BWG Foods, operator of the SPAR license in Ireland, has a robust logistics and supply chain servicing its nationwide network of retail stores. As a key retail operator, the company is focused on its environmental impact across the organisation. A series of awards received recently highlight the focus on sustainability evident throughout the company.

BWG Foods was presented with the 2024 SEAI Energy Award for Transport. These Awards celebrate excellence in sustainable and renewable energy across Ireland.

Transport Decarbonisation Project

The company’s logistics division was recognised for exemplary performance and innovation in low-emissions transport based on its extensive Transport Decarbonisation Project, which delivered a superior sustainable distribution operation in servicing its nationwide network of convenience stores and supermarkets. BWG Foods introduced Compressed Nation Gas (CNG) and biogas vehicles, providing a 90% CO2 reduction to its fleet. A number of Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel alternatives were also added to its fleet, providing a 70% CO2 reduction. Additionally, he company introduced the first articulated electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in the country.

Commenting, Joanne Mellon, Logistics Director BWG Foods, said, “We have the most sophisticated and effective distribution operations possible, and we are committed to serving our more than 1,000 nationwide network of retailers in the most sustainable way possible. The transition to sustainable logistics solutions requires us all to work together and evolve how we approach order placement, delivery times and volumes to reduce our impact on the environment. We are delighted to receive this award as another strong endorsement of our sophisticated logistics and supply chain management model which provides our teams and retailers with efficient, sustainable and innovative solutions to better serve customers and communities around the country.”

Next Generation Refrigeration

BWG Foods was delighted to accept an award for Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the All Ireland Sustainability Awards.  This award recognised the company’s introduction of Next Generation Refrigeration (NGR) to the convenience grocery retail industry. This cutting-edge technological advancement has been installed in a large number of its supermarkets throughout Ireland and was developed in conjunction with Anglo-Irish Refrigeration and Wirth Research.

The All-Ireland Sustainability organisation is a platform dedicated to uniting individuals, communities, and businesses to create a greener future for the island of Ireland. Now in its second year, the 2024 Awards honoured leading sustainability efforts, celebrated innovative technologies and impactful community projects, and recognised the dedication of those driving environmental change, making Ireland a leader in sustainability.

Deploying an aero-dynamics and thermal-dynamics specialist firm with a background in Formula 1 racing, the NGR utilises airflow movements to enhance energy efficiency. Intelligent controllers and a monitoring system deliver significant improvements in energy consumption. This results in substantial reductions in energy usage, equating to a 25% energy cost saving for a standard store, in addition to the important achievement of reducing carbon emissions.

Sustainable Supply Chain 

Joanne Mellon, Logistics Director BWG Foods and Mark Crowe, Head of Transport, were honoured with individual accolades at the 2024 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Ireland (CILT) Mobility & Supply Chain Awards.

Joanne received the Gold Medal in the much-coveted CILT Transport & Logistics Leader Award category. Mark received the Gold Medal in the CILT Environment Leader category. BWG Foods was also recognised as an industry leader when named runner-up in the Sustainable Supply Chain category.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Ireland is the only professional membership body for the transport, logistics and supply chain industry in Ireland. This is great recognition for Joanne, Mark and the team’s accomplishments and commitment to excellence and sustainability in a highly pressurised field.

Source: BWG Foods

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About SPAR Ireland

The SPAR brand is one of Ireland’s largest convenience retail organisations, and has been serving communities in Ireland for over sixty years. From the time it opened its first store in Dublin in 1963, SPAR Ireland has been a leader in Irish convenience retailing, bringing consumers the most innovative products and in-store offerings.