Retail News April 2016

APRIL 2016

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New legislative requirements for Relevant Grocery Goods Undertakings The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) reminds retailers and wholesalers of their obligations under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 (Grocery Goods Undertakings) Regulations 2016 (the “Regulations”), which take effect from 30 April 2016. The Regulations apply to retailers and wholesalers of food and drink in Ireland who have, or are part of a group of related companies, with a worldwide turnover in excess of €50 million.

Retailers / wholesalers should make themselves aware of the provisions of the Regulations which include: • Grocery goods contracts must be in writing • Contracts cannot be varied, terminated or renewed unless provided for in the contracts • Retailers / wholesalers are required to pay suppliers within 30 days, unless otherwise provided for in the contract • Retailers / wholesalers are required to prepare forecasts of the grocery goods required, on request from suppliers • Retailers / wholesalers are prohibited from seeking payments from suppliers for: stocking / displaying / listing grocery goods, promotions, marketing costs, retention / increased allocation / better positioning of shelf space, wastage and shrinkage, unless in specified circumstances and provided for in the contract • Retailers / wholesalers are prohibited from seeking payments from suppliers for advertising or display of grocery goods on their premises • Retailers / wholesalers will be required to demonstrate their compliance with the Regulations in an annual compliance report to the CCPC • Retailers / wholesalers are required to maintain records of specified dealings with suppliers and specified compliance related records for inspection by the CCPC • Retailers / wholesalers will be required to appoint and train members of staff to be responsible for compliance with the Regulations and for informing other staff about their implementation • Retailers and wholesalers must appoint a “liaison officer” to deal directly with the CCPC What are the CCPC’s powers?

• Monitor whether retailers / wholesalers are complying with the Regulations by carrying out inspections • Investigate complaints into potential breaches of the Regulations • Issue contravention notices to retailers / wholesalers in cases of non-compliance • Initiate prosecutions, through the Courts, against retailers / wholesalers who fail to comply with contravention notices or who are considered in breach of the Regulations Suppliers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Regulations and to engage with relevant retailers / wholesalers, as appropriate, about the changes that are being introduced. The CCPC is committed to developing a culture of compliance with the Regulations among retailers and wholesalers and looks forward to constructive engagement with the grocery goods sector to bring this about.

Contact Information Further information is available in the Compliance for Business section at www.ccpc.ie Furthermore, any queries may be emailed to grocery@ccpc.ie

Retail News|April 2016| www.retailnews.ie|5

Contents Brexit Stage Left?

WITH Britain’s population set to go to the polls on June 23 for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, Retail News asks what a vote in favour of Brexit would mean for Ireland and the grocery sector in particular. Industry experts and economists predict that if Britain were to exit the EU, the consequences for the Irish retail and agri-business sector could be dire (Page 6).

Also this issue, we talk to Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Chairman, Donal O’Shea about why the Fund remains an important part of Ireland’s grocery landscape in 2016 and how important it is that a new generation of retailers and suppliers become involved in the IGBF. He also reveals the details of a brand new Women in Business event taking place this September (Page 18).

We also speak to Riverview Eggs Managing Director, DJ Kelleher about how the family-run Cork business has expanded to become one of Ireland’s leading egg producers, as the company celebrates 50 years in operation (Page 28).

Loyalty has a big role to play in encouraging more consumers through the front door and getting them to fill more baskets. But how do you bridge the loyalty gap? David Ringer, Regional Director for UK, Ireland and France, TCC Global, advises retailers on how to retain consumers in today’s retail landscape, where switching brands has never been easier (Page 56).

Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.

News

Retail News Interview 18

6

6

Brexit could be bad news for retail sector.

7

Early Easter boosts supermarket sales.

8

Price remains key for shoppers; Employers mark Workplace Wellbeing Day.

9

Tesco staff to take industrial action; RGDATA brand shoplifting increase unacceptable.

28

58 NFRN Anniversary 58

Riverview Eggs 28

Celebrating 50 years in operation, the Kelleher family’s Riverview Eggs business has been at the forefront of quality egg production for half a century.

Forecourt Focus: News

10

42

10

Londis sponsors autumn TV show; Applegreen’s World of Coffee; Barry Group on expansion trail.

11

Smurfit Kappa wins top awards; RGDATA advice column.

Maxol announces food franchises at €6m Mulhuddart forecourt; Topaz delivering telematics solutions; Rugby star opens new Maxol/MACE store in Dundalk; Profits up at Applegreen.

The National Federation of Retail Newsagents celebrated its centenary with a gala dinner at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford, on March 21. Peter Steemers, President of NFRN Ireland, pays tribute to the last hundred years and highlights some of the association’s biggest issues in 2016.

On The Vine 60

With some big moves in the French wine market here, Jean Smullen predicts increased awareness of France as a category in 2016.

20

Consumer Loyalty 56

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update 16

Donal O’Shea, IGBF Chairman, talks us through the events the Fund has planned for 2016 and why the IGBF is as important today as it ever was.

Concern mounts over impact of LUAS dispute; Retail Ireland makes submission on Guidelines to Grocery Regulations.

For today’s always-on consumer, switching brands has never been easier. So how do you build true shopper loyalty, asks David Ringer, Regional Director for UK, Ireland and France, TCC Global.

REGULARS & REPORTS

facebook.com/RetailNews1 Managing Director: Patrick Aylward Editorial & Sales Director: Kathleen Belton kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie Editor: John Walshe johnwalshe@tarapublications.ie Advertising: Brian Clark brian@retailnews.ie Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen Production: Ciara Conway Graphics: Catherine Doyle Printed by: W&G Baird

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12 Industry News 20 Ice Cream 34 Drinks News 36 Tobacco Products 45 What’s New 46 E-Cigarettes 51 Protein Products 62 Shelf Life

6|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

News

Brexit Could Be Bad News for Retail Sector BRITAIN’S exit from the European Union could have dire consequences for the Irish retail sector, Retail News has learned.

On June 23, the British electorate goes to the polls for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. A vote in favour of the Brexit campaign could spell bad economic news for Ireland, according to retailer representatives such as Vincent Jennings of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA).

“I think it would be really catastrophic for the Irish economy and the retail sector,” he told us. “Also for those consumers, our customers, with whom we do business.”

Irish stores and suppliers are particularly reliant on trade with Britain, a recent Ibec report, titled The Impact of a Possible Brexit on Irish Business, has revealed. The UK accounts for €2 billion, or 55%, of meat exports; and €1bn, or 30%, of dairy exports from Ireland.

"The size and economic scale of the UK means the stakes are very high, not just for the UK but for Ireland and the rest of Europe. The UK's EU membership is of key strategic importance to Ireland and Irish business,” noted Ibec Director of EU and International Affairs, Pat Ivory. “A UK departure would be a blow to the Irish recovery and result in a protracted period of uncertainty for business.”

"It's something we have to be deeply concerned about.

All facets of Irish life would be affected by the removal of the UK from the European community.” – Vincent Jennings, CSNA “In 2015, we exported €15.5 billion to the UK in goods, excluding services,” said economist Jim Power. “We imported €17.8 billion. In terms of food, we exported €3.9 billion of food and drink to Great Britain. If you include Northern Ireland, I estimate that figure is close to €4.8 billion. We import around €3.7 billion in food and drink. If you look at the Irish retail grocery sector, go into any multiple, a lot of stuff for sale, if it's not Irish, it's English.”

Irish retailers stock a huge variety of British products, continued Jennings. “For example, Mondelez, formerly Cadburys, make up a huge part of our confectionery offerings. Although they have a significant plant in Coolock,

a large part of their lines are from outside Ireland.”

Britain is Ireland's biggest trading partner, so the retail sector is hugely reliant on trade with the UK, explained Thomas Burke, Director of Retail Ireland.

“One of our biggest retailers here, Tesco, is the biggest exporter of Irish food and drink products, not only to the UK but around Europe and the wider world. What will a Brexit mean for retailers who source products in Ireland, or those who use Ireland as a base to send Irish

products around Europe?”

Should the June vote swing towards an EU exit, barriers will rise restricting trade, in terms of tariffs, and other duties, making imports from the UK more expensive, and making it more difficult to export to the UK. The EU may increase trade sanctions, which Ireland would have to partake in because of our EU membership. “It wouldn't be good news,” said Burke. “It could only be bad news. Especially when you consider the number of large high street retailers in Ireland that are effectively British companies.”

If Britain votes to exit the EU, a two year period of negotiation will begin, during which time the EU will decide on new trading arrangements with the UK, according to Power. Ibec's report detailed how this period of uncertainty will inevitably affect trade flows between Ireland and the UK, with the food sector suffering the most.

“If they do decide to exit, it will take some time to get over the line,” explained Paul Kelly, Director of Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII). “Then they will look at renegotiating treaties and so on. That will impact business planning and investment decisions. The impact on Sterling would probably result in a permanent rebasing of the currency, and a loss of cost competitiveness for Irish exporters and operators in our own domestic market. You'd also see a big increase in administrative costs associated with dealing with customers who are now outside the single EU market.”

Alongside economic barriers resulting from a Brexit, physical barriers might also be erected between the Republic and Northern Ireland. “In theory, there would be questions over the current common travel area,” continued Kelly.

“If there was a Brexit, Northern Ireland would be outside the single EU market in the same way as Manchester and Cornwall. You could be looking at an increase in administrative costs in terms of border related matters.”

Since Britain is Ireland's closest ally in Europe, we could lose our negotiation clout in Brussels, continued Power. “We've learned from our banking inquiry that, prior to getting the Troika bailout in January 2011, there was a lot of pressure on Ireland to increase its corporation tax rate. Britain argued, in Ireland's favour, that corporation tax policy should be a national competency, rather than an

Retail News| April 2016|www.retailnews.ie|7

News EU competency. If Britain was gone, Ireland would be more vulnerable at the EU table.”

In a worst case scenario, if trade barriers go up between the UK and Ireland, the Irish economy could lose 3.1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030. “We have heard utterances in the UK that Ireland has a special trading relationship with the UK outside our EU relationship. That would be maintained, but we don't know at what level and what the likely implication would be,” said Burke.

Commentators were divided on whether Ireland could strike up its own mutually beneficial trade deal, away from the Eurocrats, with the UK. “Under EU law, there is a serious question mark over the ability of individual countries within the EU to do bilateral trade deals with any country outside the EU,” said Power.

The lack of any cohesive Irish Government is adding to the uncertainty. “We're getting close to the time where the Brexit referendum will happen,” said Burke. “The weeks beforehand will be vital in terms of positioning Ireland. We need a strong, stable Government to represent our interests at EU level and ensure we're not disadvantaged following the vote in June. That's a big concern in terms of controlling the fallout after the vote, whatever it might be.”

For now, the retail industry, and country as a whole, is powerless to act.

“It is all speculation,” said Kelly. “It's normal business planning where you try and cater for all contingencies. The reality is, there is huge uncertainty about the decision the

?

UK electorate will make and what will happen afterwards, should they decide to leave Europe. It causes a delay in investment decisions until there is more certainty.”

Jennings concluded: “It's something we have to be deeply concerned about. All facets of Irish life would be affected by the removal of the UK from the European community.”

Early Easter Boosts Supermarket Sales THE latest supermarket share figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, for the 12 weeks ending March 27, 2016, Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend show an early Easter has boosted growth 12 Weeks to 29 Mar 2015 12 Weeks to 27 Mar 2016 change** across the grocery market. Supermarket %* %* % sales have grown by 4.6% when compared Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 4.6 with the same period last year, up from Total Multiples 89.1% 89.3% 4.9 growth of 3.6% last month.

Tesco 24.7% 23.9% 1.4 “An early Easter saw shoppers Dunnes 22.7% 23.5% 8.3 spend an extra €40m on groceries as Total SuperValu 24.8% 24.9% 5.0 they prepared to celebrate with family Total Discounters 16.9% 17.0% 5.4 and friends,” explained David Berry, Aldi 8.7% 8.4% 1.5 Director at Kantar Worldpanel. “Fresh Lidl 8.2% 8.5% 9.5 produce sales were up by 11% compared Other Outlets** 10.9% 10.7% 2.2 with last year as shoppers picked up the *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers trimmings for their Easter roasts, while **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops crisps and snacks received a 12% boost.

Sales of confectionery were up 32%, as an impressive €3 year on year. “The success of the Shop the nation stocked up on sweet treats, with 69% buying at and Save campaign continues, and has proved particularly least one chocolate egg during the Easter period.” effective with families, where Dunnes now captures 25.6% of SuperValu has retained the top spot, cementing its lead the market, compared with 23.9% this time last year,” Berry with a slightly increased market share of 24.9%, up 0.1% added. year on year. Shoppers have visited the retailer more often Elsewhere, Lidl continues to set the pace with the so far this year, with the average number of trips increasing strongest sales increase in Irish grocery – 9.5%. Lidl is in the to 22, up from 20 in 2015, with a sales increase just ahead of strong position of getting more consumers through its doors, the market at 5%. while also encouraging them to spend more on each visit and Tesco posted sales growth for the fourth consecutive return more frequently. Aldi’s sales growth remains healthy, month as their performance continues to improve. “Volume with an increase of 1.5% on last year as shoppers spend more growth remains stronger than value – an increase of 2.7% on each visit. compared with 1.4% – as keeping prices low continues to be Grocery market inflation stands at 2.7% for the 12-week a major focus for the retailer,” Berry continued. period ending March 27, up from 2.6% last period.

Growth for Dunnes Stores continues to be driven by For more information, see www.kantarworldpanel.com. larger shopping trips, with spend per trolley increasing by

8|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

News

Price Remains Key for Shoppers PRICE has increasingly become the deciding factor in a purchasing decision, according to a new report by e-commerce partner, Webloyalty. The report, entitled The Unfaithful Consumer, surveyed 1,496 Irish adults to decipher the issues affecting consumer brand loyalty and found that over half (57%) say they will shop around to get the best price.

When it comes to determining where to shop, a price sensitive 45% will seek out the retailers offering the best bargains. A savvy 51% will first visit a physical retailer and then search online to find a more competitive cost. When it comes to online shopping, high delivery costs are a big turn off for 15% of consumers, who say it would make them defect from buying with that retailer.

Even if the price is right, retailers must be cognisant of the other factors affecting the decision making process and consumer loyalty. Price sensitivity has had a knock-on effect, making Irish consumers increasingly disloyal. According to the Webloyalty report, 58% say that a price increases of more than 10% would make them switch to another provider and rude staff would drive 57% to take their custom elsewhere. A dirty store is a point of contention for 41% and failing to have any online ordering facility was identified as an issue for 19% of respondents.

Modern consumers now also have a place to voice their concerns and can share details of their shopping experience through the increased use of reviews and recommendations.

Over three quarters (76%) shoppers admit they are influenced by reading website and social media reviews, while over half (54%) will base their purchasing decisions on online customer reviews. Word of mouth is still a popular way to disseminate and gather brand information for 58% of consumers.

“This report is very telling of the consumer mind-set when deciding where, and from whom, to buy,” noted Guy Chiswick, Managing Director of Webloyalty Northern Europe. “Today, we are really spoiled for choice and an all-round great shopping experience is key to maintaining and building a loyal customer base. Retailers must consider the whole shopping experience, from price to customer service to physical presence. Price may well be the ultimate deciding factor but the path to purchase is paved with lots of obstacles and the report clearly shows that poor customer service, high delivery costs or an unkempt store can quickly drive customers through competitor’s doors.”

Employers Mark Workplace Wellbeing Day A SPECIAL seminar for employers was held recently in Croke Park, sponsored by Aramark Food Services, to mark Ireland’s second National Workplace Wellbeing Day. The campaign, a Food and Drink Industry Ireland initiative organised by the Nutrition & Health Foundation and supported by Ibec, aims to improve employee health by promoting better nutrition and exercise in the workplace. Hundreds of employers from the public and private sectors supported the day. They organised a host of activities including health checks, exercise and fitness classes, nutrition talks and cookery demonstrations. Thousands of employers and employees also completed the 'Lunchtime Mile' - a one mile cycle, jog, run, or walk - in the vicinity of their workplace.

Pictured are (l-r): former boxer Bernard Dunne; Frank Gleeson, Aramark Food Services; Irish Olympian, Natalya Coyle; Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec; and former rugby star Alan Quinlan.

Retail News| April 2016|www.retailnews.ie|9

News Tesco Staff to Take Industrial Action TESCO staff across the country could go out on strike, as angry workers react to what they see as an attempt by the company to unilaterally enforce pay cuts and changes to work patterns.

SIPTU retail staff have voted to take industrial action, up to and including striking, while more than 12,000 Mandate Trade Union members in Tesco Ireland are to be balloted for industrial action over the coming weeks.

“The management of Tesco Ireland has refused to fully implement a Labour Court recommendation issued on February 19 last. This awarded all retail staff a 2% pay increase and a 1.5% share bonus scheme payment,” said SIPTU Sector Organiser, Teresa Hannick. “Instead, the company is attempting to enforce pay cuts of between 15% and 35% from April 18, along with other changes to work patterns and loss of bonuses, on long serving staff.”

Hannick described it as “a situation that our members cannot accept. The failure of management to engage in meaningful discussions with our members regarding this issue and its refusal to attend a Labour Court hearing has left them with no option but to take industrial action.”

SIPTU represents Tesco retail staff in the company’s stores in Portlaoise, Cavan, Edenderry, Mullingar, Athlone, Douglas in Cork and in-store butchers throughout the country.

Mandate General Secretary John Douglas said Tesco’s behaviour towards their workers over the last year has been atrocious. “This has to be seen for what it is, an attack on low-paid workers by a very profitable multinational retailer who are trying to increase their profits at the expense of their long serving staff in Ireland,” he argued, adding that he believes “Irish workers are being expected to pay for bad investments and accounting scandals associated with the parent company in Britain last year.”

He explained that Tesco workers fully understand that if the company is successful in targeting one group of workers for such drastic cuts, it could be their conditions of employment next.

“Tesco are trying to drive a wedge between their own workers by paying one group a pay increase, while denying

it to others.

It’s a classic case of divide and conquer.

We believe our members will see through this and stand together to ensure no worker in Tesco faces cuts and instead the company implements the full terms of the Labour Court recommendation,” said Douglas.

Meanwhile, Tesco Ireland has reported revenues of €2.5 billion in the 52 weeks ending February 27, 2016, alongside improved like-for-like sales performance of -1.9% for the year. The final quarter, however, saw growth in sales of 1%, the first quarter of like-for-like sales growth since 2012.

“We’ve listened closely to our customers and really focused on investing in the things that matter most to them,” said Andrew Yaxley, CEO, Tesco Ireland. “We’ve lowered the prices of over 900 every day products as part of our Staying Down campaign, we’ve improved our range and availability, and we have more colleagues available to help customers at the busiest times. Today, we’re also announcing that we’ve moved our customer care centre to Waterford, as part of our overall commitment to improving customer service.

“Whilst the market remains highly competitive, we continue to focus on simplifying our business, so that we can maximise our investment in lowering price and improving service and this work is ongoing. We’re moving through a period of change to support the future sustainability of our business as we continue to help serve Ireland’s shoppers a little better every day.”

Shoplifting Increase Unacceptable: RGDATA

RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley.

THE latest CSO statistics on crime reveal that shoplifting has increased by 8.6% to more than 22,500 reported crimes, a statistic which has been branded “totally unacceptable” by RGDATA. “This is a really worrying trend for shop owners,” said Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA. “CSO’s crime data only captures crimes reported to the Gardaí so the true level of offending is even higher than the data suggests.

“The impact that retail crime is having on shop owners throughout the country is extremely serious and impacting not just on their livelihoods and the cost of doing business, but is also increasing stress and anxiety levels for the owners and their staff to levels that are way beyond what is acceptable.”

RGDATA has made respresentations to Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald TD, outlining the serious situation shop owners find themselves in and outlined a number of urgent measures required to tackle retail crime, as reported in last month’s Retail News

10|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

News

Londis Sponsors Autumn TV Show

MUCH loved TV chef and food writer, Catherine Fulvio will return to our screens in the autumn with a brand new format food and travel TV series called Tastes like Home, which is being sponsored by Londis. Having grown up on a working farm, Catherine knows all too well the taste of home and the theme of the new TV series is one that she holds close to her heart. But first she needs six applicants to join her on this exciting new format TV series, which will see Catherine selecting six families to join her on a mission to establish a meal that “Tastes like Home” and to bring these tastes across the globe.

"I am used to replicating dishes that have been passed down through the generations for our visitors here at Ballyknocken House & Cookery School and I look forward to seeing what dishes people think taste like home for them,” says Catherine, who will take a traditional TV cooking show and add a dash of travel, a large dollop of family stories to combine a unique set of flavours to create her brand new TV show, Tastes like Home. For more information, see www.londis.ie or www.tasteslikehome.ie.

Catherine Fulvio is pictured with Suzanne Weldon, Communications and Marketing Director, BWG Foods, and Gillian Rigley, Londis Marketing Manager.

Applegreen’s World of Coffee

Applegreen Director of Food Systems and Trading, John Diviney, and Paul Stack, Operations Director with Marco Beverage Systems, President of Speciality Coffee Association of Europe and Chair of the SCAE Ireland Strategy Group, along with Applegreen volunteers.

APPLEGREEN has teamed up with World of Coffee Dublin as an Official Sponsor of the World Barista Championship and World of Coffee. The Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE’s) World of Coffee, Europe’s greatest coffee gathering, will see thousands of coffee enthusiasts from more than 100 countries converge on Dublin this coming June 23-25. For the first time, Ireland will play host to the World Barista Championship final, the preeminent international coffee competition in the world.

“We are delighted to partner with both the World Barista Championships and the World of Coffee this year,” said Applegreen Director of Food Systems and Trading, John Diviney.

“We endeavour to be leaders in our industry when it comes to coffee excellence. This sponsorship is a further step for us to prove how serious we are about coffee. We are committed to offering our customers the best coffee on the road.”

According to Paul Stack, Operations Director with Marco Beverage Systems, President of Speciality Coffee Association of Europe and Chair of the SCAE Ireland Strategy Group, "With Applegreen on board as a sponsor and through their extensive national network, we are generating an awareness and connecting the consumer with speciality coffee. Consumers want to be able to get a speciality coffee when on the road and Applegreen continue to demonstrate a level of coffee expertise across their business.”

Barry Group on Expansion Trail ENHANCED logistics infrastructure is on the cards for the retail franchise division of Barry Group in 2016, according to Managing Director Jim Barry (pictured).

The business, which has already added four new Costcutter stores and six new Carry Out off-licences so far this year, is also eyeing a major expansion in its stores network, the retail boss says.

Barry was speaking at the announcement of the 2016 European Business Awards, where the longstanding retail franchise and wholesale business was named a finalist and Ruban d’Honneur recipient.

The company is one of just 110 finalists chosen from across Europe, in a business competition that engaged with over 32,000 companies from 33 countries this year. Barry Group will now compete for one of 11 overall awards in the 2016 European Business Awards, which takes place in June.

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Saturday saturday 12 Needs 9 saturday Monday For more information call Thurs 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 saturday Saturday Contract Publishing Needs Friday On receiving INAB accreditation for the highly Sunday Mond sunday 13 10 sunday consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 Tuesday Frida sunday SundayTuesd recognised Q Mark programme, Irene Collins, Managing !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'3 saturday consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com Monday Monday 14 11 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'. !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$8 wednesday Director of EIQA, said, “The Q Mark is recognised by satur !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345' Monday !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345 sunday One of my staff has been absent from work on Monday wedn !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$89-': Tuesday Tuesday consumers throughout Ireland as a symbol of quality 15 12 Thursday sund !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'3 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$89-':*$;-'<)='>$&?$@'A'???=8"#$%&,)&*#%)+,=%" account of the death of her Grandmother. What are my Tuesday Tuesday Monday Thurs !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'3 and excellence. As the standard is based on the business !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$8 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$89-':*$;-'<)='>$&?$@'A'???=8"#$%&,)&*#%)+,=%"'A'4BCD'C/E'C wednesday Wednesday 16 to 13 asH wedNesday duties as anwednesday employer with regard Compassionate Friday Mond !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$8 wednesday Wednesday excellence model of continuous improvement, we took Tuesday Frida Leave?

Thursday 17 14 Thursday sT. ValeNTiNe’s day Tuesd saturday on board the advice that we give our customers – go the Thursday Thursday wednesday satur Friday Friday 18 15 sunday wedn extra mile and get even better at what you are doing!

Friday sund Friday There is no legal entitlement to Bereavement Leave Thursday This external validation of The Q Mark for Hygiene saturday Saturday saturday 19 Thurs Monday under current legislation. It is at the discretion of16 the Saturday saturday Friday Mond & Food Safety recognises The Q Mark on the Global sunday Sunday sunday employer whether to grant (and/or pay for) leave or not.

20 17 Frida Tuesday Certification Map.” SundayTuesd sunday saturday A useful guide is that of the Civil Monday 21 Service, which allows 18 Monday satur wednesday Monday Monday wedn three paid days off for the death of an immediate family sunday Tuesday 22 19 sund For more information call Thursday member. AnTuesday immediate relative means a father, mother, For more information call Tuesday Tuesday Thurs Monday Kathleenbelton@tarapublications.ie Wednesday wednesday Mond 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 23 brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, child20 orwednesday Friday 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 For more Kathleenbelton@tarapublications.ie Wednesday Frida wednesday www.retailnews.ie Tuesday consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com For more information call For more information callspouse.

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saturday satur Thursday For more information call Thursday consumeradhesi 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 01 4046438 o Friday 25 22 Friday sunday 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 Friday sund Friday consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives. consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com Saturday saturday 26 23 saturday JURY SERVICE Monday Mond Saturday saturday Sunday sunday 27 24 sunday Tuesday Tuesd Sunday Q. A staff Monday member has been called for Jury Duty. sunday 28 25 Monday LONDISwedn wednesday lOn Monday Will he receive an allowance from the Court, or am Monday RETAILERSreta Tuesday Tuesday 29 26 I required to pay him during his absence? If he does Tuesday Thursday Thurs Tuesday MORE MO receive payment from me, how30 do I go about applying for Wednesday wednesday 27 wednesday CHILLEDFrida Friday Wednesday chil wednesday www.rgdata.ie a refund? Thursday www.rgdata.ie THAN EVER 31 28 Thursday satur saturday Thursday Thursday tha Friday Friday sunday A. Under Section 29 of the 1976,4188 any Friday Friday sund HELPLINE 01Juries 283 Act, 4188 HELPLINE 01 283 Pictured are Dr Adrienne Duff, Manager of INAB, with Irene saturday Saturday saturday person in employment, including apprentices, is Mond Monday Saturday Collins, MD of EIQA. saturday required to be released from their employment for sunday Sunday sunday Tuesday SundayTuesd the purposes of juryConfederation service. The House Act further requiressunday Monday Monday 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 Monday that the employer pay the employee while absent. The Monday Tel: 01-6051558 employer is Tuesday not reimbursed for paying the employee Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday 01 4046438 or 086 3894276

OctOber

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility!

Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus savings of 6% is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

Because we are ‘owned by is on passing savings back of our Centralised Chill fac big brand availability, store Londis retailers. No wonde with the most chilled out re

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Smurfit Kappa Wins Top Awards

www.retailireland.ie while they are on jury service.

PACKAGING experts Smurfit Kappa recently won two top European awards. Smurfit Kappa UK were awarded a prestigious Nestlé UK and Ireland 2016 Supplier Award www.rgdata.ie in the category of Outstanding Service at the recent Nestlé Supplier Awards 2016.

Over the course of the last year, Smurfit Kappa 01 283 4188 HELPLINE continued its work in partnership with Nestlé on a number of initiatives to help support their Virtuous Circle programme, which focussed on working together, adding value and driving profitable growth.

Two Smurfit Kappa employees, Jessica Steadman and Theresa Long, also received a specific award, ‘Above and Beyond’. In total, only half a dozen people who support Nestlé on a day-to-day basis received this award.

Also this month, Smurfit Kappa was recognised for its expertise in packaging creation and design, winning the prize for best transport packaging solution at the NL Packaging Awards 2016 for the One2SRP.

September 2012

OctOber 2012

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www.rgdata.ie

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility!

Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

HELPLINE 01 283 4188 HELPLINE 01 283 4188

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

22/10/2012 14:23

For further information on this, go to the Members’ Only section at www.rgdata.ie. If you need your members’ username and/or password, email us at rgdata@rgdata.ie or call the Helpline on 01-2834188.

If you are interested in joining RGDATA, please contact us on 01-2834188.

LONDIS CHILLED chil lOnDis tha RETAILERS THANwww EVER retailers MORE MOre CHILLED chilleD www.rg HELPLINE THAN EVER than ever HELPLINE 0

savings of 6%

Because we are ‘owned by is on passing savings back

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility! of our Centralised Chill fac Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

big brand availability, store Londis retailers. No wonde with the most chilled out re

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility!

Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings,

big brand availability, store efficiencies extra margin to savings of 6% with and new centralised chill facility!

Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction

Because we are ‘owned retailers for country! retailers’ our focus with the most chilled out by retailers in the is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

2C

12|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News TEN COMPANIES JOIN FOODSERVICE ACADEMY TEN Irish food and drink companies are joining the first FoodService Academy, a new programme run by Bord Bia and Musgrave MarketPlace, which seeks to help small Irish food and drink companies develop their business in the foodservice market.

The programme also aims to help the companies achieve growth within Musgrave MarketPlace’s foodservice business, which works with over 6,000 customers each week.

“The FoodService Academy programme offers a combination of commercial and marketing expertise and will provide invaluable consumer insight for the companies involved,” noted Sheena Forde, Trading Director, Musgrave MarketPlace. The programme includes workshops and mentoring across areas such as supplier set-up, food safety requirements and distribution model, as well as sales and marketing support. The ten companies that have been chosen to participate include: Atlantis Seafood, Blanco Nino, Coffee House Lane, Lily’s Tea House, Nobó, Maria Lucia Bakes, Outdoor Oinks, Secret Recipe, Tipperary Kitchen, and Wildberry Bakery. Pictured are Brian Nolan, Nobó; Sheena Forde, Trading Director, Musgrave MarketPlace; and Philip Martin, Blanco Nino.

Dublin GAA Links with Linwoods

DUBLIN GAA is getting a healthy boost by partnering with the award-winning health food company, Linwoods. In a bid to ensure its athletes’ nutrition is as carefully managed as their on-pitch performance, this is the second year of a two-year partnership which sees Armagh-based Linwoods as its Official Health Food Supplier. The partnership ensures that each player’s diet will now contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are all core elements of Linwoods’ product range, consequently complementing each player’s performance on and off the pitch in a positive, energy-driven way. Dublin senior hurlers Daire Plunkett and Oisin Gough are pictured announcing the second year of the deal at Parnell Park.

Retailers Called to Sign Up for Homelessness Charity

APRIL 29 will see the first national campaign of its kind in Ireland for youth homelessness. Supported by the Irish Youth Foundation (www. iyf.ie), the One for Ireland campaign will see retailers nationwide ask customers to add €1 to their bill when they pay at the till, as One for Ireland hope to raise €1m for the 1,700 homeless children living in Ireland today. Retailers will be provided with plastic barcode tags which can be inputted into the store’s EPOS system to the value of €1. Cashiers will then be instructed to ask every customer “Would you like to give One for Ireland?” and, if the customer says yes, they simply scan the code.

Retailers will be able to see how many units of the barcode were ‘sold’ and the store can transfer this back to One for Ireland at the end of the day. Retailers can sign up at www.oneforireland.ie/retailers. Pictured are (l-r): founder of One for Ireland, Max Doyle, Irish professional golfer Shane Lowry, and Niall McLoughlin, CEO, Irish Youth Foundation.

John Teeling Inducted into Whisky Hall of Fame JOHN Teeling, Chairman of The Great Northern Distillery, was elected into the Whisky Hall of Fame at the recently held World Whisky Awards in London. John is pictured (centre) with Gordon McIntyre and Hugo Mesquita, both from Amorim, sponsors of the Whisky Hall of Fame.

SuperValu Lucan is All Heart

SUPERVALU Lucan really has made an impact on the local community in recent years. The latest goodwill gesture was the donation of a state of the art AED Heart Defibrillator for use by the entire community. The Heart Defibrillator will be located at the main entrance of the shopping centre for 24-hour use, 365 days a year. To announce the Defribrillator, SuperValu held a fabulous community evening which was a roaring success, with guests such as Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon hosting a fantastic cookery demonstration, alongside choirs, magicians, food tastings and lots of Champagne. Store manager Ian Lynam is pictured with Kevin Dundon and loyal customer May Clifford at the official opening of the new look million-euro investment store

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Show Me I.D - Be Age Ok is supported by Retail Excellence Ireland, Ireland’s retail trade associations RGDATA, CSNA, NFRN and also by VFI, NOffLA, ITMAC, the South Dublin Chamber and the Irish Cigarette Machine Operators Association (ICMOA).

14|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Musgrave MarketPlace Launches Revamped Online Store MUSGRAVE MarketPlace has launched a revamped web store and shopping app, with a range of features to make it faster and easier for customers to place orders. The upgraded online store has been designed with the specific goal of taking the hassle out of ordering for busy customers, whether they’re in their office or on the go. Using the Musgrave online store saves customers time, for instance, by remembering their favourites products or by offering short-cuts for repeat orders. A unique feature of the app, which is available for iPhone and Android, is the scanning tool, whereby users can simply scan a barcode and add directly to their basket. Another key feature is the ‘Retail Must Stocks’ section, which uses Nielsen data to provide customers with details of the most popular products that are ‘must haves’ for Irish convenience stores. “As a business, we understand the importance of convenience and we are committed to providing an efficient digital solution for our customers,” noted Barry Minnock, IT Director of Musgrave Wholesale Partners. “The website and app make it easier to browse our extensive range of over 12,000 lines and highlight promotions to ensure customers get the best value, where and when they want.” Customers can place orders (for delivery or click & collect) through the new Musgrave MarketPlace online store and download the app by visiting www.musgravemarketplace.ie.

MACE Identifies the Right Options

PICTURED at the MACE Right Options launch in Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green are musician and mental health advocate Bressie (right) and dietician Aoife Hearne, with Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods (second left) and Alex Banahan, MACE Sales Director. When it comes to what we eat, the range of foods available to us can sometimes make it difficult to choose the right option. With this theme in mind, MACE has come up with the ‘Right Options’ concept to classify the best foods in order to improve their customers’ health and well-being. Dietician Aoife Hearne has been working with MACE to choose the products that she believes are the ‘Right Options’, helping shoppers to identify foods in all areas of the store that have tangible nutritional or dietary benefits. The scope of this initiative is to provide a positive life choice alternative for MACE shoppers, which are easy to identify and always available.

GSK Grants Wishes!

OVER 1,800 GSK employees in Ireland have selected Make-A-Wish Ireland

as the GSK Charity of the Year for 2016 and 2017. €50,000 will be donated

by GSK over the next two years, while employees across its four sites in Dublin, Waterford, Sligo and Cork will also organise, fundraise, and participate in a number of events to raise additional funds. GSK is aiming to support the granting of up to 20 wishes over the next two years for Make-AWish Ireland, as well as getting their employees involved in volunteering.

Pictured are Aidan Lynch, Vice President and General Manager of GSK Pharmaceuticals, and Susan O' Dwyer, CEO, Make-A-Wish Ireland, with Kayla Davis, a recent 'Wish' recipient from Make-A-Wish Ireland, who launched the partnership in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin.

SuperValu Tidy Towns 2016 Launched THE 2016 SuperValu TidyTowns competition is open for entries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of SuperValu’s sponsorship of the competition. Now in its 58th year, the competition is administered by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and is a catalyst for voluntary activity and community participation across the country. “2016 marks a landmark year for SuperValu as it reaches the 25th anniversary of its sponsorship of TidyTowns,” said Des O’Mahony, SuperValu Marketing Manager. “This is one of the longest running sponsorships in Ireland and one that we are extremely proud to be associated with down through the years. We believe in the power and value of helping to build vibrant local communities and TidyTowns is a perfect partnership for SuperValu. With 221 stores nationwide, our retailers are uniquely positioned to work with TidyTowns committees to build sustainable communities that we will be proud to pass on to future generations.”

Pictured at the launch are acting Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, TD, and Des O’Mahony, SuperValu Marketing Manager.

16|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Concern Mounts over Impact of LUAS Dispute IN recent weeks, Retail Ireland has highlighted the concern amongst retailers at the external threats facing the sector, particularly the on-going LUAS dispute. Retail Ireland members have reported considerable declines in footfall levels in Dublin City centre stores during the days on which industrial action has taken place.

There is palpable concern that if this situation continues, the Dublin retail sector will pay a heavy and unacceptable price. This dispute, along with other mooted disputes in key transport networks, only serves to erode consumer confidence and remove shoppers from the city centre.

While the LUAS dispute is the most tangible example of industrial unrest in the transport sector, we have also received confirmation that another vital piece of the public transport infrastructure in Dublin, the DART, has been forced to postpone plans to introduce a higher frequency, 10-minute DART service because of opposition from drivers. A higher frequency DART service has a crucial role to play in making Dublin city more accessible and attractive to shoppers. The decision to delay its introduction is a setback for the city's retail sector, which has already been affected by several transport strikes this year.

Retailers remain concerned about the effect these on-going disputes are going to have on a sector which is in the early stages of a recovery. What is most frustrating for retailers is the fact that these factors negatively impacting trade are completely outside of the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control.

Retail Ireland Makes Submission on Guidelines to Grocery Regulations IN recent weeks, Retail Ireland made a submission to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the potential impact of the impending Grocery Regulations, which will become active on April 30.

Retail Ireland highlighted the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concern at the short transition period between the publication of the regulations and their implementation, which was only a matter of weeks. While the process to draft the regulations has been underway for a considerable period, retailers could not put in place the extensive back office systems required to ensure compliance with the regulations until such a time that the final regulations were published. Furthermore, as demanded by the regulations, there will be a requirement for an extensive staff training programme within retail organisations in order to ensure that all relevant staff are aware of their obligations under the new regulations. Such training could not be completed until the regulations were finalised, due to the potential for change to the draft regulations as previously published.

Now that the final content of the regulations has been agreed, retailers have little more than a few weeks to finalise all of these systems and training programmes. Such a timeline is overly ambitious and unrealistic.

Retail Ireland also took the opportunity to highlight concerns the sector had around the ambiguity contained in the guidelines, particularly around the vague wording of certain elements of the regulations. These issues, we suggested, would need to be clarified before enactment of the regulations.

Retail Ireland Welcomes Ongoing Recovery RETAIL Ireland recently welcomed the continued growth in retail sales as evidenced by the February sales numbers released by the CSO. Retail sales values, excluding bars and car sales, increased by 4.3% in the year to date to the end of February, pointing to a good start to trading in 2016. There was also strong volume growth across the retail sector in the year to the end of February, with sales volumes increasing 6.9% in the last 12 months.

It would appear that retail sales are now benefitting from the positive momentum across the economy, although they remain 12.5% below February 2008 levels in value terms. The organisation highlighted that a continuation of this positive trajectory should not be taken for granted. Many retailers are under pressure from a rapidly rising cost base and are concerned about the rate at which input costs are increasing. In recent months, we have seen a significant increase in the national minimum wage, double digit rent increases in certain prime retail spaces, and rapidly increasing insurance and other utility costs. This increasing cost base, combined with the on-going difficulty with recovering those costs in the marketplace, means it is still difficult for Irish retailers to make sufficient margin.

The Irish retail market remains one of the most competitive in Europe, with goods prices down 2.8% in the year to the end of February 2016.

Retail Ireland continues to highlight these concerns to Government and policy makers and detail the difficulties facing the industry, despite recovering sales volumes.

Tel: 01-6051558 www.retailireland.ie

Need more?

For more information about Retail Ireland and details of how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www. retailireland.ie

18|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

The Retail News Interview

Your Charity, Your Chance to Help

Donal O’Shea, IGBF Chairman, talks us through the events the Fund has planned for 2016 and why the IGBF is as important today as it ever was.

CHAIRMAN of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund, Donal O’Shea, discusses the busy year ahead for the IGBF and explains why the Fund remains an important part of Ireland’s grocery landscape in 2016 and how important it is that a new generation of retailers and suppliers become involved in the IGBF. What events are planned for 2016?

We have a very busy schedule again this year. We have already had the wonderful Cork IGBF Ball in January.

We had a great Mid West Ball in the Castletroy Hotel in Limerick over the Easter bank holiday weekend. The normal golf events are now being planned and will be hosted throughout the year by the various regional committees. We will have our special golf day, organised by John Cooney from Supervalu Centra, at Mount Juliet in July. The wonderful team at the Stonehouse buying group will hold their annual IGBF golf day at Killeen Castle this year. Leonard Hegarty has already arranged his famous Dublin golf day, with over 50 teams committed. Eoin Kellett of Mondelez and John Brennan of Tesco Ireland will run their highly successful sports lunch again at the Aviva.

Neil Finlayson of Mars Ireland is President of Appeals for 2016 and he is planning a special Mid Summers Ball. Last year’s theme was ‘Ireland’s Call’. This year, the theme will be ‘Rolling back the Years’ as we celebrate the Euro soccer championship. We will have the President’s Ball in October, as well as the much loved Grocers’ lunch on the first Friday in December.

We have just commenced a wonderful new initiative.

Traditionally, the IGBF would have had a very high proportion of men involved in the running of the Fund. A new committee comprising mainly of females will be focusing on holding a ‘Women in Business’ event on September 16.

Women now hold very senior positions within our industry. I would love to see more women taking a lead role within the IGBF. I would ask women at any level within our industry to help support this great initiative. Interestingly, we have never had a lady President of Appeals. It would be wonderful if this could happen in the near future.

How difficult is it to juggle the role of Chairman of the IGBF with the day-job in Birds Eye? I am lucky that I have a great national committee who are very hardworking and who liaise with all the local regions and special events. Any work I do for the IGBF is normally after work or on weekends and does not impact on my dayjob.

How important is the IGBF today? How many families does

the Fund support around the country?

The IGBF continues to play an important role within the food and drink industry. The IGBF itself is centrally operated by an Executive Committee based in Dublin and is supported by seven Regional Committees around Ireland. We are 80 Members strong, all working on a voluntary basis helping to raise funds for those who have fallen on hard times. We have one part-time paid executive, who manages the welfare assistance to those that the Fund supports.

The Benevolent Fund is very dependent on the goodwill and also the continued support of suppliers and retailers in the trade. The IGBF support 258 families or nearly 500 individuals. These people are all ordinary people who have worked in retail or for suppliers, working on the road as reps or in various roles within the supplier base. In the vast majority of the cases that we support, it’s always a life changing sickness or death in the family that has caused them to have fallen on hard times.

The one great point worth noting is that the families we support constantly let us know how much they appreciate the financial support but more importantly, that the industry they worked in has not forgotten them. This is a great morale booster for them in their hour of need.

Where does the IGBF fit

Donal O’ Shea of Birds Eye and Chairman of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund.

Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie|19

The Retail News Interview into the new CSR landscape?

We have been very fortunate over the years to have had great leadership within the IGBF. We have always been a registered charity with a defined charter and articles of association. We have been fortunate to have Grant Thornton as our auditors; hence it was an easy and seamless undertaking to ensure compliance with all the requirements of the Charities Act. One of the perceptions of the Fund in recent years is that it didn’t promote itself as a charity, even when it was doing incredibly good work. Is that changing?

The Fund is well known throughout the trade. We are very fortunate that we have the support of many great suppliers and retailers. While we promote the work of the Fund at all our events, the Grocers’ Lunch has a very important role in communicating to the wider trade.

Given the extremely tough trading conditions of the last few years, how much more can the FMCG trade give to the Fund?

We have been focusing as a committee on targeting suppliers outside of the normal base. These would be the suppliers of auxiliary services such facilities, insurance, media etc. In essence, we are broadening our base in looking for support from those who provide non-food services and who make their living from the grocery trade.

Are the discounters involved in the Fund?

The discounters are not involved, even though we assist

“I would love to see more women taking a lead role within the IGBF… Interestingly, we have never had a lady President of Appeals. It would be wonderful if this could happen in the near future.” some of their staff. At the January Cork IGBF Ball, Simon Coveney TD, then Minister for Agriculture and Defence, was our special guest of honour. He committed to helping gain the support of the discounters for the Fund.

What else, aside from financial donations, could those in the trade do to help the Fund?

The IGBF are continually looking for new volunteers, be that at a national level or at regional level throughout the country. We have a keen desire to attract more young people to the committees. The amount of time involved can be as little as a few days a year. Anybody volunteering will gain great satisfaction from helping and will make many new friends. Wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers provide

About the IGBF THE Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund is a national registered charity, assisting people in the retail, wholesale and supplier trade sector. It is similar to Grocery Aid in the UK “We are committed to the improvement in the lives of our colleagues in need. Our mission is to enrich their lives by engaging with and involving as many colleagues as possible in raising much needed funds so as to meet such needs and maintain the long term viability and sustainability of the Fund,” explains Donal O’Shea, Chairman.

The Grocers Benevolent fund had been in existence since 1965 but was originally under the auspices of the UK Grocery Benevolent Fund, now called Grocery Aid. The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) was then founded over 30 years ago, by Tim Nolan and the late Gerry Duffy. the greatest financial and moral support to the Fund. I would ask for additional help from retailers, as their numbers and presence within the trade is significantly larger.

How can the Fund be re-energised for a new generation of retailers?

Manufacturers, suppliers and some key retailers have been the driving force behind the IGBF. There is a new and emerging force within artisan suppliers and manufacturers.

The IGBF offers them a huge opportunity to meet and promote their companies with fellow suppliers and retailers.

I would ask them to become involved with the IGBF. Publications such as Retail News can facilitate such a communication.

Why the Camel?

The camel is a well known logo for the IGBF and has been associated with the food trade since the middle ages when it was first adopted as a symbol of the Company of Pepperers and Spicers in the thirteenth century. The laden camel symbolised spices being brought by camel train from the East for shipment to the countries of Western Europe.

When the Worshipful Company of Grocers was formed in the sixteenth century, they incorporated the Company of Pepperers and Spicers and adopted the camel as the surmounter of their arms. Later in the twentieth century, following an agreement with the Worshipful Company, the camel was adopted and always pointed in the opposite direction to that of the Pepperers and Spicers’ surmounter.

Over the years, the camel has been stylised and gradually changed in to the form shown here, which was introduced in September 2013.

20|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Ice Cream

Freeze the Day

Irish consumers love ice cream, with new products guaranteed to fly from freezers this year.

ICE cream and frozen desserts experienced current value growth of 5% in 2015, rising to €166m (Source: Euromonitor International). Indeed, Euromonitor expect the sector to increase in value by 1% in constant 2015 terms over the coming years, rising to €175m by 2020.

Unilever Ice Cream Unilever Ice Cream has the scoop on the ultimate snack solutions this season with a selection of new and all-time favourites set to tempt taste buds across its scooping and soft range: Gelateria Carte D’Or, HB Happiness Stations and Mr. Whippy.

Spring sees the launch of the Gelateria Carte D’Or scooping experience, which has been created to convey the premium feel and sophistication of an authentic Italian Gelateria. This high quality ice cream comes in a choice of palate-pleasing flavours, including new flavours like delicious Coconut and sumptuous White Chocolate. From improved energy consumption cabinets to branding and operations support, Gelateria Carte D’Or promises a complete scoop solution that offers a high margin and short payback period.

A retro brand that is sure to evoke childhood memories

for some, HB’s iconic Mr. Whippy NEW NEW is set to return to the soft ice cream market this year.

A trusted and recognised brand, consumers will love the nostalgic taste of this classic favourite.

Coconut White HB Happiness Stations offer the Chocolate ultimate in-store destination that Unilever has a selection of new flavours will drive footfall set to tempt taste buds across its and engagement, Gelateria Carte D’Or range. as customers can create their own unique ice cream with their favourite premium toppings.

In addition, new toppings and seasonal recipe Swirls will be added to HB’s exciting soft-serve range for 2016. HB Happiness Stations also benefit from year-round support,

6

Reasons to Choose HB Happiness Station

1. HB Power Brand soft ice & toppings 2. Unique premium n & short 3. Competitive margi payback period n 4. Eye catching desig g support tin ke 5. Year-round mar ing support from 6. Training and ongo HB operations team

Bring added value to your ice cream offer by allowing your consumers to create their favourite ice cream with the addition of premium toppings.

HB Happiness Station offers you a point of difference - an in-store destination that will drive footfall and consumer engagement.

Our year round support including seasonal activations and eye catching point of sale, along with training and operations support will ensure that you can offer your customers a consistent, high quality ice cream experience.

What’s New for 2016 ✓ New Toppings ✓ In-Store Competitions ✓ Seasonal Recipe Swirls ✓ Toppings of the Month Activation ✓ Tastings Programme

Contact Details: Des Victory Paul Roche Michael McNamara Jonathan Burnside

Area Business Manager Area Business Manager Area Business Manager Area Business Manager

Dublin & Leinster.

South & South East.

West.

North & North West.

Tel: 086 0258559 Tel: 087 7980049 Tel: 087 7980318 Tel: 0044 7872145246

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Ice Cream including seasonal activations and eye catching point of sale, along with training and operations support, ensuring that customers have a consistent, high quality ice cream experience.

HB are also set to drive excitement across the impulse ice cream sector with new launches across Magnum, Ben & Jerrys and HB’s impulse range.

Magnum is set to launch the indulgent Magnum Doubles range in Peanut Butter, Caramel and Chocolate. Combining a thick, cracking outer shell of chocolate, each Magnum Double is dipped in a smooth and sumptuous sauce over decadent and delicious Magnum ice cream, made with the finest ingredients. Magnum Doubles will be the biggest launch for 2016 and will be supported by a heavyweight campaign from April through to August.

2016 will see the launch of Feast Snack Bar, the snack pack of the Impulse ice cream hero, the Feast.

For HB, 2016 will see the launch of Feast Snack Bar, the snack pack of the Impulse ice cream hero, the Feast. Underneath the nutty, chocolatey exterior shell is delicious peanut butter ice cream with a soft caramel core. Other launches for HB in 2016 include the return of the much beloved Mint flavour to the Cornetto range and the introduction of Calippo Cola. Also available is an improved version of the firm favourite Brunch and the new Blackcurrant Twister and Solero Red Berry.

Please contact your local Unilever sales representative for more details.

R&R Ice Cream Following the very successful launch of the Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, R&R Ice Cream continues to innovate and will launch Daim Stick into the impulse ice cream category this year. While last year’s weather had a negative impact on sales, impulse ice

Magnum Doubles will be Unilever Ice Cream’s biggest launch for 2016 and will be supported by a heavyweight campaign from April through to August.

Ben & Jerry’s will be moving into the snacking segment this year, with The ‘Wich, an on-the-go, hand finished and individually wrapped ice cream sandwich. The ‘Wich perfectly sand’Wiches two of Ben & Jerry’s favourite Fairtrade flavours, Cookie Dough or Chocolate Fudge Brownie, between two soft-baked chocolate chip cookies. To ensure ice cream lovers can enjoy the ice cream and cookie combo whenever and wherever, The ‘Wich is also available in a Cookie Dough ‘Wich multipack, a Son of a ‘Wich sharing snack pack (featuring eight mini ‘Wiches) and the euphoric S’Wich up pint.

Ben & Jerry’s are moving into the snacking segment this year, with The ‘Wich, an on-the-go, hand finished and individually wrapped ice cream sandwich.

Calippo Cola, another key launch for HB in 2016.

cream still accounts for over 40% of the ice cream category in Ireland. A broad range of brands and products is absolutely critical to driving the impulse category: Cadbury Flake Cone, Rowntree Fruit Screamers, Rowntree Fruit Pastille Lollys, Cadbury Crunchie Blast Stick and Smarties Pop Up Stick are all very R&R Ice Cream continues to innovate and will successful launch Daim Stick into the impulse ice cream category. lines in this category.

Within the take home ice cream category, again R&R Ice Cream continue to innovate and will launch Oreo Stick and

e s e h t n o p u k c o t S

! s e t i r u o v Family Fa NEW

NEW Contact Dale Farm Ice Cream at 086 2554594

Barry Group Continues To Pick Up Awards

2016 has already proven to be a major one for Barry Group with the Wholesale Distribution Company scooping three prestigious awards in the first half of the year.

The company - which owns the Costcutter, Carry Out and Quik Pick brands in Ireland - was honoured to be once again named as both a ‘Great Place To Work’ and as one of Deloitte’s ‘Best Managed’ companies for 2016 making it the only wholesale company in Ireland to hold both of these awards.

MD Jim Barry was also named a Ruban d’Honneur winner in the RSM Entrepreneur of the Year category in the 2015/16 European Business Awards.

‘I’m very proud of the whole team at Barry Group and it’s always heartening to see your work being recognised.

We use these awards as a way of challenging our standards every year to ensure we are offering the very best service to our customers’ - says Barry Group MD Jim Barry.

The awards cap off a very strong start to 2016 with Costcutter welcoming eight new stores to the group and Carry Out further cementing its position as the largest independent off licence chain in Ireland.

For more on how Barry Group can help your business achieve its full potential, visit barrygroup.ie.

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Ice Cream Premium Indulgence from Carte D’Or CARTE D’Or Vanilla is made from the finest, naturally grown and handpicked bourbon vanilla from the Sava region in Madagascar and crafted by Rainforest Alliance certified farmers, using traditional methods to unlock the authentic and intense taste, Carte D’Or is an expert in the art of ice cream. Quality takes time and six months of meticulous care is needed to bring out the delicate flavours that characterise the bourbon vanilla aroma, a balanced combination of caramel, balsamic notes and butter, with a touch of dried fruit and hay that is unique to Carte D’Or vanilla ice cream.

Prepared with 100% sustainable vanilla, Carte D’Or delivers irresistibly smooth vanilla ice cream and is the perfect dessert accompaniment for ice cream lovers and self-proclaimed foodies everywhere.

Rowntree’s Fruit Screamers: performing very well in Ireland.

Daim Stick Ice Cream Multipacks. The Oreo brand is hugely popular and the addition of the Oreo Stick multipack will further support the growth in the ice cream multipack stick category.

Carte D’Or Vanilla is available in 900ml ice cream tubs, perfect to share with friends and family around the table, served alongside a delectable dessert and has an RRP of €5.09. Created using high quality planifolia vanilla beans from Madagascar, Carte D’Or work closely with 4,000 Rainforest Alliance certified farmers to help preserve rainforests, protect the environment and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

R&R Ice Cream are adding two new products to their price marked range: Rowntree Randoms Mini Sticks 12-pack €3.00, and Oreo Cone 4-pack €3.00. Price Marked packs have proved very successful in the convenience channel.

Again, stocking a broad range of brands and products will drive retailers sales by offering consumers choice. For more information, contact Dale Farm Ice Cream at 086 2554594.

R&R Ice Cream are adding two new products to their price marked range: Rowntree Randoms Mini Sticks 12-pack €3, and Oreo Cone 4-pack €3.

Nobó Nobó is a young Irish company aimed at redefining the alternative health food market, and becoming the market leader in healthy ‘free-from’ foods. The company launched its first product, Frozen Goodness, a premium, delicious alternative to dairy ice cream, into the Irish market in December 2013 and is now stocked in over 400 stores around

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Ice Cream Ireland’s first dairy-free ice cream is aimed at adults looking for an alternative for health and wellness reasons, in addition to the growing food intolerance market. While the product itself is at its core nutritious and healthy, Nobó’s Frozen Goodness also focuses on using innovative and interesting ingredients to deliver a gratifying and pleasurable taste experience. It is made from a base of coconut milk and avocado, and uniquely for an ice cream, contains no refined sugar, gums, or stabilisers. In September 2014, it was judged as one of the top 50 foods in the UK and Ireland at the Great Taste Awards in London, where it received 3 Gold Stars. More recently, last November, Nobó won Bord Bia’s Innovation Award at the 2015 Food & Drinks Awards.

Nobó Frozen Goodness, Ireland’s first dairy-free ice cream, is aimed at adults looking for an alternative for health and wellness reasons, in addition to the growing food intolerance market.

Ireland. The company began exporting to the UAE and UK during 2015 and is now stocked in a total of over 800 stores across these markets. Further export is planned for the coming year.

Wheyhey Wheyhey is an award winning high protein, sugar free ice cream, designed to provide a healthy snacking alternative. It is an all natural protein ice cream, which is made from whey, a high protein product from the cheese making process. The formula contains xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that does not impact blood sugar levels and can help prevent disease caused by bacteria, contributing to oral and dental health.

Wheyhey Ice Cream is led by founders Greg Duggan and Damien Kennedy, and supported by celebrity brand ambassadors who include world renowned supermodel David Gandy, fashion designer Chloe Green and musician James McVey. Musgrave Group recently announced that it's doubling its distribution of Wheyhey across stores in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, due to growing demand from its customers.

Wheyhey is an all natural protein ice cream, which is made from whey, a high protein product from the cheese making process.

Nobó’s Frozen Goodness is a premium, delicious alternative to dairy ice cream.

Damien Kennedy, Co-founder of Wheyhey commented: “Wheyhey has exceeded its original targets set by Musgrave Group and as a result, they have doubled their order and supermarket space for Wheyhey. Musgrave Group were early adopters of Wheyhey, and it is a pleasure to have this partnership continue as our businesses thrive.” For more information, see www.wheyhey.com.

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Innovation at Lindt

The Luxury of Lindt More and more Irish consumers are reaching for Lindt’s luxurious premium chocolate products, from the Lindor Bar to new Lindt Excellence Lime Intense.

AS the number one premium boxed brand in the market, Lindt Lindor holds 9.2% market share and is growing +8.2% year on year, proving Lindor to be a must stock for all retailers in 2016 (Source: AC Nielsen 52 weeks to February 21, MAT).

Boasting a wide range of exciting and delectable flavours, from the classic milk recipe to the sensuous Lindor Dark, Lindor has a reputation for innovation and now comes in a variety of formats.

12 Squares of Lindor The Lindor Bar offers the same classic smooth melting recipe as the iconic Lindor truffles, but comes in a 100g bar, offering twelve Lindt Lindor is growing in popularity with Irish squares consumers all the time. of smooth melting bliss. Growing at +23.7% (Source AC Nielsen, 12 weeks to February 21) and with a choice between the classic milk recipe, smooth melting Lindor White and the irresistible Lindor Caramel, the Lindor 100g bar ensures sumptuous variety for your consumers.

For “on the go bliss”, the Lindor Treat Bar’s performance in the last 12 months proves it’s a must stock on countline fixtures. Growing at +64.3%, the smooth melting milk chocolate Lindor Treat Bar is Ireland’s number one premium chocolate countline (Source: AC Nielsen 52 weeks to February 21, MAT). Available in a slim stick format offering 38g of pure bliss, it is the perfect treat for when consumers are on the go.

The Lindor 200g Cornet retails at €6.99, the Lindor 100g Bar retails at €2.29 and the Lindor 38g Treat Bar retails at €1.29.

Lindt Lindor will enjoy a heavyweight national support plan throughout 2016, with Lindor TV advertising returning to screens, as well as increased activity both in and out of store.

Lindt Excellence Growing at +34.2% year on year, Lindt Excellence is the largest dark chocolate brand in Ireland and over twice the size of their nearest dark Available in a slim stick format offering 38g of pure bliss, the Lindor Treat Bar is the perfect treat chocolate for on-the-go consumers. competitor (Source: AC Nielsen, 52 weeks to February 21, MAT).

Lindt Excellence offers a wide range of both classic and contemporary recipes, from the iconic and refined 70% Cocoa to the fusion of flavours of Mint Intense or the more adventurous and latest addition to the range, Excellence Lime Intense. Crafted by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers, the rarest and most aromatic cocoa beans are blended with the finest ingredients, creating exquisite and refined chocolate of intense flavour and elegant texture.

Lindt Excellence offers exciting and innovative flavours to match every palate.

This month sees another comprehensive support plan behind the Lindt Excellence brand. A heavyweight TV campaign is running throughout April and retailers will see another major in-store push, with Lindt Excellence Lindt Excellence offers a wide range offering an array of both classic and contemporary of attractive and recipes, crafted by the Lindt Master premium point of sale Chocolatiers. solutions. The Lindt Excellence range is available in all leading retailers and priced at €2.79.

Make your sales blissful with Lindor

Number 1 informal boxed brand*

STOCK UP NOW! *Source AC Nielsen 52 weeks to 21st February 2016 (MAT)

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Riverview Eggs

Egg-citing Anniversary for Riverview Eggs Celebrating 50 years in operation, the Kelleher family’s Riverview Eggs business has been at the forefront of quality egg production for half a century.

THE Kelleher family, who own Riverview Eggs, are celebrating 50 years in business in 2016. The company has come a long way since Margaret Kelleher converted a barn on the family’s farm in Upper Glanmire, Co. Cork, into a hen house and started with 700 hens.

“In the beginning, we sold eggs to the central market in Cork city, and at the time everyone got three shillings per dozen of eggs, but because we emphasised the quality of our eggs and that they were local, we received three shillings and four pence,” recalls Margaret.

It was this extra money, which enabled Margaret to increase her flock size the following year by a further 1,000 hens. Over the next few years the business continued to grow and re-invest in its production base, including the development of Ireland’s first purpose built hen house in 1969, which housed 6,000 hens. By 1990, the company had over 60,000 hens, and was supplying into the foodservice sector as well as a growing retail market. Today, they have over 350,000 hens, producing in the region of two million eggs per week, all for the Irish market.

Current Riverview Eggs Managing Director, DJ Kelleher, pictured with company founder, Margaret Kelleher.

Margaret’s son, DJ, is now Managing

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Riverview Eggs since become the benchmark for similar national quality programmes across a host of food sectors, from dairy to beef, pork, chicken and lamb.

DJ Kelleher, MD, Riverview Eggs, has experienced every aspect of the family business, from gathering to delivering eggs.

Director of Riverview Eggs and her daughter, Mary, is Financial Controller of a business that now employs 24 staff directly, and supports a further 40 on the family run production farms who contract produce eggs for Riverview.

The Big Leagues Despite the fact that the egg business has become so successful, for many years, even as it grew, it was always seen as supplementary to the dairy and beef farm, which remained the crux of the family business, according to the MD. However, 1992 was a big year in the life of the Kelleher family, when they purchased Riverview Eggs, a local company to whom the Kellehers had previously supplied eggs for onward sale and distribution to the supermarkets. The takeover of Riverview catapulted the family business into the big leagues, and the Kellehers seized the initiative with both hands.

Having grown up on the farm, DJ and his siblings have extensive experience of every aspect of the business, including packing and delivering eggs. “When there were no more jobs to be done, there was always the yard to be swept,” he laughs.

This experience has served him well, however, as the MD understands every aspect of his business intimately. It is this knowledge that has helped Riverview Eggs to become one of Ireland’s biggest egg producers, alongside an unrivalled commitment to reaching and exceeding the highest quality standards across the industry.

Indeed, the Bord Bia Egg Quality Assurance Scheme may not have happened without Riverview Eggs. Margaret Kelleher and a few other like-minded egg producers and packers approached Bord Bia in the mid-1990s with a view to setting up a quality assurance scheme to establish the highest standards in egg production, a scheme which has

The Quest for Quality Producing eggs to the highest quality standards has always been at the heart of Riverview Eggs. Not content with being the first packer accredited to Bord Bia’s Egg Quality Assurance Scheme, the company subsequently achieved an AA rating in the British Retail Consortium’s Global Food Standards, with the help of Dr Catherine Halbert, from Cork-based Halbert Research, who had already provided a substantial proportion of the company’s training on-site.

“We achieved BRC accreditation before it became a prerequisite for suppliers,” DJ explains. “In many ways, we created the space for our own self-improvement over the years through initiatives like the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme, the BRC accreditation and our work with GS1 on traceability. Each of these were progressive steps towards shoring up and highlighting what we as a company represent. It’s not just about the egg: it’s what will make the egg the best quality and safest egg for the Irish consumer,” says DJ. The company’s stock control and traceability system, developed in cooperation with GS1 Ireland, is the latest in a line of innovations that has seen Riverview remain to the fore on quality.

“Where once it might have taken four and a half hours of wading through paperwork to ascertain where a particular half dozen eggs had come from and where it was sold, we can now have that information in four and a half minutes,” DJ says proudly. “We can determine which retailer or customer received what eggs, from which hen house, when they received them, and how many they received. This allows for instant traceability and complete transparency relating to the origin of each egg in the Riverview supply chain.”

Indeed, Riverview Eggs have recently become only the second food company in Ireland to successfully complete a GS1 Global Traceability Conformance Audit.

Riverview Eggs, one of Ireland’s best loved egg brands.

Origin Green The latest step on the quality accreditation journey for Riverview is Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme, ensuring the sustainability of Ireland’s food production for generations to come. “Sustainability has always been at the heart of what we do,” DJ explains, “and Origin Green allows us to formally document this, as well as demonstrating our commitment to the future.”

The first year of the Origin Green programme saw Riverview reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by a massive 60%, while they also made improvements in terms of water and energy consumption. The area

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Riverview Eggs

Riverview Eggs has become one of Ireland’s biggest egg producers, thanks to an unrivalled commitment to reaching and exceeding the highest quality standards across the industry.

of social sustainability, or CSR, is also one close to the hearts of the Kellehers, who for years have donated eggs to various local charities, including Cork Penny Dinners, Cork Simon Community and SVP Cork. The Origin Green initiative formalises their CSR agenda, according to DJ, and allows them to “demonstrate and itemise what we are doing and to bring forward the work we were doing on social sustainability, to formalise our commitment to our community”.

Further cementing their relationship with local charities, Riverview have teamed up with restaurateur Beth Haughton, from Cork’s renowned Club Brasserie, who engages in cookery demonstrations to show staff how to make the most nutritional meals with eggs.

Mary Kelleher, Riverview’s Financial Controller, sums up: “Origin Green membership will help Riverview to build stronger relationships with our customers, our employees and the local community, all of which are central to our family business and Kelleher family values.”

Margaret, DJ and Mary have always received great advice and mentoring over the years. Ted Whittaker of Whittaker’s Hatcheries in Cork provided great advice to Margaret and her husband, Dan Joe, in the early days. “We had great people with us from the start, who all helped us grow the business,” notes Margaret.

Bord Bia have also played a key role in the development and advancement of Riverview, and indeed the egg industry in Ireland. Bord Bia gave a strong and neutral voice to the egg category, which reassured the consumer and customers of the great efforts being made by egg companies such as Riverview to deliver the best and safest eggs to the market. With the help of Helen King and Tom Collins of Bord Bia’s Brand Forum, Riverview developed and grew through education on marketing and PR. “Without this help, Riverview would be stuck in the dark ages,” says DJ. Having led the way on the development and implementation of the highest quality standards across the Irish egg industry, Riverview are now firmly focused on strategic growth. Helping to drive this agenda is former Beamish & Crawford Managing Director and long-time family friend, Alf Smiddy, who joined the board of Riverview as Chairman in 2013.

“Alf’s extensive experience has been instrumental in helping make sure we stay focused on strategic issues and not just operational ones,” insists DJ. “With family businesses, sometimes you can’t see outside the proverbial

box, but Alf brought the experience of strategy to Riverview.

He has helped us to put the structures in place to allow us to grow and develop.”

Retail Partnerships Riverview’s growth has seen the business forming partnerships with some of the biggest retailers in the Irish market, including Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, Centra, Tesco Ireland, SPAR, Gala, Costcutter, Londis and, just last year, Aldi. The company’s Riverview Eggs brand is the second biggest in the country, yet the majority of their business is the supply of own label eggs to the retail and foodservice trade, including market leading Pallas Foods, as well as Keeling’s and Total Produce.

“Our relationships with retailers have been integral to our success,” admits DJ. “But side by side with that, through our work in helping to creating the Quality Assurance Scheme with Bord Bia, we created the product that satisfied the developing criteria of the supermarkets. In the beginning, there were no criteria for supplying eggs and every Tom, Dick and Harry was supplying eggs, of various quality, to the retail trade. We spent a lot of money on our facilities, our QA people etc., and we needed the retailers to support that, and, ultimately, to buy into our promise of quality. We were able to guarantee retailers about the quality and safety of our product from the very beginning and this formed the backbone of our relationship with our retail partners, and together we created the standards and specifications for the quality of the eggs on Irish supermarket shelves.”

Throughout their 50 years in business, quality has remained the cornerstone of everything they do. “Our point of difference is quality. It always has been,” stresses DJ. “Between 2014 and 2015, we had one customer complaint out of selling two million eggs each week, that’s one complaint from more than 200m eggs.

“When my mother started producing eggs in 1966, quality was the reason for people to buy her eggs. That is still our policy,” he notes. “We are only the second food company in Ireland to successfully complete a GS1 Global Traceability Conformance Audit, meeting or exceeding best practice requirements. That is the reason we have been successful.

An egg is an egg. We just have to be better at what we do than our competitors.”

Riverview Eggs has a very loyal and committed team working at the packing facility in Watergrasshill. All

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Riverview Eggs Partners in Success “I would like to congratulate Riverview Eggs on reaching a remarkable milestone of 50 years in business. Pallas and Riverview have been working in partnership for the last 12 years and together have beaten all expectations in the fresh egg category. We look forward to continuing our great relationship with the Kelleher Family for the next 50 years.”

Dan Geary, President of Pallas Foods “Riverview Eggs are a fantastic example of what a family business can achieve. They have always displayed a commitment to high standards across every facet of their business and it’s always been a pleasure to deal with them. As a family business ourselves, I know what an anniversary like this means and the hard work needed to get there. I’d like to congratulate DJ and the whole team on a marvellous milestone.”

Jim Barry, CEO, Barry Group “Congratulations to Riverview Eggs on their 50 year anniversary. Riverview has been a long-standing supplier to SuperValu and Centra stores for over 35 years. It is tremendous to see a small local family run business go from strength to strength and grow to become recognised as a quality brand. Supporting local producers and local communities is at the heart of what we do and we remain committed to continuing to work with producers to meet consumers’ need for value, quality and range.”

Eamon Howell, Trading Director at Musgrave “Congratulations to the Kelleher family on a milestone celebration. 50 years running a successful business, committed to the highest standards of food safety and quality, is a wonderful achievement. I admire their energy, honesty and commitment in ensuring that Riverview Eggs is recognised for excellence in everything they do.”

Dr. Catherine Halbert, Food Safety Consultant, Halbert Research “Aldi Stores Ireland have worked in partnership with Riverview Eggs for over a year now and during this time they have provided us with delicious fresh eggs every day. We would like to congratulate them on their 50 year anniversary and thank them for their reliability and outstanding service.”

Paul Scally, Corporate Buyer, Aldi Ireland “It’s been a pleasure to deal with Riverview Eggs and the Kelleher family since they began supplying Gala stores a number of years ago, both with their branded range and with Gala’s own brand fresh eggs. As an Irish convenience group, we’re committed to sourcing from Irish producers where possible, and Riverview Eggs is a fine example of an Irish business that delivers quality, range and value to our stores. To reach 50 years in business is an incredible achievement, and we look forward to working in partnership with Riverview Eggs for many years ahead.”

Audrey Kelly, Chilled/Frozen Trading Manager, Gala Retail

Pictured celebrating the 50th anniversary are (l-r): Alf Smiddy, Chairman; Mary Kelleher, Financial Controller; Intars Irbe; Eileen Hegarty; and DJ Kelleher, MD.

personnel are fully trained in Food Safety and HACCP, and are committed to ensuring that only the best quality eggs are dispatched from Riverview, every day of the week. “All our personnel are a great asset to Riverview, and key to the success and quality of the product we sell to the Irish consumer,” says DJ. International Acclaim Riverview have proved so successful at their business that the international market has taken note. In 2013, a delegation of European industry leaders visited Riverview, including the UNECE (The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards, The Polish Agricultural Ministry and four senior executives from the Russian egg and poultry industry, to learn from the Irish experience about ensuring traceability in the egg and poultry industry.

Then Minster for Agriculture, Marine & Food, Simon Coveney TD, noted how the visit of such an influential international delegation was “of huge significance not only to Riverview Eggs, but also to Ireland as it reinforces just how rigid we are with our traceability from farm to fork. I would like to congratulate Riverview on a truly important traceability and stock control system.”

More recently, in November 2015, DJ was the keynote speaker at a food and sustainability conference in Mexico, having been invited by the Mexican Ambassador to Ireland.

“Mexico is famous for its food production but their problem is they have no traceability or quality schemes in place, similar to Ireland maybe 40 or 50 years ago,” he reveals. “My presentation focused on how Ireland and Europe introduced quality standards, while on the same trip I also met with the Mexican equivalent of Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. It was lovely to represent one’s country at an event like that.

“My mum is 78 and she still helps gather the eggs every morning on the home farm and takes great pride from our status as a family business and a local employer. We are proud of our business and what we have achieved, so to be asked to present our story and our achievements to another country was a source of great pride for me personally.”

Sales of eggs are on the rise, both in retail and foodservice, which is good news for DJ and Riverview Eggs. “Eggs are a very versatile food. Packed with protein and as many as 18 different vitamins and minerals, they really are powerhouses of nutrition,” he insists. “Importantly too, in today’s economic environment, they represent very good value for money for the consumer.”

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Drinks News Glendalough Distillery Joins Findlater Portfolio

Irish Vodka Crowned ‘Best In The World’ THE Avalon Group is celebrating victories at the 2016 Vodka Awards and 2016 Gin Awards. Untamed Irish Vodka has been named as the World’s Best Pure Neutral Vodka, as well as the Best Irish Pure Neutral Vodka at the World Vodka Awards 2016. The Exiles Irish Gin won Best Irish Contemporary Style Gin at the World Gin Awards 2016.

Part of the overall World Drinks Awards programme, the award winners are selected by an international panel of experts over three rounds of judging.

FINDLATER Wine & Spirit Group has become exclusive Irish distributor for Glendalough Distillery, Ireland's first craft distillery, preceding the recent boom in independent distilling here on the island. Glendalough Distillery was set up by five friends from Wicklow and Dublin (pictured here), with a deep passion for reviving the heritage of craft distilling in Ireland. Today, the Glendalough portfolio includes award-winning whiskey expressions, wild seasonal botanical gins, and three variants of craft poitín. Speaking of the partnership, Findlater Wine & Spirit Group Marketing Director, Michael Foley, commented, “Glendalough was one of the first distilleries set up in this new wave of distilling in Ireland and they have continued to be innovative, bringing fantastic new products to market. As well as their award winning whiskies, it is great to see an Irish distiller making poitín relevant again to the modern Irish consumer, as well as bringing a true taste of Wicklow to life with their seasonal foraged gin. We look forward to introducing these great premium spirits to the wider market and supporting the Glendalough team with their plans for the future.”

TEELING TRIUMPH AT WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS TEELING Whiskey Company has won three awards at the prestigious annual World Whiskies Awards, which saw more than 300 whiskeys put through their paces. A testament to their signature tastes, Teeling Whiskey’s soon to be released 24 year old Single Malt was honoured with the accolade of World’s Best Irish Single Malt, while Teeling Whiskey Single Grain received the title of World’s Best Irish Single Grain. Teeling Whiskey Company also scooped the award for World’s Best Whiskey Visitor Attraction for its highly innovative Visitor Centre located in Newmarket Square, Dublin 8 (pictured).

Having just opened its doors in June of 2015 and welcoming over 30,000 visitors to date, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery has swiftly proven to be a must-see attraction for tourists from across the globe and local whiskey enthusiasts alike.

QUINESSENTIAL BRANDS ACQUIRES DUBLIN WHISKEY COMPANY

INTERNATIONAL drinks group, Quintessential Brands has announced the acquisition of Dublin Whiskey Company as part of a €10m investment that will see it build a new Dublin whiskey distillery and visitor experience for its established portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, including The Dubliner and The Dublin Liberties. The development will support up to 55 jobs over the next 18 months. The multi-million euro acquisition includes the historic Old Mill Street building in the heart of the Liberties, which was traditionally the centre of whiskey distillation in Dublin. The site has full planning permission for a distillery and a unique natural spring water source to be used in the process. Pictured making the announcement are Quintessential Brands’ CEO Warren Scott and Darryl McNally, General Manager and Master Distiller of Dublin Whiskey Company.

Alcohol Consumption Continues to Fall THE latest figures from the Revenue Commissioners’ alcohol clearance data show a further decrease in alcohol consumption in Ireland last year, continuing a long-term trend of consumption decline over the last 15 years. In his paper ‘Estimate of Alcohol Consumption per Adult in 2015’, DCU Economist Tony Foley uses the CSO Population and Migration Estimates and Revenue Commissioners’ alcohol clearances, and concludes that alcohol consumption was down 0.7% between 2014 and 2015, consistent with the long-term trend of decline in alcohol consumption that has been evident since 2001. Tony Foley, Economist at DCU, said, “The level and trend in average alcohol consumption are important elements in public policy evaluation and design. Average per adult alcohol consumption decreased by 0.7% in 2015 compared with 2014; from 11.086 lpa to 11.013 lpa.

THE ICON REBORN

INTRODUCING THE NEW CAMEL PACKS

STILL THE SAME GREAT TASTE This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

36|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Procucts

TPD to Change Tobacco Retailing

The forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive will change the way tobacco is sold forever. We examine the implications and look at the brand innovations that are driving sales in this valuable sector.

WE are only a month away from the implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive, which will bring the biggest changes to the Irish tobacco market since the implementation of the Display Ban in 2009.

From May 20, 2016, rules introduced by the new Tobacco Products Directive (TPD2) come into effect and will impact every country in the EU. Full on-shelf implementation, however, is one year later, which means that current packs can continue to be sold until May 2017.

The Tobacco Products Directive introduces new labelling and packaging restrictions, and plain packaging legislation.

These new regulations will change the way packs look and introduce minimum pouch sizes of 30g for loose tobacco, among other changes. Here is an outline of some of the main changes:

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

The minimum RYO pouch size will increase to 30g; Pictorial Health Warnings will cover 65% of the front and back of RMC packs, while Textual Health Warnings will cover 50% of the side of packs. RYO pouches will feature similar health warnings;

MAXI BOX STILL 30 STICKS NOW €14.75

BIG BOX NOW 23 STICKS STILL €11.50

This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

38|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Procucts • • •

Restrictions on descriptors (e.g. smooth, additive free) will mean that the names of some brand variants will change; Tar, Nicotine and Carbon Monoxide (TNCO) information will no longer be required or permitted on packaging; New restrictions on flavours will be introduced.

The impact on the market will be huge, as all cigarette and RYO tobacco packs will change their look and even some formats. For example, RYO tobacco, with pouches currently ranging in size from 9g to 30g, will only be available to purchase in a 30g format. With the advent of plain packaging, it will be difficult for consumers and indeed retailers to differentiate between brands and formats.

It is important that retailers navigate these changes in order to help adult consumers with their choices. Inevitably, there will be some degree of confusion among consumers following changes such as TPD2, so preparation is key.

For example, RYO smokers may want to know why their preferred pouch size is no longer available, while others may wonder why the name of their chosen brand has changed.

The new regulations will bring big changes, but with a little preparation, the transition will be manageable.

Benson & Hedges Benson & Hedges Gold is not only Ireland’s leading cigarette SKU, but also the brand with the most popular Big Box SKUs in the market (Source: AC Nielsen Scantrack, 52 w/e March 20, 2016). B&H Gold was the first to introduce both Big Box, in December 2011, now offering 23 cigarettes priced at €11.50, and Maxi Box, in August 2014, with 30 cigarettes at €14.75.

Natural American Spirit Natural American Spirit, also from JTI Ireland, is the first brand in Ireland with a whole-leaf, super-premium offering that is 100% additive free, available in Yellow (smooth flavour) and Blue (full flavour) variants at a price point of €11.

As the tobacco connoisseur’s brand of choice, Natural American Spirit is positioned at a higher price point because it uses only the highest quality, whole leaf, natural premium grade tobacco. Indeed, the cigarettes are so densely packed that the producers recommend B&H Gold Maxi Box offers that each one is gently consumers 30 cigarettes at €14.75. rolled to loosen the tobacco for the optimum smoking experience.

With Natural American Spirit, adult smokers know that they are getting 100% additive and flavourings free whole B&H Gold was the first to introduce both Big Box in December 2011, and now offers 23 cigarettes priced at €11.50.

Natural American Spirit is a whole-leaf, super-premium offering that is 100% additive free, available in Yellow (smooth flavour) and Blue (full flavour) variants at a price point of €11.

leaf tobacco for an unaltered, unique taste. The tobacco is grown with sustainable farming methods to cultivate the leaves and continued throughout the production process to ensure a product that is natural by name and natural by nature. “Additive free”, “unaltered”, “natural” and “whole leaf” do no mean that this product is less harmful than others.

Camel From JJTI, Camel is on a constant journey of discovery.

Every new idea and bold breakthrough adds another chapter to its story. This next chapter took the pack and enhanced the curves, from textured varnish through to the unique curved lid design. Originality is at the core of Camel. All around the world, Camel is known as a creative icon. From the classic American blend that was created in 1913 to the dynamic designs of today and the perfection of its taste, Camel always sees the world in original ways.

Camel:inspiring original stories.

Camel’s latest chapter took the pack and enhanced the curves, from textured varnish through to the unique curved lid design.

Amber Leaf In recent years, Roll Your Own (RYO) tobacco has become a significant part of a retailer’s tobacco trade, and with Amber Leaf, JTI offers existing adult smokers the country’s market

Freephone 1800 604 500 for more information

NEW, QUALITY BLEND

For tobacco trade use only. Not to be left within sight of consumers.

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás Smoking kills

40|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Procucts

New Amber Leaf ‘Illustrations’ is a bespoke limited edition design across Amber Leaf Original 12.5g CPB and Amber Original 25g Pouch.

leading RYO brand (Source: Nielsen, Extended Scan Track, 70.1% RYO SOM, 4 weeks to March 20, 2016).

Amber Leaf’s path to success was cemented with the launch of its 12.5g Crush Proof Box (CPB) in 2006.

This was the first CPB format in Ireland and met growing demand amongst existing adult RYO smokers for a more convenient pack format. The inclusion of filters in 2011 created the first 3-in-1 CPB offering, clearly differentiating Amber Leaf from its competitors. Today, Amber Leaf 12.5g CPB is the bestselling RYO SKU in Ireland with over 37% RYO SOM (Source: Nielsen, Extended Scan Track, 37.6% RYO SOM, 4 weeks to March

20, 2016).

Amber Leaf continues to lead innovation within the RYO category with the launch of alternative blends and new formats. Alternative Amber Leaf blends, including Amber Leaf Blonde & Amber Leaf Signature, the first premium RYO line extension from an RYO Brand in Ireland, account for almost 6% of total RYO Share Of market in Ireland (Source: Nielsen, Extended Scan Track, 5.9% RYO SOM, 4 weeks to March 20, 2016).

Amber Leaf has widened its Original Blend portfolio with the launch Amber Leaf 9g CPB last October and Amber Leaf 30g Pouch in February this year.

Amber Leaf is celebrating the handcrafted and differentevery-time this month with the launch of new Amber Leaf Limited Edition packs. ‘Illustrations’ is a bespoke LEP design across Amber Leaf Original 12.5g CPB and Amber Original 25g Pouch and replaces standard stock for a limited time from April 4, 2016.

Carrolls Gold Carrolls has always been synonymous with quality and heritage, since its launch over half a century ago. It is the epitome of the premium and has long been a firm favourite of Irish adult smokers. The brand was given a refreshed new look in 2014, bringing this stalwart of Irishness firmly into the modern day.

In February 2016, the latest edition to the Carrolls family was launched, Carrolls Gold. Its new blend and innovative Smooth Flow Filter, the first and only in Ireland, combine to deliver an enhanced and exclusive smoking experience.

Currently retailing at an RRP of €9, Carrolls Gold introduces a quality, new blend to the non-full flavour market.

“Adult tobacco consumers New Carrolls Gold, Ireland’s first are considering new formats Tube Filter Cigarette, from PJ Carroll & Company. and different product

innovations in recent years,” noted Adrian MacSweeney, Trade Marketing Manager of PJ Carrolls. “We are also aware that they are very sensitive to price. The Smooth Flow Filter gives an enhanced smoking experience and together with the very competitive price point, we feel Carrolls Gold will give adult consumers the new choice they are looking for. With more than 55 years of Irish heritage, Carrolls Gold brings a smooth taste with true Irish spirit.”

For more information on Carrolls Gold or any other PJ Carrolls brands, please contact your Trade Marketing representative or PJ Carroll’s telemarketing department on (01) 2052345.

John Player It has been 40 years since John Player Blue was launched in Ireland. Over the past 40 years, the John Player Blue pack design has evolved considerably and the brand has subtly established a more sophisticated and stylish appearance, without ever losing the straightforward directness of its original identity.

In recognition of the Irish consumer’s relentless search for value, the John Player Blue Range has also grown significantly over the past few years. The range now offers adult smokers a choice of pack sizes, with price points to suit every pocket; from €9.50 for John Player Blue Compact (Queen Size) to €13.50 for John Player Blue 28s.

This winning combination continues to drive the brand forward, with the John Player Blue family currently at a 17.31% share of the premium FMC (Factory Made Cigarette)

sector (Source: AC Nielsen Data, latest 4 weeks to January 24, 2016).

“With the continued and much appreciated support of our Trade Partners, we are confident John Player Blue will continue to be the brand of choice for our current John Player Blue adult consumers,” commented a company spokesperson. “Our limited edition ‘birthday’ packs are in stores now and are an absolute must stock for all retailers.”

To place an order or for more information on the John Player Blue range, visit www. johnplayer.ie or contact Trade Sales on (01) 243 4900.

New limited edition John Player Blue ‘birthday’ packs are in stores now to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary in Ireland.

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Forecourt Focus: Overview

Maxol Announces Food Franchises at €6m Mulhuddart Forecourt

MAXOL has announced the addition of a number of Irish food franchises at its new Maxol M3 Mulhuddart Services in North West Dublin, which opened its doors recently. The service station welcomes healthy food company Chopped to its first ever forecourt experience, and an exclusive for Maxol.

The company also sees the unveiling of its first Insomnia café at the brand new site. Leading Irish brand Supermacs will also feature as part of the extensive food offering, as well as the company’s own fresh food brand, Moreish Fresh Food at Maxol. The result is a comprehensive and balanced food offering, tailored to meet the needs of every consumer. Maxol has joined with experienced forecourt food retailers, Donal and Liam Fitzpatrick of Junction 14, who will operate the new Maxol M3 Mulhuddart Services.

“Maxol M3 Mulhuddart Services will really showcase the best of Ireland’s home grown talent and food service brands, making it a fantastic achievement for us and for everyone involved,” said Brian Donaldson, Maxol’s Group General Manager and incoming CEO. “The opening of Maxol

Pictured are (l-r): Bobby Kerr, Chairman of Insomnia Coffee Company; Jarlath Connolly, Operations Manager of Supermacs; Brian Lee, MD, Chopped; store owner’ Liam Fitzpatrick and Brian Donaldson, incoming CEO of The Maxol Group.

M3 Mulhuddart Services is a milestone for Maxol. We’ve invested over €6m in our brand new, state-of-the-art site and are very excited about revealing it.”

Topaz Delivering Telematics Solutions TOPAZ is partnering with both Fleetmatics and Transpoco to promote telematics solutions to its fuel card customers.

“We believe that these partnerships will help our fuel card customers manage their vehicles more efficiently and at lower cost,” noted Liam Mulcahy, Topaz Commercial Director. “It sits perfectly with our Topaz Quality Fuels, which contains an additive that increases fuel economy and reduces emissions. Partnerships like this build long term customer relationships and allow us to offer increased value to our fuel card customers.”

Fleetmatics Group PLC, an Irish company founded in 2004 in Templeogue, is a leading global provider of mobile workforce solutions for service-based businesses of all sizes delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS). Fleetmatics’ intuitive, cost-effective web-based solutions provide fleet operators with visibility into vehicle location, fuel usage, speed and mileage, and other insights into their mobile workforce, enabling them to reduce operating and capital costs, as well as increase revenue.

“Through these partnerships fleet managers can access driver, vehicle and fuelling data in a single fuel management solution,” explained Mulcahy. “Having all fuel information in one place also makes the reconciliation of fuel purchase and consumption data easier, helping businesses to identify any potentially fraudulent activity and reduce overall costs.”

Derek Bryan, Fleetmatics Vice President of Europe &

APAC Sales said, “Through Fleetmatics REVEAL’s fuel card integration, we have been helping Topaz customers drive cost savings and reduce fuel usage for quite Topaz Fuel Card Manager, John Watson (left) some time and pictured with Topaz Commercial Director, look forward to Liam Mulcahy. the additional benefits that a formal relationship will bring.”

Transpoco is a well-established leader in vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions. Andrew Fleury, CEO of Transpoco, noted: “At Transpoco, we have made fuel consumption one of our top priorities and invested heavily in the technology to integrate fuel card data. There has been a gap in market for fleets that want to account for every litre of fuel purchased: with SynX, we deliver this level of visibility. We have the most comprehensive fuel reports and improvement programs in the market. We will work closely with Topaz to ensure our joint customers are getting the best return from their fuel spend.”

Always FRESH MILK

and the SAME BEANS as our coffee shops

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Forecourt Focus: Overview

Rugby Star Opens New Maxol/ MACE Store IRISH rugby star Tommy Bowe was guest of honour as Colin and Eugene Fee’s Maxol/ MACE on the Dublin Road in Dundalk officially launched on March 7. A great crowd turned out to meet their sporting hero, who was more than happy to sign autographs and pose for photographs with all in attendance. There was also a special outside broadcast by iRadio, which added some music and fun to the proceedings.

The opening of this new forecourt and convenience store, opposite Dundalk Institute of Technology, reflects the growing demand from local students for a full service offering. This includes the company’s award-winning fresh food and coffee, contemporary seating area, high spec washrooms as well as complementary WiFi within the Maxol/ MACE convenience store. A drive through car wash and pay at pump facilities, providing fuel 24 hours, are also available.

Congratulating the Fees on their new store, Alex Banahan, MACE Sales Director had high praise for the work done on this project: “The new location on the Dublin Road is the perfect fit for the latest convenience concept and we look forward to welcoming local students, residents and of course commuters to Maxol/ MACE, situated at the heart of the community in Dundalk.”

Pictured at the official opening of Maxol/MACE on the Dubln Road, Dundalk, are Fergal Harrington, Maxol Group Brand Development Manager; Eugene Fee, store owner; Des Duffy, Group Retail Manager, Maxol; Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods; Irish rugby star and Cadbury Boost Ambassador, Tommy Bowe; store owner Colin Fee; Alex Banahan, MACE Sales Director; Trevor Tanner, Mondelez Business Account Manager; and Johnathan O’Conner, Mondelez Account Manager.

Profits Up at Applegreen Topaz Staff Raise APPLEGREEN has reported a 30% increase in gross profit €6,000 for Jack & Jill in 2015, its first year listed on the Irish stock exchange.

The forecourt operator reported a rise in revenues of 15% to €1.08 billion, as like-for-like sales improved by 8.9% and the company also increased its site numbers significantly.

Indeed, Applegreen had 200 sites across Ireland and the UK by the end of last year, up from 152 in 2014. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were €28.9m – a 26% rise year on year.

“This performance was driven by new site openings in both the latter part of 2014 and early 2015, as well as the increased contribution from food, driven by our upgrade and rebranding programme,” said Bob Etchingham, CEO of Applegreen.

“We continued to expand our business in the year, adding five service area sites and seven petrol filling stations in the Republic of Ireland, as well as expanding our network of dealer sites by 25. We have had a positive start to 2016, adding four service area sites and seven petrol filling stations to the estate and we continue to see good opportunities for greenfield and bolt-on expansion.”

TWELVE Topaz service stations have helped to raise over €6,000 in much needed funding for charity partner, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, after taking part in a charity climb of Croagh Patrick. The participating stations included Hennigans of Ballindine, Casey Quickstop of Ballina, Casey Quickstop of Castlebar, Cassidy’s of Charlestown, Garlow Fuels of Sligo, Glynn’s service station of Carnmore, Emerald filling station of Loughrea, Reidy’s Filling station of Foynes, Co. Limerick, Westend service stations in Newcastlewest, Byrne’s service station of Longford, Boyle Motor Works of Boyle, and Larkin Store Ltd of Co. Clare. Staff from each site scaled Croagh Patrick as part of the ‘Up the Hill for Jack and Jill’ fundraising challenge.

To find out what Costa Express can offer you contact: ROI tel: 021 500 3526 NI tel: 02892 688349

44|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: Overview

Subway Seeking New Franchisees

THE Subway brand is one of the most popular franchise opportunities, with over 44,000 stores in more than 110 countries. The brand celebrated the opening of its 2,000th Subway store in the UK and Ireland last year and is actively seeking new franchisees to be part of the success story as it continues its expansion.

With over 150 Subway Katie Flannery has two Subway stores currently located in the stores in Cork, employing 17 Republic of Ireland, and many staff. more to come, the Subway brand sees this growth not only from high street locations, retail parks and shopping centres, but also from nontraditional locations, including within convenience stores, on petrol forecourts or at transport hubs, universities and hospitals.

There are currently opportunities available for convenience store and forecourt operators to partner with the franchise and open an outlet within an existing location.

Partnering with the Subway brand provides excellent dual branding opportunities, high rental returns and increased

customer market share.

“The level of growth that the Subway brand has experienced in the UK and Ireland is a fantastic achievement,” explained Subway Development Agent for the Republic of Ireland, Adam Heyes. “Expansion in the Republic of Ireland is going strong and we are looking forward to opening more stores throughout 2016.”

One franchisee who has enjoyed success with the Subway brand is Katie Flannery, who has 17 staff across two stores in Cork.

Since opening her first store at the age of just 24, Katie has seen tremendous success with the brand, and opened her second Subway store just two years later, thanks to a lot of support from the Subway brand.

Katie has this advice for anyone thinking of buying a Subway franchise for the first time. She said: “‘Work hard, dream big’ that’s my motto. At the age of 27, I have achieved more than I ever could have imagined. It has been the most exciting and rewarding experience of my life.”

For more information: Tel: 1800 413 076 from the Republic of Ireland or 0800 0855058 from the UK. Email: franchiseopportunities@subway.co.uk. Web: www.subway.co.uk/business.

Partnership Opportunities with the

brand ● High rental returns ● Excellent dual branding opportunities ● Increased customer market share ● Flexibility in terms of space and design ● On-going training and support ● Proven control systems ● Waste managed at less than 1% To find out more visit

www.subway.co.uk/property or contact Alice Chalmers development@subway.co.uk SUBWAY® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP Inc. ©2016 Subway IP Inc.

Over 500 SUBWAY® sandwich shops now open

in non-high street locations including convenience stores, forecourt sites, transport hubs and visitor attractions

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What's New CARR’S CRACKER CRISPS UNITED Biscuits is launching the biggest savoury NPD for the business this year, new Carr’s Cracker Crisps. Rolling out in-store across grocery as well as convenience and impulse outlets, the new range will be supported by €1m investment across advertising and in-store activity to support the launch. Available in three variants – Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar, Thai Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream and Chive – the new Carr’s Cracker Crisps range offers proven best-selling flavours for sharing crisps and snacks within the overall ‘every-day premium’ sector.

Irresistibly tasty, providing the perfect balance between a crunch and a crisp, the new range will launch initially in a 150g sharing bag.

NIVEA CREME CARE FACIAL CLEANSING RANGE THE skin care experts at NIVEA have brought the original care and trust of the iconic NIVEA Creme to facial cleansing with the new NIVEA Creme Care Facial Cleansing range. This innovative collection of products helps women to cleanse their skin thoroughly, while gently caring and protecting its delicate moisture balance.

The result? Deeply cleansed skin that has never felt so soft.

Not everyone has the same cleansing needs, so the NIVEA Creme Care Facial Cleansing range comprises three formats: NIVEA Creme Care Facial Cleansing Lotion (200ml, RRP €4.49) can be applied to the face using a cotton pad; NIVEA Creme Care Facial Cleansing Cream Wash (150ml, RRP €4.99) can be used in combination with water; and NIVEA Creme Care Facial Cleansing Wipes (25s, RRP €4.49) are ready to use to cleanse the face right away. The new NIVEA Creme Care Facial Cleansing range features the iconic NIVEA blue packaging, and is available nationwide. For more information, see www.nivea.ie or www.facebook.com/ niveaireland.

KEELINGS CELEBRATE STRAWBERRY HARVEST KEELINGS is celebrating its first harvest of Irish strawberries, which are in stores now.

Keelings has spent years testing and trialling various growing systems and has between 15 and 30 new varieties in the Research and Development area at any one time. This has resulted in delicious fresh Irish strawberries at the ready in early spring. Keelings expects to sell in the region of 10 million strawberry punnets over the Irish season. For delicious Keelings recipes, see www.keelings.com.

DEEP RIVERROCK’S RIPPLE BOTTLE DEEP RiverRock has launched a new pack design across its 500ml range, introducing a bold ‘ripple’ effect across the front of the bottle and enhancing the impact of the logo with a higher placement of the label.

The new, sleeker, bottle shape better reflects the modernised Deep RiverRock logo, which was refreshed in 2015. Furthermore, the 500ml Deep RiverRock Still bottle, which accounts for 90% of the total Deep RiverRock 500ml volume, now uses 16% less PET. The Still bottle will see a reduction in plastic from 22g to 18.5g, resulting in an estimated 135 tonnes of plastic removed from the manufacturing process annually. For more information about Deep RiverRock or the wider sustainability efforts of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, visit www.Coca-ColaHellenicIreland.com.

SMOKED SENSATIONS FROM CARR & SONS AWARD winning Carr and Sons Seafood Limited, from Killala, Co. Mayo, are launching a new range of ready to eat seafood products.

“Our new range of products have been developed as a result of extensive market research,” noted General Manager, Declan Power. “Research shows that the Carr and Sons Seafood brand continues to be the first choice with the majority of shoppers. We have identified a gap in the market and are introducing the first in our new range, The Hot Smoked Sensation to satisfy the needs of our loyal customers.” The Hot Smoked Sensation, with its unique characteristic blend of flavours, is the perfect finger food for special occasions such as formal evening parties or social gatherings with family and friends.

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E-Cigarettes/Vaping

The Electronic Revolution

The market for e-cigarettes and vaping has exploded in recent years, as more and more consumers embrace the vape.

ELECTRONIC cigarettes or e-cigarettes have moved from a novelty to the mainstream in recent years. Today, it’s rare to walk down the street in any major town or city in Ireland without seeing people ‘vaping’. Indeed, the e-cigarette and vaping sector grew by more than 400% in 2014, with similarly impressive expansion figures estimated for 2015 as more and more Irish smokers change their nicotine habits.

Essentially, e-cigarettes provide users with a nicotine hit without burning tobacco leaves. When the user sucks on the e-cigarette, liquid nicotine is vaporised and absorbed through the mouth. When they breathe out, a plume of what appears to be smoke is emitted but it is actually largely water vapour.

A battery-powered heating coil heats the liquid to form the vapour, with some of the designs involving a pressure sensor that is activated by the user taking a puff, while others have a button to heat them automatically.

The forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive will also apply to e-cigarettes here from May 2016. These include

limiting nicotine strength in e-cigarettes, as well as introducing a maximum bottle size of 10ml. All contents will have to be listed and new products will have to be submitted to the authorities six months in advance of launch, while the regulations will also serve to make health warnings and information leaflets obligatory. There are also special licensing conditions for those selling e-cigarettes and equipment, in a similar manner to the tobacco licence, and products are restricted for sale to those over 18.

However, according to Vape Business Ireland, the Department of Health’s failure to consult and inform Irish vaping SMEs on the cost to notify products is making it impossible to plan and to compete with online sellers from overseas.

“New EU rules relating to the regulation of e-cigarettes are to be implemented here by May 20, 2016, which includes introducing notification fees per vaping product on the market for manufacturers and importers of these products,”

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E-Cigarettes/Vaping argued Vape Business Ireland Spokesperson, Michael Kenneally, who is also Managing Director of Gamucci Ireland. “The Department of Health’s consultation ended last November and despite a submission, various phone calls, letters and emails, we have received no indication of the cost to SMEs to notify their products by that date, in complete contrast to the Department of Health in the UK. This means that while British businesses can plan for the Irish market, home-grown producers are at a complete disadvantage.

When asked for detail on how the products will be regulated or when Irish SMEs will know the cost of regulation, neither the Minister for Health nor Department officials seem able or willing to provide any clarity.

“The annoying part is that all our competitors in the EU are months ahead of us. If consumers can’t get their product of choice in Ireland, they will buy it online from abroad, and I don’t know how the Government or Revenue or the Department of Health is going to stop that happening.”

Vape Business Ireland represents approximately eight vaping/e-cigarette manufacturers and wholesalers and Kenneally is worried that the cost of complying with the new legislation could be prohibitive.

“What is it going to cost us in notification fees and who is going to pay those fees? Is it the manufacturer, the wholesaler, the distributor or the shopkeeper? Is there a licence fee for shops? At the minute, nobody knows. The last I heard, it was on the Minister’s desk, but there has been no progress in recent weeks,” he told Retail News.

Considering most e-liquids come in a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths, each manufacturer’s range could include a huge range of products, each of which needs to be legislated for separately.

“At the moment, I’m in negotiations with an American company to act as their agent in Ireland and they have 480 different products, so if there was a sizeable notification fee for each of those, plus huge testing fees to take into account, which in the UK can be up to Stg£10k per product, you are looking at prohibitive costs,” Kenneally warned.

One of the biggest votes of confidence in e-cigarettes and vaping came in August 2015, when Public Health England, one of the UK’s strongest health bodies, claimed that e-cigarettes were at least 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco, going on to recommend that they are considered as part of a programme to completely eliminate tobacco smoking.

“Electronic cigarettes have really taken over from patches, gum and other products that were traditionally used to help people to stop smoking,” Kenneally stated. Flavours prove extremely popular with consumers who are giving up tobacco smoking, according to Kenneally. “If you are trying to give up tobacco and are looking for an alternative, the last thing you want to be doing is tasting tobacco,” he argued. “So our research has found that within three months of moving onto liquids, consumers move away from tobacco flavours because they remind them of cigarettes or tobacco and they want to get away from that. So they start to experiment with different flavours: some people are now having different flavours for different times of the day.”

Indeed, he feels there is very much an arc to how consumers approach e-cigarettes, beginning with cigalikes and then moving on to liquids and box vaping. “About 18 months ago, we were selling quite a lot of cigalike starter kits, but refill sales were static,” he revealed. “We figured out that people were buying the starter kits in their local convenience store, really getting into it, but within three months, they were going to a vape store and moving on to buying a stronger battery and clearomiser and starting to use liquids. As consumers become more proficient, they look

to upgrade the quality of the hardware they are using and so they move on to more sophisticated vaping machines, like those with variable battery voltage and air intake.”

This means that three quarters of the e-cigarette market is bypassing convenience stores, who tend to concentrate on cigalikes. There is, however, an opportunity for convenience retailers to increase their share.

“The customer wants information and unless you have someone in-store who can explain to the customer what is the next step up from the cigalike, they will go elsewhere,” Kenneally revealed. “Once you move on to the battery and the clearomiser, you have to change the coil every four weeks or so, there is a bit of work in it. Unless you have someone in a store to explain all this, the customer is not going to buy something they don’t know anything about, whereas when they go to a vape store, the person behind the counter has both the knowledge and the time to explain the different ranges, the different liquids, the different strengths. There is quite a lot of information to disseminate at the start and the convenience store maybe isn’t geared to give that amount of information to the consumer currently. At some point, convenience store owners will realise that they could convert part of their store into a vaping shop with someone there to explain the options to consumers. “It all comes back to what the consumer wants.”

E-Lites Changing to Logic Curv JTI has major plans in 2016 for its e-cigarette business and as part of this will be uniting its products, worldwide, under the Logic brand. Over the coming months, E-Lites Curv is changing its name to Logic Curv. You will begin to see the newly branded products in-store during this time.

Retailers can rest assured that there will be no changes to JTI’s products and existing adult smokers and vapers will continue to enjoy the same great taste and quality that they have come to expect.

JTI are also not making any changes to their terms with their trade partners. Retailers will continue to enjoy the same margins as you do currently.

Over the coming months, E-Lites Curv is changing its name to Logic Curv.

48|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

E-Cigarettes/Vaping “There will be no changes to JTI teams. Retailers can expect to continue to experience the same level of on-going support from your JTI trade marketer,” noted a company spokesperson. “We’d like to thank you for your continued custom and look forward to bringing you new innovations from Logic e-cigarettes in the future.” .

Order through your local JTI Trade Marketer, visit your local Cash & Carry or place an order by calling (01) 4040200.

Vivid Vapours It’s safe to say many of us will be aware of the hashtag #NeverLookBack – all thanks to Vivid Vapours. Nicocigs got behind its Vivid brand with a €5.5m marketing campaign across TV, digital, print and OOH. Inspired by the advancement of vaping technology, the #NeverLookBack campaign highlighted progression of life-changing tech such as drone deliveries, advanced prosthetics, video messaging and leap motion technology.

Managing Director, Nikhil Nathwani said that the campaign was all about taking vaping as an industry seriously. “As an alternative to tobacco smoking, turning to vaping is a big step for someone to take. It's life changing, for whatever reason they may choose to make that step,” he said.

“What we also gathered from consumers is that many who tried e-cigarettes when the industry was in its infancy were put off by how basic the devices were, but the industry has progressed massively since then. The idea is that you will never look back one you try our new E-Liquid Capsule

More and more consumers are moving away from the cig-a-like variety of e-cigarettes and on to E-Liquid starter kits like the Vivid E-Liquid Capsule Vaping System.

Varying the Vape Not all e-cigarettes are the same. In fact, there is a large variety of products on the market, and many different flavours, with e-cigarettes broadly falling into three categories. The first e-cigarettes to hit the market were ‘cigalikes’, designed to look very similar to traditional cigarettes, and use either disposable or replaceable cartridges. They are now regarded as ‘entry level’ e-cigarettes, before users trade up to larger vaping models, which can be refilled with ‘e-liquid’: these often resemble a large pen, and have a small ‘clearomiser’ on top of the battery. The clearomiser contains the liquid and the coil to heat that liquid and vapourise it. The third category is ‘box vaping’, which has a stubby glass ‘clearomiser’ on top and stronger batteries, which allow the user to vary the voltage. According to Vape Business Ireland Spokesperson, Michael Kenneally, , cigalikes make up approximately 25% of the market, with the other 75% being made up of other vaping models, including liquids and box vaping.

Vaping System.”

A proprietary device, the E-Liquid Capsule Vaping System eliminates the hassle of refilling a tank with prefilled capsules, and features an enhanced atomiser that provides more vapour. As the vaping industry matures, beginners will be looking to this kind of device as the next step on their vaping journey. Featuring 10 amazing flavours, there is plenty to offer consumers.

E-liquids are the most buoyant element of the market and with so much choice available, consumers also tend to try a range of different flavours rather than sticking to one variety. With this in mind, Vivid has produced a range of high quality E-liquids, including Berry Blast, Fruit Fusion, Apricot Peach, Pineapple Rocks, Cinnamon Apple, Red Wings, Menthol Breeze, Citrus Fruit, Classic Tobacco and Golden Tobacco.

According to Nielsen, Vivid is the fastest growing brand in the E-cigarette market, growing 166% YOY and together with sister brand, Nicolites Electronic Cigarette (both brands owned by Nicocigs Limited), occupy over 40% of the Irish market (Source: Nielsen ROI Data, January 2016).

The new Vivid Capsule starter kit retails at an RRP of €27.99 and the traditional Vivid E-Liquid starter kit retails at an RRP of €23.99 and includes the three flavours, Classic Tobacco, Menthol Breeze and Berry Blast, to give vapers a taste across the range of flavours, priced extremely competitively at €5.99.

Vivid has produced a range of high quality E-liquids in a range of flavours and continues to develop new innovative new products to attract consumers.

¤5.5m NATIONWIDE

MARKETING CAMPAIGN: AS SEEN

• TV Commercial ON TV estimated 13,500 adverts viewed by 38 million adults • National outdoor campaign 1,692 total outdoor touchpoints

NEW VAPING TECHNOLOGY #NEVERLOOKBACK Call: 1890 207207 (ROI)

0845 450 3704 (NI) Sales@solv-xproducts.com

This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

50|Retail News|April 2016|www.retailnews.ie

E-Cigarettes/Vaping Liquid Solutions Liquid Solutions, manufacturer of the Wicked E Juice brand and based in Waterford, has addressed the forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive head-on. Under the TPD, all manufacturers have to “submit information on their products including information on ingredients, emissions and toxicological data” to the European authorities.

Liquid Liquid Solutions pride themselves on the Solutions quality of their Wicked E Juice product. only produces quality products. All juice has full classification by H2 Compliance and the Redstone Group. All labelling and classification meet CLP and Reach Regulations. The labelling and classification is HSA approved. All ingredients are fully certified. All finished products are fully tested, including emission testing.

These tests are carried out independently and can be viewed online. Liquid Solutions also carries fully product liability

Liquid Solutions, manufacturer of the Wicked E Juice brand, is based in Waterford.

insurance.

“Vaping juice is proven to be 95% safer than regular tobacco products, according to Public Health England. So, you can sell product that is safer than smoking and boasts better margins. In addition, when choosing Wicked E Juice products, you can be assured that the product is fully tested,” boasts a company spokesperson. “The motto of the company is ‘Know what you Vape’ and since we are based in Waterford, you can reach customer services at the touch of a button.”

Manufacturers of

Our Guarantee: • Quality Product.

• Full Classification by H2 Compliance and the Redstone Group.

• Labelling and Classification Meet CLP and Reach Regulations.

• Labelling and Classifcation HSA Approved.

• All Ingredients Fully Certified.

• All Finished Products Fully Tested, Including Emission Testing.

• All Testing Carried Out Independently.

• Full Products Liability Insurance.

Tel: 051 361030

Email: info@wickedejuice.com

Web: www.wickedejuice.com

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Protein Products

Picking Up on Protein Once the sole preserve of body-builders and gym bunnies, protein products are now a mass market phenomenon. Are you prepared?

THE rise of protein in the global health and wellbeing arena has been nothing short of phenomenal. This has been helped by the media eulogising protein as a relatively low-calorie natural source of energy, with magazines like Cosmopolitan urging readers to “make protein your new best friend” while renowned bible, Men’s Health regularly runs features on the health benefits of eating more protein.

Once the preserve of gym addicts and muscle-bound men in tight t-shirts, protein is now going mainstream, with a host of foods now adding extra protein into their formulations, as consumers increasingly recognise the fact that protein can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Recent years have seen protein-enriched milk, ice cream and snack bars hitting the market as Ireland’s increasingly health conscious consumers look for foods with added functionality. What’s perhaps even more telling, however, is the rate at which mainstream retailers in the US are turning to protein, with many investing in private label varieties.

While it remains entrenched in the sports nutrition market, protein is growing in popularity with more casual consumers, thanks in the main to the advent of convenience formats and products, as well as greater education about its health benefits, with plant proteins, in particular, exploding in popularity.

The latest report into the Irish sports nutrition sector by Euromonitor International predicts strong annual growth rates of 9%, as “the growing trend towards healthier living in Ireland should funnel increasing numbers of consumers towards the category’s ever-more diverse product portfolio”.

Fulfil A revolutionary protein bar, which is the first in the world to contain nine recommended multivitamins, has just been created by an Irish company.

Fulfil, a protein bar that includes 100% of an adult’s recommended daily allowance of nine vitamins, was created by a group of Irish entrepreneurs with the help of former Irish Olympian, David Gillick.

The vitamin and protein bar is the brainchild of Niall McGrath and Tom Gannon, who have been working on the product for nearly two years. McGrath described Fulfil’s target market as health-conscious, on-the-go consumers across Ireland and Europe - people looking for tasty but low sugar, low calorie snacks with the benefit of 20 grams of protein and a full multi-vitamin.

“It is the ultimate convenient and tasty treat, without any of the residual guilt from a chocolate bar,” he said.

McGrath pointed to a greater understanding among consumers, both in Ireland and overseas, about the benefits of protein and the disadvantages of sugary snacks. He said healthier eating patterns were being established as growing numbers showed themselves anxious to find better snacks which were as convenient as junk-filled alternatives. “Our aim was to create a protein bar that actually tastes great, is accessible to everyone and has all the recommended multivitamins, making it a truly healthy snack,” he said.

His ambition has been echoed by the new company’s Chief Product Developer and former Irish Olympic sprinter, David Gillick. "We wanted to redefine healthy snacking in Europe by launching a range of great tasting 'Snacks with

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Protein Products McGrath: “The macros are fantastic, it’s low sugar, low carb and high in protein but more importantly, it tastes amazing, which is why it will appeal to people who are healthier snacking too, which in this day and age is pretty much everybody. It’s a much healthier and tastier alternative to a sugary chocolate bar on a coffee break and a lot of people are wishing to add more protein and vitamins into their diets too.”

So why should a consumer buy Fulfil instead of a chocolate bar or a cereal bar, for example? “Firstly, it tastes as good if not better than your usual snack,” McGrath notes.

“Secondly, there is less than 4 grams of sugar in all bars.

Many other ‘healthy’ bars are actually very high in sugar and people are more label-aware now. Thirdly, it’s rich in vitamins, containing a full RDA of multivitamins. Finally, protein is a key ingredient for people with active lifestyles but it also fills you up and keeps away that desire to graze.”

The brand launched exclusively in January in 155 Re.Store at Topaz locations across Ireland. Alan Sheedy, Head of Category Management for Topaz, said; “When we initially launched our Re.Store concept, it was with the aim that we would revolutionise the customer experience with the highest quality in fresh food and healthy products. One of our most successful in-store categories in 2015 was our nutritional bay, which targeted the more health conscious on-the-go consumer, which is why a product like Fulfil is a perfect fit for Re.Store.”

Fulfil has since secured distribution throughout Ireland and across Europe, already showing the appeal of 'snacks with benefits'. Fulfil is available via Richmond Marketing.

Kinetica Sports Irish sports nutrition experts Kinetica Sports have unveiled their brand new Protein Deluxe range of high protein bars, offering a nutritious, tasty and convenient snacking option, perfect for consumers looking for a low sugar, high protein fix.

Available in two delicious flavours: Cookies & Cream, a crunchy vanilla biscuit flavoured bar with a layer of caramel and milk chocolate coating, and Chocolate Brownie, an indulgent chocolate bar with caramel and milk chocolate coating, Protein Deluxe offers the much sought after balance between high protein and superior taste, without the guilt.

Healthy convenience continues to grow as a key sales driver in the grocery retail channel, with more than half of Irish consumers regularly purchasing some form of protein enhanced food, snack or beverage (Empathy Research).

Fulfil, a new protein bar that includes 100% of an adult’s recommended daily allowance of nine vitamins, is available in four flavours: Peanut & Caramel, Coconut & Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla and Cookies & Cream.

Benefits',” Gillick explained.

He described the new Fulfil bar as “a twist on popular classic combinations, such as Cookies & Cream, but with amazing benefits. The initial four ‘bars with benefits’ taste gorgeous but are low in sugar and calories, while providing the all-important 20 grams of protein and a full multivitamin.

We’re already working on the next step of this healthy snacking journey for Fulfil.”

Fulfil is available in four varieties; Peanut & Caramel, Coconut & Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla and Cookies & Cream.

Fulfil is aimed at the mass market, although it will absolutely satisfy those who are into fitness, according to

Available in two delicious flavours, Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Brownie, new Protein Deluxe offers the much sought after balance between high protein and superior taste, without the guilt.

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Protein Products Kinetica’s range of convenience products which are widely available in SuperValu, Applegreen, Topaz, Esso, SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, Londis, Costcutter and other selected stores, provide Irish convenience retailers with a strong and trusted homegrown brand which delivers the highest quality in protein products in a convenient and accessible format, appealing to all customers.

“High Protein snacks are challenging the more traditional convenience purchases and we are thrilled to introduce Protein Deluxe to our range of bars,” enthused Paul Donegan, Managing Director at Kinetica Sports. “The Protein Deluxe range offers health conscious shoppers a convenient and effective way to incorporate a high protein and low sugar snack into the diet.”

With stunning gold packaging that is sure to stand out on shelf, the core low sugar, high protein message is visually impactful, alongside the striking flavour variant imagery of Kinetica’s new Protein Deluxe.

Ideal for those who crave a high protein snack in between workouts or casual exercisers in need of a quick fix while in the office or on-the-go, Protein Deluxe will appeal to a new wave of Irish lifestyle consumers and a rapidly growing convenience retail channel. For more information, see www.KineticaSports.com or email orders@richmondmarketing.com.

Wheyhey Established in 2013, Wheyhey is a high protein and sugar free ice cream, designed to provide a healthy snacking alternative. It is an all natural protein ice cream, which is made from whey, a high protein product from the cheese making process. The formula contains xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that does not impact blood sugar levels and can help prevent disease caused by bacteria, contributing to oral and dental health.

Wheyhey is a high protein and sugar free ice cream, made from whey, a high protein product from the cheese making process.

“Wheyhey is a high protein, sugar free snack which is making waves in the industry as consumers are looking for healthy alternatives to sugary snacks - which currently saturate the food and nutrition market,” noted Greg Duggan, Co-founder of Wheyhey. “Our goal has always been to provide an alternative healthier choice, and it is a real achievement to see our brand grow.”

Musgrave Group were one of the first retailers to stock Wheyhey and the Group recently decided to double its distribution of the brand across both Ireland and Northern Ireland. For more information, visit www.wheyhey.com.

Alpro Alpro is stepping into new territory with the launch of new on-the-go yogurts, marking a significant move for the brand

New Alpro Go On is a single serve soya alternative to yogurt that is high in plant protein with a thick, smooth texture, sitting on a layer of real fruit, available in three flavours: Passion Fruit, Blackcurrant and Mango.

into the snacking and impulse sector. Alpro Go On is a single serve soya alternative to yogurt that is high in plant protein with a thick, smooth texture, sitting on a layer of real fruit.

“Go On is high in plant protein, offering a thick, satisfying texture over a delicious fruit base, and is also naturally low in fat, so it makes the perfect healthy snack for any time of the day,” said Vicky Upton, Marketing Controller at Alpro UK and Ireland.

The launch is part of Alpro’s on-going strategy to expand its plant-based offer into new usage occasions, with products featured in multiple fixtures in-store, and offering additional OOH and impulse opportunities.

There are three different Go On fruit base varieties, Passion Fruit, Blackcurrant and Mango, which are available in 150g pots. With 87kcal per 100g, 5.0g of high quality soya protein and 0.5g of saturated fat, they offer a healthy plantbased option within the broader yogurts category.

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Innovation at Pritt

Pritt: Past, Present and Future Since introducing the world’s first glue stick back in 1969, Henkel’s Pritt brand has been at the forefront of gluing innovation and continues to invent new products to meet the needs of everyday life.

resources and glues double the amount of paper than the next best glue stick.

Famous for bringing us the first ever glue stick, the Pritt range also includes the New Pritt Glitter Glue, plus Rainbow Sticks, pink & green in both stick and liquid glue, correction rollers, glue dots and much more and is perfect for all crafting tasks. Over 47 years later, a Pritt Stick is purchased almost every second of the day, testament to the brand’s popularity amongst both children and adults.

THE world’s first ever glue stick, Pritt was introduced in Dusseldorf in 1969. Since then, Henkel has sold over 1 billion glue sticks in 121 countries, distinguishing Pritt as a leading global brand.

Pritt Sticks have always been immensely popular with children and have become a big hit in office culture too, which has revolutionised our gluing habits.

It currently has its best ever formulation, as it's made from A Pritt Stick is purchased almost every second of the day, testament to the brand’s popularity 90% natural amongst both children and adults. and renewable

Crafting With Mr Pritt In November 2015, both Scoil Chaoimhim Naofa in Glendalough and Knockcroghery NS in Roscommon were Pritt continues to innovate with new products like Liquid Glue proving the lucky winners extremely popular. of an exclusive crafting day at their school with Mr Pritt. The schoolchildren thoroughly enjoyed their crafting days with Mr Pritt and his products. There are still another 10 chances for Irish and UK schools to win a crafting day with Mr Pritt and his team before the end of this school year, encouraging more children to be creative.

By May 2016, Mr Pritt and his team will have visited 15 schools across Ireland and the UK; that’s up to three times more schools and children getting a fantastic crafting experience than previous in their free to enter competition, showing Henkel’s continued brand support and investment.

For more information, visit www.prittworld.co.uk.

Pritt’s long-term goal is to continue the tradition of coming up with new ideas and concepts that meet the needs of everyday life, for those who use Pritt on a daily basis. Time doesn’t stand still and neither will Pritt; its products will become bigger and better as time goes on, which is why it will always be the nation’s favourite glue (Source: GfK Value Share, 2016).

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Consumer Loyalty

Bridging the Loyalty Gap For today’s always-on consumer, switching brands has never been easier. So how do you build true shopper loyalty, asks David Ringer, Regional Director for UK, Ireland and France, TCC Global.

AS spring hits full swing, the Irish retail landscape is full of green shoots after last year, when at last, the retail sector returned to growth following several long years of stagnation.

Consumers, tentatively, are showing increasing confidence in their shopping habits, which is gently radiating outwards towards supermarkets up and down the country.

While the warmer weather is to be welcomed, there is no time for complacency, however, as global headwinds have marked a cautious start to 2016, which could again leave consumers with their hands and purses firmly back in their pockets. For retailers, consumer confidence is everything.

In a time of uncertainty, therefore, it’s vital that retailers have a clear view on how to encourage more people through their front doors, and then get them to fill more baskets.

From experience, we know that loyalty has a big role to play in encouraging consumers to do just that.

What we also know is that there are different ways to achieve loyalty: while retailer-specific card-based schemes have an important role to play, and are now entrenched in the Irish shopper’s psyche, many customers are beginning to question the value of collecting points.

In Ireland, like in many European countries, consumers are beginning to wonder whether too much attention has been placed on transactional reward and not enough focus on building true shopper loyalty. This has created a loyalty gap.

Retail in Ireland is Changing The growth of digital retail in Ireland has, and continues to be, significant. According to Google, 79% of internet users

aged 35-44 are going online every day, which means, unsurprisingly, that the value of the mobile commerce market is expected to nearly triple to €24 billion by 2018.

What’s more, the growth of digital has drastically changed the loyalty landscape.

Customer loyalty is now harder than ever to achieve, foster, maintain and even define.

David Ringer, Regional Director for UK, Brands are Ireland and France, TCC Global. increasingly becoming a sub-topic in conversations they once dominated.

In retail, like in many sectors, brand equity has been diminished by today’s empowered, digitally savvy customer, who can easily shop around from the comfort of their own living room.

Recent research from Accenture has highlighted how current consumer actions are resulting in a growing ‘switching economy’, with 60% of customers saying they are more likely to change brands than 10 years ago.

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Consumer Loyalty Retail in Ireland Is the Same Despite the growth in online grocery shopping, consumers in Ireland continue to place a high value on freshness and quality of ingredients, something many complain is not guaranteed when they shop online. The ability to choose the ripest tomatoes and the juiciest steak, using a combination of all the senses, is something the internet can’t yet deliver.

In terms of ingredients, the Irish consumer also places a huge amount of importance on locally sourced products.

Whether it’s Irish pork sausages produced in Monaghan town or farmhouse cheese crafted in Tipperary, the Irish palate delights in home grown and locally sourced ingredients.

What’s more, the Irish shopper is passionate about cooking from scratch, which again means the standards of fresh products is of utmost importance.

As a consequence, Irish supermarkets are fighting to deliver a compelling retail experience, perhaps more so now than in years gone by. The importance of product, price and range remains paramount, as it has always been in grocery.

The Future: Marry Tradition with Innovation With the rise of the digital world, customers are now more connected and knowledgeable than ever before. They have the freedom to shift their allegiance within an instant.

Armed with price comparison websites, customer reviews, 24/7 media outlets reporting on the wrong-doings of brands and countless discount offers, it’s easier than ever for them to change.

Equally, however, we know that loyalty is as much of a driver now than it has ever been – emotional loyalty, that is. Millennials, who are now taking up residence in the workforce en masse, might be picky, but when they choose a brand, they stick with it.

One Goal, Multiple Angles - Best Customer Loyalty Campaigns BY encouraging existing customers to visit more regularly, by rewarding them with aspirational, desirable items, the best customer loyalty campaigns offer a focused route to embedding attachments between shopper and grocer. With targeted spend here, we’ve seen an average increase of up to 4% in sales over the medium term, and a significant growth in market share. This can work well alongside a retailer’s existing marketing strategy, adding an additional layer to elevate a campaign with this target audience, providing customers with a powerful reason to visit a store.

Sports & Entertainment Campaigns Holidays, major sporting occasions and film releases offer an ideal launch-pad for exciting in-store promotions designed to attract family shoppers. We hold exclusive product licencing deals with a number of popular brands, including the Discovery Channel and Disney. These sports and entertainment campaigns increase both frequency and basket size and the opportunity to partner with high profile brands, building on existing marketing plans with innovative campaign ideas.

About TCC TCC is a world leader in creating retail marketing programmes designed to engage shoppers and grow retailers’ sales. They design powerful marketing programmes with exclusive rewards that TCC have developed partnerships with increase total high quality brands, including fashion store sales icon Naomi Campbell. by improving frequency, average transaction levels and making shopping fun. TCC works with leading retailers in grocery, fuel and convenience sectors to attract new customers, stretch their spend and keep them coming back. To date, they have run over 6,000 programmes with 500 retailers throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. TCC's Irish clients include SuperValu, Centra, Applegreen and Tesco and it has developed partnerships with Masterchef, Cordon Bleu, Alessi, Disney, Pyrex, Gordon Ramsey, Naomi Campbell and Fissler Cookware etc. For more information, see www.tccglobal.com.

TCC hold exclusive product licencing deals with a number of popular brands, including Disney.

Mobile Gaming Campaigns Gametation is TCC's in-house, dedicated mobile marketing agency. Shoppers play fun games and win prizes that can be claimed either online or by visiting stores. These promotions are adored by the millennial shopper and create a digital buzz that translates to in-store spend. The digital approach means users can be tracked, as well as repeat visits, allowing the use of data to optimise marketing strategy.

This real loyalty, motivated by an emotional connection, is what retailers need to be aware of. Investment here delivers more than a spike in sales; it embeds attachments for life. Retailers need to move away from traditional transactional loyalty and towards programmes that surprise and delight customers.

We’re still doing what we’ve done for 25 years in Ireland.

We build long-term relationships between retailers and their shoppers, to deliver sustainable sales growth and enhance brand equity for Irish retailers. Over the past year in Ireland, we’ve delivered an average sales boost of 2% with our campaigns, but beyond that, we’ve laid foundations that will last.

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NFRN Anniversary

100 Years

of the NFRN The National Federation of Retail Newsagents celebrated its centenary with a gala dinner at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford, on March 21. Peter Steemers, President of NFRN Ireland, pays tribute to the last hundred years and highlights some of the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest issues in 2016.

THE Dublin Booksellers Association was formed in 1910, with the Provincial Booksellers Association following in 1914.

This was reported in the WestMeath Examiner, who later reported in July 1916 that both Associations had merged to form the Irish Booksellers Association. There have been various formations since, including news sellers, stationers and tobacconists.

It was around 1924 when the Irish Retail Newsagents Associations, IRNA, was formed out of the above organisations. In 1971, IRNA merged with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, which covers 16 districts, including the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, whose original formation was in 1914, North & South Wales, along with the 11 eleven districts in England whose original formation was in 1919.

All along, the objectives have been to act to safeguard the interests of our members for the betterment of the trade. There have been many NFRN achievements and it would be fair to say that without the representations made by the NFRN at wholesaler, distributor and political levels on news, tobacco, and many other newsagent related products which are offered to the public, business and community life would be so much more difficult and complex.

The Current Issues There is constant pressure on newsagents from the general public, as would be expected when dealing with the public, but in recent times it has now come to a level where many

Pictured are (l-r): Frank Mullrennan, Celtic Media, and his wife Teresa, Ann and Peter Steemers, President, NFRN Ireland, Ralph Patel, NFRN National President, and his wife Urvisha, Linda Sood, NFRN DVP and her husband Kamal.

can no longer cope. The many closures over recent years bear witness to this. But this is no accident, as smaller retailers find the added red tape and new rules and laws which favour bigger stores, such as multiples, too much to deal with.

Adding to this is the constant increase in carriage/service charges. Many times, the reasons for this are cited as the increased cost of transport, so it is therefore all the more unacceptable now, at a time when fuel costs are so much lower than before.

It is even more unpalatable that we are now expected to accept reduced margins from one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-known newspaper groups, and that in

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NFRN Anniversary

Ann and Peter Steemers are pictured with John Burke O'Leary, Chairman of Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce and his wife, Julie.

Jim O'Connor, Area Sales Manager, Premier Lotteries Ireland, is pictured with Trish and Pat Byrne.

exchange for a dubious partial rebate system that is openly guaranteed until the end of 1917. What is to come before us thereafter is anyone's guess.

One of the main reasons given by the newspaper group for this reduction in margin is that their titles will be more appealing to the readership and so are going to drive footfall into our stores which will, therefore, drive sales. It is unlikely that retailers will accept this, as it is widely accepted that it is the store itself, along with its product mix that drives footfall and no single supplier, publisher or even wholesaler can rightfully take ownership of that.

Pictured are (l-r) David Vaz, Circulation Manager, Irish Daily Mail, and Michael Curran, Sales Manager, Irish Daily Mail, with Nicky McGrath and Brian Murphy, Head of NFRNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news department.

Peter Steemers, NFRN Ireland President, is pictured with Ray Griffin, Business Development Manager with Musgraves' Day Today news portfolio.

Ralph Patel, NFRN National President, UK, addresses the audience.

Athlone retailer Martin Mulligan is pictured receiving his certificate, having being enscribed on the District Roll of Honour for his outstanding contribution to the NFRN membership.

Pictured are Frank Mullrennan, Celtic Media; Martin Mulligan, NFRN District Vice President and Linda Sood, NFRN National Deputy Vice President.

The Development of COPPI One of NFRN Ireland's main achievements in recent years is to have contributed in a significant way is to the formation of the Joint Industry Committee (JIC), which led to the Code of Practice for the Print Industry, COPPI. This arose out of a meeting held with the Department of the Environment, which detailed a wastage survey undertaken by the NFRN which had very different findings to a previous survey from NNI, which suggested that there was negligible wastage within the industry, this at a time when box-outs and constant over-supply was the order of the day, at huge costs to retailers.

It is suggested that JIC and COPPI should be revisited so that dominance and anti-competitive behaviour within the industry may be addressed. The news retailer is deemed by a wholesaler to have accepted the terms and conditions of that wholesaler upon receipt of goods from that wholesaler, which seems a bit rich when you consider that there is no alternative supplier. It is along these lines that NFRN Ireland intend to continue to represent our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests so that a fairer system may come into play for all.

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On The Vine

Vive La France With some big moves in the French wine market here, Jean Smullen predicts increased awareness of France as a category in 2016.

ALTHOUGH there is more optimism about the wine market in Ireland and anecdotally the trade is seeing some trading up by the consumer, volume figures remain flat. Provisional figures for 2015 show that a total of 8.87m cases of wine were sold during the year, a slight increase of +0.9% on 2014. This proves that the 62% excise increase for wine (in December 2012 and October 2013) is still significantly impacting (Source: IWA, February 2016).

The 2014 figures from the Irish Wine Association, released in August 2015, show that sales of French wine on the Irish market fell slightly. In 2013, France had 15.2% of volume sales on the Irish market, and by December 2014, that figure had reduced to 14.5%.

In the retail sector, France suffers from a lack of flagship brands, unlike New World wines, where brand activity is strong and significantly promoted. Most French wine is sold as part of price promotional activity centring on highly publicised French wine sales run by most of the major multiple and supermarket groups.

Market Developments However, there are developments on this front which may help to increase awareness of France as a category and help increase its market share during 2016.

This month sees the Findlater Wine & Spirit Group taking over the distribution of the Barton & Guestier range.

Many will be familiar with this brand and its undeniably Irish connection; the original shipping company was founded by Thomas Barton in 1725 after emigrating from Ballyshannon, and he passed the business down to his

grandson Hugh in the late 1700s.

The business continued to prosper under Hugh until he fled the country during the French Revolution (and narrowly escaped the guillotine for ‘dealings with the enemy’), but not before leaving the business to his trusted friend Daniel Guestier.

In 1802, they established Barton & Guestier and forged a strong link between the wine region and Ireland, as Barton remained in his newly built Straffan House in Co. Kildare, which today stands as the east wing of The K Club.

The ‘first French brand name’ and one of the oldest wine merchants established in Bordeaux, Barton & Guestier today works in partnership with around 250 winegrowers in France. Barton & Guestier will join the Findlater French wine portfolio, which also includes Louis Jadot from Burgundy, Michel Chapoutier from the Rhône and Hugel of Alsace, among many others.

Cassidy Wines have also announced the addition of a new range of French wines to their portfolio, with the wines of Vignobles Lorgeril joining their ranks this month.

Lorgeril, an independent family business, was founded in 1620. Vignobles Lorgeril is proprietor of six domaines in the Languedoc Roussillon, notably the Château de Pennautier, historic seat of the family.

Nicolas and Miren de Lorgeril took over the running of the family business in 1987. They have since extended the family vineyard holdings to 350 hectares, covering six different domaines, nine AOPs and three IPRs across the Languedoc Roussillon region. All are situated on cool hillside slopes, the key to achieving a ripe yet elegant style of wine

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On The Vine in this hot, dry region. The family domaines are run on the principles of sustainable agriculture.

With the addition of two significant French portfolios by two key importing companies, expect to see more promotional activity on the marketplace that will certainly help to highlight and grow the French wine sector during 2016.

We’ll now look at some of the key French producers and the planned activity on the Irish market during spring 2016 by their Irish importers.

Barton & Guestier (Findlater Wine & Spirit Group) This May, Findlater will invite consumers to bring their ‘Passeport’ to their local independent off-licence and enjoy €2 off each bottle from the B&G Passeport range. The promotion will be supported by significant in-store activity, including recipe pairing booklets and live tastings.

Though B&G have their roots in Bordeaux, the B&G Passeport range is a novel approach in that it represents the best of some of the most famous wine Findlater Wine regions from the rest of France. Examples & Spirit Group in the Passeport range include wines from have taken over Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Macon-Villages, the distribution Vouvray and Sauternes, amongst others. of the Barton & Each wine is produced with the same care Guestier range. and attention that has been the trademark of B&G for almost 300 years, and each speaks truly of the region it’s from.

Boutinot Rhone Fide & Arte (C&C Gleeson) C&C Gleeson will be highlighting their Boutinot Rhone range during April 2016, mainly due to the fact that the Southern Rhône village of Cairanne has been elevated to Cru appellation status. Cru is the highest appellation status possible in the Rhône. The AOPs of Gigondas, Rasteau and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are also classified Cru. Their Boutinot range was previously labelled as Cairanne, Côtes du Rhône Villages (i.e. a named village): Cru wines will now be labelled Cairanne AOP. C&C Gleeson will have a range of offers, including the 2011 Boutinot, Les Coteaux, Côtes Du Rhone Villages €14.99, 2010 Boutinot, La Cote Savage Cairanne, Côtes Du Rhone Villages €22, and La Maison Bouachon Pavillon Saint Pierre, Côtes du Rhône €12.99.

Michel Lynch, one of the most popular French wines in the Barry & Fitzwilliam portfolio.

Michel Lynch (Barry & Fitzwilliam) Another famous French wine with an Irish connection. Michel Lynch was born in Bordeaux in 1752, but his grandfather, Thomas Lynch Fitz-Ambrose, was Mayor of Galway in 1654. The family emigrated to France and became prominent wine merchants in Bordeaux and owned numerous Chateaux, including Chateau Lynch Bages. Today the Chateau and the Michel Lynch brand are owned by the family of Jean-Michel Cazes. Barry & Fitzwilliam will be running a promotion on some of their wines from the Michel Lynch range during spring 2016: the La Chasse Cotes Du Rhone Reserve also known as Le Chas du Pape will be reduced from €12.49 to €9.99. The Michel

Lynch Classic Red and White will be on offer, reduced from €15.99 to €12.99.

Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux (Classic Drinks) Limoux is known for good quality sparkling wine and with volume sales of sparkling wine up nearly 40% during 2015, the market for bubbles has definitely exceeded expectations.

Blanquette de Limoux is an appellation for sparkling wines from an area of southern France in the Pyrenean foothills, just south of Carcassonne. Limoux is a town at the centre of this area, and for centuries has lent its name to the local sparkling wines. ‘Blanquette’ is a local name for the Mauzac grape variety, from which these wines are predominantly made. Classic Drinks will have their Jean Babou Blanquette de Limoux on offer this spring for €25.99.

From Febvre & Co. Ltd, the Francois Lurton Les Fumees Blanches Sauvignon Blanc is on offer at €12.99, the Delas Cotes Du Rhone St Esprit on offer at €14.99, and Cotes du Ventoux will be on offer at €13.99.

Francois Lurton & Delas (Rhone) (Febvre & Co.) Look out for the Francois Lurton Les Fumees Blanches Sauvignon Blanc on offer at €12.99. This wine won the SIP Awards (NOffLA) Silver in the Old World White Wines under €15 last October. Made from 100% Sauvignon, Lurton is selecting the vineyards that are more adapted to Sauvignon grapes in four different regions: Languedoc, Gers, Tarn and the Charentes. With the popularity of Sauvignon Blanc showing no sign of abating, this is definitely a must stock wine this spring.

Febvre & Co. also have the Delas Cotes Du Rhone St Esprit on offer at €14.99 and the Cotes du Ventoux at €13.99 Vins deux Soleils (James Nicholson Wine Merchants) James Nicholson will be shipping the Vins deux Soleils range of Chardonnay and Merlot/Cabernet in April 2016. The producer makes small parcels of quality French wine in the Languedoc. Their barrel Fermented Chardonnay is grown on top quality chalk-based soil and is a classic. The Merlot/ Cabernet has lots of ripe fruit. Watch out for these wines on offer during spring 2016.

Burkes of Bordeaux (Comans Wines) One of the more recent additions to the Wine Geese stable, this specially commissioned wine is made under the Burke of Bordeaux brand name from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon by the Milhade family, who own and operate six right-bank properties. The red wine in the range is a Bordeaux Superior under the Burkes of Bordeaux brand name, made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The range will be on offer in the off trade in spring 2016.

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Shelf Life NESTLÉ Ireland has appointed Kieran Conroy as its new Head of Sales.

He will lead Nestlé’s commercial strategy in Ireland as it continues to expand its presence to deliver category growth driven by iconic global brands such as Kit Kat, Nescafé, Maggi and Felix. Conroy commences the role, having spent the past two years working as Country Category Manager for Nestlé Purina Ireland where he was also a member of the UK & Ireland Board for Purina.

Nestlé has also appointed Liesbeth Megens as its new Country Category Manager for Purina Ireland. Megens assumes the responsibility for Purina’s category strategy to continue the growth of its leading pet care brands in the Irish marketplace, which include Pro Plan, Bakers, Beta, Winalot, Felix, Go-Cat and Purina One. FOODIES and chefs interested in cheese have the chance to attend a free half-day symposium on Cheese Culture on Monday, May 9 in Dublin. The science of what makes a food delicious is the subject of one presentation, revealing how a consumer's perception of food is influenced by our brains and our senses. The heritage and traditions of Ireland's cheese culture and mapping the qualities of Irish cheese will also be reviewed by a panel of Irish and European speakers. The symposium will by chaired by food journalist Suzanne Campbell and will include a cheese tasting and discussion on Ireland's relationship with cheese by Kevin Sheridan. Olympic athlete Derval O'Rourke (pictured) will also share her insights into the role of cheese in modern cooking. The Cheese Up Your Life symposium is organised by the National Dairy Council as part of a campaign co-financed with aid from the European Union. Email tregan@ndc.ie to register your interest.

AT the inaugural Fisherman’s Friend Shed Series competition, held at the National Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire, Louth’s Cooley Peninsula Men’s Shed, based in Bush, has been awarded the top prize, taking home the overall trophy and a cash prize for their Men’s Shed.

Following a nationwide search

by Fisherman’s Friend, which asked Men’s Sheds from across Ireland to create a piece of art that best depicts what community and friendship means to them, 25 sheds brought their creations to the Shed Series event. Pictured are (back row): Martin Stimson, Area Business Manager of Fisherman’s Friend; Barry Sheridan, CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association; and Seascapes broadcaster, Marcus Connaughton; with (front row) members of the Cooley Peninsula Men’s Shed: Adrian Holden, Brian Maguire and Ray Byrne.

THE National Lottery has announced the launch of Daily Million - Twice a Day, the latest in its series of planned draw game enhancements. Since April 18, players have the opportunity to play for a top prize of €1m twice a day, seven days a week. Draws will run consecutively and will take place at 2pm and 9pm each day. The price remains the same at €1 per line for a single draw and €1.50 if the Plus option is selected.

CALVÉ is a premium Dutch peanut butter that is launching in the UK and Ireland. Calvé Peanut Butter is produced by Unilever and enjoys a loyal market in the Netherlands, where it has 98% grocery store distribution (supermarkets, convenience stores and independent retailers). The distribution rights for Calvé products in the UK and Ireland are held by Pragmatic International Trading Ltd (http://pragmaticholdings.com/), led by Managing Director Toni van Eijden. Pragmatic International Trading is offering three Calvé Peanut Butter varieties: Smooth, Crunchy and Light, which has 30% less fat than the other Calvé peanut butter spreads.

WATERFORD based Sales and Merchandising Company Shelfspace have announced the appointment of Ken Byrne to the role of Sales and Operations Manager. Ken has worked with the company since it was first established just over four years ago, joining the team as a Sales Representative covering a large portion of the country. According to Shelfspace Managing Director, Sheila Gallogly, “Ken has been an integral part of the team since he joined the company in 2012; he is client focused, innovative and results-driven; I am delighted he has accepted the new management role, and am confident he will add significant growth to the business over the coming months and years.” See www.shelfspace.ie for more information.

SHOP and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) will be supporting the Retail Design Expo when it returns to Olympia, London in May next year, the third time the exhibition will take place, following hugely successful runs in 2015 and 2016. SDEA will take a stand at the show and its Director, Lawrence Cutler, will remain on the steering panel which will help shape the 2017 event. “Retailers, designers and suppliers have all heaped unprecedented praise on Retail Design Expo and rightly so. It’s given the retail design and display community a real focus and deserves the support of SDEA and everyone else in this great industry,” said Cutler. Retail Design Expo takes place at Olympia, London on May 8 and 9, 2017.

ONE of Ireland’s favourite wine brands, The Bend In The River has unveiled its most appealing and stylish new pack design. The brand has switched to a screw cap, enhanced the previous pack design with contemporary fonts and added a no label look brand marque with chic silver elements and clear scripted taste descriptions. A cleverly printed back label depicts a highly appealing translucent landscape, giving more depth to the labelling and providing an alluring, premium personality. The lightweight burgundy bottle also adds to the modern feel, as well as environmental benefits, and a highly competitive lower RSP of €9.99.

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