Retail News May 2025

AVAILABLE NOW IN STORES NATIONWIDE

WITH summer now officially here, welcome to the latest edition of Retial 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 issue features our annual Summer Stocking special report, highlighting the hottest drinks brands for the summer season (Page 26-45). We have an in-depth interview with the new general manager of Coca Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Simon Fitzpatrick (Page 22), on what being the custodian of some legendary brands means to him. We also report from the annual TWIG networking lunch (Page 16), which raised a phenomenal amount of money for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund, while we reveal the hugely interesting findings of the 15th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index (Page 50).

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 Retial News equips you with the knowledge to thrive in a dynamic retail environment.

Brian Clark Advertising & Marketing Director, Retail News

Contents

Government easing the cost burden on retailers, but for how long?

Nestlé Confectionery

21 Aero launches exciting ‘Lost Bubbles’ promotion; New Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie flavour bar launched.

Retail News Interview

Government losing almost €1 billion to black market tobacco.

Lidl score on reputation in new survey; NDC launch e-learning portal for schools.

FSAI warns food businesses on food safety of poultry products; Ireland shines at Seafood Expo Global 2025 in Barcelona.

Late Easter contributes to grocery growth.

Shop Profile

12 Having taken over their first store in 2014, Darragh Neill and Eoghan Higgins now own seven Gala stores, with their latest shop taking home a Special Merit Award at the Gala Retail Excellence Awards.

TWIG Networking Lunch

16 Over 620 people attended the 2025 Today’s Women in Grocery networking lunch, raising over €100,000 for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund.

SuperValu

20 SuperValu have renewed their sponsorship of the All-Ireland Football Championship for another five years.

22 Simon Fitzpatrick, GM of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, discusses the legacy of the worldfamous brand, how the partnership with the retail trade remains critical to the company’s success, and the impact of the DRS on their business.

Summer Stocking

26 The annual Retail News Summer Stocking special report covers the brands to stock across wine, spirits, beer, cider & RTDs, energy drinks and BBQ fuels.

Consumer Insights

50 Cost-of-living concerns have helped Irish consumers to embrace private labels and discount stores, while bricksand-mortar retail remains resilient, according to the latest EY Future Consumer Index.

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps

54 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are launching a unique camp, titled ‘Cúl and Curious’, to introduce children from migrant families to the joy of Gaelic games.

Social Impact Strategy

58 A new report investigates how major Irish companies are aligning commercial objectives with societal engagement.

Summer sales set to soar

Government easing the cost retailers, but for how long?

GOVERNMENT delays to the implementation of the Living Wage and pension autoenrolment system are “tinkering at the edges” of cost pressures facing retailers in 2025, according to a leading Irish economist. Jim Power has described the postponement of the Living Wage from 2026 to 2029 as “not being enough” and the delay of the auto-enrolment system from September 30 this year to January 1, 2026, as a “minor postponement”. Auto-enrolment, when it happens, “will significantly increase the cost of employment for employers again”, Power told Retail News

Power is the author of a recent report, ‘The Cost of Doing Business: Ireland’s Retail Sector in a European Context’, and he is currently preparing a similar report for the Local Jobs Alliance. ‘The Cost of Doing Business’ reveals that Ireland has the second highest minimum wage among the EU-27, “the seventh highest standard VAT rate”, and the “highest electricity prices for non-household consumers” at 62.3% above the EU-27 average. The report pinpoints 852 insolvencies in 2024 – 16% higher than the 734 insolvencies in 2023 – and notes that retail recorded the highest number of insolvencies of any sector in 2024.

Power attributes the cost pressures facing retailers to a “confluence of factors. One is macroeconomic uncertainty. Consumer confidence is under pressure because of what Trump's policies might mean for the Irish economy and for jobs. Secondly, the consumer sector over the last five years has seen a dramatic increase in the cost of living. Average consumer prices

in March 2025 were almost 21% higher than March 2020.

“The cost of living has gone up. The consumer is pressurised and discretionary spending is under pressure. Then you have the dramatic increase in the cost of doing business: energy costs, labour costs. The various pieces of labour legislation that have been implemented have added to the cost of employment. The Minimum Wage, of course, is a particular issue for retail. We've seen dramatic increases in it in recent years, so that is a problem.”

Tara Buckley of RGDATA welcomed the decision to “slow the progress” to the Living Wage and pension auto-enrolment because “at least it feels like we've been listened to. We felt like we were forgotten.”

On January 1, 2025, the statutory Minimum Wage was increased by 6.3% to €13.50 per hour. Following increases of 7.6% in 2023 and 12.4% in 2024, this represents a 38% rise between January 2020 and January 2025: over twice the rate of inflation.

“These increases to the Minimum Wage have added significantly to the wage bills of convenience retailers,” said Buckley. “It was a big relief to hear that they were not going to progress that fast towards such a high minimum wage. We don't believe it's a viable option.”

Vincent Jennings, CSNA CEO, called on Government to readdress the median wage – a totality used to calculate the Living Wage, due to replace the national minimum wage – because of “the extraordinarily high level, unparalleled in other European countries, of multinational companies

within the Irish economy, and the position of the public sector versus the private sector in terms of the wages that are earned by them.” These wage groups, Jennings said, distort the median wage calculation.

Pension autoenrolment

has been discussed since the early 2000s. Under the system, employees who earn over €20,000 a year and are not already paying into a pension scheme would be automatically enrolled into one. Employers will be obliged to match the employee’s contribution and the State will provide a top-up. Vincent Jennings argues that while he is “not averse to the idea from a societal point of view”, the scheme is not particularly useful in the retail sector where there is a transitional workforce.

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, said he was deferring the start of the scheme until January to align with the tax year and give employers extra time to prepare. The delay offers breathing space, suggested Buckley: “We want to ensure that when it does come in, there's

Economist Jim Power believes the latest Government moves are not enough for beleaguered retailers.

Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA.

burden on

as little burden - in terms of regulation and administrationon the small business owner as possible.”

However, the retirement-savings system has missed a number of previous implementation targets in the past and retailers question whether the scheme will make its January 2026 marker or be delayed further.

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA.

Meanwhile, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke TD has decided not to increase the number of sick days for workers, with this due to remain at five rather than increasing to seven. “A lot more analysis has to be done [on the five days]: how it's working, operating, what it's costing. If they want to progress to further sick days, they have to look at how they can support businesses,” said Buckley.

In recent weeks, RGDATA and other retail representatives have been engaged in meetings with high profile government officials. In late April, RGDATA conducted a meeting with the Retail Minister Alan Dillon TD in which they discussed business costs (including employment, insurance, and the cost of retail crime). This month, a delegation from the Local Jobs Alliance met with Minister Dillon and Jim O'Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice. Retailers were also granted an audience with the Low Pay Commission [LPC], which is making its final deliberations on 2026’s National Minimum Wage. “We think the minimum wage should increase by the rate of inflation,” said Buckley. “It shouldn't be these huge increases in such a short space of time.”

Jennings, however, does not believe the Government should pause any increase in the Minimum Wage: “Our workers and colleagues are worth being looked after. Given the fact that food inflation is a considerable part of any basket now, that has to be matched [in the Minimum Wage]. But what we can't have is the rationale of the last couple of years of the LPC, in which the Minimum Wage was going up in annual chunks of €1.80 or €1.30.”

While costs remain an overwhelming concern, retail representatives are optimistic about the future, following changes to wage structures. “The fact the Government is recognising that these issues are imposing pain on retailers and SMEs generally is positive,” said Jim Power.

Musgrave launch supplier sustainability initiative

MUSGRAVE have launched their new Musgrave Supplier Sustainability Initiative (MSSI), to drive collective action on issues like carbon reduction and food waste with their suppliers.

MSSI is part of Musgrave’s Growing Sustainably Every Day sustainability strategy which focuses on three pillars: caring for the planet; sourcing for good; and creating vibrant communities. This initiative will equip suppliers with the knowledge and skills to:

• Set emissions reductions targets aligned with Science Based Targets, the overall aim of which is to limit global warming to 1.5C;

• Make enhancements to packaging to ensure it is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2030;

• Sign up to the Environmental Protection Agency Food Waste Charter and commit to reducing food waste by 50% by 2030;

• Facilitate continuous knowledge-sharing to bring about more meaningful change at pace.

The participants in the programme are long-standing Musgrave indigenous Irish food and drink suppliers and in line with Musgrave’s commitment to being the greatest supporter of the Irish agri-food industry.

“At Musgrave we have always been committed to locally sourced produce and long supported Irish food and drink producers. Our retailer SuperValu is the largest supporter of Irish produce in Ireland,” noted Marcus Shortall, Sustainability Project Manager, Musgrave Group.

“The Musgrave Supplier Sustainability Initiative is a partnership which demonstrates our steadfast support for Irish suppliers and enables us to deliver the most sustainable choice of products for our customers. We recognise how challenging it can be for stakeholders across our supply chain to set and progress cohesive and impactful sustainability targets. We realise that we cannot achieve our goals alone and can leverage expertise and supports to ensure we, along with our valued suppliers, are on the same path of progress, working to the same end goal.

“Musgrave are seeking to have our emissions reduction targets validated by SBTi in 2025. This will demonstrate a clear roadmap for reducing emissions, ensuring that our climate actions are scientifically robust and aligned with international best practices,” Shortall continued. “Through collaboration with our suppliers, we are committed to assessing our value chain to pinpoint key areas for improvement, partnering with our suppliers to establish ambitious carbon reduction targets to manage greenhouse gas emissions.”

Pictured at the launch of the Musgrave Supplier Sustainability Initiative are: Mike Barry, Sustainability Consultant; Sharon Keilthy, Sustainability Works; Laura Kennedy, Head of Sustainability (Retail) at Musgrave; Marcus Shortall, Sustainability Project Manager at Musgrave; and Rebecca Thomson of Kepak.

Government losing almost €1 billion to black market tobacco

THE Government is losing the battle against the illicit tobacco market, according to Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS). RAS was responding to the publication of the Revenue Commissioners’ Illegal Tobacco Products Research Survey 2024, independently conducted by Ipsos MRBI, which found that 37% of cigarette packs in circulation had no Irish excise duty paid, as they were either illegal or purchased outside Ireland. This marks an increase from 34% in 2023. In the case of the Roll-Your-Own tobacco market, the proportion of products in circulation with no Irish duty paid was a staggering 49%. The numbers indicate that the illicit trade in RYO tobacco has increased by 53% when compared to last year’s findings.

The Revenue Commissioner survey reveals that illicit market cigarettes accounted for 26% of cigarettes in circulation in 2024 and was worth over €590 million in lost taxes. RAS estimates that a further €249 million was lost on the 11% travel purchases of cigarettes in 2024. No Irish excise or VAT has been paid on any of these cigarettes and Retailers Against Smuggling is concerned that many of these ‘legal’ cigarettes are being brought in breach of duty free and travel allowances. RAS estimates that a further €95 million was lost in taxes on RYO Tobacco in 2024, bringing the total losses in tax on tobacco products to an astounding €934 million in one year alone (based on a conversion factor of 0.75g RYO to cigarette and loss on excise and VAT).

“With €934 million in lost taxes on tobacco products, the scale of Ireland’s untaxed tobacco market is staggering –and it’s taking business away from legitimate Irish retailers,” stressed Benny Gilsenan, RAS National Spokesperson. “One of the main reasons Ireland’s untaxed cigarette market has grown so large is because continuous increases in excise are driving people to purchase the cigarettes from the black market or abroad, a trend being allowed by a serious lack of enforcement of duty free and travel allowances.”

that black market cigarettes (making up the 26% of the cigarettes in circulation according to today’s survey) were worth over €550 million in 2024. The Revenue Commissioners successfully seized €96 million in illegal cigarettes in 2024, meaning they seized less than one in five of all illegal cigarettes in circulation in Ireland last year.

“It is clear that the Government has lost control of Ireland’s tobacco black market; and their current rate of seizure is only the tip of the iceberg,” argued Gilsenan. “Ireland needs a new strategy to tackle illegal cigarette smuggling.”

Retailers Against Smuggling claim that Ireland’s exorbitant excise rate on tobacco, which is the highest in Europe, is fuelling the increase in black market activity. “The Government has its head in the sand on the impact that the huge excise burden on tobacco is having on the legitimate market,” Gilsenan stated.

“What’s worse, these 2024 Revenue figures only reflect the 2023 excise increase of 75 cents on cigarettes. In late 2024, Government lumped a whopping €1 excise on cigarettes. This means that the current levels are most likely much higher than the 2024 figures.

Polling conducted by Ireland Thinks on behalf of RAS in November 2024 showed that a sizeable majority (58%) of those who bought cigarettes bought some or all of them from abroad, up from 45% in March 2024. RAS’ concerns have been confirmed by the Revenue Commissioners’ survey which recognises “a notable increase in illicit trade attributed to informal imports sourced through friends.” The survey found that the percentage who sourced cigarettes from “Friend brought them home from a trip abroad” nearly doubled from 15% in 2023 to 27% in 2024.

The regulated cigarette market in Ireland – for which excise duty was paid – had a total retail value

€1.34 billion in 2024, meaning

“The last three Revenue Commissioner illegal tobacco surveys have found the highest ever illicit figures recorded for tobacco in Ireland; year-on-year the problem is just growing, and legitimate retailers are losing out. In spite of this, Government lumped on the highest ever excise increase last year; it’s just a baffling response to this clear loss of control of the black market.”

Retailers Against Smuggling are calling on the Government to:

• Freeze excise on cigarettes, which is already the highest in Europe;

• Increase staffing and scanner resources to detect illegal tobacco being smuggled into Ireland, including through our airports through breaches of duty-free allowances;

• Increase the fines and prison sentences for court convictions for illegal smuggling.

Benny Gilsenan, National Spokesperson, Retailers Against Smuggling.

Lidl score on reputation in new survey

THE Reputations Agency has today revealed the winner of the Ireland Reputation Index 2025, the largest and longest running study of reputation in Ireland. Ireland’s Credit Unions topped the annual ranking for the third consecutive year, while An Post were ranked in second place. Lidl Ireland were the highest performing grocery retailer, coming in fifth place, followed by Bord Bia in sixth and Dunnes Stores in seventh.

Lidl Ireland were named the number one Value for Money Organisation and the Most Reputable Supermarket in Ireland. The retailer was also named the fifth Most Reputable Organisation overall in the study and the highest in the Food and Beverage sector, highlighting how Lidl’s proposition is continuing to resonate strongly with Irish shoppers.

Consistently one of the most reputable organisations in Ireland in recent years, Lidl have built their reputation on delivering good value, high quality nutritious food for all, as well as a tangible commitment to supporting Irish communities.

“At Lidl Ireland, we have worked hard to build, maintain and enhance our reputation as a responsible, sustainable supermarket that has a positive impact on the communities we operate in across

the country,” noted Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. “Since entering the Irish market 25 years ago, our promise to our shoppers has always been that we won’t be beaten on price, and we’re pleased to see that that message continues to resonate. Today’s results underscore consumers' trust in our prices and quality and we’re exceptionally proud to be named the best value organisation in Ireland.”

Dunnes Stores is the only other food retailer on the list, moving up 13 places from 2024 to seventh position in this year's index with a score of 78.58. Bord Bia also entered the top ten this year, coming in at sixth place with a score of 78.62.

Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“From our 2025 study amongst over 5,000 members of the public, we found that the public in Ireland is 15 times more Willing to Buy from an organisation in the Excellent reputation tier, than from an organisation whose reputation falls into the Poor reputation tier,” explained Niamh Boyle, CEO and Founder of The Reputations Agency.

NDC launch e-learning portal for schools

THE National Dairy Council (NDC) have launched an e-learning website platform for school-age students (4 to 18 years, junior infants to sixth year). The new resource is part of a range of activities aimed at building awareness of, and pride in, Irish dairy amongst a younger audience – specifically dairy’s importance as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. The portal also outlines the measures that farmers are putting into place to reduce the carbon footprint of Irish milk production.

The new portal has been funded by the EU School Milk Scheme and is part of the NDC’s Moo Crew initiative, which was developed in conjunction with teachers and has been running since 2013.

The e-learning element will educate students about the nutritional benefits of dairy consumption, as well as about the stories behind dairy production, offering lesson plans (curriculum linked and age appropriate) and interactive materials linked to the milk distributed in the classroom, while also encouraging students to use the material at home with their parents.

Sinéad Whelan, NDC Schools Programme Manager, said it is more important than ever that young people are fully informed about the importance of dairy – to their health, their communities, Ireland’s economy, and as a foundation of our heritage and culture: “Research shows that only 4% of teenagers are consuming the recommended daily amount of dairy. This means they’re missing out on the protein, calcium, iodine and other

Rugby star Garry Ringrose joins the ‘Moo Crew’ to promote a new e-learning platform developed as part of the EU School Milk Scheme, with Mia Basnet and Sam Scullion at Greenlanes National School, Clontarf.

nutrients that are readily available in milk, cheese or yogurt –and which are essential to healthy growth and cognitive function. They’re also being exposed to misinformation about dairy products and the dairy production process, and it’s important that we provide factual counterpoints to these claims.”

Learn more about the Moo Crew initiative at www.moocrew.ie

Niamh Boyle, CEO, The Reputations Agency.

FSAI warns food businesses on food safety of poultry products

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is reminding food businesses, including wholesalers and retailers, to ensure that robust food safety management systems are in place for the production and supply of chilled and frozen coated poultry products placed on the Irish market. It is further directing manufacturers to ensure that chilled and frozen coated poultry products include appropriate cooking instructions and are clearly labelled as non-ready-toeat.

This reminder and advice follows findings from a national microbiological survey, conducted in 2022, of 382 chilled and frozen coated poultry products, which detected the presence of Salmonella Infantis in five products placed on the Irish market.

The bacterium was detected in chicken goujons, fillets, and balls, including raw, partially cooked, and fully pre-cooked items. Food safety risk management actions were taken to reduce the risk presented to consumer health.

As the survey findings indicated that imported poultry was a possible cause of contamination, the FSAI is reiterating to manufacturers that they must ensure stringent controls across the entire food supply chain. This includes full traceability of all raw materials used in the production of chilled and frozen coated poultry products and that they must comply with the legal microbiological requirements associated with using raw poultry to make these products.

“The survey findings emphasise the importance of manufacturers and food businesses adhering to and fulfilling their legal food safety responsibilities,” stressed Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI. “It is incumbent upon those sourcing and providing these products to have the requisite checks and balances in place to minimise the risk of contamination and possible threat to consumer health. While the prevalence of Salmonella contamination stands at 1.3% of the overall sample size, it remains the case that all food businesses and manufacturers must continue to be vigilant, follow best practice at all times and safeguard each point along the food chain.”

Ireland shines at Seafood Expo Global 2025 in Barcelona

MINISTER of State with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD, and Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia CEO, led a 21-member contingent of Irish seafood exporters who showcased their extensive range of products in the Bord Bia Origin Green Pavilion at the 2025 Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona from May 6-8.

Seafood Expo Global is the world’s largest seafood trade fair, featuring more than 2,000 exhibitors from over 87 countries.

“Ireland’s seafood is renowned worldwide as a superior, sustainably produced, quality product underpinned by responsible practices,” said Minister Dooley. “Irish seafood can be found in all corners of the globe, and the breadth of markets reflects both the rich biodiversity of Ireland’s marine environment and Irish seafood's first-class reputation.”

In 2024, some 157,000 tonnes of seafoodfrom salmon and trout to pelagic species and whitefish, and shellfish - was exported to more than 70 export markets. The value of those exports was €598 million, representing an increase of 9% on 2023 exports and reflecting good demand in export markets and a more positive year for production.

Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole stated: “Ireland boasts an extensive product range and a first-class reputation with international seafood buyers. By participating in Bord Bia’s Origin Green

Pavilion, Irish seafood suppliers are well-positioned to strengthen their relationships with international customers and uncover new trade leads to support their export business. Trade shows like Seafood Expo Global enable Bord Bia to position Irish seafood producers as the suppliers of choice for international buyers from retail and foodservice."

Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI.

Bord Bia CEO Jim and O’Toole and Minister of State with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD.

Late Easter contributes to grocery growth

TAKE-HOME value sales in Ireland increased by 8.4% over the four weeks to April 20, 2025, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest grocery data from Kantar. Grocery sales benefited from Easter falling much later this year, helping to drive value growth during April. Shoppers were in store 23 times on average, contributing an additional €9.7 million to the market’s overall performance.

Grocery price inflation rises this month and currently stands at 4.91% compared to the same 12-week period last year. Inflation levels are up 2.52 percentage points compared to last year.

“Despite average prices continuing to rise, it’s clear that Irish consumers are still treating themselves,” noted Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar “With Easter falling late this year, it’s been a real boost for retailers who have benefitted from special occasions including St Patrick’s Day, Pancake Day, Easter and the May bank holiday.”

Over the latest 12-week period, an additional €15.3 million was spent on seasonal Easter confectionery, with 82% of this attributed to Easter eggs alone. Shoppers also purchased more Easter eggs than last year, up 6.6%, with over 64% of Irish households buying one this year. Notably, 43% of all Easter egg sales were made on promotion.

Promotional sales were not just for Easter Eggs. The total grocery market in Ireland saw an increase in promotions by 15.4% in the 12 weeks, with shoppers spending an additional €109 million on promotional lines versus the same period last year. Promotional sales currently hold 22.8% of total grocery spending compared to 20.8% last year.

Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar.

“Price influences decisions, but it’s clear that Irish shoppers still cherish quality, particularly when it comes to special occasions that bring people together and create lasting memories,” said Emer. “This is evident with both branded (5.6%) and premium own label products (9.7%) growing faster than the market as a whole (5.5%).

Our data shows that shoppers spent an additional €102 million on these two ranges compared to last year. Brands continue to hold a higher value share of the total market with 47.7%, while own label holds 46.9%. Ultimately, retailers need to demonstrate clear value to customers, but it’s a tricky balance, especially as they are trying to manage their own rising business costs.”

April also saw a steep increase in alcohol sales, up 8.7% yearon-year. Shoppers spent an additional €8 million on beer and cider, wine and non-alcoholic drinks versus last year. Favourite Easter fare is still evident, with shoppers spending a combined additional €2.5 million on hot cross buns and lamb.

Brighter and warmer days also boosted the performance of typical BBQ choices, with an extra combined €1.1 million spent on sausages, antipasti, coleslaw and potato salad in April.

Over the 12-week period, online grocery sales were boosted by a 10% increase in shopping frequency and an influx of new customers. More than 18% of Irish households shopped online for groceries during this time, with new shoppers and more frequent trips contributing a combined €22.8 million to overall performance.

In the 12 weeks to April 20, Dunnes hold 24.1% market share, with sales growth of 6.5% year-on-year. Dunnes’ shoppers picked up more volume per trip, up 2.2%, as well as making more frequent trips, up 0.8%, which contributed a combined €24.4 million to their overall performance.

Tesco hold 23.4% of the market, with value growth of 7.1% year-on-year. Shoppers increased their trips to store by 4.2%, contributing €32.5 million to overall performance.

SuperValu hold 20.3% of the market with growth of 5.2%. Consumers made the most shopping trips to this grocer, averaging 24.5 trips over the latest 12 weeks. This increase in the number of shopping trips contributed an additional €37.2 million to their performance.

Lidl hold 13.5% market share, up 5.3%. Larger trips drove an additional €10.7 million in sales. Aldi claim an 11.5% market share, up 5.6%. Increased trips to store drove an additional €19.6 million in sales.

BWG Foods launch new coffee brand

BWG Foods have launched a new coffee brand, Brevato, which they plan to roll out across over 300 sites nationwide. Starting with a quality bean-to-cup offering through their retail network, BWG Foods will also develop Brevato as a store-in-store offering with baristas in convenience stores, and as a stand-alone café offering, bringing the whole Brevato experience to consumers. The first in-store Brevato offering has been launched in Spar IFSC and the first standalone café is set to open nearby in Dublin City Centre over the coming months. The development of the new coffee offering has been guided by the latest trends, with a wide range of standard, oat, and iced coffees available as part of the Brevato range. “The Brevato brand and coffee offering has been developed to offer consumers an enhanced experience in a convenient setting, and we will now look to build it into one of Ireland’s leading coffee brands,” noted Simon Marriott, BWG’s Chief Retail and Commercial Officer (right), pictured with John Moane, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group.

Aldi extend Sunglow Nurseries partnership

ALDI and Sunglow Nurseries have announced the extension of their long-standing partnership with a new five-year contract worth almost €14 million to the local Dublin business. Based in Rush, Co. Dublin, Sunglow will continue to supply Bord Bia Quality-Assured Irish strawberries to Aldi’s 163 stores across the country, marking a significant investment for the company and demonstrating their continued commitment to supplying high-quality Irish produce to their customers. Pictured at the announcement are Minister for Agriculture, Food and The Marine, Martin Heydon TD; Gerard McLoughlin, Buying Director at Aldi Ireland; and grandnephew and grandniece of Sunglow partner Joe McGuinness, Jack and Emma Daly.

Fyffes school fitness programme awarded

FYFFES were honoured with a 2025 ‘Gold Star Award’ at the annual APMC Awards gala ceremony held in Dublin recently in acknowledgment of their ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ initiative. Developed in conjunction with Titan Experience, a central feature of the programme is a series of exercise routines, recorded by one of Ireland’s best-known Olympians, sprinter David Gillick, alongside Irish fitness trainer, Sharon Flanagan, which competing schools can adopt as part of their PE curriculum and against which performance is measured and tracked online. Sarah Murphy and Gary Donnelly from Titan Experience are pictured with the 2025 APMC Star Award.

New Lidl store opens in Carndonagh

DONEGAL Ladies Gaelic Football team captain Róisín Rogers and local Carndonagh LGFA club captain Amy Porter, are pictured with Carolien Nicell, Store Manager, cutting the ribbon at the opening of the new Lidl Store in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. Representing an investment of €7 million into the community, the new Lidl Carndonagh store takes the retailer’s store count to nine in the county and creates 30 new jobs for the local area. The new 2,209 square metre store features state-of-the-art facilities, including a spacious shop floor with wide aisles, long tills, an off licence, and Lidl’s much loved in-store bakery offering daily fresh baked goods. The store also incorporates a range of sustainability features, including an ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System, electric vehicle charger spaces and a solar panel system.

Kwayga expands board with retail leader

KWAYGA, the leading B2B supplier-sourcing software transforming how supermarket buying teams operate through AI-driven technology, have announced the appointment of Per Thau to their Advisory Board. Per Thau is a highly experienced executive with an extensive track record in retail, FMCG, and supply chain transformation. He previously served as Commercial and Supply Chain Director of Coop Denmark, CEO of Dagrofa (a large Danish retail and foodservice company), and Sales, Category & Marketing Director for Unilever. His extensive experience and keen interest in technology and innovation position him as a valuable addition to Kwayga’s Board, aligning with the company’s vision of transforming supermarket sourcing through cutting-edge solutions. Pictured are Kwayga co-founders Mike McGrath and Martin Fitzgerald with advisory board members Per Thau and Paul Hourican.

Flahavan’s welcome Minister to Kilmacthomas

FLAHAVAN’S welcomed Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, to their mill at Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, recently.

Minister

Heydon was accompanied by other key stakeholders with an interest in the organic sector and representatives from leading industry partners and organic agencies. The Minister’s visit included a roundtable discussion focused on advancing organic agriculture in Ireland. Central to the discussions was the challenge of ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality organic oats to meet increasing demand, from food producers like Flahavan’s, as well as for use in organic livestock feed. Pictured are (l-r): James Flahavan, Flahavan’s Sales Director; Padraig Brennan, Chairperson for the Organic Strategy Forum; Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD; Annie Flahavan, Flahavan’s Head of Finance; and Johnny Flahavan, Flahavan’s Head of Operations.

New Chairperson for Wexford Food Producers

THE Wexford Food Producers Network have announced the appointment of new Chairperson Paul Kehoe, former TD for Wexford (pictured). The Wexford Food Producers Network is a member representative and member-led body for Wexford’s food and beverage production sector, with approximately 50 members, ranging from sole traders, micro enterprises, and SMEs to large exporters. Paul Kehoe has expressed his wish to contribute to the future development of Wexford's food production sector and he will be actively engaged in the future strategic development of the organisation going forward.

Favourit inspires young chefs

FAVOURIT, Ireland’s oldest and most trusted supplier of premium herbs, spices, and seasonings, has created a bursary aimed at inspiring the next generation of culinary leaders. The Belfast-based herbs and spices brand is celebrating its 110th anniversary by recognising the talents of Ulster University students, Nia Ward-Gallagher from Derry and Alex Saniya Maria from Kerala, India, who each took home a £1,000 bursary, awarded for their impressive use of Favourit products and their exceptional culinary creations. Alex and Nia are pictured with Gerard McAdorey, owner and Managing Director of Favourit.

Aramark volunteers deliver significant community impact

ARAMARK employees across Ireland and Northern Ireland recently came together for Aramark’s annual Aramark Building Community Day (ABC Day), donating over 700 volunteer hours and €13,000 to local charities. The events, held on April 10, saw teams actively improving community spaces, promoting healthier lifestyles, and delivering vital support to charities serving local communities. At Darndale Belcamp Village Centre, volunteers hosted an interactive cooking demonstration attended by over 35 local residents, providing valuable insights into nutritious eating and healthier habits. The team also renovated the centre’s outdoor recreational space, creating a vibrant community area for residents to socialise and enjoy tea, play bingo, and soak up the sun. Additionally, Aramark partnered with Habitat for Humanity Ireland in Lisburn and Jigsaw in Dublin, undertaking renovation and facility improvement projects that will help both organisations better serve their communities.

Glanbia reveal first quarter figures

GLANBIA plc’s Interim Management Statement for the first quarter of 2025 revealed performance in line with expectations, with group revenue growth of 7.2% (2.7% of which related to acquisitions); performance nutrition revenue decline of -6.6%, health & Nutrition revenue growth of 24.9%, and dairy nutrition revenue growth of 18.9%, primarily as a result of good demand for protein solutions and strong dairy market pricing. “I am pleased to report that Glanbia delivered a resilient performance during the first quarter by delivering Group like-for-like revenue growth of 4.5% whilst navigating macroeconomic volatility and short-term headwinds in our Performance Nutrition division,” said Hugh McGuire, Chief Executive Officer (pictured).

SuperValu and Centra launch new charity partnership

WITH up to €47 million set to be returned to SuperValu and Centra customers through Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme this year, shoppers are being offered a new way to make that money count, by donating it to charity. Through the initiative, customers returning cans and bottles at SuperValu and Centra stores will have the option to donate their deposit to the retailers’ chosen charity partners. SuperValu are supporting AsIAm, Ireland’s autism charity, while Centra are partnering with the Irish Cancer Society. “This initiative gives our customers a simple and effective opportunity to support great causes while increasing awareness of the Deposit Return Scheme as a whole,” said Luke Hanlon, Managing Director SuperValu and Centra. “We look forward to working with both charities to ensure the partnership reaches its fullest potential.” Pictured are Breda Cahill, store owner, and Gillian Carry, Store Manager, Centra Marley Park.

Double gold for Boann

BOANN Distillery in Co. Meath have claimed a major accolade, receiving a Double Gold medal and 99 points for their Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – Pedro Ximénez Cask at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This distinction is awarded only to those spirits unanimously rated exceptional by the panel, reinforcing Boann’s position as one of the most innovative and quality-driven producers in the Irish whiskey category. “This extraordinary honour places Boann’s PX whiskey among the very finest spirits in the world. We are humbled and honoured to receive such an accolade,” said Pat Cooney, founder of Boann Distillery.

Lyons Tea launches new campaign

NDC to showcase ‘The Grass Advantage’ at Bloom

THE National Dairy Council (NDC) is set to make a splash at this year’s Bord Bia Bloom, taking place in Phoenix Park over the June Bank Holiday weekend. As a farmer-funded marketing agency, the NDC will celebrate Irish dairy farming with a host of interactive events, educational talks, and delicious dairy tastings over the fiveday event. At the heart of the NDC’s presence is ‘The Grass Advantage’ garden, designed by award-winning garden designer Robert Moore (artist’s impression pictured). “We are thrilled to be back at Bord Bia Bloom for our fourth year, sharing the incredible story of Irish dairy – from grass to glass,” said Cathy Curran, Communications Lead at NDC. “In addition to our inspiring concept garden, we’ll have a dedicated area promoting dairy nutrition and the School Milk Programme. With a packed schedule of talks, tastings, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone – and perhaps even a few famous faces!”

LYONS Tea has unveiled its bold new campaign: ‘Puts the Talk Into Tea’. This warm, timely initiative is a nationwide call to bring back real, face-to-face conversation, one cup at a time. The campaign features a newly developed TV ad and creative assets that will roll out as part of a fully integrated marketing effort across Ireland in the weeks ahead. Developed in partnership with creative agency Bold Studios, the campaign will span TV, out-of-home (OOH), digital, social media, and in-store activations, ensuring the message meets people wherever they are, whenever they’re ready to talk. “This campaign celebrates those everyday moments of connection and reminds us that a proper cup of Lyons can still be the nudge we need to really talk to each other,” noted Fiona Collins, Head of Marketing at Lyons Tea. “We’ve been putting the talk into tea for generations, and we’re proud to continue that legacy.”

Hunt on for Messi signature

MÁS+ by Messi, the new sports & hydration drink by football superstar Lionel Messi, celebrated its launch in Ireland with a thrilling scavenger hunt. Five money-can’t-buy Más+ by Messi bottles, signed by Leo Messi, were hidden in iconic locations across Dublin and Belfast, ready for eager fans to get their hands on. The Más+ by Messi Bottle Drop was broadcast on Spin 1038 and Cool FM for a week from Monday, May 12, with listeners getting hints about where the bottles would be popping up, ready to be found.

Growing with Gala Retail

Having taken over their first store in 2014, Darragh Neill and Eoghan Higgins now own seven Gala stores, with their latest shop taking home a Special Merit Award at the Gala Retail Excellence Awards.

THIS month, Retail News travelled to Nenagh in Co. Tipperary to speak to Darragh Neill, joint Managing Director of the NeillHiggins Group, who have expanded their number of shops to seven and whose latest shop secured the Special Merit Award at the 2024 Gala Retail Excellence Awards.

Darragh Neill and Eoghan Higgins have many decades of retail experience between them and have grown their company significantly, in partnership with the Gala Group, over the 11 years that they have run their company together.

“Both Eoghan and I had spent many years working in grocery retail with other groups before taking the opportunity to take over our own shop in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, back in 2014,” Darragh explains. “At that stage, we both had many years of experience working for other people and we both wanted to take the opportunity to move forward and run our own shop.”

Gala: the perfect partner

The duo considered a number of symbol groups before deciding that Gala would make the perfect partner. “We wanted a strong partner to work with as we started off our company,” Darragh remembers. “We really liked what we experienced when talking to the Gala Group and wholesalers M&P O’Sullivan Ltd; they were ambitious and eager to grow their organisation, just like Eoghan and myself were, and we felt that we could forge a fantastic partnership with them and build up our own company.”

Eoghan and Darragh’s NeillHiggins Group now includes no fewer than seven stores, all of which proudly display the Gala brand over the door. The company has enjoyed an extremely successful partnership with Gala over the years, through times that included the extreme challenge of a global pandemic.

Eoghan Higgins and Darragh Neill, joint Managing Directors of the NeillHiggins Group, pictured outside their Gala store in Nenagh.

Transforming the Nenagh store

The latest addition to the NeilHiggins Group was their store in Nenagh, which they took over in late 2023, and which had previously been trading as a different symbol store.

“We had to do a significant amount of work during the revamp,” Darragh explains.

“While we did not change the footprint of the building, we had to transform the entire layout of the shop and how it functioned,

FACT FILE:

Owner: Darragh Neill and Eoghan Higgins (NeillHiggins Group)

Location: Ciamaltha Road, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Size: 2,200 square feet retail space

No. of Staff: 8 full time, 5 part time

Opening Hours:

07:00-21:00, Monday-Saturday; 08:00-21:00, Sunday

The Baker’s Corner concept has proved particularly popular at the Nenagh store.

as well as incorporate the latest concepts on offer from Gala, as well as significantly improving deli facilities and re-working the way the grocery was laid out in the shop.”

The Nenagh store remained open during the revamp thanks to the way the team approached the development, which Darragh attributes to the advice and support they got from the Gala Group.

“We did not want to close the shop and force locals who relied on it to find somewhere else to shop,” he explains.

“By keeping the doors open, the project generated a lot of buzz among our customers. People who had lived in the area for a while were very interested to see how the shop would look once it returned to the Gala image, which it had

traded under in the past. Once we finished the project, which took about four months, they were absolutely delighted with the results.”

Fresh food and deli offerings have improved significantly since the revamp and the food-to-go range has benefited greatly from the introduction of Gala concepts such as The Deli, Bakers Corner and Distill, alongside Essence Coffee and high quality Smooch Ice Cream products.

“We still wanted to retain a strong grocery offering within the shop, as this is a local shop for the people living in the area and there is a lot of residential property around us, but we wanted to refine the offering to focus on high volume products,” Darragh explains. “With the

Deli offerings have performed extremely well since being reformatted in the new-look Gala store.

advice and support of Gala, we were able to refine the offering in the shop to allow us to significantly improve food-to-go, while still providing the type of top-up grocery offering that this shop requires in order to satisfy our customers’ needs.”

The results speak for themselves, with the Nenagh store picking up a Special Merit Award at the 2024 Gala Retail Excellence Awards.

Strong support and expertise

After 11 years of partnership, Darragh remains delighted with his and Eoghan’s choice of symbol group partner: “Whether it is during a project such as the one in Nenagh or on a day-to-day basis, the support and expertise offered by Gala is brilliant, even to retailers such as Eoghan and myself who have a lot of experience. The Group is always thinking of ways to improve itself and the shops operating under the brand and it has come a long way since we first started working with Gala. The support of the Group has really helped us grow our company and enjoy the success we have had.”

All the group support in the world would count for little without the right staff, however, and again Darragh feels extremely lucky: “Although we are new to the shop in Nenagh, it has been here for a long time and we were very keen to retain as many of the existing staff as we could to keep that connection they had built up with the local community. Gala provides excellent support to train staff on its systems and the staff in the Nenagh shop have been really enthusiastic about adopting the new processes. It really is important to get that buy-in from staff if you want to succeed in grocery retail.”

In closing, Darragh stresses that it is this buy-in and hard work from everyone involved that makes the Nenagh store, and the wider NeillHiggins Group, a success: “We would like to thank everyone in Gala who gives us such great support, our staff in the Nenagh shop and all our shops, as well as our wholesale partner M&P O’Sullivan Ltd, as the success we have enjoyed is a team effort and we hope to keep growing our organisation long into the future.”

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

Global worries risk undermining grocery rebound

WHILE 2024 was a stabilising year for the grocery sector across Europe, the mood in Ireland entering 2025 has become more cautious. Consumer sentiment dropped to a nine-month low in March, reflecting concerns around potential transatlantic trade disputes, inflation, and a more fragile global economy. This economic uncertainty follows what had appeared to be a recovery period, with grocery sales rising again in real terms for the first time since 2020 and the worst of pandemicera volatility behind us.

The State of Grocery Retail 2025

It is in this context that the 2025 edition of The State of Grocery Retail in Europe, developed by EuroCommerce and McKinsey, offers timely insight into what grocers may expect in the years ahead.

2024: A year of stabilisation

Grocery sales in Europe grew by 2.4% in 2024, driven primarily by food price inflation of 2.3%, with a volume growth effect of 0.2% and a downtrading effect of -0.1%. This resulted in a modest real sales increase of just 0.1%, the first since 2020. However, the report notes that inflation-adjusted grocery sales remain 4.1% below 2019 levels. For the first time since 2020, there was real growth when adjusted for inflation, albeit small. This reflected a balancing act among consumers; 25% traded up to premium options, while another 25% traded down, creating net stabilisation after two years of significant downtrading.

What successful retailers did differently

An analysis of 127 European grocers revealed four practices most strongly associated with success: a high share of private labels, a pleasant in-store shopping experience, excellent product quality (particularly in fresh and private label ranges), and low prices. Grocers who ranked highly on these characteristics had significantly better sales productivity and were more likely to outperform peers.

Looking ahead: pressures and priorities

Despite the mixed signals from consumers and macroeconomic pressures, grocery CEOs entered 2025 slightly more optimistic than in the previous year. According to the CEO survey in the report, 55% of respondents expect stability in 2025, up from 39% in 2024. That said, low volume growth (forecast at just 0.2% annually across Europe through 2030) and sustained margin pressure are expected to define the market landscape in the years to come. Recent global trade uncertainty will also weigh on consumer sentiment over the coming months.

Nine trends to watch

As grocers navigate this new terrain, the report identifies nine trends likely to define the sector in the coming years. Together, they reflect a changing consumer landscape, increasing digitalisation, cost focus, and evolving market dynamics.

1. Low volume growth: European grocery volume growth is forecast at just 0.2% annually through 2030.

2. From private labels to private brands: Private label penetration is expected to rise by 1–3 percentage points, as consumers increasingly see them as brand alternatives.

3. Growing appetite for healthy food: Among Gen Z shoppers, there was a 7 percentage point increase in net intent to eat healthier in 2025 versus 2024.

4. Ready to (h)eat - Catering to the no-cooking generation: 77% of Gen Z buy food-to-go monthly, compared to just 33% of baby boomers, highlighting a shift in how younger consumers access food outside the home.

5. Unlocking a new level of customer engagement: While 56% of consumers say personalisation drives loyalty, only 26% feel that grocers deliver this well. Generative AI is seen as a key tool to enable more tailored promotions, product recommendations, and digital experiences that meet rising consumer expectations.

6. Sustainability: Despite a decline in the share of consumers intending to buy more environmentally friendly products, Scope 3 emissions - those linked to suppliers and logistics - have become a growing focus. Addressing these indirect emissions is increasingly seen as critical to future sustainability strategies.

7. European consolidation: M&A activity in grocery is up 31% since 2019, reflecting pressure to gain scale and streamline operations.

8. The race to get tech right: Retailers that lead in digital capabilities have achieved up to 2.9 times greater shareholder returns than peers. The report notes that among high performers, most AI investment goes toward integration into everyday business, while underperformers focus more on experimentation.

9. Retail media growth and professionalisation: Retail media spending is projected to grow at 20% CAGR, reaching €41 billion by 2030.

The 2025 report presents a picture of cautious stabilisation across the sector, framed by low volume growth, evolving consumer preferences, and technological transformation. As the nine trends outlined in the report suggest, the sector is navigating a complex mix of cost pressures and changing expectations. This evolving landscape sits against a backdrop of ongoing uncertainty, including the potential for new global trade challenges, making continued adjustment a central theme for grocery in 2025 and beyond.

Report Source: The State of Grocery Retail Europe 2025, a collaboration between McKinsey & Company and EuroCommerce. Access the full report at: www.eurocommerce.eu/the-state-of-grocery-retail/

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TWIG lunch a massive success!

Over 620 people attended the 2025 Today’s Women in Grocery networking lunch, raising over €100,000 for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund.

THE latest annual Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) networking lunch raised over €100,000 for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF), an industry-wide charity that assists colleagues in need. The glamourous event took place on May 2 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, with 620 guests from across the grocery, trade and food and drinks sector in Ireland.

The networking lunch, which is a key charitable event in the Irish Grocers’ Benevolent Fund (IGBF) calendar, raised over €25,000 from the raffle on the day, with attendees eager to get their hands on one of the 15 fabulous prizes, with the top prize being a trip for two to New York, valued at €2,500.

The funds raised will play a pivotal role in supporting those within the grocery sector who may be facing challenging times, such as unexpected loss or personal/financial difficulties. The IGBF assists up to 200 families at any one time and contributes in the region of €500,000 annually in support. This takes the form of monthly, quarterly or annual annuities, as well as crisis grants where appropriate.

President of Appeals Simon Marriott, Chief Retail & Commercial Officer, BWG Foods, explained about the importance of the Fund, while a moving video presentation from one of the Fund’s anonymous recipients left no-one in doubt about the incredible work the IGBF does to help those within our trade who have fallen on hard times.

Courageous Conversations

The 2025 fundraiser theme, ‘Courageous Conversations’, saw powerful discussions take place around the challenges and opportunities within the professional lives of some of those working at senior levels in the industry. Compered by journalist and broadcaster, Sonya Lennon, the panel discussion featured Mandy Hennebry, Director of Consumer Business Ireland at Tirlán; Ciara Foxton, Managing Director, Circle K Ireland; Aaron Crinion, Managing Director, Kraft Heinz Ireland; Fiona Uyema,

CEO & Founder, Fused by Fiona; and Caoimhe McCabe, Commercial Director Take Home Trade, Revenue & Category, Diageo IOI.

With a focus on the barriers that need to be broken down to drive inclusivity and leadership in the sector, the panellists engaged in discussions around the challenges and difficult decisions and conversations they had to make during their careers to date. Each panellist shared some of their own battles, both personal and professional, and discussed how these experiences have shaped who they are and how they approach leading their teams.

Driving change

Mandy Hennebry, Director of Consumer Business Ireland at Tirlán, said that courageous conversations are really important drivers of change. “Be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable,” she advised. “I recall having imposter syndrome going back into a contract role as I had been out of the workforce for a while – we can adapt and learn, and draw on our past experience of this.”

Ciara Foxton of Circle K Ireland said that courageous conversations for her are about “speaking up for myself, and helping others when they are not in a position to do so.” She recalled a particularly difficult team-building day, when they found out that one of the expected attendees had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away, and the ‘courageous conversations’ that ensued.

Aaron Crinion of Kraft Heinz Ireland

Sharon Yourell Lawlor (left) and TWIG Chairperson Mary McBride (right) pictured with the panel at the TWIG lunch, including Mandy Hennebry, Fiona Uyema, Aaron Crinion, Sonya Lennon, Caoimhe McCabe, and Ciara Foxton.

noted that great supports can be put in place in companies, but senior leadership need to see these through. He cited his own example of landing his dream job with Kraft Heinz and becoming a father for the first time within a relatively short space of time: “I took 12 weeks paternity leave and was the first person to do this in Kraft Heinz. I got my dream job, but being a father is a huge part of my life.”

Facing your fears

Fiona Uyema of Fused by Fiona said that having a courageous conversation around a career change means “you need to have a plan in your head”. Fiona bravely shared her own story of moving from a career in finance with a large multinational when she

TWIG Networking Lunch

found herself unable to give a presentation at a major conference. She used this challenging event as a wake-up call to set up her own business, eventually “facing her fear” of presenting on-stage at a large food event, and has “never looked back since.”

Caoime McCabe of Diageo IOI said that when she got the opportunity to head up an old and long-established part of the Diageo business in the UK, she initially felt the need to earn trust: “I had to lean into the vulnerability piece, have courageous conversations…show that I wasn’t a threat…and that I wanted to build relationships.”

TWIG Person of the Year

Mary McBride, Head of Retail at Richmond Marketing and who is now in her second year as Chairperson of Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG), highlighted the event’s importance in the IGBF fundraising calendar: “The event is now in its ninth year and that is down to the dedication and commitment of everyone on the [TWIG] Committee.”

McBride also announced that Amanda Farrell, Head of Customer Strategy and Growth at Tesco Ireland, was chosen as the 2025 TWIG Person of the Year. It is the third year that this accolade has been awarded and is proudly sponsored by CPM Ireland. The title recognises a key player behind the scenes “whose contributions might not always be visible but are always pivotal in delivering the greater good for our industry,” according to McBride.

“Amanda is incredibly deserving of this award,” Mary McBride explained. “According to the judges, she has shown resilience and a drive to progress the industry, while consistently looking out for her colleagues. Alongside the award, Amanda will benefit from a year-long coaching and mentoring programme valued at €2,000.”

The TWIG networking event was kindly sponsored by Musgrave’s Donnybrook Fair, Diageo, CPM and Suntory Beverage and Food Ireland.

McBride thanked the sponsors for their incredible support, as well as paying tribute to the TWIG Committee for their hard work, and the team at Hotel Solutions who organised the event, and finally, the 620 attendees for what she described as “the amazing amount of money you have raised, which has blown us away.”

McBride also announced that the Fund was presented with another very special gift on the day, which included two VIP tickets, including a meet and greet, with Robbie Williams, which subsequently went

up for auction on the TWIG social media sites, adding even more to this worthwhile fund.

The Today’s Women in Grocery group was created by the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) as a platform for women in grocery to grow their connections and learn/be inspired by leading women. It aims to encourage more female participation events and initiatives, by providing a focused professional networking forum that recognises the role women will play in the industry’s future development.

TWIG Person of the Year winner Amanda Farrell from Tesco Ireland with Lorraine Butler, Managing Director, CPM UK & Ireland.

Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Think Plan Do Consulting, with IGBF President of Appeals Simon Marriott, Chief Retail & Commercial Officer, BWG Foods, and presenter Sonya Lennon at the 2025 Todays Women in Grocery networking lunch.

Aisling Boland, Dr Oetker, at the TWIG lunch.

Jenny Eustace, Carambola, and Alison O’Doherty, Tesco Ireland, at the TWIG lunch.

President of Appeals Simon Marriott, Chief Retail & Commercial Officer, BWG Foods, addresses attendees at the TWIG lunch.

TWIG Networking Lunch

The TWIG Committee: Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Jenny Eustace, Michelle Darlington, Sonya Lennon, Frances Higgins, Sharon Doherty, Mary McBride, Siobhan Drummond, Lorraine Butler, Eilis Tobin, Alison O’Doherty, and Brigid O’Neill.

Some of the Musgrave team, pictured at the TWIG lunch.

The CPM team at the TWIG networking lunch.

Linda Lawler and Yvonne King from Green Isle Foods, enjoying the TWIG lunch.

Ruth Buckley and Layla Egan, Tesco Ireland.

The panel discussion on ‘Courageous Conversations’ was both enlightening and inspirational.

Orla Tierney, Melissa George and Eimear Rowley, from O'Brien Fine Foods, at the TWIG networking lunch.

Presenter Sonya Lennon and Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Think Plan Do Consulting, getting ready for the main event.

The team from Suntory Beverage and Food Ireland, enjoying the TWIG networking lunch.

Rebecca Deane and Claire Collins, Musgrave Group.

The team from Richmond Marketing at the TWIG lunch.

John Healy and Lorraine Butler from CPM at the TWIG lunch.

The Diageo team at the TWIG networking lunch.

SuperValu renew All-Ireland Football sponsorship

SuperValu have renewed their sponsorship of the All-Ireland Football Championship for another five years.

SUPERVALU have renewed their sponsorship of the All-Ireland Football Championship for a further five years, making SuperValu the longest standing sponsor of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, while also revealing that GAA clubs have never felt more welcoming or inclusive, with 80% of members saying their club welcomes people of all backgrounds, through research carried out by Amarách. This represents the highest levels recorded since SuperValu launched their #CommunityIncludesEveryone campaign in 2020, which has continued to drive real progress through promotion of diversity and inclusion in Gaelic Games.

The results mark a significant milestone, with 78% feeling that diversity is truly accepted within their club, and 75% agreeing that everyone has an equal opportunity to take part in Gaelic Games.

The influence of GAA clubs on the wider community is also recognised, with almost two thirds of the public believing that diversity within their local GAA club will improve diversity in the wider community.

Making a positive impact

Over 70% of the public cited the

importance of allies and advocates in the GAA and a further two thirds believe that campaigns like SuperValu’s #CommunityIncludesEveryone are positively impacting the GAA and wider community by promoting Gaelic Games as a sport that is open to everyone.

SuperValu have launched a national competition searching for Ireland's most ‘Welcoming Club’ in GAA communities across Ireland, inviting clubs to share how they bring their community together to win cash for their club, a training session with long-time ambassador David Clifford and a nutrition masterclass with performance nutritionist Daniel Davey.

Five-time All-Star and All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer David Clifford, Dublin footballer Niall Scully, All-Ireland winning Armagh footballer Jemar Hall, Galway All-Star Cillian McDaid, Cork Footballers Micheál Martin and Hannah Looney, Clare footballer Ikem Ugwueru and intercounty referee David Gough gathered in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh to show their support for diversity and inclusion within the GAA.

The power of community

“At SuperValu, we’re incredibly proud to extend our sponsorship of the All-

Ireland Football Championship for another five years – a commitment that reflects our deep-rooted belief in the power of community,” noted Luke Hanlon, SuperValu Managing Director. “GAA clubs are the heartbeat of towns and villages across Ireland, built on passion, pride and community spirit. In the same way, SuperValu retailers are at the centre of communities nationwide; locally owned and operated, they too are hubs of their communities, serving their customers with the same commitment and pride.

“This partnership goes beyond sport; it’s about celebrating the shared values that unite us and continuing to support the people and communities that make Ireland great.”

The SuperValu MD said that the results of the research highlight the “significant positive change” over the five years of the #CommunityIncludesEveryone campaign: “We are proud of not just the progress, but of the players, referees, volunteers, allies, our partners in the GAA and the wider GAA community who are opening doors and extending the hand of friendship to welcome people from different backgrounds into their clubs and communities.”

Aero launches exciting ‘Lost Bubbles’ promotion

BUBBLY chocolate brand Aero is launching an exciting ‘Lost Bubbles’ on-pack promotion, offering a remarkable €10,000 cash prize for each bubble-less Aero pack discovered by shoppers. These bubble-less winning packs are designed to weigh and feel identical to their bubbly counterparts.

Aero fans are invited to confirm whether their bars and packs contain bubbles by visiting the Aero website, where they can also enter for a chance to win €100 in daily prize draws.

To support this exciting promotion, Aero will implement pointof-sale (POS) materials to enhance in-store visibility, alongside an advertising campaign that includes video on demand (VOD), radio, and social media.

As of now, no bubble-less packs have been found so the hunt is officially on!

As part of the ‘Lost Bubbles’ promotion, the brand is also launching a limited-edition

New Aero Coconut sharing bar delivers a delightful creamy treat with nutty undertones.

Consumers can win a remarkable €10,000 in Aero’s exciting ‘Lost Bubbles’ on-pack promotion.

Coconut flavour sharing bar. This exciting addition to the range features a smooth milk chocolate shell encasing a melt-in-themouth bubbly coconut flavour centre, delivering a delightful creamy treat with nutty undertones.

Weighing in at 90g, the Aero Coconut bar is perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones, especially those who love coconut and follows the successful launch of Aero Choco-Hazelnut last year.

New Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie flavour bar launched

The new Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie flavour will be available both in a Duo and a limited edition single format.

A BRAND new flavour of Yorkie bar debuts across stores nationwide this month.

Nestlé’s latest confectionery offering, the limited-edition Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie, is a delicious twist on the original Yorkie chocolate bar. Chocolate fans will open the wrapper to find chunks of smooth brownie flavour milk chocolate and crunchy pieces of biscuit.

“The new bar brings together brownie-flavour chocolate and crunchy biscuit pieces to make a delicious treat that we’re excited to share with Yorkie fans everywhere,” noted Maria McKenna, Confectionery Marketing Manager, Nestlé Ireland. “We’re looking forward to hearing what people make of it!”

Like all Yorkie chocolate, Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is made using cocoa mass sourced from families enrolled in Nestlé’s income accelerator programme.

Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie joins the ranks of Yorkie Original Milk Chocolate and Yorkie Raisin & Biscuit. Within the chocolate singles market, Yorkie is currently outperforming the market growing value YTD +15.3% and in the latest 4 weeks read (Nielsen data YTD April 2025), this has strengthened to +17.2% value growth.

The new Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie flavour will be available both in a Duo and also a single format, but the single format is strictly a limited edition, so retailers are encouraged to stock up now before it’s gone.

Custodian of a legendary brand

Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, discusses the legacy of the world-famous brand, how the partnership with the retail trade remains critical to the company’s success, the impact of the DRS on their business, and unveils some of the marketing and product developments set to light up the market in the coming months.

SIMON Fitzpatrick was appointed General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC’s Irish operations in February of this year. A “born and bred Waringstown man”, the County Down native has spent almost his entire career at Coca-Cola HBC.

“I started back in 2002 as a Business Developer in Country Armagh, and I loved it!” he enthuses. “At just 19, it gave me a brilliant insight into working with customers and the rhythm of a job in sales. No day was ever the same, which kept things exciting.”

Over the years, Simon moved through various roles within the sales function, including Sales Team Lead, Key Accounts, and Commercial Excellence. In 2020, he became the Sales Director, and three years later Simon transitioned to the Groupwide business as Group Commercial Director, responsible for the key customer relationships in over 25 markets. “It's been an incredible journey, and I've enjoyed and learned from every step along the way,” reflects Simon on his 23 years with the company to date. In a wide-ranging interview, the GM discusses his role within Coca-Cola HBC, the company’s path to sustainability and the marketing and product launches they have planned for the coming months.

How did you feel about becoming GM?

“Becoming General Manager was truly a special moment for me. After over 20 years with the business, holding various roles, I felt well-prepared for this position. Each role has given me unique insights and experiences that have shaped my journey.

“What makes this role particularly rewarding is the opportunity to work alongside such talented colleagues at every level and function. Their dedication and passion inspire me daily. Creating value for our customers, while working with some of the biggest brands in the world, is a privilege that I don’t take lightly.

“I grew up in this business, working alongside so many of our people who have become friends. So, to now lead this team, it’s a real honour. I’m thrilled to be a part of this group and continue to contribute to our ongoing success every day.”

What do you hope to bring to the role?

“I feel my experience, both in the island of Ireland business and at the wider Group level means I understand our customer needs well. However, more than that, I believe in the spirit of collaboration. I have colleagues across our business operations who are true experts in their field, be that supply chain, sustainability efficiency,

Coca-Cola HBC last year transitioned their entire soft drinks portfolio to 100% rPET, which has allowed them to reduce the amount of virgin fossil-based plastic used in their bottles by 7,100 tonnes per year.

marketing or of course, commercialisation. I see my role as the conduit to support all of the expertise blossom together to create the best environment for growth for ourselves and our customers.”

The company and its brands have a long and illustrious history. How conscious are you of the fact that you are custodian of an important legacy brand?

“We never take for granted the privilege of working with some of the most beloved and iconic brands in the world, as well as some really strong locally developed and nurtured brands. It's a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly and are proud to uphold every day.

“Our journey with Coca-Cola on the island of Ireland began in 1939, when Tom Robinson opened Ulster Bottlers in East Belfast. Since then, we've been dedicated to delivering this iconic brand to our customers. This legacy and heritage are incredibly important to us, and we have stewarded it with great care over the years.

“Coca-Cola was ranked Ireland’s bestknown brand for the 20th consecutive year in 2024, a testament to its enduring popularity and our commitment to excellence. Our goal is to ensure that this legacy continues to thrive, and we are determined to keep Coca-Cola at the forefront for many decades to come.”

What would you like Coca-Cola HBC to achieve under your stewardship?

“There are three key pillars of success, starting with continuing to grow along with our customers and our brand partners, ensuring value creation.

“From within the business, my goal is to cultivate a culture where everyone feels empowered and valued when they show up at work each day.

“The work we do within our local communities is also a priority. Initiatives including the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund Empowered, creates a real difference for the communities we serve and in turn supports wider society.”

Retail News Interview

Sustainability is another key concern for brand owners, retailers and consumers. How is Coca-Cola HBC playing its part in the sustainability journey?

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Coca-Cola HBC. Guided by our ambitious NetZeroby40 strategy, we are committed to making a significant impact. This journey, which we started many years ago, is about more than just reducing our carbon footprint - it's about creating a better future for our communities and the environment.

“Our sustainability efforts are fully aligned with our philosophy of supporting socio-economic development and making a positive environmental impact. We believe that both are integral to our future growth. By working together with our partners, customers, and communities, we are determined to drive meaningful change and ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”

What successes have you enjoyed?

“Over the last five years, we've made incredible strides in our sustainability ambitions. One of our key focuses has been reducing plastic usage in our packaging.

Coca-Cola HBC’s journey on the island of Ireland began in 1939, when Tom Robinson opened Ulster Bottlers in East Belfast.

We began this journey in 2019 with our Deep RiverRock range, moving to recycled plastic (rPET). We're now celebrating one year since we transitioned our entire soft drinks portfolio to 100% rPET. This shift has allowed us to reduce the amount of virgin fossil-based plastic used in our bottles by 7,100 tonnes per year.

“In addition to rPET, we've introduced innovative packaging solutions like Keelclip and Q-Flex cardboard for multipack can formats, further reducing plastic waste.

“We've also partnered with our customers to introduce energy-efficient coolers in retail units across the island, significantly reducing emissions and helping our customers achieve their own sustainability goals.

“We're incredibly proud of these milestones, but we know there's still work to be done. We're committed to continuing our efforts to reach our NetZero goals and make a positive impact on the environment.”

The DRS has proven a huge success since its introduction last year. What changes and challenges has it

presented for Coca-Cola HBC in Ireland? “DRS is a smart and convenient way to separately collect beverage containers in a way that’s good for producers, our customers, our consumers, and of course, the environment.

“It changed nearly every aspect of our business, from supply chain through to IT systems, customer pricing and invoicing, to the transfer of deposits and payment of fees to the scheme operator, Re-Turn. We now have two versions of over 100 of the same products - for example Coca-Cola Zero cans - one for our NI business and one to be compliant with the requirements of the scheme in the Republic of Ireland.

As we produce almost 100% of what we supply on the island of Ireland from our one plant in Lisburn, this brought significant complexity and cost to the business.

“DRS is, however, a key sustainability initiative which supports our NetZeroby40 goals, providing a closed loop recycling system which is key to achieving full packaging circularity on the island in due course.”

How vital is your relationship with the retail trade to the company’s continued success?

“Our relationship with the retail trade is essential to sustaining growth as a business and ensuring our products are always within reach of consumers. Strong trade partnerships guarantee that our products are widely available and prominently displayed. When launching new products and campaigns, for example, we depend on our trade partners to embrace and promote them in-store.

“The retail trade is our strategic ally. By fostering trust and collaborating on our

The DRS Scheme has been a massive success.

shared goals, we can ensure our brands remain accessible and market leading in a rapidly changing market.”

The trend towards healthier products has been driving market development in recent years. How have Coca-Cola HBC responded and driven market growth?

“Through our 24/7 strategy, we pride ourselves on offering the perfect beverage for every occasion. For many years, we've provided low and no sugar options to our consumers, with the success of Coke Zero and Diet Coke highlighting the strong demand for these alternatives.

“As a leading drinks provider, we are committed to continuously innovating to ensure a wide range of choices for our consumers. Our water brand, Deep RiverRock, exemplifies this commitment. In 2021, we introduced Deep RiverRock Vital, a vitamin-based drink designed to support both mind and body. We are extremely proud of the product's success over the past four years and look forward to continuing to grow it in the coming years.”

How important is marketing to the continued success of your brands?

“At Coca-Cola HBC, marketing is the

heartbeat of our organisation. It’s not just about promoting our iconic Coca-Cola or Monster portfolio, as well as our own brands like Deep RiverRock; it’s about keeping these brands at the front of consumers’ minds.

“Effective marketing informs and excites our consumers, guiding them through our diverse portfolio, new product developments, and fresh flavours. We understand that strong marketing builds relationships with our customers, and we love collaborating on in-store marketing activations to bring our brands to life. This not only brings value but also drives transactions in-store. Marketing is the key to growth and ensures our products remain the top choice for consumers.”

What new brand developments have proven successful for Coca-Cola HBC, from both a product and marketing perspective?

“Last year, we marked 30 years of Deep RiverRock, a major milestone for our first owned brand. As I mentioned, the launch of our Vital range, which offers refreshing vitamin-enhanced water and juice drinks to support both mind and body, has been a gamechanger, bringing the brand to new heights. Our 750ml Deep RiverRock flavoured water options have also become a favourite among consumers, making us the number one impulse choice for water on the island of Ireland.

“The new ‘That’s Better’ campaign has resonated with our consumers through its refreshingly honest message: Deep RiverRock won’t make you better at anything – except hydrating. It’s a simple truth that everyone can appreciate.”

Any other innovations/campaigns on the way that you can share with us?

“I’m really excited about the return of the ‘Share A Coke’ campaign this May. The iconic campaign is back and bigger than ever before, fostering a new generation of consumers who may not remember earlier iterations of ‘Share A Coke’. This will be our biggest campaign of the year and one everyone in our business, and the wider Coca-Cola system, are really excited about. It’s amazing how something as simple as seeing your name on a Coke bottle can create such a personal connection and spread joy.

“Another exciting innovation we have just launched is our new Alcohol Ready to Drink (ARTD) product, Bacardi mixed with CocaCola. Bringing these two world-renowned brands together in a convenient format and stepping further into the premium spirits space means we are truly maximising our consumer reach and customer value.”

Simon Fitzpatrick: “We never take for granted the privilege of working with some of the most beloved and iconic brands in the world, as well as some really strong locally developed and nurtured brands.”

The ‘Share A Coke’ campaign returns to Ireland this May, bigger and better than ever.

Summer Stocking: Wines

That summer feeling

Jean Smullen examines the wines set to fly from your shelves and coolers this summer.

SUMMER came early this year and the glorious sunshine of early April is hopefully a precursor of things to come. The trade certainly has lots to offer this year and this month we bring you up to date with trade news, and look at some of the guaranteed big sellers for your wine shelves this spring/ summer from a few of Ireland’s top wine importing companies.

Barry & Fitzwilliam

Graham Norton is no stranger to great wine, but this harvest season he took his passion a step further and joined Invivo Wines’ co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough, New Zealand to craft the latest GN blend.

Graham 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 crafting the next, twelfth, vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.

“New Zealand produces some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, in my opinion. It’s incredible to think that what began as a small, limited-edition run of GN New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has grown into a global brand. Now, here we are harvesting grapes in Marlborough for our twelfth vintage! I don’t just put my name to

the wines - I’m involved in the process, which makes being here in this stunning region for harvest all the more special,” said Graham Norton.

Since launch, Graham’s 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.

Other wines in the Graham Norton range include the GN Rosé from New Zealand, GN Shiraz from Australia, GN Malbec from Argentina, GN Frizzante Bianco and GN Frizzante Rosé from Italy, and GN Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa.

One of the fastest growing wine brands last year, the Graham Norton range will be on offer in SuperValu this spring/

summer. Graham Norton’s New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc saw a huge increase in its sales during 2024, with sales of the GN Sauvignon Blanc SKU increasing by 47% on a MAT basis. This summer, look out for the GN Sauvignon Blanc on offer, alongside the GN Rosé and Shiraz for €12. The extremely popular GN Frizzante Bianco & Rosé will also be on offer for €11.50.

Villa Maria are known for their Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, and more recently

Graham Norton and Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough, New Zealand, to craft the latest GN blend.

Summer Stocking: Wines

the delicious Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon –90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Merlot – adding a splash of colour and bringing out red fruit aromas of raspberries on the nose and palate. Blush also just got a beautiful label refresh, so ahead of the Irish summer it’s the perfect time to enjoy this deliciously refreshing NZ Wine.

It feels like everyone is drinking pink these days, says Villa Maria Head of Marketing and Communications, Sarah Szegota: “Instagram feeds and social occasions are dominated by the fun-factor pale rosés and pink spirits offer, and data highlights this rapid growth in rosé. Yet despite all the noise, growth and ‘Grams’, the Rosé category remains dwarfed by Sauvignon Blanc. Villa Maria Sauvignon Blush gives you the best of both.

“We’ve taken the cool, fresh, leap-fromthe-glass energy of our world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and added a splash of merlot to make a wine with a delicate pink hue, bursting with fresh flavours of passionfruit and cranberry.”

New Zealand certainly performs well for Barry & Fitzwilliam. Villa Maria, the biggest selling New Zealand wine brand on the Irish market in volume terms, is always in great demand. Barry & Fitzwilliam will be offering a price promotion offer for the Villa Maria Private Bin range. This will include the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling & Chardonnay. The Villa Maria Private Bin range, including the Sauvignon Blush, will be on offer in SuperValu for €11, down from €13.50 from April-June 2025.

Also, in SuperValu this spring, is the extremely popular celebrity wine range from Australian pop superstar Kylie Minogue, which will be on promotion during May & June for €10.

McGuigan Wines, the fourth-generation Australian winemaker and one of the world’s most awarded wineries, will have a range of price offers this spring/

summer in Dunnes Stores outlets. Look out for McGuigan Black Label Range on promotion for €8. The variety of SKU’s available includes Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and the popular red blend. “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,” said Kate Barry of importers Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Comans

With summer kicking off, Comans have a wide range of popular seasonal offerings. Look out for the highly rated Porta 6 range, now with two new additions - Porta 6 Rosé

(12% ABV) and Vinho Verde (9.5% ABV), both offering lighter styles that align with growing demand. Porta 6 is now one of the fastestgrowing Portuguese wine brands in Europe, with the red already the number one Portuguese red in Ireland.

Sauvignon Blanc remains consistently popular in Ireland. The Dada Sauvignon Blanc is a great example, continuing to grow in the market, loved for its fresh, light style and outstanding floral aromas with delicate notes of citrus and herbs. Now available nationwide.

With summer in full swing, spritz cocktails remain a go-to for social occasions in Ireland. Light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy, they’re more popular than ever. Mionetto, the number one international Prosecco brand, now offers the Mionetto Venetian Spritz, featuring

Dada Sauvignon Blanc is hugely popular with Irish wine drinkers.

Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon just got a beautiful label refresh.

Porta 6 is one of the fastest-growing Portuguese wine brands in Europe.

Summer Stocking: Wines

Mionetto Venetian Spritz is built to capitalise on the continued growth of the spritz trend, ideal for eyecatching shelf appeal and strong seasonal sales.

their new aperitivo built to capitalise on the continued growth of the spritz trend, ideal for eye-catching shelf appeal and strong seasonal sales.

Santa Rita

Santa Rita 120 is set to launch a dynamic marketing activation for summer 2025, running from June through to September. The campaign will include outdoor advertising, prominent gondola ends, and neck collars across the brand’s top-selling wines, all designed to maximise visibility and drive retail engagement. At the heart of the initiative is an exciting consumer competition to win

the ‘Santa Rita 120 Hours Experience’, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Easter Island, with flights, accommodation, meals, and activities all included.

As the sun returns, so too does the vibrant appeal of Santa Rita 120’s standout wines.

The 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from Chile’s coastal Leyda and Casablanca valleys, is crisp and expressive, offering bright citrus blossom, lime zest, and a palate of grapefruit, green apple, and a refreshing hint of salinity.

Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from Chile’s coastal Leyda and Casablanca valleys, is crisp and expressive.

For those seeking richness and depth, the 120 Deep Red is a bold, structured blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère, with intense dark fruit, spice, and herbal complexity, ideal for summer grills.

Santa Rita 120 Deep Red is a bold, structured blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère.

Completing the range, the 120 Zero% Sauvignon Blanc delivers a lively, alcohol-

Santa Rita 120 Zero% Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a popular alcoholfree option for consumers.

free option, full of citrus freshness and varietal purity, perfect for mindful summer enjoyment.

Richmond Marketing

One of the top selling Rioja brands on the Irish market, Faustino continues to grow its ranking within the Drink Business International Award for the Most Admired Wine Brand. Colin McGann, Commercial Manager at Richmond Marketing, told Retail News that in the recently released listing for 2025, Bodegas Faustino climbed four positions and is now in 15th place in the world. The Most Admired Wine Brands gala is an annual event that recognises and celebrates the top wine brands globally, as voted by industry experts and peers. It highlights excellence in branding, quality and innovation within the wine sector.

VII Sauvignon Blanc, a huge favourite with Irish wine consumers, particularly during the summer months.

Known for award winning reds, sales of the brand’s lighter offerings, which include the Faustino VII Sauvignon Blanc, Viura and Rosado, really pick up during summer months, with retail sales doubling during this period. Look out for the range on offer across retailers this summer.

Brand new to the Richmond Marketing portfolio is a modern and fun wine from Bodegas Leganza, part of a family group

Faustino

Summer Stocking: Wines

of wineries which includes Bodegas Faustino. The wine brand called Malamigo (translated from Spanish into ‘Bad Friend’) has been developed for the novice wine consumer.

There are two wines in the range: the Malamigo El Rebelde (‘The Rebel’) has been available in Tesco since July 2024 and is made from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Syrah. This has lots of red fruit and notes of vanilla, cocoa, and roasted coffee. The white, the Malamigo Lady Drama is a semi-sweet white made from Malvasia and Sauvignon Blanc grapes and has light and stylish aromas of white fruit and tropical fruit.

Brand new to the Irish market, expect to see it on Irish shelves this summer.

Findlater & Co

The Viña Sol story began in 1962 when Miguel Torres produced a small quantity of Parellada grapes, the traditional white variety of Alt Penedès, which gives the wine its signature fresh and fruity aroma.

Viña Sol Sauvignon Blanc to the Irish market, supporting the brand’s ambition to grow its presence globally in the white wine category. This summer, following the success of the 2024 Summer Edition, Findlater & Co are delighted to launch the Viña Sol Summer Edition 2025, a new take on a seasonal favourite that continues to celebrate the sunsoaked spirit of Viña Sol. Designed to capture the joy of Mediterranean living, this edition brings the story full circle: from the vineyard to the glass, once again made with the sun.

Torres San Valentín, their most romantic wine, was born from a love story.

from a love story, is light, aromatic and full of charm.

environmental performance, transparency, and corporate responsibility.

In 2012, Cono Sur introduced the now-iconic bicycle label as a tribute to the vineyard workers who cycle through the vines each day. The bicycle quickly became a symbol of the winery’s values: simplicity, respect for nature, and a forward-thinking approach to winemaking.

Viña Sol Summer Edition celebrates the sun-soaked spirit of Viña Sol.

In 2022, Viña Sol redesigned its bottles to highlight its most important symbol, the sun. Born close to the Mediterranean, the sun is part of Viña Sol's DNA. It accompanies the wine through every stage of its journey. Today, the winery is powered by 100% solar energy from its own panels, ensuring that from vineyard to cellar, everything is crafted with the sun. This connection gives Viña Sol its enduring brightness and unique character.

In 2023, Findlater proudly introduced

In 1956, Miguel Torres crafted this delicate, semi-sweet white wine as a gift for his wife, Margarita, on Valentine’s Day. Made from the fragrant Parellada grape, San Valentín is soft, floral, and slightly sweet, offering aromas of white fruit, honeysuckle, and a gentle touch of citrus.

Last year, Findlater & Co were delighted to bring Torres San Valentín to Irish shelves through Tesco, where it quickly became a favourite for those seeking something light, aromatic, and full of charm. This year, the story continues and Torres San Valentín will now also be available in SuperValu stores nationwide, just in time for brighter days and summer celebrations.

Cono Sur is produced in seven of Chile’s most important wine valleys, where they craft expressive wines that capture the diversity of Chilean wine. Since its foundation, Cono Sur has been deeply committed to sustainability. This unwavering dedication has earned the winery B-Corp certification, meeting the highest global standards in social and

This year, the entire Cono Sur Bicicleta range has a new look, while preserving the same great taste that consumers know and love. The new label retains the bicycle symbol at its heart but presents it through a more contemporary, premium, and shelffriendly design, reflecting the brand’s ongoing evolution. Look out for the new Bicicleta label now available in all major retailers nationwide.

Cassidy Wines

Cono Sur’s Bicicleta range has a new look, while preserving the same great taste that consumers know and love.

Cassidy Wines have just announced exciting news about a sponsorship deal between the British & Irish Lions and the Australian wine brand Oxford Landing, whom they represent in Ireland. Oxford Landing has been confirmed as one of the sponsors for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Australian Tour. This sponsorship is a natural fit, aligning the brand’s pioneering spirit with the values of teamwork, integrity and excellence that define the Lions team. As part of the deal, Oxford Landing will launch a limited-edition wine label celebrating the 2025 tour that will bring together the heritage of both brands. Oxford Landing, an established favourite

Torres San Valentín, born

on the Irish market, is made from fruit grown in South Australia. The Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc, their top performer, is a well-made white, with tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, clean finish. The Oxford Landing Chardonnay, is suitable for both casual drinking and as a wine to match with many varied food styles.

Guigal is a legendary name in the Rhône Valley, where they are best known for their exceptional quality wines. The Maison Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc is a perfect example, made from a blend of native French grapes including Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc. This is a fresh, floral, beautifully textured white wine and a fantastic alternative for those seeking something beyond Sauvignon Blanc

Look out for two brand new wines to the Cassidy Wines portfolio. The Doppio Passo Pinot Grigio builds on the strong reputation here for the Doppio Passo Primitivo. From northern Italy, this has delicate pear, apple, and white peach flavours. A classic, easydrinking Italian summer white, it is perfect to match with light salads, seafood, or simply to enjoy on a summer’s evening in the garden.

The second new wine comes from Rías Biaxas; Pazo de Mirasoles Albariño captures everything people love about this grape: bright citrus, stone fruit, and a refreshing saline minerality. The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture, and this wine has been gaining attention for its purity of expression. It also features a unique label which changes colour when chilled to the perfect temperature.

Edward Dillon & Co

Edward Dillon took over the distribution of Château Minuty in the Republic of Ireland in 2022. Château Minuty is a premium Rosé wine from the AOP Côtes de Provence. Château Minuty is one of the last estates in the Côtes de Provence to harvest entirely by hand. Every year, over 100 people join the duration of “les vendanges”. Hand harvesting is preferred so that the grapes can arrive at the press intact and in perfect condition, with no maceration or oxidation.

Edward Dillon have just launched the latest edition of the iconic Minuty M for the 2025 spring-summer season. Since 2018, Château Minuty have worked with a major artist to produce iconic labels for their M Rosé Cuvée. This year, Australian artist Elliott Routledge designed the label with a theme of elegant blue colours reflecting the elements of nature found in the maritime area of Saint-Tropez. The 2024 Minuty M Limited Edition (RRP €24) is a benchmark

Summer Stocking: Wines

Elliott Routledge.

Provençal Rosé, made by Jean-Etienne and François Matton from a blend of Grenache 60%, Syrah 20%, Cinsault 15% and 5% other. This pale pink Rosé has lots of elegant floral aromas with strawberry summer fruit flavours and a hint of herb. A premium Rosé for the summer market, bound to be in great demand.

Classic Drinks

Álvaro Palacios, one of the leading figures in Spanish wine making, was in Dublin recently to give a tasting of his wines, organised by his Irish importer, Classic Drinks.

The tasting was a revelation, and the opportunity to taste these top-quality wines by Álvaro Palacios in the company of the man himself was a rare honour.

All are available on the Irish market through Classic Drinks and we tasted the 2020 Remondo Propiedad DOCa Rioja; 2018 Finca Dofi DOQ Priorat; 2018 La Baixada DOQ Priorat; 2017 Les Aubaguetes DOQ Priorat; 2016 Villa De Corullón DOP Bierzo; 2020 and Las Lamas Corullón DOP Bierzo.

My personal favourites included the 2017 Álvaro Palacios Les Aubaguetes DOQ Priorat, made from a blend of 71% Garnacha, 28% Cariñena and 1% Garnacha

Blanca and Macabeo; a world class wine, big with firm tannin and expressive concentrated dark fruit with a lot of mocha and coffee notes.

The wine I enjoyed most at the tasting was the 2016 Villa De Corullón DOP Bierzo, made from a blend of 95% Mencia, 4% White Varieties and 1% Alicante Bouchet. This was outstanding; it was very perfumed on the nose, floral notes and elegant and in style to me was very like a wine made from Cabernet Franc.

The wines of Álvaro Palacios are all in the upper fine wine price category, but for the serious wine enthusiast, they hold great appeal.

Ampersand

Since Thursday, May 1, 2025, the wine portfolio previously handled by Ampersand has been taken over by Dalcassian Wines & Spirits. Paul Raftery, Ampersand’s Wine Buyer and Manager, has joined Dalcassian Wines & Spirits as their new Head of Wine. Paul's expertise and passion for the industry will further strengthen Dalcassian’s position within the growing wine market. We wish them every success with the new venture.

Edward Dillon have just launched the latest edition of the iconic Minuty M for the 2025 spring-summer season, with the label designed by Australian artist

Summer Stocking: Spirits Summer spirits soaring

Summer cocktails will be all the rage over the coming months, with spirit sales set to soar.

SPIRIT sales across the country are being driven by the seemingly unstoppable rise of cocktail culture. More and more consumers are recreating their favourite cocktails at home, and with demand for novel flavours and the love of mixology at an all-time high, now is the time to stock up on spirit brands with that mix appeal for summer.

Disaronno

In 2025, Disaronno celebrates 500 years of the world's favourite Italian liqueur. Disaronno Originale has been delighting palates for centuries, and 2025 marks a significant milestone in its history.

Originating in Saronno, Italy, Disaronno's secret recipe dates back to 1525, when artist Bernardino Luini, a student of Leonardo da Vinci, was commissioned to paint a fresco in Saronno. Inspired by a local innkeeper, his muse, she gifted him a fragrant amber liqueur – the origin of Disaronno. Passed down through generations, Domenico Reina established the brand in the early 1900s. The iconic square cap bottle, handcrafted in Murano, Venice, is celebrated as a masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship and a global symbol

The Disaronno Spritz features the original taste and unmistakable aroma of Disaronno, combined with fizzy soda bubbles, a dash of sugar syrup and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing and thirst-quenching cocktail.

of Italian style and was once displayed at the Louvre in Paris.

Disaronno embodies the essence of the Italian Dolce Vita, illustrating elegance,

taste, tradition, and unmistakable Italian style. It enhances the pleasure of sharing moments together, reflecting a uniquely Italian way of living.

The rich taste and elegance of Disaronno Originale make it a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed on the rocks or to create a delicious variety of craft cocktails such as a refined Disaronno Sour or a refreshing Disaronno Spritz. A modern addition to the heritage of the brand, Disaronno Velvet delivers an all-white, silky smooth texture and persistent floral and fruity fragrance that is perfect over ice for a unique and fresh taste or can be mixed to enhance your favourite cocktail with its refreshingly smooth taste. Disaronno is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Boann Distillery

Three spirits from Boann Distillery were country winners at the prestigious World Drinks Awards 2025, securing their place in the global final to compete for the coveted ‘World’s Best’ titles. Boann Distillery’s Silks Irish Gin, 1848 Apple Brandy and Whistler Irish Honey secured gold in each of their respective categories as the family-owned

Meath distillery beat off competition from other Irish brands. Merry’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Liqueur, part of the parent company for Boann, also won gold.

"We are incredibly proud to see four of our spirits recognised on the world stage,” said Pat Cooney, founder and CEO of Boann Distillery. “Boann Distillery’s success at this stage marks another proud milestone for our company, as the team continues to showcase the excellence and innovation of its craft. We look forward to the global finals and are honoured to represent Ireland among the world’s best.”

The winners of the World’s Best 2025 titles will be officially announced on June 4, 2025, at the Waldorf Hotel in London.

Kirker Greer Spirits

Kirker Greer Spirits, part of Drinksology Kirker Greer (DKG Group), have expanded

Summer Stocking: Spirits

their award-winning Jawbox range with the launch of Jawbox Apple & Ginger Gin Liqueur. Inspired by an unusual apple variety grown on the distillery’s country estate just outside of Belfast, this new small-batch gin liqueur is available to on- and off-trade retailers in the UK and Ireland.

Born from the brand’s Small Batch Classic Dry Gin, Jawbox Apple & Ginger builds on this award-winning recipe to offer a bright, refreshing twist. The result is a gin liqueur with crisp green apple notes, complemented by bright citrus, soft juniper and warming ginger spice that combine to deliver a long, refreshing and subtly sweet finish.

“The crisp apple flavour in Jawbox Apple & Ginger combines beautifully with the unique combination of botanicals in our small-batch classic dry gin, while the touch

of ginger adds a gentle warmth, creating a standout combination that’s delicious,” says Ali Pickering, Chief Marketing Officer at DKG.

Jawbox Apple & Ginger is delicious mixed with Fever Tree Ginger Ale, and Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water. It’s also wonderfully versatile across a range of flavour-forward cocktails including The Apple Southside, The Apple Collins and The Apple Fizz. Kirker Greer Spirits are supporting this new launch with a social media campaign starting in May, followed by further promotional activities throughout the summer.

Jawbox Apple & Ginger Gin Liqueur joins the brand’s existing award-winning portfolio

Kahlúa and Tony’s Chocolonely team up for ultimate treat KAHLÚA and chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely have teamed up to create the Kahluá Espresso MarTony Glassa never-before-seen Espresso Martini glass made entirely of milk chocolate. The serve combines a deliciously indulgent Kahlúa Espresso Martini covered with Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate shavings - a velvety delight, pairing the best of chocolate and Espresso Martinis.

“We don’t shy away from indulgence here at Kahlúa, so we were thrilled to team up with Tony’s Chocolonely in the creation of the Kahlúa Espresso MarTony,” noted Paula Reynolds, Marketing Manager at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard. “We wanted to stir up the best of both words so cocktail lovers can enjoy their creamy cocktail and the glass itself.”

The Kahluá Espresso MarTony Glass is a never-before-seen Espresso Martini glass made entirely of milk chocolate.

Boann Distillery’s Silks Irish Gin, 1848 Apple Brandy, and Whistler Irish Honey secured gold at the World Drinks Awards 2025.

Jawbox Apple & Ginger Gin Liqueur is inspired by rare estate-grown apple variety.

Summer Stocking: Spirits

including Jawbox Small Batch Classic Dry Gin, Jawbox Export Strength Gin, Jawbox Pineapple & Ginger Gin Liqueur and Jawbox Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur.

Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, renowned for its rich heritage, proudly launches its largest national brand campaign yet, ‘Quite the Find,’ in collaboration with BAFTA winner, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild nominee, Andrew Scott. The campaign celebrates the joy of uncovering hidden gems — much like the first sip of Redbreast whiskey, it is a journey that reveals unexpected layers of complexity and character. Encouraging audiences across Ireland to dig deeper to unearth something amazing, making the search worthwhile, the campaign also highlights the ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ Award, a short film competition run in partnership with SXSW that launched earlier this year, which spotlights short film formats, offering a curated selection of new films and talent.

“I’m delighted to be partnering with Redbreast on this campaign to encourage creativity and discovery worldwide,” noted Andrew Scott. “It’s been really fun to be part of, especially given their initiative to encourage filmmakers of the future, whose voices need to be supported now more than ever.”

Claire Tolan, Managing Director at Irish Distillers, maker of Redbreast Single

Pot Still Irish Whiskey, added: “There is nothing quite like the joy of discovering something extraordinary – for example, the joy that comes with tasting an incredible whiskey like Redbreast for the first time, and finding your new favourite. This campaign rolling out across Ireland and our partnership with Andrew Scott reflects our commitment to staying true to the heritage that defines Redbreast, the world’s most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey, offering a unique experience that encourages savouring each sip in the company of compelling storytelling – born from a nation of storytellers."

To kick off the launch, Redbreast has lit up across OOH and digital, debuting a new campaign film starring Scott across the brand’s social channels.

Tullamore Dew

Tullamore Dew Honey is an award-winning

blend of Irish Whiskey and 100% natural Bohemian honey to create a liqueur that’s warm, sweet, smooth and filled with Irish character. It won a Gold Medal at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2024. When making Tullamore Honey Liqueur, they blend the three component whiskeys (Single Malt, Single Potstill, & Single Grain) of the awardwinning Tullamore Dew to add a depth of flavour to the liquid, before infusing it with natural Bohemian honey, sugar and other natural flavours.

“We are delighted to introduce our newest innovation to the Irish market! Tullamore Dew Honey has all the depth and character of Tullamore Dew Original with an added touch of sweetness. With an ABV of 35% it’s the perfect drink for those who want to try a whiskey but aren’t quite sure where to start,” said Emma Slevin, Brand Manager for Tullamore Dew. “Warm, sweet, smooth and full of character, we like to think of Tullamore Dew Honey as the cheeky little brother to our much-loved whiskey!"

Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has partnered with Irish actor Andrew Scott to star in new campaign film, highlighting the joy of discovering something extraordinary.

Tullamore Dew Honey is an award-winning blend of Irish Whiskey and Bohemian honey.

THE ORIGINAL IRISH CIDER

Summer Stocking: Beer, Cider, RTD

Summer stars!

We look at the beer, cider and RTD brands guaranteed to fly from your shelves.

SUMMER is almost here and with it comes BBQ season, with consumers all over the country eating and drinking ‘al fresco’. Stocking up on the right tipples will be vital to ensuring you are meeting the changing needs and tastes of Irish consumers. Nowhere is this more evident than the beer, cider and RTD category, where new products and flavours are fuelling demand. We look at some of the brands set to cause a stir this summer.

Brewdog Punk IPA

The iconic Punk IPA, the beer that kick-started the Brewdog revolution, is turning 18. This scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion, synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts: full-on, fullflavour, at full-throttle.

Layered with new world hops to create an explosion of

tropical fruit and an all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple and lychee before a spiky bitter finish, this is the perfect drink to quench your thirst.

This 5.6% transatlantic fusion IPA is light golden in colour with tropical fruits and light caramel on the nose. The palate soon becomes assertive and resinous, with the New Zealand hops balanced by the biscuit malt. The finish is aggressive and dry, with the hops emerging over the warming alcohol.

This fresh, full flavour natural beer is a tribute to the classic IPAs of yester-year. The post-modern twist is the addition of amazing fruity hops, giving an explosion of tropical fruit flavours and a sharp bitter finish.

Brewdog has recently launched its newest, most sessional IPA, Wingman. When consumers are looking for a complex, interesting and infinitely drinkable Session IPA, Wingman has their back. A maverick of a Session IPA, Wingman is a smooth ride of mellow tropical fruits, piney notes and sharp citrus aroma, with 4.3% ABV.

Brewdog is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Peroni Nastro Azzurro is transporting guests to the heart of Italy this month with the launch of The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro Sagra at Café en Seine - a bold new experiential dining series celebrating the very best of Italian culture, cuisine, and music.

Inspired by the Italian concept of ‘Sagra’ - a traditional festival with music, dancing and local culinary specialities - this immersive experience ran for two weeks from May 7, with Café en Seine transformed into an Italian paradise, with mouth-watering menus curated by Head Chef, Stephen Gibson.

The Peroni Nastro Azzurro Sagra Experience saw guests treated to

Punk IPA from Brewdog is celebrating its 18th birthday.

Summer Stocking: Beer, Cider,

The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro Sagra at Café en Seine celebrated the very best of Italian culture, cuisine, and music.

a four-course sit down feast with captivating tableside theatrics to boot, while the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Aperitivo Hour offered a more laid-back vibe with delicious Italian bites, pints, spritzes and cocktails. The Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italo House Party celebrated the resurgence of Italo House music, with Irish DJs Bella Festa setting the perfect vibe for those who want to dance the night away with a unique Italo House set. Guests also had the chance to win a luxury trip to Positano in Spring 2026.

Lay-Low Hard Iced Tea

Lay-Low Hard Iced Tea is Ireland’s first alcoholic iced tea. Suitable for all occasions, Lay-Low is the perfect, light, non-fizzy, fruity iced tea, which comes in two flavours – Lemon and Peach. The unique blend has 4.5% ABV, is only 90 calories and has 0 grams of sugar per can.

Lay-Low was inspired from a stint living in Boston by founder Cian Stanley, who arrived back to Ireland with a simple, yet bold idea – to bring a delicious, refreshing non-sparkling alcoholic drink to Irish shores.

The first batch tests of LayLow were brewed at home in a small kitchen, followed by multiple rounds of taste tests and sampling in search of the perfect balance of rich tea flavour, sweetness, and fruity flavours that would appeal to Irish tastes. Six months later, the formula was perfected, crafting a refreshing, unique blend and Lay-Low went into production.

“After months of hard work, we are beyond excited to launch Lay-Low Hard Iced Tea,” noted Cian. “Lay-Low was born through a casual conversation with a good friend, when we realised that there wasn’t an alcoholic iced tea in the Irish market - I decided to change that.”

Lay-Low Hard Iced Tea is currently available in selected Dublin based retailers including SuperValu, Centra, Texaco, Applegreen and independent off licence retailers and across Ireland with Dunnes Stores. For more information, visit laylowtea.com

Rye River Brewing Company secures renewable electricity

RYE River Brewing Company, one of Ireland’s leading independent craft breweries, based in Celbridge Co. Kildare, has signed a one-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with Pinergy, the energy transition company. This agreement will enable the award-winning brewery to power its entire operation using renewable energy sourced from Beale Hill wind farm in Listowel, Co. Kerry.

The CPPA forms part of Pinergy’s Guarantee of Origin offering, which allows companies to purchase electricity generated from wind or solar farms based in Ireland that are feeding into the national grid. This CPPA will meet 100% of the brewery’s annual energy requirements, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and bolstering its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Tom Cronin, Founder & CEO of Rye River Brewing Company, and Alan Clarke, Pinergy Energy Consultant, pictured at Rye River Brewing Company’s brewery in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

“We are very proud of the fact that by partnering with Pinergy, every KW of energy coming in to Rye River Brewing Company comes from Beale Hill wind farm in Kerry, generating green and renewable energy,” said Tom Cronin, Founder & CEO of Rye River Brewing Company. “Sustainable energy creates very little to no carbon emissions and offsets our need for fossil fuels. The transition to a sustainable energy system is crucial for mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.”

Rye River Brewing Company's commitment to sustainability has been at the forefront of the business for a number of years. They have invested approximately €5 million in enhancing efficiency at their brewery, reducing water usage by over 25% in recent years and electricity consumption by 15% since 2018.

Rye River Brewing Co. has also recently partnered with Pinergy to utilise their energy management system, Acutrace, which provides clear visibility of exactly where and when energy and other utilities such as water, are used and what it costs, empowering Rye River Brewing Co. to make data-driven decisions and further optimise their energy and water consumption.

Lay-Low Hard Iced Tea, Ireland’s first alcoholic iced tea, comes in two flavours –Lemon and Peach.

Summer Stocking: Beer, Cider, RTD

Served

Award-winning British ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand Served, which is co-owned by pop star Ellie Goulding, has been launched in the Irish market by Heineken Ireland. This marks the first time that Heineken Ireland have entered the ready-to-drink cocktail category in Ireland and will be the first international market for Served, which was the fastest growing spirits brand in the UK ready-to-drink sector last year.

Served is initially launching with three of its most popular cocktail products in the Irish market – Passion Fruit Martini, Mojito and Margarita. The cocktails contain no artificial flavours, sweeteners or colours, and feature “wonky fruit” – i.e. fruit that is bashed, bent or brushed.

“I’m so excited that Served is launching in Ireland,” said Ellie Goulding. “I recorded my second album in Ireland and it's very close to my heart. I can’t wait to get out there soon to support the launch and we look forward to replicating our UK success with the amazing Heineken team in Ireland.”

Heineken Ireland have entered the ready-to-drink cocktail category in Ireland with Served, which is co-owned by pop star Ellie Goulding.

“Ready-to-drink products are the fastest growing category within the alcohol sector and are now worth €99 million in Ireland, and cocktails are driving a large proportion of this growth,” according to Fiona Curtin, Marketing Director, Heineken Ireland. “We are delighted to be expanding our portfolio into the ready-to-drink category and believe that Served will meet the need for a premium, quality cocktail in the Irish market.”

West Coast Cooler Sunburst

West Coast Cooler has introduced Sunburst, a new peach and mangoflavoured wine cooler that delivers a refreshing taste of sunshine with just 88 calories per can. The perfect addition to any drinks menu, Sunburst blends vibrant tropical fruit flavours into a light, crisp, and flavourful drink, ideal for consumers seeking a lower-calorie, refreshing alternative. “Sunburst is an exciting new

Rockshore 0.0

ROCKSHORE 0.0 delivers the same crisp and refreshing taste as Rockshore lager but without the alcohol. Diageo Ireland are brewing Rockshore 0.0 in Dublin’s St James’ Gate, using the same four quality ingredients as Rockshore Lager, where the alcohol is removed but the classic refreshing, light and crisp taste profile remains. This non-alcoholic beer offers balanced sweetness and bright character, allowing consumers to enjoy all moments of refreshment, no matter the occasion.

The way people socialise continues to evolve and consumers are looking for even more options when choosing to moderate their alcohol consumption without compromising on quality and taste. The Rockshore brewers at St James’ Gate set out to create a refreshingly local beer that offered Rockshore fans and the wider cohort of beer connoisseurs an alternative option.

Rockshore 0.0 offers choice for those looking for a lowcalorie option, with only 14 calories per 100ml. This means a standard can of alcohol-free Rockshore 0.0 contains just 70 calories.

Rockshore 0.0 is available across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in a 500ml can fourpack.

New West Coast Cooler Sunburst is available in a 250ml can, alongside Original and Rosé.

"We're incredibly proud of Rockshore 0.0, an alcoholfree beer inspired by the refreshing spirit of Ireland’s West Coast,” noted Hilary Quinn, Marketing Director at Diageo Ireland. “Rockshore 0.0 continues to deliver the quality and taste consumers have come to expect from Rockshore lager, just without the alcohol. Our brewers have poured their passion and expertise into creating this non-alcoholic beer that’s the perfect choice for those seeking to moderate through a refreshing, alcohol-free option.”

addition to the West Coast Cooler family,” said Paula Reynolds, Marketing Manager for West Coast Cooler. “This new flavour blends juicy peach and tropical mango for a refreshingly vibrant tropical taste. We’re proud to introduce something new for our fans to enjoy. We can’t wait for everyone to experience the sparkle of Sunburst.”

Sunburst is now available for distribution across select venues and retail outlets, ready to capture the essence of summer and meet the growing consumer demand for lighter, flavourful drink options. The new flavour comes in a convenient 250ml can - just like Original and Rosé.

NEW REFRESHINGLY ALCOHOL FREE

IRISH REFRESHINGLY

Summer Stocking: Red Bull

The limited edition Red Bull Summer Edition has been revealed as Red Bull White Peach, sure to tantalise consumer taste buds in the coming months.

Red Bull Summer Edition unveiled

WITH the season of festivals, sunny matchdays, and outdoor adventures only around the corner, Red Bull has unveiled the new Red Bull Summer Edition, White Peach, just in time to accompany consumers’ sun-soaked trips around Ireland this summer.

This year’s Red Bull Summer Edition means you can bring the sunny vibes and the taste of the summer with you; with a burst of white peach highlighted by a touch of citrus peel and floral notes, perfect for a summer’s day.

New & distinct flavour

Red Bull White Peach contains the same key ingredients as Red Bull Energy Drink but with a new and distinct flavour. It is available in 250ml in a bright Red Bull magenta-coloured can and will be sold at participating locations across Ireland, priced at €2.20 in ROI and £1.65 in Northern Ireland.

Available from May, you will be sure to see the new Red Bull Summer Edition at

Bull Summer Edition, White Peach, has been revealed just in time for the busy sunny season ahead.

festivals across the country or at a Red Bull event near you this summer.

Winging its way into consumers’ hearts since 1987

Founded in 1987, Red Bull established the energy drinks category, promising to vitalize body and mind. Now available in 175 countries worldwide, Red Bull’s expanding range of editions and beyond-the-ordinary marketing strategy continues to wing its way into Irish consumers’ hearts, minds and shopping baskets.

Giving wings to people and ideas, Red Bull is a proud supporter of Irish athletes, including hockey goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, surfer Conor Maguire, drifter Conor Shanahan, swimmer Daniel Wiffen, mountain bikers Greg Callaghan and Ronan Dunne, gymnast Rhys McCleneghan and rugby player Mack Hansen.

To check out what Red Bull has going on this summer, follow @redbullire on Instagram and TikTok or visit www.redbull.ie to learn more.

Red

Calor introduce renewable BioLPG in patio gas cylinders

Calor have launched a new, greener barbecue season, with a new renewable gas blend in their Calor BioLPG patio gas cylinders.

WITH warmer weather on the way and longer evenings setting in, customers are starting to prepare for summer and outdoor living. To support this seasonal demand, Calor have launched their summer BBQ campaign, highlighting the popular, more compact 6kg patio gas cylinder - an ideal option for barbecues and smaller patio heaters - alongside the well-established 11kg patio gas cylinder.

Calor BioLPG patio gas cylinders have already proved to be a hit with customers, and this summer, they are set to make a major impact on Ireland’s carbon emissions too. While they look just like the trusted grey patio gas your customers know, each cylinder contains a renewable gas blend. This includes 20% of BioLPG renewable gas, making them the first and only renewable patio gas cylinder available on the market for consumers in Ireland - using the globally recognised mass balance supply chain approach for renewable energy, Calor patio gas cylinders contain a blend of 20% BioLPG and 80% conventional LPG.

A more sustainable choice

“The 6kg cylinder complements our 11kg option, giving customers greater flexibility, whether they’re barbecuing at home or on the go,” explains Dermot Hurley, Head of Calor Cylinder Sales. “Our patio gas range is designed specifically for outdoor use and as it includes renewable BioLPG, it offers a cleaner, more sustainable choice for

Calor BioLPG patio gas cylinders look just like the trusted grey patio gas your customers know, but each cylinder contains a renewable gas blend including 20% BioLPG renewable gas.

customers.

“With growing interest in lower carbon living, demand has steadily increased. Stocking renewable energy solutions like Calor BioLPG not only meets this demand but also supports retailers in offering more environmentally conscious products that resonate with today’s consumers.”

No adjustments necessary for users

Calor’s BioLPG is a certified renewable gas made from a mix of sustainably sourced vegetable oils, along with waste and residue materials. It is chemically identical to conventional LPG and therefore both can be blended, ensuring a seamless, renewable energy solution.

The best part for consumers is that no adjustments are needed for their existing gas barbecues, heaters, or outdoor equipment. As BioLPG operates in the same way as conventional LPG, customers can continue to enjoy their outdoor activities with a more sustainable fuel, all while contributing to a greener BBQ season.

For more information on Calor’s patio gas range and BioLPG, visit calorgas.ie.

Offbeat Donuts partner with Circle K

OFFBEAT Donuts have partnered with Circle K to open three brand new scratch bakeries in key forecourt locations across the country. The new bakeries are now open at prime Circle K locations in M9 Kilcullen, M6 Athlone, and M11 Gorey.

At each location, customers can enjoy the full Offbeat experience: watching donuts being baked, topped, and decorated fresh on-site throughout the day. This interactive bakery concept brings Offbeat’s signature range of patisserie-style donuts to life right in front of customers’ eyes.

The Offbeat Donuts bakeries complement the other food offerings available at these busy, high-footfall service stations, which include McDonald’s, Subway, Camile Thai, and Circle K’s own barista coffee, fresh food, and self-serve hot meals. The arrival of Offbeat Donuts will increase the appeal in these popular locations for residents and commuters alike. Each new bakery will create over 10 new jobs locally, bringing Offbeat’s total Irish workforce to over 160 people.

Brian O’Casey, Co-Founder of Offbeat Donuts, said: “We are very excited about this opportunity to work with Circle K to bring this new scratch donut bakery concept to market. It showcases what Offbeat Donuts does best – local, artisan, in-store scratch baking with the finishing and topping of the donuts on-site. You can see consumers engaging with the baking process and getting excited when they see their favourite donuts being made in front of them. It’s also fantastic to see Offbeat opening in locations across Ireland outside of Dublin and Cork, bringing our unique Irish offering – as well as jobs – to new regions.”

Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Offbeat Donuts, with three scratch bakeries opening at Circle K M9 Kilcullen, M6

Athlone, and M11 Gorey. We’re proud to play a part in Offbeat Donuts’ expansion outside Dublin and Cork and in the process, helping to create 30 new jobs for their business.

“This partnership not only builds on Circle K’s expansive food offering but also reinforces our commitment to supporting Irish businesses and communities nationwide, which is a fantastic follow-on from our recent Guaranteed Irish accreditation.”

71st Texaco Children's Art Competition winners announced

THE winners have been announced for the 2025 Texaco Children's Art Competition, the 71st year of the nationwide competition. This year's entry level was notable, with many thousands of artworks received.

The overall winner was young Mayo artist, Daniel Walsh, an 18year old from Claremorris, who took first prize in the senior 16-18 years age category for his detailed portrait entitled ‘Colm’. All the category winners were invited to the Awards Ceremony in Dublin, where they were officially presented with their award prizes and certificates.

In choosing it as the overall prize winner in the Competition, Final Adjudicator and Chairperson of the judging panel — Irish visual artist, curator and educator — Pauline O'Connell described Daniel's artwork as "an exceptionally accomplished and delicately rendered portrait of an aged man in pencil. A quiet, contemplative and deeply human artwork that is worthy of the top prize in this year's Texaco Children's Art Competition. The subtle pale skin tones and grey facial hair fade into the distance as we are drawn to Colm's clear, averted eyes — deliberately darker in tone, they focus our gaze. The artist's ability—his instinct to observe, interpret, and create such a technically accurate portrait draws the viewer into a shared space with the subject.”

The Texaco Children's Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955.

Pictured are Hannah Marr, Senior Category Manager at Circle K Ireland; Sandra O’Casey, Founder, Offbeat Donuts; Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland; and Brian O’Casey, Founder, Offbeat Donuts.

Young Mayo artist, Daniel Walsh, the overall winner of this year's 71st Texaco Children's Art Competition.

Forecourt Focus: News

Applegreen M&S food partnership reaches milestone 25th store

APPLEGREEN Tipperary Town marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the forecourt retailer and Marks & Spencer, as it becomes the 25th location to introduce the M&S Food collection, which features over 400 M&S products now available to customers

The introduction of M&S Food at Tipperary Town follows a significant redevelopment to the store, which is located on Davitt Street, and highlights Applegreen’s continued commitment to bring the best experience to their customers as they enjoy their journey on Irish roads.

Tipperary Town marks the 25th location for Applegreen’s growing M&S Food partnership and follows the successful opening of Applegreen Birdhill with the M&S Food range in 2024. A further 16 Applegreen stores are set to welcome the M&S Food offering by the end of 2025 as part of Applegreen’s successful partnership with the retailer. Applegreen have plans to further expand their M&S Food network to 60 stores over the medium term.

we bring the best experience for our customers is a key focus for Applegreen and we look forward to expanding this partnership across a further 16 Applegreen stores nationwide this year.”

“The milestone achievement of 25 M&S Food at Applegreen stores is a testament to the success of this partnership and we are delighted to reach this point in our expansion,” noted Mark Ryan, Head of M&S at Applegreen. “The rollout of M&S Food across Applegreen stores nationwide since November 2023 has been incredibly well received by each store’s local community and has brought more choice and convenience to our customers. Ensuring

Local customers and those passing through the area will benefit from over 400 M&S products available in-store, including fresh fruit and salads, convenient and tasty lunch and dinner options, and high-quality fresh flowers. M&S Food favourites such as Colin the Caterpillar cakes, Percy Pig sweets and freshly baked M&S cookies will also be available.

Applegreen Tipperary Town will also feature a new Click & Collect service for M&S clothing and home product ranges, providing customers with the convenience of ordering quality clothing, home and beauty essentials online and picking up their purchases for free at the new Tipperary Town store.

The addition of M&S Food at Tipperary Town complements the existing Applegreen offering for customers, including Braeburn Coffee, a Bakewell Deli and a Subway restaurant. The brand’s partnership with M&S supports Applegreen’s leading proposition to customers in the Irish market and supports the expansion of M&S Food to a wide range of Irish customers.

Tipperary Town marks the 25th location for Applegreen’s growing M&S Food partnership.

Pictured at the new Applegreen Tipperary Town are Anthon Russell, Regional Manager, Applegreen, with staff members Mariia Chumakova, Madalaine Hassett, Lorna Duggan, Site Manager, Catherine Greene and Denyse Ryan.

Two icons unite to create chocolate masterpiece!

THOSE who love chocolate and are also besotted with biscuits can rejoice, as the ultimate duo is here…

Cadbury Dairy Milk has partnered with Lotus Biscoff to create a snacking sensation. the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Bar.

Love at first bite, this irresistible creation sees Cadbury Dairy Milk’s signature creamy chocolate envelop the deliciously satisfying crunch of Biscoff’s caramelised biscuits, intended to keep your tastebuds tantalised until the very last square!

For a delicious treat to share with friends and family, the Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Bar, which comes in 105g bars, is the ultimate snack for both chocolate and biscuit fans.

Match made in heaven

Séamus Harahan, Confectionery Lead at Cadbury, says, “This has been an incredibly hard secret to keep, and we are very excited to bring this truly iconic collaboration to the Irish market. Bringing together the irresistible smoothness of Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate and the satisfying crunch of Biscoff, it’s a match made in heaven that allows consumers to have it both ways. This is only the beginning of what promises to be a very delicious partnership, so stay tuned for more news later this year.”

The Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Bar sees Cadbury Dairy Milk’s signature creamy chocolate envelop the deliciously satisfying crunch of Biscoff’s caramelised biscuits.

Value top of mind for Irish shoppers

Cost-of-living concerns have helped Irish consumers to embrace private labels and discount stores, while bricks-and-mortar retail remains resilient, according to the latest EY Future Consumer Index.

THE sustained rise in the cost of living over recent years has reshaped how Irish consumers shop, spend and seek value, with private labels and discount shops now firmly embedded with shoppers, for whom price continues to be the number one purchase consideration. These results were revealed in the 15th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index, which surveyed more than 20,000 consumers across 26 countries, including more than 500 here in Ireland.

With global economic uncertainty set to persist and price levels not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, these behavioural shifts are unlikely to be temporary, but instead signal a lasting reset in consumer priorities and Irish businesses must act now to understand and respond to these changes. Positively for Irish retailers, in-store shopping for everyday items remains resilient, while health and sustainability remain high priorities for consumers and are increasingly important levers for businesses seeking to entice consumers and differentiate their product offering.

The impact of financial concerns Financial concerns continue to dominate the Irish consumer mindset, with 96%

concerned with the cost of living and 92% with their own personal finances. Unsurprisingly, price has emerged as the primary driver of consumer purchasing in Ireland both at a headline level (53%) and across a range of categories, including fresh food (46%), and clothing and footwear (58%).

This price sensitivity has prompted a shift in shopping habits to find better value. Almost half of Irish shoppers (47%) said they are heading to discount shops to make their budgets go further, and a similar number (45%) said they plan to hold out for sales or join loyalty programmes to secure better value. At a category level, 37% of consumers are now opting for less expensive alternatives in fresh food, snacks and confectionery, with 42% doing the same for home and household care.

Amid the anxiety, however, there is some optimism. Over half (54%) of consumers believe they’ll be better off in 12 months, compared to just 19% who think they’ll be worse off. This sentiment reveals a complex mindset - concerned but not resigned.

The continued rise of private label Budget sensitivity has shifted the perception of ‘own brand’ products in Ireland too. Once seen as the second

choice on the shelves, Irish consumers are more likely (78%) than the average global shopper (67%) to say that private label goods meet their needs just as well as branded products. With 77% saying private labels help them save money, it’s no surprise they’re gaining serious traction.

That confidence spans generations. Gen Z (78%), Millennials (79%), and Gen X (87%) all agree private label and store brands satisfy their needs just as well as branded options. Yet the story doesn’t end there. When consumers switch back to branded products, one factor stands out across all age groups: superior taste, quality, and performance. Product preferences also vary by generation. Gen Z leads with private label snacks and confectionery, while Millennials and Gen X are more focused on fresh food.

The sentiment varies by category and while private labels are making strides in fresh food, confectionery and processed cupboard staples, branded goods continue to dominate in beauty and alcohol –categories where image, experience and indulgence remain important.

EY advises brands to respond with more than reactive pricing. Real differentiation will come from innovation, premium experiences, and meaningful value

Consumer Insights

Colette Devey, EY Ireland Consumer Sector Lead.

propositions - things private labels can’t easily mimic. Strategic use of loyalty programmes and partnerships can also help tip the scales. For retailers, the path forward lies in understanding the nuances of your customer base and activating insights that drive both value and loyalty.

It is important to note that the dynamics at play are more intricate than a straightforward price-for-value trade-off. For example, cost-conscious consumers have become more wary of ‘shrinkflation’, where products are reduced in size but prices stay the same, and sceptical of overly generous promotions. Almost half of respondents (48%) believe that new product improvements are often the result of cost-cutting rather than genuine enhancements for the customer.

“Consumer behaviour has traditionally shifted during economic uncertainty and periods of acute price inflation, but today’s changes appear to be more fundamental,” explains Colette Devey, EY Ireland Consumer Sector Lead. “Unlike past cycles – where consumers returned to familiar brands post-crisis – prolonged inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical

instability would seem to be reshaping habits permanently.

“Financial concerns continue to dominate the Irish consumer mindset and we are seeing the rise of the ‘selective consumer’, who is changing their spending habits in different ways and for different categories. With food price inflation continuing to remain elevated - up 3% in the last year, according to the latest CSO data - some shoppers are cutting back on nonessentials like clothing, cosmetics and alcohol. Others are leaning harder into value, shifting their spending to discount retailers and embracing private label options.”

Devey stresses that this is a complex landscape for businesses: “They need to ensure they are price competitive for key brands and commodity items, whilst appealing to consumers on other characteristics such as quality, health benefits and sustainability aspects. And instead of discounting prices and seeking to recover this via ‘shrinkflation’, a focus on enhancing product value and the qualities that justify the price is more likely to pay dividends.”

Companies should promote attributes that justify the price—whether that’s sustainability, health benefits, or craftsmanship. Loyalty and simplicity in offers will win over savvy, price-sensitive consumers, the report notes.

“External headwinds may temper Irish consumer sentiment somewhat in the period ahead,” warns Loretta O’Sullivan, EY Ireland Chief Economist and Partner. “Global trade tensions have increased since our survey was carried out, making for a more uncertain outlook here and elsewhere. Tariffs are a particular worry for households as they tend to push up prices, though it remains to be seen where the US and the EU ultimately land on these.”

The report advises businesses to avoid a

Key takeaways

Price dictates decisions –consumers are putting cost first across categories, forcing brands to prove their value.

• Sustainability must earn its place – eco-friendly claims only matter if products are competitively priced and genuinely deliver.

• Trust drives loyalty – in a market of shrinking budgets and rising expectations, brands that build credibility will keep customers coming back.

Over half (53%) of Irish consumers say that price is a key purchase driver across everyday categories.

• Almost eight in ten (78%) say private labels are just as good as branded products.

• Close to half (47%) use discount shops to make budgets go further.

• Seven in ten (70%) prefer physical stores across everyday categories underscoring the resilience of bricks-and-mortar retail.

• Nearly three-quarters (72%) want healthier, more sustainable products to be more affordable.

race to the bottom, and instead to doubledown on clearly articulating the benefits (performance, prestige, provenance) that justify your price point. For mid-tier brands, now’s the time to rethink product architecture and consider value-tier extensions that don’t dilute core brand equity. Be proactive in assessing the impact of tariffs and building price resilience into supply chain and pricing strategies.

The resilience of physical retail

Across Ireland, physical retail continues to hold strong, not just in convenience or habit, but in real emotional and practical

Consumer Insights

value. A large majority of Irish consumers still prefer in-person shopping for essentials: 83% favour physical stores for fresh food, while 74% prefer them for personal care items.

This physical-first mindset is more pronounced in Europe than in Asia, where higher digital trust and platform penetration have driven consumers

online in categories like beauty and electronics. In contrast, Irish consumers still value the human, experiential side of retail. However, this does not mean that consumers are seeking a purely ‘analogue’ experience, and the integration of digital experiences with physical retail outlets is becoming an increasingly important point of differentiation for national and local

retailers.

“Reports of the demise of bricks-andmortar retailing here in Ireland have been greatly exaggerated,” Colette Devey says. “For many across Ireland, the local shop or pharmacy remains a cornerstone of daily life: a place for trusted advice, social interaction and connection to community and this is not changing anytime soon. However, Irish consumers want the convenience and seamless integration of both digital and instore shopping. To stand out, retailers must seek to develop omnichannel strategies to meet their consumers where they are – in store, online, via social media or delivery services.”

In Ireland, EY advises retailers to continue investing in store experience, particularly in regional and rural locations where the ‘local shop’ is a key part of community life. Think local product ranges, community events, and staff empowered to create personal connections. Omnichannel strategies should support, not replace physical channels.

Making healthy and sustainable choices easy

While price is the dominant force in purchase decisions, health and sustainability remain high on the agenda for Irish shoppers. A significant 81% say they are moderately or extremely concerned about their mental wellbeing, while an even greater 88% express concern for their physical health. This anxiety is driving action: over the past two years, 60% say they’ve made healthier food choices, 61% have exercised more, and 49% say they have prioritised sleep.

Irish consumers are actively seeking ways to improve their wellbeing, but they expect brands to meet them with solutions that are affordable, appealing and accessible. That means offering healthfocused products that don’t compromise on taste, price or convenience. And while price pressures remain, consumers have indicated a clear willingness to prioritise wellness, particularly in fresh food (68%), processed food (53%), and beauty and cosmetics (52%).

In terms of sustainability, 89% say they are recycling as much as they can, 91% consciously avoid food waste and 82% think twice before making purchases.

Interestingly, however, many of these sustainability behaviours can also lead to cost savings. Moreover, while threequarters (72%) of respondents said they wanted healthier, more sustainable products to be more affordable, there is

How consumers are adjusting their spending by category.

About the EY Future Consumer Index

THE EY Future Consumer Index tracks changing consumer sentiment and behaviours across time horizons and global markets, identifying the new consumer segments that are emerging. The 15th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index surveyed 20,235 consumers across the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Nigeria and Netherlands during January and February 2025. This included 502 respondents in Ireland.

a reluctance to pay more for goods that meet this criteria. In terms of sustainability, some 83% said that brand owners should shoulder the responsibility of making their products more sustainable, without passing additional costs to consumers.

“Irish consumers are sending a clear message - they’re ready to invest in their wellbeing, but only if companies and brands meet them halfway,” explains Dr Ronan Glynn, EY Ireland Health Sector Leader. “It’s not enough to offer healthier options; they must be accessible, appealing and affordable. In categories like food and beauty, healthier alternatives must be clearly priced, well-communicated, and easy to find. Mental health and wellbeing matters too, so businesses should consider how services, environments and experiences can support a broader sense of health and balance.”

EY advise brands to explore opportunities to embrace sustainable packaging and circular products that could lead to decreased waste management costs, more efficient logistics, improved

When choosing alternatives, price still trumps sustainability.

stakeholder perception and ultimately margin growth, not decline. The sweet spot is to focus on improving your product’s green credentials, while maintaining competitive pricing.

AI in retailing

The EY report acknowledges that consumer enthusiasm for AI does not fully match that of investment markets, yet it concludes that there is a willingness to engage with it. 74% of survey respondents claim to understand AI, yet 61% remain cautious about its capabilities, particularly regarding AI-generated content.

Still, 63% find AI-driven product recommendations useful, and 66% express moderate or complete trust in tailored promotions and deals. Tools like wish list alerts (69% interest) and saved shopping carts are also viewed positively.

However, trust is situational. Only 31% are willing to share publicly attributed data, and there’s far less confidence in AI’s role in financial advice or healthcare decisions.

“AI can supercharge the retail experience – enabling more connected, personalised and responsive customer experiences across every touchpoint – online, instore and everywhere in between,” notes Bronagh Riordan, EY Ireland AI & Data Partner. “From tailored product recommendations to real-time inventory optimisation and seamless customer service, the opportunities are vast.”

She warns, however, that building and maintaining customer trust must remain a top priority. “Responsible use of data, transparency in how AI is deployed, and robust ethical governance are vital for cultivating and sustaining customer loyalty,” Riordan explains. “The real advantage lies not only in what AI can do, though in how ethically and strategically it is applied to create meaningful value for the customer.”

The report concludes that the Irish consumer cannot easily be defined as one thing and businesses, both brand owners and retailers, should avoid generalisations and try to focus on deeply understanding the personas that matter most, based on lifestyle, location, needs, and values. To succeed, businesses must enhance product value and tailor their strategies to meet the diverse needs of price-conscious shoppers, while fostering trust and loyalty.

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps

New Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps promote inclusivity

‘Cúl and Curious’ is a unique new Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp, aimed at the migrant community, to foster inclusivity and community spirit.

KELLOGG’S GAA Cúl Camps are launching a unique camp, titled ‘Cúl and Curious’, to introduce children from migrant families to the joy of Gaelic games and foster a sense of belonging within the GAA community.

Supporting Kellogg’s as ambassadors for the launch are Galway powerhouse Damien Comer and Cork Camogie superstar Amy O’Connor. These Gaelic Games stars will also take part in the 'Cúl and Curious' camp, to show the young participants the skills of both Gaelic football and camogie.

Taking place in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, the 'Cúl and Curious' camp will welcome 100 children, including those residing in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres, as well as those from local communities. The introductory camp offers an opportunity to experience the joy of Gaelic games and become part of the vibrant GAA community, with those from IPAS curious to learn more about Gaelic games having the opportunity to sign up for the full week of Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps during the summer.

Joining Damian and Amy as an

ambassador is professional dancer and TV personality Arthur Gourounlian. Recognising his own personal journey of building a life in a new country and his passion for connecting with people, Arthur is returning for a second year to support the campaign and will be attending the ‘Cúl and Curious’ camp to participate in the fun. This continued support is part of Kellogg’s and the GAA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, building on the 2024 initiative that provided spaces for children from migrant families to experience Gaelic Games firsthand.

On-pack promotion

This year, Kellogg’s are continuing their popular on-pack promotion, giving GAA clubs across the country the chance to win a game-changing €25,000 cash prize for their club. Plus, 30 lucky individuals will be in with a chance of winning €500 for nominating their club.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the GAA for the 14th year,” said Shauna Lenagh, General

Manager of Kellanova Ireland, who own Kellogg’s. “Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps play a vital role in communities across Ireland, providing children with a fun experience, while promoting the importance of physical activity and teamwork. This year’s focus on inclusivity for children from migrant families is particularly important to us so we can ensure better inclusivity at the camps and extend the reach of Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps to even more children. This initiative reinforces Kellogg’s unwavering commitment to supporting the grassroots of the GAA and empowering local communities.”

Unforgettable memories

Uachtarán, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, echoed this sentiment: “Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are an integral part of the GAA calendar, providing children with unforgettable summer memories while nurturing their passion for Gaelic games. We are grateful for Kellogg’s continued support and their commitment to making these camps accessible to children from all walks of life and bringing life to our manifest of a GAA Where We All Belong.”

The 'Cúl and Curious' camp was organised in close collaboration with Clare Sports Partnership, whose expertise and local knowledge were instrumental in ensuring the event could take place. Their dedication to promoting sport and physical activity within the community has been invaluable in bringing this event to life.

For more information, visit www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps ambassadors, Galway footballer Damien Comer and Cork camogie player Amy O’Connor, pictured with, from left, Lucian Koester, Holly Dwyer, James Lynskey and Abigail Jeyifous at Croke Park for the launch of the 2025 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps.

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Nestlé Ireland

Nestlé Ireland partner with Barretstown

Nestlé Ireland have revealed Barretstown as their new staff charity until the end of 2027.

NESTLÉ Ireland have announced Barretstown as their new staff charity, with the aim of raising over €100,000 and providing other strategic supports to the organisation during the life of the partnership until the end of 2027. These efforts will assist Barretstown’s ambitions to increase the number of seriously ill children and their families it helps to deal with the impacts of a life-altering illness every year.

The announcement is part of Nestlé’s community engagement programme, which aims to make a real difference in enriching the communities within which they operate. Under the programme, Nestlé Ireland staff nominate and vote for a charity to

focus their supports. Since its inception, the community engagement programme has provided a range of business supports and mentoring programmes, whilst also contributing over €8.5 million for charitable causes in Ireland in the past two decades.

Established in 1994 by Hollywood actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, Barretstown is Ireland’s largest and longest established provider of therapeutic camps and programmes which caters for the psychosocial needs of children and young adolescents diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. It serves over 25,000 children and families annually and is projected to serve over 250,000 by the end of the decade.

Making a real impact

“The Nestlé community engagement programme is central to our creating shared value model, where we seek to make a real positive impact to the lives of people and communities we operate in,” said Kieran Conroy, Nestlé Ireland Country Manager.

“The collaboration is a partnership approach where we create a programme that examines the needs of the charity and where we bring our people with their in-depth business skills to help match those needs. This could range from people transferring skills, mentoring, volunteering as well as of course raising funds, and providing our products to offset the charity’s operational spend.”

Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown, commented: “We are proud to have been chosen as Nestlé Ireland’s staff charity and to have an opportunity to work closely with the largest food and beverage company in the world that is wholly committed to making a positive impact on people and communities. Since our establishment over 30 years ago, we have worked tirelessly to support as many seriously ill children and families as possible. It is our ambition to ensure any child with a serious illness has the opportunity to participate in our life-changing programmes. Partnerships with organisations like Nestlé Ireland will play a hugely important role in supporting Barretstown to achieve this objective.”

Life-changing work

Kieran Conroy added that partnering with Barretstown is a magnificent opportunity for Nestlé to bring their community work to life in a tangible way that can provide many benefits for both Barretstown and the team at Nestlé: “It’s an exciting threeyear partnership and we are so proud to be involved with an organisation which is making an incredible difference to the lives of seriously ill children and families every day. We look forward to working closely with Barretstown and playing a role, building awareness of its life-changing work.”

Pictured at the announcement of Barretstown as the new staff charity of Nestlé Ireland are Nestlé Ireland Country Manager Kieran Conroy and Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown.

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Social Impact Strategy

What makes for ‘good’ business?

A new report investigates how major Irish companies, including those in the FMCG sector, are aligning commercial objectives with societal engagement, with clear benefits for both business and society.

A NEW report from Teneo Ireland, in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland, explores how major Irish businesses are treating social impact as a strategic driver - improving trust, resilience, and competitive edge in a rapidly shifting landscape.

‘The Social Dividend: ‘Good’ Business in Ireland Today’ includes insights from key retail leaders at Musgrave, Heineken Ireland, An Post, Danone, Calor and JustEat, among others. These companies are at the forefront of how Irish retail brands are aligning commercial objectives with community engagement, sustainability, and broader societal value.

Business leaders have been debating whether they can, or should, contribute to the society in which they operate for centuries, with some very famous examples, from the Cadbury brothers’

establishment of the model town of Bournville to the various social enterprises from Guinness around their St James’ Gate site.

The Report acknowledges that the process has not always been smooth, with renowned economist Milton Friedman decrying those business leaders who espoused social good in their strategy as “preaching pure and unadulterated socialism” in 1970, while the world’s largest asset manager, Blackrock CEO Larry Fink, has stopped using the phrase ESG, which he had previously championed, because the term has now been “weaponised”. But he also noted that issues such as decarbonisation, corporate governance and social contribution remain relevant for the companies in which it invests.

So what is the right approach to maximise business success without being

accused of virtue signalling in today’s world? The Teneo Ireland Report aims to find out, focusing on the strategic approaches taken by leading businesses in Ireland as they seek to win hearts, minds and wallets.

Despite their sectoral differences, business leaders consistently cite performance pressures, evolving market demands and the increasing expectations of diverse, and often conflicting, stakeholders as core concerns.

Among the most frequently mentioned challenges, underlying macroeconomic trends that are impacting the cost of doing business remain dominant. Supply chain, payroll, compliance, and the myriad other business costs are a constant topic, while adapting to changing consumers is another challenge.

In Ireland, these pressures are further compounded by intense competition for talent in a full employment economy during a period when enhanced employee benefits further raise payroll costs. Additionally, new generations of employees now demand far more from their employers, from enhanced workplace culture and purposedriven leadership to meaningful social impact and hybrid working.

Regulatory change and increased red tape serve to make innovation, agility and competitiveness more difficult, while the rise of AI remains the dominant technology consideration.

Strategic challenges

The top five strategic challenges cited by business leaders in Ireland were:

1. Economic uncertainty and cost-ofliving crisis contributing to social unrest.

2. Workforce expectations and talent retention.

3. Regulatory and compliance pressures.

4. Digital transformation and digital disruption blurring the competitive boundaries.

5. Global supply chain instability creating business interruption risks.

Despite this, the leaders in the Report emphasised social impact as a key component of their strategic toolkit in addressing macro challenges. The Report

and Sample Population

found that social impact is a source of innovation, opportunity, differentiation, cost reduction and business growth, delivering a clear and measurable dividend for business and for society.

level participants in / CPO / CSO roles

The Report acknowledged, however, that it can be a “constant balancing act”, citing an example where a company invests heavily in impactful community initiatives, but they don’t demand their down-stream suppliers pay living wages.

lasting between 35 to 55 minutes, Chatham House Rule, exploring key role of social impact and social impact. The participating the right.

Delivering business and societal benefits

The Report stressed that the priority for businesses is to deliver financial and business performance. Regardless of the sector, leaders reinforced the absolute necessity of running their operations to achieve strong ROI, sustained growth and meeting, or ideally exceeding, expectations.

level questionnaire tailored for marketing, HR and respondents from selection of companies

However, today’s business leaders cited a strong corporate purpose that is boosted by equally strong social impact as one of the keys to success. Embedding purpose and social impact into core decision-making is a proven driver of medium- to long-term value creation, with a clear, measurable link between high performance and a deeply integrated social impact strategy. This was evidenced in many ways – companies achieving higher scoring on procurement hurdles, greater customer loyalty, attracting and retaining talent in a tight labour market and many more.

Social impact isn’t a trade-off; it’s a business imperative.

The key takeaways

Participating companies in the ‘The Social

help weave business success from social impact.

Takeaway 1: Integrate with business strategy, objectives and core purpose

The research identified key takeaways that

These leaders don’t view social initiatives as isolated efforts, nor do they pursue them out of corporate altruism or simply because social impact is the “right thing to do".

The Social Dividend: A Report on “Good” Business in Ireland

Instead, they deeply integrate their social impact strategy with their core business purpose, ensuring that company values are lived out in every aspect of operations. The benefits include deepened customer loyalty, energised employee engagement, reduced costs, improved scoring on tender assessments and ultimately, driving business growth.

‘The Social Dividend: ‘Good’ Business in Ireland Today’ explores how

as a strategic driver.

Dividend: ‘Good’ Business in Ireland Today’ report from Teneo Ireland.

Social Impact Strategy

Social Impact Strategy Model

Takeaway 2: Calibrate with KPIs for social impact aligned to business goals

These companies demonstrate a strong commitment to measuring progress in real time with solid metrics. They establish clear, quantifiable key performance indicators on social impact: tracking volunteer hours, benchmarking employee retention, monitoring community engagement and assessing the direct impact on the social issue being addressed. In addition, they track the business benefits that result from these efforts.

Takeaway 3: Embed with Board, senior leaders and workforce

The deep integration of social impact permeates every layer of the business, from frontline to the Board. Social impact is a regular agenda item at board level, discussed alongside strategy, innovation, risk, governance and financial performance. This level of oversight holds leaders accountable and, in many cases, ensures they have “skin in the game” by embedding social impact measures into executive scorecards, performance reviews and remuneration structures.

Takeaway 4: Adapt to your community to ensure relevance

A collaborative spirit underpins social impact strategies, as these organisations co-create initiatives not only with employees but also with customers and local communities. This inclusive approach ensures that strategies remain authentic, responsive and adaptive to the dynamic markets in which these businesses operate. While the interviews were conducted prior to the recent DE&I Executive Orders from the Trump administration, the companies involved in the report continue to view diversity and inclusion as essential to social impact, as well as a core driver of innovation and growth. Respondents emphasised the importance of fostering a culture where equity is celebrated and every decision is filtered through the lens of fairness. This strengthens both internal leadership and deepens external community ties.

Takeaway 5: Validate improved business and social outcomes

The true power of an effective social strategy lies in its ability to generate measurable benefits for both business and society. Not a single leader interviewed

4.

pursued social impact at the expense of business objectives. Nor did they pursue business impact at the expense of societal improvements. Instead, they found that when social objectives align with financial priorities, they spark innovation, improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs.

Takeaway 6: Communicate with authenticity Discussions on communication revealed two distinct approaches: those who actively communicate their social impact efforts and those who do not. For some, communication remained low-key and secondary – an aspect the organisation intended to address but had not yet prioritised. For others, the hesitancy to communicate was rooted in risk mitigation —a ‘keep your head down’ approach in response to cancel culture concerns. With greenwashing accusations and fears of virtue signalling, some organisations have opted not to publicly share their social impact efforts.

However, upon deeper discussion, most respondents acknowledged that communicating authentic actions yields only positive results. Compelling narrative and authentic storytelling play a crucial role in amplifying both social impact and business benefits.

Among those companies that do communicate their social impact work, their approach follows three key principles:

1. Build stakeholder trust and ensure participants know your rationale, focus and desired outcomes.

2. Work on programmes where you can deliver a clear social impact and realise a distinct competitive edge, rather than simply cutting a big cheque.

3. Candidly share the real-world benefits

of the initiatives you undertake, highlighting the positive effect, what you learned and your ongoing commitment.

By deploying an honest and authentic narrative, businesses can dispel concerns of virtue signalling and instead reinforce a credible, long-term commitment to making a difference.

A framework for social impact strategy development

The Report concludes that a truly effective social impact strategy is not a stand-alone activity, but a deeply embedded component of business in Ireland today. When done properly, social impact initiatives drive competitive advantage, build stakeholder trust, strengthen long-term business resilience and create value.

Teneo Ireland have created a new framework for social impact strategy development and implementation, offering a powerful, adaptable and actionable roadmap for organisations looking to maximise impact and extract maximum benefit.

It includes six key elements:

1. Integrate with core purpose and business strategy.

2. Calibrate: measurement and datadriven decision making.

3. Embed the strategy for Board, senior leadership and employees.

4. Collaborate with all stakeholders.

5. Validate, with clear outcomes and robust processes.

6. Communicate with clear messaging and consistent delivery.

For more information, visit www.teneo.com

Teneo Ireland's new framework for social impact strategy development and implementation includes six key elements.