Driving Grocery Forward

SHELFLIFE GROCERY MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2025 HONOUR THE GROCERY RETAIL INDUSTRY’S FINEST MANAGERS AND MORE

Ireland’s grocery retail industry gathered at Dublin’s Royal Marine Hotel, Wednesday, 14 May, for the 2025 ShelfLife Grocery Management Awards, recognising individual management excellence in the sector.

With almost 360 guests in attendance 21 awards were presented, honouring the best in the many departments that make up local convenience stores and supermarkets, culminating in the grand prize of ShelfLife National Grocery Retail Manager of the Year.

Led by MC Shay Byrne of RTÉ Radio One’s Rising Time, the prestigious, independently judged awards ceremony is supported by platinum sponsor Bank of Ireland and carried out in association with Excel Recruitment.

Aidan Doyle, Pettitt’s’ SuperValu, Bray, Co. Wicklow was named National Grocery Retail Manager of the Year 2025. He was presented the award by Owen Clifford, head of Retail at Bank of Ireland.

The judges praised Doyle for his passion, and commitment that has made him not only a strong leader, but also a mentor and a consistent high performer.

Commenting on the factors which made Doyle a first-class manager, Nikki Murran, director of Grocery Recruitment at Excel Recruitment, said on the night: “This year’s Supreme Champion is a true career retailer – someone who lives and breathes the trade. With an unwavering passion for retail, a deep belief in the power of customer trust, and an incredible drive to deliver excellence, this individual has built a legacy of leadership, resilience, and results.

“After more than three decades in the industry, this champion didn’t rest on their laurels. Instead, they embraced a fresh challenge just four years ago, taking on a new store and setting out to make their mark. And what a mark they made – more than doubling expected sales in the first year alone.

“But their greatest achievement? Building a culture. A team culture so strong it’s become the backbone of the store’s continued success, where every team member feels empowered, valued, and driven to deliver their best – every day.”

Commenting on the standard of 2025 entrants, John McDonald, ShelfLife publisher, said: ” “There is no end to the pressure heaped upon grocery retail managers. Just as the supplier base is called upon to increase volumes and push through price increases, our retail colleagues have to maintain value for their customers while passing on price increases, dealing with unprecedented overhead and state-imposed staff cost growth, and all the while trying to increase footfall and basket size. Retail managers are working harder and doing more with less. The successful crop of GMA short-listed candidates for 2025 are exceptionally aware of their local competitive landscape, they maintain a culture of exceptional customer service and they work hard to develop individuals and teams who will maintain store standards around the clock. As publisher of ShelfLife Magazine, I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and thank them for taking the time to compete in this awards program.”

Owen Clifford, head of Retail, Bank of Ireland, the event’s platinum sector, likewise spoke of the importance of supporting and recognising the managers who deliver the world-class standards of Ireland’s grocery sector, noting: “Bank of Ireland are delighted to once again be lead sponsor of the Grocery management awards. These awards showcase the excellent standards and service delivered by the Irish grocery sector. They also celebrate the significant contribution made by personnel within the sector to their local communities nationwide. Personally, it remains a privilege to support and recognise all that’s great about the internationally renowned Irish grocery sector at this showcase event.”