Grocery - Neighbourhood Retailer https://neighbourhoodretailer.com The authoritative voice of the grocery industry in Northern Ireland Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:14:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.7 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-NR-SIte-Icon-2-32x32.png Grocery - Neighbourhood Retailer https://neighbourhoodretailer.com 32 32 178129390 Heinz and Barnardos launch limited-edition ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz three-packs https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/heinz-and-barnardos-launch-limited-edition-heinz-meanz-mealz-beanz-three-packs/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:14:39 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=36541 Heinz Beanz, in partnership with charity Barnardos and ambassador Vogue Williams, have joined forces to launch limited-edition ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz cans for the fourth

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Heinz Beanz, in partnership with charity Barnardos and ambassador Vogue Williams, have joined forces to launch limited-edition ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz cans for the fourth year, which are available in supermarkets nationwide now.

For every pack of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ purchased, Heinz will donate to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs as well as their family support programmes, helping to provide vital support to vulnerable children and families in Ireland.

The re-launch follows new research commissioned by Heinz exploring the pressures of modern life on family mealtimes, revealing that 88% of kids in Ireland crave family connection during mealtimes, but instead many are distracted by phones or watching TV, highlighting the importance of family connection and a sense of belonging among children in Ireland.

Look out for the new-look ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ three-packs in major retailers including Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, Aldi, and select convenience stores throughout August and September.

RRP: €3.59 (pricing at the discretion of individual retailers).

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Strike action at Weetabix sites after members reject pay offer https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/strike-action-at-weetabix-sites-after-members-reject-pay-offer/ Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:24:30 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=34759 Union members working at Weetabix are set to begin three days of strike action following a dispute about pay. Some 89% of Usdaw members voted

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Union members working at Weetabix are set to begin three days of strike action following a dispute about pay.

Some 89% of Usdaw members voted in favour of industrial action across three days, starting Tuesday 29th April.

The planned strikes affect sites at Corby and Burton Latimer and will take place as follows:

  • Corby Flake, at the Corby site, a 48-hour stoppage from 6am on 29th April to 5.59am on 1st May.
  • Corby Extruded, at the Corby site, a 48-hour stoppage from 6am on 30th April to 5.59am on 2nd May.
  • For Hot Oat Cereal, at the Corby site, a 24-hour stoppage from 6pm on 29th April to 5.59pm on 30th April.
  • For AP1, AP2, AP6 and AP7 (excluding AP7 V Line), at the Burton Latimer site, a 48-hour stoppage from 7am on 29th April to 6.59am on 1st May.
  • For AP7 V Line, at the Burton Latimer site, a 24-hour stoppage from 7am on 29th April to 6.59am on 30th April.
  • For Alpen, at the Burton Latimer site, a 24-hour stoppage from 7am on 29th April to 6.59am on 30th April.

Usdaw called on the company to improve their pay offer to avoid the planned strikes.

“The union has been in negotiations with the company in attempts to reach a settlement offer that we could recommend to our members for acceptance. However, these negotiations did not achieve that,” said Usdaw regional secretary Gavin Dadley.

“Having given the company notice of three days of industrial action, we regret that management have no improved sufficiently on the initial pay offer, which our members have rejected.”

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Mash Direct launches new Skin-On Wedges https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/mash-direct-launches-new-skin-on-wedges/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:08:17 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=34564 Mash Direct, the leading brand in convenient, fresh vegetable products, is excited to announce the launch of their newest innovation: Skin-On Wedges. This delicious new

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Mash Direct, the leading brand in convenient, fresh vegetable products, is excited to announce the launch of their newest innovation: Skin-On Wedges.

This delicious new offering promises to elevate mealtimes with its irresistible crisp texture and wholesome flavour.

Made from the finest potatoes, Skin-On Wedges are lightly steamed and gently fried until they are perfectly crisp, locking in the natural goodness of the potato and providing a savoury snack or side dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

With their deliciously crispy exterior and tender interior, these wedges offer the perfect balance of taste and texture, making them an ideal accompaniment to any meal or a tasty treat on their own.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Skin-On Wedges as part of our commitment to delivering high-quality, ready-to-eat vegetable options,” said Lance Hamilton, CCO at Mash Direct.

CONVENIENT ALTERNATIVE

“Our new wedges are a nod to the growing trend of simple, yet delicious, comfort foods. They are a convenient and tasty addition to any kitchen, offering families and busy individuals an easy way to enjoy a flavourful side-dish.”

With busy lifestyles becoming the norm, Mash Direct understands the importance of offering quick and easy solutions without compromising on taste. Whether it’s a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a quick snack, the Skin-On Wedges provide a versatile and mouth-watering option that everyone can enjoy. Their delicious crunch and natural potato flavour are sure to make them a new favourite in kitchens nationwide.

The new Skin-On Wedges are now available in stores across the UK and Ireland, offering a perfect, convenient alternative for anyone looking to elevate their mealtime. You can find them in major retailers including SPAR and EUROSPAR making it easier than ever to enjoy this delicious side dish.

For more information on where to pick up a pack, visit the Mash Direct website, where you’ll find an up to date where to buy list to guide you to your nearest retailer.

To find out more about Skin-on Wedges and Mash Direct’s full range of products, visit www.mashdirect.com

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Lidl NI announces £530m worth of goods and services procured from local suppliers https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/lidl-ni-announces-530m-worth-of-goods-and-services-procured-from-local-suppliers/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:34:08 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=33990 Lidl Northern Ireland has procured more than half-a-billion pounds (£530 million) from local suppliers and business partners across Northern Ireland last year (FY23/24, ending February),

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Lidl Northern Ireland has procured more than half-a-billion pounds (£530 million) from local suppliers and business partners across Northern Ireland last year (FY23/24, ending February), according to its latest Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report.

For the first time, the report includes £56 million worth of services procured by the retailer in Northern Ireland.

The report also reveals that the retailer procured goods from more than 60 local agri-food suppliers, including Gilfresh, Wilson’s Country, Dale Farm, Moy Park, Crust & Crumb, WD Meats, Foyle Foods and more. £69 million of these goods were sold in Lidl stores across Northern Ireland, with over 75% (£404 million) shipped outside the region to Lidl’s expansive network of stores in Great Britain, Europe and internationally.

Alongside Lidl’s established network of suppliers across the region, the retailer’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme supports small and medium-sized local producers to boost their brand, enhance their supply and reach new customer audiences. Backed by the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association (NIFDA), Lidl has invested more than £2 million in showcasing the innovative homegrown produce of local suppliers in its stores across the island of Ireland through Kickstart since 2018.

Ivan Ryan, Regional Managing Director, Lidl Northern Ireland said: “Each year, our Impact Report highlights our longstanding commitment to supporting our entire network of local suppliers – both established and aspiring – to grow and develop by showcasing the very best of their produce at home in Northern Ireland, and in thousands of our stores across Great Britain and Ireland and as far as Romania, Greece and Cyprus.

“This year, we are also pleased to showcase our valued business partners who make our business what it is behind the scenes and are very much seen as an extension of our business in Northern Ireland.

Pictured are Ivan Ryan, Regional Managing Director, Lidl Northern Ireland (left) and Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland

“As we approach the end of our 25th year in Northern Ireland, I am extremely proud of the ever-growing contribution Lidl Northern Ireland continues to make to the local agri-food industry through our supplier partnerships and initiatives such as Kickstart.”

Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland added: “Our market-leading growth in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years is testament to our long-established business model focused on investing in our local supplier network and bringing high quality, locally sourced fresh produce at great value to more than half-a-million shoppers across the region each week.

“Our sustained business performance allows us to continue investing in expanding our local supplier network as well as our network of stores in the region which, currently is at 42 stores, and will see further significant growth in the next 12 months.

“In parallel with our ambitious plans to expand our footprint across Northern Ireland, we will grow our support for local farmers, growers and producers as we continue to champion the region and promote its unrivalled food and drink credentials through our global store network.”

The Impact Report launch coincides with the publication of Lidl Northern Ireland’s financial results for the 23/24 period which recorded turnover of £496 million. Much of this has been re-invested locally to support Lidl’s ambitious expansion plans, including a new flagship store in Boucher Road in Belfast which opened in September and future store openings in Carryduff and Stewartstown.

As the retailer marked its 25th anniversary in the region this year, a major economic report revealed that it contributed a record £360 million into the local economy in 2023 – doubling its annual economic contribution over the past five years – and supporting almost 7,000 jobs right across the region. Lidl Northern Ireland has powered through almost a quarter of a century with its high-quality, low-price proposition, and has firmly embedded itself as a local brand committed to supplying fresh, home-grown produce at outstanding quality and value.

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Nearby NI is back for the ‘Did you getters’ this Christmas https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/nearby-ni-is-back-for-the-did-you-getters-this-christmas/ Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:56:56 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=33955 We have all had those sudden realisations of the forgotten stuffing for the Turkey, the missing Christmas movie night snacks or the drinks for those

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We have all had those sudden realisations of the forgotten stuffing for the Turkey, the missing Christmas movie night snacks or the drinks for those last-minute guests over the festive period.

Well this year, S&W Wholesale’s Nearby stores are back for all the “Did You Getters” in the run-up to Christmas. No matter when you receive the “Did You Get” text message or sometimes that “Did You Get” glance you will be able to find what you’re looking for never too far from home at Nearby this year.

Brand Marketing Officer Ollie Donnelly said: “This year’s campaign will once again help our independent retailers by boosting footfall and sales as Nearby promotes our value message across radio, outdoor, digital and in-store.

“We understand how hectic the Christmas shopping period can be for families and there are always those last-minute runs or forgets. Our retailers are situated perfectly within their local communities to be there for when that “Did You Get” message arrives. Nearby is never too far home and we really want to get that message across this Christmas.”

“Value is the message this year, championed through our ‘Bring Home The Value’ concept which includes the likes of those most wanted big brands over the festive period such as Ferrero Rocher, Swizzels Sweets, Maltesers Truffles, Coca-Cola, Sholer and more.”

If you are on the receiving end of the ‘Did You Get’… text or need to pop out to get those must-haves in your cupboards this Christmas, Nearby stores are here for all you “Did You Getters.”

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