Centra, one of Ireland’s leading convenience retailers, is helping to boost the Irish economy through its recently launched Own Brand range of 900 products. One hundred and ten of the 150 suppliers who produce this innovative range are Irish, with two of these suppliers coming from Mayo. The Mayo companies are O’Hara’s Bakery and William Carr & Sons Limited.
Projected retail sales in 2013 for these 110 Irish companies is expected to be in excess of €150 million. Initial performance of the range has been strong, with sales of €40 million achieved since its launch in April; a figure that is set to grow as awareness increases, according to Centra.
Martin Kelleher, managing director, Centra, commented: “The Own Brand range of over 900 products is the biggest product launch in Centra’s 34 year history and represents an €8 million investment for the brand. The extensive range of products give consumers what they want in terms of own brand alternatives at their local store and at great value prices. A strong Irish connection was crucial when developing the range to further reinforce the quality of our produce.
“Local suppliers of all sizes play a key role in our new product offering. By continuing to source high quality produce from local suppliers, we are reinforcing our commitment to communities throughout Ireland. In 2012, we purchased over €1 billion worth of Irish goods, which is a substantial investment for the Irish economy, and as the range develops we expect this figure to increase exponentially,” Kelleher added.
The launch of this extensive range of Own Brand products not only helps the Irish consumer save money, it also supports local businesses and job creation, with the development of this new range seeing a number of new supplier contracts signed.
Centra’s new Own Brand range is available now in over 460 participating Centra stores nationwide. Every week Centra serves over three million customers and employs almost 10,000 people. Centra retailers contributed €2.1m to local community organisations in 2012. For more information see www.facebook.com/centraireland or visit www.Centra.ie
