Rugby Star James Lowe Joins Investors At O Brother Brewing
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Ireland's Industry Magazine For The Grocery Retail And FMCG Sectors.
O Brother Brewing today announced that Ireland and Leinster rugby player James Lowe is joining the team as an investor.
Lowe’s investment in the Wicklow-based company is his first venture into the beverage sector and follows a strong year for the independent craft brewer.
Lowe is the second well-known rugby figure to invest in the brewery, following Devin Toner’s investment in the company announced last February.
O Brother recorded a series of milestones in 2024, including deals with Aldi and Tesco, and it marked ten years since its first sale last month.
The company launched three exclusive brews in Aldi Ireland during the year and announced the rollout of its core range in Tesco stores nationwide in September.
The brewery has also completed a major project recently as it switched its base from Kilcoole to the historic Belmont Demsne, near Greystones, in Wicklow last year.
Bord Bia Reports Irish Food And Drink Exports Reached €17bn In 2024
The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 5% last year, to a reach a record €17 billion, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2024/25, published today.
This performance marks a milestone year for Irish food and drink exporters, despite enduring global trade challenges caused by geopolitical instability, fluctuating inflation, and ongoing high trading costs.
Growth was primarily driven by higher pricing, as cost pressures and inflation continued to impact businesses and consumers.
However, several categories recorded volume as well as value growth in the measured period, including seafood, prepared consumer foods (PCF), and meat and livestock.
Irish dairy exports – the largest category of food exports – were in line with 2023 values, remaining stable, at €6.3 billion, despite weather conditions affecting grass growth.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s And Lidl Are UK Christmas Winners – Kantar
Three of Britain’s biggest supermarkets were the big winners at Christmas, according to industry data published by Kantar on Tuesday.
Market leader Tesco, number-two retailer Sainsbury’s and discounter Lidl posted sales growth of 5.0%, 3.5% and 6.6% respectively.
Number-three supermarket Asda remained the industry laggard, with sales down 5.8% in the 12 weeks to 29 December compared with the previous year, Kantar said.
Tesco’s strong performance increased its share of the market to 28.5%, while Sainsbury’s achieved its highest share since December 2019 at 16.0%.
Annual grocery price inflation was 3.7% in the four-week December period – its highest level since March, and a jump on the 2.6% in last month’s report.
New Year, New Roles
As we enter 2025, industry leaders have been on the move as companies welcome new talent to invigorate companies for the new year. Here are some of the latest announcements:
Congratulations to all!
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