The challenge facing grocery brands and retailers in the post-downturn economic environment is the focus of the 2014 Checkout Conference, in association with Rabobank. The conference takes place on Tuesday January 28th at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin.
The theme of the conference is ‘Aftershock: The Retail Brand Challenge’, and topics addressed on the day will include the current perceptions of ‘value’ in the Irish marketplace, how receptive grocery brands are to the changing needs of the Irish consumer, and how new product development and innovation is helping to build a more progressive, forward-looking industry.
Speakers already confirmed include Bruce Langlands, Director of Foods, Harrods; Anna Malmhake, Chairman and Chief Executive, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Ken Murphy, Managing Director, International & Brands, Health and Beauty Division, Boots UK & Ireland; Francois Sonneville, Senior Beverage Analyst, Rabobank International and Jean Jacques Vandenheede, Senior Retail Analyst, Nielsen Europe.
“There’s no doubting that the Irish grocery market is one of the most competitive in Europe, and retailers and suppliers need to be highly adaptable, in order to meet the changing needs of consumers,” says Stephen Wynne-Jones, editor, Checkout. “As the economic burden of the past six years begins to ease, this year’s Checkout Conference will address how prepared both brands and retail groups are for the new set of challenges that lie ahead.”
Commenting on the sponsorship, Kevin Knightly, Chief Executive of Rabobank Ireland said: “We are pleased to sponsor the Checkout conference for the fourth year. As the world’s leading global food and agribusiness bank, Rabobank continues to invest huge resources into developing rich sectoral knowledge which we pass on to our customers. This year’s conference will feature a keynote address by Rabobank’s Francois Sonneville, Senior Beverage Analyst, Rabobank International, who will deliver cutting edge research and highlight key trends in beverages and the retail sector.”
To reserve your place at the 2014 Checkout Conference, in association with Rabobank, contact Colette O’Brien at 01 230 0322 or email [email protected]. Tickets are priced at €325 + VAT (€399.75), inclusive of lunch. Discounts available for multiple bookings. Download a flyer, including a ticket application form for the event here
Caption: Pictured are Stephen Wynne-Jones, editor, Checkout and Kevin Knightly, CEO, Rabobank Ireland plc at the launch of the 2014 Checkout Conference in association with Rabobank, in Donnybrook Fair, Dublin. The conference takes place on Tuesday 28 January at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin.
About the Checkout Conference
The Checkout Conference, in association with Rabobank, is the longest-running dedicated conference for the grocery retail and FMCG industries in Ireland, and is considered a ‘must-attend’ event for those in the trade, both due to the high calibre of speakers and its status as a premium networking opportunity. Prominent speakers that have addressed the Checkout Conference in years past include Fiona Dawson, President, Chocolate, Mars UK; Dalton Philips, chief executive, Morrisons (formerly of Brown Thomas); Dieter Brandes, former MD, Aldi Nord; Jim McCarthy, chief executive, Poundland; Gordon Campbell, Managing Director, Spar International; Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD and many other leading representatives from retail and FMCG.
About Rabobank
Rabobank Ireland plc is a subsidiary of Rabobank Nederland and part of Rabobank International the Rabobank Group's international corporate and investment banking arm. Rabobank Ireland was established in Dublin's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in 1994. It is now one of the larger banks in Ireland (measured in terms of assets) and employs in excess of 90 staff. Rabobank is renowned worldwide for its Food & Agri (F&A) research services, and the solid range of products and services it offers to customers. The bank’s F&A Research and Advisory (FAR) department draws an expert team of analysts based throughout the global Rabobank network. This team continuously accumulates knowledge on companies, issues and trends in the F&A sector, publishes research and provides advisory services to the Bank’s F&A customers.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
