The 69th International SPAR Congress brought more than 300 senior retail delegates to Belfast, Northern Ireland, from May 26-28, as the global SPAR network gathered to discuss supermarket innovation, supplier partnerships, and international retail best practice.
The annual event focused on knowledge sharing across the SPAR retail network, with delegates from multiple international markets attending business sessions and store visits hosted by SPAR Northern Ireland.
SPAR Northern Ireland Showcases Store Development
During the Congress, Henderson Group showcased the development of the SPAR brand across Northern Ireland through visits to company-owned and independent retailer-operated stores.
The sessions highlighted how SPAR Northern Ireland continues investing in convenience retail, local communities, and store operations as the retailer expands its regional presence.
Delegates also heard updates on ongoing investment across SPAR UK regional distributor operations and how the business is adapting to changing customer expectations in convenience grocery retail.
The event also highlighted the growing importance of supplier collaboration across the international SPAR network, with discussions covering local sourcing, international supply partnerships, and operational cooperation between licensed SPAR organisations.
Retail Innovation and International Best Practice
Business sessions during the Congress focused on retail innovation, operational challenges, and international supermarket best practice.
Delegates shared examples of both successful and unsuccessful retail initiatives as the network discussed changing consumer behaviour, technology adoption, and long-term retail strategy across the wider UK supermarket sector.
The Congress also included keynote presentations from consumer behaviour specialist Ken Hughes, innovation expert Peter Hinssen, trend analyst Magnus Lindkvist, and CBI Northern Ireland Director Angela McGowan.
The event reinforced the role of the International SPAR Congress as a platform for global supermarket collaboration across convenience retail markets.
As part of the Congress legacy programme, a donation of €51,500 was presented to Marie Curie, the national charity partner of SPAR UK. The partnership between SPAR UK and Marie Curie has raised more than £5 million to support end-of-life care services.
The International SPAR Congress continues to remain a major annual event for the SPAR network as the retailer expands supermarket and convenience operations across international markets.
