SCOTTISH GROCER
December 2019
DECEMBER 2019
THE NO.1 SCOTTISH GROCERY BRAND BACK ON TV FROM 1ST DECEMBER* Copyright © Snowman Enterprises Limited 2019 THE SNOWMAN TM Snowman Enterprises Limited *Source: Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 08.09.19, Total Scotland
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Scottish brands 2019
Thriving amid uncertainty
Brexit may pose challenges for Scotland’s food and drink industry, but the top brands are still proving to be a hit Lesley Ann’s overview LESLEY Ann Gray, strategic lead for Scotland at market research company Kantar – which provides the listing of the top 50 Scottish non-alcohol brands in Scotland and the Top 25 Scottish alcohol brands in Scotland – analyses the year for the leading Scottish brands in Scottish food and drink retailing.
2019 was yet another year dominated by Brexit. The frustration of the industry is palpable as one year on, we are in the same position and facing the same uncertainty as last year. However, this hasn’t impacted our top 50 take-home grocery brands, which continue to win over the hearts and wallets of shoppers. There hasn’t been any change to the brands occupying the top five, with Scottish icons Irn-Bru, Graham’s The Family Dairy, Malcolm Allan, McIntosh and Bells all repeating their podium finish. A quick look at the product offering of the top brands in Scotland suggests our nation’s favourite meal would be a pie, pastry or lorne sausage washed down with a glass of Irn Bru or milk – one I am sure we have all enjoyed at some point. Whilst the majority of brands in the top 50 have appeared before, Brownings, Stoats and Lightbody make their debut in this year’s top 50 at positions 42, 46 and 49 respectively. There’s otherwise little
change in the ranking compared with last year’s list, which belies just how challenging it has been in the last 12 months to maintain momentum. Our theme at Kantar this year has been Disrupting the Future, and 2019 was certainly a year which delivered disruption for the market. The ramifications of this are clear. The big four retailers struggled to live up to the successes of 2018 this year, and for the first time since 2016, there were periods where none were in growth. Sainsbury’s saw the biggest drop off in market share in Scotland, followed by Asda, with Tesco and Morrisons only marginally increasing their shares. It’s a different picture for the discounters, with store expansion once again seeing them set the pace with the fastest growth of any of the retailers. In Scotland Aldi has seen the biggest increase in market share from 6.7% to 8.2%, closely followed by Lidl at 7.5% share. This means that when combined, they have a
bigger share of the market in Scotland than Morrisons. There’s also good news for independent stores, which increased their share for the second year giving them a market share in Scotland of 3%. Another disruptor has been the Great British weather. With the market struggling in comparison to a very sunny summer 2018, it’s clear that the weather can both disrupt our shopping habits and generate opportunities for certain categories. This year we have had 200 fewer hours of sunshine and that has a big impact. For every one degree mean increase in temperature, as a nation we head out to the shops 3.5 million more times over a fourweek period. This generates opportunities for the out-of-home sector and categories such as cold drinks, alcohol and ice cream. More relevant perhaps for the Scottish climate is that for every rainy day, shoppers in Scotland make 3.5 million fewer shopping trips over a four-week period – with ramifications for how we shop and what we choose to buy. Looking towards 2020 we expect to see consumer confidence dip, and for this to have an impact on shoppers’ behaviour. Already we are seeing signs which are reminiscent of the 2008-9 recession, as shoppers look to manage their grocery spend. The two most common coping mechanisms to manage tightening household budgets are to switch to cheaper stores and to choose cheaper products. This will likely further pro-
pel sales of private label lines, as shoppers look to these to manage their spend, and represents a dilemma for manufacturers who may be considering this as a vehicle for growth. Brands are worth £5.5bn in Scotland (including alcohol) and Scottish shoppers show greater brand loyalty than in the rest of Britain. In Scotland, private label lines are flat, while brands continue to grow. In Britain overall, more than half of grocery spend is on private label products, whereas in Scotland it is brands that have majority share of spend – for now. The volume of items sold on promotion has also continued to decrease for the fifth year in a row, with approximately one third of all products purchased now sold on deal. That said, some categories, especially discretionary or treat items like confectionary and biscuits see higher rates of promoted spend. As a nation we may not be getting any healthier, but health is still an important factor in consumers’ choices. The number of food servings chosen for health reasons has increased by 10% since 2015, which equates to an extra seven billion servings. This presents an opportunity for brands who are able to position their portfolios to meet this need, which extends beyond the classic New Year resolutions into consumers’ choices year-round. Brands who can take advantage of these disruptions and can tap into the opportunities that follow them will be best placed to feature in our top brands list for 2020.
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Top 50 Scottish take-home food and drink brands in Scotland – excluding alcohol Brand
Rank Rank Moving 2019 2018 Up
Brand
Rank Rank Moving 2019 2018 Up
Irn-Bru 1 1
Genius 26 28 s
Graham’s 2 2
Scotts Porage Oats
Malcolm Allan
3 3
Paterson’s 28 29 s
Bells
4 5 s
Marshalls 29 26
27 34 s
McIntosh 5 4
Tarbert Fine Foods
Tunnock’s 6 7 s
Lawsons 31 32
Baxters 7 6
Mackays 32 27
Barr
Buchanan’s 33 37 s
8 11 s
30 31 s
Mackie’s 9 21 s
Calder Millerfield
34 35 s
Seriously 10 8
Mrs Tilly’s
35 33
Simon Howie
11
Highland Game
36 40 s
Scotty Brand
12 12
Big and Scottish
37 38 s
Hall’s
13 10
Glenrath 38 39 s
JG Ross
14 17 s
Macsween
9
39 44 s
Galloway 15 16 s
Orkney 40 41 s
Highland Spring
16 13
Mrs Unis
Albert Bartlett
17 14
Brownings 42 _ NE
Scottish Blend
18 19 s
Scottish Favourites
Müller (formerly Wiseman)
19 18
Dean’s 44 43
Border
20 20
42 Hamlyn’s 45
Rowan Glen
21 15
Stoats 46 _ NE
41 36
43 46 s
Nairn’s 22 24 s
Scottish Slimmers
47 47
Mac B
23 23
Stockan’s 48 50 s
Mothers Pride
24 22
Lightbody 49 – NE
We Hae Meat
25 25
Lees
50 45
Source: Kantar take-home sales in Scotland for the 52 weeks to the w/e 8 September 2019. NE = New entry.
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Scottish brands 2019
1. Irn-Bru
Following on from an incredible 2018 for soft drinks, this year has seen Irn-Bru extend its range and introduce new limited edition SKUs STILL top of the league, Irn-Bru continues to be not just a soft drink, but a bit of a Scottish cultural symbol in its own right. Following a bumper 2018 in which summer sunshine gave the entire soft drinks category a lift, it was always going to be a challenge for Irn-Bru in 2019, but AG Barr commercial director Jonathan Kemp said he was pleased with the brand’s performance this year. “We had a very strong 2018, we had the reformulation changes earlier in the year that created a spike in demand, we had a really hot summer and that has been really challenging to lap this year. “You put that together and you have a really high base, but it’s pleasing to be number one again,” he said. Kemp said that one of the key things to look at with Irn-Bru was how the brand has broadened in recent years. Irn-Bru Xtra is continuing to grow, Kemp said, while the brand was extended this year, with the launch of Irn-Bru Energy, as well as limited edition releases Irn-Bru Crimbo Juice and Irn-Bru 1901. Irn-Bru’s return to the energy drink category is a timely one according to Kemp, as it is a sector that has seen major growth since the brand’s last foray into the market with Irn-Bru 32. “Irn-Bru Energy is performing really well and we’re really pleased to be significantly outselling some of the other new entrants that have come into that market
This year saw the launch of Irn-Bru Energy, as well as two new limited edition releases from the brand. AG Barr commercial director Jonathan Kemp said that there is consumer demand for variety in the soft drinks category, which Irn-Bru can tap into.
and we’re delighted with the sales performance. “It’s interesting, if you go right back we launched Irn-Bru 32 in 2005 and it was very successful, but ultimately we chose to back the Rockstar brand as a single brand that we would have in our business. “Rockstar is a very strong brand, but what has happened between 2005 and 2019 is the energy market has transformed, so it’s much bigger,” said Kemp. Irn-Bru Energy was certainly a major development, but the launch of Irn-Bru 1901 was arguably the headline grabber of the year for the brand. Positioned as a return to the original recipe – not to be confused with the pre-reformulation Irn-Bru that was on shelves before the sugar tax – Kemp reckons this full sugar limited edition release will be a hit with
Scottish consumers. “It is a wonderful drink and I think it will do very well. Ultimately, why are we doing this? Because there is demand for it,” he said. The launch of the seasonal Irn-Bru Crimbo Juice is another way in which AG Barr has looked to tap into consumer demand for variety in the soft drinks category, and Kemp suggested retailers should expect to see more of this kind of thing from IrnBru in the future. “You can overdo it, and you’ve got to make sure you’ve got a strong foundation, but there is a consumer appetite to try new and different things and why shouldn’t Irn-Bru tap into that?” he said.
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PROUD TO BE THE
NO.1 SCOTTISH
GROCERY BRAND AGAIN*
STOCK ALL 3 VARIANTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SALES *Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 08.09.19, Total Scotland
AG Barr - SG - linda.indd 1
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Scottish brands 2019
2. Graham’s
It has been another stellar year for Graham’s The Family Dairy, with the family owned brand continuing to launch new products and boost company turnover THIS year has been one of NPD-driven growth for Graham’s The Family Dairy, which yet again finds itself on the second top step of our brands ranking. The latest annual results for the family-owned business reported a 4.7% rise in turnover for 2019 and a healthy pre-tax profit increase of £2.2m. These gains have coincided with a period of extensive new product development at Graham’s. In 2017, Graham’s launched the award-winning Protein 22 – a smooth and fruity quark product – and last year, the dairy launched Graham’s Skyr – a high protein Scandinavianstyle dairy product that’s naturally high in protein. Graham’s kicked off 2019 with the launch of its ‘Goodness’ range of low-calorie ice cream and cottage cheese, tapping into consumer demand for healthier indulgence. These launches have been star performers according to Robert Graham, who reckons
NPD has been a major focus for Graham’s The Family Dairy for a number of years now, and the familyowned business has been enjoying success while diversifying its offer.
they tap into some of the major trends in contemporary retail. “Our view is that one of the biggest drivers for consumers is looking for products that are natural and functional. “I think dairy is really closely aligned with that trend because dairy is a natural product. It’s fresh milk from a cow
The Graham family has been dairy farming in Scotland for three generations.
that is eating from a field outside the window. “And underneath those pillars you have provenance, authenticity, history and family.
good fit for their customers,” he said. It’s been a busy year for Graham’s, but the dairy already has plans afoot for 2020 and
Certainly the sales of our higher protein style products are just incredible in January. “Protein is also a big piece, reducing sugar and gut health – there’s lots of strong trends that are closely aligned with dairy.” The Graham’s range has definitely been winning converts in 2019, with Spar Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang signing up to a two-year partnership with the dairy. Graham said it’s a partnership he is excited about, both for the milk side of the business and for the firm’s evergrowing range of dairy products. “We have Scottish dairy products that I think are a
retailers can expect to see the brand launch even more functional products between now and April. And once the Christmas decorations are down, Graham’s will again start the new year with its health-focused Balance Me campaign. “Every January we do our healthy eating campaign. Certainly the sales of our higher protein style products are just incredible in January. “It’s such a huge period for our sites that are making these types of products, because the sales are incredible,” said Graham.
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No.1 Scottish food brand. We’re wellie delighted.
And we continue to be Scotland’s no.1 dairy brand for 2019. Source: Kantar Worldpanel
Grahams -GHM SG -Grocer linda.indd 1 AS02736 Ad_2019.indd 1
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Scottish brands 2019
3. Malcolm Allan
It might be a tough year for the industry, but Scotland’s top butcher has continued to thrive THE uncertainty around Brexit, a crisis in the pork markets and increasing packaging costs have all presented challenges for Malcolm Allan in 2019 – which makes it all the more impressive that the brand is thriving. Few products can claim the popularity that square sausage has in Scotland, and as the biggest supplier in the business, a lot of credit for that achievement has to go to Malcolm Allan. And when it comes to the popularity of the brand’s steak pies, all that needs to be said is that the Larbert-based butcher is up 25% on last year for Hogmanay orders. With almost no marketing to speak of and an approach that doesn’t rely too heavily on new product development, it’s worth asking how Malcolm Allan is able to achieve such a strong performance. For Gordon Allan, director at
Director Gordon Allan said Malcolm Allan has succeeded over the years because it has earned the trust of Scottish shoppers.
Malcolm Allan, the answer is fairly simple. “Trust. It’s trust. My father always said ‘Son, you don’t sell anything that’s not good enough to serve in your own house. You try and do things by the book because reputation is everything. “We’ve built it up, we don’t
Malcolm Allan does its own butchery, training some staff straight from school.
do any advertising, we don’t do any marketing. We’ve got
but it has nothing to do with race-to-the-bottom pricing
We’ve done a bit of NPD, but it’s the quality and consistency. People have got to trust you. Whenever there’s a food scare people come back to us. some mugs with Malcolm Allan on them but that’s about it. “We’re out for repeat purchases, it’s got to be a good product. “When you see all these brands launching, it’s something like 80% of all NPD fails. We’re trying to get something that sticks and works,” he said. It’s definitely working at Malcolm Allan. This festive period, every Tesco in Britain will have a Malcolm Allan steak pie in stock for New Year, a development which Allan said is “huge” for the butcher. The listing might be enviable,
according to Allan, who said he is not prepared to cut corners for the sake of shaving off a few pounds. “That’s basically because we still produce the steak ourselves, we cook it in a batch that is 10kg maximum and we hand-make all our pastry. “When you buy that steak pie it is like you’ve made it in the kitchen,” he said. And while it’s easy to say your brand is homemade quality, Allan added that the real proof is in the kind of calls he receives from customers. “I had a woman from Orkney on the phone last year and she
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said: I’m shattered today son. I told my laddies I was going down the butchers to get the steak to make a steak pie. I make them every year, but my oldest son said, ‘Mum, I don’t know how to tell you this but we all prefer Malcolm Allan pies’.” When he isn’t taking calls from Orkney mothers, Allan said he spends plenty of time with Malcolm Allan staff. The butcher has a hands-on training approach which Allan believes is a key factor in delivering quality products. “We have quite an unusual staff makeup in that I go into local high schools. We try and bring people in to Malcolm Allan right from school, to a Saturday job or weekend job, so you don’t sit about, you start working at 16.” There’s undoubtedly a tra-
ditional way of doing things at Malcolm Allan, but that doesn’t mean the business is entirely against NPD. Last year, Malcolm Allan enjoyed success with the launch of a barbecue range. During the hot summer of 2018, butcher lines like American Style Sizzlers and Hot & Spice Pork Sizzlers were flying out the door according to Allan, but he said the damp of 2019 meant this success didn’t carry through to this year. Despite a setback from the weather, Allan said the firm
Malcolm Allan Steak Pies have enjoyed a 25% uplift in sales for Hogmanay 2019.
has ideas for the future – it’s just a case of waiting on market conditions improving. “2019 has been a year of battening down the hatches. This was a year to sit tight. But we’ve got good facilities,
we retained our double-A BRC status across both sites which is huge. “We’ve got some good NPD ideas, we’re just not progressing them at the moment because of the uncertainty.”
SCOTLAND’S FAVOURITES Our Fresh Lorne Sausage now accounts for 66% of the market making it Scotland’s favourite Lorne Sausage.
Malcolm Allan Steak Pies account for 62% of the fresh Steak pies sold in Scotland – making these Scotland’s favourite Steak Pie.
www.malcolmallan.com Malcolm Allan Ltd. • I Central Boulevard, Larbert, FK5 4RU • Telephone 01324 613413 December 2019 · Scottish Grocer · 35
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Scottish brands 2019
4. Bells
Consistency and quality have been the driving force behind Bells sales, according to MD Ronnie Miles
WHEN you have tired of pies, you have tired of life. It may not be a common expression, but it seems to ring true with Scottish shoppers who have pushed the Bells brand up to fourth place for 2019. For Ronnie Miles, managing director at the Lanarkshirebased Bells, it is a welcome result which he said speaks to the quality of the brands pies, pastry and cakes. “In terms of brand strength, we don’t particularly spend a lot in terms of advertising. “Our position is a real sign that Scottish consumers are buying our product because we work consistently hard, achieving good quality at the right price,” he said. Success in 2019 for Bells has not come from any flashy product launches or expensive advertising campaigns. That’s not the way Bells works, according to Miles. “We just tend to focus on what we’re good at. Our core business here is pies, particularly Scotch pies and steak pies. “What we tend to do is,
some years, we focus on NPD. Some years we focus on what we call EPD – existing product development. “In 2019 we’ve actually stuck to our core objectives, which is producing quality products,” he said. Putting quality at the top of the priority list is an approach which Miles said has been instilled in the business by its family owners. The family component to the business is one which has been critical to its success, as Miles explained: “The Bell family is still a third generation family bakers. “People tend to forget that, but all we’ve managed to do over many years is combine really good traditional recipes with good quality ingredients. “If you take our flour supplier, we’ve dealt with them for 60 odd years. We tend to stick by the good suppliers and through investment in equipment, we can manufacture traditional recipes in higher volumes and we do it very efficiently,” said Miles According to Miles, Bells is “part of the fabric of Scotland”
Focusing on the core business has been key to Bells’ success according to Miles.
Managing director Ronnie Miles said that Bells traditional recipes offer quality.
– a claim that comes into focus over the festive period. Last year, the brand had its most successful December on record and the firm is gearing up for a similar performance in 2019. “Over the last couple of weeks we’ve taken on about 35 additional staff as we gear up for Christmas. “Some of that is for Christmas cake as well as our savoury side. “If all our plans come to fruition, then this will be a very successful December for Bells, but also for the Scottish consumer as well, because it’s good value.
“And who doesn’t like a steak pie at Hogmanay? Bring in the bells with Bells, you can’t go wrong.” Work doesn’t stop at Bells once the last leftovers from New Years day have been polished off. Next year, consumers and retailers can expect to see some new additions to the Bells range, although the message from Miles at the moment is “watch this space.” “In terms of NPD plans, they will come to a head in January or February next year and we will be introducing new products over the course of 2020 and 2021,” he said.
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SCOTLAND’S
FAVOURITE PIES
Proudly Made in Scotland
Part of everyday Scottish life...
Steak Pies | Scotch Pies | Shell Pies | Bakes | Pastry
www.bellsfoodgroup.co.uk Bells - SG - linda.indd 1
Find out more about our ranges: 01501 820222
*Source: Kantar Worldpanel 2019
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Scottish brands 2019
5. McIntosh
With a new look and NPD in the pipeline, Strathmore Foods has ambitious plans for McIntosh, following a successful 2019 CHILLED has become a huge category for convenience retailers and – when it comes to Scottish ready meals – there is no brand bigger than McIntosh. It has been a busy year for the team at McIntosh parent firm Strathmore Foods, as they seek to broaden the appeal of the brand in an increasingly competitive category. Against a backdrop of strong growth for own-label ready meals, Strathmore Foods has done well to keep McIntosh in the Scottish top five – an achievement that speaks to the power of the brand. In some ways, the McIntosh brand has succeeded by continuing to do what it has always done best, as sales manager Neil Macrae explained. “When we look at IRI category data, every year, five of the top seven ready meals in Scotland are McIntosh, and it’s the same five all the time. “It’s your staples: two different pack sizes of Mac and Cheese, Scottish Stovies, Haggis Neeps and Tatties, and Mince and Tatties. “The challenge for us as a business is that these are great, and we would never take them out of the range, but do younger people really want mince and tatties, do they want stovies? “We’re very strong with the older demographic, but the challenge is to bring in younger people,” he said. In a bid to rise to that challenge, Strathmore Foods has invested in a major packaging revamp across its range.
McIntosh got a new look in autumn 2019, with a greater focus on its ingredients.
The new look packaging has been designed to ensure customers are aware of the various quality claims that Strathmore Foods is able to make. New McIntosh packs highlight the local ingredients which go into each ready meal, which Macrae reckons will encourage even more consumers to pick up the brand. “The pack is a bit more modern, the front of pack shouts
that this is made from Scottish potatoes, beef, or real cheddar. “People can be sceptical that because our ready meals are so affordable they think it must be artificial ingredients. So for people who may have previously walked past the brand, this will tell them,” he said. Strathmore Foods hasn’t just worked on the look of its McIntosh packs in 2019. The firm
Launched last winter, McIntosh Kidz was an NPD success for Strathmore Foods.
has also made a major investment to shift towards more recyclable packaging. All black plastic will be out of the business by the end of 2019, a move which will remove 180 tonnes of black plastic from the supply chain, according to the firm. These packs have been replaced by fully recyclable trays which are made from up to 85% recycled material. “That was quite a big decision for us to make,” said Julie Nisbet, managing director at Strathmore Foods. “The product looks different in green, but if you look across the market now, retail is starting to change. We’re pleased we made the decision because it’s a phenomenal amount of unrecyclable plastic that is coming out of the chain,” she said. Looking to next year, retailers can expect to see more NPD from the McIntosh brand, following the successful launch of its Kidz range last winter. Developed in partnership with Asda, the launch of McIntosh Kidz saw Strathmore Foods add another string to its bow – part of its ongoing strategy of broadening the consumer base for the brand. Next year, retailers can expect to see even more innovations from Strathmore Foods, under the McIntosh banner. January will see the firm launch a new Burns box, a hybrid of a meal kit and a ready meal which will include haggis, neeps and tatties and a whisky sauce. There are also plans for further NPD next summer.
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Strathmore - SG - linda.indd 1
SCOTLAND’S FAMILY FAVOURITES ITH
REAL
VEGETARIANS OR EF
NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURING
MADE W
CHEDDAR CHEESE
SUITAB L
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250g
Macaroni in a creamy cheese sauce, made with real cheddar
CHEESE MACARONI SCOTLAND’S FAMILY FAVOURITES
INGREDIENTS
Cheese Sauce (64%) (Water, Cheddar Cheese 14% (Cheddar Cheese (Milk), Potato Starch), Whole Milk Powder, Butter (Milk, Salt), Modified Maize Starch, Salt, Cheese Powder (Milk), Mustard Powder, Pepper, Skimmed Milk Powder, Cheese Flavouring, Milk Solids, Dried Cream (Milk), Yeast Extract, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Colour (Annatto)), Cooked Macaroni (36%) (Water, Durum Wheat Semolina). Suitable for Vegetarians
SCOTLAND’S FAMILY FAVOURITES
MACARONI CHEESE
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
Allergy Advice: for allergens including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. This product was not produced on a nut free site.
Scottish brands 2019
6. Tunnock’s
Knighthoods, charity activities and thousands of Teacakes, it’s another successful year for an Uddingston institution
SCOTLAND’S biggest confectionery brand has hopped up one place in the rankings, in a year of celebration for the business. Tunnock’s has been serving Scotland with sweet treats from its Uddingston headquarters since 1890. In that time, the firm behind the Tunnock’s Teacake, Caramel Wafer and Snowball, has expanded to become an internationally known brand, available from Tayside to Tangier and just about everywhere in between. This year, that success was recognised when Sir Boyd Tunnock received a knighthood for his services to business. If that wasn’t honour enough, Scotmid rebranded its recently refurbished Scotmid Tannochside store ‘Scotmid Tunnockside’ for 24 hours, in recognition of Sir Boyd’s inclusion on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Among Sir Boyd’s greatest achievements is undoubtedly the invention of the world-famous Tunnock’s Teacake. Last month saw the Teacake shed its recognisable redstriped packaging for a pur-
Sir Boyd Tunnock was honoured with a knighthood in 2019 and Scotmid saw fit to rename its Tannockside store in celebration.
ple wrap, in partnership with Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS). The limited edition pack was launched to coincide with November’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month. The biscuits were donated to PCS, who picked up 1,008 purple tea cakes from Tunnock’s HQ. This was the third year in which Tunnock’s has supported the charity. Next year will see Tunnock’s turn 130, and with so much experience, the manufacturer could have been forgiven for
taking the foot off the gas a bit. However, it seems to be full steam ahead in Uddingston following a major upgrade and expansion of the Tunnock’s bakery last year. As part of a multi-million pound investment in Tunnock’s, the site was extended by 22,000 square feet. The expansion included a three-storey extension, which boosted capacity by 10%. Major additions included the installation of a new wrapping line, significantly increasing the speed at which Tunnock’s
can wrap its popular confectionery, with individual lines capable of processing 600 Caramel Wafers a minute. A common theme for the top brands in Scotland is that they continue to be family-run operations, with tradition at their heart. The same is true of Tunnock’s, where the 86 year old Sir Boyd continues to take a hands-on approach. And with more than three million Teacakes leaving the bakery each week, Tunnock’s continues to be a business that needs all hands on deck.
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YOU ALWAYS WIN WHEN
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Scottish brands 2019
7. Baxters
LAST year, Baxters celebrated its 150th birthday. So how do you follow up a year like that? By continuing to do what you have been doing well for a century and a half, it would seem, as 2019 has been yet another year in which the Speyside soup manufacturers has pushed its brand forward with innovation. The rise of food to go has not been lost on Baxters Food Group, which recently launched a new range of Super-licious Soup Pots. Baxters new on-the-go soup pots were launched exclusively into Waitrose stores across the UK in October. The new range included four flavours: Pumpkin and Sweet Potato with Warming Spices, Thai Chicken and Coconut with Fiery Ginger, Creamy Tomato with Tomato Chunks, and Minestrone and Smoked Bacon with Orzo Pasta. Lorraine Rothwell, European marketing director at Baxters Food Group, said the brand has “always championed new and innovative products”, and that she believed the manufacturer had created a product that “absolutely delivers” on taste and quality. Baxters’ move into on-the-
Baxter Food Group has rolled out a raft of NPD over the last few years, tapping into a host of contemporary trends. The Baxters soup range now includes Super Good, positioned to appeal to health-conscious consumers, Hearty, which was reformulated to boost its protein content, and Super-Licious, a new on-the-go proposition launched in the autumn of 2019.
go follows a 2018 that saw it introduce a raft of on-trend NPD. The brand appealed to
health-conscious consumers with the launch of its Super Good range of soups, each filled with ‘great for you’ ingredients. Baxters’ six-strong Super Good range introduced flavours like Pea, Broccoli and Basil Pesto, and Fiery Fish Bisque. The brand also reformulated its Hearty range, with 20% of the energy in each can now sourced from protein. But it isn’t all about NPD at Baxters. This year, Baxters Food Group announced it has successfully raised £117,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The funds were raised through soup sales from a limited edition on-pack promotion that saw a proportion of sales from its Favourites soups donated to Macmillan. Baxters Food Group staff also lent a hand, with fundraising efforts, including sky dives, bungee jumps, raffles and race nights. The funds raised exceeded the manufacturer’s initial £100,000 target – the sum required to fully fund one Macmillan nurse for 25 months. Cash raised through the activity is expected to help support 350 people living with cancer.
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Scottish brands 2019
8. Barr SCOTTISH consumers can be seriously savvy when it comes to seeking out a bargain, and so it should be unsurprising that the Barr range has yet again climbed the top brands list. Last year, the Barr range was knocking on the door of the top ten, and hopping from 11th to 8th is a feat made doubly impressive when taking into consideration the conditions faced by the soft drinks category over both years. In 2018, soft drinks benefitted from a bumper summer complete with sunshine and massive sporting events. Despite a bit of a wash out in 2019, Barr has improved its position – no mean feat.
When shoppers and retailers think of AG Barr, Irn-Bru will surely be the first brand to come to mind, but the Barr range of flavoured carbonates continue to offer Scottish shoppers the quality associated with the Cumbernauldbased firm, at a value price. The Barr flavours range now comprises Appleade, Bubblegum, Cherryade, Cola, Cream Soda, Diet Cola, Diet Lemonade, Ginger Beer, and Lemonade. Available in price-marked packs ranging from 330ml to 2L, Barr flavours offer retailers plenty of options, catering to both the instant consumption and take-home occasions.
9. Mackie’s
JUMPING an impressive 12 places in the rankings, the popularity of Mackie’s of Scotland’s continues to surge. Mackie’s holds 22% of the Scottish premium ice cream market by value and is the most popular brand of ice cream in Scotland, making over 11 million litres of indulgent dessert each year. The brand has also scooped accolades in 2019. Mackie’s picked up two Great Taste stars for its Traditional Real Dairy Ice Cream. Success has also been a theme for the savoury arm of the business, Mackie’s at Taypack. The brand has been performing well and now makes an average of 1.4 million kilograms of crisps a year. Its best-selling flavours are its straight-cut sea salt, Haggis and Cracked Black Pepper and its ridge-cut Sea Salt and Vinegar. Mackie’s also plans to launch a new limited edition crisp flavour in January, which the firm said should create some buzz among consumers. Flavour isn’t the only area where Mackie’s has been look-
Mackie’s of Scotland has stormed up the rankings, gaining 12 places this year.
ing to innovate. The brand has also been taking steps to boost its environmental credentials and has set itself the goal of becoming the “greenest company in Britain.” The business, which aims to be self-sufficient in renewable energy, is currently 80% powered by energy from its own wind turbines and solar panels – with surplus energy sold back to the grid. Mackie’s is also investing in a new refrigeration system which is expected to reduce
CO2 emissions by 90%. With many consumers increasingly concerned by ‘food miles’ – the distance travelled by products from production to plate – Mackie’s seems well placed to tap into demand for local produce. The firm produces its ice cream on its Aberdeenshire family farm, with dairy sourced from its own herd of 330 milking cows. Mackie’s also makes its own packaging and some flavour ingredients, such as honey-
comb, on the farm to keep its food miles to a minimum. Similarly, Mackie’s at Taypack’s full crisp-making process takes place in Perthshire, at a production site just a few miles from the firm’s family farm, ‘Moncur’. After successive years of growth, and an export business that now reaches 27 countries, Mackie’s at Taypack has announced a considerable investment that will see its factory extended for new product lines. • Mackie’s of Scotland’s started producing ice cream on its family farm in Westertown, near Inverurie, in 1986. The brand continues to use the same recipe and produces all of its ice cream using fresh milk and cream. Mackie’s at Taypack is a joint venture company, run by George Taylor and family at Errol Brickworks factory in Perthshire. It has been making crisps and popcorn since 2009. Mackie’s chocolate factory is located in a converted tractor shed on the farm in Aberdeenshire.
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Scottish brands 2019
10. Seriously MAINTAINING its status as a top ten Scottish brand, Lactalis McLelland’s Seriously cheddar brand is a fridge favourite for families across the country. The top cheese brand on the list, Seriously was rebranded in 2017 and now – two years on – it seems clear that the relaunch was a success. For 2019, Lactalis McLelland invested heavily in the brand, with a £1.2m marketing campaign that included advertising spots across television and ondemand services. The campaign focused on the brand’s Spreadable format, across 10 and 20-second spots. Lactalis McLelland supported the advertising campaign with in-store activations and promotional activity, while also working with social media ‘influencers’. This year also saw Seriously celebrate its Scottish roots
11. Simon Howie
with the roll out of a limited edition St Andrew’s Day pack. The pack was launched the lead up to the 30 November celebration of Scotland’s patron saint. Seriously St Andrew’s Day packs featured a heart-shaped saltire and celebratory message. Lactalis McLelland cheddar brands Galloway and Orkney were also given the Caledonian
treatment in celebration of the occasion. Mike Chatters, sales director for Lactalis McLelland said that Scottish heritage is “very important” to its brands, adding that the limited edition packs could help retailers create “patriotic excitement” for consumers. • Seriously is produced, cut and packed at Lactalis McLelland’s creamery in Stranraer.
VEGETARIANS across Scotland rejoiced in 2018 when Simon Howie launched its veggie square sausage. Since then, the soyabased square slice has become a big hit, expanded distribution and even been joined by a new Veggie Breakfast pack, containing two slices of veggie square sausage, two veggie link sausages, and two veggie black puddings. The vegetarian NPD may be a hit, but it’s important to remember that the brand goes by ‘The Scottish Butcher’ for a reason, and its range of premium meat products – as well as its haggis – continue to perform well.
12. Scotty Brand
IT is not every year that you see one of your lines elevated to the level of Champagne, Parmigiano Reggiano and Scotch whisky – but this has been no ordinary year for Scotty Brand. This summer, Scotty Brand farm supplier Girvan Early Growers successfully secured Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. From now on, if you want to label potatoes as “Ayrshire New Potatoes” or “Ayrshire Earlies” then they must be grown and harvested in Ayrshire. It’s a victory for Scottish farmers, which brand manager Sarah McDonald said Scotty Brand will make the most of.
“That was really exciting for us as a brand, and that will certainly be something we will have on packs going forward,” she said. Success for Scotty Brand hasn’t just come in the tattie fields this year. The big multiples have switched on to the quality of Scotty Brand’s fruit and berries range and the brand has gained some UK-wide listings. “This year Scotty Brand has had a UK-wide trial of some products with Asda, which gives you an idea of the scale of the brand and shows how far we have come,” said McDonald. Over 200 Asda stores
stocked Scotty Brand strawberries and berries during summer 2019. Chippy Chips have been another hit for Scotty Brand in 2019. The frozen chip brand secured widGirvan Early Growers secured PGI status for their spuds. er distribution “We have a loyal fanbase, our with Scotmid this year and also customers are really loyal and launched in Tesco. very supportive of the brand And while the team behind and I really think that helps from Scotty Brand undoubtedly a word of mouth perspective, works hard, McDonald also getting the message out there suggested Scotland’s shopand getting people to pick up pers have had a role to play in the products.” supporting growth.
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ADVERTORIAL
Going from strength to strength JG Ross is a company with a proud past and an exciting future
I
n 1962 a small cottage bakery opened in rural Aberdeenshire providing quality handmade products to neighbouring farms and houses. From these humble beginnings JG Ross Bakers have grown into a multi award winning company. The cottage bakery has grown into a state of the art purpose built bakery in Inverurie, and a dedicated ‘free from’ bakery in Portsoy (both Aberdeenshire). The work once proudly done by founders Mr and Mrs Ross is now carried out by a dedicated skilled production team of over 100 staff. As a regional bakery supplying 300 outlets in the North East of Scotland JG Ross are delighted and extremely proud to have climbed three places up to number 14 in the Kantar-Scottish Grocer list of top Scottish Take Home Brands. Despite the development of the business over more than 50 years, one thing that hasn’t changed is the traditional values of the company which JG Ross still hold dear. The focus is on quality and freshness, combining premium ingredients from trusted local suppliers with traditional craft bakery skills. These key values along with embracing changes in the market place, reinvestment and collaboration with customers has enabled JG Ross to grow sustainably and organically. Whilst never afraid to invest in new equipment and technology, craft skills and product quality have never been compromised. As well as being mesmerised by the range of products (bread, butteries, rolls, tea bread, doughnuts, cakes, biscuits, pies and savouries, soups, ready meals and sandwiches), visitors to the JG Ross Bakery are always amazed to learn the extent to which products are still made by hand using
traditional craft bakery skills. This includes an astonishing 180,000 handmade butteries per week! It is this commitment to maintaining the optimum standards of production and product which gives the company a competitive advantage. In the North-East of Scotland and further afield the JG Ross name is synonymous with exceptional quality. As was noted in episode three of BBC iplayer programme “Flour Power” in which Production Director Cameron Ross was a judge, “hand-made means bettermade.” In recent years demand has grown significantly in the Food to Go market which is recognised as a key growth opportunity for convenience stores. JG Ross has worked hard with retail partners who share a passion for baked goods, promoting shared responsibilities and maximising return and opportunities for both parties. We’re now working with CJ Lang company owned stores in Aberdeenshire to implement a local bakery offering. Initial results have been extremely positive with some great staff engagement too. In addition to these developments, the extensive range of award-winning prepacked
goods continues to record sales growth - demonstrating there is clearly a market demand for quality freshly made local products alongside national brands in-store. With further developments around Food to Go and ongoing product development in vegetarian, ‘free from’ and high protein lines, JG Ross continues to respond to the demands of a loyal and growing customer base. Recent investment in rebranding and shop refits including refurbishment of the coffee shop at the flagship Inverurie premises, along with supporting partners in improving Food to Go provision demonstrates a real commitment to the future. Through innovation and collaboration, JG Ross have come a long way from the cottage bakery of 1962 but the values and standards born in that small bakery will always remain at the very heart of everything that is special about this company and brand.
For further information on JG Ross contact us on 01467 620 764 or email info@jg-ross.co.uk www.jg-ross.co.uk JGRoss - SG - linda.indd 1
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Scottish brands 2019
13. Hall’s
THE Hall’s brand has been going from strength to strength since it was purchased by Browns Food Group in 2013 – and the firm hasn’t rested on its laurels in 2019. Hall’s was subject to a rebrand in 2018 that has been a hit with consumers this year, according to Molly Jardine, head of group sales at Browns Food Group. “We’ve been pleased with the feedback and traction we’ve got from the rebrand,” she said. More than a cosmetic upgrade, Browns Food Group has been working hard to push Hall’s forward. The team has focused on boosting the brand’s social media presence and it seems to be working – with some online activity even getting picked up by the national press.
At the heart of the Hall’s range are four key products that Jardine reckons convenience retailers should ensure they have in stock. Halls Haggis, Wee Willie Winkies, Chopped Ham and Pork, and The Wee Belter – a breakfast kit that includes two link sausages, two servings of black pudding and two pieces of lorne. The Wee Belter is something of a success story for Hall’s. It was previously known as the Hall’s Mini-Breakfast pack, but has seen a dramatic improvement in fortunes since Browns Food Group made the decision to refresh the pack. “The Wee Belter has gone from strength to strength. It is a cracking product that appeals to the consumer,” said Jardine. Hall’s isn’t just picking up
sales in the chiller, Jardine said the brand has also been attracting customers across categories. “We’ve seen shoppers moving into cooked meats and into frozen. We’re really diversifying into other categories from a growth perspective.” Looking to the future, retailers can expect to see more from Hall’s in 2020. In terms of new product development, it’s ‘watch this space’ for the moment, but retailers should expect to see some innovation next year.
And Browns Food Group plans to continue with its marketing push for Hall’s, with Jardine promising some impressive activities in the near future. “We’re continuing to invest in the brand so we’ve got some plans for next year. There will be a strong marketing campaign,” she said. “We’re not giving too much of that away at the moment, but it’s a far stronger brand than is has been and we’re pleased that the Scottish consumer is still buying into it.”
14. JG Ross IT has been another fantastic year for JG Ross, with the brand continuing to storm up the top brands rankings. Climbing for the third year in a row, the Aberdeenshire brand is clearly doing something right. Success came early for JG
Ross in 2019, when the baker was awarded Gold at the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards in 2019. JG Ross also refurbished its popular Inverurie coffee and retail shop, which reopened in February. As part of the revamp, JG Ross opted to extend its range in-store with the addition of more vegetarian options, as well as high protein products and greater selection of healthy menu items. JG Ross was able to add to its collection of gongs in the summer, when bakery founder George Ross was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Pride of Inverurie Awards. With a portfolio that is suited to the shift towards chilled,
bakery and food to go, JG Ross is in a position to meet the demands of c-store retailers looking to tap into these booming categories. From butteries and bread to pies and cakes, JG Ross puts its baking expertise to good use across categories. Convenience retailers throughout Scotland have
been stocking up on JG Ross, using the brand’s versatility to meet the demands of a variety of shopper missions. The baker’s range of ambient stock includes a broad selection of regional favourites, and its pies and pastries work well either for take home or as margin-driving serve-over options.
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Scottish brands 2019
15. Galloway
WHEN a brand launches a new product or pack format, there is always a question of how successful it will be. Last autumn, Lactalis McLelland expanded its Scottish cheddar offer with the launch of a larger grated Galloway pack. The new 400g Galloway Grated Cheddar pack was described by Lactalis McLelland at the time as a solution for families. Now the brand finds itself up one place this year, having en-
joyed a successful 2019. This year, Galloway also joined with Lactalis McLelland stable mates Seriously and Orkney to celebrate St Andrew’s Day with a special limited edition pack. For Galloway, the campaign saw packs revamped with a tartan background, heartshaped saltire and celebratory message. The special design rolled out across Galloway Mature 350g and Galloway Medium 350g. • Galloway is produced at Lactalis McLelland’s Stranraer creamery using 100% Scottish milk.
16. Highland Spring DAVID Attenborough’s Blue Planet II was a cultural sensation when it aired in 2017 – leading to a huge lift in consumer awareness of the destruction caused by plastic in the ocean. Facing consumer concern over plastic’s place in the supply chain, what is a bottled water brand to do? For Scotland’s number one bottled water brand, finding solutions has been the strategy, and Highland Spring has taken industry-leading steps to reduce its environmental impact. Following a supermarket trial in 2018, this year saw the Perthshire-based brand launch its Eco Bottle pack on a permanent basis. The Highland Spring Eco Bottle is a 500ml pack made from 100% recycled and recyclable
plastic (known as rPET). Speaking at the launch of the eco bottle, Highland Spring chief commercial officer Simon Oldham said: “We’re delighted with success of last summer’s trial. “We had an incredible response from consumers who loved the idea of having a bottle of Highland Spring that was made from 100% recycled plastic. “Today’s consumers, particularly the younger generations, are increasingly looking for products which are either sustainable or developed with consideration for the environment. “That’s why we’re excited to be taking the next step and rolling out our Highland Spring 500ml Eco Bottle nationally.”
Plastic reduction isn’t the only area where Highland Spring has been active in 2019. The Scottish firm has also taken a bit of a continental approach with the launch of its biggest ever investment in sparkling water. This autumn saw Highland Spring announce a £1m investment in sparkling water,
including a new ‘Remarkabubble’ campaign. The multi-channel campaign included national outdoor advertising, digital and social media support as well as PR activity. Sites for the outdoor component of the advertising campaign were selected based on their proximity to convenience outlets across the UK.
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The UK’s No.1 Chocolate Gingers* Our famous recipe of cool dark chocolate and fiery ginger crunch makes our Dark Chocolate Gingers the nation’s favourite. And as the star of our £3.5M investment in the Border brand, including a 3-month national campaign featuring TV, their fame is only going to rise. For further information please contact:
sales@borderbiscuits.co.uk
Source: Kantar, Take Home Purchasing, 52 w/e 16 June 2019
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17. Albert Bartlett ALBERT Bartlett certainly had a friend in the multiples this year, with a summer spud blitz that saw Scottish potatoes flying out the door. To coincide with the launch of Toy Story 4, Albert Bartlett potatoes were available in the multiples this year in licensed, branded packs, which Sarah McDonald, brand manager at Albert Bartlett, said was a hit for the brand. “A lot of the business this year has been on the big four. For our Jersey Royals, we launched a big promotion with Toy Story 4 in the summer, which was very successful for us,” she said.
And while the details are still under wraps, retailers can also expect to see Albert Bartlett potatoes take to the screen themselves this Christmas, with a new television ad scheduled to debut later this month. Looking to the future, Michael Jarvis, head of marketing at Albert Bartlett, said the brand hopes to increasingly recruit younger consumers. Last year, Albert Bartlett launched a new chilled range, and it’s products like these that Jarvis believes can pull in that target demographic. “That’s part of the thinking behind the diversification into
Scottish Blend
SCOTTISH Blend has been created with Scottish consumers in mind. Blended for Scottish water, it is a tea tailored to its market.
19.
chilled and frozen. We want to broaden our consumer base and push it that little bit younger. We want to continue doing that,” he said.
20. Border
IT has been a busy year for Scottish premium biscuit brand Border, which has yet again taking the 20th spot in the top brands list. With consumers increasingly calling for a reduction in the volume of plastic in the supply chain, Border has acted by removing 90% of plastic from its packaging. Border has also reduced the weight of its overall packaging for its Ginger, Classic and Traditional biscuits – allowing the brand to fit twice as many packs onto a single pallet. The Lanark-based biscuit manufacturer has also invested £1.6m in its products and processes, and it recently updated its logo to reflect the premium positioning of the range. Suzie Carlaw, marketing manager at Border, said the launch of the new packaging was an “exciting development” for Border.
18.
Müller (formerly Wiseman) MÜLLER is the biggest producer of branded and private label fresh milk in the UK. The firm acquired Wiseman in 2012, and it is the performance of that Scottish dairy operation that sees the brand make it to the number 19 spot on this year’s list.
21.
Rowan Glen
Border removed 90% of plastic and reduced the weight of its packaging in 2019.
“Innovating to reduce singleuse plastic has been a key focus over the last 12 months and our new packaging means we can address the environmental concerns of our customers without compromising on the high quality of our beautifully crafted biscuits. “As a family owned business, we pride ourselves on the craftmanship of baking and are delighted to launch our new packaging,” she said.
This year has also seen Border spend big on marketing. The brand has been reaching out to consumers through a new multi-million pound advertising campaign. Border invested £3.5m to promote its Dark Chocolate Ginger biscuits across the UK through the ‘Famously Fiery’ campaign. The investment included TV sponsorship, online activity and billboard advertising.
ROWAN Glen got a whole new look in 2019. The brand launched an updated packaging design in the spring, complete with a brand new logo which acknowledges the farmer owners who help to produce Rowan Glen yogurts. Rowan Glen’s new yogurt pots also feature new lids which are colour coded to indicate flavour, in a bid to help shoppers easily navigate the chiller in-store and to provide stand-out on shelf. To support the packaging revamp, Rowan Glen launched a marketing blitz led by out of home advertising and digital activity.
52 · Scottish Grocer · December 2019
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Scottish brands 2019
22. Nairn’s NEW product development has been a key theme for Nairn’s in 2019. In October, the brand branched out with the launch of its new Gluten Free Oaties. Nairn’s launched the new SKU in a bid to tap into demand for healthier gluten-free options. The roll out represents Nairn’s first step into the ‘everyday biscuit’ category. Emma Heath, head of marketing at Nairn’s, said that Oaties represent “a fantastic addition to our everexpanding gluten free range.” Last month Nairn’s bolstered its range yet again with the launch of a new wholegrain
biscuit. Rolling out to Waitrose, Nairn’s Gluten Free Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Chunky Biscuit Breaks combine apple and cinnamon flavours, while boasting 50% less sugar than the average sweet gluten-free biscuit. Heath said of the latest Nairn’s launch: “As the leading gluten free brand, and experts in lower sugar biscuits, we are constantly striving to grow the free from category and provide consumers with an even wider choice of healthier products that also deliver on taste. “This latest launch is no exception, and we’re delighted to introduce the new Biscuit Breaks with a classic flavour combination that, based on research and current trends, is sure to be popular.” • Edinburgh based Nairn’s has been baking oats in Scotland’s capital since 1896.
23. Mac B AS the end of the year approaches, plenty of people will be getting ready to tell the world “New Year, new me.” For Scottish bottled water brand Mac B, that’s a sentiment that rang true in 2019 thanks to a packaging overhaul.
director at Refresco UK commented on the changes: “We carried out extensive qualitative and quantitative research to find out what was important to consumers about flavoured water, and specifically MacB. “The launch reflects all that consumers told us, specifi-
For the secondary school lunchbox market, from autumn 2020 it will only be permissible to have no added sugar drinks. The packaging makeover was informed by consumer research that found Scottish water is perceived to be of a superior quality. To coincide with the packaging revamp in the spring, Mac B’s website was also given a facelift, and the relaunch was supported by social media activity and an on-pack promotion. James Logan, commercial
cally that they believe Scottish spring water to be the best.” Mac B is made using Scottish spring water and is packaged in MacDuff, Aberdeenshire, ensuring the brand has low food miles. As a flavoured water brand produced locally, Logan told Scottish Grocer earlier this year that the brand is in a good position to tap into consumer demand.
In particular, flavoured waters in lunchbox formats have been performing well, as Logan explained. “Sales are growing 7.3% in volume and 14% in value currently. “Brands such as Mac B provide fruit flavoured water with no added sugar options, encouraging consumers to stay hydrated.” The future could be even brighter for Mac B, as new regulations around the food and drinks available to primary and secondary school pupils will come into force in 2020. Logan said: “For the secondary school lunchbox market, from autumn 2020 it will only be permissible to have no added sugar drinks, so retailers should ensure there is a good selection of these available to consumers.
“Healthy eating is the most significant trend with people wanting healthy food and drinks, so including lunchbox items that are healthy and are either low calorie, or can offer nutritional benefits, is a must for retailers.” • Mac B is available in Strawberry & Kiwi, Lemon & Lime, Apple & Blackcurrant, Peach, and Raspberry & Cranberry flavours.
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new on pack promo
With MacB this December For further details, please email info.uk@refresco.com or call 01509 674915 *Source: IRI MarketPlace, Unit Sales, Flavoured Still Water category, Scotland, 52 weeks Data ending 11th August 2019 **GB 18+. Prize draw for 1 holiday end 31/01/2020. Internet access required. Retain receipt. Full terms available at: macb.co.uk/competition
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Scottish brands 2019
24.
Mothers Pride MOTHERS Pride bread was first sold in 1936 by a W.J Brookes & Sons in Manchester. However, in 1955 British Bakeries was set up by flour producer Rank Hovis McDougall and the firm took over W.J Brookes & Sons.
26.
Genius FOUNDED in Scotland in 2009, Genius has thrived in the age of gluten free. The free from brand offers a broad range of products, from bagels to breakfast bakes. Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne founded the business after her son was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance.
27.
Scotts Porage Oats
IT doesn’t come any more Scottish than a shot put-throwing, kilted Highlander, which probably explains why the Scotts Porage Oats packaging has remained largely unchanged for decades. A newfound interest in porridge among Instagram ‘influencers’ and health aficionados can’t have hurt the brand, which has leapt up seven places on last year.
25. We Hae Meat RETAINING its spot at number 25 on the top brands list, We Hae Meat has had a successful 2019. The brand offers Scottish consumers a wide range of products. Breakfast is well catered for by We Hae Meat thanks to its Steak Slice, Black Eye (a beef steak sausage filled with a centre of black pudding), Black Pudding, and
Grill Pack – which includes two each of links sausage, lorne and black pudding. We Hae Meat also offers traditional Scottish favourites like beef olives, and sausage rolls, as well as its ‘Haggis Olives’ – sliced beef filled with haggis. And when it comes to pies, consumers are spoiled for choice with flavours ranging from Steak Mince Puff Pastry and Creamy Chicken Puff Pastry, to BBQ Pulled Beef and Balmoral Chicken.
28. Paterson’s SHORTBREAD is that classic Scottish biscuit which is loaded with fat – right? Not at Paterson’s, as Britain’s best selling shortbread uses rapeseed oil to keep its fat content below 3%, making for a tasty treat that doesn’t weigh too heavily on the bathroom scales. It’s been a big year for Paterson’s for a number of reasons. This autumn the brand was purchased by Burton Biscuit Co – the firm behind Maryland Cookies, Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels. Paterson’s retiring chairman Alan Hardie said that the two firms have the shared values of a “commitment to baking excellence.” Burton’s Biscuit Co chief executive Nick Field described the Paterson’s business as “superb.” Outside of the boardroom, Paterson’s has also launched some exciting NPD in 2019. This year saw the brand enter the vegan snack category for the first time, with the
This year, Paterson’s extended its range with the launch of a vegan oat bar range.
launch of Fruity & Filling Oat Bars. Handmade in Scotland with real fruit pieces, the veganfriendly oat bars contain less than 2.5% saturated fat per bar and only 170 calories. Jonathan Guild, brand manager at Paterson’s commented on the launch: “Here at Paterson’s we have a long history of delivering tradition with a twist and our Oat Bars do
exactly that – a delicious vegan-friendly and palm-oil-free snack, which is high in fibre and low in saturated fats. “In a time-pressured and busy world, consumer demand for new individually wrapped snack bars continues to grow, and Paterson’s Oat Bars are the ideal solution, delivering quality, provenance and environmental sustainability.”
56 · Scottish Grocer · December 2019
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Scottish brands 2019
29. Marshalls CONVENIENCE was a major focus for Scottish pasta brand Marshalls in 2019. With food to go continuing to be a hot trend, Marshalls threw its hat in the ring with the launch of Snacaroni. The new snack pot format from Marshalls is available in Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Spicy Mac ‘n’ Jack, and vegan-friendly Mac ‘n’ Tom flavours. The Snacaroni launch included the roll out of a twopouch pack format for quick preparation at home. This year also saw Marshalls revamp its well-established Cheesey Macaroni pack. The brand launched revamped packs featuring a modernised design and Marshalls also heeded the calls from c-store retailers, with the introduction of a £1 PMP.
30. Tarbert Fine Foods PREMIUM and chilled are two key trends in grocery at the moment, so it should come as no surprise that Tarbert Fine Foods has jumped up one place in the rankings. The brand’s portfolio offers shoppers a broad range of Scottish cooked meats and fish. And to better highlight Tarbert’s quality and provenance, this year brand owner Browns Food Group carried out a packaging revamp. David Sprott, creative and marketing director at Browns Food Group, said that previously, the Tarbert Fine Foods
31. Lawsons
brand almost had a dual identity, with its cooked meat and
us and it certainly looks more premium than it did previously,
It was a major rebrand for us and it certainly looks more premium than it did previously. It definitely does it justice. The product is as good as it gets for sliced meat products on shelf. fish products featuring different logos. Sprott said the new identity better reflects the quality of the product inside each pack. “It was a major rebrand for
it definitely does it justice. “The product is as good as it gets for sliced meat products on shelf and we wanted the logo to represent that,” he said.
BEST-known for its skinless sausages, the Lawsons brand has hopped up yet another place in the top brands listings in 2019. The brand’s tagline “Quality Since 1905” speaks to its heritage status. One of the oldest brands on the top 50 list, Lawsons has managed to succeed in Scotland for over a century, which is a feat any brand could be proud of.
The Tarbert Fine Foods brand was also extended this year, with the launch of a new Breaded Ham line, and Browns Food Group has some new product development in the pipeline for the brand.
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Now part of the
Family
Scotland’s Favourite Shortbread Brand*
If you’re not stocking Paterson’s yet, give us a try!
* Kantar World Panel w/e 16.6.19
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32.
Mackays DUNDEE has a lot to be proud of, including the top Scottish preserve brand – Mackays. The Mackays range includes marmalades, preserves, curds and chutneys, as well as a selection of gift packs. Soft fruits used by Mackays are sourced from local farms. Mackays was founded in 1938 by the Mackay Brothers. Today the brand is owned by the Grant family.
34.
Calder Millerfield
LAST year saw meat processor Calder Millerfield leap 13 places on the top 50 list – and this year the brand has proven that its performance was no fluke. Calder Millerfield was founded by John Calder in 1961, trading from premises on Millerfield Road in Dalmarnock, in Glasgow’s east end. The brand began life as a supplier to chip shops and canteens, but by the 1980s it had diversified into supplying the retail trade, catching its first break with the Co-op. Today the brand covers the majority of Scotland and the north of England thanks to its fleet of van sales, and its branded and own-label products can be found in Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Scotmid stores. Calder Millerfield continues to operate as a family business, although it has certainly come a long way from humble beginnings.
33. Buchanan’s WHEN Buchanan’s was first launched in Scotland, Queen Victoria was still on the throne, Charles Darwin was still working on his Origin of Species and David Livingston was exploring the African continent. It is fair to say that a lot has changed since then, but what has remained consistent, since the first Buchanan’s sweets went on sale in 1850, is the brand’s popularity with Scottish consumers. This year, Buchanan’s has jumped up four spots on the top brands list, proving that Scottish shoppers still have enthusiasm for the brand’s traditional confectionery options. With a total of 42 flavours, the Buchanan’s range has enough options to make Willy Wonka blush. The brand still offers traditional sweet jars, with flavours including: Liquorice Whirls, Dairy Fudge, Edinburgh Rock, Rum & Butter Toffees, Blackcurrant & Liquorice, Mint Humbugs, Soor Plooms, Summer Fruits, Mint Imperials,
Buchanan’s range of confectionery has been enjoyed in Scotland since the 1800s.
Liquorice Comfits, Super Jelly Beans, Butterscotch, Milk Chocolate Peanuts and many more. Buchanan’s bag range is also comprehensive enough to ensure there is something for everyone, with variants ranging from Chocolate Caramels, Vanilla Fudge and Butter Toffee, to Fruit Jellies, Iron Brew Pastilles and Blackcurrant & Liquorice. Brand owner Golden Casket said that Buchanan’s sweets are stocked in 756 different outlets across the UK. The Greenock-based con-
Between Buchanan’s and Millions, Golden Casket has a lot to offer consumers.
fectionery manufacturer has won a Food from Scotland Excellence Award for the brand, as well as a European Award for Excellence. Such a big brand would arguably be more than enough for one business to keep on top of, but Golden Casket has also been busy with its other brands in 2019. The confectionery manufacturer’s Millions range recently crossed category boundaries, with the launch of a new flavoured water range. Millions Mineral Water is a sugar-free still water available in classic Millions flavours: Bubblegum, Strawberry, and Apple & Blackcurrant. Golden Casket also joined forces with Universal Pictures this year, for the launch of a new licensed product featuring the Minions characters from the studio’s Despicable Me film series. Millions Minions Banana is available in a variety of pack formats, and Golden Casket reckons the world-famous characters will be a hit with Scottish consumers. Sales and marketing director Sandra Fisher said: “Young people everywhere recognise Millions, the tiny chewy sweets invented and made famous by Golden Casket, the biggest independent confectionery manufacturer in the country.”
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Scottish brands 2019
35. Mrs Tilly’s IT has been another great year for confectionery brand Mrs Tilly’s, as Scotland’s consumer showed that their sweet tooth can still be relied upon. This year saw the brand branch out with the launch of Mrs Tilly’s Tablet Popcorn – opening up a whole range of opportunities. Popcorn has exploded in convenience in recent years, as the ‘big night in’ shopping mission continues to generate sales. And Ronnie Wilson, commercial director at Mrs Tilly’s, said the brand’s tablet pop-
corn has already been a great success. “When we launched our tablet coated popcorn, which was one of our big NPD projects, we were trying to expand the range and move into different customer profiles. “The development of the tablet popcorn has been fantastic and we’ve seen that NPD pay dividends this year,” he said. Exciting new products are a good way to generate interest in a brand, but its quality that drives repeat purchase. At Mrs Tilly’s, Wilson said quality is the top priority. Every product is still signed off by the real life ‘Mrs Tilly’, Elisabeth Paterson, who founded the business with her husband Peter more than 20 years ago. “The key thing is quality. We never compromise on that. Although the business has grown, we’ve been consistent and we’ve obviously invested as the business has grown in terms of our capabilities. “But, the reality is that the recipes have stayed true to the original recipes that Elisabeth and Peter made in their
The real Mrs Tilly: Elisabeth Paterson founded the confectionery brand with her husband Peter in the 1990s. The brand is named for her home town, Tillicoutry.
kitchen at home 20-odd years ago,” he said. Since Mrs Tilly’s was founded, the range has grown significantly and the brand now offers a broad selection of pack sizes, from impulse to gift boxes. Impulse is an area where
36. Highland Game
FOUNDED in 1997 by Danish entrepreneur Christian Nissen, Highland Game offers a wide range of quality Scottish meats. At that time, venison was
more favoured by French and German consumers than at home, with 95% of Scottish venison sold for export. Times have clearly changed however, and Highland Game has climbed four positions from last year, suggesting shoppers really are keen to buy local. Highland Game is now stocked across the country, in stores including Asda, Aldi, Coop, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose.
The range includes Smoked Venison, Scottish Slimmers Venison Meatballs, Outlanddish Venison Steaks – and even Ostrich Steaks. And for those who may be new to cooking with venison, Highland Game has also published three cookbooks: The Name of the Game, Venison, and 7 Days in Scotland. The brand has also hosted venison master classes and cookery tours throughout Scotland.
Mrs Tilly’s has stepped up its game, with the brand bringing a new team member on board in 2018 to focus on this segment of the market. “Just over a year ago we brought someone in to concentrate on convenience and independents and we’ve seen a lot of traction in that area, particularly in convenience,” said Wilson. For convenience retailers, Wilson said the brand’s 95g bars are “must carry lines”, for those looking to generate impulse sales. “Those are the ones that can be all year round lines for convenience retailers. “We’re not the cheapest, but we’re certainly the best quality and people know the brand,” he said. • The Mrs Tilly’s 95g bar range is available in Fudge Bar, Macaroon Bar and Tablet Bar variants. Mrs Tilly’s Tablet Popcorn is available in shelfready cases of 10x 170g bags.
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37.
Big and Scottish
PROVENANCE on the pack is a sure fire winner in any category, and it certainly works for Big and Scottish eggs.
38.
Glenrath
FAMILY-owned since 1958, Glenrath is situated in the Scottish Borders. Producing over one million eggs each day, the hens are clearly doing something right.
39. Macsween THERE is no Scottish dish more famous globally than haggis, and there are few companies that can claim to have the expertise of Macsween. Founded in 1953, Macsween is a third generation family firm, which continues to make its haggis products using recipes that it claims have been left “virtually unchanged” for 60 years. The brand is beloved by meat eaters and vegetarians alike, thanks to its popular veggie variant of Scotland’s national dish.
Never ones to miss out on a trend, the team at Macsween has also cooked up a glutenfree haggis to cater to those following a free from diet. Both Macsween Haggis and Macsween Vegetarian Haggis hold listings in Tesco, Sainsbury’s Morrisons, Asda, Coop and Waitrose, while Macsween Gluten Free is currently exclusive to the latter. For those without the time or appetite for a full haggis, Macsween also offers the convenient ‘Haggis in a Hurry’ format for its original and vegetarian variants.
40. Orkney
LIKE its Orcadian neighbour Highland Park whisky, Orkney cheddar enjoys the benefit of protected status – meaning only cheese produced on the island can call itself ‘Orkney’. To sit in the same category as Scotch whisky and Parma ham is a decent indicator of quality, and the strong performance of Orkney suggests that shoppers are impressed. Made using fresh milk from island cows, Orkney cheddar offers the authentic provenance and heritage that consumers seek out. Orkney cheese has been produced for centuries, but it really got its start during the Second World War. During that time, the population of the islands swelled with the arrival of 60,000 servicemen and women and 500 Italian prisoners of war. When the troops went home at the end of the war, they left behind an over-supply of milk, – creating an opportunity for
Orkney cheddar has protected geographical identification status (PGI) meaning it is protected by law. Only cheese that is produced on the island can use the name.
ramped up cheese production. Since then, Orkney has established itself as a leading Scottish cheddar brand. And while the Lactallis McLelland-owned brand may have expanded its reach,
The smaller format comprises a 130g serving of haggis, pre-sliced and microwaveable in 60-seconds. Those looking for a more adventurous take on haggis could also be tempted by Macsween’s Moroccan Spiced Vegetarian Haggis. Haggis isn’t the only thing going on at Macsween either, the family firm also offers Black Pudding, Chocolate & Chilli Black Pudding and Macsween Whisky Cream Sauce. And with Burns night on the horizon, it may not be the worst idea for budding chefs to make their way to the brand’s website. There, consumers can find a host of recipes with haggis at their heart. More than just the traditional accompaniment of neeps and tatties, the Macsween site has instructions for haggis nachos, vegan haggis poutine, haggis lamb kibbeh burgers, hot cross buns with haggis jam and a whole lot more.
the dairy farmers behind the brand have continued to use only fresh milk from cattle that graze on the islands. Tasting notes for the island cheddar describe it as a firm and dense-bodied cheese with a rounded mellow flavour.
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41. Mrs Unis ADDING a bit of spice to the Scottish top brands list, Mrs Unis offers a range of South Asian cuisine that keeps customers coming back. The brand’s core range is its popular pakora snacks, which include Chicken Pakora Strips, Vegetable Pakora, Chicken Pakora Bites and Scottish culinary classic – Haggis Pakora. Other products sold under the Mrs Unis brand include a range of samo-
sas, bhajis and breads. The brand also offers vegan naan breads for those following a free from diet. Mrs Unis was founded by Shaneen Unis, who first arrived in Britain from Pakistan in 1967. The business was launched in 1998, and since then, she has brought traditional spice to stores and homes throughout Scotland, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy her home cooking.
42. Brownings WHO could resist saying aye to a Killie Pie? It’s arguably Brownings most well known product and has helped to push the Ayrshire bakery brand into the top 50.
There is more to the business than its famous pie however, with Brownings offering everything from rolls and pastries to cakes and biscuits. The rise of food to go, and in particular serve over, can’t have hurt the brand either, as more and more Scottish convenience retailers warm up to serving hot food. • Brownings the Bakers was established in 1945 by the current managing director John Galls’ grandparents. The bakery’s Killie Pie is a multiple award winner, having
been named The Best Savoury Product in Scotland, Best Pie in Scottish Football, and The Best Pie in British Football.
(Above) Brownings baked goods go down well at Day-Today Bourtreehill Supermarket, near Irvine. The store offers a range of hot and cold Brownings products.
43. Scottish Favourites CLIMBING three spots from last year, Strathmore Foods’ Scottish Favourites range is proving to be a hit with consumers shopping the frozen food section. The range is tailor-made for time-pressed consumers, offering classic dishes at a value price point. Scottish Favourites SKUs include: Macaroni Cheese, Black Pudding Slices, Scotch Pie, Macaroni Pies, Stovies, Haggis Neeps and Tatties, and Haggis and Mince.
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45. Hamlyns 44.
Dean’s
AN Aberdeenshire institution, Dean’s was founded in 1975 in a kitchen in Huntly. The business has come a long way since founder Helen Dean’s husband Bill started selling her shortbread to raise funds for the local pipe band and its popularity has spread far beyond the local village. As well as its premium shortbread boxes, tins, and gluten free SKUs, the brand also offers a cheese bites range. Flavours in the cheese bites range include Extra Mature Cheddar Bites; Extra Mature Cheddar & Caramelised Red Onion Bites; Extra Mature Cheddar & Cracked Black Pepper Bites; and Extra Mature Cheddar & Chilli Bites. Dean’s currently exports to around 30 countries around the world.
HAMLYNS of Scotland continues to perform well, with a strong sales driven by renewed interest in porridge oats. As more and more consumers seek out healthier options, Hamlyns has ensured it stays relevant by spending money where it counts. Hamlyns has invested in a year-round marketing and promotional campaign, to ensure that Scottish consumers have porridge on the brain when making purchasing decisions in store. This year saw the introduction of Hamlyns Scottish Oatmeal in 500g packs, targeted in particular at home bakers, which has resulted in the product being dual ranged in the cereal and home baking aisles. Hamlyns has also engaged in a programme of promotional activity across all trade sectors in 2019, coupled with a wide range of partnerships and consumer promotions, designed to increase its profile and create demand. Key promotional activities from 2019 included an onpack short break competition with Sony TV hit Outlander and sponsorship of a range of events, including the World
46. Stoats A NEW entry to the top brands list for 2019, Stoats started its life as a porridge food truck for festival goers. Despite having grown from a single truck to the 46th biggest Scottish brand in the country, all Stoats products are still hand-made by a team of bakers. This year, Stoats bolstered its
green credentials by launching plastic-free packaging as part of a significant brand refresh. The new look packaging is now 100% recyclable and compostable – making Stoats the biggest cereal brand in the UK to have made such a change. All packs also now feature a flash which indicates that for every sale, a contri-
Porridge Making Championships, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Winter School, Taste of Grampian, and the Scottish Craft Butchers ‘Year of the Haggis’ celebrations. Other activities included a recipe competition with the Scottish Women’s Institutes, healthy breakfast events in primary schools with Scottish Business in the Community and the Scottish Grocers Federation, and extensive consumer goody bag sampling and competitions at sports, family and charity events throughout Scotland. And last month, Hamlyns
was the taste of success when Lisa Williams from Suffolk beat competitors from 11 countries to win the new World Porridge Making Champion title, using a combination of Hamlyns Scottish Oatmeal and Hamlyns Pinhead Oatmeal. The brand reported an uplift in demand for both products in the wake of Williams’ success. This month, Hamlyns is supporting a Christmas activity session, with 10,000 primary-school aged children in schools across Scotland, with the Royal Highland Education Trust.
bution will be made to four charities chosen by Stoats customers each quarter. Tony Stone, managing director at Stoats said: “Our new branding reflects our core values as a company; to be simple, genuine and cheerful. “We have always committed
to using whole, natural ingredients and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to respond to our customers and extend these principals to our new packaging, minimising the impact the business has on the environment.”
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47. Scottish Slimmers WHEN you have the biggest butcher brand in Scotland, you will inevitably to tempt a few consumers to stray from their diet. Malcolm Allan may be most famous for its steak pies and square sausage, but the Larbert-based firm also offers a range that is fit for anyone wishing to indulge without the extra calories.
48.
Stockan’s
Malcolm Allan also produces a Scottish Slimmers range of low-calorie products.
The Malcolm Allan Scottish Slimmers range includes fourpack Steak Burgers, Scottish
49.
Lightbody WHAT would a special occasion be without a piece of cake? Thankfully, Hamiltonbased celebration cake supplier Lightbody works hard to ensure no consumer should ever need to find out. As the UK’s largest supplier of celebration cakes to UK retailers, Lightbody boasts a strong licensed portfolio, which includes Disney, Universal, Weight Watchers and Thorntons cakes. The cake maker also produces a range of sweet snacks, slices and in-store bakery bites. Established by John Lightbody in 1885, this Scottish cake supplier has been on a serious journey since its early days. What was once a reasonably small business providing catering services now employs over 1,100 staff.
Slimmers Pork Sausages and Scottish Slimmers Steak Sausages.
UP two positions from 2018, Stockan’s offers a variety of oatcakes from the Orkney Islands. The brand’s oatcake range includes thin, thick, cheese, beremeal, and black pepper varieties, as well as mini versions for those who like to snack on the go. Stockan’s has been producing oatcakes for more than a century.
50. Lees TAKING the final spot in this year’s top brands list is Coatbridge-based confectionery maker Lees. It has been quite the year for Lees, as the firm secured a major contract with Asda during the summer. Lees developed two meringue shell products for Asda’s Extra Special range: one strawberry and white chocolate and one with a Belgian chocolate coating. Commenting on the new contract, Lees NPD project manager Sheevaun Thomas said: “We are delighted to expand our range under Asda’s Extra Special brand.” The deal with Asda followed a spring of innovation for Lee’s which added some continental flavour to its lineup. Lees Meringue Shells dipped in Belgian Chocolate launched in a pack of eight, at an RRP of £2. Thomas said that one of the
Big night in: Lees NPD boss Sheevaun Thomas said sharing creates opportunities.
key trends for 2019 was to focus on delivering consumers more choice, and added that the rise in popularity of the big night in occasion had “contributed massively” to the improved performance of sharing pack formats like the meringue multipack. • Established in 1931, Lees manufactures a broad range
of branded confectionery and meringues. The Lees range includes Snowballs in a variety of pack formats, ranging from individually wrapped to an 18-pack sharing bucket, as well as tablet. Lees also offers a bar range which includes tablet, mint chocolate and macaroon varieties.
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