Dublin - Neighbourhood Retailer

Linden Foods wins the World’s Best Grass-Fed Ribeye Steak challenge

Linda Stewart — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:12:27 +0000

Linden Foods in Dungannon, one of Northern Ireland’s largest processors of meats, has won the World’s Best Grass-Fed Ribeye Steak in the prestigious World Steak Challenge (WSC) in Dublin.

The endorsement by a panel of expert judges is a substantial boost for the Co Tyrone company and a significant development for grass-fed production. Linden was the most successful from the island of Ireland and was the first from Northern Ireland to win a ‘world’s best’ title in the challenging competition.

Linden won the top award for a delicious ribeye steak developed exclusively for leading UK retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S). The local ribeye came out ahead of meat processors from 20 international countries including Australia, Japan, Poland and the Republic of Ireland.

In addition, Linden won five gold awards for grass fed beef cuts including fillet and sirloin, many also produced for the hugely successful M&S Food.

Elaine Willis, Linden retail director, who works closely with M&S and other key clients on developing innovative meat products, says: “We are absolutely delighted with the win. It’s great for the team to get the recognition they deserve for their relentless work in sourcing beef of the highest quality and beating competition from across the world. Even better, this Dexter beef was reared right here in Tyrone.

“This long awaited competition puts the finest steak cuts to the test, and gives suppliers the opportunity to showcase product quality on a global stage.

“We’re so proud of our team who go above and beyond every day to ensure we’re producing the very best products we can and to have been given this prestigious award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our producers, colleagues and partnership with M&S which yielded five golds for: M&S Dexter Sirloin; M&S Dexter Ribeye; M&S Wagyu Fillet; M&S Wagyu Ribeye and M&S Wagyu Sirloin.

“Our Kettyle Irish Foods brand in Lisnaskea also took gold for Salt Dry-Age Ribeye steak. We’re proud to be representing Northern Irish quality in producing some of the very best steaks in the world.”

There were awards too for Dunbia, another Dungannon-based processor which has operations in England. ABP, which has two processing units in Northern Ireland, also featured in the awards.

Beef processors on the island of Ireland won a total of 54 medals, the most for any country involved.

The prestigious event is sponsored by the official host partner, Bord Bia, the Republic of Ireland’s hugely successful food and drink promotion body. Bord Bia, in addition, organised a farm tour to meat processors in the Republic for visitors to the high-profile event in Dublin.

The awards will also feature prominently in Bord Bia’s international marketing of meat from Ireland through initiatives such bas a chefs’ clubs, a network of which it has established in key export markets such as the Netherlands, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. The clubs meet regularly to prepare dishes using meat from the Republic.

The post Linden Foods wins the World’s Best Grass-Fed Ribeye Steak challenge first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Circle K is still all about fuel retailing despite High Street move: Derek Nolan

Linda Stewart — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:55:14 +0000

Circle K isn’t planning to move onto the High Street in Northern Ireland any time soon, says Derek Nolan, senior director of retail operations for dealer & franchise with the fuel giant in Ireland.

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.

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.

“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.”

To read the full feature, watch out for the next issue of Neighbourhood Retailer.

The post Circle K is still all about fuel retailing despite High Street move: Derek Nolan first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Lurgan distribution centre to be acquired by DFDS

Linda Stewart — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:04:19 +0000

A Lurgan distribution centre is to be run by DFDS, a European shipping and logistics company, as it acquires owner Cork-based Lucey Transport Logistics.

The family-owned business was first established 90 years ago in Millstreet, Co. Cork. The company employs more than 250 staff, making it one of Ireland’s largest logistics companies.

Lucey Transport Logistics has distribution operations in Dublin, Clonmel, Cork and Lurgan. As part of the acquisition, DFDS will now operate these centres along with their substantial trucking operations and 400 trailers.

The Cork-based firm provides distribution and logistics services primarily to consumer goods companies.

Lucey Transport Logistics offers a range of logistics solutions to customers, including warehousing, inventory management, bonded storage, and product rework and labelling.

DFDS is one of the biggest shipping and logistics companies in Northern Europe. Founded in 1866, it provides ferry and transport services in and around Europe and generates annual revenues of more than €2.7bn.

The Danish company employs approximately 11,000 staff located on ferries, terminals, distribution centres and offices across 20 countries. DFDS has more than 10,000 freight customers and offers overnight and short sea ferry services to millions of passengers each year.

Niklas Andersson, executive vice president, DFDS said: “The acquisition of Lucey Transport Logistics Ltd greatly enhances our Irish domestic offerings and complements our existing international solutions.

“We now offer more comprehensive supply chain solutions in the region underpinned by a network covering the entire island of Ireland.”

Kevin Lucey, CEO, Lucey Transport Logistics stated: “We are delighted DFDS recognises that Lucey Transport Logistics is a highly successful business and a leading provider of logistics services on the Island of Ireland. We are proud of the company’s great family history and our loyal customers and dedicated employees.

Mr Lucey continued: “It gives me great satisfaction to know DFDS will continue to grow and expand the business, providing exciting opportunities for our colleagues, in one of the largest logistics companies in Northern Europe. The Lucey family will continue to manage and expand their commercial property portfolio.”

The post Lurgan distribution centre to be acquired by DFDS first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.