Riordan’s SuperValu Fermoy recently celebrated 60 years in business with the official reopening of its newly revamped store following a €3.5 million investment.
The extensive revamp delivers an enhanced shopping experience for customers, with key offerings such as the bakery and deli counters relocated to the front of the store. Riordan’s SuperValu is a third-generation family business which has been part of the fabric of Fermoy since 1965.
The late John Riordan, came from his grocery and bakery shop in nearby Rathcormac, opened a new Vegetable store in McCurtain St Fermoy in 1965. In 1985 he relocated to its current Courthouse Road premises. Today, the store is owned by Michael Riordan and managed by his two son’s Jeff and Ian, and together they continue John’s legacy with a strong focus on community and local partnerships.
Riordan’s SuperValu Fermoy employs 120 people and takes great pride in its support of local producers, stocking Gleeson potatoes, Kildinan Farm salads, Strawhall Eggs, Shalong Thai Sauces, TLC Gluten Free Meals, Hanley’s Puddings as well as products from Food Academy producers and local fruit and vegetable suppliers. As part of the revamp celebrations, Jim Cotter, Angela Walsh, Sally Morrison took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Each of these colleagues worked with John Riordan when the family business first opened.
The new-look 23,000 sq. ft. store enhances the shopper experience and now offers additional ranges like the Bare Pantry, Clonakilty Gluten Free Kitchen and The Happy Pear. Furthermore, the store offers an extended range of eco-friendly products, and new and exciting Italian pasta, meats and sauces. Shoppers can also enjoy SuperValu’s Signature Tastes range and expanded Own Brand range, providing even more high-quality and value-for-money options.
Sustainability has been a central focus as Riordan’s SuperValu Fermoy carried out revamp works, with the team going to extensive lengths to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Energy efficient refrigeration and LED lighting are within the store’s new innovative design. It is expected that measures will lead to a 16% reduction in energy consumption across the premises.
“We’re delighted that the revamp of our store has coincided with the 60th anniversary of the shop opening back in 1965,” store owner Michael Riordan says.
“Over the years, our store has evolved exponentially, with each generation leaving a different and positive legacy. We look forward to welcoming our customers to our newly-revamped store and hope they enjoy the enhanced shopping experience that this project has strived for.”
Jeff and Ian Riordan represent the next generation, with Jeff having joined in 2019 and Ian having come on board more recently after working in the Musgraves marketing department and also as a trainee manager in Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh. Completing the family involvement is their mother, and Michael’s wife, Martha, who works in the scratch bakery.
“This is our third and largest revamp since the store opened in 1985, following on from previous refurbishments in 2005 and 2011,” Jeff explains.
“This latest revamp is truly transformative and will help us to grow further, while improving our customers’ shopping experience. Our deli, scratch bakery and meat counter are our biggest selling points and what makes us stand out.”
Since opening its doors, Riordan’s SuperValu has been proud to play an active role in the Fermoy and North Cork community. The store sponsors initiatives such as Fermoy Tidy Towns, supports local GAA teams and contributes to local charities initiatives such as Daffodil Day and breast cancer awareness campaigns.
At Christmas, the store supports Cork Penny Dinners, Simon Community and Marymount Hospice Crib. This long-standing dedication to local producers and community causes underlines Riordan’s SuperValu’s role at the heart of Fermoy life.
“We’re very proud of our amazing team and suppliers,” Ian stresses.
“Our people are our greatest asset. Each and every one of them make our store great and a fantastic place to work in. Many of our staff have been here a long time and have built up a great rapport with our customers. Jim Cotter, who helped to cut the ribbon at our revamp launch, was a store manager going back to our grandfather’s time and is a loyal customer now.
“So a big thanks to our team and to our customers, who were both very understanding during the revamp. The support and advice we received from Musgraves was also second to none.
“We’re also extremely grateful to our local producers, the vast majority of whom are only a five- or 10-minute drive away. Paul O’Sullivan, who is a lifelong friend of our father, delivers fruit and veg to us every day, just as he has done for decades. He’s one of many great producers who supply us with the best and freshest produce.”
Jeff adds: “Everything about us is local. Even for the revamp, we insisted on using local contractors like Mick Robinson Construction, Mick Donegan Heating & Plumbing and IFES Electrical Services to name but a few. We’re also proud to support local GAA clubs such as Fermoy, Bride Rovers, Castlelyons and Glanworth as well as Fermoy Tidy Towns, which is very active, and several other local organisations and charities.
“It’s very important to give something back to your community.”
Riordan’s SuperValu is committed to providing customers with the best quality and prices as well as a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience. As already stated, the store boasts strong deli, fruit & veg, meat and fresh bakery sections and also has a large selection of specialty foods. It also stocks a wide variety of wines and beers in its off-licence from local, national and international producers. Furthermore, the store combines the best of SuperValu’s own grocery brands with the leading brands.
Opening hours are 7.30am to 9pm Monday-Saturday and 8am to 9pm on Sundays.
Here’s to the next 60 years!
Riordan’s SuperValu
Courthouse Road,
Fermoy,
Co. Cork,
P61 AX04.
Telephone: 025 31275
First published in Grocery & Retail Ireland magazine Vol 5 No 1, Spring 2026
