Budgens, the independent retail brand are delighted to announce they are now taking part in the O2 Moments initiative. The retailer has recently become a partner and is now live on the O2 Moments platform which boasts around 5million active users in the UK.

Budgens started the relationship last week by offering O2 Moments members a FREE 165g bag of Walkers Market Deli Chips in their most popular flavour, Flame Grilled Spanish Chorizo & Roasted Onion worth £2.63. This offer is redeemable across the whole estate and is expected to be live until 21st January 2015. It is geo-targeted to show up on O2 Moments members’ screens if they are within a 5mile radius of a Budgens store.

To claim their free Deli Chips O2 customers simply need to log on to the O2 Moments app via their mobile phone, click on the Budgens offer and then show their on-screen voucher once they reach the check-out in store. 

Anna Burleigh, Marketing Director said:
“We’re really excited to be partnering with O2 Moments and we’re already having a good response to our first offer.  Over 2,500 packs for Deli Chips have already been given away and a further 7,000 O2 members have saved the offer ready for redemption. This is a positive marketing initiative, it offers customers that essential feel-good factor and it fits with the ‘everyday discovery’ ethos of Budgens which is all about surprise and delight.”

Budgens, the independent retail brand, are set to open their second new concept store in Byfleet, Surrey for January 2015. The store, which has been trading in Byfleet since 2011, is now closed for four days while it undergoes a refit to install a new look and feel. 

Byfleet will be the first compact market town store to adopt the new concept which is currently being tested in the Broadstone lab store. The store plan is focused on the brand’s key shopper missions – a strong lunch offering, top-up shop and meal for tonight, and will serve as a good example of how the concept can be rolled-out at a lower cost.

Mike Baker, Budgens Brand Director say’s “It’s great to see the new concept being adapted to a smaller format store, the changes in Broadstone have been really well-received with sales revenue up 25% and I’m confident we’ll get a similar reaction here.”

Budgens of Byfleet will enjoy a wealth of new ranges alongside an increased selection of fresh products, a fresh bakery and a focus on authentic, affordable, artisanal and locally produced foods. Other improvements will include a broader ‘Discover the Taste’ selection, free wifi in store and a ‘Free Coffee Fridays’ initiative which offers customers a free coffee when spending £10 or more in store.

The store will be re-opened with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday 22nd January 2015. Budgens of Byfleet will also welcome popular TV chef and cookery writer Anjum Anand on Saturday 24th January, who will be in store signing copies of her book and meeting and greeting customers between 2-3.30pm.

Budgens will mark the re-opening by door-dropping 2,000 of Anjum Anand’s ‘The Spice Tailor’ kits to local residents. Locals can expect to see the kits landing on their doorsteps from Monday 19th January.  Budgens have opted for a doorstep campaign rather than through the letterbox to safeguard any hungry pets that might otherwise get to them first.

Musgrave Retail Partners GB is pleased to announce the move of John Pattison, formerly Retail Director across both the Londis and Budgens brands, into the newly created role of Londis Brand Director. This move forms part of Musgrave’s commitment to a robust turnaround plan, recently announced by Managing Director, Peter Ridler.

The turnaround plan includes the operational restructure of Londis and Budgens, following a decision to align the business behind both brands. Dedicated teams will work solely on either Londis or Budgens – a move that heralds an exciting new phase for Musgrave and allows for a streamlined approach that will improve accuracy in ways of working.

John’s new role sees him heading up the Londis team – providing the opportunity to focus on the right brand activities and right ranges being made available to our Retail Partners. John has been with Musgrave GB since September 2013 and has made a considerable impact on successfully moving the business forward. His new role takes effect from the end of January 2015.

John says, “This is an exciting time for Londis. We are committed to creating a bright and prosperous future for the brand and our Retail Partners. I am delighted to be fully focused on Londis and I have a fantastic team to work alongside me.”

Peter Ridler, Managing Director says, “John is very highly regarded in the business and I know he will do a great job of leading Londis into a new era.”

John hands over his responsibilities on Budgens to the newly appointed Budgens Brand Director Mike Baker who has joined the business this month.

Musgrave Retail Partners GB is delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Baker as Budgens Brand Director from 5th January 2015. Mike has a wealth of retail experience and joins the Musgrave Retail Partners GB management team reporting to Managing Director, Peter Ridler.

Mike brings over 28 years of commercial and operational experience in both retail and wholesale sector to this new and important role for the independent retailer. He joins Musgrave from the Booker Group where he worked as Trading Director & Head of Own Brand for 4 years and was responsible for the Makro offer.

Mike started his career at Sainsbury’s and spent 14 years with the major retailer working in roles that included operations and buying. He has also held a number of senior management and Director posts in both company-owned and franchise businesses.

As Brand Director for Budgens, Mike will be responsible for the development of all areas of the Budgens consumer proposition and further developing the estate. 

Mike said: “I am really pleased to be joining Budgens at what appears to be an exciting time for the brand. I have a real passion for food retail and look forward to working with all our partners as we move towards a better Budgens in 2015.”

Peter Ridler, Managing Director said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Budgens team. As Brand Director he will play a lead role in developing the proposition as we move forward. It’s great to have him on board.”

Mike takes over the responsibilities on Budgens that were previously part of John Pattison’s roles. John moves into his new position as Londis Brand Director this month.

SuperValu introduces coffee pods to suit every coffee lover’s pockets and tastes

Just in time for the New Year, when everyone is feeling the pinch after Christmas, SuperValu is delighted to launch its range of Signature Tastes Coffee Capsules for coffee lovers to enjoy in the comfort of their own home.

At just €1.99 per packet of ten coffee pods and compatible with Nespresso machines, SuperValu’s exceptionally smooth and rich tasting coffee capsules promise something to suit all coffee lovers’ budgets and palates. SuperValu has worked with some of the best coffee producers in the world to discover the finest, responsibly derived, coffee flavours and, drawing on their expertise has sourced a unique range of Arabica & Robusta coffee bean blends from regions such as Columbia, Brazil & Vietnam.

Commenting on the launch, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu, said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of SuperValu Signature Tastes Coffee Capsules. At SuperValu we appreciate that our customers are looking for real quality and value. Our move into coffee capsules is a further demonstration of SuperValu’s approach to offering our customers a broad range of products at exceptional value.”

SuperValu’s Arabica coffee beans are long roasted to create an intense flavour. They are then expertly blended with a hint of Robusta bean for rich taste that is full of character. With three varieties to choose from, SuperValu Signature Tastes Coffee Capsules offer different intensities to suit all tastes.

SuperValu Signature Tastes Smooth Lungo, with a strength of 6/10, offers an intense blend of 100% Arabica beans from Brazil, Columbia and Honduras with deliciously dark caramel and chocolate flavour tones.

SuperValu Signature Tastes Classic Espresso, with a strength of 8/10, offers a round bodied taste. These coffee beans from Brazil, Columbia and Honduras are dark roasted to release their nutty, caramel flavours for a rich taste that is full of character.

SuperValu Signature Tastes Intense Ristretto, with a strength of 10/10, offers a rich robust flavour with chocolate notes. Intensely roasted Arabica beans from Brazil, Columbia and Honduras are expertly balanced with Robusta beans to deliver a smooth and perfectly balanced flavour with hints of chocolate & caramel.

The three varieties can be enjoyed as a smooth Espresso, a base to your Latte/Cappuccino or, for cocktail lovers, why not unleash your creativity with a homemade Espresso Martini? Click here for the SuperValu Fresh Magazine recipe, page 70.

To find out more about SuperValu Signature Tastes Coffee Capsules go to: http://supervalu.ie or, share your thoughts with us on Facebook.com/SuperValu or on Twitter @SuperValuIRL

MRPNI will be serving up 400,000 Brussels sprouts to Northern Ireland consumers this Christmas thanks to its partnership with Co. Armagh supplier Derrykeeran Nurseries.

Pat Smith of Derrykeeran Nurseries, Co. Armagh along with Aiden Kearney, Fresh Produce Trading Manager of MRPNI help serve up 400,000 Brussels sprouts to Northern Ireland consumers this Christmas.

As one of the top sprout farmers in Northern Ireland, Pat Smith of Derrykeeran Nurseries will supply the home-grown vegetable, which is an important addition to many festive dinner tables, to all SuperValu NI, Centra NI and Mace NI stores.

Fresh Produce Trading Manager of MRPNI, Aiden Kearney, said: “We’re delighted to continue our work with Derrykeeran Nurseries who have been supplying MRPNI for almost 20 years. We expect to sell in the region of 400,000 sprouts across our stores with 50% of sales taking place over the two week Christmas period.

“We are committed to bringing the highest quality fresh produce to consumers and sourcing in Northern Ireland allows us to do this. We are very proud of our relationship with suppliers such as Derrykeeran Nurseries who are one of over 250 local suppliers in Northern Ireland we use across our business,” he added.

Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland announced today that 80 new jobs are to be created as a result of an €8.2 million investment at the company’s Fonthill depot in Dublin. The new roles in management, warehouse and driving positions will bring the total headcount at the site to 335 permanent staff. The 57,000 sq. ft. expansion will boost Fonthill’s capacity by 60% by 2015. Work has already commenced on the Fonthill site, which will sustain 65 construction jobs. The expansion is due to be completed by July 2015.
 
Commenting on the expansion, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, said: “This significant investment in our Fonthill depot is a major milestone for our business in order to ensure we can meet our future capacity needs by strengthening our supply chain and logistics operations. The expansion will allow us to reach the site’s full potential, ultimately enhancing the shopping experience at SuperValu and Centra stores by guaranteeing greater availability of produce on a daily basis.”
 
Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland operates the SuperValu and Centra brands in Ireland, partnering with entrepreneurs who own and operate stores in their local community. SuperValu is the leading Irish grocery retailer with 223 stores nationwide, serving over 2.6 million customers every week and recorded retail sales of €2.1 billion in 2013. Centra is Ireland’s number one convenience brand, with 465 stores nationwide and recorded retail sales of €1.48 billion in 2013.

Skills for Work Week; 2nd – 6th March, 2015

The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, today launched ‘Feeding Ireland’s Future 2015’, an initiative by the Irish food and grocery industry body set up to help support young unemployed people. This is the second year of the initiative and will involve food and grocery companies and service providers to the sector throughout Ireland providing free pre-employment skills for young people through its core initiative, ‘Skills for Work Week’, a designated skills training week in March 2015.

The programme is being promoted by ECR Ireland, with the support of its members, in partnership with the Department of Social Protection through its Intreo service. According to the latest Live Register figures, the percentage of young people on the live register in November 2014 was 13.9%.  Whilst this is down from 15.3% in November 2013, responding to this situation is still an ongoing priority for the Government. 

Speaking at the launch, the Tánaiste said: “As Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, I am delighted that the Department is involved with ECR Ireland and Feeding Ireland’s Future, which I regard as an important measure in supporting our youth employment strategy.  I would urge employers to take on the challenge of offering work experience to young jobseekers, to help them improve their chances of securing employment.  All too often we hear that young jobseekers do not adequately demonstrate their skills, ability and depth of experience in their CVs, which is often the only information an employer has in deciding to invite a candidate for interview.

“By participating in Feeding Ireland’s Future you can make a truly positive difference in a young person’s life.  You will be helping them gain the necessary skills to become job ready.  In short, you can help them to put their best foot forward to getting a job.  Each action, by you, no matter how small, can make a big difference in a jobseeker’s life.” 

Over the course of the next two months, the Department of Social Protection will be contacting young people across the country that would benefit from this unique opportunity.  The experience will enhance their employability skills through benefiting from the expertise and advice of employers in their locality.

The ‘Skills for Work Week 2015’ initiative is being led by board member of ECR Ireland, David O’Neill, Managing Director of SHS Sales & Marketing.

He commented that, as one of the country’s largest private sector employers, the food and grocery industry was well placed to support young people in the transition from education to employment.

“Feeding Ireland’s Future will give young people in Ireland a much better insight into the vast range of career opportunities available in our industry. Today’s young people are tomorrow’s workforce so investing in and inspiring our young people is critical for our sustained business success. Based on the support we have received so far, we are confident that Feeding Ireland’s Future will become a major industry initiative in which most retailers, suppliers and service providers will want to participate” he said.

This will be the second year of Feeding Ireland’s Future. Last year, 29 companies participated in the programme offering over 1,500 places for young unemployed people to attend skills sessions designed to aid their quest for work.  The most effective activities conducted were CV writing courses, interview skills and giving insights into various job functions & trading relationships.  The initiative was a great success, as 97% of participants said they were more confident in applying for a job after taking part in ‘Skills for Work Week’. In addition, 88% of companies that took part said they would definitely aspire towards participating in the programme again in 2015.

Companies already signed up for Feeding Ireland’s Future include some of Ireland’s leading names in the grocery industry; BWG Foods, Keelings, Kellogg’s, Maxol Group, Musgrave Group, Nestlé, P&G Foods, SHS Sales & Marketing, Tesco, and Unilever are all involved to date. The companies will open their doors to give young unemployed people first-hand experience of the workings of production and marketing. 

The companies will provide a range of initiatives including free on-site skills workshops and site visits for young people at locations across Ireland during Skills for Work Week 2015, which will run from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th March 2015.  The focus will be on developing pre-employment skills and will include advice on CV writing, interview training and behind the scenes tours of factories, depots and offices.

Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland called on as many companies as possible to participate and offer some pre-employment training initiatives during March 2015.

“Feeding Ireland’s Future is a great example of how the food and grocery industry can collaborate to further the skills of young job seekers in Ireland and better prepare them in their quest for work.  We are looking to build on the success of last year’s programme and I hope as many companies as possible participate for 2015 so that future employers will favourably recognise those applicants who have participated in the Skills for Work week.  Our industry needs to collectively step up and help inspire young people and I believe that Feeding Ireland’s Future can play a significant role in this ideal” he said.

ECR member companies interested in participating in Skills for Work Week 2015 should contact: declancarolan@ecrireland.ie or T 087 235 2148

For media queries, please contact:

Sheila Gahan, Wilson Hartnell T: 01 6690030 or 087 234 2409, e: sheila.gahan@ogilvy.com

Ruth Doyle, Wilson Hartnell T: 01 6690030 or 087 944 8134, e: ruth.doyle@ogilvy.com 

About ECR Ireland

Efficient Consumer Response Ireland (ECR) was established in 1998 to promote and educate the Irish Business Community about Efficient Consumer Response and the benefits it brings. It is the official ECR organisation in Ireland and is a member of ECR Europe. The board is comprised of senior executives from a selection of retailers and suppliers operating in Ireland whose purpose it is to represent the sectors within which they trade.

ECR Ireland encourages long term co-operation between retail trading partners to drive costs out of the supply chain and benefit the Irish consumer. It does this by developing industry best practices, promoting their adoption and providing education and guidance on key demand side & supply chain issues. It is committed to the implementation of ECR principles by Irish companies and is a not for profit organisation.

About Intreo

Intreo is a service from the Department of Social Protection which helps those unemployed with their employment and income support services needs. Intreo provides a personalised service, based on individual needs including; advice on education, training and personal development opportunities, job search assistance as well as information on and access to the range of income supports available.

Companies already signed up for Feeding Ireland’s Future

The Musgrave Group
Nestlé
PwC
SHS Sales & Marketing
Unilever
Keelings
Kellogg’s
Maxol Group
Tesco

Ryan brothers, Liam Ryan of Ryan’s SuperValu in Glanmire and Tom Ryan of Ryan’s Centra Raheen swept the board at the recent Edward Dillon / Santa Rita Estates Off-Licence of the Year Awards. The award winning stores clinched the overall SuperValu and Centra award title at the 22nd annual ceremony which took place on Thursday 13th November.

Liam Ryan, Lillian Twomey and Deboragh Wolfe were there to represent SuperValu Glanmire on the night, with Tom and Breda Ryan and Joe Greensmith collecting the award on behalf of Centra Raheen. The award was presented by Andy O’Hara CEO of Edward Dillon, Andrés Alvarado, Santa Rita Estates and Martin Kelleher, Managing Director Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland. The event, which took place in Hotel Kilkenny, was attended by Centra and SuperValu finalist stores from across the country.

The overall winner and category winners of the Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off-Licence of the Year Awards will enjoy a luxurious trip to New York. All finalists received a certificate of achievement on the night.

Each of the SuperValu and Centra finalist stores were judged by Carthage Conlon and were marked on a range of criteria, including overall appearance, innovation and customer service.

The three SuperValu category winners were Hurley’s SuperValu, Midleton, SuperValu Tramore and SuperValu, Wexford, who took home the large store, medium store and small store prizes respectively.

Centra Moycullen in Galway, won the convenience store category, O’Leary’s Centra in Tower was the runner up in the neighbourhood supermarket category and Centra Marley Park, Dublin won the Centra Wine Store of the Year.

Speaking at the event, Andy O’Hara, CEO of Edward Dillon, said: ‘We would like to extend our congratulations to all our winners at this year’s awards, for reaching such a high standard in their store. We would also like to say well done to the other finalists for taking part this year.’
 

The Supervalu ‘Food Start-up of the Year’ award was given to Nobó Dairy-Free Ice Cream at the recent Lovin Dublin Live Show. The judging panel saw a level of quality, originality, and market-readiness which separated it from the hundreds of other competitors. Nobó will receive €5,000 cash, €4,000 of legal services from Philip Lee, PR support from PR 360, mentorship from leading Irish retail guru James Burke, and much more.

Speaking at the event, SuperValu Trading Director, Eamon Howell said: “At SuperValu, we are committed to providing our shoppers with great quality food along with new and innovative products. As the number one retail supporter of the Irish food industry, we feel a huge sense of pride in our long-standing relationships with suppliers that we have helped grow and expand their businesses over the years.  Through the Food Academy programme, we work hand in hand with budding artisan food producers, providing them with the opportunity to trial their products in local SuperValu stores initially and then grow their partnership with us as they scale their business and supply more SuperValu stores, creating local jobs in the process. As SuperValu stores are independently owned and operated, our retailers are perfectly placed to support suppliers in scaling their business at a sustainable pace. At the same time, it allows our retailers to provide customers with a tailored local offer, stocking products which you cannot buy in other supermarkets.”

Foodies, bloggers and people from all across the country assembled in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Monday the 24th of November for Lovin Dublin’s first ever live show. Speaking about the event, Niall Harbison Founder of Lovin Dublin says “We wanted to do something that was a huge celebration of Dublin and really highlighted the best the city has to offer. We also wanted to get people inspired, so we have flown in some of the very best speakers from around the world. We wanted people to leave the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with a chill in their spine about the huge potential this city has as it continues to grow.”

Lovin Dublin Show Live also had talks from Marco Pierre White, Mark Pollock, Jamie Heaslip, Paddy Cosgrave, Niall Breslin, Caroline Keeling, Mark Little and more, with awards given out to ‘Dublin’s Best’…

• Brunch – Whitefriar Grill;
• Pub – Long Hall;
• Chef – Ross Lewis;
• Coffee Shop – 3FE;
• Lunch – Boojum;
• Dinner – Saba;
• Restaurant – 777

Lovin Dublin Show Live is kindly supported by Supervalu, O’Brien’s Off Licence, Heinz and Visit Dublin.