Lidl is planning to increase the number of Irish-produced goods it exports to its businesses across Europe, according to Lidl Ireland managing director Brendan Proctor. In an interview with the Sunday Business Post, Proctor said that it was the retailer's intention to host an 'Irish Week' in other markets, in the same way that stores may host a 'Spanish' or 'Asian' week. "We are looking to produce an Irish range of goods that we can export, and we're in discussions with a number of our suppliers about their capacities," he said.
Chocolate maker Lir Chocolates is projecting a 47% increase in profits in its current financial year. Managing director Stephen Cope told the Irish Examiner that the firm expects profits to rocket to €420,000 in its current financial year, with revenues set to grow to €21 million. Cope described production at Lir’s plant as “flat out” during the periods of Valentine’s, Easter and spring, with 1,200 tonnes of chocolate being produced this year alone.
As a result of the increased cost of alcohol and tobacco, the rate of inflation rose slightly in November, to 0.3%, up from 0.1% in October. However, price increases of 6% in alcohol and tobacco, were offset by a decrease in mortgage interest costs. According to David McNamara, analyst at Davy Stockbrokers, “The continued weakness of import prices is a welcome boost to households’ spending power in the run-up to the Christmas period and should mean further expansion in real wages."
One person was killed and seven others injured after a crane fell onto an Aldi store in the German town of Bad Homburg last week. According to local media, the crane was located on a building site next to the supermarket and caused part of the roof to collapse when it fell, killing a 45-year-old female shopper and seriously injuring her 74-year-old mother. The crane operator was also injured in the incident. Bad Homburg is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Frankfurt.
BWG Foods has announced the reopening of Value Centre Sligo, following a €600,000 upgrade of the business. As part of the investment, the outlet was completely renovated and expanded, and now stands at 25,000 square feet. Branch manager Jacquie Conlon said that the upgrade was necessary due to the need for "increased capacity and efficiencies" in the business. Commenting on the reopening, John Moane, Managing Director of BWG Wholesale Division said: “We believe it is necessary to invest in order to grow and that is why we are carrying out these significant works, which ultimately will lead to improved service, range, and value for customers."
Glanbia is to create 90 new jobs in Monaghan and Dublin. As part of the investment, Glanbia Consumer Products, owner of the Avonmore and Premier brands, will build a new UHT facility in Monaghan to produce long-life liquid milk and cream suitable for export to emerging markets such as China, Europe and the Middle East. It is expected to be operational in early 2014. “This new state of the art UHT facility is a key part of our strategy to develop an international business for Irish liquid milk and cream products," said Colin Gordon, chief executive at Glanbia Consumer Products. "There is a strong business case for this investment and we have had an excellent response from potential customers, globally." Elsewhere, Glanbia Global Performance Nutrition is to locate its Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) head office in Dublin, as its international sports nutrition business grows.
Topaz’ Play or Park loyalty game has seen its first Cork winner, after Edward Creedon from Douglas won the November prize of a trip to New York. The prize is valued at €20,000 and includes return flights for four adults, four nights in the five star Trump Soho Hotel and €8,000 spending money. Following the win, Creedon was keen to thank staff at his local service station, Topaz Frankfield. “I always get my petrol, newspapers and coffee at Frankfield. The manager Keith and the staff are really friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. They always made sure I collected my points and I’m sure glad they did now!”
The Rushe Retail Group has announced plans to invest approximately €1.25 million in the refurbishment and expansion of the stores in its portfolio, ahead of their conversion to SuperValu and Centra outlets. The conversion will see three new SuperValu stores open in Killiney, Dalkey and Naas, and a new Centra store open in Stillorgan. “This investment will ensure that we provide our customers with the best offer in the marketplace by delivering excellent value and top quality food, while supporting Irish suppliers," said Shane Rushe, Operations Director, Rushe Group.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
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