Ulster Grocer September 2020

GROCER ULSTER

TM

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

SEPTEMBER 2020

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

GROCER ULSTER

TM

SEPTEMBER 2020

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

RETAIL SECTOR URGES ZERO-TOLERANCE APPROACH TO ABUSE OF STAFF

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epresentatives from the retail sector are calling for enforcement of a zerotolerance approach to abuse of shop workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

While many shoppers are complying with stores’ safety procedures aimed at minimising risk of exposure to the coronavirus, abuse of shop staff has escalated among a minority; particularly since the introduction of mandatory mask wearing in shops by the NI Executive on August 10.

The mask mandate has been broadly welcomed by the grocery sector, with most retail groups providing supportive signage and encouraging compliance among their own shop workers.

However, a representative of one leading retail group said shops were facing mounting complaints from mask-wearing customers about non-compliant shoppers.

Some workers have been abused by customers for politely requesting mask wearing and, as shops have no power of enforcement over customers, what is really needed is penalty enforcement of non-compliance by the PSNI, said the retail group representative.

Representatives from Northern Ireland’s two main retail bodies have supported calls for a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of shop staff.

“Generally, I am glad to say, the vast

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STORE FOCUS: WITH SPAR CARNMONEY HILL, HENDERSON GROUP HAS OPENED ITS FIRST NEW-BUILD STORE SINCE LOCKDOWN ON A SITE WITH LOCAL GROCERY HERITAGE

majority of people have been great,” said Aodhán Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium. “They have followed the guidelines in store and have been courteous with our staff who have been doing an amazing job in very difficult circumstances.

“I’ve even had members of the public write in to say how much they appreciate what retailers and especially our front-line colleagues have been doing. However there has been growth in abuse of staff

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LOCAL LEGENDS: KP SNACKS HAS LAUNCHED A NEW CAMPAIGN REWARDING ITS RETAIL PARTNERS FOR THEIR RESILIENCE AND DETERMINATION THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC

from a small minority.

“It is unacceptable, not part of the job and we have zero tolerance of it. These guidelines were brought in to keep people safe and we as responsible retailers have always had the safety of our customers and staff as our key priority.”

Connolly said, in his experience, uptake of mask wearing in shops has been mixed. “On some of my store visits there have been almost full compliance, while in others there has been around half of people wearing face coverings. We would encourage people to abide by the regulations, think of others and wear a mask.”

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said: “Sadly, we have picked up further instances of abuse of shop staff since the mandatory wearing of face coverings was introduced. Physical and verbal abuse of shop workers is totally unacceptable, and we fully support tougher penalties or indeed sentencing for those guilty of such behaviour.”

Appealing to shoppers to show respect, courtesy and understanding to retail staff, Roberts said he has raised the issue with Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd and is also seeking a meeting with Justice Minister Naomi Long to discuss tougher sentences for those guilty of assaulting staff.

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FRANCHISE & FASCIA: NISA RETAIL SAYS A RECORD NUMBER OF RETAILERS HAVE JOINED AND THOSE INVESTING IN STORES ARE ENJOYING AVERAGE SALES UPLIFTS OF 12%

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IN THE HOT SEAT: FEATURING RUAIRIDH MORRISON, CO-OWNER OF THE NORTH COAST SMOKEHOUSE, PRODUCING SMOKED FISH, SEA SALT, PEPPER, OIL AND DULSE

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 55 Number 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow Sales Manager: Chris Keenan E: c.keenan@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4266 Art Editor: Helen Wright Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Ulster Grocer c/o Independent News & Media Ltd, Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG www.ulstergrocer.com @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer Subscriptions: £27.50 per annum £37.50 per annum (outside UK) Designed & Produced by: Independent News & Media Ltd Tel: 028 9026 4000 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911

EDITORIAL COMMENT

www.ulstergrocer.com

RESPECT FOR THE VITAL ROLE PLAYED BY THE GROCERY SECTOR

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elcome to the September Ulster Grocer. It’s been a busy couple of months since our last edition, in which the local grocery sector has rapidly and efficiently adapted to a new model of operation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lengthy queuing, sanitising of hands, trolleys and baskets, one-way aisles and Perspex screens have become standard practice. Thankfully, the shortage of products such as toilet roll, pasta and flour witnessed at the beginning of the pandemic have diminished alongside the panic buying creating the empty shelves.

And more recently, the NI Executive’s introduction of mandatory mask wearing in stores from August 10 has been largely embraced by shoppers. While some have questioned the timing of its introduction, the mandate is nonetheless a welcome one at a time when the populace is evidently becoming more relaxed in its approach to safety precautions.

In the earlier days of the pandemic, shoppers maintained a respectful distance from one another and some of the more organised retailers even policed aisles to prevent crowding. However, a reversion to normal shopping habits has been apparent over the summer, and mask wearing will at least offer some form of protection as Northern Ireland continues to experience new clusters.

Grocery retail has generally escaped the Covid-19-related devastation facing other sectors such as hospitality. Indeed, many shops have seen an uplift in sales.

During the period of lockdown, with little else to do, consumers spent big on food and drink. The greatest surge was during the panic buying fortnight in March, but grocery spending is continuing at a substantially higher level.

During peak lockdown, bigger stores were the main beneficiaries as consumers reverted to the one big weekly shop to minimise their outside contact or opted for home delivery.

C-stores also saw a boost from people keeping it local and doing their big shop there, although some lost trade from

their top-up shopping, frequent-visit consumer base and temporary suspension of their lucrative takeaway coffee and ice cream lines.

Across the board, however, while sales were strong, the trading environment was challenging. Retail groups had to make substantial investments in equipment and systems to keep staff members and shoppers safe.

Fortunately, finding workers for the front line was not as difficult as might have been imagined, with existing staff members stepping up and a ready supply of new employees who had lost their jobs or been furloughed from other sectors.

Even night shift positions traditionally trickier to fill are said to have been inundated with candidates.

Processors, wholesalers and logistics providers have also been under immense pressure throughout the pandemic to maintain supply to shops, while keeping up with new safety regulations.

Cranswick Country Foods has become the first major local employer to have to suspend operations while dealing with a significant cluster, following a pattern of outbreaks emerging among big food processors worldwide.

The Cullybackey pigmeat processor may well have had all proper measures in place, with workers contracting the virus through shared transport, housing or other social situations.

Nonetheless, the situation highlights the pressure on the agri-food chain as it negotiates the pandemic, with our news story opposite indicating the negative impact of suspending operations at one site on the entire local pig sector.

With recessionary woes ahead, there will undoubtedly come a time when consumers pull back their grocery spending.

Looking forward, we can only hope the clusters diminish without any full-blown second wave, but perhaps leaving behind a newfound respect for the vital role played by the grocery sector.

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NEWS

TREVOR MAGILL APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MUSGRAVE NI Trevor Magill

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onvenience retailer and wholesale supplier Musgrave NI, which owns the SuperValu, Centra, MACE and

MarketPlace brands, has announced the appointment of Trevor Magill as the company’s new managing director.

Having joined Musgrave in 2012, Trevor held the roles of MACE sales director and more recently NI wholesale director. He replaces Michael McCormack, managing director of Wholesale and Foodservice.

Prior to joining Musgrave, Trevor held a number of senior leadership roles for national and international brands including Kerry Foods, Breeo Foods and PRM. “We have ambitious plans to redefine convenience within our network of stores in Northern Ireland and I am delighted that Trevor will be at the helm to drive forward this vision,” said Noel Keeley, CEO, Musgrave Group.

“Our focus is on what matters to our shoppers – bringing healthier, restaurant quality food to convenience and continuously innovating across all aspects of convenience. I wish Trevor and his

team in Northern Ireland every success.”

As managing director, Magill will oversee the continued growth and development of the Musgrave brands and retail stores across Northern Ireland.

He said: “Having been at Musgrave for eight years, I am looking forward to this new chapter. Our aim to redefine convenience is underpinned by our ability to grow our estate across the SuperValu, Centra and MACE brands while offering our wholesale partners a competitive offering in Musgrave MarketPlace, La Rousse Foods and Drinks Inc. “We’ve been extremely active in the market over recent years – acquiring new stores but also revamping existing stores within our estate and that is continuing this year and beyond. The team at Musgrave is very much in partnership with our strong group of independent retailers as well as our wholesale customers and I look forward to building upon what is already a great foundation.”

CRANSWICK CLOSES AFTER COVID-19 OUTBREAK

300 M&S JOBS POTENTIALLY AT RISK

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lster Farmers’ Union has been meeting with local government ministers and officials after an outbreak of Covid-19 cases resulted in the temporary closure of Cranswick Country Foods in Cullybackey last month.

Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed 35 members of staff had tested positive for the virus, with the site closing while all workers are tested, and pork exports also temporarily suspended to China.

“Following the news that the Cranswick factory would close for a fortnight, many members contacted us expressing grave concerns about the closure and the potential serious short- and long-term consequences,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “The factory is a central part of the pig trade in NI, processing thousands of pigs every week. The UFU is asking all industry representatives to get around the table to discuss and explore all options to prevent a

serious backlog and help relieve extra pressure building on pig farmers who do not have the facilities to house pigs for longer than initially planned. Action needs to be taken now to ensure this situation does not develop into a major crisis.”

While a number of food processors in GB and RoI have had to suspend operations as a result of Covid-19 outbreaks among their workforce, Cranswick is thought to be the first major employer to do so in Northern Ireland.

“Supported by the advice of the Public Health Agency and Chief Medical Officer, the outbreak is so significant and so extensive that all the workers in the factory and all recent visitors should now be required to selfisolate,” said Swann.

“This will see the plant closure of the factory and as a priority all staff will be tested and the plant will have a full deep clean over the period of the closure.”

BY MARGARET CANNING round 300 jobs are thought to be at risk at Marks & Spencer’s 21 stores around NI as the dramatic impact of Covid-19 on the retail sector deepens.

M&S has around 2,800 staff in Northern Ireland, where it opened its first store 53 years ago. Its stores vary from large units such as Belfast City Centre, Newry and Sprucefield selling food, clothing and household goods, to smaller Simply Food stores.

Northern Ireland recruitment specialist Max Mackin said such profound job cuts at a linchpin of the high street marked the end of an era of retail as a job for life. A growing trend of working from home was one factor influencing how city centre retailers like Marks and Spencer were planning for the future, he said.

Retailers have already suffered a loss of custom to discount operators like Lidl, as well as to online retailers. M&S said the bulk of the cuts would be made across its stores, hitting around 12% of its 60,000 shop-based staff, as well as a smaller number of support centre and regional management workers. If 12% of its 2,800 Northern Ireland roles are cut, that could mean 336 job losses.

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NEWS

UK GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NEW OBESITY STRATEGY

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ighter regulations have been proposed for the marketing, promotion and labelling of food and drink as part of a new obesity strategy launched by the UK government to help the population protect themselves against Covid-19 and reduce the burden on the NHS. The package of measures, not all of which may be introduced in Northern Ireland, includes: • A ban on TV and online adverts for food high in fat, sugar and salt before 9pm • An end of deals like ‘buy one get one free’ on unhealthy food high in salt, sugar and fat • A consultation on current traffic light

system front-of-pack nutritional labelling • Calories to be displayed on menus to help people make healthier choices when eating out – while alcoholic drinks could soon have to list hidden ‘liquid calories’ • A new campaign, Better Health, to help people lose weight, get active and eat better after Covid-19 ‘wake-up call’ Following publication of the strategy, NI Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We know from the evidence that being overweight or obese puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19, as well as from many other life-threatening diseases. It is therefore vital that we redouble our efforts, not only across government and the health service, but also as individuals,

RETAIL NI WELCOMES £11M ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN FOR TOWN AND CITY CENTRES

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etail NI has welcomed the Northern Ireland Executive’s allocation of £11m for the economic recovery of town and city centres from the impact of Covid-19 and called for a wider regeneration plan for local high streets.

“This is a very welcome investment from the Executive in our town and city centres and we are pleased that ministers have listened to our concerns,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI. “However, much, much more will be needed to support

our high streets as they recover from the impact of Covid-19.

“The NI Executive needs to bring forward a big bold recovery plan for our town and city centres and to establish a high streets taskforce comprising of key Executive departments, councils, business and place managers to coordinate policy.

“Sadly, we are going to see a lot more businesses like Eason’s close. Our high streets need urgent help otherwise thousands more jobs will be lost.”

High street recovery, City Deals and Brexit were among topics raised when Retail NI, Belfast Chamber and Hospitality Ulster recently hosted the new NI Shadow Secretary of State Louise Haigh in Belfast City Centre.

From left, Colin Neill, Hospitality Ulster; Simon Hamilton, Belfast Chamber; Louise Haigh; Michael Stewart, Belfast Chamber; and Glyn Roberts, Retail NI.

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to support each other to live healthier lives.

“We have been working with our counterparts on a number of the measures announced - particularly the restrictions on advertising of unhealthy foods and information on front of pack labelling.

“However, many of the actions in the strategy, including the plans around restricting promotions of food high in fat, salt and sugar, are devolved to Northern Ireland and more consideration will need to be given to these.”

Rather than focusing primarily on childhood obesity, the strategy represents a new focus on empowering adults to lose weight as well.

REPORT REINFORCES IMPORTANCE OF AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY TO ECONOMY

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ales of local food and drink increased by 7% to £5.2bn between 2017 and 2018, including an increase of £6.9m in domestic sales and export boosts of £240m to Great Britain, £82m to the Republic of Ireland and £27.3m to other EU markets.

The figures, recently published in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs annual report on the size and performance of the Northern Ireland food and drinks processing sector, underline how crucial agri-food is for the local economy, according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).

“We are immensely proud of our industry and the quality raw material produced on farms,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “However, the food chain can only succeed if everyone in it is profitable.

“The government must not overlook its strategic importance, and this must not be forgotten in the Brexit discussions.

“Farming is the bedrock of the local manufacturing sector, supplying traceable and affordable food produced to world-leading animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards.”

NEWS

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER IN 2020

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hortlisted entries for the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2020 will be announced in the October edition of the magazine, with highly commended and winning entries named in a later edition.

The Awards are usually held during the GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball, which was initially moved to September 11 and subsequently cancelled for 2020, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 32nd annual awards will see winners awarded across 10 categories.

As well as a new Leader in Marketing accolade, awards include Best Digital Marketing Campaign, Best Sustainability

Initiative and the Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer Award, recognising up and coming stars in memory of the cofounder of Forest Feast.

Further categories include Best Marketing Campaign, Best Brand, Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion, Best New Product Launch/Relaunch, Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership and Best Export Marketing.

Sponsors on board for this year’s Awards include Aqua Twist, Carn Coldstore, Electric Ireland, Forest Feast, HFM, Hunky Dorys, Invest NI, Mash Direct, MBNI Truck & Van and MXB. “Fortunately, our entry deadline for the

Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2020 fell just before Northern Ireland entered lockdown,” said Alyson Magee, editor of Ulster Grocer, “and therefore had minimal impact on entries, which again reached a record number and were of a notably high calibre.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to entrants for their patience, and to our sponsors for their ongoing support as this year’s awards adopt a different format to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.”

Judging this year’s awards is an independent panel led by marketing experts Michael Maguire and Sam Butler.

Pictured at the Culloden for the launch of the 2020 awards earlier this year are, from left, Chris Keenan (Ulster Grocer), Gary Taylor (Aqua Twist), Bronagh Clarke (Forest Feast), Alan Cunningham (Electric Ireland), Debra Henderson (HFM), Fiona Derry (Carn Coldstore), Alyson Magee (Ulster Grocer), Allie McAuley (MXB), Clare Forster (Mash Direct), Geoff Spence (Invest NI), Sean Clarke (MBNI Truck & Van) and Martin McClinton (Hunky Dorys).

STORE FOCUS

SPAR CARNMONEY HILL HENDERSON GROUP HAS OPENED ITS FIRST NEW-BUILD STORE SINCE LOCKDOWN ON A SITE WITH LOCAL GROCERY HERITAGE, RETAIL DIRECTOR MARK McCAMMOND TELLS ALYSON MAGEE

Mark McCammond, retail director at Henderson Group

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epresenting a return to some semblance of normality, Henderson Group has opened its first new-build store since the Covid-19 lockdown came into force in March.

A leasehold property built to order by the landlord on Carnmoney Hill, the Group has invested £500,000 in the fitout of its 95th company-owned store.

Work had commenced on the site in late 2019 but came to a halt in March, restarting in June.

While encountering a few delays around availability of materials and even getting the electricity connected, “it all came together, and we were delighted to open on the 10th of July”, says Mark McCammond, retail director at Henderson Group. “We thought that was quite an achievement in terms of all the parties that pulled together to help us so soon after the peak of Covid-19.

“We had about six weeks really to get 8

the internal fitout completed, which was quite tight, but we were able to do that and have had a really warm reception from customers who saw it emerging.”

The store design had to be adapted to incorporate new safety protocols around Covid-19. “As we had to down tools for a period of time, it was a challenge to reflect what was happening and add some extra measures in,” he says. “We were able to install a one-way system in the store effectively.

“We reset our signage and messaging and were able to implement really good processes in terms of controlling checkouts.

“There are screens at the butchery counters and checkouts, but we also took the decision to put self-serve checkouts in because during Covid-19 they have been very popular. Cash has become a yuck factor, and people just want to tap and go. About 30% of all store transactions have been going through self-checkouts so far.”

Marketing ahead of the opening was limited to roadside messaging, bus shelters and leaflets in the catchment area. “Normally we would go full blast with a lot of marketing for the launch of a new store,” says McCammond, “but during Covid-19, you’re trying not to force people onto a site. You’re trying to get people to be responsible.”

STORE FOCUS

SITE HERITAGE SPAR Carnmoney Hill may be a new build, but the site of the shop boasts local grocery heritage. Around 100 years ago, a store owned by Israel Abernethy existed on the site, and his descendant of the same name still lives in an abutting residence. Old photographs of the original store are displayed in the entranceway of the new shop.

More recently, one of the adjoining units was formerly a SPAR store in which John Wilson first began making Mauds before closing the shop to focus his efforts on the burgeoning ice-cream brand.

“It was great to put a Mauds counter back into SPAR Carnmoney Hill because it’s a lovely little bit of history that all the locals know about,” says McCammond, who himself hails from the village.

SPAR Carnmoney Hill currently employs 21 staff members, including a few who have transferred from other stores but mainly new additions. Andrew McIleese is store manager.

With many locals out of work during the pandemic, recruitment of retail staff has never been easier, says McCammond.

“There’s three or four other stores in the area that we’ve been able to disperse staff among to get trained up on our policy systems, but also all the Covid-19 procedures as well.”

Beyond environmentally friendly features standard across the Henderson Group portfolio, such as LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration, the Carnmoney Hill shop features innovative eco blade technology.

Diverting coolant from aisles back into cabinets, the technology not only uses energy for refrigeration more efficiently but maintains a more stable temperature in aisles for shoppers.

LOCAL FOOD FOCUS A popular feature of the new store has been an Irvine’s Chop Shop counter. “It’s good to be partnering with somebody who is truly a local player, and they’ve brought something to the store we are delighted to be a part of,” says McCammond. “That’s something we

have done with a lot of stores.”

The shop also features Barista Bar coffee and SPAR bakery counters. While around 75% of produce sold in Group stores would typically be sourced from the island of Ireland, McCammond reckons it would be closer to 80% at SPAR Carnmoney Hill.

“People recognise we’re a big supporter of local produce and that’s probably going to become more important in the current context of local trade and supporting local jobs on this island,” he says. “People want to see well-loved local firms prosper. When there’s so much doom and gloom about small companies going out of business, we want to protect these unique, heritage-rich local firms that bring something different rather than massproduced food.”

One such investment by Henderson Group has been The Chef, its range of ready meals created at a production facility in Randalstown under the creative lead of Carl Johannesson and selling well in the new shop.

“These are true recipes using all local ingredients, and fantastic quality with a lot of provenance,” says McCammond.

“We’re really proud of these products, which are unique to SPAR- and EUROSPAR-branded stores and doing really well.”

The Chef range taps into an area of high demand. “We know what’s important for our customers is being able to find something for tonight’s tea at short notice; maybe at 3pm in the day,” he says. “We’re right next to a primary school so hopefully, when the schools open, we’ll have mums and dads coming out with kids and looking to buy tonight’s tea.

“We’ve got not just the centrepiece, but all the trimmings and Sunday lunch as well. That’s really important and I think that particular range will feature heavily in shopping baskets because it saves a lot of time.”

And while Carnmoney Hill already features plentiful on-street parking, the new store offers the added benefit of

around 20 parking sites and a range of trolley options for those looking for more than a basket shop.

“We’ve seen probably half our customers so far using trolleys which is good because the average customer spend is very encouraging on this site,” says McCammond. “It tells me it’s appealing to people who aren’t just high convenience customers buying tobacco, news and confectionary but thinking of meals as well.”

While average basket spend would sit around £5-£6 for most convenience stores, at Carnmoney Hill it has been closer to £10.

GROUP EXPANSION For the Group, the main focus throughout the pandemic has been safely feeding the nation across its 460 SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores. Over £1m has been invested in protective measures and communications for retailers and shoppers since March.

“We haven’t really been talking about sales, we’ve been talking about how to keep our people safe,” says McCammond. “The regime we’ve put in has been second to none, and we’re constantly trying to think of ways to build on our Covid-19 credentials.”

A further goal is “to keep supporting the economy by building and expanding stores and providing job opportunities,” he says. “We’re still actively looking for new sites.”

The Group hopes to reach 100 company-owned stores by the end of the year, with two - EUROSPAR Millisle in Co Down and ViVOXTRA Newry Road in Banbridge - already at advanced stages of construction.

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RETAIL NEWS - INDEPENDENTS

FRENCH VILLAGE TURNS RESTAURANT INTO NEW FOOD HALL IN BELFAST

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ne of Belfast’s leading restaurants has been transformed into an artisan food hall with a freshly cooked food-to-go range by bakery and catering entrepreneur Ashley French.

The recently opened French Village Food Hall on Belfast’s Lisburn Road aims to build on the growing trend towards home cooking which has continued from the coronavirus lockdown.

French, managing director of French Village Bakery and Catering operation, has pivoted the popular restaurant into a spacious novel food hall stocking locally produced food and drink from artisan processors and farms and a wide variety of fresh food and baked goods from his company.

“The decision to create the new food

Ashley French, managing director of French Village Bakery in Belfast.

hall is the outcome of the lockdown which halted our catering business and especially from the growth in home cooking over the past four months,” said French. “We noticed this important trend from the success of the call and collect and delivery services we introduced when our restaurants in the city were shuttered.

SUCCESSFUL US CHAIN INSPIRES NEW BALLYMENA SHOP

Glen Houston of Granny Shaw’s Trading Post

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ward-winning fudge makers Glen and Rhonda Houston of Granny Shaw’s Fudge in Co Antrim have opened a new food venture during the lockdown, inspired by a US store concept.

The couple from Ahoghill has established Granny Shaw’s Trading Post in Ballymena, retailing their handcut kettle-churned fudge alongside food and drink from other local artisan producers.

The venture is influenced by Trader

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Joe’s, a chain of neighbourhood grocery stores operating across 42 US states and a leader in ‘fresh format’ stores. The couple previously owned Northern Ireland’s only fudge factory and visitor centre, Granny Shaw’s, on the historic Glenarm Estate in Co Antrim.

“While we loved the setting in the estate and were well treated by the team there, we became concerned about the impact of the coronavirus on footfall from tourism and especially the many events organised there including the hugely successful Dalriada Festival,” said Glen.

“We just had to move to a location which offered greater numbers of shoppers and thereby enable us to sustain and grow our business. I’d always been keen on running my own food business. Granny Shaw’s Trading Post is a dream come true for both of us.”

Based in Ballymena’s Tower Centre, the shop also stocks Erne Larder’s Bacon Jam and Ketchup, Amber Catering and Cakes, Papas Mineral Cordials, Ruby’s Fine Foods, Kennedy Bacon and Long Meadow Apple Cider Vinegar alongside cheeses, sausages, oils, balsamic vinegars and curry sauces.

“I’ve been watching the development of this important sector for a couple of years. There’s a vast variety of highquality food being produced locally now; products which I believe deserved even greater support and recognition.

Younger consumers are increasingly buying local artisan produce because of its quality, low carbon food print and traceability. It’s fresh, nutritious, wholesome and safe.”

French took over the family bakery, now based at Montgomery Road in east Belfast, from his father in 2005. It employs almost 300 people.

TRADE BODIES RAISE NEWSPAPER SUPPLY CHAIN CONCERNS NFRN and ACS have raised concerns about the future of the newspaper supply chain in a joint letter to the Minister of State for Media and Data John Whittingdale.

Recently, newspaper publishers and wholesaler representatives called for a competition wavier to bring the industry together to discuss the future of the supply chain. The Covid-19 crisis has changed many dynamics in the news industry, which presents an opportunity for the industry to think about its future.

In the letter, NFRN and ACS outlined a number of areas that need to be addressed in order for the newspaper supply chain to operate more efficiently and effectively, including carriage service charges, requested delivery times, territorial protection and coupon redemption processes.

DUNGIVEN EUROSPAR MANAGER WINS £1M ON NATIONAL LOTTERY SCRATCHCARD A store manager from Dungiven in Co Derry~Londonderry is celebrating becoming Northern Ireland’s newest millionaire after scooping £1m on a National Lottery Scratchcard.

Shawn Keeley bought the winning £50m Mega Cash Showdown scratchcard at McNicholl’s EUROSPAR on Station Road, Dungiven, the store he manages.

Thanks to National Lottery players, up to £600m is being used to support charities and organisations affected by the impact of the coronavirus outbreak across the arts, community and charity, heritage, education, environment and sport sectors.

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

HENDERSON RETAIL DEBUTS ITS FIRST ELECTRONIC SHELF EDGE PRICE DISPLAY LABELS

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enderson Retail is trialling new digital shelf edge pricing, created

by Henderson Technology, at the recently renovated EUROSPAR Glenwell in Glengormley. If successful, the technology could potentially be rolled out across Henderson Retail’s company-owned store network.

EUROSPAR Glenwell has just unveiled its £665,000 extension and complete store refurbishment to shoppers, including additional parking spaces, upgrades to its hot From left, Liam Russell, store manager of EUROSPAR Glenwell, and Aidan McIvor, food counter, extended area manager, Henderson Group. produce and butchery and two additional selfranges, new customer scan checkouts which aim toilets and an upgraded to enhance store efficiency Post Office and entrance and give customers a choice lobby. Further, 10% between traditional service additional sales floor space or self-service payment allows hundreds of new Henderson Retail could potentially products to be added to its invest £2m in rolling out the Electronic options.

Edge Labelling technology across “EUROSPAR Glenwell already extensive fresh and Shelf its company-owned store network. has expanded ranges, grocery ranges. additional services, it is open 24 hours The investment includes Henderson a day, which means efficient staffing is Technology’s Electronic Shelf Edge Labels

crucial to ensure a smooth running of the store,” said Mark McCammond, retail director, Henderson Group.

“The implementation of Henderson Technology’s Electronic Shelf Edge Labels and self-scan checkouts will not only give our retailers greater efficiency but will make shopping easier for customers.”

The Henderson Retail trial will last for 12 weeks at EUROSPAR Glenwell, before potentially being rolled out to other EUROSPAR supermarkets in the company’s network.

“There is the potential to invest £2m to establish this tech innovation across our company-owned network of EUROSPARs,” said McCammond.

“Three independent retailers have already installed the technology and are experiencing benefits which range from increased profits to savings from no longer needing to print the original card labels. This is a significant step forward in the future of retail and we’re excited to be introducing it in our store estate.”

CSG HELPS RETAILERS BRING SUMMER HOME WITH CAMPAIGN

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ostcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has embarked on its most comprehensive promotional campaign to date, helping retailers encourage their shoppers to enjoy the summer from the safety of their homes.

CSG’s Bringing Summer Home campaign, which launched on July 15, saw the most successful elements of the Group’s previous summer promotions adapted for current conditions, alongside new elements to create an impactful and engaging campaign for retailers and shoppers alike.

The six-week campaign incorporated online gamification following a successful pilot with CSGs Valentine’s Day promotion earlier this year. A combination of instant win and prize draw games, sponsored by Budweiser, gave shoppers the chance of winning major prizes including BBQs and lazy spas.

Summer-themed games featured on a dedicated landing page that also focused on inspiring shoppers with recipes packed full of fresh ingredients included in CSG’s range, as well as inspiration for fun with the family and leading offers.

“Our summer campaign for retailers last year saw participating stores drive both footfall and sales,” said

Sean Russell, group marketing director, CSG. “It broke all our previous records for shopper engagement, reach and sales and we’re adapting the best bits and introducing new elements to keep shoppers inspired and engaged this summer – albeit under very different circumstances.”

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RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES

LIDL NI HARVESTS NEW CROP OF HOME-GROWN ARTISAN PRODUCERS

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idl Northern Ireland has added a new range of home-grown products from artisan food and drink producers, across all 202 island of Ireland stores as part of its Kick Start local supplier development programme.

The new products, which include smoked meats, award-winning apple cider vinegar, hearty meat pies, healthy ready meals and premium Irish gin, hit shelves in July and will be available for a limited time.

Now in its third year, the Lidl Kick Start Programme is designed to help small and medium sized local food and drink producers grow their brand, build their

From left, Sean Morgan, Oh So Lean; Ciara Rafferty and Frank Foster, Orchard Smokehouse; Sarah Matson, Natural Umber; and David Grant, The Little Meat Company.

supply network and reach new customer audiences with the potential to open up new export opportunities.

CLOUGHBANE FARM SECURES NEW ASDA LISTING FOR HOMEMADE PIES

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uccessful farm business Cloughbane Farm has secured a new listing from Asda Northern Ireland for two products.

The family owned and run company, which From left, Amy Moore, marketing manager, Cloughbane is based near Farm Foods and Emma Swan, Asda buying manager.

Pomeroy in Co Tyrone is supplying the supermarket with two homemade pies, chicken, ham and leek and a savoury mince, for 11 stores across Northern Ireland.

The latest listing brings to 17 the Cloughbane products now being sold by Asda across Northern Ireland over the past 10 years.

“We are thrilled to have this new launch and bring even more variety to the Asda customer,” said Amy Moore, marketing manager, Cloughbane Farm Foods. “The newly listed pies are both Great Taste award winners. We are confident that Asda customers will love them too.

“The chicken ham and leek pie is one of our best-selling lines. And it’s easy to see why because the pie is made with pure chicken breast, succulent chunks of ham cooked in a homemade white sauce with leeks and sweetcorn before being encased in a delicious puff pastry. It’s truly a taste of home.”

Lorna Robinson, managing director, said Cloughbane has seen “a surge in consumers wanting traditional family foods as families are spending more time eating together than ever before,” during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Previous Kick Start success stories include Noisy Snacks based in Newtownards, Copeland Spirits distilled in Donaghadee and Refuge Hot Chocolate brewed in Belfast.

“As a small, artisan producer, we were aware of the Lidl Kick Start programme and the benefits and experience that it can bring to a business like ours,” said Sarah Matson from Natural Umber based in Dungannon. “Kick Start is an unrivalled platform to help us reach new audiences and take the next step from supplying small, independent stores to producing our apple cider vinegar for supermarket distribution.”

DOBBIES AND SAINSBURY’S LAUNCH GROCERY PARTNERSHIP

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obbies Garden Centres, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has formed an exclusive partnership with Sainsbury’s to bring a range of high-quality food and grocery products to its centres.

The range will include over 3,000 products, giving customers a choice of food to take home, including ambient, chilled, fresh and frozen produce as well as other grocery, household and toiletry products.

“The partnership between Dobbies and Sainsbury’s is an excellent fit, with a shared goal of offering the best to our customers,” said Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies. “By complementing our existing garden centre ranges with a comprehensive food and grocery offer, we will offer our customers a convenient solution for their grocery needs. We look forward to launching our first new look food hall at Edinburgh in late July.”

Andrew Bracey, chairman of Dobbies, said: “This is an exciting step forward for Dobbies as we continue to grow the business and lead the future of garden centre retailing.”

Mike Luck, director of Business Development at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to bring our distinctive, high quality products to more customers. This opportunity with Dobbies will bring a fantastic choice of food and grocery products to convenient locations for lots of shoppers, helping them shop for what they need quickly and conveniently.”

ADVERTORIAL

FSA is Here to Help

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ovid-19 has been an extremely challenging time for the food industry, but the sector has shown great resilience. With many businesses changing the way they trade to survive, it’s important to understand any food safety risks that might need to be dealt with.

The Food Standards Agency has released new Here to Help guidance to help support Northern Ireland food businesses get back on their feet to trade safely and protect their customers.

SUPPORTING FOOD BUSINESSES

Covid-19 has forced many established food businesses to diversify with some now offering food delivery, takeaway or online sales in order to continue operating. For food businesses changing their business model, it is important to understand the additional safety risks introduced by any changes. The Here to Help guide on the FSA website, provides practical advice for food businesses on registering, re-opening, and adapting safely to trade. It aims to help food businesses get back and stay on their feet following the challenges of Covid-19.

Maria Jennings, FSA Director for Regulatory Compliance, People and Northern Ireland, said: “It remains important for businesses to understand the possibility of additional food safety risks as a result of the changes they have made, and the steps they must take to protect their customers.

Here to Help aims to support businesses in getting this right to ensure consumers continue to have access to food that is safe to eat.”

HELPING YOU MAKE THOSE CHANGES

The Here to Help guidance includes the steps you need to take to address these risks, as well as: • how to communicate effectively with your customers • advice for food businesses who are offering a delivery service for the first time • reminders on delivering food safely, while ensuring it does not become unsafe or unfit to eat • important issues such as keeping food at the right temperature while being transported.

Here to Help also offers support to those who have started a food business from home during Covid-19 with a handy checklist for quick access to information.

Supporting the campaign is Colin Neill, Chief Executive at Hospitality Ulster: “The industry has been hit hard over the last few months and so I welcome the Here to Help guidance from the FSA. This will help ensure food businesses are informed of important developments, and that they have all the information they need to maintain and ensure good compliance.”

The FSA’s Here to Help campaign provides easy online access to practical information and resources including tailored guidance, case studies and industry insight to support food businesses – visit food.gov.uk/heretohelp

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PROFILE

KP SNACKS’ LOCAL LEGENDS CAMPAIGN REWARDS ITS RETAIL PARTNERS MATT COLLINS, TRADING DIRECTOR AT KP SNACKS, TALKS TO UG run across one million packs. 5p will be donated from each pack to the Licensed Trade Charity, a charity that helps pubs, bar and brewery people in need with practical, emotional and financial support each year. The nationwide initiative, which commits to raising £50,000, will run across three of the most popular Tyrrells 40g singles format flavours: Lightly Sea Salted, Mature Cheddar & Chive and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar.

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND LOCAL LEGENDS? We are really proud of our retail partners and the resilience and determination they’ve shown throughout this national crisis. They have been an integral support to local communities, dealing with unprecedented pressures and demands.

We call them Local Legends. To reward these teams and deliver the support our industry needs, we’re investing significantly in a campaign to help our customers reward and retain business.

WHAT DOES THE CAMPAIGN ENTAIL? One element of the Local Legends campaign sees KP snacks offer a significant retailer incentive programme to recognise partners as Local Legends themselves, by providing 40 separate prizes worth £1,000 each. To enter, retailers simply need to purchase KP Snacks’ Super Seven singles range of McCoy’s, Hula Hoops, Butterkist, KP Nuts, Skips, Space Raiders and Nik Naks via select wholesalers and distributors.

Another key element of the campaign is a Tyrrells on-pack promotion which will 14

HOW WILL THE CAMPAIGN SUPPORT SECTOR CHARITY GROCERYAID? As part of the campaign, KP Snacks is working with GroceryAid to raise vital awareness of the support available to wholesale and convenience retailers at a time when they need it most.

The trade advertising and customer communications plan looks to help link retailers and their staff with the emotional and financial support available to them via the leading retail industry charity.

Commenting on the partnership, Charles Wilson, GroceryAid president, said: “We at GroceryAid are delighted to partner with KP Snacks to support our key workers who in turn are so wonderfully supporting their communities.”

Last year GroceryAid supported 386 beneficiaries from the independence convenience sector and spent £391,996 on grants and goods to independent grocers. The GroceryAid 24/7 Helpline, available on freephone 08088 021122, allows retailers to access comprehensive emotional and practical support.

DOES KP SNACKS OFFER ANY OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR RETAILERS? In addition, KP snacks will continue to offer up to date, simple and relevant category advice to grow CSN sales through investing in materials, including a comprehensive trade PR and advertising campaign which runs from early August until early October.

We want to do our bit to support this vital community both commercially and emotionally. Our job now is to help our customers to continue to thrive and prosper in the CSN category through these ever-changing times.

HOW ARE THE KP SNACKS BRANDS

USING THE STRENGTH OF OUR BRAND PORTFOLIO, WE HOPE TO HELP OUR RETAIL PARTNERS ADJUST TO NEW NORMS AND REWARD THEM FOR THEIR RESILIENCE CURRENTLY PERFORMING IN THE NI MARKETPLACE? Sharing formats are driving market growth at +26.3%, with KP Snacks driving this growth at +21.2%. Hula Hoops are driving growth at +16.5% vs LY, McCoys +13.1% and Raiders +26.6% vs LY1.

IS THE CSN CATEGORY EVOLVING? Since lockdown, there has been a shift in demand within CSN segments, with in-home consumption fuelling growth.

We’ve seen out-of-home close overnight, resulting in a decline in foodservice sales.

As the majority of people worked from home, food-to-go and meal deal sales have also unsurprisingly seen a sharp decline. However, there has been an increase in savoury snacking occasions and the local convenience market is buoyant with growth at +10% on an MAT2. The Covid-19 pandemic has enhanced the purchasing of CSN with more people shopping locally at their convenience stores, helping to drive growth in this sector.

Using the strength of our brand portfolio, we hope to help our retail partners adjust to new norms and reward them for their resilience and help them retain the new shoppers that they have won and bigger baskets that have been gained. CSN is a resilient category that plays into multiple occasions and missions, but the reality is consumer demands are shifting, especially as we head into recessionary times. Retailers should ensure they are responding to category trends, use the right promotions and merchandising, and are stocking the leading brands their customers want.

1: MAT IRI, TOTAL N.I. Impulse 12.07.20 2: MAT IRI, TOTAL N.I. Impulse 12.07.20

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

IMPORTANT LESSONS WE ALL NEED TO TAKE FROM THE PANDEMIC

BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

the lethal virus, continue to restrict the industry… and are likely to continue to do so until the virus is suppressed or a safe, effective uch has changed in food and drink since the Ulster vaccine is developed.

Grocer, which plays such an important role in One good thing to come out of lockdown, in my view, was connecting the industry, was paused in the early stages the refocus on home cooking and the greater focus on diet and of the pandemic lockdown. health. Both of these trends helped to create a greater awareness While the industry rose magnificently to meet the challenges on what we have here on our doorstep, particularly fresh local of ‘feeding the nation’, many companies were adversely ingredients. A focus on a healthy diet has been something that impacted by the overnight closure of foodservice and food has been on the horizon for a while, but the pandemic has really markets, such as the iconic St George’s in Belfast. Those brought it into sharp relief, we truly are what we eat and what we companies are still fighting to recover business lost over the eat affects our immune system. lockdown.

The way we shop for food and drink has also changed. The They’ve still got much to do. Some may never return to where initial stages of the crisis saw frantic buying resulting in empty they were before the coronavirus outbreak in mid-March, while shelves and huge queues at supermarkets across the country. others reacted quickly and new business models emerged.

The panic buying also highlighted the problems of global supply Many producers adapted quickly by going on-line and launching chains. As a result, confidence in the such extended chains doorstep delivery services in response to customer demand to has weakened and there’s now a growing recognition of the generate much needed cash flow. New pop up shops were importance of local supply. developed, food boxes were supplied and there has been a The benefits of a short supply chain that enables consumers growth in companies supplying ready-made meals to door. here to enjoy products featuring natural, nutritious and safe Fortunately, foodservice, hospitality outlets and food markets food and drink from local processors using ingredients from are starting up again, and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme our excellent farmers is now apparent. Significantly, the World has kick-started many restaurants. But the need for social Economic Forum recently advised of the need post-Covid for distancing, and other essential measures to keep pressure on consumers to support ‘local food systems with shorter, fairer and cleaner supply chains that address local priorities’.

And this important trend towards local food was also pinpointed in an Ipsos Mori Poll with the Food Standards Agency which found that 35% of UK consumers are now buying more food from local producers than before the pandemic.

These trends show there’s an immensely strong case for initiatives here to strengthen local supply by promoting and assisting closer relationships between farmers and smaller food processors which are versatile and flexible enough to adapt quickly to market trends and opportunities for original products.

What’s also clear from the pandemic is the need to promote and facilitate local food and drink. There’s more, much more that can be done to reduce our over-dependence on imported food products and ingredients. I believe this can be achieved by strengthening bridges throughout our crucially important agrifood industry. Already there are strong connections forged by producers participating in initiatives such as Balmoral Show and Year of Food & Drink; these need to be supported.

There’s a clear message too for supermarkets and other retailers about the opportunities developing from the greater interest in local supply. Locally sourced food and drink is good for the economy here, creating employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship. We’ve seen enterprise with farmers creating food boxes for delivery and smaller processors taking to the road to ensure customers have the best of local produce. Restaurants have used local ingredients in the meals offered for home delivery or call and collect.

We all need food and drink to continue to grow strongly as we endeavour to plot a course to stave off the looming economic crisis and the threat of record levels of unemployment. Emerging from the pandemic, I believe, we will see much more innovation in the food and drink sector with a focus on sustainability, health and people buying food that they believe in.

M

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FOOD & DRINK NEWS

FINNEBROGUE SECURES NEW NATIONAL SUPPLY DEAL

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n innovative approach to barbecuing has resulted in another national supply deal between Downpatrick-based Finnebrogue Artisan and Asda – building on the success of the relationship which started in 2014.

The new contract will see Finnebrogue supply the retailer’s Extra Special BBQ Chilli Pork Sausage Ladder to 335 stores across the UK in a deal valued at £700,000.

The highly novel concept, a first for the supermarket sector, combines three of the most popular pork sausage flavours, skewered or ‘laddered’ together, enabling it to be cooked on the BBQ and then divided into four individual slices.

From left, Emma Swan, Asda buying manager Northern Ireland; John Cowen, Finnebrogue account manager for Asda; and Sarah Savage, NPD manager at Finnebrogue.

Developed in direct response to growing demand for traditional BBQ

HEAVENLY TASTY SECURES LISTING FOR HEALTHY TODDLER SNACKS

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eavenly Tasty Organics has secured listings for three novel products for young children with Tesco Ireland.

The company, based at Augher in Co Tyrone, is supplying its original Breadsticks for toddlers to 100 Tesco stores, as well as Sweet Beet Veggie Waffles and Carrot and Cumin Veggie Waffles to 45 stores, with all products Shauna McCarney Blair of Heavenly Tasty also available online at Organics is pictured with daughter Lily.

Tesco.ie.

The company’s latest contract in the Republic was secured with help from Dublin-based Total Brand Solutions, the Northern Ireland company’s distributor in the Republic.

“Securing this listing with Tesco Ireland is an immensely exciting development in the Republic, a market we’ve been targeting for several years,” said Shauna Blair, founder and managing director of Heavenly Tasty Organics. “We are thrilled to be supplying Tesco which is such an influential and respected retailer with a tremendous community engagement.

“The listing strengthens significantly our presence in this dynamic marketplace. Our commercial director James Blair has worked with Tesco Ireland directly on product presentation and merchandising to maximise this exciting business opportunity for us there. The contract with Tesco will increase awareness of our healthy snacks with parents of young children.”

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alternatives, each sausage ladder contains three chilli inspired flavour combinations - Sweet Chilli, Three Chilli and Carolina Reaper Chilli (the hottest chilli pepper in the world).

“Our innovation-led approach keeps us at the forefront in terms of the creation of new lines, and this is reflected in the range and scope of products which we now supply to Asda,” said John Cowen, senior national account manager for Finnebrogue. “We continue to work closely with the team there, developing ranges – such as the sausage ladder - which meet consumer demand for quality, flavour and sustainability.”

DELI LITES EVOLVES WITH LAUNCH OF NEW ECOMMERCE SITE

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ood-to-go firm Brian and Jackie Reid, cofounders of DELI LITES. DELI LITES has launched a new ecommerce site as part of a series of business strategy changes as it reacts to the challenges of the current health pandemic.

The online move has seen the business adjust to changing consumer needs, with the introduction of Ireland-wide deliveries resulting in strong demand for its bakery products, plant-based healthy eating boxes and heat-toeat dishes.

The Warrenpoint-based firm has seen a strong uplift in its corporate orders as employers seek to stay engaged with their teams who have been working from home by sending care packages.

“Consumer habits changed almost overnight, as large segments of the workforce in the countries and regions we supply began working from home and only essential travel was undertaken,” said Brian Reid, co-founder and CEO of DELI LITES. “It was vital that we made swift changes to our business strategy by bringing forward our e-commerce plans which allowed us to reach consumers directly at a time when they wouldn’t be sourcing our products from retail and food-to-go outlets.”

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

HENDERSON WHOLESALE EXPANDS LOCALLY SUPPLIED BAKERY RANGE

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wo local bakeries have grown their businesses and created new jobs on the back of continued investment from Henderson Wholesale as it expands its own-brand bakery range.

Graham’s and Scott’s Bakery have been regular suppliers to SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO branded stores in Northern Ireland since 1990 and 2004, respectively, and started working with the company to create speciality products for the enjoy local bakery brand in 2018.

Since then, the range has been extended and is now expected to exceed £2.1m in retail sales, quadrupled since the first half of 2019.

Graham’s family bakery in Dromore has made a significant investment in its facilities and created six new jobs to keep up with orders, while Scott’s Bakery in Fivemiletown has created three new roles to fulfil its contract. Daily Bake in Armagh and Holme’s Bakery in Portadown also supply to the range. “enjoy local bakery started with six products over a year ago, we added 22 more in 2019, and thanks to the excellence of the bakers we work with, we’ve been able to expand to 42

From left, Jonny Agnew, Henderson Wholesale and Tim Graham, Graham’s Bakery.

products giving even more choice and value for our retailers and shoppers,” said Eamon Taggart, trading manager, Henderson Group.

“We have now launched 12 new products including mini sponge cakes and individual tarts which create a handmade coffee shop experience at home, an indulgent cupcake platter and new seasonal toffee apple muffins that always taste great as we transition into autumn from the summer. The beloved NI traybake also has two new slices; salted caramel pecan slices and

cranberry caramel slices.”

The additions bring the entire enjoy local range of fresh meat, poultry, soups, bread, cheese and salads to a total of 139 products from 20 local suppliers across the island of Ireland.

Suppliers to the range are also supporting SPAR and EUROSPAR NI’s Pick Me Up Picnic initiative throughout August that encourages shoppers to throw out their blankets and safely host a picnic to fundraise for the stores’ charity partners, Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children.

PLADIS COMMITS TO DIVERSITY IN ITS SUPPLY CHAIN

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lobal snacking company pladis has announces its membership of MSDUK to help support its commitment for greater inclusion and diversity across its supply chain.

Over the last 16 years, MSDUK has built up a strong network of over 2,000 ethnic minority businesses.

Access to this network, as well as MSDUK’s experience and insight, will help to provide greater knowledge and understanding of pladis’ suppliers to ensure a greater representation of ethnic minority businesses.

MSDUK will also work with pladis’ procurement teams to help ensure an increased understanding of the importance and benefits of a diverse supply chain and provide guidance with respect to supplier engagement.

“Promoting inclusion and diversity and guarding against any form of discrimination are of key importance to us at pladis,” said Salman Amin,

CEO at pladis. “I believe that diversity transcends the individual and makes people, businesses and countries stronger and better. Diversity of perspectives and opinions, and diversity of experiences, leads to better informed thinking and ideas.

“We are on a journey at pladis to improve our own inclusion and diversity practices and to make meaningful and impactful change. But I know that to have real impact, it takes an entire community standing and working shoulder to shoulder. That is why we must not only look within our business but also consider our relationships and partnerships across all of our operations to ensure true diversity in our supply chain.

“We are delighted to be joining MSDUK who we believe are the right partner to guide and support us on this journey.”

Mayank Shah, CEO and founder of

MSDUK, said: “We are thrilled that pladis is joining to become a new member of MSDUK. From the workforce to the supply chain, diversity and inclusion of people and ideas are critical drivers for further growth.”

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ADVERTORIAL

FERRERO GIVES RETAILERS NEW ADDITION TO POPULAR KINDER CHILLED LINE UP CHOCO FRESH ALLOWS US TO EXTEND THE APPEAL OF OUR CHILLED TREATS TO NEW SHOPPERS BY OFFERING A MORE INDULGENT FLAVOUR PROFILE

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errero, the owner of the categoryleading Kinder brand, has expanded its popular range of Kinder Chilled products to help retailers appeal to new shoppers. The launch of Kinder Choco Fresh will bring young adults looking for indulgent flavours into the chilled category, sitting separately to the existing Milk Slice, Pingui and Maxi King treats.

“We are very excited to bring this new product to Ireland, where we have already seen that people love the Kinder Chilled range and come back time and time again,” said Levi Boorer, customer development director for Ferrero UK & Ireland. “Choco Fresh allows us to extend the appeal of our chilled treats to new shoppers by offering a more indulgent flavour profile.

“Where the existing Kinder Chilled products are ideal for parents to give their children as an afternoon treat – due to their high milk content – Choco Fresh appeals to the parents themselves and other young adults, allowing them to enjoy their own moment of indulgence.

We are confident that this launch will help retailers grow their chilled range and drive further awareness of the Kinder products among shoppers.”

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WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO BRING THIS NEW PRODUCT TO IRELAND, WHERE WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN THAT PEOPLE LOVE THE KINDER CHILLED RANGE AND COME BACK TIME AND TIME AGAIN Kinder is a leading brand for chilled treats in Ireland – worth £638k in NI and accounting for 7% of the Kids Chilled category sales – with the current range including the Pingui, Milk Slice and Maxi King brands. With high repeat purchase rates, Kinder Chilled delivers value to retailers all year round. By offering Choco Fresh alongside the existing lines, retailers can ensure they broaden the appeal of the chilled category, offering products that the shopper can enjoy themselves, as well as those that can be taken home for the family.

With a unique combination of a milky centre, a deliciously smooth hazelnut filling and covered in a crunchy chocolate shell, Kinder Choco Fresh is an indulgent

extension of the range, with its unique taste giving a premium product that shoppers will enjoy. The audience has been carefully considered at every stage of the product development, going beyond the ingredients and flavours used to the packaging shape and design too. With a refined pack size and shape, Kinder Choco Fresh immediately stands out in store, catching the attention of shoppers with distinguishable design cues to demonstrate the quality of the product inside, supported by the instantly recognisable – and trusted – Kinder name.

Choco Fresh is available as a five pack in cases of 10, with each pack carrying an MSRP of £2.50. The unique flavours and strength of the Kinder name will attract shoppers looking for a tasty product that gives them a personal moment of enjoyment.

To support Tesco Ireland retailers throughout the launch period and beyond, Ferrero has a suite of materials and promotional plans in place. Set to reach the target audience throughout the shopper journey in Tesco Ireland stores, the bespoke POS materials will simultaneously raise awareness of the new product and communicate its key benefits to help retailers convert demand into sales.

Kinder Choco Fresh is available to all independents, Tesco Ireland and Musgrave stores via specialist chilled products distributor, PRM. Retailers interested in stocking the range, or to find out more about the support available, should contact the team on +44 (0)28 92 620200 or via www.prmgroup.co.uk/contact-us.

1 Nielsen Ireland.

Total Kids Chilled | MAT YA to 17.05.2020 Source: IRI, Total Marketplace, Ulster Region, 52 weeks data to 12th July 2020.

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE DONNA O’NEILL, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR McKEE’S FOODS BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY While studying Business Management at Ulster University, I started a parttime role as sales executive with Acheson & Glover.

Upon graduation, my post became permanent, leading to a promotion to an internal sales role in January 2018. I started with McKee’s in Summer 2019 as business development manager.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? Primarily it involves managing, liaising and developing new and existing accounts.

I am responsible for meeting new customers and talking them through our range of over 150 quality products, along with sampling, right through to setting up new customer accounts and ensuring that their first delivery of our products runs smoothly. I am the customer’s first point of contact so if they have any queries, I am always here to help. It is a very busy and diverse role - some days I could be in stores doing tasting events and other days I could be solely based in the office catching up on paperwork. I also oversee our social media output to promote our activities on channels such as Facebook and Instagram.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? Getting messages sent to us of how

glad someone is that a store near them is now stocking their favourite Bacon Wheels they used to travel for is very rewarding. Receiving great feedback from our customers of how well their sales are rising from introducing our product range gives me a real sense of satisfaction too. In recent times we’ve had a lot of successful entries into renowned and respected retailers such as the McBride group and Lusty’s Centra, Larne. A more challenging part is trying to co-ordinate substantial top ups of coleslaw for a hot weekend when production has stopped and lorries are leaving. We pride ourselves on customer service so we’re always able to arrange something.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY Thankfully every day is completely different for me which is why I love my job. I usually start work around 8am and start with emails. I deal with anything urgent first before reviewing the overnight online and app activity.

We’ve recently launched a stand-alone company app that allows consumers who wish to click and collect from our shop or have our range delivered directly to their door. I then spread my time on different projects. One day I could be supporting my office colleagues processing orders.

Otherwise, I could be dealing with queries from prospective new shops. I

maintain the ‘back office’ on our app.

This includes ensuring stock levels are accurate, adding new products and category management that makes it easy and efficient for the end user to shop including a weekly price promotion.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? I have to say it would be building relationships with like-minded people.

I am passionate about the local food industry and at McKee’s we make all of our products from scratch whether that be pastry for our Sausage Roll range or pasta for our Lasagne. I find most retailers to be very supportive of NI based producers and this is crucial to building mutually beneficial relationships that have longevity.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I enjoy exploring. I’m a keen lover of brunch and coffee dates with friends. I love visiting different places for walks and hikes at the weekends. I particularly enjoy beaches and mountains.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I once camped out in Belfast from 4am to try and get a glimpse of One Direction at the UTV Studios. Luckily my friend and I were picked to go inside and meet them.

ADVERTORIAL

BOOST DRINKS REPORTS SUCCESSFUL NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH WITH BOOST ICED COFFEE

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oost, the owner of Northern Ireland’s top two selling soft drinks within the local independent convenience channel now boasts the third largest and fastest-selling iced coffee brand, where stocked, in NI*.

This follows an incredibly successful launch earlier this year where Boost unveiled two new SKUs in the fastest growing functional drinks category chilled ready-to-drink coffee**.

Boost Iced Coffee was introduced in Northern Ireland resulting from research that highlighted the growing demand for RTD coffee in the independent and convenience channel.

The category is worth over £110m; 66% of UK 18-24-year-old coffee drinkers see chilled coffee as a good alternative to sugary drinks***.

Boost created two great tasting SKUs, using exclusive production techniques to ensure a smooth tasting, quality product that offers extended shelf life compared to other brands.

Boost Iced Coffee Caffe Latte and Double Espresso are available at £1 PMP. The new SKUs continue to do things the Boost way, creating great tasting products with good margins.

“We are delighted to report the success of Boost Iced Coffee in Northern Ireland and look forward to watching the new SKUs go from strength to strength,” said Amy Ankrah, trade marketing manager at Boost. “Boost Iced Coffee is a standout, top-quality product available at a competitive cost for retailers and consumers.

“The introduction of this product allowed us to enhance our functional drinks positioning and continue to proudly support independent retailers as we have done in NI since 2003.

“We have found it more important than ever to do everything we can to support local retainers and since the beginning of the pandemic, we have given out 500 care packages to retailers and 1,000 point of sale kits to wholesalers for them to give to their retailers.”

Eugene Diamond, an independent retailer from Ballymena, added: “I’ve been a newsagent for over 40 years and the beginning of the pandemic was the longest period of time I’ve had to shut my store.

“When I reopened, it was really important that we did so in a safe way so that our community could get what they needed without any risk. The care packages from Boost helped us communicate the safest ways around the store and ensured that we met guidelines the government had put in place.”

Boost will be continuing wide-ranging marketing support for Boost Iced Coffee including trade and consumer PR, print advertising and a distribution drive in August as well as providing POS and counter-top display units for stores. * Source: IRI Marketplace Convenience NI 12 weeks unit sales to 14th June 2020 ** IRI Symbols & Indies 52wks to 17/07/19 *** Mintel 2018 – Iced coffee accounts for 1-5 global coffee launches 23

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

DROMONA RECOGNISED AT VIRTUAL CHEESE AWARDS

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romona Mature Cheddar has been recognised for its best in class quality, picking up Best Cheddar Cheese at the inaugural Virtual Cheese Awards.

Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Virtual Cheese Awards celebrate the best of UK cheese and its producers. The online event saw a full day of virtual cheese judging in front of a live audience of over 3,000 people; a first for the industry.

With a total of 60 entries in the Cheddar category, Dromona came out on top against strong competition from a number of mature and vintage cheeses.

The award represents yet another major accolade for Dromona Mature Cheddar, having collected a prestigious Great Taste award last year.

Dromona cheese is produced by Dale Farm at the dairy cooperative’s state-of-the-art plant in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, using milk supplied by its network of dairy farmer owners.

“We are incredibly proud to once again have our quality product recognised by the industry,” said Sharon Campbell, senior brand manager, Dale Farm. “This accolade represents not just a stamp of approval from the experts, but also a guarantee of product quality for the consumer.”

SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR UK’S NEXT TOP FOOD PRODUCT

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ntry is open until September 30 for Product of the Year, which seeks to discover and celebrate the UK’s most innovative new products for 2021, with food brands expected to play a central role.

Health and fitness is one of the key trends that emerge every year and is likely to be in high demand among consumers in 2021. Vegan and vegetarianism represent a steadily growing market, while other popular categories include convenience and indulgence.

Now in its 17th year, Product of the Year continues to partner with Kantar, the world’s largest research company, to conduct an independent and robust survey of more than 10,000 UK consumers (200,000 globally).

“Now, more than ever, we need to come together to celebrate and support food and drink product innovation,” said Mike Nolan, CEO, Product of the Year.

“Tough as this year has been - what we know historically, is that the brands that mobilise to counter a crisis with confidence and forward momentum are the ones that will prosper and flourish. We are looking forward to celebrating and supporting these brilliant new products.”

Product of the Year 2021 is open for entries until September 30 via https://www.productoftheyear.co.uk/ enter/

DRINKS NEWS

WKD TAKES FRESH APPROACH TO COCKTAIL CANS

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KD, Northern Ireland’s No.1 RTD1, is applying fresh new thinking to the ready-to-serve (RTS) category with the total reinvention of its range of cocktails in cans.

Relaunching under the newly abbreviated name of WKD MIXD, three all-new flavours of 5% ABV pre-prepared cocktail are available from August.

Inspired by popular spirits and cocktail ingredients, and presented in stylish, fully redesigned 250ml slimline cans, WKD will be embedding its personality on the RTS category through a transformed range comprising: • Raspberry, Rhubarb & Vodka flavour • Apple, Elderflower & Gin flavour • Peach, Passionfruit & Rum flavour

With a striking and colourful design, WKD MIXD will have a premium appearance and bring a sophisticated, grown-up presence to the RTS category.

The cocktail-in-a-can approach offers consumers the ultimate in cocktail convenience: no requirement for individual ingredients, no wastage and easy to carry. Cans are lighter and quicker to chill than bottles and WKD MIXD cocktails are perfect for parties or big nights in, or for when friends gather for drinks before going out.

As a major relaunch initiative from brand owner SHS Drinks, WKD MIXD is being supported by significant marketing

investment in 2020: using the creative theme All MIXD up and ready to go, a social media campaign will reach over five million consumers; a social influencer push will utilise a Masters of MIXDology concept, taking a sideways glance at fancy cocktails; and WKD will also be rewarding its legions of superfans with a range of exciting MIXD-branded giveaways online.

To create trial and generate rate-of-sale for stockists UK-wide: 30,000 cases of WKD bottle 10-packs will contain 50p off single-can purchase vouchers; new WKD

MIXD will be cross-promoted on WKD bottle 4-packs; and promotional activity with the cashback app CheckoutSmart will offer thousands of free cans to consumers through participating retailers.

With the total RTS can category growing annually at +19%2, and the overall WKD brand in Northern Ireland growing +39% in the last year1 and +78% in the most recent quarter3, SHS Drinks believes that there is huge potential for WKD MIXD to significantly build can sales for retailers in Northern Ireland.

“In the two years since its original introduction, the WKD range of pre-mixed cocktails has successfully recruited a unique, younger shopper to the RTS can category4,” says Nick White, head of marketing at SHS Drinks.

“However, research insight has revealed that we can better leverage the WKD cocktail offering to deliver long-term growth for retailers.”

Source: Nielsen Northern Ireland RTD category value (£) MAT to 11.07.20 2 Source: Nielsen GB Total Coverage value (£) MAT 11.07.20 3 Source: Nielsen Northern Ireland RTD category value (£) 12 weeks to 11.07.20 4 Source: Nielsen Homescan % of expenditure by age, data to 07.09.19: 1835 y/o: WKD MIXED, 65%; total RTS can category, 16% 1

ROCKSHORE LAUNCHES ISLAND HOP COASTAL ADVENTURE COMPETITION R ockshore has unveiled the ultimate West Coast adventure for one winner and their housemates, the Rockshore Island Hop. The competition offers the chance for one group of up to four housemates to win epic coastal experiences on four of Ireland’s most Insta-worthy islands; Lighthouse living on Clare Island, glamping under the stars on Inis Mór, surfing on Achill Island and a private island takeover at Collanmore Island Lodge.

While some of us may not be inter-railing, taking city breaks, or island hopping around the world this year, adventures are not lost.

“Rockshore knows that Ireland is one of the most exciting places to explore,” says Hannah Todd, Rockshore senior brand manager. “Rockshore was inspired by the West Coast

26

and has worked with amazing coastal partners since our launch in 2018. We’re excited to collaborate with them again for Rockshore Island Hop offering one group of housemates the chance to take part in some of the most amazing island experiences.

“By day the winner and their housemates will explore some of the most rugged spots along the coast of Ireland, supping, surfing or hiking and by night listen to their favourite playlists, enjoying a refreshing tasting Rockshore, as they relive the day’s adventure.”

To be in with a chance of winning one of four experiences, visit www.rockshore.ie. Te rms and conditions apply and over 18s only may apply.

ADVERTORIAL

KEEPING THE HEALTH, NUTRITION AND WELLBEING OF PETS AT FOREFRONT

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ounded in 1972, Co Armagh-based company, Mackle Petfoods, has been supporting the local industry for almost 50 years, while always keeping the health, nutrition and wellbeing of our pets at the forefront of what they do.

Known for its innovation, Mackle is continuously expanding its product portfolio through household brands such as Brandy, Cat Club and Naturo, with its newest addition, Norsh, a range of freeze dried treats for cats and dogs, set to follow suit.

Having recently announced an impressive ÂŁ5.7m investment in expanding its business, as well as the creation of 31 new jobs, Mackle Petfoods

is striving to support and grow the local economy and local employment, both throughout and following the global pandemic.

This impressive commitment joins a host of initiatives and investments taken by the company over the past decade, with a purpose-built plastic tray facility having opened in 2012, swiftly followed by the opening of a state-of-the-art packing facility two years later.

This level of support throughout Covid-19 has not only been recognised by the local and national community but reciprocated by them, with both the

Brandy and Cat Club ranges delivering incremental sales through our local and independent stores in these challenging months.

Naturo wet dog food has also had a fantastic performance throughout the months of lockdown and continues to outperform the declining category in Northern Ireland (Nielsen, June 2020).

NPD is a vital part of the Mackle Petfoods business, with new products, ranges and production methods always in development. Pets are at the heart of the business operation with the premise that nothing is added to their products unless it results in a benefit to our beloved fourlegged friends.

FRANCHISE & FASCIA

NI SYMBOL GROUPS POST VALUE SALES GROWTH OF 15.6%

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ymbol groups operating in Northern Ireland have collectively grown their value sales by 15.6% year on year, according to the latest figures from Kantar for the 52 weeks to August 9, 2020.

Total Northern Ireland grocery market share for symbols also increased, from 8% in the 52 weeks to August 11, 2019 to 8.6% in the latest year figures.

“The Northern Irish grocery market recorded growth of 7.4% during the 52 weeks to 9 August 2020,” said Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar.

“That figure was accelerated over the latest 12 weeks, with sales up by 13.6% as the market eased out of lockdown.

“Lidl was once again the best performing retailer this period – growing its sales by 10.5% over the 52 weeks and gaining 0.1 percentage points in share. It welcomed new shoppers through its doors and average spend per trip also increased by 12.5%.

Higher average prices, growing by 1.3%, also contributed to its success.

“It was a similar story for Tesco, Northern Ireland’s largest retailer, which increased its sales by 8.4% year on year and added 0.3 percentage points to its market share. Like Lidl, growth was driven by people buying more in store, with trip size up 10.3%, and a 1.8% rise in average prices.

“Meanwhile sales at Asda were up

by 2.3% and at Sainsbury’s by 7.6%.

While Sainsbury’s shoppers have been making larger trips, it was Asda customers who made the biggest additions to their weekly food shop as volumes grew by 17%.

“As the country moves away from the extremes of lockdown, it’s evident that cleanliness remains front of mind for consumers and sales of household and cleaning products were up 13.6% over the latest 12 weeks. Take home confectionery as well as crisps and snacks have also grown ahead of the market at 19% and 21.4% respectively over the same period as shoppers continue to look for ways to treat themselves at home.”

KANTAR MARKET SHARE - TOTAL GROCERY

Includes expenditure across Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Household and Health & Beauty categories

Total Take Home Grocery - N. Ireland Consumer Spend 52 Weeks to 11/08/19

52 Weeks to 09/08/20 % Change in value sales

%* Total Grocers

%*

%

100.0%

100.0%

7.4%

Total Multiples

83.8%

82.9%

6.3%

Tesco

35.0%

35.3%

8.4%

Sainsbury’s

17.1%

17.1%

7.6%

Asda

16.8%

16.0%

2.3%

Lidl

6.1%

6.2%

10.5%

Other Multiples

8.8%

8.2%

-0.2%

Total Symbols

8.0%

8.6%

15.6%

Other Outlets**

8.2%

8.5%

11.4%

* = Percentage Share of Total Grocers ** = Includes stores such as Boots, Greengrocers, Butchers Source: Worldpanel FMCG 29

FRANCHISE & FASCIA

A FLEXIBLE TRADING MODEL W ith a record number of retailers moving to Nisa Retail last year and those investing in new and upgraded stores enjoying average sales uplifts of 12%, there never has been a better time to join us.

For more than 40 years we have worked with independent retailers, helping them to grow their businesses through a comprehensive support package. And now part of the Co-op group, we are even better placed to do that, making greater investment in price and promotions and improving our offer to partners. We also enjoy increased buying power and a broader product range.

And with multi-award-winning stores such as The Milestone, Crawford’s, Dolan’s, The Fiveways and Joyce’s to name a few, Nisa is the proven partner of choice for many market-leading, independently minded retailers in Ireland.

Nisa’s flexible model provides its retailers with an unbeatable breadth of range of more than 13,000 SKUs. The inclusion of more than 2,000 Co-op own brand products across all categories, offers a recognised, quality brand for shoppers and good margins for retailers.

Nisa’s award-winning own label range, Heritage, is also available, providing even more choice with quality products at affordable prices.

A major development to Nisa’s already compelling offer has been the roll out of Co-op own brand which has been a big success and has included Co-op’s extensive festive product range and the innovative plant-based GRO range. Over 90% of Nisa retailers stock Co-op own

brand and our partners in the Republic of Ireland also benefit, as the range is not sterling price marked.

Nisa’s promotional alignment with Co-op has also given retailers access to sector-leading deals, with promotions including lunch meal deals, the popular £5 freezer filler deals, Super Saver Deals and more. At a time when value is more important than ever to shoppers, strong promotions are key to the Nisa offer.

Nisa provides a complete retail support package comprising a strong retail focused team, a staff training facility and a comprehensive marketing package incorporating social media and PR support, bespoke leaflets, point of sale material, a personalised Nisa FM radio network and national advertising.

Alongside our bespoke EPOS

solution, Evolution, our latest technology offering is a new mobile app which launched in June 2020. Free to download from the Apple Store and Google Play, it offers many advantages to retailers making it much easier to trade with Nisa and has been well received and widely adopted by Nisa partners. The app allows Nisa’s partners to run their stores remotely, placing orders, checking stock and confirming order status all through their mobile devices as well as receiving push notifications which ensure they never miss out on the latest deals because of being away from the back office computer.

Nisa retailers can source local products and have them invoiced centrally, creating a simpler, time efficient process. All orders are placed directly with individual suppliers, deliveries are made direct to store, but the invoicing and administration is managed centrally.

This is all delivered by Nisa’s industry leading supply chain which retailers can trust with an impressive 99.9% of deliveries made on the day and 95.2% successfully made on time.

And we know community involvement is key to independent retailers which is why we enable our partners to support local good causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity. To date more than 12,000 donations totalling around £9.5m have been made across the UK and Ireland.

To find out more, complete the form on www.join-nisa.co.uk/contact-us or contact our development team on 0800 542 7490.

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CSR NEWS

CHARITY SUPPORT IS A KEY FOCUS FOR MUSGRAVE

Glenn Baxter, Musgrave transport manager with Sam McClean, SignLink, launching the NHS charity sticker initiative.

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t a time when charities across Northern Ireland are seeing a substantial drop in income, Musgrave - through its network of SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores along with its MarketPlace branches - has been making a difference.

Early in the pandemic, the retail group joined forces with local Belfast company SignLink to participate in a charity initiative showing support for the NHS and all frontline workers.

People across Northern Ireland got behind the initiative displaying the balloon shaped sticker, which included a rainbow and the message Thank you NHS and all frontline workers, on their cars and house windows. The group has raised over £12,000 with proceeds going to local NI charities as well its own partners, Action Cancer and Chest, Heart and Stroke.

With many fundraising events and initiatives cancelled or postponed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Musgrave has been looking at different ways to bring much needed funds to their charity partners.

Overwhelmed by the different messages of thanks and appreciation that have come in from customers, SuperValu and Centra launched Store Heroes, asking customers to nominate the person in their local store that has made a real difference. For

each nomination, a donation of £1 was made to Action Cancer with £2,000 raised.

“We decided to bring the recognition of our colleagues and our commitment to support our charity partner together,” said Desi Derby, marketing director for SuperValu and Centra in NI. “At this time of crisis, when our charity partner Action Cancer is seeing a substantial drop in income, being able to help support them is extremely important to us.”

SuperValu and Centra have a longrunning charity partnership with Action Cancer, spanning 19 years and, in 2019, hit a major £3m fundraising Ryan milestone. The focus is now on Marshall from ensuring a major fundraising SuperValu push for the remainder of Limavady Overall 2020 and looking ahead SuperValu to 2021 to help raise Store Hero. vital funds allowing the charity to provide lifesaving cancer prevention, detection and support services to those most in need.

LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS TO RECEIVE WELCOME BOOST oost Sport, the fastest-selling sports drink in the Northern Ireland Bconvenience sector*, is giving amateur

Applications will close on October 31 and the winners will be contacted by November 27. clubs all over Northern Ireland the “We are delighted to announce the chance to receive a share of £5,000 with Boost Sport Grassroots campaign which its new Boost Sport Grant initiative. is open to teams from all over Northern One lucky club will be the recipient Ireland to apply for a grant,” said Adrian of the overall grant of £2,000 whilst six Hipkiss, Boost marketing director. “The grants of £500 will also be awarded to grants will offer lots of opportunities one club in each county. to advance and improve clubs and can To apply for a Boost Sport Grant, be spent on anything teams need such all clubs need to do is go to www. as a brand-new kit, equipment, facility boostsportni.com and complete the enhancements or travel.” application process stating how their club would use the money to achieve * Source: IRI Marketplace Convenience NI their team goals.

52 weeks unit sales to 17th May 2020.

Ryan Burnett, twotime World Boxing Champion.

SUPPORT RISES FOR FARESHARE DURING PANDEMIC

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areShare, the UK’s biggest food redistribution charity, has signed up 25% more food businesses to divert surplus food or donate food to organisations supporting people in need since lockdown measures began.

Before the pandemic, FareShare worked with around 600 food partners to divert surplus food that would have otherwise been wasted to charities such as homeless hostels, food banks, breakfast clubs for children and domestic violence refuges.

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As a result of the overnight shutdown of the food service sector in March, and premiership footballer Marcus Rashford’s public plea to the food industry to support FareShare in getting food to those most affected by the crisis - an additional 144 businesses across the supply chain signed up to help. These businesses are now diverting their surplus food to charities or donating packets and tins to meet the increased demand from charities for ambient food to create food parcels.

CSR NEWS

MOY PARK RECOGNISES FRONTLINE RETAIL WORKERS

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oy Park’s Chicken Run initiative, which saw the company take to the road, delivering its products to doorsteps across Northern Ireland, has also championed retail heroes through a partnership with Food Force Ireland.

“The past few months have been extremely challenging for everyone in the food industry, which includes frontline retail staff,” said Ellen Wright, Moy Park brand marketing. “We wanted to say a big thank you to the team at Food Force Ireland by giving colleagues the opportunity to receive a free box filled with Moy Park Chicken goodies as a small token of recognition for their hard work and dedication.

“We received so many nominations – there are so many local food heroes all over Northern Ireland. One of our favourites was Marisa Quinn who was nominated by Gavin Emerson, Emerson’s Armagh, who praised Marisa for working tirelessly and running the store almost single-handedly during lockdown.”

Debra Johnston, Food Force Ireland trading controller, said: “I am very pleased to have worked with Moy Park with this wonderful initiative which is rewarding some members from our stores across the group.

“This pandemic has brought so many challenges to everyone but particularly to the entire food supply chain. I have

NI CHARITIES HOST FIRST OFFICIAL FUNDRAISER SINCE LOCKDOWN

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ith over 20 fundraisers cancelled since March, two vital Northern Ireland charities have launched their first official campaign since lockdown with the help of charity partners, SPAR and EUROSPAR NI. The teams and service users of Marie Curie NI and Cancer Fund for Children have had to overcome huge obstacles to keep vital services operating as best they can, while all fundraising events were cancelled in the face of the global pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

From left, Anne Hannan, Marie Curie NI; Laura McKee, Henderson Group; and Alex Murdock, Cancer Fund for Children.

Their first official fundraising event in five months took place throughout August with SPAR and EUROSPAR NI and their Pick Me Up Picnic initiative.

It encouraged friends and families to get together in a safe way, at home or in a local park anytime throughout August, pack up for a socially distanced picnic and

From left, Ellen Wright, Marisa Quinn, Estelle Robinson and Gavin Emerson.

never been prouder to be associated with so many hard-working dedicated people who have all gone the extra mile.” donate towards the charities.

Teams at SPAR and EUROSPAR NI put together an activity pack that could be downloaded for a suggested donation of £3, while the initiative has been sponsored by ORMO and Irwin’s Bakery.

“Both our Blooming Great Tea Party for Marie Curie and the Community Coffee Morning for Cancer Fund for Children were cancelled this year, which are two of our flagship events for our partners and bring in significant funds for them,” said Bronagh Henderson, brand marketing manager at Henderson Group. “As soon as lockdown restrictions were eased in Northern Ireland, we knew we wanted to invite our shoppers and communities to get together to help us help our partners get back up and running again.”

TESCO MAINTAINS RACE FOR LIFE SPIRIT WITH IN-STORE FUNDRAISING

S

taff at Newtownbreda’s Tesco Extra store have literally gone the extra mile in raising £3,500 for Cancer Research.

When Covid-19 put paid to this year’s Race for Life, big-hearted Tesco staff decided to organise a series of virtual and socially distanced in-store fundraisers to ensure the charity – with whom Tesco has partnered since 2002 – would not be out of pocket.

Each year, the partnership sees a series of inspiring events and fundraisers held across the country, including the annual 5k and 10K events that take place in Belfast each summer.

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When this year’s 400 scheduled Race for Life events across the UK were postponed due to Covid-19, the Newtownbreda team decided to kickstart a series of in-store fundraisers. In a bid to continue the Race for Life spirit, colleagues in-store signed up to collect sponsors for the completion of a total of 60,000 steps each over a four-week period, with a prize going to the team member who racked up the highest number of steps.

In addition, the store also ran a twist on the classic bucket collection. Making use of the large open area on the ground

floor of the store, staff set up an exercise bike to use on a rotary system, with cash collection buckets stationed at a distance around the bike.

Tierna Murphy, Olivia Fields and Faith Cochran have been raising money through online sponsorships.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

UFU ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM AT DRIVE-IN AGM

U

lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has elected a new leadership team at its AGM on July 25, conducted as a drive-in event at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn.

Co Antrim livestock farmer Victor Chestnutt was voted in as president for two years and David Brown was re-elected as deputy president for a second term.

He will be joined by newly-elected deputy president William Irvine, from Co Armagh.

The new president thanked the UFU membership for their ongoing support and dedication to producing high-quality food for the nation, creating 100,000 jobs in Northern Ireland in the process.

He commended the great work of outgoing president Ivor Ferguson and thanked Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots and the Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Declan McAleer for

policy, climate change, ammonia, north/ south protocols, east/west protocols and worldwide trade deals alongside Covid-19.

“Our members have my wholehearted commitment to leaving no stone unturned in my effort to lead this organisation as the hand of history will look back on this juncture in our amazing agriculture industry.”

Pictured are guest speakers at the UFU AGM, Declan McAleer, chairman of Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots.

their participation in the AGM. “It is an honour and privilege to lead this organisation during this time and to follow so many leaders who have worked tirelessly for Northern Ireland farmers,” said Chestnutt. “I do not underestimate the responsibility and importance of decisions that lie ahead as we face a new dawn with Brexit, a new agriculture

NORTHERN IRELAND SEES RESURGENCE IN POTATO CONSUMPTION

From left, Stuart Meredith, agronomist, Wilson’s Country, with growers Jonny Moore and his father Alistair.

L

atest Kantar figures suggest Northern Ireland’s potato packing sector has grown by 3.9% over the past year in terms of total turnover.

However, while most key parameters including frequency of purchase and volumes purchased per retail visit are up, prices have fallen.

“The average price of potatoes in the shops has fallen over the past 12 months,” said Lewis Cunningham, managing director, Wilson’s Country.

“The Kantar survey confirms an average price per kilo of 82p for the 52-week period ending June 30, 2020. This represents a 4.2%

36

reduction on the previous 12 months.”

Potato sales in Northern Ireland for the past year totalled £50.83m, representing a 3.9% increase on the previous 12 months. Sales volumes increased by 8.5% during the same, period, exceeding 60,000 tonnes.

“Individual purchase volumes increased by 6.4% over the past year totalling 85.4kg,” said Cunningham.

“Potatoes now enjoy a 97.6% retail penetration in Northern Ireland.

That’s up 1.4% on 2019 levels. All of these trends point to a very positive story for the local potato sector.”

PANDEMIC RISK FROM INTENSIVE ANIMAL FARMING HIGHLIGHTED Intensive animal farming is the ‘single most risky human behaviour’ for pandemics, according to new report which draws support from inside the UN Environment Programme.

The Food & Pandemics Report, produced by ProVeg International, identifies the eating and farming of animals as the single most risky human behaviour in relation to pandemics, and calls for urgent changes to the global food system in order to prevent future outbreaks.

Key drivers of diseases such as Covid-19, according to the report, include the destruction of animals’ natural habitats and loss of biodiversity; use of wild animals as food; and the use of farmed animals as food in intensified animal agriculture.

SHANES CASTLE GAME FAIR POSTPONED TO JUNE 2021 The Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle has been postponed until June 26-27, 2021.

“It was a difficult decision to make as we had everything in place: a new layout, a Covid-compliant plan, right down to branded face masks and loads of sanitiser and a good range of new exhibitors were committed to being there,” said Albert Titterington, Game Fair organiser.

“However, in spite of all that we had done, recent spikes and clusters in the UK and in particular in NI and the RoI created the additional dimension of a greater health risk to visitors, exhibitors, competitors and staff safety which we felt we could not ignore.”

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

DALE FARM REPORTS SOLID RESULTS DESPITE CHALLENGES

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airy cooperative Dale Farm has reported a “solid” year’s performance for the financial year ending March 2020.

Group operating profit was reported at £12.2m (previous year £14.3m), group profit before tax £9.8m (previous year £12m), EBITDA £19.3m (previous year £20.9m) and overall group turnover £504.5m (previous year £509m).

“I am pleased to report that Dale Farm is reporting a solid year of results for 2019/20, achieved despite some weatherrelated challenges during that time,” said Nick Whelan, Group chief executive, Dale Farm. “These figures are evidence that our strategy, now in its fourth year, is continuing to deliver.

“Throughout 2019/20, sales in a number of our product areas were negatively impacted by weather

conditions. Our solid performance, despite these headwinds, is the combined result of continued investment, excellent customer partnerships and a team of hard-working, dedicated people in every part of our business.

“Our portfolio of dairy products in retail and foodservice across the UK, as well as our global exports, performed well. Milk volumes and milk quality in the year were relatively strong, provided to the cooperative through a network of over 1,300 local dairy farmers. Our award-winning cheddar cheese continues to perform particularly well within the own brand, foodservice and branded sectors in both the domestic market and worldwide.

“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is having a significant effect on our business and our dairy farmer members

NI AGRI LEADERS VISIT LOCAL FARMS

From left, Nick Whelan, CEO, and Fred Allen, chairman, Dale Farm.

currently. I am, however, confident in the talent and resilience of our people, the strength of our business model and the quality of the products we make.

“We always endeavour to pay a competitive milk price to farmers and ensuring we deliver on this will be our core focus. We will continue to reinvest and innovate so we can meet the needs of the consumer and ultimately best support our dairy farmer members.”

NI CONSUMERS ENCOURAGED TO BUY LOCAL HOMEGROWN POTATOES

R The UFU farm tour on August 10.

U

lster Farmers’ Union organised a number of agriculture visits for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots and Assembly Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Declan McAleer on August 10.

The NI agri leaders visited Garry Bog Ballymoney, Casey’s farm Cloughmills

and Jamieson’s Farm Ballycastle, along with the UFU leadership team.

A wide range of important and pressing issues were covered including Brexit and future trade agreements, future farm support, the financial impact of Covid-19, environmental controls and planning, and a future bovine TB strategy.

UFU URGES INPUT ON DAIRY CONTRACT CONSULTATION Ulster Farmers’ Union is urging dairy farmers to engage with the Government’s consultation on dairy contracts and speak up for a more effective dairy supply chain which delivers fairness for farmers and evenly balances the risk between farmers and processors.

The Government launched the dairy consultation after

the Grocery Code Adjudicator identified an issue of power inequality within their review of the dairy sector.

UFU has created a dedicated webpage for the consultation and provided members with guidance on how to fill out the consultation and the Union’s position, www. ufuni.org/farming/dairy-contracts

etailers and consumers who purchase homegrown potatoes are supporting Northern Ireland farming and food production and safeguarding local food security, according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).

“Consumers who purchase local, new season potatoes are not only making a healthy food choice but can rest assure that they are getting high-quality products produced to some of the highest food standards in the world to feed their families with,” said Robert Sibbett Jnr, UFU potato chairman.

“We are all working towards a greener world and supporting NI farming and food production is something we can all do. By buying homegrown fresh and flavoursome produce such as potatoes, fruits and vegetables, consumers are helping to sustain our family-run farming businesses across the country and are supporting vital jobs in the rural economy.”

For further information on potato nutrition, visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/starchyfoods-and-carbohydrates/ 37

EXPORT NEWS

WHITE’S OATS SECURES £500,000 DEAL WITH OCADO

M

arket-leading porridge and oat cereal brand White’s Oats has secured a new trading partnership with the world’s largest dedicated online grocery retailer, Ocado.

The new contract will see White’s range of porridge oats and granolas, including Organic Jumbo Oats, Toasted Oats and Toatly Oaty, now available on Ocado’s online platform.

Building on its existing distribution network to Great Britain through an impressive trading relationship with leading retailers, the Ocado announcement introduces White’s Oats products to an even wider customer base.

“Our new contract with Ocado is an

From left, Mark Gowdy, sales and marketing manager; Danielle McBride, brand manager; and Stuart Best, business development manager, White’s Oats.

exciting opportunity for White’s as we seek to build our branded distribution in Great Britain,” said Stuart Best, business development manager for White’s Oats.

“Our continued focus is on ensuring supply meets demand for our products.

ALDI LISTING FOR HELLBENT’S SOUTH AFRICAN SAUSAGES

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ood NI member company Hellbent has secured a listing from Aldi Ireland for its unique Boerewors South African sausages.

The listing follows Hellbent’s success in Hellbent’s Schalke van der Merwe passes the winning the Grow with winning sausages to Brand Ambassador CJ Stander, the Munster and Ireland international Aldi scheme for smaller rugby star. companies in Ireland.

Now in its third year, Grow with Aldi has invested over £2m to help small and medium Irish suppliers win business with the leading supermarket chain. Hellbent, from Newtownards, will be supplying its coiled beef sausages to over 142 Aldi supermarkets in the Republic over the next few months. The Popcorn Factory in Coleraine was also listed.

“We are so excited to be sharing the love of food, our heritage and culture in South Africa with the people of Ireland and telling our story through our most loved products,” said South African born Louis Ludik, who formed the business with fellow rugby player Schalke van der Merwe.

The two Northern Ireland winners were among 45 suppliers winning a place on the programme, developed in partnership with Bord Bia. John Curtin, Aldi Group buying director, said: “Now in its third year, Grow with Aldi has consistently delivered for everyone involved. Small and medium sized Irish suppliers get the opportunity to have their product sold nationally, shoppers get to enjoy the best Irish-made products being created and Aldi gets to work with even more Irish suppliers.”

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“This new venture with Ocado will mean that, as consumer purchasing behaviour adapts, White’s is well positioned to reach those consumers with its online product listings.

“Having been awarded the UK Best Breakfast Cereal for our organic oats at the UK Quality Food Awards in December last year, we continue to supply customers with nutritionally-balanced oat cereals that are of the highest quality and taste, and we are confident that through our 180-year heritage of milling oats and our farming partnerships across the UK and Ireland, we can bring real value to Ocado customers through our product offerings.”

NOISY SNACKS IN DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH DIVERSE FINE FOOD

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ward-winning snack brand Noisy Snacks has signed a listing for distribution to high-end independent stores by Diverse Fine Food.

Diverse Fine Food supplies high-end food outlets, working in partnership with both suppliers and customers with the aim of offering unbeatable service and customer satisfaction.

“We are unique in the industry, being very selective with our brands and having incredibly high standards,” said Nicki Stewart, Diverse Fine Food. “We restrict our products per category, not wanting to overpopulate a catalogue with multiple brands. Noisy Snacks stood out with their extraordinarily memorable flavour palette, and for their unique brand experience which engages all of the senses.”

Noel Allen, founder, Noisy Snacks, said: “We are proud to have such a great partner as Diverse Fine Food. Our snacks are massively on-trend for 2021, providing not only a delicious and satisfying snack, but also a sensory experience. Our snacks are developed to work on multiple levels for optimal mouth-feel and engaging all of the senses to deliver a truly unique snacking experience.”

Laying claim to double the amount of flavouring as regular snacks, at 8g instead of 4g per pack, the snacks provide a noisy, explosive mouth sensation. The 45g fully recyclable pack must be shaken loudly before opening to wake the flavour inside. They are flexitarian with vegan options in the range, and a good source of protein.

MARKETING NEWS

MASH DIRECT INVITES SPORTS TEAMS TO COMPETE FOR £5,000 SPONSORSHIP

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ash Direct has launched a new sports campaign - the Mash Direct Champ-ionships - offering teams across the country the opportunity to win a £5,000 sponsorship package which includes a Mash Direct-branded playing kit for the forthcoming season.

With Covid-19 resulting in the temporary closure of many sports teams and preventing people from enjoying certain fitness activities, Mash Direct hopes the campaign with help UK and RoI sports teams to recover and is part of the brand’s overall commitment to support health and wellbeing.

Mash Direct has paused advertising on Facebook until it has taken further action against racism and hate speech and is instead putting these funds to better

use by supporting local sectors which have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

In order to enter the Mash Direct

Champ-ionships, teams will be required to complete an application form, found at www.mashdirect.com/sports.

Applicants should detail why they are the most suitable team to win the £5,000 sponsorship package.

Teams will then create a short video showcasing their skills and incorporating Mash Direct into their training sessions.

Applications will be judged by a variety of sporting stars and personalities who will decide on who they think is most deserving of the prize.

“We are excited to be launching the Champ-ionships campaign to support the sporting community to recover from Covid-19 and to encourage an active lifestyle,” said Jack Hamilton, chief operations officer at Mash Direct.

CARABAO ENERGY DRINK LAUNCHES RETAILER CASH INCENTIVE

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ruity, low calorie, lower sugar energy drink brand Carabao is giving retailers the chance to win one of 13 x £500 cash prizes throughout the month of August 2020, and one lucky winner

LMC STEAK CAMPAIGN DRIVES OVER 1.8 MILLION IMPRESSIONS

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he Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) has completed its latest steak campaign which encouraged consumers in Northern Ireland to cook with steak cuts throughout lockdown and the results are extremely encouraging.

The five-week-long campaign focused on social media and utilised a series of local ‘influencers’ to encourage consumers to create restaurant-style

scooping a very enticing £5,000.

Every participating wholesaler will be guaranteed at least one £500 winner. One case purchased is one entry in the draw.

The more cases each retailer buys, the more entries they get. There is no limit to the number of entries allowed.

The promotion comes after Carabao has taken the market by storm in 2020, becoming the UK’s fastest growing energy drink, driving category growth and incremental sales. 33% of Carabao sales growth comes from shoppers who are new to the category which can be attributed to how its delicious and fruity energy drinks satisfy a number of consumer needs. Not

only does Carabao’s range boast great tasting fruit flavoured energy drinks, all products contain 60% less sugar than major competitors and only 63 calories per can.

“This cash incentive from Carabao not only offers retailers the chance to win great cash prizes but also the chance to maximise their sales by stocking the UK’s fastest growing energy drink,” said Mark Tanner, head of Wholesale and Independent at Carabao Energy Drink UK&I. Participating wholesalers in NI include: SPAR, Costcutter and Savage & Whitten.

meals in the comfort of their own home, using higher value cuts of beef.

Steakhouse Saturdays was prominent across Facebook and Instagram.

Influencers such as The Belfast Food Blogger and Hungry Girl Belfast created short videos showcasing Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured steak cuts, using LMC recipes hosted on BeefandLambni. com.

Each video highlighted the importance of looking for the Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assurance Scheme logo when purchasing beef and lamb, as a guarantee of quality, provenance and a means to support local farmers. The videos and mid-week recipe inspiration posts prompted over 1.8 million impressions with consumers across Northern Ireland.

“It is very encouraging to see that consumers continue to enjoy high quality beef despite being in lockdown,” said Lauren Hyde, Lauren Hyde, education and consumer promotions education and manager, LMC. consumer promotions manager, LMC. “Many consumers got involved and sent in images of their own Steakhouse Saturdays.

“Lockdown has provided each of us a unique opportunity to enhance our cooking skills, try new recipes and share our own cooking experiences which will have an important place now, and beyond lockdown.”

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ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO MAINTAIN MENTHOL SHOPPERS POST-BAN

BY DUNCAN CUNNINGHAM, UK CORPORATE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR AT IMPERIAL TOBACCO & BLU

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he continued consumer demand for value is shaping the tobacco category. As adult smokers increasingly shift their purchasing habits between segments, they are expanding the range of nicotine products they buy to cater for different occasions. This has led to a rise in the number of dual users buying both factory-made cigarettes and roll your own products, as well as moving into vaping and new, emerging segments such as nicotine pouches.

As consumers move towards more of a nicotine portfolio approach, shopper purchasing decisions remain heavily influenced by this constant drive for value. We expect the arrival of the menthol ban to accelerate this trend further, with smokers seeking out different nicotine solutions that suit their lifestyle. As a result, stocking a range of products from the different nicotine segments is of key importance for retailers. However, it’s even more crucial that retailers and their staff understand the products they are selling so they can offer informed advice to their customers and help them find the right product for their needs.

THE MENTHOL ALTERNATIVES For ex-menthol smokers who are keen to stick with their flavour of choice, our range of Rizla Flavour Infusions are ideal and incredibly easy to use. Simply insert a flavour card into a packet of cigarettes or roll your own tobacco and wait at least 60 minutes, or leave it in longer for a stronger, more intense flavour.

We’ve also launched a new Green Filter range and a brand-new product, JPS Bright, to help retailers maintain menthol customers and grow their sales.

While these new offerings don’t contain menthol, they do benefit from various characteristics that will appeal to exmenthol smokers.

For the new Green Filter range, these include a white-tipped firm filter that retains its shape and structure until the end of the smoke and delivers a smoother, more consistent smoking experience. Plus, the addition of special Reduced Smoke Smell (RSS) paper which is designed to reduce the linger of smoke smell on clothes or fingers.

While JPS Bright comprises a premium two-piece white stream filter tip that delivers a smoother smoking experience, while allowing a full rounded tobacco flavour to flow more freely. As with the Green Filter range, the addition of a white-tipped filter and RSS paper will ensure the product resonates with menthol consumers. The range features a new, premium Virginia tobacco blend that has tested positively with consumers

(1). The unique quality blend offers a rounded taste profile that is less bitter than traditional Virginia blends and designed to suit the taste palates of menthol smokers.

EDUCATION IS KEY Probably the most important thing of all is education. If retailers and their staff know the products well so they can talk comfortably to adult smokers about them in answering any questions they may have, this will pay off massively in terms of sales and repeat visits.

There are various ways to train staff on the tobacco category. First and foremost, it’s essential they know what products are stocked in store and where they are positioned on the gantry, so they easily find them. This is especially key for bestselling lines so they can always keep an eye on stock levels to avoid running out. This should also be a focus for any accessories, such as Rizla Flavour Infusions and lighters, so they know to upsell where possible.

1 ‘86% of smokers who tested the product scored the new blend positively in consumer testing’.

Substanceqi‘4K’ Product Proposition Research Findings (sample size 224) - August 2019

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PACKAGING & RECYCLING

DIAGEO DEBUTS 100% PLASTIC-FREE, PAPER-BASED SPIRITS BOTTLE

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iageo, maker of Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Guinness, has created the world’s first 100% plastic-free, paper-based spirits bottle, made entirely from sustainably-sourced wood. The bottle will debut with Johnnie Walker, the world’s leading Scotch whisky, in early 2021.

Diageo has formed a new partnership with Pilot Lite, a venture management company, to launch Pulpex, a new sustainable packaging technology company. To ensure the technology can be used in every area of life, Pulpex has established a partner consortium of world-leading FMCG companies in non-competing categories including Unilever and PepsiCo, with further partners expected to be announced later in the year.

The consortium partners are each expecting to launch their own branded paper bottles, based on Pulpex’s design and technology, in 2021.

Pulpex has developed a ‘first-ofits-kind’ scalable paper-based bottle designed and developed to be 100% plastic free and expected to be fully recyclable. The bottle is made from sustainably sourced pulp to meet

food-safe standards and will be fully recyclable in standard waste streams.

The technology will allow brands to rethink their packaging designs, or move existing designs into paper, while not compromising on the existing quality of the product.

“We’re proud to have created this world first,” said Ewan Andrew, chief sustainability officer, Diageo. “We are constantly striving to push the

boundaries within sustainable packaging and this bottle has the potential to be truly groundbreaking. It feels fitting that we should launch it with Johnnie Walker, a brand that has often led the way in innovation throughout its 200 years’ existence.”

Pulpex’s technology allows it to produce a variety of plastic-free, single-mould bottles that can be used across a range of consumer goods. The packaging has been designed to contain a variety of liquid products and will form part of Diageo’s commitment towards Goal 12 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Sandy Westwater, director, Pilot Lite said: “We’re thrilled to be working with global brand leaders in this consortium. By working together, we can use the collective power of the brands to help minimise the environmental footprint of packaging by changing manufacturing and consumer behaviours.”

KP SNACKS SETS GOAL FOR ALL PACKAGING TO BE RECYCLABLE, REUSABLE OR COMPOSTABLE BY 2025

BY MATT COLLINS, TRADING DIRECTOR AT KP SNACKS

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onsumers are increasingly looking for products that are better for them and better for the environment. For retailers to remain competitive, they need to consider how they can improve their own environmental impacts but also meet conscious consumer purchasing trends.

At KP Snacks we constantly strive to do good for our consumers, the environment, our people and our local communities – we call this Our Taste for Good. From the ingredients we use to the way we develop our colleagues, the local causes we support, to the amount of energy we use – Our Taste for Good means our business is working to create more happy snacking moments each day.

Our pacKPromise is KP’s three-stage commitment to reducing our packaging impact and ultimately in achieving our goal for all our packaging to be 42

recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.

In March 2019 we launched a nationwide recycling scheme for bagged nuts, popcorn and pretzels, as well as crisp packets in partnership with TerraCycle. The recycling scheme is simple and free to use and has already collected over 4.8 million snack packets at the 500 public drop-off locations around the UK. The packets are then recycled to create different plastic products such as fence posts and benches. Recently we worked with TerraCycle to turn our collected snacks packets into play and picnic equipment, garden planters and bird tables for two community charities close to our Ashby site and our Slough HQ. To encourage collection, KP and TerraCycle offer charity points based on the number of packets collected,

which can be redeemed by collectors for a variety of charitable gifts or a direct payment to a non-profit of their choice.

Up to the end of June 2020, KP Snacks raised over £14,600 for charity through the TerraCycle points scheme.

We also continue to reduce the amount of packaging we use in making our products. Most recently we have reduced Tyrrells packaging by 14% and seen a 23% reduction in packaging on our Hula Hoops multipacks.

Demand for transparent and sustainable business is ever-increasing so it is important for retailers to stock up on brands who are doing their part to reduce waste and become more sustainable.

Retailers can raise awareness of sustainability initiatives in-store by using branded display and promotional offers to create value and build customer trust.

BUSINESS NEWS

UB TOP 100 SEES SALES RISE BY MORE THAN 10% IN LAST YEAR

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orthern Ireland’s biggest businesses have seen sales rising by more than 10% over the last year, with poultry processing giant Moy Park topping the list for the ninth year in a row on turnover of £1.58bn and pre-tax profits of £70m.

The Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2020 list with A&L Goodbody shows turnover has grown to £27.5bn from £24.9bn across our largest businesses, up 10.4%.

Meanwhile, pre-tax profits have also risen in line with sales – up around 10% across the companies on the list, when compared to year-on-year figures.

Profitability increased from £935.6m to £1.03bn.

The majority of the company accounts

From left, Michael Neill, head of Belfast office, A&L Goodbody, sponsor of the Top 100; Chris Kirke, Moy Park chief executive; and John Mulgrew, Ulster Business editor. Photo credit: Elaine Hill

cover 2019 and the end of 2018, thus any impact of the ongoing coronavirus situation would not be reflected in the overall performances.

“The performance of some of Northern

NORTHERN IRELAND COMPANY DEVELOPS HYDROPOD

Ronan Hamill, CEO of Jans Composites, pictured outside the new facility in Antrim.

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practical and multifaceted portable hand washing station, with potential to help in protecting against coronavirus, has been developed by a Northern Ireland manufacturing company.

Jans Composites, based in Antrim, is known for the manufacture of bus and automotive products and has applied its expertise to the new Hydropod product.

Hydropod, the brainchild of CEO Ronan Hamill, came about after various supermarket shopping trips, where he found the use of alcoholbased hand gel unpleasant. After talking to friends and colleagues who felt the same way, he wondered what was wrong with just washing your hands with soap and water in line with the government message.

“For me the idea was simple,

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why do we need a hand sanitising unit, why can we not just wash our hands,” he said. “I came into work, briefed my colleagues and as a team we set about the design, the development and then the manufacture of a portable handwashing station which can be dropped into any location to service any organisation in any sector.

“The team has been exceptional and really risen to the challenge I set them in terms of design and manufacture. I’m delighted with the Hyrdopod; I wanted it to be a simple handwashing station which was sophisticated in design and delivery and could operate anywhere, inside or outside a building.”

The Jans Composites Hydropod.

Ireland’s leading firms continues to cement our position on the business map – especially given the wide breadth of companies which call here home,” said John Mulgrew, editor, Ulster Business.

“And while over the course of more than 30 years this list has been through the boom times, as well as tough periods following the 2008 recession, the next couple of years are likely to be the most difficult many of them have ever faced.

“But many of those companies on the list, and across Northern Ireland as a whole, have the resilience and the ability to weather such challenging times, and Ulster Business will be there as a guide along the way.”

BREXIT SUPPORT SERVICE VITAL LIFELINE FOR NI BUSINESSES

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ollowing campaigning from Logistics UK, the Government has announced the creation of a £200m Trader Support Service which will provide a lifeline for Northern Ireland businesses adjusting to new trading procedures post-EU exit.

However, with time running out until the end of the Brexit transition period, the new systems must be trialled and implemented urgently to provide industry with confidence, according to Logistics UK. “For some time, we have been urging the government to provide financial and administrative support to Northern Ireland businesses to help them adjust to the complex new trading procedures they will be faced with post-EU exit,” said Seamus Leheny, policy manager for Northern Ireland at Logistics UK. “The announcement is extremely welcome in a sector charged with maintaining NI’s trading links between GB and Europe. This £200m support package will be vital to the successful implementation of the NI Protocol and ultimately, keeping trade between NI and GB moving as efficiently as possible once the Brexit transition period concludes on 31 December 2020.

“Northern Irish businesses face significant challenges at the end of the transition period, not least the challenges of customs documentation and other formalities, which many would be encountering for the first time.”

APPOINTMENTS

NICK ROBINSON APPOINTED CEO OF KERRY FOODS K

erry Group has announced the appointment of Nick Robinson as the new chief executive officer of Kerry Foods.

Currently managing director of Consumer Brands for Kerry Foods, he will transition into the role over the summer, replacing Duncan Everett who is leaving the company for a new role.

Robinson joined Kerry Foods in 2017 as chief marketing officer and assumed the role of managing director of brands in January 2019, leading the growth agenda in the company’s branded business.

Prior to his roles with Kerry Group, Nick had a variety of sales, commercial and marketing roles with Diageo, Coca-Cola

and AB InBev, where he was the North Europe marketing director.

“I would like to congratulate Nick on this new role with the company,” said Edmond Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group.

“He is stepping into this role at a very interesting time as the food industry responds in innovative ways to the changing consumer behaviours resulting from Covid-19.

“I look forward to working with Nick and his team to further grow our business across the UK and Ireland. I would also like to thank Duncan for his support and commitment and recognise the significant contribution he has made to Consumer Foods and the wider Kerry business over

Nick Robinson

the past 25 years.”

Kerry Foods is a leader in its categories in the chilled cabinet, primarily in the Irish and UK markets, and employs 5,000 people.

CONSUMER COUNCIL CONGRATULATES JOHN FRENCH ON APPOINTMENT

John French

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oard and staff of The Consumer Council have extended congratulations to John French on his recent appointment to the role of chief

executive of the Utility Regulator.

French took up the role of chief executive of The Consumer Council in July 2015, having previously served as director of Regulation and Pricing at firmus energy. Prior to that role, he served as head of Energy at The Consumer Council for three years so his departure draws to a close an eight-year association with the organisation.

As chief executive, he has successfully expanded the areas in which the organisation supports Northern Ireland consumers. In addition to further developing its consumer support in statutory areas of responsibility (travel, power, post and water), he has been instrumental in expanding the

organisation into new areas.

Under his leadership, the organisation has diversified into assisting consumers with private parking charge notices, financial services, and more recently, providing advice and guidance around broadband and telecoms issues. In the area of parking charge notices alone, the organisation has helped almost 1,700 consumers successfully appeal more than £200,000 in charges in the last 12 months.

During the recent Covid-19 crisis in particular, under his leadership, The Consumer Council staff have been providing vital up-to-date support and guidance to consumers across a range of key areas.

SHELFLIFE

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

PLADIS LAUNCHES NEW PMP FORMAT FOR FLIPZ

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lobal snacking company pladis is offering independent retailers the opportunity to take an even bigger bite out of snacking with the launch of Flipz Milk Chocolate in a price-marked pack (PMP).

The new format for the £14.1m (1) bestseller, which Jonathan Bull, head of McVitie’s Commercial & Seasonal Brands at pladis UK&I describes as“independent retailers’ ticket to sales growth in the everyday treats category” – will target the brand’s loyal shopper base (2), as well as new shoppers seeking a bargain.

“Flipz is one of our most exciting success stories in recent years,” said Bull. “The brand is absolutely propelling

STRINGS & THINGS LAUNCHES CHEESHAPES QUIRKIES WITH NEW PLAYFUL SHAPES

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trings & Things, part of Kerry Foods, has launched Cheeshapes Quirkies, the new name for Cheeshapes Randoms. The updated range will include an array of playful new shapes to allow retailers to tap into the trends that kids are most excited about.

The new shapes, including a llama, chunky trainer and tennis racquet, continue the Strings & Things mission to champion snacking occasions for kids.

Since its launch in March 2019, Cheeshapes has proven to be a hit with shoppers across the UK, with value growth of £1.8m and uptake by nearly 800,000 households [1]. Strings & Things brought together Cheestrings, Cheeshapes and Yollies under its Strings & Things Masterbrand last year to champion kids snacking in the UK and grow the portfolio’s position as a lunchbox staple. Since the rebrand, Strings & Things has seen value growth of 14.6% [2].

[1] IRI MarketPlace Value MAT 23rd Feb 2020 [2] Kantar Worldpanel Online 6 4w/e 17th May 2020 vs.

64w/e 24th Feb 2019

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growth in the category and, in the impulse channel, it’s outpacing the rest of the growth in Everyday Treats at six times the overall category rate.

“Sales of Flipz are up 57% in impulse (3), and our Flipz Milk Chocolate variant has been a particular hit in the channel. PMPs remain a sure-fire way of demonstrating value to shoppers and, in turn, driving sales - in fact, PMPs generate a third of the sales in the convenience channel (4).”

Flipz Milk Chocolate PMP are available to independent retailers and wholesalers in an 80g pack from the beginning of August. Packaging will be recyclable through pladis’ partnership with Terracycle.

1 Nielsen MAT to 04.07.2020 2 Kantar – MAT to 17.05.2020 - Flipz has a repeat purchase rate of 33% 3 Nielsen MAT to 04.07.2020 4 IRI Convenience 52 we 27.01.19

THE RETURN OF THE TURKEY TWIZZLER B

ritish turkey processor Bernard Matthews has brought back its Turkey Twizzlers with a new healthier and tastier recipe aimed at the children and younger adult mid-week meal occasion.

The re-launch of the new generation of Turkey Twizzlers comes after a 15-year hiatus and includes two flavours, Original Tangy Tomato and new Chilli Cheese, both high in quality protein and low in calories.

The new pack design features bright, strong colours communicating the Twizzlers by Bernard Matthews logo in purple and the spiral product image against a backdrop of orange or yellow. The front pack highlights key messages around the new improved recipe and a bold ‘they’re back’ statement, appealing to the previous generation of Turkey Twizzler lovers.

The pack also features the traffic light food label to allow shoppers to easily review the nutritional breakdown which sees the Original favourite score green for saturated fats and sugar, whilst also being low in calories.

“Our launch is set to bring real innovation to the frozen poultry category by combining fun and enjoyment with a protein-packed lean turkey product that is delicious and fun to eat,” said David Leigh, marketing director at Bernard Matthews.

“The premium packaging will stand out in the freezer cabinet and the range will appeal to children and adults alike.”

The product is being listed by all major supermarkets from August 20, starting in Iceland stores.

CLASSIFIEDS

WANT YOUR COMPANY TO GET NOTICED? ADVERTISE HERE...

CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

c.keenan@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS

WANT YOUR COMPANY TO GET NOTICED? ADVERTISE HERE...

CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

c.keenan@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk

GROCER ULSTER

TM

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Q&A TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m Ruairidh Morrison and, along with my wife Melanie, I run North Coast Smokehouse on the beautiful North Coast. I was born and raised on the Scottish island of Islay and, after roaming the world for many years, I settled here in my wife’s hometown of Ballycastle. I have worked with salmon for most of my adult life – working on salmon farms in Scotland and New Zealand, working as assistant to NZ’s Chief Fish Pathologist in an Animal Health Laboratory, working with the NZ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Strategic Science Team, and most recently as a salmon smoker. We specialise in hot smoked salmon, but we also smoke other fish – trout, pollan from Lough Neagh, and sometimes mackerel and other locally caught fish. We also produce smoked sea salt, smoked black pepper, smoked oil, and, perhaps our favourite, smoked dulse seaweed.

IN THE HOT SEAT RUAIRIDH MORRISON, CO-OWNER, NORTH COAST SMOKEHOUSE

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Well, it depends what day. We do everything here, from collecting whole fresh salmon from our local Organic Salmon Farm in Glenarm, to delivering the packaged product to our customers – and every other step along the way.

All I can say is that a typical day involves variety and is likely to be completely different from the previous day.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? It’s been a long and rambling career to date, and hopefully there will be more highlights to come. It’s hard to pick one highlight. We have won several Great Taste awards from the Guild of Fine Food, and from Blas na hEireann for our products and that always feels good, but I treasure the memory of securing our first commercial order from a prominent local restaurant. It took a long time getting all the necessary processes developed and approved, and I learnt so much along the way. So when we got that first regular order, it really felt that all our hard work was worth it.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I enjoy most aspects of the job. Smoking food is a fascinating business, and I’m happy spending hours on my own filleting salmon or vacuum packing the finished product, but I especially enjoy meeting my customers – the chefs in busy kitchens, the B&B operators and most of all those private customers that come 50

to our regular market stall, or ring the doorbell of the smokehouse.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? I’d like to be better at filleting those precious salmon.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? If you think it will take six months, plan for it taking 18.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? I try not to be a gripey type. If I can fix something, I’ll try to do that, and if I can’t, I’ll try to live with it.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I’ve been playing the fiddle for about 30 years now and I’d like to have a talent for that. I think my family would like that too.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS?

We’d like to grow the smoked condiments side of the business. People really love what we are doing so we need to put more time into that. The recent Covid-19 crisis has led us to put a bit more effort into our online sales and I’d like to see that continuing to grow.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? My kids.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? I love Northern Ireland’s North Coast, and one of the great things about it is that from here I can see Islay. That island will forever be my all-time favourite place.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Cheese. I love all kinds of cheese.

HOW DO YOU RELAX? I love Celtic music, and Irish traditional music in particular. My favourite relaxation is playing music with my friends in a small pub somewhere with a cool pint of stout!