Welcome to our September edition of the Excellence Insider!
It’s been a busy few months across Excellence, with new business opportunities, customer successes, events and plenty of personal milestones to celebrate. From exciting developments across the business, including a new Frank’s concept at Croke Park, to a successful day at the Kilkenny Show, there’s been plenty happening.
We’re also celebrating some special personal milestones, welcoming a familiar face back to the team and looking back on some great moments from recent months — and that’s just the start! There’s plenty to catch up on, so grab a coffee and enjoy this month’s highlights from around Excellence.
The team had a fantastic day at the Kilkenny Show in June, generating a significant number of new leads and showcasing a wide range of products to customers across the foodservice industry. There was strong interest in our ranges, including Heinz Eazy Sauce, Simply Lemonades and Coolers, Coconut Milk, Campino, and our new Santa Maria BBQ range, along with a number of promising coffee opportunities.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in preparing, manning, and dismantling the stand. It was a real team effort and a worthwhile event that has already resulted in product trials and will undoubtedly create exciting new business opportunities for Excellence.
Sour Patch Kids at Emerald Park
A great win for the team! Ahead of the opening season, Excellence secured a Sour Patch Kids concept in Emerald Park bringing the brand to life in a fun and engaging way for park visitors. It’s a fantastic example of how we work with our customers and brand partners to create eye-catching retail opportunities that get products noticed and drive sales.
NEW FRANK’S CONCEPT AT CROKE PARK
Following a successful trial, Excellence has secured a new Frank's concept at Croke Park, which is now being rolled out across the premium level within the stadium.
A good result for the team and a great example of turning a successful customer trial into a wider business opportunity. Well done to everyone involved in bringing this concept to life!
HAZEL’S MIGHTY HIKE!
Well done to Hazel on completing the Macmillan Mighty Hike 2026 and raising an incredible £928 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Hazel wanted to share the following message:
"A massive thank you to everyone at Excellence for the support, donations, encouragement, and all the tips along the way. I raised £928 for Macmillan Cancer Support completing the 42km Causeway Coast Mighty Hike. It was without doubt the prettiest walk I've done to date, with unreal weather and views from start to finish. Whoever buried the Child of Prague for me, dig him up and protect him at all costs! “
Welcome, Baby Freddie! 👶
A huge congratulations to Michelle and her family on the arrival of baby Freddie! We’re delighted for them and wish Michelle plenty of precious cuddles, happy moments and, of course, some well-deserved sleep! Congratulations, Michelle! 💙
SUMMER NIGHT OUT
AT SHELBOURNE
RACECOURSE
After having to postpone our Summer Night Out in June due to the extreme weather, it was definitely worth the wait! The team enjoyed a fantastic evening at Shelbourne Racecourse, with great food, great company and a brilliant atmosphere. And, of course, there were a few winners along the way! A great night was had by all. 🍀🏆
The Q&A Corner with Ted
Guess Who’s Back? Welcome Back, Ted!
A familiar face has returned to Excellence — this time as a fully fledged member of the team!
Ted made a great impression during his internship, so we’re very happy to have him back. He’s now stepping into the role previously held by Courtney and will be working closely with John.
We put Ted in the Q&A hot seat to hear what he’s been up to since we last saw him and what it’s like to be back at Excellence!
It’s been a while since your internship — what have you been up to since we last saw you?
After my internship, I went back to DCU for my final year of college. I then headed off to San Diego on a J1, where I had the time of my life. It was a great way to finish off college and make some amazing memories.
You recently finished college. How did it go, and what’s your biggest takeaway from the experience?
My return to college was great. It was great to see everyone again, and I definitely made the most of my final year. My biggest takeaway would probably be to enjoy it while it lasts.
Looking back on your internship, is there a particular project, memory or moment that still stands out?
I think what stands out most is the people and the overall experience. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone on the team and being able to experience what working life was like.
What made you want to come back and join the team full-time?
The people here are great, and we’re always having a good time. I really enjoyed my internship and felt like I fit in well with the team, so when the opportunity came up to come back full-time, it was an easy decision.
As you settle into your new role, what are you most looking forward to, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I’m looking forward to learning and growing into my new role, taking on more responsibility and seeing where it can take me. Personally, I’m looking forward to getting back into a routine, spending more time with friends and family, and hopefully making plenty of good memories along the way.