Irish supermarket chain Superquinn has opened a new forecourt convenience format. Superquinn linked up with Texaco for the initiative and has earmarked 20-30 sites which could open over the next few years. The petrol chain will provide the sites, while Superquinn will supply fresh produce and groceries. The first SuperQ is in Raheny, Co Dublin, and a second will follow at Merrion Gates next month. Deputy chairman Eammon Quinn said it was based on a "best in fresh meals ­ what's for dinner tonight?" strategy. "We don't have any convenience formats and this is a way of doing it without getting involved in the management of sites. We don't have that kind of experience and just want to act as a supplier." The 24-hour 1,000 sq ft store will be staffed by Texaco workers, trained by Superquinn. It will sell fruit and veg, ready meals and has a hot serveover with food cooked upstairs. A video link shows the chefs at work. It is part of Texaco's £1.5m redevelopment project and will include pay-at-pump facilites. Texaco was first involved with the retail chain when it joined the SuperClub loyalty scheme eight years ago. Superquinn has also linked up with Wincanton to overhaul its distribution system. An £18m centre will be built at Blanchardstown, Co Dublin, to handle warehousing and distribution of chilled and ambient goods for the chain. Superquinn will pay for the centre, which will be managed by the distribution company. The move will reduce deliveries to Superquinn from 400,000 annually to 100,000. The chain expects to move its biggest suppliers on to the system by September, and others by May next year. Superquinn centralised distribution of frozen foods in 1999. Quinn said: "By moving to central distribution we plan to take 960 trucks off the road. It will also have considerable environmental benefits by reducing pollution." {{NEWS }}