They were also ranked as ‘Ireland’s Best Large Store of the Year’
15:17, 24 Feb 2026Updated 17:43, 24 Feb 2026
The Ryan’s SuperValu team – Eoin Lyons, Luke Hanlon; Managing Director, SuperValu, Ciara O’Regan, Derek Hackett, Kevin Morgan, Liam Ryan, Jason O’Callaghan, Janice Tynan, Dawn Kelly, Dan Curtin – Sales Director, SuperValu(Image: SALLY MACMONAGLE)
Out of around 250 SuperValu stores across Ireland – a Cork city branch has just been named the best of the best at the major chain’s awards night this week.
Ryan’s Supervalu in Togher was crowned ‘National SuperValu Store of the Year’ for 2026 at the event for their “exceptional performance across food leadership, customer service and community engagement.” And as if that title wasn’t enough – they also walked away with the ‘Best Large Store of the Year’ award. Shop owner Liam Ryan said the achievements were a testament to “every single person in our store, who brings passion, pride and commitment to their work every day.”
The winners were decided by independent competition judge and retail consultant Paul Ellison, who also commended Ryan’s Supervalu for its role in supporting local clubs and charities. Liam has been at the helm of the popular Supervalu branch for over 34 years, and would be a well-known face for many shoppers. The longstanding Cork city store underwent a major revamp back in late 2023, where they brought in new deli and fishmonger counters, an expanded bakery range and an in-store café.
Ryan’s Supervalu Store Manager Kevin Morgan celebrating the big win last night(Image: Ryan’s SuperValu Togher)
The Ryan’s team already have staff celebrations planned after the big win, and shared a number of social media posts last night giving live updates at the SuperValu National Conference. Of course, they weren’t the only Cork winners at the event. Scally’s SuperValu in Clonakilty – a favourite of renowned Irish actor Paul Mescal – won Best Excellence in Fresh Food. Meanwhile, Riordan’s SuperValu in Fermoy received the group’s Best Community and Sustainability Award.
When called up to the stage, Togher’s Liam Ryan paid tribute to his dedicated team, saying: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named National SuperValu Store of the Year 2026 – it’s a title we have been chasing for years.
“This award is a testament to every single person in our store, who brings passion, pride and commitment to their work every day. Our team goes above and beyond for our customers, and that’s what makes the difference – the friendly faces, the care for quality food and the genuine connection we have with the Togher community. We’re honoured to be recognised, and I want to sincerely thank our colleagues, our loyal customers and everyone locally who has supported us. This achievement belongs to all of us.”
Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Ryan’s SuperValu Togher on this outstanding achievement. Their commitment to quality food, exceptional service and community leadership truly embodies what SuperValu stands for. It is stores like this that bring our independent retail model to life in communities across the country.”
Judge Paul Ellison added: “The SuperValu Store of the Year competition is about identifying and celebrating the very best in Irish retail and the standards demonstrated by this year’s finalists were exceptional… I would like to extend my congratulations to Ryan’s SuperValu Togher who demonstrated great commitment to quality food, outstanding service and strong people leadership, all delivered at the heart of the local community.”
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