Centra Conference 2019

Centra Delivers Record Sales of €1.63 billion in 2018 With Plans To Open 25 New Stores And Add 375 New Jobs This Year

25 new stores to open, along with 80 revamps, as part of an €35 million investment;

Centra continues to redefine the convenience market as the breakfast roll makes way for healthy alternatives like Cold Pressed Turmeric Shots and Paleo Superbowls;

Ireland’s leading convenience retailer Centra registered a new record in 2018 after hitting sales of €1.63 billion, an increase of 3.6% year on year, further cementing the brand’s position as number one in the convenience market.

The convenience retailer plans to build on this momentum by opening 25 new stores across the country this year, as well as refreshing 80 stores, as part of a €35 million investment, which will see 375 jobs added to the Centra network. The revamp programme will see Centra rolling out the latest thinking in the convenience market that will meet new trends and provide shoppers with a seamless shopping experience. 

The launch of the retailer’s new premium “Inspired by” Centra range last July, which includes products like Cold Pressed Turmeric Shots and Paleo Superbowls, reflects the evolving taste of the Irish consumer who is more health conscious and looks for premium products. Since its launch last July, the range has already recorded €6.3 million in sales and it continues to grow rapidly.

The Frank and Honest gourmet coffee offering available in Centra has been a real success, quickly establishing itself as the number one coffee brand in Ireland and recording a 40% growth in coffee volume in 2018. Frank and Honest’s popularity has been further built upon with the launch of capsule and whole bean ranges for the at home market, a range of coffee accessories and the roll out of instore cafes. 

Building on its successful introduction of new brands, this year Centra is rolling out a new ice cream brand – Moo’d – to over 200 stores, adding a further seven products to the range and launching new take-home packs in three flavours. Combining the best Irish dairy and Italian ingredients, a unique delicious ice-cream range has been created to offer a contemporary take on an Irish favourite.

Speaking at the Centra conference at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, Martin Kelleher, Centra Managing Director, said: “Our record sales performance is testament to the dedication of over 463 Centra store owners across the country who provide market leading stores in convenient locations and our ongoing investment in shaping the future of the convenience market. Responding to consumers, retailers and market trends, Centra has developed a healthier offering and innovative range unrivaled by competitors. We plan to continue our expansion through new initiatives like our Inspired by Centra luxury range, Moo’d ice cream and Frank and Honest Coffee along with driving innovation across all areas of the store.”

“In the past, convenience stores would have been synonymous with the breakfast roll but walking into a Centra today illustrates how the concept has been revolutionized with products like Cold Press Tumeric Shots and Paleo Salads. We aim to stay one step ahead of the competition in this respect by ensuring we stay close to the modern Irish consumer who is looking for health alternatives, innovative ranges and great quality food for those short on time”.

With over 463 stores, Centra employs almost 11,000 people and serves over three million customers per week. Centra invests more than €240 million in local communities per annum, which is the equivalent of €4.5 million per week through a combination of payments to local suppliers, acquisition of local business services, wages, charitable donations and local sponsorships.