Ahead of this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we find out more about our sponsors – this time we focus on Suntory Beverage & Food Ireland, who are sponsoring the Neighbourhood Store of the Year Category 3.

At Suntory Beverage & Food Ireland we have some of the nation’s most loved and iconic soft drinks. Innovation and quality have always been at the heart of what we do, bringing people household favourites that fuel everyday moments and inspire healthier, more active lifestyles.

From the instantly recognisable Lucozade Energy and Lucozade Sport, trusted by generations for everyday energy and sporting performance, to Ribena, loved for its rich blackcurrant flavour and known as inspiring feelings of being at home, our brands have been a part of daily life across Northern Ireland and beyond since 1927.

Adding even more excitement to our line up, we recently partnered with Celsius, one of the fastest-growing energy drinks in the US. With its bold flavours and functional benefits, Celsius is fast becoming a popular choice for those seeking a great-tasting, zero-sugar energy drink.

Our commitment goes beyond making refreshing drinks. We are passionate about sustainability, supporting our growers, our communities and encouraging people to live vibrant, active lives.

We’re supporting the Northern Ireland’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards to highlight the difference local retailers make every day in our communities.

The post Part of daily life across Northern Ireland for generations – Suntory first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The 2025 Neighbourhood Retailer Awards are almost upon us and we continue our focus on our fantastic sponsors – this time we shine a light on ME Group, who we are delighted to announce is sponsoring the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more than 60 years, ME Group has been making the lives of both retailers and customers easier through cutting-edge self-service technology.

From Wash.ME self-service launderettes (formerly Revolution Laundry) and dog washes to photo-ID booths and printing kiosks, ME Group’s automated services bring new levels of convenience to forecourts, supermarkets, and shopping destinations across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

With over 750 Wash.ME launderettes operating across the island and more than 1,000 in the UK, ME Group continues to set the standard for modern, eco-friendly convenience. Each unit is fully managed, remotely monitored, and designed to generate additional revenue, all without adding any workload for on-site staff.

“At ME Group, our mission is simple: to make everyday life easier,” said Niall McMonagle, Managing Director of ME Group Ireland.

“Retailers today are focused on efficiency, experience, and sustainability. Our self-service solutions deliver on all three, helping partners attract more customers, increase dwell time, and offer something truly valuable in every visit.”

Every ME Group automated service reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, from energy-efficient engineering, solar panels and smart logistics to free eco-friendly detergent included in every wash. It’s a model that supports greener operations while adding measurable value to retail spaces.

As sponsor of the Lifetime Achievement Award, ME Group celebrates the individuals who’ve dedicated their careers to driving excellence across the sector. The same values continue to guide the company’s success.

With a proven track record, strong retail partnerships, and an eye firmly on the future, ME Group Ireland is leading the way in automated services that make life easier, smarter, and more sustainable.

The post Transforming retail through smart self-service solutions – ME Group first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Continuing our countdown to this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we find out more about our sponsors – this time we focus on Lockton, who are sponsoring the Neighbourhood Store of the Year Category 1.

A true partner stands by your side. Helps you reach your long-term goals, protecting your interests along the way. A true partner listens closely to what matters most, delivering solutions that truly fit your needs.

With Lockton, you’ll find something refreshing in insurance: creative thinking. However complex your risks, we work with you to find smart, practical solutions shaped around your business.

We’re especially excited about the recent launch of the new Forecourts Service Station and Convenience Store facility, designed to give retailers even more support and flexibility as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the sector.

Head of Lockton Commercial, Geraldine Morgan, is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the retail sector, and to sponsor the Neighbourhood Store of the Year Category 1 award.

“We’re here to help you identify and reduce risks, while working closely with you to keep premiums at the right level,” said Geraldine.

“We also want to recognise the remarkable efforts of retailers and their teams over the past year. It’s a privilege to celebrate your hard work. As we look ahead, we wish every participant in the Store of the Year Category 1 award the very best for continued success.”

Let Lockton be your partner.

FINAL PLACES ARE AVAILABLE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2025 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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Continuing our countdown to this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we find out more about our sponsors – this time we focus on Maxol, who we are delighted to announce are sponsoring the much-coveted Retailer of the Year award.

For over a century, Maxol has been at the heart of local communities across the island of Ireland. Founded in 1920 by William McMullan, a native of County Down, today, Maxol is a fourth-generation family-owned business that has become Ireland’s leading family forecourt and convenience retailer, as well as a global industry leader.

A progressive business, Maxol has led the way in transitioning from a fuel-based brand to a modern convenience-led food-to-go retailer. Working alongside our local partner, The Henderson Group, we strive to provide the right offer to meet our customers’ needs throughout the day – whether that’s a grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, a freshly brewed BARISTA BAR Coffee, or our extensive grocery selection including fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, and frozen foods.

We have developed larger, brighter destination stores, increased parking, and we are using technology such as self-service checkouts and Pay at Pump facilities to create an excellent customer experience both in-store and on the forecourt.

We remain one of Ireland’s most recognised fuel brands. Our network of 248 service stations offers advanced quality fuels, and we have led the way with new mobility solutions including the roll-out of electric charging hubs under Maxol Recharge and HVO Pro, a low-emissions biodiesel for more sustainable fuel choices.

Our environmental commitment extends across our network with our sustainable forecourt design using technologies such as solar panels and low-energy CO2 refrigeration to reduce each site’s carbon footprint by up to 40%.

Over the years, Maxol has been recognised for its progressive approach with local, national, and international awards. The business was founded on integrity and a commitment to valuing everyone involved: staff, retailers, suppliers and partners and our customers are always at the heart of everything we do.

Our longstanding values as a family-owned business remain constant, guiding our strategy to develop service stations in the heart of communities – that are operated by local people, employing local people and serving the local community.

FINAL PLACES ARE AVAILABLE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2025 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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Continuing our countdown to this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we find out more about our sponsors – this time we focus on Monster Energy, who are sponsoring the Forecourt of the Year Category 1 award.

Monster Energy is tearing it up in Northern Ireland, fuelling massive growth and shaking up the soft drinks category like never before!

The energy drinks scene is on fire and Monster is leading the charge with bold innovation and the kind of attitude that gets our fans buzzing to see our product in store.

In Northern Ireland, convenience retailing is king. Local stores and forecourts are the heartbeat of daily life be it a quick stop, top-up shop or refreshment on the go. That’s where Monster comes alive! With a whole host of flavours that hit every taste; from the legendary Monster Green to our Ultra zero-sugar heroes and our full flavour Juiced products, there’s a can for every mission, every lifestyle, every moment.

Convenience is all about immediacy, and Monster delivers. Shoppers want cold cans, big impact, and easy access and we have it covered! From best in class, eye-popping displays to chillers stacked with choice, the brand demands attention and drives serious sales. Retailers know that when Monster’s in the fridge, baskets get bigger, and shoppers keep coming back for more.

But this growth isn’t just about numbers, it’s about our DNA and culture. Northern Irish consumers love energy drinks and Monster offers them a lifestyle in a can. From gamers to students, shift workers to night owls, Monster is the badge brand for anyone ready to go harder, faster, louder. Convenience stores are the frontline of that connection, the perfect stage where brand and shopper collide in the moment.

Northern Ireland is buzzing, and Monster are happy to play their part. With fearless flavours, relentless innovation, and an unbreakable bond with convenience retailing, Monster isn’t just in the game, it’s constantly rewriting the rules! The future is fast, the future is bold, and the future is Monster!

DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2025 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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