ShelfLife celebrates 30 years!

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To commemorate this occasion, our valued partners gave their insights to get a broader understanding of the pivotal moments that have shaped our industry

News

25 September 2024

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Over the past three decades, ShelfLife has been dedicated to providing insightful and comprehensive coverage of the grocery retail trade in Ireland. To commemorate this occasion, Donna Ahern reached out to valued partners to hear their insights to get a broader understanding of the pivotal moments that have shaped our industry

Arnold Dillon, director, Retail Ireland

“The COVID pandemic was a time of unprecedented challenges for individuals, families and businesses, but it also brought into clear focus the vital role of the grocery retail sector, and those who work in it.

 ”Grocery retail was at the coalface of the crisis. Firstly, managing massive demand surges in stores and major supply chain disruption. Then ensuring the provision of food and vital products to customers during a global health emergency. At all times, working tirelessly to safeguard the health and wellbeing of staff and customers.

 ”Over a very short period of time, often days, businesses radically transformed how they operated and staff worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our society, didn’t go without.

 ”At a time of national and international crisis, the grocery trade stepped up and played a central part in the response. This is something the sector can be very proud of.”

Agnese Filippi, country manager, Coca-Cola Ireland 

“The emergence of the experiential economy has been a transformative development in the sector, coupled with the growth of convenience and on-the-go consumption. Together, these trends have redefined and will continue to reshape the grocery retail and FMCG sectors. 

“The experiential economy has emerged and become a cornerstone of Ireland’s economic landscape. Encompassing hospitality, retail, travel, food, drink, tourism, entertainment, technology, events, and organisations in the arts, cultural, sporting, and heritage sectors, the experience economy now supports 330,000 jobs in total and accounts for about €4 billion in annual spending on goods and services. Coca-Cola is now at the centre of that economy, creating memorable digital and live experiences that connect people and create real magic – whether at local festivals or through innovative retail partnerships. 

“The past 30 years have also seen a remarkable growth in the demand for convenience and on-the-go consumption. Irish consumers increasingly seek quick, accessible options that fit seamlessly into their busy lifestyles. The sector continues to evolve and one trend we are seeing from consumers is increased environmental consciousness. Through initiatives like the recently introduced Deposit Return Scheme, beverage companies are balancing business growth, with a vision to grow the right way. These demands have reshaped the FMCG sector, driving innovation in packaging and ensure that consumers can enjoy their favourite beverages wherever they are.” 

Caroline Reidy, managing director, The HR Suite  

“Without doubt the introduction of discounters was a game changer in the Irish grocery retail landscape. It brought the introduction of huge competition and the other retailers stepped up to this challenge and differentiated even more with fresh food and speciality offering and superior customer service which we now see in stores like SuperValu and Dunnes Stores.”  

Ciarán Mollahan, managing director, JDE

“I have worked with suppliers to the retail trade in Ireland since 1997. Rather than one stand-out moment in the industry, I believe a series of events have contributed to how the grocery retail trade is today. The arrival of Tesco in 1997 followed by Aldi and Lidl a few years later transformed the retail landscape. This was complemented by the explosion of high-quality convenience stores.  Musgrave’s central distribution implementation in the 1990s changed how suppliers set up their route to market.

“Our adoption of the Euro as our currency and its relationship with UK sterling led to inflation that we’ve never recovered from. This situation worsened since the announcement of Brexit in 2016 and its implementation in recent years. On a more positive note, the range of products on offer to Irish shoppers has improved greatly, reflecting consumer behaviour out of home being replicated by consumption at home. This is particularly true for categories that I’m familiar with such as beer, spirits, dairy-free & health foods and of course, coffee. The Covid pandemic underlined the important role that the grocery retail trade plays in Irish society and it is important that we remain mindful of this into the future.”

Colm O’Neill, managing director, Solv-X

“The market which our grocery retail customers operate in has changed significantly from a non-food perspective with both a diminishing of specialised non-food stores, notably in smaller towns, and on the other side a growth in discount stores.

“The changing habits of consumers in terms of driving convenience shopping and in particular the growth of brand new categories such as mobile phone accessories and vaping have been the major change for us in the last 30 years supplying the Irish grocery market. 

“These new categories along with evolution of traditional categories such as homewares and stationery have allowed retailers offer their customers a more complete shopping experience while gaining real incremental high profit business.” 

Jim Barry, managing director, Barry Group 

“There have been so many milestones over the past 30 years. From a Barry Group perspective, a standout moment was when we made the decision to move to a 100,000 sq. ft warehouse in 1998, which positioned us as a business with a national and internation presence. During this time, we also launched our first symbol offering into the retail trade. The advancements we made during this time put foundations in place for where our business is today. 

“Looking at the trade through a broader lens, I believe the launch of DRS was significant due to the enormity of the task at hand and the short window of time it had to be executed within. “The way the trade worked together in cooperation to deliver such a large project was impressive. The benefits that will derive from this scheme will have such long lasting benefits for future generations. I feel that all partners involved from suppliers, IT partners, wholesalers, retailers, Re-Turn and trade organisations deserve credit for delivering such a big project.  

“During all these milestones, the one thing that was consistent was the role that ShelfLife played and the support they have offered the trade. Thank you so much for your collaboration and support over the past 30 years!”  

David Melinn, country manager, BAT Ireland (P.J. Carroll & Co)

“The retail landscape for nicotine products has changed so dramatically in just five years, let alone thirty! We have worked with our valued customers across the country to adapt to many changes over the years, including the rollout of plain packaging for cigarettes in 2017. At BAT Ireland, we’re particularly proud of bringing new generation products into the Irish market, including Vype vapes in 2018, which we now all know as Vuse*, and the launch of Velo* tobacco-free nicotine pouches in Ireland just over a year ago.

“When I began working at BAT as a sales rep twenty years ago, I never anticipated that I would be a country manager overseeing the launch of tobacco-free products into Irish retail. Adult nicotine users now have a choice across a range of potentially reduced risk products when they enter a store, and we know that Irish retailers take great pride in ensuring staff are appropriately trained in selling age-gated products, and that they act responsibly. Congratulations to ShelfLife on this great milestone – and here’s to the next thirty years!  

 *18+. This product contains nicotine and is addictive. For adult nicotine users only  

Paul Henderson, CEO, DMG Media Ireland

“While the retail landscape has changed dramatically over the years and the challenges continue to multiply for owners, Shelflife has been a constant source of information, representation and a powerful voice for the trade for the past 30 years.

“Because of their great work over three decades, the editorial team know the origins of many issues which best places them to guide in the decisions of the future. We wish the team every success for the next 30 years and beyond.”

David Vaz, circulation manager, DMG Media Ireland

“DMG Media Ireland have enjoyed a great relationship with Shelflife and were very proud to have been the main sponsors for both the Grocery Management awards and C-Store awards over the years. Throughout our time as sponsors it was rewarding to see how well the retail trade adapted to the various changes to their businesses and how they accepted new guidelines.  

“During the last 30 years, newspapers have played a major role in recycling returned copies and retailers have contributed by ensuring that all full copies are made available for collection daily. This has led to the success of over 90% of returned copies being recycled and keeping to industry targets.  

“We have also a seen massive change in customers shopping behaviour and none more so than the impact of COVID-19. 

“Newspapers, being an essential service carried on publishing and every effort was made to ensure that retailers would receive supplies normally. The demand for the printed copy of newspapers was never in doubt and played a key role in keeping readers up to date and informed. Of course, this would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication shown by retailers and their staff.  The trade showed their professionalism by remaining open, introducing social distancing and ensuring that all of their customers would feel safe and enjoy the shopping experience.   

“As a supplier of the Irish Daily Mail, The Irish Mail on Sunday and Business Plus magazine to the trade, we value ShelfLife as a quality trade journal.”  

Denis Lynch, chief commercial officer, Valeo Foods Ireland

“The most stand out for me in the last 30 years has been the consolidation in the grocery market, previously Quinnsworth, Roches Stores, L&N, Pettitts, BM Burke, Dunnes, Crazy Prices to name a few, I guess change has to happen.”  

Aengus King, director, Drinks Ireland | Spirits

“For the Irish spirits’ sector, no single moment captures the success of the past 30 years of grocery retail trade for Irish spirits. We have seen significant growth, especially in relation to Irish Whiskey, premium Irish gin and Irish Cream.” 

“Where once there was only one Irish gin on grocery off-licence shelves, today customers can find a variety of options from over 40 producers across the island, all expressing their individual taste and local identity. Gin’s share of the spirits category rose from 5% to 13% in the space of the past decade alone and this transformation showcases the dedication of producers and the exceptional quality of Irish gin. 

“Similarly, Irish Whiskey has gone through a renaissance of its own. In 2010, there were just four working distilleries on this island of Ireland, but now our premium product is being produced is now being produced in 50 Irish distilleries. This reflects the broader evolution of the spirits market in Ireland. These changes underscore the dynamic growth of the sector, making Irish Whiskey and premium gin key players in the retail landscape and a testament to the industry’s ongoing success. We are so proud of the quality coming from this island and our success as customers continue to support local producers. I can’t wait for the next 30 years!” 

Geoff Byrne, COO, Tesco Ireland 

“For me, it’s the evolution and innovation of online shopping in the industry. Our online business – grocery home shopping and Click+Collect – is the longest running and most established online grocery business in Ireland – we were the first retailer to invest in online food retail and deliver it at scale. The strategic role it played and the vital resource it became during 2020 was something no one could have predicted.  

“It continues to deliver double-digit growth for our business, and we’re continuing to develop new customer propositions – for example, we’re in the process of rolling out same day delivery and Click+Collect right across the country. From August, customers can order their goods before 12 noon; and collect or receive delivery timed with getting home from work or school etc. That will be a real game changer for our thousands of online customers.

“Congratulations to Shelflife on its 30th anniversary. The retail industry is an extremely valuable contributor to the national eco-system of Ireland – from employment to community supports to sustainability leadership – we should all be proud of our industry and its value to the country.”  

Jason McSteen, sales manager, Nearby Ireland 

“The introduction of the German supermarkets to the Irish Retail Market was a huge shake up, not only changing the way Irish consumers shop but their loyalty with independent stores.  This has also effected the supply chain driving down cost prices. Their introduction however has led to Irish convenience stores becoming more competitive and offering consumers more choice than ever before which is a great opportunity for both retailer and shopper. 

“The second is the COVID pandemic, where retailers across the country became front line workers. Convenience retail especially had an even more important role to play in the community with shop owners and staff them risking the unknown to ensure their customers were supported, shelves stocked and had food at home for their families.”  

Jeffrey Long, managing director, Java Republic 

“From a coffee retail perspective, one of the most stand-out moments in the grocery trade in Ireland over the past 30 years has been the dramatic shift in consumer preferences towards premium and specialty coffee.  

“Driven by the rise of café culture and influenced by global trends, coffee wholesalers have expanded their focus to include the retail market. Grocers that once stocked a limited range of instant coffee now dedicate entire aisles to a variety of premium coffee, from single origin to Fairtrade blends.  

“Enhanced knowledge in coffee means consumers are increasingly seeking out ethically sourced, premium quality coffee. Irish consumers are much more discerning, investing not only in premium coffee but also in the tools to brew café-quality coffee at home.  

“As a coffee supplier in both the B2B and B2C sector, this transformation in consumer preference and growing expertise has challenged us to continuously scale our offering and enhance our presence across retail stores, café shelves, and our online webstore, to meet the evolving expectations of the market.” 

Sharon Yourell Lawlor, managing director, Think Plan Do Consulting 

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment for the Irish grocery retail sector, showcasing its remarkable resilience and adaptability. Grocery retailers swiftly implemented safety protocols and maintained supply chains, becoming vital community lifelines as other retail sectors shut down. 

“This period tested the industry’s strength and transformed shopper behaviour, with a significant shift toward contactless payments and more openness to online shopping within grocery. Through these challenges, the sector emerged stronger and wiser, reaffirming its essential role in Irish society.” 

Kevin Donnelly, managing director, Britvic Ireland 

“In my view, the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme, Re-turn, has been one of the most important moments in the Irish grocery trade over the past 30 years. Three years in the planning, and the result of great collaboration across the trade, seven months in, the Irish DRS is already ahead of most other DRS schemes globally.

“Over 450 million units have been collected, generating high quality material for re-use. This circular economy initiative is something to be proud of and shows what we can achieve when we work together for the good of the planet.”  

Killian Barry, country director, Danone Ireland 

“For me, one of the stand-out moments over the past 30 years was Actimel arriving in Irish supermarkets in 1999. Actimel was one of the first yogurt shots aimed at improving everyday health and it created a desire amongst shoppers to look for more than just great taste from their products, but to think about the health benefits too. 

“Since then, it’s been great to see the consumer adoption of functional health products increase, as people become more aware of the role nutritious food plays in maintaining overall health.”

Reggie Walsh, operations manager, NOffLA 

“In the past three decades, one of the most transformative milestones in the Irish grocery retail sector has been the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in 2022. This policy, aimed at curbing the sale of alcohol at dangerously low prices, marked a significant shift in how alcohol is retailed and consumed in Ireland.

“It underscored the importance of responsible retailing – a principle that NOffLA has championed since its inception in 1991. This legislation not only aligns with our long-standing advocacy for public health but also represents a critical moment where policy and responsible retail practices intersected to safeguard communities across Ireland. It also means that the high levels of excise on alcohol, often cited as a public health solution, are no longer required.” 

Leo Crawford, group chief executive, BWG Group UC 

“The grocery retail trade has experienced huge changes over the last three decades. I’ve been involved in retail for 30 years and it’s unbelievable to compare the levels of service and range or quality of products. Even when you look over the last 10 years, at how the customer experience, the variety of fresh food services and technology has evolved, it’s almost unrecognisable. There’s been an incredible amount of innovation when it comes to meeting consumer demands for convenience, value, and quality. 

“The biggest overall change for me has been the growth of the local retail store in Irish communities, becoming the best supporters of the local economy. The increasing investment in local retail has helped to strengthen communities and create a more resilient retail environment. 

“It you asked me to narrow it down to a moment in time or a particular period, I’d probably point to the way that local retailers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a very challenging time but they proved themselves to be a core part of the communities they serve, and key to Ireland’s strong social fabric, and a prosperous economy. I could not have been prouder of how EUROSPAR, SPAR, MACE, LONDIS and XL retailers all around Ireland, and their teams, stood up to that challenge.” 

Luke Hanlon, managing director, SuperValu & Centra

“I think the biggest “stand out” moment of the last 30 years in retail was the COVID-19 pandemic.  It was clearly an immensely challenging time for every community throughout Ireland. I am so proud of the way colleagues and retailers went above and beyond to serve their communities, ensuring that the most vulnerable were taken care of. There is no doubt that the pandemic shone a spotlight on the magic dust of our independent retailers, their knowledge of their local customers and their commitment to serve their community.  

“We had to transform the way we worked, and it was absolutely inspiring to see the agility and pace of change implemented in order to replenish our shelves every day.  

“We enhanced our online shopping and home delivery services to ensure everyone in the community was taken care of. Our retail colleagues remained active and responsive to customers in-store, day in and day out, providing an excellent service, in the safest manner. Despite increased logistic challenges, we had 500 trucks operating around the clock to ensure our store network was fully stocked. Everyone from store colleagues to our supply chain staff stepped up to the plate, showing real agility to deliver for customers in difficult times and I am very proud of that. 

“As we look forward to the next 30 years, we will ensure that we continue to meet and exceed our customers’ evolving needs. Key to all of that will be evolving our offering to meet changing consumer preferences in convenience, health and wellness and value, continuing to embrace technology to enhance the customer experience in-store and online, and driving forward on our sustainability journey to reach our ultimate goal of net zero by 2040.” 

Nikki Murran, director, Excel  

“Oh wow – how can anyone pick one moment across 30 years? I have so many memories, many of them personal – getting by first tabard for my first shift, the day my dad got the keys to his new store and we worked through the night closing out the stocktake, bagging potatoes as a 10 year old and feeling so important, my first shift on the deli, my first shift in charge of closing a store, middle of the night alarm calls,  getting the phone call to say I had got the job as an area manager with Lidl, opening a brand new store with Lidl, and so much laughter – with customers, with colleagues and at myself at times!  Other moments that spring to mind are industry changers – the introduction of the discounters, the change of the punt to the Euro, the passing of Ben Dunne and Fergal Quinn – two giants of our time. 

“But for me if I must pick one moment – it is this – it’s the moment that the entire retail industry stepped up during a pandemic, when the rest of the world stayed indoors. In October 2020 when there was still huge uncertainty, The Irish Times published a study citing that customer-facing retail workers where five times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, that’s a prevalence of 20% compared to an infection rate of 1% at the time of the study.

“When you think back to the fear in those early months it makes it all the more remarkable that whilst most were staying at home and disinfecting their groceries, scrubbing their hands, making banana bread or watching Tiger King , retailers where contending with panic buying, social distancing restrictions and covid outbreaks. 

“In the early days of the scary unknown – retailers up and down the country stepped up, shift after shift, day after day – in face masks, visors, and gloves. Many of these retailers where part time, others vulnerable, plenty of them were scared, yet they showed up. And really – I can’t think of a more incredible moment to pay tribute to.” 

Shane Vaughan, head of marketing Ireland/UK, ARYZTA Ireland/UK 

“The Retail Convenience trade has changed significantly over the last three decades especially across the Food to Go and Bakery sectors where we as Cuisine de France participate. 

“In the 90’s the landscape began to shift towards convenience. Offers began to expand to include ready-to-eat meals and prepacked bakery items. We saw the introduction of microwaveable meals and bakery goods that catered towards busy lifestyle. We saw the introduction of freshly baked bread in store. The focus was on convenience without compromising on taste. 

“The 2000’s saw innovations that allowed for longer shelf lives and improved quality of food offerings. At the same time there was a growing awareness of health and nutrition, and retailers responded by offering low-fat and organic products. In the bakery sector we saw the introduction whole grain and healthier options such as brown bread. 

“The 2010’s saw the emergence of online shopping and delivery services became more prevalent and then access to food became easier. Data was being collected which could then be analysed to start offering bespoke solutions. 

“More recently sustainability has become a key focus in Food to Go and Bakery and consumers are more concerned with where and how the products are sourced, how it is packaged and wastage. 

“As trends change into the future, consumers will look for more healthier solutions which have been sourced in a sustainable way. We as suppliers will need to evolve and be more agile to meet the changing needs.”

Shay Barber, managing director, Shelton Distributors Ltd.

“I think our several lockdown periods during the COVID-19 pandemic created the most memorable universal impact during the past 30 years. The Irish grocery and FMCG industries should take a bow for the way everybody leaned in to maintain supplies and services to the public despite the many challenges faced. People involved in manufacturing, international logistics, localised order processing, distribution, and especially retail all contributed to keeping the shelves fully loaded and the shopping experience as comfortable as possible for the consumer.

“While unfortunately some other countries experienced bare shelves and rationing of stocks, the Irish grocery trade stepped up admirably and delivered in a memorable way. In my mind other noteworthy moments over the past 30 years include the sale of several multiples like H. Williams, Quinnsworth and Superquinn, the growth of SuperValu, the arrival of Tesco and the German Discounters, the resilience of Dunnes Stores as a major Irish independent multiple.

“Also, the growth of Symbol Groups and Forecourts, the availability of cheaper alcohol in a wider number of outlets, the movement towards Private Label while generating a corresponding requirement for trusted brands, the demise of many high streets nationally, shopping on-line with home deliveries, and the tap and go cultural shift.” 

Tara Buckley, director general, RGDATA 

“The most extraordinary thing about the Irish retail grocery market over the past 30 years has been the ability of Ireland’s independent family owned food/convenience shops to take on all the challenges, constantly reinvent, re-invest in and adapt their stores and continue to hold over a third of the market share in a highly competitive sector.   

“There have been many key moments – introduction of self-service supermarkets, scrapping the Groceries Order; arrival of global multiples, dealing with the post Celtic Tiger crash.   

“Ireland’s independent grocers have bounced back every time and still manage to run successful stores and supermarkets in every town and village serving local communities in a unique, sustainable, award winning way every day. 

“Congratulations to all at Shelflife on your 30th anniversary and thank you for the important part you have played in supporting and promoting the independent grocery sector.” 

Colin Gordon, marketing expert

In my opinion the most stand-out moment of the last 30 years was the removal of the ban on below cost selling – it fundamentally changed the buy-sell relationships in the grocery trade, allowed alcohol to be sold below cost (which cannot have been good for society) and caused a rupture in how basic grocery items are valued by consumers and the trade (witness the price ‘promotion’ of vegetables).

“All of this was so well flagged but ultimately ignored by politicians who have no expertise in the matter and do not suffer the consequences . #RaceToTheBottom”

Rachael Hayden, marketing consulting, Golden Eye Consultancy Ltd.

“A significant transformation happened January 2002 with the shift from the Irish Punt to the Euro. The Punt coins depicting symbols of Ireland’s agricultural heritage, the pig, horse and cow had been replaced.

“For retailers, the transition was a monumental challenge. Stores had to update pricing systems, recalibrate cash registers and train staff to manage both currencies. December 2001, The Irish Independent cost £0.71, a pack of 10 John Player Blue cigarettes approximately £2.64. January 2002, The Irish Independent cost €1.10, and 10 John Player Blue cigarettes €3.50.

“Despite these challenges, the switch to the Euro ultimately benefited the Irish grocery trade by streamlining cross-border transactions and prompting modernisation in retail operations.”

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