The Grocers Ball is Back – Friday 13 th June 2025
The highly anticipated GroceryAid Grocers Ball 2025, an evening dedicated to
celebrating the heart of the community, is set to take place on Friday 13th June at
the Culloden Hotel & Spa. This prestigious event will bring together 370 grocery
industry professionals for a night of fine dining, entertainment and live music, with an
extensive range of prizes for those who have luck on their side – all in the name of
GroceryAid.
Organised in aid of GroceryAid by key representatives from across the industry, the
event in its 26th year hosted at the Culloden Hotel & Spa, is now recognised as the
industry’s premier night, where the Belfast Telegraph Grocer Marketing Award
winners are also recognised.
Desi Derby, Grocers Ball Chair, said “The Grocer’s Ball has become a highlight
event in the local grocery calendar. The Sub-Committee and I are really looking
forward to the event which promises an evening of great food, entertainment, prizes
and craic. And in doing so we’ll raise vital funds to support local grocery colleagues
through a range of emotional, practical and financial services.”
The Grocers Ball wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of our
sponsors, including this year’s title sponsor Freixenet Copestick – available at Drinks
Inc. Shane McNally, Country Manager said, “We’re thrilled to continue our support
for such an important event and charity in GroceryAid. The work the charity does to
support colleagues across our industry is more vital than ever. As economic
challenges persist, events like these remain invaluable. We’re proud this partnership
has raised essential funds that directly contribute to supporting thousands of people
every year.”
Other Gold sponsors include Coca Cola Hellenic, DFDS, Henderson’s, Hinch
Distillery, Hovis, Isle of Man Creamery, Kerry Foods, Pilgrim Foods, Moet Hennessy,
Musgrave, Sainsbury’s, SHS, Tesco & Travel Department.
All funds raised from the Grocer’s Ball will directly support GroceryAid in the efforts
to provide year-round services, including financial, emotional and practical support.
In 2024 we raised a staggering £135,000 which went a long way in supporting many
people overcome a difficult point in their lives. GroceryAid delivered £8,000 to its
benefactors 6 years ago, increasing to an incredible £163,000 last year, that’s up
35% on 2023 – supporting 322 people with financial grants. This magnificent
achievement wouldn’t have been possible without all your support.
The incredible amount of money raised through the 3 NI events (The Grocers Ball,
Sunday Lunch and Golf Day), allowed GroceryAid to provide emotional, practical and
financial support to over 1,500 people. This support included over £163,000 financial
support to those on the breadline as a result of running out of sick pay, becoming
homeless, not being able to afford the essentials as well as the School Essentials
Grants. None of this would be possible without the support of all our sponsors.
Tickets are now on sale for the Grocers Ball! Contact Davy Neill
David.Neill@pilgrimsfoodmasters.com
Want to find out more about how you can get involved or even become a Gold
Sponsor? Contact Desi Derby desi.derby@musgrave.ie
