The 10th annual Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) fundraising lunch took place on May 8th at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, bringing together more than 620 guests from Ireland’s grocery, retail, trade, food and drinks sectors in support of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF), which supports colleagues across the industry facing challenging circumstances.
Now a cornerstone event in the IGBF calendar, and marking a decade since its inception, the luncheon generated significant fundraising support for the charity, including more than €27,000 raised through the raffle alone on the day. These funds will directly support individuals and families within the sector experiencing unexpected hardship, including bereavement or financial difficulty. The IGBF currently supports up to 200 families at any one time, distributing approximately €500,000 annually through a combination of regular annuities and emergency grants.
Mary McBride, Chairperson of Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) commented: “Reaching our 10th year feels really special for everyone involved in TWIG. It’s a significant milestone for us. I would especially like to thank the TWIG Committee, whose energy, dedication and commitment have shaped this event into what it is today. It’s been incredible to see how the event has grown over the past decade into such an important platform for connection and support within our industry. The generosity we see each year ensures we can continue helping colleagues who need it most, and we are very much looking forward to building on this momentum over the next decade.”
The event was emceed by entrepreneur Sonya Lennon, who has been a long-time supporter of the TWIG initiative, having hosted the event since 2018.
This year’s theme, “A Decade of Difference - Past, Progress, Possibility,” reflected on the evolution of women’s roles within the grocery sector over the past ten years, while looking ahead to future opportunities and challenges. The panel discussion featured Jenny Johnston O’Neill (CEO of Azure Communications), Jennifer Rock (Founder & CEO of Skingredients), Lorraine Butler (CEO, UK & Ireland, CPM) and Edel Russell (Insight & Innovation Director, Musgrave).
Panellists shared personal insights on leadership and the changing landscape of the grocery sector, discussing how greater inclusivity, innovation and collaboration can shape the future of the industry. The conversations highlighted the progress made over the past decade, and both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Speaking at the event, Jenny Johnston O’Neill, CEO of Azure Communications, said: “I believe great businesses are built by great people, and one of the most important things a leader can do is recognise the potential of the people driving the business forward. I saw this when launching Danish furniture brand JYSK in Ireland, and I see it again in Azure’s journey from SME to a business with one hundred million potential. For women in business, a big part of growth is giving ourselves permission to think bigger and aim higher. Confidence is a muscle that you have to keep flexing - but very often it is momentum that comes first, and confidence follows.”
Jennifer Rock, Founder of The Skin Nerd and CEO of Skingredients, said: “If there’s one thing I would encourage every woman in business to leave with, it’s the importance of knowing your ‘why’. Ten years ago, I was nowhere near owning my own companies, but understanding my purpose gave me the confidence to back myself, grow through challenges and work towards creating a lasting legacy in the skincare industry. I am passionate about helping women feel empowered in their own skin and I believe that when you are clear on your purpose, you can move through self-doubt and lead with authenticity and impact.”
Lorraine Butler, CEO of CPM UK & Ireland, said: “As the first female CEO of CPM Ireland, I’ve experienced first-hand the challenges that can come with stepping into leadership as a woman. When I started at CPM, women represented 62% of the retail workforce, yet just 6% had a seat at the boardroom table, and that gap is exactly why initiatives like TWIG matter. Leaders have an important role to play in building a culture of trust, camaraderie and encouragement, where people feel empowered to succeed. My message to women in business is simple: say yes, take the opportunity, and let your experience build the confidence to progress.”
Edel Russell, Insight & Innovation Director, Musgrave Ltd, said: “Since joining Musgrave through its very first Graduate Programme, I’ve been fortunate to build my career across a wide range of roles and functions, and that experience has shown me just how important it is for leaders to stay connected to their teams. As data and insight have become more accessible, leaders have a stronger fact base than ever before, but the real value lies in how we use that information to have better conversations and make better decisions. I also want to take this opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution of the women in retail during COVID, showing up every day in the most uncertain circumstances to keep communities fed and supported - an incredible achievement.”
Fiona Flynn, Sales Operations at Suntory Beverage & Food, was chosen as the 2026 TWIG Person of the Year. It is the fourth year that this accolade has been awarded and is proudly sponsored by CPM Ireland.
Fiona was honoured for her positive leadership, collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting others across the industry. The TWIG Person of the Year Award is an important recognition of individuals who are helping women thrive and making a lasting impact on the future of retail. The 2026 TWIG fundraising event was proudly supported by Musgrave, Diageo, CPM Ireland, and Suntory Beverage & Food Ireland.
