Centra NI Secures Prestigious Win at Retail Industry Awards in London

Written by

Centra Retailers Honoured Among the Best in UK!

Leading NI convenience retailer Centra was honoured last night in London at the 2019 Retail Industry Awards, taking home the title of “Convenience Retailer of the Year”.  Lilley’s Centra Dublin Road in Enniskillen was also a winner picking up “Food-to-go Retailer of the Year”.

Speaking today Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Centra in Northern Ireland said:

“To be awarded Convenience Retailer of the Year is a great achievement for everyone associated with Centra and is testament to the hard work that has been put in over the years by our teams both at local and national level.  As consumer demand for high quality convenience increases, Centra is responding with refreshed, inviting, modern stores that offer the latest in convenience and this award underlines this. 

“I would also like to congratulate Una Lilley and her team at Centra Dublin Road, Enniskillen who competed against some of the best stores in the UK, and brought home the Food-to-go Retailer of the Year award.”

Store Owner, Una Lilley, commented:  “To receive this recognition within 12 months of opening is simply incredible and I am absolutely thrilled for our Dublin Road store team. Food-to-go was our focus from the store’s planning stages. We researched different concepts and ideas and selected those that we felt matched the market in our area and it has proven to be very successful.

“However, it is the deli staff that deliver the goods on a daily basis. This is an amazing achievement for the entire food-to-go team and recognises their enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the delivery of an excellent and varied food-to-go offering in a very busy store.”

Bradley’s Centra in Maghera was highly commended in the Digital Engagement category for their digital enhancements both in store and at the fuel pumps while Centra Church Street in Banbridge was highly commended in the Forecourt Retailer of the Year category.

Widely regarded as ‘The Oscars’ of the grocery sector, the Retail Industry Awards reward excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories, recognising independent retailers alongside the large supermarket groups.

Whiskey Smash

Written by

Whiskey Smash
Whiskey Smash
If you like Mint Juleps, you’ll love the Whiskey Smash! This perfect citrusy & minty 19th-century cocktail is perfect for those who say they'll never think whiskey.
Servings:1
Preparation Time:5
Cooking Time:2
Share this recipe:
Recipe Rating
Votes: 0
Rating: 0
You:
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp mint leaves (about 7 or 8 leaves)
  • 1/2 of a whole Lemon cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 2 ounces irish whiskey
  • 1 cup Crushed Ice

Method

  1. 1. Place the mint, lemon, and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Muddle together until the sugar has dissolved and the lemon has expressed its juices.
  2. 2. Add the whiskey, cover, and shake for 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to an Old Fashioned glass.
  3. 3. Top with crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Chipotle Chicken Burritos

Written by

Chipotle Chicken Burritos
Chipotle Chicken Burritos
This hot & spicy burrito recipe is a mouthful, and all you'll need for filling lunches and cosy nights in with friends & family. Quick & easy to make, and an absolute delight!
Servings:4
Preparation Time:10
Cooking Time:25
Share this recipe:
Recipe Rating
Votes: 0
Rating: 0
You:
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 454 grams Fresh For You Chicken Breasts` cut lengthwise into strips about 1-inch wide
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle Chilli Paste (plain chilli paste will be perfect if chipotle is not available)
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp Preferred cooking oil
  • 1 medium Centra Red Onion quartered and sliced crosswise 1/2-inch thick
  • 3 medium Cloves/Lazy Garlic thinly sliced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 medium peppers stemmed, seeded, quartered lengthwise, and sliced into 1/2-inch strips
  • 120 ml Chicken broth or Water
  • 2 teaspoons roughly chopped fresh/dried oregano
  • 6 to 8 flour tortillas warmed, for serving
  • salsa Optional for serving
  • Guacamole Optional for serving
  • Sour Cream Optional for serving
  • 2 cups Black Beans
  • 3 cups White Rice

Method

  1. Place chicken in a bowl, add chilli paste, and salt and toss until chicken is well coated. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When it smokes, add half of chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  3. Remove to a plate and, return pan to stove, add 1 more teaspoon of the oil, and repeat with second batch.
  4. Add remaining 1 teaspoon of the oil, add onion and garlic and cook until golden and soft, about 2 minutes. Add peppers and cook until softened and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to pan, add broth and cook until sauce is slightly reduced, chicken is cooked through, and peppers are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Stir in oregano, taste, and adjust seasoning, as necessary.
  7. Boil rice and add into the pan with chicken and veg mixture.
  8. Add a generous helping to the warm tortilla. Add toppings - Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa and your extra favourites, for example cheese and jalepenos.
  9. Roll and serve immediately.

Champion Health Promotion in Your Local School & They Could Win £5,000 worth of Sports Equipment from SuperValu and Centra

Written by

Champion Health Promotion in Your Local School & They Could Win £5,000 worth of Sports Equipment from SuperValu and Centra

  • SuperValu and Centra join forces with Action Cancer to help deliver Health Action Schools Programme and increase awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.
  • Parents can nominate schools taking part in the Health Action Programme to have a chance of winning £5,000 worth of sports equipment.
  • In addition, SuperValu & Centra continue to support Big Bus Services, driving home early cancer detection across the province.

As the new school year approaches, leading convenience retailers SuperValu and Centra are calling for your help to encourage local schools to avail of Action Cancer’s Health Action Programme. The initiative is all about encouraging young people to make healthier lifestyle choices.   In operation since 2003 and having worked with nearly 500,000 pupils so far across Northern Ireland, the programme operates both at primary and secondary level and is delivered by a team of health promotion experts.

You can express your interest by visiting www.actioncancer.org, emailing schools@actioncancer.org or call 028 9080 3370.

Furthermore, for the 2019-2020 school year, SuperValu and Centra are offering a prize of £5,000 of sports equipment to one of the schools participating in the Health Action Programme to incentivise registration and participation. To be in with a chance of winning, parents just need to nominate their school through entry forms provided on every Health Action Programme visit.

Speaking today, Michael McCormack Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra NI said:

“Delivering a healthy lifestyle message to today’s younger generation is important and something we at SuperValu and Centra passionately support. Encouraging healthier lifestyles in younger years can reduce the risks of cancer in later life, so our focus is in raising as much money as possible across our store network and head office to enable Action Cancer to continue providing this fantastic service”.

SuperValu & Centra also announced that Action Cancer’s Big Bus Service will now include Centra stores on its route for 2019. In the first half of 2019, the money raised by both retailers has enabled the Big Bus to travel to over 113 locations, provide over 1,200 MOT Health Checks and over 2,400 breast screenings, with an average of 6 women diagnosed with Breast Cancer per 1,000 women screened.

Michael McCormack continued:

“We are delighted to be working with Action Cancer to further extend the reach of the valuable services on offer. The Big Bus is an integral part of the work of Action Cancer delivering many success stories in terms of early detection and prevention.  Our SuperValu retailers are a staple fixture on the Big Bus calendar and we are delighted to be extending the reach to our Centra stores too.

Gareth Kirk, CEO of Action Cancer, said:

“The schools Health Action Programme is an excellent initiative, empowering local children to make the right choices when it comes to their health and lifestyles. It is a natural fit that SuperValu stores, like their Centra neighbours, are now involved in endorsing this programme and promoting it within their local areas. 

The Big Bus mobile detection unit brings a life-saving service to our communities. The Big Bus has visited SuperValu stores for many years now and appointments have always been very strong during these visits, bringing early prevention, detection and support services to their customers staff and wider community. We’re delighted to see Centra stores join the visit schedule in 2019/2020”.

SuperValu and Centra have been partnering with Action Cancer since 2001 and are working towards raising one of the largest amounts ever by a company for an individual charity in Northern Ireland.  By the end of 2019, the total raised for Action Cancer via the charity partnership will reach an outstanding £3 million.

To find out more about the Health Action Programme read more here.  The full list of SuperValu and Centra store visits for the Big Bus can be viewed here.  Screenings and health checks for both men and women are available to book online.

REFUEL AND RECHARGE ON THE M1 MOTORWAY AT NEW CENTRA DUNGANNON

Written by

Centra is bringing enhanced convenience to people travelling on the M1 Motorway with the arrival of its highly anticipated brand-new store at Dungannon.   The bright and contemporary store, which opened its doors to the public on Thursday 22nd August, combines high convenience with an expanded food-to-go offering providing a welcome stop for those travelling to and from the west of the province.

Centra M1 Dungannon marks the second store opening for local businessman, George Patterson of Patterson Oil who already owns Centra Gilford Road in Portadown.  The store represents an investment of £2.2 million and will create 50 new jobs in the area.

Commenting on Centra’s continued expansion, Nigel Maxwell Sales Director Centra Northern Ireland said:

“At Centra, our focus is on redefining convenience – providing our shoppers with a healthier offering and innovative ranges, particularly in food-to go and our Frank and Honest coffee brand.  Centra M1 Dungannon is the latest example of our stores responding to the changing needs of the busy consumer.  We are delighted to be working with George and his team and wish them every success.” 

Offering a range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is something for everyone whether travelling home in the evening, on the road for work or on route to a short break in the west.  Amenities in store include Frank and Honest Coffee, the largest on-the-go gourmet coffee brand on the island of Ireland and the Green Kitchen, a Centra salad concept designed for the consumer looking for a healthier option.

For the more adventurous, there’s the punchy and vibrant flavours of a burrito from the Mex-A-Go Burrito Bar; whilst hot self-serve food-to-go options, and an abundance of indulgent treats, including both whipped and soft scoop Mullins ice-cream, are a must for afternoon hunger pangs.

Speaking today, George Patterson said:

“We are proud to be opening the doors of our new store in Dungannon and build on the success we have had already with the Centra brand and wider team.  A prime location for those travelling the busy M1 route, we look forward to welcoming customers instore and providing them with a one-stop shop for modern convenience.”  

The new store features a large seating area on the ground floor alongside additional seating in the Motorway Restaurant on the first floor which also incorporates a children’s play area.  Wi-Fi is available throughout while a truck park is available on site including overnight facilities and a shower block.  The large 24-hour TEXACO forecourt incorporates AD BLU, LPG, Supreme Fuels, Home Heating Oil /Gasoil, Flogas Cylinders, Electric Charge points for electric cars, air vac and all Grades of Solid Fuels and Block Firewood.

LUCKY CUSTOMER WINS 5K DREAM HOLIDAY WITH CENTRA

Written by

Local convenience retailer, Centra today revealed the lucky winner of their Summer Holiday Competition.  Margaret Harkin, from Strabane, posted her winning entry in the postbox at Centra Claudy and now has the enviable task of deciding where to go with her £5,000 holiday voucher.

The Centra competition, in association with Club Orange, invited shoppers to visit their local Centra store and fill out a travel postcard detailing the holiday of their dreams.

Already planning her dream holiday, Margaret said:

“I was so surprised to get the call, to be honest I didn’t believe it was true.  We are now looking forward as a family to sit down and plan our holiday, Florida has always been on the bucket list so that could be our destination!”

Congratulating Margaret, Jennifer Morton Centra Brand Manager said:

“We had a fantastic response to our Summer Holiday Competition and would like to thank all those who entered.  A big congratulations to our lucky winner Margaret.  This competition was all about celebrating the start of summer and with our great offers in Centra stores across NI, we have got something for everyone this Summer to help them Live Every Day to its fullest.”

CENTRA LATEST ADDITION TO RIVER HOUSE EXPANDING CATHEDRAL QUARTER CONVENIENCE

Written by

Centra’s Belfast City Centre expansion is continuing with the opening of a new store at River House on High Street, bringing further convenience options to the city’s Cathedral Quarter.  The doors will open to the public on Tuesday 13th August.

The brand-new store, located on the ground floor of this new 13-storey building on High Street, will be the perfect convenience location for the numerous private offices and co-working spaces in the area and is a welcome addition to the business community.

Commenting on Centra’s continued expansion in Belfast City centre, Nigel Maxwell Sales Director Centra Northern Ireland said –

“Our focus is on redefining convenience – providing our shoppers with a healthier offering and innovative ranges, particularly in food-to go and our Frank and Honest coffee brand.  Centra River House is the latest example of our stores responding to the changing needs of the busy consumer and we wish Donagh and his team every success.”

With stores in Stranmillis, Malone Road and Donegall Street, River House marks the fourth Centra store for owner Donagh McGoveran.  Speaking today, Donagh said –

“We are proud to be opening the doors of River House and look forward to welcoming customers and providing them with a one-stop shop for modern convenience.”   

Offering a range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner including a hot and cold deli and healthy salad bar Green Kitchen, there is something for everyone.  Coffee lovers will be catered for with an in-store Frank and Honest gourmet coffee dock featuring 100% compostable coffee cups.

With self service tills available, Centra River House will service those on busy schedules while at the same time cater for those seeking a more relaxed eating experience with a comfortable seating area, complete with complimentary USB charging ports and WiFi.

Centra Retailers Recognised with 11 Shortlistings at Prestigious Retail Industry Awards

Written by

Retailers from Centra have been shortlisted in the 2019 Retail Industry Awards, highlighting the excellence on offer across our stores.

Widely regarded as ‘The Oscars’ of the grocery sector, the Retail Industry Awards reward excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories, recognising independent retailers alongside the large supermarket groups.

Commenting on the shortlist, Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Centra in Northern Ireland said:

“I would like to congratulate all those stores who have been shortlisted in these prestigious UK wide awards. Excellence is second nature to our retailers, whether that’s the customer service they provide or the food and drink they serve. These shortlistings are testament to the hard work that has been put in over the years by our teams both at local and national level. We can now turn our attention to the awards night on September 17th and look forward to bringing home some wins for our retailers.”

Centra has been shortlisted in the following categories for this year’s Retail Industry Awards:

· Convenience Retailer of the Year – Regional – Centra NI

· Digital Engagement Award – Bradley’s Centra, Maghera, County Londonderry

· Drinks Retailer of the Year – Independent – Lusty’s Centra Larne, County Antrim

· Food-to-go Retailer of the Year

o Independent – Lilley’s Centra, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

· Forecourt Retailer of the Year

o Independent – Lilley’s Centra, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

o Company-owned – Centra Church Street, Banbridge, County Down

· Independent Retailer of the Year

o 1,200sq ft to 3,000sq ft – Centra Holywood, County Down

o 3,000sq ft to 6,000sq ft – Centra Deansbridge, Armagh

· Store Team of the Year – Lilley’s Centra, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

· Symbol/Fascia Group of the Year – Centra

· Symbol Initiative of the Year – Live Well, Centra

WISH YOU WERE HERE… WIN A 5K DREAM HOLIDAY WITH CENTRA

Written by

Local convenience retailer, Centra has joined forces with Club Orange to offer one lucky winner the chance to jet off on the summer holiday of their dreams. To be in with a chance of winning a £5,000 holiday voucher, shoppers just have to visit their local Centra store and fill out a travel postcard detailing the holiday of their dreams. From swimming the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to taking a bite out of the Big Apple, this postcard could be the ticket to a great summertime adventure.

 

The exclusive competition celebrates summer arriving at Centra stores across NI with an array of seasonal favourites now in-store. Come Rain or shine, inside or out, Centra has got summer covered with bright refreshing salads to juicy, chargrilled barbecue ingredients. The competition closes on 20th July and the winner will be notified on 29th July. For further information, competition terms and conditions and privacy policy, visit www.centra.co.uk or the Centra Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CentraNI.

Pictures by Stephen Hamilton, Press Eye.

Pictured (L-R) Katharine Walker and Remi Shore launch the Centra 5K summer holiday competition in association with Club Orange.

CENTRA RUN TOGETHER GOES DOUBLE THE DISTANCE FOR ACTION CANCER

Written by

CENTRA RUN TOGETHER GOES DOUBLE THE DISTANCE FOR ACTION CANCER

 

Centra is challenging runners to go the extra mile with the launch of its Centra Run Together 10K event at Ormeau Park, Belfast, in a bid to raise over £20,000 for Action Cancer.

New for this year, this more challenging 10K race will bring this year’s Run Together series to a close. The Ormeau Park event on Sunday 20th October will offer both 5K and 10K routes to create an exciting grand finale event, with all proceeds being donated to Action Cancer.

Centra Run Together is part of Centra’s Live Well initiative, which helps people to make healthier food and lifestyle choices. Now in its fourth year, the initiative encourages people to get active by running, jogging or walking with a friend, kids, or even the family dog. To date, the 2019 Run Together series has received a fantastic response, with a total of 1,550 participants getting active in locations including Enniskillen, Bangor and Derry~Londonderry and one further regional event still to take place in Armagh later this year.

Whilst the new 10K race is aimed at those seeking to take their running journey to the next level, Centra is encouraging participants of all ages and abilities to put their best foot forward and get involved.

For the finale event at Ormeau Park, a small entry fee will apply to both the 5K and 10K races, with 100% of the fee donated to Action Cancer. It is hoped that the event will make a large contribution to Centra’s major £3million fundraising target for the charity.

Funds raised as part of Centra’s Action Cancer charity partnership help to support projects including the Big Bus mobile breast screening unit and a Health Action Programme for children in schools. In the first half of 2019, the money raised has enabled the Big Bus to travel to over 113 locations and provide over 1,200 MOT Health Checks and over 2,400 breast screenings with an average of six women diagnosed with Breast Cancer per 1000 women screened.

These funds have also allowed the Health Action Programme to visit 124 schools across Northern Ireland during the academic year, educating over 12,000 pupils on their knowledge of health and encouraging them to make better lifestyle choices.

Championing the Run Together series are Cool FM Breakfast Show presenters Pete Snodden, Paulo Ross and Rebecca McKinney, who will support Centra and Action Cancer by encouraging the people of Belfast and beyond to join them in ‘running together’.

Speaking ahead of the event, Pete Snodden said: “I am really looking forward to being part of Centra’s Run Together and am proud to support a fantastic cause like Action Cancer.

 “Paulo, Rebecca and I all try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and think that this is a great opportunity to inspire others to do the same. 

 I am an occasional runner and really enjoy it, but I admit that I don’t get out as much as I would like. We each have varying levels of running ability, and there’s no doubt that a 10K will be a challenge for us all. However, we are looking forward to taking on the challenge as a group and would encourage others to rally their friends and family to do the same.

 Jennifer Morton, Centra brand manager said: “We are really excited about the addition of a 10K race in this year’s Run Together series. We have had a fantastic response to our regional 5K events and are excited to make an even bigger impact with this finale event.

“At Centra, we’re really focused on making it easier for people to live healthier lives – whether it’s through our tasty, wholesome and fresh food in-store, providing online tips on healthy lifestyle choices or getting out into the community and hosting events like these to encourage people to get active. Helping people to make the transition from 5K to 10K seemed like a natural progression for our Run Together Series. We are edging closer to our fundraising target for Action Cancer with every Centra Run Together event and have high hopes that our Ormeau Park event will make a huge contribution to our fundraising efforts.”

 Mark Jones, Corporate Fundraiser at Action Cancer added: “We are very excited for the new Centra Run Together 10k event in Ormeau park this October. The 5k events at Enniskillen, Bangor and Derry~Londonderry have been brilliant so far and the general public have shown fantastic support towards Action Cancer, through the Centra Run Together initiative. We are really looking forward to ending the series on a high and hopefully hitting the £20,000 fundraising target, enabling us to provide more of our prevention and detection services throughout Northern Ireland.”

For further information and details of how to register visit www.centra.co.uk/runtogether or the Centra Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CentraNI