Musgrave, one of Ireland’s largest food retailers and wholesalers, made the investments over the course of eight years, according to a filing on the Companies Registration Office.
The group acquired Donnybrook Fair for up to €25m from founders Joe and Mary Doyle.
The deal included five stores: in Donnybrook, Stillorgan, Malahide, Greystones and Baggot Street – as well as a food production facility.
Incoming Musgrave CEO Niall Anderton
The Baggot Street store has since closed, and a flagship unit in Dundrum Town Centre has opened and closed since the deal.
The Donnybrook Fair business has had its troubles recently, having closed the Dundrum store in January after a review of its long-term viability. The store was opened in January 2021 as part of a €4.5m investment.
The Sunday Independent understands Musgrave made the investments over the last eight years to help bolster and diversify Donnybrook Fair’s product range, renovate stores and expand the business.
In response to questions, Musgrave said it continues to invest heavily in Donnybrook Fair to strengthen the retailer’s “premium offering” and respond to consumer demand.
Investment ‘reflects strong and sustained demand for premium, fresh food’
“This investment will support the continued evolution of the brand, particularly across its product range and overall customer experience.
“Donnybrook Fair is also continuing to invest in and expand its presence across SuperValu and Centra, reflecting strong and sustained demand for premium, fresh food,” the group said.
Musgrave, has been battling to bolster its SuperValu brand’s position in the supermarket rankings. The brand holds a 19.5pc market share, behind rivals Dunnes (24.5pc) and Tesco (24.2pc).
In January, Musgrave announced it had appointed Niall Anderton as its incoming CEO. He will succeed Noel Keeley, who is due to retire from the business at the end of the year.
Anderton joins Musgrave from Circle K owner Alimentation Couche-Tard.
Musgrave’s most recent set of results showed the group had a revenue of €5.2bn in 2024, up 4pc. Pretax profit rose 5pc to 134.5m.
Donnybrook Fair was established by the Doyles in 1991. At the time of its acquisition, the brand employed 250 people.
source