The Musgrave Group, the family-owned retail and wholesale business behind the Centra, Mace, and SuperValu supermarket chains, made a substantial economic contribution of around £1.2 billion to Northern Ireland’s economy in the past year, according to newly released data. This figure encompasses direct expenditure, wages, local supplier spending, and induced spending by employees, underscoring the group’s extensive footprint across the region’s retail sector.

Analysis conducted by professional services firm Grant Thornton, commissioned specifically for Musgrave, reveals that the group’s direct gross value added (GVA) impact was £191 million last year. GVA, which measures the net value created by a business after subtracting the cost of inputs, highlights Musgrave’s essential role in generating economic activity through its core operations. Beyond this, the company paid £121.5 million in wages in 2024, supporting employment and household incomes across Northern Ireland.

Musgrave’s Northern Ireland operations, established in 1983, supply approximately 220 shops across the region, including 43 retail outlets under the group’s ownership. The business is part of a larger all-island operation managing around 1,000 stores. Their local investments include around £16 million spent on developing and refurbishing stores and nearly £240 million sourced from more than 250 local suppliers, which reinforces their commitment to supporting the domestic supply chain.

Trevor Magill, managing director of Musgrave NI, emphasised the company’s broad commitment to local communities, employment, and sustainable business growth. Speaking at the launch of the economic impact report, he said: “We have deepened our investment in Northern Ireland through new store openings, environmental initiatives, local sourcing partnerships, and impactful charity contributions. Seeing all of this culminate in a £1.2 billion economic contribution fills me with pride for our team’s efforts. We intend to maintain our positive influence on Northern Ireland’s economy and the communities we serve.”

The group’s wider social impact is also notable. Musgrave supports over 5,000 jobs regionally and works with more than 3,000 farmers indirectly, offering over 6,000 homegrown products across its stores and wholesale brands. Their efforts extend to newly acquired businesses such as Robb Wines, Parkview Provisions, and AFT, alongside existing operations like Musgrave MarketPlace, Drinks Inc, and La Rousse Foods, broadening their reach into diverse product categories.

Andrew Webb, chief economist at Grant Thornton, highlighted Musgrave NI’s role as a cornerstone of the local economy. “To inject £1.2 billion into the economy in one year is an incredible achievement that requires immense effort and commitment. Musgrave’s focus on value creation and supporting local suppliers sets a high standard and makes it a leading example for businesses within and beyond the retail sector,” he stated.

In a further demonstration of Musgrave’s dedication to local sourcing, the company recently invested £14 million in launching "Good Food Locally Sourced," a new own-label range featuring nearly 150 products—including meat, poultry, dairy, and ready meals—all supplied by local producers across the island of Ireland. Available in over 200 stores, this range is supported by a comprehensive marketing campaign including TV, radio, and outdoor advertising, reinforcing Musgrave’s strategy to promote and sustain local food producers.

These figures and initiatives collectively highlight Musgrave as a major economic and social driver in Northern Ireland, blending commercial success with a commitment to community support, local employment, and sustainable supply chains.