190 jobs to be added to SuperValu store network as three new stores are set to open in 2017
SuperValu today announced that it recorded retail sales of €2.67 billion in 2016, representing a new milestone for Ireland’s leading food retailer. Building on this strong performance, SuperValu plans to open three new stores in 2017, adding 190 jobs to the SuperValu network. This is part of an overall investment of €35 million in store revamps.
Commenting at the SuperValu National Conference in Killarney today, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “Our latest record performance of €2.67 billion in sales in 2016, an increase of 2.4% over the previous year, demonstrates consumers’ positive response to our fresh food leadership and ongoing commitment to innovation. As Ireland’s leading food retailer, we pride ourselves on delivering an unrivalled shopping experience with a unique and tailored offer of locally-sourced, quality Irish produce complemented by in-store experts. SuperValu independent retailers continue to set us apart and drive the success of the brand.”
“As the number one supporter of the Irish agri-food industry, SuperValu sources from over 2,200 Irish suppliers – more than any other grocery retailer in the Irish market – equating to an annual economic contribution of €2.19 billion.”
“In 2017, we look forward to adding 190 jobs to the SuperValu network with the opening of three new stores and to continuing our support for important local community initiatives such as SuperValu TidyTowns. As part of our innovation agenda, we will also invest in new product ranges and services to offer consumers and provide even more ways for customers to save money on their weekly shop through our market-leading loyalty programme, Real Rewards.”
SuperValu’s fresh food leadership strategy – bringing the best of fresh, quality Irish produce to consumers with a tailored, local offer in every store – continues to act as a core driver of the retailer’s performance. Through Food Academy, a unique initiative with Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office, SuperValu has now helped over 300 small Irish food producers to secure a retail listing, supporting over 1,100 jobs and retail sales of €25 million as a result. Successful food companies such as Dr Coys, Tipperary Kitchen and The Happy Pear, which began by supplying one SuperValu store, have grown their relationship with SuperValu to supply the entire network of 219 stores.
One of the key business milestones for SuperValu in 2016 was the expansion of its Real Rewards loyalty scheme. With over 1 million members, six national partners including Aer Lingus, Bank of Ireland and Electric Ireland, and plans to announce further exciting partnerships this year, SuperValu is well on its way to delivering on its ambition for Real Rewards to become the number one loyalty programme in the country.
SuperValu online shopping was another key sales driver for the brand, growing by 22% in 2016. The shift to mobile was a key trend, with visits from customers browsing SuperValu.ie on smartphones up by 180%. SuperValu’s new eSHOPS site, an extension of the Real Rewards programme which incorporates 125 leading online brands, is also tapping into this trend enabling the retailer to reward its customers’ loyalty when they shop with SuperValu, but also benefit every time they purchase online with partners including eBay, Expedia, Debenhams and Eason.
SuperValu’s Health & Wellness range, introduced in 2015, delivered sales of over €36 million last year, underlining the growing demand from consumers for this innovative range of vitamins and supplements, sports nutrition and weight management products, benefit foods and whole foods.
Ongoing food innovations such as SuperValu Signature Tastes Irish Hampshire Pork, a fully traceable, premium 100% Irish pork range launched last year which is helping to boost the €117 million Irish pork market, also boosted the retailer’s performance.
SuperValu serves over 2.6 million customers every week and has 219 stores nationwide. Together with its retail partners, SuperValu employs approximately 14,500 colleagues, making it one of the State’s largest private sector employers. 75% of everything on SuperValu’s shelves is sourced in Ireland. SuperValu continues to source locally wherever possible which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish economy.
