The Musgrave Group in Northern Ireland spends £160 million on local food and drink each year supporting the employment of almost 5,000 people in 300 locations and contributing c.£350m to the local economy.
A hugely positive force in Northern Ireland both economically and socially, the retail and wholesale group represents consumer brands SuperValu, Centra and Mace as well as wholesale brands Musgrave MarketPlace, Drinks Inc and La Rousse Foods.
SuperValu and Centra stores are currently promoting their local credentials to customers through a multi-channel marketing campaign – “Because Local Matters”.
Speaking today, Julie Cherry Trading Director for Musgrave in Northern Ireland said –
“We are at the heart of local communities across Northern Ireland – working with over 3,000 local farmers, in partnership with over 140 local suppliers and we sell nearly 3,000 local products across our stores. Through the pandemic, the message of supporting local has never been stronger and we are proud that it is a value at the heart of the Musgrave Group.”
Earlier this year, the group announced investment plans of £12 million for 2021. This includes the opening of over 20 new stores, creating up to 500 jobs and follows on the back of an investment heavy year in 2020, despite the pandemic. As part of this significant investment, an additional 17 existing stores across the network will also benefit from a revamp.
Local is a credential firmly embedded in the Musgrave CSR strategy, Julie Cherry continues –
“Musgrave has charity partnerships with local Northern Ireland charities – Action Cancer (SuperValu and Centra), NI Chest, Heart and Stroke (MACE and Musgrave MarketPlace) – making an impact at the heart of every community in Northern Ireland.
“In addition to what we do at a corporate level, each of our independent retailers support and sustain multiple local suppliers, local families, local charities, and other local businesses – supporting local really is at the heart of what we do.”