Forecourt operator and convenience retailer Applegreen has become a member of Guaranteed Irish, an organisation that supports homegrown and international businesses which provide jobs and support local communities.
With a network of 193 outlets across the country, Applegreen employs 2,800 people in Ireland.
Applegreen said it is a long-time supporter of Irish suppliers, particularly in its own-brand food and Bakewell deli offering, with over 75% of products supplied by Irish food producers.
"Supporting local communities is at the heart of the Applegreen brand," said Fiona Matthews, Managing Director of Applegreen Ireland.
"We invest in local communities around Ireland by supporting local businesses and jobs for local people as well as through our charitable fund which has now distributed more than €4 million to good causes across Ireland since it was founded," she said.
Research has found that 94% of consumers believe that by purchasing from Guaranteed Irish businesses, they are helping to reduce their carbon footprint.
As part of its 'Drive Change’ programme, Applegreen recently became the first forecourt retailer in Ireland to formally commit to using 'net zero' methodology to reduce the direct carbon footprint of its Irish operation by 90% by the year 2030.
"Drive Change is our way of embedding sustainability into everything we do," said Ms Matthews.
The Guaranteed Irish network has now grown to almost 2,000 members, all promoting the ‘shop local’ message and all contributing to the Irish economy.
The combined membership of Guaranteed Irish now employs more than 100,000, generating a turnover of €10 billion per year.
"We’re delighted to welcome Applegreen to the team," said Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish.
"Applegreen shares our commitment to enterprise, local employment and supporting homegrown Irish produce on its shelves," she said.
