SuperValu to sell €500,000 worth of rhubarb in 2010

11/04/2010

SuperValu has announced that it will account for approximately €500,000 worth of fresh Irish rhubarb sales this year. SuperValu stores expect to sell in excess of 250,000 units this year, with rhubarb bunches retailing at €2 each. The first new season Irish rhubarb is now available in over 194 SuperValu stores throughout Ireland.

2009 saw over 235,000 bunches of Irish rhubarb sold in SuperValu stores and volumes are expected to increase this year as early indications suggest there will be a high demand for Irish rhubarb again in 2010. Three local Irish growers hold the contract to supply Irish rhubarb to SuperValu; Coolmore Market Gardens, Carrigaline, Co. Cork, Jim Rooney, Skerries, Co. Dublin and Derek Ryan, Oldtown, Co. Dublin. This is part of SuperValu’s strategy to source 100 per cent Irish fresh produce where possible. The rhubarb is picked and packed by order, every day to be delivered onto shelves in SuperValu within 24 hours of harvesting.

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Allen, Category Manager, SuperValu said, "We are pleased to announce the arrival of the first new season Irish rhubarb to SuperValu stores. SuperValu has a long established policy of investing in local Irish producers and growers whenever possible, thus providing the Irish consumer with top quality fresh Irish fruit and vegetables. We are delighted to increase the amount of fresh Irish rhubarb that is available to Irish consumers in 2010."

During 2009 Musgrave made a significant contribution to the Irish economy and Irish suppliers with 75 per cent of all products purchased on behalf of all its retail partners, either produced or manufactured in Ireland. This represents a commitment of more than €2.6 billion to Irish suppliers, supporting more than 600 Irish supplier companies and over 10,000 jobs indirectly. Last year, Musgrave invested €230 million in long-term price reductions for shoppers on everyday products and brands. This was delivered without sacrificing its commitment to Irish suppliers and Irish jobs.

For further information please contact:

Susan Flynn, Edelman, 01 6789333, 087 9451715

susan.flynn@edelman.com

Sue Lamon-Diver, Musgrave Retail Partners, 086 2273397

sue.lamondiver@musgrave.ie