At the recent Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) Leaders Congress, the future of shopping was discussed by an expert field with Alex Barry, Head of Insight & Analytics at Musgrave, sharing how, in an era of unprecedented social & cultural change Musgrave continues to build better brands.
At Musgrave, we know that store design directly impacts the consumer experience and as shopper needs change, so too do our stores. Our latest formats are community hubs, destinations designed so they are a pleasure to spend time in, with services that shoppers can access and enjoy. Our innovation agenda is big and technology driven solutions are being crafted to help better manage our in-store and online shopper needs.
As traditional e-commerce players move into bricks and mortar, the need to streamline our consumer experience grows. At Musgrave understanding the basic needs of our customers and offering technologically enhanced and customer centric shopping experiences drives our development ensuring we continue to grow good business. For more information go to www.musgravegroup.com/about-us/building-better-brands
Musgrave is a 141 year old family business, now in its 6thgeneration which feeds 1 in 3 people in Ireland every day.
Pippa O’Connor was joined by Doireann Garrihy & Naomi Fitzgibbon of the Irish Cancer Society today to launch Centra’s initiatives to support the Irish Cancer Society this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
#Cupsagainstcancer @CentraIRL
Pippa O’Connor launched Centra’s initiatives to support the Irish Cancer Society this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Centra is joining the Irish Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer, as stores across Ireland get their cups at the ready for ‘Cups against cancer’ coffee mornings. This year over 2,900 people in Ireland will be told they have breast cancer, with eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland every day.
Centra will also be hosting pink walks throughout communitities across Ireland and Centra is calling on the nation to take part to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. For customers who lead hectic lifestyles but are eager to support this worthy cause, they can simply text CENTRA to 50300 to donate €4 to the Irish Cancer Society. For more details, log on to www.centra.ie/cancer.
Money raised through these Centra initiatives will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society’s essential services including information and support services for people throughout the country who have been affected by breast cancer. This is the seventh year Centra has supported the campaign and to date has raised over €2.8 million for the charity.
Centra hosted its first ‘Cups against cancer’ coffee morning hosted by radio DJ Doireann Garrihy and included breast health advice from Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline Manager Naomi Fitzgibbon, lifestyle advice from Pippa O’Connor and a personal account by a breast cancer survivor and Irish Cancer Society service user. The coffee morning which took place in Lock 6 cafe will be the first of many taking place across the country throughout October.
Speaking at the launch, Centra ambassador, Pippa O’Connor said, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a cause that I am proud to support and I’m delighted that Centra is joining the Irish Cancer Society to fight against breast cancer. As a Centra ambassador I am delighted to let the public know that Centra have officially launched their coffee mornings and pink walks to commence throughout October in order to raise vital funds for this important initiative.”
John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society commented, “We are delighted to have the support of Centra employees and customers for the seventh year as we raise vital funds to support people affected by breast cancer. Over 2,900 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland this year and support from the public and Centra allows the Irish Cancer Society to fund lifesaving research and support services to ensure no one has to face breast cancer alone.”
The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s leading provider of breast cancer information and support, reaching thousands of women who are concerned about breast cancer and breast health every year. The Society strives to ensure that everyone affected by breast cancer has the support they need, when they need it. Anyone concerned about breast cancer should call the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700 or drop into one of 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide. Further information is available on www.cancer.ie
€10.7m has been invested in the Musgrave MarketPlace brand over the past two years to deliver a modern customer experience
€2.5m Robinhood Food Emporium unveiled today
New food brochure launched with 400 new products in line with the latest food trends, including 260 new health and wellness products
New online ‘always-open’ shopping experience provides customers with added convenience
Musgrave MarketPlace, Ireland’s leading wholesale supplier to retail, foodservice and SME businesses, today officially unveiled a €2.5m upgrade of its Robinhood branch in Dublin. Today’s launch forms part of a €10.7m investment in the brand over the past two years which has seen Musgrave MarketPlace continue to redefine wholesale on the island of Ireland.
The relaunch of the Musgrave MarketPlace brand began last November with the opening of the flagship €2.2 Ballymun Food Emporium. Over €1m has also been invested in its Duncrue branch in Belfast and further refurbishments are planned for 2018.
The revamped branches have been transformed into Food Emporiums offering customers a more modern and interactive shopping experience. Each revamped branch contains speciality counters for meat, cheese and fish, as well as expert advice in-store and an expanded product range to cater to the changing tastes of its customers.
The new 73,000 square foot Robinhood Food Emporium employs 80 staff and along with new state-of-the-art speciality areas, it also has a contemporary culinary theatre. Tailored classes will be hosted in this area by a full time onsite chef with a view to creating menu solutions for its customers.
Four new roles have been created at Robinhood to ensure customers can avail of expert information and advice from trusted advisors. These roles feature in the areas of fresh food, alcohol and equipment, along with a new in-branch butcher to advise on specific cuts of meat.
Alongside the newly revamped branches, some €5m has been invested into technology, the supply chain and marketing to enhance the overall customer experience.
As part of this ongoing investment, Musgrave MarketPlace has relaunched its food brochure ‘The Food People’ to offer customers even more choice. The new brochure features 400 new products which have been carefully selected based on food trends from around the world, ensuring that customers have access to the widest range and quality of products. The brochure is available both in hard copy and digital format.
In line with the growing demand for more health and wellness products, the latest edition includes 260 ‘free from’ products which feature in its gluten free section. The ‘free from’ range is categorised as products that do not contain gluten or dairy, as well as healthy alternative snacks. Sales in this category have grown by over 80% in the last three years and it is anticipated that this figure will increase further by the end of the year as more restaurants, hotels and shops begin to offer gluten and lactose-free alternatives.
Musgrave MarketPlace’s online platform Musgravemarketplace.ie has also been re-developed to offer a flexible and ‘always-open’ shopping experience for customers. The upgraded web store has been designed with the specific goal of saving customers time by remembering previous orders and favourite products. Another key feature is the ‘Retail Must Stock’ section which uses current Nielsen data to provide customers with details on products that are seen as ‘must-haves’ for Irish retailers. Placing an order is now easier than ever. Customers can purchase in-store, online, via click and collect or over the phone.
Commenting on Musgrave MarketPlace’s investment in the Irish market, Mr Noel Keeley, Managing Director of Musgrave MarketPlace, said:
“As a company, we understand that the business of food and drink is constantly evolving and we know that it is vital that we continue to innovate to cater to our customers changing needs. We have listened to our customers and have responded to bring them a best-in-class experience which will in turn will allow them to deliver excellence within their businesses.”
“As well as totally transforming our branches into Food Emporiums, we have expanded our product offering and have made it easier than ever to place an order. Today’s opening in Robinhood is part of the exciting journey that our brand is on and we look forward to welcoming both existing and new customers through the doors from today.”
On September 25, 2015, UN member countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. As a sixth-generation family business with a 141-year heritage and a strong set of values that guide our actions, Musgrave is committed to operating sustainably and to protecting our world for future generations. This is why we became one of the first companies worldwide to embed the UN Goals in our sustainability strategy; why we became the first food retailer in Ireland to become a verified member of Bord Bia’s sustainability programme, Origin Green, and why sustainability and long term thinking underpin our purpose: ‘Growing Good Business’. All because we believe growth should not come at the expense of doing the right thing. We believe that the establishment of the SDGs marked a new era in global development and that all businesses can use the SDGs as a guide to increase the effectiveness of their sustainability strategies. In this week of the SDG’s second anniversary, we would like to reaffirm our support and commitment to working with partners to grow good business. For more information go to http://musgravesustainability.com/
Picture shows from left Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu; Denis Floyd, Chairperson Birdhill Tidy Towns Committee; and Mr. Michael Ring, T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development
Birdhill, Co. Tipperary is Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2017. Birdhill was today (25th September) named best of a record 870 towns and villages throughout the country that entered this year’s SuperValu National TidyTowns competition. The announcement was greeted with great celebration at today’s awards ceremony at The Helix in Dublin.
On hand to present the prizes was Mr. Michael Ring, T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development and Mr. Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor for the 26th year. The Helix was packed with representatives of TidyTowns groups from all over the country, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners.
Birdhill, Co. Tipperary also claimed the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Village. Other winners included Clonakilty, Co. Cork which received the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town. Westport, Co. Mayo, received the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town, whileEnnis, Co. Clare was again declared Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Minister Ring said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Birdhill; a really worthy winner. Three other Tipperary villages have won this award, but it is the first time for Birdhill. The village has consistently entered the competition since 1991 and in the intervening years have steadily concentrated on all aspects of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and today, all that effort has paid off.
TidyTowns is an excellent example of community volunteering and building strong links which enables citizens to have a say in how their community develops. The competition epitomises what my Department was created to do – to focus on developing vibrant and sustainable communities, in both urban and rural areas. My congratulations today go to Birdhill and all of the other deserving prize-winners announced today. The enthusiasm of all those involved in the TidyTowns effort results in the attractive, well cared-for towns and villages we see throughout the country.”
The Minister continued: “TidyTowns is one of the most recognisable environmental initiatives in Ireland, but it also encompasses a way of life here in Ireland, where we show respect for our neighbours and for nature. It is clear that working together and getting things done increases peoples’ pride in where they live and helps to build vibrant communities. That is why I am delighted to see this competition continues to attract great interest after almost 60 years.”
The Minister also thanked SuperValu, the competition’s sponsor. He said: “I was delighted to announce last December that SuperValu were successful in their bid to sponsor TidyTowns to 2021. I want to thank SuperValu for the fantastic support they have shown over the last 26 years, not only through their financial sponsorship, but also through the support provided to TidyTowns groups by their network of local retailers. SuperValu has been integral to sustaining and developing the competition, and I know that they will continue to support the Department as the competition celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2018.”
Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu said: “In this, our 26th year as title sponsor of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, we are incredibly proud of our long-standing involvement with this important community initiative. We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to build on our successful partnership through a renewed five-year sponsorship agreement that will ensure we continue to strengthen the profile of the competition as Ireland’s leading community initiative.”
“SuperValu TidyTowns is a unique initiative that highlights the power of local as communities come together to improve their towns and villages across the country. The committee volunteers are the true heroes of a competition that will celebrate a remarkable 60 years next year.”
“As Ireland’s leading retailer, with locally-owned stores in every county across Ireland, SuperValu retailers are an integral part of their local communities. Through the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, our retailers bring the SuperValu ethos of building vibrant local communities to life every day. The competition is one of many initiatives that allows them to give back to their communities and to support local.”
“I am delighted to congratulate the 2017 SuperValu TidyTowns competition winners and to recognise the hard work and dedication of all the TidyTowns committees across Ireland. In particular, I would like to congratulate participants for their creativity and commitment to ‘upcycling’ initiatives as part of this year’s competition. SuperValu is focused on fostering sustainable communities and the addition of the ‘Upcycling Challenge’ to the competition is a great step in that direction – intended to highlight the opportunity for TidyTowns committees to lead the way in enhancing the sustainability of local towns and villages. This will benefit the communities we serve and in turn, will have a long-term positive impact on the planet.”
Interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition has been consistently high in recent times with a record 870 entries this year.
The TidyTowns competition is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu who have sponsored the competition since 1992.
SuperValu calls on Ireland to make a substantial difference by adding one more Food Academy product to their weekly shopping list
The SuperValu Food Academy is a joint initiative between Ireland’s leading Irish grocery retailer, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office Network and since its inception in 2014, the programme has supported over hundreds of start-up small food producers the length and breadth of Ireland as they begin their journey from their kitchen to the supermarkets. SuperValu is now calling on Ireland to join in and help provide a further boost for these small Irish food producers, by actively encouraging its customers to give these small local businesses a big chance by adding one more product from the Food Academy range to their weekly shopping lists.
As a direct result of the award-winning initiative, over 350 food start-ups are now currently on-shelves in their local SuperValu store. This has resulted in incredible sales of over €32 million for the national Food Academy programme and has led to the creation of more than 1,500 jobs. The Food Academy is making great strides and was recently awarded the Ruban d’Honneur at the highly prestigious European Business Awards for being “the most socially innovative initiative in the competition”.
This year alone, SuperValu has continued to reinforce its genuine commitment to local by supporting 77 new local, small food suppliers in its innovative Food Academy programme. That represents a significant 28% increase on last year’s number of small Irish food producers who have products stocked on SuperValu shelves across the country.
As SuperValu takes a lead role in the food industry by nurturing hundreds of these small food producers around the country by acting as mentors and providing them with strong retail and marketing advice, the programme has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the landscape of the Irish food industry.
With a wide range of products available from the SuperValu Food Academy, there are plenty of ways customers can support and help make a fundamental difference for local Irish businesses.
Kenneth O’Connor, SuperValu’s Food Academy Project Manager commented, “As the number one supporter of the Irish food industry, we source from over 1,800 Irish suppliers. The Food Academy programme is a key pillar of our support for local and we’re proud to now have a total of 354 small Irish food companies well on the road to success, with their products on shelf in SuperValu stores. The programme continues to go from strength to strength while also allowing us to nurture small producers to ensure their growth.
We’re calling on our loyal customers to help us support these independent Irish producers and help give them a big chance by adding one extra product to from the Food Academy range to their shopping lists. From Absolute Nutrition’s delicious protein balls to Fresh Fish Deli’s Fish Cakes to Temple Dairy’s Chocolate Milk, there really is something for everyone from our vast range of Food Academy products.”
Musgrave is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicky Hartery as Chairman to the board of Musgrave Group plc. Nicky will succeed Peter Lacy, who will retire at the end of this year.
Peter Lacy has been a non-executive director of Musgrave Group since September 2006 and Chairman since 2014. Before this, Peter had a long association with Musgrave through his work with PwC, where he was a partner for 25 years.
Nicky Hartery has been a non-executive director of Musgrave Group since 2010. A graduate of UCC, he also has an MBA from NUI Galway. Nicky has a background in supply chain management and has worked with leading global brands such as Dell and Kodak. Nicky is a non-executive director of Finning International Inc and Chairman of CRH Group plc.
Commenting on the announcement, Chris Martin, Chief Executive, Musgrave Group, said, “I am delighted to announce Nicky’s appointment as Chairman and look forward to working closely with him to grow the Musgrave business. In his role as non-executive director, Nicky has already made a valuable contribution to the business and I know we will continue to benefit from his deep expertise, particularly in the area of supply chain.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Chairman Peter Lacy for his support and wise counsel over many years. Peter has been a member of the board of Musgrave for over ten years and during that time has made a very significant contribution to business. I would personally like to thank him for his support to myself and the business and extend my very best wishes to him for the future.”
Musgrave is delighted to welcome the Origin Green ‘Power Beneath Our Feet’ civic awareness campaign launched earlier this week, which is designed to promote Ireland’s unique food heritage. Origin Green, a Bord Bia initiative, is the only sustainability programme in the world that operates on a national scale, uniting government, the private sector and food producers. The programme enables Ireland’s food industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets, establishing a baseline for continuous improvement.
Commenting, Chris Martin, Musgrave Chief Executive said, “Ireland continues to punch above its weight when it comes to our reputation for food and drink on the international stage. Building on these stellar credentials, and to further promote our unique food heritage, we are delighted to welcome the launch of the Origin Green ‘Power Beneath Our Feet’ civic awareness campaign,”
“We were the first food retail business in Ireland to be Origin Green-verified last year. Food provenance goes to the core of our business, and is what differentiates Musgrave as we support over 1800 suppliers in Ireland. We are proud of the role we have played, and continue to play, in the growth of Ireland’s food industry through the decades. Therefore, we welcome the work being undertaken by Bord Bia to grow public awareness of Origin Green, and to further grow appreciation of Ireland’s unique food industry on a national and international stage.”
At the recent Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) Leaders Congress, the future of shopping was discussed by an expert field with Alex Barry, Head of Insight & Analytics at Musgrave, sharing how, in an era of unprecedented social & cultural change Musgrave continues to build better brands.
The SuperValu Food Academy is a joint initiative between Ireland’s leading Irish grocery retailer, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office Network and since its inception in 2014, the programme has supported over hundreds of start-up small food producers the length and breadth of Ireland as they begin their journey from their kitchen to the supermarkets. SuperValu is now calling on Ireland to join in and help provide a further boost for these small Irish food producers, by actively encouraging its customers to give these small local businesses a big chance by adding one more product from the Food Academy range to their weekly shopping lists.
Musgrave is delighted to welcome the Origin Green ‘Power Beneath Our Feet’ civic awareness campaign launched earlier this week, which is designed to promote Ireland’s unique food heritage. Origin Green, a Bord Bia initiative, is the only sustainability programme in the world that operates on a national scale, uniting government, the private sector and food producers. The programme enables Ireland’s food industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets, establishing a baseline for continuous improvement.
