Musgrave, the foremost food retail, wholesale, and foodservice company in Ireland, has recently announced a lucrative multi-million euro partnership with Ballymaguire Foods, a ready meal producer based in Lusk. This remarkable deal, valued at €170 million, ensures a continued supply of homegrown, Irish-made prepared meals and side dishes to Musgrave’s esteemed retail brands, including SuperValu, Centra, and Daybreak.
This collaboration comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking out healthy pre-prepared meal options. Ballymaguire Foods offers an extensive range of exceptional quality foods, providing shoppers with lunch and dinner solutions such as prepared meals, soups, and sauces. Musgrave aims to expand this range in partnership with Ballymaguire Foods by introducing new own-brand healthy meals, offering hassle-free, home-cooked gourmet experiences.
Ballymaguire Foods is a sister company to Country Crest, founded in 1993 by the Hoey brothers, Michael and Gabriel. Country Crest, a family-run business with a rich heritage in potato cultivation in North County Dublin, is now one of the largest suppliers of potatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes to Irish retailers. Established in 2008, Ballymaguire Foods has grown to become Ireland’s largest producer of fresh prepared meals.
Ballymaguire Foods has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Blas na hÉireann, Irish Quality Food Awards, Great Taste Awards, and Fingal Chamber Business Excellence Awards. The company is dedicated to sustainability and sources ingredients locally from trusted farmers and suppliers, reducing food miles. With a committed team of over 250 individuals, including experienced chefs and producers, Ballymaguire Foods has been supplying Musgrave Group with top-quality food for 13 years and will continue to do so for the next 5 years.
Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra, expressed his satisfaction with collaborating with suppliers who share the company’s values of supporting local communities. Describing a shared ambition to promote sustainable choices, Allen is delighted to continue the partnership with Ballymaguire Foods. Noting the increased demand for healthy meals, Allen acknowledges Ballymaguire Foods’ commitment to innovation and adaptability, which aligns perfectly with shoppers’ needs. The long-standing partnership has spanned 13 years, with Musgrave Group appreciating Ballymaguire Foods’ dedication to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
Edward Spelman, Managing Director and Co-owner of Ballymaguire Foods, emphasizes the company’s reputation for producing high-quality own-label fresh prepared meals. Using the finest ingredients and a handmade approach, Ballymaguire Foods has cultivated the partnership with Musgrave Group for over 13 years. Spelman expresses delight in strengthening this partnership and enhancing Musgrave’s fresh prepared meal offerings, catering to consumers’ busy lifestyles.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Musgrave collaborates closely with suppliers to collectively reduce environmental impact. Ballymaguire Foods operates on 100% renewable energy, with a wind turbine generating nearly half of its power, supplemented by other renewable sources. Musgrave’s own sustainability strategy aims for 100% compostable, reusable, or recyclable own-brand packaging by 2025. Currently, SuperValu and Centra have achieved 96% of this goal. In line with these efforts, Ballymaguire Foods has already replaced 35 tonnes of unrecyclable black plastic with sustainable packaging alternatives.
In conclusion, Musgrave and Ballymaguire Foods’ partnership signifies a shared commitment to providing consumers with high-quality, healthy, and sustainable prepared meal options. With their progressive approach to sourcing ingredients and reducing environmental impact, both companies align their values and goals to meet the evolving needs of shoppers. This collaboration builds upon a longstanding relationship and sets the stage for continued success in the years to come.
