U.S., Irish Retailers Follow Common Trends in Food
SuperValu Photo Gallery (click images to enlarge)
Marks & Spencer Photo Gallery (click images to enlarge)
Avoca Photo Gallery (click images to enlarge)
Sheridans Photo Gallery (click images to enlarge)
While these four stops just scratched the surface of food retail in Ireland, they demonstrated a focus on many trends common to both sides of the pond -- from everyday grocery serving the daily needs of the masses, to specialty items for dedicated foodies.
Perhaps the most obvious contrast was the dominance of private label, particularly at M&S. But store brands are growing in the U.S. as increased competition compels retailers to seek exclusive offerings that drive traffic and loyalty, and ecommerce and direct-to-consumer sales upend the traditional retailer-supplier relationship.
Many thanks to Bord Bia for hosting me as part of a series of media food tours of Ireland in 2018.