Ulster Grocer October 2021 by Helen Wright

Henderson Wholesale marketing team leads winners at our 2021 Awards

GROCER ULSTER

OCTOBER 2021

N O. 1 M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E LO C A L G R O C E R Y S E C TO R

Over 45 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES RAISED WITH ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY

labour shortage, rising energy costs and difficulties in accessing Co2 for farming and food and drink production were among issues raised when local sector representatives met with Environment Secretary George Eustice in Belfast last month. “Food manufacturers across the UK are dealing with multiple challenges at present,” said Michael Bell, executive director, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association. “The sector has been experiencing serious difficulty in accessing labour across the supply chain, with farmers, processors and supermarkets all coming under additional strain. At the same time, firms are also grappling with rising energy costs coupled with difficulty

NORTHERN IRELAND PROTOCOL: ARE THE LATEST ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS OUR BEST & PERHAPS LAST CHANCE TO REACH AGREEMENT, ASKS NIRC’S AODHÁN CONNOLLY

in accessing Co2. “We briefed the Secretary of State on these issues and exchanged views on the future direction of food and farming as the UK embarks on an independent agricultural policy post-Brexit, and the opportunities this presents for the sector. “Despite the challenges the industry faces at present, we remain optimistic about the future. Food and drink is one of Northern Ireland’s key economic assets, supporting some 113,000 jobs locally and feeding millions of people across the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. “We have the potential to grow even further and with the right support we can create even more sustainable jobs, and secure Northern Ireland’s economic

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE: OFFICIALLY OPENING ITS NEW WAREHOUSE WILL BE A GAME CHANGER FOR THE TEAM, SAYS FARESHARE NI DEVELOPMENT MANAGER MEABH AUSTIN

recovery from the pandemic.” Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) joined an emergency summit of farmers, processors and retailers last month calling for urgent action from government to reinstate vital food grade Co2 supplies by bringing UK fertiliser plants back on stream. “The Co2 crisis has shown the vulnerability within our supply chain and how easily everything could grind to a halt resulting in food shortages across the country,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “We must all learn from this situation and moving forward, I want to work with government and the whole supply chain to help boost UK food production and protect our food security.” Meanwhile, the Belfast Telegraph reported Northern Ireland’s Coca-Cola production had been saved from the UK Co2 crisis by the NI Protocol, with local bottlers still able to source carbon dioxide from EU countries.

20-21

DEEP RIVERROCK: A NEW BRAND PLATFORM NICE ONE! CELEBRATES CULTURAL TOUCH POINTS, OPTIMISM & SUSTAINABILITY IN A UNIQUELY IRREVERENT & IRISH TONE OF VOICE

24-49

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS 2021: WINNERS & SPONSORS ASSEMBLED AT THE CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA ON SEPTEMBER 10 FOR AN IN-PERSON CELEBRATION

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 56 Number 9 OCTOBER 2021 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Sam Butler, Aodhán Connolly

Sales Manager: Chris Keenan E: c.keenan@mediahuis.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4266 Art Editor: Helen Wright Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Ulster Grocer c/o Mediahuis UK Limited Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/ ulstergrocer/ @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer

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GUEST COMMENT

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KEY ASKS AROUND NORTHERN IRELAND PROTOCOL REMAIN STABILITY, CERTAINTY, SIMPLICITY & AFFORDABILITY

o, what we expected would happen did happen. There was an extension of the grace periods that remove friction from GB-NI and there was an admonishment of the UK government by President Von Der Lyon. But perhaps what is more important is what didn’t happen. The UK did not trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol and neither did the EU push forward with their infraction proceedings against the UK for breaches of the Protocol. That has created a bit of much needed and prayed for space for both sides to negotiate. Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege to meet with EU Vice President , Lord Frost, Brandon Lewis, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, George Eustice, EFRA Minister,

THE PURPOSE OF SAFEGUARDS IS NOT TO SEE THE COLLAPSE OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT, BUT RATHER TO HELP RESOLVE UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS IN A WAY THAT AVOIDS WORSENING DIFFICULTIES the European Commission delegates to the Special Commission and a range of representatives from all 27 of the EU member states. And my conclusion after all that talking is that, while some of the bluster from either side may not portray it as such, much good work has been undertaken over the summer months and we are much further along the path to resolution than we were in May. However, we cannot be complacent regarding the scale of the task ahead of us. As I often say, the frustration that business has, is that we can see the solutions, but it is not always obvious that there is the political will on either side to deliver them. We have moved metres when we need both sides to move kilometres.

Aodhán Connolly

There are those keep going to Article 16 as a fall back and yes, it is true that it is an arrow in the quiver of both sides. But Article 16 should not be regarded as a mechanism which offers an immediate reversion to the pre-Brexit status quo in response to largely predictable new frictions in goods movement from Britain to Northern Ireland. It does not ‘bin the Protocol’. In fact it does the opposite. As Profs Katy Hayward and David Phinnemore wrote recently: ‘The purpose of safeguards is not to see the collapse of the trade agreement, but rather to help resolve unanticipated problems in a way that avoids worsening difficulties, and thus allows the agreement to endure’. Article 16 may provide a very short window of freer trade flow but it means we will be back in negotiations and uncertainty for years. What is clear from business is that the key asks of stability, certainty, simplicity and affordability remain the same and it is heartening to see that language reflected in that of both the EU and UKG. But this is our best chance – and perhaps our last chance - to get agreement. We need both sides to remember their commitments to the communities across NI and remove friction so there is as little disruption to our lives as possible.

Aodhán Connolly Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium

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NEWS

ORMO HAS A MOMENT AT ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

RMO Moments lifted the top award of Best Marketing Campaign for Hovis Ireland Bakeries at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2021, held in the Culloden Estate and Spa on September 10. SPAR picked up highly commended for its There for You campaign, with the category sponsored by Mash Direct and one of 10 recognised at the 33rd annual awards. Female leadership came to the fore in two categories recognising individuals, with the Kestrel Foods-sponsored accolade honouring its co-founder, Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer, going to Rebecca Jess of Linwoods Healthfoods and highly commended to Gemma McAdam of Mash Direct. Elly Hunter of Tayto bagged Leader in Marketing, sponsored by MXB, with Mash Direct’s Clare Forster highly commended in the category. Henderson Group picked up a hat trick of wins for a second consecutive year, with Henderson Wholesale enjoy local named Best Brand while highly commended went to Centra NI Because Local Matters (sponsor Henderson Food Machinery). Northern Ireland’s two biggest symbol retailers also dominated Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion sponsored by Aqua Twist, with SPAR NI winning for 12 Deals of Christmas and Musgrave NI highly commended for SuperValu & Centra Cracker Deals.

Alyson Magee, Ulster Grocer, with Michael Maguire, who is stepping down after chairing the judging panel of the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards for almost 15 years.

Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership sponsored by Northern Snack Foods went to Henderson Wholesale for SPAR, Always There for Our Communities and highly commended to the Musgrave NI/Action Cancer partnership. Musgrave NI, meanwhile, secured a fourth award and win with SuperValu Dinner Sorted for Less, named Best Digital Campaign sponsored by MBNI Truck & Van, with Naturo Natural Pet Food Share How You Care highly commended. Best Sustainability Initiative sponsored by Power NI was awarded to Foyle Food Group, with Lidl NI highly commended,

Claire McCollum, host of the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards; Christopher Keenan, Ulster Grocer; Candida Corscadden, Hovis Ireland, winner of Best Marketing Campaign; Alyson Magee, Ulster Grocer; and Lance Hamilton, Mash Direct, category sponsor.

and Best Export Marketing sponsored by Invest NI went to Hinch Distillery with Linwoods Health Foods picking up a second accolade as highly commended. Denny Meat Free Sausages from Kerry Foods triumphed as Best New Product/Product Relaunch, sponsored by Derry Group Ireland, with a new Iced Coffee line from Boost Drinks highly commended. A special award also went head judge Michael Maguire, stepping down this year after many years of chairing the judging panel. This year’s panel also included John D’Arcy OBE, Norman Maynes, Professor Barry Quinn and Emma Cowan. “The local grocery sector has proved its strength, resilience and commitment to keeping Northern Ireland fed throughout the pandemic,” said Alyson Magee, editor, Ulster Grocer. “We are honoured to have been able to continue recognising the sector in person, both in 2020 and with our 33rd annual awards this year. “Many of the winning campaigns specifically addressed consumers with messages of reassurance and support throughout the lockdowns, while the sector has also continued to demonstrate great innovation and dedication to vital areas of focus such as CSR and sustainability.” See ps24-49 for full coverage of the awards ceremony. 5

NEWS

BALMORAL SHOW MAKES A WELCOME RETURN

collaborative effort to boost local veg consumption, and showcase of M&S’ local suppliers, were among events held at the Balmoral Show last month. Northern Ireland’s biggest agri-food event was held over September 22-25, marking its return after the 2020 show was cancelled and 2021 show postponed from May to September due to the pandemic. Ulster farmers Adrian McGowan from Millbank Farm, Roy Lyttle, Mark McKee from Fresh Fields and Shane Donnelly from Donnelly Horticulture - all members of local growers’ group Veg NI - joined forces to launch their Parful Produce initiative. Using a small starting grant from the Agri-Food Cooperation Scheme (DAERA), their aim is to ‘cultivate a vibrant, sustainable horticulture industry that helps consumers, growers, communities and our environment to thrive’. Responding to concerning findings of The Food Foundation report, which revealed NI has the lowest level of fruit and vegetable consumption across the devolved administrations, Veg NI is hoping to encourage more vegetable consumption through their Parful Produce brand. “We are trying to build a brand and movement from the ground up, mobilising growers, engaging with customers and gaining support, with the hope of raising the profile of Northern Irish grown produce, and the consumption of local seasonal vegetables,” said Adrian McGowan, Veg NI and Ulster Farmers’ Union vegetable chairman.

SOLUTION AT HAND FOR NI/ SCOTLAND LIVESTOCK TRADE

Local farmers Adrian McGowan from Millbank Farm and Roy Lyttle from Roy Lyttle Ltd, from local growers’ group Veg NI.

“Veg NI is showcasing the healthy, affordable, nutritious food we have right here in Northern Ireland and not forgetting the positive environmental effects of local vegetable production. “And critically we can be absolutely certain of the provenance of our food and the high standards of our food production, which are the most stringent in the world.” Meanwhile, Platinum Sponsor Marks & Spencer showcased its commitment to local agriculture and farming sustainability at the 152nd Balmoral Show. “M&S has always led the field in its support for local agriculture and farming sustainability and the Balmoral Show is the perfect platform for us to stamp our authority as a leading retailer, to maintain and build on close relationships with our farmers and producers and to communicate our partnership approach to sustainable agriculture,” said Peter Kennedy, agriculture manager, M&S. Northern Ireland is a major supply region for the M&S food business with beef, pork, venison, turkey, potatoes, bread and eggs produced for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and also many GB stores.

echnical solutions have been identified to facilitate livestock trade between Northern Ireland and Scotland in compliance with the NI Protocol post-Brexit, Ulster Farmers’ Union has said after meeting with its Scottish counterparts at the Balmoral Show. “We had a very constructive meeting,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU, with discussion including “the scrapie monitoring requirement in the export health certificate, changes to livestock identification and a six-month residency period in Great Britain for NI livestock that are shown at events or sales across the water before reentry to NI. “We are now led to believe that a technical solution with the EU has been found. Timing is critical to get a much-needed solution in place and it’s essential that there is urgent political support both at UK and EU level to progress.”

Robert Huey, chief vet, DAERA; Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU; and Martin Kennedy, president, and Jonnie Hall, director of policy, NFU Scotland.

GROCERY SALES CONTINUE TO DIP POST-LOCKDOWN

rocery sales have dipped by 5% in value and 4.8% in volume in the latest 12-week data from Kantar, as shoppers continue to return to their pre-pandemic routines. “People aren’t cooking from scratch as much as they did last year, which maybe reflects life getting busier again,” said Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar. “Consumers spent £4.7m less on home cooking staples in the latest 12 weeks. “It seems like a lot of shoppers took the chance to get out of the kitchen and enjoy Northern Ireland’s record-breaking temperatures this summer and the good

weather saw sales of chilled drinks soar by 11.4%.” Figures for the 52 weeks to September 5 indicate growth of 2.6% in the Northern Ireland grocery market, attributed by Kantar to people making bigger shops throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns of the past year, picking up an average of 3.7% more items each time they visited. “Tesco retained its crown as Northern Ireland’s largest grocer,” said Healy. “It enjoyed a 3.2% increase in sales as its shoppers bought 5.3% more products while in store. Sainsbury’s grew by

1.9% this period as shoppers visited the retailer four more times than they did the previous year. “Asda’s sales rose by 2.5% as shoppers made additional trips to its stores and added extra items to their baskets. Both these factors helped the grocer to maintain its 16.0% share of the market. “Consumers continue to respond well to Lidl’s offer and the grocer held on to its title as the fastest growing retailer, with sales up 12.2%. It benefited from shoppers visiting 14.2% more frequently than they did this time last year.”

NEWS

LOCAL RETAILERS PICK UP 10 TROPHIES AT LONDON AWARDS

Paddy Doody, centre, from Henderson Group receives the award for Store Team of the Year (company owned) at the Retail Industry Awards 2021 for SPAR Malone.

orthern Ireland SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA retailers picked up 10 winners’ trophies at the Retail Industry Awards 2021 held in London on September 21. The Henderson Group companyowned stores and retail partners took home some of the biggest accolades of the night, including Store Team of the Year, Forecourt Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year. Henderson Retail brought home four wins throughout the company-owned categories, plus four highly commended nods. SPAR Malone Road was victorious

MEAT MAESTRO PETER HANNAN AWARDED MBE BY QUEEN

in both the Forecourt Retailer of the Year and Store Team of the Year categories, with EUROSPAR Victoria Road in Carrickfergus picking up Post Office Retailer of the Year while Nigel Walker was presented with the Store Manager of the Year award for his work at EUROSPAR Hardford Link in Newtownards. For the independents, Team Mulkerns brought home another hat-trick, fresh off their previous three wins at the Convenience Awards earlier this month. The Newry-based EUROSPAR continued their winning streak at the Retail Industry Awards, picking up Best Use of Technology, Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year and Store Team of the Year. Other independent successes included Lynch’s EUROSPAR in Derry/Londonderry for Independent Retailer of the Year, Campbell’s EUROSPAR, Banbridge for Chilled Retailer of the Year and JC Stewart’s in Magherafelt for Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year. Four highly commended nods were received by the independent retailers with Lynch’s recognised in the Chilled Retailer of the Year category, both JD Hunter’s and Morrison’s VIVOXTRA in Saintfield

Peter Hannan

BY SAM BUTLER

eter Hannan, the managing director of award-winning Hannan Meats in Moira, has been awarded an MBE by the Queen for his outstanding contribution to Economic Development. “It is a tremendous honour for me to announce that I have been awarded an MBE from the Queen for my contribution to Economic Development in Northern Ireland,” said Hannan. “Whilst this is a humbling personal recognition of my role in Hannan Meats and contributions to the wider food industry, I see it as a recognition of the very many people who have

supported and encouraged me over the years. “In addition to my family, I have received incredible support from very many people including the management and staff at Hannan Meats, our customers in both retail and foodservice throughout the UK and Ireland, industry bodies here and other local food companies. “It really has been a team effort. Surround yourself with good people, and they’ll make you look great. Thank you sincerely to those who endure and surround me. “I look forward to continuing to build on these friendships in the years ahead

The team from Lynch’s EUROSPAR in Derry/ Londonderry pick up Independent Retailer of the Year award at the Retail Industry Awards 2021.

shared the highly commended crown for Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year and Chris McClure of JD Hunter’s took home the highly commended Store Manager of the Year award. “Never has local retailing been more important than when our stores were trusted to provide not only safe places for shoppers to get their essentials during lockdown, but also ensure shelves were stocked,” said Mark McCammond, retail director, Henderson Group. “Our Henderson Retail stores have worked incredibly hard to provide a benchmark for safety, value and choice for shoppers and the judges have recognised the lengths we’ve gone to, to provide essential products and services from our forecourts to our post offices.” and playing a part in the continuing success of our wonderful and highly innovative food and drink industry.” Hannan Meats was founded in Moira, Co Armagh in 1989 by Hannan on the back of a successful career managing meat processing plants in the UK, Ireland and US. It started as a catering butchery business for hotels and restaurants, and now employs around 30 people. The company pioneered the use of Himalayan salt-aging meat and a novel sugar-pit process for pork, ham and bacon to enhance flavours and textures. Hannan Meats has won the Supreme Championship twice, and more Great Taste awards than any other producer in the UK. It operates the successful Meat Merchant wholesale outlet in Moira and, through subsidiaries En Place Foods in Cookstown and Craic Foods in Craigavon, has developed a range of sauces, relishes and vinegars to accompany its meats.

RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS

RETAIL SECTOR BODIES EXPRESS CONCERN OVER TAX HIKE Glyn Roberts, Retail NI.

mall retailers could be forced out of business by the UK government’s National Insurance (NI) hike approved by MPs in the House of Commons last month, say retail sector representatives. Retail NI and The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) are among sector groups expressing concern after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s proposal for a 1.25 percentage point rise was passed by a vote of 319 to 248. The hike, set to take effect in April 2022 for one year only, is aimed at raising £12bn towards health and social

project aimed at assessing the true value of Britain’s farm shops for the nation has been launched by the Farm Retail Association and Harper Adams University. Backed by researchers in Harper Adams’ new Food, Land and AgriBusiness Management department, the project will evaluate the impact farm shops have on their local communities, farmers and suppliers, as well as the wider economy and rural landscape. More than 1,000 premises are estimated to fall under the definition of farm shop, which the research will aim to clarify as it seeks to build a clearer picture of the sector. Farm Retail Association members will be surveyed in the coming days to seek their views on the sector and its impact, with survey results to be released next spring. “We know that farm shops are valued, both by the retail

care, and breaks the Conservative Party Manifesto pledge of a ‘triple tax lock’ barring any increase of income tax, NI or VAT. From April 2023, a Health and Social Care Levy will replace the NI increase. “This is the wrong tax hike at the wrong time,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI. “It will do nothing to help economic recovery and is ultimately a tax on jobs. “There is a perfect storm of problems facing our members; energy bills are increasing, furlough is ending, and they still have to deal with Covid-19

restrictions. “The UK government needs to immediately increase the Employment Allowance for small traders to reduce the impact of this regressive move.” NFRN, meanwhile, highlighted the ‘double whammy’ impact of the NI hike and an increase in the national minimum wage to be announced by the Government this autumn. For an employee earning an annual salary of £20,000, the employer and employee will each pay an additional £130 a year in contributions, said NFRN, while the increase in the national minimum wage will also cause an increase in pension contributions paid. Stuart Reddish, national president, NFRN, said: “While the Government is taking steps to solve major problems in our health and social care, a large part of the burden of these changes will hit already hard-pressed retailers. “The cumulative effect of the NI changes, minimum wage increase, and resultant increases in pension contributions will push more local businesses towards not being financially viable. Every store put out of business will have a detrimental effect on their local communities. “We can only hope that the government realises the dangers for the independent retail sector and takes the opportunity to relieve at least some of the burden on store owners, as part of the business rates review this autumn.”

PROJECT SET TO IDENTIFY & DEVELOP ROLE OF FARM SHOPS

Rob Copley, chairman of the Farm Retail Association.

and agricultural sectors and by the communities they serve,” said Alastair Boot, senior lecturer in Food Retail and Marketing, Harper Adams University. “Many of us will have a favourite farm shop in our area for instance, and there’s been some evidence over the past 18

months that, as we all strove to stay local, retail patterns have changed – with a growing appetite for British farm shops. “Once we develop that clearer understating, it can be used to make the case for the nation’s existing farm shops, and to help develop the sector further.” Rob Copley, chairman, Farm Retail Association, said: “We are encouraging all farm retailers to take part in this nation-wide survey to get a clear picture of what our sector is worth to the economy and reflecting the vital role our farm retailers play in communities. This will then help not only promote farm retailers but also support those businesses with planning application and funding bids.”

RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS

MAXOL COMPLETES REFURB AT SCARVA ROAD SERVICE STATION

axol has completed a £35,000 refurbishment of its Scarva Road service station in Banbridge, while also securing a new licensee for the site. Mark Nelson boasts over 15 years’ experience in Northern Ireland’s retail industry and, for the past five years, has been licensee of Maxol Fortwilliam, Belfast. “I’m delighted to take on the role of licensee at Maxol Scarva Road and to see the refurbishment completed, ensuring customers enjoy coming into our store for even greater choice, value and convenience,” said Nelson. “I’m really excited to be welcoming customers to the store so as a team we can continue to serve our local community to the highest possible standard.” Kevin Paterson, retail manager NI, Maxol, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark Nelson as the new licensee at Maxol Scarva Road and I am sure he will bring the same dedication

Kevin Paterson, retail manager, NI Maxol with Mark Nelson, new licensee of Maxol Scarva Road.

and passion to this role as he has at Maxol Fortwilliam. “Maxol has been part of the local community in Northern Ireland for over 100 years and we are delighted to continue investing in our service stations and improving the experience for our customers. “It is our aim to have a network of convenience destinations that will continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers across Northern Ireland. We wish Mark and his team every success.”

HENDERSON’S INVESTS £6M IN BARISTA BAR UPGRADE

Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale, brand manager, Barista Bar, and Mark Stewart-Maunder, commercial and development director, Henderson Foodservice.

enderson Foodservice is investing £6m in an upgrade of the successful Barista Bar coffee-togo brand retailed across its SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVo and ViVOXtra network. As well as a brand refresh adding a larger ‘lux’ drink offer including a flat white and new-style hot chocolate drink to the existing range of Americano, latte, cappuccino, Thompson tea and Barista Bar treats, the investment includes installation of new state-of-the-art, bean-to-cup

machines and custom-designed stands. The investment is due to be rolled out by mid-November with Barista Bar featuring in a further 30 new stores by the end of the year to reach a total of 540 Barista Bar machines across 425 stores, making it Northern Ireland’s largest coffee brand. “This latest investment takes the total brand spend since Barista Bar’s launch to £13m and we aim to continue our investment programme throughout 2022 reaching even more customers and making the brand more accessible in almost every region of Northern Ireland as well as in Great Britain,” said Mark Stewart-Maunder, commercial and development director, Henderson Foodservice. “Our retail network loves the brand as the product range is so popular with their customers.” Unveiled in 2015, Barista Bar currently sells over 11 million cups each year and is expanding across the UK with 48 sites currently located in Co-op East of England stores. 9

RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

FINNEBROGUE PLANTS SIX SIZZLING NEW LISTINGS WITH ASDA

Emma Swan, buying manager for NI Local; and Andrew Murdock, national account executive, and Laura Wills, NPD manager, at Finnebrogue.

ownpatrick-based Finnebrogue Artisan has won a supply deal with Asda to produce three new meat products and three new plant-based products for 250 stores across the UK. The plant-based products will form part of Asda’s innovative plant-based range and will include Extra Special Vegan Halloumi Balls, a Plant Based Fish Fillet and a Plant Based Katsu Kiev. Finnebrogue’s relationship with Asda began in 2014 with the supply of Extra

Special sausages and has grown over the years to include an innovative plant-based range as well as butchery items and Extra Special products. The three meat-based products include

WILLOWBROOK FOODS SECURES £11M DEAL WITH LIDL NI

idl NI has almost doubled its supply deal with Willowbrook Foods to £11m, with the Killinchy-based fresh food producer set to supply 25 new lines to 210 stores throughout the island of Ireland. Enya Rooney, senior buyer at Lidl Northern Ireland; John McCann, founder and CEO of Established Willowbrook Foods; and Tanya Neilson, NPD & in 1968 by the hub innovation manager, Willowbrook Foods. McCann family, Willowbrook Foods is the largest salad and vegetable processing company in Ireland, operating from two sites on the shores of Strangford Lough. It has been supplying Lidl NI with premium bagged salads and fresh deli products since 2011. “As a proud supporter of local agri-food producers, we’re delighted to reaffirm our commitment to the partnership and provide a significant sales boost through this expanded new contract,” said Enya Rooney, senior buyer at Lidl Northern Ireland. “We’ve seen a real increase in demand for our fresh convenience foods range and we’re excited to now launch an expanded line of great tasting, home-grown salads, cold deli foods and stir fry meals to thousands of customers across the island of Ireland.” Willowbrook Foods opened a £5.5m state-of-the-art production facility in 2011 including a dedicated new product development hub, and also manufactures ready-meal products at its site in Newtownards. John McCann, founder and CEO of Willowbrook Foods, said: “Key to our success is our established partnership with Lidl Northern Ireland. As the region’s fastest-growing supermarket, we’ve been able to realise our ambitious growth plans, break into new markets, reach new customers and grow our brand exponentially through the partnership.”

Extra Special Currywurst Sausages and Extra Special Limited-Edition Pork, Cheddar, Chilli & Leek Sausages, which join the Extra Special range and a brandnew line with the Butchers Selection Maple Breakfast Squares. “The commitment of Finnebrogue to creating such innovative and delicious products allows us to keep things fresh and exciting for our shoppers without compromising on taste or price,” said Emma Swan, Asda buying manager for NI Local. Laura Wills, new product development manager for Finnebrogue, said: “Our new products have been designed with the Asda shopper in mind and allow families to make more informed and healthy choices when trying to reduce their meat consumption. The additional meat products complement the existing Extra Special range and offer shoppers the chance to try something a bit different when it comes to winter flavours.”

ICELAND LAUNCHES NEW ED’S EASY DINER RANGE ACROSS UK

celand has launched an exclusive new Ed’s Easy Diner frozen food range across its UK stores, featuring 19 products inspired by popular dishes at the American diner chain including Mac N Cheese Burgers, Chilli Dogs and Smokey Joe Burgers. To celebrate the new range, available in stores and online from September 1, Iceland ditched its usual delivery vans to deliver the dishes to customers in a classic American 1959 Cadillac. The full Ed’s Easy Diner range includes BBQ Chicken Bites; Breaded Chicken Bites; Cheese & Tomato Pizza; Pepperoni Pizza; Classic Hot Dog; Chilli Dog; Chicken & Cheese Burger; Smokey Joe Burger; Mac N Cheese Burger; Double Decker; Spicy Chicken Burger; Double Cheeseburger; Breakfast Muffin; Sausage Pancakes; Caramel Waffle; Chocolate Waffle; and Bacon & Maple Syrup Pancakes. Ed’s Easy Diner Berries & Choc Pancakes are exclusive to Food Warehouse.

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE MEABH AUSTIN, DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, FARESHARE NI BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE After graduating from Queen’s University, Belfast, I spent a number of years working with the BBC, before focusing on community development work with Féile an Phobail, the West Belfast Festivals. I continued to work within the voluntary and community sector, undertaking the development and strategic side of FareShare NI in 2010, which is managed by Council for the Homeless NI regionally. I am passionate about food security, waste reduction and the protection of the environment. I’m a currently a member of the All-Ireland Food Poverty Network, The Resurgam Trust Steering Committee and the Northern Ireland Resource Network which connects community groups, charities and social enterprise to promote reuse and repair. WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I’m quite fortunate in that my job can be quite varied. Primarily, I focus on building good relationships with our range of stakeholders which includes our food industry and corporate partners, funders, volunteers and with the charities across Northern Ireland which receive food through FareShare’s food redistribution service.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The best part of the job is hands down our amazing group of volunteers who give up their free time for social good. It’s humbling to work on a project with such a strong and dedicated volunteering team, particularly during the challenges associated with the Pandemic. The worst part of the job is the realisation how much surplus food is needed by charities to alleviate food poverty. BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY I start work between 7:30-8am with a strong cup of coffee and a read over my emails. I update the to-do list for the day and call our Operations Manager Declan McKillop to discuss business for the day. Declan and I have worked together for over a decade now and make an excellent team. Over the next few hours, I’m likely to be busy with report writing, business planning and connecting with our stakeholders and franchise partner FareShare UK. When I am at FareShare’s food redistribution warehouse in Mallusk, I will more than likely have informal conversations (with banter) or formal meetings with staff and volunteers and host warehouses visits for corporate partners. When Covid restrictions are eased, I intend spending the majority of my time at the warehouse.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Hopefully that will come this year when we official open our new warehouse at Mallusk. With DfC funding, we’ve been able to secure additional walk-in chillers and freezers, and more office and warehouse space to significantly grow our operation. It’s a bit of a game changer for the whole team. BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? The industry has been extremely supportive of FareShare since we were established by CHNI over 10 years ago. Local suppliers, producers and retailers in particular have been incredibly eager to engage. I think they see the FareShare model as an ethical, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to divert surplus food to support worthwhile causes in the local community. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I go running along the Belfast towpath in the evenings or in the morning before I start work. It’s beginning to take its toll on the old joints though! TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I don’t think I’ve ever played a board game without cheating.

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

BALMORAL - FOOD NI’S STRATEGIC APPROACH TO PROMOTING SMALLER FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCERS BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

he doors on the Food NI Food Pavilion at the RUAS Balmoral have closed on another year… and a very successful one in the radically changed conditions of the first event since the awful Covid-19 pandemic. We’ll have a couple of months to review all that we’ve learned from the show before we start planning with the aim of an even bigger event in 2022. Hopefully, the shadow of Covid-19 will have been lifted long before then and we’ll be able to include more participating companies and welcome many more visitors. Probably the most important feature of our showcase last week was the introduction of the Experience Kitchen, a significant collaboration with Tourism NI designed to encourage many more local people to benefit from visiting artisan companies with facilities to welcome them and to show them how they make their foods. We had Chocolate Manor in Castlerock and Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen in Killinchy taking part in the first event. The novel kitchen replaced the conventional cookery demonstrations by chefs which were just not possible because of social distancing rules. It did include several chefs but just not in a format that enabled visitors to interact closely with them.

The kitchen, nevertheless proved a popular and safe feature that will likely continue next year within a resumption of the cookery sessions. We’ll continue it because it’s become an important element in Tourism NI’s creative Embrace a Giant Spirit which has a strong focus on our distinctive food and drink industry which helps to set Northern Ireland apart from other tourism destinations across the world. We are keen to continue our strategic focus on supporting Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland in this important marketing focus on local food and drink. There’s a role for Food NI, for instance, in encouraging and assisting other artisans to benefit from experiential tourism by creating facilities for visitors. We can achieve this through the confidence and respect they have for Food NI and our skilled team of young marketers. Experiential tourism could become an important revenue stream for many more artisans and smaller companies. This year’s Food Pavilion was also significant because it was the first opportunity we’ve had to talk to a large number of smaller food and drink producers in almost two years and to hear of the challenges they’ve faced and continue to face. It’s been an immensely difficult period for most especially in terms of marketing and sales, cashflow and sourcing ingredients against a perplexing background of Covid-19, Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol. We are deeply appreciative of the support for the pavilion from the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. The programme enabled us to develop a comprehensive showcase of local food and drink. The lifting of many Covid restrictions will enable us to work closely with many of them, especially our 400 members, in measures to help them rebuild confidence, enhance performance and develop new business opportunities here and abroad. Food NI, after all, is the only organisation working to promote artisan and smaller food and drink companies throughout Northern Ireland. Our work also includes advice and support for many local councils, and three took part in the food pavilion with a number of smaller enterprises. We have experienced and skilled people keen to help smaller companies, a vitally important sector of our hugely important £5bn food and drink processing industry. Our work with Invest NI on helping to identify and support smaller companies in seeking business outside Northern Ireland also resumed at the recent Speciality Food Fair in London. Balmoral Show demonstrated once again that there are a great many smaller food and drink enterprises with original food and drink with immense potential. And there are many more which did not take part in Balmoral for a variety of reasons including staffing resources. This is a hugely important sector that includes smaller companies with the potential to become successful exporters. We are keen to help them to progress and to achieve their ambitions. What they need, above all, is the integrated and expert support and mentoring that Food NI is able to provide which will enable them to pinpoint and harness the business opportunities that are developing especially outside Northern Ireland. 12

CHRISTMAS PLANNING

‘LOCKTAIL’ LEGACY LIVES ON COPELAND DISTILLERY FOUNDER GARETH IRVINE HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED OPPORTUNITY FOR COCKTAILS ENJOYED AT HOME POST-LOCKDOWN

rguably our biggest achievement is the fact that we have a loyal and local customer base. During lockdown, demand for our products was driven largely through our domestic audience and our Co Down diaspora. As bars and restaurants were closed, we were impacted massively, so it was great that our customers continued to connect with us – they wanted inspiration for at-home cocktail making and shared their own ‘locktail’ or lockdown cocktail creations with us. Our retailer relationships became more important than ever, and it was clear that category buyers could see a greater shift in demand from global brands to local produce. Our connection to taste, innovation and history are appreciated by retailers who understand that these values are important to our customers. As we move out of lockdown, support from retailers remains and we have recently

secured listings in Sainsbury’s, along with Musgraves NI’s SuperValu and Centra stores. During lockdown, consumers’ drive to support and shop local showed that they were prepared to spend a little bit more on quality products with a story. All of our products celebrate the connection that Donaghadee has to maritime activity in Northern Ireland. No matter where the brand is listed, no-one will ever be in any doubt where we come from and what we stand for. We are immensely proud of the fact that we are a craft distillery. We don’t want to compete head on with the multi-nationals – our goal will always be to create great tasting, quality spirits which surprise and delight, whilst reflecting the history and traditions of the local area. We’re committed to bringing innovation to the spirits category for consumers and keeping shelves exciting for retailers.

WINGS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS

romising to vitalise body and mind, Red Bull Energy Drink, alongside its expanding range of editions including Red Bull Red Edition, Tropical, Coconut Berry and Red Bull Sugar Free will make for the ultimate Christmas 2021 party companion, with wings for every taste. Available in over 170 countries worldwide, with more than 7.8 billion cans of Red Bull consumed last year, the Red Bull range is winging its way into Irish consumers hearts, minds and shopping baskets this Christmas. Founded in 1987, Red Bull established the energy drinks product

category, promising to vitalise body and mind. It is appreciated worldwide by top athletes, students and in highly demanding professions, as well as during long drives. Giving wings to people and ideas, Red Bull is official energy drinks partner to Connacht Rugby and the Irish Women’s Hockey Team, also supporting Irish athletes Ayeisha McFerran, Thomas Barr, Conor Maguire, Greg Callaghan and Conor Shanahan. Visit www.redbull.ie or @redbullire for more inspiring content.

SERVE SUGGESTION FOR COSY NIGHTS AT HOME

Pour one measure of Merchants’ Quay Whiskey into an old-fashioned glass with ice Top with 175ml of your favourite ginger ale Squeeze fresh lime and drop in the wedge Serve and enjoy

2 3 4

RECIPE

ADVERTORIAL

BALLYMALOE FOODS TO EXPAND IN NORTHERN IRELAND TESCO NI WILL NOW STOCK EXTENDED RANGE OF BALLYMALOE FOODS PRODUCTS

Peter Rodgers, business manager at Valeo Foods; Michael Crealey, Tesco NI buyer; and Niamh Wall, national account manager at Ballymaloe Foods.

allymaloe Foods is delighted to be bringing new products from its range to Tesco stores across Northern Ireland. From September 20, consumers in Northern Ireland will be able to pick up a delicious jar of Ballymaloe Pickled Irish Beetroot. With this expansion to Northern Ireland, Ballymaloe Pickled Irish Beetroot is the only 100% Irish grown and produced beetroot that is available across the whole island of Ireland. 100% of the beetroot used in Ballymaloe Beetroot is planted,

pickled and packed in East Cork and you can taste the difference in every dice or slice. The Beetroot is available in dices or slices and are a great accompaniment to salads, sandwiches and much more. When the judges of the Great Taste awards gave the product two stars out of a maximum of three they commented: “This is pure, beautiful beetroot, naturally sweet and packed with all the sweet earthiness we expected. The beetroot has retained its natural crunch. So clever - so well done.” Maxine Hyde, general manager of Ballymaloe Foods, said: “We have strong ambitions to grow in Northern Ireland and there is so much love for the brand across the market. Our Original Relish product is extremely popular in Northern Ireland and we are so grateful that our brand is doing so well and hope that as we continue to grow, we will be able to bring more and more of our range to consumers in Northern Ireland.” Peter Rodgers, business manager, Valeo Foods Northern Ireland, said: “It

has been fantastic to further develop our partnership with Ballymaloe Foods and Tesco Northern Ireland, with the listing of the award-winning and delicious Ballymaloe Beetroot products which we supply from our Lisburn warehouse.“ Beetroot is surprisingly versatile and goes with a wide range of dishes. For recipe inspiration, go to www.ballymaloefoods.ie and search ‘Beetroot’ or follow @ballymaloefoods on Facebook or Instagram.

ADVERTORIAL

MONSTER MONARCH AND ULTRA FIESTA MANGO SET TO JUICE UP THE ENERGY CATEGORY MONSTER ENERGY PORTFOLIO IN 55% GROWTH THIS YEAR THANKS TO NEW INNOVATIONS IN 2021

ith the energy category experiencing continued success in the market, Monster Energy has shaken up the category once again with two exciting new variants. In 2020, the energy category grew by 11% in value and Monster Energy became the fastest growing energy brand in Northern Ireland, experiencing an outstanding 38.4% value growth with success across all flavours. The energy range is primed to capture incremental growth for retailers again in 2021, thanks to its continued investment in exciting new propositions. New additions Monster Pacific Punch and Monster Ultra Paradise were the leaders of innovation in the energy category in 2020, with Monster Ultra Paradise in particular capitalising on the continued growth of the ‘zero sugar’ energy segment in Northern Ireland. 2021 is no different when it comes to Monster’s rate of innovation, starting with

new flavours launching across Northern Ireland: Monster Monarch and Monster Ultra Fiesta Mango. MONSTER ULTRA FIESTA MANGO Sleep later, cause tonight we’re going to Fiesta!New Monster Ultra Fiesta Mango celebrates the nights that turn into mornings, and the friends we now call family. The newest addition to the Ultra range combines a fun and juicy mango flavour with the popular Monster Energy blend, but with zero sugar and calories. MONSTER MONARCH There is a theory that something as small and inconsequential as the flapping of a butterfly’s wings can be the trigger that results in a hurricane. Monster Monarch, named after the humble butterfly, has a light subtle flavour with hints of peach and nectarine. While delicate in flavour, it

still can provide shoppers with their own ‘butterfly effect’ as Monarch still packs a punch with its the legendary Monster Energy blend. Conor Chase, Monster Energy marketing manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “The continued growth of the energy segment offers a massive opportunity for retailers, and Monster is primed to capture that growth with its expanding range of flavours. “The pace of innovation across the Monster range has proven to be a successful strategy, evident by the growth of the new Core, Ultra and Juice variants in recent years. “Monster innovations continue to go from strength to strength. Both Monster Monarch and Monster Ultra Fiesta Mango have been an immediate hit across Northern Ireland, and I’m confident they will continue to grow into 2022.” For more Information on the new variants, contact Coca-Cola HBC’s Customer Care Centre on 028 9262 0520.

CSR NEWS

FARESHARE CAMPAIGN TACKLES SCANDAL OF WASTED UNSOLD FOOD

ood charity, FareShare has launched a new #FoodOnPlates campaign to stop millions of tonnes of fresh, unsold food from being wasted when it could instead go to charities and community groups feeding families. One in eight people in the UK struggles to afford food and the pandemic has resulted in many more families facing food insecurity, with 67% of charities providing emergency food aid expecting demand to continue as restrictions ease. It is cheaper for farmers to waste good-to-eat food than get it to charities putting meals onto people’s plates, says Fareshare, contrasting the UK with France, which offers business incentives through reduced taxation for food redistribution and gets six times more

TESCO NI RAISES FUNDS FOR TRIO OF CHARITIES T

esco stores across Northern Ireland supported the Tesco Health Charity Partnership to raise money for Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK last month. Tesco customers were invited to make a donation by rounding up the amount they spend in stores to the nearest £1

unsold food to charities. WRAP estimates over 2 million tonnes of edible surplus food in the supply chain, with the majority found on farms.

The #FoodOnPlates campaign calls for funding of £5m a year to help farmers and food producers cover the costs of safely storing and transporting unsold food so it can be redistributed. This would enable the UK to double the amount of food delivered to those in need. Without it, 53m meals worth of food will be wasted. “Our network of frontline charities has been a lifeline for families during the pandemic, and, sadly, demand now remains at similar levels,” said Lindsay Boswell, CEO, FareShare. For more information, visit www. foodonplates.org, where people can email their MP asking them to support the campaign and sign up to a letter to the Prime Minister, ahead of COP.

at all self-service checkouts. All funds raised will go directly to the three charities, which are part of the Helping you to live healthier partnership and will be split equally. The partnership aims to inspire, empower and support Tesco colleagues, customers and their families to make healthier food choices and live healthier lives. It supports sustainable lifestyle changes that can help lower risk of cancer, heart

and circulatory diseases, and type 2 diabetes. “Cancer, heart and circulatory diseases and type 2 diabetes are three of the biggest health challenges of our time, touching the lives of millions of people every year,” said Oonagh Turnbull, head of health campaigns at Tesco. “But without donations, the work of our charity partners to prevent the harm these conditions cause just can’t continue. “From advances in prevention and early diagnosis to breakthroughs in research into cures and treatments, we need the help of people in Northern Ireland to raise vital funds that will help to reduce the risk of these life-threatening conditions, now and in the future.”

During the pandemic, FareShare distributed 19,000 tonnes of emergency food supplies, thanks to a campaign with ambassador Marcus Rashford MBE.

STENA LINE BACKS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR LORRY DRIVERS

erry company Stena Line recently joined with the 5asideCHESS Battling Suicide Bus initiative on the Northern Ireland leg of its UK tour including attendance at the Breaker Breaker Truck Show at Nutts Corner. The Breaker Breaker Truck Show is a fundraising event which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues among men, particularly lorry drivers. “We have taken the bus all around the UK in an attempt to help with the epidemic of loneliness and isolation which has developed in recent years, especially so during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Diane Waldron, a volunteer with the 18

5asideCHESS Battling Suicide Bus. “During the pandemic research has shown that in almost every region of the UK, mental ill health has been on the rise causing high levels of depression and sometimes suicide. “On the bus, amongst other practical support materials, we use a small game of 5asideCHESS as a tool to help get people connecting and talking, which is a very important first step. “I would like to commend Stena Line for their support in enabling us to bring the bus to Belfast. We received a very positive response at the Breaker Breaker event in Belfast and a high level of

Diane Waldron, volunteer with the 5asideCHESS Battling Suicide Bus.

engagement.” Stena Line provided transport for the bus to and from Northern Ireland as well as supporting members of the group to engage with its passengers and crew to promote the work of the mental health charity.

CSR NEWS

BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED TO PAINT THE TOWN PINK FOR ACTION CANCER

ction Cancer is calling on local businesses to get involved in their Paint the Town Pink campaign this autumn to raise vital funds for its cancer services. Action Cancer is the only charity in Northern Ireland to provide Breast Screening to women aged 40–49 and 70plus; ages that are not included in the NHS screening programme. Every month, 1,000 appointments are provided and on average six women receive a cancer diagnosis through the service, which is available from Action Cancer House in Belfast and regionally on board the Big Bus. “This year we are asking businesses to put their individual stamp on the Paint the Town Pink campaign, so that it works for their set up,” said Lucy McCusker, corporate fundraising manager at Action Cancer. “Any fundraising activity, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Each business taking part in Paint the Town Pink campaign will receive a free pink spotty pack full of fundraising materials including pink pin badges, chocolate bars, bunting, collection boxes and ideas on how to raise money.

Tim Smith from Johnsons Coffee, and Jude Law and Donna Surgenor from Jude Law Boutique, supporters of this year’s Paint The Town Pink campaign for Action Cancer.

“The campaign is being sponsored by our corporate partner Johnsons Coffee who have provided a packet of their own brew filter coffee for every pink pack. We hope to have 100 businesses and individuals taking part throughout October and November.” Philip Mills, Group commercial director, Johnson Brothers, said: “Johnson Brothers are delighted to be a part of the Paint the Town Pink campaign once again, helping to ensure Action Cancer continues to offer its early detection screening service.” To get involved in the campaign or for more information on Action Cancer services, call 07743 416325 or email pttp@ actioncancer.org.

EUROSPAR PUTS BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR FUNDRAISER

CENTRA RUN TOGETHER RETURNS TO ORMEAU PARK ON OCT 17

ocal convenience retailer Centra is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to get up and running with the launch of its 2021 Run Together event, which will return to Ormeau Park, Belfast on Sunday, October 17. 2020 saw the Run Together series cancelled due to the pandemic but now, with restrictions lifting, the flagship event at Ormeau Park will go ahead this autumn. A small entry fee will apply to both the 5K and 10K races, with full proceeds donated to Action Cancer, Centra’s longstanding charity partner. “We are delighted to be able to bring Centra Run Together back to Ormeau Park this October,” said Jennifer Morton, Centra brand manager. “As always, our aim is to encourage as many people to get up, get active and embrace the community spirit of the event, whether they are a frequent runner or a first timer. With both a 5K and 10K race on offer - Run Together has got you covered.”

For further information and details of how to register, visit www.centra. co.uk/runtogether or the Centra Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ CentraNI.

UROSPAR and VIVOXTRA have sponsored former Ulster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions captain Rory Best on his Miles 2 Mayo challenge for Cancer Fund for Children. Rory embarked on his 180-mile mission from Daisy Lodge last month, after a small reception where he announced his intention to raise £500,000 for Cancer Fund for Children; EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA’s charity partner and one close to Best’s heart. Since establishing the partnership in 2011, EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA retailers and their teams have raised over £1.2m for Cancer Fund for Children and lent a hand to Best’s challenge with bucket collections while accompanying him on part of the walk. Best’s 180-mile walk took him from the Newcastle, Co Down home of the

Bubba Ali, fitness coach; Pete Snodden, radio presenter; Lucy McCusker, Action Cancer; and Jennifer Morton, Centra brand manager.

Henderson Group’s Stephen Gibson is pictured with Rory Best as he set off on his Miles 2 Mayo challenge for Cancer Fund for Children.

organisation’s therapeutic short break centre to Cong in Co Mayo, the site of a proposed second Daisy Lodge, expanding

the organisation’s reach to help families living with cancer across Ireland. He met supporters and retailers while passing through counties Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo, taking in over 30 towns and villages along his journey. To donate or for more information, visit cancerfundforchildren.com. 19

ADVERTORIAL

NICE ONE! DEEP RIVERROCK LAUNCHES NEW BRAND PLATFORM ■ NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION CELEBRATES CULTURAL TOUCH POINTS, OPTIMISM, AND SUSTAINABILITY – IN THE BRAND’S UNIQUELY IRISH AND IRREVERENT TONE OF VOICE ■ DEEP RIVERROCK ALSO ANNOUNCES A MOVE TO 100% RECYCLED WRAP FOR ITS MULTI-PACK BOTTLES

eep RiverRock continues to grow market share as the second largest impulse water brand on the island of Ireland. Thanks to continued modernisation and premiumisation of the brand, Deep RiverRock now proudly launches a new strategic direction and brand platform – Nice One! The brand believes that all too often we can fail to see the opportunities in a given situation. Nice One, a popular and uniquely Irish phrase but too often used to be cynical, will be reclaimed by Deep RiverRock for what it really means, a pure expression of happiness. With the support of its brand ambassador and comedian Tony Cantwell, Deep RiverRock will playfully point out these simple moments of joy. Reflecting the brand’s positive, feel good and irreverent tone of voice, the new campaign will celebrate those little moments we all experience in the face of challenges. The message will also marry the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the small changes we can all make to protect the planet for generations to come. For example, when it comes to sustainability, the brand will showcase

how we can all play our part by choosing a Deep RiverRock bottle made from 100% recycled materials, and of course, by recycling again. In the latest development in its sustainability journey, Deep RiverRock is also announcing that the plastic shrink wrap around Deep RiverRock multi-pack bottles is now also made from recycled material – so consumers can feel good knowing that they’ve chosen a 100% recycled bottle, in 100% recycled material. This innovation further cements Deep RiverRock’s place as the most sustainable water brand on the market. That really is a Nice One!

Shane McQuaid, Deep RiverRock’s marketing manager, explains: “Since its birth in 1994, Deep RiverRock has evolved to reflect changing Irish society – becoming a more modern and sustainable brand yet retaining its uniquely irreverent and playful tone of voice. “That’s why we’re now immensely excited to launch this new direction for the brand, celebrating how we can

all approach opportunities and challenges with optimism. We are also proudly keeping Deep RiverRock’s sustainability commitment and credentials front and centre.” With a €500k investment behind the brand, the new Nice One campaign went live from September 6, led by a heavy weight TV campaign on RTE, Channel 4, Virgin Media & Sky, together with several video-on-demand platforms. The campaign is further supported by new packaging, digital, out-of-home, experiential, social, PR and shopper activity. The new campaign is supported by a refreshed packaging design, portraying a vibrant and modern Ireland. The confident and bold look is inspired by the landscape of Co Antrim, where the water is sourced and bottled. The ad and all digital media were created by Edelman in conjunction with Bold Puppy. The design and shopper plan were created by the creative agency Haygarth, and packaging design was created by Clevercat. SUSTAINABILITY Deep RiverRock continues to lead the charge for packaging sustainability, as the first water brand on the island to launch a 100% recycled bottle range across its whole portfolio. This means that all Deep RiverRock’s bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic and do not use any new plastic to package its water. The brand also confidently calls out the 100% recycled bottle credentials on pack. Did you know that Deep RiverRock is also one of the lightest mainstream water bottles on the market? The 500ml bottle uses 34% less plastic than in 2016. What else? The wrap around Deep RiverRock twin-pack bottles is also made from recycled material. Nice One!

ADVERTORIAL

SUPERVALU & CENTRA NI SECURE PRESTIGIOUS WINS AT RETAIL INDUSTRY AWARDS IN LONDON

uperValu Fruitfield in Richhill, and Lilley’s Centra Dublin Road in Enniskillen, were both honoured at the 2021 Retail Industry Awards, taking home the title of Independent Retailer of the Year. While SuperValu came out top in the 6,000 sq ft and over category, Lilley’s Centra was awarded the accolade in the 1,201 sq ft–3,000 sq ft group. Trevor Magill, managing director of Musgrave NI, said: “I would like to congratulate both Philip Woods and his team at SuperValu Fruitfield, Richhill and Una Lilley and her team at Centra Dublin Road, Enniskillen, who competed against some of the best stores in the UK, to achieve these awards. It is testament to the hard work that has been put in during what has been an incredibly difficult year, by staff at both a local and national level. “Local has never been more important and both our SuperValu and Centra stores operate in the heart of communities across Northern Ireland. Offering our customers value, choice and highquality convenience continues to be our driving force and we are delighted that these stores have been recognised for the service they provide to their communities.” Lusty’s Centra in Larne was also highly commended in the Drinks Retailer of the Year – Independent category for its extensive beers, wines and spirits offering. Widely regarded as the Oscars of the grocery sector, the Retail Industry Awards reward excellence and outstanding achievement across a broad range of categories, recognising independent retailers alongside the large supermarket groups.

Receiving the Independent Retailer of the Year Award (over 6,000 sq ft) is SuperValu Fruitfield, Richhill owner, Philip Woods (centre), who is joined by David Shrimpton, editor for the Independent Retail News (left), and host, comedian and presenter Alex Brooker (right).

Receiving the Independent Retailer of the Year Award (1,201 – 3,000 sq ft) is Una Lilley (centre), owner of Lilley’s Centra Dublin Road, Enniskillen, who is joined by, from left to right, David Shrimpton, editor for the Independent Retail News, store colleagues Joanne Palmer and Betty Flynn, plus host, comedian and presenter Alex Brooker.

CHARITY COMMITMENT CONTINUES FOR SUPERVALU & CENTRA

uperValu and Centra have once again teamed up with Co Armagh supplier Gilfresh and will be selling pumpkins across their network of

Aidy Kearney from Musgrave with Danielle Mitchell from Gilfresh launching the SuperValu and Centra pumpkin fundraising drive.

stores this October with 50p from each sale going to their charity partner Action Cancer. October will also see the return of Action Cancer’s Breast Foot Forward event (formerly the Bra Walk) taking place on Saturday, October 9, while Centra’s flagship Run Together event is back for 2021, taking place on Sunday, October 17 in Ormeau Park, Belfast. The retail brands have a long-standing partnership with local Northern Ireland charity, Action Cancer, raising over £3.2m to date. In September, the brands were delighted to support the official launch of the new Big Bus at Hillsborough Castle with Action Cancer Patron, Gloria Hunniford. The Big Bus visits SuperValu and Centra stores across Northern Ireland providing vital early breast cancer detection for many women.

Desi Derby, marketing director, Musgrave, with Gloria Hunniford, Action Cancer patron, at the launch of the Action Cancer Big Bus.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING RECOGNISED AT 33RD ANNUAL AWARDS WINNERS & SPONSORS OF THE ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS 2021 ASSEMBLED AT THE CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA ON SEPTEMBER 10, WITH PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS RELAXED SUFFICIENTLY TO ALLOW FOR ONE OF THE FEW IN-PERSON EVENTS TO BE HELD THIS YEAR

Claire McCollum, host of the 33rd annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards.

rris, E and Michael Mo Dr Terry Cross OB port ich won Best Ex wh , ery till Dis Hinch g. tin Marke

The Musgrave NI team bagged four awards.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY MASH DIRECT ✸ WINNER: HOVIS IRELAND BAKERIES ORMO MOMENTS

ance Hamilton, chief commercial officer of Mash Direct, said: “Mash Direct are delighted to sponsor this year’s Best Marketing Campaign for the second year. “Congratulations to Hovis Ireland who are very worthy winners of this award and SPAR NI for coming highly commended. “Both Hovis Ireland and SPAR NI have proved their strength, resilience and commitment to our local consumers and grocery sector throughout a challenging and unprecedent period. “They have delivered exceptional marketing campaigns and have adapted and remained agile to consumer trends throughout the global pandemic.”

➤ Candida Corscadden, Hovis Ireland, and Lance Hamilton, Mash Direct.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “For its 2020 ORMO Moments campaign, Hovis Bakeries sought to place particular focus on the vibrant hot plate and rolls market sector and has done so with creative flair. The Moments campaign very successfully links the treasured moments in people’s dayto-day lives with the pleasure in eating wholesome ORMO baked goods. The judges recognise the visionary scope of the campaign with its use of diverse promotional media, but with a message that was wonderfully nostalgic.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Trevor McCrum, commercial director, Hovis Ireland, said: “We are all absolutely delighted that ORMO has won the Best Marketing Campaign at the 2021 Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards for the Moments activity. The impactful campaign focuses on those Special Moments created when family members enjoy the great tasting ORMO range whilst highlighting the breadth and versatility of the ORMO range. It was created during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, offering an additional layer of complexity. This award is further recognition of the significant progress and investment in this much-loved iconic brand.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: SPAR - THERE FOR YOU JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “SPAR has presented an excellent entry with its There for You campaign. The judges were impressed with the scope, scale and effectiveness of this nine-month awareness campaign involving media and instore activity to project and promote SPAR to retail customers during the Covid-19 pandemic emergency. The judges praised the growth in sales achieved and were highly complementary as to the effectiveness of the home delivery service in reaching out to vulnerable families.” ➤ Brenda Mulligan, SPAR NI, and Lance Hamilton, Mash Direct. 26

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 BEST BRAND SPONSORED BY HENDERSON FOOD MACHINERY ✸ WINNER: HENDERSON WHOLESALE ENJOY LOCAL

FM as sponsor of Best Brand at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2021 would like to congratulate Henderson Wholesale as the winner and Centra NI for the highly commended award. It is a great honour for HFM to be involved in these awards every year supporting the Best Brand. It has been a trying few years within our industry with Covid and Brexit, but it is great the Ulster Grocer keeps pushing ahead with these awards to market the best of Irish produce and talent, again we look forward to the awards next year. From small artisan producers, butchers and bakers to food manufacturing factories, HFM can supply a wide range of food processing and packaging machinery. Based in Crossgar, we always hold an extensive stock of equipment for the demanding market. Again HFM would like to congratulate Henderson Wholesale as the winner and Centra NI for highly commended. ➤ Brenda Mulligan, SPAR NI, and Debra Henderson from HFM. JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “The enjoy local brand was created in 2015, and Henderson Wholesale has since then invested over £50m in growing the brand and promoting local food as better for its shoppers and the environment. “In 2020, the range grew from 16 to 20 suppliers and the number of locally sourced products from 114 to 140, with a focus on communicating SPAR’s offer of better food at a reasonable price. “Marketing around the enjoy local brand has been highly successful, boosting year-on-year sales by double digits in 2020, with research backing growing awareness of SPAR’s local credentials. “As the pandemic continued in 2020, Henderson Wholesale also sucessfully reminded shoppers SPAR NI and its enjoy local brand are local, support local producers and offer local products.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Brenda Mulligan, head of brand marketing at Henderson Group, commented: “Shopping locally is a more important mission than ever before due to the implications of Covid and Brexit, and at SPAR NI we have always sought to source from local suppliers first and foremost. We launched the enjoy local brand in 2015 to reflect this, investing over £50m growing the brand and our repertoire of locally sourced products and suppliers. “Ensuring our shoppers know they are buying local when in our stores is a top priority for our marketing strategy, and we’re very proud to pick up the Best Brand award this year for enjoy local.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: CENTRA NI - BECAUSE LOCAL MATTERS JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Centra NI stores and the Centra brand were faced with a difficult commercial challenge in 2020 because of Covid-19 and the lockdown rules imposed by government. Centra was quick to act to minimise the more adverse trading climate and replaced its 2020 marketing programmes with one that focused its brand offering on ‘localness’ to reassure customers on local supplies and local store support for customers. The judges noted the overarching successes of the revised marketing strategy and how it has helped to strengthen customer loyalty, increase sales and brought new depth to the Centra brand.” ➤ Jennifer Morton, Centra NI, and Debra Henderson from HFM. 28

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HENDERSON CELEBRATES AWARDS HAT-TRICK FOR CAMPAIGNS THAT IMPACTED LOCAL RETAILERS AND COMMUNITIES FRESH OFF THE BACK OF TAKING HOME NOT ONE BUT THREE TOP AWARDS AT THE 2021 ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS, PADDY DOODY, SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR AT HENDERSON GROUP, DESCRIBES THE IMPACT THEIR AWARD-WINNING CAMPAIGNS HAVE ON COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND

“C

ommunicating with our shoppers has never been more important. With the anxieties, changes and misinformation swirling around online and through our airwaves over the past 18 months, cutting through the noise has been more important than ever. “We’ve recently picked up three top awards for our SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO brand marketing campaigns at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, the ceremony itself showing how much change has affected our industry in recent years. From Covid to Brexit, our retailers have had to pivot drastically, and that’s where the importance of our campaigns comes in. “While most of this year’s award-

winning campaigns have been borne from The Pivot in 2020, we were still able to bring the usual added value promotions that our shoppers have expected from us over the years, including 12 Deals of Christmas, the multi-award winning campaign that won the Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion award. “12 Deals of Christmas was developed to drive incremental sales in the run up to Christmas and provide more value purchases for the SPAR and EUROSPAR shopper. In 2020 this was an even more important mission; trends revealed an increase in savvy shoppers, frugal shopping habits were becoming the norm and there was a ‘stocking up’ mentality. “We introduced double deals, investing

further to increase basket spend for our retailers and position SPAR as a destination for Christmas shopping with consumers. The integrated marketing campaign spanned across in-store communications, with our creative commercial strategy utilising TV, radio, digital, influencer activity and outdoor activations. Targets were surpassed, generating £4.4m in retail sales, an increase of 57% on 2019. “Further to that, shoppers responded positively, not only describing the deals as more competitive than supermarkets but agreeing 12 Deals had encouraged them to shop in SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded stores more often. “Away from our store campaigns, our teams were working hard to ensure our There for You message was reaching the public, as our retailers served their communities who were adjusting to lockdown and our charity partners and community groups whose income dramatically stopped overnight. “Our now award-winning Always There for Our Communities campaign intertwined our retailers with their communities more than ever before; SPAR NI’s purpose was to further serve the communities of Northern Ireland when they needed us most. “With so many negative effects of Covid, we wanted to champion the positives, and pick up on the goodwill created from the country coming together. We’ve always been there for communities, but now was a time to demonstrate that promise during the most challenging period of our lifetimes. “Our enhanced CSR umbrella covered three key areas: wellbeing, charity and community groups and being there for the most vulnerable in our communities. Under those strands were several initiatives, from an interactive, digital life at home campaign that created an online community, to partnerships with local kids’ wellbeing programmes and using our network to expand the drive of the

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NI Big Community Sew. We launched a Community Cashback Grant to fund local organisations by an extra £20,000 and pivoted our usual summer in-store fundraising activities into outdoor bubble opportunities. Add to this an increase in home deliveries from stores across the country, particularly in rural areas, an uplift in foodbank donations and a partnership with the Department for Communities to provide food parcels to the most vulnerable, we rallied that positive impact. “Our retailers are the backbone of our There For You culture; they embrace the spirit of community and see the reward in becoming that hub for their neighbours to feel safe and supported. 83% of shoppers surveyed agreed SPAR supported communities during lockdowns, which is the highest rate recorded to date. “And local is not just something we treasure when it comes to our shoppers. It’s at the heart of everything we do, which is why when we stock our shelves, we want as many local producers on them as possible. If there was ever a time to embrace local, the year of Covid and Brexit was it.

OUR ENHANCED CSR UMBRELLA COVERED THREE KEY AREAS: WELLBEING, CHARITY AND COMMUNITY GROUPS AND BEING THERE FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. UNDER THOSE STRANDS WERE SEVERAL INITIATIVES, FROM AN INTERACTIVE, DIGITAL LIFE AT HOME CAMPAIGN THAT CREATED AN ONLINE COMMUNITY, TO PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL KIDS’ WELLBEING PROGRAMMES AND USING OUR NETWORK TO EXPAND THE DRIVE OF THE NI BIG COMMUNITY SEW. “The enjoy local brand was developed in 2015, and in the past six years, we have invested over £50m into its growth because it benefits the local economy. We work with over 20 suppliers to the brand, developing a range of 140 enjoy

local products which keep our food miles down, support local farmers and producers and drive footfall and sales for our retailers. “Within the enjoy local brand, we have been focusing on further expanding the categories and 2020 saw the bakery category grow by 86% up to 44 products. Being able to expand these categories means we can create even more jobs, and six roles were developed to fulfil this contract. “Our marketing campaign helped the brand grow, especially our partnership with the FACT Suite at Ulster University which showed local people tasting the products and giving their honest feedback, which not only gave us a marketing edge but steered product development too. “We’re hugely proud to have received the recognition and awards from Ulster Grocer for our impactful campaigns, as well as picking up the highly commended honour in the top category – Best Marketing Campaign. We’re proud to be market leaders and not only enhance opportunities for our retailers but see the rewarding impact for those within our communities.” 31

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS SPONSORED BY

 BEST DIGITAL CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY MBNI TRUCK & VAN ✸ WINNER: SUPERVALU DINNER SORTED FOR LESS

aul McCrory Truck sales manager at MBNI Truck and Van, said: “Congratulations to Supervalu for winning the Best Digital Marketing award with their Dinner Sorted for Less campaign which helped inspire us with recipes at affordable prices – an important message during lockdown. Congratulations also to the highly commended entry from Naturo Natural Pet Foods for their Share how you care campaign which leveraged user generated content. This is the second year MBNI Truck and Van have been involved with sponsoring the awards and look forward to continuing that support. The latest Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Vans offer technological advanced transport solutions to keep businesses moving.

➤ Patricia McIlroy, SuperValu NI, and Paul McCrory, MBNI Truck & Van.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “With the 2020 Covid emergency lockdowns, the dynamics of ‘home eating’ in Northern Ireland came under pressure like never before. In response, SuperValu repositioned its retail model to take advantage of prevailing commercial conditions. With restaurants being closed for long periods, the Dinner Sorted campaign very skilfully presented a simple but effective ‘unique selling proposition’ to retail customers that captured consumer attention and increased Supervalu retail sales in the process. The judges said that this was a highly professional and creative digital campaign and is a worthy winner in this category.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Patricia McIlroy, SuperValu brand manager, said: “Our SuperValu Dinner Sorted for Less campaign focused on driving awareness of quality meal solutions. Our aim was to inspire shoppers via our digital platforms with home cooking recipes from quick and easy meals to scratch cooking, fakeaways and full Sunday roasts. Targeting a variety of audiences, we held live digital cook-a-longs, home cocktail videos, and even challenged a group of local mums with scratch cooking recipes, across social media. We achieved excellent results with increases in sales, our Net Promoter Score, social media engagement and reach. We are absolutely delighted it has been recognised as the Best Digital Campaign and will continue to promote Dinner Sorted for Less with SuperValu across our platforms.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: NATURO NATURAL PET FOOD SHARE HOW YOU CARE JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “In March 2020 Mackle’s Naturo Natural Petfood launched a digital media campaign to strengthen relationships with loyal and new customers. The campaign had the clear objective of strengthening the bond between pet owners and their pets. A further digital campaign launched in November 2020 further strengthened loyalty ties to the brand and stimulated new sales. “The judges commented favourably on Mackle’s ingenuity in using digital media as a ‘conversation’ mechanism to positively engage with Naturo’s customer base.” ➤ Sinead Cotter, Mackle Pet Foods, and Paul McCrory, MBNI Truck & Van. 32

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 BEST IN-STORE CONSUMER SALES PROMOTION SPONSORED BY AQUA TWIST ✸ WINNER: SPAR NI 12 DEALS OF CHRISTMAS

ary Taylor, director, Aqua Twist, said: “Aqua Twist is proud to return as sponsor of Best In-Store Consumer Promotion at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2021. Congratulations to both the highly commended promotion from Musgrave NI with its SuperValu and Centra Cracker Deals, and the 2021 winner, SPAR NI’s 12 Deals of Christmas promotion. Both companies ran exceptional in-store promotions and we wish them continued success. Aqua Twist and our charity partners, NI Children’s Hospice, would like to thank both Musgrave and Henderson for their continued support, and look forward to future business development with each company.”

➤ Sarah Murphy, SPAR NI, and Gary Taylor, Aqua Twist.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “2020 was the fifth successive year of SPAR’s 12 Deals of Christmas. SPAR’s market research during 2020 revealed some interesting evolving trends in consumer behaviour that showed how ‘frugality’ shopping had become a driver for many customers in Northern Ireland. Thus, SPAR’s response was to target price offers on a range of brand leading lines as a prominent element in the Christmas campaign. Supported by a significant radio, social media, press and instore merchandising programme, the Christmas consumer sales promotion exceeded all expectations and generated a 60% increase in like-for-like sales over 2019.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Sara Murphy, marketing manager at Henderson Group, commented: “12 Deals of Christmas has become an instrumental campaign, raising footfall and boosting sales for our retailers and providing unmatched deals for our shoppers. Last year in particular, our shoppers needed more value deals than ever and we invested over £400,000 to develop a marketing campaign that positioned our brand as delivering to their needs. “We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award and very proud of the impact 12 Deals of Christmas makes for both retailers and consumers during the crucial and competitive festive season.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: MUSGRAVE NI - SUPERVALU & CENTRA CRACKER DEALS JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “For the 2020 Christmas Cracker consumer promotion, Musgrave melded the Supervalu and Centra retail outlets behind one unified campaign with combined resources. The focus of the promotion is the image of the Christmas Cracker but Supervalu and Centra supported the sales promotion with a powerful radio, press and poster programme, augmented by social media and instore merchandising. The results showed a significant growth in sales across both retail brands and high basket sales including wines and spirits. The judges have commented that this type of high profile and heavily promoted in-store promotion facilitates higher spending levels among customers, but it also galvanises the long-term relationship between retail outlets and local communities.” ➤ Patricia McIlroy, SuperValu NI, and Gary Taylor, Aqua Twist. 34

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 BEST NEW PRODUCT/PRODUCT RELAUNCH SPONSORED BY DERRY GROUP IRELAND ✸ WINNER: KERRY FOODS DENNY MEAT FREE SAUSAGES

atrick Derry, MD of Derry Group Ireland, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists in the category of Best New Product/Product Relaunch. As a third party logistics provider, we appreciate the significant contribution local companies make to the continued expansion of the retail food market in Ireland. Social media has become an important platform for promoting brands and Kerry Foods have been rewarded for their work in promoting Denny Meat Free Sausages this year. Congratulations to all the team in Kerry Foods for winning this category. The standard this year was impressive. We would also like to congratulate Boost who were highly commended for their launch of Boost Iced Coffee.”

➤ Matt Paterson, Kerry Foods, and Patrick Derry, Derry Group Ireland.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Following extensive research into evolving consumer trends, Kerry Foods has been monitoring the growing demand for mainstream meat free alternatives. Thus, in 2020 the company took a bold step in launching its first range of Meat Free Sausages under the Denny brand and which are distributed through established food channels. In less than 12 months, Denny Meat Free Sausages have evolved to become the biggest seller in the domestic meat free sector. The judges also commented favourably on the highprofile media and social media awareness campaign that supported the launch and positioned the Denny brand name in a new growth sector.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Matt Paterson, senior brand manager - meats IOI, Kerry Foods, said: “It’s a great honour to receive the Ulster Grocer Best New Product/Product Relaunch against a competitive field. It took a lot of work from across the business to evolve our 200-year-old meat brand into the meat free space, but we’ve had fantastic feedback from consumers on our Denny Meat Free Sausages ever since launch so it great to also receive recognition from the judging panel. There’s lots more to come with Denny Meat Free so watch the space.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: BOOST DRINKS - BOOST ICED COFFEE

➤ Alyson Magee, Ulster Grocer, and Patrick Derry, Derry Group Ireland. 36

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “In 2020 Boost diversified its interests in the cold soft drinks market in Northern Ireland by launching a new range of ‘ready to drink’ iced coffees in 250ml cans commencing with Café Latte and Espresso. By April 2021, the Boost brand has been outselling the brand leader in the convenience market sector. The launch of Boost Iced Coffees has been supported by a targeted media and social media campaign that also features local sampling, PR endorsements from local influencers and trade promotion. In commenting on Boost’s launch strategy, the judges praised the scope of market research that Boost undertook to evaluate business potential and the way the launch campaign reached out to a wider network of potential customers while placing core emphasis on the Boost brand.”

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 LORRAINE HALL YOUNG MARKETEER SPONSORED BY KESTREL FOODS ✸ WINNER: REBECCA JESS LINWOODS HEALTH FOODS

ichael Hall, owner & MD, Kestrel Foods, said: “We are very pleased to present the Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer award to Rebecca. Lorraine’s flair and drive were a driving force in establishing the Forest Feast brand to where it is today. We are delighted to recognise Rebecca as an upand-coming marketeer in what has been an exceptionally challenging year for the food and drink industry. The judges were most impressed with the strong entrants this year, but it was Rebecca’s talent and ambition that shone through, making her a worthy winner.”

➤ Rebecca Jess, Linwoods Health Foods, and Maggie McKinstry, Kestrel Foods.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Rebecca Jess, who has been sponsored for this award by Linwood Foods, holds an MSc Marketing (with Distinction) from Queen’s University Belfast and joined Linwoods as digital marketing executive in 2019 from USPCA where she was engaged as marketing assistant. She holds full responsibility for all aspects of social media development and marketing and has been heavily involved in various marking programmes on the company’s behalf. The judges were impressed by Jess’s considerable professionalism and how she has utilised her experience and expertise in addressing marketing challenges within her company.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Orla O’Hare, marketing manager, Linwoods Health Foods, said: “We are delighted to see Rebecca receive the Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer of the Year 2021 award in recognition for her superb work with Linwoods Health Foods. Rebecca is an invaluable member of the Linwoods Family whose creativity and consistency is clearly illustrated on our engaging digital media channels. A highlight of our social calendar last year was The Linwoods Health Movement, which Rebecca played a lead role in organising and executing. She also works consistently with influencers to ensure the Linwoods brand is spread far and wide. Rebecca embodies the Linwoods brand; she is hardworking, honest and full of vitality. Well done Rebecca!”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: GEMMA MCADAM - MASH DIRECT

➤ Gemma McAdam, Mash Direct, and Maggie McKinstry, Kestrel Foods. 38

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Gemma McAdam holds a BSC Marketing (Honours) degree from University of Ulster and is digital marketing executive with Mash Direct where she drives the company’s digital marketing programmes. Prior to joining Mash Direct, she had been marketing assistant at HMS Caroline at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and also undertook volunteer marketing support at Castle Espie. “The judges were impressed by how effectively Gemma uses her professional skills and has delivered considerable commercial success for this visionary Northern Ireland business.”

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LINWOODS HEALTH FOODS INVESTS IN NEW CHANNELS FOR WE MAKE GOOD BETTER CAMPAIGN

eading health food brand, Linwoods, is continuing its We Make Good Better campaign with a run of heavyweight TV and digital adverts encouraging people to get the most out of life by making small changes to their diet. We Make Good Better champions the health benefits of the Linwoods products range and calls on consumers to add organic milled seeds to a meal or smoothie to make it even more nutritious. The advertising campaign launches this month and will run until the end of November across TV and video on demand platforms Sky and ITV Hub and digital channels including Facebook, Instagram, Google Display and Pinterest. The campaign sees Linwoods utilise Sky Adsmart for the first time – allowing a truly targeted approach for its core range advertising campaign. Inspired by the new health and wellness activities that people have

taken up during lockdown, the adverts show people going outside, staying active and enjoying the beauty of nature. Each ad is underpinned by the message that diet is a key component to living a healthy lifestyle and making the most out of life. The focus of the campaign centres around products from Linwoods’ Core Range - including Milled Organic Flaxseed, Flaxseed, Sunflower, Pumpkin & Chia Seeds & Goji Berries and Milled Flaxseed Almonds Brazil Nuts Walnuts & Co-Enzyme Q10. The products can be added to any meal for an instant nutritious hit from overnight oats to soups and salads. Patrick Woods, director for Linwoods, said: “As we move into the winter months,

there’s a heightened focus on health and wellbeing and finding simple ways we can add an extra nutritional boost to our diets. “We’re delighted to be investing further in our We Make Good Better campaign with a multi-platform ad run, which emphasises the important part that diet and nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. “The purpose of this campaign is to encourage people to get the most out of the food they eat. We want to show that simply adding a couple of spoonfuls of our products to meals or smoothies, can be exceptionally beneficial to your diet.” The We Make Good Better campaign also seeks to educate around the unique cold milling process adopted by Linwoods that provides a rich texture, making them easier to consume and digest whilst retaining all the fibre and nutritional benefits contained within the whole seeds. To find out more and browse the Linwoods range, visit www.linwoodshealthfoods.com

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 BEST EXPORT MARKETING SPONSORED BY INVEST NI ✸ WINNER: HINCH DISTILLERY

ohn Hood, director of food and drink, Invest NI, said: “It is a pleasure to sponsor this year’s Best Export Marketing category at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector is vibrant and diverse and we know from previous years that this award is a highly competitive one. Congratulations to Hinch Distillery on winning the award and to Linwood’s on being awarded highly commended. With a focus on innovation and exports, both companies are well on their way to developing a significant export presence in over 25 countries globally. It’s great today to be able to mark their hard work and determination to grow and highlight their resilience and tenacity to continue to do business during such challenging times.” ➤ Dr Terry Cross, OBE, Hinch Distillery, and John Hood, Invest NI.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Established by Northern Ireland entrepreneur and businessman Dr Terry Cross, Hinch is a young whiskey and gin distillery in the craft tradition based near Ballynahinch. Following extensive market research, Hinch was created as an export focused business and now has over 30 distributors worldwide and the management team is confident that sales will exceed £35m within three years with brands including Hinch Irish Whiskey, Ninth Wave Gin and Hinch Small Batch Bourbon. The company’s growth strategy is underpinned by significant investment in brand promotion, selected advertising and social media. The judges also commended Hinch on the development of a new visitor centre at Hinch that will open in 2021.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Dr Terry Cross OBE, chairman of Hinch Distillery, said: “This award win will help drive forward the distillery’s goal to further expand its already international client base. To date the response to both Hinch Whiskey and Ninth Wave Irish Gin has been phenomenal with distributors having been signed up in the USA, Canada, Russia, Germany, Czech Republic, Australia, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, Netherlands, Hungry, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Hong Kong, Taiwan, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Ireland, Ukraine, Switzerland, France, Greece, Sweden, Norway and Nigeria.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: LINWOODS HEALTH FOODS

➤ Orla O’Hare, Linwoods Health Foods, and John Hood, Invest NI. 42

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Following many years serving the UK and Irish markets with its popular range of milled seeds, Linwoods embarked on a programme to expand its export business and has established a new distribution centre in Madrid to serve markets in southern Europe. Building on its success in the UK, Linwoods launched a targeted media and PR campaign in Spain from early 2021 that is focused on lifestyle publications and celebrity influencers and is supported by social media. “The judges have commented on Linwoods’ marketing professionalism and the targeted nature of its Iberian development programme.”

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 BEST CSR INITIATIVE/CHARITY PARTNERSHIP SPONSORED BY NORTHERN SNACK FOODS ✸ WINNER: HENDERSON WHOLESALE SPAR, ALWAYS THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

artin McClinton, NI operations manager of Northern Snack Foods, said: “We at Hunky Dorys are very proud to sponsor the CSR Initiative category. It gives me great pleasure to see so many companies put themselves forward in their actions and initiatives in this emotive category. I would like to congratulate Musgrave NI for their highly commended award and the great work they do in CSR. A very special congratulations to our winner in 2021, Henderson Wholesale. They continue to inspire us all in their everyday initiatives. Although a little late, I knew Bronagh Luke would be delighted to collect the award on behalf of Henderson’s. Many congratulations to everyone involved.”

➤ Bronagh Luke, Henderson Group, and Martin McClinton, Northern Snack Foods.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Being there for communities has been a key social commitment for Henderson’s since its inception in 1897. In 2020 with the arrival of Covid-19, the company redoubled its efforts to provide positive support for communities struggling to live normal lives in pressing circumstances. The company’s store network has led local initiatives to get essential supplies to the most vulnerable citizens who needed to self-isolate. Considerable efforts were also directed to raise £539,000 for local charities, cashback grants to 16 local charities and a range of support for community bodies, schools and local foodbanks. The judges commented on the diverse range of hands-on initiatives that have delivered much needed help including the provision of 62,000 face coverings hand stitched by volunteers.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Bronagh Luke, head of corporate marketing at Henderson Group, commented: “We are just ecstatic to win this award. When the world stopped in March 2020, our community groups, charities and organisations suffered immeasurably. As some of their biggest corporate partnerships, we simply needed to do something to keep income generated, so we developed a marketing campaign that not only helped with funding to community groups but also developed wellbeing partnerships with local companies to benefit our kids and supported the vulnerable in a time of isolation, donating to food banks and adding home delivery services. “Marketing and communications over the past 18 months has been more crucial than ever and on behalf of the Henderson Group team, we’re so thankful for the recognition from the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards for all the hard work.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: MUSGRAVE NI/ACTION CANCER

➤ Carol Marshall, Musgrave NI, and Martin McClinton, Northern Snack Foods. 44

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Having delivered £3m in charitable support to Action Cancer in 2019, Musgrave was determined to maximise its support to continue raising funds during the Covid pandemic in 2020. Despite the difficulties that significantly impacted day-to-day society and the local economy, a further £130,000 was generated for Action Cancer in the year.”

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

 BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE SPONSORED BY POWER NI ✸ WINNER: FOYLE FOOD GROUP

my Bennington, commercial marketing manager, Power NI, said: “It was fantastic to be able to celebrate the success of local businesses after what’s been such a challenging time for many. As Northern Ireland’s largest electricity supplier, and as part of the Energia Group, we are committed to transforming how customers use and generate energy in a way that has a positive and sustainable impact on the environment. Congratulations to the winner of the Best Sustainability Initiative award, Foyle Food Group, and all those who were shortlisted.”

➤ Karen Kelso, Foyle Food Group, and Amy Bennington, Power NI.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Foyle Food Group is the first private company in Northern Ireland to sign up to the Science Based Targets initiative. Foyle has also adopted a five-year sustainability roadmap (Foyle Sustainability -Shaping Our Future 2020-25) that is a 360-degree programme embracing core initiatives on Pasture, Product, Planet and People. The company has also embarked on a programme to reduce carbon emissions that in the five years to 2020 cut emissions by 35%. The judges commented that Foyle’s commitment to sustainability is a model for all businesses in Northern Ireland.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Karen Kelso, commercial director, Foyle Food Group, said: “We embarked on the journey at the start of the first lockdown. Foyle Sustainability – Shaping our Future 2020-2025 is our road map across the four pillars of Pasture, Product, Planet & People. Under each of these pillars we have set ourselves ambitious targets for the next five years. Our Progress Report for 2020 was published to a GRI standard which demonstrates the business commitment to operate in an open and transparent way, which can be viewed on our new sustainability section of our website. Sustainability is at the top of many key customers’ priorities and understanding and aligning with customers has been critical to our business and future growth. We are delighted to have won the Award for Best Sustainability initiative.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: LIDL NI

➤ Daniel Kelly, Lidl NI, and Amy Bennington, Power NI. 46

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Lidl has embarked on a wide-ranging sustainability programme that embraces targets for waste, energy management, packaging, responsible sourcing, transport and logistics and does so in partnership with suppliers and third-party stakeholders. The judges commented on Lidl’s commitment to sustainability and the breadth of its programme and commended the fact that every employee shares a responsibility in delivering sustainability results.”

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

LEADER IN MARKETING SPONSORED BY MXB ✸ WINNER: ELLY HUNTER - TAYTO

aren Carmichael, managing director, MXB, said: “MXB are once again proud to sponsor the Leader in Marketing category at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. There was an exceptional standard this year and it was great to see Elly Hunter of Tayto as winner with Clare Forester of Mash Direct, highly commended. Both leading the way and setting an incredibly high standard, evidenced through both their talents and passion for marketing and leadership as well as their commitment to driving category leading brands forward. Well done to all.”

➤ Elly Hunter, Tayto, and Karen Carmichael, MXB.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Elly Hunter is group marketing director at Tayto Group and is someone with huge visibility and respect in the Northern Ireland food industry. Headquartered at Tandragee, Tayto is one of the UK’s most prominent and successful snack food companies. Elly holds a BSc (Hons) in Food Science, Economics and Marketing from University of Reading and over the last 20 years has held senior marketing positions in some of Northern Ireland’s most successful food companies including Irwin’s Bakery and Dale Farm. Since 2008, Elly has managed Tayto’s award-winning heavy weight marketing campaigns including the muchloved Tayto Nation campaign and developed the Taste of Home brand positioning. She has also been the architect of Tayto’s highly successfully social media and the driving force behind a host of popular brand extensions such as the Tayto’s hand cooked range and the move into Tayto popcorn products.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Elly Hunter, Group marketing director, Tayto, said: “I am naturally delighted to have received the Ulster Grocer Leader in Marketing award this year. It is a fantastic accolade and comes after a very challenging period for marketers up and down the country, and across a range of industries. I would like to thank the wonderful team at Tayto for all their support and our customers for continuing to enjoy Northern Ireland’s best-loved snacks brand.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: CLARE FORSTER - MASH DIRECT

➤ Clare Forster, Mash Direct, and Karen Carmichael, MXB. 48

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Having held a number of key marketing positions at Mash Direct since she joined the company in 2009, Clare Forster was appointed head of marketing in 2016. Holding a BSc Marketing (Hons) from Ulster University, she held a number of high-profile marketing appointments before joining Mash Direct. The judges were impressed by the breadth of Clare’s professional skills and her capacity to network and harness resources to deliver exciting marketing programmes to build the Mash Direct brand and extend its market penetration.”

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

M&S FARMING WITH NATURE PROGRAMME SUPPORTS NI FARMERS

Father and son Maurice and William Kells farm together in Co Armagh, rearing beef for M&S through Linden Foods. They will enhance their farm environment further through the Indicator Farms programme, having already planted broadleaf native hedges to provide wildlife habitat and shelter for cattle and started to limit hedge cutting to encourage biodiversity.

&S has reaffirmed its commitment to agriculture in Northern Ireland at the Balmoral Show through a new five-year collaborative programme to help its Select Farmers become more resilient to the biggest environmental challenges they face. The Farming with Nature programme will provide farmers with industry-relevant, specialist support in the areas of climate change, biodiversity, soil health and water usage to help them to become more sustainable and deliver measurable improvements to their businesses.

As part of the project, M&S has established 17 Indicator and Innovation Farms across the UK, spanning fresh produce, dairy, beef, lamb, pork, turkey, chicken and eggs. The farms will be supported by M&S-funded specialist industry partners from The Wildlife Trusts, the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and FERA. Learnings from these farms will be shared through knowledge transfer activity and farm events with other M&S Select Farmers and the wider industry.

has been no costings detailed to the CONCERNS RAISED there type of work DAERA believes needs to be carried out or where the money would OVER COST come from. The UFU has made it very clear in its response that the funding must OF PEATLAND not come from the current agriculture (CAP) budget. STRATEGY “Another major issue is future

stakeholder group has been proposed to address concerns over the cost and timeframe of implementing the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy 2021-2040, which is currently under consultation. “The Peatland Strategy that will be in place to 2040 is extremely important as peatlands are some of the most valued ecosystems on the planet and they have their own distinctive landscapes,” said William Irvine, deputy president, UFU. “In relation to peatland restoration,

legislation on turbary rights and peat

THE PEATLAND STRATEGY THAT WILL BE IN PLACE TO 2040 IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AS PEATLANDS ARE SOME OF THE MOST VALUED ECOSYSTEMS ON THE PLANET AND THEY HAVE THEIR OWN DISTINCTIVE LANDSCAPES

Graeme and Linda Boden’s free-range egg business in Newmills, near Dungannon, supplies M&S with high-welfare, fresh eggs through Skea Eggs. Environmental initiatives already implemented include solar PV generation, LED lighting and a tree-planting programme, while the Bodens plan to take a whole-farm approach to improving their carbon footprint through the Indicator Farm programme.

“We know that farmers are facing significant challenges, with uncertainties around Brexit, climate change and changes to farm support,” says Steve McLean, head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S. “Adapting to these pressures will require innovation in farming practices and we are determined to support our Select Farms as they find new ways to meet the environmental challenges we face. Our approach is about providing practical support as well as helping to play our part in closing the gap between customers and agriculture.”

extraction. Should DAERA feel that this needs to be put in place, no engagement or analysis on the impact of it has been carried out and it would remove the individual’s right to protect their own land as they see fit. “To move forward with the peatland strategy and ensure that appropriate measures are implemented, DAERA need to form a stakeholder group. It must involve farmers and landowners who are going to be at the core of any future restoration plans and DAERA need to seriously take their views into account.” The Horticulture Forum has also expressed concern at the economic impact of the proposals and lack of any economic impact assessment on a sector which, despite huge investment in the search for alternatives, still relies on peat for both plant propagation and mushroom production.

ADVERTORIAL

GLENILEN FARM’S GUT FRIENDLY PRODUCTS SEE INCREASED SUCCESS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

amily-run, Irish dairy producer Glenilen Farm has secured a number of new listings for its gut friendly live yoghurts in Northern Ireland over the last few months, including Tesco NI which has listed 12 different product lines for the first time, Henderson Group and Musgrave NI. The growing Northern Ireland market now accounts for 10% of Glenilen Farm’s sales and the producer has plans to grow this further over the next three years. The move taps into the growing lifestyle trend amongst consumers for gut healthy, natural products. Research carried out in December 2020 showed that 90% of consumers consider yoghurts that contain ingredients that benefit them to be important. Glenilen Farm is perfectly placed to meet this demand with its wide range of natural yoghurts including the recently launched

three flavoured Kefir yoghurts with 14 strains of live cultures. “We’re really excited about the success that we’re seeing in Northern Ireland and it clearly shows the demand there for the Glenilen Farm brand. With a portfolio of over 50 different products, we are in a great position to meet demand for healthy, gut supporting yoghurts. Our newly revamped packaging also highlights the health properties within the products more prominently,“ says Alan Kingston, owner and co-founder. New Northern Ireland stockists include Tesco NI, Henderson’s, Musgrave NI and lots more independent stores. Fresh2U is Glenilen Farm’s partner in NI. Glenilen Farm is a family-run farm set up by husband-and-wife team, Alan and Valerie Kingston. The farm, based in Drimoleague, West Cork, Ireland produces Kefir yoghurt, cheesecakes, and

country butter as well as a range of other high-quality dairy products, using milk from their own and neighbouring farms. The couple work hard to ensure that their products remain authentic, fresh and contain as few ingredients as possible. Glenilen Farm is not only committed to sustainability and social responsibility but also committed to delivering food that is uncomplicated and full of goodness; food made with a conscience behind it. www.glenilenfarm.com

BUSINESS NEWS

TS FOODS SHORTLISTED IN NATIONAL AWARDS C

astlewellan-based TS Foods, our parents started TS Foods in a leading local chilled 1978, we have always been and frozen food producer, committed to ensuring has been shortlisted in we embrace any change the Food & Drink Family required to grow and Business category of this stay relevant, whilst also year’s Energia Family maintaining our family Business Awards. values in how we deal with The Energia Family our staff, customers and Business Awards showcase the wider community.” Joanne Molloy the best of Irish family David Steele, operations businesses throughout the director and son of Tony and Ann, island of Ireland, as well as examining said: “The family business truly is the their impact on their local and wider backbone of the Irish economy - and community. particularly the Northern Irish economy. “We are delighted to be shortlisted in “We are glad to be considered these prestigious awards, particularly as amongst so many fantastic companies, they reflect the efforts and activities of from small homegrown businesses to businesses such as ours during one of the established and international family run most challenging times in living memory,” businesses and would like to congratulate said Joanne Molloy, managing director of everyone who has been shortlisted in a TS Foods, and daughter founders Tony particularly difficult operating period.” and Ann Steele. “We are immensely proud to be a The awards will take virtually on family owned and run business. Since October 18.

MASH DIRECT SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE CHOICES WITH ECO LABELLING

ash Direct has partnered with non-profit organisation Foundation Earth to launch a new line of eco labelling, providing information on the environmental impact of a product as a whole and designed to allow consumers to make more sustainable choices. One of the first companies to have signed up to the pilot scheme, Mash Direct is hoping to lead change within the food and drink sector and encourage more sustainable buying choices. Foundation Earth has brought together two of the world’s leading systems, Mondra and EIT, for measuring the environmental impact of an individual food product and communicating the information clearly and simply via a traffic light style system to consumers via a front-of-pack score.

WHITE’S OATS RELAUNCHES HERO PRODUCTS WITH SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TESCO NORTHERN IRELAND

eading porridge and oat cereal producer White’s Oats has partnered with Tesco to announce the relaunch of three of its porridge oat cereals in a more sustainable recyclable paper bag. Speedicook Porridge Oats, Jumbo Organic Oats and Organic Oat Flakes are now available in a larger 1kg bag, removing over 500kgs of packaging annually. White’s, as part of its wider sustainability strategy, has pledged to deliver 100% recyclable packaging across all its products by the end of 2022 and to make it easier for consumers to choose products produced in a sustainable way. Positive gains have already been made with 93% of its packaging already recyclable and 100% FSC accredited. As major stockists of White’s Oats since 1996, Tesco is one of the first retailers in Northern Ireland to supply the new 1kg bags to consumers. Tesco has been working continuously with suppliers to help them reduce packaging and plastic waste and White’s has developed its

Michael Crealey, Tesco, and Stuart Best, White’s.

sustainability packaging credentials to ensure it aligns with Tesco and meets all the credentials for the green standard. Stuart Best, business development manager, White’s, said: “Through our longstanding relationship with Tesco, we know consumer behaviours have shifted and we are continually looking at innovative ways to address customer concerns around provenance, the environment and sustainability. “White’s has taken a proactive approach on its sustainability journey to promoting more environmentally friendly packaging, ensuring its products are not just recyclable but also align with Tesco’s reduction and

waste strategy. As well as the move to a larger pack, our speedicook and organic porridge oats are packed into block bottom bags to reduce excess packaging and to help maximise transport loads.” Commenting on the partnership Michael Crealey, buying manager, Tesco, said: “Tesco Northern Ireland is committed to promoting healthy sustainable products and encouraging more sustainable buying choices by shoppers. The provenance of food and how it is packaged and disposed of are now key drivers in consumer’s purchasing decisions. “As a local company, White’s is fully committed to keeping its carbon footprint low, supporting local farmers within a 60mile radius of the mill and promoting a short supply chain from farm to pack. We welcome the positive steps White’s has taken in the packaging and marketing of its products, providing greater clarity and trust around what’s recyclable and how to recycle so shoppers can make better informed environmental decisions.”

People on the move... in association with

SNAPPY GROUP EXPANDS SENIOR TEAM TO DRIVE GROWTH PLANS

he Snappy Group, a technology platform connecting consumers with local businesses, has appointed Caroline MacGregor as chief people officer and Lisa Venter as Group operations director. The appointments come at a significant milestone in the Group’s trajectory as it invests in people, technology, partner services and marketing. Both MacGregor and Venter will be instrumental in helping

Caroline MacGregor

to deliver the Company’s growth strategy over the next few years. MacGregor joins from Philip Morris International where she was head of enablement and change within the Global Talent Acquisition team. There she led the transformation of global onboarding throughout the pandemic and managed an £8m portfolio to develop a new operating model for talent acquisition. She has strong experience within retail and FMCG businesses including The Coop, Heineken and Aegon. At The Snappy Group, MacGregor will lead on creating a scalable people strategy to deliver the Company’s ambitious growth plans with the creation of 400 new jobs over the next three years. Venter will be leading the Operations function across the Group in order to streamline the growth efforts across all departments. She has considerable experience in operational and growth marketing across technology businesses, including at Skyscanner where she led the

Lisa Venter

group’s global marketing operations. Prior to this, she held a variety of brand marketing roles across a wide range of start-ups before her tenure as COO at Hypergrowth, an EU based agency specialising in advising startups. The appointments of MacGregor and Venter follow the successful £20m series A fundraise and a significant strengthening of the board, with Justin King as board adviser. The funds, including a £6m strategic investment from PayPoint, will enable the Company to continue its strong growth over the next few years, having grown from 220 to 1,700 business partners since December 2019, and to more than 1 million users across the UK.

JTI NAMES SARAH CONNOR AS NEW COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

TI has appointed Sarah Connor as the communications director of its UK division. Connor has nearly 20 years’ experience working at JTI, joining the company in 2003 on the graduate trainee programme. She continued her career, becoming the head of UK procurement in 2007 before becoming UK communications manager in 2017. Connor replaces Mark Yexley, who has moved to a new role as corporate

communications director in the corporate communications team in JTI’s Geneva headquarters. “I am delighted to be leading communications for the talented UK team,” she said. “The UK tobacco and next gen industry continues to undergo significant change, and JTI seeks to be at the forefront of its innovation. I look forward to working with my team to keep retail partners up to date of all our progress.”

Sarah Connor

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SHELFLIFE

To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Chris Keenan at c.keenan@independentmagazinesni.co.uk or Tel: 028 9026 4267

BALLYMALOE CRANBERRY SAUCE

allymaloe Cranberry Sauce is as natural as it can be, with only water and sugar added to create this fruit-filled classic. We use whole cranberries and employ a slow-cook method, to get the deep flavour the sauce has become known for. It is delicious when eaten with traditional roast meats such as turkey, chicken and ham, for a delicious twist on a classic sandwich and scrumptious when enjoyed with brie type cheeses. Widely available across Northern Ireland retailers, essential for your Christmas grocery shopping list!

EDWARDS PICKLES

he Edward’s brand holds a strong heritage and is a well-recognised Northern Irish pickle brand. With a loyal customer base, Edwards prides itself on a reputation for its’unique local taste’. Mr Edwards and Mr Frederick King started pickling crunchy fresh veg in Belfast in 1896. Since then, we’ve carried on the tradition, making our unique, Belfast-recipe pickles so deliciously tangy they’ll give any taste bud a decent tickle. Widely available across Northern Ireland retailers, Christmas cheese boards just wouldn’t be complete without it!

McCOY’S REVAMPS ITS PACKAGING WITH FLAVOUR FOCUS

cCoy’s, the UK’s number one ridged crisp brand[1], has updated the packaging across its core range in all formats, highlighting its core proposition of ‘full on flavour’. The refresh rolled out in stores from last month with modernised packaging introduced across the core flavours, Salted, Cheddar & Onion, Salt & Malt Vinegar, Flame Grilled Steak, and Thai Sweet Chicken. While retaining the familiar look and feel which consumers know and love, the redesign brings to life more vibrant colours as well as a patterned design to help catch the attention of shoppers. The new design also incorporates the tagline, Full On Flavour, highlighting McCoy’s reputation for unmistakable boldness and greattasting snacks. “McCoy’s

is a leader in the CSN category, synonymous with strong and full-on flavours,” said Sue Mackay, marketing manager, KP Snacks. “We are really excited to be able to drive this brand reputation even further with a fun packaging makeover.” Worth £133.2m RSV, McCoy’s is the No.1 ridged Crisp brand and No.1 meal deal choice, purchased by 8m households[2]. McCoy’s is delivering +39.7% ahead of the total £1 PMPs sharing segment at 6.5%[3]. [1] Nielsen Scantrack 17.07.21 [2] Kantar WPO 52 w/e July 2020 [3] Nielsen Scantrack 17.07.21

TASTE & GLORY LAUNCHES NEW VEGAN DELI SLICES RANGE

aste & Glory launched Deli Slices, its newest plantbased venture in the meat-free category, last month. The Deli Slices range is available in three flavours to tempt shoppers looking for help to reduce their meat consumption. Launching in Asda on October 4, with wider rollout later this year, the new products will help retailers diversify their chilled lunchtime fixtures in-store. Available in smoked No-Ham, No-Chicken and No-Beef thick cut deli slices, Taste & Glory’s newest innovations have been crafted to mimic their meat-counterparts and allow retailers to tap into the lunchtime occasion, historically under-represented in the meat-free category. At present, plant-based lunchtime options under-deliver on both taste and texture according to consumer sentiment.[1] Taste & Glory’s new Deli Slices recreate the sensory experience of meat, with a textured protein replicating its natural chew. The meat-free category has grown by 12.5% since the beginning of 2021[2] and is now worth £572m[3]. However, within this, plant-based lunchtime occasions represent a huge untapped occasion for retailers. [1] MMR Consumer Research, 2021 [2] IRI Data ending 18th April 2021 (excludes Discounters) [3] IRI 52ks to 13.06.21

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CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

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CLASSIFIEDS

WANT YOUR COMPANY TO GET NOTICED? ADVERTISE HERE... CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

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GROCER ULSTER

Over 45 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

CLASSIFIEDS

Sales Teams • •

Merchandising

Fully Outsourced Contract & Tactical • C&I • Grocery • Licensed

• • •

Retail Installations

Warehousing & Logistics • •

•

Support Service Stand Alone Capability

• •

Promotions / Sampling • •

C&I, Grocery, Licensed Agency Links

Fully Outsourced Contract & Tactical All Channels

Installation & maintenance 3rd Party relationships IOI Supplier

Auditing / Market Research •

Recruitment •

•

Auditing Mystery Shopping

FMCG Field Staff only

Suite 309, River House, 48-60 High St, Belfast BT1 2BE • info@greenfieldmarketing.co.uk Belfast Office: 02890 770 999 • www.greenfieldmarketing.co.uk

Q&A TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’ve worked for the company for 23 years, starting on the IT support desk, through various roles to today. We now have a team of over 60 IT professionals in Henderson Technology, supplying systems to over 700 forecourt and convenience stores. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? My focus at the start of each day is to ensure our teams are in the right place to achieve their goals and meet the needs of our customers. With the pandemic, we’ll review any Covid actions first of all, rescheduling if staff are unavailable, or store requirements have changed, etc. We have moved most meetings to virtual ones, but this has had the positive effect of allowing us to have shorter but more regular meetings which means I can keep in touch with what is happening across our customer base. Days are taken up with planning meetings, service meetings, and project meetings for specific areas of focus, such as Natasha’s Law, which is a vital set of legislations we need to help our customers with. I will be in the office at least one or two days each week, so keeping a focus on our facilities to make sure they meet all the Covid regulations has also become a key part of the job. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? When we won Retail Technology of the Year in the UK, and Mobile App of the Year awards in 2019 – these really brought home to me how our team was truly delivering for our customers and being able to receive the awards on behalf of the Henderson Technology team was one of the proudest moments I’ve had. I think we have even more of these to come! WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The variety. Working with over 700 stores in the UK and Australia, no two days are ever the same. As anyone in retail will tell you, it’s a fast-moving industry and working in technology is no different – we are continually pushing ourselves to meet the needs today and tomorrow for our retailers, and that continual innovation is something I love. My passion has always been to see the work we do make a difference to the stores of our customers. 58

IN THE HOT SEAT DARREN NICKELS, RETAIL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, HENDERSON TECHNOLOGY

get some challenges presented to us, if you start from a position that you enjoy and have a real passion for what you are doing, then you have a head start in getting a resolution. Rather than trying to hold yourself hostage to a life plan, find that area that you enjoy and can thrive in, and the plan works itself out. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? Negativity. I always feel if we can approach a task, situation or problem with an open mind and eagerness to get to the other side of it, then we are halfway there already. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I wish I could play a musical instrument – the piano or even the saxophone.

RATHER THAN TRYING TO HOLD YOURSELF HOSTAGE TO A LIFE PLAN, FIND THAT AREA THAT YOU ENJOY AND CAN THRIVE IN, AND THE PLAN WORKS ITSELF OUT WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Keeping the plates spinning. Working in such a fast-moving environment, with such a diverse customer base and with new customers and opportunities coming to us on a daily basis, the biggest challenge is servicing our existing customers to the highest levels, while keeping our teams motivated and engaged, and at the same time growing the business and meeting those new needs and requirements of new types of operators. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? ‘Do a job that you enjoy, then it won’t feel like work at all.’ I can’t say that it applies every day, but when we all do

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? My team at Henderson Technology, and indeed the wider team across the Group, for the way they have adapted and coped throughout the pandemic. To see how they have all coped and indeed excelled through this, while ensuring our customers continue to receive the highest levels of customer service, makes me immensely proud and full of admiration for them all. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? I’ve been very lucky to visit every continent in the world except for the Arctics and love the experience of travelling and seeing new cities and sights, but at heart I am a home lover, and the North Coast in Northern Ireland can’t be beaten. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Pizza. And having recently got a pizza oven for my birthday, all the family are now having to follow me with my passion. HOW DO YOU RELAX? Enjoying time with my family on the North Coast – walking on the beach, (attempting to) paddleboard and generally being outdoors anywhere there lifts me even after the most challenging of days.