Ireland’s top grocery retailers win national awards
Ireland’s grocery industry honored its leading retailers at the National Grocery Retail Awards 2026, an event featuring 26 competitive categories across supermarkets, convenience stores, and forecourt locations. Presented by broadcaster Claire Brock at Dublin’s Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, the ceremony celebrated achievements in customer service, product innovation, and community involvement.
The supermarket division saw Scally’s of Clonakilty earn the title of Large Supermarket Retail Store of the Year, while Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh secured Medium Supermarket honors. Broderick’s SPAR Croom won Small Supermarket of the Year, demonstrating excellence in smaller-scale operations. In convenience retail, Quish’s Centra Ballincollig took the Larger Format award, and Herlihy’s Centra Patrick Street claimed the Smaller Format category.
A standout performer was Sligo Junction, which captured both Ireland’s New Store of the Year and Ireland’s Forecourt Retailer of the Year after undergoing a significant renovation. The dual victories position it as a key destination for both shoppers and drivers.
Judges evaluated entries through a rigorous mystery-shopping assessment, which included over 100 questions and in-store observations. This process led to Broderick’s SPAR Croom winning Customer Service Excellence, while Scally’s of Clonakilty was named Ireland’s Most Creative Fresh Food Retailer. Fresh produce categories saw Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel lead in large supermarkets, Murphy’s SuperValu Castletownbere excel in medium stores, and Cosgrove’s Centra Mountain Top top the small supermarket list.
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Sustainability and community engagement also played central roles in the awards. Barry Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline earned Best Sustainability Initiative, while Cahill’s Centra Marley Park received Best Supporter of Local Community Initiatives. The recognition extended to suppliers, with Keogh’s Farm named Fresh Food Supplier of the Year, and Junction 14 Mayfield winning Motorway Services Outlet of the Year.
These results reveal how Irish grocery retailers maintain high standards while addressing local needs. Some stores focus on creative food presentation or exceptional service, while others emphasize environmental responsibility or community partnerships. Such varied approaches may influence future industry directions as shopper priorities continue to shift.
Competition remained fierce across multiple categories, with finalists including Lee’s Centra, Casey’s Londis, and Maxol in contests like Best In-Store Off-Licence and Forecourt Retailer of the Year. The event demonstrated the breadth of Ireland’s grocery market, where both independent operators and larger chains vie for distinction.
