A Force In Irish Grocery

Stonehouse was born out of a merger between Keencost Centres (Ireland) Limited trading since 1971 and National Wholesale Grocers Alliance Limited, established in 1961 and trading more recently as National Wholesale.  The Keencost 9 independent wholesale members have 29 Cash & Carry grocery outlets and the 30 National Wholesale members have 37 outlets, making Stonehouse the biggest wholesale network in the country with 66 warehouses nationwide.  Employing over 1400 staff, the new group will have a turnover of approximately €635 per annum.

Enjoying a substantial share of the wholesale grocery market, the merging groups are made up of totally Irish owned, family-run businesses in the Catering, Cash & Carry and Wholesale grocery sectors.  This is a win-win deal for both groups and their customers.  The cost benefits would derive from the overlap between the various areas in which the two groups operate, and will involve logistic and supplier relationships.

In the face of ever increasing, existing and impending foreign ownership in the grocery sector, Irish grocery suppliers and manufacturers have welcomed the Stonehouse move.  Commenting on the merger, Mr. Michael Campbell, Director General of RGDATA said:  “The Retail trade needs a strong, vibrant, indigenous wholesale grouping and the emergence of Stonehouse is good news for Irish Retailers, suppliers and consumers.”  As well as being a formidable force in the wholesale trade, the merging groups have a number of high profile retail brands including:  Gala, Checkout stores along with the very successful Homestead grocery and household ranges. 

Homestead are Friends of the Special Olympics to be run in Ireland in 2002.

John Gilmartin & Company Limited are delighted to be members of the Stonehouse Group.