ShelfLife January 2026 by Mediateam

Show on the road

Alex Dupreez and Eduardo Galeno of Spar Junction 14, Mayfield discuss what winning the Supreme Champion National Convenience Store award means to the team

ShelfLifeC-Store Awards 2025

Now marking its 25th anniversary, the awards recognised outstanding stores, staff, and initiatives across a wide range of categories

What employers need to know

In today’s evolving Irish workplace, effective performance management has become a strategic necessity rather than an administrative task

ShelfLife January 2026 Vol.33 No.1

Editor

DONNA AHERN

donnaahern@mediateam.ie

Staff journalist

RYAN BRENNAN ryanbrennan@mediateam.ie

Contributors

CAROLINE REIDY

NIKKI MURRAN

JOHN HEALY

Head of business

IAN MULVANEY (087) 2208486

ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie

Account manager

MARK MORGAN (086) 8854930

mark.morgan@mediateam.ie

Circulation subs@mediateam.ie

Publisher JOHN McDONALD (01) 294 7744

john.mcdonald@mediateam.ie

Printing W & G Baird Ltd

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

Managing director

JOHN McDONALD Sales director

PAUL BYRNE Operations director

BILLY HUGGARD

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

Telephone (01) 294 7776

Fax (01) 294 7799 ISSN: 1393 0753

It’s a date

A new year brings fresh momentum for the grocery retail industry, and my diary is already filling up with key dates for the months ahead. A strong calendar of networking and industry events is on the horizon, offering valuable opportunities to connect, share insight and celebrate excellence across grocery and convenience retail.

The Irish Food Trade Connect Forum takes place on 26 March at the Killashee Hotel, Kildare, followed by the Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) Networking Event on 8 May at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. On 13 May, we will host our own Grocery Management Awards (GMAs) at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, recognising the people and businesses driving standards across the sector.

Later in the month, the Convenience Store and Newsagents Association (CSNA) Annual General Meeting will be held on 26 May at the Castleknock Hotel, Dublin.

These events reflect the strength, resilience and collaboration at the heart of Irish retail. I look forward to meeting colleagues, friends and industry partners at one or more of these events over the year ahead.

Contents January

COVER STORY

22 Outstanding retail achievements celebrated: We take a comprehensive look at the 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards, which took place on 20 November at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.

NEWS&ANALYSIS

FEATURES&REPORTS

10 Opinion: In this cost-of-living crisis, the public conversation is understandably focused on households under pressure. John Healy reports.

14 Donna Ahern: recently caught up with Dr. Aisling Farrell (GP & Lifestyle Medicine Physician) to discuss her role as Tesco’s brand ambassador for Food.

20 Donna Ahern met with Paul Healy, Tesco Ireland’s retail operations director, to get a behindthe-scenes look inside Tesco Ireland’s growth story and to discuss the retailer’s expansion, innovation, and customer-first vision.

44 ShelfLife caught up with Alex Dupreez and Eduardo Galeno to talk about what winning Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Large) and Supreme Champion National Convenience Store at 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards means to the team at Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Co. Kildare.

58 20 quick questions: Industry consultant Margaret Dineen shares her career journey, personal inspirations, and perspectives on work, wellbeing, and life beyond food and drink.

ADVISOR

16 HR: Caroline Reidy outlines what Irish employers need to know about managing performance and conducting appraisals in 2026.

18 Recruitment: From a recruiter’s seat, Nikki Murran looks at the silent force behind great retail teams and the managers who build them.

Donna Ahern

M&S reports ‘historically high’ November 2025 market share

M&S has reported that it has outperformed the market for more than three years in both value and volume, and in November, market share reached 4%, a historical high, its Christmas trading report shows

In the 13 weeks to 27 December 2025, M&S highlighted that its focus was on delivering a strong seasonal offer for its customers and restoring progress in its ‘Reshaping’ strategy

In a statement, Stuart Machin, chief executive, M&S, said: “Food sales were strong, and the business continues to outperform, hitting a new market share milestone in the period.”

MII welcomes Government rejection of Mercosur Trade Agreement

Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the Ibec sector association representing beef, pork and lamb processing members, recently welcomed the Government decision to reject the ratification of the Mercosur Trade Agreement. The Agreement, if ratified, would open access for a further 99,000 tonnes of high-value steak cuts into the EU market, at a time when very different production standards, particularly between Brazil and the EU, have been exposed over recent months.

Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports reach a record €19bn

The value of Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture exports increased by 12% in 2025 to reach a record ¤19 billion, according to the recently Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report 2025/26.

This milestone performance was delivered amid one of the most volatile trading environments in recent years, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, extreme weather events, persistent inflation, and shifting consumer behaviour Despite these pressures, Irish exporters demonstrated strong resilience, with growth largely underpinned by higher prices across key categories, most notably beef and dairy

Meat and livestock exports increased by 18% to just over €5 billion, driven by significant price increases in beef and live exports. Tight supplies of cattle across Ireland and key markets led to a surge in beef prices but reduced export volumes.

Revenue seize €154,000 worth of contraband

Revenue officers have recently seized contraband with an estimated value of over €154,160 in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, and Rosslare Europort.

The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence led operations.

Tobacco products, with an estimated value of over €28,155, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of almost €20,600 were seized.

Over 58 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of almost €805, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of almost €460 were also seized.

Investigations into all seizures are ongoing. n

SuperValu cuts prices on essentials

SuperValu recently announced major price reductions on over 500 everyday essential products, reinforcing its commitment to helping customers nationwide manage the cost of living.

These price cuts are designed to deliver real, tangible savings every time customers shop in-store or online

As a result, customers can now save up to €20 every week on the average shopping trolley.

When combined with SuperValu’s Real Reward vouchers, the savings on a weekly trolley shop can reach up to €33 making a real difference for households across Ireland.

With household budgets under continued pressure, SuperValu is taking decisive action to make the weekly shop more affordable

This investment in value ensures that shoppers can stretch their money further, without compromising on quality or choice.

SuperValu is cutting prices on items shoppers buy most, from fresh fruit, veg, dairy and meat to nappies, pet food, firelighters, tea, coffee,

IFEX 2026 moves to Eikon

orange juice, Parma ham, soups, bin bags, biscuits and more.

Household favourites like SuperValu Irish Unsmoked Back Bacon Joint 700g was €4.99, now €4.39, SuperValu Irish Beef Round Steak Mince 454g from €4.99 to €4.49, plus many more.

Commenting, Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu, said: “At SuperValu, we understand that customers are feeling the pressure of rising costs and we want to respond in a meaningful way

“That’s why we’re taking real action—cutting prices on 500 everyday essentials to help make customers’ weekly shop more affordable

“Our goal is to deliver the value shoppers need, without compromising on quality, choice or the service they expect from SuperValu.

“These price cuts reflect our commitment to supporting shoppers and we invite them to experience these great savings in-store and online.”

Sean Owens, IFEX Salon Culinaire director, Toby Wand, managing director of 365 Events and Shona Ayre, sales and business development executive at Eikon

IFEX, Northern Ireland’s flagship foodservice, hospitality and retail trade event, will return from 24 – 26 February 2026 at a new home – the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn.

Organised by 365 Events Ltd, IFEX 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest and most ambitious edition yet, with an expanded exhibition floor and a line-up of exciting new features designed to inspire and connect professionals from across the sector

From cutting-edge products and emerging technologies to live competitions and hands-on demonstrations, IFEX 2026 will once again set the stage for the industry’s very best.

The move to the Eikon Exhibition Centre marks an exciting new chapter for the event.

With increased floor space, enhanced visitor facilities, and over 4,000 free car parking spaces, the Eikon provides the perfect platform for IFEX’s continued growth.

Almost 40% of exhibitors at this year’s IFEX will be exhibiting for the first time, painting an encouraging picture of growing market confidence.

They will sit alongside major industry players, including Henderson Foodservice, Sysco, Stephens Catering Company, Meadow Vale Foods and Frylite, all pledging their support for this year’s show.

A hub for creativity and talent, the renowned Salon Culinaire returns, featuring the ever-popular Chef Skills Live Theatre – where hundreds of chefs will compete in back-to-back live competitions.

Alongside this, the IFEX Great Taste Market will bring together award-winning producers and artisan food makers, while Edible Art will showcase incredible skill and imagination from chefs across Ireland.

New for 2026, IFEX Kitchen Live, supported by Chef Network, and sponsored by Rational UK, will bring an exciting interactive cooking theatre to the show.

The show opens daily at 10am and runs until 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and to 4pm on Thursday. Registration is now open, and you can register for free at www.IFEXexhibition.co.uk.

Follow @IFEX_NI for updates.

These price cuts, under the ‘Still Super, Now Better Value ‘initiative, are in addition to the 2,500 existing weekly offers currently available, reinforcing SuperValu’s unwavering dedication to delivering better value where it matters most.

At the same time, SuperValu noted that it remains proudly committed to being ‘Still Super’ in every sense

The Irish Food Trade Connect Forum 2026 applications open

The Irish Food Trade Connect Forum 2026 is gearing up to be one of the most important dates in Ireland’s food and drink business calendar

Taking place at the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare on Thursday, 26 March 2026, preparations are in full swing, with over 250 attendees expected from across the food and drink supply chain.

The Forum will feature a vibrant exhibition of outstanding Irish produce from regional food networks including Flavours of Kildare and Midland Flavours, alongside leading brands such as Draynes Ice Cream.

A strong line-up of service providers, including Allmed Logistics, HB Label Print, Rialto Labs, NPP and Brave Marketing, will showcase solutions that support growth, efficiency and innovation for food and drink businesses.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from and connect with exceptional business leaders and decision-makers from across the food and drinks trade, making it a must-attend event for ambitious brands seeking new partnerships and routes to market.

Exhibition spaces are now open to food, drink and service providers who wish to raise their profile and meet high-quality trade buyers and partners. Interested companies are encouraged to get in touch now to secure their stand via the event website contact page which is as follows: www.irishfoodtradeconnectforum.ie n

(L-R) Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu and Kevin Morgan, store manager, Ryan’s SuperValu Togher

A little sprinkle for every day happiness

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

Dunnes retains top grocer title following record-breaking Christmas

Sales reached a record almost €1.5 billion during December as Irish shoppers indulged over the festive period

Dunnes Stores has retained its position as Ireland’s top grocery following a recordbreaking Christmas.

The Irish retailer currently holds 24.7% of the Irish grocery market share, up on the last 12-week period, with sales growth of 4.9% year-on-year, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator

In the four weeks to 28 December 2025, larger trips contributed an additional €5.9 million to its overall performance.

Tesco holds 24.5% of the market, with value growth of 6.8% year-on-year An influx of new shoppers contributed an additional €35.6 million to the grocer’s overall performance, the research shows

SuperValu holds 19.7% of the market with growth of 1.4%. Consumers made the most shopping trips to this grocer, averaging 22.5 trips over the latest 12 weeks. SuperValu recruited new shoppers to store over the latest 12 weeks, which contributed an additional €31.7 million to their overall performance.

Lidl holds 13% of the market with growth of 11.5%, the fastest growth among all retailers once again. Lidl welcomed new shoppers and saw existing customers buy more per trip, contributing a combined additional €25.6 million to overall performance.

Aldi holds 10.3% market share, up 2.4%. Increased store visits and new shoppers drove an additional €21 million in sales.

A ‘record-breaking’ Christmas

A record-breaking Christmas saw the latest take-home grocery sales in Ireland rise by 6% in the four weeks to 28 December 2025, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator

Sales reached a record almost €1.5 billion during December as Irish shoppers indulged over the festive period.

Despite rising prices and inflation now

standing at 6.25% (up from last month’s 6.0%) shoppers spent an additional €83.5 million on groceries.

With Christmas falling on a Thursday, more people headed to supermarkets on Monday, 22 December 2025.

However, grocery sales peaked the following day, Tuesday 23 December, reaching more than €107 million in sales, a record daily spend.

According to Emer Healy, business development director, Worldpanel by Numerator: “In December, we saw shoppers return to store more often and on average make 23 trips in-store to pick up Christmas essentials.

“Irish shoppers spent on average €770 at supermarkets during the festive period, an additional €32 compared to 2024.”

Indulgent Christmas

Irish shoppers certainly indulged this Christmas. An extra €6.6 million was spent on seasonal chocolates and biscuits, with over half of households picking up seasonal chocolate in December

“On the Christmas lunch menu this year, Brussels sprouts remained a firm favourite with over 62% of households purchasing them,” Healy added.

“But we saw a slight decline in fresh turkey sales, down 2.3%, while shoppers spent an additional €3 million on chicken, possibly due to cost.”

Alcohol sales

People also celebrated in style with 80% of

shoppers buying alcohol this year

While sales for Champagne and sparkling wine jumped nearly 22% as consumers toasted the season of goodwill, the low- and no-alcohol category also benefitted with an additional €1.9 million spent on these ranges compared to last year

The proportion of households choosing noand low-alcohol drinks edged up from 9% to 15.3%.

Own-label sales

Own-label grew over the 12-week period, just shy of 4%, as shoppers spent an additional €65.7 million on these ranges, with premium own-label benefitting the most in December, the data indicated.

A record €167.7 million was spent on these ranges with shoppers spending an additional €12 million on these ranges, up 8% versus last year, with premium own-label now holding nearly 3.5% value share.

For the first time sales of brands hit more than €2 billion as shoppers turned to their festive favourites, including an additional €9 million spent on branded cheese antipasti, bread, home baking and savoury snacks.

Brands accounted for nearly 52.4% of value sales over the 12-week period, with shoppers spending an additional €131 million versus last year

In the latest 12 weeks, 20.3% of all value sales were bought through a promotional line, the lowest level since August 2024

“At Christmas, shoppers aren’t just chasing the lowest price, they’re looking for a mix of value and quality,” she noted.

“While promotions play a role, this season is about more than discounts. Many consumers want to indulge, despite cost-of-living pressures, and we’re seeing that reflected in their choices”

Online growth

Online continued to grow, at a significantly faster rate compared to last month, up 9.8% year-on-year to take 6.1% value share of the market.

Shoppers spent an additional €21.7 million online during the period, helped by larger and more frequent trips which contributed a combined €6.9 million to their overall performance.

Nearly 19% of Irish households bought their groceries online during this time

JOHN HEALY

general manager, CPM Ireland

Why “pro-employee” policies are ultimately pushing up the cost of living

In this cost-of-living crisis, the public conversation is understandably focused on households under pressure, John Healy reports

Housing, groceries, energy bills, transportthese issues dominate the headlines. What receives far less attention, however, is the quiet but accelerating cost of doing business - and how a series of well-intentioned, ostensibly “pro-employee” policy decisions feed directly back into the prices those employees (and all consumers) ultimately pay.

On the surface, there is no doubt that increased wages and enhanced worker protections are positive. The picture is more complex - particularly for labour-intensive, high-service sectors such as retail, FMCG, hospitality and care - where margins are tight, and staffing levels are high.

Successive increases

Over the past three years, employers have absorbed successive increases in the national minimum wage At the same time, PRSI changes, EU directives on transparency and compliance, higher visa salary thresholds, and the phased introduction of pension autoenrolment have materially increased the real cost of every employee on the payroll. These are direct, measurable increases to the cost of doing business. And they’re only half the story

The other half are the much higher operating costs employers face - energy credits that helped businesses weather recent shocks have disappeared. Utilities remain high, while business rates, which were paused or reduced during Covid, are now back in effect. For many independent retailers and franchise operators, these costs land squarely on the owneroperator, often before they pay themselves. They simply can’t be ‘absorbed’; ultimately, they have to be carried to the end consumer

In high-service industries, where staffing is fundamental to delivery, these pressures compound quickly While labour shortages persist and recruitment is getting harder, staff retention requires greater investment in benefits and training. We are not begrudging any of this, quite the opposite. We are, like many businesses, trying to do the right thing by our people, while keeping our businesses viable

Rising costs

When both employment and operating costs rise, businesses have only a handful of options: absorb the hit through reduced margins, cut headcount or hours, or pass costs on through higher prices. In retail, especially, where margins are already tight, there is limited scope to absorb sustained increases. The inevitable outcome is higher prices on shelves and, in many cases, fewer staff on shop floors.

This is where the policy is disconnected from lived reality Measures designed to help workers can, paradoxically, do the opposite. Their higher wages are quickly eroded by higher prices. Reduced staffing levels diminish the quality of the service they receive. The net result is they feel squeezed ‘twice ‘– firstly as workers and then as consumers.

This dynamic is particularly acute in sectors that employ large numbers of people on, or close to, minimum wage These are typically essential, customer-facing roles that underpin everyday life and our all-important local economies.

CPM Ireland is a people business. We partner with a myriad of brands across all business

sectors: FMCG, utilities, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and call on every retailer in the country As a people-led, high-service business, we feel these pressures directly – because labour is our highest cost And those same policies and operating pressures affecting our clients affect us, too. This scenario has forced us to think differently about how we can operate to maximum benefit for all.

Joined-up thinking on policy approach is required

Rather than retreating from investment, we have doubled down on efficiency and effectiveness. We are invested heavily in technology and AI, devising smart journey planning and data-led workforce deployment to ensure that every visit and minute in store delivers maximum value – for our brand partners, the retailers, and ultimately for shoppers.

While employee pay and protection are the fundamentals of good business, what’s missing is a more joined-up conversation about unintended consequences. Policy making cannot be made in silos: when costs are piled on top of costs, someone has to pay, and employers cannot absorb the hit.

Our role as business leaders is to adapt, innovate and find better ways of delivering value, but, equally, policymakers must also recognise that there are limits to what businesses can absorb

If we want a sustainable, growing economy that works for everyone, we need to move beyond good intentions and confront economic reality Otherwise, we risk convincing ourselves we are solving one problem - while creating another one – paying people more, only to take it away at the till.

Contact CPM Ireland, www.cpm-int.com n

Musgrave has announced the appointment of Niall Anderton as chief executive officer and executive director

In his new role he will succeed Noel Keeley who will retire from the business at the end of this year

Anderton brings a wealth of commercial experience from his previous roles across the international retail landscape He joins Musgrave Group on 1 May from Alimentation CoucheTard (Circle-K) where he most recently served as Global SVP Strategy & Transformation and a member of the Global Executive.

Headquartered in Canada, Alimentation Couche-Tard is the second-largest convenience retailer worldwide with 17,300 stores across 29 countries. Anderton joined Alimentation Couche-Tard in 2015 following the acquisition of Topaz in Ireland, where he served as CFO and CEO, and subsequently as senior vice president Operations Europe

Commenting on the appointment of Niall Anderton as incoming CEO, Nicky Hartery, chairman, Musgrave Group, said: “Niall [Anderton] brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership to our team at Musgrave and is exceptionally well placed to guide the business forward in an era of considerable opportunity As one of Europe’s leading family-owned businesses, we know that Niall will play a pivotal role in building the future of our business for the continued benefit of our customers, colleagues, shareholders and communities”.

BRAND SPOTLIGHT

Industry veteran Frank Gleeson was recently appointed as president and CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) on 1 January 2026, succeeding Henry Armour

He will be only the fourth person to lead NACS in its 64-year history; all four came to the position from the convenience and fuel retailing industry

Gleeson has deep experience in foodservice and convenience retailing.

As president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe from 2017 to 2024, he oversaw a team of over 20,000 employees across 2,800plus locations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), which served an estimated one million meals a day.

Before Aramark, Gleeson was retail director at Topaz Energy Group, the largest importer, distributor and retailer of transportation fuel in Ireland with over 330 convenience stores and service stations, 60 distribution depots and four import terminals.

Prior to that, he was vice president retail of Statoil Ireland (now Equinor), where he led the development of the first American-style convenience store in Ireland.

Most recently, he served as chairman of the National Oil Reserve Agency in Ireland.

Gleeson also has been extremely active in NACS and other trade associations. n

Carroll’s of Tullamore

Ireland’s #1 Sliced Cooked Meats Brand

At Carroll’s of Tullamore we know what matters. Delicious, honest food, made with great ingredients, care and commitment by people who are dedicated to producing food & working with suppliers that they can be proud of.

Since 1979 when we first put down roots in our Tullamore community, we have developed a range of foods, from sliced cooked meats to prepared meals that meet the needs of every household, every taste and every wallet.

As a proud member of Love Irish Food, Carroll’s of Tullamore reinforces the brand’s strong Irish heritage and aligns with growing shopper demand for trusted, local brands.

Carroll’s of Tullamore is the #1 Sliced Cooked Meats brand*, making it a cornerstone of the category on shelf Leading on shopper relevance with the highest branded SCM volume per shopper* and a range catering to all occasions, the brand drives repeat purchase Carroll’s is the #1 Poultry Brand with our Signature Roast range of chicken and turkey products**.

Growing ahead of the market (+23% Value & 5.5% Vol)**, with strong brand recognition and a range that meets everyday shopper needs, Carroll’s of Tullamore is a must stock.

Source: * Last 52 Wks Volume, KantarWorldpanel data w/e 05.10.2025.

** Last 12Wks Volume KantarWorldpanel data w/e 05.10.2025.

Carroll’s of Tullamore is a proud member of Love Irish Food

Musgrave appoints Niall Anderton as chief executive officer and executive director

Frank Gleeson appointed NACS president and CEO

Incoming chief executive officer and executive director, Musgrave Niall Anderton

Frank Gleeson, president and CEO, NACS

CSNA NEWS

A look back at 2025

In 2025 we launched our new website with an exclusive members portal full of important documents, latest news from the Association and from within our sector, updates on key issues etc.

Over the past year the Association has had meetings with over 20 different Government Departments and agencies and has taken part in several pre-legislative scrutinisation with a number of Oireachtas committees. During the past year we have met with Government ministers regarding the implementation of key policies and

measures as diverse as sick pay, Auto-Enrolment, cost of doing business, the energy crisis, VAT on newspapers and several aspects of tobacco control legislation that CSNA considers to be in need of

change. November 2025 we were approved a Judicial Review – CSNA (applicant) & The Minister for Health, Ireland and The Attorney General (respondents).

Upcoming legislation for 2026

As we begin 2026, we turn our attention to the changes it will bring. Below is a summary of the important updates to expect for 2026.

• Minimum Wage: The National Minimum Wage will increase by 65c to €14.15 per hour from the 1 January 2026. Sub Minimum rates increase in line with same.

• USC: 2% rate band will rise by €1,318 to €28,700 to ensure no impact on full time workers on minimum wage.

• Pension Auto Enrolment: Pension Auto Enrolment comes into effect from 1 January 2026, and all staff impacted by this should have received communication from you on this.

• Pay Transparency: The EU Directive on Pay Transparency will come into effect by mid-2026. The New Year is a good opportunity for employers to assess their current compliance with this requirement and formulate an action plan in advance of its implementation.

CSNA NEWS

SARA ORME National President, CSNA

CSNA writes to gambling regulator

CSNA has written to the newly appointed gambling regulator asking her take whatever actions she deems appropriate to protect the legitimate interests of Lottery agents.

The Act that brought her office into being has a section in it that allows her to limit the extent and range of gambling activities.

Recent surveys on the extent of gambling on Lottery numbers by Irish bookmakers estimate there to be between €350 million to €500 million spent each year on Irish Lottery outcomes.

The Lottery is without doubt one of, if not the, most trusted brands.

The draws are all witnessed by independent auditors - if bookies were to arrange their own draws and paid for comparable TV exposure it is unlikely they would have as high level of public

acceptance.

The Irish Government owns the National Lottery – we consider the Minister and Regulator must act to protect the States properly.

We understand the Regulator will shortly seek the opinions of the public and interested stakeholders on the criteria she should consider when deciding how licences are constructed. CSNA will be taking part in this consultation.

Re-Turn board results

We are delighted to announce that our CEO Vincent Jennings has been successful in securing his place on the Re-Turn board representing the small retailer. We would like to thank all members that took time to vote for Vincent and as always Vincent will continue to ensure that CSNA members are represented and their concerns heard. n

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA

‘I

truly believe that food is medicine’

Donna Ahern recently caught up with Dr. Aisling Farrell (GP & Lifestyle Medicine Physician) to discuss her role as Tesco’s brand ambassador for Food

Dr Aisling Farrell is an Irish General Practitioner (GP) and Lifestyle Medicine Physician who has been named a brand ambassador for Tesco Ireland as part of its ‘It’s not a little thing. It’s everything’ food campaign. In this role, she creates inspirational and practical content for Tesco customers, offering advice on health, wellbeing and how food choices can support healthier lifestyles.

Farrell also collaborates with Tesco behind the scenes and participates in events designed to emphasise the importance and enjoyment of food.

Q: As a lifestyle medicine physician, how does the new Tesco platform - 'It’s not a little thing. It’s everything’ - align with your broader mission to help people make healthier, more mindful choices around food?

A: Food is not a little thing in our lives, rather it’s central to how we nourish ourselves and connect with others. From family gatherings and lunch with friends, to a simple breakfast shared with a loved one, food shapes so much of our daily experiences. The message of the new Tesco platform really resonates with my work because so much of our longterm health is shaped by the small, everyday decisions we make around food. What people do day-to-day, like including more fibre, cooking together at home, or choosing more whole foods, matters far more than an occasional “perfect” meal.

There is a lot of misinformation around food around, which can leave people feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start. Through my work, and my ambassador role with Tesco, I want to shift that conversation to something more positive and practical, showing how simple choices can improve

health and how enjoyable cooking and eating with others can be

Q: Tesco’s research showed a significant generational shift in how people view food and wellbeing. From your medical perspective, what emerging trends in Irish eating habits are you most encouraged by?

A: I’m really encouraged by some of the shifts I’m seeing in practice over the last few years. Discussing food in clinical consultations is becoming more mainstream and people’s awareness of how food impacts their health is growing, which I think is hugely positive. I’m now having daily conversations with my patients about how their diet is making them feel, from their energy levels and mood to longer-term health implications and discussing how they can incorporate small, manageable changes to improve their nutrition.

Another positive trend, particularly among my younger patients, is a renewed interest in cooking at home Social media seems to be playing a positive role here, making recipes and meal ideas more accessible and practical. Producing social content to inspire all generations on how to make healthier meal

Dr. Aisling Farrell, Tesco’s brand ambassador for Food

options at home is an important part of what I’m doing for Tesco.

I’m also seeing a growing appreciation for Irish produce and locally sourced foods, which is a really positive trend for both health and sustainability

Q: How do you hope to use your role as a Tesco food ambassador to empower families to see food not only as fuel, but as a form of care, connection, and long-term health?

A: As a GP, I meet people every day who want to eat well but feel confused or worried they’re getting it wrong. My aim is to bring the conversation back to simple principles and show that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be healthy.

I think that cooking at home, sharing meals and sitting down together over simple recipes can have a powerful impact on both physical and mental health. I focus on meals that use everyday ingredients, are budgetfriendly and don’t require long prep times. By highlighting the nutritional value of foods and encouraging small, consistent changes, I aim to empower families with practical ideas that support their health.

Q: Many Irish people cite quality and provenance as top priorities when choosing their food. As a GP, what importance do you place on shopping habits and sourcing when it comes to long-term wellness?

A: I see shopping habits as one of the most practical ways people can positively influence their long-term health. Choosing minimally processed foods, fresh ingredients and locally sourced produce can often lead to a more nutrient-rich diet, supporting our overall health. Even small, intentional decisions when grocery shopping, such as adding more vegetables or wholegrains, can make healthier choices during the week easier and encourage home cooking.

Choosing Irish produce, when possible, supports seasonal eating and sustainability and I believe helps people feel more connected to the food they eat. I’m very proud to work with Tesco, who are the biggest retail buyer of Irish food and drink in the world, helping to support Irish jobs and local communities.

Q: With Ireland’s love of traditional meals still going strong - like the Sunday roasthow do you balance heritage with healthy eating in the advice you offer to patients and the public?

A: Traditional meals are an important part of Irish culture and family life, and they absolutely have a place in a healthy diet.

“In my ambassador role, I want to show people that even small, simple changes can have a powerful impact on their long-term health.”

Healthy eating isn’t about removing these foods, it’s about balance and moderation, and focusing on what we eat most of the time Some suggestions I offer include adding fresh vegetables, including whole grains or preparing dishes from scratch, which make traditional meals more nutritious without losing their flavour, enjoyment and the social connection these meals foster

Q: Tesco’s research shows that younger generations increasingly see food as a source of comfort and connection. How does this align with the advice you give patients about building healthier relationships with food?

A: Food has always been about more than just nutrition, it’s social, cultural and a powerful way in which we connect with others. This aligns very closely with the advice I give patients. Whether I’m working with parents trying to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables, or supporting adults to try new recipes at home, I emphasise the importance of enjoying meals and sharing food with others.

I encourage my patients to view eating as a positive experience, focusing on balance rather than restriction. When food is approached with enjoyment, connection and flexibility, I believe it supports not only physical health but also a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food.

Q: As someone who bridges medicine and lifestyle coaching, what do you think are the biggest misconceptions Irish people have about what “healthy eating” really means?

A: In my practice, I think there are a number of misconceptions as to what healthy eating actually means. Some people think healthy eating means restriction, complicated or expensive meal plans, or cutting out entire food groups. In reality, I believe healthy eating is about building meals around whole foods most of the time enjoying treats without feeling guilty, and choosing simple habits that can be maintained long term.

Q: In your ambassador role, how do you hope to help shoppers make small, sustainable changes in their daily food choices that can lead to meaningful long-term health benefits?

A: In my ambassador role, I want to show people that even small, simple changes can have a powerful impact on their long-term health. A big part of that is helping Tesco shoppers understand what’s in their food and how that can impact their health, so they can make informed, confident choices.

I truly believe that food is medicine With a few straightforward additions or swaps, such as increasing fibre, adding more fruit and vegetables, or choosing more whole foods, healthy eating becomes far more accessible I hope to show people that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated or restrictive to be effective.

My aim is to encourage practical changes that fit into real life, like cooking one extra meal at home each week. When people feel informed, supported and confident I believe that’s when sustainable long-term change really happens. n

“Food has always been about more than just nutrition, it’s social, cultural and a powerful way in which we connect with others,” says Farrell.

Managing performance and conducting appraisals in 2026

Caroline Reidy outlines what Irish employers need to know

In today’s evolving Irish workplace, effective performance management has become a strategic necessity rather than an administrative task. With hybrid working now embedded across many sectors, shifting employee expectations, and an increased emphasis on accountability and development, organisations must ensure their approach to performance conversations is structured, fair and impactful.

At the centre of this framework sits the annual performance appraisal. When conducted well, it enhances engagement, strengthens trust, and aligns employee contribution with organisational objectives When conducted poorly, it can damage morale, create ambiguity and expose employers to unnecessary employee relations challenges.

This article outlines best practice for preparing, conducting and following up on performance appraisals, providing a practical and modern guide for employers and managers.

1. Preparing for the appraisal: the foundation of fairness

A successful appraisal begins long before the meeting itself. Preparation sets the tone, ensures objectivity and helps create a constructive conversation.

Notify and equip the employee

Managers should communicate the purpose of the appraisal in advance and provide any forms or templates the employee will need to prepare. This supports transparency and allows the employee time to reflect on their achievements, challenges and development needs.

Review the full picture

Managers should carefully assess all relevant documentation: objectives from the previous year, KPI performance, attendance records, training completed, feedback from peers or clients, and examples of behaviour or achievements throughout the year. A balanced review covering both strengths and areas for improvement is essential.

Rate performance independently

Before the meeting, managers should form a clear, evidence-based view of performance. This reduces the risk of bias or having the discussion derailed by recency effects.

Prepare to support development

Finally, managers should consider what support or development the employee may need to succeed in the year ahead. This ensures that the conversation is forward-looking as well as reflective.

CAROLINE REIDY

Head of HR Solutions, NFP Ireland

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

2. Conducting the appraisal: a meaningful, two-way conversation

The appraisal meeting should be held in a private, uninterrupted environment whether in person or through a secure online platform

A successful conversation is structured, respectful and collaborative.

Set the tone

Begin by outlining the purpose of the meeting: a two-way discussion designed to give and receive feedback, acknowledge achievements and agree future objectives. This helps put the employee at ease and frames the conversation constructively.

Review the past year

Start with a discussion of the previous year’s objectives or a broader performance review where objectives were not formally set. Managers should share their assessment of the employee’s strengths, challenges and outcomes, drawing on concrete examples where possible

A key element is discussing any barriers that may have affected performance such as resource constraints, unclear priorities or changes in workload, particularly relevant in hybrid settings.

Discuss and agree ratings

Where ratings are used, the manager and employee should discuss and agree them collaboratively. Differences in perception can lead to important conversations about expectations and standards.

Set SMART objectives for 2026

Looking ahead, objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound. Employees must leave with clarity on what is expected, how their performance will be measured and what support will be provided. This is essential for engagement and accountability in the year ahead.

Address development needs

The appraisal provides an ideal platform to identify skills gaps and agree a development plan. This might include training, mentoring, coaching, project work or shadowing. Each development action should specify the activity, who will deliver it and the expected timeline.

Invite upward feedback

A healthy performance culture is based on trust. Asking the employee for feedback on the working relationship and management approach encourages openness and continuous improvement.

After the appraisal: documenting, communicating and following through

The completion of the meeting is not the end of the process. Professional follow-through is essential for clarity, continuity and legal compliance

Document the discussion promptly

Managers should record the key points, ratings and objectives agreed. The document should then be shared with the employee for review and signature.

Provide a written summary

A follow-up letter or email summarising achievements, development needs and agreed objectives reinforces the clarity of the discussion and reduces the potential for future disputes

Store records securely

A signed copy of the appraisal should be placed on the employee’s HR file. Employees should be aware that they may request access to this record at any time.

Ensure continuous engagement

Appraisals should not be annual stand-alone conversations. Throughout the year, regular check-ins and informal feedback help maintain momentum, address emerging issues and support employees to meet their objectives.

As Irish workplaces continue to transform, the organisations that thrive will be those that treat performance management as an ongoing, dynamic process. The annual appraisal is an important anchor, but real impact comes from clear expectations, consistent feedback and supportive leadership throughout the year

When employees understand what is expected of them, feel heard during performance discussions and receive meaningful support to develop their skills, performance improves and engagement strengthens. This benefits not only individuals but the organisation as a whole.

If you require further support or advice relating to HR, please do not hesitate to contact us at hrsolutions@nfpireland.ie / (066)7102887.

For more information visit https://nfpireland.ie n

Borrowed beliefs

From a recruiter’s seat, Nikki Murran looks at the silent force behind great retail teams and the managers who build them

Walk into any store and you can usually feel it in the first 30 seconds. One team moves like they own the place: sharp standards, quick decisions, a tidy back store, customers actually helped rather than herded Another team looks like they’re permanently waiting for bad news Same brand. Same systems. Same footfall Completely different atmosphere.

A big part of that difference comes down to beliefs, especially the “borrowed” kind.

Borrowed beliefs are beliefs we adopt without really questioning the assumptions behind them. They can narrow what we think is possible and quietly shape our behaviour. In retail, those beliefs often do not just live in someone’s head They spread through teams, mainly via the person with the keys and the rota

Managers create self-fulfilling prophecies, whether they mean to or not

There’s a concept in psychology known as the Pygmalion effect: when leaders hold higher expectations, performance tends to rise. The opposite is the Golem effect: low expectations can drag performance down Both sit under the umbrella of a self-fulfilling prophecy In retail terms, it looks like this

A manager believes,“My team are capable, and if I’m clear and fair, they’ll step up.” So, they coach more, delegate more, give better feedback, and notice progress. The team grows into that expectation

Another manager believes,“They’re useless, they don’t care, they’ll never get it right.” So, they micromanage, only speak up when something is wrong, and stop investing in development. The team shrinks into that expectation, because why would you stretch yourself for someone who has already decided you won’t?

This is where borrowed beliefs get dangerous. A new supervisor who has only ever worked under negative management can easily borrow the belief that retail staff“just need watching”. A new store manager can borrow the belief that“fresh food teams are always drama”. Beliefs like these become the lens through which every interaction is interpreted.

Retail is a belief business as much as a numbers business

Yes, availability matters.Yes, shrink matters.Yes, payroll matters. But store culture is built one shift at a time by what a manager consistently signals is true:

• Who gets trusted

• Who gets coached

• Who gets listened to

• Who gets written off

That is why a great manager can take a messy store and turn it around

NIKKI MURRAN Director, Grocery Retail Recruitment,

Excel Recruitment www.excelrecruitment.com

in a quarter, and why a poor manager can burn through a brilliant team in the same timeframe.:

From a recruiter’s seat: how to hire managers who instil positive beliefs

When I’m hiring store and department managers, I’m not just listening for competence. I’m listening for the beliefs sitting underneath the competence, because that belief system will show up on a wet Tuesday when the delivery is late and half the team are missing.

Here are the green flags that usually show up in high-performing, people-positive leaders:

1) They talk in“we”, not“I”

Not in a cheesy way. In a responsibility way. They understand that results come through people

2) They can explain development step by step

If they cannot describe how they took an average performer to a strong one, they probably rely on“hiring good people” rather than building them.

3) They use standards, not shame

They hold the line without humiliation. They correct behaviour while protecting dignity.

4) They’re calm under pressure

Retail will test your nervous system daily. The best managers do not outsource their stress to the team

5) They’re consistent

Teams can handle tough decisions. What they cannot handle is unpredictability, favourites, or moving goalposts.

And here are the red flags that often signal a manager who installs

limiting beliefs:

• “People just don’t want to work anymore. ”

• “I don’t have time for handholding.”

• “You can’t trust anyone.”

• “If you want it done right, do it yourself.”

Sometimes those lines come from genuine frustration, but they can also reveal a belief system that tends to produce exactly the outcomes they complain about.

Interview questions that expose beliefs quickly

If you want to spot belief-led leadership in an interview, try these:

• “Tell me about a team member who was struggling. What did you do in week one, week two, week three?”

• “What does‘good’ look like on a closing shift, and how do you train it?”

• “When standards slip, what’s your first move: process, people, or performance management?”

• “How do you balance pace with positive culture on busy days?”

• “What would your last team say you believed about them?”

• Great managers answer with specifics, structure, and ownership. Poor ones answer with blame, vagueness, or a heroic story about how they carried the store.

The soft skills that turn beliefs into performance

If I had to pick the soft skills that matter most for belief-building leaders in retail, it would be these:

• Coaching ability: can they teach, not just tell?

• Emotional control: can they stay steady when it gets messy?

• Clarity: expectations and priorities are unambiguous.

• Fairness: same rules, same follow-through, no favourites.

• Curiosity: they ask,“what’s in the way?” before deciding“they don’t care.”

• Recognition: they notice progress, not just problems.

• Accountability with respect: they deal with issues directly, without theatre.

• Psychological safety: people feel safe to speak up, flag risks, and learn.

That last one matters more than most people realise. In retail, psychological safety looks like a team member feeling able to say, “I’m not confident on cash”, or“That delivery is wrong”, or“The planogram doesn’t match the shelf”, without being made feel stupid. It prevents small issues turning into expensive ones, and it makes people far more likely to stay

The bottom line

Managers do not just manage tasks. They manage belief.

A belief-led manager walks into a store and quietly installs a new story:“We do standards here.”“We can handle pressure.”“We learn fast.”“We back each other.” Given enough consistency, the team starts borrowing that belief, and results follow.

So, if you are hiring your next store manager, department manager, or duty manager, do not just assess experience. Assess expectations. Because the beliefs they bring will become the culture you live with.

And in retail, culture is not a poster in the canteen. It’s a Saturday morning when three people call in sick and the queue is out the door! n

Expansion, Innovation customer-first vision

Donna Ahern met with Paul Healy, Tesco Ireland’s Retail operations director to get a behind the scenes look inside Tesco Ireland’s growth story and to discuss the retailer’s expansion, innovation and customer-first vision

Walking throughTesco Clarehall Shopping Centre on Dublin’s Malahide Road with Paul Healy,Tesco Ireland’s retail operations director,it’s immediately clear that this is a business in confident motion Clarehall is more than just another store on the network - it’s a symbol of whereTesco Ireland has come from and where it’s heading next

Healy knows the shop floor intimately In fact,Clarehall once fell under his direct leadership when he was a store manager Today,as retail operations director (a role he took up in March 2025) he overseesTesco’s entire retail operation across Ireland,and is responsible for Stores, Distribution,Fulfilment and Business Support.

‘Strong Christmas’

Tesco Ireland has reported a strong third-quarter performance for 2025/26,capped off by a highly successful Christmas trading period Food sales rose by 5.2% year-onyear,with particularly robust growth in fresh food - a category increasingly central to Irish shoppers,its latest financial results show.

That focus on quality has paid off.During the quarter, Tesco’s fresh food offering was recognised with a record 84 Blas na hÉireann awards,including 26 gold medals, underlining the retailer’s emphasis on Irish provenance, innovation and consistency.

In the four weeks to 28 December 2025,Tesco held 24.5% of the Irish grocery market,delivering value growth of 6.8% year-on-year.According toWorldpanel by Numerator,Tesco is now the second-largest grocer in Ireland,with an influx of new shoppers contributing an additional €35.6 million to its overall performance

“This isn’t just about one good Christmas, Healy explains.“It reflects years of momentum built on a relentless customer-first focus.”

Paul Healy, retail operations director, Tesco Ireland

and a

We want to be absolutely clear and transparent about where our products come from. If it’s Irish, we say it’s Irish. If it’s not, we don’t pretend it is

Investing in stores

Physical store expansion remains a cornerstone of Tesco Ireland’s growth strategy In recent weeks alone,the retailer opened five new stores,including large-format locations in Howth and Drogheda,creating 220 new jobs.

Looking ahead to 2026,Tesco plans to accelerate that expansion,targeting both large stores and convenience formats.

“There are still large parts of Ireland we don’t cover, ” Healy says “The population is growing,housing developments are increasing,and customers are calling out for us to be closer to where they live.”

Tesco’s current large-store format - typically around 25,000 square feet - is proving particularly well-suited to regional towns,while Express stores continue to meet demand for quick,convenient shopping in urban and commuter areas.

The rise of rapid delivery

Alongside bricks-and-mortar growth,Tesco Ireland’s Whoosh rapid-delivery service is emerging as a major success story.Launched as a trial in early 2025,Whoosh allows customers to order groceries and receive them within 45 minutes,often faster

Initially rolled out in Dublin,Whoosh has since expanded to Cork and Galway and is now available in 27 stores,with ambitious plans for further expansion

“It’s perfect for those‘I’ve forgotten an ingredient’ moments,”Healy explains.“It’s about convenience,simplicity and meeting customers where they are. ”

Whoosh complementsTesco’s broader online offering, which continues to grow year on year With close to 400 grocery delivery vans on Irish roads daily and two major distribution hubs in Dublin,Tesco’s online infrastructure is firmly embedded in its long-term strategy

Transparency and Irish provenance

As the world’s biggest retail buyer of Irish food and drink, Tesco works with over 500 local suppliers,the vast majority of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises. Maintaining trust with customers is central to that relationship.

“There’s a growing concern among shoppers about authenticity,”Healy says.“We want to be absolutely clear and transparent about where our products come from.If it’s Irish,we say it’s Irish.If it’s not,we don’t pretend it is.”

This commitment to provenance is increasingly important in an age of influencer scrutiny and viral misinformation,andTesco is determined to protect the trust it has built with Irish consumers.

Jobs, careers and opportunity

Job creation remains a key outcome of Tesco’s expansion In 2025 alone,the company created over 400 new roles,and similar - if not higher - levels of recruitment are expected in 2026 as new superstores and Express locations open.

Tesco now employs more than 13,500 people across Ireland,and Healy’s own career is a testament to the opportunities available within the business.

He started as a part-time shelf stacker in Douglas,Cork over 25 years ago.“I started to get a little bit of responsibility early on I was put in charge of an eight-foot juice fridge And my job was to ensure that nothing without a date was placed in the juice fridge,”he laughs.

From there,he progressed through training roles,store management,regional leadership,commercial strategy and ultimately into the operations director role

“Retail is a business where you really can work your way up,”he says.“If you’re willing to take opportunities,they’re there.”

Tesco Extra, Clarehall Shopping Centre, Malahide Road, Dublin 17

Looking ahead

With strong trading performance,expanding market share and continued investment across stores,online delivery and distribution,Tesco Ireland enters 2026 with confidence

But for Healy,growth isn’t just about numbers.

“Our ambition is simple,”he says.“Every time a customer shops with us - whether online,in-store,or throughWhoosh - the experience should be better than the last.”

From Clarehall to Cork,from fresh food sales to 45-minute deliveries,Tesco Ireland’s strategy is clear: stay close to customers,invest with purpose,and keep evolving in step with how Ireland shops today. n

The population is growing, housing developments are increasing, and customers are calling out for us to be closer to where they live.

Outstanding retail achievements celebrated

Hosted by returning master of ceremonies, Marty Whelan, the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards, welcomed almost 450 guests from across the retail, wholesale, and supplier sectors. Donna Ahern reports

Outstanding retail achievements were celebrated at the 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards, which took place on 20 November last year at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.

Now marking its 25th anniversary, the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards remain Ireland’s only comprehensive and independently judged honours dedicated to the convenience store sector Over the years, the event has become a true benchmark for excellence, shining a spotlight on the very best in retail from across the country

The black-tie gala welcomed almost 450 guests from across the retail, wholesale, and supplier sectors for an evening of celebration, networking, and fundraising in support of colleagues within the grocery trade The leading names in the industry were greeted with a bubbly reception, setting the tone for a memorable night of recognition and camaraderie

The ceremony was hosted by returning master of ceremonies, RTÉradio and television personality Marty Whelan, with an address from John McDonald, publisher of ShelfLife

Pinnacle of success

Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co

Kildare achieved the pinnacle of success in the Irish retail industry, being named Supreme

Champion National Convenience Store of the Year 2025 at the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards. The store triumphed against strong competition to secure this ultimate accolade during the prestigious ceremony.

In total, 41 awards were presented, recognising outstanding stores, staff, and initiatives across a wide range of categories.

High standard

Commenting on the high standard of entrants this year, John McDonald, publisher, ShelfLife, said: “The ShelfLife C-Store Awards imposes a rigorous judging process on the industry In an environment where store operating costs have been increasing due to government mandated interference and quality staff are hard to come by, the shortlisted stores in this [2025] year's ShelfLife programme have delivered outstanding quality

“We are happy to vouch for the standards

on display at these exceptional stores across the entire country It is a testament to the sector's resilience and continued investment at store and standard level by retailers and the symbol group franchises that support them. I am delighted to announce that overall standards have shown significant improvement.

“The stores that were honoured in this year's programme are world class. They are operated by entrepreneurial owners with best-in-class managers and are supported by symbol group operators and the wider trade On behalf of ShelfLife I'm happy to share our congratulations with all of those who have made the shortlist.”

About the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards

The ShelfLife National C-Store Awards honour retailers, brands, and professionals who set the standard for excellence in convenience retail.

Judged independently, the awards highlight innovation, dedication, and the significant contributions of stores and their teams to local communities and the broader retail landscape

For more information on the awards and the full list of winners, visit: www.cstore.ie

“The stores that were honoured in this year’s programme are world class.”

John McDonald, publisher, ShelfLife

Guests at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire

Marty Whelan, master of ceremonies addressing the guests

✮ The Full List of ShelfLifeC-Store Awards and Winners 2025 ✮

✮ C-Store Champion of the Year:

C-Store Champion of the Year

WINNER: Mary McBride - TWIG

What the judges said:

(L-R) Donna Ahern, editor, ShelfLife and Mary McBride, chairperson, TWIG

Sponsored by:

The grocery and retail industries have undergone significant transformation in recent years, and one initiative that truly stands out in supporting and championing women in this space is Today’s Women in Grocery better known to most of you as TWIG. The work TWIG is doing within the grocery sector is both essential and inspiring. Currently leading this important work is Mary McBride, who was elected TWIG Chair thanks to her reputation as a highly respected industry leader and longstanding advocate for women in grocery McBride brings over two decades of experience in the FMCG sector, progressing from individual contributor to senior people leader It is for these reasons that Mary McBride has been selected as this year’s ShelfLife C-Store Champion of the Year, proudly sponsored by Hale

Food To Go Retailer of the Year Award

WINNER: McHugh’s Centra Edenmore, Edenmore Shopping Centre, Raheny, Dublin 5

Sponsored by:

What the judges said:

This modern newbuild store was built with fresh foods deli as its full meat department, A large in house produced range of food to Go makes this store a well-deserved winner

Best New Food & Drink Start-up of the Year Award

WINNER: RYSE

by:

RYSE took off like a rocket in 2025. Launching into retail in June, it quickly gained listings in over 300 stores nationwide November was a hugely successful month as the brand gained recognition for its deliciously disruptive chocolate energy bars.

Managing director Ian O’Rourke had this to say on the awards:

“We’re delighted that RYSE has been recognised with such incredible awards, it was a fantastic month for the brand and we’d like to thank all of our customers and consumers for their continued support, wait until you see what’s coming this year.”

Protein Section Display of the Year Award

WINNER: Londis DCU, The Hub, Whitehall, Dublin 9

What the judges said:

(L-R) Avril Pratt, Fulfil and Conor Hayes, Londis, accepting the award for Londis DCU

Londis DCU in the centre of Dublin City University - this well stocked store carries a very large range of protein products well displayed and well merchandised.

by:

The team at McHugh’s Centra Edenmore accepting the award from Stuart Meikle, Aryzta

(L-R) John Healy, CPM Ireland, Saidhbhe Stone and David Stone, RYSE

Sponsored

Best Customer Service of the Year Award

WINNER: Lee’s Centra/Applegreen, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick

What the judges said:

(L-R) Dean Kearns, Smart Bits, and Stuart Marigan, Lee’s Centra/ Applegreen, Limerick

Sponsored by:

Just outside Limerick - the judges found this store to be totally customer focused. The staff were happy, smiling and friendly and no request was a problem for them making the shopping experience outstanding.

Best C-Store Off-Licence of the Year Award

WINNER: Centra, Maugheraboy, Co Sligo

(L-R) Barry O’Connor, ABInBev, Matthew Cosgrove, and Lydia English, Centra, Maugheraboy, Sligo

What the judges said:

This multi-award-winning store just outside Sligo Town has one of the largest well stocked off licence in the country, from craft beers, wines to suit all tastes, plus a very large selection of spirits.

Best Fresh & Chilled Retailer of the Year Award

WINNER: Centra Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Staff Development of the Year Award

WINNER: Daybreak, Youghal Road, Dungarvan, Co Waterford

What the judges said:

Situated literally on top of a Mountain, just on the outskirts of Letterkenny, this very well stocked store has one of the best stocked chill ranges available, well-presented and clearly priced in clean refrigeration.

(L-R) Owen Clifford, Bank of Ireland, and Kevin McGrath, Daybreak, Dungarvan, Waterford

Daybreak Dungarvan stood out for its deeply embedded, structured approach to staff development, with clear progression pathways that have delivered exceptional retention and an entirely home-grown management team. The judges were particularly impressed by the rigorous, 100%-standard training and competency framework, combining online learning, continuous assessment, and real-world verification to ensure consistently high standards. Strong investment in career progression, recognition, and staff wellbeing further demonstrated a long-term commitment to developing people, not just filling roles.

(L-R) Jen Guiney, Invest NI, Matthew Cosgrove, and Lydia English, Centra, Letterkenny, Donegal

Sponsored by:

Community Initiative of the Year Award

WINNER: Curtin’s Costcutter, Curtin’s Supermarket, Dunmanway, Co Cork

What the judges said:

(L-R) Niall O’Neill, Payzone, and John Murphy from the Barry Group

Sponsored by:

The store demonstrated an exceptional commitment to its local community through a wide range of inclusive and meaningful initiatives. From fundraising events supporting local families to organising community-wide activities, the team consistently went above and beyond. Their active support of local schools and sports clubs further strengthened community ties and engagement. This sustained, hands-on approach made the store a deserving winner of the Community Initiative of the Year award

National Lottery Retailer of the Year Award

WINNER: Broderick’s Spar, Main Street, Croom, Co Limerick

The team at Broderick’s Spar and the National Lottery celebrate the award win

What the judges said:

Sponsored by:

Situated on Main Street is the focal point of the village This is a very clean, well-stocked supermarket with a full range of products, from scratch bakery to a full meat department and a full off-licence. However, this store’s unique distinguishing factor is the staff always well presented, friendly demeanour smiling, and enjoying their work. The National Lottery stands are meticulously merchandised according to a planogram and fully stocked with the full range of games and scratch cards. The staff, upon purchase, wish the customer “The Best of Luck.”

Best Impulse Offering of the Year Award

WINNER: Mace Sandymount, Sandymount Green, Dublin 4

What the judges said:

(L-R) Nikki Murran, Excel Recruitment, and Mark Wheeler, Mace Sandymount, Dublin 4

Cuisine de France Bakery of the Year Award

WINNER: Spar Carpenterstown

What the judges said:

Sponsored by:

This Store carries a vast range of confectionery suitable for all ages and all customers. For all occasions.

(L-R) Kevin Fitzgerald, Cuisine de France, and Mark Jones, Spar Carpenterstown

Sponsored by:

Spar Carpenterstown has had a renewed focus on Bakery for over two years now, delivering consecutive years of doubledigit growth. Jones and his team, in partnership with Cuisine de France, implemented a full new bakery layout adjacent to his very busy deli and implemented new range extensions and a digital media solution at the point of purchase to engage consumers in stores. The team has also put a clear focus on freshness and perfect execution of the bakery with NPD for seasonal campaigns, driving excitement throughout the year

Congratulations

Stores honoured on national stage

Congratulations to Byrne’s Londis Aughrim, Dillon’s Londis Fethard-on-Sea, Aherne’s Londis Abbey Road, Thurles and Londis DCU on their successes at the recent ShelfLife National C-Store Awards.

Pictured are Stuart Meikle, Commercial Director Ireland/UK, Aryzta, Eimear Whelan, Emily Gleeson, Ann-Marie Blake and Stephanie Tubrid, Dillon’s Londis, Fethard-On-Sea

Pictured are Stephen Olin, PCS now part of ICT Services, Liam and Bill Aherne, Aherne’s Londis Service Centre, Abbey Road, Thurles

Pictured are Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director and Avril Pratt, Brand Manager for Fulﬁl

Pictured are Simon Reenan, Regional Sales Manager, National Lottery, Theresa Byrne, Siobhan McMunn and Caoimhe Byrne, Byrne’s Londis Aughrim

Forecourt Retail of The Year (Small) Award

BRONZE WINNER: Aherne’s Londis Service Centre, Thurles, Co Tipperary

Sponsored by:

(L-R) Stephen Olin, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), Bill Aherne and Liam Aherne, Aherne’s Londis Service Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

(L-R) Stephen Olin, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), Francis McGuire, David Mayne, John McGuire, GALA Rooskey, McGuires of Rooskey, Co. Leitrim

(L-R) Stephen Olin, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), John Hadnett, Maxol, Shane Cantillon, Cantillon Group, Dominic Kelleher, Fresh Food Area Manager, Eurika Reiponaite, Maxol Ballina and Nikki Maguire, Maxol

Mike and Orla

What the judges said:

This multi-award-winning store situated just outside Cork on the Carriglion road offers what’s best for the travelling public, Ample truck and car parking, excellent Deli great convenience range and all served by friendly, attentive staff

SILVER WINNER: GALA Rooskey, McGuires of Rooskey, Co. Leitrim

GOLD WINNER: Maxol, Shannon Park, Ballinrea, Cork

(L-R) Aques Sieukowska and Pauline Burus, Loughrea Service Station

(L-R)

Gleeson, Gleeson’s Spar Limerick

Sponsored by Cuisine De France, & National Lottery, Kevin Fitzgerald presenting winner Paul Collins and team members Helen Massey, James Fitzgibbon and Dangira Matjosaitiene, Collins XL, Corbett Street, Athea, Co. Limerick.

Sponsored by AnPost, Keith Byrne presenting winner Barry and Vincent Hall, XL Headlines, Corrib Shopping Centre, Galway

Forecourt Retailer of The Year (Large) Award

BRONZE WINNER: O’Brien’s Service Station, Inver/ Costcutter, Bishopstown, Co Cork

Sponsored by:

(L-R) Thomas Desmond, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), Anthony O’Brien, Michelle O’Brien, Colin Manning, O’Brien’s Service Station, Inver/Costcutter, Bishopstown, Co. Cork

WINNER: GO Portlaoise, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Co Westmeath

and Edita Nikitiniene, Mace Ballinalack

GOLD WINNER: Spar Junction 14 Mayfield, Monasterevin, Kildare

(L-R) Thomas Desmond, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), Alex Dupreez, Donal Fitzpatrick and Eduardo Galeno, Spar Junction 14, Monasterevin

(L-R) Sinead and Caitlin Lavery, O’Reillys Wholesale

(L-R) Teresa and Caoimhe Byrne, Londis Aughrim

What the judges said:

Visited on three separate occasions, this outstanding emporium of fresh retailing consistently delivered exceptional standards across every audit. Perfectly located on a major motorway, the world-class forecourt offers unrivalled access, extensive free parking, EV charging and a comprehensive 24/7 food and retail proposition. With spotless facilities, a broad mix of leading brands and warm, attentive service, it is clear why this forecourt is a regular winner at the very top level.

(L-R) Thomas Desmond, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), Mary Carrol, Shane Moore, Tom Bacuala and Trevor Kearns, GO Portlaoise

(L-R) Thomas Desmond, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), Maura O’Reilly, Alaine O’Reilly

SILVER

N4 SERVICES MACE, Ballinalack,

Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Large): Joint Silver Winner MACE, N4 Services, Ballinalack, Co. Westmeath

Best Impulse Offering Award: Winner

MACE Sandymount, Sandymount Green, Dublin 4

Thomas Desmond, PCS presenting to Edita Nikitiniene, Maura O’Reilly, and Alaine O Reilly, MACE N4 Services Ballinalack.

Nikki Murran, Grocery Retail Recruitment presenting to Mark Wheeler, MACE Sandymount.

Best New Product Launch of the Year Award

WINNER: Dairymilk Biscoff

Marketing Campaign of the Year Award

WINNER: Lucozade

(L-R) Keith Crawford, sales director, Mace, Michelle Mandal, and Brian Maher,

Sponsored by:

C-Store Product of the Year Award

WINNER: Coca-Cola

Lucozade Energy are thrilled to receive recognition for our ‘Thirsty for Summer Energy’ campaign in 2025. With over 65 million impressions delivered on social, 1.9 million social users reached and over 3,000 point of sale activations in stores across Ireland, it was our biggest ever summer campaign. It would not have been possible without the brilliant collaboration and support from our retailers.

Thank you!

Best Wine of the Year Award

WINNER: Santa Rita

Amy Barry, head of people & culture, Barry Group, and Lisa Pennington behalf Terry Pennington, Santa Rita

We are honoured to receive the Best Wine of the Year Award at such a respected industry event. Ireland remains a hugely important market for Santa Rita, and this recognition reflects not only the dedication of our winemaking teams in Chile but also the strong relationships we enjoy with retailers across the country We extend our thanks to ShelfLife, the judging panel, and our valued partners throughout the convenience sector

(L-R) Colin Donnelly, sales director, SPAR, presenting the award to Cadbury’s Sarah Pinto, Donna Boland, and Bruno Santos de Lime

(L-R) Paul Bealin, sales director, Cash & Carry, and Eddie O’Neill, Coca-Cola

Lucozade

Sponsored by:

Sponsored

Convenience Store of the Year (Mini) Award

BRONZE WINNER: XL Collins, Corbett St, Athea, Co Limerick

GOLD WINNER: SPAR, Ennis Group, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2

Sponsored by:

Kevin Fitzgerald, Cuisine de France and the team at XL Collins, Limerick

and

(L-R) Kevin Fitzgerald, Cuisine de France, Sandra McCormack, and Joanna Staron, SPAR, Ennis Group, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2

What the judges said:

Even though a very small store with expert merchandising and store layout, this store offers a full deli, good basic grocery, fresh cakes and a large confectionery selection - well deserved winner

(L-R) Kevin Fitzgerald, Cuisine de France,

Paul Roche, Costcutter

SILVER WINNER: Costcutter, Bunting Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12

(L-R) Alex Dupreez, Junction 14 and George Desiusia, Spar Monread

(L-R) Adam Emerson, Station Master, John Healy, CPL, and John Hadnett, Maxol

(L-R) Val Snezi, Cal Lynham, and Mairead Fanning, Good Day Catering

Convenience Store of the Year (Small) Award

BRONZE WINNER: Gala Keel, Achill Island, Co Mayo

Sponsored by:

(L-R) Simon Reenan, National Lottery, Sandra Nicholson, and David Mayne,

(L-R) Simon Reenan, National Lottery, Darryl O’Reily, and Thomas Maher, Daybreak, Milltown, Ashbourne, Meath

(L-R) Simon Reenan, National Lottery, Teresa Byrne, Siobhan Byrne and Caoimhe Byrne

Londis, Main Street, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow

What the judges said:

This family-run business on the main street in Aughrim, Co Wicklow, has been in business in the same building for over 90 years, serving the local community This friendly, well-stocked store offers everything to its customers literally from the cradle to the grave - including local undertakers - under the expert guidance of the mother and daughter team.

Gala Keel, Mayo

SILVER WINNER: Daybreak, Milltown, Ashbourne, Co. Meath

GOLD WINNER: Londis, Main Street, Aughrim, Co Wicklow

(L-R) Orla, Mike Gleeson, Gleeson’s Spar, and David Bagnall, BWG Foods

(L-R) Patryk Goron and Ryan Brennan ShelfLife

Convenience Store of the Year (Medium) Award

BRONZE WINNER: Dillons Londis, Fethard-On-Sea, New Ross, Co Wexford

GOLD WINNER: SPAR Merrion Row / Ennis Group, 2-4 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

Sponsored by:

(L-R) Stuart Meikle, Cuisine de France, and the team at Dillons Londis, Wexford

(L-R) Stuart Meikle, Cuisine de France, Derek and Fiona Clarke, SPAR, Clarke Group, Dublin 8

(L-R) Stuart Meikle, Cuisine de France, Sandra McCormack, and Joanna Staron, SPAR Merrion Row, Dublin 2

What the judges said:

This store has been open for over 20 years under the guidance of Thomas Ennis and his team, who traded successfully and grew from strength to strength, faced all the problems that the city centre has thrown, including the closing down of the city during COVID and subsequent working from home

SILVER WINNER: SPAR, Clarke Group, Clancy Quay, Dublin 8

(L-R) Marty Whelan master of ceremonies and Ian Mulvaney, ShelfLife

(L-R) Mary McBride, TWIG and Donna Ahern, ShelfLife

Convenience Store of the Year (Large)

Award

BRONZE WINNER: Gerry’s Fresh Foods, Strand Street, Skerries, Co Dublin

WINNER: Broderick’s Spar, Main Street, Croom, Co. Limerick

GOLD WINNER: Centra, Lower Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9

Sponsored by:

(L-R) Emily O’Kane, National Lottery, and the team at Gerry’s Fresh Foods, Skerries, Dublin

(L-R) Emily O’Kane, National Lottery, Callum Nihill, and Padraig Broderick, Broderick’s Spar. Croom, Limerick

(L-R) Emily O’Kane, National Lottery, Josh, and Geraldine Thornton, Centra, Drumcondra, Dublin

What the judges said:

This state-of-the-art convenience store, situated on the North side of Dublin City, was recently revamped to the highest modern standard and offers a full range from its deli, excellent off-licence, fresh bread and cakes served by Friendly staff - a well-deserved winner

SILVER

Jim O’Connor, National Lottery

Marty Whelan speaking at the event

Best News Department of the Year Award

WINNER: Headlines XL, Corrib Shopping Centre, Galway

What the judges said:

(L-R) Keith Byrne, InPost, Republic of Ireland, Barry Hall and Vincent Hall, Headlines XL

Best New C-Store Concept/ Offering of the Year Award

WINNER: GO Portlaoise, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Sponsored by:

This welcoming store is exceptionally well stocked, offering the widest range of national and local newspapers alongside an outstanding and carefully curated magazine selection.

Best Supplier Award of the Year Award

WINNER: Aryzta Ireland

(L-R) Patrick Quinn, Stocktaking.ie and the team at GO Portlaoise

What the judges said:

New to the Irish market, bright modern branding offering a full convenience range and discount fuel.

Mayne, area operation manager, Gala, and Aryzta Ireland team

Sponsored by:

At Aryzta Ireland, we are united by a passion for food and a commitment to helping retail food businesses deliver memorable taste experiences to their customers. Our heritage stretches back to the 19th century when we began as an agricultural wholesaler in Ireland. While our business has evolved, our dedication to producing the highestquality products from the finest ingredients remains unchanged. Our success is rooted in a deep understanding of food. Through the reach of our global network, we stay ahead of international food trends and maintain a holistic view of the evolving marketplace. We share this knowledge with our partners and suppliers, working together to uncover new insights, opportunities, and innovations. Our pursuit of excellence in food is constant and unwavering. To meet the needs of grocery and retail convenience businesses across Ireland, we have built a strong and diverse portfolio For more than 35 years, Cuisine de France has been a beloved part of Irish food culture, with generations enjoying our iconic breads, pastries, and baked goods. In 2026 we will continue to evolve and set the standard for instore bakery solutions. Our savoury offering is equally central to who we are, with a premium range of chicken products, sausage rolls, and pastries that have become deli staples nationwide

David

Sponsored by:

Retail Technology Supplier of the Year Award

WINNER: Retail Solutions

Sponsored by:

Sustainability/Environment Brand of the Year

WINNER: Bunzl Ireland

Jason McSteen, Nearby Ireland, and Donna Ahern, ShelfLife, on behalf of Bunzl Ireland

Sponsored by:

In an era where sustainability is no longer optional, Bunzl Ireland continues to lead the way for outsourcing and distribution. Named ‘Sustainability Brand of the Year’ at the ShelfLife C-Store Awards 2025, the award followed their incredible achievement of retaining Ecovadis Platinum for the 2nd year running. This recognition reflects its long-term commitment to reshaping how modern outsourcing and distribution operates. Leveraging their scale and expertise, Bunzl Ireland are well placed to drive change quickly and provide customers with trusted, objective advice on complex sustainability challenges.

John Hadnett, Maxol and the team at Retail Solutions

Best Retail Distribution Company of the Year Award

WINNER: Tayto Snacks

Sponsored by:

Tayto Snacks is honoured to have been recognised as the Best Retail Distribution Company of 2025 at the recent ShelfLife C-Store Awards. We attribute this success to the partnerships we have built with our customers who share our commitment to service and excellence and foster a collaborative approach to the distribution effort.

As the leading manufacturer and distributor of some of Ireland’s favourite snack brands including Tayto, Hunky Dorys, O’Donnells and KP Nuts, our ambition is to fulfil the snacking needs of consumers all over Ireland. In collaboration with our customers, we ensure the supply of a broad range of brands that respond to consumer needs and usage occasions and their desire for quality products from a trusted manufacturer

Our brands are consistently supported by way of advertising on TV, outdoor and Retail media and through trade marketing initiatives agreed with our customers such as promotional displays and in-store sampling, which serve to boost brand awareness, driving trial and transactions. Our investment in consumer research and insights helps us to keep pace with new trends, developing flavours and new innovations which create excitement amongst consumers, driving footfall into store and helping to grow the category

We have an array of new products for the year ahead which will add further interest to the savoury snacks category, expanding the repertoire of consumers, and helping our customers to drive more sales. We are grateful for their continued support and recognition and we wish them every success in 2026!

National Convenience Store of the Year (Overall Winner):

WINNER: Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co Kildare

Sponsored by:

What the judges said:

This emporium of fresh retailing was visited three times by our auditors and was found on every occasion to demonstrate consistently excellent standards. Located on one of the country’s main motorways, it offers easy access for traffic travelling from both the east and the south.

This world-class forecourt boasts one of the largest free parking facilities in Ireland, catering for buses, lorries, trucks and cars, along with an extensive EV charging area.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the complex provides a superb range of fresh foods and drinks, all served by friendly and attentive staff

Facilities on site include spotless toilets and showers, a fully stocked SPAR, a full off-licence, Insomnia Coffee, Supermac’s, Papa John’s, Gino’s Gelato, and much more. This forecourt is certainly no stranger to taking the top spot on stage

Judged independently, the awards highlight innovation, dedication, and the significant contributions of stores and their teams to local communities and the broader retail landscape

For more information on the awards and the full list of winners, visit: www.cstore.ie

(L-R) Arron Potts, O’Reillys and the Tayto Snacks team

(L-R) Kevin Fitzgerald, Cuisine de France, Jim O’Connor, National Lottery, Alex Dupreez, Donal Fitzpatrick and Eduardo Galeno, Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

(L-R) Billy Huggard, Barry Whelan, Owen Clifford and John McDonald

ShelfLifeCelebrates C-Store Excellence

Last month, ShelfLife Magazine hosted the C-Store Awards at the Royal Marine Hotel, bringing together convenience store owners, operators and industry partners from across

Ireland to celebrate excellence in the sector

The annual event recognised outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment within the convenience retail channel. The

evening also provided an opportunity for networking and celebration among peers.

(L-R) Ajith Ravi, Daybreak Edgestown, Rachel Malone, Musgrave, and Matt Foley, Daybreak Edgestown

(L-R) Ryan Brennan, Donna Ahern and Ian Mulvaney, ShelfLife Magazine

(L-R) Jamie Barry, Barry Group, and Dave Strogan, Richmond Marketing

(L-R) Derek and Fiona Clarke, Clarke Group

(L-R) Sandra McCormack and Joanna Staron, Ennis Group

(L-R) Donna Boland and Bruno Lima, Cadbury

(L-R) Keith Ennis and Ina Kozlova, Applegreen

(L-R) Lisa Morgan and Gillian Morris, Corrib Oil

Show on the road

Donna Ahern caught up with Alex Dupreez, retail operations manager and Eduardo Galeno, store manager to talk about what winning Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Large) and Supreme Champion National Convenience Store at 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards means to the team at Spar Junction 14, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

Outstanding retail excellence was celebrated at the 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards, which took place on 20 November at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.

Marking its 25th anniversary, the prestigious event once again reaffirmed its status as Ireland’s only comprehensive, independently judged awards programme dedicated exclusively to the convenience retail sector

The pinnacle accolade of the night, Supreme Champion National Convenience Store of the Year 2025, was awarded to Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co Kildare, following intense competition from leading stores nationwide In total, 41 awards were presented, celebrating exceptional stores, teams and initiatives across a broad range of categories.

Adding to its success, Spar Junction 14 Mayfield was also crowned Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Large), securing the Gold Award in the category

Judges’ verdict

Judges visited the store on three separate occasions and were unanimous in their praise, describing it as an “outstanding emporium of fresh retailing” that consistently delivered exceptional standards across every audit.

Perfectly positioned on a major motorway, the world-class forecourt offers unrivalled accessibility, extensive free parking, EV charging, and a comprehensive 24/7 food and retail proposition. Combined with spotless facilities, a broad mix of leading brands and warm, attentive service, the judges noted it was clear why the store continues to succeed at the highest level.

‘Absolute privilege’

Reacting to the win, the Spar Junction 14, Mayfield team described the announcement as both surprising and deeply rewarding. “I felt completely surprised and overjoyed, with the

“It validates our processes and energises us to continue improving. We want to continue to be the best at what we do and strive to win even more awards in the future.”

(L-R) Alex Dupreez and Eduardo Galeno, Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

announcement as it was unexpected,” said Eduardo Galeno, store manager “It’s such a great achievement and a huge honour for us. I am very proud of our entire team - this simply wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Winning during the awards’ 25th anniversary made the achievement even more meaningful. Having participated in the ShelfLife Awards for many years, he said it was “a privilege to be part of such a milestone celebration for the industry.”

Celebrating in front of more than 440 industry peers only added to the significance of the moment. “It was amazing to be recognised among such an accomplished group of retailers and suppliers,” Alex Dupreez, retail operations manager added. “Irish retail is demonstrating why it is among the best, and we feel absolutely privileged to have won on the night.”

‘Point of pride’

As the ShelfLife Awards are widely regarded as the benchmark for excellence in the convenience sector the recognition carries considerable weight for the store and its staff “It motivates us to maintain and exceed the high standards our customers expect,” Galeno explained. “It’s a real point of pride for us and the team and something that we can shout about for sure.”

Colleagues across Spar Junction 14, Mayfield and the wider Lidon Group shared in the excitement, with plans already underway to host a team celebration in recognition of the achievement. “Everyone works very hard to deliver consistent standards of service, cleanliness, quality and value to the customers on a daily basis,” Dupreez highlighted.

When asked what sets the store apart in such a competitive national landscape, the

team pointed to a strong customer-first ethos. Continuous customer feedback, ongoing staff training and a daily commitment to excellence underpin the operation. “What we do every day is for the satisfaction and enjoyment of our customers,” Galeno added.

Looking ahead

Rather than seeing the award as an endpoint,

the team views it as motivation for the future. “This win is not an end point; it’s a springboard,” he said. “It validates our processes and energises us to continue improving. We want to continue to be the best at what we do and strive to win even more awards in the future.”

The award will take pride of place on the store’s awards wall, while in-store signage and social media channels are already highlighting the achievement to customers.

Finally, the team shared a message of thanks to the local community: “Our message is one of heartfelt gratitude These awards are a partnership; Our team’s effort combined with our customers’ incredible support and loyalty

On conclusion Galeno took the opportunity to thank Spar Junction 14’s loyal customers for making the store a “vital part of their daily routine”. He said: “This win is as much yours and it is ours, and we promise to keep continuing to work hard every day to earn your trust and to maintain the title of Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Large) and Supreme Champion National Convenience Store of the Year 2025.” n

“It was amazing to be recognised among such an accomplished group of retailers and suppliers.”

(L-R) Thomas Desmond, PCS (Now part of ICT Services), Alex Dupreez, Donal Fitzpatrick and Eduardo Galeno, Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

(L-R) Kevin Fitzgerald, Cuisine de France, Jim O’Connor, National Lottery, Alex Dupreez, Donal Fitzpatrick and Eduardo Galeno, Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

Make a splash

Demand for bottled water, still, sparkling and with a hint of flavour is showing no signs of abating. Ryan Brennan reports

Irish consumers are increasingly viewing bottled water as the go-to choice for healthy hydration, driven by wellness trends and government encouragement to prioritise water over soft drinks. Demand for bottled water, still, sparkling and with a hint of flavour is showing no signs of abating. The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has further boosted the

category, especially for flavoured varieties.

As demand continues to accelerate, now is the ideal time for bottled water brands to enhance visibility, introduce innovations, and foster consumer loyalty

Irish bottled water demand continues to benefit from health-led consumer trends and strong volume growth, with still formats

dominating as functional and flavoured waters gain traction among shoppers. Euromonitor’s recent Bottled Water in Ireland report notes that wellness focus and safety concerns have lifted sales, supporting continued category expansion as consumers favour lower-sugar hydration options over traditional soft drinks.

The data highlights that functional and flavoured still waters are driving growth by offering lighter tastes and added benefits that appeal to health-conscious drinkers, while sparkling remains a smaller segment of the market.

Deep RiverRock, the number one water brand for on-the-go!

With over 30 years’ experience in the market, consumer preference is at the heart of Deep RiverRock’s mission. As the number one impulse water brand on the island of Ireland* and on-the-go purchases rising, Deep RiverRock delivers hydration that fits into busy, mobile lifestyles.

Deep RiverRock is meeting increased consumer demand for flavoured water with the top selling 750ml flavoured water range on the island of Ireland*, including the number one flavour – Apple & Pear*.

In 2025 Deep RiverRock launched a new brand campaign - ‘That’s Better’ - taking a refreshingly honest approach, cutting through the noise of exaggerated wellness claims. Its message is simple: Deep RiverRock won’t make you better at anything – except hydrating.

Shane McQuaid, brands marketing manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Ireland is clearly embracing a new era of hydration. We know that consumers respond to authenticity and in a market full of overpromises, we are a brand that offers straightforward, refreshing, and hydrating products.

“The - That’s Better - campaign, which launched last year, is testament to the growing trend and success of the hydration market. The campaign had impactful reach across Ireland and Northern Ireland, with consumers responding well and reaching for Deep RiverRock more

>> and more. As hydration habits continue to evolve, Deep RiverRock will continue to lead with innovation, transparency and a commitment to keeping the nation honestly hydrated”.

* Nielsen IOI Water Value Sales latest 52 wks (w/e 28 Dec)

About Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland

• Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland is the strategic bottling partner to The Coca-Cola Company for the island of Ireland, responsible for the manufacture, distribution, sale and channel marketing of its beverage portfolio

• Coca-Cola HBC produces locally owned brands Deep RiverRock and Fruice as well as global brands Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Appletiser and Schweppes.

• The company’s sustainability leadership has long been recognised internationally In 2025, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices ranked Coca-Cola HBC as the #1 global beverage leader in sustainability

• To view Deep RiverRock’s ‘That’s Better’ campaign advertisement, visit the Deep RiverRock YouTube page

Unlock incremental functional water sales with a new Rubicon taste experience

Rubicon Spring, the number one Sparkling Flavoured Water1 , is disrupting the functional water category in 2025 with brand new Rubicon Spring Vits, available now.

Rubicon Spring Vits comes in three delicious flavours: Black Cherry Pomegranate, Mango Passion and Strawberry Watermelon. Packed with essential vitamins to support energy and immunity and made with spring water, fruit juice and natural flavours, each format is just 15 calories.

Hosons Brands launches new flavours

Hosons Brands, one of Ireland’s leading independent brand builders and the Irish partners of Something & Nothing premium sodas (London) and LemonAid+ / ChariTea - Organic & Fairtrade Soft Drinks and Loose Leaf Iced-Tea (Hamburg) announces the introduction of two new product flavours for 2026, with Something & Nothing - Mango & Thai Basil and LemonAid+ - Orange flavours added to their growing range of products. The new flavours will be available from March 2026.

Known for their curated portfolio of premium, adult-focused, better-for-you drinks, which also includes Roy Kombucha (Berlin), Hosons supply independent cafes, independent grocery stores, contract catering, health food stores and restaurants alongside select Centra and Spar outlets.

The launch of Something & Nothing’s Mango & Thai Basil follows the Pineapple & Pink Grapefruit and Ginger & Key Lime flavours, which were introduced last summer The brand has rolled out yet another flavour ‘for the curious’ consumer, delivering on the subtropical vibes of a Southeast Asia getaway, allowing Irish consumers to ‘escape the everyday’.

Flavour profile is ripe, juicy, fragrant mango, but it’s the Thai basil that takes it somewhere else entirely It’s aniseed-y, herbal aromatics bring a cool, unexpected twist that makes every sip more layered, more complex and totally unlike anything else you’ve ever had.

LemonAid+, synonymous with their strong commitment to sourcing only Fairtrade and Organic ingredients, has introduced their freshest new flavour from their iconic and globally recognisable soft drink lineup - LemonAid+ Orange

Simple as it is, refreshing, sparkling water, real juice from organic sun-ripened oranges and lemons, a dash of Fairtrade cane sugar and nothing else No concentrates, no shortcutsjust freshly pressed organic fruit doing what it does best. Good for you, good for others, good for the planet. Sunshine in a bottle

LemonAid+ and Something & Nothing products are available directly through Hosons Brands and can be bought through Hosons wholesale partners, including BWG, Odaios Foods, Independent Irish Health Foods, Conaty Catering and Elliott’s Cash & Carry

E: info@hosonsbrands.com

W: www.hosons.com

Lisa McKenna, head of Brand for Rubicon, said: “78% of shoppers are still choosing drinks for enjoyment, but aiming to drink more water. Taste remains the top driver but 69% are interested in added benefits such as energy and immunity2

“There is a perfect gap in the market for a trusted and established brand like Rubicon Spring to help retailers tap into this potential, with more than three times the brand awareness of the leading functional water brand3 The new Spring Vits range contains 100% of the recommended daily vitamin intake of a multivitamin blend, which is unlike any other brand on the market, as well as being full of tasty fruit flavours that Rubicon is known for.”

In consumer testing, 78% of shoppers said they would buy4 so retailers can maximise their sales by using our vibrant, attentiongrabbing PoS to ensure that shoppers can’t miss these on shelf Stock in the chiller next to other flavoured waters as this is where shoppers will look for them.

1. Circana, Value sales, Flavoured Water, MAT to 21/12/24

Total Coverage

2. Journey into the future of flavour Mintel 2024

3. Sample 200 Flavoured Water drinkers.

VYPR August 2024

4.JVA Consumer Research, 13/02/24

Rubicon Spring Vits range

Lemonaid Orange

Something & Nothing Mango & Thai Basil

Bottled Water CATEGORY FOCUS

Ballygowan backs Irish sport for 2026

2026 is set to be another busy year for the number one bottled water brand in the Republic of Ireland. Supporting Irish sport remains core to the brand ethos as Ballygowan will be keeping the Irish Men’s National Football team hydrated in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Hydration will play an important role in Ireland’s upcoming qualifier with Czechia, and hopefully, we will be seeing a further home game later in the Aviva. The brand will also be highly visible throughout both the Men’s and Women’s 2026 Rugby Six Nations as the proud official water sponsor Ballygowan retains its ambassadorships with Irish rugby players Béibhinn Parsons and Joe McCarthy, and both will feature prominently in a through-the-line campaign during the Six Nations period. This will include a host of exciting and disruptive activities, including special on-pack promotions, in-store activation and extensive social and digital touchpoints. There is a lot of excitement building ahead of the new GAA season across all codes, and Ballygowan is maintaining its longstanding support of several Men’s and Ladies county teams throughout the island of Ireland. Flavoured water remains fundamental to the growth of the bottled water category, and Ballygowan Hint of Fruit is leading the charge in the Republic of Ireland as the number one flavoured water brand*. The Ballygowan Hint of Fruit range is continually innovating and now offers product offerings to suit every occasion, from flavoured still variants to the brand’s latest innovation in lightly sparkling flavoured water. The fact that Ballygowan Hint of Fruit is always sugar-free is a key driver in the ever-growing popularity of this range Keep an eye out for the brand teaming up with run clubs, saunas and community events throughout 2026.

*Source: NIQ Ttl Scantrack, Flavoured Water, MAT TY Nov ‘25.

S.Pellegrino: The sparkling Italian icon on the world’s finest tables

For over 125 years, S.Pellegrino has proudly brought the essence of Italian style to tables around the world. Born in the heart of the Italian Alps and historically appreciated for its thermal qualities, our sparkling natural mineral water, with its signature gentle bubbles and perfect mineral balance, is today chosen for its unique taste that transforms every occasion into something extraordinary With roots in Italy and a presence in over 120 countries, S.Pellegrino represents the best of the Italian way of living: natural elegance, conviviality, and good taste It’s more than just water; it’s a lifestyle, a symbol of refinement that elevates dining experiences everywhere.

It has become the jewel of sparkling waters, celebrated by chefs and sommeliers for its ideal pairing properties, making it the fine dining water of choice in the most prestigious restaurants.

Over the years, S.Pellegrino has delighted gastronomy lovers with partnerships and limited editions inspired by icons of fashion, art, and culture, including Vogue, Bulgari, Missoni, and Pavarotti. Today, S. Pellegrino is proud to announce a new lifestyle chapter: a long-term partnership with Ferrari, a legacy that brings together two champions of heritage craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Speaking of excellence, in 2015, S.Pellegrino launched a global project dedicated to young chef talents: the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, which every 18 months discovers and celebrates the future protagonists of high-end gastronomy.

S.Pellegrino is also a proud historical partner of Food For Soul, the non-profit organization founded by Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore, aimed at preventing food waste. We amplify awareness about this topic with dedicated campaigns and storytelling on social media and on Fine Dining Lovers by S.Pellegrino – our content platform dedicated to food enthusiasts.

From the Alps to the world’s finest tables, we invite you to discover the origins of our sparkling natural mineral water and experience how its timeless elegance and caring attitude transform every moment into something extraordinary n

Ballygowan Hint of Fruit

Start as you mean to go on

Ryan Brennan looks at how Irish consumers are embracing healthier eating and lifestyle habits this year, from low-fat milk to proteinboosted oats, flaxseed, and reduced-sugar treats

The start of a new year always brings renewed energy, fresh resolutions, and a focus on healthier living. Irish shoppers are increasingly looking for products that help them balance taste, nutrition, and convenience, whether it’s reducing sugar, boosting protein, or supporting gut and bone health.

From fat-free, nutrient-rich Avonmore Slimline Milk to Linwoods Cold Milled Flaxseed, there’s a growing selection of pantry staples designed to make everyday wellness simple and achievable Hermesetas Sweeteners offer smarter sugar alternatives,

Avonmore Slimline Milk: Light, nutritious choice

If you’re looking for a lighter choice to kickstart the New Year, Avonmore Slimline Milk is the ‘perfect’ option for you. It’s fatfree, so it provides a lighter taste in your cereal, porridge, tea, coffee, and smoothies.

And while it’s fat-free, it still provides a source of calcium and protein and is enriched with added iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and folic acid, essential nutrients to help you feel your best.

With darker days and less sunlight, it’s very hard to get enough Vitamin D in Ireland at this time of year But did you know 90% of people also don’t get enough Vitamin D from the food they eat? (FSAI Vitamin D Report, 2023).

Vitamin D is important for bone health, so if you prefer a lighter milk but also want to increase your Vitamin D intake this year, Avonmore Super Milk Fat Free is an easy, convenient solution.

It’s fat-free but has 30% more calcium than regular, unfortified milk and is also enriched with Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and folic acid.

Avonmore Super Milk is also available in Low Fat and Whole Milk variants.

Hermesetas Sweeteners supporting healthier starts

Having got through the Christmas and New Year excesses, many shoppers will turn their minds to new resolutions, healthier lifestyles,

while MACE’s Right Options campaign helps families make practical, informed food choices. Meanwhile, innovative products like Nutriluv Bett’r Snacks, The Happy Pear Gut Soda, and White’s Protein Oats show that indulgence and nutrition can coexist. Across categories,

and “new year-new me” desires, as they kickstart new routines and focus on their health & fitness goals for 2025. Research shows that over half the population will be seeking to reduce their sugar intake. As well as tasting great with a real sugar-sweet taste, Hermesetas Mini Sweeteners are the best value tablet sweetener in Ireland, so retailers just have to hold their shoppers’ hands by providing pack sizes to suit each main shopper type

With a range of pack sizes - 300, 600, and 1200 tablets, plus the 90g granulated jarHermesetas provides for all main user types &

from dairy to snacks, functional beverages to cereals, these launches highlight how retailers can cater to health-conscious consumers seeking real benefits, taste, and convenience as they embrace their “new year, new me” aspirations in 2026.

needs. For small quantity & convenience, for personal use and often out of home there’s the 300-tablet slimline, pocket/handbag pack. With a low entry price that’s perfect for trial, which is so important in the new year period. January & February are peak months for new entrants to the category, plus high regular user sales. The larger volume 600 and 1200 tablet packs are ideal for family sharing in-home or for individuals with higher sweetness levels or the more frequent hot beverage drinkers. The larger the pack, the better the value per 100 tablets. Hermesetas therefore recommends stocking at least two sizes of tablet packs – a small pack for convenience / out of home and low volume users, plus a larger pack for higher consumption users and the more value-formoney focused shoppers. Don’t just stock one size because you will miss out on a big part of the total opportunity For example, a 300s pack user is very unlikely to purchase a 1200 pack as it commits to too much volume and a higher investment, even if it is a better value per 100 tablets. A 1200 user may buy a small pack for out-of-home, convenient on-the-go use - an added sale - but due to the better value of the larger packs, very unlikely to buy four small packs to accommodate their higher volume use

Get your year ahead sorted with Hermesetas Sweeteners, the highest volume and ‘besttasting value’ sweeteners.

Contact Allegro on 01 858 0600 for further information and purchasing.

Hermesetas Sweeteners

A new era of Bett’r Sweets for Ireland

Ireland’s love of sweets is no secret-but neither is our growing appetite for healthier choices. As shoppers become more mindful of sugar, calories, and how food makes them feel, the arrival of this new reducedsugar gummy range couldn’t be better timed.

From Nutriluv, ‘Less Sugar’ range reimagines classic favourites, using up to 98% less sugar than traditional gummies. With just 0.7g of sugar per 50g bag, these treats prove that indulgence and balance can go hand in hand.

What really sets the range apart is what it leaves out. Many “sugar-free” sweets rely on maltitol or isomalt, ingredients known to cause digestive discomfort. These gummies don’t. Instead, they use polydextrose, a fibre-based ingredient that supports digestion, improves texture and is far gentler on the gut. They’re also gluten-free, making them accessible to even more people

The BETT’R Snacks range brings function into the fun. From caffeine and B-vitamins to fight fatigue, to protein for muscle support, collagen and biotin for beautythese are gummies with a purpose They’re designed for modern lifestyles, whether you’re heading to the gym, the office, or just want your sweet treats to be BETT’R for you.

MACE launches Right Options campaign

MACE has recently announced the launch of its new MACE Right Options campaign, a multi-phase initiative designed to help people make more informed, healthier food choices as part of everyday life.

Adding extra credibility is brand ambassador Angelique Kerber, a former world No.1 tennis player and Grand Slam champion. Her message is simple: conscious everyday choices-what we eat, how we move-shape a healthier, more active life.

Launching in Ireland in January 2026 from Rose Confectionery, this range isn’t just another sweet on the shelf It represents a shift: from empty sugar to smarter indulgence, from compromise to choice. For Irish consumers who want treats that fit real life-busy, active, health-awarethis is the candy shelf revolution we’ve been waiting for.

Contact Rose Confectionery on 01 456 8064 to find your local sales representative.

The campaign is led by MACE brand ambassador and Irish rugby legend Johnny Sexton, alongside health and nutrition coach Ciara Turley, better known as @thetummyfairy

Running from January through April, MACE Right Options aims to make healthy eating feel more achievable, practical and family-friendly, with a focus on fuelling the body properly and supporting better decision-making around food.

Commenting, Johnny Sexton said: “Proper nutrition plays a huge role in how you feel, perform and recover, whether you’re a professional athlete or just juggling a busy day.

“For me, it’s about fuelling your body in the right way and understanding that small, healthier swaps can make a real difference over time

“That’s what MACE Right Options is all about – helping people choose these options more easily.”

Ciara Turley, health and nutrition coach, added: “I’m passionate about showing people that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, restrictive or timeconsuming.

Nutriluv Bett’r Snacks Gummy Candy Protein

Nutriluv Bett’r Snacks Gummy Candy Energy

Nutriluv Bett’r Snacks Gummy Candy Collagen

Nutriluv:

“With MACE Right Options, we’re focusing on realistic, everyday food choices that nourish the body and fit into real life.

“It’s about empowering people with simple knowledge so they feel confident making the right decisions for themselves and their families.”

Episode One of the ‘Fast and Healthy’ campaign droppede on 13 January with family-focused video content featuring Johnny Sexton, Ciara Turley and a group of children, reimagining familiar favourites into fun, healthier recipes.

Later phases will deliver bite-sized nutritional tips and practical meal inspiration across social and digital platforms.

Keith Crawford, sales director, MACE, said: “Our MACE retailers are deeply committed to supporting healthier living in their communities.

“MACE Right Options reflects that commitment by making it easier for shoppers to access healthier choices and trusted guidance in-store and online.”

The MACE Right Options campaign will be supported across social media, in-store communications and digital channels nationwide, reinforcing MACE’s ongoing commitment to helping customers make healthier food choices every day.

The Happy Pear brings a fresh spark to gut health with gut soda

The Happy Pear launch a new lightly sparkling prebiotic soda designed to support gut health and everyday wellbeing.

The Happy Pear has launched a range of new Gut Soda drinks, lightly sparkling prebiotic kombucha based sodas created to support everyday gut wellbeing, while providing refreshing taste and a joyful spark.

With growing research emphasising the importance of fermented foods in digestive health, kombucha is continuing to rise in popularity, with 1 in 5 consumers now choosing fermented drinks as part of their routine.

The Happy Pear Gut Soda is a raw and unpasteurised fermented green tea kombucha

Linwoods Flaxseed boosts healthy living

As shoppers kick off the year with healthier intentions, cold-milled flaxseed is emerging as a simple, versatile pantry staple with strong nutritional credentials. The original milled flaxseed blend is widely recognised for supporting the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, while also providing a high source of fibre and plantbased protein. Naturally, it also aligns with modern dietary preferences as 100% organic, gluten-free and vegan.

base with live cultures and added chicory root fibre for the promotion of good gut health.

The brand new range is available in three refreshing flavours, each designed to deliver a light spark and radiate the Happy Pear feeling: Lemon & Lime, Raspberry, and Orange & Passionfruit. All sodas are made with 100% natural ingredients.

Please note - due to the live cultures in the soda, it must be kept refrigerated at all times. Chilling prevents further fermentation while preserving flavour and quality.

The Happy Pear Gut Soda range is available exclusively in Centra and SuperValu stores nationwide.

Fuel your new year: White’s Oats expands breakfast portfolio with proteinboosted oats

With this year’s attention firmly on protein and fibre, White’s Oats, Ireland’s largest oat miller and cereal producer, is helping retailers respond to these shifting priorities with the launch of its New Protein Boosted Oats, designed to support balanced lifestyles without compromising on nutrition, taste or convenience.

Made using 100% Irish oats and presented in fully recyclable 450g packs complete with a scoop to support easy portion and nutrient control., White’s high-protein oats offer a winning balance of nutrition and practicality, fitting seamlessly into daily routines.

Unlike whole flaxseed, which can often pass through the body undigested, milled flaxseed is blended into a fine, powder-like texture that’s easier to absorb and far more beneficial for digestion. Linwoods Cold Milled Flaxseed uses a unique cold milling process designed to unlock the goodness of the seed while keeping nutrients intact.

On shelf, Linwoods is an instantly recognisable Irish family brand and a leader in health foods for five generations. Linwoods’ aim to enhance the health and well-being of customers through nutritiously dense, healthy foods using the finest organic quality ingredients and sustainable production methods. making it a strong choice for health-conscious shoppers.

Flaxseed contains omega-3 (ALA), magnesium, fibre and plant-based protein. One 20g serving of Linwoods Milled Flaxseed provides a convenient 4g of omega-3 (ALA), an essential fatty acid that contributes to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. It also delivers 4.1g fibre per serving, helping consumers work towards the recommended 30g daily intake of fibre, as well as containing magnesium, which contributes to normal bones and teeth and reducing tiredness and fatigue.

Crafted for both hot porridge and overnight oats and available in Choco Boost and Berry Boost flavours, both products provide 14g of natural high-quality protein per 75g serving, alongside high fibre and healthy fats, delivering functional benefits without compromising on flavour.

Available now in 30 Tesco stores across Northern Ireland, with wider rollout planned, the launches underline White’s Oats’ commitment to innovation that resonates with customers and consumers. Speaking on the new range, Danielle McBride, marketing manager, White’s Oats, said: “If you are looking at making smarter food choices to kickstart the new year the right way, this new product range delivers convenience, quality and nourishment in every bowl.” n

The Happy Pear Gut Soda

White’s Protein Oats range

(L-R) Johnny Sexton, brand ambassador, MACE, and Ciara Turley, health and nutrition coach

Linwoods Cold Milled Flaxseed

53 MARKET MOVERS

Just Food relaunches vegan organic soup

The Just Food organic soup brand, established in 2004, recently announced its relaunch this Veganuary with two new naturally vegan recipes on-shelf with a third due to join shortly

Its new packaging features bold illustrations and natural colours that are true to the purity of the ingredients – with the refreshed range being greeted with delight by our loyal consumers (including Sophie Morris who featured the clean deck ingredients).

Its ethos remains firmly rooted in producing nourishing, organic products that retailers and consumers can trust and savour

Each Just Food soup is made in Galway using certified organic ingredients, slow-simmered in small batches to deliver depth of flavour without shortcuts.

Clean, clearly labelled ingredient lists are central to the brand, with no thickeners/emulsifiers, flavour enhancers, preservatives or artificial additives, making the range particularly appealing to today’s healthconscious and ethically minded consumers.

Just Food organic soups are available at Dunnes Stores, Tesco Ireland, Londis and Mace. RRP €3.79

NowCoco adds sparkle to hydration

NowCoco Sparkling Coconut Water is rapidly gaining momentum within Ireland’s fast-growing functional drinks category Made with real coconut water, a splash of fruit juice and no added sugar it delivers crisp, natural hydration with a bright, refreshing taste

Coconut water remains one of the fastest-growing beverage segments globally, as consumers look for natural electrolytes and cleaner, low-sugar alternatives. NowCoco brings a modern twist to the category with its sparkling format, opening the door to a wider, more adventurous audience.

NowCoco is delivering strong traction at retail by attracting wellness-driven shoppers who are actively seeking healthier, natural hydration options.

Nordic Spirit unveils new look

Since introducing nicotine pouches in 2020, Nordic Spirit has continued to pioneer the way for the nicotine pouch category in Ireland. As the world, category and consumer expectations continue to evolve, Nordic Spirit is committed to evolving alongside them. This January, it is introducing a bold new look, designed to make navigation simpler and choices more intuitive.

• Bold new colours now define each flavour, making favourites easier to spot on the shelf

• Strength has also been simplified, with clear dot indicators showing nicotine levels at an easy glance, supported by a standout strength label.

• For those seeking maximum intensity, the Max range is clearly signposted with two additional dots.

• And as one of the few brands in Ireland to offer a Dry Pouch experience, it has introduced a handy label for clearer navigation. n

NowCoCo Nordic Spirit

Nordic Spirit Dry

Now Coco range

NOffLA wishes all the finalists the very best of luck at the Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2026

The winners will be announced at the Awards Presentation, scheduled for the end of January

These awards celebrate the excellence of independent off-licences, honouring retailers who provide outstanding customer service and set the standard in retail excellence.

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s finalists and extend our heartfelt congratulations on reaching this milestone We eagerly look forward to celebrating with you all and unveiling the winners of this prestigious and rigorously judged competition. Best of luck to everyone on the big night!

64 Wine 64 Glasthule Road, Glasthule, Co

Blackrock Cellar 23 Rock Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin A94 F1H7

Boyle’s Off-Licence Kildare Town Market Square, Kildare Town, Co Kildare Leinster

Carry Out Ballinasloe

Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe, Ballinasloe, Co Galway H53 P903 Connacht/Ulster

Dicey’s Off-Licence Market Street, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal F94FY61 Connacht/Ulster

Fine Wines Blackpool Unit 1 Blackpool Retail Park, Blackpool, Cork City T23WC62 Munster

Fine Wines Castletroy Cosgraves Garage, Dublin Rd, Castletroy V94FDOH, Limerick Munster

Fine Wines Kilmurray Kilmurray Roundabout, Limerick V94YW32, Limerick Munster

Fine Wines Roches St 42 Roches Street, V94K3OA, Limerick Munster

Fine Wines Roslevan Centre Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co Clare V95DKW9 Munster

Fine Wines Westside Unit 72B Westside Business Park, 72 Old Seamus Quirke Road, Galway Connacht/Ulster

Gibneys New Street, Malahide, Co Dublin

Jus De Vine Unit 10, Portmarnock Town Centre, Portmarnock D13FP28, Co Dublin

Dublin

Kellers Carry Out Nenagh Brooklands, Nenagh, E45 NY90, Co Tipperary Munster

Leonard’s Fine Wines Athboy Gate, Trim, Meath C15TVOF Leinster

Londis Malahide Yellow Walls Road, Malahide, Co Dublin

Martins Off-Licence 11 Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3

McHughs Artane 25E Malahide Road, Artane, Dublin 5, D05 A4X2

McHughs Kilbarrack Road 57 Kilbarrack Road, Dublin 5, D05 V8P9

Mitchell & Son - The Vaults

Mitchell and Son Wine & Spirit

The Vaults, Unit 2, Old Harcourt Railway Station, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2 D02 K2K2

Merchants 54 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Co Dublin A96W372

Molloys Ballyfermot

Molloys Clondalkin

Molloy’s Clonsilla

Molloys Finglas

Grange Cross, Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 D10CC91

Orchard Road, Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22

The Mall Clonsilla, Clonsilla Road, Dublin 15 D15KPK4

Seamus Ennis Road, Ballygall, Finglas, Dublin 11 D11VRP3

Molloys Leopardstown Leopardstown Valley S.C., Ballyogan Road, Leopardstown D18UOC7, Dublin 18

Dublin

NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year finalists continued

Outlet

Molloys Tallaght Block 2, Village Green, Tallaght D24X335, Dublin 24 Dublin

Molloys The Liberties 125 Francis Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8 D08VTR7 Dublin

AddressRegion

Number 21 Blarney Ashdale House Blarney, Co Cork, T23 EO6C Munster

Number 21 Cashel 9 Main Street, Cashel, Co Tipperary Munster

Number 21 Dungarvan 85 O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, X35 D329 Munster

Number 21 Limerick Unit 6, Greenpark S.C., Ballinacurra, Co Limerick Munster

Number 21 Listowel 2 William Street, Listowel, Co Kerry Munster

Number 21 Main Street Midleton 72 Main Street, Midleton, Co Cork P25YW80 Munster

Number 21 The Forum The Glen, Waterford, X91AH24, Co Waterford Munster

O’Donovans Off-Licence Bandon 6 Pearce Street, Bandon, Co Cork Munster

O’Donovans Off-Licence Blackpool 36 Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork Munster

O’Donovans Off-Licence Carrigaline Cork Road, Carrigaline, Cork Munster

O’Donovans Off-Licence Oliver Plunkett Street 89 Oliver Plunkett Street, , Cork Munster

O’Donovans Off-Licence Passage West The Quays, Passage West, Co Cork Munster

O’Donovans Off-Licence Riversdale Shopping Centre, Midleton Riversdale Shopping Centre, Midleton, Co Cork Munster

O’Donovans Off-Licence Mayfield Units 3&4, Mayfield Shopping Centre, Mayfield, Co Cork Munster

Redmonds Off-Licence 25 Ranelagh, , Dublin 6 Dublin

The Coach House Off-Licence Ballinteer Avenue, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 Dublin

The Vintry 102 Rathgar Road, Dublin 6 Dublin

The Wine Centre, Kilkenny 15 John Street, Kilkenny Leinster

Thompson’s Carry Out Unit 2 Cellar Court, Ferrybank, Waterford Munster

Win a trip Down Under at Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting

Get a taste of Australia and New Zealand’s diverse and thrilling wine scene at the Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting in Dublin on 3 February, and you might get to experience it first-hand on a trip Down Under later in the year

Sommeliers, on-trade buyers and independent off-trade buyers who attend the tasting have the chance to win a two-week trip to Australia in early November The trip hosted by Wine Australia’s Emma Symington MW, will cover seven wine regions across three states, and it will include an array of food, wine and tourism experiences. Attending the tasting at The Alex Hotel in Dublin on 3 February completes one of the criteria for entry The second part is answering a couple of questions on why you would like to go to Australia.

At the tasting, there will be more than 350 wines from 92 producers, ranging from international superstars to small boutique newbies. Explore the latest vintages from iconic producers, revisit old favourites and taste alternative varieties and new wave styles. You’ll also get a chance to meet winemakers and winery owners, and catch up with importers.

If you’re looking to expand your Australian and New Zealand list, don’t miss this great opportunity to taste a diverse range under one roof The line-up includes 136 new wines from wineries seeking distribution in Ireland. Australian wines include old vine Barossa Shiraz, Tasmanian still and sparkling, alternative varieties from McLaren Vale, and Chardonnay from Australia’s first Indigenousowned wine company. New Zealand wines include Pét-Nat from North Canterbury, single vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc,

€3.4m profit for West Cork Distillers with plans for more growth in 2026

John O’Connell, the co-founder of West Cork Distillers, has said it had been another strong year for the business with sales at the Skibbereen-based group over €77.3 million in 2024, and profits at €3.4 million.

He said its alcohol-ingredient supply contracts for the ready-to-drink industry had performed well, while contract distilling and one-off new make whiskey contracts had also done well.

He told the Irish Independent: “We have developed some very good proprietary technology that has given us a number of operational USPs (unique selling points) in terms of providing scope for innovation for our customers,” he said of the alcohol ingredient business.

Last year, the company increased employees numbers from 134 to 215 to support the growth, providing a big boost for the Skibbereen economy.

O’Connell said the number of staff would grow further in the year, with the potential for up to 50 new people in operations across the group

Central Otago Riesling, and Gisborne Pinot

Offering a range of styles and varieties, there’s something for every buyer Register to attend the Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting by emailing jean@jeansmullen.com and entering the competition online by 20 February 2026.

Irish drinks exports hit €2bn

Drinks Ireland has recently welcomed new data showing that drinks exports continue to grow, increasing by 2% to €2 billion in 2025, despite strong economic and trade challenges.

In April 2023, Thin Lizzy and the Philip Lynott Estate revealed plans to launch a ‘Thin Lizzy’ whiskey brand in collaboration with West Cork Distillers. In 2015, it also released a whiskey in collaboration with The Pogues.

John

The Ibec group, which represents the sector, was responding to the recent release of the Bord Bia Export Performance & Prospects Report for 2025/2026, outlining the performance of Ireland’s key food and drinks exports.

Although exports to North America declined slightly to €920 million due to market conditions and new tariff pressures, exports to Canada grew by approximately 25%. Exports to Africa also increased sharply, rising by almost 60% to €100 million, while Asia recorded a 17% increase to €85 million, driven largely by India, which accounted for €40 million.

Within the European Union, exports were stable overall, with Germany recovering in the second half of the year, France remaining steady, and Belgium, Italy, and Spain showing strong levels of growth.

According to Bord Bia, Irish whiskey continued to represent the largest share of its drink exports, accounting for 45% of total export value at approximately €930 million, despite a 5% decline from the previous year n

(L-R) Co-founders of the West Cork Distillers,

O’Connell, Denis McCarthy and Ger McCarthy

At the tasting, there will be more than 350 wines from 92 producers, ranging from international superstars to small boutique newbie

Pat Rigney, chair, The Shed Distillery and Drinks Ireland

Gris.

The stars turn out in style as Guinness Storehouse celebrates 25 years

The Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s number one visitor attraction, marked its 25th anniversary on 9 December with an outstanding celebration across the seven floors of the iconic building.The evening saw performances from an array of contemporary

Irish acts as over five hundred guests gathered to mark the occasion. Each corner told a story - woven from the threads of Guinness’s past, present, and future - creating an experience that was as timeless and captivating as the legacy of Guinness itself

The Guinness Storehouse looks ahead to the next twenty-five years of storytelling and welcoming millions to discover the magnetic soul of Guinness at St James’s Gate n

Pic: Andres Poveda

(L-R) Catherine Toolan, Helen McEntee and Louise Ryan

(L-R) Aine Leech and Rosanna Irwin

(L-R) David O’Flanagan and Donna Ahern

(L-R) Conor Finn and Tara Walsh

(L-R) Aisling Melia and Fionnuala Carolan

(L-R) Julie McBride and Judith Owens

(L-R) Alice Mansergh and Catherine Toolan

Aoife Rooney

20 QUICK QUESTIONS WITH

MARGARET DINEEN, founder, The Irish Food Trade Connect Forum

Margaret Dineen has spent 25 years in the food and drink industry and now runs a management solutions business supporting companies with commercial trading, networking, business development and finance. She has held senior roles with Keelings, Donnelly Fresh and Kerry Group, and is known for connecting SME food businesses across Ireland with retail and foodservice buyers to help producers grow their brands.

Dineen is a solo parent to two teenage children for the past 13 years. She loves running and continually investing in learning for herself and others.

1. Best series you recently watched on a streaming platform?

I have just watched the Crown for the second time – my late mother loved following the royals so I must be following her footsteps.

2. Best place for coffee?

Taste of Provence, near Blanchardstown village – coffee and cake – unbelievable.

3. Top movie recommendation?

The Shawshank Redemption – It inspires a feeling of hope, perseverance and strength through friendship.

4. Top book recommendation?

The mountain is you by Brianna Wiest. My biggest obstacle is myself and this book taught me how to step out of my own way and just go for it.

5. Which social media platform do you use most?

I must admit I love a TikTok scroll!

6. Favourite inﬂuencer/content creator if you have one?

Not a big fan of inﬂuencers, but Laura Dowling – the Fabulous Pharmacist – is different. She empowers women to ask anything about their bodies and health, proving no question is ever too awkward.

7. Best advert on TV? Vodafone’s Connections you can always rely on.

8. Worst advert on TV?

Maltesers ad about a necklace and a doctor with maltesers all over the ﬂoor – I didn’t get it!

9. Favourite grocery shop?

To save time, I shop Tesco online each week, but I love a browse in M&S and SuperValu.

10. If you had to live in another country, where would you choose?

I have a goal to retire to Spain / Portugal. I ﬁnd the pace of life and sun really supports my mental wellbeing.

11. Greatest achievement to date?

Giving up alcohol ﬁve years – one of the best decisions I have ever made.

12. Do you prefer working from home or in the office/on-site?

I love a mix – I ﬁnd I get a lot of work done at home, but I am a huge networker and love to be among like-minded minded people.

13. Best piece of advice you ever received? What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.

14. Biggest fear? Losing my children before me.

15. City or beach break? Beach break.

16. Top restaurant recommendation?

A family favourite is the Anglers Rest, Strawberry Beds, Castleknock – lovely atmosphere and always a great meal.

17. Who is the last artist/group you saw live? Sza in Malahide castle with my kids.

18. Apart from your own, what brand do you admire most?

Keoghs – Marketing is very well done, highly innovative and much appreciate their support of product at Irish Food Trade Connect Forum last year.

19. Best customer service you ever received?

I went to Hawksmoor in Dublin just before Christmas with my sister as a treat and thought the service was excellent.

20. What’s the last compliment you received?

The last compliment I received was someone asking me what I do to stay looking so young. When I was younger, I actually had trouble getting into clubs because I looked underage. Back then I always wished I looked older, but now it’s the complete opposite. n

Margaret Dineen