From small acorns,
mighty oaks do grow.
Three decades of retail relationships,
put to work for brands brave enough to grow.
Trusted by the shelves that matter
Relationships across NI, ROI & GB — built one handshake at a time.
Built in Local Retail
Born into retail, raised on the shop floor. Your brand benefits from that.
Conor Nicholl grew up behind the counter of a family business that traded with Henderson (Spar), Musgrave (Centra) and Nisa before he could drive. Three decades later, those handshakes have become a national network — the buyers, store managers, and decision-makers who shape what 70 million shoppers see every week.
Acorn Solutions is the bridge between the brand you've built and the shelf it deserves. We don't pitch decks. We pick up the phone. We do business face to face.
Our Approach
Three jobs. Done relentlessly well.
Find
We open doors others can't find.
- New listings & supply opportunities
- Category & GAP analysis
- Buyer introductions across NI, ROI & GB
Mind
We protect the relationships you've earned.
- Account management for existing listings
- Stakeholder nurture & quarterly reviews
- Crisis & contract negotiation
Grind
We turn shelf space into sell-through.
- Promotional planning & execution
- In-store activation & merchandising
- Trade marketing & seasonal launches
Some of the brands we have helped to grow
From the wings to centre stage.
Milgro
Built business beyond NI – now listed across Ireland & GB. Secured Foodservice listings with leading distributors.
ONiT!
Supported brand development & launch. Secured listings with Tesco Ireland, BWG & across GB.
Glens of Antrim Crisps
Supporting growth across retail and hospitality sectors across NI, ROI & GB.
Macey's Factory
Macey's Factory
Supporting brand re-launch and identifying opportunities for central listing and independent distribution in NI & ROI.
Go Pig
Formed a growth strategy and secured introductory meetings with buyers in leading symbol groups.
Moocha Kombucha
Supported increased listings in NI & GB.
Taste of Goodness
Grew sales across Retail and Foodservice sectors in both NI & ROI.
Kinder & Ferrero
Grew key accounts in NI with specific focus on in-store activations for Tesco, Asda & Sainsbury's.
We're not for everyone. Here's who we're for.
Food, drink & FMCG founders ready to scale beyond local
Brands with proven product but no retail strategy
International brands seeking entry into UK & Ireland
Established suppliers needing fresh category thinking
A fresh set of eyes for NPD
How We Work Together
Engagement that fits the ambition.
Initial Consultation
A frank, no-obligation conversation about where your brand sits and where the shelf is.
On requestHourly / Daily Advisory
On-demand access to Conor's network and category expertise when you need it most.
On requestMonthly Retainer
Ongoing sales representation, account management, and strategic counsel.
On requestStrategic Plan
A bespoke market-entry or category-growth blueprint built for your brand alone.
On requestOn the ground
Where the work happens.
Farm Shop & Deli Show 2026
Ireland Food Show in Kilkenny 06/26
Ireland Food Show in Kilkenny 06/26
Ireland Food Show in Kilkenny 06/26
"I don't sell decks. I open doors. After thirty years, I know which ones are worth knocking on."
Ready to plant?
Let's see what your brand could become.
A 30-minute discovery call. No deck. No pitch. Just a conversation about where you are and where the shelf is.
Book a Strategy Call