McInerney’s SuperValu, Loughrea scoop SuperValu of the Year Award

30/03/2011

McInerney’s SuperValu located in the heart of Loughrea in Co. Galway was awarded the prestigious accolade of “SuperValu of the Year” for 2011. The store received the award at the group’s national conference held in the Malton Hotel, Killarney on Monday 28th March.

The National Award was presented to store owners Ger and Michael McInerney by Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director, Ciaran Levis, SuperValu Sales Director and Clive Ryan, General Manager, eircom Business, competition sponsors.

Over 192 SuperValu stores throughout the Republic of Ireland were adjudicated by independent competition judge, Paul ’Sullivan, Director, Faculty of Business at Dublin Institute of Technology. These audits focused on customer care, store presentation, fresh food offering, product range, operational standards, store hygiene and local community involvement.

Commenting on the award, store owner, Michael McInerney paid tribute to his team and said that their constant dedication and professional approach was what won the award for the Galway store. "I believe that the greatest asset of any business is the people who work in it and our business is as good as it is today due to the tremendous team in my store. Our dedicated work force, all strive towards one goal, which is providing the absolute best value, service and range for our customers. ‘Real Food Real People’ is more than just a phrase, for us here in McInerney’s it is something we strive to deliver every day. We are delighted that we have been recognised for our efforts, not only by our customers but by our colleagues throughout the SuperValu network" said Michael.

Congratulating McInerney’s SuperValu, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu said "SuperValu stores work hard to succeed in a very competitive market. However, it is the passion of the independent entrepreneurial retailers and their enthuastic teams that make them succeed in the market today. At SuperValu we strive to be different and better through our brand essence of ‘Real Food Real People’. We pride ourselves on the exceptional value in our stores, the quality of our fresh food offering and the second to none customer service delivered in our stores each day."

"McInerney’s SuperValu has superb food credentials and is well known in Loughrea for its fresh meat, its BIM accredited seafood counter, its extensive bakery, deli and olive bar range and a fresh food selection which is unrivalled in the market. It is a perfect example of a supermarket that continuously goes that extra mile by supporting their local producers and providing its customers with a product range unmatched by any competitor in the market. This award is a testament to the hard work and absolute commitment of the team at McInerney’s who always strive to provide their customers with a unique shopping experience.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Clive Ryan, General Manager, eircom Business, said, "We are delighted to have been part of the SuperValu Store of the Year Awards since 2007. We commend the investment SuperValu has undertaken in its brands and proposition, and the outstanding innovation that the SuperValu Retail Partners have demonstrated especially in such challenging times. All of the award winners have demonstrated excellence in establishing their own success, and a solid foundation for the future of SuperValu and indigenous grocery retailing in Ireland. The result that the McInerney’s have achieved is a stellar example of this. We at eircom are very proud to be associated with, and to continue to support the success of the SuperValu independent retailer community."