Barry Group showcases expanded range

Six years after first setting out to develop a wide range of exclusive/private label products for convenience stores and off-licences, The Barry Group held its first consumer media showcase at Medley restaurant in South Anne Street, Dublin, recently.

CarryOut, costcutter and Quikpick franchisees have significantly expanded their range of exclusive beers, wines and spirits to a dozen brands and over 60 products now. Medley’s renowned chef Andrew Rudd incorporated some of this brand range into original dishes, tapas-style, on the day itself to help things along.

The CarryOut franchise now represents the leading independent off-licence chain in Ireland. It celebrated opening its 100^th store this month (September) and has recently tripled its footprint in Dublin.

A number of overseas suppliers were present to represent their brands more effectively at the show and these included Carlos Kinast from the Casas del Toquai winery in Chile who explained the philosophy behind the Aviary project, the Barry Group’s private label range of Chilean wines which the winery developed in partnership with the Group.

Also present was Cédric Duquenoy from LGI Wines in Carcassone with his entire and exclusive Barry Group portfolio with a particular emphasis on the Gascony region which, he says, has huge potential for white wine sales. Though based in Carcassone, Cédric sources wines from all over France

As well as wines from France, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, the consumer media tasting also consisted of Champagnes and with a range of Proseccos from Italy.

Polish vodkas and both Polish and Russian beers also formed part of the showcase.