News INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION Booker tours UK to explain Tesco merger to retailers
MFG appoints Deary Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has named Paul Deary as its new head of food services. “This is a key appointment as we strive to build a first class ‘food to go’ offer for our customers,” said Richard Baker, the company’s Retail Director. Deary joins from rival forecourt operator Applegreen, where he was UK Head of Food Operations. MFG operates forecourts in Scotland under the Shell, BP and Jet brands.
Battery found in chocolate bunny Suspected food tampering caused the Co-op to recall all supplies of a Germanmanufactured chocolate bunny last month. A small battery was
Booker hits the road to reassure retailers on Tesco Booker Chief Executive Charles Wilson hit the road last month with his senior team to host a series of roadshows around the UK to reassure Premier, Londis, Musgrave and Family Shopper retailers that the proposed merger with Tesco is in the best interests of them, their families and their customers. Edinburgh Premier retailer Linda Williams was among those at the opening event at Hampden Park in Glasgow in Scotland and reports leaving the event in high spirits, convinced that the move will further enhance Booker’s reputation, and her ability to deliver for her customers.
“Charles Wilson made it very clear that this merger is simply the latest step in the same journey that we have been on since he took over at Booker 12 years ago,” Linda told
SLR at the event. “Under the terms of the new deal we will be able to offer our customers better choice, price and service than ever before. Our buying power is likely to be second to none, so I think that this can only be good news for Premier retailers and I’m excited about the future.” The event was split into a morning session for Premier retailers and an afternoon session aimed at Londis, Budgens and Family Shopper operators. The early session saw around 40 Premier retailers attend where they heard from Wilson and new Premier Brand Director Martyn Parkinson, as well as Booker’s Head of Retail Operations Steve Fox.
found inside one of the £1 lines and sparked a withdrawal from all 2,800 Co-op stores and an appeal to those who had already bought any of around 3,000 bunnies already sold.
Steve Murrells takes over at Co-op Steve Murrells, the Co-op’s food business head since joining in 2012, is to replace Richard Pennycook as Chief Executive at the company. Pennycook joined the company at the height of its crisis in 2013 and is credited with steadying the ship and helping rebuild its troubled bank. He said: “The CEO who is to lead the renewal phase in 2018 has to be the CEO who builds the plan in 2017.”
Aldi overtakes Co-op Discount retailer Aldi has overtaken the Co-op to become Britain’s fifth largest supermarket, according to data from Kantar Worldpanel. Sales at the German-owned company rose sharply in the quarter to the end of January, up 12.4% to £1.72bn, representing a share of 6.2% in the UK grocery market. The Co-op retains 6% of the market at £1.66bn. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons, in that order, remain the largest retailers in the UK.
4
SLR | MARCH 2017
SLR March 2017.indd 4
TOBACCO Retailer competition offers cash prizes
Imperial Tobacco offer retailers £10k prize As an engagement incentive, Imperial Tobacco is offering independent retailers the opportunity to win prizes up to £10,000. By purchasing an outer of Gold Leaf or gV Bright Yellow (30g or 50g Pouches) through participating wholesalers, retailers will gain entry into a prize draw. The first draw takes place at depot-level, with the winning trader receiving £250 credit on all Imperial Tobacco products. All of the £250 winners will also be automatically entered into a grand prize draw, where one lucky retailer will win £10,000. The two runners-up will win £3,000 and £2,000 respectively. The incentive scheme runs between February 20 and April 21. Retailers are already preparing for the May 20 deadline for the final removal from sale of non-compliant tobacco stock. After that date, retailers will only be allowed to sell standardised packs which comply with the new EU and British legislation. For prize draw terms, visit www.imperial-trade. co.uk. SHOPPER SPENDING Survey says quarter could cut spending
Brexit ‘to impact’ spending More than 25% of Scottish consumers are concerned about the impact of Brexit on their spending plans over the next 12 months (against a UK average of 20%), while almost two-thirds worry about their lack of disposable income, according to a new Total Retail report by PwC. The survey of more than 1,000 UK shoppers reveals that price is still the most important factor for determining customer loyalty – 62% of Scottish respondents say they return to a retailer because prices are good (59% across the UK). Other important reasons are trust in the brand (46% in Scotland and 43% across UK), and items being in stock (37% in Scotland and UK). Almost six in 10 Scottish and UK consumers only shop with companies they trust to minimise online security risks.
CHARITY
Scotmid answers Childline’s fundraising call
Scotmid Co-operative’s rallying call to raise funds for one-year charity partner Childline has prompted a strong response from the company’s staff, members and customers with £136,000 already reached at the halfway stage. A list of activities scheduled over coming months including a sponsored skydive, a cycle ride, a triathlon and a ski challenge, are set to further boost the amount of money raised. The aim of the partnership is to raise £300,000, which will allow Childline to answer around 75,000 calls, emails and online messages from children and young people who need someone to listen to them. Elaine Chalmers, head of Childline for Scotland, said: “Scotmid have done amazingly well in their fundraising efforts. This money will go towards helping and supporting more children and answering more contacts.” John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid Co-operative, said: “Congratulations to everyone, who has been involved in this first key stage of our fundraising drive for Childline.”
www.slrmag.co.uk
06/03/2017 16:38:17