Musgrave had a solid performance in 2023, in terms of growth in sales, acquisitions, stores and new stores and new partnerships. While businesses everywhere were faced with the challenge of rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis, we continued to deliver for both our customers and retail partners and remain in a strong position as we head in 2024.

We focused strongly on our value offering for shoppers. Indications show that inflation is beginning to slow down, and 2024 could be more stable than previous years. However, insights demonstrate that while spending will be up for some consumers seeking quality food-to-go products, others will remain cautious and value and own brand will remain a priority.

Research shows that increasingly consumers are trusting own brand labels and the gap between them, and the big brands is closing. Accordingly, value will remain a priority for us, as we continue to offer excellent value on everyday essentials in SuperValu with our campaign ‘Saving is as easy as 1, 2, 3’ and in Centra with ‘Shop Smart, Feel Good’. Both brands will continue offering savings on big brand items through our Epic Deals campaign while ‘Savvy Savers’ will be continued in Mace stores.

We continued to support our retail partners to reduce their environmental impact through our Sustainability Fund. Research shows sustainability remains prevalent in the minds of shoppers, but it’s too big an issue for individuals to tackle themselves, therefore they’re calling for businesses to act.

AMBITIOUS INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

At Musgrave, we’re already making great strides in achieving our 2040 net zero emissions ambition and our Fund has played a vital role, enabling our retailers to introduce measures that are making a real difference in terms of reducing energy usage by, on average 10-15% per store, reducing paper consumption and saving CO2.

Expansion in 2024 will be a driver for Musgrave. We have an ambitious investment programme ahead that will welcome new retail partners and stores to the business, help our existing retailers grow their businesses, and develop our company owned portfolio.

We are always on the lookout for new opportunities, whether that’s identifying a greenfield site for a new development, changing the use of an existing business or competitor conversions and would encourage any interested parties to get in touch.

We are looking forward to another successful year for our SuperValu, Centra and Mace brands and my thanks go to our retail partners and teams for their continued hard work and dedication to serving their local communities with the best in modern convenience retailing and providing shoppers with excellent value, choice, and quality across our stores.

TO READ PADDY MURNEY’S INDUSTRY COMMENT IN THE 2024 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER YEARBOOK AND MARKETING GUIDE, CLICK HERE

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The partnership will give the leading food convenience retailer and wholesaler, whose brands include SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Musgrave MarketPlace and Drinks Inc, exclusive naming rights to the full race card on Friday 26^th August – the Musgrave Race Evening.

This is not Musgrave NI’s first foray into the world of horse racing as it has partnered with the racecourse for 10 years.

Down Royal Chief Executive, Emma Meehan said: “We are absolutely delighted to continue our partnership with Musgrave NI and are excited to welcome them and their retail partners and suppliers back to Down Royal on Friday 26^th August.

“Like Down Royal, Musgrave Group has a rich local heritage with a 146-year history. We are always looking to work with local brands who share our commitment to developing authentic and elevated experiences for racegoers.

“Through this renewed partnership we hope to enhance the race-going experience for fans and sponsors and make it a race evening not to forget.”

Retail Sales Director at Musgrave NI, Paddy Murney said: “We’re pleased to be partnering once again with Down Royal Racecourse for this final fixture of the summer calendar. The event is an opportunity for Musgrave to show appreciation to our retailer partners, whilst enabling them to take some time out of their stores.

“The sponsorship also provides an opportunity to showcase Musgrave to a diverse local audience whilst being part of an extremely exciting sporting weekend.”

For full details of the Musgrave NI Race Evening or to book tickets, please visit www.downroyal.com

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Paddy joins Musgrave NI from Unilever where he was Channel Director, responsible for the delivery of the sales plan for the Grocery channel across all divisions. Prior to Unilever, he worked as a Sales Director with Coca-Cola HBC across the island of Ireland.

Welcoming the appointment, Trevor Magill, Managing Director of Musgrave NI said: “Our ambitious plans to redefine convenience within our network of stores are well underway, including a programme of store refurbishments and reinvigoration of our brand offerings.

“We are delighted that Paddy will be leading the development of new commercial opportunities across Musgrave NI and optimising sales and profitability of our retail brands, building on the already strong relationships we have with our retail partners.  Paddy will also be focused on the aggressive growth of our brands through competitor conversions and strategic acquisitions.”

As Retail Sales Director, Paddy Murney will oversee the development of the retail partnership model across Northern Ireland.

“As a company, our aim is to grow good, sustainable businesses for our retailers, our customers, our suppliers and ultimately Musgrave,” he said.

“I am delighted to join such a long-established family business and award-winning team.  I am looking forward to bringing my extensive sales and brand experience to the business, driving forward the existing strong partnerships with our SuperValu and Centra retailers, while identifying new commercial opportunities which will drive profitability of the brands.”

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