ShelfLife January 2026

In this month’s issue we look at the outstanding retail achievements that were celebrated at the 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards, which took place on 20 November at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.

In this cost-of-living crisis, the public conversation is understandably focused on households under pressure. John Healy reports.

Donna Ahern met with Paul Healy, Tesco Ireland’s retail operations director, to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Tesco Ireland’s growth story and to discuss the retailer’s expansion, innovation, and customer-first vision.

ShelfLife caught up with Alex Dupreez and Edvardo Galeno to talk about what winning Forecourt Retailer of the Year (Large) and Supreme Champion National Convenience Store at 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards means to the team at Spar Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.

Caroline Reidy outlines what Irish employers need to know about managing performance and conducting appraisals in 2026.

From a recruiter’s seat, Nikki Murran looks at the silent force behind great retail teams and the managers who build them.

In this month’s Category Focus features we look at Bottled Water and New Year, New You.

Check to see who has been out and about in this month’s Social Diary!

February Features at a Glance – (Each feature receives print, digital & social coverage)

Easter: Key brands, promotions and trends set to drive Easter 2026 sales, following strong value and volume growth in seasonal confectionery.

Sports Nutrition, Protein & Energy: Growth opportunities in premium protein, RTD hydration and performance-led nutrition for an increasingly active consumer.

Frozen Foods: How quality, value and waste reduction are keeping frozen foods front of mind for budget-conscious shoppers.

Packaged & Cooked Meats: Spotlight on premiumisation, sustainability and innovation as shopper interest in quality beef and added-value meats grows.

Oral Hygiene: Preventative, family-focused and tech-enabled oral care driving future category growth.

Bread & Baked Goods: Innovation in health, grains and flavours reshaping a core daily staple.

Household Products: Where value, sustainability and convenience intersect in everyday household essentials.

Energy – Switch & Save: How smarter energy and supplier choices are helping retailers protect margins in a high-cost environment.

To find out more, contact the sales team – ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie and/or mark.morgan@mediateam.ie