The history of Musgrave
1876–1900
Brothers Thomas and Stuart Musgrave set up their first grocery store on North Main Street, Cork in 1876. They later follow it with a second shop on Grande Parade in 1887, and then a sweet factory behind the Metropole Hotel.
1901–1929
In 1908, leadership passed to John L. Musgrave, son of Thomas. The outbreak of the First World War brought disruption to businesses everywhere. Yet Musgrave Brothers not only endured, but thrived during these years. In 1924, Musgrave Brothers moved into a striking new headquarters on Cornmarket Street, Cork.
1930–1949
World War Two brought more disruption and unrest, but Musgrave maintained supply chains and strengthened its wholesale division, emerging as a key supplier to retailers, pubs and hotels in Cork and Munster.
1950–1959
Jack Musgrave is appointed Managing Director and modernises the wholesale business, expanding across southern Ireland. In 1958 Musgrave introduces Ireland’s first voluntary trading group (VG), helping independent retailers compete with multiples.
1960–1969
Musgrave pioneers the cash and carry model, opening Ireland’s first wholesale self-service store on Cornmarket Street, Cork. In 1966, Musgrave opened the Tramore Road warehouse. At 71,000 square feet, the site was one of the largest and most modern warehouses in Ireland at the time.
1970–1978
Hugh Mackeown is appointed joint Managing Director. Musgrave opens Ireland’s biggest cash and carry, a 100,000 sq ft warehouse in Dublin. And at the end of the decade Musgrave celebrates it centenary, a testament to the company’s resilience in surviving two World Wars, global recessions, and profound social and economic change over 100 years.
1979–1989
In 1979 SuperValu and Centra were formally established, replacing the VG brand and positioning independent retailers as strong competitors to other leading supermarket brands. Musgrave also expands into Northern Ireland with the opening of a cash and carry in Belfast in 1983.
1990–1999
Musgrave enters the Spanish market, acquiring Dialsur in Alicante, operating 17 cash and carry outlets and 46 Dialprix retail grocery stores. SuperValu and Centra are also established in Northern Ireland in the 1990s and Seamus Scally, first non-family member is appointed as CEO.
2000–2009
Musgrave enters the UK grocery market by acquiring Budgens and later Londis. New distribution capabilities were developed, including warehouses in Ballymun and Blanchardstown, establishing Musgrave MarketPlace as a leader in the Irish foodservice market.
2010–2015
Superquinn was acquired in 2011 and fully integrated into SuperValu by 2014 to increase market share in Dublin. Musgrave strategically exits the UK market, selling Budgens and Londis to refocus on Ireland and Spain.
2016–2019
A new logo was introduced inspired by the Chairman's signature from 1902 to coincide with the company’s 140th anniversary and Musgrave formally defined its corporate purpose as Growing Good Business. Donnybrook Fair was acquired in 2018 and Drinks Inc in 2019.
2020–2022
Noel Keeley takes over as a CEO just a few months before Covid-19 disrupts global supply chains and retail operations. Musgrave rapidly adapts, expanding its online shopping capacity, securing supply lines and supporting its partners.
2023–2025
Musgrave re-enters the UK in premium wholesale by acquiring both Ritter Courivaud and Town & Country. It also acquires foodservice brands including Doyles Veg Prep, Febvre Wines and Robb Brothers Wines.
2026
Musgrave celebrates its 150th anniversary. From humble beginnings in Cork to a business that now feeds one in three Irish people, Musgrave’s journey is a story of resilience, innovation, community, and transformation. At 150 years, Musgrave remains true to its founding spirit, serving communities and its partners with purpose and integrity.