Retail Excellence Ireland has expressed its “dismay” at the recommendation from the Low Pay Commission to add another 50 cent on to the National Minimum Wage. However, the group added that a possible positive from the move would be that “it is likely Government will offset any increase in the National Minimum Wage with a reduction in employment costs.” Yesterday, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy called the proposed increase “inexplicable”.
Truly Irish Country Foods has signed a deal with Tesco Ireland that will see the brand’s creamery butter stocked in 60 stores around the country. The Irish Examiner reported that the farmer-owned business is hoping to grow its level of trade with Tesco, and “in time look to supply its stores in the UK, which would be a real game-changer for our business.”
John Paul O’Reilly has left his role as Commercial Director with Tesco Ireland. Checkout understands that O’Reilly himself made the decision to leave, and a note was sent to suppliers last week announcing the move. Chief executive Andrew Yaxley is expected to announce a successor shortly. Tony Keohane, Tesco Ireland chairman, has also announced he has stepped down.
Liffey Meats has announced it is to take majority control of Chiron Viandes, a frozen burger manufacturer in Northern France. According to the Farmer’s Journal, the Caen-based company had a turnover of €28.5 million in 2014, and posted profits of €2.1 million. It processes some 9,000 tonnes of beef annually.
Aldi has been granted planning permission from Clare County Council to develop an outlet in Ennistymon, the Irish Examiner has reported. The new development, on the former Clare Marts site, had been subjected to opposition from local farmers, who developed the Save Ennistymon Mart Committee (SEMC) in order to voice their concerns over the plans.
Sinn Fein has published its proposals for future Banded Hour Contract legislation, which the party claims will ensure “banded hour contracts rebalancing the rights of employees and the obligations of employers in the use of short-hour contracts.” The proposed legislation comes in the wake of the Dunnes Stores dispute that put low hour contracts in the media’s spotlight.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has branded supermarket promotions as confusing and misleading to consumers. The CMA report calls on retailers to end the use of ‘was/now’ promotions where the discounted price has been advertised as a promotion for longer than the higher price was applied.
The European Commission reports that 2014/2015 has been an exceptional year for EU sugar production. EU sugar beet production increased by 6%, driven by a 3% area increase and a 3% yield increase. This allowed for an the production of an estimated 19m tonnes of white sugar, 16% more than the previous year’s and well above the 13.4 million tonnes quota.
Marks & Spencer has moved to remove confectionery and biscuits from its checkouts, in a bid to tackle childhood obesity levels. The retailer will make the change in September, with a company spokesperson telling the Daily Mail that “These foods will be moved to other areas of our stores for our customers to buy.” It is not yet known whether the move will also be extended to its Irish operation.
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