Reeling in the year
Celebrate the season with the 12 stories of Christmas, a spotlight on the cover stars who made 2025 shine from January through December
Print30 December 2025
Throughout the year, ShelfLife spoke to leaders, innovators and changemakers from across the grocery and convenience sector, exploring the ideas, challenges and ambitions shaping the industry.
From award-winning retailers and emerging brands to policy, people and sustainability, each month offered insight into what success looks like in a rapidly evolving market.
January
The road to success
“To receive national recognition for industry excellence is particularly meaningful and something we’re very proud of.” – Keith Ennis
Keith Ennis, head of operations, discusses what winning the Supreme Champion Award means to the team at Applegreen.
February
A new slice of the action
“We’re on this kind of wave, which has taken off, and we’re the first in the world to do it!” – Niall McGrath
Serial entrepreneurs Niall McGrath and Tom Gannon discuss their new creation: A game-changing incremental subcategory in pizza.
March
Empowering women
“I aimed to anchor a female-led grocery industry event to elevate opportunities for women in this industry to come together, network, support, and hopefully inspire others to get involved and stay involved in this industry.” – Mary McBride
Mary McBride, TWIG chairperson, discusses her role in helping to shape the future of the grocery industry for women.
April
Showing commitment
“From day one the Nearby team will work with retailers to fully understand what makes their store unique.” – Jason McSteen
Marking four years of Nearby building strong community connections.
May
Leading the way
“We’re exceptionally pleased with how the nicotine pouch category is developing in Ireland, how Nordic Spirit is performing and how adult consumers are responding to our products.” – Garin Murphy
Garin Murphy, sales director at the country’s number one tobacco company JTI Ireland, discusses innovation and his commitment to customer support.
June
GMA’s Supreme Champion 2025
“Experience is valuable, but attitude is everything. When someone has the right mindset, it’s easy to guide them.” – Aidan Doyle
Aidan Doyle of Pettitt’s SuperValu Bray, discusses why his team wants to keep the momentum going while always striving to get better.
July
Taking the lead
“The recent appointment of Janine Watson as head of retail sales at Musgrave Marketplace further demonstrates that women are making strides at all levels in retail.” – Sara Orme
Recently elected national president Sara Orme, and vice president Flora Crowe of CSNA discuss their priorities as they step into their leadership positions.
August
Growth, impact, ambition
“The numbers don’t lie. More people are eating more vegetables, in more convenient formats.” – Samuel Dennigan
Strong Roots owner Samuel Dennigan discusses the role the brand has played in changing how people see and eat frozen vegetables.
September
Looking back, moving forward
“The buy-in from every department reflects a shared belief in what we are trying to achieve: sustainable, profitable retail solutions that benefit all partners.” – Jim Barry
As the Barry Group celebrates its 70th anniversary, MD Jim Barry reflects on how the company was built on family values.
October
Money talks
“This puts particular strain on independent retailers and smaller symbol groups, who already face higher recruitment costs and lower brand leverage than the big multiples. For them, entry-level is fast becoming an expensive level.” – Nikki Murran
Nikki Murran, director of Grocery Retail Recruitment for Excel Recruitment discusses how the minimum wage increase will affect the grocery industry.
November
“It’s not evolution anymore, it’s revolution!”
“The challenge is delivering value to customers in an environment where costs keep climbing — whether that’s labour, energy, or compliance.” – Simon Marriott
Chief retail and commercial officer at BWG Foods Simon Marriott reflects on his term as IGBF President of Appeals.
December
Pathway to a greener Ireland
CEO Zoe Kavanagh discusses how Repak’s role is to guide members with clarity, support and a strong service mindset.
Related Articles
ShelfLife December 2025 issue is available now →
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