The launch represents a major move by easyGroup into consumer retail, applying one of Europe’s most widely recognised brands to a new sector at an international scale. Retaining the brand’s long‑standing focus on simplicity and value, easyShop will bring retailers together into a single shopping destination designed for long-term growth, launching initially across Ireland and 20 European countries.

The easyShop domain will be operated by ecommerce and marketplace technology company OnBuy, and powered by its proprietary OnCommerce platform, which provides the infrastructure and operational framework required to support cross border trade at scale.

The platform has already been proven internationally through OnBuy’s own marketplace, which has grown more than 86% over the past three years and now supports over 100 million products across Europe, with several markets delivering quarterly growth in excess of 150%.

Significant long-term investment has been agreed as part of the partnership, reflecting both parties’ ambition to establish easyShop as a meaningful new marketplace. The structure allows easyGroup to extend into online retail through a modern, asset light model, while OnBuy provides the marketplace expertise, regulatory compliance and operational capability needed to support international growth.

For consumers, easyShop will offer straightforward, value-led online shopping aligned with the easy brand’s existing presence across travel, transport and consumer services. For retailers, the platform offers access to a new marketplace launching simultaneously across multiple countries, without the complexity typically associated with managing multiple local marketplaces or building infrastructure market by market.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands, said:

“The easy family of brands has expanded into many new sectors by focusing on simplicity and value for money. I believe an online retail marketplace using a great domain like easyShop is a natural next step. I am delighted to welcome Cas Paton of OnBuy into the easy family, and I am looking forward to working with him to start recruiting sellers for our marketplace from now in Ireland, and 20 different countries. We are aiming for a consumer-facing launch for consumers to be able to buy online from Q4 in 2026. Exciting times for the easy family!”

Cas Paton, CEO and Founder of OnBuy, commented:

“easyShop removes many of the barriers that typically slow retail expansion by operating as a pure marketplace without inventory, logistics, or local infrastructure. Working with the easy family of brands brings together one of Europe’s most recognisable consumer names with proven marketplace expertise, accelerating awareness and enabling retailers to reach customers across multiple countries much more quickly.”

easyShop will operate as a pure marketplace, with no retail competition from the operator, giving retailers a fair and transparent platform designed to support long-term growth. Seller onboarding will begin ahead of the consumer launch, allowing retailers to establish early presence and visibility from day one.

Retailers interested in selling through the domain can register their interest at www.easyShop.com.

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Dr Walsh has over 25 years of experience in food science and technology across academia, research, and regulatory environments. Prior to her appointment, she spent more than 12 years at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) in academic positions, most recently serving as Senior Engagement Manager in Food and Health, where she led a number of strategic university initiatives. Her appointment marks a return to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, where she previously worked for seven years in biotechnology. Her prior experience also includes three years as a Newman Postdoctoral Scholar at the Centre for Food Safety in University College Dublin (UCD) and four years as a Walsh PhD Fellow in Teagasc, Ashtown.

Dr Walsh’s focus will be to lead on the scientific and technical work in food science and technology, including novel foods, food allergens, food fraud, emerging risks and genetically modified organisms. She will engage with Government departments, including the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as official agencies and the food industry, to support compliance with food legislation. She will also represent the FSAI at national, EU and international meetings, support the work of the wider food science and technology team, and assist with risk assessment activity within the FSAI.

Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, highlighted the importance of the role in supporting the organisation’s work in a changing regulatory environment.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr Ciara Walsh to the role of Chief Specialist in Food Science and Technology. Ciara brings extensive experience across food science, research and regulation, which will support the FSAI’s work in protecting consumer health and ensuring compliance within an increasingly complex food regulatory environment. Her experience across academia, State agencies and the food industry will support the organisation’s work in key areas such as novel foods, food allergens, food fraud and emerging risks. I am confident that Ciara will make a valuable contribution to the work of the FSAI.”

A graduate of University College Cork (UCC), Dr Walsh holds a BSc in Food Science and a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Ulster University Jordanstown (UUJ). In addition, she also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning and an MSc in Education from TU Dublin.

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KFC has launched its nationwide Enough Of That Messin’’ anti-litter campaign from its Grafton Street restaurant in Dublin, marking the expansion of the initiative across Ireland following its introduction in the capital last year.

The campaign focuses on supporting cleaner communities through regular, on-the-ground litter collection carried out by KFC team members in towns and cities across the country.

KFC team members led a clean-up in the Grafton Street area, highlighting the role that businesses and members of the community can play in maintaining public spaces.

Sally, the litter-picking dog from Dublin, accompanied by her owner Tony Godsil, also lent a helping paw to the community effort on Grafton Street, reflecting the wider community interest in keeping public spaces clean. Sally was awarded a KFC hi vis dog jacket to thank her for her efforts.

The nationwide rollout builds on KFC’s existing activity in Ireland, where team members carry out daily litter picks as part of their routine operations. The Enough of That Messin’’ campaign looks to encourage people to do the right thing when it comes to disposing of rubbish, featuring light-hearted but direct messaging including signs, slogans and in-restaurant materials all designed to give passers-by a nudge in the right direction.

Speaking from the launch of KFC’s anti-litter campaign in Limerick, Minister Niall Collins TD, said: “I am pleased to support KFC UK & Ireland’s Enough of that Messin’ campaign. Initiatives like this play an important role in encouraging greater community pride, environmental awareness and collective responsibility when it comes to tackling litter in our towns and cities. It is encouraging to see businesses working alongside local communities to make a positive difference and help keep public spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.”

Dan Foster, Region Coach – Ireland, KFC, added: “Nobody wants to see litter in their local area, and we see first-hand the impact litter can have in the communities we serve. We know we have a role to play in helping keep those spaces clean, and launching Enough Of That Messin’ nationwide is about bringing that effort together under one clear message and encouraging everyone to do their bit. Whether it’s our team members, local communities or even Sally lending a helping paw, tackling litter works best when everybody gets involved.”  

The campaign forms part of KFC’s broader activity in Ireland, where the brand continues to invest in its presence nationwide, with plans to invest €105 million over the next five years as it expands its restaurant footprint and supports local communities.

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Launching initially into Liffey Valley in Dublin, customers will be able to access Nourished’s personalised nutrition experience through the retailer for the very first time, bringing AI-powered, tailored supplements to the Irish high street.

Founded by health-tech business Rem3dy Health, Nourished has become known for combining science-backed nutrition with innovative 3D printing technology to create fully personalised daily nutrient stacks designed around an individual’s lifestyle, health goals and wellbeing needs.

The launch comes at a time when consumers are becoming increasingly interested in personalised approaches to health and wellness, but often feel overwhelmed by traditional supplements aisles and unsure where to begin when choosing products suited to their needs.

Designed to simplify that process, Nourished’s “Find Your Formula” quiz provides customers with tailored supplement recommendations based on a range of factors including sleep, energy, immunity, focus, gut health, menopause support and overall wellbeing.

As part of the launch, shoppers visiting Liffey Valley will be able to explore the personalised experience through dedicated in-store wellness questionnaires, helping consumers better understand their own nutritional needs and discover personalised solutions designed specifically for them.

Unlike traditional supplements, Nourished’s patented technology allows up to seven active ingredients to be combined into a single daily gummy stack, carefully layered to support ingredient stability, efficacy and convenience for the consumer.

All Nourished products are vegetarian, sugar-free and gluten-free, whilst also being packaged in plastic-free, environmentally conscious packaging. Manufacturing takes place at the brand’s Birmingham facility, with the company continuing to champion British innovation and sustainable production as it scales internationally.

Melissa Snover, Founder and CEO of Nourished parent company, Rem3dy Health, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to be launching into Ireland for the very first time with Boots, one of the most trusted health and wellness retailers in the market.

“We know consumers are becoming far more invested in their wellbeing, but many still feel confused by the traditional supplements category and don’t necessarily know which products are right for them or where to start. Our goal has always been to simplify nutrition through personalisation and technology, helping people feel more confident in the choices they’re making for their health.”

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The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has released its official 261 new vehicle registration statistics for May.

New car registrations for May were up 38.58% (8,068) compared to May 2025 (5,822). Registrations year to date are up 4.7% (83,038) on the same period last year (79,313).

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 22.3% (2,324) compared to May last year (1,900). Year to date LCVs are up 15% (20,410). Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are up 28% (265) in comparison to May 2025 (207). Year to date, HGVs are down 4.3% (1,457).

Imported Used Cars have seen a 31.2% (7,808) rise in May 2026, when compared to May 2025 (5,948). Year to date imports are up 38.2% (38,960) on 2025 (28,183).

In May 2,335 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 115% higher than the 1,086 registrations in May 2025. So far this year, 19,050 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 53.82% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 12,385 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) continues to lead the market at 26.14% as the most popular engine type, followed by Electric 22.94%, Petrol 21.41%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.28%, and Diesel 12.94%.

Emma Mitchell, Operations Director SIMI, commented “May’s new car registrations saw a 39% increase when compared to the same month last year, with 8,068 units registered. Year-to-date new car sales are 4.7% ahead of last year, with a total of 83,038 new cars registered.

New Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) registrations continue to experience strong growth across all counties, with 2,335 units registered in May, up from 1,086 units in May of last year. Notably, consumers are driving this growth, accounting for 77% of BEV registrations so far this year, with incentives continuing to encourage the switch to electric vehicles. Year-to-date BEV registrations reached 19,050 units, representing a 23% market share. While BEV registrations are positive, we are now at a critical juncture to sustain the strong growth in a market that is not yet fully established. The government must capitalise on this momentum by maintaining and extending current incentives for consumers, and encourage more businesses to change to Battery Electric Vehicles.”

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