners, an essential step in creating the twelfth vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc. Graham’s visit to Marlborough culminated in a winemaker’s lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, where Graham, Tim, and Rob were invited by the Mayor of Marlborough and local growers to celebrate Marlborough wine. Marlborough
i heart have always been unique in their approach; the range provides great examples of the most popular wine varieties from around the world, using a consumer first strategy to make wine more accessible, through their easy drinking wine styles. After 10 years of trading with phenomenal growth and success in the UK, the brand launched in Ireland in 2016 with the i heart
The i heart range utilises a consumer-first strategy to make wine more accessible.
Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Shortly after launch, it was apparent there was a need
Graham Norton and Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough, New Zealand, to craft the latest
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
for a sparkling option and i heart Frizzante Prosecco was launched. Sales of the i heart range reached two million bottles in the Republic of Ireland by 2020. The brand is now widely represented in many retail outlets in Ireland, and is strengthening brand awareness through strong customer relationships. Building in-store activations, increasing social media presence, as well as on-line communications is integral to this brand. i heart is now in the top six of the Entry Level brands in Ireland, though the huge growth in sales of the brand slowed during 2024.
Kylie Minogue Wines - Barry & Fitzwilliam (Super Premium Category)
Kylie Minogue marked the fifth anniversary of Kylie Minogue Wines by celebrating her 57th birthday at a party in London’s exclusive private members club, The Roof Gardens. Kylie celebrated with the owners of her Irish distribution company Barry & Fitzwilliam, and was joined by Kathleen and Michael Barry and their son Michael Junior.
Kylie Minogue was joined by Kathleen and Michael Barry and their son Michael Junior of Ireland’s largest independent premium drinks company, Barry & Fitzwilliam, distributor of Kylie’s range of wines in Ireland, at The Roof Gardens in London to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Kylie Minogue Wines.
Founded in May 2020, Kylie Minogue Wines have rapidly achieved global success, with over 20 million bottles sold in 32 countries. Building on its success, the launch of Kylie Minogue Prosecco Blanc has expanded the brand’s sparkling portfolio, reinforcing Kylie Minogue Wines’ leadership within this category.
With a growing list of accolades, including three gold medals at the prestigious Drinks Business Wine Awards, and distribution
across 32 international markets, the KMW brand continues to go from strength to strength. Here on the Irish market, Kylie Minogue Frizzante Rosé was a strong brand performer during 2024.
Marqués de RiscalFindlater & Co (UltraPremium Category)
Over its 160 plus years, the Marqués de Riscal winery has earned international acclaim, notably being named Second Best Vineyard in the World for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) by World's Best Vineyards, and in 2024, it claimed the prestigious title of World’s Best Vineyard (and best in Europe).
Marqués de Riscal Reserva is an icon in Spain, and a strong performer across Ireland.
Marqués de Riscal has perfected its flagship Reserva, a classic Rioja expression crafted from mature Tempranillo (with a touch of Graciano), aged around 21 months in American oak before bottle maturation to achieve its signature elegance and balance.
Marqués de Riscal Reserva is not just an icon in Spain, it is also readily available across Ireland, stocked by major retailers like SuperValu, Tesco, O’Briens Wine, McHugh’s, and Dunnes Stores. The ‘Risk All’ campaign brings to life the bold decisions behind the wine, from embracing Bordeaux techniques to grand architectural statements like the Frank Gehry Hotel, echoing the virtues found in each bottle of Reserva. Celebrated as World’s Best Vineyard 2024 after three years as runner up, Marqués de Riscal’s journey mirrors the Reserva’s own rise, daring, classic,
and superbly rewarding. Here on the Irish market, Marqués de Riscal performs very strongly in the Ultra-Premium category, showing strong sales growth of +18% during 2024.
Masi Campofiorin - Findlater & Co (Ultra-Premium Category)
Since its birth in 1964, Masi Campofiorin has defined the ‘Super Venetian’ style. Today’s vintages, such as the elegant 2020, feature a richer Corvina presence and refined texture, showcasing its perennial evolution. Crafted in Verona, aged a minimum of 18 months in a mix of Slavonian and Allier oak, Campofiorin offers bold cherry, spice, polished tannins, and a finish of lasting complexity.
Beyond craftsmanship, Masi has pioneered sustainability through Masi Green, a comprehensive governance and environmental initiative. In March 2024, Masi embraced Benefit Company status under its Masi Green Governance project, integrating ESG principles, environmental care, social responsibility, and transparent governance into its corporate charter.
The Ultra-Premium Masi Campofiorin, an Italian classic with deep ties to tradition, innovation and sustainability.
Campofiorin exemplifies Masi’s deep ties to tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Drinkers can enjoy an Italian classic, knowing every sip reflects respect for the land, people, and heritage. The Masi Campofiorin range is one of the top five wines in the Ultra-Premium category on the Irish market. It showed strong growth in 2024, with sales of wines from the range increasing by +17.8%.
McGuigan - Barry & Fitzwilliam (Entry Level Category)
The McGuigan wine range performs well in this category and continues to be the topselling Australian wine brand on the Irish market at this price point. The McGuigan family tradition of wine-making started back in 1869 in the Hunter Valley. Since then, the family have been to the fore of winemaking in Australia. Neil McGuigan is the fourth generation of his family to make wine. In 2010, Neil McGuigan was appointed CEO of Australian Vintage Ltd (formerly McGuigan Simeon Ltd) and was named International White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2018 and International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2016.
The McGuigan Black Label range is a top performer in Ireland.
Kate Barry of Barry & Fitzwilliam told Retail News, the McGuigan range is the leading Australian wine brand in Ireland, and these unique wines really embody the true Australian style of entertaining with friends and family which the Irish have adopted wholeheartedly. The McGuigan wines showed strong growth on the Irish market during 2024 of +7.1%.
McGuigan also have a strong portfolio in low and no alcohol wine production and use
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
the spinning cone column technology. Their McGuigan Zero Range contains 0.5% alcohol and the range includes the McGuigan Alcohol Free Sauvignon Blanc, McGuigan Alcohol Free Shiraz, and McGuigan Alcohol Free Rosé.
Michel Lynch - Barry & Fitzwilliam (Super Premium Category)
Château Lynch Bages is one of Bordeaux’s Grand Cru Classe Estates, a 90 hectares (220 acres) property located just outside the town of Pauillac. The Estate is owned by the Cazes family, who first acquired an interest in the property in 1938. One of the biggest diamonds in the crown of Pauillac, Château Lynch-Bages is one of the original Irish ‘Wine Geese’ Château and today the Cazes family are very proud of their strong connection to Ireland.
The Michel Lynch range was created in 1986 by the Cazes family to honour the Lynch family. The range includes a red, white, and rosé made from grapes grown in Macau in the Gironde. The brand has been available here for nearly 40 years and today has a significant customer following. The Michel Lynch range performs well in the Super Premium category, where it is the second most popular wine.
From the range, look out for the 2022 Michel Lynch White, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc; Michel Lynch Organic White, made from a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc with 10% Semillón. 2020 Michel Lynch Red is made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Michel Lynch Organic Red is made from 100% Merlot.
Also, relatively new to the market, is the 2021 Michel Lynch Margaux, a classic style made from a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small amount of Petit Verdot added to the blend and aged in French oak (30% new) for 12 months.
Oyster Bay - Delegat Wine Estate (Premium Category)
The philosophy of Oyster Bay New Zealand is to produce fine, distinctively regional wines that are elegant and assertive, with glorious fruit flavours; wines that drink well within a year or two of the vintages yet possess the balance of structure to reward keeping. Oyster Bay New Zealand is owned by Delegat Limited, who for 60 years have been one of New Zealand's largest familyowned wine companies.
Oyster Bay was Ireland’s top selling New Zealand wine brand and in 2024, their strong sales growth continued with the brand increasing its market share by +4.1%. There are six wines in the Oyster Bay range:
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and two sparkling wines. Their sparkling wines perform well, the Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé €18-22 is a blend of 20% Pinot Noir and 80% Chardonnay, while Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut €18-22 is made from 100% Chardonnay; both are worth stocking, good examples of good quality new world fizz.
All of the wines in the range are available on offer through most of the major retailers at reduced prices during certain peak trading periods, which usually helps to generate a surge in sales.
Oyster Bay, Ireland’s top selling New Zealand wine brand.
Delegat Wine Estates market and distribute the wines directly in Ireland and Louisa Greenish is currently their Irish country manager, temporarily replacing Briony Fellowes, who is on maternity leave.
Santa Rita Estates – Bibendum (Entry Level Category)
Ireland’s favourite wine brand, Santa Rita 120 delivers excellent value for money and outstanding quality. As the top selling wine brand on the Irish market for over a decade, the brand continues to go from strength to strength and during 2024 its strong volume growth meant it retained this position for the 11th year in a row.
From the sun-drenched vineyards of Chile to the high-altitude plains of Argentina, Viña Santa Rita, Viña Carmen, and Doña Paula offer a dynamic and versatile range of wines ideally suited to summer enjoyment, whether dining al fresco, entertaining, or simply enjoying a refreshing glass.
Among the season’s standout offerings is the Santa Rita 120 Zero% Sauvignon Blanc, an alcohol-free option retailing at just €5. Crisp and zesty on the palate, with
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
The Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, vibrant, and refreshing, while the
Rita 120 Deep Red offers something more robust without sacrificing approachability.
notes of grapefruit and lime, this wine is perfect for those seeking flavour and freshness with minimal alcohol.
The Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc, meanwhile, captures the maritime influence of Chile’s Leyda and Casablanca valleys. Bursting with citrus blossom, lime zest, and a hint of salinity, this wine is crisp, vibrant, and refreshing, an ideal partner for seafood, salads, and sunshine. The Santa Rita 120 Deep Red offers something more robust without sacrificing approachability. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenère, it delivers dark fruit, spice, and herbal notes in a structured yet smooth profile - an excellent choice for barbecues and summer evening gatherings.
For those seeking wines with a story of origin, Medalla Real offers a window into Chile’s finest terroirs. Established in 1983 and internationally recognised since 1987, this range reflects decades of winemaking excellence. From crisp Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc to structured Maipo Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon and elegant Apalta
Carmenère, Medalla Real captures the varietal character and regional nuance that define premium Chilean wine. At the forefront of innovation and expression of origin is Floresta, a remarkable collection from Viña Santa Rita. Part of the Colección de Origen, this
The Ultra-Premium Floresta collection from Viña Santa Rita offers a different look at Chile’s classic varieties.
standout wines in the range is Floresta Chardonnay, sourced from Limarí’s coastal oasis, offering elegance, minerality, and purity from clay-granite soils over calcareous stone. The Floresta Carmenère, hailing from an 80-year-old Apalta vineyard, shows the variety’s full potential in a savoury, early-harvested, concrete-aged expression.
Finally, from across the Andes, Doña Paula’s Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc from Mendoza is a summer staple in the market. Zesty, aromatic, and brimming with tropical fruit and citrus, this high-altitude white is as bright and refreshing as the season itself.
For those who prefer a well-structured red, the Doña Paula Estate Malbec Argentine Edition offers vibrant dark fruit, subtle spice, and velvety tannins—an elegant and expressive Malbec ideal for summer grills or evening sipping.
Villa Maria - Barry & Fitzwilliam (Premium Category)
A leader in sustainability, innovation and quality, Villa Maria is recognised as an icon in the New Zealand wine industry. Villa Maria has created approachable food-
Argentine Edition is elegant and expressive.
ultra-premium range offers “a different look at Chile’s classic varieties”, revealing the depth and richness of unique terroirs of Chile’s best wine-producing regions. Under the guidance of winemaker Teresita Ovalle, these wines are crafted to highlight the vineyard and variety, with minimal oenological intervention. Among the
Santa
Villa Maria: an icon in the New Zealand wine industry.
Ireland’s Top Wine Brands
friendly wines, of premium quality from many of New Zealand’s key winegrowing regions.
Today, Dave Roper is Villa Maria’s head wine maker; he started his winemaking career twenty years ago working for Villa Maria as a cellar hand, and since then he has never worked anywhere else.
Villa Maria is the second most important New Zealand Wine brand on the Irish market, coming in just behind Oyster Bay; in 2024, sales of the range showed significant growth, and increased by +24.6%, strong progress for one of the key brands in the Premium category.
Whispering Angel - Edward Dillon & Co. (Ultra-Premium Category)
The hugely popular Whispering Angel: the rosé to be seen drinking this summer.
Provençal Rosé is one of the wine trends to change the face of the global wine market in recent years. In the UltraPremium category, Whispering Angel sits firmly in the top four wines. Sales grew steadily during 2024, showing a +5.3% increase. 2024 Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence €26.65, the 18th Vintage of Whispering Angel, has just been released
and now comes in a sustainable lighter bottle. Provençal rosé is fresh, light, crisp and dry. This wine has delicate aromas of strawberry with a hint of rose petal and delicate raspberry flavours. The rosé to be seen drinking this summer, it has very little sugar, but lots of ripe fruit flavour, which is why it is so popular.
Wolf Blass - Findlater & Co (Entry Level Category)
The story of Wolf Blass began in 1961, when German-born Wolfgang Blass arrived in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Just five years later, he established Wolf Blass Wines, laying the foundations for what would become one of Australia's most awarded and recognised wineries. At the core of this legacy is Wolf Blass Yellow Label, an iconic range defined by consistency, approachability, and quality. Crafted from premium fruit sourced across South Australia, the wines offer vibrant flavour, structure, and a smooth finish. Wolf Blass himself has earned countless international accolades, including
Blass Yellow Label is a must-stock wine that really resonates with Irish consumers.
International Red Winemaker of the Year (IWC: 2008, 2013, 2016), IWSC International Winemaker of the Year (2013), and the Australian Export Hero Award (2008). Wolf Blass Yellow Label is one of the top seven wines on the Irish market, in the Entry Level Category, where it has remained for many years. A must-stock wine with great visibility, this brand resonates strongly with the Irish wine consumer.
The brand named after Australia’s YellowFooted Rock Wallaby has created a huge niche for itself since it was founded 23 years ago. In 2005 [yellow tail] became the first varietal wine to sell one million cases in a single year. [yellow tail] was first launched on the Irish market in 2007 and the top [yellow tail] SKU on this market is the [yellow tail] Sauvignon Blanc. Other wines in the range include the [yellow tail] Pinot Grigio, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Merlot as well as the [yellow tail] Jammy Red Roo, a red wine blend made from Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. [yellow tail] is the second biggest selling Australian brand after McGuigan. It performed well in the Premium category, showing increase of +2% during 2024.
[yellow tail] Sauvignon Blanc, a surefire winner with Irish wine drinkers.
Wolf
Rockshore and League of Ireland partner with Roy Keane
ROCKSHORE have launched a dynamic campaign to put the League of Ireland (LOI) firmly in the spotlight.
Amplifying its commitment to Irish football, the campaign includes an exciting new TV spot starring football legend Roy Keane and directed by the acclaimed Declan Lowney (known for Father Ted and Ted Lasso). This impactful content is part of Rockshore’s summer-long celebration of Irish football, designed to elevate the league's profile and connect with passionate fans across the country. Rockshore began their summer campaign in May with bold creative featuring the tagline, ‘They Think It's All Over... It's Only Kicking Off in the League of Ireland’, aiming to spark a wave of contagious energy around the LOI, strategically timed at the conclusion of domestic seasons across Europe.
Diageo support Liberties Fun Run
Boann Distillery mark summer solstice with new whiskey
BOANN Distillery marked this year’s summer solstice with a limited-edition Irish whiskey that blends historical recipes with modern distilling innovation. Released at a customer event in their distillery in Meath on June 20, the whiskey is the latest in Boann’s annual Solstice series and the first to vat two casks. Boann Summer Solstice 2025 VM #7 is a cask strength, triple-distilled mixed mash bill whiskey bottled at 59.6% ABV, drawn from two distinctive casks - French Oak and Oloroso - and yielding just 554 bottles. Bottles come in a custom cloth bag with a fan-shaped booklet outlining the distillation process and the whiskey’s historical roots.
DIAGEO Ireland have joined forces with celebrated artist Holly Pereira to launch the 17th annual Liberties Fun Run in support of St James’ Hospital Foundation, which took place on July 23. Open to runners and walkers of all levels, this year’s event featured a bespoke medal, designed by Holly and commissioned by sponsors Diageo Ireland. Inspired by the energy, colour, and character of The Liberties, the medal pays homage to its iconic landmarks and serves as a meaningful keepsake for all who take part. One of the oldest and only timed road races in the country, the four-mile route winds through some of Dublin 8’s most historic and beloved neighbourhoods, including Francis Street, The Coombe, Fatima, and the iconic St James' Gate brewery site, before finishing in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Pictured are (l-r): Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo Ireland; Aisling Nolan, Director of Development at St James’ Hospital Foundation; and Artist Holly Pereira.
7Up at Taste of Dublin
7UP was engaged in a bold new activation at this year’s Taste of Dublin event, featuring an exclusive food pairing experience in collaboration with chef Kwanghi Chan. The People’s Pairing invited festival goers to taste, sip, and rate their favourite dish, putting the power in the hands of the public. Guests are pictured enjoying their 7Up Zero pairing al fresco at The People’s Pairing experience during Taste of Dublin.
Guinness to partner Aer Lingus College Football Classic
AER Lingus College Football Classic has announced its partnership with Guinness ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 and 2026 games taking place in Dublin. The 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic will ignite the season on August 23, marking a historic moment as the first-ever Big 12 Conference match-up to grace Irish soil. The game will see Kansas State University face off against Iowa State University at Aviva Stadium, kicking off the 2025 college football season on ‘Week Zero’. Texas Christian University will play the University of North Carolina in August 2026, in the last game of the initial five-game series. In addition to the game, Guinness is set to elevate the Aer Lingus College Football Classic experience with an unprecedented range of activations, transforming Dublin into a vibrant hub of college football excitement throughout game week.
Forecourt Focus: News
Corrib Oil partner with ePower on EV charging in Cork
CORRIB Oil have officially partnered with ePower, a specialist in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, to deliver fast-charging EV infrastructure at their new site on Model Farm Road, Cork.
The newly opened site features four new charging points, two dual-socket chargers, enabling four vehicles to charge simultaneously. Designed with customer convenience in mind, the site includes a comfortable seating area and free Wi-Fi, allowing drivers to relax while their vehicles fully charge in approximately 20 minutes. Customers also have access to a full, modern deli and coffee station on-site from 6am to 11pm daily and a full off licence will be available in the coming weeks.
Model Farm Road is the first location to see these EV points introduced under the partnership between Corrib Oil and ePower. As part of the roll-out of the partnership, new ePower charging stations will be added to further Corrib Oil sites over the months ahead.
Opened in early 2025, the Model Farm Road site supports 30 jobs locally and includes several Irish and international retail offerings, including Spar, Insomnia Coffee, and Corrib’s full deli, with a range of hot food options available throughout the day. The site also offers 24/7 fuel pumps, including Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) diesel and AdBlue, providing customers with a more sustainable and clean fuelling alternative.
“We are delighted to partner with ePower, who are committed to providing efficient and sustainable charging options to Irish customers,” noted Gillian Morris, Head of Retail, Corrib Oil. “This is great news for our Cork customers, as it broadens the range of energy options available. The response so far has been extremely positive.
“The opening of our new Model Farm Road site demonstrates our continued investment in expanding our retail network and enhancing the services we offer across Ireland. The site has created 30 new jobs and has been warmly welcomed by the local community.”
John O’Keefe, CEO of ePower, said of the partnership: “ePower is very excited to partner with Corrib Oil on the provision of EV charging infrastructure across their network. We share the same customer-first mindset as Corrib Oil and ePower are delighted to work with Gillian and the team, who continue to invest in and expand their state-of-the-art facilities across the country.”
ePower have installed hundreds of EV chargers nationwide and will install their next set of EV chargers under the partnership at Corrib Oil’s site in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
In February, Corrib Oil announced plans to more than double their nationwide store presence to 100 by 2030, creating 1,200 new jobs across the country, with the first of those to open being the new Model Farm Road site.
Inver expand partnership with Too Good To Go to tackle food waste
INVER have announced the expansion of their partnership with Too Good To Go, the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food, to all 18 of their company-owned and operated service stations across Ireland, following a successful pilot.
“Inver’s partnership with Too Good To Go is an easy and practical way to reduce food waste across our business, whilst also offering great value to our customers,” said Billy Massey, Head of Retail Convenience at Inver. “The response to Surprise Bags has been incredibly positive amongst our customers, as it is a win-win solution for everyone.”
Since the initial launch in November 2024, Inver have already helped save over 1,000 Surprise Bags from going to waste, the equivalent of 2,000kg of CO2 emissions avoided.
Sophie Trueman, Country Director at Too Good To Go UK and Ireland, added: “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Inver. Their commitment to tackling food waste shows how businesses can lead on sustainability, while also creating real value for their customers and communities.”
The Too Good to Go app allows users to reserve Surprise Bags at their nearest participating Inver store and collect them at a designated time, giving perfectly good food a second chance. Customers can now rescue surplus food, including breads and pastries, deli sandwiches, salads, fruits and general groceries, for just €3.99 per bag. New participating locations include Inver service stations in Waterford, Laois, Carlow and Clare.
Brendan Crowley, Public Charging Director, ePower, and Ray O'Sullivan from Corrib Oil, pictured at the Corrib Oil forecourt at Model Farm Road, Cork.
Pictured are (l-r): Billy Massey, Head of Retail Convenience; David O'Brien, Retail Operations Manager, and Ciara Collins, Fresh Food Manager, Inver.
Forecourt Focus: News
Maxol announce acquisition of three service stations in Dublin
THE Maxol Group have received CCPC approval for the acquisition of three sites in Dublin, bringing to 248 Maxol’s nationwide network of sites across Ireland.
The multi-million euro acquisitions announced by CEO, Brian Donaldson are part of Maxol’s five-year, €175 million investment strategy for growth, further strengthening the Irish forecourt and convenience retailer’s portfolio in the capital.
The news follows Maxol’s acquisition of eight forecourt sites and 14 site redevelopments in 2024, as the family-owned business continues to invest in established successful businesses in local communities. The latest acquisitions are currently supplied by Maxol under a fuel wholesale agreement and owned by Johnny and Susan Brady. They include Spawell Auto Stop, Spawell, Templeogue, Dublin 6W; Coolquay Service Station, The Ward, Dublin 11; and Crosslands Service Station, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
The three sites will undergo a €1 million-plus retrofitting programme, including the introduction of Maxol’s store concept featuring the Maxol Deli and Rosa Coffee stations.
“These are excellent sites that have been operated to the highest of standards and in the coming months we will be further investing by bringing our latest innovative retail and forecourt model to each location, building on the already extensive range of eat-in and foodto-go options,” said Brian Donaldson, Maxol CEO.
“Today, more than 40% of Maxol’s gross profit is generated from non-fuel services. Convenience retail, food offerings, car wash facilities, and new mobility solutions have become key drivers of our business growth,” Brian continued.
The Maxol Group CEO stressed that the company’s strategy
focuses on investing in high-potential sites that reflect the changing demands of customers, “who visit their local Maxol not just for fuel, but for quality food, everyday essentials and a growing suite of products and services. It is our goal to have all three sites transferred and operating under the Maxol model by the end of the summer.”
The locations of the sites acquired by Maxol are in line with the company’s operating model of supporting local communities and all existing staff will have the option to remain at the respective sites, which will be operated under licence from Maxol.
Applegreen’s birthday bash
APPLEGREEN are throwing a birthday party like no other this July and they’ve enlisted Ireland’s most mischievous duo, The 2 Johnnies, to lead the celebrations. Taking place at Applegreen Midway, Junction 17 on the M7 on July 24, 2025, the Applegreen Birthday Bash saw Johnny B and Johnny Smacks lead rival teams in a head-to-head battle packed with comedy, craic and chicken fillet rolls!
24/7 is Applegreen’s annual birthday celebration, where the brand gives back to its loyal customers with a range of great deals on top products in stores nationwide. For one day only, on July 24, customers could avail of reduced prices and deals on favourites including 100% Irish Chicken Fillet Rolls or Breakfast Rolls for just €2.47, confectionary chocolate bars for 24c or deals on bags of sweets and jellies, 2 for €2.47.
From Karaoke Roulette to the Chicken Fillet Olympics and a custom Mastermind quiz based on their dream prize, four lucky participants joined Team #JohnnyB and Team #JohnnySmacks and competed to win their very own ultimate birthday gift or experience, whether that’s a Mediterranean cruise, a Vegas weekend, or something completely unexpected.
“24/7 is Applegreen’s chance to celebrate our business and mark our birthday by giving back to our customers nationwide with great deals on our top products in store," said Seamus Stapleton, Managing Director at Applegreen. “We also like to mark the occasion with a bit of signature fun with our ambassadors, The 2 Johnnies, thrown in.”
The 2 Johnnies, leading the Applegreen birthday celebrations.
Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group CEO.
Repak Resource Awards launched
Repak have launched the Repak Resource Awards to find Ireland’s circular economy champions, replacing the Pakman Awards.
REPAK have launched the Repak Resource Awards 2025, the new national environmental awards that recognise the individuals, communities and businesses powering Ireland’s transition to a circular economy. Replacing the long-running Pakman Awards, this reimagined initiative will celebrate not only Irelands’ recycling and waste management leaders, but also innovation in circular design and thinking, responsible resource use, and grassroots environmental action.
The Awards are free to enter and are now open with full details available at https://repak.ie/resource-awards. The closing date for entries is August 29, 2025, and further to shortlisting of finalists, winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 23, 2025, at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.
Two new award categories
The Repak Resource Awards will introduce two new categories, including Circular Community Award and Circular Design Award, which underscore Repak’s belief that innovation and community action are essential to building a circular economy.
The Circular Community Award recognises community-led initiatives that reduce waste, reuse resources, and inspire sustainable living through local action, while the Circular Design Award honours innovative design in products, packaging or systems that prioritise resource efficiency and waste minimisation.
These new additions reflect the evolving landscape of environmental action in Ireland, where grassroots initiatives, design innovations and cross-sector collaboration are becoming essential drivers of circular change. By expanding the focus beyond traditional waste management, the Repak Resource Awards aim to capture the full spectrum of circular innovation happening across the country.
Environmental leadership
“The Repak Resource Awards represent a natural next step in how we celebrate
environmental leadership in Ireland,” noted Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, at the launch of the Repak Resource Awards.
“They reflect our belief that true progress comes from forward thinking business decisions and inspired local initiatives.
The Repak Resource Awards are about recognising and celebrating these initiatives.
“We’re calling on businesses, organisations, individuals, and community groups across Ireland to step forward and share how they’re shaping the country’s circular future,” she continued. “Over the past decade, we’ve been inspired by thousands of entries, showcasing a deep commitment to recycling and resource management. This year, we’re excited to see all the new projects helping drive Ireland’s continued progress toward a
circular economy.”
While the Repak Resource Awards represent a fresh start, they continue a proud legacy of excellence. Past winners of Repak’s highest accolade include Aldi in 2020, Limerick Polymers Production in 2022 and Soltec (Ireland) Ltd in 2024.
The Repak Resource Awards 2025 categories include: Business Recycling Champion, Environmental Education and Community Initiative, Innovation in Waste Resource Products or Service, Circular Community Award, Waste Prevention Award, Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award, Circular Design Award, Best Single Use Plastic Initiative, Best Deposit Return Initiative, Tyre Champion, ESG Leader Award – Special Recognition, Battery and WEEE Champion, and the overall Repak Resource Award Winner.
Zoë Kavanagh, CEO Repak, and Anton Savage, host of the Repak Resource Awards, at the launch event in The Shelbourne Hotel.
Beyond the basket: how missions shape the way we shop
Different shopper missions are reflected in how we search, find and choose products in-store, with attendant lessons for retailers, explains Seán Higgins, Future Proof Insights.
SHOPPERS aren’t browsing. They’re solving. That’s the truth most retail strategies still miss. We picture the aisle as a place of curiosity and openness, but for many shoppers, it’s a problem to crack. A task, or series of tasks to complete. A loop to close.
We can sometimes fall into the trap of being so focused on categories, that we forget to think about shopper context.
Shopper missions change the store experience
Two people walk into the same store.
The first grabs milk, bread and eggs and leaves. Each product is picked up almost instantly, at eye/chest level, and only one brand was even considered per product. All products are carried by hand; total store dwell time is 4 minutes.
The second shopper has a longer list in mind. They cross multiple aisles, mentally juggling meals, preferences, and price
points. They pause to compare pack sizes, scan for promotions, revisit earlier sections to double-check value, and weigh up multipack deals versus unit prices. Their basket is a moving equation of goals, not just goods.
Both shoppers didn't walk into different shops; they just walked in with different missions. These missions create goaldriven frameworks that shape what we notice, what we ignore, and how we make decisions in-store.
Sometimes when we shop, our minds are set on a clear goal. Other times, we’re open to discovery, and sometimes we do both. So in other words, you could have the same individual, navigating the same space, but using their brain and eyes in an entirely different way.
At Future Proof Insights, we apply methodologies from neuroscience, including brain imaging and eye tracking, to decode the invisible forces guiding shopper
behaviour. From split-second glances to subconscious goal-setting, our work reveals how internal states, mental shortcuts, and cognitive load influence what people see, how they decide, and when they act in-store.
Shopper Behaviour
In
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Store Behaviour Varies Sharply by Shopper Mission (Grocery)
From speed and selectivity to exploration and interaction, each mission activates the store in a fundamentally different way.
Figure: In-store eye tracking reveals how shopper missions drive dramatically different behaviours — from dwell time to interaction rates and promo responsiveness. Source: Future Proof Insights, In-Store Eye Tracking (n = 312). All values scaled 0–100 for presentation purposes.
Three missions; three minds
Most shoppers fall into one of three modes:
• The Hunter: fast, focused, outcomedriven towards a specific need. The reward is in solving the need.
• The Planner: logical, structured, also outcome-driven but balancing multiple goals. The reward is in checking off the many tasks on the list.
• The Explorer: open-minded, emotionally engaged, reward-seeking. The reward is in the experience and surprise.
These aren’t just behavioural traits, they’re decision-making frameworks that we refer to as mental models. They shape your entire shopping journey: how many products you'll consider; what part of the shelf you’ll see; how much time you’ll give it; what types of claims, cues, or formats you’ll respond to.
Generally, we see focused missions (i.e. The Hunter) proceeding from store entry to product selection in under 90 seconds. No detours. No distractions. They scanned one SKU before picking up a familiar brand from a familiar location. For them, the retail environment is noise to filter out, and they will take the first viable option to resolve their need.
Our Planner, by contrast, is more considered. They are still in task-mode, but far more receptive to information.
They compared pack sizes, checked price per unit, and circled back twice to the same section. The decision was deliberate, structured. They weren’t just buying; they were negotiating priorities with themselves. And then there was the Explorer. Time on their hands. Drawn to new textures, bold colours, and unexpected products. They interacted with nearly twice as many SKUs, spent more than six minutes shopping some categories, and ultimately added two unplanned items to the basket. Emotion
drove curiosity. Curiosity drove action. You’re not targeting a segment. You’re meeting a mindset.
The shelf isn’t flat; it’s filtered
Let’s be clear: the planogram is not the shopper experience. Most brands compete for visibility in the space shoppers spend the least amount of time looking: outside their centre of gaze.
Visual science shows we only take in a small portion of what’s directly in front
Figure: Mission-driven mindsets produce distinct visual signatures, from rapid filtering by Hunters to rich, lingering exploration by Explorers. Source: Future Proof Insights, In-Store Eye Tracking (n = 312). All values scaled 0–100 for presentation purposes.
Shopper Behaviour
“The Planner” “The Hunter”
Extremely narrow Fixates only on target items (e.g. known brand or pack)
Fixates on several items in sequence for comparison
“The Explorer”
Fixates on items that visually pop or intrigue
Explores surrounding features like colours, pack claims, or new SKUs
Figure: Shopper mindsets influence everything from product engagement to layout navigation. The same touchpoints must do different jobs, depending on whether you’re meeting a Hunter, a Planner, or an Explorer.
of us (foveal vision). Everything else is blurred, peripheral, or missed entirely, unless something breaks through.
• Foveal vision is for detail: your brand, your claim, your price.
• Parafoveal vision picks up shape, colour, and contrast, critical for signage and promotions.
• Peripheral vision gives us orientation: the category block, end-of-aisle cues, and fixture structure, along with navigational information like other shoppers, trolleys, displays etc.
Designing without this lens is like building a website without knowing what’s
above the fold. You may exist, but you won’t register.
Designing for context, not category
So how do you build shopper interventions that work?
You start by designing for why they came in, not just what you want them to
Different behavioural frameworks influence how shoppers interpret pricing and promotions, how they respond to messaging, navigate fixtures, and move through store layouts.
Visual Field Zone
Focal (0 –2°)
Heavily used aids in locating, evaluating, comparing adjacent products
Used as a discovery zone motion, colour, or novelty can trigger fixations
Light scanning to detect categories or value signage
Largely filtered out; distraction avoided
Peripheral (10 °+)
Shopper Behaviour
buy.
One example: in a personal care aisle test, POS signage designed for speed improved conversion by 18%; further analysis found that the product was typically purchased in basket sizes of less than five items.
Shopper type: What works:
discovery.
Same store. Same product. Different design strategy, if you’re paying attention to the brain.
These behavioural frameworks influence everything from how shoppers interpret pricing and promotions, to how they
Hunter Eye-level SKUs, fast claims, minimal distraction
Planner Logical layout, price clarity, cross-comparison aids
Explorer Logical layout, price clarity, cross-comparison aids
Meanwhile, a competing brand added a storytelling display with scented trials, resulting in higher Explorer interaction and impulse selection, but confusion among Planners.
Three different mindsets. Three different decisions strategies. One aisle.
Why this matters for performance
This isn’t theoretical. When you design for the mission:
You increase conversion among Hunters by reducing friction.
• You grow basket size for Planners by supporting decision making.
• You drive incremental value with Explorers through unexpected
respond to messaging, navigate fixtures, and move through store layouts. Their impact extends across POS materials, planogram design, category strategy and the overall merchandising approach, shaping which cues matter, and which are ignored, depending on the mission at hand. If the shopper’s goal shifts, the value of each touchpoint shifts with it.
The risks of getting it wrong
Here’s where good intentions go bad: Adding more signage to “get noticed” when shoppers are already overloaded or are unresponsive to interventions.
• Using brand blocks that confuse rather than guide.
About Future Proof Insights
FUTURE Proof Insights are a cutting-edge consumer insights service that interpret and understand true human emotion, placing themselves and their clients at the intersection of human behaviour and neuroscience to enhance experiences for consumers in Ireland & abroad. Their ambition is to remove the guesswork and objectivity from research & insights collection, providing objective insights into human behaviour in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. For more information, visit futureproofinsights.ie
• Designing shelves for brand logic instead of shopper logic.
• Activating every category like it’s an opportunity to tell a story, even when the shopper just wants to find their default product.
Designing without the mission in mind leads to clutter, friction, and missed opportunity. You don’t just risk irrelevance. You risk getting in the way.
Final thought: decode the script Shoppers don’t walk in as blank slates. Their brain arrives with a script, a mental model that determines where the eyes land, how long they stay, and when the hand reaches out.
If you can decode that script, every touchpoint becomes a shortcut instead of a guess. Signage becomes reassurance. Layout becomes direction. Pack design becomes clarity. You stop trying to work harder to get noticed, and instead make it easier to:
• Find
• Compare
• Commit
That’s what the best shopper strategies do. They don’t push shoppers harder. They make the desired behaviour the path of least resistance. And when you align to the mission, you don’t have to shout. You simply show up in the right place, in the right way, at the right time, for the mind you’re meeting.
27 suppliers join Lidl Kickstart programme
Lidl Ireland have announced the selection of 27 new Irish suppliers for their 2025 Kickstart supplier development programme.
LIDL Ireland have revealed 27 new suppliers from across the island of Ireland who will join their 2025 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme. This year’s lineup features a wide range of exciting and locally sourced products, like Mary Ellen’s Meadow Soft Drinks, as well as nutritionally conscious options such as Juspy Collagen + Protein, Sarah’s Living Bliss Balls, Super Nature Natural Treats and Second Street Bakeshop’s Gourmet Toffee Popcorn, along with wellness and beauty products like Sleep Sound’s Pillow Spray. These products will be available in 229 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland from September 11 for a two-week period.
Now in its ninth year, the Kickstart programme offers small producers a unique opportunity to get their products on Lidl store shelves and benefit from the market-leading retailer’s dedicated support. Since 2017, Lidl have invested more than €37 million in the programme, supporting more than 300 small and medium-sized food and drink producers to grow their businesses. More than 700 products from Kickstart alumni have been stocked by Lidl.
Access to Irish and international markets Lidl continue to give Irish producers
unrivalled access to local and international markets, supporting the growth and success of Irish produce worldwide. Lidl’s latest Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report shows that the retailer procured more than €1.67 billion worth of goods and services from their growing supplier network in 2024.
Of the €1.2 billion procured from Irish agri-food producers, €885 million worth of goods stayed within Lidl Ireland’s operations to be sold through their local store network. More than €360 million was exported internationally through Lidl’s expansive network of stores, creating valuable export opportunities for Irish suppliers.
This year’s Kickstart programme received hundreds of submissions from every county across the island of Ireland. Among those selected are farmers turned producers Billy and Bernard Cotter, from Castletownroche in North Cork, who were inspired by the health benefits of oats as a wholesome grain and diversified into Cotter Farm’s Gluten Free Porridge. Also flying the flag for Ireland’s food heartland are two products from County Meath, The Smokin’ Butcher’s Smoked Black Pudding, a traditional black pudding made in natural
Hugh Maguire Jnr from The Smokin' Butcher, with their Smoked Black Pudding, a traditional black pudding made in natural casing.
casing, and A Bit on the Side, a range of jellies.
Alongside the in-store presence, Kickstart suppliers will benefit from a comprehensive six-month development programme. This includes expert guidance from Lidl’s commercial and marketing teams on scaling production, improving
Lidl Kickstart 2025
Juspy’s delicious Collagen + Protein superfood powder blend is designed to boost energy naturally, nourish the body and aid recovery.
efficiency and optimising packaging, ensuring that products are retail ready.
Class of ‘25
The Kickstart Class of ’25 reflects the growing diversity and everevolving innovation that is at the heart of Ireland’s thriving food production industry, and includes Juspy, from Dublin, who bring an utterly delicious Collagen + Protein superfood powder blend designed to boost energy naturally, nourish the body and aid recovery, or The Wild Wok, also from the capital, who bring a taste of Asia with handcrafted Asian Dumplings, frozen fresh for convenience and ready in minutes.
“The Irish food producers’ scene has never been more vibrant,” noted Kate O’Driscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“At Lidl, we are proud that our Kickstart Development Programme supports these emerging producers to flourish, growing their product,
brand, and business with our guidance. Since its launch, we’ve invested more than €37 million, supporting more than 300 local producers and over 700 products, many of which I’m thrilled to say are now part of Lidl’s regular everyday range, and we are excited to welcome these new suppliers on board.”
Standout suppliers
Following a successful stint in last year’s programme, Dublin-based Slice of Life Pizza has now secured a contract worth more than €150,000 for a permanent listing with Lidl Ireland.
“Slice of Life is a perfect example of what Kickstart is all about,” Kate explained. “Since securing a place on the programme last year, they’ve now secured a permanent listing with Lidl Ireland worth more than €150,000, supplying their frozen
Cotter Farm’s Gluten Free Porridge, from Castletownroche in North Cork.
pizzas to Lidl stores nationwide.”
Founded by Emi Takakura, Slice of Life Pizza is a frozen pizza brand produced in Ireland. They create indulgent pizzas that are high in protein and ideal for the healthconscious customer, offering three of your five a day. All packaging is made in Ireland and is 100% recyclable, as the company is aiming for net zero by 2030.
Other standout products from previous years include Fused by Fiona Uyema stir fry sauces, Applewood Farm’s apple cider vinegar, and Naked Bakes cookie dough.
Expert support
Eimear Hurley, Global Business Development Team at Bord Bia,
A Bit on the Side Red and Green Jalapeno Jelly Meath
noted how “The Kickstart Supplier Development Programme is an example of how expert support can further enable Irish food and drink producers to add great value and innovation to a competitive retail channel. This partnership between Lidl and the Kickstart suppliers helps
to unlock further growth opportunities for Irish food and drink. It is fantastic to see so many Irish food and drink products on sale in Lidl stores around the world.”
For more information on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, www.lidl.ie/kickstart
Lan Luan from Fleur de Lan with their Caramel Crispy Croissant Bites.
Smarter security, greener stores
Graham Swallow, Axis, explores the ways modern network cameras can help Irish retailers respond to rising crime, while advancing green digital transformation in line with EU and national regulation.
RETAIL crime is rising. Fianna Fáil suggests retail theft and related offences have risen 12% in the past year – a worrying enough statistic, doubly so when considered alongside Central Statistics Office reporting that both incidents of theft and public order offences rose in every quarter of 2024 (www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ ep/p-rc/recordedcrimeq42024/ mainresults). There is no avoiding the need for retailers to invest in surveillance and security – it is the least that can be done to protect workers on the front-line.
The problem is particularly evident in the retail space. According to RGDATA’s 2024 crime survey, 93% of their members have been victims of shoplifting, 40% victims of fraud, and 25% have experienced violent robberies, some including weapons. Security provision is non-negotiable, but it’s important to consider any new system or significant upgrade in the context of more than just crime.
EU regulations are constantly tightening around sustainability and the environment. Irish businesses must not only meet the requirements of directives like WEEE and
the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), they have to prove it too. The EU Green Claims Directive is an attempt to prevent so-called greenwashing by requiring robust evidence of environmental claims; for larger retailers, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) demands clear ESG reporting.
Smart purchases for sustainability
Selecting the right surveillance equipment is critical, in this sense, on two counts. First, the hardware itself needs to align with sustainability regulations. The environmental cost of the materials used at source, the supply chain activities of the manufacturer, and ongoing costs over that system’s lifespan – including, for example, the carbon cost of its energy use – add up quickly on networks of tens, hundreds, or thousands of devices.
Secondly, surveillance hardware plays a major role in the advancement of retailers’ green digitalisation efforts. Green digitalisation is concerned with applying digital tools to achieve environmental goals;
data drawn from cameras, for example, can provide the insights retailers might need to meet business-wide sustainability initiatives. Price at acquisition has an impact, certainly, but retailers should feel emboldened to choose their security partners based on trust, ethical alignment, and sustainability-first design.
It’s important to look for hardware which will stay the course: under 2024’s National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy, more pressure than ever has been placed on the reuse, repair, and safe recycling of products, and regulations a decade or more down the line will likely be stronger still. Look, too, beyond surface level to find energy, carbon and materials savings outside of the camera, which might not have been immediately obvious.
Building clever efficiencies
Consider power consumption. The traditional security network structure might seem to dictate that numerous cameras feed footage to a large bank of servers. Once this might have been true, but today’s hardware is smarter
About the author
GRAHAM Swallow is an Axis Business Development Manager for UK, Ireland and Nordic regions. He is responsible for Axis’ retail sector and comes from a retail background, with experience in loss prevention and investigation, supply chain security and retail operations.
Graham has worked in the Royal Air Force Police, and end-to-end retail roles, and applies his expertise and experience to improve security, safety and net profit through network video applications.
Axis Communications enable a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offer video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.
Axis have around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborate with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and their headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.
For more information, visit: www. axis.com/en-gb/solutions/retail
and more versatile. Clever use of highresolution cameras allows a larger area to be covered with fewer cameras. With a sharp enough sensor, areas of interest can be split off for security personnel. A 360-degree panoramic camera could de-warp fisheye footage with on-board processing, outputting digital PTZ or even four distinct area views, doing the job of several cameras with a single low-power installation.
Better low-light performance could mean retailers do not need to leave stores and perimeters fully illuminated overnight. On-board AI-boosted analytics reduce the
demand on servers by allowing camera hardware to do the hard work. Cameras with advanced compression algorithms provide quality footage at a lower bitrate – this saves bandwidth and reduces storage costs, potentially by thousands of euros a year. In turn, retailers enjoy a lower carbon footprint and significant capital freed for investment elsewhere.
Generating
powerful insights
Smart Security
The modern camera is a powerful sensor with a dedicated computer built-in. The more a camera can do, the less everything else needs to do, leading to greater energy efficiency, reduced operational costs and lower carbon emissions in line with sustainability goals. It’s a case of lateral application: smart insights from cameras, enriching retailers’ data streams, directly power further green digitalisation efforts in creative and innovative ways, while maintaining a security function.
Thermal cameras could monitor chilled areas looking for unexpected temperature changes in order to detect inefficient freezers, for example. Cameras trained on shelves could assist with efficient inventory management, helping to reduce waste. Integration with point-of-sale, access control, energy management, smart lighting, or any number of other smart systems helps improve decision making and drive sustainable initiatives.
None of this gets in the way of the camera’s role in surveillance. Installing cameras with higher resolution and higher quality sensors means better evidence gathering. On-board applications can help cameras act as a stronger deterrent for antisocial behaviour – a camera detecting loitering could trigger a loudspeaker alert, for example, or one detecting motion in an area of interest might automatically alert security personnel.
The right choice for the future
Retailers can use their cameras to build the secure and sustainable environment that works for them, as long as that equipment can communicate with the other sensors and systems that make a retail business run smoothly. Closed ecosystems are difficult, so it’s important to look for those offering modular, open platforms which
can provide the flexibility such initiatives demand, as well as the scalability to grow with the needs of a retail business.
Retailers in Ireland are operating under increasing pressure. Surveillance systems, chosen wisely, actively help strengthen frontline security and power sustainable digital transformation. The camera is not a passive observer; it’s an active contributor, a proactive agent of change.
Installing cameras with higher resolution and higher quality sensors means better evidence gathering.
Better surveillance hardware helps Irish retailers create safer stores, reduce emissions, and meet the high standards expected of them by their customers. A little initiative mixed with a lot of hardware and software innovation makes for a smarter, safer and greener future.
Axis Communications enable a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence.
What’s New
MÜLLER AND MYPROTEIN LAUNCH HIGH PROTEIN RANGE
MÜLLER Yogurt & Desserts have officially launched their Müller x MyProtein range in Ireland, bringing a variety of high-protein dairy products to the chilled aisle for the first time. The range is designed to meet growing consumer demand for convenient, greattasting products that support active, balanced lifestyles. The line-up includes ready-to-drink protein shakes, low-fat puddings, highprotein yogurts, top-hat Crunch yogurts, low-fat mousse pots, and a complete meal drink. All products are high in protein, low in fat, and deliver on flavour, offering those looking to support their active lifestyles with an irresistibly tasty protein product. To support the launch, Müller are investing in rolling out a fitness event series featuring well-known fitness ambassadors, including Hyrox training, Pilates sessions and a run club - all designed to drive awareness and inspire consumers to try the new high-protein range.
EXCITING NEW KITKAT CHUNKY FUNKY HITS SHELVES
A BRAND new KitKat Chunky is hitting Irish shelves this month. KitKat Chunky Funky features a crispy cocoa wafer wrapped up in a luscious swirl of milk chocolate and white coating. “This year, we’ve introduced an amazing new product to the KitKat family, with our eye-catching, marbled swirls,” noted Maria McKenna, Confectionery Marketing Manager, Nestlé Ireland. “KitKat Chunky has a fresh look, while keeping the delicious crispy wafer and KitKat chocolate that our fans adore. It’s such a fun product, and we can’t wait to see how shoppers react!”
MY LITTLE SUDOCREM ALOE VERA
SMART 5500 DISPOSABLE VAPE FROM HALE VAPING
BIG Puff is one of the biggest stories in the vaping market, accounting for 20% of the market. The biggest brand in this space is IVG, who have launched the IVG Smart 5500, the first prefilled, pre-charged auto-refill disposable vape in Ireland. The Smart 5500 delivers up to 5,500 puffs, with a 10ml auto-refill tank that seamlessly replenishes a 2ml prefilled mesh coil tank. With a simple click-to-attach refill container, it offers an effortless, uninterrupted vaping experience. With USB-C charging, a powerful 1000mAh battery, and 17 flavour options, the IVG Smart 5500 is designed for retailers looking to meet growing demand for smarter, longer-lasting vaping solutions. This is a must have for all retailers in this category; talk to your Hale rep today to ensure you’re ready for the next wave of vaping innovation.
NESTLÉ CEREALS’ SUPERMAN ON-PACK PROMOTION
THIS summer, popular Nestlé cereal brands, including Shreddies, Cheerios and Cookie Crisp, are teaming up with DC Studios and Warner Bros to offer shoppers across Ireland and the UK the chance to win an incredible family holiday to the Six Flags Over Texas theme park in the USA. There are also 1,000 cash prizes up for grabs to celebrate the launch of the epic new Superman film. To enter the draw, shoppers need to purchase a participating pack of Nestlé cereals, scan the QR code, enter their unique product code and upload their receipt. “Through the partnership, Shreddies, Cheerios, Cookie Crisp and other brands will have increased visibility in-store, while offering shoppers a chance to be part of something fun and exciting this summer, and of course, celebrate the new film that everyone is sure to be talking about,” noted Jennifer Walsh, Country Manager, Nestlé Cereals.
SUDOCREM are proud to unveil the latest addition to their widely popular My Little Sudocrem range: My Little Sudocrem Aloe Vera. Formulated with organic aloe vera extract, the new variant is designed to protect, soothe and calm skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used on all ages, including babies from birth. “We know that aloe vera remains a highly sought-after skincare ingredient, and this new formula allows consumers to benefit from Sudocrem’s proven soothing protection with the added benefit of natural, calming care,” noted Bethany Innes from Sudocrem.
