Retail News April 26

Anger on the streets

FORECOURTS without fuel, blockades on our streets, and anger very much in the air. The last few weeks have been trying not just for politicians but for the broader community and certainly for the grocery industry.

This issue of Retail News delves into the effects of fuel increases and a newspaper delivery surcharge on the sector (Page 2), while we also talk to Niall Cotton, CEO, FTA Ireland, about how soaring fuel costs are impacting the supply chain (Page 18): “Ireland’s supply chain is heavily dependent on road transport, so volatility in diesel prices feeds quickly into distribution costs across the wider economy.”

Also inside, ECR Ireland’s Co-Chairs, Paul Kelly from Unilever and Tesco's Micheál Donohoe, explain about the benefits of collaboration in FMCG (Page 12), we have our annual Cash & Carry/ Wholesale focus (Page 25), shining a spotlight on this vital trade, while we also look at the Soft Drinks market (Page 36) and the latest trends in packaging (Page 41).

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, our insights offer a valuable perspective for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in today’s competitive market.

We hope this edition of Retail News equips you with the knowledge to thrive in a dynamic retail environment.

Brian Clark

Advertising & Marketing

Retail News

Director,

Contents

2 Rising fuel prices and newspaper delivery surcharge anger retailers.

3 TWIG reveal speaker line-up for 10th annual fundraiser.

4 Tesco suppliers making waves overseas; ECR Leaders Forum 2026.

5 More trips, smaller baskets: Irish grocery sales rise 5.2%.

6 Bord Bia Bloom celebrates 20 years; An Post’s ‘UK Direct’ opens door to Britain for Irish SMEs.

7 Irish consumers prioritise quality despite cost pressures; 80% of Irish consumers unaware of food waste levels.

12 Retail News Interview

ECR Ireland Co-Chairs, Paul Kelly from Unilever, and Micheál Donohoe from Tesco Ireland, discuss the benefits of the pan-FMCG organisation and what can be achieved when all actors in the supply chain work together.

17 Kerrygold

Kerrygold has unveiled new Irish Creamery Butter blends with Olive Oil and Avocado Oil.

18 Transport & Logistics

The Government’s recently announced supports to combat surging fuel and energy costs are welcome, but pressure remains on essential logistics services.

20

Transport & Logistics: CMLS

Galway’s Cold Move Logistics Solutions

Ltd are one of Ireland’s top providers of temperature-controlled logistics and warehousing services.

24 Mayfair

Mayfair has a new look with a modernised logo, a contemporary quality and heritage stamp, and a handwritten brand promise.

25 Cash & Carry/ Wholesale Focus

The latest developments from some of the main players in the Irish Cash & Carry/Wholesale trade.

38

Hale Vaping

The vaping category continues to grow despite the changes associated with new regulations.

40

Repak

Repak’s new Members in the Community campaign highlights member packaging innovations that are driving environmental leadership.

41 Packaging

New legislation is changing the way we think about packaging, from design right through to the end user, with circularity central to the entire supply chain.

46 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps

Kellogg’s are celebrating 15 years of GAA Cúl Camps.

48

AI and FMCG

Non-AI-ready product data is the hidden bottleneck in FMCG commerce, argues Karim Iskandar, CEO International & Managing Director, Syndigo.

Rising fuel prices and newspaper surcharge anger retailers

WHEN news wholesaler Newspread added a 4.5% fuel surcharge to its existing costs, Valerie Boggan, proprietor of Boggan’s Londis in Rosslare, knew her margin was about to be hit hard. How hard, she could not have anticipated. “The bill went up from €75 a week to €89 a week. I think that's more than 4.5%,” she alleges. It is closer to 18%. “I don’t know why.”

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire in the war between the US and Iran, and a push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, there is still uncertainty around stability in the Middle East and how much energy prices will fall (if at all). Retailers have been bearing the brunt of rising costs. The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) was among those to condemn Newspread’s decision to add a surcharge, which has put back into focus the controversial topic of carriage charges in Ireland. Unlike Great Britain, Irish newsagents who stock the full gamut of newspapers and magazines have to pay carriage service charges (CSC) to two wholesalers operating on the island of Ireland: Newspread and InPost (formerly Menzies).

wholesalers, which is an “improper charge that is by nature unfair. Carriage charges eat into the margin, which is based on the printed price of the newspaper and magazine: prices determined and set by the publisher”.

Valerie Boggan agrees: “The papers are pre-priced. We can't change the price and we wouldn't if we could because the prices are printed on the papers. We pay more; the customer doesn't.”

“A lot of our members are independent retailers, so cost of living and costs of business are a massive problem for them,” remarks Andrew Williamson, News Category Manager at the Fed. “A 4.5% surcharge increase equates to about €5 a week for our members. It's a big increaseand it's not something other news suppliers have done or considering doing. Unlike England, Scotland and Wales, where there is a single carriage charge, both Northern and the Republic of Ireland retailers are compelled to have two carriage charges to carry the broadest range of titles.”

Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA) describes CSC as a “doubling up” of charges between two

When contacted by Retail News for comment, Newspread forwarded us a letter it sent to trade explaining how its “4.5% surcharge… compares with fuel surcharges in the industry [of] up to 20%”. Forecourt retailers know well the impact of fluctuating fuel prices.

“Logistical costs are going up,” says Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA. “The cost of food is going up.”

Retailers are reporting increased cases of customer abuse, Buckley reveals: “Staff are trying to do their job but they are getting angry customers accusing them of price gouging. Small businesses have not increased their margins. In fact, they're being asked to deliver more of their margin in terms of covering the cost increases. Nobody is price gouging in the independent convenience sector.”

The Irish Government has been forced to intervene, cutting excise duty on diesel by 20 cent per litre and petrol by 15 cent per litre for a two-month period. An increased diesel rebate scheme for hauliers was also introduced, reducing diesel and petrol by 22 cent and 17 cent through a pause on the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy. But are such cost saving measures being passed through the system?

Andrew Williamson, News Category Manager at the Fed.

RGDATA has written to Enterprise Minister Peter Burke TD and Retail Minister Alan Dillon TD, suggesting that rebates for hauliers should be conditional to ensure they are passed through the supply chain. Buckley wrote to Newspread, highlighting Government supports and urging them to reverse their surcharge. “We believe they should absorb the cost themselves. It shouldn't be the first port of call to apply it onto the retailers,

delivery

especially when there's a fixed price on the cover of a newspaper.”

Newspread, in its letter to trade, explained how the Government’s reduction in excise duty brought about a fall of 15c to 20c at the pumps, to an average of €2.08. “The pausing of the NORA levy is expected to reduce prices by a further 2 cent a litre,” they wrote. “While these measures are clearly welcome, nevertheless prices remain considerably higher than what they were before the start of the current Iran war.”

Newspread’s terms of service refer to the Code of Practice for the Press Industry in Ireland, which states retailers should be given six weeks' notice when changes are made to carriage charges. There was no notice for the surcharge, says Andrew Williamson. “Newspread's counter [argument] is that this isn't an increase to carriage charge, it's an additional surcharge. They were confident it is something their agreement allows them to do. Our main challenge was around the fairness of their agreements with retailers but their assertion was they had no mechanism to go back to publishers to see if they could renegotiate those agreements.”

Newspread stated in its communication with trade that it intends “to remove the surcharge as soon as events permit” and is “committed to removing it when the average price of diesel stabilises for a period of three weeks at less than €1.98 per litre, which is still 15% higher than the February average.” The wholesaler pledged to monitor prices and keep retailers updated.

Retail representatives believe the affair will do little to motivate retailers to stock newspapers, which are more than a consumer product: they are a cornerstone of a democratic society.

“This is one of the Fed’s main concerns,” says Williamson. “A lot of our retailers are small, independent businesses. News and magazines are their livelihood but we are seeing people walk away from the category for many reasons, whether they feel the space can be used more profitably on other categories, or they feel news and magazines are too cumbersome to keep in-store. The surcharge adds to concerns this is going to push more people away from stocking printed newspapers and magazines.”

Valerie Boggan’s mind is already made up: “I couldn't give up newspapers totally but I could just sell the Times and Irish Independent, and our local Wexford People. I would leave it at that and scrap every other.”

TWIG reveal speaker line-up for 10th annual fundraiser

THE Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) network has announced the speaker line-up for its 10th annual fundraising event, taking place on May 8 at the Royal Dublin Convention Centre. The luncheon will see 620 people from across Ireland’s grocery and retail sector gather for one of the industry’s most anticipated networking events.

The 2025 fundraiser generated over €100,000, helping the IGBF continue its work supporting colleagues across the grocery and retail sector who have experienced loss or unexpected personal or financial difficulties.

The event will take place under the theme ‘A Decade of Difference - Past, Progress, Possibility’, featuring a panel discussion with senior industry leaders reflecting on how the role of women in grocery has evolved over the past decade, the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector today, and the leadership needed for the years ahead.

This year’s speaker line-up includes:

• Jenny Johnston O’Neill, CEO, Azure Communications

• Jennifer Rock, Founder & CEO, Skingredients

• Lorraine Butler, CEO, UK & Ireland, CPM

• Edel Russell, Insight & Innovation Director, Musgrave Ltd

This year’s event will be MC'ed by entrepreneur and fashion designer Sonya Lennon, who has been a long-time supporter of the TWIG initiative, having previously hosted the event.

“Since 2016, the TWIG event has grown into a key moment in the grocery calendar, bringing together women from across the sector while raising vital funds for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund,” noted Frances Higgins, Charity Chairperson of the IGBF. “Thanks to the continued support of the industry, we can provide practical assistance to colleagues and families facing difficult circumstances, and we are delighted to bring the event to life once again.”

The TWIG committee have grown the lunch into a key annual event.

Mary McBride, Chairperson of TWIG, added: “A decade on from our first luncheon, this is a valuable opportunity to reflect on how our sector has evolved and to share insights into what lies ahead. It’s vital that we continue to create space for open discussion, connection, and support across the trade. I’m thrilled with the calibre of speakers joining us this year, with no doubt they will inspire such important conversations.”

Nominations are also now open for the 2026 TWIG Person of the Year award, recognising an individual who embodies the TWIG ethos by supporting and championing women across the grocery sector. Nominations close on Wednesday, April 22, and the winner will be announced at the fundraiser luncheon.

The 2026 TWIG fundraiser is supported by main sponsors Musgrave Ltd, Diageo, CPM Ireland, and Suntory Beverage & Food Ireland. The event is now sold out, with a waiting list in place for additional places that may become available.

Tesco suppliers making waves overseas

IRISH food and drink producers are continuing to grow their international footprint, with more than €900 million worth of Irish products exported each year to Tesco stores outside Ireland, according to figures from independent research carried out by Indecon International Economic Consultants (Source: tescoireland. ie/sustainability/product/supporting-irish-agrifood/tesco-25years-of-impact).

Highlighting their continued commitment to Irish exports, Tesco Ireland recently announced €10 million in new contract wins for four Irish suppliers into their UK and Central European (CE) businesses, with Irish food now stocked in hundreds of Tesco stores across the United Kingdom, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia. These new contracts are in addition to existing significant contracts for each supplier with Tesco Ireland.

Tesco are the world’s largest retail buyer of Irish food and drink, buying approximately €1.6 billion worth of Irish products annually, highlighting the key role Irish suppliers play across the entire Tesco Group.

Over the past year, Tesco Group have significantly expanded the presence of several leading Irish suppliers - including Folláin, Keohane Seafoods, Killowen Farm and Bandon Vale - all of whom produce premium products for Tesco own brand.

Cork based preserves producer Folláin have expanded their international presence fourfold in the past year, growing from 180 to 750 Tesco stores across the Group, including new listings in Central Europe.

Fellow Cork supplier Keohane Seafoods have also continued to grow their overseas footprint, with their Tesco Finest seafood range now stocked in more than 500 Tesco stores across the UK, reflecting strong demand for the product in overseas markets.

Killowen Farm, the Wexford-based yoghurt producer, have enjoyed strong momentum in the UK market, with five of their Tesco Finest yoghurts now available in 650 UK stores following their launch in September 2025.

Meanwhile, Cork cheese producer Bandon Vale have expanded beyond Ireland into Central Europe, now supplying 750 Tesco stores across the Group, including in Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary.

, ECR Leaders Forum 2026

THE ECR Ireland Leaders Forum 2026 takes place on May 27 at O’Reilly Hall, UCD, focusing on what senior leaders across retail and consumer goods need to prioritise now to move forward with confidence.

The Forum topics include understanding how shopper behaviour, lifestyle and value drivers are changing, the GLP-1 influence, and the role of retail media. Speakers include Keith Farrell, Country Manager, Dr. Oetker; Lucy Cunningham, Head of Media & Propositions EMEA & APAC, dunnhumby UK; Chris Upton, CEO, and Scott Ellis, Partner, Gate One.

Under the topic, Digital Transformation, which includes using data, AI and technology to improve performance and decisionmaking, speakers include Richie Jones, Enterprise Technologist, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Phil Wilkinson, Senior Director, Mars UK.

The Food Fit for the Future discussion will revolve around responding to changing expectations around nutrition,

Pictured are (l-r): Ger Brickley, CEO, Bandon Vale; Nicholas Dunne, founder and CEO, Killowen Farm; Jim O'Toole, CEO, Bord Bia; Mícheál Ó Lionáird, Research and Development Manager, Folláin; Geoff Byrne, CEO, Tesco Ireland; and Michael Keohane, Founder, Keohane Seafoods.

“Irish suppliers are playing an increasingly important role in bringing high quality Irish food to customers across the UK and Europe,” said Tesco Ireland CEO Geoff Byrne. “Their success reflects the strength of Ireland’s food industry and our shared ambition to help Irish producers grow confidently in international markets. As the world’s biggest retail buyer of Irish food and drink, we’re proud to champion Irish products to consumers at home and overseas.”

Jim O’Toole, CEO, Bord Bia, commented: “The success of Tesco Ireland suppliers across the UK and Central Europe is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and world-class standards that define Ireland’s agri-food sector. At Bord Bia, we are proud to bring Ireland’s outstanding food, drink, and horticulture produce to markets around the world. These achievements reflect Ireland’s growing global reputation and highlight the strength of the partnerships that continue to drive sustainable growth for Irish food and drink internationally.”

regulation, product and innovation. Speakers include: Chris Knowles, Country Manager, Birds Eye Ireland; Lauren Woodley, Head of Nutrition & Sensory Science, Nomad Foods; and Kevin Friel, VP Marketing, Strong Roots.

ECR Ireland Co-Chairs, Micheál Donohue, Senior Commercial Manager, Tesco Ireland, and Paul Kelly, Business Unit & Customer Strategy Planning Director, Unilever, will also present at the event.

For more information, visit: www.ecrireland.ie/ecr-leadersforum-2026/.

More trips, smaller baskets: Irish grocery sales rise 5.2%

TAKE-HOME grocery sales in Ireland increased by 5.2% in the four weeks to March 22, 2026, compared with the same period last year, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator.

While Irish consumers shopped less in store (-2.6% year on year), packs per trip grew by 1.3% over the four weeks, as shoppers stocked up for a busy month of celebrations, with St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day taking place in March, alongside preparations for Easter.

Trip frequency over the 12 weeks rose by 1.1%, but the volume of packs sold continued to decline (-2.7%), a downward trend observed every month since June 2025.

“As the conflict in the Middle East continues to influence global fuel prices, attention is increasingly turning to how these pressures will affect household budgets,” explained Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Worldpanel by Numerator. “Grocery inflation remains high, and shoppers may now face additional price increases in the months ahead. Historically, during periods of rapid inflation, shoppers have adapted by making practical changes, such as opting for lower priced alternatives, buying slightly less or seeking out promotions, and we can expect to see shoppers making these changes in the months ahead.”

With sales on promotion down 16% year-on-year, shoppers have fewer opportunities to manage costs through deals, contributing to smaller basket sizes overall.

terms, albeit at a slower pace than own label.

More than 12% of Irish households picked up hot cross buns over the month of March, spending an additional €498,000 on the festive treats year-on-year. Nearly half of Irish households also picked up an Easter egg in the run-up to the bank holiday weekend.

“Our latest Pressure Group analysis reveals that 26% of Irish shoppers now describe themselves as financially struggling,” revealed Emer Healy. “Understanding how shoppers respond to growing economic pressure will be crucial for Ireland’s retailers over the coming months. While the situation is fast evolving, causing uncertainty for retailers and consumers alike, we’re monitoring the data closely to identify emerging shopper behaviours and provide clear guidance as the situation evolves.”

Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Worldpanel by Numerator.

The value share of own label products increased over the past 12 weeks, with the category now holding 46.5% of the market, up nearly two percentage points on last month alone, while Irish shoppers have spent nearly an additional €76 million on these ranges year-on-year.

Premium own label continues to perform strongly, with spending up nearly 12% year-on-year, as shoppers continue to look for ways to indulge during the course of the festivities over March. Brands similarly continued to grow in both value (+4.3%) and volume

With Easter eggs appearing on shelves earlier each year, shoppers were quick to indulge. Unit sales were up 45% on 2025, with nearly half of Irish households buying Easter eggs during the month of March, which is up by more than 11 percentage points versus the same time last year.

Celebrations extended beyond Easter, with Mother's Day driving an additional €2.3 million in boxed chocolate sales compared with last year. Combined spending on frozen desserts, ice cream, savoury snacks and alcohol rose by an additional €10.7 million year-on-year, as shoppers sought to mark the occasion at home.

By market share, Dunnes maintain the lead with 24.3% value share in the latest 12 weeks, up 4.9% in value growth. Dunnes welcomed an influx of new shoppers, which contributed an additional €11.5 million to their overall performance.

Tesco posted strong growth this period, with value sales up by 7.3% and value share reaching 23.6%. The recruitment of new shoppers contributed growth of €38 million to value sales.

SuperValu’s value share stood at 19.3%, which is up 0.2% in value growth versus last year, with increased packs per trip and new shoppers combining to contribute almost €15 million in value growth.

Aldi hold an 11.1% share, up 0.3% in value growth versus last year, with an increase in footfall adding €12.3 million in value sales over the period.

Lidl grew their market share to 14.3%, up from 13.6% in the previous period, an increase of 0.7 percentage points. The retailer posted double-digit growth for the fourth consecutive period, with value growth of 11.7%. Lidl’s growth is driven by an influx of new shoppers to store, alongside existing shoppers picking up more volume per trip, this contributed a combined €27.9 million to their overall performance.

Bord Bia celebrates 20 years

BORD Bia have announced the final line-up for this year’s Bloom festival, and there is plenty to celebrate. With a host of new features, expert talks and immersive experiences taking place, Bord Bia Bloom’s landmark 20th year promises five unforgettable days in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Along with returning favourites Diarmuid Gavin, Donal Skehan, Neven Maguire, Adam Frost and Trisha Lewis, Bloom will welcome chef Eva Pau, TV presenters Harrison Gardner and Brendan Courtney, and wellness experts Oonagh O’Hagan, Gerry Hussey and Laura Dowling, among the expert speakers on five action-packed stages.

Community, wellbeing, and connecting to nature are the key themes of this year’s festival and the golden thread across the event programme. Along with 20 spectacular Show Gardens, a new wellness area, and experiences that celebrate gardening, quality food and drink and sustainable living, there is something to suit everyone. The Dunnes Stores Quality Kitchen Stage will play host to some of Ireland’s top chefs and cooks. Among those showcasing the best of Irish, seasonal produce in 25 live cookery demonstrations will be chefs Eva Pau, Donal Skehan, Neven Maguire, Rory O’Connell, Catherine Fulvio, Shane Smith, Aisling Larkin, Edward Hayden, and Brian McDermott. Trisha Lewis will return at the helm of the Seafood Kitchen, sharing tasty seafood recipes for all to enjoy.

The Sustainable Living Stage, sponsored by Certa (official supplier of HVO to Bloom) will see returning MCs, journalists Jo Linehan, Caroline Hennessy, Aoife Carrigy and Suzanne Campbell host a series of talks and panel discussions along with advice from some of Ireland’s environmental and conservation groups exhibiting in the Conservation Zone.

The festival is also introducing the Meaghers 360 Health and Wellness Area sponsored by Meaghers Pharmacy. Focused on wellbeing from head to toe, daily expert panel sessions will cover topics such as hormone health, gut health, and the benefits of movement for longevity, alongside breathwork and movement classes.

There is much to tantalise tastebuds at this year’s festival, with three indoor restaurants and three buzzing outdoor catering areas serving Bord Bia Quality Assured produce, along with the Food Village which features more than 100 of Ireland’s best artisanal

food and drink producers.

‘A Taste of Bloom, curated by Neven Maguire’ is returning to this year’s festival in the flagship Garden View Restaurant, featuring a three-course menu showcasing some of the finest ingredients from quality Irish producers. Much of the produce selected will be on display in the Food Village at Bloom, providing attendees with an opportunity to meet the producers after their meal and purchase ingredients to enjoy at home.

“It is incredibly exciting to mark Bord Bia Bloom’s 20th year, and we have a brilliant programme planned to wow attendees,” said Laura Douglas, Head of Bloom and Brand Partnerships, Bord Bia. “From cutting-edge garden design and polytunnel talks, to live cookery demonstrations, sustainable fashion tips, yoga classes and much more, there truly is no other festival quite like Bloom. We are well underway preparing our 70-acre site in the Phoenix Park to welcome visitors once again, and we encourage people to secure tickets in advance so they can fully soak up everything the Bloom bank holiday weekend has to offer.”

For more information on Bloom, please visit bordbiabloom.com.

An Post’s ‘UK Direct’ opens door to Britain for Irish SMEs

AN Post has announced UK Direct, a groundbreaking new end-toend parcel delivery and returns service which overcomes postBrexit barriers to trade and unlocks Britain’s 69 million-strong consumer market for Irish SMEs.

UK Direct gives Irish SMEs a seamless route to the UK market through:

Innovative technology which bridges the trade gap and accelerates growth by overcoming the obstacles to sending parcels from Ireland to the UK post-Brexit

• Pre-cleared UK customs and three-day e-commerce parcel delivery to the UK via Dublin Port

• End-to-end tracking and an integrated customer-friendly returns service

“UK-Irish trade is central to Ireland’s economy,” said David McRedmond, CEO, An Post. “This new UK Direct solution reopens that market for businesses facing the challenges posed by Brexit. Ireland’s 400,000+ SMEs are the backbone of this economy, and in

of Ireland’s most trusted companies.”

Irish consumers prioritise quality despite cost pressures

ALMOST half of Irish consumers (49.5%) prioritise taste over price when making everyday food choices, according to new research from The Galway Kitchen, pointing to continued resilience in premium food purchasing despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The study, conducted among Irish adults aged 18–55, indicates that while consumers are more price aware, they are not simply trading down. Instead, spending is becoming more deliberate, with quality, provenance and at-home experience remaining key decision drivers.

Key findings include:

49.5% of consumers prioritise taste over price, signalling sustained demand for quality-led products.

A majority of respondents indicate a willingness to pay a premium for Irish-made products, reinforcing the importance of provenance and local production.

• Consumers are increasingly shifting towards at-home ‘treat’ occasions, replacing higher-cost dining out and takeaway options.

• ‘Picky bits’ style meals, informal, shareable formats built around dips, breads and snacks, are gaining traction as a costeffective but premium-feeling alternative.

Spending behaviour reflects a move towards selective indulgence, with consumers prioritising certain categories, while managing overall budgets

The research also pointed to differences amongst the generations, with 18-24-year-olds more likely to favour takeawayled and informal eating occasions, while 35-44-year-olds are driving a more premium, curated approach, with greater emphasis on quality ingredients and structured sharing boards. Older

respondents are more likely to favour traditional formats and show lower willingness to experiment or pay additional premiums.

“The findings reflect a consumer who is becoming more intentional in their food choices,” noted Madeleine Cosgrove, PR and Communications Director at The Galway Kitchen. “While there is greater awareness of price, there is also a clear desire to maintain quality and enjoyment in everyday eating. At-home occasions are evolving, and products that deliver both convenience and flavour are increasingly important.”

80% of Irish consumers unaware of food waste levels

WHILE many Irish adults underestimate the scale of food waste, new research from Too Good To Go shows there is strong public interest in taking action.

The survey found that most Irish adults underestimate how much food is wasted in Ireland every day, with only one in five aware of the full scale. Despite €3.2 million of food being discarded daily, many respondents were unaware of the true figure.

According to the EPA Irish households generated over 221,000 tonnes of food waste in 2023, accounting for 26% of the national total. While awareness remains low, consumer attitudes suggest a clear appetite for change.

The research also shows strong consumer support for action on food waste. 68% of people say they are more likely to support businesses that take active steps to reduce waste, demonstrating a clear appetite for sustainable practices and responsible business behaviour.

“Across Ireland, there’s a huge opportunity to prevent food waste - and it's great to see that consumers are ready to take action,” said Chelsea Kerr, Managing Director, UK & Ireland at Too Good To Go. “Whether it’s making small changes at home, shifting habits at work, or choosing to support businesses that are actively saving surplus food, these everyday choices add up. Together, they can make a real, lasting difference.”

Machaela O’Leary, Sales UK & Ireland Key Account Lead, said: “We’re seeing first-hand across Ireland that saving food from going to waste doesn’t require big, complex changes, it starts with simple, practical actions. Businesses and consumers alike are increasingly embracing solutions that make it easier to prevent surplus food from going to waste. By working together and making waste reduction part of everyday habits, we can unlock a huge opportunity - not just for the environment, but for communities and the wider food system.”

2026 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition launched

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, recently launched the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns competition alongside Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, with TidyTown volunteers Yaryna and Evan. “This year we celebrate 68 years of this wonderful competition, which continues to thrive year on yearits success benefits us all,” said Minister Calleary. He thanked SuperValu, who are in their 36th year of sponsoring the competition: “SuperValu have been wonderful partners on this journey and I look forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years.” Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “SuperValu TidyTowns initiative aligns naturally with our long-standing commitment to building cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities. Sustainability continues to be a central pillar of the programme, and through SuperValu TidyTowns we aim to create a lasting positive impact on the environment, while supporting communities to take pride in the places they live and work.”

Aldi

open renovated Tallaght Cross store

ALDI’s Tallaght Cross ‘Project Fresh’ store has reopened its doors to customers, following an extensive renovation project investment of over €1 million, which has seen the store interior completely refurbished. The updated Tallaght Cross store now features a new layout to include a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store and hi-spec fixtures and fittings throughout that provide an effortless shopping experience. The customer-focused layout showcases the products customers know and love, allowing them to shop with ease whilst browsing new ranges. Aldi have also begun the installation of in-store bakeries at selected stores, including the updated Tallaght Cross store, with a full range of Irish-baked breads and pastries delivered daily.

British & Irish Cheese Awards presented

TEMPLEGALL, an Alpine style cow’s milk cheese made in Cork, took home the Best Irish Cheese trophy for Hegarty Cheese at the British & Irish Cheese Awards 2026.

The Supreme Champion award went to Dazel Ash, an ash-coated goat’s log made in the New Forest in Wiltshire from Rosary Goats Cheese. There were over 600 entries, judged by 60 industry experts, at the 30th anniversary edition of these prestigious Awards. Julius Longman, Chairman of the British & Irish Cheese Awards, noted: “It was a special year for the Awards, as we celebrated our 30th anniversary. Thank you to all of our friends across the industry who do their bit make the British & Irish Cheese Awards so special – in particular our partners in Ireland, who have helped us bring a record-breaking number of Irish cheeses into the competition this year.”

John West Féile 2026 launched

Dublin Marathon partners with Grenade

DUBLIN Marathon Group has announced a new two-year partnership with leading performance nutrition brand Grenade, which will become the official Protein Bar Partner of the Dublin City Council Dublin City Half Marathon, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, and the Irish Life Dublin Race Series. Grenade is globally recognised for its highprotein and great-tasting products. The collaboration comes hot on the heels of the success of Grenade’s Join the Revolution campaign, which saw Grenade sponsor 18 sports teams and athletic clubs all around the country. Pictured are Seán O'Riain, CEO, Dublin Marathon Group; Eoin Kellett, Managing Director, Mondelez International; Marty Guilfoyle, Grenade Brand Ambassador; Grainne Murphy, Events and Influencer Manager, Grenade Ireland; and Maighréad Lynch, Brand Manager, Grenade Ireland.

JOHN West, proud sponsors of the GAA’s under-15 annual Féile Peile na nÓg (Gaelic football) and Féile na nGael (camogie and hurling) competitions recently launched John West Féile 2026 with a strong nutrition message. This year will mark the eleventh of John West’s sponsorship of Féile, which has seen John West stress the importance of a healthy, balanced diet among not only players, but also the wider GAA community. “Throughout its sponsorship of Féile, John West has focused on the importance of natural, tasty nutrition in fuelling families, whilst encouraging teenagers to actively participate in Gaelic games,” noted Anne-Claire Monde, John West Ireland Head of Marketing. All-Ireland winning Galway camogie captain Carrie Dolan is pictured with U15 O'Tooles player Holly Dempsey at the launch of John West Féile, 2026.

Aldi celebrate Global Recycling Day

ALDI celebrated Global Recycling Day recently, with the announcement of a series of major milestones in sustainability; the equivalent of over 45 million AA batteries were recycled through the WEEE Ireland partnership, and over 470 million drink containers were returned through the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across all 166 Aldi stores nationwide. Aldi have partnered with WEEE Ireland to promote and facilitate the recycling of waste batteries and electrical equipment since 2009, since when customers have returned more than 910 tonnes of waste batteries to Aldi stores. After two years of the DRS, Aldi shoppers have returned more than 470 million cans and bottles, redeeming almost €80 million in cash or vouchers. “At Aldi, we want to continue encouraging our customers to take part in these programmes, helping create a more sustainable world,” said Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability Manager at Aldi Ireland.

New Yeats Irish Whiskey launches

YEATS Irish Whiskey, a Sligo-conceived, Ireland-distilled premium whiskey, launches its debut expression this spring: The Lake Isle of Innisfree, a limited-edition release inspired by the life, landscape, and literary legacy of WB Yeats. Originally conceived in 2015 as a distillery project, the vision evolved through pauses, restarts, and reflection, mirroring the patience required to make great Irish whiskey. “This whiskey is the result of time, resilience, and respect for craft, for tradition, and for storytelling,” says founder Patrick Ward. “Like a true Irish whiskey, this is our third distillation of the idea and the one that mattered.” Each release in the series will take its name from one of Yeats’s poems, beginning with The Lake Isle of Innisfree. 4,000 individually numbered bottles of this inaugural release are available worldwide, positioning it as both a collector’s item and a meaningful first chapter in a longer narrative.

Lidl and UEFA launch unique partnership

LIDL are expanding their commitment to European football by agreeing to a longterm strategic partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) – the first in UEFA’s history. Lidl have become a UEFA Take Care Nutrition and Grassroots Partner and, through this partnership, will create societal value through the connection of sport and conscious nutrition. Lidl are an official global partner of UEFA women’s and men’s national team competitions. A central component of the partnership is the commitment to grassroots football. Building on their presence at major tournaments, Lidl bring their expertise in healthy and conscious nutrition into UEFA’s educational and grassroots programmes in order to generate a positive impact in European grassroots sport. Pictured are (l-r): Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Marketing Director, and Jens Thiemer, Chief Customer Officer, Lidl International.

M&S make Easter easy

M&S made Easter easy for consumers across the country with the return of their hugely popular Roast Dine In deal, whereby shoppers could get their hands on a main dish and three sides to feed four people for €24. Main dishes included roast lamb, chicken, pork, salmon or the new Mushroom Stroganoff Vegetarian Pie, while sumptuous sides included Herby Hassleback Potatoes coated in garlic and herbs, Butterbasted Roast Potatoes, Honey-roasted Carrots, Spring greens with wild garlic butter, a Cheesy Vegetable Bake topped with crispy garlic breadcrumbs or eight Yorkshire puddings.

An alliance of expertise in Paris

TWO top food exhibitions will take place in Paris this June, when Salon du Fromage et des Produits Laitiers and Gourmet Selection join forces. From June 7 to 9, the Salon du Fromage et des Produits Laitiers 2026 will take place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, bringing together all stakeholders from the dairy and cheese sector. At the same time, on June 7 and 8, Gourmet Selection 2026 will be held in Pavilion 7.2 at the same venue. This simultaneous organisation will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore, in a single trip, two closely connected worlds: cheese and dairy products, and the universe of fine foods and premium gourmet products. For more information, visit www.salon-du-fromage.com and www.salon-gourmet-selection.com

LGFA and Lidl support youth mental health

THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association and its official retail partner, Lidl Ireland, have launched the 2026 #SeriousSupport Club Programme, an initiative dedicated to supporting and promoting youth mental health in local communities. Following the success of the 2025 cycle, applications were recently open for clubs nationwide to participate in the 2026 programme. The initiative aims to create a lasting impact at the grassroots level by fostering safe, positive spaces for young people to connect and share experiences. One club from each county will be selected to participate in the 2026 programme, ensuring a meaningful nationwide impact across all four provinces. The 2026 programme will commence with training in April and run through to July. Pictured are some of the players from Cahir, Co. Tipperary, who won Best Overall Engagement in 2025. Meanwhile, Lidl Ireland have welcomed the decision by Laois County Council to grant planning permission for a brand-new, state-ofthe-art supermarket in Mountmellick, Co. Laois.

Tesco Ireland partner with Street Feast

STREET Feast, Ireland’s national weekend of community lunches and gatherings, have announced that Tesco Ireland are their new partner for the next three years.

Now in its 16th year, the national weekend takes place on May 23 and 24 and has grown into something simple but powerful; a chance for neighbours to come together in a way that makes everyday life feel a little warmer and more connected. With Tesco’s support, Street Feast is aiming high, with an ambition to grow participation from 962 neighbourhoods last year to 1,200 feasts in 2026, helping thousands more people come together across the country. Anyone who registers at StreetFeast.ie will get a free party pack delivered to their door, stocked with bunting, posters, invitations and a DIY guide. There’s also the option to collect a pack from one of 20 participating Tesco stores, with all the standard goodies, along with Tesco sample favourites for the table, street chalk and simple games to help bring neighbours together. Pictured are Sam Bishop, Street Feast CEO and CoFounder, with Kate Cunningham, Tesco Ireland Head of Brand Marketing.

Irish BBQs begin early

Aldi reveal milestone with FoodCloud

ALDI Ireland’s longstanding partnership with FoodCloud has reached a significant new milestone, surpassing six million meals donated to charities and community groups across the country. Since the partnership began in 2014, Aldi and FoodCloud have worked together to ensure that surplus food reaches those who need it most. This 12-year partnership has seen an annual average of 500,000 meals — equivalent to approximately 2,500 tonnes of food — redistributed across Aldi’s nationwide network of 166 stores. CEO and Co-Founder of FoodCloud, Iseult Ward and Managing Country Director of Aldi Ireland, Niall O’Connor, are pictured at the announcement of the launch of new ‘Food for Ireland’ campaign in 2020.

ONE in 10 Irish households start the BBQ season as early as Easter, research from Calor has found. Calor, one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of gas for homes and businesses across the country, surveyed 1,000 people to gain insights into the nation’s barbeque trends and traditions. The survey of 1,000 people revealed that while most (68%) wait for summer to arrive, 15% are quick to seize a dry spell in spring. A hardy minority keep the grill going year-round (3%), while another 3% even see Christmas as BBQ season. Once summer hits, the BBQ becomes a regular fixture. One in three people grill at least once a fortnight during the summer, rising to two in five among Gen Z and Millennials - making them the most frequent BBQers. “Calor’s BioLPG offers a simple way for households to make a sustainable choice as they barbecue this spring, helping to reduce their impact while still enjoying time outdoors with family and friends,” noted Louise Carrick, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Calor.

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Collaboration is the key

ECR Ireland Co-Chairs, Paul Kelly from Unilever, and Micheál Donohoe from Tesco Ireland, are helping to steer the industry-wide body over the coming years. They discuss the benefits of the pan-FMCG organisation and what can be achieved when all actors in the supply chain work together for the greater good.

WHAT can we achieve if we work together? It sounds simple, but in the often cut-throat world of business and the ultra-competitive Irish grocery/FMCG market, getting companies who normally compete to sit down together and collaborate can be a difficult proposition. Yet, that is exactly what ECR Ireland have been doing since 1998, when it was set up to promote the benefits of Efficient Consumer Response to Irish businesses.

The concept is simple: if we work together as an industry, we can fulfil consumer wishes better, faster and cheaper than heretofore.

Micheál Donohoe, Senior Buying Manager, Tesco Ireland, and Paul Kelly, Business Unit & Customer Strategy Planning Director, Unilever, are the retailer & supplier

Co-Chairs of ECR Ireland, the not-for-profit organisation which encourages long-term co-operation between trading partners to better serve the Irish consumer and drive costs out of the supply chain. This it achieves by sharing industry best practices, promoting their adoption, and providing education and guidance on key demand side and supply chain issues. ECR always has a retailer & supplier co-chair to highlight the nuetral and collaborative aspect of the association.

Paul Kelly is a long-time member of ECR Ireland. “I attended many of the brilliant Shopper and Category Insight Conferences, before joining the Steering Group in 2023,” he reveals, eventually becoming supplier Co-Chair in January 2025.

“I’m delighted to work with ECR

Paul Kelly, Business Unit & Customer Strategy Planning Director, Unilever, and ECR Ireland

Co-Chair.

Ireland in an industry leadership role to always seek better ways of working together and serving consumer needs,” he said on his appointment. “Many of the ECR ideals are extremely relevant within Unilever, especially sustainability, shopper marketing, and transformative technology, and I hope we can further develop these workstreams during my tenure as CoChair.”

Joining Paul as Co-Chair in January of this year, following the end of Edel Russell’s tenure, Micheál Donohoe has been the Tesco Ireland representative on the ECR Ireland Steering Group since 2023.

“It was a great entry point into the collaborative, cross industry work that ECR is known for,” he notes. Micheál was on-stage at the most recent ECR Ireland Leaders Forum in May 2025 when he discussed how the ECR Hot Topics relate to Tesco.

“Tesco Ireland have been on the Steering Group of ECR Ireland since it started, as we see it as a great place for the industry

to discuss how best we can work together, while also becoming aware of the latest international developments in the grocery trade,” Micheál reveals. “I see ECR Ireland as a centre for learning, almost like a ‘Grocery University’. My ambition during my time as Co-Chair will be to see how we can enhance learning and add greater value to all members of ECR Ireland.”

Bringing the industry together

Both Co-Chairs insist that the work of ECR Ireland is hugely important to the modern grocery/FMCG market.

“Today’s FMCG environment is evolving rapidly, and organisations like ECR play a crucial role by bringing the industry together to share insights and practical experience,” Micheál explains. “The strength of the ECR network gives Irish practitioners access to learnings from global markets, helping us anticipate trends and challenges before they reach Ireland.”

He goes further, noting how “in many ways, ECR acts like a university for the

industry, where knowledge is openly shared, and where our collective aim is to continually improve the consumer’s experience.”

Paul notes how ECR encourages collaboration between suppliers and retailers, with obvious benefits for both parties: “ECR Ireland’s mission is to promote the development and adoption of better practices for joint retailer/supplier initiatives. We encourage active and voluntary collaboration on non-competitive matters between all involved parties.”

Ireland’s grocery industry is incredibly competitive, but ECR Ireland provides a

The diversity of our membership, which includes retailers, manufacturers, distributors, agencies, government bodies, and specialists across all categories, gives us access to an incredible depth of knowledge and expertise. My goal is to

continue strengthening this network so we can solve industry challenges faster than any single organisation could on its own.

space for members to come together to share learnings across the sector.

“Members come together only on non commercial, non-competitive topics,” explains Paul Kelly, “areas such as sustainability, waste reduction, supply chain efficiency, people development, and regulatory change. These are issues where the whole industry benefits from improvement, and where working together helps deliver better outcomes for

consumers, without touching on anything commercially sensitive.”

Micheál believes that ECR works primarily “because its focus is firmly on the consumer and on industry wide challenges where collaboration, not competition, is required.”

ECR’s biggest achievement is its ability to harness the power of the network, according to the Tesco Senior Buying Manager: “By connecting leaders and practitioners across the industry, we can address challenges more efficiently and share learnings that ultimately benefit the consumer.”

Impressive programme of events

To achieve this, ECR Ireland runs a huge programme of events and activities across the year to bring relevant industry stakeholders together through workshops, webinars, and conferences, where best practice and key insights are shared creating a forum for quality discussion, education and inspiration for those attending.

“A fantastic example of this is our annual ECR Shopper and Category Management Awards Conference each October, which showcase the very best campaigns and executions across the Irish FMCG industry,” Paul reveals. The Awards are unique as the finalists in each category present their campaigns onstage, highlighting the challenge, methodology and results, before the audience vote for the Award

ECR encourages collaboration between suppliers and retailers, with obvious benefits for both parties, including site tours to see best practice in operation.

Members come together only on non commercial, non-competitive topics… These are issues where the whole industry benefits from improvement, and where working together helps deliver better outcomes for consumers, without touching on anything commercially sensitive.

recipient! Held for the last 15 years, conference attendees witness first-hand the latest developments and campaigns designed to satisfy the constantly changing Irish consumer lifestyle. Paul also cites the example of the monthly ECR Shopper Insights Webinars, which highlight the consistently changing shopper behaviours and trends across the Irish FMCG market.

Paul stresses that ECR Ireland is part of the global ECR Community, who will this year release ECR Instore Insights, a global pictorial review of the latest in-store developments in retailers throughout the world.

Also this year, ECR Ireland will hold its third annual FMCG Leaders Forum on May 27 in O’Reilly Hall, UCD, to present and discuss the Hot Topics facing the industry.

Hot Topics for 2026

“The ECR Leaders Forum Conference provides the opportunity for our senior industry leaders to have open discussions on the Hot Topics, listen and learn from expert speakers, and share experiences of the broad challenges facing FMCG and grocery retail, many of which overlap with issues such as cost pressures, labour shortages, AI adoption, regulation, and the growth of omnichannel shopping,” Micheál explains.

The ECR Hot Topics for 2026 are:

• Shopper: Understanding rapidly changing behaviours (e.g. how GLP-1 is impacting consumer consumption).

Store: Supporting store operations and how technology is reshaping the in-store and online experience.

• Supply Chain: Improving resilience, efficiency, and sustainability, areas where collaboration is essential.

“We launched our first Supply Chain Conference in 2025, and given its success, we are delighted to share that we will be holding our 2026 Supply Chain Conference in November,” Paul reveals.

• People: Attracting, retaining and developing talent in an industry undergoing huge transformation, especially given the competition for talent. “We are talking about identifying and training the future skills for our industry,” Micheál explains.

Digital Transformation: Harnessing data, AI, and automation to enhance decision making and improve the customer journey.

Product: Responding to innovation in health, sustainability, packaging, regulatory demands and global sourcing.

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“These Hot Topics allow us to connect local challenges to global insights and help the Irish industry respond proactively,” Paul notes.

Strong industry support

The Co-Chairs are supported by a strong Steering Group comprised of senior executives from retailers, suppliers and service providers in the retail & CPG sector.

Both are keen to expand the ECR Steering Group, broaden the ECR membership base, and continuously develop output that provides real value to ECR members.

There is already a packed schedule in place for 2026, with activities including: Monthly Shopper Insights Webinars

Supply Chain Quarterly Workshops including site tour to Nestlé East Midlands DC, UK

• Sustainability Forum

• Inclusion & Diversity Group

• Digital Retail Webinars

• Shopper Workgroups

• ECR Leaders Forum at O’Reilly Hall – May 27

• ECR Shopper Conference & Awards at Croke Park –October 8

Micheál Donohoe: “I see ECR Ireland as a centre for learning, almost like a ‘Grocery University’.”

• ECR Supply Chain Summit at Clayton Dublin Airport – November 19

A university for the retail industry

Micheál is very definite and confident about the very real goals that ECR Ireland can achieve. “I’ve always viewed ECR as the university for the retail industry,” he insists. “The diversity of our membership, which includes retailers, manufacturers, distributors, agencies, government bodies, and specialists across all categories, gives us access to an incredible depth of knowledge and expertise.

“My goal is to continue strengthening this network so we can solve industry challenges faster than any single organisation could on its own.”

He points to the fact that they have recently launched the ECR Supply Chain Working Group, which will create new opportunities for collaboration and capability-building across the sector, providing even more results for members.

This group met in March at a workshop hosted by Richmond Marketing and focused on collaboration in supply chain, which was voted as the primary hot topic for supply chain managers at the ECR Supply Chain Summit. The workshop was revealing, as retailers and suppliers illustrated how collaboration works best, how to overcome its challenges and revealed remarkable growth as a consequence. The challenge is to promote how effective best practice supply chain collaboration can be, which may inspire the launch of the ECR Supply Chain Collaboration Awards 2026!

While Micheál is only three months into the role of Co-Chair, Paul has been doing it for 15 months now, and so far it hasn’t been an issue to juggle the position of Co-Chair with the day job.

“When you’re passionate about the topics and the positive impact they can have on consumers, it doesn’t feel like extra work,” Paul admits. “ECR is an energising part of my role rather than an additional burden.”

A resilient and responsive industry Ireland’s grocery/FMCG market has proved itself to be resilient, responsive, agile and highly effective through global recessions, pandemics and international trade turbulence (and that’s just the last 15 years), and so both Co-Chairs believe that we can look to the future for the Irish FMCG market with confidence.

“Ireland has a dynamic, innovative retail sector supported by strong market fundamentals and an incredibly capable talent base,” Micheál stresses. “We continue to punch above our weight internationally, setting the bar for excellence.”

“The industry has shown resilience in the face of economic pressures and ongoing change,” agrees Paul. “With continued innovation, investment in people and digital capability, and close collaboration across the value chain, there is every reason to be confident about the future of Irish FMCG and grocery.”

New premium butter blends from Kerrygold

Kerrygold has unveiled new Irish Creamery Butter blends with

KERRYGOLD, Ireland’s most loved butter brand, is building on its momentum this summer with the launch of two new butter products: Kerrygold Irish Creamery Butter with Olive Oil and Kerrygold Irish Creamery Butter with Avocado Oil. These new butter blends offer a fresh twist on a beloved favourite, delivering Irish consumers the same unmistakable Kerrygold taste, enhanced with a naturally smoother texture, perfect for modern mealtimes.

Building on the butter food-lovers have enjoyed for generations, the new variants are crafted with 26% olive oil or avocado oil. Each blend combines Kerrygold’s rich, naturally golden, grass-fed Irish butter with carefully selected oils. The result is a butter with a smooth, velvety texture that melts effortlessly with every bite. The addition of olive or avocado oil adds extra flavour, without losing the unmistakable taste consumers know and love.

Kerrygold Irish Creamery Butter with Olive Oil and Kerrygold Irish Creamery Butter with Avocado Oil come in a convenient, fully recyclable 200g tub. Designed to fit naturally into lunchtime routines, these blends offer a simple, flavourful addition that makes everyday lunches feel a little more satisfying and elevated, with no extra effort.

Constantly innovating range

This launch follows a period of significant momentum for the brand, including the introduction of Kerrygold Cream Cheese to the Irish market in 2024. The 2023 launch of the Kerrygold Butter Stick, a compact 100 gram stick with 25 gram markings for precise cooking and baking, brought new convenience to smaller households and enthusiastic home cooks. Following its success, the range later expanded with a Garlic and Herb variant.

Kerrygold continues to grow its portfolio while staying true to its signature quality and taste. With this latest launch, the brand is building on strong foundations, and has a rich pipeline of new products planned for the Irish market in the months ahead.

Fully integrated marketing campaign

The launch of Irish Creamery Butter with Olive Oil and Irish Creamery Butter with Avocado Oil in the Irish market will be supported by a fully integrated marketing campaign, including social, sampling, and in-store activation.

As Ireland’s most successful food brand, Kerrygold has built over 60 years of heritage and now sells more than 12 million packs of butter and cheese around the world every week. At the heart of that success is something simple and very real: Ireland’s grass-fed farming system. It’s the foundation that gives Kerrygold the

rich, creamy taste people know so well. Made from the milk of Irish grass-fed cows, that natural goodness is at the heart of everything the brand makes.

These new butter blends stay true to those qualities, while bringing something fresh to the range.

By adding a premium twist to a familiar favourite, Kerrygold Irish Creamery Butter with Olive Oil and Kerrygold Irish Creamery Butter with Avocado Oil offer Irish shoppers more flavour, ease, and enjoyment in everyday moments. The new blends will be available in retailers nationwide this summer.

Rising fuel prices hitting logistics hard

The Government’s recently announced supports to combat surging fuel and energy costs are welcome, but pressure remains on essential logistics services.

IRELAND’S logistics industry plays a vital, though often understated, role in supporting economic activity, with particular importance in the grocery and FMCG sector. As an island economy heavily dependent on imports and exports, Ireland relies on efficient, resilient supply chains to ensure the steady flow of essential goods, especially food and household products.

At its core, the Irish logistics sector encompasses transport, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management services. These functions underpin virtually every industry, but their importance is most visible in grocery retail, where product availability, freshness, and cost efficiency are paramount. The sector ensures that goods move seamlessly from international suppliers and domestic producers to distribution centres and ultimately to supermarket shelves.

The current geopolitical situation in the Middle East is having a massive impact on global fuel markets, with sharp increases seen in domestic heating oil prices. And with the price of petrol and diesel experiencing massive increases in the past few days, FTA Ireland, which represents those responsible for moving all the goods the country relies upon every day,

has welcomed the temporary measures announced by Government to help address the recent surge in fuel and energy costs, including the reduction in excise, the lowering of the NORA levy and the enhancement of the Diesel Rebate Scheme for eligible operators.

“These are timely and necessary interventions which will provide some immediate relief to transport and logistics businesses, particularly hauliers and passenger transport operators who are dealing with sharp cost increases and continuing uncertainty in international energy markets,” said Niall Cotton, CEO, FTA Ireland. “Ireland’s supply chain is heavily dependent on road transport, so volatility in diesel prices feeds quickly into distribution costs across the wider economy.”

A positive first step

Niall described the measures as “a positive first step”, but stressed that the pressure on operators remains significant, especially for companies working on tight margins or fixed-price contracts. FTA Ireland believes the situation will need to be kept under close review in the weeks ahead to ensure essential logistics services can continue to

operate efficiently and that unnecessary additional costs are not passed through the supply chain.

“Our industry operates on extremely tight margins and cannot absorb rapid input cost shocks,” he said. “Sustained volatility in fuel prices, particularly those driven by international instability, will place additional, immediate pressure on haulage operations and their viability.”

FTA Ireland is a prominent membership association that supports businesses in the transport and logistics sectors. Its

Transport & Logistics

The current geopolitical situation in the Middle East is having a massive impact on global fuel markets, with sharp increases seen in domestic heating oil prices.

mission is to inspire advocate and endorse safe, efficient, and sustainable transport operations and supply chains.

“We remain available to engage with Government on any further targeted supports that may be required to protect supply chain resilience and business continuity,” Niall said.

Logistics in grocery/FMCG

The FMCG and grocery segment is particularly demanding due to the high volume, low margin, and time-sensitive nature of products. Items such as fresh food, dairy, beverages, and packaged goods require rapid turnover and strict temperature control. As a result, logistics providers in Ireland have invested heavily in specialised infrastructure, including ambient, chilled, and frozen storage facilities, as well as temperature-controlled

transport fleets. For example, leading operators manage millions of product cases annually and conduct thousands of weekly deliveries to retailers nationwide, reflecting the scale and complexity of the network.

A combination of inflation and rising costs for fuel, raw materials, and transportation have significantly impacted logistics operations. Our dependency on imports, especially non-perishable and branded goods, means that the Irish FMCG sector finds itself particularly sensitive to global disruptions, including geopolitical events, energy price fluctuations, and transport bottlenecks. At the same time, Ireland’s strong domestic agri-food sector - producing dairy, meat, and beverages - adds complexity by integrating exportoriented supply chains alongside domestic distribution.

Operationally, FMCG logistics in Ireland

is a balancing act between efficiency and resilience. Companies must ensure shelves remain stocked, while minimising costs and waste. This challenge has become more pronounced in recent years due to supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer expectations. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of logistics agility, as demand spikes and panic buying tested the capacity of distribution networks.

Embracing digitalisation

Technology and digitalisation are increasingly shaping the evolution of logistics, with many companies adopting automation, advanced warehouse management systems, and real-time tracking. Some operators, however, still rely on manual processes. Greater take-up of new technology and digitalisation is an important step towards greater efficiency and lowering operational costs in the supply chain.

As an island economy, Ireland is heavily dependent on imports.

Sustainability is another consideration, with many companies exploring greener transport solutions, such as the adoption of e-vehicles or biofuels, as well as optimising delivery routes and investing in energyefficient warehousing.

The sector also faces ongoing challenges related to skills and labour availability. The need for qualified drivers, warehouse operatives, and supply chain professionals continues to grow, prompting collaboration between industry and government to develop training and education initiatives.

The Irish logistics industry is a vital cog in the grocery sector, enabling the reliable distribution of essential goods across the country. Rising costs, global uncertainty, technological change, and sustainability demands will all continue to impact its evolution, as it balances efficiency with flexibility going forward.

CMLS: for all your logistics and distribution needs

Galway’s Cold Move Logistics Solutions Ltd are one of Ireland’s top providers of temperature-controlled logistics and warehousing services.

COLD Move Logistics Solutions Ltd (CMLS) have built a strong reputation as one of Ireland’s leading providers of temperaturecontrolled logistics and warehousing services, supporting businesses that depend on reliable, efficient, and fully compliant supply chain solutions. Strategically located in Oranmore, County Galway, the company’s modern logistics campus serves as a key gateway to the west of Ireland, offering excellent connectivity to major transport routes and enabling efficient local, national, and international distribution.

CMLS operate a purpose-built logistics facility designed to support a wide range of storage and distribution requirements. Alongside temperature-controlled operations, the site also provides significant ambient storage capacity, allowing CMLS to manage products across multiple storage environments. This includes the storage of ambient ingredients and finished goods that support local food manufacturing and production facilities, helping producers manage both raw materials and finished products within a reliable supply chain network.

The campus also includes professional office and boardroom facilities, creating a dynamic business hub where several smaller clients operate their own headquarters, while benefiting from

direct access to CMLS logistics services and infrastructure. This integrated approach allows customers to operate more efficiently, while remaining closely connected to their storage and distribution operations.

Dependable storage and distribution systems

CMLS support a wide range of food sectors, including bakery products, meat, seafood, ice cream and other temperature-sensitive foods. Products such as bread, pastries, muffins, cakes, frozen meats, fish and ice cream rely on dependable storage and distribution systems to maintain quality and freshness throughout the supply chain. Operating from a fully certified and

compliant facility, CMLS ensure the highest standards of food safety, traceability, and regulatory compliance across all operations.

Sustainability is also a key focus for the company. The site operates as a green logistics facility and is home to the largest roof-mounted solar panel farm in the west of Ireland. This significant investment in renewable energy reflects CMLS’ commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, while continuing to deliver efficient and responsible affordable logistics solutions for their customers.

A strong customer focus lies at the core of the company’s operations. CMLS pride themselves on delivering a highly personalised service, working closely

CMLS operate a purpose-built logistics facility designed to support a wide range of storage and distribution requirements.

Transport & Logistics:

CMLS pride themselves on delivering a highly personalised service, working closely with each client to design bespoke storage and logistics solutions that support their individual business needs.

with each client to design bespoke storage and logistics solutions that support their individual business needs. Customers benefit from direct access

to senior management, ensuring clear communication, responsive decisionmaking, and a collaborative partnership approach.

The company also provides advanced reporting systems that give customers detailed visibility across their operations, from stock levels to distribution performance. This level of transparency allows clients to monitor their supply chains in real time and respond quickly to changing market demands.

Commitment to continuous improvement CMLS are committed to continuously improving every aspect of their systems and operation, including transport, warehousing, stock control, finance and quality management. By continually refining these key components, the company aims to deliver the highest standards of service,

CMLS are committed to continuously improving every aspect of their systems and operation, including transport, warehousing, stock control, finance and quality management.

Impressive client list:

CMLS’s supply chain services deliver on behalf of several well-known and respected brands in food retail, foodservice and food manufacturing.

“CMLS is a ‘one stop shop’, providing all supply chain functions, from order management to physical distribution to consumers of supply chain services,” explains Stephen Gillen, MD. “Our most valued asset is our customer and we strive to be an integrated partner within the development of our customer’s business.”

Their client list includes some of the biggest names in the Irish grocery/ FMCG sector, including Lidl Ireland, BWG Foods, Tirlán, Kerry Foods, Oliver Carty, Irish Pride and Aurivo.

CMLS provide the following on behalf of retailers, manufacturers, brand owners, and food service clients: European transport, order management, procurement, warehousing and physical distribution services of ambient, frozen and chilled products to 6,000 retail locations weekly across the island of Ireland.

while maintaining competitive and costeffective solutions for its customers.

“Our goal is to become a true extension of our customers’ businesses,” explains Stephen Gillen, Managing Director. “By combining strategic location, modern infrastructure, sustainable operations, and a highly personalised approach, we deliver storage and logistics solutions that give our customers the reliability, flexibility and confidence they need to grow.”

For more information, visit www.cmls.com

EU sustainability legislation impacting Irish retailers

THE landscape of Irish retail is currently undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, as the EU introduces a multitude of legislation that will affect packaging, labelling and reporting requirements across many industries, including retail. For years, sustainability was often viewed as a voluntary commitment or a niche marketing angle, but as we move through 2026, it has increasingly become an obligation.

Whether you are managing a national supermarket chain with complex global supply chains or a family-run independent convenience store serving a local town, adopting these major changes will be a challenging environment to navigate. The cumulative weight of these new rules means that every operator in the Irish market is now legally accountable for the environmental footprint of the products they choose to stock.

This regulatory shift is driven by the EU’s ambitious Green Deal, which aims to ensure that sustainable is no longer a premium label, but the baseline standard for every item sold in the European Union. From the way products are manufactured and packaged to the specific language used in advertising and in-store displays, the rules of engagement have changed.

Understanding how these overlapping regulations work, covering everything from plastic waste to consumer rights, is no longer just a task for a compliance officer; it is an essential survival skill for any retailer looking to protect their brand and their bottom line in a modern, regulated economy.

The PPWR effect

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, commonly known as PPWR, is the most immediate change visible on the shop floor. Effective from August 2026, it aims to reduce the volume of waste generated by packaging. Retailers will notice a significant shift as suppliers phase out single-use plastic formats. Common packaging like the plastic film on multi-buy beverage cans or small, individual condiment sachets in hospitality settings will be prohibited.

Furthermore, every piece of packaging will soon carry a standardised, harmonised label across the EU. These symbols are designed to tell the consumer exactly which bin an item belongs in, removing the guesswork at the doorstep. As a retailer, the burden of carrying out due diligence is increasing. You must ensure that the brands you stock are moving toward these new formats, as non-compliant packaging will eventually be deemed legally unsellable.

Vague claims to be banned

For years, products have lined our shelves with labels like ‘EcoFriendly’, ‘Green’, or ‘Nature's Friend’. Under the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, which must be applied by September 2026, these vague claims are officially a thing of the past. The EU has decided that if a business makes an environmental claim, it must be able to prove it with recognised,

third-party certification, such as the EU Ecolabel.

This regulation has a direct impact on in-store marketing and own label products. Claims of being ‘carbon neutral’ that rely on planting trees elsewhere, known as carbon offsetting, are now strictly prohibited for individual products. Retailers will need to change signage across product ranges to reflect these new requirements.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

While packaging and ads are the most visible changes, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) changes the products themselves. This law makes sure that items sold in Ireland are built to last, are easy to fix, and can eventually be recycled.

One of the most innovative features of this law is the introduction of the Digital Product Passport. While it starts with batteries and textiles, it will eventually expand to electronics and household goods. These products will feature a QR code that allows both the retailer and the customer to access the entire environmental history of the item. This creates a circular economy where the goal is to keep items in use for as long as possible. Additionally, a major rule change already in effect for 2026 prohibits the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, a move intended to stop the waste of functional stock.

The cumulative effect of these laws is to place the retailer, whether a major multiple or an independent retailer, in the role of gatekeeper. For larger retailers, this means a massive datamapping exercise with global suppliers. For independents, it means asking tough questions of wholesalers and being more selective about the brands you champion.

Tel: 01-6051558 | www.retailireland.ie

Need more?

Mayfair: A bold new look for Ireland’s No. 1 value brand

MAYFAIR has entered a new era: modern, confident and built on 26 years of success in Ireland. For 19 consecutive years, Mayfair has been Ireland’s bestselling value cigarette*, and that leadership continues with a refreshed design that reflects its heritage with a forward-thinking style.

A modernised logo, a contemporary quality and heritage stamp, and a handwritten brand promise deliver reassurance that Mayfair’s commitment to quality has never wavered.

In a market where value means more than price alone, Mayfair remains the choice for adult consumers seeking genuine value without compromise, and a reliable, proven brand for retailers.

New look: same great taste

While the trade outer design has evolved, the product itself has remained unchanged. It’s the same hand-picked tobacco and the same familiar taste, giving adult consumers exactly what they expect… consistently great tobacco.

It’s a new era, and a new look, with the same great taste, the same unwavering quality, and the same dependable value - the kind you can trust.

(* Ireland’s number one Value Cigarette brand. Correct at time of printing, NielsenIQ ROI Extended Scantrack, RMC SOS, February 22, 2026)

Mayfair has a new look with a modernised logo, a contemporary quality and heritage stamp, and a handwritten brand promise.

Cash & Carry / Wholesale Focus

Value Centre: local insight, national strength

The Value Centre Cash & Carry network offers convenient, locally-focused service from 20 locations nationwide, along with the buying power and technological expertise of the wider BWG Foods group.

BWG Foods' Value Centre Cash & Carry network serves independent retailers and hospitality businesses across Ireland, with 20 branches nationwide. Every branch combines local expertise with support from the national network to effectively address customer needs and adapt to changing market trends.

Buying teams track consumer trends and seasonal demand to offer both essential and specialty products. Value Centre maintain outstanding customer service and offer competitive pricing, consistently ensuring high-quality standards for their customers, regardless of market challenges.

Continued investment driving growth

Ongoing growth across the Value Centre network is supported by BWG Foods’

long-term investment strategy. Significant capital investment in recent years has focused on upgrading branches, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.

Strategic acquisitions have also played an important role. Paul Bealin, Cash & Carry Sales Director, Value Centre, says that the successful integration of businesses such as the recent acquisition of the Perry’s Cash & Carry wholesaler have further strengthened BWG’s growth in the licence and retail sector.

Value Centre customers benefit from being part of BWG Foods, one of Ireland’s largest retail and wholesale groups. They also continue to enjoy convenient, locally focused service built on strong relationships.

Cash & Carry/Wholesale Focus: Value Centre

Significant capital investment in recent years has focused on upgrading Value Centre branches, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.

Technology that saves customers time Investment in technology continues to deliver tangible benefits for customers.

BWG’s award-winning e-commerce platform, ShopLink, provides seamless online ordering and supply chain integration. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, ShopLink allows customers to order when it suits them, helping them run their businesses more efficiently.

This digital offering is complemented by Value Centre’s flexible delivery solutions, including next-day delivery and an Emergency Top-Up service where required. These services have been especially helpful

in times of disruption, allowing customers to maintain their operations confidently and fulfil deliveries to their own customers. National promotions every three weeks, supported by tactical seasonal activity, further reinforce Value Centre’s commitment to delivering strong value all year round.

XL: a community-driven retail brand

One of Value Centre’s key advantages is their unique XL retail brand, which stands out for its commitment to the community, flexibility, and affordability. XL prioritises empowering retailers to make their own

decisions.

Paul Bealin explains that XL retailers benefit from tailored store development solutions, continuous improvement programmes, and a strong support framework designed to drive long-term profitability. Initiatives such as the BWG Academy provide practical training and development tools, ensuring retailers and their teams have the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.

Complementing this is the new BWG initiative, Hire-2-Retire (H2R), which has revolutionised recruitment, training, payroll, scheduling, and HR processes and offers a streamlined approach that benefits both retailers and employees.

XL retailers are also supported by BWG’s Fresh Food Advisory team, which works closely with stores to grow fresh food participation, while maintaining the highest food safety standards.

Driving sustainable impact across Value Centre

Sustainability remains a key focus across the Value Centre network, with continued progress delivered through BWG’s ESG programme, 'Responsible Together', and their commitment to measurable action under their Origin Green plan.

A major area of investment has been renewable energy, with solar power now installed in over a third of Value Centre depots, supporting reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency across operations. In parallel, BWG Foods have committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity, verified through Guarantees of Origin, helping Value Centres lower their carbon footprint.

Food waste reduction also remains a priority. Through their ongoing partnership with FoodCloud, Value Centre continue to strengthen surplus food redistribution processes, ensuring good food is diverted to communities that need it most. while reducing waste across the supply chain.

In addition, BWG have committed multiple sites to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, supporting biodiversity through pollinator friendly actions aligned with national guidance. These initiatives contribute to healthier local ecosystems and form part of BWG’s wider biodiversity targets under Origin Green.

Together, these actions demonstrate how the Value Centre network is playing a central role in delivering practical, impactful sustainable outcomes for their business, their customers, and the communities they serve.

Cash & Carry / Wholesale Focus:

Stonehouse: delivering quality for over 25 years

Janice Gibney, Chief Executive Officer, Stonehouse, on the brand’s continued success as a vital route to market all over the country, and the changing face of the Irish cash and carry/ wholesale business.

JANICE Gibney, Chief Executive Officer, Stonehouse, reflects on the changing face of the Irish Cash & Carry/Wholesale sector.

What trends are driving changes in the Irish wholesale/cash and carry sector?

“The rise in cost of living continues to have impact on the Irish wholesale sector. The balancing of the rising cost of doing business and consumer demands for value remains a key element impacting changes. There is an increased need to embrace new technologies to assist everyday business and develop long-term sustainability plans that not only help the planet but ensure the longevity of wholesale / cash & carry in the Irish market.”

What were the highlights of 2025 for Stonehouse?

“In 2025, we welcomed Serry’s Cash & Carry to the group which expands our foodservice offering in the midlands.

“We celebrated 25 years in business as Ireland’s leading independent wholesale and distributor group.

“The true resilience of our members is highlighted over the past 25 years by our continued success through a currency change, a major recession, Brexit, a global pandemic, and the impacts of war, which unfortunately remain today.”

What areas/categories are proving particularly successful?

“The Foodservice category is seeing significant growth; hot school lunches have driven growth in the institutional sector and quick service restaurants see increased growth year-on-year, particularly outside of Dublin.”

How has the business changed?

“Product portfolios constantly change to meet consumer demands and needs.

Food on-the-go has become key for the convenience and impulse market, which is mainly serviced by wholesale / cash & carry and therefore a slight move from traditional grocery to more relevant food on-the-go options is necessary and inevitable.”

What does the traditional cash and carry/ wholesaler offer its customers and what does Stonehouse bring to the table that its rivals cannot?

“As Ireland’s leading independent wholesale and distributor group with national coverage, we offer our suppliers a route to market to every county, city, and the most remote parts of Ireland. We provide our customers with an outstanding service, ensuring they always have the right products at the right time for their consumers. This, paired with our ability to react to changes in the market and our customers’ needs without any delay, makes our role in the supply chain vital.”

How do you see the future for Stonehouse and for the cash and carry/wholesale business in Ireland?

“As more producers centralise their distribution model, Stonehouse will play a key role in route to market for continuity of supply and service.”

Are there any plans for the rest of 2026 that you can let us know about?

“We will continue to focus on developing our offering and strengthening our position across all categories. We are well on our way with our sustainability journey and will develop this further across the group to ensure we attract new business, new members, and the right personnel.

“There will be many challenges to the Irish market over the coming months, and we will focus on ensuring we do everything possible to maintain continuity of supply of goods nationwide for our suppliers to our customers and their consumers.”

Nearby celebrates fifth birthday

The Nearby brand is celebrating five years of supporting local retailers across the island of Ireland, underpinned by the expertise of S&W Wholesale, its parent company and wholesale partner.

APRIL marks a significant milestone for the Nearby brand, as it celebrates five successful years of serving local communities and supporting independent retailers across the island of Ireland.

Since its launch in April 2021, Nearby has grown from strength to strength, with over 165+ stores and counting, establishing itself as a trusted convenience brand positioned strongly around its core pillar: community.

A cornerstone of local communities

The Nearby symbol stands as a cornerstone of local communities, a trusted convenience brand that strengthens the bond between independent retailers and their customers, underpinned by its promise of being ‘Never Too Far From Home’.

Nearby stores continue to play a key role within their local communities, building

strong relationships with both customers and local suppliers. Their stores are more than a place to shop; the Nearby brand is recognised as the hub – somewhere that offers familiarity, connection, and a warm welcome for everyone.

There for the moments that matter

Nearby stores are about being there for the ‘moments that matter’. Their stores are known for their warmth and personal touch, where a friendly conversation or small act of kindness can make a real difference in customers’ daily lives. These everyday interactions are what truly define community retail and reflect what sets independent retailers apart: their ability to build meaningful relationships that go beyond transactions.

Nearby’s fifth birthday campaign will be

centred around this tagline ‘Here for the moments that matter’.

A flexible business model that puts retailers first

Nearby’s success comes down to its unique selling point: a flexible, retailer-first model. Designed to empower independent retailers, this model offers independence, with no membership or marketing fees and no long-term contracts. Retailers can truly run their store their way, while benefiting from an established, modern brand accompanied by the support of an awardwinning team.

The strength of the Nearby brand is underpinned by the expertise of S&W Wholesale, its parent company and wholesale partner. Through this partnership, Nearby retailers benefit

Cash & Carry/Wholesale Focus: S&W Wholesale/Nearby

from access to over 9,000 product lines, 17 promotions each year, a 24/7 ordering platform, and reliable next-day delivery, built on more than 100 years as one of

Ireland’s most trusted wholesalers.

S&W’s continued investment in infrastructure includes a new 180,000 square feet distribution hub outside

Newry on the road to Dublin. This will further enhance their customer service, strengthen supply chains locally, and support their future growth.

A focus on innovation

Nearby remains focused on innovation and retailer support. From digital tools such as WhatsApp Business to its dedicated Retailer Hub, the brand ensures retailers stay informed, agile, and ready to meet their shoppers’ needs. Looking ahead, the brand continues to champion the role of independent retail at the heart of community life. With a commitment to continuous improvement, Nearby is well positioned to support retailers in an increasingly competitive market.

“Join the Nearby family so you can focus on what matters most – serving your local community and delivering real value,” advises Daniel Comiskey, Head of Marketing, Nearby. “Become part of a passionate team that is always Nearby and ready to help, as you kickstart your journey as an independent retailer today.”

For more information, visit always-nearby.com

Soft sells

The soft drinks market in Ireland remains a valuable one, with new product innovations fuelling consumer interest.

IN 2025, soft drinks in Ireland continued to record overall growth in volume, although performance varied significantly across categories, according to the latest report into the sector from Euromonitor International.

Sports drinks saw the fastest volume rise, benefiting from a growing fitness culture and the popularity of functional products offering energy, recovery or performance support. RTD coffee was another standout in 2025, with consumers increasingly drawn to its convenience, variety and positioning as an affordable alternative to café coffee. Kombucha, while smaller in scale, also contributed positively thanks to the product’s association with digestive health and the functional trend.

By contrast, carbonates, juice and concentrates faced reduced demand due to high sugar content and changing consumption habits, according to Euromonitor. However, traditional carbonated soft drinks remain the largest sector by value.

The energy drinks market benefits from strong consumer loyalty and broad visibility across retail channels. Some well-known brands are reinforcing their market position with multiple launches under their brand names, including a focus on sugar-free and flavoured variants.

Health and wellness soft drinks in Ireland continued to evolve rapidly, as consumers increasingly sought beverages that deliver tangible functional benefits alongside

refreshment, according to Euromonitor. The strongest momentum came from drinks positioned as a good source of vitamins, reflecting growing interest in proactive health management and everyday nutrition. Brands responded by expanding portfolios with functional formulations that address specific need states such as energy, immunity and recovery.

The Irish soft drinks market remains an important and dynamic one, however, with estimates of its value at around €1.8 billion per year, with approximately €754 million of that coming from supermarkets and convenience stores (Source: Statista). Soft drinks are also consistently ranked among the top grocery categories, and represent a key driver of footfall and impulse

Soft Drinks

purchasing.

At the same time, premiumisation is reshaping consumer expectations, with a rise in craft and premium soft drinks, especially amongst adult consumers. Stocking regional or craft options can also help to differentiate independent retailers from the competition and strengthen appeal amongst their local community.

For retailers, success in soft drinks will depend on active category management, including prioritising healthier options, embracing premium and local products, optimising pack formats, and using in-store execution to drive impulse sales.

Lucozade Energy

Grafruitti Zero Sugar

Lucozade Energy are bringing a bold new flavour to shelves in Ireland with the launch of Lucozade Energy Grafruitti Zero Sugar, a vibrant addition to the Lucozade Energy range. Rolling out this April, the new variant will be available across convenience, grocery, wholesale and e-commerce channels in 500ml and 900ml formats, offering shoppers a refreshing zerosugar option with a distinctive fruity taste.

The launch reinforces Suntory Beverage & Food’s continued focus on innovation within the soft drinks category, introducing a flavour designed to capture consumer interest, while supporting retailers with fresh excitement in the energy segment. With flavour remaining one of the most important purchase drivers in zero-sugar soft drinks, the brand is well positioned to help retailers meet shopper demand for variety and choice within the category.

combines mixed berry and citrus notes with an exotic twist, delivering a distinctive and refreshing taste experience.

Lucozade Energy Grafruitti Zero Sugar combines mixed berry and citrus notes with an exotic twist, delivering a distinctive and refreshing taste experience.

Lucozade Energy Grafruitti Zero Sugar

Carefully developed to deliver a full flavour profile without sugar, the new drink provides the same bold character consumers expect from the Lucozade Energy range, while responding to growing interest in zero-sugar alternatives.

The launch also reflects broader shifts in consumer behaviour across the soft drinks category. Zero-sugar products continue to gain momentum as shoppers increasingly look for more balanced beverage choices, without compromising on taste. Recent category trends show that a significant proportion of soft drink new product development sales now come from zero-sugar variants, highlighting the importance of innovation in this space. By expanding their zero-sugar portfolio, Lucozade Energy aim to support retailers in capturing this demand while driving incremental growth.

“Lucozade Energy Grafruitti Zero Sugar is an exciting new addition to the Lucozade Energy zero sugar range in Ireland,” said Michelle Darlington, Lucozade Energy Marketing Manager (Ireland). “With its bold, fruity flavour and zero-sugar format, it delivers the great taste shoppers expect from Lucozade

Zero Sugar is expected to prove hugely popular.

Energy, while meeting the growing demand for more zero-sugar options.”

Michelle stressed how flavour innovation continues to play a key role in driving growth across the energy drinks category,

particularly with younger shoppers looking for new and exciting options: “Grafruitti Zero Sugar brings vibrant colour and standout shelf appeal to the chiller, giving retailers a great opportunity to refresh their energy fixture, attract attention in store and drive incremental sales within the category.”

With strong brand recognition and continued investment in innovation, Lucozade Energy remains a key driver of growth within the soft drinks category. The introduction of Grafruitti Zero Sugar further strengthens the brand’s portfolio, offering Irish shoppers a vibrant new flavour, while helping retailers capitalise on the ongoing momentum behind zero-sugar beverages. Retailers are encouraged to stock up now to make the most of the launch and ensure they are ready to meet shopper demand as excitement builds around the newest addition to the Lucozade Energy range.

Soft Drinks

launch B Active Caffeine Water

BALLYGOWAN are excited to be moving into functional water with their new sub brand, Ballygowan B Active. This is a first for Ballygowan and it is set to disrupt the soft drinks category as the first Irish-produced caffeinated water in Ireland. Like all Ballygowan products, the new B Active range is sugar-free and it is a fruit flavoured caffeinated water available in two refreshing flavours: Tropical Rush and Berry Blast. The two SKUs began building national disruption throughout the island of Ireland at the start of April.

The target market is wide ranging, with a focus on the workplace, study, the health conscious and trend seekers. The launch is supported by a through-theline campaign, including out of home advertising, digital, social media and working with relevant content creators. Given the groundbreaking nature of this innovation, there will be a disruptive suite of point of sale produced to help communicate this exciting innovation to consumers at the point of purchase.

Ballygowan B Active range is a sugar-free, fruit flavoured caffeinated water available in two refreshing flavours: Tropical Rush and Berry Blast.

“We are being told that Irish consumers are increasingly claiming that they are suffering from tiredness and struggling

Diet Coke

Diet Coke Cherry recently launched in Ireland as a permanent addition to the Diet Coke portfolio. The cherry twist on the iconic Diet Coke taste first launched internationally in the 1980s and is now available on the Irish market with refreshed packaging and a clear role to drive flavour variety within the no-sugar cola category. Cherry continues to over index for spring as both a flavour and a colour cue, appearing across seasonal food and drink (cherry-led soft drinks, desserts and bakery flavours) and reflected in fashion and beauty through cherry-red accents. With a chic new look, this new SKU is set to become a staple for Diet Coke breaks nationwide, whether it’s a quick scroll or stroll, a mid-podcast sip, or a moment unwinding. Diet Coke Cherry is available permanently in: 330ml cans, 2L bottles and 330ml x12 multipack cans.

“Diet Coke Cherry has a real fan following globally, and we’re delighted to bring it to Ireland as a permanent part of the Diet Coke line-up,” revealed Tara Byrnes, Senior Marketing Manager, Diet Coke Great Britain & Ireland. “Cherry is a standout flavour, trending for the last three years and appearing across food and drink menus and in cherry-red fashion cues. Shoppers are actively looking for flavour variety and we are confident that with its bold taste and refreshed pack design, Diet Coke Cherry will offer retailers a strong new option to keep the Diet Coke category modern and help drive both immediate consumption and multipack purchase.”

Meanwhile, Diet Coke is joining the

to find more natural sources to help with their mental fatigue while on-the-go,” said Jeff Brennan, Ballygowan Marketing Manager. “Ballygowan B Active is an exciting innovation that helps overcome this insight through its unique fruit flavoured water containing magnesium, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness, and zinc for normal cognitive function.”

Diet Coke is joining the highly anticipated movie sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2 as an integrated beverage brand.

highly anticipated movie sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, in cinemas on May 1, as an integrated beverage brand, placing one of Coca-Cola’s most iconic names at the centre of one of the year’s most anticipated cultural moments. The brand will launch a fan-focused campaign designed to engage audiences globally. extending the film’s influence well beyond the runway.

“In The Devil Wears Prada 2, taste is everything,” said Lylle Breier, EVP, Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy & Events at Disney. “We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Coca-Cola with this epic Diet Coke collaboration in a way that feels classic and authentic, an iconic brand that embodies the kind of style and confidence our audience - and Miranda Priestly herselfexpects.”

Diet Coke will launch an immersive fan-focused campaign designed to bring

the film’s runway energy, signature style, and iconic moments to life. Diet Coke’s activations feature special edition packaging and a bespoke ad set in the film’s Runway offices, capturing the iconic moment when fashion pauses for a muchneeded Diet Coke break.

Across all European markets, consumers can participate in a promotion with the chance to win a trip to New York City, or hundreds of other daily prizes like cinema tickets and exclusive DWP2 x Diet Coke merch. The campaign will span across TV, digital, social and out-of-home to reach target audiences through their preferred platforms and formats.

“For generations, Diet Coke has been synonymous with the very essence of fashion and culture,” said Tara Byrnes.

Coke Cherry has a real fan following globally.

“Now, with The Devil Wears Prada 2, we're not just revisiting an icon; we're injecting that timeless legacy with a vibrant, modern energy that fuels style ambition across generations. This collaboration is a genuine modern celebration of two shared legends, born from authenticity and built for the fans."

Soft Drinks

Fanta

In celebration of the Xbox 25th anniversary, Fanta is levelling up its delicious product line with a gamified collaboration that features iconic characters from legendary Xbox titles.

The special edition collection features character takeovers from some of the most iconic Xbox franchises including Call of Duty, Halo and Diablo IV, and introduces a delicious new special edition flavour, Fanta Crimson Cherry. These iconic characters have taken over Fanta for one reason: fans everywhere “Wanta Fanta” - and now it’s your turn to take it back through exclusive challenges and digital activations.

“Fanta believes in delivering the ‘Wanta Fanta? Come Get It’ challenge that fans are most passionate about, and this partnership with Xbox takes it to a whole new realm of delicious game play. We’re just getting started,” said Ibrahim Salim Khan, Vice President, Global Sparkling Flavours Category. “We imagine a world where the irresistible taste of Fanta is so delicious, it pulls players into a multiverse-sized adventure. We’re excited to unleash this partnership with Xbox by immersing fans in the worlds of their favourite games, teaming up with iconic characters and facing larger-than-life challenges to prove just how far they’ll go to get their Fanta back.”

Starting mid April, fans can get their hands on the special edition collection, but the experience doesn’t stop there. Launching on April 30 and running until June 30, consumers can enter a national prize promotion by uploading a receipt for any Fanta product, giving them the chance to win Xbox controllers and ROG Xbox Ally. Players can also unlock exclusive in game rewards simply by scanning the QR code on pack or at point of sale and completing exciting mini challenges. With a million in game rewards up for grabs, there’s plenty to play for.

Fanta Apple Zero Sugar boasts a crisp, clean apple flavour that perfectly complements the signature Fanta fizz.

The Fanta and Xbox special edition collection runs at all key retailers in 330ml cans, 500ml pet & 1.75L bottles and multipack (4,6 & 12) cans. Fanta Crimson Cherry will be available in 500ml pet bottle, 1.75L pet bottle and 6x330ml multipack cans.

Fanta recently announced the launch of Fanta Apple Zero Sugar, a delicious new addition to the flavour portfolio, now available across Ireland. Available only in the Zero Sugar variant, Fanta Apple Zero Sugar offers a bright, bubbly, instantly refreshing taste, perfect for those wanting to enjoy the fruity Fanta flavour, but with zero sugar, zero calories and an apple twist!

“We're thrilled to introduce Fanta Apple Zero Sugar to the Irish market. This new flavour embodies our commitment to innovation and providing consumers with a rainbow of options that cater to their evolving preferences,” said Allie Kaspruk, Fanta Brand Manager in Ireland at The Coca-Cola Company. “We know that people are looking for exciting and flavourful beverages that fit into their lifestyles, and Fanta Apple Zero Sugar delivers on that promise.”

Living Things: gut-friendly and tasty soft drinks

WITH 86% of consumers actively seeking to improve their digestive health, and demand for low-sugar, functional soft drinks continuing to outpace traditional carbonated beverages (Source: Living Things Consumer Panel 2023, Nationally representative panel), Living Things have a gut-friendly range of soft drinks. The range includes five natural flavour combinations – Lemon & Ginger, Peach & Blood Orange, Raspberry & Pomegranate, Watermelon & Lime and Rhubarb & Apple.

“We created Living Things to make gutfriendly living easy, accessible and delicious – it’s your everyday soda, reimagined,” notes Ben Vear, CEO and co-founder of Living Things.

“As awareness of gut health, sugar and calories grows, consumers will continue to seek out convenient solutions to support their digestive awareness. With tasty flavours and genuine efficacy, prebiotic soft drinks represent one of the greatest opportunities to answer consumers' desire to reduce sugar and calorie intake and improve overall digestive health.”

Living Things launched in Ireland in November 2024, and Ireland has quickly become one of its strongest markets.

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.

How to grow in a changing vaping market

The vaping category continues to grow despite the changes associated with new regulations, with smart retailers futureproofing and ensuring they have the right products available.

“THE biggest challenge in 2026 is navigating change itself,” according to Simon Carroll, MD of Hale Vaping. “But once regulatory changes bed in, the category doesn’t disappear, it evolves.” Consumer demand remains strong, buying habits are evolving and markets that have already gone through similar changes show that prepared retailers continue to grow.

IVG Pro 12 is a rechargeable and reusable pod system, designed to meet growing demand for big puff devices, and which is fully compliant with the incoming regulation.

The IVG Pro 12 offers up to 10,000 puffs per prefilled pod and features a rechargeable, reusable design that reduces environmental impact, while maintaining the convenience vapers expect.

Once regulatory changes bed in, the category doesn’t disappear; it evolves.” –Simon Carroll, MD, Hale Vaping.

Now is about future-proofing and ensuring the right products are available, according to Hale Vaping. One of those products is the IVG Pro 12, a rechargeable and reusable pod system, designed to meet growing demand for big puff devices, and which is fully compliant with the incoming regulation.

Nine flavour options are available as refills for the IVG Pro 12, each using IVG’s award-winning Nic Salt E-Liquids.

Up to 10,000 puffs per prefilled pod

The Pro 12 offers up to 10,000 puffs per prefilled pod and features a rechargeable, reusable design that reduces environmental impact, while maintaining the convenience vapers expect. The device includes a clear battery display, smooth airflow, and a compact design available in seven colours.

Nine flavour options are available as refills, each using IVG’s award-winning Nic Salt E-Liquids.

The goal is to help adult vapers transition smoothly from disposables while staying fully compliant with evolving regulations.

The IVG Pro 12 Starter Kits and Refill Pods are now available from Hale.

For more information, visit halevaping.com

Repak launch Members in the Community campaign

Repak’s new campaign highlights member packaging innovations that are driving environmental leadership and community impact across Ireland.

MINISTER Alan Dillon recently launched the Repak Members in the Community national campaign in Intersport Elverys, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The campaign shines a spotlight on the vital role Repak members play in towns and villages across the country, highlighting the businesses and individuals within the community that are contributing to a greener future for Ireland.

Anchored in community contribution and innovation, the campaign celebrates the achievements of Repak members in advancing sustainable packaging and recycling practices. It is aimed at inspiring communities nationwide to build on this progress and take further action in support of Ireland’s circular economy.

Repak member Intersport Elverys operate 44 stores nationwide. Among their most impactful initiatives in reducing waste and reusing is the introduction of 100% recyclable online and in-store bags, in addition to a reusable and recyclable warehouse pallet box system. In 2025, Intersport Elverys recycled over 210 tonnes of cardboard and just under 15 tonnes of plastic, demonstrating commitment at every level to sustainable change and impact.

Practical actions to reduce waste

“The campaign highlights the practical actions Repak member businesses are taking to reduce waste, embrace reuse, and innovate in packaging design,” said Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail & Circular Economy. “Achieving our national and European recycling targets requires partnership between Government, industry

and citizens. Campaigns like this not only recognise the progress being made but also encourage wider behavioural change which is essential as we continue our transition to a circular economy.”

Repak CEO, Zoe Kavanagh, added: “We are delighted to provide a platform for Repak members like Intersport Elverys, who demonstrate circular thinking across all their operations, and inspire other businesses on how they can follow suit. By engaging with Repak, any business - big or small - can access packaging optimisation expertise to reduce packaging waste and maximise recycling. Not only will this guarantee compliance with EU Packaging Regulations, all Repak members will also play a huge role in contributing to the achievement of Ireland’s recycling targets.”

Repak supports over 3,500 members in reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability and preparing for evolving EU regulations. “By working together, we are driving real progress towards a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible and waste is designed out from the start,” said Zoe. “Importantly, we hope this campaign inspires other businesses to take the next step on their sustainability journey.”

Mark Cormican, General Manager of Intersport Elverys, said that Repak’s “expertise, regulatory guidance and national recycling framework give us the confidence that the packaging we place on the Irish market is managed responsibly and in line with evolving EU requirements.”

Making informed packaging decisions

The campaign underscores Repak’s central role in helping Ireland achieve its recycling and packaging recovery targets. Through eco-fee modulation, technical advice, training and data reporting supports, Repak enables members to make informed packaging decisions that reduce environmental impact, while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

The 'Repak Members in the Community’ national campaign will be rolled out nationwide and participating members include SuperValu, Badger & Dodo, Boots, Slaney Farms, Donnelly Fresh and Dublin Zoo, demonstrating the collective commitment of Irish businesses to sustainable packaging and responsible environmental stewardship.

Legislation impacting on packaging sector

New legislation is changing the way we think about packaging, from design right through to the end user, with circularity central to the entire supply chain. Innovation in packaging design has never been more important.

PACKAGING helps to protect, preserve, transport and present products to consumers safely and efficiently. Without it, food waste would rise, supply chains would falter, and product integrity would be compromised.

Often reduced to a simple question of recycling, packaging is more complex, and any debate around the future of packaging must extend beyond disposal and consider the full life cycle of the materials we design, manufacture and use.

Legislation and regulation will undoubtedly play a defining role in shaping the next decade of packaging. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) represents one of the most significant legislative shifts the industry has seen in decades. Once fully implemented, it will affect packaging design, recycled content requirements, reuse systems, and waste reduction targets across every member state.

The goal is to create a circular approach, where packaging contributes minimally to the creation of waste, leverages circularity to the maximum, and minimises the need for virgin materials.

The regulation officially came into

force in February 2025, with an 18-month transition period. Essentially all packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable in practice and at scale by 2030, at which time mandatory recycled content targets begin applying to certain plastic packaging formats. Five years later, by 2035, there will be higher recyclability performance grades required for many packaging categories.

Packaging innovation today is already remarkable, extending the shelf life of fresh produce and allowing it to travel thousands of kilometres across the globe, significantly reducing food waste, one of the biggest environmental impacts in the supply chain. Can these high-performance materials become fully recyclable, and can they do so by 2030?

Experts agree that innovation in packaging design will be hugely important, but argue that real recycling infrastructure, consumer behaviour and collection systems are all vital cogs in the recycling machine.

The success of the Deposit Return Scheme can be seen as evidence that when industry, legislators and government work together, the results can be extraordinary.

Alongside PPWR, companies are

also navigating compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), where in terms of packaging, the focus will be on wood and paper-derived products.

Investment in plastic recycling infrastructure is growing but real recycling needs functioning infrastructure, viable end markets for recycled materials, and economic incentives that make circular systems sustainable, as well as consumer buy-in. Recycling must be a shared activity, with consequences and rewards that are visible and economically viable for everyone in the chain.

Smurfit Westrock

Smurfit Westrock, the Irish-headquartered group, has consolidated its position as a global leader in the packaging industry, where it continues to push the boundaries of paper products.

Operating at remarkable scale, Smurfit Westrock supports a broad range of industries, managing approximately 120,000 hectares of forests and plantations worldwide and producing more than 200 billion square feet of corrugated packaging annually.

The cumulation of this has been several

Packaging

innovative new Horizon plant

firsts for Smurfit Westrock. CEO Tony Smurfit cut the ribbon at the innovative Horizon plant in November 2025, the first of its kind in adherence and clinical packaging. Sustainable business practices are central to strategy and operations at Smurfit Westrock. Since 2005, relative CO2 emissions at mills are down 44%, with Smurfit Westrock forestry also storing around nine million tonnes of CO2.

Employing over 100,00 people, Smurfit Westrock plays a role in communities worldwide. Staff have driven community efforts too, with four employees taking part in the Open Your Heart initiative. This entailed cycling 4,000km to 24 sites across Ireland and the UK. €77,000 was raised for UNICEF through their efforts and those who joined them along their journey.

Smurfit Westrock was a Gold Partner for the 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Joshua Corbett of St Mary’s CBS (Portlaoise) won the Individual Runner Up award and The Smurfit Westrock Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Award for research in identifying nanocarriers which deliver drugs to treat brain cancer and developing AI which can enhance formulations.

Zeus Packaging

Zeus Group, one of Europe’s fastest growing packaging companies, together

with SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the home of Cork GAA, recently announced a long-term Sustainable Partnership. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the delivery of practical, measurable sustainability solutions at one of Ireland’s leading sporting venues.

Through this collaboration, Zeus will support SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh with a comprehensive sustainability programme focused on operational improvements across the stadium. Key initiatives include:

• The introduction of locally made recyclable cup systems

• A full hygiene product upgrade

• Enhanced waste management solutions

Improved signage to support responsible waste segregation

The partnership also incorporates innovative technology, including AI Smart Bin solutions to improve segregation and reduce contamination, alongside upgraded tunnel wall and pitch perimeter signage to reinforce sustainability messaging throughout the stadium environment.

“This partnership with SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh represents an important step in demonstrating how practical sustainability solutions can be successfully integrated into large scale sporting venues,” said Brian O’Sullivan, Founder and Owner of Zeus Group. “We are proud to support the stadium in its

Smurfit Westrock creates retail store made entirely from cardboard

SMURFIT Westrock recently joined forces with Spanish fashion brand Ecoalf to create a store made from 100% paper and cardboard.

Ecoalf specialises in turning materials such as plastic bottles, rejected industrial cotton and discarded fishing nets into clothing.

The brand tasked Smurfit Westrock, which also has circularity at its core, to create a permanent retail store as inherently sustainable as the products on sale.

The beautifully designed new shop, which is located in San Sebastián, Spain, features fully recyclable kraft paper walls and corrugated furniture produced in the Smurfit Westrock Sorpel and Cordovilla plants. It also runs on electricity from renewable energy sources.

“This new store illustrates our joint commitment to the circular economy. Creating it completely from natural resources demonstrates that it is possible to combine functionality, sustainability and aesthetics to enhance the customer experience,” noted Ignacio Sevillano, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

“We share with Ecoalf the key principles of recycling and waste reduction that promote conscious and responsible consumption.”

Smurfit Westrock joined forces with Spanish fashion brand Ecoalf to create a store made from 100% paper and cardboard in San Sebastián, Spain.

Packaging

sustainability journey and look forward to delivering long term impact together.”

Zeus Packaging Group also recently announced the strategic acquisition of Koex Packaging Solutions, a premium packaging business headquartered in Spain, and its sister business, Koex LLC, headquartered in Miami. This acquisition reinforces Zeus Packaging Group’s position as a European packaging leader and strengthens its capabilities in specialty, luxury retail, and sustainable packaging solutions across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

Antalis Packaging

The 3M Matic Case Sealing range is now available from Antalis Packaging.

Antalis Packaging have added the 3M Matic Case Sealing range to their portfolio, further strengthening their end-of-line packaging automation offering. This expansion enables Antalis to provide customers with a complete case sealing solution, including case sealing machines, taping heads and tapes. By integrating the 3M Matic range alongside their existing case sealers, Antalis Packaging are giving customers greater choice, flexibility and confidence when automating their packaging operations.

The 3M Matic range is designed to eliminate costly and inconsistent manual taping, delivering reliable, high-speed

and repeatable seals at the end of the packaging line. Customers can choose from adjustable models, ideal for long runs of uniform box sizes, or random models that automatically adjust to varying case dimensions which are perfect for operations handling mixed-size cartons. Investing in case sealing equipment offers measurable operational advantages, including increased speed and throughput compared to manual taping, improved efficiency and consistency, reduced tape usage, as machines apply the exact amount required, enhanced workplace safety, helping to limit repetitive strain injuries,

lower labour costs and more predictable packaging performance.

Amberley Labels

Amberley Labels, the luxury labelling division of Coveris Group, showcased their award-winning labelling capabilities and luxury carton offer at Paris Packaging Week recently, bringing together technical innovation and standout finishing for some of the world’s most iconic brands.

A leader in premium label production, Amberley Labels are renowned for delivering exceptional print quality, intricate embellishment and high-impact shelf appeal. With proven experience supporting global brand owners, Amberley combine luxury creativity with technical consistency, quality assurance and scalability required to deliver outstanding labels time after time.

The Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin label, winner of Label of the Year at the UK Packaging Awards 2025

Amberley’s labels include the Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin label, winner of Label of the Year at the UK Packaging Awards 2025, as well as the label for Coty’s iconic Ambre Antique 1905 perfume.

Amberley also have a new luxury carton offer, designed to perfectly complement their premium labelling portfolio. The extended packaging portfolio includes premium folding cartons, rigid and spiralwound formats, bagasse-based solutions, creating a full brand toolkit that supports their luxury labelling offer perfectly. With demand rising for cohesive packaging systems, the expanded offer enables brands to create high-end cartons featuring finishes such as foiling, embossing and soft-touch effects, delivering a fully aligned luxury packaging solution, ideal for beauty, spirits and lifestyle categories.

Camps

Kellogg’s Cúl Camps open for 2026

Kellogg’s are celebrating 15 years of GAA Cúl Camps with the launch of the ‘Cúl-Est P.E. Class’ competition.

THE summer countdown officially began recently as Kellogg’s launched the 2026 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps, with online registration now open for Ireland’s most beloved summer camp experience.

The Cúl-est P.E. Class

To mark 15 years of their proud sponsorship, which has helped more than 1.7 million children get active nationwide, Kellogg’s and the GAA are bringing the magic of Cúl Camps to 15 schools through the launch of a nationwide competition, The Cúl-est P.E. Class.

The competition offers schools the chance to win an unforgettable Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps experience, aimed at engaging students at a critical age before they traditionally begin to drop out of sport. Teachers and parents of 4th and 5th class students can submit nominations, with full details available at https://kelloggs.ie/ en_IE/what-we-believe/GAACulCamps.

html. Winning classes will enjoy a dynamic, fun-filled and high-energy coaching session delivered by Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps coaches, right on their own school grounds.

Leading the charge for this celebratory initiative are Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps ambassadors, Tipperary hurling legend,

Mikey Breen, alongside Armagh football superstar, Aimee Mackin. Joining Mikey and Aimee is broadcaster Laura Fox, who is encouraging teachers across Ireland to nominate their class for the competition.

“Growing up playing GAA and attending Cúl Camps created some of my favourite childhood memories,” noted Laura.

“Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are about so much more than sport; they’re about building confidence, friendships and spending time outdoors being active. The experience goes far beyond the pitch too, helping young people develop teamwork, resilience and skills that stay with them long after the camps ends. It’s amazing to see Kellogg's celebrating 15 years of supporting GAA Cúl Camps and giving

GAA Cúl Camps with Tipperary hurling legend, Mikey Breen, alongside Armagh football superstar, Aimee Mackin.

schools the chance to experience that same energy and fun with the ‘Cúl-est P.E. Class’ competition.”

On-pack promotion

Beyond the classroom, Kellogg’s are also bringing back their immensely popular onpack promotion, offering incredible rewards for GAA clubs and individuals. Clubs across the country will once again have the chance to win a game-changing €25,000 cash prize, providing vital support for grassroots Gaelic Games. To make it even more exciting, 30 lucky individuals will also be in with a chance of winning €500 simply by nominating their club.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate our 15th year partnering with the GAA,” said Shauna Lenagh, General Manager of Kellogg’s Ireland. “This is a significant milestone that highlights our long-term commitment to grassroots sport in Ireland. While our primary focus remains on delivering an amazing summer of camps for thousands of children, we wanted to mark this anniversary by extending that joy directly into schools across the country through ‘The Cúl-est P.E. Class’ competition. We hope the winning schools enjoy a truly memorable day.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, added: “The 15-year partnership with Kellogg’s has been instrumental in the growth and success of our Cúl Camps.”

Heineken Ireland launch new music platform

HEINEKEN Ireland have launched Heineken Greenlight, a new music platform set to take over bank holiday weekends throughout the year. Moving beyond the main stage and into the heart of cities across Ireland, Heineken Greenlight is built around a simple idea: creating ‘pinch me’ city gig experiences that fill bank holidays with live music across the year, bringing fans closer than ever to their favourite acts. Kicking off in Dublin over the May bank holiday weekend, Heineken Greenlight will present an eclectic line-up, featuring over 35 acts across 10 venues in Dublin City. The weekend will be headlined by Tomora, the new music project from Aurora and The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands, who are set to play their first Irish show at The Button Factory on May 1. Other unmissable shows include legendary dance duo Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Irish trad-punk troubadours Madra Salach and The Street’s Mike Skinner (DJ set). The first headliner for the June bank holiday weekend has also been revealed, with Irish chart-toppers Inhaler set to bring Heineken Greenlight to Cork.

“Heineken has a long history of supporting music culture in Ireland,” said Fiona Curtin, Marketing Director at Heineken Ireland, “and Heineken Greenlight marks an exciting evolution of that commitment.”

Greenlight ambassadors, internationally acclaimed DJ Saoirse, social media comedian Madison Cawley, and BBC6 DJ Deb Grant, are pictured with Michelle Rowley, Senior Brand Manager at Heineken Ireland.

Fercullen 15 crowned World’s Best Grain Whiskey

POWERSCOURT Distillery’s Fercullen 15 Year Old Irish Whiskey has been named World’s Best Grain at the Global Finals of the World Whiskies Awards, held in London on March 25. In a remarkable achievement, Fercullen 15 has now secured this global title for the second consecutive year, a feat rarely achieved at the World Whiskies Awards and a testament to its consistent quality and craftsmanship at the very highest level. “Fercullen 15 is a whiskey that truly showcases the elegance and complexity that grain whiskey can deliver at the highest level. To see it recognised as the best in the world — and to achieve that honour for a second year in a row — is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved in its creation,” said John Cashman, Head of Brand at Powerscourt Distillery, pictured with Anita Ujszaszi, Awards Director, and Bradley Weir, Editor, Whisky magazine.

Diageo's €1.9 million investment in Irish communities

DIAGEO Ireland’s 2025 Community Impact Report sets out the scale, reach, and impact of the company’s community investment over the past year.

The report highlights Diageo’s long-standing commitment to the Irish communities within which they operate, demonstrating how sustained, meaningful investment continues to support the long term vitality of the neighbourhoods they are part of. In 2025, Diageo Ireland invested €1.9 million in community programmes nationwide. This support spanned investments in educators, hospitality workers, community

groups, and local charities – as well as investments to cultural organisations like Dublin Fringe Festival, Dublin Gallery Weekend and Culture Night through the Guinness Storehouse. Alongside this, more than 1,100 Diageo Ireland employees took part in community activities throughout the year, contributing 788 volunteering hours across organisations like the Capuchin Day Centre and Little Flower Penny Dinners and helping to raise €122,000 for local charities like St Vincent De Paul, and the Dublin Simon Home Fun Run. Overall, €400,000 was invested in cultural initiatives, €384,000 in education and skills, €915,000 in community projects and €165,000 in inclusion programmes.

“Our community engagement is rooted in Dublin 8, where we’ve worked closely with local partners to deliver meaningful impact together for more than 260 years,” said Shane Kelly, Director of Corporate Relations at Diageo Ireland. Pictured at The Liberties Fun Run are the top three female finishers: Natalia Lungu, Dee Lyons and Olivia McCloskey.

Is your data holding you back?

Non-AI-ready product data is the hidden bottleneck in FMCG commerce,

writes Karim Iskandar, CEO International & Managing Director, Syndigo.

ARTIFICIAL intelligence is reshaping purchase decisions faster than expected – particularly in grocery and FMCG environments, where high product volumes, frequent purchases, and complex assortments define everyday commerce. Across the industry, discussions focus on AI-powered advertising, intelligent agents, social commerce, and ever more complex customer journeys. What is far less visible - and far more critical - is the foundation that enables all of this to work at scale: success in AI-driven commerce depends on AI-ready product data.

While AI systems are already preparing, influencing or even executing purchasing decisions, many organisations continue to struggle with contradictory measurements, outdated imagery, missing attributes, and inconsistent data models. What once merely limited conversion now determines whether products are even understood, selected or acted upon by agentic systems. To understand why this is decisive now, it is worth looking at the mechanisms now shaping modern commerce, all of which depend on precise, consistent and machinereadable product information.

What is really putting pressure on commerce today

Agentic AI can only act on what it can interpret with certainty. AI agents, conversational systems such as chatbots, and automated decision engines, process product data very differently from traditional search technologies. They require complete, structured and semantically unambiguous information to make reliable decisions. If attributes are missing, categories are inconsistent, or descriptions lack precision, products do not simply lose visibility; they often fall out of automated consideration entirely.

In grocery and FMCG, this challenge is amplified by high product volumes, frequent assortment changes, and complex product structures. At the same time, product data must serve multiple purposes simultaneously, from meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring transparency to enabling accurate comparisons and AIdriven recommendations.

The impact of these inconsistencies is often underestimated. In practice, even small data gaps can have immediate and measurable consequences:

Karim Iskandar, CEO International & Managing Director, Syndigo.

• Missing allergen information: products are excluded from filtered search and compliance-sensitive contexts.

• Incorrect pack size (e.g. ml vs l): price-per-unit comparisons are distorted, leading to reduced visibility and ranking loss.

• Incomplete nutritional data: products are not considered in health-related recommendations or filtered searches.

• Inconsistent product images or variant naming: customers select the wrong product, increasing returns and complaints.

At the same time, the rapid growth of social commerce requires greater clarity than ever before. In environments such as TikTok or Instagram, brands have only seconds to create relevance, build trust and convert interest into a purchase.

Campaigns rarely fail on the creative side. They fail because product information is inconsistent, incomplete, or contradictory. In FMCG, this becomes particularly critical in impulse-driven categories such as snacks, beverages or ready meals, where purchasing decisions are made within seconds. Even minor inconsistencies can disrupt decisionmaking at the decisive moment, reducing conversion despite strong demand.

In an AI-mediated environment, every inconsistency becomes a point of friction for both humans and machines. Incorrect imagery increases returns, non-localised measurements undermine trust, and price discrepancies trigger immediate

From 2027 onwards, 2D codes will begin replacing traditional barcodes, exposing data quality directly at the physical point of sale.

Product data must serve multiple purposes simultaneously, from meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring transparency to enabling accurate comparisons and AI-driven recommendations.

abandonment. But the pressure does not stop there.

When boundaries between channels and systems disappear

The challenge is no longer limited to digital commerce. From 2027 onwards, 2D codes will begin replacing traditional barcodes, exposing data quality directly at the physical point of sale. Information that was previously hidden behind interfaces will become instantly accessible via a simple scan, turning product data into a visible part of the purchase decision. For FMCG products, this means that attributes such as ingredients, origin, sustainability data, or preparation instructions, are no longer secondary; they become directly relevant at the shelf, influencing trust, comparison, and purchase decisions in real time.

At the same time, collaboration between retailers and manufacturers has intensified. Product data now flows across organisational and system boundaries, feeding marketplaces, recommendation engines, AI agents, and automated replenishment processes. Inconsistent or incomplete data no longer affects only one channel or stakeholder. It impacts the entire value chain. The result: increased returns and support requests, declining marketplace rankings, and lower AI model

accuracy in product recommendations and basket generation.

A functioning system is not the same as a future-ready one

All of this highlights a fundamental shift: product data is no longer an operational necessity – it is a strategic capability. Yet many organisations underestimate the gap between what “works today” and what is required for AI-driven and agentic commerce. This is where the gap between ambition and reality becomes visible.

Legacy data landscapes have grown over years, sometimes decades. Product information is distributed across multiple systems, departments and tools. Processes have been extended rather than redesigned. On the surface, everything appears functional: products go live, channels are supplied, partners are served. But this apparent stability is deceptive. These structures were never designed for semantic precision, real-time updates, or AI-driven execution.

The real risk lies here: organisations believe they are reasonably well positioned, until AI search, agentic shopping flows, or emerging touchpoints such as 2D codes at the point of sale, expose how fragile their data foundation truly is.

AI and FMCG

Campaigns usually fail because product information is inconsistent, incomplete, or contradictory.

Five capabilities that will define competitiveness in commerce in 2026

As AI-driven commerce exposes the limits of data landscapes primarily focused on operational functionality, one question becomes unavoidable: how can this gap be closed systematically? The answer is not another isolated tool, but an integrated operating model for product data. The following five capabilities form the foundation:

1. Robust data governance enabling AIdriven automation

Clear standards, roles, responsibilities and automated quality controls prevent inconsistencies at their source. Governance is no longer a compliance exercise; it is what enables automation at scale.

Tip: Master Data Management (MDM) provides a central attribute model and validation logic, ensuring data is consistent before it enters downstream systems or AI workflows.

2. Structured, AI-ready product data powered by enhanced content

Visual content such as usage scenarios, videos or 360° views builds trust and increases listing effectiveness. For AI systems, this content becomes additional structured context rather than decorative material.

Tip: Prioritising core assortments enables scalable, standardised content modules that can be centrally managed and optimised for both traditional channels and AI-driven decision systems.

3. Orchestrated omnichannel syndication as an execution layer

Product data must be accurate, up-todate, and consistently delivered across

all channels. Without orchestration, automation inevitably creates inconsistency rather than efficiency. Tip: Centralised data management combined with automated syndication ensures format rules and platform requirements are handled systematically. Product Experience Management (PXM) approaches that integrate Product Information Management (PIM) and syndication have proven effective here.

4. Digital shelf intelligence as a continuous control loop

Without visibility into the digital shelf, it remains unclear how products actually appear or perform. In AI-driven commerce, this lack of transparency quickly results in lost visibility, reduced ability to intervene, and ineffective system feedback loops. Tip: Monitoring solutions provide real-time insights into product presentation, completeness and competitive positioning, making optimisation potential immediately visible and actionable. Customer ratings and reviews add qualitative signals that enrich the product experience and support AI interpretation.

5. AI readiness for agentic and autonomous commerce

For AI systems to act reliably, product data must be semantically precise and consistently structured. Only then can AI search, conversational agents, and autonomous purchasing processes operate with confidence. Tip: Standardise attributes, reduce unstructured text, and design data models that allow pilot AI applications to immediately detect gaps and inconsistencies.

About the author: KARIM Iskandar heads Syndigo’s international business and is responsible for go-to-market strategy, sales, finance, operations, product strategy, and partnerships. Prior to joining Syndigo, he worked at JRNI, a customer engagement platform that drives shoppers to in-store experiences via digital channels, where he launched the company’s business in both Europe and the USA. Karim thrives in hyper-growth environments. He began his career at Forrester Research during its expansion from $30 million to $170 million in revenue, as part of the European launch team, and ultimately served as UK General Manager. Since then, he has held leadership roles across various software, technology, and research companies, helping them launch, scale, and grow rapidly on an international level. For more information, visit www.syndigo.com

Organisations that build these five capabilities achieve more than operational order. They establish the structural foundation required to remain visible, relevant and competitive in an AI-driven commerce landscape.

Conclusion: The future of commerce is decided at the data foundation Current developments make one thing clear: functioning systems are not automatically future-ready. AI-driven search, agentic commerce, and emerging touchpoints such as 2D codes at the point of sale, demand product data that is precise, consistent and semantically unambiguous. What appears today as a technical detail is rapidly becoming a strategic fault line, only revealed as new AI-driven market mechanisms take effect.

In FMCG, this shift is already underway. Organisations that invest now in governance, cross-channel data processes, and AI-ready product models, are not merely optimising operations; they are creating the structural conditions to remain visible, relevant and competitive in the commerce of 2026 and beyond.

Those who want to understand where their organisation stands today - and how to prioritise the next steps - can gain clarity with a new white paper from, Syndigo: “Is your product data ready for AI and beyond?”: https://syndigo.com/ whitepaper/commerce-readiness-2026/

Forecourt Focus: News

Applegreen sponsor Radio Nova breakfast show

RADIO Nova have announced a new sponsorship partnership between Morning Glory with PJ & Jim (weekdays, 6–10am), and leading forecourt retailer Applegreen.

As they celebrated the fifth year on air of their newly crowned Number 1 flagship breakfast show, PJ & Jim broadcast live from Applegreen’s newly upgraded site at M4 Enfield Westbound, officially marking the launch of both the sponsorship and the retailer’s latest store transformation.

The refurbished Enfield location now features over 400 M&S Food products, a new Crafted Kitchen & Deli, the Braeburn Café, and a full Applegreen convenience offering, providing a fresh and enhanced experience for commuters and the local community alike.

Speaking about the partnership, Kevin Branigan, CEO of Radio Nova, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Applegreen as the new sponsor of Morning Glory with PJ & Jim, the number one breakfast music show in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. Whether it’s tuning in on the commute or stopping off for that essential morning coffee, together we’re set to bring even more energy and entertainment to

PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe with Conor McMahon, Head of Marketing at Applegreen, as they celebrated their new sponsorship with Applegreen.

mornings across Dublin and beyond.”

Conor McMahon, Head of Marketing at Applegreen said, “We’re delighted to

latest store transformation.

partner with Radio Nova and the PJ & Jim Show, a brilliant fit for Applegreen as the morning routine continues to be a key moment for our customers. As an Irish brand built on great coffee, great food and convenience, this collaboration lets us connect with commuters in a natural, energetic way. It’s also a perfect moment to celebrate the reopening of our Enfield Westbound M4 site, giving people even more choice, comfort, and quality on their journey.”

Driven by this new partnership now powering Morning Glory, Jim McCabe said, “I wanted to bring PJ somewhere to celebrate five years of the show but all of the play centres were booked out! Thankfully the newly relaunched Applegreen in Enfield agreed to step in and save the day - as long as he always has an adult with him!"

PJ Gallagher replied, “I’d like to say happy very birthday to me on our fifth birthday of Morning Glory with Jim on Radio Nova and I can't wait to see what he's got for me on this wonderful occasion. Hopefully, it's something from Applegreen, our new sponsor for the show.”

Applegreen’s Enfield M4 Westbound redevelopment forms part of their wider €1 billion growth strategy across Ireland, the UK and the US, with continued investment in enhancing customer experience, expanding their Braeburn Café offering, and growing their partnership with M&S Food.

What’s

New

PETER O’MAHONY LAUNCHES NEW NONALCOHOLIC BEERS

TESCO Ireland customers can now pick up two new full flavour 0.0% beers, a non-alcoholic lager and pale ale, from rugby star Peter O’Mahony’s Active Brewing Company. The beers are available now in more than 130 Tesco stores nationwide and online, priced at a Clubcard Price of €2.50 each (RRP €2.75), and will remain part of the range after April 24, following an initial exclusive launch period. Tesco Ireland are the first retailer in the country to stock the new range, marking an important early milestone for Active Brewing Company. Active Brewing Company was founded in Cork after years of O’Mahony looking for full flavour non-alcoholic options that worked alongside training, recovery, and everyday life. “Making good nonalcoholic options accessible has been a big part of the vision from day one,” said Peter, “so seeing that come to life in a retailer like Tesco feels incredibly rewarding.”

NESQUIK TURNS MILK PINK WITH NEW STRAWBERRY CEREAL

GRAB-AND-GO LUNCH RANGE FROM CLEAN CUT MEALS

CLEAN Cut Meals, the high in protein and convenient Irish meal brand, is expanding its range once again. Known for delivering high-quality, protein-packed options, the brand is tackling Ireland's biggest mealtime headache, lunch. The brand's new grab-and-go lunch range, available exclusively in selected SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide, includes a high-protein sandwich or wrap, and protein pots designed to make eating well at lunchtime effortless. The Protein Pots include: Cajun Chicken Jambalaya Protein Pot, Classic Chicken Curry Protein Pot, and Thai Style Panang Chicken Protein Pot. The high protein sandwich/wrap selection includes: Irish Torn Ham & Mature Cheddar Bloomer and Dynamite Chicken Wrap. Clean Cut Meals’ ever-expanding range continues to deliver convenient nutrition without compromising on taste, because eating well shouldn't be hard work.

LIDL PARTNER WITH ANDRE AGASSI TO RELAUNCH SILVERCREST

NESTLÉ Cereals are bringing the delicious Nesquik Strawberry flavour to breakfast bowls across Ireland, launching at Dunnes Stores before rolling out to stores nationwide. The new cereal transforms the nostalgic Nesquik experience into a tasty breakfast option that turns milk pink, making mornings more fun and enjoyable for everyone. It also keeps nutrition in mind for families; made with whole grain as the main ingredient, Nesquik Strawberry Cereal is high in fibre, contains seven vitamins plus iron, and has no artificial colours or flavours. “Our aim has been to offer even more variety at breakfast while staying true to the playful spirit the Nesquik brand is known for,” noted Jennifer Walsh, Country Manager, Nestlé Cereals.

LXRY ICE FROM WICKLOW

LIDL Ireland have announced an international brand launch for their premier kitchen and household range, Silvercrest. Leading this new chapter is eight-time Grand Slam champion and amateur chef, Andre Agassi, who joins as the face of the brand’s ‘Makes your life easy’ campaign.

The realignment establishes Silvercrest as a standalone anchor brand within Lidl’s private label brand portfolio, providing Irish shoppers with high-tech, user-friendly home solutions at the market-leading value they expect. “Throughout my life, on and off the court, I have learned how much success is based on building the best possible support team. That's exactly what Silvercrest does for my daily life: thanks to clever technology and effortless handling, I can prepare a healthy breakfast for my family while also helping out with the housework,” said Agassi.

PURE Irish Ice Ltd, Ireland’s largest and only BRC and EPIA-certified ice manufacturer, have launched The Lxry Ice Collection, a new luxury ice brand created by hospitality professional Richie French (pictured). The collection aims to redefine ice as a key ingredient in premium drinks, bringing precision, consistency, and performance to an often-overlooked element of the hospitality experience. Born from years behind the bar in Ireland’s leading four and fivestar hotels, The Lxry Ice Collection has been developed for a new generation of hospitality professionals who recognise that ice is not simply an addition to a drink, but a core ingredient that directly impacts flavour, balance, and presentation.

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