Aldi sales soar as it affirms focus on Irish suppliers
The firm said its annual spend on Irish suppliers has tripled since 2008, and that it is supporting over 22,000 jobs across the country.
Dubbing itself a proud supporter of Irish producers, Aldi said over 50% of its grocery sale is attributed to products from 127 Irish suppliers, producers, and manufacturers.
The retailer said it is the fastest growing supermarket in the country, commanding 7.4% of grocery sales.
It is showcasing over 30 of its Irish suppliers at the championships at the Love Ireland Like Aldi marquee, which an estimated 30,000 people attended on the opening day of the event.
Meanwhile, a 40-year-old tree company has embraced the latest developments in information technology with the launch of an innovative online business. Giftofatree.ie[/url], a subsidiary of the award-winning SAP Nurseries, has combined technology with five decades of industry experience to develop an online gift store which sells mature trees and includes delivery and planting.
SAP Group chairman Tom Walsh, speaking at the launch, said that by embracing the latest advancements in technology and recognising the need to capitalise on the growth in online retailing, tradit-ional businesses such as theirs have been afforded the opportunity to branch out and develop exciting innovations.
“The launch of Giftofatree.ie has not only set a new standard for the industry but has introduced SAP Group to a new generation of customers who now have a unique opportunity to purchase truly sustainable gift solutions. It will also go some way towards reducing the world’s carbon footprint and replenishing Ireland’s endangered natural woodland stocks.”
SAP Nurseries was established in South Allenwood, Co Kildare, in 1971, and moved to its current location in 1986 where it operates seven nurseries.
The site totals 450 acres of production including 1m field-grown trees and containerised production of 900,000 potted plants.
The group also has a 10,000-unit Airpot tree production facility.
