A perfect storm of macro factors including Brexit, Covid, supply chain constraints and raw material inputs are driving inflationary pressures across Ireland’s food and drink sector. Fionnuala Carolan examines this worrying combination further in this month’s cover feature.

Elsewhere, Dan White predicts which UK grocer will be snapped up next by private equity investors.

Bobby O’Reilly, the owner of Centra Johnstown Road, Cabinteely and Centra Ballybrack, discusses his eventful year featuring two revamps and a new store. Terry Kane of Kane’s Gala in Carlow also reveals how a major renovation project completed in April has delivered the ‘wow factor’ in-store.

Within our ‘Advisor’ section, The HR Suite’s Caroline McEnery outlines what you need to know about the new statutory sick pay scheme. Excel Recruitment’s Barry Whelan highlights five ways to convince your company to allow you to keep working from home, and marketing expert Colin Gordon explains how focused thinking on measurable targets can reap rewards.

As always, our category features provide an in-depth look at the trends, brands and developments driving sales in-store: focusing on the confectionery, hard seltzer, hot beverage, mixer, household and newspaper sectors.