Sep 29, 2009

Tuesday 29^th September 2009 – ADM Londis plc, one of Ireland’s premier symbol groups has today commended its retailers’ resilient performance during 2009 and outlined how ADM Londis and its retailers through partnership and collaboration can face into 2010 with a strong core business, excellent support services and innovative consumer propositions.   

The forward looking statement for Londis retailers was made at the Group’s Annual Retailer Conference entitled ‘Brighter Horizons’ which took place today at the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, Killenard, by Stephen O’Riordan, Chief Executive, ADM Londis plc. Key topics at the conference included the fast growing private label sector, the strong performance of the wine and beer categories in 2009 for Londis and the unveiling of the newly redefined and simplified 'food to go' offering for consumers. 

With profit before tax of €4.1m reported for 2008 earlier this year, Mr O’Riordan congratulated the battling 2009 performance of Londis retailers and their nationwide network of stores.   Attending retailers were also briefed regarding the recent agreement with UK wholesaler Nisa –Today’s to source a range of well known International branded products and a private label range. The exclusive wholesaling agreement for the Republic of Ireland will represent approximately 10% of the Group’s overall food, non food and beverage purchases will ultimately place Londis retailers in a more competitive position in the grocery sector moving forward into 2010. 

Commenting at the Conference, Stephen O’Riordan, Chief Executive, ADM Londis plc said, “These past 18 months have been as tough a trading environment as experienced by most people in their lifetimes. The collapse of credit has lead to extreme pressure both on retailers and consumers alike. However during this time we have also seen incredible resilience, innovation and flexibility as both ADM Londis plc as a Group and the individual retailers have worked together to ensure the Londis offering remains strongly placed in the minds of the Irish consumer.  

Emphasising the sense of togetherness and community, O’Riordan said, “Despite the economic difficulties it is very important that businesses don’t forget the communities they live and the interests of their neighbouring consumers. This year, ADM Londis is very proud to have led the ‘Write Up My Street’ children’s story telling initiative with Barnardos as well as our stores link up with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) for MDI National Awareness day.”

Emphasising continued innovation, ADM Londis also detailed the success of its €200,000 investment in the Customer Relationship Management system (ASSIST) for its Group headquarters in Johnstown, Co Kildare.  Partnering with iSite Solutions and Microsoft, the integrated IT platform enables a 360 degree view of the customer lifecycle, faster response times and higher levels of service as the retailer is placed at the centre of the CRM model.  2009 also saw the unveiling of the newly designed www.londis.ie and the innovative Mobile Shopping List Reminder Service for customers. 

Over 300 delegates from Londis stores all over the country attended the Londis Conference in Killenard. Delegates were treated to a range of retail orientated presentations. Fresh from the recent economic forum at Farmleigh House, economist David McWilliams provided a glimpse of what might lay ahead in 2010 for Irish businesses, with legendary All Blacks Captain, Sean Fitzpatrick outlining the keys to success both in business and on the rugby field. Peter Ward, Chairperson of Bord Bia Taste Council and recently anointed ‘Person of the Year’ by Good Food Ireland joined Emilie Cole of TNS Magasin and Andrew Mouse, Group Sales Director, NISA Today’s on the podium to complete the speaking line-up.