Constellation Cup 2025: Uniting Our Teams in Cork

From 12–14 September, over 250 Constellation colleagues gathered in sunny Cork, Ireland, for the third annual Constellation Cup. With 17 teams competing, the tournament has become one of the most anticipated events in our calendar – a celebration of sport, connection, and the collaborative culture that makes Constellation unique.

The Constellation Cup began in 2023 as a one-off event to bring colleagues together outside the workplace. Its success made it a permanent fixture, now marking its third year.

As Constellation continues to expand across Europe, maintaining strong bonds between colleagues is critical. The Cup helps us do that. By bringing together people from different clusters, roles, and countries, it creates connections that strengthen the whole organisation. 

Those relationships mean colleagues are more likely to share knowledge, ask for help, and offer support. For our customers, that translates into faster responses, smoother operations, and the reassurance that they are supported by a business that acts as one.

Football, friendship, and service

Congratulations to the Contellation Cup winners Nijkerk, who made it 3 out of 3 wins!

On the field, the tournament was a showcase of teamwork. Players relied on one another, adapted quickly, and competed with energy and respect. Off the field, colleagues shared meals, conversations, and new friendships that bridged countries and functions.

These experiences mirror what we deliver every day in our operations. Just as players pass the ball to create opportunities, our teams share expertise across sites to find better solutions. Just as defence and attack depend on trust, our service depends on collaboration between clusters and functions. The bonds formed in Cork strengthen the daily teamwork that underpins our customer service across Europe.

Building on past success

Last year’s Constellation Cup showed how powerful this format could be, with colleagues praising the hospitality, organisation, and chance to meet new people. As one participant said:

“The event was exceptionally well-organized and fostered teamwork, friendly competition, and camaraderie. The day’s activities were followed by a fantastic evening filled with laughter, irish music and dancing, and unforgettable moments shared with colleagues from across the organisation.” – Norway team

This year’s tournament built on that foundation. By bringing even more participants together, it deepened relationships across regions and created new networks of support. When colleagues know one another personally, they are quicker to share ideas, to pick up the phone in a busy moment, and to carry best practice from one part of the business to another. That is how local strengths become network-wide standards – and how we deliver consistent service to our customers.

Organised by colleagues, for colleagues

The success of the Constellation Cup depends on the hard work of those behind the scenes. Special thanks go to cluster champions Vicky Stonehouse, Niki Eerlings, Anne-Philippe Hospied, and Betina Vinding, along with Graham Donovan, our lead organiser.

Their dedication is a perfect example of how initiative and collaboration combine to make a difference. By creating opportunities for colleagues to come together, they’ve strengthened the ties that underpin our business. Their efforts remind us that service excellence isn’t just about infrastructure and technology – it’s also about people creating the conditions where teams can thrive together.

Strengthening our service through culture

The Constellation Cup is more than a cultural event – it is an investment in the way we work. By giving colleagues the chance to build relationships beyond their immediate teams, it strengthens the informal networks that make us agile and resilient.

When a customer has a sudden need, colleagues who know each other can mobilise support quickly across clusters. When one site pioneers a new process, those personal connections make it easier to share the learning across borders. This culture of openness and collaboration is what allows us to deliver the same high standards of service whether we are working in Grimsby, Aarhus, or Mouscron.

Looking ahead

As we look forward to future tournaments, the Constellation Cup will remain a symbol of what makes our business different. It shows that we are not a collection of separate sites but a connected network – colleagues who share knowledge, support one another, and work together to deliver excellence for our customers.

By continuing to invest in opportunities like the Constellation Cup, we reinforce our culture, strengthen our relationships, and ensure that we remain a trusted cold chain partner.

Because when we act as one, we deliver more.

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