Caffè Vergnano opens first Irish café in Limerick

New outlet is owned by Limerick businessman Shane Gleeson, whose family have been involved in retailing in Limerick for decades

At the opening of the new Caffè Vergnano outlet in Limerick were Carolina Vergnano, CEO, Caffè Vergnano; László Békefi, Coffee Business Director, Coca-Cola HBC Group; Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland and Shane Gleeson, businessman and owner of Caffè Vergnano Limerick.

Caffè Vergnano has opened its first first café in Ireland, with the new shop opening in Limerick on Tuesday.

The new coffee shop is owned and operated by Limerick businessman Shane Gleeson, whose family have been involved in retailing in Limerick for decades, and will operate on Catherine Street in the city.  

“Opening the Caffè Vergnano 1882 Coffee Shop in Limerick is incredibly special for me, both professionally and personally. This is the very building where my father first started his business journey, so to be able to acquire it and give it a new chapter feels like a real full circle moment," said Mr Gleeson.  "Bringing a fourth-generation coffee brand with the heritage and reputation of Caffè Vergnano into that space feels especially fitting.

"We've created a destination that combines authentic Italian coffee culture with the welcoming spirit Limerick is known for, and I'm excited to share that experience with our community."

Caffè Vergnano is part of the Coca-Cola portfolio. Its products are available in 90 countries worldwide. Its global presence is strengthened by an international distribution agreement with Coca-Cola HBC covering 29 countries in out-of-home and retail channels. 

Carolina Vergnano, the chief executive of Caffé Vergnano, added: "We are delighted to see the opening of this new 1882 Coffee Shop in Limerick and growing the Caffè Vergnano presence on the island of Ireland. For over four generations, our family has been dedicated to sharing authentic Italian coffee culture around the world while maintaining the quality, passion and craftsmanship that defines our brand. Shane and his team share those same values, and we are proud to partner with them to bring the Caffè Vergnano experience to coffee lovers in Limerick." 

Coca-Cola HBC Ireland has over 22,000 retail customers across Ireland. Caffè Vergnano is an important and growing part of our 24/7 portfolio, and we are delighted to see the brand reach this exciting milestone with the opening of its first café on the island of Ireland," said Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland general manager Simon Fitzpatrick.