Musgrave MarketPlace, Ireland’s leading wholesale supplier to foodservice, retail and SME businesses, is proud to announce that since 2016 it has donated over 1.5 million meals to 200 local charities and community groups in Ireland through its partnership with FoodCloud. This donation equates to over 630 tonnes of food and a saving of €1.89 million to Irish charities.

FoodCloud is a social enterprise that connects businesses with surplus food to charities in their local communities, allowing them to donate food easily and directly to those that need it.

Through its food donations, which may have otherwise been wasted, Musgrave MarketPlace has prevented over 2000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions from entering the earth’s atmosphere and damaging the environment.

Desi Derby, Marketing Director at Musgrave MarketPlace said:

“At Musgrave MarketPlace, we are committed to doing everything possible to build a more sustainable future and our partnership with FoodCloud is a key focus for the business.  We are extremely proud that our donations have benefitted over 200 amazing charities all over Ireland and provide support to those most vulnerable in our communities.”

75,000 tonnes of food are wasted in Retail and Distribution in Ireland every year, which equates to 10% of Ireland’s total food waste. FoodCloud helps rescue food surplus and redistribute it among charities and community groups across Ireland.

Sami Seretan, Manager Feed Dublin said:

“Feed Dublin helps bridge the gap for individuals and families that struggle between meeting pressing financial needs and providing nutritious food for themselves and their families. The support we receive from Musgrave MarketPlace and FoodCloud helps us to achieve this goal. We look forward to a continued partnership with Musgrave MarketPlace and FoodCloud for many years to come.”

Adrian Young, Head of Irish Partnerships, FoodCloud added:

“FoodCloud is extremely grateful for the ongoing support and dedication from all in Musgrave MarketPlace to reduce food waste and to ensure that perfectly good food makes its way to those who need it. Reaching the milestone of 1.5 million meals equivalent donated to community organisations across Ireland since 2016, Musgrave MarketPlace can be assured they are making a very real difference to the lives of many people at a time when they need it most. FoodCloud is delighted to work with Musgrave MarketPlace and we look forward to continuing and developing our relationship long into the future.”

Food is redistributed from across the seven Musgrave MarketPlace branches nationwide who donate food directly to charity partners in their local communities via FoodCloud’s Foodiverse app. In addition, the business’ Central Distribution Centre in Blanchardstown donates directly to FoodCloud’s Hub in Tallaght. 

 Adrian Young, Head of Irish Partnerships, FoodCloud; Desi Derby, Marketing Director at Musgrave MarketPlace and Sami Seretan, Manager, Feed Dublin

The post Musgrave MarketPlace surpasses 1.5 million mark for meals donated to Irish charities through FoodCloud appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Musgrave MarketPlace has raised €65,000 for Women’s Aid throughout 2022. Funds raised by Musgrave MarketPlace will go towards helping women and children subjected to domestic violence including coercive control.

Women’s Aid is a leading national frontline organisation supporting women and children subjected to domestic violence in Ireland. They also act for justice and social change by raising awareness, advocating for legal and systems change, and providing expert training to frontline organisations and employers on how to respond to anyone disclosing abuse.

To raise the money for Women’s Aid vital support services, hundreds of events were held by Musgrave MarketPlace colleagues the across the country. The team was tasked with creating fundraising ideas which included bake and cake sales, charity head shaves, fitness challenges, cycling events and raffles. The 2022 donation of €65,000 brings Musgrave MarketPlace’s total charity partner donations to over €360,000 since 2017.

Commenting on the announcement, Marta Hliwa, Head of Human Resources at Musgrave MarketPlace said: ‘I would like to thank the Musgrave MarketPlace team who put a huge amount of time and effort into raising these much-needed funds for Women’s Aid. Throughout the year, we have seen the amazing work Women’s Aid do to support women experiencing domestic abuse and violence. I am delighted to announce our partnership has resulted in us being able to donate the figure of €65,000.’

Emma Greally, Digital, Community and Events Project Leader at Women’s Aid said: “We are sincerely grateful to Musgrave MarketPlace for its incredibly generous support to Women’s Aid in 2022, which helps, and will continue to help, us provide a vital range of practical wrap-around supports for women who are experiencing domestic abuse and violence. Demand for Women’s Aid’s services has never been higher, so your significant partnership will ensure we can reach more women with our vital, life-changing services. Thank you so much to Musgrave MarketPlace and their wonderful customers.”

Photo caption:

Avril Carroll-Long, HR Manager, Musgrave MarketPlace Ballymun & Sallynoggin; Emma Greally, Digital, Community and Events Project Leader at Women’s Aid; Marta Hliwa, Head of Human Resources, Musgrave MarketPlace

The post Musgrave MarketPlace raises €65,000 for Women’s Aid appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

• Sales in the low and non-alcohol category grew by 141% vs 2021
• 18 – 24-year-olds turn to Alcohol-Free options as they try to drink less
• Over half of over 55s won’t consider alcohol free drink option
• Zero alcohol beer and mocktails are the most popular alcohol-free options

Cold turkey is not just for St. Stephen’s Day it seems, as research announced today reveals that Irish Gen Zs are more likely to partake in an Alcohol-Free Christmas.

The research commissioned by Musgrave MarketPlace, shows that the younger generation is leading the way when it comes to growth of the Zero Alcohol category, choosing alcohol substitutes to get into the party spirit rather than an all or nothing approach to Christmas festivities.

While almost a third of the whole nation agreed a zero-alcohol option is a good way of feeling involved when driving on a night out, it’s only the 18–24-year-olds who are actively trying to drink less when reaching for a Zero Alcohol drink, with 30% doing so for health reasons or to avoid ending up hungover.

Zero alcohol

Zero alcohol beer and mocktails are the most popular beverages across the nation, with 18–34-year-olds opting for the fruity, easy to drink mocktails, which still let them feel a sense of celebration and get their party on.

Conversely the research showed that a quarter of all Irish adults still can’t see any occasion where they would opt for the Alcohol-Free option, with 56.5% of over 55s in particular claiming they wouldn’t drink an alcohol-free beverage.

This was also the age group that felt the least confident to do so in the company of others who were taking alcohol. The 35-44 age group said they would feel the most confident to go alcohol free on a night out but interestingly their intentions to do so this Christmas didn’t mirror this confidence.

Variations by county

When broken down by geography, Longfordians felt the least confident to skip the alcohol, even if it meant a hangover free day.

While Leitrim natives favour 0% beer, counties Roscommon, Cavan and Louth favour Zero Cider.

In Monaghan, Westmeath, Sligo and Offaly, No Secco, was the non-alcoholic beverage of choice while Clare residents opted for Seedlip, the aromatic botanical mix that mimics the taste of Gin.

Ken Allan, Head of Beverage at Musgrave MarketPlace said “The Irish market has seen significant growth of 11.2% in the Low & No Lager category this year, generating €22.4m in sales to September this year according to CGA figures. Incredibly, our growth figure vastly outperforms the market, with the low and no alcohol category growing by 141% year to date. This is due to on-trade trends like consumers switching to non-alcohol options due to health reasons as well as the introduction of several draught options in the category.

“Our research today shows Gen Z are really leading the way in terms of the Zero Alcohol category with an appetite for tasty premium Alcohol-Free options that still allow them to feel like they’re celebrating and enjoying a special moment, or just letting their hair down albeit in a non-traditional way.

“We know this generation to be un-afraid of treating themselves with premium purchases but who also look after their bodies and minds with healthier options be that food, drink and mental and physical wellbeing so it’s no surprise they’re making waves and driving innovation and creation within this burgeoning category.”

Bailey’s brigade

The research revealed a surprising penchant among Gen Zs (18–24-year-olds) for Bailey’s. More than 20% of this age group choose Bailey’s compared to just 15% of 35-year-olds.

Donegal, Offaly and Longford ranked top for Bailey’s fans, as well as Wexford, Westmeath and Waterford whereas Prosecco pipped Bailey’s to the top of the nice list for counties Clare, Meath and Monaghan.

Fizz & Sparkle

Fizz and sparkle (Prosecco and Champagne) were most prevalent among the 25-44 age ranges, with Prosecco still being the leading choice among the nation’s female drinkers.

The research which was commissioned by Musgrave MarketPlace found that certain counties are also all about the fizz with Dublin, Kilkenny and Wicklow the only places where Prosecco and Champagne ranked top for festive tipples, beating their creamy competitor.

Some regional variations were also revealed:

On the brisk west coast of the country, Galway locals prefer hot whiskey while Cork and Kerry natives are all about the mulled wine at the most magical time of the year.

Monaghan was the only county were American favourite egg nogg ranked at all while in Cavan, brandy is the number one choice at Christmas.

Mayo, Meath and Wexford citizens are also partial to an Irish coffee ranking the 2^nd most popular choice for festive drinks.

The post Gen Z Embraces Alcohol Free Christmas, according to Musgrave MarketPlace report appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Last year, Circle K acquired 10 Griffin Group convenience stores across Dublin, most of which were in coveted city centre locations. It was an unexpected step onto the High Street for the forecourt giant which is well known globally for its fuel and convenience store.

But senior director of retail operations for dealer & franchise Derek Nolan insists the company is in no danger of forgetting its roots, despite its continued interest in the High Street and rules out a similar move in Northern Ireland any time soon.

“This is an important and exciting development with Circle K, but it’s important to note that we remain hugely committed to fuel retailing and our network of service stations throughout the island of Ireland,” he tells NR.

Dealer and franchise

Derek’s own area of the business – the dealer and franchise network – is growing quickly, with 243 sites across the island of Ireland where he works directly with independent retail partners.

“We’ve brought 15 new sites to the dealer network over the last 15 months. Our dealer partners look to the Circle K model as to what the future is going to look like, and an example of that would be around electrification and fuel quality,” Derek says.

“We have more than 14,000 stations globally and that gives us a good sound basis of understanding of the current market and what the future looks like.

“We currently have 49 dealer partners in Northern Ireland and we grew it by eight dealer partners last year. We’ve already seen another new site join since May, so watch this space because Northern Ireland is still a big area of opportunity for us.

Musgrave opportunity

“One big highlight recently was the Musgrave Marketplace deal which was a big opportunity for us – it was a big statement for Circle K in Northern Ireland that we went from five Musgrave sites to now 12 overnight.

“Musgrave are investing in a high number of these sites and we’re excited to be part of the big renovation at the site in Portstewart.

“Our dealer partners are looking for the same things in Northern Ireland and the Republic – they’re looking for innovation. they’re looking for certainty of product. Fuel quality is a big part of our offer and that’s what Circle K brings.”

Derek has been in retail ever since leaving school – yet there can’t be many in the forecourt industry whose resume can boast numerous encounters with A-list celebrities, including Tom Cruise and Mark Wahlberg.

Starting as a 16-year-old at Quinnsworth, he moved up the ranks to become head of the retail support office at Tesco before becoming retail director across Odeon Cinema’s 123 sites in the UK and Ireland.

Taking the leap

Six years ago, Derek made the leap to what was then Topaz.

“I joined just after the acquisition when they were transitioning from Topaz to Circle K and they wanted to bring the global brand into Ireland – so that was a massive attraction.

“It was all around major transition and being able to bring a new way of working into the company – who wouldn’t want to be part of 420 sites rebranding?

“The core part of my role now is setting a clear strategic map of where we want to grow as a channel, but the area I most enjoy is getting out with the team and speaking with our customers and seeing the team achieve its short and long term goals.”

One of Circle K’s key strengths is that it’s a globally recognised brand with a well-established record of delivering excellence, Derek says.

“The key part for us is that we’re able to bring that global experience and insight into an existing local market,” he says.

“In Circle K everything comes back to making our customers’ lives easier every day, so we need to adapt to meet their needs, to deliver products and services and show leadership in areas such as electrification and sustainability

“We have led the way in developing next generation fuel, gourmet coffee and a wide range of high quality food options and across the island of Ireland we are the largest and most advanced network of service stations with longstanding ties to communities across Ireland.”

Forecourt evolution

Circle K has evolved from a fuel retailer that sold convenience to a retailer that sells fuel.

“We’ve really led the way in developing high quality fresh food on the go, but we pride ourselves on listening to the customers. Customers’ behaviours have changed and will change and we’re adapting to what those tastes and changes are into the future,” Derek says.

“I think a key area where we are leading is around technology and frictionless – we’re looking at what technology is needed, whether that’s to eliminate queueing at the front of the shop or just making life easier for the customer on the forecourt.

“We will be introducing mobile pay in the future – we already have Pay at Wash, so where we have wash machines you have the ability to pay without getting out of your car, for example – and that’s something we’ve just introduced this year.

Circle K also prides itself on its leadership in sustainability and the net zero transition, offering the largest EV charging network in Ireland.

“We’re progressing on the introduction of E10 – that will go live in Northern Ireland in November,” Derek says.

“It’s likely that all fuel pumps will eventually be replaced by EV chargers at the front of the store, but it’s not going to happen overnight.

Changing energy

“We know that the forecourt of today is not the forecourt of tomorrow, and we are already leading the evolution in terms of extent of EV and alternative fuel capabilities across our network. I know we’re going to be seen as the leader in the market on this.

“We know we need to transition away from fuel products, but it’s not a case of just flipping a switch overnight. The country still relies on petrol and diesel to keep people moving – for example, delivery vehicles, bus fleets and ambulances – but EV is a core part of the future.

“There are ways to make petrol and diesel products more environmentally friendly in the interim, so the introduction of E10 will have a significant impact and also we’ve got HPO for diesel and it can also have an impact in the short term.

“We’ve the most advanced EV network through our strategic partnerships with ESB, Ionity and Tesla, but the single biggest leverage that Circle K has to any of our competitors is our Norway market, where we know EVs outsell the traditional combustible engine car at the moment.

“So we’re able to use that information and will be using that information as to how we transition in Ireland. Norway are years ahead of the transition to Ireland and we’re one of the biggest EV charging networks in Norway, so that can only support how we’re going to bring it into the island of Ireland.”

Adapting to Covid

While Covid had an impact on business, Circle K adapted quite well, Derek says.

“We saw that our larger motorway sites were more challenged. But where we have residential sites – and we certainly have a lot of them in Northern Ireland – we would have seen them perform quite well through the Covid period from a residential point of view because customers’ behaviours had changed significantly during that period as they were using more of the local shops.

“We’re seeing customers reverse back out of that, not all the way but I would say customers’ behaviours have adapted back to more normal ways of doing things. But we still see challenges with commuters who are not fully back into the office and we see that in Moira, Carrickfergus, Ballymoney. We have seen it vastly improve but we haven’t seen it fully recover to pre Covid times, that’s the reality – there’s more hybrid working out there.

But we’ve recovered, and we’re back in normal times as such.”

Fuel supply

The biggest challenge at the moment is certainty of product when it comes to fuel supply, in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but here again Circle K is at an advantage due to its global operation, Derek says.

“Circle K has a global reach and a global footprint and we have the ability to manage through this crisis, so being part of the Circle K global network is going to give reassurance to our local dealers – they’re talking to me, but they’re also talking to a business that has 14,000 sites, both in America and across Europe,” he says.

“Russia was only a small part of our global sourcing of fuel, so as a global company we were not reliant on Russia and would have looked to increase our supply of fuel coming from other parts of the world, whether that was America, the refineries in the UK or other parts of the world.

“But there remains a high level of volatility within the global market and this is driven by stronger fuel demand post Covid and the realignment of fuel sourcing following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. So as a result we are likely to see a continuation of fuel price fluctuations in the future wholesale market.

“It’s important to point out that this volatility is something we’ve never experienced, and it’s twofold – it’s the post Covid recovery and it’s the Russian invasion – and the other point is there are further sanctions on Russian energy supply coming into effect in January 2023 so we are likely to see even further volatility.

“But it’s not just fuel prices, it’s everything, it’s the cost of living as a whole that has really suffered. We will see consumer spend contract – that’s going to be obvious – but fuel is not sitting out there on its own.”

Wish list

Derek says his wish list for the future centres on growth, innovation and making things easier for the customers.

And his priority is to continue listening to Circle K’s independent dealer partners: “They’re in the local communities, and as Circle K we have to work with and listen to them.

“That’s what keeps us relevant and consistent, and keeps us able to adapt for the future.

“There’s no doubt we’re going to be going through the single biggest transition period of our industry over the next number of years.

“But calling out the importance of our dealer partners is massive for me. They’re not shy about giving you information about what’s working and what’s not working and it’s important we listen to that. We’re lucky to have that.

“When you’re company owned, you can be very focused internally, whereas when you’re working with dealer partners it gives you a great insight into what’s happening in the local markets.”

To read the full feature in the latest issue of Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Retailer, click HERE.

The post Circle K won’t forget its forecourt roots: Derek Nolan appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Green Isle Foods has launched a new range of Irish white fish products with Musgrave MarketPlace, under the Green Isle Seafood brand.

Green Isle Foods is the largest purchaser of white fish from the Irish catching sector and processes over 20% of Irish landed haddock, whiting and hake. Its main processing facility in Gurteen, Co. Sligo and has been in continuous operation since 1984.

The post Green Isle Foods teams up with Musgrave MarketPlace to launch new Irish white fish range appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.