During the virtual Fleet Transport Awards 2021 held in Ireland, Joanne Mellon, Logistics Director of BWG Foods, operator of SPAR in Ireland, was one of a very exclusive group of honourees. Held annually in honour of the transport and logistics companies and people, this year’s event focused on the individuals keeping the industry going during the COVID-19 crisis.

Appointed Logistics Director with BWG Foods in 2016, Joanne was singled out for being one of the industry’s #StrengthInUnity Transport Heroes for her personal efforts in ensuring BWG Foods’ National Distribution Centre supply chain operated seamlessly during the extraordinary crisis. Her expertise was recognised as being exemplary when the country entered lockdown.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, it was imperative that BWG Foods’ retailers stayed open and provided a safe shopping environment close to home for the one million customers served every day across its nationwide network of over 1,000 stores. Knowing that a local store is open for business with ready access to essential goods and services has been an enormous comfort to the nation. While BWG Foods worked very closely with over 650 suppliers to ensure it maintained healthy stock levels in line with increased consumer demand, Joanne’s leadership ensured that the company’s sophisticated supply chain continues to operate to the highest industry standard.

It is Joanne’s responsibility to ensure that one of Ireland’s largest and most complex supply chains successfully navigates the challenges presented by the pandemic so that the company’s 120-truck fleet can remain on the road, continuing to cover more than 42,000 km with over 600 deliveries on a daily basis. The company’s role as a community-based food wholesaler and retailer has never been more important and Joanne’s team in the National Distribution Centre continues to work around the clock to ensure shelves remain sufficiently stocked.

Commenting on the accolade, Leo Crawford, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group said, “The service that our family of over 1,000 independent retailers provide to their communities cannot be overstated and this is particularly relevant when these communities are forced to endure the incredible challenges presented by COVID-19.   A company like ours is only as strong as its people and I am immensely proud of the honour bestowed on our very deserving Joanne and her team.”

Source: SPAR Ireland

About SPAR Ireland

SPAR Ireland was established in 1963 and is operated by leading wholesale and retail company, BWG Foods. In 2014, 80% of BWG’s shares were sold to SPAR South Africa, however, the existing shareholders remain involved in the business.

With a presence in every county across the Republic of Ireland, SPAR is one of the country’s largest convenience retail groups. In developing the business, SPAR Ireland has a long track record of recognising the strategic importance of introducing new retail concepts. It operates three of the four SPAR formats: SPAR, EUROSPAR and SPAR Express, bringing consumers a comprehensive range of innovative products and instore offerings.