Tesco has said that it is expecting to sell over 33 million Irish Brussels Sprouts this season. The approximate 200 tonnes of sprouts the retailer will sell in the run up to Christmas will be sourced from farmers David and Charlie Keogh and their farm in Macetown, Co. Meath. Pictured with a batch of this season's Tesco Irish Brussels Sprouts are Ella Cotter (7) and Kate Kinnear (6).
Independent foodservice firm Dublin Food Sales, of Glasnevin, Co. Dublin is to enter the Stonehouse network. The company, run by Martin Kernaghan, will enter Stonehouse’s network of companies in 2014, the first new member to Stonehouse in recent years. In addition, Stonehouse has appointed Fintan Corrigan as its new chairman. Corrigan succeeds Paddy Shortall, who has stepped down from the role after many years. Corrigan has built up a wealth of experience in the FMCG sector, working for companies such as Unilever, Beecham and DCC Food. He serves on the Enterprise Ireland Mentor Panel and the Bank of Ireland ‘Enterprise Builder’ Panel.
Coomara Irish Poitín has plans to become the ‘go-to’ poitín brand, after its first order reached Tesco stores in Ireland. The brand has been developed by Gary Gartland and Bronagh Conlon in an attempt to bring innovation to a traditional drink, and comes in three flavours; Traditional, Wild Berry and Orchard Fruits. Gartland and Conlon aim to be competitive in price, taste, brand appeal and appearance, and have set their sights on the international market.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has welcomed new Irish food labelling rules. The regulations make listing the country of origin compulsory for meat from sheep, pigs, goats and poultry, in order to comply with the EU’s new Food Information Regulations. According to the IFA, this level of transparency has long been on their agenda. “We know that Irish consumers want to buy food produced by Irish farmers because it meets the highest animal welfare, environment and traceability standards,” said a spokesperson.
Dunnes Stores has reportedly appointed Joe Webb, the former head of Independent News & Media's Irish operations as its new chief financial officer. According to reports in The Sunday Times, Webb's appointment comes in the wake of a number of changes at management level at Dunnes, following the news last week that Dunnes is to seek a number of voluntary redundancies at both head office and store level. Webb left INM in September having spend close to 20 years in various positions, most recently as chief executive of Independent News & Media (Ireland).
Lakeland Dairies has appointed Tadhg O’Halloran as its new head of human resources, following the retirement of Tommy Duffy. Among other duties, the role will involve leading a graduate programme aimed at investing in the future growth and development of Lakeland Dairies. Chief executive at Lakeland Dairies, Michael Hanley, commented: “Tadhg has an excellent track record of leadership and experience in human resources and organisational management. I welcome him to the senior management team and look forward to his strong contribution to the success and development of Lakeland Dairies.”
Murphy’s Irish Stout has won the title of Best Imported Beer at the Beer and Brewers Awards in Australia, the third year in a row that the brand has secured the prize. The Beer and Brewers Awards encompass 28 categories across the Australian and New Zealand drinks industry. Murphys was one of 25 international brands to compete in the Best Imported Beer category, which is voted for by the public. Barry Cassidy, Murphy’s assistant brand manager commented on the win, “We are delighted with the news from Australia, at what is an extremely competitive time in the international drinks industry. It is very heartening when the strength of the competition in this category is considered and also the fact that it is the third time in recent years that we have collected this award.”
Retail Ireland has published its 'Strategy for Retail 2014-2016', which says the sector can create up to 40,000 new jobs by 2020 if the sector can be put on a sustainable path to recovery. Retail Ireland said that retailers were optimistic that improved confidence and positive trends in the wider economy would translate into improved Christmas sales. "Consumer sentiment is at a five year high and there are 58,000 new jobs in the economy," said Retail Ireland Director Stephen Lynam. "This should translate into higher spending this Christmas. Together with the fantastic value available in Irish stores right now, we are hopeful that tills will be ringing in the coming weeks.” According to the report, retail generates over €5 billion in taxes every year and pays over €8 billion in wages. The report states that if retail sales can start to grow by 3-4% per annum from 2016, the sector can create 40,000 new jobs.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
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