Mace Bettystown in Co. Meath has been named Supreme Champion – National Convenience Store of the Year 2023, beating off stiff competition to scoop the ultimate accolade at the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards 2023.

Ireland’s top retailers and brands gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire last night to attend the prestigious ceremony. Now in their 23rd year, the C-Store Awards are the only comprehensive and independently judged business accolades for the convenience store sector.

Together with returning master of ceremonies Marty Whelan, ShelfLife welcomed the highest ever attendance at the prestigious event, with more than 440 guests present from across the retail industry. A total of 41 awards were presented, celebrating the industry’s finest stores and people in a diverse range of categories.

Platinum sponsors, Stuart Meikle, commercial director, Aryzta Ireland (Cuisine de France) and Jim O’Connor, national field sales manager, National Lottery, presented Mace Bettystown with the Supreme Champion Award.

The judges said of the national winner: “Situated in the middle of a fast-growing new estates area with a young commuting population, Mace Bettystown is hugely involved in organising local events and activities. Customers benefit from a bright, modern, well-stocked clean store with a super range of products creating a real destination for the local time-hungry clients.

“The store’s range includes a very well stocked off-licence, a fantastic hot and cold deli with a self-service option, Bewley’s coffee, superb range of fresh in-house breads and cakes, excellent fruit and vegetables; all complemented with an impressive selection of ethnic foods.

“The friendly staff show how much they love their jobs by greeting every customer with a friendly greeting and smile. Indeed, they truly embrace the retail brand’s motto, ‘Going the extra Smile’,” the judges added.