Vodafone awards for four small Irish businesses

• Four SMEs chosen by Vodafone to have their brand advertised to a local and international audience
• Prize worth over €100,000 delivering global exposure

4^th November 2024: Vodafone Business has announced the winners of its ‘Your Business Can’ competition. These four small Irish businesses, SOS Cookies from Limerick, The Farmhouse.ie from Longford, and Dublin-based JANDO and Lotts & Co. have been awarded an unparalleled opportunity to advertise their brands at the iconic Aviva Stadium during the Autumn International Series. With over 50,000 fans attending events and broadcasts reaching both local and international audiences on channels like RTE and TNT Sports, this prize offers these small businesses a significant leap in global visibility.

The competition, now in its fourth year, is worth over €25,000 in media value per winner. JANDO’s brand will light up the Ireland vs. New Zealand on 8^th November, while Lotts & Co. will shine during the clash with Argentina the following week. The Farmhouse.ie will feature as Ireland take on Fiji and SOS Cookies will close out the series at the Australia game on 30^th November.

The prize will see JANDO, Lotts & Co., The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies branding flash up on perimeter advertising boards which line the pitch throughout each game. Studio time for each winner to design their creative advert was included in the prize. Adding a personal touch, JANDO, who have built their business on their creative flair, took the opportunity to design their own unique in-stadium branding.

JANDO, based in Dublin 1, founded by Wicklow couple Julie and Owen, is known for its striking and vibrant, architectural landmark-themed art prints which are sold online and in their studio. 

Lotts & Co. is owned by John Byrne, brothers Barry and Paul McNerney and run by Managing Director Rory English. From their three locations in Dublin—Clontarf, Terenure, and Beggars Bush—they offer a range of high-quality, chef-prepared meals, fresh produce, and gourmet groceries, both in-store and online. In addition, they provide catering services and gifting hampers.

Family run, The Farmhouse.ie is based in Abbeyshrule Co.Longford and is run by Pat and Fiona McCormack, with the help of their two children. The Farmhouse.ie produce honey and pure beeswax candles from their farm which is home to over 1 million native bees in the summer. They specialise in locally sourced produce which they sell both online and in store.

SOS Cookies, founded by Sarah O’Sullivan from Ballysheed in Limerick, started as a passion project over the pandemic and is now on track to produce over 700,000 cookies to meet the demand of online customers and its three stores nationwide including its primary location in the Milk Market, Limerick and pop up stores in Dundrum Shopping Centre and Arnott’s in Dublin.

Vodafone Ireland has been the main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) since 2016. As part of this sponsorship, Vodafone shares a number of exclusive benefits with its customers, allowing them to feel part of the #TeamOfUs.This competition along with practical supports like V-Hub, a free digital support service offering tailored advice to help businesses navigate their digital transformation journey, are just some of the ways Vodafone is supporting small businesses just like JANDO, Lotts & Co, The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies.

Julie McLoughlin, Cofounder at JANDO said: ‘’Winning this prize is a dream come true. The exposure it provides our brand is priceless, and the chance to create our own artwork for the stadium is truly incredible. We cannot wait to see it on match day.’’

Rory English, Managing Director of Lotts & Co said: “Having our brand showcased in the Aviva Stadium, close to our stores, is a huge milestone. This exposure will boost our visibility and customer engagement, especially as we gear up for the busy Christmas season.”

Pat McCormack, Cofounder at The Farmhouse.ie said: ‘’Winning this competition means a lot to our family business. Seeing our brand featured in the stadium is a wonderful opportunity, and we’re really excited to see our advertising on match day.’’

Sarah O’Sullivan, Founder & CEO of SOS Cookies said: ‘’As a Limerick founded business that has seen rapid expansion online and through pop up stores in Dublin, it is fantastic to get this brand visibility on an international stage.’’

Amanda Nelson, CEO at Vodafone Ireland said: ‘’We are really proud to champion and support businesses just like JANDO, Lotts & Co., The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies as we know they play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating employment all over Ireland. They have all embraced the benefits of digital transformation, meaning they can truly benefit from the global exposure this prize offers. It is fantastic to share the benefits of our sponsorship with passionate businesses like Julie, Owen, John, Barry , Paul,  Rory, Pat, Fiona and Sarah.’’