‘Emerging Stronger’ was the theme for this year’s annual Budgens conference, with emphasis on the essence of the Budgens brand: real food for today’s communities.

Having made substantial progress over the last two years with the creation of a strong team; the power of common purchasing on Budgens own brand; laying the foundation of operating systems (including the launch of the Oracle finance system, a new purchasing system, a new warehouse management system and dynamic scheduling, which has saved over a million miles a year from the fleet) Budgens is now in a better position to take on the challenges of a tough environment and a changing consumer.

The conference programme included a supplier showcase with fantastic conference-only deals, interactive workshops, presentations and interviews as well as the store of the year awards 2009 and the gala dinner. The winners were Kanna Mahunda, Budgens Stoneleigh taking the ‘Budgens Essentials Store of the Year’ title; Paul Wilks, Budgens Bedgrove who was awarded ‘Budgens Neighbourhood Store of the Year’; Guy Warner, Budgens Moreton in Marsh, taking the ‘Budgens Supermarket Store of the Year award’ and the overall title of ‘Budgens Store of the Year’ was awarded to Bupa, Lata and Jay Gohil, Budgens Cosford, as well as their individual category win for ‘Budgens Forecourt Store of the Year’.

Phil Smith, Managing Director Budgens, said. “The development of the Budgens brand is vital. Consumers are shopping more often, they’re shopping locally and we therefore need to focus on ensuring that the Budgens brand is distinctive and relevant for its customers and bring ‘real food for today’s communities’ to life. We have to deliver that with a clarity that doesn’t just delight our customers but that also allows us to build strong and profitable businesses effectively and efficiently.” 

He added “We have the opportunity to be inclusive and serve an entire local community – not just by selling food, but by being a part of that community. We are steered by the three guiding principles of developing our brands, achieving lowest cost and creating the best team. This leads us to focus on our ways of working together, getting the best offer, having the right product ranges and mix of local products, pricing and promotions for the quality, great value fresh food we offer. In doing this we’ll emerge stronger – not just stronger than before, but stronger than our competitors.”

‘Emerging Stronger’ was the theme for this year’s annual Londis conference. 2009 was a milestone year for Londis. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary, launched ‘Londis Fresh’ and implemented extensive change programmes across the business, leaving the company with the infrastructure to emerge stronger and develop its brand, and the offer, through 2010 and beyond.

The conference programme also included a supplier showcase with fantastic conference-only deals, interactive workshops, presentations and interviews as well as the store of the year awards and the gala dinner.

The winners were Geoff andTeresa Turner, Londis, Hemingbrough, Selby who took the title ‘Londis Small Store of the Year’; Terry Caton, Londis (Grangewood Stores), Chesterfield who won the ‘Londis Large store of the Year’; Richard & Lynne Cooke, Londis, Keswick who were awarded ‘Londis Forecourt Store of the Year’; Raj Chandegra, Londis, GSK Brentford was chosen as the ‘Londis Multiple Account: Convenience Store of the Year’; Kay Group, Londis, Halifax, took ‘Londis Multiple Account : Forecourt Store of the Year’ and the overall title of ‘Londis Store of the Year 2010 was awarded to Terry Caton, Londis (Grangewood Stores), Chesterfield.

Phil Smith, Managing Director, Londis, said “I’m delighted with the progress we’re making with Londis brand. The key foundations of our operating systems are in place and the major investment in the physical infrastructure of our supply chain, combined with the development of ‘Londis Fresh’ and ‘Brand Essentials’, mean that we have never been in a better place. Continuing our journey to provide our customers with all they need for everyday living is key over the coming year and we’re well positioned to emerge from this difficult economic period with a stronger, more successful business.“

Roy Keane launches Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

SuperValu SHADES 2010 campaign

Today, Thursday 29 April 2010, Ipswich Town Manager and Irish football legend Roy Keane officially launched the annual Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind / SuperValu SHADES campaign. The campaign focuses on raising funds for the provision of guide and assistance dogs; and commences nationwide on Monday 3 May 2010 (www.guidedogs.ie).

Speaking at the SuperValu SHADES 2010 campaign launch in the Dublin, Roy Keane said; “I’m very happy to continue my support for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind SuperValu SHADES 2010 campaign. The positive impact that a guide dog or assistance dog can have on an individual or a family is inspiring. I admire the tremendous selfless effort put in by their staff, volunteers and partners in making a difference to others. It gives me great pleasure to be able to support the team by lending a hand and I’d encourage the public to do the same for this worthy cause.”

It costs approximately €38,000 to breed, train and support a single guide or assistance dog partnership. All of IGDB’s services are offered free of charge and over 85 per cent of the charity’s income is secured through voluntary donations and fundraising.  

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB), said: “Our SHADES campaign is one of the highlights of our annual fundraising calendar. It makes a significant contribution to our income each year. Raising funds is a challenge at present but the winning combination of Roy Keane and SuperValu means that we can be optimistic about this year’s SHADES result.

Our commitment is to continuously increase the numbers of people who are trained and supported by our organisation, to do this we need to raise additional funds. We very much welcome the support of the public, whether that be financial or by volunteering their time to help our team continue changing lives for the better.“

Speaking at the launch, Ciaran Levis, Sales Director, SuperValu stated: “SuperValu is delighted to be launching its support for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind/SuperValu SHADES campaign today with Roy Keane. With 192 SuperValu stores spread across the country, our retail partners see first hand the fantastic work that IGDB do to provide services to people who are blind or vision impaired and families of children with Autism out in the community. SuperValu has a long and distinguished history of being at the heart of Irish communities and we believe with this partnership, we can really help to make a profound difference to many people’s lives right across the country.”

Throughout May, SHADES pins will be available for purchase in most SuperValu stores as well as through IGDB volunteers in shopping centres and outlets countrywide. Pins cost €2 each. You can also make a donation by simply texting the word ‘SHADES’ to 57252 or logging onto www.guidedogs.ie

Musgrave Retail Partners NI’s position as a leader in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility has been recognized once again, by an accolade from Ulster Grocer at its annual marketing awards.

Musgrave took the Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership Award for its two partnerships with local charity Action Cancer.

SuperValu’s support of the Action Cancer Big Bus mobile screening and health promotion unit has involved over £800,000 of fundraising by stores, which has helped the charity screen and support 16,000 people.

Centra’s backing of Action Cancer’s Health Action programme for schools and colleges has helped deliver healthy lifestyle sessions to 250,000 young people with over £600,000 of funding from stores.

Commenting on the awards success Musgrave Retail Partners NI Managing Director Nigel Briggs said; “We are very proud to be able to help Action Cancer make such a positive impact on society and we are delighted that our partnerships with the charity have been recognized by the Ulster Grocer Awards.

SuperValu and Centra retail partners put a lot of time and effort into supporting Action Cancer in their local communities and it is this that makes the partnerships a success. We’d like to congratulate our partners for their dedication to the charity’s work over the long-term.”

Scally’s SuperValu located in the heart of Clonakilty town in West Cork has just been awarded the accolade of “SuperValu of the Year” for 2010. The store received the award at the groups national conference held in the Malton Hotel, Killarney on Monday 19th April.

The National Award was presented to store owners Eugene and Catriona Scally by Donal Horgan, SuperValu Managing Director, Ciaran Levis, SuperValu Sales Director and Shane Nolan, Corporate Markets General Manager, Eircom, the competition sponsors.

Over 192 SuperValu stores throughout the Republic of Ireland were adjudicated by independent competition judge, Paul ’Sullivan, Director of the College 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, Eugene Scally paid tribute to his team and said that their constant dedication and professional approach was what won the award for the Clonakility 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 that I have in my store. Our dedicated work force, some that have been with me for over twenty years, all strive towards one goal, which is providing the best value, service and range for our customers. Real Food Real People is more than just a phrase, for us here in Clonakility 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 Eugene Scally.

Congratulating Scally’s SuperValu, Donal Horgan, 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.

Scally’s SuperValu has superb food credentials and is well known in West Cork for it’s fresh meat, it’s BIM’s Best Seafood Counter, its instore scratch bakery, longest cheese counter in Ireland 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 Scally’s who always strive to provide their customers with a unique shopping experience.“

SuperValu, the Irish Times and Enterprise Ireland recognise excellence, quality and innovation within the Irish food and beverage sector with the inaugural SuperValu Irish Food Producers Awards

SuperValu is delighted to announce that the Flahavan’s Group has won inaugural SuperValu Irish Food Producers Awards; the awards have been created to recognise excellence, quality and innovation within the food and beverage sector in Ireland. The SuperValu Irish Food Producers Awards took place today in Dublin, where short listed Irish food and beverage producers from throughout the country gathered for the presentation. Flahavan’s impressed the judging panel with their commitment to continually adapt and innovate their product offering to meet the changing needs of consumers. Through renewed focus and investment Flahavan’s has managed to ensure that their product offering is as relevant for consumers today as it was when Flahavan’s first began oat flaking at their mill in Kilmacthomas 1935.

Donal Horgan, Managing Director of SuperValu said: “We are extremely proud to be associated with the Irish Times and Enterprise Ireland in recognising the best producers in Ireland and I would like to congratulate our well deserved winner Flahavan’s, all of the companies short listed and of course each of the category winners. As a business we listen to what the Irish consumers want and given the choice, we know people want to buy Irish. Flahavan’s has demonstrated a commitment to improving and diversifying their product range in recent years and we are proud to work with them and all Irish suppliers to deliver Irish products to consumers at the best possible price. At SuperValu we place huge emphasis on sourcing local, fresh, quality products in both branded and own brand ranges and 75 per cent of everything on our shelves is sourced or produced in Ireland. We are very proud to support the Irish food industry and this is something we are committed to continuing.”

In addition to the overall award, winners were announced in six other categories, including the Peoples Choice Award, which was voted for by shoppers across all 192 SuperValu stores nationwide. Barry’s Tea emerged as the nation’s favourite, just edging out many other well-know Irish brands available across all stores.

The winners in the five other categories were as follows:

• Quality Commitment Award – Kepak: Kepak Group, based in Clonee Co Meath is the winner of this category for demonstrating a sustained, exceptional performance and commitment to quality in terms of the manufacturing and delivery of their product, with HACCP and QUACCP systems in place.
• Innovation Award – Flahavans: The Flahavan’s Group, based in Waterford impressed the judges with their Quick Oats microwaveable range by being the first Irish-produced Quick Oats convenience range on the market. Contributing 0.4 per cent of turnover to R&D activities, Flahavan’s has proved itself to be a company that is dedicated to innovation and quality.
• Local Producers Award – The Just Food Company:  The Just Food Company, based in Cobh, Co Cork impressed the judges with their labour-intensive approach to production. They do not use industrial machines; therefore products are homemade and taste fresher, as they are prepared in smaller batches allowing faster cooking and faster cooling. All of these elements contribute to overall freshness.
• Best Fresh Produce Award – Country Kitchens Bakery: Country Kitchens Bakery from Midleton, Co Cork, is committed to delivering fresh produce to customers and their use of innovative modified atmosphere packaging really impressed the judges.
• Best Newcomer Award – Delicious Gluten Free Bakery: Delicious Gluten Free Bakery based in Ballincollig, Co Cork caught the judges’ attention with their impressive submission outlining their commitment to producing quality, handmade gluten-free products that tasted on a par with conventional products. The judges were impressed by their  energy, passion and hunger for success and how they identified a new opportunity in the market and developed a solution to meet the demand

Commenting on the awards Jim Mulcahy from Enterprise Ireland said: “Congratulations to all of the companies involved in the awards. At Enterprise Ireland our mission is to accelerate the development of Irish companies in achieving strong positions in global markets and to support them in achieving success. The SuperValu Irish Food Producers Awards is a unique opportunity to give recognition and support to Irish producers, who demonstrate excellence in their sector, and have the potential to compete internationally with premium or innovative products.”

Paul Farrell from the Irish Times said: “The Irish Times congratulates all the Irish companies who have entered the SuperValu Irish Food Producer Awards. These companies have demonstrated performance and commitment to quality, and in the current economic climate it is a testament to all of them that they have maintained excellent standards in all aspects of their business.With over 150 years’ relationship with the retail trade in Ireland, The Irish Times is proud to be associated with these awards recognising Irish producers’ commitment to compete both nationally and internationally within the food and beverage sector.“

A representative from each of the winning companies will win the opportunity to travel to a manufacturing centre of excellence in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy in June where they will participate in an Enterprise Ireland business study mission.

Ryan’s SuperValu Glanmire has announced that it will create 30 new jobs as part of a €10 million expansion of the existing store in Glanmire, Co. Cork. With over 13,000 sq ft added to the existing store, it now stands at an impressive 26,000 sq ft and includes a new three storey car park, offering customers 292 car parking spaces in addition to the 85 already available. The 30 new jobs will bring the numbers employed by Ryan’s SuperValu in Glanmire to almost 160. Liam and Diane Ryan also own a further three SuperValu stores Grange and Togher in Co. Cork and Kilmallock in Co. Limerick, which employ between them a further 400 people.

Commenting on the store opening, Liam Ryan, Owner, Ryan’s SuperValu Glanmire, said, “The development of our new SuperValu store in Glanmire has been planned carefully to meet the needs of the local community and provide excellent service, range and quality in a modern, convenient location. We have spoken and listened to our customers to ensure the extension and refurbishment includes all the additional services and products they would like to see in their local store. The store will excel through its strength in fresh food, a consistent keen value offer, strong and lasting relationships with local suppliers and the expertise and customer service of the store owner and its staff.”

SuperValu’s ‘Real Food, Real People’ brand promise is at the heart of Ryan’s offering to the local community. The new store will boast a supreme fresh food offering which will include an expert butchery department, an excellent fresh fruit and veg selection, a range of exclusive breads in its bakery department, as well as fish counter – all synonymous with SuperValu’s focus on its fresh food offering.

Ryan’s are strong supporters of local producers, who supply them with an exceptional selection of the very finest fresh local produce. This also sustains jobs in the community, which in turn strengthens the local economy. Included in the line up of local producers are: Liam Coffey, who supplies several varieties of high quality potatoes, picked in the morning and delivered on the same day; Glenilen Artisan Dairy Farm, run by Alan & Valerie Kingston, who produce award winning dairy products and offer a selection of scrumptious sweet desserts; The Good Fish Company, who deliver Derry Horgan’s prime choices of high quality freshly caught fish daily and Prendergast Confectionery, who offer an assortment of mouth watering home made scones, cakes and tarts, all made with the freshest ingredients and special recipes.

Additionally, as part of its commitment to the local community in Glanmire and to Irish jobs and suppliers, 75 per cent of goods sold in the store is either produced or sourced in Ireland. The total purchases of Irish goods and services made by Musgrave, on behalf of its retail partners in SuperValu, are worth over €2.8 billion to the Irish economy every year.

SuperValu is Ireland’s leading independent supermarket network, with 192 independently owned SuperValu stores across Ireland.

SuperValu has announced that it will account for approximately €3.5 million worth of Irish pepper and tomato sales this year. The Irish retailer expects to sell fresh Irish tomatoes with retail sales in excess of €3 million, and Irish peppers with sales worth €0.5 million.

The first of this season’s Irish peppers reached SuperValu’s 192 stores nationwide on 7 April and the first Irish tomatoes arrived on 12 April. SuperValu will source the peppers from Martin Flynn of Rush, County Dublin and the tomatoes will be supplied by Jarlett Brett from Swords, County Dublin and David Currid from Ballygunner in Co. Waterford.
Ian Allen, category Manager, SuperValu, said, “This announcement is testament to our continued support for Irish food suppliers. We know that when given the choice, consumers will opt for Irish produce, particularly when it comes to fresh vegetables. We only stock ‘Class 1’ vegetables, ensuring we are providing the consumer with the best of Irish produce whenever possible.”
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.

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

Action Cancer’s Big Bus mobile screening and health promotion unit visited the Banbridge SuperValu store recently as part of its tour of Northern Ireland and staff used the opportunity to support the Ballygowan ‘B Part of It’ campaign.

The 18 metre-long mobile clinic, whose main sponsor is SuperValu and its independent retailers, was launched in 2006 to help Action Cancer save lives and support people.  

As part of SuperValu’s long-term commitment to Action Cancer’s mobile cancer services, which they have sponsored since 2001, more than £800,000 of funding has been provided for the Big Bus. SuperValu stores throughout Northern Ireland host Big Bus visits and raise funds to keep the service moving.

SuperValu Banbridge used the occasion of the Big Bus visit to get involved in the Ballygowan ‘B Part of It’ campaign, which is supporting Action Cancer in Northern Ireland through the sale of special pink bottles of Ballygowan water. On the day of the Big Bus visit the SuperValu store promoted the special Ballygowan bottles with point of sale materials, pink balloons and staff wore pink T-shirts.