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Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents

News

Regulator grows new teeth! WELCOME to the latest edition of Retail News, your premier source for the latest insights, trends and innovations in the retail industry. We talk to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD about the reasons behind the new legislation which grants additional powers to the Agri-Food Regulator (Page 12), compelling retailers to provide market data to the regulator. Our Food Safety special report (Page 25) includes advice from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the practical supports they offer to Irish food businesses, details of a free industry-led food safety resource from Food Drink Ireland, and advice from Kelsius on how digital food safety solutions can make your life easier. Also inside, we report on the latest confectionery trends (Page 30); JTI’s Daan van Hamersveld discusses the results of a new survey which found that over half of cigarette packs surveyed in Ireland in 2026 were non-Irish duty paid (Page 34); and we reveal the Irish and Northern Irish winners of the Great Taste Awards (Page 48). 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. Brian Clark Advertising & Marketing Director Retail News

Putting a price on carrot production in Ireland.

New CEO at Tesco Ireland. Third annual Agri-Food Regulator survey open; Responsible vape retailers should not be blamed for the actions of rogue operators.

Irish grocery sales grow as temperatures soar; IGBF AGM.

Sky Media doubles 'Taste of TV' fund in partnership with Love Irish Food; Irish manufacturers embracing new technology.

Irish consumers at risk of losing connection to where food comes from; Charity cycle is a wheely good cause.

Food safety advice from the FSAI, a new industry-led resource from FDI, and how digital solutions help to streamline food safety procedures.

34 Tobacco & Nicotine Products

12 Retail News Interview

18 Shop Profile

New research found that 57% of cigarette packs in Ireland avoided Irish tax, reveals Daan van Hamersveld, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at JTI Ireland.

38 LEAD People of the Year

Awards 2026

Championing gender equality in the workplace.

39 Finance

How to reclaim up to eight hours of admin time without upgrading your tech.

44 Brevato Coffee

Brevato Coffee from BWG Foods is one of the fastest-growing names in coffee-to-go.

46 Flahavan’s

Amy Poulton and Amarinder Singh’s new Gala store in the heart of Dún Laoghaire is already proving hugely popular.

Flahavan’s have significantly increased their organic oat storage capacity.

20 IGBF Sports Lunch

The Great Taste 2026 winners from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

22 Lidl Foodies

Irish grocery retailers are at real risk of cyber attacks; what can you do to protect your business?

The Round Room at the Mansion House was the venue for the annual IGBF Sports Lunch.

Lidl Ireland are launching a new free schools educational programme.

48 Great Taste 2026

56 Cyber Security

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25 Food Safety

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New Skillnet Ireland research shows nine in 10 people recognise the importance of upskilling for their professional success.

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Industry News

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

Confectionery

Breakfast Time

Drinks News

Forecourt Focus: News

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2|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

News

Putting a price on carrot produ THE retail price of carrots needs to increase in order to make the economics of growing the vegetable in Ireland sustainable. That’s the message from carrot growers, who say their production costs have increased 100% since 2020 while the retail price has gone up just 40% over the same period. “Consumers have to be aware that prices of fresh produce products have to go up in order to have food security, a flourishing industry, and to make the industry more resilient,” Tom Murray, Chairman of the Irish Carrot Growers Group (ICGG) told Retail News. “Supermarkets are trying their best to encourage consumption of fresh produce, but retail prices need to move.” In 2026, a kilogram of carrots (containing around ten carrots) retails for approximately €1.39, which equates to less than 0.14c per carrot. In January 2020, the average price of a kilo of carrots was 99c. Growers are suggesting a new retail price of €1.98 per kilogram to reflect the costs of production. John Dockrell, ICGG Vice Chairman, said prices have not risen with inflation: “In 2006, the retail prices of most products were as high as they are now or higher. The nominal value has fallen. Field vegetable growers want to bring back value into a category that has been stripped away from us.” ICGG’s call comes following one of the driest summers on record. Tom Murray grows carrots and tomatoes on a large commercial scale at O’Shea Farms in Kilkenny: “The last particularly dry year was 2018 but we didn't have the same number of heat waves that year. Heat waves and drought cause stress to plants so that dramatically impacted our work.”

Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA.

Carrot growers use irrigation in times of drought and moisture deficits. Summer 2026 increased the need for irrigation by 166%, say the ICGG, which came at a cost. “Traditionally, we might put 100 millimetres of water on a growing crop throughout the season,” noted Murray. “This year, we're up to 250 millimetres of water.” It required more fuel and labour. “We need two to three labour units per irrigation outfit. To put 50 millimetres of water on a crop takes eight to 12 hours.” According to Teagasc, Ireland's national body for agriculture and food development, input costs (fertiliser, energy, labour, packaging materials and consumables) for field vegetable production increased 77% over the last six years due to global supply chain disruption and wider geopolitical factors. Growers have absorbed higher input costs but struggle to keep up with the rising cost of production – and it’s taking a toll on an industry with a handful of operators. In March 2026, Hughes Agriculture Farming in Kilkenny, which produced 12% of the national stock of carrots, ceased trading. Yet the demand for carrots has not abated. Carrots remain, say the ICGG, Ireland’s most purchased vegetable with a market value of €66 million per annum, with 52,000 tonnes of carrots sold every year. The problem is not unique to carrots, Dermot Callaghan, head of Horticulture Development Department at Teagasc, told Retail News: “The same cost pressures are affecting other field vegetables: parsnips, broccoli, cabbage and other brassicas, as well as the mushroom, fruit and nursery

stock sectors, since they share many of the same input requirements and are similarly exposed.” Growers have offset price inflation through a drive for efficiency, and are “getting more output from every hectare, every litre of water and every unit of fertiliser applied,” noted Callaghan. But things cannot change unless the price of the product on the supermarket shelf does too. Independent grocery retailers suggest they are powerless in the shadow of multiples. “I'm not sure independent retailers can do much to influence this,” suggested Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA. “The price of vegetables is probably influenced most by the biggest players in terms of using them as loss leaders. 49 cents for a bag of vegetables was never a practice in the Irish market until the growth of the big multiple supermarkets and the arrival of the discounters. People used other products as footfall drivers - not fruit, vegetables and meat - but it has become the norm now. If you don’t follow that norm, your customers are going to think you're expensive.” What can be done to make carrot growing sustainable? Teagasc's horticulture department has an advisory service that works with growers and supports business case development. “Opportunities for efficiency can be variety choice, nutrient and irrigation management, pest and disease control, and mechanisation - that help reduce costs and improve output per unit of input in a sustainable way,” said Callaghan. ICGG want to see the government

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CEO at Tesco ction in Ireland New Ireland improving mechanisms for land leasing - tax incentives for landowners to allow more land to be released to primary production. John Dockrell wants the Department of Agriculture to establish a working group “which is part of the key decisionmaking about field vegetable production. They need a land policy, a labour policy, and a determination about the value of these products. We're not looking for subsidies; we're looking for a better platform.” Most importantly, carrot growers want the nation to recognise the social, environmental, and health properties of their produce in Ireland. “We have one of the most nutritious products on the shelf that's grown in Ireland within a maximum 150 kilometers of a retail store,” said Murray. “It's a fantastic story in terms of carbon footprint, food miles and food security.” Tara Buckley of RGDATA, as a representative of small, local retailers, can relate: “My members have sympathy with local growers because they're living in those communities and they understand the challenges of what it takes to grow local produce. They are in tune with them because they're dealing with [those suppliers] as their customers.” Ireland imports approximately 18,000 to 20,000 tonnes of carrots every year. The average age of carrot producers is, according to ICGG, over 60. The next generation don’t want to get involved because of the industry’s lack of sustainability. Growers fear that if nothing is done, we will be in a position where all our fruit and vegetables are imported. “If more of us, like Hughes Farming, go out of business we will lose an industry that won’t be revitalised. We will lose knowledge, expertise, infrastructure,” said Murray. Dermot Callaghan of Teagasc agreed. The only solution, he said, is to shift the price on the shelf: “In short: a sustainable supply chain depends on prices that reflect the real cost of production.”

Pictured are: Eoghan Dunphy, Annestown, Co. Waterford; Emmet Dunne, Durrow, Co. Laois; Gerard Hickey, Ardee, Co. Louth; Tom Murray, O’Shea Farms, Kilkenny (Irish Carrot Grower’s Group Chairman); John Dockrell, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford (Irish Carrot Grower’s Group Vice Chairman); Philip Draper, Birr, Co. Offaly; and Martin Hickey, Ardee, Co. Louth; representing six of the nine remaining commercial carrot growers in Ireland.

TESCO Group have announced the appointment of Andrew Yaxley as CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, succeeding Geoff Byrne, who has become CEO of The Booker Group. The appointments, which took effect from August 31, reflect Tesco's continued focus on developing leadership talent across the Group and building on the strong momentum in both businesses. Andrew Yaxley previously Andrew Yaxley, new CEO, Tesco served as CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland from 2015 to 2018, leading the business through a period of significant transformation and growth. He subsequently joined the Tesco Group leadership team as Chief Product Officer before becoming CEO of Booker, the UK's leading food and drink wholesaler. In recent years, he has helped drive strong growth at Booker and further strengthen its position in a highly competitive market. Geoff Byrne brings extensive experience in senior leadership roles to Booker, most recently as CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, where he led a period of sustained growth, investment, and market share gains, while further strengthening the business's position with customers and communities across the island of Ireland. Both Geoff and Andrew will continue to form part of the Tesco Group Executive Committee. Ken Murphy, Group CEO, said: “Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland are both great businesses with talented teams and ambitious plans for the future. Developing talent across our Group and creating opportunities for leaders to bring their experience into different parts of the business is a key strength of Tesco. Andrew and Geoff have each made a huge contribution in their current roles. Their experience, knowledge and track record make them the right leaders for the next chapter for Booker and Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland.” Andrew Yaxley said: “I'm delighted to be returning to Tesco Ireland and look forward to working with colleagues to build on the strong momentum already in place. Under Geoff's leadership, the business has delivered excellent progress, growing its position in the market, while continuing to serve customers and communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland. I'm excited to lead the business through its next chapter.” Geoff Byrne said: “It has been a privilege to lead Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. The business is in a strong position, with a talented team, a clear strategy and strong momentum. Booker is a fantastic business with a unique position in the market, and I'm excited to work with colleagues there to build on its many strengths. Andrew is an outstanding leader who knows the Irish business incredibly well, and I wish him every success.”

4|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

News

Third annual Agri-Food Regulator survey opens AN Rialálaí Agribhia (Agri-Food Regulator) recently opened its third annual survey of farmers, fishers and growers. The online survey is an opportunity for primary producers to provide feedback directly to the Agri-Food Regulator, which help to inform its work. “The survey assists the Agri-Food Regulator to better understand the needs and perspectives of farmers, fishers and growers,” said Niamh Lenehan, CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator. “Active stakeholder engagement is a key objective of the organisation, and this annual process is hugely important as the responses allow us to identify ways to help them and deliver on our remit.” The Agri-Food Regulator was established in December 2023 to promote fairness and transparency in the agri-food supply chain. In carrying out its work, the Regulator shall have regard to the circumstances and needs of the agri-food sector, including, in particular, farming, fishing and small food businesses. “We appreciate everyone who takes the time to participate in the survey. If you are a farmer, fisher or grower, I encourage you to take five minutes to complete the survey and have your voice heard,” Niamh Lenehan noted. The survey takes just five minutes to complete and is conducted by Red C on behalf of the Agri-Food Regulator. All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence and reported only in aggregate form. It is intended that the findings of the survey will be published by the Agri-Food Regulator. Meanwhile, the Agri-Food Regulator recently announced the establishment of a new Legal and Research unit, strengthening its in-house expertise as its regulatory, enforcement, research and policy responsibilities continue to evolve. Ciara O’Gorman will lead the provision of comprehensive inhouse legal advice across the Regulator, while overseeing legal and policy research relating to its enforcement powers, data collection and transparency objectives. She is a solicitor with 20 years’ experience working across regulated industries in private practice, as in-house counsel and in public service. She has held senior legal and compliance roles with international insurance firms. Prior to joining the Agri-Food Regulator, she worked with the Data Protection Commission as part of its Large-Scale Inquiries team. “I’m delighted to take on this new role at an important stage in the Regulator’s development. A strong Legal and Research function will be central to supporting the organisation as its work continues

Pictured are (l-r): Ciara O’Gorman, Head of Legal and Research, and Anne Hayden, Policy and Research Officer, Agri-Food Regulator. to evolve, and to advancing greater transparency and fairness across Ireland’s agri-food supply chain,” noted Ciara O’Gorman, Head of Legal and Research. The Regulator has also appointed Anne Hayden as Policy and Research Officer within the new Legal and Research unit. Anne brings a strong research background in Irish agriculture and agricultural policy, with particular expertise in the regional impacts of climate mitigation measures. Commenting on the appointments, Niamh Lenehan, CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator, said: “The establishment of the Legal and Research unit is a significant development in the Agri-Food Regulator’s current stage of growth. Ciara O’Gorman brings extensive legal and regulatory experience that strengthens our in-house legal and research capacity and will enhance organisational resilience, responsiveness and capacity to meet evolving legislative and stakeholder expectations. “Anne’s expertise in agricultural research and policy will further strengthen the unit’s evidence and research base. Together, these appointments will supplement the specialist expertise in the organisation as we continue to grow and deliver on the Regulator’s statutory remit. I look forward to working with them both.”

Responsible vape retailers should not be blamed for the actions of rogue operators RESPONSIBLE Vaping Ireland (RVI) have reacted angrily to the Taoiseach’s comments suggesting he supports more onerous legislation on the vaping industry. “There are countless legitimate vaping retailers operating across Ireland who comply with the law and are doing their best to ensure that vaping products are sold responsibly,” said a spokesperson for RVI. “It is deeply disappointing to see the Taoiseach conflate these responsible businesses with rogue operators and those operating outside the law. If there are retailers selling illegal products or flouting age restrictions, the answer is effective enforcement against those operators, not a broad-brush approach that penalises businesses that are complying with the rules.” RVI argue that vaping has played a huge role in getting smokers

to quit. Smoking rates remain stubbornly high, with 17% of adults identifying as smokers in the latest Healthy Ireland data, while the Government’s target of reducing smoking prevalence to 5% by 2025 was “missed by a considerable margin,” the RVI spokesperson added. “Vaping is an established, substantially lower-risk alternative to smoking and is helping smokers move away from combustible tobacco,” the RVI spokesperson concluded. “That does not mean it should be unregulated, or that irresponsible practices should be tolerated. It means we need proportionate regulation, robust enforcement against rogue sellers and a Government that recognises the role vaping can play in helping us to achieve a tobacco-free Ireland.”

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Irish grocery sales grow as temperatures soar TAKE-HOME grocery sales in Ireland increased by 5.8% over the four weeks to August 9, 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator. Grocery inflation eased again, with like-for-like grocery prices up 3.87%. This figure is down 2.01% versus the same period last year, bringing welcome news for Irish shoppers. The warm weather continued through July into August, and this was reflected in shoppers stocking up and making more trips to stores as they stocked up to enjoy the summer heatwave at home. Shoppers made 44 million trips to stores over the latest four-week period, an average of 23 trips per household, which is up 4.6% versus last year. Volumes were also up 4.9%, while shoppers spent on average €635 per person over the four weeks. "This summer's warm weather has clearly put a spring in Irish shoppers' step, with trips, volumes and spend all climbing, which will be positive news for Ireland’s grocers,” explained Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Worldpanel by Numerator. The impact of the weather on shopping habits was also reflected at a category level, with typical summer fare seeing a boost over the latest 12-week period. Irish shoppers raised a glass to the sunshine, spending nearly €197 million on alcoholic beverages, up 5.6% versus last year. Shoppers spent an additional €36.1 million on goods typically associated with warmer weather, including soft drinks, antipasti, ice cream and suncare. Despite the uptick in trips and volumes, value remains front of mind for Irish shoppers, who spent €829 million on promotional lines over the latest 12 weeks, giving promotions value share of 22.4%. Sales on promotion jumped 13.1% compared to the same period last year. "Shoppers have kept a keen eye on value throughout the summer, with promotional sales now accounting for nearly a quarter of spend,” Emer Healy continued. “It's clear that even amid the good weather and busier trollies, Irish shoppers haven't lost sight of getting the best deal for their money.” Branded goods performed strongly, growing 12.2% in value and adding €200 million this period, with value share hitting 49.8%. Own label grew more modestly at 4.3%, adding €71 million. Premium own label ranges also held their own, up 13.6% in value, with shoppers spending an additional €19 million on retailers’ own ranges. E-commerce also benefited from the rays, as more shoppers opted to get their shopping delivered to their front door. Irish

shoppers made nearly eight online orders on average over the 12 weeks, leading to online sales jumping by 27.6% over the latest 12 weeks and shoppers spending an additional €54.1 million compared to the same period last year. Over the latest 12 weeks, Dunnes hold 24.1% market share, with year-on-year sales growth of 8.4%. Dunnes shoppers visited more often, with trips up 2.9% versus last year, while the grocer welcomed new shoppers to store. More frequent trips and new shopper recruits boosted the retailer’s performance, contributing a combined €53.9 million. Tesco hold 23.8% of the market, with year-on-year value growth of 7.9%. Tesco saw a boost of shoppers returning to store more often in the latest 12 weeks (+0.8%). Alongside more frequent trips, new shoppers to Tesco stores contributed an additional combined €34.1 million to overall performance. SuperValu claim 19.4% share and grew this by 3.8% on the previous 12 weeks. They lead all major retailers on trip frequency, averaging 24.4 visits per person over the latest 12 weeks. New shoppers to store contributed an additional €21.7 million to overall performance. Lidl market share stands at 14.8%, up 10.3% versus last year, meaning the discount retailer has seen the highest growth over the latest 12 weeks. Lidl saw existing shoppers return to store more often, while an influx of new shoppers contributed an additional €46.3 million to overall performance. Aldi maintain 10.9% market share. New shopper arrivals alongside more frequent trips drove an additional €1.9 million in sales.

IGBF Annual General Meeting Notice to Members Annual General Meeting Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund

The Annual General Meeting of the IGBF will take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. For further details please contact Gus O ‘Reilly: gus.oreilly@igbf.ie.

6|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

News

Sky Media doubles 'Taste of TV' fund in partnership with Love Irish Food LOVE Irish Food members Harry's Nut Butter and Sugar Plum Sweetery have been announced as the winners of the second annual ‘Taste of TV’ fund, a collaboration between Sky Media and Love Irish Food, designed to help Irish food and drink brands grow through the power of television advertising. As this year's winners, both brands will each receive a prize package worth €50,000, including the production of a professionally produced TV commercial and a fully funded TV advertising campaign. Launching later this year, each brand’s campaign will leverage Sky Media's advanced audience targeting capabilities, ensuring Harry's Nut Butter and Sugar Plum Sweetery reach their respective relevant audiences across Ireland, helping to build brand awareness and accelerate business growth. “The response to this year's ‘Taste of TV’ fund was exceptional, highlighting the creativity and ambition that exists across Ireland's food and drink industry,” said AJ Crinion, Head of Business Development, Sky Media. “After the success of last year’s launch, we were delighted to expand the fund this year to support two deserving winners. Harry's Nut Butter and Sugar Plum Sweetery are both fantastic examples of innovative Irish brands with compelling stories to tell, and we look forward to helping them connect with audiences across Ireland through the power of television.” Conor Kilduff, Executive Director of Love Irish Food, said: “‘Taste of TV’ is about giving Irish food and drink businesses access to opportunities that can genuinely transform their growth. Harry’s

Pictured are (l-r) Conor Kilduff, Executive Director, Love Irish Food; Harry Colley, Founder of Harry’s Nut Butter; AJ Crinion, Head of Business Development, Sky Media; Denise Buckley and David Quirke, Co-Founders, Sugar Plum Sweetery. Nut Butter and Sugar Plum Sweetery are outstanding examples of the innovation, quality and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across our membership. We’re proud to partner with Sky Media once again, and particularly pleased that this year’s fund has expanded to support two deserving Irish brands.”

Irish manufacturers embracing new technology IRISH manufacturers are moving from testing advanced technologies towards implementing them in their operations, but the strength of their digital foundations will determine how quickly AI and automation deliver value on the factory floor, according to a new report from Irish Manufacturing Research. IMR’s 2025 End of Year Report records engagement with 679 industry organisations through 704 engagements across all 26 counties. Outcomes captured through 31 client impact statements project almost €18 million in economic value, comprising €13 million in additional revenue and €5 million in cost savings. The same statements identified 32 jobs created or safeguarded and

Pictured are (l-r): Melanie Horkan, HR Manager; Maurice O'Connell, COO; Gina Horan, CFO; and Barry Kennedy, CEO, IMR.

projected reductions of 197 tCO2e. “The debate about whether AI and automation matter is over. Manufacturers can see the opportunity,” said Barry Kennedy, CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research. “The question now is whether they have the digital infrastructure, skills and implementation capability to turn that opportunity into real commercial value. Technology alone will not transform a factory. The data, systems and people around it must also be ready.” The findings point to a wider shift within Irish manufacturing, as businesses focus increasingly on moving technologies beyond isolated trials and into real operational environments. This transition is also increasing demand for new skills. During 2025, IMR delivered 811 training days, with 363 participants from 107 companies developing capabilities needed within a rapidly changing manufacturing environment. Kennedy said the next phase of industrial competitiveness would be shaped by how effectively manufacturers translate investment into implementation. “Ireland has a real opportunity to lead in advanced manufacturing, but speed alone is not enough. Companies need the right foundations and the right support to make technology work within their operations," he said. “The manufacturers that get this right will be better positioned to improve productivity, build resilience and compete successfully in increasingly complex global markets.” The IMR 2025 End of Year Report outlines the organisation’s work with industry across digitalisation, automation, sustainability, skills development and advanced manufacturing innovation.

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Irish consumers at risk of losing connection to where food comes from PEOPLE in Ireland remain overwhelmingly proud of our food and farming sector, but eight in 10 are concerned that future generations are at risk of losing their connection with where their food comes from, according to new research by Our Food Roots. The research, conducted by Empathy Research in August 2026 with 1,000 adults in Ireland, found that nine in 10 are proud of the quality of Irish food and drink. There is also strong recognition of the importance of farming to Ireland’s food supply, with nine in 10 agreeing that a strong farming sector is essential to Ireland’s future food security. However, that positive sentiment sits alongside a clear concern about the future, with eight in 10 believing future generations are at risk of losing their connection to where food comes from. Twothirds are also concerned about Ireland’s ability to produce enough food in the years ahead. The findings highlight the need to find new and relevant ways to build connection between younger audiences and the food they eat, where it comes from, and the people behind its production. That challenge is at the heart of We Make Greatness From Grass, a new disruptive campaign by Our Food Roots, which is aimed primarily at younger generations. Taking inspiration from the confidence of hip-hop artists, the campaign centres on an original song and music video performed by fictional farming crew The Grazin’ Squad. The deliberately unexpected approach is designed to reach audiences who may not ordinarily engage with farming and spark their curiosity about where their food comes from. “There is a great deal to be positive about in these findings. People are proud of the quality of Irish food, they recognise the importance of farming to Ireland and, crucially, they trust farmers to tell them how their food is produced,” noted Tom Cronin,

Rebecca Carter, Tom Cronin and Richard Cooper at the launch of We Make Greatness from Grass, a new disruptive campaign by Our Food Roots, which is aimed primarily at younger generations. Executive Director of Our Food Roots. “But there is also a clear challenge. Eight in 10 are concerned that future generations could lose touch with where their food comes from. That makes it more important than ever to find new and relevant ways to connect younger audiences with the people, places and work behind Irish food and farming.” The We Make Greatness from Grass campaign is running across TV, digital and social, supported by further activity designed to tell the stories of Irish food, farming and the people behind it.

A wheely good cause THIS year’s Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Tour de Grocers cycle took place on June 17 & 18, 2026, and raised much needed funds for the charity. The event began at Faithlegg Hotel in County Waterford, with participants cycling to the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Little Island, Cork, before making the return journey the following day. Throughout the 300km route, cyclists were met with warm hospitality and encouragement, reflecting the spirit that defines our industry. This year's cycle was proudly supported by principal sponsor Barilla, whose commitment helped make the event possible and reinforced the importance of supporting the invaluable work of the IGBF. Most poignantly, the cycle was dedicated to the memory of the late Noreen Walsh, a much-loved and respected figure whose kindness, professionalism and friendship touched so many throughout the our sector. The event served as a fitting tribute, with participants honouring her legacy through their efforts, determination and generosity. Beyond the kilometres covered, the Tour De Grocer Cycle highlighted the strength of an industry that continually comes together to support its own. Congratulations to everyone who participated, volunteered and

Participants in the 2026 IGBF Tour de Grocers charity cycle. sponsored the event, and sincere thanks to Barilla for its valued support. Together, the industry continues to make a meaningful difference, ensuring that the IGBF can provide vital assistance to those who need it most while remembering those whose contributions will never be forgotten. Please mark your calendars and save the date for 2027 – June 23 & 24, 2027 – Wicklow - Wexford - Wicklow. Feel free to register your interest with Léonie Thornton at Hotel Solutions DMC: leonie@ hotel-solutions.ie.

8|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Aldi and ABP extend Irish Wagyu partnership ALDI Ireland have announced a major contract extension with ABP Food Group worth €15 million, securing the future of their highly successful Irish Wagyu Beef Programme until at least the end of 2028. “The success of our award-winning Wagyu range speaks for itself, and this €15 million investment with ABP allows us to take it to the next level,” explained Peter Bough, Buying Director, Aldi Ireland. “By investing in the future of our Wagyu farmers, we’ll continue to bring more premium products to our aisles this autumn, making everyday luxury accessible to all of our shoppers." Since joining the permanent range in 2024, Aldi's Wagyu steaks have amassed several awards, including wins at the Great Taste Awards, the World Steak Challenge, the International Taste Institute (ITQI), and Blas na hÉireann. Pictured are (l-r): Deborah Quigley, Buying Manager, Aldi Ireland; Brian Frazer, Account Manager, ABP Food Group; and Peter Bough, Buying Director, Aldi Ireland.

Flogas and College Group announce major green fuel deal FLOGAS have announced a new renewable gas deal with College Group, one of Ireland’s leading bio-waste management entities, forming part of Flogas’ Gas Purchase Agreement (GPA) strategy to support the growth of indigenous biomethane production and accelerate transport sector decarbonisation across the island of Ireland. Under this agreement, Flogas will offtake 26 GWh of renewable biomethane annually, supporting increased availability of indigenous energy, while contributing to Ireland’s net zero ambitions and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. By securing a dedicated supply of Irish produced biomethane, this agreement ensures Flogas can provide transport customers with a reliable, home grown renewable fuel. Pictured are (l-r): John Paul Gilroy, Commercial Director at College Group; Barry Murphy, Services & Renewables Director at Flogas; and Niamh Comerford, PPA & Biomethane Originator at Flogas.

Fyffes strengthen Irish consumer appeal NEW Kantar research has confirmed Fyffes’ enduring strength with Irish consumers, with aided brand awareness for Fyffes bananas reaching 88%, while 83% of Irish consumers say they would consider buying Fyffes the next time they purchase bananas. Fyffes pineapples are also gaining strong recognition among Irish consumers, with aided brand awareness at 85% and consideration at 81%. “Fyffes has long been regarded as a household name in Ireland, and this Kantar research gives us clear evidence of the strength of that connection with consumers,” noted Adriano Di Dia (pictured), Fyffes Chief Marketing Officer.

FBD Insurance launch competition for Irish SMEs FBD Insurance have launched their ‘Fuelling Business Dreams’ competition for 2027, giving 15 businesses across Ireland the opportunity to receive a marketing support package worth €30,000 each. Representing a total investment of €450,000 in Irish SMEs, this initiative will provide each winning business with a fully funded, professionally crafted marketing campaign designed to raise their business’ profile, reach new customers, and help bring their business dreams and ambitions to life. “Irish SMEs are at the heart of communities across the country,” said Nicola Ging, Senior Marketing Manager at FBD Insurance. “They create employment, deliver vital local services and bring energy, ambition and innovation to the Irish economy. Fuelling Business Dreams is about recognising that contribution and giving businesses practical support to take their next step.”

Glanbia reveal half-year results GLANBIA plc have announced their half year results for the six-month period ended July 4, 2026, revealing strong H1 performance, with like-for-like revenue growth across all three segments (Performance Nutrition, Health & Nutrition, and Dairy Nutrition), driven by accelerating category growth and robust end-use market demand. The Group reported revenue of $2.1 billion, an increase of 7%, with a 14.1% increase in EBITDA to $275.4 million. “I am pleased to report that the Group delivered a strong performance in the first half of the year with adjusted EPS of 81.24 $cent, an increase of 30% on the prior year, resulting in an upgrade to our guidance for the full year to 17% to 20% growth in adjusted EPS,” noted Hugh McGuire (pictured), Chief Executive Officer.

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Industry News Maxol complete latest phase of investment programme MAXOL have completed the latest phase of their ongoing investment and redevelopment programme, with significant upgrades delivered at three locations in Cavan, Laois and Clare, which together represent an investment of more than €855,000. In County Cavan, Cullies on the Ballyhaise Road received a €120,000 refurbishment, featuring a comprehensive shop and seating area upgrade, providing customers with a more modern and comfortable experience. The €90,000 investment at Maxol Ballylinan saw the creation of a state-of-the art seating area, as well as an enhanced convenience shopping offering for customers. In Clare, €645,000 was invested at Maxol Service Station Clarecastle on the Ennis Road to provide new parking facilities to the rear of the site, improving accessibility and convenience for customers. “These latest developments in Cavan, Laois and Clare reflect our long-term commitment to providing modern, welcoming service stations that meet the needs of local communities and motorists alike,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group (pictured).

REI campaign to cut employers’ PRSI

Lidl reopen Dun Laoghaire store

RETAIL Excellence Ireland (REI) have called on the Government to cut employers’ PRSI in Budget 2027 in order to save retail jobs. They want the introduction of an employer PRSI band of 8% on the first €36,000 of every wage, reducing to 5% by 2029, worth an estimated €1,000 per full-time employee next year, rising to roughly €2,000 by 2029. They also want zero employer PRSI for workers under 25, similar to the approach the UK has taken, and a review of the methodology for the calculation of the living wage to reflect the disproportionate influence that the multinational and financial services sectors have on the media wage in Ireland. Jean McCabe, CEO of REI, said: “We’re asking every TD, in every constituency, to back this ask. And we’re asking Tánaiste Simon Harris, as Minister for Finance, to introduce it directly in Budget 2027. It’s costed, it’s modest, and it keeps jobs in local communities.”

DUBLIN LGFA captain Carla Rowe is pictured cutting the ribbon at Lidl Pottery Road to officially reopen the store following a major €8 million refurbishment, alongside Barbara Golas, Store Manager, and Andrew Carey, Lidl Sales Operations Manager. This extensive project, which focused on the extension and refurbishment of the existing site, has delivered a spacious, state-of-the-art retail space designed to significantly enhance the local shopping experience. The expansion also delivers a significant boost to local employment, having supported numerous construction jobs during its development phase and securing 24 new permanent jobs for the local Dun Laoghaire area.

Fizzique lands in Centra

DAYS after bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest careers in Irish sporting history with a historic victory at a sold-out Croke Park, Katie Taylor visited Centra Delgany, Co. Wicklow, as Centra announced that Fizzique, the next-generation soda brand she co-created and coowns, is now available in Centra stores. The three-time undisputed world champion and Olympic gold medallist received a champion’s welcome at Centra Delgany following her historic final bout. The visit marked another milestone for Fizzique, which launched in May and has already sold out twice following strong demand across retail and foodservice.

M&S Farm to Foodhall spotlights Monaghan business M&S Food recently announced the latest chapter of their Farm to Foodhall campaign, celebrating the exceptional Irish farmers and producers behind some of the trustedquality food found in M&S Foodhalls nationwide. M&S Ambassador Mark Moriarty visited Connolly's Eggs, a family-run business in Co. Monaghan, to meet the Connolly family and learn about their remarkable journey from a modest flock of 300 hens in the early 1990s to becoming one of Ireland's leading free-range egg producers and suppliers to M&S stores nationwide. Mark is pictured (centre) with Brian and Kevin Connolly.

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Industry News Tesco mark €10 million community impact milestone TESCO announced recently that their Community Fund has surpassed €10 million in donations, supporting over 27,000 community projects in towns, villages and communities across the country since 2014. From sensory gardens for children with autism and equipment for local sports clubs, to community spaces tackling social isolation and charities supporting vulnerable people, the customer-led initiative has helped thousands of organisations make a meaningful difference, where it matters most. The milestone reflects the thinking behind Tesco's new 'That's Every Little Helps' campaign, which shines a light on the meaningful everyday actions that make a real difference for customers and communities across Ireland. “When people hear €10 million, it sounds like a big number. But what really matters is the thousands of stories behind it,” said Naomi Kasolowsky, Customer Director at Tesco Ireland. Pictured are Tracy O’Halloran (centre), Customer Assistant, and Shane Doonan, Deputy Manager, at Tesco Ennis, along with members of Ennis Taekwon-do School, Co. Clare.

Payzone partnership to bring ‘shop local’ boost to Irish communities

A NEW partnership between Payzone and Miconex is bringing Town & City Gift Cards to over 3,000 Payzone locations in Ireland. Customers can now buy Town & City Gift Cards locally at selected Payzone payment terminals located in convenience stores, newsagents and supermarkets across the country, including prominent retail chains. Digital Town & City Gift Cards locally branded for Irish towns including Ballinrobe, Carndonagh, Drogheda, Donegal Town, Dungarvan & West Waterford, Kilkenny, Limerick, Letterkenny, Monaghan, Mullingar, Macroom, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, are available for purchase in values from €10-€250. The Payzone and Miconex partnership is estimated to drive an additional €1 million of spend in Irish communities over three years. “Making Town & City Gift Cards available through our retail network gives consumers another easy, convenient way to ‘support local’,” noted Olivia Noonan (left), Head of Financial Services, Payzone Ireland, pictured with Colin Munro, CEO, Miconex, and Maire Mohally, Inside Sales & Merchant Success Manager, Payzone.

Aldi reopen Jigginstown store after €4 million revamp ALDI Ireland officially reopened their Jigginstown store in Naas recently, following a €4 million upgrade and expansion, making it bigger, brighter, and a better experience for local shoppers. The newly expanded Jigginstown store includes a new bakery serving freshly baked bread and treats daily. The revamped premises has four new electric charging points, two standard EV charging spaces and two accessible EV charging spaces, along with 10 bike parking spaces. The redesign follows Aldi’s award-winning ‘Project Fresh’ layout, providing shoppers with an improved shopping experience and a larger floor space, which has expanded by more than a third from 846 square metres to 1,142 square metres. “The €4 million investment isn’t just about upgrading the store; it’s about creating a better shopping experience for our customers, while continuing to offer great value,” said store manager Tomas Brchl (pictured).

Aramark celebrate Special Olympics success ARAMARK Ireland are celebrating the achievements of colleague Daniel O’Brien, who won two gold medals and a bronze medal at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games. Daniel, who works front of house as part of Aramark’s team at Siemens Healthineers in Swords, competed in three swimming events at the Games, taking gold in the 50m freestyle and relay, and bronze in the 25m backstroke. He also received a Special Recognition Award, voted for by coaches and volunteers, in recognition of his kindness, respect, encouragement of others and positive spirit throughout the competition. Daniel joined Aramark through the company’s partnership with WorkAbility Fingal Leader Partnership (FLP) and Prosper Fingal, a not-for-profit social care organisation supporting adults with intellectual disabilities across North County Dublin. Daniel is pictured with this two gold medals and bronze medal from the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games.

Spotlight on Irish seafood MINISTER for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD, recently hosted EU fisheries ministers and delegates from 25 countries in Charles Fort, County Cork, where they sampled Irish seafood and produce. Pictured are (l-r): Jack Megannety, Minister Timmy Dooley TD, Sarah Browne, Minister Martin Heydon TD, Billie Pang and David Matthews.

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12|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Retail News Interview

Leading from the front

Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, recently signed new legislation into law which gives the Agri-Food Regulator the power to compel retailers to provide it with requested market data. He explains why this was necessary, as well discussing the big challenges facing Ireland Inc, from sustainability to rising business costs. NEW legislation will come into force at the end of 2026 which will compel Irish retailers to provide information to the AgriFood Regulator or face serious financial repercussions. “While the vast majority of operators complied with the requests for market data, there were unfortunately those that did not provide the information voluntarily,” explained Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine. “As a result, I signed new Regulations in December 2025 which conferred enhanced powers on the Regulator to allow it to compel price and market information where businesses have not complied with requests for information voluntarily. These Regulations come into

effect in December 2026, which allows the Regulator the necessary lead time to develop the systems, processes and procedures to implement the new powers effectively.” Minister Heydon is happy with the work of the Regulator to date, which has seen it produce a number of interactive reports utilising publicly available data across a variety of sectors, but feels that the new legislation will help to make its work even more valuable. “I am very satisfied that the Agrifood Regulator is fulfilling its overall statutory role and that the new regulations should enable them to add further transparency along the agri-food supply chain,” he said.

The establishment of the Agri-Food Regulator, under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023, was one of the most significant changes to the Irish agri-food sector in decades. The Regulator is concerned with promoting fairness and transparency in the agri-food supply chain. The Regulator recently released the results of its second annual supplier survey (as reported in the July/August issue of Retail News). An international success story Ireland’s continued success across the food and drink sector is “testament to our farmers, fishers, growers and food & beverage enterprises,” the Minister noted.

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Retail News Interview “The sector has proved resilient in the face of volatile trading conditions and the agri-food sector has demonstrated ongoing adaptability and innovation, despite global economic uncertainties.” 2026 is looking good so far, particularly during the first half of the year. “Irish agrifood exports have performed well so far this year and export value is largely in line with the record levels of 2025,” the Minister revealed. “With up to 90% of Irish produce destined for international markets, strong export performance is integral to the future of the agri-food sector. Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy for the sector, includes several actions to develop overseas market opportunities, and envisages sustainable growth in the value of overall Irish agri-food exports by 2030, driven by increased value rather than volume.” Dealing with rising costs Despite the good news in terms of rising exports, Irish business costs continue to grow, with inflationary pressures taking their toll on both suppliers and consumers. We wondered what measures the Dept of Agriculture are taking to help offset the

supply chain shocks and input cost inflation faced across the sector? “Current geopolitical tensions are undoubtedly placing stress on global food systems and leading to disruption of production, supply chains and markets,” acknowledged Minister Heydon. “Rising input costs, especially increases in the cost of fuel and fertiliser, are a key challenge across the agri-food sector and pose a risk to the sector’s competitiveness. The risk of elevated energy prices is a concern at both primary production and processing levels. Energy shocks affect prices along food supply value chains, including packaging and transport, which can lead to price increases beyond the farm-gate. “The Government recognised the exceptional pressure that rising fuel costs place on our farmers, contractors and fishers. In response, the Government introduced temporary, targeted measures to assist primary agriculture and food transportation. This included a support package which ensured that those most exposed to fuel increases received meaningful assistance at a critical time of year on farms, helping to sustain essential food production and rural economic

activity.” Minister Heydon vowed that he will “continue to engage on a whole-ofGovernment basis to make progress on competitiveness issues and the impact of input costs on the agri-food sector”. EU Presidency Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union began on July 1. Minister Heydon believes that “our role as Chair will not be to dictate the direction of that policy, but rather to chair the work of the Council, lead discussions between Member States, work with the European Commission and the European Parliament, and seek to make progress on a wide range of issues that matter to citizens and communities across Europe. This is a significant responsibility, but it is also a significant opportunity to lead the European agenda at a pivotal time.” As well as advancing the discussions on the next Common Agricultural Policy, Ireland’s Presidency will also “seek to progress the implementation of the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, with a particular focus on food security, generational renewal, sustainable

European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD.

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Retail News Interview

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD (right); with Brigitta Hedin-Curtin, Burren Smokehouse; and Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD, hosting EU fisheries ministers and delegates from 25 countries in Charles Fort, County Cork. livestock, the bio economy, animal welfare, and making EU rules simpler and more workable for farmers.” The Irish EU Presidency will focus its efforts on "enhancing the competitiveness of our economy, safeguarding the values of our Union at home and abroad, and providing for the security of our citizens,” according to Minister Heydon. Investing in research and innovation The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continues to invest significant resources into research and innovation, with the Minister highlighting some of the Thematic Research Calls, Policy and Strategic Research Studies, and International Partnerships, that have proven particularly successful. Thematic Research Call 2025 was a public-good initiative aligned with Food Vision 2030. Nine food Research & Innovation projects were funded, totalling €11.7 million. These were across areas that included: Safe, Nutritious, and Sustainable Food Processing, Alternative and Blended Protein Sources, Food Packaging, and Food

Safety and Contaminant Control. At European level, the ‘FutureFoodS’ European Partnership is a co-funded European transnational initiative, with over €1 million in funding to support Irish participation. “The areas of focus of the Partnership include Circular Processing and Side-Stream Upcycling, Innovative Preservation and Fermentation, Domestic Practices and Dietary Shifts, Trust, Transparency, and Unified Frameworks,” noted Minister Heydon. The Minister stressed that the Department is also providing funding to pilot scale research and testing infrastructure, such as the Prepared Consumer Food Centre in Teagasc Ashtown, and the Food Innovation Hub in Teagasc Moorepark: "These facilitates enable food companies to test, validate and scale processes and products before embarking on commercialisation.” Reducing food waste Another key area for agri-food, not just in Ireland but globally, has been around reducing food waste. Some commentators have argued that the lack of waste/

recycling infrastructure within Ireland has hamstrung our ability to develop an effective national programme. The National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap sets out Ireland's ambition to halve food waste by 2030. “To their credit, Ireland’s innovative agri-food stakeholders are increasingly moving towards solutions to ensure that unavoidable waste is recovered in ways that create economic and environmental value,” noted the Minister. “Significant progress us being made in developing the infrastructure needed to support a circular bioeconomy, where biological resources and side streams are converted into higher-value products rather than being discarded.” He highlighted how initiatives such as BioScaleUp, AIMBio, and TRANSFORM demonstrate “Ireland’s commitment to developing the infrastructure, technologies and partnerships needed to convert biological waste and by-products into valuable resources, strengthening Ireland’s circular bioeconomy, while supporting a more resource-efficient, low-carbon and

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Retail News Interview

Minister Martin Heydon welcomes European Commissioner Costas Kadis at the Informal Meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers in Cork. competitive agri-food sector.” The Minister stressed how biomethane production represents an opportunity to convert organic material, including food waste, along with animal slurries and grass silage, into a sustainable alternative to natural gas: “Ireland is recognised by the European Commission as having one of the largest potentials for biomethane production in Europe on a per capita basis due to its substantial agricultural sector,” he said. “Our Climate Action Plan has set out a target to produce up to 5.7 TWh of Biomethane by 2030. The

National Biomethane Strategy, which was co-published by my Department and the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment, is Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane and is an important milestone in the development of this indigenous sector in Ireland. A sustainable biomethane sector is critical to the achievement of our Agricultural Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction target of 25%.” Looking ahead The Minister is keenly aware of the key role

played by Ireland’s agri-food sector in the economic viability of our rural and coastal communities, as well as making a significant contribution to the Irish economy as a whole, and will aim to support its continued development in the upcoming Budget: “I am as committed as ever to ensuring that Ireland continues to have a well-supported agri-food sector.” While admitting that recent years posed several challenges, often concurrent, including Brexit, Covid-19, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ongoing trade fragmentation, and most recently conflict in the Middle East, the Minister is proud that the sector has shown its strengths in adapting to often very difficult circumstances. “In the face of these challenges, the sector has demonstrated considerable resilience, innovation and adaptability, providing a strong basis for my confidence in its future prospects,” he said. “These qualities are particularly important as the sector continues to navigate longer-term challenges, including climate change, generational renewal, and competitiveness pressures. “At the same time, there are significant opportunities arising from growing global demand for high-quality, sustainably produced food and drink, driven by changing consumer preferences and increasing populations,” he concluded. “The Irish agri-food sector’s strong export focus and reputation for quality ensures that it is well placed to play a role in meeting this demand.”

Pictured are (l-r): Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD; Emma Feeney, University College Dublin and Coordinator of TRANSFORM project; JJ Leahy, University of Limerick & Coordinator of BIOCHAR project; and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, at the announcement of €10 million EU Just Transition Funding for the two bioeconomy demonstration projects.

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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

The practical realities of PPWR

AS Irish retailers enter the final quarter of 2026, the regulatory landscape facing our sector is undergoing one of its most significant changes in years. On August 12, the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into effect, introducing new rules that will reshape how packaging is designed, labelled, sourced and managed across the supply chain. At its core, the PPWR is intended to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability, and support the EU’s transition towards a more circular economy. While these objectives are familiar to most businesses, the regulation goes much further than previous packaging requirements, introducing legally binding obligations for manufacturers, retailers and suppliers. For many retailers, particularly those operating private-label or own-brand ranges, the regulation brings new responsibilities that extend beyond the shop floor. Businesses are now expected to have greater visibility of the materials used in their packaging, the chemicals those materials contain, and the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance.

Understanding the implementation challenges The core aim of the PPWR is straightforward: to reduce packaging waste across the EU through stricter rules on packaging design, recyclability and the use of certain chemicals. However, the weeks leading up to and following the August implementation date have highlighted a number of practical challenges for businesses trying to comply. One of the most significant issues has been the delayed publication of detailed technical guidance from the European Commission. Important elements of the regulation, including testing methodologies for substances such as PFAS (often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment), emerged relatively late in the process. This has left many businesses with limited time to review supply chains, gather technical information and make necessary packaging or artwork changes. Retailers with own-brand products face particular challenges. Under the regulation, a retailer whose name appears on packaging may be considered the “manufacturer” for compliance purposes, even where production is carried out by a third-party supplier. This means retailers may need to maintain technical documentation, obtain Declarations of Conformity, and collect detailed information on packaging materials from suppliers. Many businesses have reported difficulty obtaining this information within the required timeframes. Uncertainty has also remained around future requirements, such as standardised waste-sorting labels, Digital Product Passports and QR code-based information systems. For retailers making long-

Tel: 01-6051558 |

term packaging, technology and systems investments, the evolving guidance has created understandable planning challenges. Reassurances on pragmatic enforcement Recognising these implementation difficulties, the European Commission has acknowledged that many businesses are working to comply in an environment where some technical guidance has arrived late or continues to evolve. As a result, Member States have been encouraged to adopt a practical, risk-based and supportive approach during the early stages of implementation. Rather than focusing immediately on penalties, enforcement authorities have been advised to prioritise engagement with businesses that can demonstrate genuine and documented efforts to comply with the new requirements. Importantly, products that were legally placed on the market before August 12 do not need to be withdrawn from sale or destroyed. The Commission has been clear that enforcement should avoid unnecessary disruption to supply chains and retail operations, while supporting businesses on the path to full compliance. Following engagement by Retail Ireland, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has indicated that it supports this approach in Ireland. The Department has advised that initial market surveillance activity is expected to be risk-based and focused on assisting businesses that can demonstrate reasonable and documented compliance efforts. Practical steps for your business While this pragmatic approach provides some reassurance, compliance expectations remain firm. Retailers should continue to take proactive steps to demonstrate due diligence and preparedness: 1. Engage with suppliers early: Request technical data, material composition information and Declarations of Conformity from suppliers, wholesalers and brand partners. 2. Maintain a clear audit trail: Keep records of supplier communications, compliance requests and decisions relating to packaging changes or risk assessments. 3. Review own-brand responsibilities: If your business sells private-label products, ensure you understand the additional obligations that may apply where your brand appears on the packaging. 4. Monitor regulatory updates: guidance relating to areas such as Digital Product Passports, waste-sorting labels and technical standards is continuing to evolve. Staying informed will help avoid costly changes later.

Retail Ireland will continue to work closely with Government departments, regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure members receive timely guidance and that the practical realities facing retailers are reflected in the implementation of this important regulation.

www.retailireland.ie

Need more? For more information about Retail Ireland and details of how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie.

18|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Shop Profile

Gala Retail opening in Dún Laoghaire

Amy Poulton and Amarinder Singh’s new Gala store in the heart of Dún Laoghaire opened its doors in July 2026, and is already proving hugely popular. JULY 2026 saw the introduction of Ireland’s newest Gala Retail store, as Amy Poulton and her husband Amarinder Singh opened the doors of their brand new shop on George’s Street in the heart of Dún Laoghaire. With a focus on top quality food-to-go, coffee, ice-cream and soft drinks, the new store has enjoyed a great start to life, offering office workers and visitors to Dún Laoghaire top quality products at affordable prices. “This is our first venture in grocery retail,” Amy explains to Retail News. “My background is in HR. Amarinder has 10 years of experience working with Applegreen, so he has experience in forecourt retail but neither of us had any experience of running a high-street convenience shop. We have always spoken of how we would love to run a shop where we live and last year the opportunity came up to acquire this location in Dún Laoghaire.” Partnering with Gala The couple put a huge amount of work into sourcing the right symbol group partner for their new endeavour: “Since we had

Amarinder Singh and Amy Poulton, owners, Gala Dún Laoghaire.

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Shop Profile Fact File: Owner:

Amy Poulton & Amarinder Singh

Location:

George’s Street, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin

Size:

1,200 square feet retail space

No. of staff:

8, full time & part time

Opening Hours:

07:00-22:00, MondaySaturday; 08:00-21:00, Sunday

only limited relevant experience, we were very keen to find a symbol group partner that we felt would be a good fit for us,” Amy reveals. “When we met the team from Gala Retail, we knew immediately that we had found our partner for this project. The group aligned with our values; we loved the look of Gala; and its focus on fresh food was exactly where we wanted to position the shop.” While acknowledging that they may not have experience of running a high street grocery store, Amy and Amarinder know Dún Laoghaire very well and had always felt that there was a real opportunity to open a store there: “We knew there was an opportunity for a shop at this side of the town. We are located between the Harbour and the People’s Park and there isn’t another convenience shop close by. The closest shop was in the Shopping Centre but that closed recently, which meant there was a real opportunity here.” While there are other cafés and sandwich shops nearby, they “all operate at the very premium level, with prices to match,” Amy states. “We knew that there would be demand for good quality fresh deli food from people working in the large number of offices around, as well as residents and visitors to the area, which is a very popular one with tourists and Dubliners alike.” Bringing their dream to life The shop was not a grocery retail unit to begin with, which meant there was a lot of work to do on the project. However, it also meant that Amy and Amarinder had a totally blank slate to work with and could create the shop of their dreams with the help of the Gala Retail Store Development team. “The team from Gala were fantastic when it came to the development,” Amy says. “They provided a huge amount of support and have a wealth of knowledge that was incredibly useful in helping us bring the shop to life.” Being able to take advantage of the advice and support of the Gala group

The new Gala Retail store in Dún Laoghaire has a strong focus on top quality food-to-go, ice cream, coffee, and soft drinks. proved extremely useful for the couple as it took only six months to complete the project, with the store opening to the public in July of this year. This was just in time to meet demand during one of the hottest summers Ireland has had in a while, which meant that soft drink and ice cream sales were extremely successful from the get-go, with Gala’s own fresh whipped ice cream and dessert station, Galato, proving extremely popular, as has Gala’s Coffee Junction concept. Indeed, local residents and visitors have been delighted by the look of the new shop, which has made Amy and Amarinder very happy with the result of their investment. Meeting local demand While the shop offers a selection of topselling grocery brands, its primary focus is on premium fresh food-to-go, and it is ideally positioned to meet the demand that Amy and Amarinder knew existed in their local community. “We have been very hands-on when it comes to promoting the shop since we opened,” Amy stresses. “We were even out in front of the shop handing out flyers, promoting just how much the shop offers now.” She also namecheck’s Gala’s David O’Brien and Ben McGinn, who “worked

extremely hard helping out in the weeks since launch”. Amy also pays particular thanks to wholesaler H. Murphy & Co. and Graham Murphy for their support in getting the new store up and running. Indeed, Amy is hugely positive about the entire experience of working with Gala, right down to the “absolutely fantastic” back office system the Gala Retail group use: “The systems are robust, reliable and easy to use and help keep the shop operating at peak efficiency with a minimum of work, which allows us to focus on the day-today running of the shop. This has been particularly useful to us with our lack of direct experience. It’s also been great for our staff, all of whom are new to us and to the shop. Gala has been great when it came to bringing the deli team up-to-speed and training them on HACCP and running the in-store bakery, as well as all the other vital skills needed to operate the shop to the highest possible standards.” The new store owners are proud of the results of their investment and their efforts: “It’s been a lot of hard work by everyone involved but we have managed to create our dream shop where we live and we would like to thank all our staff and everyone at Gala for all the hard work everyone put in to help make our dream a reality.”

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IGBF Sports Lunch

A sporting success

The Round Room at the Mansion House was the venue for the Annual Sports Lunch in aid of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund. THE Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin, welcomed more than 300 delegates for the highly anticipated Annual Sports Lunch in support of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF), raising over €60,000 for the charity. The afternoon began with a vibrant drinks reception and entertainment courtesy of 7 Entertainment, setting the tone for a day filled with laughter, generosity, and sporting spirit. Guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch and had the opportunity to win exceptional raffle prizes, including a trip to Edinburgh to see Ireland versus Scotland, complete with flights and accommodation. Excellent calibre of speakers The event was expertly hosted by broadcasting legend Des Cahill, whose wit and warmth kept the energy high throughout. Special guest speakers included golfer Ian Woosnam, footballer Niall Quinn, boxer Bernard Dunne and Carla Ward, head coach of Ireland’s senior women’s football team, alongside surprise guest Conor Moore, who entertained guests with his much-loved comedy sketches and impersonations of some of the country’s best known sporting and political figures. This year’s event was made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors, including headline sponsor National Lottery and supporting sponsors: FMI, Executive Forum, Mars Ireland, BAT / PJ Carroll, Ballygowan, Monster Energy and 7 Entertainment. Special thanks are also extended to

Pictured are (l-r): event organiser Mark Hargadon; golfing legend Ian Woosnam; former world boxing champion Bernard Dunne; Carla Ward, head coach of Ireland’s women’s football team; event MC Des Cahill; and former soccer superstar Niall Quinn, at the IGBF Sports Legends Lunch 2026. Legacy PR, whose expert support helped bring the event to life. Continued support The generosity of attendees and sponsors will help the IGBF continue its important work supporting members of the grocery industry who are facing hardship. “We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our industry colleagues and sponsors,” noted Frances Higgins, Chair of the IGBF. “Events like this not only raise vital funds, but also bring our community together in a spirit of solidarity and celebration.”

Event organiser Mark Hargadon, Commercial Director of Britvic Ireland, commented: “It was our first year hosting the event in the Round Room at the Mansion House, and the venue provided exceptional food, service and facilities. I was delighted with how the event went, and its success is only possible because of the continued support shown by so many people across the industry. I am hugely grateful to everyone who supported the day in aid of the IGBF.” For more information on the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund or to make a donation, please visit www.IGBF.ie.

FOR ADULT NICOTINE CONSUMERS ONLY.

This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, which is addictive. You should not use this product if you do not already use nicotine.

22|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Lidl Foodies

Lidl launch free schools programme Lidl Ireland are giving schools a ‘vegucation’ in healthy eating with the launch of the free Lidl Foodies educational programme. LIDL Ireland have announced the launch of Lidl Foodies, a new free education programme designed to help children aged 4-7 years old build positive relationships with fruit and vegetables through engaging, curriculum-linked learning experiences. The launch comes as Irish research highlights the need to establish positive eating habits and food literacy from an early age. According to CSO data on children's health from the Irish Health Survey, almost one in 10 children aged two to eight did not eat fruit or vegetables every day, rising to 15.7% among 13-17-year-olds (Source: CSO Irish Health Survey 2024 – Children’s Health, published in July 2025). Separately, the Growing Up in Ireland study found that just 11% of 13-year-olds ate the recommended five or more portions on a typical day, highlighting the importance of introducing fruit and vegetables to children early, before long-term eating habits take hold (Source: 2023 Growing Up in Ireland report). Backed by an investment of €150,000 by the supermarket, Lidl Foodies aims to reach more than 30,000 pupils across Ireland in its first year, giving young children a ‘vegucation in healthy eating’ and providing teachers with practical classroom resources that encourage children to try, taste, grow and understand fresh food throughout the school year.

Four modules across the year Lidl Foodies introduces children to healthy eating through four modules delivered across the school year. Lidl Tasters, which is delivered in the autumn, encourages children to explore the smell, taste and texture of fresh fruit and vegetables, while Lidl Growers, which is delivered in the spring time, teaches them where food comes from and how to grow their own. Delivered during the summer term, Lidl Makers enables pupils to prepare simple, healthy recipes and develop basic cooking

skills. The fourth module, Lidl Farm to Fork, gives pupils the opportunity to put their learning into practice during an exclusive visit to The Lidl Farm at the retailer’s Regional Distribution Centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Lidl are the only retailer in Ireland to offer a dedicated educational farm experience of this kind, having transformed eight acres of land into a free outdoor classroom with the support of Agri Aware. Fully aligned with the primary school

Cormac O'Donoghue, Lidl Ireland Foodies Spokesperson, with Eimear O'Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, at the launch of the Lidl Foodies programme.

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Lidl Foodies

At the Lidl Foodies programme launch which took place at the Lidl Farm in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. curriculum and available free of charge to schools across Ireland, Lidl Foodies provides teachers with ready-to-use lesson plans, activity sheets, classroom displays, shopping lists, and food safety and allergen guidance. To help cover the cost of ingredients and classroom materials, the first 150 teachers to register will receive a €100 Lidl gift card. Lidl Ireland will be giving away up to €30,000 worth of Lidl gift cards across the modules throughout the first year of the programme. Places and vouchers will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and teachers are encouraged to register early. Free educational resources Primary school teacher, education advocate and content creator, Cormac O'Donoghue, is backing the new programme and encouraging teachers to access the free educational resources: “As a teacher, I’ve seen first-hand that children are far more likely to engage with something when they feel involved in it. Food is no different. When they grow, prepare, and taste food themselves, it becomes far more meaningful than simply being told what they should or shouldn’t eat. “What appealed to me about Lidl Foodies is that it has been designed with busy classrooms in mind, giving teachers practical, ready-to-use resources that bring food education to life. It also helps continue those conversations at home, while Lidl’s range of high-quality, affordable fruit and vegetables makes healthy choices more accessible for families. I’m delighted to support a programme that makes learning about food practical, enjoyable and relevant for young children”. The programme is linked to existing curriculum areas including Wellbeing and SPHE and will also be available as a full Irish language programme for

Gaelscoileanna. "One of the biggest misconceptions around children and healthy eating is that if they refuse a food once, they simply don’t like it,” reveals registered dietitian Orla Walsh. “In reality, it can take many opportunities for a child to become comfortable with a new food, and those experiences are often most successful when there is no pressure to eat it. That is why programmes like Lidl Foodies can be so valuable. A child might grow a vegetable before tasting it, learn where it comes from, prepare it with their classmates, or simply become familiar with how it looks and feels. All of those experiences count. “Building a positive relationship with food starts with curiosity and confidence and giving children those opportunities early can make a meaningful difference to how

expert-led learning with high-quality, affordable fresh produce, we hope to create a programme that delivers lasting benefits well beyond the classroom.” The programme launched with a bang, as Cork youth music collective Kabin Crew, the group behind the viral hit The Spark, created a brand-new original single - Lidl Lunchbox Flex - to bring Lidl Foodies to life. Through music, creativity and selfexpression, the track aims to inspire a new generation of fruit and vegetable fans. The launch of this initiative comes as new research by Kantar states that Lidl Ireland, holds the position of Ireland’s number one seller of fruit and vegetables. By leveraging this market-leading position, Lidl Ireland are utilising the Lidl Foodies programme to translate their commercial success into a practical, community-first ‘vegucation’ for

Members of The Kabin Crew at the Lidl Farm in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. they approach food as they grow.” Corporate Affairs Director at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, Eimear O'Sullivan, said: “As Ireland’s number one supermarket for fruit and veg, we believe that helping children build a healthy relationship with fresh food is an investment in their future. As a purpose-driven business, we take our responsibility seriously to contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve. The habits and confidence developed at a young age can shape how children think about food for years to come, which is why we want Lidl Foodies to reach as many classrooms and families as possible. “Our ambition is to make food education more accessible, practical and engaging for children across Ireland. Through our €150,000 commitment, and by combining

over 30,000 children nationwide. Lidl Foodies forms part of Lidl Ireland’s Sustainability Strategy and their commitment to supporting customers’ health and wellbeing by providing healthy, sustainable and high-quality products at market-leading prices. It follows the retailer’s recently announced fibre strategy, developed with Registered Dietician and Lidl Nutrition Ambassador, Orla Walsh, сommitting to increase the total tonnage of fibre sold by 20% and boost wholegrains to 20% of all grains sold by 2030. Registration for the Lidl Foodies programme opened on September 15, 2026, and teachers can sign up through National Schools Partnership (www. nationalschoolspartnership.com/initiatives/ lidl-foodies-ireland).

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Training & Development

Upskilling: the key to success New Skillnet Ireland research shows nine in 10 people recognise the importance of upskilling for their professional success. NEW research from Skillnet Ireland, the national workforce development agency, shows that nine out of 10 people in employment believe upskilling and reskilling are important for their professional success, while over 85% of respondents say they have undertaken upskilling in the past year, which includes accredited training programmes. Titled ‘Lifelong Learning and the Future of Work’, the research surveyed workers about their attitudes and their employers’ attitudes towards building on their skills as they look to the future. 70% of respondents believed their employer places value on upskilling and reskilling, while two-thirds said their employer provides supports. The results point to a wide recognition of the benefits of learning new skills, with 96% of respondents saying it is important for them to learn a new skill for as their careers develop. As technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly become an integral part of today's enterprise environment, respondents to the survey showed an understanding of the value of having the necessary skills to meet the needs of a changing landscape. Almost three-quarters said they are likely to engage in upskilling or reskilling this year; when asked what type of skills they are most likely to focus on, one in five chose digital, technical, or management/ leadership skills. Skills related to AI followed closely behind, with 55% saying they will need AI upskilling for their career in the future. The importance of lifelong learning Lifelong learning, according to respondents, goes beyond professional development and career opportunities. Almost a quarter said they believe upskilling or reskilling would help keep their mind active and support long-term mental health, while one in five believed it would boost their confidence and improve emotional wellbeing. “It is encouraging to see so many individuals intending to upskill or reskill this year, particularly across areas such as digital and AI skills,” noted Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks,

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet Ireland. “At Skillnet Ireland, we see the extent of commitment from both employees and employers across the economy to workforce development, with over 84,000 people participating in upskilling in 2025. For businesses, investing in skills is not only about supporting employees to succeed; it is also a key driver of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. Through our Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, Skillnet Ireland is committed to helping businesses of all sizes access the capabilities and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy." Positive attitudes While the survey did reveal individuals' perceived barriers for engaging in upskilling or reskilling, such as the cost of training (51%), lack of time (42%), and a busy work schedule (41%) or home life (34%), it also highlights positive attitudes towards upskilling and reskilling: •

70% of respondents believed their employer places value on upskilling and reskilling, while two-thirds (66%) said their employer provides

•

supports. 86% have undertaken formal upskilling in the past 12 months, which includes degree, diploma and micro-credential programmes. 87% have undertaken informal upskilling in the past 12 months, which includes workshops, online tutorials and self-directed learning. More than half (59%) said they felt they could benefit from additional upskilling to match the skills they will need to do their job in the future. 92% of individuals said the availability of online or blended (i.e. online and inperson) learning would influence their willingness to upskill or reskill.

The findings provide valuable insight into how people are preparing for changes in the labour market and will help inform Skillnet Ireland's mission to support businesses and individuals in developing the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy, ensuring Ireland's workforce remains competitive, adaptable and future-ready. For further information visit: www.skillnetireland.ie.

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Food Safety: FSAI

Helping retailers get food safety right

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland offers a number of practical supports for retailers to ensure they are compliant with the law. RUNNING a retail food business has never been more complex. From managing food allergens and training staff to keeping up to date with food safety requirements, retailers face a wide range of compliance challenges. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recognises these pressures and has developed a broad range of free supports to help food businesses. FSAI Learning Portal The FSAI Learning Portal is a free online platform that brings together trusted food safety training and compliance resources in one place. Designed specifically to support food businesses, the portal provides flexible learning materials that can be used for staff training, team meetings, or self-directed learning. The portal contains more than 50 resources, including eLearning modules, webinars, short videos and practical guidance covering topics such as food safety culture, food allergen management, pest control, and food safety skills. Accessing the portal is straightforward. Businesses can create a free account at learningportal.fsai.ie and immediately access a growing library of online learning and support materials. Supporting compliance Alongside the Learning Portal, the FSAI website (www.fsai.ie) remains a comprehensive source of practical advice for food businesses. Whether a retailer is opening a new store, or has been running their

business for many years, the website provides a wide range of information, guidance documents and advice to support compliance. For many smaller businesses, one of the most valuable resources is the Safe Catering Pack. This food safety management system has been developed specifically to help food businesses implement effective food safety controls based on HACCP principles. Three

new sections have recently been added to the Safe Catering Pack, to cover food donations, water supply, and food safety culture. Businesses can purchase the Safe Catering Pack and download related records, including the new sections, directly from the FSAI website. Sector-specific guidance The FSAI also produces a wide range of sector-specific guidance to help businesses address emerging food safety challenges, all of which are available in the FSAI website. Recent resources include guidance on managing Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat foods. In addition, the Resources Booklet for Small Food Businesses acts as a practical roadmap to the many free supports available from the FSAI. Structured around common business activities and compliance challenges, it signposts users to relevant guidance documents, training materials, online learning, and practical tools, making it easier to find the right information when it is needed most. When businesses need direct support, the FSAI Advice Line provides access to expert technical guidance on food safety matters. The service helps businesses obtain reliable information and clarification on regulatory requirements, enabling them to make informed decisions. The Advice Line can be contacted by emailing info@fsai.ie. Direct engagement with industry is also an important part of the FSAI's work. Through its Retail Forum, the FSAI works closely with retailers and retail representative organisations to discuss emerging issues, share information, and gather feedback on areas affecting the sector. This ongoing dialogue helps ensure that FSAI guidance and supports remain relevant, practical, and responsive to industry needs. Food safety compliance is ultimately the responsibility of every food business. However, retailers do not have to navigate these requirements alone. Through its Learning Portal, website resources, Safe Catering Pack, Advice Line and industry engagement activities, the FSAI continues to provide practical, accessible supports that help businesses strengthen compliance, protect consumers, and deliver safe food every day.

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Food Safety: FDI

New food safety management guide from FDI Food Drink Ireland has launched a new industry-led resource to support Ireland’s world-class food safety standards in our food businesses. FOOD Drink Ireland (FDI), the Ibec group representing the food and drink sector, has launched a new Food Safety Incident Management Guide to help Irish food business operators continue to protect, maintain, and champion the country’s world-class food safety standards. The manufacturer-focused guide provides food businesses with a practical toolkit to navigate planning, perform structured risk assessments, and make swift decisions with confidence. Available to both Food Drink Ireland member companies and non-members, the resource reinforces that modern food safety is a critical driver of business resilience, requiring cross-functional collaboration across operations, finance, legal, commercial, and communications teams. Designed as an additional resource to complement established regulatory frameworks, the guide offers structured, step-by-step guidance, covering proactive prevention, rapid early-stage response, and continuous improvement.

Supporting leadership teams “Ireland’s food and drink sector is globally renowned for its exceptionally high commitment to safety standards,” noted Paul Kelly, Director of FDI. “Ireland already operates under one of most rigorous food safety systems in the world, and keeping these standards at the highest possible level requires continuous, proactive preparation and regular evaluation. “This guide is designed to support leadership teams with practical decisionmaking tools to treat food safety as a boardroomlevel priority, safeguarding consumers, protecting local jobs, and securing business continuity.”

Food Drink Ireland

Food Safety Incident Management A practical guide for food businesses

pareire

Food Safety Incident Management Guide consulting

Paul Kelly, Director, Food Drink Ireland.

Dual focus: prevention and response FDI’s Food Safety Incident Management Guide The guide has two focus provides food businesses with a practical toolkit areas: to navigate planning, perform structured risk • Prevention – it assessments, and make swift decisions with outlines key regulatory confidence. requirements, industry legal and finance functions. It is designed best practices, and available external to support food businesses in managing supports to help businesses review incidents efficiently, protecting consumers, and enhance their existing food safety maintaining business continuity, and management and risk mitigation safeguarding company/brand reputation. systems. To help businesses actively embed these • Incident response – it provides best-practice frameworks, FDI is partnering practical guidance on the critical actions and decision-making processes with the Food Drink Ireland Skillnet to deliver supporting interactive training required during a food safety incident. workshops, tailored programmes, and mock recall simulations. Recognising that effective incident For more information or to download management requires a whole-ofthe guide, visit: www.ibec.ie/connect-andbusiness approach, the guide addresses learn/industries/food-and-drink/foodthe roles and responsibilities of senior drink-ireland/publications/food-safetyleadership, governance, technical, incident-management. operational, logistics, communications,

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Food Safety: Kelsius

Digital food safety solutions from Kelsius Digital solutions help to streamline food safety procedures for a more efficient retail operation. RUNNING a food retail business has never been simple, but today’s pressures make effective food safety management increasingly challenging. Busy teams must manage temperature checks, cleaning schedules, allergen controls, traceability, corrective actions and daily tasks, while serving customers and managing stock. Add rising costs, staff turnover and the need to remain inspectionready, and established processes can come under strain. “The issue is rarely a lack of commitment to food safety,” according to Tim Jones, Regional Manager at Kelsius, a digital food safety and temperature monitoring provider. “More often, it’s the number of separate tasks, records and systems that employees and managers must navigate. This is why many retailers are moving towards a more connected approach.” Rather than using separate systems for temperature monitoring and task management, alongside paper HACCP records, one digital solution can bring these activities together. “Staff have one place to see what must be completed, while management gains an overview of food safety performance across the business,”

Tim continued. Wireless sensors can continuously monitor fridges and freezers, reducing reliance on manual checks. If a temperature moves outside an agreed range, an automated alert allows the team to investigate before stock is lost or food safety compromised. Digital HACCP workflows can guide employees through scheduled checks and record when each was completed, by whom and what action followed an issue. This creates greater consistency, particularly when new or temporary staff join. Centralised records make information easier to retrieve. Instead of searching through folders or handwritten sheets, managers can access time-stamped records, temperature histories and corrective actions in one system. This supports traceability, simplifies internal reviews and makes inspection preparation less disruptive.

Digital HACCP helps to consolidate food safety tasks.

Extensive benefits The benefits extend beyond compliance. Reducing repetitive paperwork gives staff more time for customers and operations. Early temperature alerts may help prevent food waste, while remote visibility allows managers of several locations to identify problems and compare performance without visiting every site. For growing retailers, scalability is another consideration. Tim Jones

notes that every new premises, fridge or freezer adds checks and responsibilities: “But a connected system can make it easier to maintain the same standards as the business expands, without multiplying the administrative burden.” Technology should not replace food safety knowledge or experienced staff. It should make the correct process easier to follow and provide useful information when decisions are needed. Training, implementation and technical support are therefore just as important as the software. Kelsius FoodCheck 2.0 Solutions such as Kelsius FoodCheck 2.0 combine digital HACCP, wireless temperature monitoring, task management, reporting and compliance records within one platform. For retailers assessing their options, the wider principle matters: the best system is not necessarily the one that digitises a single task, but the one that helps the entire operation work more safely and efficiently. Digitisation may be more straightforward than many businesses expect. Tim concludes: “By identifying routine checks and administrative processes that can be sensibly automated, retailers can reduce manual work without losing human oversight. This gives staff more time for areas where people make the greatest difference, from supporting colleagues and responding to issues to delivering a better customer experience.” For advice on digitising your food safety processes, contact Kelsius: www.kelsius. com/contact.

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Confectionery

Sweet dreams Irish consumers love confectionery, with new research revealing the secret chocolate habits of the Irish population. WE have always known that Irish consumers have a collective sweet tooth, but recent research revealed just how sweet, unveiling the secret chocolate habits of Irish people. The research found that 83% of people admit hiding chocolate from family members, while more than three-quarters confess they've eaten chocolates they originally intended to give as gifts. The survey of 1,341 respondents, held to celebrate the launch of new Irish online chocolate store, 101Chocolates.ie, found that chocolate is not just a treat but a household secret, a gift-giving staple, and occasionally a source of mild domestic controversy. Chocolate also remains one of Ireland’s most reliable gifts. Respondents said they are most likely to buy chocolate for Easter, Christmas, thank-you gifts, birthdays, and “just because” occasions. 65% would rather receive a box of chocolates than wine or flowers. The research also uncovered some of the unwritten rules of sharing a box of chocolates. Almost half of respondents said whether it is rude to take the best chocolate first “depends on who you are sharing

with”, while 40% said no one should take highly concentrated, with the top three the last chocolate without offering it first. players, Mondelez Ireland Production Ltd, The nation remains split on storage, with Mars Foods Ireland Ltd and Nestlé Ireland 51.7% favouring the cupboard and 43.2% Ltd, collectively accounting for 64% of retail ruling it belongs in the fridge. But taste value sales in 2026, according to the latest (85%) and quality (71%) remain the top report into the sector from Euromonitor considerations when it comes to choosing International. their favourite chocolate, while 25% It’s a similar story in sugar confectionery, prioritize Irish-made chocolate. according to Euromonitor, where the 66.9% of respondents selected milk competitive landscape remains dominated chocolate as their favourite type of by large international players, although chocolate, 26.8% selected dark chocolate, here, concentration has eased slightly over with 5.6% opting for white chocolate. recent years. “Chocolate is one of those rare products that is emotional, nostalgic, funny, and Nestlé Confectionery genuinely loved across all ages,” revealed Confectionery remains a powerful impulse Derek Quinn, Managing Director of sales driver, meeting shoppers’ treat 101Chocolates.ie. “The research shows that missions, complementing food-to-go people do not just buy chocolate - they hide and top-up purchases, and generating it, gift it, share it, argue over it, and sometimes eat the gift before it ever reaches the person it was meant for.” Chocolate confectionery in KitKat Chunky Cookie Dough flavour has proved hugely Ireland remains popular across the year.

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Confectionery incremental sales. To unlock this opportunity, retailers must get the fundamentals right: a strong core range, relevant innovation, engaging promotions and excellent in-store execution. KitKat has had an exciting year through its global Formula 1 partnership, linking KitKat’s famous break with the sport’s energy. To support the activation, the brand launched an on-pack promotion, a limited-edition KitKat Chunky Caramel variant, alongside a Formula 1 car-shaped chocolate single bar (29g) and multipack (5x11g). Cookie Dough has added further momentum to KitKat this year, with the popular flavour launching across 4 Finger, 2 Finger, Chunky and Sharing Block formats to support both immediate-consumption and sharing occasions.

Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo combines salted caramel-flavour milk chocolate with crunchy pretzel pieces, delivering a salty-sweet taste in Yorkie’s signature chunky format. Aero has continued to build excitement around its signature bubbles. Aero Caramel Flavour Bubbles, launched earlier this year, combines caramel-flavoured bubbles with a milk chocolate and caramel-flavour shell in a 92g sharing bag. More recently, Aero and Milkybar have collaborated to bring Aero’s bubbly texture and Milkybar’s signature taste together in a sharing bar and bitesized bag, creating a fresh proposition from two established favourites. This year, Yorkie is tapping into the appeal of contrasting flavours and textures, with Yorkie Salted Caramel Pretzel Duo. The 66g bar combines salted caramelflavour milk chocolate with crunchy pretzel pieces, delivering a salty-sweet taste in Yorkie’s signature chunky format. Rowntrees delivered strong 2026 value sales growth of +11.8%, driven by core favourites and innovation. The new Rowntree’s Lollies range brings the fun and flavour of ice lollies into a sharing-bag format, with three 130g variants made with real fruit juice: Fruit Pastilles Lollies, Sour Watermelon Flavour Lollies and Mango Flavour Lollies. Strong NPD should broaden choice without displacing familiar favourites. In

Aero and Milkybar collaborated to bring Aero’s bubbly texture and Milkybar’s signature taste together in a sharing bar and bite-sized bag. confectionery, established products still a concise core range and distinctive drive planned and impulse purchases, new lines. Duos and XXL formats so retailers should protect are delivering above-market growth availability on proven of +10.1% YTD (Source: NIQ Total lines, while using a Scantrack including Dunnes 9/8/2026). focused selection of new products tailored to store Ultimately, confectionery growth depends size, location and shopper on trusted brands, relevant innovation missions. and excellent execution. Retailers that New launches should add protect core availability, support new variety without fragmenting the fixture. launches clearly and maximise seasonal Clear brand blocking helps shoppers opportunities will be best placed to capture find favourites quickly, while a defined impulse purchases, increase basket spend innovation space creates standout and and drive year-round growth. encourages discovery. Merchandising is equally important, Cadbury as confectionery is highly responsive to Cadbury Ireland continue to innovate, with visibility and placement. Over 380k units exciting new products available in-store to of impulse confectionery are sold daily tempt consumers' tastebuds. in Ireland, highlighting the number of The Cadbury &More range is an exciting opportunities to sell Retailers can maximise this by: • Placing single bars at checkouts, queues and other impulse zones. • Creating secondary sitings near hot drinks, soft drinks, food-to-go and meal deals; 30% of confectionery store missions are also food-to-go missions. • Giving sharing bags a clear home in the main fixture, supported by displays for family occasions and athome sharing. • Using visible displays for NPD, while keeping products easy to find in the main fixture. The Cadbury &More range includes Cadbury • Linking single bars and Duo formats to immediate- &More Biscoff, Cadbury &More Caramel Nut Crunch, and Cadbury &More Nutty Praline Crisp consumption, top-up, and chocolate bars. food-to-go missions, with

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Confectionery new addition to the portfolio. The range includes Cadbury &More Biscoff Chocolate Bar, a layered chocolate bar that wraps creamy Cadbury milk chocolate around crumbled Biscoff biscuit pieces and a centre made with Biscoff spread. Crunchy, creamy, and delicious all the way through, it’s a bold twist made for chocolate lovers who want more.

Nestlé reveal Christmas range! NESTLÉ Confectionery have unveiled their Christmas 2026 range, bringing together festive favourites and exciting new launches. Leading the range this year is a significant expansion of KitKat's festive offering, with the new KitKat F1 Tin. Perfect for motorsport fans and chocolate lovers alike, the collectable gifting tin contains 12 KitKat F1 milk chocolate cars, combining smooth milk chocolate and crispy wafer pieces in a unique festive gift format. Joining it is the KitKat F1 Selection Box, offering another way for Formula 1 fans to enjoy KitKat during the festive period.

Cadbury Twirl Golden Dipped Chocolate Bar: a limited edition twist on a classic. Cadbury &More Caramel Nut Crunch Chocolate Bar is a layered treat of caramel and hazelnuts, all wrapped in creamy Cadbury milk chocolate. Indulgent and satisfyingly crunchy, it’s the chocolate bar that delivers more in every bite. The Cadbury &More Nutty Praline Crisp Chocolate Bar layers smooth hazelnut and almond praline and a crisp wafer base inside Cadbury Milk chocolate. It’s a generously sized chocolate bar designed to offer indulgence in every bite, which is perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself to a little switch-off moment. For Twirl fans, new Cadbury Twirl Golden Dipped Chocolate Bar 43g is a limitededition twist on a classic. Fast-melting swirls of milk chocolate are dipped in a caramelised white chocolate, delivering an instant chocolate hit with every bite. The new limited edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Strawberries & Creme Frappe 115g Chocolate Bar is another recent innovation, where Cadbury Dairy Milk meets a smooth creme layer, studded with crispy strawberry flavour rice pieces for a fruity, refreshing twist on a classic. M&S M&S Food have recently launched four new confectionery products into Foodhalls across the country. After customers went wild for the big Choc Marks Salted Blond Chocolate,

The Choc Marks Salted Blond Chocolate, Pistachios, Shortbread and Cornflakes bar is now available as a 50g treat.

The KitKat F1 Selection Box offers another way for Formula 1 fans to enjoy KitKat during the festive period. Other products from KitKat include KitKat Santa and new for this year, KitKat Santa Orange, a festive Santa shape made with smooth milk chocolate, crispy wafer pieces and an orange chocolatey filling. KitKat Chunky fans are sure to love the new KitKat Giant Chunky Gift Box, which contains eight full-size KitKat Chunky bars. “KitKat is entering Christmas 2026 with its biggest festive range yet,” explained Maria McKenna, Confectionery Marketing Manager for Nestlé Ireland. “We're expanding into more occasions than ever before, from stocking fillers and advent calendars to premium gifting. With the addition of our Formula 1-inspired products and a range of exciting new formats, we're giving shoppers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a break throughout the festive season." Also from Nestlé Confectionery, the Milkybar Advent Calendar delivers a daily chocolate surprise behind every door, while the After Eight Advent Calendar offers a sophisticated countdown featuring dark chocolate with a smooth mint fondant centre. Zesty orange fondant meets luxurious dark chocolate in a seasonal new flavour. After Eight Orange offers a citrus twist on the rich dark chocolate After Eight is known for, giving fans a new way to enjoy the brand beyond its classic mint flavour. New Smarties Reindeer Drops are packed with Smarties coated in a brown crisp sugar shell; each sweet is made with smooth milk chocolate, and they are designed to bring some festive fun to stockings and party bags. With no artificial colours or flavours, Smarties Reindeer Drops are set to add a little festive mischief to Christmas celebrations across the UK and Ireland. Other stocking filler options include the traditional giant tubes with a range of offerings from brand favourites, including Smarties, Rowntree’s, Aero, Milkybar, Munchies and Rolo.

Smarties Reindeer Drops are set to add a little festive mischief to Christmas celebrations across the UK and Ireland.

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Confectionery

M&S Collection Dark Chocolate with Mint is expertly crafted in Italy using 85% cocoa single origin Peruvian dark chocolate.

CMY

Brand-new Percy Pig Head in the Clouds are extra-squidgy, light and fluffy cloud-shaped sweets.

New Connie the Caterpillar Flower Power are extra-fruity floral favourites.

Pistachios, Shortbread and Cornflakes bar (180g) which launched last year, M&S Food have shrunk the fan-favourite into a perfectly snackable 50g treat. Swiss-made and generously loaded, it combines creamy blond chocolate made with white chocolate and caramelised sugar, crunchy cornflakes, crumbly shortbread and nutty pistachios for a sweet, salty and satisfyingly crunchy bite. For something a little more grownup - but still seriously indulgent - there is Collection Dark Chocolate with Mint, expertly crafted in Italy using 85% cocoa single origin Peruvian dark chocolate. With a velvety, melt-in-the-mouth texture, rich

fruit cocoa notes and a cooling hint of mint for a long, refreshing finish, it is the perfect treat for dark chocolate lovers. And the confectionery fun doesn’t stop at chocolate, with two of M&S Food’s mostloved icons, Percy Pig and Connie the Caterpillar, available in brilliant new ways. For over three decades, Percy Pig sweets have brought joy, nostalgia and plenty of feel-good moments to fans of all ages. Brand-new Percy Pig Head in the Clouds, extra-squidgy, light and fluffy cloudshaped sweets, and Connie the Caterpillar Flower Power, extra-fruity floral faves, have arrived on shelves with plenty of personality.

34|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco & Nicotine Products

Non duty paid cigarettes a growing concern

New research found that 57% of cigarette packs in Ireland avoided Irish tax, which is very damaging for the Irish retail trade, stresses Daan van Hamersveld, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at JTI Ireland. THE latest Empty Pack Survey found that over half (57%) of cigarette packs surveyed in Ireland in 2026 were non-Irish duty paid (NIDP), which are tobacco products, legal and illegal, that do not have Irish tax paid on them. Of this total, 14% were illegal counterfeit cigarettes, which are manufactured without authorisation from the owners, with the intent to deceive

consumers and to avoid paying tax. The survey was carried out on behalf of JTI Ireland by independent market research agency WSPM, and includes both illegal counterfeit cigarettes and legal products purchased abroad that do not have Irish tax paid on them. Since 2018, the Irish exchequer has lost approximately €5 billion in tax revenue to NIDP products, including

around €1 billion last year alone. According to Government figures, €758 million was lost specifically to illegal tobacco products. Undermining legitimate retailers “These findings show a significant issue with illegal counterfeit cigarettes in Ireland,” explains Daan van Hamersveld, Director of Corporate Affairs and

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Tobacco & Nicotine Products Communications at Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Ireland. “The Government’s own figures show that illegal tobacco products cost the state over €750 million in lost taxes in 2025 alone, while at the same time undermining legitimate retailers and providing income for organised crime groups. “When legal non-Irish duty paid products are included, retailers across the country are losing out on over €1 billion in lost turnover annually as smokers increasingly turn to lower priced illegal and other NIDP cigarettes. At the same time, the smoking rate has remained stable since 2019, suggesting smokers are simply seeking alternative channels in response to tax increases rather than quitting.” Indeed, Daan believes that Irish tobacco prices are now at such a high level that “it essentially incentivises the consumption of illicit products. Those are not my words; those are the words of the Department of Finance in their brief to the Minister for Finance, Simon Harris.” Significant differences country-wide The WSPM Empty Pack Survey is a research study used to analyse discarded cigarette packs collected from public locations. By examining pack origin, tax markings and authenticity, the survey provides data around the prevalence of non-domestic and counterfeit tobacco products in the market. The methodology is used in a number of European markets and is designed to provide a representative snapshot of tobacco consumption patterns. 5,000 empty packs of cigarettes were collected randomly from streets and public bins across Ireland’s 22 largest cities and towns between February 16 and April 3, 2026. Researchers then examined the packs to identify where they came from, whether Irish taxes had been paid on them, and to determine if they were illegal counterfeit products. The survey revealed significant differences across the country: Galway had the highest rate in Ireland, where three quarters (75%) of the packs surveyed had no Irish tax paid on them. This was followed by Swords at two thirds (66%). In terms of counterfeit cigarettes specifically, Wexford was worst affected with a quarter (25%) of packs surveyed being illegal counterfeit products, followed by Ennis (20%) and Waterford (19%). What can be done? So what can be done about the illicit trade in Ireland? JTI Ireland is calling on the Irish Government to “pair a more moderate

Retailers across the country are losing out on over €1 billion in lost turnover annually as smokers increasingly turn to lower priced illegal and other NIDP cigarettes.

approach to excise increases to avoid further exacerbating this already serious situation, with stronger enforcement action against the criminal networks behind cigarette smuggling and counterfeiting,” according to Daan. Non-duty paid tobacco includes counterfeit product, which is controlled by international criminal gangs, and comes in generally by sea via our ports, as well as ant-smugglers, individuals bringing suitcases full of tobacco products that have been legally purchased elsewhere in Europe, which they then sell for a large profit here in Ireland. “Revenue and Customs are doing a phenomenal job with the resources they have at their disposal,” says Daan, who explains that currently, less than 2% of the containers that come into Ireland actually undergo some sort of check or scan. This is about half the rate of other developed countries, such as the US. He believes that new technologies can also help tackle the problem of smuggling through smarter use of existing resources. “In today's age of AI, there are many different tools that can be used to flag suspicious shipments,” says Daan. “These have been used very effectively in some other jurisdictions, where they reduced their non-domestic market significantly through applying these AI technologies to analyse, flag and ultimately seize suspicious shipments coming into the country.”

The new Revenue rules introduced in 2026 targeting individuals bringing in more than their permitted allowance of tobacco from other EU countries was welcome, but Daan feels that there are strategies that would help to detect more NIDP product from entering the country: “Improving overall enforcement on particular routes that we know have a larger influx of these types of smugglers would make a big difference,” he points out. Reporting information on illegal sales Daan’s advice for legitimate retailers, who are seeing their turnover and footfall drop due to the prevalence of the illicit trade, is to report any information they have about illicit tobacco sales to Revenue directly and to JTI Ireland’s field force team, who are trained on illicit trade reporting. “If a retailer finds out, for example, that illicit cigarettes are available for sale at a local market, that is very valuable information that should be brought to the attention of the Revenue Commissioners or to one of our field force colleagues,” he stresses. “I have no doubt that this is taken very, very seriously by the Revenue Commissioners who receive this information, and I can assure you that our colleagues will ensure that further action is taken.” JTI’s Global Anti Illicit Trade Operations team works closely with law enforcement agencies in Ireland and internationally to develop and share actionable information and protect legitimate businesses by helping to identify the illicit traders and ultimately shut them down. Between 2020 and 2025, information provided by JTI assisted law enforcement agencies worldwide to make significant inroads into the illicit trade, with 10 billion illegal cigarettes seized and 99 illegal tobacco factories closed down. Given NIDP products are worth over a billion euros annually, Daan believes that “any impact that we can make on the illicit trade here in Ireland has a direct link to the sustainability of Irish retail going forward”. An evolving market The tobacco category is heavily regulated, with sweeping changes over the last couple of decades, from the workplace smoking ban to plain packaging. This has continued as the category has evolved with the emergence of products such as vapes and nicotine pouches, with new rules for both products currently being considered by the Oireachtas. While JTI is very much supportive of appropriate regulation, Daan is of the

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Tobacco & Nicotine Products view that these new rules would be more effective and balanced if they properly reflected input from a wide range of stakeholders. “I believe that greater engagement with industry and retailers during the drafting process would have helped deliver a more effective and practical framework,” he says. “Those stakeholders have first-hand experience of how regulations operate in the real world and could have contributed valuable implementation insights. As a result, we see a number of areas where the legislation may not achieve its objectives as efficiently as intended, as well as opportunities that could have strengthened its overall effectiveness.” Regulation aside, JTI Ireland believes the long-term success of the category depends on responsible category management. “We see a very sustainable future for reduced

risk products such as nicotine pouches,” explains Daan. “But it’s essential to take a responsible approach to the category. For example, we support a 20mg per pouch limit for nicotine pouches, which is aligned with recognised international standards and balances adult consumer demand with responsible category management. Maintaining established standards helps support the sustainable development of the category over time.” Raising the retail voice As market leader, JTI Ireland is becoming increasingly vocal on issues impacting the category, and Daan advises retailers to similarly “become more active and vocal in participation in the public domain and debate”. Store owners should contact their local TDs and public representatives and make them aware of the effect that

proposed new legislation or steep excise increases will have on their stores and their bottom line. "Retailers should engage with their local TDs and help them understand the implications of any legislation that ultimately comes to pass," he concludes. "That means sharing what these laws mean for their business and for the wider community. Retail, and especially rural retail, plays a very important role in communities. These stores do not just provide smoking or reduced risk products, food and grocery items, but often serve as a local hub where people access a range of important services. That broader community impact is an important consideration for local TDs to understand, which is why retailers should ensure their experiences and perspectives are part of the conversation."

Since 2018, the Irish exchequer has lost approximately €5 billion in tax revenue to NIDP products, including around €1 billion last year alone.

38|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

LEAD People of the Year Awards 2026

LEADing by example The LEAD Network People of the Year Awards celebrate leaders in Ireland who champion gender equality in the workplace. LEAD Network Ireland Chapter co-chairs Sarah Ferguson, General Manager, Kellanova, and Laura Canavan, Head of Culture and Engagement, Lidl Ireland, recently launched the global non-profit’s LEAD Network Ireland Chapter People of the Year Awards. The awards, which are open to all companies in the retail and consumer goods industry for nominations, will celebrate industry leaders who champion gender equality and equity in the workplace. Originally established in 2011, LEAD Network has grown astronomically to more than 22,000 members, 10 country chapters, with 200+ manufacturers and 100+ retailers all working to bring about gender equality at all levels of the industry. LEAD’s Ireland Chapter committee involves representatives from across the industry working together, including Kellanova, Lidl, Musgrave, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Irish Distillers and Richmond Marketing.

The awards will have three categories, including: •

LEAD Network Ally of the Year, which will recognise an ally in championing gender equality in business. Nominees will have consistently and actively led by example and have gone above and beyond to elevate women in the industry and ensure their contribution is valued, recognised and included.

•

LEAD Network Mentor of the Year, which will recognise a mentor who is a trusted advisor and positive role model and has gone the extra mile in supporting their mentee’s growth and development, helping them to achieve their professional goals, and positively impacting their career trajectory.

•

LEAD Network Leader of the Year is a lifetime achievement award which

The LEAD People of the Year Awards 2025 were presented by Sonya Lennon, pictured with winners Tara O'Connor from Lidl Ireland, Inspirational Leader of the Year; Aaron Crinion from KraftHeinz Ireland, Ally of the Year; and Lisa Milward CIPD MII from Kilkenny Design, Mentor of the Year.

will recognise a great leader who has inspired those around them through their strategic vision, commitment, and resilience, and has had a remarkable impact on their organisation, through effective performance and people management throughout their career, helping to lift those around them and fostering a culture of equality. Nominations are open Nominations are now open online, where peers can nominate a colleague, friend or any of their peers in the industry by answering a number of relevant questions. The only criteria are that both parties, nominator and nominee, must be member of LEAD Network. Membership to LEAD Network is free and members are invited to join a host of events, networking opportunities, and best practice sharing designed to support peer-to-peer learning, as well as ultimately achieve gender balance in the sector. “We are delighted to launch the second annual LEAD Network People of the Year Awards 2026,” said Laura Canavan, Head of Culture & Engagement at Lidl Ireland, and Co-Chair, LEAD Network Ireland Chapter. “Recognising leaders that are driving gender equity in their daily roles is critical to ensuring we build a workplace and a society that benefits us all. We’re calling on peers who know a colleague or individual that has gone that extra mile in creating a culture that supports, develops and empowers women in the workforce to nominate them and celebrate their achievements.” Making a lasting difference Sarah Ferguson, LEAD Network Ireland Chapter Co-Chair and General Manager, Kellanova, added: “The LEAD Network People of the Year Awards shine a light on the individuals who are making a lasting difference through their actions, influence, and commitment to developing others. Whether through mentoring emerging talent, championing inclusive workplaces, or demonstrating exceptional leadership over many years, these award categories celebrate the diverse ways people contribute to a more equitable industry. We encourage our members to take this opportunity to recognise those whose impact may often go unseen but whose efforts are helping to shape stronger teams, better businesses and a more inclusive future for all.”

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Finance

How to cut ‘Admin Tax’ without breaking the bank New operational guidance from Fiserv highlights how independent businesses can reclaim up to eight hours a week without upgrading their technology. TODAY’S busy convenience and hospitality operators facing squeezed margins and rising overheads do not need to overhaul their entire technology stack to achieve significant time and cost savings, according to new advice published by global financial technology leader Fiserv. With many independent business owners tied into existing contracts or lacking the bandwidth for major operational restructures, Fiserv, the provider behind the Clover point-of-sale (POS) platform, has outlined five immediate, zero-to-low-cost changes they can implement in a single afternoon to reduce administrative strain. Drawing on insights from supporting thousands of businesses across Ireland, Fiserv estimates these minor operational shifts can claw back up to eight hours of admin time per week – effectively halving the industry’s hidden ‘13-Hour Admin Tax’. Quick wins Fiserv's five operational quick-wins include: 1. Shift reconciliation to the morning ("The Last 5 Minutes Problem") Reconciling tills at the end of a long shift, when staff are tired and eager to close, leads to compounded errors and prolonged troubleshooting. Moving cash-up and reconciliation tasks to the following morning allows operators to review figures with fresh eyes, cutting down errorcorrection time by up to 20 minutes a day. 2. Digitise high-volume stock counts Many independent businesses continue to track inventory using manual spreadsheets or paper notes. Fiserv advises operators to activate the built-in inventory tools on their existing POS systems for their top 20 fastmoving items alone. Automated low-stock alerts save hours of manual stock-takes and prevent lost sales caused by sudden ingredient shortages. 3. Consolidate scheduling into a single session Drafting staff rotas across disjointed messaging apps like WhatsApp creates administrative drift and ongoing delays.

Replacing fragmented messaging with a dedicated 25-minute weekly scheduling meeting ensures real-time adjustments and allows rotas to be finalised immediately. 4. Automate bank feeds for bookkeeping Manual bank statement entries remain a major cost driver in external bookkeeping fees. By enabling automated bank feeds linked directly to accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or FreeAgent, operators can eliminate redundant data entry and instantly reduce accountancy overheads.

Joseph Walsh, VP Marketing & Communications at Fiserv. 5. Centralise operational data When critical operational details, such as supplier schedules, compliance dates, and prep lists, reside solely in an owner’s head, management becomes a bottleneck. Establishing a single, shared digital hub

About Fiserv, Inc.:

FISERV, Inc. powers sustained growth and innovation at scale for financial institutions and businesses worldwide across payments, account processing, digital banking, merchant acquiring, network services, e-commerce, and Clover, the all-in-one business management platform. See fiserv. com for more information. (using free platforms like Google Docs, Notion, or Trello) enables staff to selfserve and keeps daily operations running smoothly. Small changes, big results "Hospitality operators are under continuous pressure to optimise efficiencies, but major technology overhauls aren't always realistic or timely,” explains Joseph Walsh, VP Marketing & Communications at Fiserv. “Small, practical changes can yield disproportionate results. By making subtle adjustments to daily routines – like shifting end-of-day reconciliation or automating inventory alerts for key lines – operators can reclaim six to eight hours a week without capital expenditure or service disruption. "Eliminating administrative friction gives business owners the mental bandwidth required to make strategic long-term decisions about their business growth and underlying tech infrastructure."

40|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Nordic Spirit

Nordic Spirit expands flavour portfolio with two new sensorial flavours NORDIC Spirit is expanding its flavour portfolio with Jalapeño Lime and Chilli Melon, two bold new sensorial flavours that respond to growing consumer demand for greater variety, flavour exploration and innovation within the nicotine pouch category. Combining freshness, sweetness and subtle warmth, the new flavours deliver layered and distinctive taste experiences. Jalapeño Lime pairs vibrant citrus notes with a gentle jalapeñoinspired kick, while Chilli Melon blends juicy melon sweetness with a smooth warming sensation. Broadening the flavour portfolio Available in Strong and X-Strong, the new additions broaden the Nordic Spirit flavour portfolio, giving retailers an opportunity to meet growing demand for flavour variety and exploration while offering adult nicotine pouch users more adventurous flavour options. Stock Jalapeño Lime and Chilli Melon today to expand flavour choice within your nicotine pouch range.

Nordic Spirit has expanded its nicotine pouch portfolio with two new flavours: Jalapeño Lime and Chilli Melon.

Always check for the Calor Seal of Quality on your new cylinder. Become a Calor Stockist Now! Visit Calorgas.ie for more

42|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Breakfast Time

A good start New research has found that Irish adults want a healthy and balanced breakfast, but convenience continues to shape their choices. A RECENT survey of over 1,000 Irish adults found that while most of us value a healthy start to the day, convenience continues to strongly influence breakfast choices. The research, which was commissioned by the National Dairy Council, found that 84% say a healthy and balanced breakfast is important to them. However, 41% still typically choose carb-based options such as bread, toast, or pastries, with more nutrientdense choices, such as cereal with milk, following behind. Just over a quarter (26%) of respondents said convenience and practicality are their main priority when choosing breakfast, while only 4% opt for a traditional cooked breakfast. Nearly half (49%) eat cereal or granola with milk or yogurt, while 52% say they usually eat breakfast at the kitchen table, compared with 11% who always eat it on-the-go. “This research shows that Irish adults want a nutritious and balanced breakfast, but there is a gap between what people prioritise and what they choose in the morning,” said Dr Mary Harrington, Senior Nutritionist at the National Dairy Council. “Irish dairy offers a simple and versatile way to add more nutritional value to breakfast. Whether it’s milk with cereal, yogurt with granola, or a glass of milk, dairy provides high-quality protein, calcium, and other important nutrients to help

Sport Ireland athletes Paul O Donovan, Olympic rower; Róisín Ní Ríain, Paralympic swimmer; and Lisa O’Rourke, Irish amateur boxer; are pictured at the launch of the National Dairy Council’s ‘High-Performance Breakfast, Powered by Irish Dairy’ a new three-year partnership between the National Dairy Council and Sport Ireland Institute, which will provide a nutritious dairy-based breakfast five days a week for Ireland’s elite athletes, coaches, and support staff as they prepare for the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Breakfast Time support a balanced start to the day.” The research also found that among adults who exercise regularly, 79% reach for water after exercise, 16% choose electrolytes, 15% opt for tea, and just 10% choose milk or flavoured milk, despite its hydration and post-exercise muscle recovery benefits. Post-exercise, 95% of adults said rehydration was important, followed by muscle repair (85%) and refuelling (75%).

Carved Ham Slices will be available in Tesco Ireland stores from Monday, October 12, 2026. “We’re excited to bring Denny’s new Made Without Nitrites range to shoppers across the island of Ireland, responding to a growing demand for simpler ingredients without compromising on the great taste and quality people expect from Denny,” said Chris Doe, UK&I Marketing & Innovation Director. Denny ‘Made Without Nitrites’ “The range gives shoppers more Ireland’s most chosen meat brand, Denny choice across everyday favourites, has added four new products to its portfolio while continuing to evolve the brand with the launch of a new Made Without for today’s consumer. As Ireland’s Nitrites range, offering shoppers more most chosen meat brand, we’re choice across familiar favourites. The range continuing to invest behind Denny includes Carved Ham Slices, Wafer Thin with innovation rooted in consumer Carved Ham Slices, Smoked Bacon Rashers insight. This launch strengthens and Unsmoked Bacon Rashers. our offer, creates new opportunities With a growing consumer interest in for our retail partners and builds healthier lifestyle choices, the new range Denny’s position for future growth.” Loughnanes of Galway have introduced contains no artificial preservatives, giving The launch will be supported with an exciting range of new gourmet and shoppers more variety, while retaining the retailer activity, including in-store convenience products designed for today’s quality, convenience and flavour appeal POS, shopper communications and busy households. associated with Denny. Identifiable through digital support, helping to increase its ‘Made Without Nitrites’ packaging awareness of the new Denny ‘Made Without gourmet flavour combinations and convenient ready-to-eat options, alongside label, the products will be rolling out Nitrites’ range and support retailers in the trusted favourites that have been with retailers across the island of Ireland engaging shoppers seeking more choice part of the Loughnanes of Galway range throughout the coming months. across the cooked meats and rashers for generations. It includes: Honey & The Smoked and Unsmoked Bacon categories. Mustard Gourmet Sausages, a perfect Rashers will be the first products from the The launch adds to Denny’s existing range available in the Republic of Ireland, product range, produced by leading UK and balance of sweetness and gentle heat; Caramelised Onion Gourmet Sausages, launching on September 8 in Musgrave and European food company Pilgrim’s Europe, bringing a subtle sweetness and depth of Dunnes Stores, before arriving in Tesco spanning across sausages, rashers, sliced flavour; Cumberland Gourmet Sausages, Ireland stores from Monday, September 21. cooked meats, food-to-go, puddings and seasoned with a distinctive blend of herbs The new Carved Ham Slices and Wafer Thin meat-free lines. and spices; Irish Pork Gourmet Sausages, Pilgrim’s Europe’s iconic a versatile everyday favourite, made with brands include Denny, quality Irish pork; Irish Pork Hot Dogs, Richmond, Fridge Raiders, which are fully cooked, with no added Galtee, Rollover, Oakhouse and nitrates, offering a simple, tasty dining Moy Park. option; and Cooked Irish Pork Sausages, ready to enjoy hot or cold, perfect Loughnanes of Galway for lunches, lighter dinners, or easy Loughnanes of Galway, a entertaining at home. family business providing Also available in the range are quality meats since 1975, are Loughnanes of Galway's Traditional introducing an exciting range of Breakfast Sausages (227g and 454g new gourmet and convenience packs), Traditional Black Pudding and products designed for today’s Traditional White Pudding, continuing the busy households, while trusted recipes and quality Irish families continuing their long-standing have enjoyed for generations. tradition of craftsmanship and Each product has been created with the great taste. same care and dedication that has defined The launch builds on the Loughnanes of Galway for over 50 years. brand's portfolio of muchWhether it's a traditional breakfast, a loved traditional products, midweek meal or a quick and convenient introducing new flavour-led Denny’s new Made Without Nitrites range offers option, the range delivers quality, flavour and ready-to-enjoy options shoppers more choice across familiar favourites: and ease for every occasion. Carved Ham Slices, Wafer Thin Carved Ham Slices, that reflect evolving consumer The new range is now available in tastes and lifestyles. Smoked Bacon Rashers and Unsmoked Bacon select Tesco and Dunnes Stores stores. The new range features Rashers.

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Brevato Coffee

Brevato: raising the bar for coffee-to-go Brevato Coffee from BWG Foods is one of the fastestgrowing names in coffee-to-go across the country.

AS one of the most recent new coffee brands on the market, Brevato has established itself as one of Ireland’s fastestgrowing names in convenience coffee. Created exclusively for BWG Foods, the elevated bean-to-cup coffee offering has continued to build impressive momentum and is now available in more than 100 locations nationwide, just 18 months after launch. The rapid expansion reflects the growing consumer appetite for highquality coffee experiences in convenient locations. Brevato is now available across Spar, Eurospar, Mace and Londis stores nationwide, bringing an elevated coffee experience to communities throughout Ireland. The brand has also expanded beyond convenience retail, with two standalone Brevato Cafés, located at George’s Dock in Dublin and Thomas Street in Limerick. Combining convenience with quality At the heart of Brevato’s success is a simple ambition: to encourage people to take a moment out of their day and enjoy a deliciously good coffee. Combining convenience with quality, Brevato offers

customers a broad and evolving choice of drinks, including classic coffee favourites alongside increasingly popular oat and iced options.

Brendan Egan, Head of Coffee at Brevato.

This combination of quality, choice and accessibility has resonated strongly with both retailers and consumers. For retail partners, Brevato provides an opportunity to enhance their in-store proposition, meet growing expectations around coffee quality and create an additional reason for customers to visit regularly. For consumers, it delivers a consistent and enjoyable coffee experience whenever they choose the brand. What began as an ambitious launch has quickly evolved into a sought-after name in Ireland’s increasingly competitive coffee-togo market. Brevato’s growth demonstrates the important role that a strong coffee proposition can play in the overall convenience retail experience, helping to drive footfall, loyalty and sales.

Brevato has enjoyed huge growth in iced coffee. Continued expansion “True to our ethos of encouraging a moment out of your day to enjoy a good coffee, Brevato continues to deliver that experience to our customers all throughout the country,” noted Brendan Egan, Head of Coffee at Brevato. “We look forward to continuing to work with our retail partners and maintaining this pace and momentum as Brevato continues to thrive.” Looking ahead, the focus remains firmly on continued expansion, while maintaining the quality and consistency that has underpinned the brand’s success to date. Supporting retail partners, developing the customer experience, and ensuring that every cup delivers the delicious taste Brevato is known for, will remain central to the brand’s journey. As the coffee-to-go category continues to evolve, Brevato is well positioned to build on its strong momentum and bring its elevated coffee experience to even more customers and communities across Ireland. For more information, visit www.brevato.com.

from thIs year’s hOttest accEssory, to thE cooleSt Now brewing at over 100 stores nationwide, at selected:

www.brevato.com

46|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Flahavan’s

Flahavan’s unveil €1.8 million organic oat investment Flahavan’s have unveiled eight new silos, which significantly increase organic oat storage capacity at the family-owned Waterford business. FLAHAVAN’S recently welcomed EU Organic Ambassadors from across Europe to their mill in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, where they viewed the company’s new €1.8 million organic oat storage infrastructure. The investment comprises eight new 850-tonne silos, providing additional storage capacity of 6,800 tonnes. The project received support through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with elements of the associated electrical and control infrastructure also supported by Enterprise Ireland. “It is very positive to see the continued investment being made by Flahavan’s in Ireland’s organic sector,” noted Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. “Increasing domestic storage and processing capacity is an important part of supporting the growth of organic production, strengthening the market for Irish organic growers, and helping to deliver on Ireland’s ambitions for the sector.” The new facilities significantly increase

Flahavan’s capacity to intake and store organic oats on-site, providing the company with greater control over crop segregation, quality, and continuity of supply. Growing organic oat sector Organic oats now account for approximately half of all oats milled by Flahavan’s. The additional infrastructure will support the continued growth of the company’s organic business in Ireland and across their international markets. The EU delegation visiting Flahavan’s included 35 Organic Ambassadors representing 23 countries, together with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. During their visit, the delegation learned about Flahavan’s oat-milling process, their work with Irish organic oat growers, and the company’s experience in developing domestic and export markets for organic oat products. “We are delighted to welcome the EU Organic Ambassadors to Flahavan’s,”

Pictured during a visit by EU Organic Ambassadors to Flahavan’s in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, are: Johan Van Gruijthuijsen. EU Commission; Johnny Flahavan; John Flahavan; Brian McGee, DAFM; Judith Heidebreck, EU Commission; James Flahavan; Annie Flahavan; and Niall Ryan, DAFM.

said Johnny Flahavan. “Organic oats have become an increasingly important part of our business, and we continue to invest in the infrastructure, grower relationships, and market development needed to support that growth. “For us, a key part of that is continuing to build a strong and resilient Irish organic oat supply base. The visit is a valuable opportunity to share our experience of developing the sector in Ireland and to learn from colleagues across Europe.” Domestic supply base One of the principal challenges facing Ireland’s organic oat sector is the need to build a sufficiently large and resilient domestic supply base to meet growing consumer demand. Weather and harvest conditions can have a significant impact on both crop yields and milling quality, making consistency of supply from year to year important for growers and processors. Flahavan’s work closely with their organic grower base throughout the year through direct engagement, specialist agronomy support and their annual Organic Growers Forum. The company’s focus is on helping growers understand the market opportunity for organic oats, the quality standards required for milling, and the practical considerations involved in transitioning to and maintaining organic production. The EU Organic Ambassadors’ visit forms part of a three-day programme in Ireland, organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The programme showcases Ireland’s organic sector through visits to businesses, farms and processors, while supporting greater knowledge-sharing and cooperation with European partners.

48|Retail News|September 2026|www.retailnews.ie

Great Taste 2026

Great Taste winners announced for 2026

The Guild of Fine Food recently announced the winners of Great Taste 2026, including a host of products from Ireland and Northern Ireland. THE Great Taste Awards for 2026 were recently presented to some of the finest food and drink products from around the world, including a seriously impressive 609 products from Ireland and 145 from Northern Ireland. This year, over 15,000 products were entered into Great Taste from 3,919 companies in 116 countries, a record number, including products from nine countries entering for the first time. Countries entering Great Taste for the first time in 2026 include: Armenia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Burundi, Ethiopia, Grenada, Libya, Mozambique and Sierra Leone. Out of all this year’s entries 4,286 (28.5%) received a 1-star award, deeming them ‘simply delicious’, 1,596 (10.61%) received a 2-star award, which means the judges felt they were ‘outstanding’, and 306 (2.03%) received the highly coveted ‘exquisite and extraordinary’ 3-star award. Among the 609 award winning products from Ireland, there were a total of 423 1-star awards, 153 2-star awards and 33 3-star awards assigned, including: Truffle & Pink Peppercorn Butter from Do Me A Flavour (www.domeaflavour.ie), Irish Sea Salt Crisps from O'Donnells Crisps (www. odonnellscrisps.com), and Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate from Tara Gartlan Chocolate (www.taragartlan.com). Northern Ireland, meanwhile, took home 92 1-star awards, 33 2-star awards and 13 3-star awards, including: Coppa from The Curly Pigs, (www.thecurlypigs.

com), Belfast Red from Mashdown Brewery, (www.mashdownbrewery. com), and Sea Salt Caramel Fudge from Granny Shaw’s Confections (www. grannyshawsfudgefactory.co.uk). The judging process Over 105 days, across the Guild’s judging rooms in London, Dorset, Ireland and Italy, over 800 industry experts took part in the unique judging process that makes Great Taste the most respected food and drink accreditation scheme in the world. The panel included chefs, critics, product developers, retailers, writers, and other specialists from the world of food and drink. They were presented with each product stripped of all branding, packaging and other identifying features, and had to unanimously decide what rating to give it. Taste is considered first and foremost, followed by appearance, aroma, texture, and mouthfeel. Each entry is judged on its own merit and not compared to others in the same class. A short factual description from the producer helps guide the judgement with any relevant information. The much sought-after and distinctive black and gold logo is recognised by 58% of the UK’s adult population. Of those adults, 74% say a Great Taste award makes a product more tempting, 73% say the logo is a trustworthy recommendation and 54% use Great Taste as a signpost for discovering new products (YouGov, December 2025).

One of the 3-star winning products from Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland: Signature Tastes Irish Hereford Cote de Boeuf. Perhaps the least well-known element of Great Taste is the judges’ feedback, which is shared with the producers, irrespective of whether they have achieved a starrating. This constructive analysis can be instrumental in product development, helping producers to refine recipes, improve consistency, and understand how their products perform in a competitive market. 3-star award winners Aldi Ireland took home 3-star awards for their Specially Selected Wild Sage & Sauteed Onion Sourdough Stuffing, Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Fillet Steak, and Clonbawn Irish Sour Cream Full Fat, as well as another 3-star with Irish Country Meats, who supply Aldi’s Specially Selected Wicklow Butterfly Lamb Leg Fillet

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Great Taste 2026 with Salt & Pepper. Dunnes Stores brought home four 3-star awards for their Simply Better French Brillat Savarin Affine AOC, Simply Better French Reblochon De Savoie PDO, Simply Better Handmade Sticky Toffee Pudding Crown and Dunnes Stores Creamy & Nutty Gubbeen Cheese. Lidl also won four 3-star awards, for their Lidl Deluxe range, including Irish Angus 3 Rib Roast on the Bone 40 Days Matured in Giftbox 2.5-3.5kg, Lamb Rump Roast with Sea Salt, Garlic and Rosemary 400g, Bronze Turkey Crown Dressed with Bacon Lattice & Butter 1.8kg, and their Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 30M 200g. Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland’s Signature Tastes range took three 3-star awards for Irish Hereford Cote de Boeuf Steak, Unsmoked Irish Hampshire Ham Fillet, and their Slow Cooked Irish Hampshire Ham on the Bone with Light Muscovado Sugar and an Orange Blossom Honey Glaze. Boyne Valley Cheese took two 3-star awards for Boyne Valley Blue and Rathkenny cheeses, while other 3-star winners included Carlingford Oyster Company, Silver Hill Duck, Aurivo for their Connacht Gold Pure Irish Butter, Woodcock Smokery, and Coolattin Cheddar Ltd. From Northern Ireland, Hannan Meats took home a remarkable six 3-star awards, for their Buttermilk Dry Cure Bacon Rack, Sugar Pit Buttermilk Bacon Rack, Sugar Pit Buttermilk Bacon Chop, Buttermilk Bone in Pork Chop, Buttermilk Boneless Pork Loin Joint, and Salt Aged Buttermilk Bone in Rind on Pork Belly. Baronscourt Estate won two 3-star awards for their Wild Sika Venison Loin and Wild Sika Venison French Rack. Food security “Food security is becoming an increasingly pressing issue across the globe, so it feels more pertinent now than

Wexford Home Preserves win 3-Stars award again A FAMILY business from County Wexford has achieved one of the highest honours in international food after Wexford Home Preserves secured a second consecutive 3-Star Great Taste Award for their handmade Blackcurrant Jam and, for the first time in the company's history, earned a coveted place on the Great Taste Golden Fork shortlist. Regarded as the highest honour in the Great Taste Awards, the Golden Fork recognises the very best products from thousands of entries submitted by artisan food producers across more than 100 countries. Wexford Home Preserves is one of just three Irish producers shortlisted from thousands of entries in this year's competition.

Tom and Laura Sinnott sitting on the ground in their garden, with their 3-star winning blackcurrant jam. The achievement places the New Ross producer among an elite group of artisan food makers recognised for exceptional quality on the global stage. Wexford Home Preserves Blackcurrant Jam has now received back-to-back 3-Star accolades, a rare distinction in a competition where fewer than 2% of products achieve the top award. In addition to its celebrated 3-Star success for Handmade Blackcurrant Jam, Wexford Home Preserves earned a further six Great Taste Awards in the 2026 awards announcement, including 2-Star accolades for their Handmade Seville Orange Marmalade, Handmade No Added Sugar Blackcurrant Jam, and Handmade No Added Sugar Lemon & Lime Preserve, while their Handmade Clementine Marmalade, Handmade Strawberry Jam, and Handmade Irish Red Onion Relish were each recognised with a 1-Star Great Taste Award. “Receiving a 3-Star Great Taste Award is always an incredible honour, but to win it for the same product for a second consecutive year is something very few producers experience,” noted Laura and Tom Sinnott from Wexford Home Preserves. “To also be shortlisted for a Golden Fork for the first time makes this a truly landmark moment for our business.” For more information, visit: www.wexfordhomepreserves.ie.

Connacht Gold Pure Irish Butter from Aurivo Co-Operative Society Limited.

at any other time in our thirty-year history to be supporting and promoting independent producers and retailers,” stressed John Farrand, Managing Director, Guild of Fine Food. “Our directory of award recipients is a rich source of data, guiding people from all walks of life to make informed decisions about their food & drink choices. Great Taste is all about celebrating craftmanship and dedication to well-sourced local ingredients and traditional, often simple production methods which is more important now than ever.” Winning a covered 3-star award is a phenomenal achievement, signifying the producer is committed to creating only the finest food and drink products.

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Great Taste 2026 Ted Carty, founder and Managing Director, at Do Me A Flavour, recipient of a Great Taste 2026 3-star award, noted how: “At Do Me A Flavour, we want to make the ordinary great, simple and accessible to everyone. We have always explored how to do things differently, how to make memories with food, how to effortlessly elevate a simple dish with good ingredients. Our delicious truffle and pink peppercorn butter originated from that idea. We source world renowned Irish grass-fed butter and infuse it with our expertly selected herbs and spices to create that perfect creamy aromatic profile that works perfectly in so many dishes. We have been entering Great Taste for some time now and this is our first 3-star; we are delighted to have been recognised in this way, it really means the world to us.”

Three Star Winners from Ireland Aldi Ireland

Specially Selected Wild Sage & Sauteed Onion Sourdough Stuffing

Aldi Ireland

Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Fillet Steak

Aldi Ireland

Clonbawn Irish Sour Cream Full Fat

Aurivo Co-Operative Society Limited

Connacht Gold Pure Irish Butter

Boyne Valley Cheese

Boyne Valley Blue

Boyne Valley Cheese

Rathkenny

Carlingford Oyster Company Ltd

Carlingford no 3

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers

Organic Cashel Blue

Coco Milis

63% Whiskey-Infused Dark Chocolate

Coolattin Cheddar Ltd

Coolattin Mature Cheddar

Do Me A Flavour

Truffle & Pink Peppercorn Butter

Dunnes Stores

Dunnes Stores Simply Better French Brillat Savarin Affine AOC

Dunnes Stores

Dunnes Stores Simply Better French Reblochon De Savoie PDO

Dunnes Stores

Dunnes Stores Creamy & Nutty Gubbeen Cheese

Dunnes Stores

Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Sticky Toffee Pudding Crown

Green Pastures (Donegal)

25% Sour Cream

Honey Harvest

Ivy Blossom Honey

Irish Country Meats

Aldi Specially Selected Wicklow Butterfly Lamb Leg Fillet with Salt & Pepper

James Whelan Butchers

Heritage Cure Ham

Kepak Watergrasshill

Bright Meat Company Quality Beef with a lower carbon footprint 30 Days Matured Thick Cut Irish Beef Fillet Steak

Killadoon Milk

Killadoon Milk - whole milk

Lidl Ireland GmbH

Lidl Deluxe Irish Angus 3 Rib Roast on the Bone 40 Days Matured in Giftbox 2.5-3.5kg

Lidl Ireland GmbH

Lidl Deluxe Lamb Rump Roast with Sea Salt, Garlic and Rosemary 400g

Lidl Ireland GmbH

Lidl Deluxe Bronze Turkey Crown Dressed with Bacon Lattice & Butter 1.8kg

Lidl Ireland GmbH

Lidl Deluxe Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 30M 200g

Molloy Honey

Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland Signature Tastes Unsmoked Irish Hampshire Ham Fillet Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland Signature Tastes Slow Cooked Irish Hampshire Ham on the Bone with Light Muscovado Sugar and an Orange Blossom Honey Glaze Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland Signature Tastes Irish Hereford Cote de Boeuf Steak

The Curly Pigs’ Coppa took hope a Great Taste 2026 3-star award and was shortlisted for a Golden Fork.

Silver Hill Duck

Silver Hill Duck Fillets

The Farmhouse Bees & Trees Ltd

The Farmhouse Raw Ivy/Heather Fusion Honey

Traditional Cheese Co Ltd

Deluxe Spanish Castellano PGI

Wexford Home Preserves

Wexford Home Preserves Blackcurrant Jam

Wildwood Vinegars

Wild blackberry with winter spices balsamic

Stephen McMaster, owner and founder of Woodcock Smokery Woodcock Smokery The Curly Pigs, recipient of a Great Taste 2026 3-star award comments: “The Curly Pigs was never part of a personal or business plan. It began with a desire to grow our own food and become more self-sufficient, and a chance encounter with the rare Royal Mangalitsa pig. We are a true farm-to-fork business, with almost every stage of production carried out by us, from breeding and rearing the animals through to curing and selling the finished products. Drawing on traditional charcuterie methods learned through specialist training, we created a slowly cured, air-dried Coppa that reflects our commitment to high welfare farming, craftsmanship and producing food with authenticity, provenance and exceptional taste. We were a Great Taste Bursary winner last year, so to get another 3-star this year means a great deal to us. Achieving recognition for a product created entirely From Kepak Watergrasshill, Bright Meat Company Quality Beef 30 Days Matured by our small family business is incredibly Irish Fillet Steak, a 3-star award winner. rewarding.”

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Great Taste 2026 Three Star Winners from Northern Ireland Our Brewery @ Geterbrewed Ltd

Low Land - Oud Bruin - Flemish Brown Ale

Our Brewery @ Geterbrewed Ltd

Séasúr - Mixed Ferm Saison

Ispini Charcuterie

Guanciale

Hannan Meats Ltd.

Buttermilk Dry Cure Bacon Rack

Hannan Meats Ltd.

Sugar Pit Buttermilk Bacon Rack

Hannan Meats Ltd.

Sugar Pit Buttermilk Bacon Chop

The Curly Pigs

Coppa

Hannan Meats Ltd.

Buttermilk Bone in Pork Chop

Hannan Meats Ltd.

Buttermilk Boneless Pork Loin Joint

Hannan Meats Ltd.

Salt Aged Buttermilk Bone in Rind on Pork Belly

Baronscourt Estate

Wild Sika Venison Loin

Baronscourt Estate

Wild Sika Venison French Rack

Pie NI Limited

Braised Beef with Blue Cheese Crumble Pie

Guild of Fine Food Great Taste is organised and run by the Guild of Fine Food. Now in its 33rd year, it is considered the largest, longest standing and most respected food and drink accreditation scheme in the world, championing artisan and speciality producers. The Guild is, at its heart, a community of business owners with a shared commitment to producing and promoting excellence in the food and drink industry. It was formed to provide mutual support and and protection in maintaining standards and raising awareness of quality. The Guild exists to represent all good independent food & drink businesses at a local, national, international and governmental level; building a diverse and inclusive collective of producers, retailers and food lovers who celebrate well-made produce.

Now with established judging rooms in London, Dorset, Ireland and Italy, as well as several dedicated judging days for specialist products taking place each year, Great Taste is building on its commitment to support the smallest and most artisan producers from across Europe and the rest of the world in promoting their offerings. The Guild is committed to increasing awareness and educating consumers on the benefits of well-made food and drink. Each product accredited with a starrating has a validity of three years, i.e. the logo will be valid, and may be displayed on a product, until the results are released for Great Taste 2029. All awards must always be displayed against the exact product for which they have been won. The full list of valid award holders and where to purchase them can be found at www.gff.co.uk/directory. A wide range

Over 15,000 products were entered into Great Taste from 3,919 companies in 116 countries.

of these 1-, 2-, and 3-star products are also available to buy in delis, farm shops and independent retailers across the world. As well as Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food is the organisation behind the World Cheese Awards. The Guild also publishes industry leading magazines, Fine Food Digest, Good Cheese and the annual Great Taste Book.

Pie NI Limited’s 3-star winning Braised Beef with Blue Cheese Crumble Pie. The Golden Forks All the products which were accredited with a Great Taste 2026 3-star award were invited to take part in a further round of judging to identify which of them was worthy of a Golden Fork nomination. Winners of the Golden Forks, known affectionately as the ‘Oscars of food and drink’, are considered to be the most highly rated products in the world. The Golden Fork award ceremony takes place at Battersea Arts Centre in London on September 15, when the Great Taste 2026 Supreme Champion will also be announced. Nominations for the Great Taste Golden Fork from Ireland (sponsored by Bord Bia) include: • Organic Cashel Blue from Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers (www. cashelblue.com), • 25% Sour Cream from Green Pastures Donegal (www. greenpasturesdonegal.com). • Blackcurrant Jam from Wexford Home Preserves (www. wexfordpreserves.ie). Nominations for the Great Taste Golden Fork from Northern Ireland (sponsored by Invest NI) include: • Buttermilk Dry Cure Bacon Rack from Hannan Meats (www.hannanmeats. com), • Buttermilk Bone in Pork Chop from Hannan Meats (www.hannanmeats. com), • Coppa from The Curly Pigs (www. thecurlypigs.com).

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Drinks News Irish people pay second highest excise tax on alcohol in the EU & UK IRISH consumers pay the second-highest excise duty on alcohol in Europe, with only Finland charging its citizens higher rates, according to new research carried out by DCU economist Anthony Foley and commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). The in-depth research shows that Irish excise tax on beer, spirits and wine combined is the second highest in the EU & UK. When broken down by category, excise on wine in Ireland is the second highest in the EU and UK, while excise on beer and spirits is the third highest. “Today’s report confirms that the level of tax levied on alcohol on Ireland is far above most of our European neighbours,” noted Donall O’Keeffe (pictured), Secretary of DIGI. “While there may have been some argument for this when Irish alcohol consumption was among the highest in Europe, consumption has dropped to average European levels in recent years.” DIGI is calling for an immediate 10% cut in excise in this year’s Budget.

Rare whiskey casks crafted from 1000-year-old Irish oak A 1,000-year-old Irish oak tree has been transformed into three exceptionally rare whiskey casks in a landmark moment for Ireland’s distilling and cooperage heritage. Specialist coopers at Kentucky Bourbon Barrel in Kildare have created three 225-litre casks from the giant tree, which was brought down by Storm Elin in December 2023 on Preston’s Estate on Swainstown Farm, Co. Meath. A collaboration between Drogheda-based Boann Distillery, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel and Swainstown Farm, marks the first time in over a century that complete Irish oak whiskey casks have been coopered by Irish hands on Irish soil. The casks will now be filled with matured whiskey based on Boann Distillery’s secret Preston’s Vintage Mashbill XI recipe - a historic late-19th-century recipe uncovered through Boann’s Vintage Mashbill programme, which brought old whiskey recipes back to life. Mark Quick of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel is pictured with Peter Cooney (centre) of Boann Distillery and Ian Leonard of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel shortly after the 1,000-year-old oak tree was toppled by Storm Elin in 2023.

Double gold for Egan’s Whiskey

EGAN’S Conviction 21 Year Old Irish Whiskey has been awarded a Double Gold medal and an outstanding 98-point score at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the world's most respected spirits competitions. Egan's Conviction 21 Year Old is a premium blend of Irish single malt and single grain whiskeys matured for more than 21 years before being finished in XO Cognac casks. “This recognition reflects our commitment to producing exceptional Irish whiskey, combining generations of expertise with carefully selected casks to create a whiskey of remarkable depth and character,” said Rupert Egan, 6th Generation and Master Bonder of P&H Egan. “We are delighted to see the craftsmanship behind this expression recognised on the world stage.”

Heineken is official beer, cider and stout supplier to the 2027 Ryder Cup HEINEKEN Ireland have signed an agreement with Ryder Cup Europe to become the Official Beer, Cider and Stout Supplier to the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, with their portfolio available across bars, the spectator village, hospitality areas and premium experience suites. Brands served during the event will include Heineken, Heineken 0.0%, Birra Moretti, Murphy’s, Beamish, Orchard Thieves, and Served Ready To Drink (RTD) products. “It is a privilege for Heineken Ireland to partner with the Ryder Cup, an iconic global sporting event coming to Adare Manor in 2027,” said Sharon Walsh, Managing Director of Heineken Ireland. “As a business rooted in Ireland, with a portfolio of some of the country’s most loved beer, cider and stout brands, we are proud to play our part in welcoming spectators from more than 80 countries.” Max Hamilton, Ryder Cup Europe’s Executive Commercial Director, and Sharon Walsh, Managing Director of Heineken Ireland, are pictured with the Ryder Cup trophy at Malahide Golf Club in Dublin.

Ice cold jewellery from Sprite SPRITE recently dropped a limited edition jewellery line, and it is made entirely of ice. The must have Sprite Icy Drop range includes rings, necklaces, and bracelets, sculpted entirely from ice and designed to melt. Collaborating with some of the coolest names on the scene, including musical artist F3miii, creative Abeeb Yusuf, and creator Matthew Bilo, this is the ultimate limited edition. It is all part of Sprite's global platform, It's That Refreshing, a mindset that celebrates originality, self-expression, and doing things a little differently.

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Drinks News Alcohol consumption in Ireland continues to fall ALCOHOL consumption per capita by Irish adults fell once again last year, continuing the major downward trend recorded over the past 25 years, according to a new report authored by economist Anthony Foley on behalf of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). Average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 2.1% last year to 9.3 litres of pure alcohol (LPA), marking a drop of more than one third (35.6%) since consumption peaked in 2001. The report also shows that consumption habits and tastes have continued to evolve among Irish consumers over the last year. Beer remained the country’s most popular alcohol last year, holding a 42.1% market share, despite experiencing a 2.7% drop in total volume. Wine was the second most popular drink, increasing its volume by 4% to claim a 29.4% market share. Wine’s popularity has more than doubled since 2000, when it held just a 13.2% share. Spirits saw a minor volume increase of 0.2%, resulting in a 22.4% market share (up slightly from 22.3% the previous year). Cider volume dipped by 0.2%, maintaining a stable 6.1% market share. “Today’s report demonstrates that Irish people continue to consume alcohol at levels in line with the European average. Despite this, Irish consumers are forced to pay one of the most punitive and unjust rates of excise tax on alcohol in the European Union,” noted Secretary of DIGI and CEO of The Licensed Vintners Association, Donall O’Keefe.

Stout-infused ring from Beamish

BEAMISH has launched The Beamish Barter Ring, a new campaign celebrating genuine character by inviting people to trade meaningful possessions instead of money for a limitededition Beamish Ring. Created in collaboration with acclaimed Dublin jeweller Joshua Reynolds, just 50 handcrafted sterling silver signet rings have been made, each infused with real Beamish stout. Reynolds developed a bespoke process to dehydrate Beamish into a fine powder before blending it into a resin, creating the distinctive recessed background behind the logo. The ring is not for sale in the traditional sense; but can be obtained only by trading a personal item with a story, history or sentimental value that money can't buy. The ring bartering system sums up the essence of Beamish’s ‘Genuine Character’ message; character isn’t something you can buy, it’s something that’s earned over time. The Beamish Barter debuted at All Together Now and was also available at Newmarket Flea, giving the public two chances to barter for one of the rings.

Cobblestone Brands acquire two new spirits COBBLESTONE Brands Limited, one of Ireland's leading independent premium spirits companies, have entered into a binding agreement to acquire Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac and Cabo Wabo Tequila from Davide Campari-Milano NV. Bisquit & Dubouché was founded in 1819, making it one of the oldest and most storied cognac houses in the world, while Cabo Wabo Tequila is one of the original premium lifestyle tequila brands, with a passionate consumer following built over decades across the United States. This agreement follows Cobblestone's transformational purchase of the Knappogue Castle and Clontarf Irish Whiskey brands from Pernod Ricard in 2025. "We have spent the past several years building a best in class route-to-market platform which will allow us to take great, but previously less-priority brands and give them the investment, focus and commercial firepower they deserve,” said Brian Fagan, CEO and founder of Cobblestone Brands, pictured with Barry Gallagher.

EnoWine Portfolio Tasting 2026 BOUTIQUE wine importer and distributor, EnoWine will hold their portfolio tasting on Monday, October 12, in Dublin’s Café en Seine, from 11am to 5pm. EnoWine offer an exclusive portfolio of wines sourced from key wine regions around the world and the portfolio tasting will showcase producers from countries including: Argentina, Austria, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and New Zealand. The tasting will feature more than 170 wines across 28 tables, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the breadth and diversity of the EnoWine portfolio. There will be a selection of wines available from the Enomatic automated wine dispensing & preservation system in the self-service area. To register, please email: marketing@enowine.ie or jean@jeansmullen.com.

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Forecourt Focus: News Certa appointed as RNLI’s official fuel supplier ENERGY and fuel supplier Certa, part of DCC Energy plc, are set to play a key role in helping the RNLI to transition to renewable fuel and to save lives at sea after being appointed as the charity’s Official Fuel Supplier for the next three years. Certa were appointed after a competitive tender process to supply fuel to all 46 RNLI stations across the Irish region and to support the RNLI’s plan to transition its entire fleet to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) into the future. Certa will also work with the RNLI to promote water safety and to raise funds after designating the RNLI as their Official Charity Partner for the coming year. Certa raised significant funds for the RNLI by donating 1c Pictured at the RNLI station in Wicklow are (l-r): Kelly Byrne, Volunteer per litre from every online order for home Crew; Carol Flahive, Volunteer Navigator; Laura Byrne, Head of Sustainable heating oil throughout August. A similar Fuels, Certa; Peter Byrne, Senior Station Technician; Jerry Malee, Head of donation campaign will be made across their Enterprise and Biofuels, Certa; Nikki Strain, RNLI Regional Engagement forecourts and depots throughout November, Lead; Liz Thomas, Volunteer Navigator; and Deirdre Rizo, Volunteer Crew. with select sites having specially branded Pictured aboard are John Stapleton, Afloat Mechanic, and Alan Goucher, ‘donation pumps’, which will donate 1c per Coxswain. litre from every transaction, giving thousands a platform to promote water safety and to raise funds to support the of motorists an opportunity to support the RNLI when they fill up. amazing work that the RNLI does to save lives at sea and on inland “Certa are delighted to become the RNLI’s Official Fuel Partner waters,” noted Laura Byrne, Head of Sustainable Fuels at Certa. for the next three years and to use our forecourts and depots as

Circle K unveil refurbished Ballina forecourt CIRCLE K have unveiled their newly refurbished store and forecourt in Ballina, Co. Mayo, following an investment of over €480,000 in the site. The significant investment spans improvements to both the store and forecourt, introducing an enhanced food and beverage offering and new services for motorists, while creating a more modern and convenient experience for customers visiting the site. All 14 existing roles at Circle K Ballina have been retained as part of the redevelopment. Circle K are also a member of Guaranteed Irish, recognising their commitment to supporting quality jobs, communities, provenance, and sustainability. Customers visiting the refurbished Ballina store can enjoy an enhanced food offering, including an expanded hot and cold graband-go range, an enhanced bakery offering and an enhanced coffee

experience. The forecourt has also undergone significant improvements, including the installation of a new AdBlue pump and the addition of Ballina's only brush wash facility, complete with a premium Ultimate wash programme. Open 24/7, the enhanced site further strengthens Circle K Ballina's position as a convenient one-stop destination for motorists. “We're delighted to unveil our newly refurbished Circle K Ballina store and forecourt following an investment of over €480,000 in the site,” noted Brian Connolly, Regional Director of Operations, Circle K Ireland. “This investment has allowed us to make meaningful improvements across the store and forecourt, giving our customers greater choice and convenience, from an enhanced food and beverage offering to improved services for motorists.”

Pictured are (l-r): Brian Connolly, Regional Operations Director, Circle K; Peter Reilly, Store Manager; Mihaela Andaluzia Bejenariu, Sales Market Manager; and Neil Hargraves, Sales Market Manager.

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Forecourt Focus: News Applegreen to open new €15 million EV Hub on M7 APPLEGREEN are to create 150 new jobs in Naas, Co. Kildare with the opening of a €15 million new EV Hub and roadside service area later this year. The new Applegreen service area, which will be located close to the Naas Ball at Junction 9 on the M7, is part of a multi-million euro investment that Applegreen are making in their Irish business this year. The new M7 Naas Ball site will be a state-of-the-art facility that will initially include Popeyes and Taco Bell outlets, M&S Food, Crafted Kitchen & Deli, and an Applegreen forecourt and convenience store. The Popeyes outlet in Naas will be the first Popeyes Drive-Thru in the Republic of Ireland, while an additional Drive-Thru outlet will also open at the new Naas site this winter. The site will also have eight Applegreen Fast Charge ultra-fast EV chargers with a total of 16 charging points, a separate truck stop for HGV fuelling, and an Applegreen carwash. “Our new service area at the Naas Ball, Junction 9 on the M7 reflects our ambition to raise the bar for roadside hospitality in Ireland,” said Seamus Stapleton, Managing Director of Applegreen’s Republic of Ireland business. “We will be providing a high-quality customer experience with bright, modern, welcoming facilities for

customers offering top-class brands that our customers love. “We are continuing to invest heavily in the Irish market, as we see significant long-term growth prospects for the Applegreen business. We have several additional new sites in the pipeline, and we are also continuing to upgrade existing locations. The recruitment process for the 150 new jobs that we are creating in Naas is already underway, and we’re looking forward to welcoming additional colleagues into the Applegreen team.”

Circle K to raise over €200,000 for Pieta CIRCLE K recently ran their annual Coast to Coast fundraising challenge in support of Pieta, with the company aiming to raise more than €200,000 for the suicide and self-harm prevention charity through a nationwide programme of fundraising activity. On September 4 and 5, 22 Circle K employees, partners and supporters took part in 220km relay-style run from Galway to Dublin, bringing communities together and raising awareness and vital funds for Pieta's life-saving services. The Coast to Coast challenge, which covered seven counties, forms the centrepiece of a wider fundraising campaign running throughout August and September, with support from employees across the Circle K network, supplier partners and local community fundraising initiatives.

As part of this year's campaign, Circle K donated 1 cent to Pieta for every litre of miles and milesPlus fuel sold from September 4-6, 2026, across participating company-owned and dealer-operated service stations nationwide. “At Circle K, we're incredibly proud of the impact Coast to Coast has made over the years and the commitment shown by our colleagues, partners and customers. This year, we have received fantastic support from our sponsors and fundraising partners, which has enabled us to set our most ambitious fundraising target to date,” said Paul Dixon, Managing Director, Circle K Ireland. “Raising more than €200,000 would represent a significant increase on previous years and make an important contribution to Pieta’s vital suicide and self-harm prevention services.”

Pictured ahead of Circle K’s Coast to Coast 2026 fundraising challenge in support of Pieta are (l-r): Amy Carr, Fundraising Director, Pieta; Jonathan Diver, Fuel Director, Circle K; and Vijayabhaskar Narra, Store Manager.

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Cyber Security

Where cyber risk builds up in Irish grocery retail

Chris Brown, Senior Product Marketing Manager at VikingCloud, argues that Irish grocery retailers are at real risk of cyber-attacks and advises on how best to mitigate against the risk of attack. THE grocery supply chain is at just as much risk from sophisticated cyber-attacks as ever, with Marks & Spencer being hit by a serious cyber-attack around Easter 2025, shutting down their online operation for weeks. With individual Irish grocery retailers increasingly digitising their order and inventory handling, cybersecurity has become just as important in-store as it has across the chain. Yet, it’s reported that retailers believe they are adequately protected against cyber-attacks, despite only around 60% of these regularly updating their software. Cyber risks are no longer restricted to offices and IT. They are growing in grocery retail too, and Irish businesses must ensure they are doing all they can to protect shoppers. Why cyber risk is now a grocery retail issue Increasingly digitised supply chains and in-shop transaction and inventory tools mean that the humble grocery is wide open to a variety of cybersecurity risks. An opportunistic attack puts customer data at risk and can also lead to delivery slowdowns, point-of-sale (POS) lockouts, and inventory lags. Despite business owners claiming to be confident about their cyber protection, it’s reported that four in 10 Irish businesses suffered at least one cyber-attack in the past five years, and of those, almost 90% (across sectors) experienced

financial loss and commercial disruption (Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/ business/2025/04/04/almost-90-of-irishcompanies-hit-by-disruption-or-financialloss-due-to-cyber-attacks/). If a business uses internet connectivity to handle payments, store data, or generally manage operations, it is immediately at risk from cyber-attacks. That now covers Irish grocery retail, where POS systems, smart loyalty programmes, and supply chain connectivity create new, malicious inroads. POS and payment systems are a major risk point Modern POS and payment systems, while excellent at boosting efficiency by automating sales and inventory management, are key targets for hackers taking aim at grocery retailers. Much of this is thanks to the sensitive data processed and stored via these systems. Grocery stores manage sensitive PII (Personal Identifiable Information) records and require card details to process transactions, and a successful cyber-attack could release this information, which is highly valuable in the wrong hands. Their internet connectivity also makes them a key attack surface, meaning bad actors can launch malware and ransomware attacks to lock down systems, creating expensive downtime and causing reputational damage. It is a key reason why grocery retailers must always update their POS firmware as soon as patches become available, so

they are adequately protected against new attacks and methods. Smaller retailers without in-house security staff often can't watch for threats around the clock. That's where a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) approach comes in, whereby an external team continuously monitors systems and responds to incidents as they surface, giving retailers expertise on demand without hiring for it. Loyalty programmes can increase customer data exposure Loyalty programmes can be highly profitable for grocery retailers and help

Chris Brown, Senior Product Marketing Manager at VikingCloud.

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Cyber Security About the author:

CHRIS Brown is a senior cybersecurity and product marketing leader with over 15 years of experience across cybersecurity, information systems auditing, product management, and marketing. As a Senior Product Marketing Manager at VikingCloud, Chris helps businesses understand how to navigate complex security challenges through solutions that support secure, uninterrupted operations and align with risk management frameworks. Prior to joining VikingCloud, Chris led product management initiatives for over a decade, building software and services that enable clients to confidently navigate risk and compliance obligations. Now in marketing, he leverages that same understanding to connect customers with the tools and services they need to secure their systems and make informed decisions. For more information, visit: www.securetrust.com/author/chrisbrown or www.linkedin.com/in/ christoffer-brown-a82b264b/.

Modern POS and payment systems, while excellent at boosting efficiency by automating sales and inventory management, are key targets for hackers taking aim at grocery retailers. to retain regular custom. Despite benefits, these programmes can expose a large amount of customer data to bad actors. The data retailers take from customers to build loyalty profiles (such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and shopping habits) can be highly valuable to hackers. They may sell this information on or undertake identity theft, for example. This risk compounds when loyalty data is linked to transactions processed through weak POS systems. All physical systems that touch loyalty data must be up to date and continuously monitored for threats, or thousands of customer data profiles are put at risk. Data shows that at least 75% of Irish consumers belong to one or more loyalty programmes, meaning this is far from a niche threat (Source: Understanding Loyalty in Europe, www.mando-connect. co.uk). Supplier and third-party access can create hidden risk Grocery retailers using POS and loyalty programme technology frequently outsource data handling and processing via third parties. For example, they may use apps that integrate with email marketing firms, data analytics expertise, and other vendors. While customers must agree that their data is to be shared in this way if, say, they sign up to a loyalty programme, the more third parties are associated with the data, the larger the attack surface becomes. Sharing data with third parties increases the number of endpoints available for attack, and effectively means a retailer is trusting partners to have robust cybersecurity measures of their own.

Therefore, retailers must be exceptionally careful about who they partner with and ensure they communicate openly about data protection and cybersecurity. How to reduce cyber risk Although cyber-attacks are growing more sophisticated, and there are many reasons why grocery retailers should be concerned about their potential for risk, there are several ways they can reduce their chances of being attacked. Here are several preventative measures retail owners might take to protect their customers and reputations against growing threats: •

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Use secure POS devices from the outset: Retailers should only implement and use POS terminals that are recognised as PCI DSS compliant (meaning they adhere to recognised cardholder data security standards) – see www.securetrust.com/blog/pcicompliance-assessment. Update and patch POS terminals and in-house software as soon as alerted: Installing firmware updates as soon as they are released ensures that grocery software is extra protected against the latest threats. Ideally, updates should be automated, or at least scheduled. Back up sales data: Using a secure backup and recovery solution, where data can be backed up and later restored in the event of a hack or wipe, allows retailers to bounce back faster from major incidents. Regularly train staff on security measures: Retail personnel should clearly understand the security risks associated with processing sales

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and storing data, and employers can ensure this with regular checks, top-up training, and simulations. Restrict access to data on a zero-trust basis: Retailers should only provide access to POS, inventory, or other sensitive data on a need-to-know, profile-based basis. Staff should only be able to access data that is relevant to their role and authority. Carefully vet third parties: Third-party suppliers and technology partners can pose risks to retailer security if they themselves do not protect themselves effectively enough. Retailers should, therefore, only agree to share data and systems access if they can prove their compliance. Work with an MDR service: MDR teams manage cybersecurity for their clients, retailers included, so retailers stay continuously protected against threats without taking time and effort away from running their businesses.

Retail continues to be a prime target for cyber-attacks. However, with the right cybersecurity strategy and a vigilant approach to threat protection, even the smallest retail grocers can remain resilient against bad actors.

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What’s New HB CELEBRATING 100 YEARS HB are celebrating being at the heart of summers in Ireland for 100 years, with a limited-edition jersey collection created in collaboration with Irish designer Gan Stró. Inspired by a century of iconic ice creams, colourful wrappers and Irish summers that may or may not have included actual sunshine, the limited-edition collection transforms four much-loved favourites - Brunch, Loop the Loop, Iceberger and Fat Frog - into jerseys, giving fans the chance to wear a piece of HB history. The limited-edition jerseys were available from Thirty Five on Fade Street, Dublin, and Planet Retro in Galway. Pictured are Maya, Michael and Janaina to celebrate HB being at the heart of Irish summers for 100 years.

SUBWAY LAUNCH NEW ‘COSY’ MENU ITEMS FOR AUTUMN AUTUMN is officially upon us, and Subway are kicking off cosy season with a line-up of hearty new menu items, including Beef Chilli and 5 Bean Chilli. Providing the ultimate comfort as temperatures begin to cool, the new Chillies can be enjoyed on a warm and fluffy Spud, as part of Subway’s Spudway offering, or as a Sub, Wrap or Salad. The Beef Chilli combines tender beef brisket with kidney beans and sweetcorn, cooked in a rich tomato sauce spiced with paprika, cumin and chilli. For a vegetarian alternative, 5 Bean Chilli includes five different types of protein-packed beans (cannellini, borlotti, black turtle, red kidney and pinto beans), green peppers and sweetcorn in a warming spiced tomato sauce.

CIRCLE K UPGRADE GLASNEVIN STORE PICTURED at the official reopening of the newly upgraded Circle K Glasnevin store, following an investment of almost €250,000, are (l-r): Lynn Privett, Bernadette Knowd, Mary McDonald, Retail Director of Operations, Circle K Ireland; Elaine Brennan, Lauren Brett and Barbra Dixon. The investment has delivered a new deli and off-licence, an enhanced food and beverage offering and greater convenience for customers, with the Glasnevin store now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

RACHEL ALLEN PARTNERS WITH O’DONNELLS CRISPS O'DONNELLS Crisps have announced a partnership with renowned chef, bestselling author and broadcaster Rachel Allen, which sees the launch of two brandnew limited-edition crisp flavours created in collaboration with Rachel: Sea Salt & Truffle and Sunday Roast. Bringing together O'Donnells' passion for premium ingredients and Rachel Allen's love of quality, flavour-led cooking, the collaboration celebrates the very best of Irish food. "As a long-time lover of O'Donnells Crisps, I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to collaborate on their new flavours - a true treat from a brand I adore!” said Rachel Allen, pictured with Kate and Ed O’Donnell.

VODAFONE SEEK AMBITIOUS SMES VODAFONE are seeking entries for their highly coveted See Your Business Pitchside Autumn contest. To date, the competition has seen over 10 SMEs receive up to €300,000 worth of prizes. To mark its 5th year, this autumn’s competition offers unparalleled pitchside advertising opportunities for SMEs who, through seeing their name appear on screens across the Aviva Stadium, benefit from unrivalled exposure to domestic and international audiences. The competition for Vodafone Business users closes on October 9, with the lucky winner appearing on screens across the Aviva Stadium at the major high-stakes fixture Ireland v South Africa on November 21. Pictured are: Gemma Garsby, Head of SMB Sales and Business Marketing at Vodafone Ireland; with Ann-Marie Woods, founder, House of Hofu; Jo Gilfoy, Director of Vodafone Business in Ireland; and Sarah O'Sullivan, founder of SOS Cookies.

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What’s New BAILEYS AND TERRY’S CHOCOLATE ORANGE JOIN FORCES

TAYTO LIMITED EDITION SURNAME PACKS LAUNCHED

Two iconic brands are coming together for the first time in Ireland to create the perfect indulgent tipple: Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange Irish Cream Liqueur. Flavours of chocolate and orange, synonymous with Terry’s, have been blended with the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream. This limited-edition release builds on the success of Baileys’ flavour innovations to deliver luxury and indulgence in equal measure. “We're excited to bring this limited-edition Baileys innovation to Ireland after a successful launch in the UK,” noted Paul Carton, Category & Brand Director, Diageo Ireland.

TAYTO are bringing a personal twist to Ireland's favourite crisp with the launch of their new limited-edition "Grab a Tayto with..." campaign. For a limited time, 12 of Ireland's most popular surnames will appear on Tayto Cheese & Onion impulse packs, giving crisp lovers the chance to spot their own name, or that of a friend or family member on shelves nationwide. The 12 featured surnames are: Byrne, Doyle, Kelly, McCarthy, Murphy, O'Brien, O'Connor, O'Neill, O'Reilly, O'Sullivan, Ryan, and Walsh. The campaign is all about sharing a smile, gifting a pack to someone special, or simply keeping an eye out for your surname on your next trip to the shop.

GET SWEET AND SPICY WITH BALLYMALOE FOODS

IONITY PARTNERS WITH PINERGY FOR EV CHARGING

A DELICIOUS Sweet and Spicy Beetroot Slaw from Ballymaloe Foods stars in a new limited-edition toastie from Griolladh Sandwich Stores. The flavour-packed sandwich combines Ballymaloe Sweet and Spicy Beetroot Slaw with melted mature cheddar and mozzarella, succulent roasted chicken, fresh spinach, crispy shallots and Griolladh's signature citrus herb sauce on toasted malted sourdough. The result is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy in every bite. Made with locally grown Cork beetroot, Ballymaloe Foods Sweet and Spicy Beetroot Slaw brings a vibrant, flavourful lift to everyday meals with its balance of sweetness, gentle heat and earthy depth.

IONITY, Europe's leading high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has partnered with Pinergy, the energy transition company, as its energy service provider (ESP) in Ireland. The Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) will see Pinergy supply renewable electricity to Ionity's Irish charging infrastructure, covering 48 ultra-fast charging points across seven locations on the national road network. Pictured are (l-r): Andreas Atkins, Country Manager UK & Ireland, Ionity, Daire Keating, Chief Commercial Officer, Pinergy and David McInerney, Head of Power Markets, Lirion Power pictured at Gortahile wind farm, Co. Laois.

FLAVOURED BARISTA EDITIONS FROM OATLY OATLY, the world’s original and largest oat drink company, have announced the expansion of their iconic Barista range in Ireland with two new innovative flavours: Coconut and Caramel. With more demand than ever for unusual, customisable drinks, the new Barista Edition Coconut Flavour and Barista Edition Caramel Flavour enable Oatly to tap into international coffee trends, delivering even more possibilities to design and enjoy flavourful, creative and distinctive drinks at home. For hot or cold beverages, the new Coconut and Caramel flavours combine Oatly Barista’s proven creamy texture and quality, making them ideal for frothing, latte art and perfect in coffee, matcha or with ice.

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