ASDA Kilkeel join in 20th Anniversary celebrations

Colleagues from Asda Kilkeel enjoyed a day of celebrations to mark the retailer's 20th anniversary in Northern Ireland.

Asda held a special birthday event which brought together colleagues from all 17 stores across Northern Ireland, along with suppliers, producers, and sector leaders.

Joe McDonald, Head of Corporate Affairs at Asda, said: "A significant birthday like 20 years is a great opportunity to sit back and reflect on the impact we've had on the places we live, work and do business."

It was revealed during the event on Friday 10th October at St Clare's Community Hall in Glenavy, that Asda currently sources more than half a billion pounds worth of produce per year from Northern Irish suppliers, marking two decades of investing in locally sourced products and supporting the agri-food sector.

In addition to its continued work with local suppliers, the retailer revealed local communities have benefitted from over £1million in funding, thanks to donations through the Asda Foundation and its long-standing support for BBC Children in Need and Tickled Pink Breast Cancer charities. This also included the team at St Clare's, where the Glenclare Community Group was awarded £16,000 by the Asda Foundation earlier this year to replace the flooring at the Community Hall.

In 2005 Asda started out with three stores in Northern Ireland. Two decades on the retailer has 17 stores across the region and more than 3,000 colleagues who have built and developed their careers with Asda.

Community Champion at Asda Kilkeel, Lisa Cunningham said: "What a wonderful celebration for all the Asda family here in Northern Ireland as we mark a remarkable 20 years in operation. Hearing all about the contributions the business makes, not just to the local economy, but to the communities we live in, is a great honour to be part of, and even better to see our ongoing investment."