“It’s not evolution anymore, it’s revolution!”
Chief Retail and Commercial Officer at BWG Foods Simon Marriott reflects on his term as IGBF President of Appeals
As demand for festive fare is gaining momentum, now is the time for retailers to stock up on Christmas essentials
The write stuff
How to craft a retail job advertisement that great candidates will answer
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ShelfLife November 2025 Vol.32 No.11
Editor
DONNA AHERN
donnaahern@mediateam.ie
Staff journalist
RYAN BRENNAN
ryanbrennan@mediateam.ie
Contributors
CAROLINE REIDY
NIKKI MURRAN
Head of business
IAN MULVANEY (087) 2208486
ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie
Account manager
MARK MORGAN (086) 8854930
mark.morgan@mediateam.ie
Circulation subs@mediateam.ie
Publisher JOHN McDONALD (01) 294 7744
john.mcdonald@mediateam.ie
Printing W & G Baird Ltd
ShelfLife is a controlled circulation magazine, available to selected individuals with interests in the retail and wholesale grocery trade, who fall within the publisher’s terms of control. For those outside these terms, annual subscription is €98.00 including postage & packing.
The countdown to Christmas has begun, and Irish shoppers are wasting no time getting festive. Take-home grocery sales rose by 5.5% in the latest period, with consumers spending an additional €64 million despite continued price increases, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator. Inflation now sits at 6.06%, slightly down from last month, but that hasn’t dampened enthusiasm for seasonal favourites - boxed chocolates alone saw an €8 million uplift.
Retailers, mindful of ongoing financial pressures, are doubling down on value. Almost a quarter of all grocery sales are now sold on promotion, up nearly 6% year-on-year, and this trend is set to intensify as December approaches. Shoppers are looking for both value and quality, reflected in the strong performance of own label, which grew 6.3%. Premium own-label lines saw an impressive 15.3% rise, offering households an affordable way to indulge.
Brands continue to perform well too, growing 5.2% and reaching a 48.2% value share - their highest since February - as shoppers treat themselves ahead of the holidays. Categories including frozen fruit, hot beverages, confectionery and savoury snacks all grew ahead of the market.
Online grocery shopping is gaining momentum, up 6.4% year-on-year, with more than 18% of households logging on for convenience.
Festive shopping is officially underway - and the season is already shaping up strongly.
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
30 Serving with purpose: Simon Marriott, Chief retail and commercial officer, BWG Foods sat down with Donna Ahern to discuss reviving tradition, building community, and leading with purpose during his tenure as President of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF)
24 I’m with the brand: Donna Ahern recently caught up with award-winning bartender Richie Delahoyde to talk about his role as brand ambassador for The Busker Irish Whiskey.
32 Always Nearby: Across Ireland, more independent retailers are making the move to join the Nearby Family and for good reason. ShelfLife reports.
38 Starting with the consumer: Morgan Lee, market manager, Imperial Brands John Player Ireland talks to Donna Ahern about how despite the continued challenges in the external environment, the brand has demonstrated remarkable resilience and sustained growth.
90 20 Quick questions: Carol McCaghy, marketing manager, Tayto snacks.
20 HR: Ireland has recently seen a rise in extreme weather, disrupting businesses through travel hazards and occasional shutdowns. Caroline Reidy reports.
22 Recruitment: Recruitment can be one of the most time-consuming tasks for retail managers, and one of the most important to get right, writes Nikki Murran. MARKETING
Euro Refrigeration Limited, part of the ERG Group, has recently unveiled its pioneering E-Clean chemical-free glass washing system with a high-profile installation at the Guinness Storehouse and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in St James’s Gate, Dublin.
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley T.D., recently joined Bord Bia in Qingdao, China to attend Asia’s largest seafood expo
For more details on all the above and the latest grocery-related news as it happens, visit www.shelflife.ie.
Dawn Meats, one of Europe’s leading red meat processors, has recently welcomed the decision of farmer-shareholders of the NewZealand based meat processor, Alliance Group, to vote in favour of a proposed NZ$270 million (€132 million) strategic partnership
The result means Dawn Meats will now proceed to acquire a 65% shareholding in Alliance Group, with farmer-shareholders retaining a 35% stake.
Lidl Ireland has announced 26 schools, one from every county in the Republic of Ireland selected to participate in its #SeriousSupport Schools Programme for the 2025/2026 school year
The event is supported by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and delivered by Youth Sport Trust and their specially trained athlete mentors. n
The Maxol Group CEO, Brian Donaldson recently confirmed a strong performance following an investment programme of €70.5 million during the 2023-2024 trading period, bolstered by an additional €47.5 million in capital expenditure during 2025. The Group noted that it finished the year in a strong financial position, with no net bank debt and a substantial cash surplus.
Employers can giveupto €1,500 CleverCards completely tax-free per employeeeach year under the Small Benefit Exemption –including directors and business owners.
Digital CleverCards delivered instantly by email Spend anywhereonline &in-storewith Google &Apple Pay No admin. No postal costs or delays. Scan the QR code or visit CleverCards.com to order today
Co Limerick store named XL Store Of The Year at prestigious Awards
XL Retailers from across Ireland were celebrated for their exceptional dedication to local communities and excellence in retail at the annual XL Retailer Awards, hosted by BWG Foods in Calpe, Spain.
The Awards recognise XL stores that go above and beyond in delivering outstanding service, innovation, and community engagement. Winners were selected following a rigorous programme of inspections and audits conducted by SMA Retail Specialists, Ireland’s leading retail audit company.
This year’s ceremony had a distinctly international flair, with RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey serving as Master of Ceremonies at the vibrant event in Spain. The celebration brought together XL retailers from all corners of Ireland, each recognised for their unique contributions to the trade and the communities they serve.
Among the honourees were retailers who demonstrated excellence in areas such as customer service, forecourt innovation, use of the Irish language, marketing, and support for national initiatives like the National Lottery Their achievements reflect the strength and diversity of the XL network and its deep-rooted commitment to local values.
In total, 35 of XL Retailing Excellence awards were presented.
Paul Bealin, Cash and Carry Sales Director at BWG Foods, commented: “XL retailers are the heartbeat of their communities. Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer care sets them apart as leaders in the Irish retail landscape. These awards are a testament to their hard work and the positive impact they make every day.”
The XL Retail Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the vital role local retailers play in shaping vibrant, resilient communities across Ireland.
Congratulations to all winners and their staff on their great achievements.
Caramico, the ‘much-loved’ Italian-inspired pizza company, is expanding its range to include a brand-new collection of sweet and savoury sides, designed to make every pizza night even more indulgent.
As part of the launch, Caramico is introducing an exciting new Meal Deal, inviting customers to enjoy any Caramico pizza with a side or dessert for only €10, and add a BBQ and Garlic Mayo Dip for just €2. It’s the ultimate kit for an easy, delicious night in, whether it’s a chill evening on the couch or sharing good food with friends.
The new sides collection includes something for every craving, which include: Doughlicious Garlic Balls, Spudtacular Spiced Fries, Cheesy Garlic Pizza Bread, Soft & Sticky Cinnamon Buns, Double Choc Brownie Bake, and the Dippin Duo - Garlic & Herb and Tangy BBQ Sauces.
Caramico’s new range is all about moments of sharing, whether you’re fighting over the last doughball, scooping fries into your favourite dip, or munching on the frosting on a warm cinnamon bun.
Centra
‘Centra
Ever wondered what goes on behind the Centra deli while you’re ordering your beloved chicken fillet roll? Well, wonder no more, as Centra brings deli life to the small screen with the launch of ‘Centra Deli Drama’. It’s Ireland’s newest soap-opera inspired ‘dramedy’, exclusively created for social media and bringing the entertainment and true ‘Irishness’ of community life to audiences everywhere.
Written by comedian and actress Sharon Mannion (Young Offenders, Bridget & Eamon), Centra Deli Drama stars Jennifer Zamparelli (who also collaborated on the writing of the series) and Cheryl Fergison (of EastEnders fame), alongside a cast of familiar Irish faces and surprise cameo guests appearing in each episodefrom a famous Father Ted priest (Neil McCaul A.K.A Father Terry) to Paudie Moloney (The Paudfather), the breakout star from RTÉ’s The Traitors Ireland. The episodes are live now, exclusively on Centra’s social channels.
Follow the drama on @Centra_Irl (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube).
SuperValu customers raise over €100,000 through Deposit Return Scheme donations
SuperValu customers nationwide have raised over €100,000 for AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, by donating their Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) vouchers.
SuperValu has become the first retailer in Ireland to reach this milestone through the DRS initiative, reflecting both the generosity of customers and the positive impact of community action.
The long-standing partnership between SuperValu and AsIAm has not only supported vital autism inclusion programmes but also demonstrated the positive environmental and social impact that can come from small, everyday actions.
Since the launch of the DRS initiative last year, over 424 million containers have been recycled across 577 SuperValu and Centra stores, making SuperValu and Centra the largest retail group participating in the scheme
Through the simple act of returning bottles and cans, SuperValu customers have chosen to donate their vouchers, directly contributing to AsIAm’s mission to build a more inclusive Ireland for Autistic people and their families.
Meath-based Boann Distillery has scooped Family Food and Drink Producer of the Year at the 2025 Family Business Awards, recognising the Cooney family’s outstanding contribution to Irish craftsmanship, innovation, and enterprise
The Family Business Awards celebrate Ireland’s most exceptional family-run enterprises - those who set new benchmarks for excellence and continue to make a lasting impact on their communities and the Irish economy.
After a highly competitive judging process,
Boann stood out among hundreds of entries for its quality, family ethos, and contribution to Irish food and drink excellence.
Founded by Pat Cooney and his wife Marie, Boann Distillery is a family-run business with over forty years experience in the Irish drinks industry and a deep connection to Irish distilling heritage
Their children: Sally-Anne, Celestine, James, Peter, and Patrick - each play key roles in the day-to-day running of the company.
Jordan’s Centra Tallaght and Thornton’s Centra Drumcondra have been jointly awarded the prestigious title of ‘National Centra Store of the Year’, officially recognised as Ireland’s top Centra stores for 2025.
For the first time ever, two stores have been awarded the prestigious accolade, following an exceptionally close competition and the outstanding performance of both locations across all evaluation categories – making it impossible to select a single winner
Commended by the judges for their transformational store designs, innovative customer experience, exceptional sales growth, and strong connections to their local communities, both Jordan’s Centra Tallaght and Thornton’s Centra Drumcondra are best-in-class examples of what a Centra store can achieve
The Store of the Year award, presented at the Pride of Centra Awards, celebrates and recognises the very best of Centra stores, its people, and their outstanding commitment to retail excellence, honouring the exceptional standards that make Centra one of the leading convenience retailers in the country
SuperValu has recently announced the opening of its brand-new, state-ofthe-art store in Hansfield, Dublin. The store is the first of its kind in the new Dublin 15 suburb and will create up to 100 jobs in the local area. This new store forms part of a broader €37 million investment programme across SuperValu’s store network in 2025, underscoring the retailer’s ongoing commitment to local employment and sustainable community retailing. The Hansfield store is a testbed for future SuperValu contemporary store layouts, enabling the retailer to enhance its customer experience by trialling the latest in food innovation.
Ampersand has announced that it will become the exclusive distributor of Ritmeester cigars in Ireland from 1 January 2026, marking a significant development in the Irish cigar category The move will see the full Ritmeester portfolio, including the MOODS range of aromatic filter cigarillos and classic lines such as Pikeur and Half Corona, transition to Ampersand distribution. This appointment sees the Ritmeester agency return to Ampersand, reinforcing the company’s position as Ireland’s largest supplier of machine-made cigars. Ampersand represents a strong cigar portfolio including STG brands, Signature and Henri Wintermans, Agio, and Villiger, and is also recognised as the leading independent supplier in Ireland’s premium cigar market.
Ritmeester is one of Europe’s most established cigar houses, known for its blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. The MOODS range includes bestselling formats such as Mini Moods, Sunshine Filter, Silver Filter, and Double Filter - each offering a smooth, aromatic experience tailored to modern adult smokers.
Irish non-alcoholic beer brand Fierce Mild brew things differently with world-class animation from Yukfoo Animation and creative by The Public House
Fierce Mild, Ireland’s character-first non-alcoholic beer, has launched “Brew Things Differently”, its first-ever TV campaign and the result of winning the inaugural Love Irish Food × Sky Media “Taste of TV” Fund.
As the first-ever recipient of the €50,000 advertising fund, Fierce Mild was awarded a fully funded TV campaign and media investment to bring its story to screens nationwide
The new film – developed by The Public House and animated by worldleading studio Yukfoo Animation – will air exclusively on Sky over a sixweek burst across entertainment, sport and lifestyle channels from early November
The campaign takes Fierce Mild’s distinctive on-pack character, which was also created by The Public House, and makes him the star of the brand’s first TV ad.
After two successful years celebrating Ireland’s most exciting food and drink producers, Maxol has recently announced the return of its Homegrown at Maxol programme
The competition offers small and medium-sized Irish producers the opportunity to expand their business and see their products stocked across Maxol-owned stores in 2026.
Now entering its third year, Homegrown at Maxol has become a leading platform for nurturing local enterprise, and the programme not only offers free distribution, but also mentorship, marketing support, and nationwide visibility, to help producers grow and scale sustainably Launched in 2023, Homegrown at Maxol was created to celebrate the creativity, innovation and resilience of Ireland’s food and drink sector
Mash Direct continues its streak of excellence in quality, innovation and consumer trust at the FreeFrom Ireland Awards 2025.
Mash Direct, the award-winning farm and food production company, has once again taken home Gold at the tenth annual FreeFrom Food Awards Ireland 2025. The company’s latest innovation, Skin-On Wedges was recognised in the Ready to Cook category, marking another consecutive year of excellence in quality, innovation and consumer trust.
Winning Gold again underscores Mash Direct’s ongoing leadership within the growing FreeFrom community and highlights its dedication to delivering wholesome and great-tasting gluten-free side dishes that meet the evolving needs of it’s consumers.
Following a sold-out weekend at Feast by Lidl, which saw more than 500 diners indulge their naughty and nice sides with a sumptuous tasting menu prepared by Michelin starred chef Oliver Dunne, Lidl has revealed the top-rated festive dishes as voted for by restaurant diners.
Showcasing the very best of Lidl Ireland’s Deluxe Christmas range, which was awarded Own-Label Range of the Year at the 2025 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards, Feast by Lidl aimed to challenge perceptions around festive food, pitting the traditionalists against experimentalists with two bespoke menus –Naughty or Nice – which featured the nation’s best-loved and most divisive festive dishes.
From traditional favourites like turkey and ham, smoked salmon and prawn cocktail, to more alternative main ingredients like pate, duck and Brussel sprouts, Feast by Lidl has turned the tables on Christmas dining.
Claiming the number one spot in the foodie Christmas chart is Lidl’s Deluxe Irish Duck Breast (€6.49), supplied by Silverhill Duck based in County Cavan.
Served with braised red cabbage, chestnuts, cauliflower puree, Pedro Ximenez Sherry and J.D. Gross Dark Chocolate Gravy, this showstopping dish featured on the ‘naughty’ menu and was voted best dish overall – tipping traditional turkey and ham to the top spot.
A survey of the general public by Lidl Ireland in October revealed that a quarter of people (23%) keen on changing up the menu this year would consider switching to duck as the centrepiece of the meal.
With rave reviews of the delicacy at Feast by Lidl, 2025 could well be the year shoppers decide to ruffle a few feathers and switch up the Christmas menu.
For many though, turkey and ham reigns supreme, coming in at a close second place in the list of best dishes, featuring on the ‘Nice’ menu.
Lidl’s Irish Free-Range Deluxe Turkey (€24.99) and Unsmoked Brown Sugar Glazed Deluxe Irish Ham (€24.99), sourced from Monaghan-based supplier McCaghey Turkeys, was served with Sage & Onion Cornbread Stuffing (€2.29), Thyme & Rosemary Potato Gratin (€2.99), Buttery Roast Potatoes (€3.99) and Seasonal Gravy (€2.19) all from its Deluxe range
Diners on the ‘Nice’ side were also impressed with Lidl’s Deluxe Irish Smoked Salmon Infused with Whiskey (€4.19) served in a vol au vent with buttered leeks, lemon, caper and dill cream.
West Cork seafood proved to be the catch of the day with Lidl’s Ireland Deluxe Lobster (€11.99) and Deluxe Wild Atlantic Prawns (€4.99) creating the iconic Prawn Cocktail dish with a twist – served with Deluxe Tomato & Chilli Chutney (€1.49) and juicy pomegranate beads.
Sourced from Keohane’s, the Bantry-based seafood supplier has been a longstanding partner to Lidl Ireland and features at the heart of festive feasts right across the country
Finishing up the line-up of best traditional grub, Lidl’s Deluxe Brandy Crumble Irish Mince Pies (€3.79) rounded off the most loved.
Menu diners also raved about the retailer’s Deluxe Pork Liver Pâté (€2.99) which featured as the starter, served with cranberry and mulled wine gel, toast snack bites with green olives and herbs and a parsnip crisp, washed down with the specially paired Bissinger Premier Cuvée Brut Champagne (€29.90) which proved to be top of the pops.
Sweet-toothed diners rated Lidl’s Jewel Topped Deluxe Irish Christmas Pudding infused
with Armagnac Brandy (€12.99) and served with Dundalgan Irish Whiskey Ice Cream (€2.99) as the standout dish.
Following Feast by Lidl, a massive 92% of popup restaurant diners rated the quality of Lidl Ireland’s Deluxe range as five-star and 95% of diners said that they are more likely to shop at Lidl for their Christmas fayre this year as a result of their Feast by Lidl experience.
Eimear O’Sullivan, corporate affairs director at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said: “Feast by Lidl set out to celebrate what is the most special meal of the year for many and to challenge consumer’s perceptions on quality, taste and tradition.
“Our Deluxe range is designed to bring together exceptional festive food made with trusted Irish ingredients at unbeatable value
“This Christmas, we’re proud to celebrate Irish producers, local flavour, and the simple pleasure of great food shared.”
Lidl Ireland’s Deluxe Christmas range is available in all 188 stores across Ireland with additional items being added on a weekly basis. Discover the full Deluxe range in store or visit www.lidl.ie for festive inspiration.
and YouTube
Now in its ninth season and with over 100 episodes, The Retail Tea Break has become Ireland’s go-to podcast for anyone working in or passionate about retail.
Hosted by Melissa Moore, an award-winning retail consultant, educator and globally respected thought leader
The show dives into the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.
Each episode brings together voices from leading Irish and
international brands, including Lidl, Musgrave, Circle K and Thomas Ennis Group alongside global names like Salesforce and TikTok Shop
Conversations explore everything from shopper behaviour to digital transformation, sustainability and leadership in a rapidly evolving retail landscape
With a loyal audience and growing community, The Retail Tea Break continues to inspire, educate and challenge listeners to think differently about the future of retail.
Meade Farm, the Meath-based agribusiness specialising in the growing and packing of fresh produce, is celebrating winning two major honours at the Green Transformation Awards the Food and Beverage Award and the Large Organisation Award as well as being named Farming Family of the Year at the Family Business Awards 2025.
These national awards highlight Meade Farm’s leadership in sustainable agri-food production and its commitment to innovation, community, and family farming values across generations.
The Green Transformation Awards, which recognise organisations driving measurable environmental change, commended Meade Farm for its renewable energy initiatives, biodiversity projects, and social sustainability
It also recently achieved Bord Bia Origin Green Gold Membership for outstanding performance across emissions, food waste/ circular economy, biodiversity, and employee wellbeing. n
Complete profile on the portal in December Run payroll as usual te
Set up payment method
Remember, auto-enrolment is a legal obligation. And don’t forget to let your employees know if they’re enrolled. Visit gov.ie/employersAE
The High Court has approved a judicial review - CSNA (applicant) & The Minister for Health, Ireland and The Attorney General (respondents). The hearing is listed for Sligo on the 18 of November for three days. It is our contention that the Minister exceeded his authority when setting the combined fees of €1,800 for tobacco and vaping licences without any apparent methodology. CSNA is represented by Michael McDowell S.C. and David Geoghan J.C. instructed by Lorraine Compton Licensing Solicitors.
Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA
Undoubtedly the single most painful part of the Budget was the announcement that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) was to increase by 65cent to €14.15c for each hour worked by someone aged 20 and over.
The sub minimal rates will be €9.91 (Under 18), €11.32 (18 years old) and €12.74 for those aged 19.
As we recently reported, the Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke has decided against accepting a recommendation to abolish these sub minima rates and they will remain in place until 2029.
The increase is almost 5% (4.81%), significantly higher than the current Central Statistics Office (CSO) Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.7% and forecasts of inflation for 2026 which are estimated to be 1.9% – 2% according to the Central Bank of Ireland.
While it must be accepted that food price inflation is higher than general inflation, it still is hard to understand how the Low Pay Commission could have ignored all of the statistical evidence available to them.
CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings was present at the second of a series of in-depth investigations into the costs of doing business in Ireland at which every relevant department and service provider is present, in addition to representatives of the retail and wider business industry.
Chaired by Kevin Duffy (ex-labour court chair), this session was devoted to Insurance and the effect that the rising cost of acquiring cover has on businesses viability and profitability. Criticism of the absence of anyone from either the Bar Council or the Law Society was made given the accepted fact, backed up by practically all of us that made written submissions, that legal costs continue to be a very real problem in awards made by the courts or covered in settlements. The idea of giving the Injuries Resolution Board a status similar to that of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) or Residential Tenacies Board received a good deal of favourable response if it were able to be the point of contact for all personal injury cases below a certain level, with the High Court being reserved for instances of significant injuries.
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke. Pic: Rolling News
In our submission to the LPC in May we suggested that a 30-cent increase, while difficult for many members to fund, was reasonable and would have been marginally ahead of the official CPI.
Given that Auto Enrolment will also be coming on 1 January, with an extra 1.5% cost to employers it’s hard to see it being a Happy New Year for many of us.
It’s worth pointing out that the
statutory NMW has increased by 44% in the six years from January 2020 to January 2026. This compares to the CSO inflation index for January 2020 to the most recent report (September 2025) which shows inflation to be 23.1%. Such increases are neither warranted or sustainable, and the sooner reality sets in the better for employers and employees in the service industries such as ours.
The principal officer in the Department of Justice, Gerry O Brien was host to a two hour “think tank” designed to put flesh on how the promises made in the programme for Government would be done.
Each of the 10 seat tables had a Department of Justice official acting as moderator and also two senior members of the Gardaí. Frustration at the lack of enforcement was a recurrent theme and the need to fix existing known problems were as important, if not even more important than some of the suggested new measures.
Our CEO Vincent Jennings attended the meeting and was very critical at the lack of real consequences for thuggery, anti-social acts and abuse of staff by a small but growing cohort of individuals and gangs who seem to act with no fear of the law.
Members of Repak who are currently paying significant Scheduled Member fees will be somewhat relieved to learn that the association has secured an agreement from Repak that there will not be an increase in fees for 2026. While this is a welcome move, it is still the view of the Association and always will be that no retailer should be considered major producers and therefore subject to “membership” of this body.
It is interesting to note that original entrance point for “membership” was IR£1 million and now 27 years later it is €1 million and in the intervening period IR£1 million would equate to €2.35 million this of course ensures innumerable numbers of scheduled members are captured into Repak’s web. n
ShelfLife recently caught up with Anne Clifford, owner, Clifford’s Daybreak, College Road on maintaining high standards and staying relevant to her core audience
Just a stone’s throw from University College Cork (UCC), Clifford’s Daybreak on 60 College Road, Co Cork has long been a reliable stop for locals and students alike - but its recent transformation has taken things to a whole new level.
Owned and managed by Anne Clifford, the store recently underwent a full-scale revamp, expanding its retail space to 2,100 square feet and introducing a host of new features designed to meet the fast-paced needs of the Cork community - especially the thousands of students just around the corner.
“It was time The store had grown tired - we knew we needed to update our offer,”Anne says “What we have
The renovation didn’t just mean new floors and ceilingsit brought real change The deli was expanded to improve service, and several new additions were introduced:
• Hot Grab-and-Go counter – A first for Daybreak, this innovation speeds up service at peak times by offering hot meals pre-packed and ready to go
• Iced Coffee station – Already proving a hit with students.
• New daily menu – Fresh, varied, and aligned with student tastes.
• 9 Grams coffee, Munch & Co. deli, and Lickety Split ice cream – Three premium Daybreak sub-brands, now all under one roof.
Despite the scale of the project, the turnaround was swift. The store was closed for just ten days - and reopened to stunned regulars
“People couldn’t believe it was the same shop,”Anne recalls.“It was a complete transformation.” The results speak for themselves: within five to six weeks of reopening, sales increased by 10–12%, and gross profit rose by 1.8% - clear signs the revamp is resonating.
Being located so close to UCC has always meant a steady stream of student customers - and Clifford’s Daybreak has leaned into that From affordable meal deals to rotating monthly promotions, Anne and her team ensure students can eat well without breaking the bank
“We’re very conscious of student budgets,”Anne explains.“We run offers that work - like five sausage rolls for €2 or €3 for a jambon and drink. There’s always something on that students can spot and grab.”
Ger O’ Riordan, business development manager, Daybreak, adds:“Anne has always had a great reputation locally for value. Post-revamp, we were determined to keep prices sharp, especially with the cost-of-living pressures facing students.”
Cliffords isn’t just another convenience store - it’s a piece of Cork history. First opened in 1955 by Anne’s family, the shop was a local institution until it closed in 1980. Anne reopened it in 1985, and it’s remained a family-run cornerstone of the area ever since.
“Students were still knocking on the doors looking for the Echo, even after it closed,”Anne laughs.“It just shows how deeply embedded the shop was - and still is
- in the community.”
The store employs 14 staff, mostly full-time, who help maintain the high standards that customers have come to expect. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, warm customer service, and welcoming atmosphere - qualities that have remained unchanged, even as the physical space has evolved.
While the store doesn’t operate in a typical residential neighbourhood, its role as a high-convenience hub for university students makes it a unique and vital part of the community Anne is also a proud supporter of The Irish Heart Foundation, Daybreak’s national charity partner.
Behind the scenes, Anne credits the support from Daybreak and Musgrave as a major reason the revamp succeeded so smoothly.
“I knew nothing when I started - I didn’t even know what an SEL was,”Anne says.“But Musgrave guided me through everything This time around, they organised the entire revamp in 10 days Their support has been phenomenal.”
With the renovation complete and sales climbing, Anne’s focus now is on maintaining high standards and staying relevant to her core audience - students looking for good food, fast service, and fair prices
“We’ve hit the ground running,” she says “Now the challenge is to keep it that way. ”
Whether you’re grabbing a hot breakfast roll before lectures or cooling off with an iced coffee in between classes, Clifford’s Daybreak continues to deliver - with more style, speed, and student-friendly value than ever before n
“Anne has always had a great reputation locally for value. Post-revamp, we were determined to keep prices sharp, especially with the cost-of-living pressures facing students.”
Dunnes leads the way as Ireland top grocer as it holds 24.6% of the grocery market share, up on the last 12-week period, with sales growth of 6.1% year-on-year Larger and more frequent trips contributed an additional €26.2 million to their overall performance, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator
In the four weeks to 2 November 2025, Tesco holds 23.8% of the market, with value growth of 7.7% year-on-year Shoppers increased their trips to stores by 0.8% and, together with new shoppers, contributed an additional €29.8 million to the grocer’s overall performance.
SuperValu holds 19.4% of the market with growth of 4.1%. Consumers made the most shopping trips to this grocer, averaging 24.1 trips over the latest 12 weeks. SuperValu recruited new shoppers to store over the latest 12 weeks which contributed an additional €11.4 million to their overall performance.
Lidl holds 14% of the market with growth of 9.6%, the fastest growth among all retailers once again. Lidl also saw shoppers pick up more volume in store, up 2.1%, contributing an additional €9.5 million to overall performance.
Aldi holds 11.2% market share, up 3.8%. Increased store trips and new shoppers drove an additional €9.9 million in sales.
The latest take-home grocery sales in Ireland rose by 5.5% during the period. Despite prices continuing to rise, shoppers spent an additional €64 million on groceries and were out in-store more often over the four weeks, boosting overall sales by €5.8 million.
Grocery price inflation is now standing at 6.06%, falling slightly from last month by 0.5%. Irish shoppers, however, are in full flow for the festive season as they start to stock up on seasonal favourites.
Emer Healy, business development director at Worldpanel by Numerator, commented: “It’s that time of year again as Christmas ads light up our screens and supermarkets fill their shelves with festive fare, signalling that the countdown to the big day has begun. Shoppers are already getting into the spirit, spending an additional €8 million on boxed chocolates compared with last month.”
“Retailers are acutely aware of the financial pressures that many households are under right now, especially with this year’s Budget, and are keen to show how they’re delivering value for money with a big focus on promotions. Nearly a quarter (22%) of all grocery sales are on promotion, up nearly 5.9% versus this time last year Promotional activity typically intensifies in the lead-up to Christmas, so this is likely to persist well into December
Own label saw strong growth over the last 12 weeks, up 6.3%, with shoppers spending an additional €99 million on these ranges versus last year Premium own label ranges continue to see strong growth, up 15.3%, with shoppers spending an additional €18.5 million on these ranges compared to last year
Brands continue to grow behind the total market with growth slowing to 5.2% in the last 12 weeks, but Irish shoppers still spent an additional €85.4 million on branded products.
Brands currently hold 48.2% value share of the total market, the highest share since February, showing how shoppers are more likely to treat themselves in the lead-up to Christmas. Own label holds 46.2% value share.
Healy added: “Shoppers are usually looking for both value and quality – not just the lowest price – particularly at Christmas.
“I think we all like to indulge a little at this time of year and, despite the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis, many have managed to find a balance by choosing retailers’ premium ownlabel ranges as an affordable way to treat themselves.”
Category increases included frozen fruit, low alcoholic drinks, hot beverages, confectionary sweets, chocolate, sweet spreads and savoury snacks, all of which grew ahead of the total market in the latest 12-week period.
Online continued to grow, at a significantly faster rate compared to last month, up 6.4% year-on-year to take 5.6% value share of the market. Shoppers spent an additional €13.1 million online during the period, helped by an influx of new customers who contributed €5.8 million to overall performance – more than double last month. Over 18% of Irish households bought their groceries online during this time n
For forty years, the familiar EAN barcode has quietly powered retail. Every beep at the checkout represents a tiny act of data exchange that keeps our shelves moving. But the world of retail is changing fast Consumers want transparency, regulators demand traceability, and brands are seeking new ways to connect directly with shoppers.
Enter the next evolution: QR Codes powered by GS1, the smarter barcode that links every product to live, trusted data online
Already retailers and manufacturers worldwide have begun to migrate to these codes. For Irish retail, this is the next major step in modernising how information flows across the supply chain and to the consumer
A GS1 Digital Link QR Code carries everything a traditional barcode does, and much more. It still identifies the product for scanning at point of sale, but it also connects that same product to rich, real-time digital information.
• For shoppers: it opens verified product details: ingredients, allergens, origin, care instructions, promotions, and sustainability information, all straight from the brand.
• For retailers: it delivers clean, structured data into POS, ERP, and inventory systems for accurate pricing, receipts, and recalls.
• For brands: it provides a direct communication channel with the consumer, generating consent-based, first-party insights in a privacy-safe way
All from the same square symbol printed on the pack.
1. Future-proof your scanning and checkout systems.
As more products arrive carrying 2D barcodes, retailers need POS and back-office systems ready to decode and process these symbols. Those that prepare early will gain smoother transitions and fewer integration headaches later.
2. Streamline operations and compliance. With richer data in every scan, retailers can automate expiry checks, traceability, and recalls, saving time, reducing shrink, and improving accuracy In an age of increasing product regulation, 2D barcodes ensure you always have the right data at your fingertips.
3. Unlock digital receipts and smarter promotions.
A single scan can trigger digital receipts, loyalty rewards, and targeted offers, while reducing fraud. That means cleaner promotions, better coupon control, and improved customer satisfaction.
Why brands are interested
1. One symbol for every channel. You no longer need a retail barcode and a separate marketing QR. One GS1-standard code supports both. That means less packaging clutter, lower print costs, and simpler design workflows
2. Connect packaging to your brand story
Each scan can take consumers to your own verified product page no apps, no search engines, giving you a direct communication channel at the exact moment of intent. Use it for recipes, care tips, warranty registration, or sustainability proof
3. Build trust through transparency. Consumers expect credible information. With GS1 standards, every link points to verified data, not third-party claims. That strengthens brand reputation and regulatory confidence alike.
Decode vs Process: The twostep readiness test
Retailers often ask: “Can our tills read QR?” The important question is, can they process them?
1. Decode: scanners can read and interpret the 2D image
2. Process: POS and ERP systems use the embedded data for pricing, offers, loyalty, and reporting.
Both steps are vital. The first is hardware. The second is software logic and integration. Separating these capabilities makes planning and investment far easier
12-week pilot plan
1. Pick a small range: 10–20 SKUs from one or two trusted suppliers.
2. Create dual-purpose packaging: print a single GS1 Digital Link QR on-pack.
3. Build mobile product pages: add verified brand content such as ingredients, allergens, sustainability, or care instructions.
4. Test at POS: check scan speed, receipt mapping, and promotion logic.
5. Train staff: explain what the new code does and why it matters.
6. Measure results: scan success and error rates, and customer feedback.
In under three months, you can prove value across shopper experience, store efficiency, and data quality
What success looks like
• Fewer price exceptions and promo overrides.
• Faster and more accurate recalls.
• Reduced call-centre queries about product information.
• More informed, confident shoppers at the shelf
• Verified sustainability and compliance content on every pack.
And for marketing teams, it unlocks a new first-party data stream, one that starts with consent, not cookies.
The opportunity for Irish retail Ireland’s retail ecosystem is known for agility and collaboration. The transition to 2D barcodes isn’t a technology project, it’s an opportunity to simplify how data moves through the entire retail value chain.
Retailers and suppliers who start early will gain practical experience, influence standards, and position themselves as leaders when Ambition 2027 becomes reality
GS1 Ireland is now inviting retailers, brands, and technology partners to take part in pilot projects exploring QR Codes powered by GS1, from packaging and data management to POS readiness and consumer experience.
To discuss participation or arrange a readiness briefing, contact the GS1 Ireland team at retail@gs1ie.org or by scanning this QR code
Together, we can ensure that by 2027, every scan in Ireland delivers more than a beep - it delivers trusted data, smarter engagement, and better business for everyone n
Ireland has recently seen a rise in extreme weather, disrupting businesses through travel hazards and occasional shutdowns. Caroline Reidy reports
In recent years, Ireland has faced an increase in severe weather events such as heavy snowfall and flooding to red weather warnings and high winds. These conditions can create major operational challenges for businesses, impacting employees’ ability to travel safely and, in some cases, forcing temporary closures
For employers, adverse weather raises a range of complex issues: whether to open or close, how to manage pay and attendance, and what obligations apply under employment law. The key to handling such situations effectively is preparation, communication, and consistency.
Every organisation should have a clear strategy for managing periods of bad weather. Certain businesses, particularly those providing essential services, may need to continue operations regardless of conditions. Others may be able to temporarily close or allow employees to work remotely
When creating your adverse weather strategy, consider:
• Which operations must continue, and which can pause safely
• How you will assess and prioritise employee safety
• Who will make decisions about closures or altered operations
• How and when employees will be informed of these decisions. A proactive plan ensures that decisions are made consistently and safely when severe weather strikes.
Creating an adverse weather policy
Once a strategy is in place, it should be formalised in a written Adverse Weather Policy, ideally included in your staff handbook. Your policy should outline:
• The process for deciding whether the business will remain open or close
• Expectations around attendance, communication and reporting absences
• How pay and leave will be handled in different scenarios.
Attendance and pay: Understanding the
Bad weather often leads to questions about whether employees are entitled to pay if they cannot attend work The answer depends on the situation.
CAROLINE REIDY
Managing director
The HR Suite
If you are an organisation based in the Republic of Ireland and require further information or advice relating to HR, please do not hesitate to contact The HR Suite’s office on (066)7102887 or email info@thehrsuite.com
If the business remains open and work is available, there is no statutory entitlement to pay if an employee cannot attend work due to weather conditions. However, employers should adopt a fair and balanced approach.
Reasonable alternatives include:
• Allowing employees to work from home (where possible)
• Permitting the use of annual leave for the missed day(s)
• Allowing employees to make up the time at a later date
If the employer makes the decision to close for example, in response to a red weather warning, employees should be paid for their rostered hours. In this instance, work is unavailable through no fault of the employee, and the employer cannot require staff to use annual leave without giving at least one month’s notice
If the business remains open and employees choose not to attend, arrive late or leave early, there is generally no obligation to pay for those hours. Employers must, however, be mindful not to pressure employees into travelling in unsafe conditions. The best approach is to weigh operational needs against health and safety considerations, taking a practical and compassionate stance.
Lay-offs and temporary closures
Where a business must close for a longer period for example, due to flooding or storm damage, employers may need to consider lay-off or short-time working arrangements.
If an employee’s contract contains a lay-off clause, the employer may
temporarily suspend work without pay. However, where no such clause exists, full pay for rostered hours is generally required under the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
Employees placed on lay-off or short-time working may be eligible for Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, though the first three days of unemployment are not covered.
Flexibility can often prevent unnecessary disruption Employers might:
• Facilitate remote or hybrid working during the weather event
• Allow employees to take annual leave for affected days
• Offer unpaid leave by mutual agreement
• Adjust rosters or shifts (with appropriate notice).
A case-by-case approach demonstrates fairness and helps maintain good employee relations during challenging periods.
If an employer suspects that an employee has not made a genuine effort to attend work, or has misused an absence policy, the matter should be handled under the organisation’s disciplinary procedure.
Given the difficulty in verifying travel conditions for individual employees, disciplinary action should be a last resort and supported by clear evidence.
Timely and transparent communication is vital during adverse weather events. Employers should ensure that:
• Employee contact details are current
• Decisions about closures or altered operations are communicated promptly via established channels (email, text, messaging apps, etc.)
• Reporting procedures for lateness or absence are clearly understood
An effective Adverse Weather Policy should address:
1. The expectation that employees make reasonable efforts to attend work safely
2. Whether and how pay, leave or time-off arrangements apply if attendance is not possible
3. The correct procedure for notifying management of difficulties.
Employers have a statutory duty of care to protect the safety and wellbeing of their employees. This includes assessing whether it is safe for employees to travel or work during severe weather conditions.
Always err on the side of caution, no operational priority outweighs employee safety.
Review your business continuity plan and employment contracts, making sure they include:
• A clear lay-off or short-time working clause
• A documented Adverse Weather Policy
• A communication protocol for emergencies.
Useful guidance can also be found in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s publication‘Business Continuity Planning in Severe Weather’, which offers practical advice for employers.
If you require further information or advice on the above, or should you feel you may require Outplacement Services, please do not hesitate to contact or HR Consultancy Team on 01 901 4335 / 066 710 2887 or email us at info@thehrsuite.com and our team will be more than happy to assist. n
Recruitment can be one of the most time-consuming tasks for retail managers, and one of the most important to get right, writes
Nikki Murran
A bad hire eats money and morale This month I’m sharing practical ways to attract the right candidates from the outset, starting with the words you put in your job ad.
The fix begins before you ever post. Get crystal clear on who you need, then write something that person actually wants to answer
Start with a clean job spec In one tidy sentence, define the role and what success looks like Then list the essentials you must see in a candidate for this store, right now. Think language level, customer service skills, availability, flexibility, and any compliance basics. Next, note what would make you smile at shortlist stage, such as experience in a similar setting or managing similar-sized teams. Finally, allow yourself a wish list for the dream version of the hire, like a track record of hitting KPIs or familiarity with your exact system
To keep yourself honest, sort those notes into three buckets. Need to have covers non-negotiables like right to work, core availability, and functional English to complete training and handle complaints. Like to have might include closing experience, safe checks, or specific system experience. Love to have is where you place proven impact, for example, improving waste or shrink, lifting a mystery shop score, or training new starters to productivity. This discipline stops unicorn hunting, keeps interviews focused, and gives you the raw ingredients for an ad that works.
Attract, inform and filter
Now turn the spec into an ad that attracts, informs, and filters. Think of your ad as a short sales pitch. It is not a contract. It is an invitation. Show why the role is worth their effort and make it very easy to decide if it is a match. Put the basics up top where no one can miss them. State hours and typical patterns. Give the exact location with a quick nod to parking or public transport. Share a transparent pay band and explain when reviews happen Confirm language expectations, visa or right-to-work requirements, and the core duties. Candidates leave when surprises show up later, so remove the surprises.
Once the foundations are clear, explain why someone would want to work with you. If you are not sure what to highlight, ask your current team. Do they value a fair rota, a friendly and supportive culture, or real progression? Perhaps you offer a sensible work-life balance, or paid training that actually leads somewhere. Whatever it is, say it plainly and keep it real. The aim of the ad is to attract the right people, not to frighten off the very people you want
NIKKI MURRAN Director, Grocery Retail Recruitment, Excel Recruitment
www.excelrecruitment.com
Here is a ready-to-use model you can adapt:
“We are hiring a duty manager for our city centre convenience store. The shop is growing, and we have a second site planned, so this is a chance to lead shifts and make a mark.You will run the daily huddle, keep standards sharp, manage waste and shrink inside agreed bands, and coach new starters to full speed The contract is 39 hours with typical shifts of 6.30 to 3.00 or 1.30 to 10.00, two weekends in four. Pay is €XX to €XX DOE with an annual review You must have the right to work and experience leading a shift, or clear evidence you are ready to do so. Ordering on Symbol X, safe checks, and complaint call-backs are a bonus. We offer paid training modules, a skills passport with a path to assistant manager in nine to 12 months, and a fair rota policy where one preferred shift is honoured each week, where possible To apply, send a CV with three impact lines, or a short voice note telling us about the best shift you led, a problem you fixed, and a number you improved.”
One tidy paragraph can tell the whole story!
The next step
Once the ad is live, move with pace Aim for first contact within 48 hours and an interview inside a week. Slow processes lose the best people, especially in peak season Have your screening rhythm ready. Start by checking availability and commute, confirm salary expectations are in the same ballpark, then verify right to work and notice period When those basics are aligned, ask two or three focused questions drawn from your spec. For example,“Tell me about a time you kept waste in range, ” or“Walk me through a busy close you led and how you kept queues down.”You are looking for short, specific answers with proof.
Use the interview to sell as much as you select If you have identified a good match, spend the last few minutes sharing a success story about a previous hire who progressed, or highlight the concrete benefits of your store and this role Show enthusiasm Show the rota rules and training passport. Let the candidate meet a future teammate for five minutes. Good people choose managers and teams as much as managers choose people
A quick word on common mistakes Hidden pay and vague rotas are application killers. Long delays, missed calls, and messy scheduling tell a story about how a week might feel on the job. None of that helps you land the person who will steady the floor when the delivery arrives early, and the
coffee machine picks the same minute to die.
Great hiring starts with a clean spec and a clear ad Set expectations early, speak your candidate’s language, and sell what is real about your store. Do that and you will attract stronger applicants, make faster decisions, and enter peak season with a team that enjoys turning the key! n
Donna Ahern recently caught up with award-winning bartender Richie Delahoyde to talk about his role as brand ambassador for The Busker Irish Whiskey
An experienced chef and bartender, Richie Delahoyde has worked in some of Ireland’s leading bars and has received several of Europe’s top awards for his skills.
He was voted one of Ireland’s top 10 bartenders for three consecutive years, including a secondplace finish at the Irish Craft Cocktail Awards.
Q: You’ve worked in some of Ireland’s top bars and have received numerous accolades for your bartending skills. Can you share with us the most rewarding part of your career journey so far?
A: I think the most rewarding part of my job is being able to give back to an industry that has given me so much. From hosting industry nights or educational talks to just giving away things like branded sunglasses, pins, bottle openers, etc. it’s nice to be able to put a smile on peoples faces. If you see me around and I have a bag, I usually have something for you.
Q: You’ve been voted one of Ireland’s top 10 bartenders three years in a row. What do you think sets you apart from other bartenders, and how has this recognition shaped your approach to your craft?
A: It feels like a lifetime ago when that happened. I think I had an amazing support team in VCC, and we were always encouraged to try new things and never go stagnant in our career My manager Gareth worked with me and knew I wanted to be an ambassador in the
future so pushed me to put myself out there both in Ireland and for international events. He also gave all the staff books and equipment to try the latest techniques or trends which helped a lot for recognition from cocktail competitions too.
Q: As a brand ambassador for The Busker Whiskey, what is it about the brand that drew you in, and why do you think it resonates with whiskey lovers today?
A: I remember before interviewing for the job I did research into both The Busker and the parent company Illva Saronno and there were a few things that really stood out to me Firstly, it is a family owned and run company who place a big emphasis on all being part of one team. They also have been making Disaronno in this family for 500 years this year so definitely are doing something right.
Secondly, I think from The Busker side, the thing I love and that resonates with a lot of the industry is the focus on community that comes from the family focus in the company. Illva didn’t want to be seen as an outside company throwing their weight around in a small town in Carlow, so they hired locals to work in the distillery and all the grain used comes from within 40km of
“I think the biggest thing that has made The Busker the 7th bestselling Irish whiskey in the world is a simple principal. Good whiskey at a good price.”
the distillery This also helps cut down on their carbon footprint too.
Finally, I think the biggest thing that has made The Busker the 7th best selling Irish whiskey in the world is a simple principal. Good whiskey at a good price. Our most expensive whiskey available now in Ireland is our Small Batch Pot Still at €56, and while I obviously have a biased opinion, I think it is one of the best Pot Still Irish whiskeys available at its price. Our single grain, single malt or pot still can be picked up on sale for €35 or our Blend can be picked up on sale at €25 The Busker Blend is a blend of Grain, Malt and Pot Still with Bourbon, Sherry and Marsala cask so it just gives a different depth of flavour that you might not normally get at that price range
Q: You’ve represented Ireland at Tales of the Cocktail multiple times and even led teams. What do you consider the biggest takeaway from those experiences, and how do you bring that knowledge back into your work with The Busker?
A: I was lucky enough to get involved with the Cocktail Apprentice Programme at tales of the cocktail eight years ago and have become one of the operations managers.
I think on a personal level, it has given me much more knowledge on how to run events for the brand and execute drinks on a large scale More importantly it has shown me how important it is to give back to the industry and support people People do far better when they work together and learn from each other and while things are tough in the hospitality industry we can always support each other
Q: In your time behind the bar, you’ve likely crafted countless cocktails. What’s your go-to cocktail when you’re looking to showcase the versatility of The Busker Whiskey?
A: We have five whiskeys in the Busker range because we want to have something for everyone, and I usually use the flavour profiles of each whiskey to make cocktails to suit each one
The Busker Blend – Smooth
A paloma with the blend, lime and grapefruit soda
Single Grain – Sweet
A whiskey sour to give balance to both
Single Malt – Fruity
A whiskey Bramble with blackberry and lime
Single Pot Still – Spice
A Manhattan to let the whiskey shine through
Small Batch Pot Still – Depth
A Godfather with Disaronno, simple but delicious
Q: As an experienced bartender, you’ve seen trends come and go in the cocktail world. What do you think is the next big trend in whiskey or cocktails, and how does The Busker align with that future?
A: The Busker being part of a company that has been around for so long have done a great job at taking that knowledge and running with it. The most important thing they have done that works for whiskey and cocktail trends is not being afraid to experiment with different casks and styles. David Elder our master distiller came in about a year ago and has done a fantastic job of putting a 10-year plan in place of different experimentation
Richie Delahoyde, brand ambassador, The Busker
and releases. From different wine and port casks to calvados, stout or Mizunara. It gives me a lot of hope for the liquid to come in the next few years and the different flavour pairings we will be able to do for cocktails.
Innovation and using new and unusual casks would be the next big trend in Irish Whiskey, in my opinion.
Q: You’ve been part of some of Europe’s most prestigious cocktail competitions. How has the competitive environment influenced your philosophy on mixology, and how do you apply that to your work with The Busker?
A: The thing that struck me most while being
part of cocktail competitions was how the levels of support people were willing to give to the people they were against. From borrowing equipment to taste testing each other’s drinks, it was always fun backstage and a welcome stress reliever before presenting.
The biggest takeaway from those competitions for me was the presentation side of it. I was able to practice public speaking a lot and that has been a huge help when presenting to a room full of people about whiskey or bartenders about cocktails. I’ve always being a very quiet and reserved person, so it got me out of my shell. This has given me so much confidence that I can bring to whiskey tastings, trainings, masterclasses and addressing crowds at brand events.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring bartenders who look up to your journey and want to break into the industry at a high level, perhaps even as a brand ambassador like yourself?
A: I do get the question a lot of how can I become a brand ambassador and I always say there are two main things. First and most important that will set you apart from most others, get your driving licence. You would be amazed at how many bartenders don’t have one and its 100% needed for the job
Secondly, let brands know who you are in the good ways Attend brand events and network, introduce yourself to people Do cocktail competitions, show them that you know brands and you can speak publicly You don’t have to win to get noticed, just be confident and put yourself out there. Drinks at brand events usually flow pretty freely and it’s very easy to take advantage of that. If brands see you regularly being the drunk person, they won’t see you as an ambassador for them. Nothing wrong with going out and enjoying yourself but at those events remember you can be seen as just another guest or one to watch for the future.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals for The Busker whiskey in the coming years? How do you see your role evolving as the brand continues to grow?
A: My biggest goal for The Busker in Ireland is to get the brand out there, let people know about it and get people to try it to see how good it really is. We do our best to attend as many whiskey events and tastings as possible and each year more and more people know and enjoy the brand. Most of the people who try the whiskey’s find one they love and come back again for more. We have also done some single cask releases for the airport that won some big awards so I would love to do more of that kind of thing too. n
Gala retailers, suppliers, and wholesale members gathered together in Killarney for the Group’s annual conference, which was themed ‘Delivering the Difference.’ The conference featured inspirational speakers and, reflective of the theme, the event was also home to Gala Retail’s Excellence Awards, which acknowledged retailers from across Ireland who are delivering the difference.
In the morning session, Irish International rugby player Bernard Jackman spoke on highperformance teams, and Geoff Ramm, the inspirational customer service speaker, featured on the bill.
Speaking at the conference, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, reflected on what has been a standout year for the Group He remarked on Gala’s continued innovation and investment across marketing, technology, and sustainability, all designed to support retailers and drive shopper engagement.
Highlighting Gala’s strong year of brand activity, Gary Desmond spoke about the success of ‘Ireland’s Best Baker with Gala Retail and Virgin Media’ - a national campaign that celebrated local baking talent and community spirit across Ireland. The initiative, which has been shortlisted for two upcoming Irish Sponsorship Awards, was supported by a series of creative campaigns and in-store activations, delivering exceptional engagement across the network.
With sustainability a continued focus, it was revealed that Gala Retail has gifted its retailers over €100,000 in Gala Greener Grants, helping them transition to energy-efficient and sustainable retailing of the future. This marks the start of Gala’s €500,000 commitment to energy-efficient upgrades across Ireland.
Launched 18 months ago as part of Gala’s ESG strategy, the programme has supported retailers in installing solar panels, upgrading refrigeration, and improving insulation –underscoring Gala’s commitment to a greener retail future.
Gala has also invested heavily in IT efficiencies, introducing a state-of-the-art EPOS system that unifies store data to identify trends, regional insights, and opportunities for growth. With AI-led efficiencies now being explored, Gala is helping retailers futureproof their operations while continuing to deliver new concepts that enhance the customer experience and boost sales.
Throughout the day, the conference was expertly compered by sports broadcaster Jacqui Hurley, with evening entertainment delivered by Bernard O’Shea, Rob Heffernan and Pat Spillane Over 60 Gala Excellence Awards were presented to retailers across the business that were deemed ‘outstanding’ following a comprehensive and independent assessment process.
“The Gala Retail annual conference is a real
highlight of the calendar for us as it’s when we get to ensure our retailers get the recognition they deserve,” explains Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail
“Each award is thanks and recognition to our retailers and their teams for their loyalty, hard work and dedication to quality convenience retailing.
“Our theme at this year’s conference was ‘Delivering the Difference’ and our awardwinning group of modern, innovative retailers make a difference to their shoppers and communities every day.”
In the afternoon, the Gala Trade Event drew an excellent turnout, with more than 60 suppliers showcasing their products and services to retailers. The atmosphere was vibrant and engaging, with valuable connections made and plenty of business done The celebrations continued into the evening with a Gala dinner in which Gala Retail named its category award winners of the year – those stores that demonstrate exemplary standards in specific areas of convenience. Among the winners were McGuire’s Gala, Rooskey for Community Initiative of the year, Cooney’s Gala in Coachford for excellence in Customer Service, Hanlon’s Gala in Longford for Distill Off License of the year and Harkin’s Group, Donegal for Brand Champion. Bakery supplier, O’Brien’s Ingredients, was named as Gala Retail’s Supplier of the Year
Celebrating its 11th year as a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala retailers and suppliers were joined by VIP guests at the evening event - five Special Olympics Ireland athletes from Kerry Stars Special Olympics club Joining athletes, Jane Curran, Cliona Palmer, Siobhan Looney, Eric Dian and Joe Buckley was the new Special Olympics Ireland CEO, Karen Coventry, who’s in charge of preparations for the biggest year in the Special Olympics calendar – the Ireland Games - which are taking place in Dublin next June
The Gala Retail annual conference delivered the difference. Retailers travelled from across Ireland to celebrate all that they have achieved, learn from other retailers and meet with suppliers at the trade fair
As one of the most progressive convenience groups in Ireland, Gala stores continue to benefit from national expertise, coupled with local wholesaler support and a store model, which ensures that every Gala store is designed to deliver to its local community’s requirements.
To find out more about Gala Retail and to see a full list of the winning stores, visit www.gala.ie n
Gala Fresh Food Award sponsored by Tirlán: McDermott’s Gala, Patrickswell
Gala Bakers Corner Award sponsored by O’Brien Ingredients: Murphy’s Gala, Kanturk
Gala Chilled Award sponsored by Aryzta Food Solutions Nicholson’s Gala, Keel
Store Manager of the Year sponsored by K&K Produce: Michelle McDonagh, Cill Chiaráin, Connemara
Community Initiative Award sponsored by BAT: McGuire’s Gala, Rooskey
Gala Distill Off Licence Award sponsored by Coman Wines: Hanlon’s Gala, Longford
Gala Social Media Award sponsored by Tayto Snacks: Dolan’s Gala, Tullamore
Gala Marketing Award sponsored by JTI: Mulrooney Group
Coffee Junction Award sponsored by Matthew Algie: Manor Forecourts Gala, Raheen
Gala Customer Service Award sponsoredby Britvic: Cooney’s Gala, Coachford
Special Merit Award sponsored by Coca Cola HBC: O’Shea’s Gala, Blennerville
Brand Champion Award sponsored by Mondelēz: Harkin’s Group, Donegal
Supplier of the Year O’Brien’s Ingredients
Simon Marriott, Chief Retail and Commercial Officer, BWG Foods sat down with Donna Ahern to discuss reviving tradition, building community, and leading with purpose during his tenure as President of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund
Simon Marriott was appointed Chief Retail and Commercial Officer of BWG Foods UC in 2025,with responsibility for BWG’s retail brands,including SPAR, EUROSPAR,MACE and LONDIS.He also oversees the BWGTrading Department,which manages relationships with over 650 supplier partners to drive the company’s portfolio of leading retail and wholesale brands Prior to this,Simon served as chief operations officer from 2020,overseeing BWG’sWholesale Division andTrading Department,having first joined the company in 2000 as trading director
With more than two decades of leadership experience across Ireland’s grocery sector,Simon brings both commercial insight and a deep understanding of the industry’s people - qualities that made him a natural fit when he received what he calls a“tap on the shoulder inviting him to serve as President of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF).Though the invitation came as a surprise,the BWG Foods chief retail and commercial officer didn’t hesitate to step up. Over the past year,he has led with the same mix of professionalism,empathy,and energy that have defined his career.
People can fall on hard times for any reason, and the IGBF is there to helpquietly, respectfully, and effectively.
Reflecting on his term,Simon describes it as“busy but hugely rewarding.”His proudest achievement,he says,has been raising awareness of the IGBF’s work - ensuring that everyone across the industry,from warehouse staff to head office executives,understands that support is available when life takes an unexpected turn
“The industry is built on people,”he says “And what makes the IGBF so special is that it’s the industry looking after its own - compassion,community,and dignity are at the heart of what we do.”
One of Simon’s first major initiatives was the revival of the IGBF President’s Ball,an event that hadn’t appeared on the calendar for nearly a decade.Hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel,the black-tie evening drew almost 400 guests and quickly sold out - a testament to the camaraderie within Ireland’s grocery and retail community
The black-tie event welcomed 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.
Entertainment on the night was provided by Irish Rock Violinists Sephira,followed by performances from The Groovitas Band and DJ
The event was emceed by Sonya Lennon,with an opening address by Simon in his role as President of Appeals and overall host
Guests participated in a series of raffles and prize draws, featuring the main prize of an electric car worth €20,000, sponsored by Flogas.
“It was something different,”Simon recalls reflecting on the event.“People loved the chance to get dressed up again, to celebrate together We were turning people away - and that’s a lovely problem to have.”
The success of the event underscored not just the goodwill toward the charity,but also the sense of togetherness that endures even among business competitors.
“On any other day we might be sitting across the table negotiating terms,”he laughs,“but under the IGBF umbrella, those rivalries are forgotten Everyone comes together for one purpose - the charity.”
In his professional capacity at BWG,Simon has seen firsthand how fast the Irish grocery and retail sector is evolving - and the pressures that come with it Rising costs, wage increases,new regulatory demands,and retail crime are putting unprecedented strain on retailers.
“It’s not evolution anymore; it’s revolution,”he says “The challenge is delivering value to customers in an environment where costs keep climbing - whether that’s labour,energy,or compliance.”
He points to government policy as an area where more balance is needed
“Many of our retailers are SMEs.They need relief - financial and administrative - to stay viable.The layering of new legislation only adds cost and complexity.”
From a technology standpoint,BWG is investing in digital tools,data,andAI to improve efficiency and help retailers manage costs.“Only by taking cost out of the system,”he explains,“can we continue to deliver real value to the consumer.”
Founded in 1838,the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund provides financial and practical assistance to current and
(L-R) Pictured at the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) President of Appeals Ball, held on Friday, 24 October last at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge were Sonya Lennon, event MC, Simon Marriott, IGBF President of Appeals and Frances Higgins, Chairperson, IGBF
The challenge is delivering value to customers in an environment where costs keep climbing - whether that’s labour, energy, or compliance.
former members of the trade facing hardship The charity helps hundreds of families each year,and confidentiality is paramount.
“Nobody is judged,”Simon says “People can fall on hard times for any reason,and the IGBF is there to help - quietly, respectfully,and effectively.”
During his presidency,Simon set out to expand awareness beyond the usual circles.Posters went up across BWG’sValue Centre cash-and-carry network and distribution centres to ensure staff at every level knew where to turn for support “If even one more person found help because of that,”he says, “then that’s a year well spent. ”
Balancing his demanding role at BWG with the responsibilities of President of Appeals was no small task,but Simon credits the strength of the IGBF’s volunteer committees for making it possible
“Each event is run by its own committee,”he explains. “They do the heavy lifting - organising,planning,selling tickets.My job was to coordinate and represent the charity. The real heroes are the volunteers who make it all happen.”
He also acknowledges the invaluable support of IGBF Chair Frances Higgins,describing her as“a sounding board and a right-hand partner”throughout the year
As his term draws to a close,Simon’s focus is on continuity - leaving the charity stronger and more visible than he found it Fundraising events such as the Grocers’ Lunch,which attracts 1,400 guests and sells out before tickets even go on sale,highlight the enduring goodwill that surrounds the IGBF.
His advice to his successor is simple:“Lean on the committees Engage with the people who know the events inside out.Bring your own personality but let them do what they do best.”
For Simon,the experience has been both humbling and energising “It’s not about me,”he insists.“The President of Appeals is just a coordinator - you’re there for a year,and then you hand over But it’s a huge honour If anyone gets that tap on the shoulder,take it It’s an incredible privilege.”
The next IGBF event is the annual Christmas Lunch, which is being held in the Clayton Hotel,Ballsbridge on Friday,5 December
The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) is a registered charity that supports people from the grocery, retail,and FMCG industries who have fallen on hard times.To learn more or to seek assistance,visit www.igbf.ie or contact info@igbf.ie n
Across Ireland, more independent retailers are making the move to join the Nearby Family and for good reason. They’re finding in Nearby not just a symbol above their door, but a partnership that empowers them to stay independent while offering the tools, flexibility, and support needed to thrive in today’s Irish retail market. Below we hear from some Nearby retailers in Tipperary and Dublin, and their reasoning behind why they wanted to join the Nearby family.
At Nearby, its mission is to build a brand around the needs of it’s retailers. Free from long-term contracts or costly marketing fees, its model instead prioritises on-the-ground support, creative marketing, and dedicated sales support that helps stores grow, while retaining their independence. “Retailers are at the heart of everything we do,” explains Jason McSteen, Nearby Ireland’s sales manager That philosophy has seen the brand expand to over 165 stores across the island of Ireland, evidence of a business model that thrives in today’s market.
For Shaz Ahmed in Nearby Nenagh in Tipperary the decision to rebrand was about the independence that the brand offers. “Keeping my independence while having the support of a strong symbol brand behind me is something unique,” he reflects. Teaming up with Nearby allowed him to maintain control of his business, while benefiting from improved store layouts, strong branding, and smart retail advice. The impact was immediate, resulting in stronger sales and a steadily growing customer base “It feels like we’re part of something bigger, without losing what makes us local,” he says
Investing in growth and community
Likewise, in Nearby Mountview, Co Dublin, Javaid Iqbal took over a long-standing local store and gave it new life through the Nearby brand. The transformation included renovations, deli expansions, and community-driven sales initiatives all backed by dedicated business
Jason McSteen, sales manager, Nearby Ireland
development managers from Nearby. “They make life very easy for us. Always there to support us when needed and help drive our business,” Iqbal notes. For him, the Nearby ethos of “Never too far from home” isn’t just a tagline, it’s reflected in how the brand empowers each retailer to build stronger relations with customers and their community
Why join the Nearby family?
For many independent retailers, joining Nearby isn’t just a commercial decision, it’s a commitment to progress, partnership and pride in local
“It feels like we’re part of something bigger, without losing what makes us local.”
retail. The Nearby team understands that no two stores are the same That’s why it’s approach is never “one size fits all,” but instead built on personalised support, from merchandising advice and in-store layout planning to data-driven sales advice that reflect what local customers really want.
Retailers benefit from Nearby’s insight-led approach to shopper behaviour, helping them make smarter decisions that boost sales and strengthen loyalty Seasonal campaigns and exclusive offers give customers a reason to return time and again, while Nearby’s social and digital presence drives local awareness and footfall straight to stores.
From tailored marketing campaigns like Bring Home the Value which offers rotating savings every three weeks on household essentials for customers, to the community driven marketing campaigns like Nearby’s Local Legends which celebrates local legends in communities throughout Ireland giving them the chance to win a cash prize by nominating them directly in Nearby stores, helping bring it’s retailers closer to the community they serve.
Just as importantly, Nearby’s business development team builds genuine relationships with each retailer, visiting regularly and helping to find new ways to add value, whether that’s introducing new product ranges, supporting local initiatives, or improving store presentation. It’s this combination of independence, expertise, and personal connection that keeps the brand growing from strength to strength. The above, coupled with Nearby’s partnership with S&W Wholesale, offers access to over 8,000 product lines, helps keep prices competitive and shelves stocked, creating real value for both retailers and it’s customers.
At the heart of every Nearby store is a shared ambition to grow, serve, and stay local without sacrificing real independence. Whether it’s Nearby Oldcastle celebrating four years as part of the brand, Nearby Nenagh adopting the Nearby model, or Nearby Mountview blending tradition with transformation, each story reinforces the same truth Nearby is more than a symbol brand, it’s rooted in communities across the country
As the brand looks to the future, its mission remains clear to support independent retailers who believe in the power of remaining local, building strong relationships, and offering great value n
“They [Nearby] make life very easy for us. Always there to support us when needed and help drive our business.”
Stores oftheYearOverall –Jordan’s CentraTallaght andThornton’s Centra Drumcondra (l-r) Cormac Dawson Sales DirectorCentra, Elżbieta Kowalska, Sarah O’Reilly,Alan Jordan,Vinny Perth, PaulThornton, GerThornton,JoshThornton, Luke Hanlon Managing DirectorCentra, ImranAfridi Khan,Alison Nascimento andAbedin Mohammed (front row)JenniferZamparelli and Unurerdene Pagvajav
Jordan’s CentraTallaght andThornton’s Centra Drumcondra named joint winners‘Best Centra in Ireland’at Centra’s 2025 NationalAward Ceremony.
Jordan’s CentraTallaght and Thornton’s Centra Drumcondra have been jointlyawardedthe prestigious title of‘National Centra Store ofthe Year’,officiallyrecognised as Ireland’s top Centra stores for2025.Forthe firsttime ever,two stores have been awardedthe prestigious accolade, following an exceptionallyclose competition andthe outstanding performance ofboth locations across all evaluation categories – making it impossibleto select a singlewinner.
Commended bythe judgesfortheir transformational store designs, innovative customerexperience, exceptional sales growth and strong connectionstotheirlocal communities, bothJordan’s CentraTallaght and
Thornton’s Centra Drumcondra are best-in-class examples ofwhat a Centra store can achieve.
The Store oftheYearaward,presented atthe Pride ofCentraAwards, celebrates and recognisesthevery best ofCentra stores,theirpeople andtheiroutstanding commitment to retail excellence,honouringthe exceptional standardsthat make Centra one ofthe leading convenience retailers inthe country.
Alongside 13 otherfinalist stores selectedfrom over500 Centra locations nationwide,Jordan’s Centra Tallaght andThornton’s Centra Drumcondrawere shortlistedfor the much-coveted accolade atthe Pride ofCentraAwards,held atthe Round Room atthe Mansion House Dublin.Jordan’s CentraTallaght and Thornton’s Centra Drumcondra.
The‘Store oftheYear’award, sponsored byThree,was determined based on detailed store audits by independent competition judge and retail consultant,Dr.Alan Collins covering product range and quality,
customerservice,store presentation and innovation,freshfood offering, store hygiene standards and sustainabilitypractice.
Withinthe Store oftheYearcategory otherwinners onthe night included Victory’s Centra Dunleerwinning in the Neighbourhood categoryand O’Toole’s CentraTullowwinning inthe Hi-Convenience category
Otherawardwinners acrossthe People and Excellence categories includedthe‘Rising Star’,‘Best Deli’, and‘Overall Off-Licence oftheYear’ awards,celebrating exceptionaltalent and innovation across Centra stores nationwide.
Commenting onthe awards, Luke Hanlon,Managing Director, Centra said:
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the managers and teams at Jordan’s Centra Tallaght and Thornton’s Centra Drumcondra for being named joint Best Centra in Ireland.Your expertise, excellence and unwavering commitment elevate convenience retailing to a worldclass level.
These stores reflect everything Centra standsfor–freshfood,friendlyservice and genuine communityconnection. Thewinningteams setthe benchmarkforconvenience retail in Ireland,showing howindependent stores can make a powerful national impact.This recognition is atrue markofexcellencewithin ourindustry–well doneto all involved. Cormac Dawson,Sales Director,Centra added:
“The Pride ofCentra awards highlightthe remarkable dedication and innovation shown byboth stores.It’s a celebration ofpassion,creativityand goingthe extra mile everyday.Theirfocus on quality,service,and communitysetsthem apart and showcasestheverybest ofCentra nationwide.“ Well doneto everyone involved!
TheStoreoftheYearawardscelebratethe storesthat setthe standardforwhat convenience retailing should be, delivering an outstanding experienceto ourcustomers dayin and dayout.
ThePeoplecategory acknowledged Centrateam memberswho demonstrated exceptional passion and enthusiasm in-store. Awardswere presented byAnne Rigney,DirectorofTalent,Learning &Development with assistancefromJenniferZamparelli.
TheFoodSafetyAwards celebratethe champions ofqualityand care in-store Awards presented byRayBowe,DirectorFood Safety&Quality.
Morgan Lee, Market Manager, Imperial Brands John Player Ireland talks to Donna Ahern about how despite the continued challenges in the external environment, the company has demonstrated remarkable resilience and sustained growth
Morgan Lee, Market Manager, Imperial Brands John Player Ireland has worked for the company for over two decades. He joined as a Sales Rep in early 2005 and has held numerous commercial roles from Area Sales Manager to Head of Sales to Head of Key Accounts and ultimately being appointed as Ireland Market Manager in 2019 It is clear from speaking with Morgan how proud he is of the performance of the business and how it has evolved over the years, particularly how the JPS brand has grown over the past few years while sharing how excited he is for the new launch of Zone Oral Nicotine Pouches.
Q: The government recently raised tobacco prices by 50 cents in the latest budget - what impact do you anticipate this will have on both consumers and legitimate retailers?
A: Ireland continues to have one of the highest prices for cigarettes in the EU This is why many consumers vote with their feet and purchase products in cheaper EU destinations or on the black market. The latest Revenue data tells us that 37% of cigarettes smoked in Ireland are not bought in an Irish retail outlet. The latest Healthy Ireland data tells us that there has been no change to smoking rates for some years now. It is clear that high excise on cigarettes does not deter people from smoking. What it does do is deter them from making that purchase in their local shop Any excise increase is going to make a bad situation worse
Q: You’ve spoken about the growing issue of the black market. Do you believe this latest excise increase will worsen the illegal trade in tobacco?
A: Yes. Any excise increase incentivises consumers to purchase in alternative channels.
Q: Imperial Brands John Player Ireland has grown its JPS share despite tough conditionshow do you maintain growth in such a heavily taxed and regulated environment?
A: Despite the continued challenges in the external environment, the JPS brand has demonstrated remarkable resilience and sustained growth. We are extremely pleased with the brand’s performance to date Our sales team plays a pivotal role in this success by consistently highlighting the unique features and benefits of each JPS SKU during customer interactions; while also reinforcing the strong value proposition we offer to adult consumers in Ireland. Notably, the growth of JPS Gold and
the innovative JPS Cool Fusion variants have been key contributors to the brand’s ongoing momentum and market success
Q: You mentioned “starting with the consumer” - how has the Irish consumer’s attitude toward tobacco and nicotine products evolved over the past decade, and how is your company responding?
A: ‘Starting with the consumer’ is an incredibly important aspect of everything we do at Imperial. We always try to put ourselves in the consumers position and through ongoing research, identifying what consumers key requirements are and ensuring that we meet those needs in all of our new products.
The nicotine market in Ireland continues to undergo significant transformation, reflecting broader shifts in consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes. While combustible tobacco has long been a dominant category, many adult consumers are now seeking alternative nicotine delivery formats, with many transitioning first to vaping products and now increasingly to Oral Nicotine Pouches (ONPs).
In response to this evolving landscape, we have strategically launched our own innovative brand, ZONE, to meet the growing demand for modern, smoke-free nicotine options. ZONE introduces a fresh and dynamic proposition to the category, offering a superior sensory experience through its longer-lasting flavour profile and fast-acting, intense formulations. These differentiating features have already resonated strongly with consumers, many of whom are switching from more traditional pouch offerings to ZONE. We are confident that ZONE will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of the nicotine category in Ireland.
Q: Imperial Brands John Player have a new oral nicotine product Zone can you explain what it is and the ambition of this product for the retailer and the consumer.
A: ZONE has recently launched in the Irish market, marking a significant milestone in our
“The nicotine market in Ireland continues to undergo significant transformation, reflecting broader shifts in consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes.”
commitment to innovation and consumercentric development. Guided by our “Start with the consumer” ethos, we have worked diligently to ensure that ZONE is not just another product on the shelf, but a thoughtfully designed offering that directly addresses the evolving preferences and expectations of adult nicotine consumers in Ireland.
From the outset, our ambition for ZONE has been bold and clear: to establish it as the number one oral nicotine brand in the country We believe ZONE is uniquely positioned to achieve this, not only by delivering a superior product experience, characterised by its fresh, long-lasting flavour and fast-acting intensity, but also by aligning with the needs of our retail partners. ZONE supports retailers in navigating a rapidly changing category by offering a differentiated, high-quality product that drives consumer interest and repeat purchase
As the oral nicotine segment continues to grow, we are confident that ZONE will play a leading role in shaping the future of the category, delivering value across the entire supply chain-from manufacturer to retailer to consumer
Q: With nearly one-third of cigarettes in Ireland now being Non-Irish Duty Paid, what role should enforcement and collaboration with Revenue play in protecting compliant businesses?
A: We commend Revenue on the work they do to stop smuggled cigarettes coming into Ireland and we can never have enough enforcement against bad actors. Any information retailers have on illicit selling can be shared with our Reps who will ensure that the information is passed onto Revenue
Q: Looking ahead to the next decade, how will Imperial Brands John Player Ireland adapt its portfolio and operations to remain relevant in a market that’s both shrinking and shifting toward alternatives like vape and nicotine pouches?
A: Starting with the consumer, we will continue to monitor consumer needs and pivot to ensure that if there are any changes required to deliver against these consumer needs, that we can implement those changes. As markets continue to evolve, as regulation continues to become more and more stringent, we continue to do our best to deliver our message n
“We commend Revenue on the work they do to stop smuggled cigarettes coming into Ireland and we can never have enough enforcement against bad actors.”
The board of directors of Diageo has recently appointed Sir Dave Lewis to the role of chief executive officer and executive director, effective on 1 January 2026.
According to the drink’s giant, Lewis is a proven CEO with extensive marketing and brand building experience.
He has an outstanding track record leading global consumer businesses, growing world-class brands, and providing operational and financial rigour, it added.
Lewis served as group CEO of Tesco plc from 2014 to 2020, where he transformed the business
and, prior to this, spent nearly three decades at Unilever, latterly in executive committee roles, leading on both marketing and business performance.
Additionally, he has been the chair of Haleon, a global leader in consumer healthcare, since its creation in 2022 and is a non-executive board director of PepsiCo Inc.
Lewis will be stepping down from the Haleon role on 31 December 2025.
Sir John Manzoni, Diageo’s chair, who led the succession process on behalf of the board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dave [Lewis]as Diageo’s new CEO
“Having conducted an extensive and thorough global search, the Board unanimously felt that Dave has both the extensive CEO experience, and the proven leadership skills in building and marketing world-leading brands, that is right for Diageo at this time.”
Commenting on his new role, Sir Dave Lewis, chief executive officer, added: “Diageo is a world leading business with a portfolio of very strong brands, and I am delighted to be joining the team.”
Bord Bia (The Irish Food Board) has announced the appointment of Sinéad Kennedy as its new China manager
A native of Cahir, Co Tipperary, Kennedy joins Bord Bia’s Global Business Development team in Shanghai, where she will lead a team of five and oversee the implementation of Bord
strategy for dairy, seafood, drinks, prepared consumer foods, and meat exports in the Chinese market.
Fiona O’Shaughnessy, Bord Bia’s global business development director for Africa, Asia and the Middle East, said: “Sinéad [Kennedy] brings a strong track record in market development and strategic insight, having worked most recently as Bord Bia market specialist for Meat and Seafood in Southeast Asia.
“Her experience and deep understanding of customer needs will be invaluable as Bord Bia continues to strengthen Ireland’s position in China - a priority market for our agri-food exports.”
Kennedy spent six years in Singapore prior to this appointment. Before joining Bord Bia, she worked as sales manager for Asia at Premier Brands International, a consolidation and brand management company, and previously as key account manager for Asia at the vertical farming start-up Unfold.
Commenting on her new role Kennedy added: “I’m looking forward to focusing on dairy proteins, high-value seafood, and segments of the meat and alcohol categories where demand continues to grow and Irish producers can add real value and variety for Chinese buyers.” n
Celsius International has recently appointed Garrett Quigley as president. He commenced his new role on 3 November 2025.
Based at the company’s international
hub in Dublin, Ireland, Quigley brings more than 25 years of experience from PepsiCo, where he led multiple European markets.
According to the premium, functional energy drink brand, in his new role, Quigley will oversee Celsius’ international operations - uniting commercial, marketing, and executional excellence with a goal to deliver consistent, impactful growth and empower local teams to build lasting success
“Garrett [Quigley] brings an incredible depth of international experience and a proven track record of building high-performing teams,” said Eric Hanson, president and chief operating officer of Celsius Holdings.
“His arrival reflects the strength of the foundation we’ve built and the scale of the opportunities ahead.”
Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another strong year from across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year. ShelfLife was in attendance – here’s what stood out
Blas na hÉireann, the Irish food awards, recently announced this year’s winners at the four-day celebration of the best of Irish food and drink, which took place from Thursday 2 October to Sunday 5 October in the picturesque town Dingle, Co Kerry
Attendees and producers alike weathered the storm as Hurricane Amy took hold of the west of Ireland during the event. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the spirit of the gathering remained unshaken, showcasing resilience and dedication from everyone involved.
Over the weekend and saw firsthand how the event offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people, and the talents, that make Irish food so special.
Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another strong year from across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year
Blas na hÉireann, the Irish food awards, have announced this year’s winners at the four-day celebration of the best of Irish food and drink, which took place from Thursday 2 October to Sunday 5 October in Dingle This year’s Supreme Champion is Bon Chocolatiers, proudly sponsored by Bord Bia, with Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers announced as Best Artisan Producer proudly sponsored by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network.
Supreme Champion 2025, Bon Chocolatiers was founded during lockdown in 2020 by a young couple who met at college when training to become chefs. After graduating, Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan worked with some of the country’s top chefs, including Garrett Byrne at Campagne and John Coffey of Thyme in Athlone A shared passion for patisserie and chocolate then saw them doing
During the judging, which took place over June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 180 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion, sponsored by Bord Bia and Best Artisan Producer, sponsored by LEO Network.
This year’s finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions, in partnership with Bank of Ireland.
This year’s Supreme Champion is Bon Chocolatiers, is sponsored by Bord Bia, with Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers announced as Best Artisan Producer, sponsored by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network.
As the competition intensifies each year, earning the prestigious Blas badge is a major accomplishment, signifying that the shortlisted finalists and eventual winners represent the pinnacle of excellence in Irish food and drink.
Artie Clifford, chairperson at Blás na hÉireann, commented: “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see the talent from Irish producers from right across the island is wonderful, it is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers. Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas na hÉireann is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink producers continue to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”
courses with world-renowned chocolatiers, resulting in their joint venture which quickly gained recognition for its original and luxuriously delicious chocolates. From ethically sourced French, Swiss and Ghanaian chocolate to Irish butter and cream, foraged local berries, Wicklow mint and Oriel sea salt, the very best ingredients are key to everything that Georgia and Daniel do at Bon Chocolatiers. Their sumptuous creations are available online, delivered direct from their chocolate kitchen in Tullamore, as well as from Fallon & Byrne, and are also supplied to some carefully selected restaurants and hotels.
Cashel Blue was a groundbreaking Irish farmhouse cheese when it was first produced in 1984 by Louis & Jane Grubb, and over 40 years later and in the hands of the second generation, the Grubb family of the 200-acre Beechmount Farm in Tipperary, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers are this year’s Best Artisan Producer With an ambition to create a
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farmhouse cheese that “truly represents the outstanding quality of Tipperary grass-fed milk”, the multi-award-winning original blue cheese has been joined since by Crozier Blue, the only sheep’s milk blue cheese in the country, by Cashel Blue Organic, and by Shepherd’s Store, a semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese All have the same sense of terroir that was the inspiration for these groundbreaking cheeses from the outset, and are regular award-winners in Irish and international competitions. In 2004, Louis and Jane’s daughter Sarah, and her husband Sergio Furno, became responsible for the maturing of the cheese, and are now co-owners of the business, continuing the story for the future, and the next generations who will farm and make cheese at Beechmount Farm.
“Our Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer cover the full flavour spectrum,” said Blas na hÉireann chairperson, Artie Clifford. “From salty, savoury, famous blue cheese made for over 40 years, now by the second generation of the same family, to the delicate, handmade sweetness of artistic chocolates created by a young couple, setting out on their adventure in business together 41 years ago, Louis and Jane Grubb of Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers were that young couple, taking a risk, trying something new, and in the process, creating a wonderful, groundbreaking cheese that has fans all over the world. Georgia and Daniel of Bon Chocolatiers may be at the beginning of their career in chocolate, but having examples like the Grubbs is certainly an inspiration for producers at every stage of their business journey. Blas na hÉireann is delighted to award Supreme Champion 2025 to Bon Chocolatiers and Best Artisan Producer 2025 to Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers - two producers creating exceptional products.”
This year’s finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions, in partnership with Bank of Ireland. The weekend offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people, and the talents, that make Irish food so special.
Centra’s Irish food producers have claimed 23 awards at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. The awards, announced on Friday, 3 October, saw Centra producers take
home the most awards in the convenience market.
Celebrating and recognising the finest Irish food and drink products, Blas na hÉireann awards are the largest blind tasting event of quality Irish products on the island, with producers nationwide competing for the prestigious accolades.
The big wins include: six products from the Inspired by Centra range, including Inspired By Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice by Sunshine Juice (Gold). Inspired By Centra Berry Coulis with Yogurt and Granola by Freshcut Foods (Silver) and Inspired By Centra Yule Log by Couverture Desserts Ltd (Silver). The Inspired by Centra range is expertly created to bring customers a range with value in mind without compromising on
taste or quality
Key award winners from the Centra range include Centra Streaky Smoked Rashers by Oliver Carty Ltd (Silver), Centra Sriracha Quick Fry Steak by Dawn Meats (Silver) and Centra Strawberry Kefir by Clona Dairy Products Ltd (Silver)
Speaking about the awards, Luke Hanlon, managing director of Centra, stated: “As Ireland’s leading convenience retailer, we are proud to bring customers the very best of Irish produce. The success of our trusted suppliers, who have earned 23 accolades at this year’s awards, is a strong reflection of this commitment. The Blas accreditation is further recognition of the quality behind Centra’s products, sourced from trusted Irish suppliers and available across our nationwide network of Centra stores.”
ARYZTA Ireland has been awarded Bronze at the 2025 Blas na hÉireann – The Irish Food Awards, the largest food awards on the island, celebrating the best from all thirty-two counties. This year saw over 3,000 entries and many new producers joining the competition. Its Tesco Finest Sweet Tomato & Herbs Sourdough Bloomer stood out for its Mediterranean-inspired flavours, combining sweet tomatoes and a fragrant blend of herbs in a soft, tangy sourdough loaf Crafted with a perpetual sourdough starter from California and nurtured daily in Dublin, this recognition is a testament to its team’s passion for quality and innovation.
ARYZTA took this opportunity to extend “a huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this product to life. Also, we would like to thank Blas na hÉireann for this honour, and to the Tesco Ireland team for its continued support and collaboration.”
Founder and chocolatier Judit McNally has combined her passion for flavour with the finest local ingredients to create awardwinning chocolates proudly made in Waterford. Her Gold Medal win at Blas na hÉireann celebrates a handcrafted collection that showcases the very best of West Waterford’s produce - from home-grown fruits and berries to ingredients sourced from neighbouring producers, distillers and farms.
Inspired by the seasons and the abundance of her own back garden, Judit creates smallbatch chocolates that balance artistry with sustainability Each piece reflects her deep respect for traditional chocolate craftsmanship and the natural flavours that define the region.
Drawing on over twenty years’ experience in confectionery and baking, including international training in Sweden, Judit established Cocoa by Judit with a focus on authenticity, quality, and community Her creations have quickly become recognised for their elegance, taste, and storytelling - a reflection of both her skill and her love for her home in Waterford.
Rooted in place, passion, and pride, Cocoa by Judit continues to put Waterford chocolate on the national stage
Visit: www.cocoabyjudit.ie
Insta | @cocoa_by_judit
It’s another golden moment for G’s Gourmet Jams, the Abbeyleix based artisan producer, which has taken home Gold at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards for its Cranberry & Orange Sauce.
The award-winning sauce combines the tartness of cranberries and the zesty brightness of orange resulting in a rich, flavourful sauce that continues to stand out each festive season and attract loyal repeat customers year after year
Helen Gee, founder of G’s Gourmet Jams, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win Gold for our Cranberry & Orange Sauce. It’s one of those products that perfectly captures what we stand for; high quality ingredients, genuine homemade quality, and real flavour This recognition means a lot, especially knowing how well cranberry sauces perform in stores each Christmas.”
With over 25 years in business, G’s Gourmet Jams has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and taste The family-run company supplies a full range of jams, marmalades, chutneys, and sauces to retailers and foodservice partners nationwide Every product is made with 100% natural ingredients - staying true to the brand’s ethos of honest, homemade goodness.
As demand for authentic Irish-made condiments continues to grow, this latest accolade reaffirms G’s Gourmet Jams’ position as a trusted supplier, delivering products that combine heritage, innovation, and strong shelf appeal.
Grá Chocolates, the luxury handmade chocolate brand from Galway, is celebrating a trio of prestigious honours at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards in Dingle including Gold for the Orange Hot Chocolate, Silver for the Dubai Heart, and the Best in County Galway award
Founded by award-winning pastry chef Gráinne Mullins, Grá Chocolates has become synonymous with craftsmanship, creativity, and connection. Each chocolate is a miniature work of art hand-painted and lovingly made in small batches at the brand’s Galway factory, using the finest Irish ingredients and ethically sourced chocolate
In a remarkable twist, Grá’s Gold-winning Orange Hot Chocolate was recognised before
it had even launched as a product. Now officially available on the Grá website, it arrives on shelves as an award-winning indulgence from day one, a velvety blend of rich cocoa and natural orange zest that perfectly balances comfort and sophistication.
“Our goal has always been to share love through chocolate,” says founder Gráinne Mullins. “To receive recognition at Blas na hÉireann, especially Best in County Galway, means so much to us. These awards celebrate not only our products but also the passion and dedication of our entire team and the incredible Irish producers we collaborate with.”
Winning at Blas na hÉireann, Ireland’s most respected food awards, is a true mark of quality and authenticity For Grá Chocolates, it’s a reflection of the love, artistry, and Irish spirit poured into every creation.
Discover more at www.grachocolates.com or follow @gra_chocolates on social media.
O’Donnells crisps have had another awardwinning year in 2025 with recent wins at the Blas na hÉireann, Irish Food Awards 2025. O’Donnells Mature Cheese & Red Onion flavour secured a Silver award Mature Cheese & Red Onion crisp is the original creation from the O’Donnell family in 2010, boasting the creamy flavour of mature Irish cheddar from The Little Milk Company blended with the sweet, mellow hit of red onion. The Little Milk Company Mature Cheddar is an award-winning organic cheese which is handmade and turned using creamy organic cow’s milk from the Tipperary townland of Kilsheelan.
O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Ballymaloe Relish and Cheese flavour proudly received a Bronze award Bringing together two Irish greats like Ballymaloe relish and O’Donnells crisps, something special happens. The rich tangy flavour of Ballymaloe relish is perfectly balanced with a hit of creamy Irish cheddar delivering a true taste sensation. The grooves within the crinkle cut crisps envelop the unmistakable flavour and deliver real crunch.
This follows O’Donnells’ recent success at the Great Taste Awards 2025, where the brand secured seven accolades – including two coveted two-star honours – making it the most awarded Great Taste crisp brand across Ireland and the UK this year
Building on this success, O’Donnells has recently launched its latest flavour sensation: O’Donnells Hot Honey Fusion.
Alongside the launch of the highly anticipated Hot Honey Fusion flavour, O’Donnells are proud to spotlight the inspiration behind this bold new addition, a Tipperary neighbour; Rívesci. Shannon Forrest and Declan Malone of Rívesci are no stranger to Blas na hÉireann awards; Rívesci were crowned Supreme Champion in 2024 Taking cues from the rich, spicysweet profile of Dec’s Hot Honey from
Rívesci, Hot Honey Fusion offers a unique snacking experience that pays homage to Irish innovation and flavour As fellow members of the Tipperary Food Producers Network, O’Donnells and Rívesci celebrate the spirit of Irish craftsmanship, supporting local producers and delivering high-quality, culinary creations to customers across the country
O’Donnells Hot Honey Fusion taps into the growing popularity of the hot honey flavour trend, expertly blending fiery spice with smooth, natural honey sweetness. Each crisp offers a bold, tantalising kick followed by a rich, mellow finish of the honey, creating a truly memorable flavour experience. Designed for sharing, this snack brings friends and family together with every satisfying, crunchy bite.
O’Donnell’s crisps remain proudly glutenfree and vegetarian-friendly, made without artificial colours, flavours, MSG, or GM ingredients.
The Hot Honey Fusion flavour is available nationwide in 44g and 125g sharing bags.
The rich tradition of Irish butchery was celebrated in Dingle, with three Irish Butchers’ Guild members recognised at the prestigious Blas na hÉireann Awards.
McCarthy’s of Kanturk were awarded the distinguished Chef’s Larder Award, sponsored by Bord Bia, for their outstanding Smoked North Cork Pancetta. A delighted Tim McCarthy said “We are truly honoured to receive the Chef’s Larder Award at Blas na hÉireann. Our Smoked North Cork Pancetta is a product that reflects generations of tradition, craft, and pride in what we do and it’s a credit to the hard work of our family and team”. McCarthy’s is an iconic family-owned butcher with a storied heritage dating back to 1892 Through five generations, they have mastered the art of crafting exceptional meats, earning international acclaim for their quality products.
Murphy’s Craft Butchers of Tullow claimed two Gold Awards for it’s innovative Black Charcoal Ribeye Steak and Chicken Italiano A delighted Jim Murphy said “It’s a real honour to have our products recognised on such a respected stage, and it reflects the hard work, passion, and craft that goes into everything we do At the end of the day, it’s about bringing our customers something truly special”. Murphy Craft Butchers, established in 1909, is a family-owned business with a legacy spanning five generations of Master Butchers.
Bergin Family Butchers, The Food Yard in Naas earned a Silver Award for it’s signature 12 hour slow cooked featherblade with creamy mash in the Ready Meals Category Mark Bergin expressed his delight on receiving their award He said: “We are absolutely delighted to win a Silver Award at Blas na hÉireann. It’s a reflection of the care, craft, and commitment our family puts into everything we do, and we’re thrilled to bring this award back to Naas for our customers.” Bergin Family Butchers, based in The Food Yard Naas, are renowned for their craft, quality produce, and commitment to bringing customers the very best in Irish butchery
These successes highlight the remarkable skill, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality that define Irish butchery today, with customers across the country reaping the benefits.
From Ballina beginnings to Roscommon recognition, a family brand proves that craft still matters.
From its start in Ballina, Co Mayo to its new production home in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, husband-and-wife duo Alexander and Juliya have grown Noble into one of Ireland’s most exciting artisan icecream brands.
Every flavour is created entirely from scratch, using fresh Irish milk and cream,
premium raw ingredients, and a clean-label, minimal-process method. No flavour pastes, no industrial bases - just genuine food craftsmanship in every batch. It’s a traditional way of making ice cream that’s increasingly rare in today’s market, where most rely on pre-mixed formulations.
At this year’s Blas na hÉireann 2025, Noble’s Mango Sorbet took Silver, Chocolate Ice Cream earned Bronze, and Raspberry Sorbet reached the finals - with the brand also named Best in County Roscommon and honoured as Best Start Up 2025.
“We simply wanted ice cream. We’d be proud to serve our kids,” says Alexander “When people taste it and say, ‘that’s real,’ we know we’ve hit the mark.”
Rooted in Mayo and thriving in Roscommon, Noble shows that authenticity, quality and integrity remain the finest ingredients of all.
White’s Oats, Ireland’s largest oat miller and cereal producer, is celebrating success at the 2025 Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, proudly taking home silver for its Quick&Oaty Berry flavour instant Oat Sachets.
Now in its 18th year, the awards are regarded as Ireland’s premier food and drink event, recognising the very best of Irish produce.
In addition to being awarded Silver, the Co Armagh based oat miller was shortlisted for
four products across its portfolio This recognition underscores the company’s dedication to crafting wholesome, greattasting oats that combine convenience, nutrition, and natural flavour
Danielle McBride, marketing manager at White’s Oats, said: “We are delighted to receive a silver award at this year’s Blas na hÉireann. It is a real testament to the passion and care that goes into every White’s Oats product. We are extremely proud to be recognised among Ireland’s finest food producers and to continue our commitment to celebrating the best of homegrown Irish produce through quality, innovation, and great-tasting oats.”
Renowned for its multi award-winning range of porridge oats, granolas, and instant oat products, White’s continues to lead the way in oat innovation, delivering high-quality, sustainable breakfast solutions to meet evolving consumer needs. Milled from locally grown Irish Porridge Oats, White’s Quick & Oaty range provides a quick, nourishing start to the day, without compromising on taste or texture.
Tesco Ireland is paying special tribute to its supplier network after an outstanding performance at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. With 84 accolades across 29 suppliers, Tesco Ireland has once again emerged as the most awarded retailer at the prestigious event, for the second consecutive year
Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann is Ireland’s largest celebration of food and
Avoca, Ireland’s leading lifestyle retail destination, is thrilled to have landed six Blas na hÉireann medals this year across its own brand retail and beloved café products. Avoca’s irresistible Mini Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Bites, ‘deliciously creamy’ Original Butter Fudge and the innovative Rice Krispmas Tree all secured the highly coveted gold awards, an achievement the team is incredibly proud of The perfectly indulgent
drink, highlighting the innovation, quality, and craftsmanship of producers nationwide This year, 137 Tesco own-label products from 41 suppliers were shortlisted, with 26 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze medals awarded, alongside five Chef’s Larder wins. Among the standout winners were:
• Tesco Finest 5 Thick Cut Hickory Smoked Dry Cured Irish Rashers (Gold), produced by Hilton Foods
• Tesco Finest Feta & Spring Vegetable Focaccia (Silver), produced by Crust & Crumb
• Tesco Finest Vintage Irish White Cheddar (Bronze), produced by Bandon Vale
• Tesco Irish Parsley, which earned a Chef’s Larder award, produced by O’Hanlon Herbs
As the world’s largest retail buyer of Irish food and drink, Tesco Ireland works with over 500 Irish suppliers to bring local excellence to shelves nationwide The retailer’s continued success at Blas na hÉireann reflects its deep commitment to supporting Irish producers and delivering quality and value to customers.
With this year’s results, Tesco Ireland reaffirms its leadership in championing Irish food and supporting the future of Irish suppliers for generations to come
Blynk Drinks is a functional beverage brand powered by mushrooms and founded by serial entrepreneur David Hartigan & Stephen Dillion. At Blynk+ it believes you shouldn’t have to choose between great tasting drinks and supporting your health goals. This is why it created its ‘great’ tasting beverages with benefits.
Designed for modern lifestyles, Blynk+ blends science, nature, and great taste into convenient, lightly sparkling drinks that support focus, calm, and Healthy Energy
Its drinks contain a unique combination of natural ingredients, Functional mushrooms, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals to help balance both body and mind.
The flagship products include Blynk+ Calm, a blackberry and lemon balm drink infused with Reishi, magnesium, and B vitamins to ease stress and promote relaxation, and Blynk+ focus, an apple and chamomile drink infused with Lions mane, Zinc and B Vitamins to support cognitive functions. Its latest addition to the range Blynk+.
Healthy energy is a orange & Mango drink infused with cordyceps Sinensis, KSM-66 Ashwagandha Extract, B Vitamins and natural caffeine from Yerba mate to support lasting energy
At Blynk, it believes beverages should do more. That’s why it’s committed to clean labels, low calorie, low sugar, no artificial additives, and environmentally responsible packaging. Every can is crafted to taste refreshing while supporting your wellbeing - helping you to live, think, and feel your best, one Blynk at a time
Pecan & Caramel Cheesecake received a silver medal alongside Avoca’s zingy Lemon Curd, a must for home bakers looking to create delectable treats in their own kitchens. Rounding out the win with a bronze is Avoca’s Meringue Roulade with Fresh Raspberries & Cream, available by the slice in Avoca cafés across the country
or as a full roulade to take home and enjoy. The awards are a true testament to the creativity, craft and dedication of the Avoca Food Team, who strive to bring exceptional quality and innovation to customers with every bite.
Avoca has 13 stores across Ireland and is also available to shop online at Avoca.com
at Blas na hÉireann 2025 and leads a new era in functional, sustainable
Irish coffee innovation took centre stage as Kefircoffee was awarded Gold at the Blas na hÉireann Awards 2025, the nation’s most prestigious food and drink competition.
Recognised in the Hot Beverages – Coffee (Single Origin) category, Kefircoffee impressed judges with its smoothness, natural sweetness, and antioxidant-rich profile achieved through its proprietary clean-label process, which enhances coffee’s natural health compoundswithout additives or preservatives.
Following this national success, Kefircoffee also earned two international honours at the World Coffee Innovation Awards 2025 in London - Winner in the Functional Coffee category and Finalist for Technology Innovation.
Developed by founder Myles Garland, Kefircoffee is the world’s first clean-label, fullcoffee functional beverage, introducing a new first-step process for roasters that naturally boosts bioactive compounds. Independent testing by Teagasc, Ireland’s national food research authority, confirmed significant increases in chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and trigonelline, with caffeine unchanged.
Pioneering a low-waste, circular-economy approach, Kefircoffee repurposes naturally occurring sugars within green coffee beans to create added value - improving sustainability while elevating flavour and function.
Kefircoffee delivers a smoother, more sustainable, and naturally functional cup of coffee, positioning Ireland at the forefront of global clean-label coffee innovation.
Richmount Cordials is a small, artisan beverage company, trading since 2014 and run by husband-and-wife team, David and Martina Burns.
Its main products are Elderflower Cordial, Sparkling Elderflower drinks and Elderberry Cordial and the latest addition to their range Richmount Irish Elderflower Liqueur, the only Irish-produced elderflower liqueur won Gold at this year’s Blas. David said: “This is a marvellous affirmation of the quality of our Richmount Irish Elderflower Liqueur, to be recognised as Gold standard means so much to us.”
Martina and David grow elderflowers and elderberries on seven acres on their thirdgeneration farm in Richmount, Co Longford, which are harvested and made into premium, small-batch cordials and carbonated drinks. During the short blossoming period in June, the elderflowers are hand-picked and infused within a couple of hours and this hands-on approach ensures Martina and David have ultimate control over freshness and quality Richmount drinks are made without the use of concentrate or artificial sweeteners, colours, or flavourings – ideal for anyone trying to avoid ultra-processed ingredients.
Their latest venture, Richmount Irish Elderflower Liqueur (20% ABV) is a uniquely Irish silky-smooth liqueur, and a worthy winner of Gold in Blas nah Éireann. It captures the
authentic taste of fresh elderflowers and the very essence of summer and is perfect for sipping neat as a digestif, over ice, added to prosecco, champagne or cocktails, or makes a thoughtful gift for any drinks connoisseur
Richmount Cordial Co drinks and liqueur are stocked mostly in independent food stores across Ireland. For the full list, see www.richmountcordials.ie
Rye River Brewing Company has once again proven its brewing excellence, earning three new accolades at Blas na hÉireann 2025. Two Silver medals went to Crafty Brewing Company - brewed exclusively for Lidl - for its much-loved Irish Red Ale and Irish Craft Stout. The third accolade, a Bronze, was awarded to IBU Czech Pils, brewed exclusively for Tesco Stores. It’s already the second award for IBU Czech Pils, which only hit shelves in 2024 - an impressive start for a newcomer
Rye River Brewing Company is Ireland’s leading independent brewery, producing world-class beers from its home in Celbridge, Co Kildare. Now in its twelfth year of operation, the brewery employs 67 people and continues to push the boundaries of Irish brewing. In 2022, Rye River Brewing Company was named the World’s Most Decorated Brewery for the third consecutive year at the prestigious World Beer Awards - a remarkable achievement that highlights its dedication to quality, consistency, and innovation.
What sets Rye River apart is its world-class reputation, unwavering commitment to brewing excellence, and a strong focus on sustainability - values that consistently raise the bar for the industry
The brewery’s portfolio is as diverse as it is distinctive. It includes its core Rye River Brewing Company and Rye River Seasonal ranges, as well as exclusive retail brands such as The Crafty Brewing Company, brewed for Lidl, and Grafters and IBU, produced for Dunnes Stores and Tesco respectively Rye River Brewing Co supplies premium beers to some of Ireland’s largest retailers and exports to 26 international markets, primarily across Europe In 2024, the brewery proudly launched its Rye River Brewing Co brand in the United States, further expanding its global reach.
From Kildare to the world, Rye River Brewing Company continues to lead the way for Independent Irish beer - blending passion, quality, consistency and creativity in every brew
Village Dairy was recently delighted to have been awarded two Blas na hÉireann awards this year for its Organic Cream and a product it makes in partnership with Dunnes Stores, Simply Better Irish Jersey Cream. It is immensely proud to say it has been placed at every Blas na hÉireann since we began producing and first entered the competition back in 2016. An achievement that is >>
SuperValu Irish producers celebrate 96 wins at the 2025 Blás na hÉireann Awards
Irish Producers of SuperValu, Ireland’s largest grocery retailer, secured a remarkable number of wins across multiple categories at the prestigious Blás na hÉireann Awards. This brings the total awards achieved by SuperValu producers to 96 spanning across SuperValu Own Brand, SuperValu Signature Tastes, Food Academy and The Happy Pear ranges.
Among this year’s accolades were multiple gold, silver, and bronze awards, along with recognition in a variety of speciality categories including Chef’s Larder & Best Start Up These wins highlight the outstanding quality and innovation of SuperValu’s Irish producers and reflect the breadth of products proudly sourced from communities across the country
SuperValu’s Signature Tastes and Own Brand ranges stood out once again, with a strong showing across several award categories. There were 12 Gold medal winners which included standout products such as Signature Tastes Irish Organic Salmon Darnes, Signature Tastes Irish Whiskey BBQ Sauce, Signature Tastes Allenwood Cheese & Signature Tastes Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice.
Food Academy producers were once again outstanding winners, with producers securing 51 awards in total, with golds for Valentia Island Vermouth and Coffee House Lane’s Aikenhead blend. One of Food Academy’s newest producers starting in 2025, Nice Ice
Cream from Roscommon, won The Blás na hÉireann Best Start Up as well as silver & bronze. Julia & Alexander from Odesa, have combined their passion for organic fruits and premium ingredients with high quality organic Irish milk, to create a range of exquisite ice creams & refreshing sorbets.
The Happy Pear won six awards with The Lovely Basil Pesto and Sweet Beet Hummus winning Golds, along with three Silver for The Happy Hummus, Tomato Ketchup, Sweet Potato & Squash Soup and one Bronze award for Spicy Red Pepper Pesto.
Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu, said: “2025 has been a remarkable year for SuperValu’s Irish producers at the Blás na hÉireann awards, where our local suppliers were celebrated once again for their quality, innovation, and diverse offering. Supporting homegrown talent has always been at the core of SuperValu, and it’s inspiring to see these producers receive the recognition they truly deserve. We remain committed to championing the very best of Irish food.”
SuperValu has long championed locally, Irish-sourced food and drink, working with more than 1,800 suppliers, and this year’s wins further emphasise the variety and excellence across all categories: from meats and dairy to innovative new products.
testament to all its suppliers, team members, and customers both past and present. Over the last ten years, its range which includes Fresh Milk and Cream, Organic Milk and Cream, Jersey Milk and Cream, and Buttermilk have all been awarded with the Blas na hÉireann gold, silver, or bronze standard. For a small family run dairy on the Carlow/Laois border in Killeshin it thinks that is something to celebrate. It has for the last 10 years strived to produce milk and cream in a way that is a little different, highlighting the high-quality milk from equally passionate suppliers, none of which could happen without the support of its loyal customer base The Blas na hÉireann accolades are not only an identifiable quality mark on Irish products but also help promote and support small Irish food producers.
The Village Dairy – Where Milk Matters.
Waldron Family Meats collecting Gold at the Blas na hÉireann awards
Waldron Family Meats is delighted to have recently won Gold at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards for its new product – Bacon Medallions with Cream of Parsley Sauce. This recognition means a lot to Waldron Family Meats, as it celebrates the passion, care, and craftsmanship that define everything it does.
Its Bacon Medallions with Cream of Parsley Sauce showcase the very best of Irish produce – tender, flavoursome bacon complemented by a rich, creamy parsley sauce. It’s a product born from our dedication to quality, innovation, and tradition, and it is thrilled to see it so warmly received by the judges at Ireland’s most prestigious food awards.
This Gold award is a proud moment for its entire team – from its skilled butchers and product developers to everyone who helps bring its ideas to life. It reflects its shared commitment to excellence and our ongoing mission to craft delicious, wholesome foods that our customers can trust and enjoy.
Waldron Family Meats extends its heartfelt thanks to its loyal customers and supporters, whose encouragement drives it forward every day. Winning Gold at Blas na hÉireann truly inspires it to continue celebrating the best of Irish food through every product it creates.
Leigh Kelly of Zaeire Artisan Chocolates was blown away by her Gold at this year’s Blas na hEireann Awards. It was its Hazelnut Pralines that won in the Individual Chocolate Category
It is an honour to bring this award back to its little corner of Bridgetown Co Wexford (for
Elderberry Farm has established itself as a notable presence in the artisan food sector, earning a bronze Blas na hÉireann award for ‘Gráinne’s Granola’ this year, making it a twotime recipient of this prestigious acknowledgement. In 2024, it also received a bronze medal for “Aggie’s Dandelion Lemonade,” with its “Carrot Leaf and Pecan Nut Pesto” ranking among the top five entries. Remarkably, Elderberry Farm has achieved significant success and multiple accolades in under three years of operation. Founder and owner Gráinne Kenneally Quirke attributes their accomplishments to their unwavering commitment to the quality, authenticity, and integrity of their products.
Located just outside Gorey in County Wexford, Elderberry Farm is a small, emerging business specialising in artisan cordials, syrups, jams, jellies, chutneys pestos, hummus, tapenades, and granola. The majority of raw ingredients, such as elderberry, elderflower, dandelion, crab apples, rosehips, haw berries, blackberries, and sloes, are foraged locally Where foraged ingredients are not available, they prioritise sourcing locally grown fruit, including pears, rhubarb, and beetroot, striving to support local suppliers whenever possible
Elderberry Farm’s philosophy centres on zero waste and sustainability, principles that have resonated with both customers and retailers alike and has played a central role in product development, contributing to the high quality and superior taste of their offerings. Priding themselves on small-batch, home-cooked methods their aim is to ensure consistent excellence and customer satisfaction. A deposit return scheme is also available for all glass bottles, reinforcing their commitment to environmental responsibility
Elderberry Farm products are stocked in all farm shops across County Wexford and other select artisan outlets. Additionally, they can be found on a weekly basis at farmers markets. They also attend trade and agricultural shows throughout the year
the second year in a row).
The quality and calibre of artisan chocolatiers in the country has gone through the roof in the recent years. It means so much to Leigh to be recognised amongst fellow producers.
The last year has been a very difficult place to be in the chocolate world. Due to really bad Weather conditions, cacao crops have been badly damaged or totally destroyed, driving up the price of chocolate by more than 120%. It has been a struggle for Leigh to keep the show on the road, but with perseverance and determination they have continued to do what they love…”Delivering happiness - one chocolate at a time.”
Kelly is grateful to each and every person that supports what they do at Zaiere, adding that the support is more important than ever So the Gold Award is for each and every one of the supporters and its small female
team - Nicola and Frances, who they could not do it without.
Its products are available in select retailers, direct from its shop or online at www.zaeire.com
Launched in 2024 by brothers-in-law and childhood friends Fergal Carroll and Cathal Byrne, the Louth-based brewery is Ireland’s first independent producer dedicated exclusively to non-alcoholic beer Fierce Mild Brew Things Differently, using a specialised yeast that naturally limits fermentation, meaning there’s no need to strip out alcohol, or flavour, after brewing. A premium, Irish nonalcoholic beer made with five natural ingredients, no additives, and only 49 calories per bottle
Speaking about the win, Carroll. said: “Winning Gold at Blas na hÉireann is massive for us. It’s recognition that Irish-made nonalcoholic beer belongs among the country’s best food and drink producers.”
This national recognition marks another milestone in what has been a defining year for the brewery A 2025 Food Works participant (Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, Teagasc), Fierce Mild has also earned major accolades, including wins at The Pitch 2025 (Image Media, Samsung Ireland), the inaugural Taste of TV Fund (Love Irish Food, Sky Media), and the only Gold medal awarded in the No/Low Alcohol category at the 2025 Irish Quality Food & Drink Award. The brewery was also named among The Irish Times’ ‘Innovators to Watch 2025,’ further underscoring its impact on Ireland’s evolving drinks landscape
With its new TV campaign now live on Sky, Fierce Mild is redefining what non-alcoholic beer can be - fierce on flavour, mild on alcohol, and full of character Now pouring in 350+ venues nationwide and available in Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Avoca, Fallon & Byrne, and online hello@fiercemild.beer | @_fiercemild | www.fiercemild.co
ALDI and its team of Irish suppliers and producers enjoyed outstanding success at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, walking away with 48 awards across multiple categories, including 17 gold medals, 16 silver medals and 15 bronze medals, showcasing ALDI’s commitment to supporting Irish suppliers and offering customers the best quality food.
This year, ALDI’s gold medal-winning products were produced by Oakpark Foods, ABP Cahir, Annalitten Foods Ltd, Do me a Flavour - VOA Foods Unlimited Company, Wonderfoods Ltd, Cookie Dó, Kestrel Foods, Folláin, Armagh Cider Company and Pearse Lyons Brewery to name a few - highly valued Irish suppliers whom ALDI is proud to
Naturally Cordial was thrilled to be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze for its fruit based cordials at Blas na hÉireann 2025. Known for using local ingredients where they can and combining them with organic citrus fruits or other exotic fruits, Naturally Cordial creates unusual flavours that allow the fruit flavours to shine Based in the sunny South-East, it was no surprise that Wexford strawberries and Irish raspberries were ingredients in the winning flavours: Lemon & Raspberry; Strawberry, Cucumber & Lime; and Strawberry & Passionfruit. Naturally Cordial flavours are ideal for mixing with still or sparkling water for delicious drinks for everyone or for using in place of sugar syrups for adventurous cocktails and mocktails or even for heating with spices as an alternative non-alcoholic mulled wine or hot whiskey See its website www://naturallycordial.ie for recipes. As more people are drinking less alcohol and looking for non-alcoholic alternatives, Naturally Cordial is a premium, artisan product that makes the perfect drink for all your guests.
collaborate with all year round.
Among the standout winners was the Specially Selected Irish Wagyu Rib Eye Joint with Irish Atlantic Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper Infused Beef Marrow which was awarded a prestigious gold medal in the BeefRoast category and holds its gold standard title from the awards in 2024 This product is produced exclusively for ALDI by ABP Cahir
Speaking about this year’s Blas na hÉireann wins, John Curtin, group buying director at ALDI Ireland said: “We’re thrilled to see so many of our Irish-made products celebrated at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. At ALDI, we take great pride in working with exceptional local producers across the country to bring our customers the highest-quality Irish produce. Our success at these awards reflects their dedication, creativity, and
commitment to excellence. On behalf of everyone at ALDI, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to our suppliers and buying teams for this outstanding recognition.”
Sunshine Juice is based in Tinryland, County Carlow, founded by local man Paul Walshe in the 90’s. It prides itself on using Irish ingredients when in season to produce the best product possible, fortunately, it is able to use Irish apples from Tipperary all year round. It loves to support the local community by giving back through sponsoring local GAA teams. It was delighted to receive three awards this year, the best in county award for Carlow, gold in best fruit juices for its ‘SuperValu signature tastes orange juice’ and gold in best vegetable juices for its Veg Out Boost. n
As demand for festive fare is gaining momentum now is the time for retailers to stock up on Christmas essentials, Donna
It’s the most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year for brands and retailers alike. While consumers continue to enjoy traditional festive favourites, those with discerning palates are increasingly seeking fresh takes on Irish staples and exciting new brands. This presents a prime opportunity for retailers to showcase innovative products alongside classic offerings. By balancing familiarity with novelty, businesses can meet customer expectations and support steady seasonal sales.
Irish shoppers were clearly in the mood to celebrate and splash out over the festive period, last year, research shows
Take-home value sales over the four weeks to 29 December 2024 increased by 4.4% to reach nearly €1.4 billion, making it the biggest sales month of the year despite grocery price inflation increasing 3.6%.
According to research conducted by Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kanter) In December, shoppers in Ireland also returned to their favourite stores more often, making 23 trips on average to pick up Christmas essentials and luxuries, compared to just 17 trips on average in Great Britain.
“December was the busiest trading month
For more than six decades, Green Isle has been a trusted name in Ireland, making mealtimes easy and delicious. Whether it’s classic garden peas, vibrant stir-fry mixes, or golden roast potatoes, Green Isle takes the guesswork out of good food choices, so you can feel like a champion in the kitchen.
This Christmas, Green Isle aims to help you prepare for the season’s most celebrated meal with ease With Green Isle’s convenient range of vegetable and potato sides, there’s no need for chopping or dicing, making your holiday kitchen stress-free and giving you more time to enjoy the day.
New for 2025, Green Isle have extended their seasonal range to include New Potato Gratins - elevating your Christmas dinner with ease
Green Isle Potato Gratins:
Green Isle Potato Gratins a deliciously easy side dish for any meal. Creamy and delicious,
we have seen – not just this year [2024], but since the pre-lockdown rush in March 2020,” said Emer Healy, business development director, Kantar
“As anticipated, Monday 23 December was the most popular shopping day of the year, with consumers spending €107 million on that one day alone, €11.9 million more than the highest trading day last year In typical festive spirit, many of us looked for ways to treat ourselves, while the retailers in Ireland rolled out their seasonal lines to help us celebrate in style,” she said.
It’s important for brands and retailers to note that, despite the festive spirit, shoppers
each pack contains four individual potato gratins made from carefully selected sliced potatoes, cream and garlic. They cook perfectly in the air fryer or oven. Potato perfection everytime!
Green Isle ambassador Derval O’Rourke shares her experience:
“As a busy mom, I rely on Green Isle for its quality and convenience. Their fruits and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and frozen to lock in freshness and nutrition. From stir-fries to smoothies, Green Isle makes it
were still feeling the cost-of-living pinch and were naturally keen to take advantage of special offers during the period. It comes as no surprise that sales on promotions hit a high of 23.8% in December last year, growing 5.2%, year on year
The data indicated that shoppers grabbed the chance to indulge and spend a bit more than usual on festive treats, with beer, cider, pastries and biscuits seeing the highest levels of buying on deal.
Now is the time for retailers and brands to stock up, as the festive period is not only highly profitable but also intensely competitive.
easy for my family to eat well! I’ll be stocking up on all my Christmas essentials in order to make the preparation on Christmas Day as stress-free as possible.”
Mairéad Walsh, marketing manager Green Isle, added: “Following on from the successful launch of our Duck fat roast potatoes and Crispy Brussels Sprouts, we are thrilled to introduce delicious Potato Gratins to our seasonal range The Green Isle range of vegetable and potato sides saves consumers time on meal preparation as all the chopping and slicing has been done for them, ensuring that their Christmas day is as stress-free as possible, and they feel like a champion in your kitchen. Our Potato Gratins, Duck fat roast and Crispy Brussels Sprouts are perfect additions for lots of family meal occasions this Christmas.”
Green Isle 4 Potato Gratins RRP: €5. Find them in the freezer aisle
For generations, Irish families have trusted Green Isle to put good food on their tables. It is more than just a food company, Green Isle is a good company and it is committed to
making it easy to eat well and live greener
To some people, Green Isle may just be the reliable pack in your freezer but dig a little deeper and you’ll realise that there’s much more to Green Isle than that. From sustainable packaging to tackling food waste, and ensuring it’s products are as nutritious as possible, it wants to create an Ireland where everyone can eat better and live greener
That’s goodness for all.
www.GreenIsle.ie
Instagram: @greenisle
Facebook: GreenIsle
TikTok: @greenisleoffical
Ireland’s favourite impact-driven chocolate is back this Christmas. Tony’s Chocolonely is hitting Irish shelves with its line-up of festive treats, that are not only really tasty, but make a real difference too, by championing a fairer, more sustainable chocolate industry
Pringles releases the first ever mystery festive flavour in Ireland and the UK –Santa’s Secret Flavour
This new seasonal-inspired tube will keep friends and family guessing this Christmas
The Christmas countdown is on as Pringles, the number one large sharing crisp brand in Ireland, is turning up the festive fun with the launch of a brand-new Christmas-inspired mystery flavour - Santa’s Secret Flavour
After the sell-out success of its first Mystery Flavour earlier this year, Pringles is adding a seasonal twist to its viral guessing game Designed to spark festive debate around the table, the limited-edition flavour is a playful puzzle for taste buds, which will have people guessing with every crunch.
Available across major supermarkets from September, the early arrival of Santa’s Secret Flavour will get savoury snackers in the mood for the festive season.
From huge advent calendars to shareable pouches that disappear faster than you can say, ‘just one more’, Tony’s festive range offers something for everybody Whether you’re treating a loved one, searching for that perfect stocking filler, or perhaps a gift just for you (‘cause you deserve to be treated too) every bar, pouch, and calendar delivers indulgence with a purpose
Packed with fun, flavour, and impact, Tony’s mission to end exploitation in cocoa ensures that giving and tasting chocolate this festive season has never felt so good… or done so much good.
The fair and festive line-up:
• Compact Countdown Calendar (€14): This calendar is loaded with 24 Tiny Tony’s in two classic flavours: milk caramel sea salt and milk chocolate, hidden behind unequally divided windows Featuring a convenient pop-out stand, it’s perfect for a festive display at home! Now available at EarthMother.ie and Fallon & Byrne Availability may vary by store.
• Revamped Countdown Calendar (€18): A returning favourite with a cosy winter homeinspired design. To highlight the inequality in the chocolate industry, the calendar is unequally divided, too. It divides 25 tasty
But Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the classics. Back by popular demand, Pringles Christmas limited-edition packaging across Original, Sour Cream and Onion, Salt and Vinegar, and Texas BBQ 165g are making an iconic return to shelves in October Staples for fans, they promise to bring bold flavour and moments of fun to snack bowls at the Christmas table
Ann Rose Eng, senior brand activation manager, Pringles (Kellanova) said: “Our Mystery Flavour seriously got people talking – and tasting – so we knew we had
Tiny Tony’s chocolates, in 10 fun flavours, over 24 windows Now available at Dunnes, Tesco, Brown Thomas, EarthMother.ie and Fallon & Byrne Availability may vary by store.
• Tiny Tony’s Christmas Pouch (€7): These Tiny Tony’s Christmas Pouches are filled with 15 bite-sized treats in mixed flavours, perfect for sharing or keeping to yourself Now available at Tesco, Brown Thomas, EarthMother.ie, Fallon & Byrne, Blarney’s Woolen Mills, Independent Irish Health Foods. Availability may vary by store.
• Tiny Tony’s Gift Box (€8): An adorable, fully recyclable box with 20 Tiny Tony’s
to bring the fun back for Christmas. Snackers loved trying to guess the secret blend, and this new festive edition is amping up that excitement once again. Santa’s Secret Flavour is rich, surprising, and not what fans would expect from Pringles. With our limited-edition packaging on the classic flavours too, it’s the ultimate line-up to kick off the festive season.”
in five classic flavours, ideal as stocking fillers or thoughtful gifts. Available at Tesco, EarthMother.ie Fallon & Byrne Independent Irish Health Foods. Availability may vary by store
• Rainbow Tasting Pack (€10): Can’t choose a favourite? This Tasting Pack is a great choice, offering six small bars in best-selling flavours. Now available at Dunnes, Tesco, Brown Thomas, EarthMother.ie, Fallon & Byrne, Blarney Woollen Mills, Independent Irish Health Foods. Availability may vary by store.
This Christmas, Tony’s invites Irish chocolate lovers to give and enjoy choco treats that truly count. Every product supports a fairer chocolate industry, delicious indulgence for you, meaningful impact for cocoa farmers – it’s a win-win for everyone!
Tony’s Chocolonely strives to end exploitation in cocoa. By sourcing all cocoa through Tony’s Open Chain and following its Five Sourcing Principles, Tony’s proves chocolate can be fair, transparent, and utterly delicious.
Please note that all prices are recommended retail prices (RPP) and may vary depending on the retailer across the Republic of Ireland. For further information on stockists visit https://www.tonyschocolonely.com/
This Christmas consider a dessert with a tropical twist with this mouth-watering recipe from Fyffes for Pineapple Trifle.
Pineapple Trifle recipe:
• For the jelly (make ahead)
• 2 pkts orange jelly
For the caramelised pineapple:
• 1 pineapple
• 50g butter
• 80g soft light brown sugar
To assemble:
• 1 vanilla Swiss roll, cut into thick slices
• Caramelised pineapple (see above)
• 1 litre custard
• ½ pineapple, trimmed & cored
• Set jelly (see above)
• 500ml fresh cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
To decorate
• Dried pineapple flowers (make ahead)
• Caramel sauce
For the pineapple flowers (must be done at least one day ahead), pre-heat the oven to 120°C/100°C fan.
Trim the top & bottom off a pineapple then cut in half Reserve one half to use later in the recipes.
Working your way around the pineapple, trim off the rind, try to not remove too much of the pineapple flesh.
Turn the pineapple half on its side then remove the eyes using a small sharp knife (removing the eyes like this rather than cutting
more of the rind off is what will give the flowers a ruffled petal-like appearance.
Using a large sharp knife, cut the pineapple into slices, making them as thin as you can.
Arrange the slices on a tray lined with paper towels. Place a few more sheets of paper towel on top then press down hard to help remove as much moisture as possible
Carefully peel the pineapple from the paper towel then arrange on baking trays lined with parchment paper
Bake for 30 minutes, then turn each slice over and bake for another 30 minutes. Repeat this until the pineapple feels mostly dry and not very pliable
While the pineapple is still warm, push each slice into the wells of a muffin tin then leave to cool completely, this is how they get the final shape Once completely cold, transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature until needed.
Prepare the jelly the day before, following the package instructions, then pour into a large dish and leave to set in the fridge overnight.
For the caramelised pineapple, trim the rind off the pineapple, cut into slices and remove the core, then cut each ring into pieces.
Place butter in a large frying pan and melt over high heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the pineapple Stir to coat with the butter then cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally
Sprinkle over the brown sugar and stir to mix through, cooking for another three-five minutes until pineapple is coated in lovely, melted sugar
Remove from heat and leave to cool completely
To assemble the trifle, cut the Swiss roll in thick slices then arrange the slices in the bottom of a large trifle dish. Fill in any gaps with trimmed pieces of Swiss roll.
Spoon over the caramelised pineapple and the lovely sticky sauce.
Next, add a layer of custard, smoothing the top so it’s level.
For the pineapple border, trim the rind off the reserved pineapple half then cut into slices and remove the core from each. Cut the rings in halves.
Arrange the halved rings around the trifle dish to create a decorative border Reserve any leftover rings for garnish.
Use a sharp knife to cut the set jelly into cubes, then remove with a large spoon and spoon on top of the custard inside the pineapple border
Whip the double cream with the icing sugar until just firm enough to hold a peak, then spoon this on top of the jelly layer like a pillowy cloud.
Garnish the top of the trifle with any leftover fresh pineapple, a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and the dried pineapple flowers.
Keep chilled in the fridge until ready to serve.
Lindor is the ‘number one’ boxed chocolate in the Irish market with over 20% market share. €1 in every €5 spent on boxed chocolate is spent on a Lindor boxed*, ensuring Lindor continues to be a must stock for retailers.
With a wide range of exciting and delectable flavours and formats, Lindor is not only the perfect chocolate gift for any occasion, but also a delicious indulgent treat for consumers. Now discover Lindt’s newest snacking format: Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles 37g. Three Lindor truffles, with an irresistible smooth melting filling and a delicate milk chocolate shell, wrapped together to share or keep for yourself Let your shoppers melt into a moment of Lindor bliss with this new convenient on-the-go format. Already available in stores nationwide
Bring some bliss to your shoppers this year with the Lindt Lindor range
*Source: AC Nielsen Total Scantrack data to 07/09/2025.
Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of roast turkey in the oven, and this year Irish families are set to keep this tradition alive. SuperValu, Ireland’s top retailer for turkeys at Christmas, is preparing for its biggest season yet, with over 75,000 fresh whole turkeys from Bord Bia approved Irish farms to be sold in SuperValu stores nationwide in the lead up to Christmas. The retailer has predicted the 8 December to be its busiest day for turkey orders, so shoppers are advised to get their
orders in early Fresh turkeys will be available in-store from 21 December, with expert butchers on-hand to advise on size, cut and cooking tips.
Choice for every table: whole birds, boned and rolled, crowns and free range
While the classic 7.5kg whole bird remains the biggest seller, more customers are choosing boned & rolled joints and crowns in recent years, suggesting smaller gatherings and a growing appetite for convenience, according to SuperValu. Free range turkeys were among the top sellers in SuperValu last Christmas, demonstrating the
The festive season is a time of warmth, tradition, and indulgence, and nothing captures that feeling quite like a beautifully baked treat.
At Cuisine de France, Christmas is about comforting classics, modern takes on tradition, and baked goods that look just as
good on the shelf as they taste on the plate
This year, its Christmas bakery range brings together the beloved and the brand new, all designed to help you deliver unforgettable moments, from coffee counter to festive table
At the heart of it’s festive range is La Boule This creamy, French-style boule is crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and the star of any festive spread. Ideal for breakfast, cheeseboards, or artisan sandwich builds, it’s a product that steals the show, every time
Whether sliced and served with smoked salmon or enjoyed simply with butter and jam, La Boule adds festive flair to every offering.
Mince pies remain a must-have, and this year’s selection delivers both tradition and taste This year, it added a selection of new bakes crafted for the season’s evolving tastes – each one fully finished, beautifully presented, and packed with flavour (Chocolate Orange Muffin, Cherry Custard Lantern and White Chocolate & Cranberry Tiffin).
With Cuisine de France, you can offer the magic of the season – without the complexity Fully baked, beautifully finished, and ready to serve, its 2025 Christmas range helps your business deliver quality, consistency, and joy with every bite.
importance people place on choosing the correct turkey for their centrepiece on Christmas day. To meet this rising demand but catering for smaller numbers at the table, SuperValu has expanded its Signature Taste Free Range Bronze turkey range, introducing a new 4.5kg option to help households choose the festive centrepiece to best suit their family size.
“There’s something really special about helping families prepare for Christmas dinner,” says Dave Beirne, head butcher with the Moriarty Group at SuperValu Balbriggan. “We’ve seen a real shift in recent years as more customers are choosing boned and rolled joints or crowns for ease and convenience. These options are perfect for those who want all the flavour without the fuss, especially if you’re not a seasoned cook. For a family of six, I’d recommend a 4.5kg boned and rolled joint. It’s simple to roast, easy to carve, and still delivers that rich, succulent taste that makes turkey the star of the festive table
“Our butchers are here to guide you every step of the way-from choosing the right size of turkey to sharing cooking tips and even carving advice. Whether you’re going traditional with a whole bird or opting for something more modern, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your celebration.”
SuperValu is making it a Christmas with a difference this year From its indulgent Signature Tastes range and specially sourced wines to expertly curated hams, turkeys, seafood, and festive hampersSuperValu brings the very best of Irish quality and craft together under one roof With over 1,800 local suppliers championed across the country, celebrating in style has never been easier Whether shopping in-store or online, customers can enjoy festive favourites and convenient options that make it simple to savour a Christmas full of flavour, family, and a touch of festive flair
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PostPoint, a subsidiary of An Post, helps retailers bring more convenience - and more customers - into their stores this festive season.
Boost sales with Christmas stamps and One4all gift cards
This Christmas, give shoppers what they’re looking for: convenience, choice, and a little festive cheer Drive impulse sales and
increase footfall with seasonal essentials like Christmas stamps, postage-paid packaging, and One4all Gift Cards - perfect for lastminute gifts.
Christmas stamps went on sale 30 October - don’t miss out. Order today by emailing aprs.orders@anpost.ie or calling 1800 300 150
Win big in its Christmas competitions
Celebrate the season with some fantastic prizes. Simply place your orders for
Christmas Stamps, Bags, and Boxes - or share your festive PostPoint assets on social media - to be automatically entered into its Christmas Sales Bonanza, running through December Watch out for emails from Postpoint for details.
Wishing you a successful Christmas season
The PostPoint team would like to thank all of its retailers for its continued support and wishes you a happy and successful Christmas season.
This festive season, Frank and Honest has teamed up with ALONE to create a cup of kindness tree ornament, available in Centra nationwide
Retailing at €4, all profits from the sale of these ornaments will be donated to ALONE to help them in their mission to combat loneliness and social isolation among older people this Christmas.
The perfect stocking filler for the coffee lover in your life, or the ideal gift for the office Kris Kindle, make sure you share a cup of kindness this Christmas.
With online shopping soaring, parcel drop-off and collection points are now essential for local convenience stores. In the UK, 80% of parcel customers make extra purchases while in-storeand PostPoint helps you capture that opportunity
As one of Ireland’s most trusted brands, An Post connects customers nationwide through a strong network of PostPoint agents offering outof-hours parcel services.
artisan foods, sweet treats and savoury delights, world-renowned wines, beers, and spirits, it caters to all tastes. Its team of experts are on hand and will work closely with you to create the perfect gift or help you with your selection from its extensive range
Its local presence around the country means it is always close to you, no matter where your business is. It has representatives ready to discuss all of your corporate gifting needs and offer a nationwide delivery service.
Let it take care of everything this Christmas.
Following in the pawprints of Cedric, Benji, Jingles, Ellie, Monty, Gerry and Simon, Bounce is a super-soft teddy made from 100% recycled materials. His name was chosen by Matilda, an 11-year-old CHI patient and winner of Tesco’s colouring competition.
The Bounce teddy (€5), Christmas card (€2) or trolley token (€2) are available from Tesco stores nationwide Every euro raised supports Children’s Health Foundation hospitals and urgent care centres.
Since 2014, Tesco Ireland has raised over €11 million to help fund vital care for sick children across Ireland. Together, it can Save a Smile this Christmas.
At BWG Foods wholesale division it is passionate about quality service and great value for money. Through its enhanced corporate gifting offering and expertise, along with its commitment to outstanding service, it aims to exceed customer expectations.
Its bespoke hampers give you the opportunity to create the ideal corporate Christmas gift made specifically to your requirements, whether it’s a luxurious hamper or a thoughtful thank you, it has you covered. You can rely on its innovation and professionalism to help you create a special gift. From every day to luxury ranges, Irish
If you have specific requirements in mind, its experienced team would be delighted to help you create the perfect corporate gift this Christmas and all year round.
Contact your local Value Centre branch, representative or it’s telesales team on 021 454 8700
This Christmas, Tesco Ireland and Children’s Health Foundation are helping to Save a Smile with the arrival of Bounce - Tesco’s newest festive friend.
For retailers, the end of the year often brings a familiar challenge: how to reward hard-working teams without creating extra admin or unnecessary cost CleverCards is helping grocery businesses do both, offering a simple way to deliver tax-free employee rewards under Revenue’s Small Benefit Exemption scheme
Employers can reward up to €1,500 tax-free per employee each year – including directors and business owners. CleverCards enables businesses to send digital Mastercards instantly via email to their employees without any admin
hassle like printing, postage, and manual handling or having to manage returns. CleverCards can be added to the mobile Apple Pay or Google Pay wallets, enabling secure, immediate spending anywhere in-store or online contactlessly
Business owners can login to their CleverCards account and upload an excel file with their employees’ email ids to send CleverCards to any number of employees instantly They have real-time visibility, and zero risk of waste through lost or unclaimed cards. And unlike traditional gift cards tied to specific stores, CleverCards offers true flexibility Staff can use their reward on what genuinely matters to them – groceries, fuel, utility payments, family treats, or essentials at any retailer
With over 15,000 businesses already using the platform and the highest Trustpilot rating in the Irish market, CleverCards has become a trusted choice for meaningful, tax-efficient recognition.
Boost morale, simplify admin, and strengthen retention. Learn more at CleverCards.com
Plants Festive Roast returns for the fifth year running – A firm ‘favourite’ for the Christmas table
Back by popular demand, the Thanks Plants Festive Roast is returning for its fifth consecutive year, proving to be a much-loved favourite among plant-based and flexitarian households alike.
Handcrafted with premium, wholesome ingredients, this artisan roast features a rich gourmet stuffing made with mushrooms, chestnuts, and cranberries. The “meatless meat” is a hearty mix of high protein flour,
•
•
pearl barley, cannellini beans, vegetables, herbs, and spices-delivering a deliciously satisfying texture and flavour
Founder Aisling Cullen shares, “We aren’t a fully vegan household, so we’ll have turkey on the table too-but my husband always makes a dive for our Festive Roast over the meat! It’s become a real highlight of our Christmas dinner.”
Aisling recommends glazing the roast with
equal parts maple syrup, olive oil, and soy sauce before serving with all the traditional trimmings.
The 1kg Festive Roast serves five to six people and is available in select SuperValu, Tesco, and independent retailers from the end of November
Celebrate compassionately this Christmas with Thanks Plants-festive flavour without compromise
As the Christmas season approaches, it’s time for the much-loved Tayto Christmas ad to return to our screens. To support the return of this iconic Christmas advert, Ireland’s most emotionally connected brand** will be bringing festive cheer to stores across the country with a vibrant range of seasonal point-of-sale materials, adding theatre and excitement to the in-store experience for shoppers. Tayto and in particular the Tayto Christmas box is a must-have this Christmas - the true taste of home for those returning from abroad, and for everyone else, the perfect crunchy companion for every festive occasion.
After all, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Tayto.
This Christmas, Brady Family continues its tradition of delivering premium, stress-free festive dining with a range designed to make your celebrations effortless and memorable Its pre-cooked turkey and ham joints, crafted from 100% Irish, Bord Bia-approved meat, are the ultimate solution for those seeking convenience without compromising on quality
Simply reheat and enjoy – no fuss, no stress, just exceptional taste Perfect for family gatherings and ideal for corporate gifting, it’s range combines practicality with indulgence, making it the go-to choice for festive occasions.
Why not treat someone special (that includes yourself) to some Forest Feast favourites. Whatever the occasion, Forest Feast has something right for you.
Handcrafted in Co Armagh, using only the finest Belgian chocolate, in locally sourced, sustainable packaging, Forest Feast luxury gift cubes make the perfect last-minute gift, teacher present or stocking filler
The range comprises of:
Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds: Oven roasted skin-on Almonds, drenched in Belgian dark chocolate, with a sprinkling of salt and a dusting of cocoa. A rich, intense sweet-salty experience. (Vegan, Gluten Free, two-stars Great Taste Awards 2022) 6 x 140g.
Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Almonds: Sweet caramelised air-roasted Almonds with a hint of sea salt are dipped in creamy Milk Chocolate They are an irresistibly moreish treat! (Vegetarian, Gluten Free, one-star Great Taste Awards 2022) 6 x 140g.
Blonde Chocolate Caramelised Hazelnuts: Toasted hazelnuts rolled in a crisp caramelised coating and then drenched in creamy Belgian blonde chocolate with hints of butterscotch and shortbread. These more-ish little beauties are a limited batch and won’t be around for long! (Vegetarian, Gluten Free, one-star Great Taste Awards 2024) 6 x 100g.
The products are all gluten free, vegetarian/vegan friendly and are available to order now.
All products come in shelf ready boxes with RRSP €6.
For further information or to stock the range, contact hello@forestfeast.com n
This Christmas, Nearby Stores shows that community spirit is more than a slogan, it’s the heartbeat of every local Nearby across Ireland. Their new festive campaign, “Did You Getters: The Empty Chair” captures that festive spirit through a moving story about “Arthur”, an elderly gentleman navigating life after loss. The advert isn’t just another Christmas story, it’s an ode to local retailers and the quiet, unassuming gestures that make them so important during the festive period.
The
Arthur’s journey mirrors the lives of many regular customers who visit their local Nearby stores across Ireland every day. He represents the heart of the convenience customers who aren’t just buying goods but seeking the comfort of connection. For retailers, ‘Did You Getters: ‘The Empty Chair’ is more than an advertisement it’s a reflection of the vital role convenience stores play in their local communities, often offering a warm smile familiarity and friendship at the busiest time of year
This campaign encompasses exactly what it means to be a Nearby retailer Whether it’s the friendly greeting from behind the till, the nod to a regular customer, or the brief chat that brightens someone’s day, these small gestures are what matter most in communities across Ireland.
The retailers role
For retailers in the Irish convenience market, ‘Did You Getters: ‘The Empty Chair’ isn’t just storytelling it’s an important message It reminds every store owner, manager, and staff member that they are more than just shopkeepers; they hold the key to a sense of community for those who are alone this Christmas.
The campaign encourages local stores to champion their friendly roots through moments of kindness, community support, or simply
keeping the conversation alive with their regular customers this Christmas. In the digital age we now find ourselves, face to face connection is quickly becoming what matters most.
Nearby’s ‘Did You Getters: ‘The Empty Chair’ concept essentially is about one of the easiest things a person can offer the other presence. And when the chair at the table no longer feels empty, that’s when a short trip to your local Nearby proves what being “Never too far from home” really means.
Catch Did You Getters: ‘The Empty Chair’ on TV from the 5 December n
Alcohol might steal the spotlight during the holidays, but soft drinks are the quiet heroes of the season - keeping family gatherings, designated drivers, and festive moments flowing smoothly From classic fizzy favourites to premium mixers and grown-up, alcohol-free options, shoppers are looking for both variety and quality
More people than ever are seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives, so it’s worth making sure your range reflects all kinds of festive tastes. Today’s soft drink selection needs to go well beyond just cola and lemonade
Premium mixers and craft tonics are becoming household staples as cocktail culture moves into the home Natural botanicals, lower sugar, and clean-label credentials are driving demand for drinks that feel a little more special.
Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, is primed to usher in the festive season with its longstanding Designated Driver initiative.
This annual campaign shines a spotlight on the givers of the season, the designated drivers, who give the gift of safety by ensuring their friends and loved ones get home safe after festive nights out.
Designated drivers can avail of two complimentary soft drinks from the Coca-Cola range at participating venues across the island of Ireland. Whether it’s a refreshing Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta, or Sprite, these free drinks are a small token of appreciation for those who choose to put others first and focus on what really matters.
Coca-Cola has long been a cherished part of Christmas celebrations, and this year, the focus shifts from receiving to celebrating the givers who uplift others through meaningful gestures or acts of kindness.
As more people now choose not to drink, the Designated Driver initiative offers inclusive
At the same time, functional and wellnessfocused drinks - those enriched with probiotics or vitamins - continue to rise in popularity as consumers look for beverages that do more than just taste good. And let’s not forget the excitement of seasonal flavours. Limited-edition launches, like spiced citrus or berry blends, add a sense of novelty and keep things fresh throughout the
Even though alcohol tends to grab the headlines, soft drinks and mixers play a vital supporting role With strong growth in premium mixers, especially tonic water, and a growing appetite for upscale nonalcoholic options, this is a category that deserves attention - not just during the festive season, but all year round.
Coca-Cola’s Designated Driver, now in its third decade, has always been rooted in this spirit of giving and responsibility It recognises that while Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, it’s also a time to make smart choices, especially when it comes to road safety
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped; they’re actions we take to protect and uplift one another
This year let’s give the gift of refreshment –be a designated driver this Christmas, uplift your loved ones, and allow Coca-Cola to reward you.
Designated Driver runs from 1 December –31 December 2025.*
The Designated Driver initiative is part of the larger Coca-Cola festive campaign which launched in early November As it celebrates this enduring commitment to safety, CocaCola is also unwrapping a season of unparalleled magic, including the return of the iconic ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad and an exciting new AI-powered Christmas experience, all under the heartwarming banner of ‘Refresh Your Holidays.’
options for those who prefer to stay sober on nights out. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their choice to stay sober, can still enjoy their night, celebrate with friends, and most importantly, get home safe. >>
Beyond the screens, the spirit of generosity continues with a special ‘every pack purchase
wins’ promotion. Consumers are invited to embrace the festive season by simply purchasing a Coca-Cola pack, scanning the QR code, uploading their receipt and automatically winning a variety of different Christmas and Coca-Cola gifts, making this Christmas truly unforgettable and helping you ‘Refresh Your Holidays’ with amazing prizes. Every pack purchase wins promotion prizes include touchscreen Gloves, Socks, Christmas Scarf, Christmas Baubles and cinema tickets. The promotion is available on Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Original Taste packs across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
*Participating venues will be featured on: www.coca-cola.ie/ designated-driver
UNROOTED’s range of functional shots celebrate wild African baobab, a nutrient-rich superfruit that supports biodiversity and empowers rural communities.
Packed with vitamin C, soluble and insoluble fibre and antioxidants, these healthy shots naturally boost energy and support gut health. Baobab is a nutritional powerhouse, packing seven times the fibre of oats and six times the vitamin C of oranges. It works harder, so you don’t have to! Each 60ml shot of Super Greens has 4.2g of fibre, providing you with 14% your RDA of fibre in one tasty go, helping you support your gut health, improve your digestion and feel better Enjoy a feel-good way to nourish your body whilst
‘The magic of Christmas’
working with nature, not against it.
UNROOTED now celebrates being listed in retail and on-trade across Ireland, as well as the UK and the Middle East.
Founded in 2020 by Nathan Clemes, UNROOTED was born to celebrate and protect the mighty baobab Inspired by the baobab trees from his childhood growing up in South Africa and learning of their legendary status as the Tree of Life, the trees are one of the world’s most sustainable treasures; wild-
Cadet sugar-free flavours: Cola, Orange and Lemon & Lime range
Remember when you were a kid? The magic of Christmas. Staying up late on Christmas Eve straining to hear Santa’s reindeers. The smell of the Christmas tree Presents! The fire lighting and grandad asleep on the couch! Well, childhood memories re-activated this Christmas with the return of an absolute classic! Cadet is back in two litre formats in three delicious sugar-free flavours: Orange, Cola and Lemon & Lime Offering amazing value during the festive season, Cadet is sure to be a family crowd pleaser at the dinner table Available now, Cadet is listed across all major retail & wholesale groups. Contact Newport Brands for more information. Visit: info@ newportbrands.ie
harvested and never farmed. Living for up to 2,000 years and grown across the continent of Africa, baobab trees thrive without irrigation, fertilisers and are guardians against deforestation. Each bottle of UNROOTED sold contributes to investment in the baobab fruit collecting community, from tree protection and education programmes to supporting children’s school education. To date 159 children have been supported throughout their time at school.
The adult premium soft drinks category continues to grow at an exciting pace as consumers seek out exquisitely crafted flavours. Fentimans premium range of soft drinks is a must-stock this Christmas. The brand sources the finest ingredients from across the world and botanically brew Fentimans over seven days Made slowly, to be savoured. This care and attention to detail delivers an indulgent, rounded, balanced and premium taste experience for consumers. Available in both 275ml & 750ml glass format, it’s Curiosity Cola, Ginger Beer, Rose Lemonade and Elderflower flavours offer retailers the opportunity to trade-up consumers seeking something truly special. Available now, the Fentimans range is listed across all major retail and wholesale groups. Contact Newport Brands for more information. Visit: info@newportbrands.ie
New season, new wiiings: Introducing Red Bull Winter Edition
As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter sets in, Red Bull is embracing the season with the launch of the new Red Bull Winter Edition Fuji Apple-Ginger (Sugarfree) available now across Ireland.
This year’s Winter Edition offers a refreshing twist on a seasonal classicblending crisp Fuji apple with the warm, earthy spice of ginger The result is a perfectly balanced flavour that captures the comfort of winter in every sip - with zero sugar
Red Bull Winter Edition Fuji Apple-Ginger (Sugarfree)
Red Bull Winter Edition Fuji Apple-Ginger contains the same key ingredients as Red Bull Sugarfree, offering the same functional benefits with a bold new taste experience.
Available in striking 250ml cans, the gradient design transitions from deep red to warm yellow, echoing the changing colours of the season. It’s available at participating retailers nationwide, priced at €2.15 in the Republic of Ireland.
The launch follows another strong year for Red Bull Editions in Ireland, with sales of Editions alone up 55% year-on-year 1 With recent innovations such as Red Bull Pink Edition Four Pack and the new Red Bull Winter Edition, Red Bull’s range continues to drive choice for consumers and incremental growth for the category
Consumer trends show sugar-free soft drinks now account for 32% of all nonalcoholic beverages, and within energy drinks, zero and reduced-sugar options represent 28% of the category - demonstrating strong demand for functional, flavour-forward, and sugar-free energy options like the new Red Bull Winter Edition.2
Founded in 1987, Red Bull established the
The gradient design transitions from deep red to warm yellow
energy drinks category, promising to vitalise body and mind. Now available in 178 countries worldwide, Red Bull continues to energise Irish consumers yearround from morning commutes to winter workouts.
2
1
Giving wings to people and ideas, Red Bull is a proud supporter of Irish athletes including hockey goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, swimmer Daniel Wiffen, mountain biker Ronan Dunne, gymnast Rhys McCleneghan and rugby player Mack Hansen.
To check out what Red Bull has going on this winter, follow @redbullire on Instagram and TikTok or visit: www.redbull.ie to learn more.
This Christmas, Britvic Ireland invites retailers to celebrate the season with a portfolio of iconic brands that have been part of Irish life for generations. From sparkling classics to versatile mixers, these drinks promise flavour, tradition, and festive cheer for every occasion.
Club Orange remains Ireland’s number one citrus carbonated drink, loved for its real fruit taste and unmistakable zest Alongside it, the Club Mixers range – including Tonic Water, White Lemonade Ginger Ale and Soda Water – is the perfect partner for seasonal cocktails and premium serves.
For those who enjoy a nostalgic twist, Cidona continues to be a festive favourite. This crisp apple drink has delighted Irish families for decades, making it a must-have for Christmas tables. And no seasonal line-up would be complete without TK, the heritage brand that brings bold flavours and a sense of fun to every occasion.
preferred it over the leading full-sugar cola –while 7Up Pink, the hit of 2025, offers a refreshing twist that’s perfect for festive celebrations.
Complementing these classics are MiWadi, Ireland’s favourite dilute brand since 1927, and Ballygowan Natural Mineral Water, the nation’s leading water brand. For a lighter option, Ballygowan Hint of Fruit adds a refreshing burst of flavour during the busy holiday season.
Britvic Ireland’s commitment to quality and sustainability shines through its Origin Green Gold membership and its proud role as a founding member of Love Irish Food. This Christmas, stock up on these beloved brands and give your customers the authentic taste of Ireland they know and love
NU creates feel-good natural energy drinks from the rainforest, for the rainforest. It is the first Irish drink powered by the guayusa leaf, a hidden gem found in the rainforests of Ecuador that offers a unique feel-good energy without the jitters or crash of other caffeine sources.
“I never liked the jitters and crash that came with coffee or synthetic energy drinks,” said co-founder Conor Meehan. “But when I tried guayusa tea gifted by a friend in Ecuador, the lift was clear, focused, and calm. I thought: Why doesn’t the world know about this? Now, we’re changing that-one can at a time.”
At the same time, the growing guayusa industry is showcasing indigenous led agricultural systems known as Amazonian chacras, in which multiple plants grow together in a way that protects soil health, local biodiversity, and which offers indigenous communities’ new economic opportunities.
Adding even more sparkle, Pepsi and 7Up join the Britvic Ireland portfolio as globally loved favourites. Pepsi Max delivers zero sugar with maximum taste – in blind taste tests, 73% of consumers
NU’s ingredients are 100% natural, consisting of only herbal infusions, real juices, and live cultures from water kefir fermentation - similar to kombucha with a smoother taste With under five calories per can and no sugar or artificial sweeteners, NU offers a muchneeded natural option in a space crowded with sugar and synthetic ingredients. n
Featuring new technology, outstanding compatibility and an innovative design, the TOMRA R2 is unlike any reverse vending machine you’ve seen before It’s wall-mount format and more compact main unit minimize in-store space, so more stores than ever can reap the rewards of multi-feed recycling.
A resource for you and your store
Learn more on tomra.com/reverse-vending
Andrew Boyle | andrew.boyle@tomra.com | Mobile: +353 87 2177931
The festive season is a key sales period for alcohol, with demand peaking for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and gifting. ShelfLife reports
The Christmas season is a golden opportunity for alcohol brands to shine Shoppers spend more time browsing, creating valuable moments to grab their attention.
According to the grocery data published on 13 January 2024 by Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar), over the four weeks to 29 December 2024 alcohol took centre stage in last year’s festive shopping carts, with shoppers spending an additional €79 million on alcohol versus the previous month.
Commenting on the findings Emer Healy, business development director, Worldpanel by Numerator: “Champagne and sparkling wine, beer and cider, and wine were popular among shoppers who spent an additional €60.8 million compared to the previous month [November].
“Others enjoyed themselves in moderation, with 9% of Irish households purchasing no and
The Busker Small Batch Whiskeys are double matured by using a limited number of casks accurately selected by the team in Royal Oak Distillery, Co Carlow. These exclusive releases are the best expression of what the Royal Oak Distillery has to offer within the Premium category
low alcohol drinks in December, spending an additional €2 million on these products.”
It’s important for brands to note that those that leverage festive packaging, seasonal promotions, and thoughtful marketing can stand out during the holidays Consumers are often drawn to a mix of familiar favourites and new options, making this a strong sales period for the alcohol category
The first in this collection was released in late 2023, is the multi award-winning Single Pot Still Small Batch. Double aged in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks, and non-chill filtered to preserve the taste and aromas. Tasting Notes include fruit notes, raisins, sultanas, prunes and figs, warming spice ginger & cinnamon. Long, smooth and mellow finish. On the nose, the Single Pot Still gives leathery, profoundly rich, complex, robust, fresh pipe tobacco, aromatic, rounded and perfectly balanced aromas. Best enjoyed neat, or on the rocks.
The Small Batch Single Pot Still has won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, Silver at the World Whiskey Awards 2024, and 93 points in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023.
The Busker Single Pot Still was awarded the Gold medal at the Blás na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2024, along with “Best in County” for producers in Carlow.
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth will be the key to activate and increase the visibility of the brand with its disruptive packaging and outstanding quality Every drop of its liquid is produced at Royal Oak Distillery, giving it 100% control on the quality It has one of the highest percentages of Malt and Pot Still in it’s blend, making it a ‘superior’ quality product versus competitors. Its non-traditional and disruptive look and feel is perceived premium
Retailers should start stocking up on Christmas drinks now, as demand will surge not only for Christmas Day but also for New Year’s Eve celebrations and gifting. Popular festive beverages are key seasonal sellersensuring shelves are well-stocked means maximising sales and meeting customer expectations throughout the entire festive season.
and impactful towards younger consumers.
With Japan being the number one market for the Busker, primarily enjoyed neat or as a highball, over 200,000 cases being sold each year, The Busker are introducing even more innovations for the brand, with Japanese exclusives, and soon it will see more small batch releases in Ireland.
The Busker Irish Whiskey is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
*Drinks International Brand Report 2025
Old Comber Whiskey is celebrating its bicentenary with the revival of its famous Single Pot Still Whiskey
Crafted from field to glass at The Echlinville Distillery and distilled solely from barley grown on the distillery farm, Old Comber is Ireland’s only completely single estate pot still whiskey
From growing and harvesting the barley; to malting, mashing and fermenting the grains; to distilling the new-make spirit, and casking, maturing and bottling the whiskey, Old Comber is produced from field-to-glass at Echlinville - Ireland’s first farm distillery
One of the original Irish whiskey giants, Old Comber Whiskey was founded in 1825 at the Comber Distilleries in County Down, which were located just ten miles from the brand’s
aroma and taste profile of Peroni Nastro Azzurro is fully developed, is the alcohol gently removed to deliver the crisp and refreshing Italian taste
Matured in American Bourbon casks, finished the Old Comber way in premium Port and Sherry Casks and bottled at 46% abv, Old Comber Single Pot Still Whiskey is back, with the same bold flavour that made it a legend.
A taste of history crafted for the future, Old Comber Single Pot Still is available from The Echlinville Distillery and all good whiskey retailers RRP: £57.50 (€65.11).
Christmas is a time when consumers and shoppers trade up to high quality brands they love, even more than usual, and Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is the perfect option to cater for this demand, both at home and in the pub So make sure to stock up to meet consumers’ demand for super-premium non-alcoholic options this festive season with Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%.
*Source: Red C Brand Tracker October 2024 **Source: Collated EPOS Data to 03.11.2024
Cocktails have Christmas covered with new Espresso Martini flavour and limited-edition festive
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is one of the leading Super Premium non-alcoholic beers in Ireland and caters to the growing consumer demand for premium, great tasting non-alcoholic options when it is choosing to moderate. Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% aims to serve occasions and social moments where beer lovers are seeking a superior tasting alcohol-free beer with 0.0% alcohol. Within a growing non-alcoholic beer category, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is the number three Alcohol Free Lager brand in the Off Premise, outperforming the category in the latest 52 weeks.** Peroni Nastro Azzurro has a strong presence in the Super Premium Beer Category with 90% of customers aware of the brand – it is also seen as the most Stylish and High Quality beer brand in Ireland amongst beer consumers*.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is brewed using new technology which allows the same signature recipe as Peroni Nastro Azzurro to be used, and only after the characteristic
Craft Cocktails has launched a brand-new flavour to elevate your at-home tippling in time for the silly season. The new Espresso Martini, the cocktail that turned the afterdinner drink into a party starter joins Craft Cocktails’ award-winning range of colourful
Festive Party Essentials
Festive essentials: Your festive favourites, all in one place
This holiday season, Festive Essentials brings together the best in refreshmentAsahi, Peroni, Four Loko, Kopparberg, and White Claw - in one curated collection designed to elevate every celebration. From the crisp sophistication of Peroni and Asahi to the bold energy of Four Loko, the fruity charm of Kopparberg, and the clean sparkle of White Claw, there’s something for every taste and every moment.
Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply enjoying, Festive Essentials is your go-to for drinks that deliver style substance, and seasonal spirit.
bottled cocktails, made in Ireland using premium spirits, 100% natural ingredients and some serious bartender know-how.
Dark and delicious, the Espresso Martini mixes premium vodka with rich coffee liqueur and smooth coffee for a silky, bittersweet cocktail, ready to drink – just chill, shake, and pour over ice. With the return of its limitededition trio of festive favourites, alongside its much-loved personalisation service, Craft
>> modern-day home at Echlinville Comber Distilleries fell silent in 1953, and Old Comber joined the list of Ireland’s ‘lost’ whiskeys. In testament to its continued commitment to put Co Down back on the world whiskey map, Echlinville revived Old Comber after a 70-year absence.
>> Cocktails have you covered for Christmas, bringing some seasonal flair to your cocktail cabinet.
The Irish cocktail company’s limited-edition ‘All Wrapped Up’ Christmas line-up includes the Mistletoe Margarita, Festive Old Fashioned and Gingerbread Punch, with retro wrapping paper inspired labels. The Mistletoe Margarita infuses Don Julio 100% Agave Tequila with pine needles, mixed with fresh green apple, agave and lime The Festive Old Fashioned is a slow winter sipper for after the kids have gone to bed, made with Bulleit Bourbon and flavours of fig, caramel, orange spiced bitters and a dash of PX Sherry The Gingerbread Punch is a warming winter mix of Ketel One vodka, sloe gin and ruby port, with cranberry, gingerbread spices, and clementine
Craft Cocktails’ popular personalisation service also allows customers to get creative this Christmas by adding its own message to a bottle Simply select a favourite flavour from the core range and leave a merry missive to that someone special. Available exclusively online, with delivery nationwide, it’s a great Secret Santa gift or Christmas card with a difference.
Craft Cocktails are available in a selection of sizes, the small 200ml size serves two, priced at €12.50 it makes an ideal stocking filler A special 500ml size is available in retail stores only, serving five and priced at €25, it’s perfect to bring to the party! The large 700ml size serves seven and is priced at €35, great for under the tree or sharing in front of the fire
The new Espresso Martini which launched on 1 November brings the core range to 13 flavours, including bestsellers like the Pornstar Martini, Cosmo, Spicy Margarita and Whiskey Sour Craft Cocktails are stocked in Dunnes Stores and over 50 retailers, hotels, and venues nationwide The trio of festive favourites are back from 10 November and are available at select retailers and online for a limited time only
Craft Cocktails are also available online from www.craftcocktails.ie with delivery nationwide Order by 15 December for Christmas delivery or collect from Craft Cocktails Dublin 7 cocktail factory until 22 December Follow @irishcraftcocktails on Instagram to be the first to know about news, launches and events.
Named after Mescan the monk, who was St Patrick’s friend and personal brewer, the brewery is located in the foothills of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo It was conceived and built by two friends and veterinary colleagues, one Irish, one Belgian, looking for a change in lifestyle from their careers as veterinarians. They spent three years perfecting their original recipes, inspired by the beers of Belgium, before selling their first beers in 2014. The brewery is now owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Cillian Ó Móráin and Naomi Clarkin.
At Mescan, it pours dedication into every batch, drawing spring water from deep beneath the mountain and using only simple, natural ingredients for pure natural flavour in every sip Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to the long maturation process guarantee a taste experience worth savouring and sharing with friends and family, around a table filled with good food and conversation.
Fruitful moments, festive vibes
As the festive season sparkles into view, Kopparberg invites you to celebrate with flavour, flair, and a touch of unexpected delight. Whether you’re toasting with friends or winding down by the fire Kopparberg’s fruit-forward ciders bring a burst of joy to every moment. From classic Strawberry & Lime to Mixed Fruit, each sip is a reminder that festive traditions can be as good and vibrant as you make them. This season, choose Kopparberg - and let flavour lead the way
It’s releasing a Christmas beer this year
Mescan’s Beoir na Nollag has been released several times in the past as a seasonal Christmas beer but it has not managed to brew one for the last four years and it is excited to be able to offer it again. It is available at the brewery and nationwide via ABCD
This year’s version was fermented with a blend of Belgian Abbey yeasts and matured for 12 months in fine Irish Whiskey casks. It’s a Dark Strong Ale deep amber in colour fullbodied, with a creamy mouthfeel and glorious overtones of spirit and oak. It balances rich maltiness with complex fruity flavours and aromas and a long and satisfying finish of whiskey and vanilla. Enjoy with a selection of Irish cheeses, mince pies, Christmas cake, or just sip and savour with your feet up by the fire
to ‘Paint the town red’: The Mad Marquess hits Ireland after smashing US and UK launches
Get ready for a game-changer The Mad Marquess Blended Irish Whiskey is officially launching nationwide in Ireland, riding a wave
of consumer frenzy from successful debuts in Florida and the United Kingdom. This energetic, charismatic Irish whiskey brand aims to become the life and soul of the party The trade has been waiting for, squarely aimed at the social, fun-loving 25 to 40-year-old market. The legend behind the bottle is Henry de la Poer Beresford, the third Marquess of Waterford. Forget boring history: this guy
literally invented the phrase for a great night out. Back in 1837, the Marquess and his crew had such an outrageously good time in Melton Mowbray that they ended up grabbing some red paint and painting whatever they could find - giving it the ultimate party slogan: “Paint the Town Red.”
Profitable pours: Distilled at Great Northern
The Mad Marquess offers a serious commercial edge for Irish bars and retailers. Distilled for approachability at the Great Northern Distillery, it’s built for high-volume sales. The RRP is a sharp €29.99, positioning it perfectly as a high-value everyday pour that drives profit.
The flavour profile is designed for fun: an excited nose of pineapple and coconut leads to a sweet, smooth palate of vanilla and caramel. It’s mixable, it’s great in shots, and it’s the perfect alternative to the established players. ‘Paint the town Red’ is a powerful bar call, and with a range of ‘Mad’ cocktails, the consumer will be engaged with the theme of having an outrageously good time
Early local success includes strong placement in Centra stores across Waterford and Kilkenny, the Celtic Whiskey Shop, and multiple independent locations, with full national distribution now underway Find all current partners on our website.
Richard De La Poer Beresford, CEO and founder of The Mad Marquess Blended Irish Whiskey puts it simply: “We’re not here for quiet sipping. We’re here to redefine the night. The international demand proves that consumers want an authentic Irish whiskey with uninhibited energy We’re giving the Irish trade a product that is bold, profitable, and guaranteed to be the life of the party.”
Find out more
Website: www.madmarquess.com
If you have any queries, contact: May Stokes, marketing manager at: may@themadmarquess.com
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A celebration of craftsmanship, character, and time
Paddy Irish Whiskey is raising a glass to a bold new look - while keeping the award-winning recipe that has made it one of Ireland’s best-loved whiskeys since 1779.
It’s distinct triple blend of grain, malt and pot still Irish whiskey has been enjoyed for generations, at home and around the world. Whether neat, over ice, or mixed into a Paddy Apple Lemonade, the smooth, mellow flavour remains unchanged.
Paddy new pack design honours its roots and namesake, Paddy Flaherty, the travelling Cork salesman who carried his love of whiskey to every corner of the county Blending heritage with modern appeal, the refreshed look is built to stand proud on shelves and back bars worldwide
As a global leader in Irish whiskey, the new Paddy look signals a commitment to growth and securing the brand’s future for years to come - on shelves, behind bars and in glasses everywhere.
Crafted with care at the world’s most awardwinning distillery, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a celebration of craftsmanship, character, and time Made from the finest corn, rye, and malted barley, the spirit is aged in new oak barrels within century-old warehouses that line the banks of the Kentucky River Each barrel is patiently matured and hand-selected to deliver Buffalo Trace’s signature balance of rich caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
Rooted in over 200 years of whiskey-making tradition, the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky has survived floods, fires, and Prohibition - emerging as a symbol of resilience and dedication to quality Today, the distillery continues to honour that legacy with an unwavering commitment to excellence, producing some of the most acclaimed bourbons in the world.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Buffalo Trace embodies the rugged spirit of American whiskey-makingbold, authentic, and timeless.
The NoLo category continues to gain pace globally as consumers seek moderation without sacrificing quality or flavour Santa Rita’s 120 brand is perfectly positioned to meet this demand, offering both innovation and trust. The 120 Zero 0.4 Sauvignon Blanc delivers vibrant citrus and tropical notes with a crisp, refreshing finish ideal as a festive aperitif Its red counterpart, the 120 Zero 0.4 Cabernet Sauvignon, combines ripe berry fruit, gentle tannins, and smooth balance, showing that authenticity need not depend on alcohol. Together, these wines give retailers and the on-trade a timely opportunity to engage the expanding NoLo audience over the key Christmas trading period.
Beyond NoLo, the broader Santa Rita 120 portfolio remains a strong performer The best-selling 120 Sauvignon Blanc offers a
Paddy Irish Whiskey
bright, easy-drinking white for festive gatherings, while the 120 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft and fruit-forward, pairing beautifully with Christmas roasts. For those seeking more depth, the 120 Deep Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère, provides rich dark fruit, spice, and complexity
For customers looking to push the boat out on Christmas Day, the Santa Rita Floresta range offers exceptional quality and finesse
The Floresta Chardonnay from the Limarí Valley, a cool-climate region shaped by Pacific breezes, pairs beautifully with light fish starters. Meanwhile, the Floresta Carménère from Apalta in the Colchagua Valley complements the roast with its hallmark minerality, spice, and balance. Produced sustainably under Santa Rita’s Sustainable Wine of Chile certification, the Floresta line showcases the best of Chilean terroir through minimal intervention and single-varietal expression.
From across the Andes, Doña Paula Estate Malbec Argentine Edition brings plush dark fruit and spice, while the Malbado Malbec 2023-winner of the New World Red under €20 Star Award at the Irish Wine Show-offers silky structure, elegance, and a compelling story of resilience. 120 Reserva Especial Deep Red
Together, these wines reflect Santa Rita Estates’ dedication to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional quality across every category, from NoLo to fine wine, ensuring retailers have standout choices for every festive table this season.
There are evenings in this business when the spreadsheets blur, the trend reports pile high, and all you really crave is an Irish coffee that wraps around you like a hug. Comforting. Honest. Made with intention, not ego That’s the kind of whiskey West Cork Distillers are putting into the world.
In an industry split between the global giants and the hyper-craft, West Cork occupies a rare, steady middle ground. It’s not loud. It’s not chasing trends. It simply arrived at a place where everything comes down to what goes into the bottle - and people across Ireland are starting to notice.
Ireland’s reputation for exceptional spirits is world renowned, but it is time for something new to emerge from these shores. Introducing Two Shores Superior Irish Rum, a bold expression of Irish craft inviting drinkers to discover Irish rum for the very first time Rum is one of the fastest growing spirits categories in the world, yet Ireland has had few locally finished options to date
Why rum? Driven by a sense of exploration, founder Jason Kidd and his team wanted a spirit that was both new and inherently Irish. Kidd first encountered rum during his travels in South America, inspired by its energy, creativity, and possibilities. In 2022, they sampled rums worldwide until discovering their “lucky 14” from Panama. “I knew the second I tasted it that this was the one,” Kidd recalled, ready to craft rum reimagined in Ireland. Early premium launches earned widespread acclaim and made Two Shores the most awarded Irish rum brand. That expertise has been applied to a more accessible, versatile expression. Distilled from 100% pure sugarcane in Panama and finished in Irish casks, Two
You’ll never hear it claim to be better than anyone else That’s not its way But you will hear bartenders softly admit that West Cork whiskey stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best in the category
The reason? Time Maturation time
While most Irish whiskey hits the shelf at the legal minimum of three years, West Cork took a different path. These days, it only bottles whiskey that’s been aged for at least five years - a full two years extra in the barrel. It’s not a flashy announcement or a chest-beating claim. It’s simply what it believes makes a whiskey worth pouring.
Shores Superior Irish Rum is where cane meets grain. Naturally sweet and balanced, it is a spirit as it should be - no additives, no colouring, no shortcuts. Just time, wood, and the spirit itself Thoughtfully crafted and adaptable in cocktails, it lets bars and consumers explore a new category with confidence. Perfect for classic serves like a rum and cola, Two Shores also shines in inventive creations, including the ‘Double Irish’ with Two Shores and cult favourite Cidona, a refreshing pineapple soda drink, or the ‘Atlantic Storm,’ an Irish take on a Dark and Stormy.
Two Shores combines craft with purpose Partnering with Plastic Bank, it helps prevent ocean plastic and support coastal communities. Collaboration with Clonakilty Distillery brings Irish expertise to the product, while mixologists from Cork’s Paladar Bar, The Ivy, and the Market Bar have contributed its creativity, showing how Two Shores elevates modern serves.
With Two Shores, bars and consumers can experience a rum that showcases Irish craftsmanship, introduces customers to a growing global category, and offers a premium option that’s fun to enjoy and share.
Two Shores Superior Irish Rum is distilled in Panama, finished in Ireland, and ready to be discovered.
And that extra time? It shows.
A natural smoothness that doesn’t need to be talked up - it’s tasted. It’s the slow, unhurried character that gives an Irish coffee its soul.
Because when you take a whiskey that’s been allowed to rest, breathe, deepen… and fold it into a warm Irish coffee on a cold night? You get something elemental. Something that feels like home, even if you’re miles away
In a market that loves noise, West Cork Distillers are winning with quiet details. With patience. With the belief that if you’ve waited this long to pour a glass, the whiskey should greet you like an old friend.
For years, whiskey has been boxed in as a fireside sipper, but Fercullen Irish Whiskey is helping rewrite that narrative-one glass at a time
Crafted by the skilled team at Powerscourt Distillery, Fercullen 15 is a masterclass in smooth, layered elegance. Its rich vanilla, soft spice, and honeyed grain character shine equally well served neat, on the rocks, or as the base of a winter cocktail. In fact, its creamy finish and refined balance make it a standout in highballs, whiskey sours, or even a bold take on a whiskey spritz.
Fercullen Irish Whiskey
The rising interest in lighter whiskey expressions and creative serves is no coincidence. Consumers are looking for heritage and quality, but also for flexibility Fercullen Irish Whiskey offers just that: a heritage rooted in the Wicklow mountains, a commitment to quality, and a forward-thinking approach to how whiskey can be enjoyed.
Fercullen invites you to look beyond the traditional and explore whiskey in a whole new light.
Fercullen 15 and the entire Fercullen range of whiskeys are available through Barry and Fitzwilliam or directly from Powerscourt Distillery
Roaming Road Spirits unites two whiskey traditions
Launched in the United States in 2023, Roaming Road Spirits was founded on a simple but ambitious vision: to search the world for singular casks and share them with those who appreciate authenticity Early imports of aged rum, Cognac, Armagnac, and Irish whiskey set the stage for a portfolio defined by rarity and individuality
The introduction of Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys from Kentucky and Indiana brought a natural next step - and a bold idea. Rather than keep these American whiskeys bound to US rickhouses, Roaming Road transports them to Ireland, where seasoned Irish whiskey casks provide a finishing chapter This process does more than layer new flavours; it unites two great whiskey traditions. American intensityrich with grain and oak - is tempered by Irish elegance, producing a style that belongs to both worlds.
With the establishment of Roaming Road Spirits International Ltd in Dublin, Ireland is now more than a destination - it is central to the brand’s identity Strategic partnerships with Irish industry figures are ensuring the expansion is not just commercial, but cultural, strengthening the ties between two nations with storied whiskey legacies.
Roaming Road Spirits offers more than just rare barrels and limited releases. It is building a bridge between two countries with proud whiskey legacies, proving that when American character meets Irish influence, the result is a spirit greater than the sum of its parts.
‘At Roaming Road, our belief has always been
simple but profound: the finest spirits tell a story, embody character, and bear the mark of time Spearheaded by founder Mike Gilmore, we’re thrilled to share the next chapter in our story with you’, Roaming Road Spirits International Ltd
“I’m honoured to announce the launch of a new international company, dedicated exclusively to bringing our expertly curated single cask spirits, headquartered in Dublin Ireland, to a worldwide audience. While our base in the US remains steadfast, we are now expanding into new horizons, sharing our passion for exceptional Bourbon, Rye, and aged Rums with spirit enthusiasts around the globe
“From Kentucky and Indiana to the Celtic Coast of Ireland, our Bourbon and Rye whiskeys are being “kissed” by single malt Irish Whiskey casks for a touch of Irish Soul.
Q: Roaming Road Spirits is making its mark with Ireland’s first Cask-Strength, SingleCask Bourbons and Rye Whiskey finished in Irish Whiskey Casks in Ireland - how would you describe the experience for an everyday consumer discovering this for the first time?
A: For me, it’s about discovery These are not mass-produced bourbons - every cask carries its own character, its own soul. The experience is one of intensity and honesty: cask strength means nothing is diluted, nothing is hidden. When someone takes that first sip, I want them to feel the journey - from the rolling rickhouses of Kentucky and Indiana to the Irish coast where the cask breathes in a touch of Irish air and influence.
Q: The name ‘Roaming Road’ suggests a journey - how do you want consumers to feel when they pick up a bottle or order a glass?
A: The name came from a simple truth: life, like whiskey, is a journey. For me, Roaming Road
is about discovery - across borders, across traditions, across experiences. I want consumers to feel part of that journey when they hold the bottle, almost like they’ve stepped onto the road themselves. It’s not just bourbon in a glass, it’s a story that connects heritage with discovery, carrying American strength and Irish soul in every sip
Q: Single-cask releases are inherently limited - how does that sense of rarity enhance the consumer experience?
A: Rarity is not a marketing trick for me; it’s the heart of Roaming Road. When a cask is gone, it’s gone, and it can’t be duplicated - and that creates a moment in time. Consumers get to share in something truly unrepeatable, and that sense of “I was there, I tasted that” is what makes our bourbons special.
Q: Looking five years ahead, how do you hope Roaming Road Spirits will be perceived in Ireland’s drinks landscape?
These casks, procured over years of exploration, represent my roots in Bourbon and my unending quest for the remarkable Every sip is layered with character, tradition, and an innovative new Irish influence that you won’t find anywhere else These offerings will be available in Ireland, Scotland, and the wider UK, with plans for expansion into other countries as well.
“This milestone embodies everything Roaming Road stands for. Our spirits remain single cask, hand-selected, and built upon relationships and trust with producers from around the world. It’s a celebration of exploration, craftsmanship, and authenticity
“To our community of like-minded explorers, I invite you to join us on this exciting new adventure. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates, announcements, and where you can purchase them as we bring >>
A: I hope people will say Roaming Road brought something fresh to Ireland - respect for tradition, but also the courage to innovate If we’re seen as the brand that bridged two whiskey worlds and gave consumers something both rare and authentic, then I’ll know I’ve done my job
these exceptional spirits to your part of the world.
“Thank you for being part of this Roaming Road, where every step is a discovery and every pour is an experience.”
Available in:
Corkscrew Wine & Spirits Merchants - Dublin, James J. Fox Cigar & Whiskey BondersDublin, Amai by Viktor Restaurant - Dublin, https://wineonline.ie
Wine & Spirits Specialists - Online Sales, Paladar Cocktail Bar - Cork, Shannon International Airport - Duty Free Shop - County Clare.
With the festive season underway, Ahascragh Distillery in East Co Galway is embracing the occasion with its annual series of thoughtfully assembled Holiday Whiskey and Gin Hampers. Each one showcases spirits from the distillery’s growing award-winning portfolio - Xin Gin, and Clan Colla and UAIS Irish whiskeys alongside branded glassware, whiskey and gin stones, and a small selection of cocktail essentials.
These luxury holiday hampers have always proved popular with consumers seeking distinctive gifts. They also appeal to corporate buyers, with their combination of premium Irish spirits and distinct and beautiful bottle design making them a natural fit for client and employee gifting. To support businesses during the season, Ahascragh Distillery also offers 20% off orders of 20 bottles or more.
The release of this year’s hampers comes at the end of what has been a notable year for Ahascragh Distillery The launch of its Clan Colla 9 Year Old Bordeaux Finish added momentum to its whiskey range, and both this release and the Clan Colla 13 Year Old Oloroso Finish took home gold at the Global Irish Whiskey Masters 2025.
As Xin Gin and the Clan Colla and UAIS whiskeys continue to earn accolades at home and abroad, attention is now turning to the
still-young distillery’s own new-make spirit. With whiskey maturing in cask, anticipation is building for the distillery’s first in-house release in the coming years. Keep an eye out for good things to come from Ahacragh Distillery in 2026 and beyond.
Further details on the distillery’s Holiday Hampers, Corporate Gifting and more can be found at www.ahascraghdistillery.com
Introducing the world’s first Irish Cream Liqueur infused with a Dubai Chocolate twist
Feeney’s purveyors of luxury Irish Cream Liqueur, is launching an exciting new flavour, Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur Dubai Chocolate has been a viral sensation since December 2023 when an influencer debuted eating a bar on TikTok. Sales of the decadent confectionery have continued to grow pace, inspiring new products and boosting the popularity of the pistachio and kataifi pastry flavour combination around the world. Now it can announce the arrival of the very first Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur an extravagant fusion of Irish and Dubai heritage, combining velvety smooth Irish Cream Liqueur with rich flavours of pistachio and kataifi pastry
Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate is crafted from local Irish cream blended with barrel-aged Irish single malt, with a nutty, chocolatey twist offering a luxuriously smooth texture and taste Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream debuted exclusively at Dublin Airport in September, where Feeney’s is the number two brand in travel retail by volume and value, and is now also available from
Dublin Liberties Distillery, via thedld.com, with further retailer listings in Ireland, Germany, Hungary and the US.
“We are excited to further develop our Feeney’s brand with the launch of the new Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur Combining our famous award-winning brand with the sensational growth of Dubai chocolate is extremely exciting and it’s the perfect time of year to launch this indulgent liqueur,” said John Drennan, master blender at First Ireland Spirits.
Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur is likely to appeal to those who appreciate gourmet and artisanal products and are drawn to premium, limited-edition trends, it’s also an ideal gift purchase An allyear-round drink, it can be enjoyed best on the rocks, or in an indulgent warming hot chocolate
About Feeney’s
Feeney’s is a luxurious Irish Cream, crafted by First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix by blending real dairy cream with rich chocolate and barrel-aged Single Malt Irish Whiskey From
the cows that graze on fresh green grass in the heart of Ireland, we take our dairy from neighbouring farms ensuring a fresh, creamy taste First Ireland Spirits is owned by Quintessential Brands Group n
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From chocolate festive treats to turmeric, chilli and baobab shots here’s our top pick of new and diverse products that food and drink producers have to offer
EDITOR’S PICK
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1 Clo Chocolates, Chocolate Christmas Tree Bar, 85g, €12, 85g, €12. Clo Chocolates, Chocolate Santa, 50g, RRP: €12, available from Le Fournil Bakery in Sligo and select retailers across Ireland, including Kate’s Kitchen, Shells, Fallon & Byrne, Avoca, Lotts & Co 2 UNROOTED Punchy Turmeric, Chilli & Baobab, 7 x Dosing Shots 420ml, RRP: €5.45, available from Tesco NI, Tesco ROI, Spar NI, Supervalu, Centra, Nourish as well as independent health and convenience stores nationwide 3 The Best Free From Seeded Bread Mix, RRP: €10, available from www.thebestfreefrom.com and selected SuperValu stores 4 Kombeara, available in three vibrant flavours: Grapefruit, Blood Orange & Yuzu, Blueberry & Sicilian Lemon, and Mango & Passionfruit, 330ml can (4.2% ABV), RRP: €3.95, available from SuperValu, Centra, Costcutter, Fresh, Carry Out, Mitchell & Sons Off Licence and select independent retailers nationwide 5 PROfeel Chocolate Pudding RRP: €2.29; PROfeel Vanilla & Meringue Pudding, RRP: €2.29, PROfeel Chocolate Protein Milkshake, RRP: €1.99 and PROfeel Strawberry Ice Cream Protein Milkshake, RRP: €1.99, available from Dunnes Stores. n
ShelfLife spoke to Terry Pennington, export director ROI, Santa Rita Estates, commented about the value in joining NOffLA
Santa Rita Estates, comprising Chile’s Viña Santa Rita and Viña Carmen, together with Argentina’s Doña Paula, has joined the National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) as an Associate Member
Established in 1991, NOffLA represents 315 independent specialist off-licences across Ireland, supporting over 5,300 jobs in 26 counties. The Association is dedicated to promoting the responsible sale, marketing, and consumption of alcohol, and to ensuring best practice through its Responsible Trading Certificate (RTC) training programme
By becoming an associate member, Santa Rita Estates reaffirms its commitment to the Irish market and its support for responsible retailing, education, and quality standards within the trade
With a heritage of more than 175 years, Santa Rita Estates is one of South America’s most prestigious and historic wine producers. Its portfolio includes internationally recognised brands such as Ireland’s bestselling wine brand Santa Rita 120, Santa Rita Medalla Real, Floresta, Casa Real, Carmen Gran Reserva and
Terry Pennington, export director, UK, ROI and Iberia, Santa Rita Estates
Winemakers, and Doña Paula Estate, each reflecting the dedication of each winery to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability
The company’s Chilean vineyards span the country’s most celebrated regions Limari, Maipo, and Apalta while Doña Paula’s estate vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, express the diversity and character of that country’s high-altitude terroirs. A founding member of Wines of Chile’s Sustainability Code, Santa
Rita Estates leads in environmental and social responsibility initiatives across all operations.
Ireland remains a key export market for Santa Rita Estates, where Santa Rita has been the country’s number-one selling wine brand for ten consecutive years. Terry Pennington, export director ROI, Santa Rita Estates, commented: “Joining NOffLA provides an important platform for collaboration with
independent retailers who share the group’s dedication to responsible retailing and consumer education.
Through this partnership, Santa Rita Estates looks forward to supporting NOffLA’s mission to promote responsible enjoyment of wine while continuing to build meaningful relationships with Ireland’s independent off-licence sector.”
For further information, contact: caroline@cmpark.co.uk
Blackrock Cellar 23 Rock Hill, Blackrock, Co. Dublin A94 F1H7
Boyle’s Off-Licence Kildare Town Market Square, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare
Carry Out Ballinasloe
Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway H53 P903
Dicey’s Off-Licence Market Street, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal F94FY61
Fine Wines Blackpool Unit 1 Blackpool Retail Park, Blackpool, Cork City T23WC62, Cork
Fine Wines Castletroy Cosgraves Garage, Dublin Rd, Castletroy V94FDOH, Limerick
Fine Wines Kilmurray Kilmurray Roundabout, Limerick, V94YW32, Limerick
Fine Wines Roches St, 42 Roches Street, V94K3OA, Limerick
Outlet
Fine Wines Roslevan Centre
Fine Wines Westside
Gibneys
Jus De Vine
Kellers Carry Out Nenagh
Leonard’s Fine Wines
Londis Malahide
Martins Off-Licence
McHughs Artane
McHughs Kilbarrack Road
Mitchell & Son - The Vaults
Mitchell and Son Wine & Spirit Merchants
Molloys Ballyfermot
Molloys Clondalkin
Molloy’s Clonsilla
Molloys Finglas
Molloys Leopardstown
Molloys Tallaght
Molloys The Liberties
Number 21 Blarney
Address
Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare V95DKW9
Unit 72B Westside Business Park, 72 Old Seamus Quirke Road, Galway
New Street, Malahide, Co. Dublin
Unit 10, Portmarnock Town Centre, Portmarnock D13FP28, Co. Dublin
Brooklands, Nenagh, E45 NY90, Co. Tipperary
Athboy Gate, Trim, Meath C15TVOF
Yellow Walls Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin
11 Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3
25E Malahide Road, Artane, Dublin 5, D05 A4X2
Number 21 Cashel
Number 21 Dungarvan
Number 21 Limerick
Number 21 Listowel
Number 21 Main Street Midleton
Number 21 The Forum
O’Donovans Off-Licence Bandon
O’Donovans Off-Licence Blackpool
O’Donovans Off-Licence Carrigaline
O’Donovans Off-Licence Mayfield
O’Donovans Off-Licence Oliver Plunkett Street
O’Donovans Off-Licence Passage West
57 Kilbarrack Road, , Dublin 5, D05 V8P9
The Vaults, Unit 2, Old Harcourt Railway Station, Hatch St. Upper, Dublin 2 D02 K2K2
54 Glasthule Road, Sandycove Co Dublin A96W372, Co. Dublin
Grange Cross, Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot D10CC91, Dublin 10
Orchard Road, Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22
The Mall Clonsilla, Clonsilla Road, Dublin 15 D15KPK4
Seamus Ennis Road, Ballygall, Finglas, Dublin 11 D11VRP3
Leopardstown Valley S.C., Ballyogan Road, Leopardstown D18UOC7, Dublin 18
Block 2, Village Green, Tallaght D24X335, Dublin 24
125 Francis Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8 D08VTR7
Ashdale House, Blarney, Co. Cork, T23 EO6C
9 Main Street, Cashel, Co. Tipperary
85 O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 D329
Unit 6, Greenpark S.C., Ballinacurra, Co. Limerick
2 William Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry
72 Main Street, Midleton, Co. Cork P25YW80
The Glen, Waterford, X91AH24, Co. Waterford
6 Pearce Street, Bandon, Co. Cork
36 Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork
Cork Road, Carrigaline, Cork
Units 3&4, Mayfield Shopping Centre, Mayfield, Co. Cork
89 Oliver Plunkett Street, , Cork
The Quays, Passage West, Co. Cork
O’Donovans Off-Licence Riversdale Shopping Centre Riversdale Shopping Centre, Midleton, Co. Cork
Redmonds Off-Licence
The Coach House Off-Licence
The Vintry
The Wine Centre, Kilkenny
Thompson’s Carry Out
25 Ranelagh, , Dublin 6
Ballinteer Avenue, Ballinteer, Dublin 16
102 Rathgar Road, , Dublin 6
15 John Street, , Kilkenny
Unit 2 Cellar Court, Ferrybank, Waterford
White’s Oats, Ireland’s largest oat miller and cereal producer, has launched two new premium oat ranges made from 100% Irish Oats: High Protein Oats and Real Fruit Porridge
Well known for its multi awardwinning porridge oats, instant oats, and granolas, this latest innovation underscore White’s continued investment in developing oat-based products that combine nutritional benefits with taste and flavour With the rising demand for healthy, convenient and quick to prepare, sustainable breakfast solutions, the new ranges are designed with both retail and foodservice in mind.
Available in fully recyclable 450g packs and featuring a handy portion scoop for ease and consistency, both product ranges align with customers’ sustainability requirements while offering practical benefits for consumers.
Killowen Farm has recently expanded its award-winning yogurt portfolio with the launch of its new Protein Yogurt with Granola range Available in three variants - Lemon Curd, Chocolate & Orange and Raspberry (190g); these convenient, nutritious snacks combine delicious, creamy high-protein yogurt with a crunchy, wholesome granola topper
Produced on the Dunne family’s farm using the freshest milk from the its own grass-fed, free-roaming herd, the range reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to quality, provenance, and innovation within the
Irish dairy sector
Each pot contains 18g of protein, appealing to health-conscious shoppers seeking balanced, functional food options without compromising on taste
Killowen Farm Protein
The Nordic Spirit Max journey continues with the latest addition to our evolving portfolio - Frosty Berry Max. Designed for experienced users seeking maximum intensity with a bold burst of flavour This new addition blends the sweetness of mixed berries with an icy peppermint freshness, delivering an explosive yet refreshing burst that pushes flavour to new limits.
Across the category, shoppers are progressing to stronger formats, and they’re doing it fast Max and Ultra together now account for 17% of market share in September 2025, up from just 11% in January*. n
*Correct at time of printing, NIQ Scan Track, INC, SOM, MAT 5 October 2025.
Keelings have been growing Ireland’s finest strawberries since 1937 and this winter, they are back again for the second year with its premium Irish Winter Strawberries. Grown at Keelings in North County Dublin, these Irish strawberries are irresistibly sweet and packaged in a premium gold and white sleeve, giving it that luxurious finish.
Celebrate the festive season with this limited-edition delight. Offering up versatility with endless usage occasions - perfect for gifting, hosting with friends and family, or stealing the spotlight as the finishing touch on your Christmas baking creations.
The snacking and functional dairy category has been transformed by the rise of protein. Shoppers now actively seek high-protein products for satiety, performance, and lifestyle alignment. But in a crowded market where “high protein” has become table stakes, the opportunity lies in what comes next.
Nomadic’s Power range delivers 10g+ protein per pot depending on if it’s Power Oats or Power Pots (20g protein) - meeting the expectations of today’s performance-driven shopper However, protein alone is no longer enough to differentiate on the shelf Nomadic Power is built on a multi-benefit platform that addresses evolving consumer needs:
• High protein (10g+) - The foundation of the functional space.
• Gut-friendly cultures - Tapping into the gut health market and consumer demand for better digestion and wellbeing.
• 100% Vitamin D - Answering a genuine deficiency in the Irish market (around one in six adults are low in vitamin D) and adding a clear immunity and wellness benefit.
64% of consumers are now interested in purchasing premium soft drinks with additional functional benefits, and Living Things has these benefits in spades – low sugar, belly-loving, all-natural, kid-friendly soda.
What makes it different? Unlike regular soft drinks, Living Things is lightly carbonated, low in sugar and high in fibre – with 6.6g of fibre per can and only one teaspoon of sugar, naturally derived from fruit juice. Each can also contains two billion prebiotic colony forming units per can, helping to support gut health and digestion. With no artificial sweeteners, flavours, or additives, it’s a clean, refreshing choice for anyone who wants more from their soda. Available in five natural flavour combinations – Lemon & Ginger, Peach & Blood Orange, Raspberry & Pomegranate, Watermelon & Lime, and Rhubarb & Apple – Living Things makes functional drinks taste delicious. Each can has just 12 calories and is carbon neutral, making it a smarter, more sustainable sip.Price per can RRP for retail: €2.75 Shop Little Things at Avoca, Fresh, Dunnes Stores, 100+ Centra and SuperValu nationwide or at your fave local cafe or restaurant like MANI, Sprout & Co, Chicmac, Cloudpicker and Grindstone
Keogh’s, one of Ireland’s beloved family businesses, is set to delight consumers this festive season with the launch of its latest flavour innovation: Sweet Cinnamon & Irish Honey Popcorn. Arriving on shelves nationwide in the coming weeks, this new flavour brings together the warmth of aromatic cinnamon and the natural sweetness of Irish honey. Perfectly timed for Christmas gifting, cosy nights in, and seasonal celebrations.
Crafted using Keogh’s signature Bigger Bite corn, the new flavour continues the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and Irish provenance. The honey is harvested from Keogh’s very own bee hives. The comforting blend of Irish honey and gently dusted cinnamon delivers a deliciously sweet, festive flavour profile designed to appeal to shoppers seeking indulgent yet wholesome treats during the holiday period. With demand for premium, seasonal snacking at its peak during Christmas, Keogh’s Sweet Cinnamon & Irish Honey Popcorn is poised to become a standout favourite as it rolls out nationwide this winter & beyond.
If you Keogh, you know. n
SuperValu kicked off its‘Make it a Christmas with a Difference’ campaign with a dining experience hosted by food ambassador Gareth Mullins on Wednesday, 12 November at The Marker Hotel, Dublin. Media, influencers, and stakeholders sampled the Signature Tastes seasonal range paired with Specially Sourced wines while meeting producer partners. The event highlighted SuperValu’s commitment to quality, local Irish produce, and community-focused festive celebrations.
Feast by Lidl, curated by Michelin-starred chef Oliver Dunne, launched with a VIP preview on Thursday, 13 November at The Chocolate Factory, Dublin. Guests explored a dual five-course dining experience, traditional favourites versus reimagined festive dishes, paired with Lidl’s award-winning drinks. The sold-out event highlighted Lidl’s Deluxe Christmas range, with proceeds supporting Family Carers Ireland, and showcased how great festive food can combine value, surprise, and seasonal nostalgia.
Guests recently gathered at Medley Dublin for Green Isle’s Festive Feast Christmas Event, hosted by Green Isle ambassador Derval O’Rourke. The evening was filled with a lot of
laughs and plenty of delicious inspiration for the festive season.
Medley’s Andrew Rudd treated everyone to a sumptuous three-course Christmas
dinner, showcasing how to take the stress out of Christmas Day cooking using Green Isle’s crowd-pleasing favourites.
On Sunday, 16 November, ALDI hosted its Christmas Market event at The Market Bar in Dublin, where guests were treated to an exclusive preview of festive favourites.
Attendees enjoyed delicious seasonal bites, a first look at ALDI’s holiday range, and a special meet-and-greet with Kevin the Carrot, adding plenty of festive cheer to the evening. n
Carol McCaghy has held the position as marketing manager for Tayto Snacks for almost seven years. A whole lot of work and commitment goes into making Ireland’s favourite snacks. From the story of its iconic brand to our world-class manufacturing facility. Through every part of Tayto Snacks organisation, the team put everything they’ve got into producing first-class snacks with purpose and sustainability.
1. Best series you recently watched on a streaming platform?
‘The Diplomat’, season three just dropped, and it was binged straight away!
2. Best place for coffee? Cloud Picker.
3. Top movie recommendation?
Devil Wears Prada and I’m excited for the sequel!
4. Top book recommendation?
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.
5. Which social media platform do you use most?
With my job, I dip into all platforms daily, but Instagram is my go-to. I’m ashamed to admit I can easily lose a few hours in the evening doom-scrolling!
6. Favourite influencer/content creator if you have one?
Garron Noone.
7. Best advert on TV?
Our Tayto Christmas advert it’s back on air and still brings a smile every time Santa receives a gift from Mr. Tayto.
8. Worst advert on TV?
None in particular, but I do find car insurance ads can get on my nerves.
9. Favourite grocery shop?
All of them! it’s a great way to keep an eye on new products and trends in the market.
10. If you had to live in another country, where would you choose?
Never been, but I reckon I could live in Australia.
11. Greatest achievement to date?
It’s been a privilege to help shape the strategy for the Tayto brand from leading standout award winning campaigns, developing exciting NPD with the innovation team to seeing Tayto recognised as Ireland’s most emotionally connected brand. I’m very proud of it all.
12. Do you prefer working from home or in the office/ on-site?
I love the balance of hybrid working. Working from home has its benefits, but nothing beats the energy and spontaneous conversations you get in person.
13. Best piece of advice you ever received?
Comparison is the thief of joy— stay focused on your own path and do your best.
14. Biggest fear?
Definitely losing a loved one family is the most important thing in my life.
15. City or beach break?
I love both, but if I had to choose beach break for the win.
16. Top restaurant recommendation?
I have to go with my family’s pub and restaurant, The Coolquoy Lodge. There’s such a great variety on the menu, and everything is just delicious.
17. Who is the last artist/group you saw live? Oasis, I’d give anything to relive that gig!
18. Apart from your own, what brand do you admire most?
Sculpted by Aimee. Aimee Connolly’s achievements and story are truly inspiring.
19. Best customer service you ever received? Adare Manor from the moment you arrive at the gate, the service is exceptional. The whole team makes every stay truly memorable and special.
20. What’s the last compliment you received? You’re great craic! n
