SLR April 2022 edition

APRIL 2022 | ISSUE 228

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The growing threat of ‘dark stores’

BE A WINNER!

Top tips on entering the SLR Awards

HEALTHIER SALES

APRIL 2022 | ISSUE 228

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CHECK THIS OUT!

GroceryAid Scotland to celebrate retailers with new musical extravaganza

Healthier products to star in 2022

+

DRS FURORE

SGF hits back at judicial review reports

IT’S A LOTTERY

Camelot loses lottery

GO LOCAL

Grant applications now open The growing threat of ‘dark stores’

01.09.2022

Live music EVENT A musical celebration for grocery and convenience colleagues

TICKETS £

60+ VAT

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE For more information visit groceryaid.org.uk/events/checkout-scotland or contact peter.steel@groceryaid.org.uk

BOOK NOW

Money raised from this event will go to GroceryAid, the grocery industry charity A Registered Charity Reg No. 1095897 (England & Wales) & SC039255 (Scotland). A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales No 04620683

April 2022

Contents

Contents ISSUE 228

NEWS p6

p7 p8 p10 p12 p20 p22

Deposit Return Scheme SGF denies reports it is seeking a judicial review into the Scottish government’s handling of DRS implementation.

Funding Independent retailers are encouraged to apply for grants from a new £80m support fund.

Local Sourcing The next phase of the SGF’s Go Local project opens for applications.

Symbol Groups Spar Scotland kicks-off a major retailer recruitment drive as part of plans to grow the business.

News Extra Vaping Plans to ban the in-store display of vaping products draw flak from leading retailers.

Product News KP Snacks unveils a new reformulation strategy and Trebor encourages shoppers to ‘Own It’.

Off-Trade News Gordon’s launches a passionfruit flavour and Heineken Silver seeks to shake up the drinks industry.

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INSIDE BUSINESS p24 SLR Awards SLR offers some useful top tips to help retailers make their best-possible entry. p27 Research Growing consumer demand for healthier food options provides opportunities for local retailers to attract new customers and increase spend. p28 Advertising Feature Golden Wonder is celebrating 75 years as a much-loved British snacking icon this year. p30 Hotlines The latest new products and media campaigns. p50 Under The Counter The Auld Boy is shocked to discover that Tesco is selling sex toys.

FEATURES p35 Fascia Focus Is this the time to think about joining a fascia, symbol group or franchise for the first time, or to consider a new partner more in line with your current business strategy? p38 Tobacco The UK’s tobacco manufacturers explore new ways of offering adult smokers all-important value for money. p46 Soft Drinks The UK’s soft drinks industry is in for a goodlooking summer of sales, driven by larger formats, sugar-free variants and exotic flavours.

ON THE COVER p18 GroceryAid’s Checkout Scotland festival – a music-based celebration to be held in September – promises to be the largest event in the Scottish local retailing sector this year.

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APRIL 2022 | SLR

5

News DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME Federation quells speculation about legal challenge

New age-restricted guidance delivery drivers ACS has launched new guidance for delivery drivers on how to approach the delivery and refusal of age-restricted products like alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and lottery products. The guidance, which has been designed as a quick reference guide for drivers to view on their mobile devices, details the steps they should go through to ensure that they are only delivering to customers that are 18 and over.

Usdaw reveals high levels of violence and abuse More than 60% of shopworkers have been threatened by a customer in the past year, and 90% have experienced verbal abuse at work, Usdaw’s annual survey reveals. The poll, of nearly 3,500 retail staff, also shows that in the past 12 months 12% were assaulted and 61% said they were not confident that reporting abuse, threats and violence will make a difference.

Post Office backs Ukraine humanitarian appeal The Post Office is supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee’s fundraising campaign to help refugees from Ukraine. All 11,500 Post Offices nationwide are accepting donations by cash or card and every pound donated will be matched by the government up to a total of £20m. In addition, the Post Office is encouraging giving via in-store posters that have been made available to postmasters, and social media.

Rapid charging hub planned for Glasgow Motor Fuel Group, the independent forecourt operator, is to open an ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub at Great Western Retail Park, Glasgow.

The new EV hub, featuring eight 150kW Ultra-Rapid chargers and an all-weather canopy, will be situated adjacent to Starbucks in the site’s car park and it is expected to open in the third quarter of this year.

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SLR | APRIL 2022

SGF hits back at DRS judicial review reports The SGF has denied reports that it is seeking a judicial review into the way the Scottish government has embarked on implementing a Deposit Return Scheme.

Media reports suggested the legal challenge would threaten to further delay the DRS rollout, which has already been delayed from July this year until August 2023.

In response, the SGF said: “Our retail members have grown increasingly concerned about key challenges with the scheme design. We are also increasingly concerned about the approach taken by the Scottish government in developing the business case for DRS, concerned about the data and evidence used by the Scottish government to support the business case, and concerned about the parliamentary process in relation to the approval of the DRS regulations.

“As their trade body we must respond to the concerns of our retail members. The Federation has instructed our legal team to send a formal letter to the Scottish Government. This letter lists our concerns in a very detailed, accurate and carefully considered way. At present we have not raised judicial review proceedings.

When we receive answers from

the Scottish Government, we will, in consultation with our retail members, consider our response in a balanced and measured way.”

The SGF concluded: “SGF remains committed to working with all of the key stakeholders to deliver a Deposit Return Scheme within agreed timelines, which meets the needs of businesses, consumers, and the environment.”

HORIZON SCANDAL New fund will compensate postmasters “fully and fairly”

NATIONAL LOTTERY

The government has launched a funding scheme to ensure the postmasters who were the first to take legal action against the Post Office over the failings of its Horizon IT computer system will be compensated “fully and fairly”.

Despite winning nearly £43m in compensation in 2019, the group was left financially disadvantaged after having to pay significant legal costs based on a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement with the company that funded its litigation. Due to the terms of their legal agreement each postmaster received a small fraction of the settlement – equating to around £20,000 each.

Their action meant they were also ineligible to apply to the Historical Shortfall Scheme that was set up by the Post Office to compensate postmasters who had to personally cover shortfalls in their branch’s accounts caused by Horizon.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “Without the efforts of these postmasters, this terrible injustice may have never been uncovered so it is only right that they are compensated fully and fairly. That is why we have set up this new compensation scheme for those who played a crucial role bringing this scandal to light, which I hope provides a measure of comfort.”

More details of the new scheme, including how postmasters can submit compensation claims, will be set out by the Department for Business in due course.

Allwyn Entertainment will be the operator of the next National Lottery licence.

The Gambling Commission said the selection follows a “fair, open and robust” competition, which received four applications at the final stage, the highest number since the first National Lottery licence was awarded in 1994. Camelot has been named Reserve Applicant.

Allwyn has committed to investing in the National Lottery, which is expected to deliver “growth and innovation across the National Lottery’s products and channels”, the Gambling Commission said.

Andrew Rhodes, Gambling Commission Chief Executive, said: “I am confident that the success of the competition will lead to a highly successful fourth licence – one that maximises returns to good causes, promotes innovation, delivers against our statutory duties, and which ultimately protects the unique status of the National Lottery.”

New compensation scheme Allwyn wins for Horizon victims lottery licence

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News FUNDING Scottish government offers support to local retailers

Minister urges retailers to tap into £80m support fund Independent retailers are being encouraged to apply for grants from a new £80m support fund.

In a letter to NFRN’s President in Scotland Ferhan Ashiq, Tom Arthur MSP highlighted the Covid Economic Recovery Fund for businesses and communities which has been handed over to local government.

Arthur said: “The fund will be administered by local authorities who have full discretion on how the funding will be allocated. Your members may wish to contact their local authorities to enquire whether there may be any support available for them.”

Ashiq had recently written to Arthur to ask for the government to provide grants to improve CCTV in smaller stores in an effort to combat thefts and attacks in shops.

However, the minister confirmed that the Scottish government has

no plans to offer security grants to retailers.

Ashiq said: “While it is disappointing that our request for help with boosting security systems in independent stores has been denied, it is pleasing to see that the Scottish government is at least offering some support in the form of the £80m support fund.

“I urge our members to contact their local council to apply for

Tom Arthur MSP

SERVICES PayPoint fee increases by 3.9%

PayPoint criticised for raising charges PayPoint will increase its service fee charge by 3.9% this month, despite opposition from the NFRN. Letters are being sent to PayPoint customers advising that, as in past years, the company has reviewed its service fee charges in line with the Retail Price Index that stood at 7.8%.

However, PayPoint says that in recognition “of the broader cost pressures for our retailer partners, we feel it would not be right or

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appropriate to apply this in full” and is raising its charge by 3.9%, absorbing any additional burden.

NFRN National President, Narinder Randhawa, said: “As each day goes by, it seems that independent retailers are being hit with one blow after another.

We are already expecting huge hikes to our energy bills from April, coupled with increases in the minimum wage and associated employer contributions and the reintroduction of business rates.

He added: “When we were first told of its plans, we thought we had made it clear that we vehemently disagreed with it. It is very disappointing, then, that PayPoint is pushing ahead with any increase at such an economically challenging time for independent retailers everywhere.”

funding from this pot as soon as possible to help them recover from the financial difficulties caused by the pandemic.”

In his reply to Ashiq, Arthur said: “I fully understand your disappointment in the decision not to support your request of the Scottish government to provide £250,000 to provide CCTV grants for independent retailers.

“As the cabinet secretary for finance said in presenting the draft 2022-23 Budget, this Budget cannot deliver the resources that all of our partners will want.

“Having already provided over £4.4bn in business support, which is almost half a billion pounds more than the funding we received from the UK Government for this purpose, there is simply no available funding within existing resources from which your request can be considered.”

Nisa and Jisp reach store milestone Nisa Retail has increased the number of stores participating in Jisp’s Scan & Save national roll-out to 54. Scan & Save’s instore digital voucher redemption system allows customers to save money on branded products by scanning barcodes with the Jisp app. Retailers also earn 2p every time a customer taps an AR voucher, along with a further 4p for every redemption.

Forecourt operators warned to be vigilant The UK has seen a 215% quarteron-quarter increase in reports of No Means of Payment and Drive Off incidents, new British Oil Security Syndicate data reveals.

The figures also show that the number of litres of unpaid fuel increased by 68% during the first week of March, compared with the first week of December.

However, the average number of litres per incident fell from 55 in December to 41 in March.

Telegraph cuts retail terms

NEW STORES

Independent retailers have

South Queensferry welcomes Spar store

reacted with dismay after the

Retailer Mohammad Akhtar has opened a new Spar store in Scotstoun Grove, South Queensferry.

The 1,000sq ft store, which was previously with Premier, has undergone a small refurbishment. The store offers customers a range of licensed products, lottery, Payzone, Rollover Hot Dogs, Tango Ice Blast, coffee, F’real, and Porrelli ice cream.

On opening day customers were able to try free samples of Spar own-label products and Tango Ice Blast. In addition, they received free goody bags, offers on a number of essential food and drink items, and had the chance to enter a prize draw with prizes including a 24” smart TV and Spar vouchers.

but ‘improved’ margins will not

Daily and Sunday Telegraph cover prices were increased, be paid until the beginning of September. Furthermore, from September the percentage terms that retailers receive for handling the publication on weekdays and Saturdays will be cut to 20%. The margin for handling the Sunday edition will remain at 20.5%.

Pandemic changed cash habits, LINK finds Half of people are using less cash than they were pre-Covid, according to new research from LINK. The research shows 25% of respondents say they are using the same amount of cash and 4% are using more. The number of consumers using cash in the past two weeks has now increased to 73%, the highest level LINK has recorded during the pandemic.

APRIL 2022 | SLR

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News LOCAL SOURCING Match-funded grants of up to £5,500 are available

Spar Scotland holds Formula 1 day Spar Scotland held a Formula 1 day for staff at its distribution centre in Dundee earlier this month. Sponsor Red Bull provided a replica Racing F1 car and racing simulator for the event. Spar Drymen’s Aaron Johnstone finished in first place, followed by Chris Mackay-Greig of the Help Desk at CJ Lang.

Jamie Duncan, who works in the CJ Lang warehouse, took the third place position.

Weekend Mail price increases welcomed DMG Media and Reach has included pro-rata percentage

Go Local grant fund opens for applications Convenience retailers in Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a match-funded Go Local grant, worth up to £5,500 per store.

The SGF Go Local project aims to support convenience stores throughout Scotland to provide dedicated, long-term display space for locally sourced Scottish products, with a focus on fresh and healthy, coupled with enhanced consumer engagement.

The project is funded by the Scottish Government and is being

delivered in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink.

Stores that took part in an initial pilot scheme saw a 40% increase in sales of local products and delivered additional local economic benefits in excess of a whopping £159,000 per store.

The programme enables stores to support local, Scottish producers, and give these businesses a vital route to market to help with the recovery and regrowth from Covid-19.

profit margins as part of price increases to their weekend titles. Saturday’s Scottish Daily Mail has moved to £1.20, with The Scottish Mail on Sunday increasing to £1.90. Retail margins have been maintained, with pence per copy sold increasing pro-rata.

Food-to-go market set for massive growth The UK food-to-go market is

SGF Chief Executive Pete Cheema commented: “The decision from the Scottish Government to fund the third phase of Go Local demonstrates a clear commitment to increasing the local supply base amongst the convenience sector in Scotland.”

The application process will be open until 31 May 2022 subject to the number of applications received. The grant is open to all Scottish convenience retailers; multi-site operators will be limited to one application per company.

Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon added: “The SGF Go Local programme has been an outstanding success to date. We are delighted that in recognition of this the Scottish Government has given its approval for the third phase to commence. It’s clear to see that convenience stores throughout Scotland are playing a key role in the economic recovery and in supporting local suppliers.”

forecast to grow by 31.8% in 2022, to a value of £21.3bn, according to the Lumina Intelligence UK Food To Go Market Report 2022. The report predicts that food-to-go channels will fully recover and exceed their 2019 pre-pandemic market value. The report also shows that convenience store grab-and-go remains the market’s largest channel, with a 28.3% share, but is losing ground to higher spend food-to-go specialists.

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY

Henderson Technology launches EDGEPoS Analytics EPOS software provider Henderson Technology has launched EDGEPoS Analytics, a tool for quick remote store analysis.

The tool provides an overview of the data from inside a store, accessible from anywhere remote through any modern browser on desktop or smart device.

EDGEPoS Analytics takes the data from the EDGEPoS back office once a day and holds up to two years of historical data for evaluation and comparison.

When the user logs in, they are presented with dashboard data which includes sales, margin, average spend, basket size, transactions, YOY comparative sales, top departments, top 10 lines, and operator stats. This is all shown in an easy-to-read, graphical format.

A reporting facility is also available on EDGEPoS Analytics, where store and site owners can generate, email and schedule reports automatically from the Analytics dashboard.

Personal cash withdrawals up despite storms Personal cash withdrawals over Post Office counters totalled £650.5m in February, up 3.2% month-on-month, despite Storms Dudley and Eunice. Business and personal cash deposits totalled £2.08bn in February, down 7% month-on-month, but up almost 40% on a year ago.

Overall, Post Offices handled £2.76bn in cash deposits and withdrawals in February.

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NEW STORES New post office replaces a branch previously operated by CJ Lang

Allanton welcomes new post office and store Postmaster Omar Nasir, who operates Motherwell Post Office, has taken on a branch in Allanton, Shotts, North Lanarkshire.

Allanton Post Office operates six days a week within a new c-store selling locally sourced products, snacks, and a soon-to-open café. Lee and Demi Bannatyne, from Allanton, are running the business and café on a day-to-day basis with their extended family.

The new post office is the first, permanent, like-forlike replacement for a branch previously operated by CJ Lang, which announced last summer its decision to close 31 counters in its stores.

The next permanent, like-for like replacement launches this month in Balintore, Ross-shire, with further replacements to be announced in the coming weeks.

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News SYMBOL GROUPS CJ Lang looks to speed up its transformation plans

Financial squeeze forcing consumers to trade-down Rising costs have led to 59% of Brits seeking greater value for money to help reduce the cost of their weekly shop, according to new data from Barclaycard.

Almost half of these shoppers (45%) are buying budget or own-brand goods over branded goods in supermarkets, while 39% are using vouchers or loyalty points to obtain discounts.

CMA unlocks electric vehicle charging market The Competition and Markets Authority has secured legally binding commitments from Gridserve, a major chargepoint operator, that will unlock competition and increase the choice of chargepoints on motorways for drivers and incentivise investment in the market. After November 2026, Gridserve won’t enforce exclusive rights in contracts that cover around two-thirds of UK

Spar Scotland starts major retailer recruitment drive Spar Scotland is embarking on a retailer recruitment drive as part of plans to grow the business and accelerate its transformation plans.

The Scottish wholesaler and convenience retailer, which recently won Symbol Group of the Year at the 2021 SLR Awards, is looking to recruit a significant number of new retailers from across the country.

The family-owned business already services more than 300 Spar stores and has a distribution network with a fleet of 55 vehicles.

The company has also appointed Jane McCulloch as Business Development Manager to support the drive.

McCulloch said: “I’ve been working in retail for 22 years having started with Asda whilst studying Retail Management at Glasgow Caledonian University. I worked for various retailers during

my career including previous time at CJ Lang where I enjoyed seven years with the family-run business.

To widen my skill set I moved on to work at United Wholesale Scotland followed by the last four years with Costcutter Supermarket Group.

“I am delighted to have returned to CJ Lang where my independent retail career started as I firmly

believe Spar are the strongest brand within the convenience sector in Scotland.”

In addition, the company now has a dedicated development team that focuses on supporting the onboarding of all new retailers, as well as taking responsibility for refurbishment projects for long, well-established Spar retailers.

motorway service areas.

RETAILERS Mohammed Issa dies aged 59

Hope for Unitas Unitas Wholesale has appointed Cheryl Hope to the newly created role of Director of Trading and Development, effective from June 2022. Hope will be responsible for several strategic projects including the development of the Group’s new Out of Home Trading Strategy.

She brings with her a wealth of experience gained in senior roles across Retail and Foodservice, most recently as Head of Trading at AF Blakemore.

Independent Spar retailers start free fruit trials Spar Scotland has supported the SGF’s Healthy Living Programme (HLP) with the roll-out of the free fruit scheme to children from five independent stores. Spar Blantyre and Spar Inchture, Spar Motherwell, Spar Scone, and Spar Kinmylies took part in the scheme. A team from HLP was at every event, when stores gave free apples, pears, and bananas to visiting children.

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SLR | APRIL 2022

1st Stop 2 Shop cofounder passes away Dundee retailer, Mohammed Issa MBE, has passed away at the age of 59.

Issa was co-founder of convenience store chain 1st Stop 2 Shop and a Bestway retailer for more than 30 years.

He was a community champion in Dundee who raised money for local and national charities. His charitable work was far-reaching – from raising funds to buy toys for sick children to assisting the elderly and most vulnerable in his community, especially within Fintry, Dundee.

Mohammed loved being a retailer as it enabled him to directly support and interact with the people of Dundee. He was awarded Dundee Citizen of the Year as well as an MBE in 2004 for his contribution to race and community relations within the city.

In a statement, his family said that they are overwhelmed with the support that has been shown.

“We are all very heartbroken and sad at Mohammed Issa’s passing, at the same time very proud of all his achievements over the years. We will be paying a fuller tribute that is deserving to him in the trade press at a later date,” they added.

Bestway commented: “We are honoured to have known Mr Issa and he will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

BUSINESS

McColl over for Miller McColl’s boss Jonathan Miller has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive and from the Board of the struggling convenience chain.

The news comes a month after McColl’s was the subject of speculation that it was looking for fresh funding to stay afloat. The rumours forced the business to release a statement confirming it remained in talks with its lenders towards a longer-term agreement and that it believed “a financing solution will be found that involves its existing partners and stakeholders”.

Pending the appointment of a new CEO, Angus Porter, currently Non-Executive Chairman of the Group, has assumed the role of Executive Chairman on a temporary basis. Karen Bird, Chief Operating Officer, has become Interim Chief Executive of the Group to manage day-to-day executive responsibilities. Giles David, Chief Financial Officer, will also assume additional responsibilities.

Miller was in post for more than 30 years and holds a significant number of shares in the company.

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EVERY DAY ACROSS THE UK THERE ARE MORE THAN 400 INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE AND ABUSE TOWARDS RETAILERS. THE COST OF CRIME TO RETAILERS IS MORE THAN £2 BILLION. THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS ACT (SCOTLAND) CAME INTO FORCE IN AUGUST 2021. IT PROVIDES IMPORTANT LEGAL PROTECTION FOR SHOP STAFF AGAINST ASSAULTS, THREATS AND ABUSE.

#dontputupwithit

FOR THE LEGISLATION TO BE EFFECTIVE RETAILERS MUST REPORT RETAIL CRIME.

Call Police Scotland: 999 or 101 or Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 Go to: www.dontputupwithit.scot

News Extra

Legislation | Display of Vaping Products

NewsExtra FASCIA FOCUS – P35 LEGISLATION New plans to move vaping products out of sight draw flak

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

Convenience Matters with the SGF For several years now SGF has managed a Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on independent convenience stores. The Group has proved to be a highly effective platform for bringing retail industry issues directly into Parliament. Our most recent meeting looked at the future of retail in the post-pandemic landscape. One issue which was discussed repeatedly was the emergence of so-called ‘Dark Stores.’

Dark Stores have appeared to exploit the big move towards on-line shopping which was one of the defining characteristics of lockdown.

As with every modern phenomenon, particularly if there is a digital aspect to it, Dark Stores have their own language. They have been described as micro-fulfilment centres, expanding the move toward omnichannel retailing, catering for the increased consumer desire – particularly from millennial demographics – for rapid, on-demand order fulfilment!

It was clear from our discussion that there need to be a debate about the challenges and opportunities these kinds of stores present to convenience retailing. Do these stores have an unfair competitive advantage; could they prevent c-stores from fully developing their own on-line offering? Both Rotterdam and Amsterdam earlier this year introduced a one-year ‘freeze’ on the development of new dark stores due to complaints from residents about reckless riders, noise, and congestion.

We are not aware of any Dark Stores currently operating in Scotland, but it seems only a matter of time until they move north. If retailers have any views about the level of risk or opportunity these stores present, please get in touch.

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SLR | APRIL 2022

Retailers urge government to rethink vaping proposals Scottish Government plans to ban the in-store display of vaping products have attracted criticism from leading retailers, who view any such move as a hindrance to the drive to make Scotland smoke-free by 2034.

Prominent retailers have spoken out against Scottish Government proposals to ban displays of vaping products in the nation’s shops.

A consultation currently underway on tightening rules around the advertising and promotion of vaping products includes a move to outlaw in-store promotional displays.

SGF President Dan Brown is among those who fear that potential new policy will not just hit retailers’ businesses but hamper the drive to make the country smoke-free by 2034.

Brown, owner of Pinkie Farm convenience store in Musselburgh, East Lothian, is supporting SGF’s stance that any such ban risks setting back the health agenda by essentially hiding a proven route for smokers to quit by switching to a less harmful alternative.

He said: “From both business and public health points of view, restricting vaping products makes absolutely no sense. These need to be visible in-store so that retailers can help customers to find the right kind of product. The marketing and the display of vapes go together to help raise awareness of these products.

“If we are serious about achieving a tobacco-free generation then we must recognise the important role vaping can play.”

In addition, former SGF President Abdul Majid – a leading store owner in Bellshill – is also urging a rethink.

He said: “Retailers are fully committed to selling vaping products in a responsible way.

“We need to be able to offer and display a wide variety of products so that customers can move away from tobacco if they want to. Customers need to know and be able to see what’s available so they can find the product that best suits them.

“Restricting vaping will mean that Scotland never makes the big leap away from tobacco.”

Another well-known store owner, Mohammed Rajak of Glasgow, added: “Sales of tobacco are falling – through health advice and pricing – and increasing numbers of customers see vaping as an option to quit.

Our sales of vapes have grown exponentially in recent years, so if we had to remove in-store promotions it would have a negative effect – on the business and in showing an alternative to smoking.

“People are realising that vapes are less harmful than cigarettes and are using them as a way to quit. We can see that from our customers who were smokers and are now vapers. I don’t think the evidence is there for a ban from a health perspective. We have a strong reputation in the community and are committed to selling vapes responsibly.”

SGF is urging retailers across the country to make their views known to the government by responding to its consultation, which closes on 28 April.

John Lee, the organisation’s Head of Public Affairs, said: “The proposal to ban the in-store promotion of vaping products is bad news for the drive to make Scotland smoke-free by 2034, as well as for businesses.

We do not believe there’s evidence for the measures proposed.

“Our members are clear in their opposition to this, for good reasons – and we are encouraging them to share their views directly with the Scottish Government.”

SGF argues that any in-store promotional displays ban flies in the face of expert views – shared in the government own consultation – that “it would be a good thing if smokers used them instead of tobacco”.

The trade body is advocating the responsible use of vapes as a tool to help smokers kick their habit, flagging the benefits that they believe they can have in the document Vape To Quit. www.slrmag.co.uk

STOCK UP NOW WITH AN

AWARD WINNING

BOTTLE OF BEEFEATER

E N J OY R E S P O N S I B LY

A VUSE FIRST TO ‘FUSION’ WITH CONVENIENCE STORES A convenience store in West London aims to inspire other independent retailers after completing a store makeover to harness the momentum of BAT’s leading vape brand, Vuse.

On January 10th, the Chiswick Convenience Store, in West London, became the first ever convenience store to undergo a transformation and become a Convenience Fusion Store.

The exciting Vuse rebrand involved a makeover to promote the presence of the brand – the first time in 20 years that owner, Ali, has altered the store’s appearance.

It’s all about raising the visibility of Vuse to new heights and supporting stores to cement customer confidence in the brand. Stand-out changes to the store include a brand-new fascia and Vuse-branded signage, canopy and window skin– all designed to put Vuse front and centre for customers.

Becoming a Convenience Fusion Store is a win-win for the owner, who keeps the essence of a local store, while also ramping up sales potential by adding the unmistakable Vuse brand look and feel.

Independent store owners across the country can now follow Ali’s lead and look to grow vape sales with the help of BAT and Vuse.

Ali’s store was selected for the store makeover

because of the high availability of Vuse products, its sales volume and the strong ongoing level of product information and robust youth access prevention for customers.

With his significant Vuse customer base, Ali is proof of the importance to customers of an independent retailer that serves their favourite products locally – where loyalty is a powerful commodity.

As the nicotine market continues to diversify, it’s likely retailers will continue to see fewer adult consumers asking for tobacco and a greater number enquiring about alternative nicotine products – driving further growth in vaping products. Vuse has continued to increase in popularity over the past year as adult consumers seek out alternatives.

BAT has invested significantly to achieve its position with Vuse. The transition from Vype to Vuse was the next stage on its vaping journey, taking the best of both products to build a global brand that vapers can relate to anywhere in the world.

The Chiswick store makeover has put it firmly in line to benefit from the increased popularity of Vuse with the potential to grow sales. Now it’s over to other independent retailers to seize the opportunity to raise awareness of Vuse with a powerful and impactful in-store experience for their consumers.

After

Before

BAT is proud to have made such a strong statement with Vuse and grateful to Ali, his staff and the wider team effort that has made it possible to introduce the UK’s first Convenience Fusion Store.

This is just the beginning. Vuse is continuously adapting and expanding – so look out for more promotional events in the coming weeks and months.

On top of the store initiative, independent retailers can continue to benefit from a range of promotions and discounts. Please contact your BAT sales representative and use BAT’s rewards platform, My BAT Rewards, to keep themselves and their teams up to date with the latest offers.

Ali, Owner of Chiswick Convenience Store “My family and I have had the Convenience Store in Chiswick for 18 years. During this time the shop has served the community with a wide range of convenience products.

My shop has a rich heritage of convenience that goes back to the 1930’s, I’ve been told.

During our time here we’ve adapted to many changes over the years with consumer demands to remain integrated within the local community and their needs.

Vaping as a category has grown so much and has now become a large part of convenience. I recognise Vuse as a leading brand with vape and I have built a good relationship with my BAT Reps.”

This product contains nicotine and is addictive.

For adult nicotine consumers only. For trade use only.

Comment

CHECK IT OUT We’re delighted to officially announce the launch of GroceryAid Scotland’s exciting new music event in this issue of SLR. Held on September 1st, Checkout will be a fantastic opportunity for the industry in Scotland to come together, have a really enjoyable day and, critically, to raise awareness of GroceryAid and the amazing work it does for industry colleagues in need of a little help.

Having served on the GroceryAid Scotland committee for many years, it’s fair to say that awareness levels of GroceryAid and the support it can offer are particularly low in Scotland, especially in the local retailing sector. For a range of historic reasons, GroceryAid has been seen largely as a southern-based charity and one that focuses predominantly on the grocery channel. The fact is that GroceryAid supports everyone in the food and drink retail sector and supply chain and that very much includes convenience retailers and their teams and families.

The charity is also very active in Scotland and supports many colleagues in Scotland who have fallen on tough times. After the last couple of years, it’s no surprise that the number of people seeking emotional and financial support from GroceryAid has skyrocketed - which is why it’s so important to get behind this new Checkout celebration.

Most pressingly, Checkout will help raise awareness of the charity and I would urge you to make sure that all your colleagues are aware of the support that’s available if they need it. There’s no shame in needing a little help now and again. We all do.

And besides helping raise awareness and being a fantastic day out, the Scottish committee is also hoping to raise some much-needed funds that will then be used to support industry colleagues in need in Scotland.

So what is Checkout? It’s a musical celebration of our entire industry and it’s a great opportunity to have a day away from the store, possibly with a few colleagues. We are on course to have up to 800 attendees and the committee is currently busy working on securing what we are sure will be an exciting lineup of acts.

Why not buy a few tickets now and secure your place? Bring some colleagues along and treat to them to a well-earned day off. It promises to be a cracking day and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.

Visit the GroceryAid website – groceryaid.org.uk – to book your tickets.

EDITORIAL Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley 0141 222 5380 | abegley@55north.com Web Editor Findlay Stein 0141 222 5389 | fstein@55north.com Editorial Contributor Karen Peattie

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Director Helen Lyons 07575 959 915 | hlyons@55north.com Advertising Manager Robert Aitken 0141 222 5302 | raitken@55north.com

DESIGN Design & Digital Manager Richard Chaudhry 0141 222 5388 | rchaudhry@55north.com

EVENTS Events & Operations Manager Kirsty McDowall 0141 222 5383 | kmcdowall@55north.com

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Circulation Manager Cara Begley 0141 222 5381 | cbegley@55north.com Scottish Local Retailer is distributed free to qualifying readers. For a registration card, call 0141 222 5381. Other readers can obtain copies by annual subscription at £50 (UK), £62 (Europe airmail), £99 (Worldwide airmail).

55 North Ltd, Waterloo Chambers, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6AY Tel: 0141 22 22 100 Fax: 0141 22 22 177 Website: www.55north.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/slrmag DISCLAIMER The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of 55 North Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher.

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All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endevoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change.

This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

Scottish Local Retailer is produced monthly by 55 North Ltd.

© 55 North Ltd. 2021 ISSN 1740-2409.

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Cover Story

Checkout Scotland launch

CHECK IT OUT Checkout Scotland offers industry colleagues a day of live music, DJs, food and fun – and promises to raise awareness of GroceryAid’s work north of the border to an entirely new level.

1ST SEPTEMBER GLASGOW TICKETS ONLY

£60

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: PETER.STEEL@GROCERYAID.ORG.UK 18

SLR | APRIL 2022

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Checkout Scotland launch

G

roceryAid Scotland has announced the launch of what will be the largest event in the Scottish local retailing sector this year with a new musicbased celebration in September.

Checkout Scotland will be a musical celebration of our industry and a unique opportunity for the trade to gather and recognise their colleagues’ efforts during the Covid crisis while supporting our industry charity.

Due to be held on the 1st September in Glasgow, the event will see upwards of 700 convenience and grocery industry colleagues gather for a day of live music, DJs, food and fun.

Checkout Scotland will celebrate an industry that has shone during the pandemic, serving communities across the country with passion and energy. Critically, the event will also help raise awareness of the GroceryAid charity and the life-changing work it does for industry colleagues in need of a little help.

VITAL HELP Having served on the GroceryAid Scotland committee for many years myself, it’s fair to say that awareness levels of GroceryAid and the support it can offer are particularly low in Scotland, especially in the local retailing sector.

For a range of historic reasons, GroceryAid has been viewed by local retailers in Scotland as a southern-based charity that focuses predominantly on the grocery channel.

The fact is that GroceryAid supports everyone in the food and drink retail sector and supply chain and that very much includes convenience retailers and their teams and families.

The charity is also very active in Scotland and supports many colleagues in Scotland who have fallen on tough times. After the last couple of years, it’s no surprise that the number of people seeking emotional and financial support from GroceryAid has skyrocketed – which is why it’s so important to get behind this new Checkout Scotland celebration.

I would urge you to make sure that all your colleagues are aware of the support that’s available if they need it. There’s no shame in needing a little help now and again. We all do.

And besides helping raise awareness and being a fantastic day out, the Scottish committee

is also hoping to raise some much-needed funds that will then be used to support even more industry colleagues in need in Scotland.

MUSICAL SPECTACULAR So what exactly is Checkout Scotland? Well, it’s a musical celebration of our entire industry and it’s a great opportunity to have a day away from the store, possibly with a few colleagues.

The Scottish committee is currently busy working on securing what we are sure will be an exciting line-up of acts including live bands and performers, DJs and more – all with a strong Scottish theme.

The event is being managed by Alasdair Fowle, former Head of Partnerships and Events at the Co-op. There he pioneered some of the largest partnerships and events in UK retail including Co-op Live, which will be the UK’s largest music arena opening in December 2023.

He also helped organise nine music festival partnerships with festivals such as Glastonbury, Leeds and Reading. He even helped open a Coop store on Coronation Street!

Producers and suppliers have already been exceptionally supportive with AG Barr already confirmed as Headline Sponsor and Tennent’s signed up as Main Bar Sponsor. Several other major sponsors have also confirmed including BrewDog, Snappy Shopper, Highland Spring, Warburtons, Bobby’s Foods and JW Filshill.

Many more sponsors will be announced in the near future, and many of the available tickets have already been sold – so if you want to join us for an outstanding day, book your tickets now.

REVITALISED CHARITY The GroceryAid charity has been revitalised beyond recognition in the last few years under Chief Executive Steve Barnes, who has breathed new life and energy into the charity and made it relevant, effective and driven in a very short space of time.

Credit for the revitalisation of GroceryAid Scotland must go to Joint Chairs Peter Steel, ex-McCurrach, and Jim Harper of One O One Convenience Stores. Similarly, they have reinvented the Scottish Committee, bringing on around 25 new Committee members from across the convenience retailing and grocery

Cover Story

channels in Scotland and driving new events, new initiatives and record-breaking fundraising achievements.

Checkout Scotland, however, promises to take GroceryAid Scotland to an entirely new level in terms of awareness. It’s more important than ever that as many of our industry colleagues as possible are aware of the invaluable emotional and financial support available to them should they fall on tough times. Checkout Scotland will go a long way to giving GroceryAid Scotland the profile and awareness it needs if it is to help as many colleagues in Scotland as possible.

Peter Steel commented: “The initial response from the trade has been simply fantastic. We have already signed up a brilliant list of partners for the event and all in a very short space of time. We have had support from all corners of the industry and that’s a reflection of how committed our industry is to helping us help our colleagues who need a little support. I’d like to thank all the businesses who have already signed up as well as the entire Scottish committee who give their time so generously to the charity and finally the central team at GroceryAid who have backed us all the way.”

Jim Harper added: “We have a wonderful committee of volunteers representing over 20 businesses across the Scottish trade. Our main aim is to spread awareness of the support the charity offers to all colleagues in the industry, whether that is the free confidential helpline or the provision of financial support in the form of one-off non-repayable grants.

“The need for the support that GroceryAid offers has never been greater following the Covid crisis and the more recent increases in the cost of living. We know that there are too many colleagues working in the trade who are not aware of all the help they can access. We want to change that by really generating some noise this year and Checkout Scotland is a key element of our plan.”

Checkout Scotland promises to be a day like there’s never been for our industry in Scotland so why not buy a few tickets now and secure your place? Bring some colleagues along and treat to them to a well-earned day off.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.

BOOK TICKETS AT: GROCERYAID.ORG.UK/EVENTS/CHECKOUT-SCOTLAND/ www.slrmag.co.uk

APRIL 2022 | SLR

19

News

Products

EG Group makes scents Euro Garages has launched a range of car scents developed in collaboration with perfumier Ayesha Ziya. A year-long market research and creative development phase has resulted in six fragrances, including Signature Oud, After Midnight, Black Velvet Oud, Forget Me Not, Forbidden Forrest, and Miami.

The range is exclusively available from all of EG Group’s 380 sites across the UK, retailing at £2.49.

Get cracking over free range eggs, retailers urged The British Egg Industry Council is advising retailers and wholesalers who sell free range eggs to display information in store and online to explain that free range eggs have been temporarily reclassified as barn eggs. This follows the continued housing of free range hens to protect them from the

ProductNews SMOKING-HOT TOBACCO SALES – P38 SNACKS News rules in England prompt move from snacking giant

KP reformulates top brands KP Snacks is to reformulate its Tyrrells, popchips, Hula Hoops Puft and Penn State brands ahead of the introduction of new HFSS legislation in England which comes into effect in October.

The Tyrrells Lightly Sea Salted flavour, the number one SKU in the range, is being reformulated and will be available as non-HFSS in both sharing, multipack and singles formats from May. In addition, a phased roll-out will see the entire popchips range reformulated ahead of October.

The non-HFSS Hula Hoops Puft range, consisting of Beef, Salt and

Salt & Vinegar flavours, will be available in stores by the end of June.

Penn State flavour Sour Cream & Chive Pretzels will be non-HFSS by May, joining an already launched new non-HFSS Roasted Chilli Pretzels variant.

By the time the new legislation is introduced, a quarter of the KP Snacks portfolio will be non-HFSS. Andy Riddle, Sales Director at KP Snacks, said: “We are confident that our portfolio will continue to delight and excite consumers as well as drive retailer sales.”

risk of avian influenza (bird flu). Retailers can access more information and point of sale at www.freerangeinfo.com.

Starbucks RTDs Starbucks has added a new multiserve format to its readyto-drink coffee range. Two flavours, Caffè Latte and Caramel Macchiato, are available to convenience retailers now in fully recyclable 750ml packs with an RSP of £3.50. Both are made from 100% Arabica coffee beans and can be enjoyed alone or shared. The launch seeks to capitalise on the rapid growth of the RTD Coffee category.

Hancocks cracks Easter Hancock’s has extended its pick & mix range to offer etailers the alternatives to chocolate eggs this Easter. The range includes Happy Flowers, Bunnies, Rabbit Heads, Giant Fried Eggs, and Marshmallow Butterflies and Flowers. Other top sellers include Glisten Mini Eggs, Easter Chicks and Gourmet Jelly Beans.

The confectionery wholesaler’s vegan range includes BUBs Egg

SPORTS & ENERGY

CONFECTIONERY

Red Bull has unveiled a new on-pack promotion to promote the Oracle Red Bull Racing team’s launch of an internship programme.

Designed to break down any pre-conceived barriers of entry into the motorsport world, the ‘Join The Team’ programme aims to demonstrate that people from all walks of life can work within F1.

Six new three-month internships will run over the course of the summer and will see interns gain experience in esports/gaming; communications; operations; fan engagement; partnerships; Red Bull relations and hospitality.

To promote the scheme, special edition Red Bull cans include a QR code that lets consumers start the application process.

To further support retailers, the launch is bolstered by “impactful marketing investment” and point of sale material.

Several resources will help educate and assist applicants in their ability to gain employment. These include the Red Bull Wingfinder, a personality assessment tool designed to provide guidance around which career path an individual should consider.

There is also a dedicated website (redbull.co.uk/ jointheteam) offering useful tips and tricks to help aid progression in the motorsport industry.

Bonds has launched a new app allowing retailers to buy its confectionery from their smartphones.

The app – along with a brand-new website – offers all the deals retailers get from their Bonds representative, with hundreds of lines available.

Orders can be placed at any time of day and delivered free of charge within 48 hours. The minimum order is 10 cases.

To use both the app and the website, retailers are advised to contact their Bonds representative to get a unique log in, which will allow them to place orders instantly.

Both the app and website allow retailers to shop from a selection of brands including Bonds of London. Both also offer an extensive range of American candy.

Red Bull invites shoppers to ‘Join The Team’

Bonds unveils new app and website

Skulls, a fruity foam sweet in the shape of a hatching egg.

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Products

News

Nimble move Former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King has become an advisor to sustainable cleaning products producer Nimble, following an investment in the London-based

CONFECTIONERY £10,000 up for grabs in new promotion

‘Own It’ with Trebor

business which was founded in

Trebor is encouraging shoppers to ‘Own It’ in 2022 by giving them the chance to win £10,000 in cash, as well as hundreds of confidenceboosting prizes.

The Own It campaign will give winning consumers prizes that help them feel prepared and ready to face whatever stands in front of them.

As well as the £10,000 jackpot, other winners will get the chance to reward themselves with their own personal stylist or private shopping experience, their own personal trainer or nutritionist, or their own business coach or office space, among a host of prizes.

£200,000 through Crowdcube to

To win, shoppers simply need to pick up a Trebor multipack or single pack, enter their contact details and barcode on the pack at Trebor.co.uk and follow the instructions on the site.

There they will find out instantly if they’ve won one of the confidence-boosting prizes and be entered into the £10,000 prize draw.

The promotion runs throughout the year, supported by a £1.6m marketing spend that includes social, digital and out-of-home advertising, as well as a suite of POS support for retailers.

Trebor Brand Manager Nancy Moore, commented: “We want to

give our consumers the confidence and opportunity to take on the world – however they want to do that. The ‘Own It’ campaign is designed to ensure that by buying their favourite mints brand, they are ready to do this.

“Trebor is the brand leader in the mints category and, as always in an impulse category such as this, ensuring that promotions are as visible as possible to shoppers is key.”

For more details on the ‘Own It’ promotion or on how to drive mint sales, retailers can visit the Mondelez trade website deliciousdisplay.co.uk.

2015 by former Unilever R&D boffin Von Sy. His appointment comes as Nimble seeks to raise scale up the business and invest in further product development.

King already advises home delivery business Snappy Group.

Border bids for top spot Border Biscuits has unveiled a new positioning and brand identity, new packaging formats and three new products. The new look and feel is part of a new strategy to make the brand the UK’s number one ‘accessible premium’ biscuit. The refresh will be supported with a £5 million brand investment. New Dark Chocolate Orange Bar, Dark Chocolate Orange Biscuit

SPORTS & ENERGY Britvic brand cuts sugar

Rockstar makes bestsellers HFSS compliant

Rockstar is reducing the sugar content across its core range of energy drinks, making its six bestsellers HFSS compliant.

The updated Rockstar core range – with less than 4.5g of sugar per 100ml – started rolling out last month in both plain and price-marked packs, with a disruptive out-of-home advertising and social campaign for the brand following in June.

The flavours available include Original, Punched Tropical Guava, XDurance Blueberry Pomegranate Acai, Juiced El Mango, Juiced Tropical Punch, Juiced Tropical Orange Passion Fruit – alongside Original No Sugar and Punched Sour Bubbleburst, which already fall under the HFSS restrictions.

Phil Sanders, out-of-home Commercial Director at Britvic, said: “When it comes to energy drinks, 44% of non-buyers state the reason they don’t buy into the category is that they contain too much sugar. Through this move, we are aiming to encourage continued growth within the category by energising those health-conscious consumers and meeting even more energy needs.”

Sanders continued: “We want to show our support for convenience retailers of all store sizes by directly responding to the needs of their shoppers who can now enjoy lowersugar versions of the drinks they know and love, without having to compromise on taste.”

SOFT DRINKS

Ribena and Hasbro let the good times roll Ribena has launched an updated promotion with games manufacturer Hasbro.

Running until the end of May, the on-pack promotion gives shoppers the chance to win one of 10,000 limited-edition Ribena Mini Monopoly boards, as well as thousands of other prizes across Hasbro’s classic games, including Cluedo, Battleship and Jenga.

For a chance to win, shoppers simply purchase any promotional pack – including 2-ltr Ribena Sparkling Blackcurrant, 1.5-ltr, 850ml or 600ml Ribena Squash in Blackcurrant and Blackcurrant No Added Sugar or 850ml Ribena Squash in Strawberry – and scan the QR code on the collar of the bottle to enter.

Promotional point-ofsale material is available to make the competition unmissable in-store.

and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Biscuit are all available now.

Portuguese push Trade association Portugal Foods has launched ‘Do you know me?’

– a new campaign to promote the country’s gourmet foods across Europe. As part of the campaign, a variety of products were sent to buyers, including fish conserves, oils and vinegars, sauces and condiments, ready meals, rice dishes and pastas, confectionery and sweets, marmalades and jams, nuts and snacks, coffees, waters and seaweed.

Vegan Easter Moo Free, a free-from, vegan chocolate specialist, has launched two new eggs for the convenience channel. The White Bunnycomb Crunch Easter Egg (185g, RSP £5.99) comes with a white bunnycomb crunch bar coated in white chocolate. The Moofreesas Organic Easter Egg (185g, RSP £5.99) includes a hollow chocolate Easter Egg and a bag of the newly launched Moofreesas malt balls. Both are available from Hancocks.

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APRIL 2022 | SLR

21

News

Off-Trade

Rum do in Strathaven Old Mother Hunt, a Strathavenbased specialist producer of small batches of spiced rums,

Off-TradeNews GET SET FOR SUMMER – P46

has successfully launched with help from Business Gateway.

GIN Diageo unveils latest its latest Gordon’s flavoured variant

Gordon’s launches passionfruit flavour

Founded by husband and wife team Matt and Becky Hunt, the business offers a core range of golden, silver and spiced rums alongside special limitededitions, all made using only allnatural ingredients. Retailers can

Diageo has unveiled new Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin (37.5% ABV).

A tropical twist on the original recipe, the new variant launched in Morrisons and Asda in March ahead of a wider roll-out from early April.

It is available in a 70cl format with a £16.50 RSP in both plain and pricemarked packs.

The launch will be supported by a £700,000 marketing campaign, including broadcast and digital advertising, as well as social media and consumer activations.

email becky@oldmotherhunt. co.uk for stock enquiries.

NZ winemakers welcome UK Free Trade Agreement New Zealand Winegrowers has welcomed the announcement that New Zealand has signed a free trade deal with the United Kingdom. The UK is New Zealand’s second-largest export market for wine, with exports valued at over $400m over the past 12 months. The agreement will help remove technical

Jessica Lace, Head of Gordon’s GB, commented: “Following the success of Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin, this new innovation will continue to engage the interest of gin drinkers as well as recruit a new audience into the category. Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin exudes passionfruit to perfection and is a fantastic option for people seeking new ways to enjoy their favourite G&T.” Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin joins existing variants Premium Pink Distilled Gin, Sicilian Lemon Distilled Gin, Mediterranean Orange Distilled Gin and White Peach Distilled Gin.

barriers to trade, and minimise burdens from certification and labelling requirements.

Carbon labelling first for hard seltzer brand Served says it has become the world’s first carbon negative hard seltzer brand to introduce carbon footprint labelling. New labels display the carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), a value which converts the varying effects of different gases into the equivalent amount of CO2 it would take to create the same greenhouse effect. Served’s hard seltzers have a footprint of 0.42kg CO2e or less.

Guinness puts more back in than it takes out Guinness has launched a three-year-long regenerative agriculture pilot programme in Ireland. Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that works in harmony with the natural environment to put back more than it takes out. The farm-based programme intends to highlight opportunities for

FRUIT CIDERS

Rekorderlig unveils on-trend Blood Orange Cider Swedish cider brand Rekorderlig has added a new variant to its lineup to tap into the next big flavour trend – blood orange.

Rekorderlig Blood Orange Cider, which is available now from Booker in 500ml bottles, blends cider with blood oranges and pure Swedish spring water to create a refreshing cider that aims to appeal to traditional cider drinkers and attract more consumers to the category as summer approaches. It is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

The new flavour will be supported as part of a multi-million-pound Rekorderlig brand campaign, which will include paid media, summer experiential activity, sampling and influencer activity, as well as point-of-sale activations.

GIN

Whitley Neill introduces new Oriental Spiced

Premium gin brand Whitley Neill has announced the launch of a new Oriental Spiced variant.

Whitley Neil Oriental Spiced Gin (ABV 43%) is available to order now. It has an RSP of £26.

The distinctive white bottle boasts detailed imagery of the exotic botanicals and spices (including coriander, turmeric, ginger, chilli, cumin, grains of paradise, saffron and star anise), that give the gin its flavour.

The launch has been inspired by the brand’s founder Johnny Neill’s travels to the Indian subcontinent in the late 1990s and is distilled with a focus on the exotic flavours and aromas of Asia.

reducing the carbon emissions of barley production.

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Off-Trade

News

Blooming women To mark last month’s International Women’s Day (8 March), Quintessential Brands has launched a set of limitededition bottles of Bloom Gin,

BEER Get ready for ‘the biggest innovation this decade’

Heineken Silver seeks to shake up drinks industry Heineken says it is set to reinvigorate the lager category for Gen Y and Gen Z drinkers with the launch of Heineken Silver, “the biggest innovation in the European drinks industry this decade”.

Heineken Silver (4% ABV) is brewed at -1°C for a crisp flavour and subtle finish using pure malt and sustainably farmed barley.

Its low bitterness offers a lighter drinking profile.

The launch is supported with a £20m campaign across the onand off-trades that seeks to build affinity for the brand among Gen Y and Gen Z consumers.

Heineken Silver is available in 4x330ml bottles (RSP £4.50), 12x330ml bottles (RSP £12) and 6x330ml slim-line cans (RSP £5.50). The range offers a premium and modern packaging design, with messaging that promotes

featuring exclusive artwork by female illustrator Lainey Molnar.

Available with an RSP of £25, the designs aim to showcase female togetherness and empowerment and are available on two of the brand’s Bloom Original London Dry Gin and Bloom Passionfruit & Vanilla Blossom Gin.

Heineken Silver’s extra refreshing taste credentials to shoppers.

It launches in response to changing drinker demands and needs, and with the hope of unlocking £315m in sales. While the lager category has grown +34% since 2019, sales among Gen Z and Y drinkers have declined by 2% and penetration amongst 18 to 24-yearolds has halved over the last seven years.

Brothers cooks up Cherry Bakewell flavour Brothers Cider is expanding its range with the addition of a new Cherry Bakewell variant. Full of cherry flavours with a hint of frangipane, Brothers Cherry Bakewell will be available in 330ml and 500ml bottles at 4.0% ABV. It is also vegan friendly and gluten free. Brothers said the new flavour “feels relevant and is one that will land well with our

LIQUEURS Sweet-toothed tipplers targeted

New vodka liqueur range inspired by pub desserts

The Real English Drinks Distillery has launched Pud, a range of vodka liqueurs inspired by desserts sold in its red.h pubrestaurant chain.

There six-strong range includes Lemon Meringue, Sticky Toffee, Apple Crumble, Chocolate Brownie, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Cheesecake flavours.

Pud (ABV 28%) is available now in 70cl bottles with an RSP of £24.99.

Real English Drinks’ Group Chairman and Master Distiller Neil Patterson said its house Toffee Vodka is often enjoyed by diners who don’t want dessert but still fancy something sweet. He added: “Having stumbled upon this insight, we set out to not only create a ‘specials board’ range of shots to choose from, but to also make them available for retailers to buy and offer to their customers dining at home.”

The company’s Senior Commercial Manager Kate Harding commented: “Pud is the perfect post-meal ‘sweet sign-off ’ and could be incremental to the flavoured vodka category.”

For more information or to place an order, please contact kate.harding@reddistillery.co.uk or telephone 07545 868050.

TEQUILA

Dead Man’s Fingers grasps tequila opportunity Halewood Artisanal Spirits has expanded its Dead Man’s Fingers range with the launch of a new Tequila Reposado, available from Booker with an RSP of £22.

The move marks the brand’s debut in the Tequila category, with a Reposado liquid which has been aged in bourbon barrels to create rounded notes of vanilla and honey.

Rachel Adams, the brand’s Global Marketing Manager, commented: “It’s a really exciting time to be entering such a vibrant category with our Dead Man’s Fingers Reposado.”

audience.”

Echo Falls unveils latest on-trend Fruit Fusion Echo Falls has added a refreshing summer-inspired variety to its Fruit Fusion sparkling range. Passion Fruit and Sicilian Lemon Sparkling Fruit Fusion (ABV 5.5%, RSP £5.50) is available now. The launch is supported by in-store advertising and digital activity, to build further awareness and excitement around the brand.

Echo Falls’ latest campaign, ‘Phone on Silent, Girls on Loud,’ will continue to run throughout the summer months.

Heineken launches Strongbow Ultra Dark Fruit Heineken UK has launched Strongbow Ultra Dark Fruit, a 4% ABV fruity cider at 95 kcals per slimline can, which is available now. It rolls out in single 330ml cans and packs of four and 10.

The launch is backed by a £12m marketing campaign covering digital, television ads and pointof-sale, as well as a 500,000 mini sampling can campaign.

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APRIL 2022 | SLR

23

Inside Business

SLR Awards 2022 | Entry Top Tips

IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE! The SLR Awards 2022 mark the 20th anniversary of the Awards, and we are delighted to be back with a face-to-face event for the first time since 2019. To help you give yourself the best possible chance of making the shortlist, here are some useful top tips.

T

his is a very special year for the SLR Awards, marking as it does the 20th anniversary of the Awards. With a face-to-face event back on the cards, it’s looking set to be a highlight of the year – and we want as many of you as possible to be with us on 7 September.

Being shortlisted or winning an award can have a massively beneficial effect on your store, your team and your customers. Even entering the Awards in the first place can benefit you: it forces you to take a step back and see your store through the eyes of your shoppers. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily challenges of running the store and lose sight of what’s right in front

of your eyes. Taking a deep breath and casting an objective eye over every aspect of your store will help you figure out what you’re getting right as well as spotting where there is room for improvement.

The one thing that most multi-awardwinning retailers have in common is that they treat regularly entering awards as a key way of keeping their store in great shape all year round.

By constantly taking a fresh look at their store these retailers make sure that standards are maintained and improved, and that the business is always making progress.

To help you prepare this year’s entries, we’ve compiled some helpful hints and tips...

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

ENTER AT SLRAWARDS.COM 24

SLR | APRIL 2022

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Entry Top Tips | SLR Awards 2022

1 PLAN AHEAD!

Inside Business

2 TAKE A DEEP BREATH!

3 FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES!

Q When you’ve decided to put together an entry, it’s tempting to just get stuck in straight away – but don’t!

Q Take a deep breath and read the entry form carefully. It’s vital you know what the judges are expecting before you put pen to paper. Be sure to read and fully understand every question.

Q Always try to provide precise answers to every question on the form – and resist the temptation to miss any questions.

Try also to avoid including information that doesn’t add anything useful or informative to your entry.

Q The best place to start is to focus on areas of your store that you feel you have made good progress with over the last year.

Q It’s tempting to enter as many categories as possible but that can be counterproductive. It’s quality not quantity that matters here. It’s better to focus on the awards categories where you genuinely feel you’ve made progress in the last 12 months.

4 BE CONCISE!

5 BE PRECISE!

Q Nothing puts judges off more than pages and pages of text that they have to wade through, so keep it short and to the point.

Q Try to provide only information that is relevant and try to avoid including data that you find interesting but the judges might not. If the point you’re making doesn’t add to your entry, it’s perhaps best to ditch it.

Q Try to structure your entry one point at a time with one point leading neatly and logically to the next. Show the judges you understand your business.

Q Judging panels are looking for hard facts and specifics, not generalisations, to help them sift out the stronger entries.

Q Try to avoid vague statements like ‘sales rose’. Instead, make it clear that ‘sales increased by 13.2%,’ for instance.

Q Similarly, try to give precise financial information. If you are not prepared to give specifics (‘sales rose by £2,800 per week’), then provide percentage figures (‘sales rose by 14.7%’).

Q Avoid statements you can’t back up.

This might include things like ‘my shoppers are much happier’ unless you provide a testimonial statement.

6 …BUT DON’T MISS ANYTHING OUT!

7 INCLUDE VISUALS!

8 DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

9 IF YOU DO IT, DO IT RIGHT!

Q A picture is worth a thousand words so make sure to include good quality photos that highlight your entry and add energy and colour to your submission.

Q With cameras on every smartphone, there’s no excuse for not providing good quality photos to illustrate entries.

Q Critically, only send photos of what you are discussing in your entry. If photos don’t relate to the specific entry at hand, it’s perhaps best to leave them out.

Q It’s increasingly common to submit video footage, so that may be an exciting option to really bring your entry to life.

Q You can really get an edge on the competition by doing some research.

Look at past winners and see why they won to help inspire you.

Q Don’t be afraid to flatter sponsors by mentioning them by name in your entry and including their products in your photos!

Q If you’re going to take the time to enter awards then do it enthusiastically and well. It takes time to build a good entry so if you commit to entering then commit to making it the best entry it can be.

Q Judges can easily spot a hastily prepared entry and will be able to dismiss your entry quickly if you didn’t fully commit to the process.

Q Take half an hour and sit down and plan the categories that you intend to enter in 2022.

Q Then you can give yourself enough time before the entry deadline to compile everything you need for a set of strong entries.

Q Once you’ve decided, add some deadlines into your calendar now, whether that’s on your phone, your computer or on a traditional desk or wall calendar.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Q While it’s vital to be concise, it’s also important that you don’t submit an incomplete entry.

Q Answer all questions and provide all supplementary evidence requested, even if you’re not sure it’s important.

Q Include photographs and supplementary evidence such as Epos data.

APRIL 2022 | SLR

25

ENT ER NO W! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!

ENTR IES NOW OPEN LIVE EV ENT :

7 S EPT 2022 R ADIS SON, GLASGOW

TO ENTER, VISIT SLRAWARDS.COM

ENTRY DEADLINE

2 0 MAY 2 022

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

56 Degree Insight | Research

Inside Business

THE HEALTH FACTOR Growing consumer demand for healthier food options provides opportunities for local retailers to attract new customers and increase spend.

BY DUNCAN STEWART

T

he coronavirus pandemic has driven many changes in shopper behaviours during the last two years, some of which have proven to be temporary whilst others appear to be here for longer.

However, during this period we have also seen an acceleration of several consumer trends which were already emerging before the first lockdown. One of the most notable of these is the growing demand for healthier options amongst Scottish shoppers.

Late last year, 56 Degree Insight undertook a nationally representative survey of the Scottish population (1,000 adults) on behalf of the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards, and this has unearthed more insight about this trend and provided some possible opportunities for convenience stores to capitalise on this area of growth.

The survey found that just over half of the population (55%) consider a healthy diet to be extremely or very important, and they try to eat healthy food all or most of the time. Notably consumers in the most affluent AB socio-economic groups were almost twice as likely than those in the least affluent DE groups to hold this opinion.

The growing importance of health during recent years is significant: the survey found that three in five felt that eating healthily had become more important to them, with people aged 18-34 the most likely to say that this was the case.

Furthermore, when we asked participants which factors influenced their decisions when grocery shopping (including reference to food miles, sustainability, provenance and packaging), ‘avoiding unhealthy options’ was most likely to be rated as important (ranking first equal alongside ‘minimal plastic and recyclable packaging’).

But the importance of ‘health’ in decision-making is also clear when it comes to packaging and labelling: over two-thirds of customers (68%) want to see clear health information on products labels (only ‘clear listing of the product’s ingredients’ ranked higher).

How can Scotland’s convenience stores make the most of this desire for healthy foods? When asked what might drive greater footfall in our local convenience stores, two elements emerged as most important to potential customers – more competitive prices (56%) and better product ranges (42%). For convenience stores thinking about how to meet that growing demand for a better range of products, it is clear that stocking products which are aimed at health-conscious consumers could provide some opportunities to drive up business.

So, the evidence is clear: the availability of healthier options is increasingly important to a growing proportion of Scottish grocery shoppers. And the survey findings demonstrate that there are clear opportunities for both producers and the convenience store sector to make the most of these trends.

“Three in five respondents felt that eating healthily had become more important to them, with people aged 18-34 the most likely to say that this was the case.”

Duncan Stewart is Managing Partner of Edinburgh-based research and insight specialists 56 Degree Insight, the official research partners of the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards. www.slrmag.co.uk

APRIL 2022 | SLR

27

Advertising Feature

Tayto Group

GOLDEN WONDER IS CELEBRATING…

SO GET THE CRISPS IN!!

This year, Golden Wonder is celebrating 75 years as a much-loved British snacking icon.

F

ounded by baker William Alexander in Stockbridge, Edinburgh in 1947, it’s been an unforgettable family favourite ever since.

Matt Smith, Marketing Director at Tayto Group (owners of Golden Wonder) says: “We really felt 75 years of delivering fully-flavoured crisps and snacks is a major milestone worth celebrating – particularly in Scotland where the brand was born.

We wanted our devoted consumers to be part of the celebration by giving them just what they want – their favourite flavours in packs that bring back wonderful memories – as well as offering them the opportunity to create some new memories.”

Flavour is at the heart of this year’s anniversary celebrations. Loyal fans recently voted to bring back their all-time favourite flavours. Beef & Onion and Chip Shop Curry will return to the Golden Wonder range this month, initially on a limited edition run, in classic 1970s packs.

Cheese & Onion, Golden Wonder’s flagship flavour which launched in 1962, will also join this heritage range in impulse pack and six-pack multipack formats. Both formats feature an on-pack promotion to win one of 75 experience vouchers. And there’s also 10% off at experiencedays.co.uk for every entrant.

The on-pack promotion is also running across Golden Wonder’s recently launched £1 crisps range which is performing ahead of expectations.

Golden Wonder’s big anniversary comes at a time of resurgence for the brand – particularly in Scotland.

Over one-third of Golden Wonder’s total sales are in Scotland – where they over-trade in symbols and independents.

Matt shares the secret to 75 years of success for the much-loved brand: “Our fans say, ‘I buy Golden Wonder because it tastes better, the flavours are stronger, they are unique.’ The fact we’re still here 75 years after we started is a testament to us making brilliant products. It’s all about flavour for us – we won’t put our names to anything that doesn’t taste great!”

“And we have no plans of stopping! So here’s to another 75 years – or more – of fully-flavoured crisps and snacks with more punch per crunch!”

The promotional packs are available now and the campaign is being promoted across social, digital and trade channels throughout 2022.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.GOLDENWONDER.COM/75

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE PARTY – STOCK UP NOW! 28

SLR | APRIL 2022

www.slrmag.co.uk

ER

RS A

N

•1947-2022•

E

WO

D

FUL

Y

WE’RE CELEBRATING SO GET THE CRISPS IN!

LOOK OUT FOR OUR EXCITING ON-PACK PROMOTION supported by social, digital and trade activity

DON’T MISS THE SALES & PROFITS PARTY

STOCK UP NOW!

Hotlines

Product News & Media Watch

Tango Editions Britvic This new sugar-free, rotational flavour series aims to drive excitement with “bold flavours, bold liquids and bold pack designs”. The first edition – peach and raspberryflavoured Berry Peachy – is available in 330ml cans, 500ml and 2-litre bottles as well as multipacks.

The launch will be supported through digital and social communications, and in-store activity across retailers in out-of-home, convenience and wholesale.

Robinsons Ready To Drink Blackberry & Blueberry Britvic The latest addition to the ‘Ready to Drink’ range contains no added sugar and joins Raspberry & Apple and Peach & Mango variants. The range is available in cases of 12 x 500ml and 24 x 500ml packs (£1 RSP). Packs. price-marked at £1 are also available.

The launch is supported by digital advertising and in-store activation.

Rubicon Raw Apple & Guava Barr Soft Drinks The latest Rubicon Raw variant will be available from May in a Big Can format in cases of 12 x 500ml, in both plain and £1.29 PMPs. Like the range’s other three flavours, it is made with 20% real fruit juice content together with natural caffeine and B-vitamins.

The launch will be supported with a wide-ranging social and digital marketing campaign. Instore POS materials will also be available to retailers.

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SLR | APRIL 2022

JTI expands Nordic Spirit range

Nordic Spirit is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new flavour, Spearmint, and a new ExtraStrong nicotine strength for Bergamot Wildberry.

The new launches are both available in an ExtraStrong strength to reflect the growing demand for stronger variants in the nicotine pouch category.

With Strong and Extra-Strong now making up 72.6% of nicotine pouch sales, and Extra-Strong the fastest growing strength, the latest variants will help re-tailers provide a range of options for customers seeking a stronger nicotine experience.

The brand-new flavour from Nordic Spirit also offers retailers the first ever Spearmint flavour in the category in an Extra Strong nicotine strength. Mint flavours already account for 77.6% of the nicotine pouch category and now retailers can offer their customers a sweeter tasting alternative to the classic Mint variant.

21-packs Imperial Tobacco Exclusively for the independent channel and rolling out into stores from this month, the limited-edition range of 21s packs will be available across a number of Imperial’s most popular cigarette brands including Players JPS, Richmond, L&B Blue and Lambert & Butler. The new bigger box range of 21s will be available to buy with an RSP of £9.75 for Richmond, £10 for Players JPS and L&B Blue, and £10.80 for Lambert & Butler.

Although Mint remains dominant, Bergamot Wildberry makes up 63.8% of all nicotine pouch fruit fla-vour sales. The new strength caters to growing customer appetite for fruit flavours and adds another strength to Nordic Spirit’s growing portfolio, so that retailers can benefit from this rapidly growing category, which is now worth £2.2m and is growing 40% year-on-year.

Nordic Spirit Bergamot Wildberry Extra-Strong and Spearmint Extra-Strong are available now. As with other SKUs, the products are running at 20% POR, with the potential for wholesale deals in the future.

Mark McGuiness, JTI UK Head of Marketing, said: “The Nordic Spirit brand has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2019, with its range of nicotine pouches pivotal in driving category growth.

We strive to innovate and meet evolving customer demand and the new launches do just that.”

Suölo Smart Salt Retail This range of reduced sodium sea salt seasonings comes with a 50% reduction in sodium and balance of magnesium and potassium, which have been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure. The range include Sea Salt (RSP 4.50) and three other variants (£4.99 each). For stock enquiries or samples, retailers should complete the contact form on the suolo.world website.

Pud Real English Drinks Distillery This six-strong range of vodka liqueurs is inspired by desserts sold in the producer’s chain of pub/ restaurants and includes Lemon Meringue, Sticky Toffee, Apple Crumble, Chocolate Brownie, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Cheesecake flavours. All are 28% ABV and available in 70cl bottles with an RSP of £24.99. For more information or to place an order, retailers can contact kate.harding@reddistillery.co.uk.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Product News & Media Watch Graze Marmite Crunch Unilever



Cadbury Caramilk Buttons Mondelez

Available now as an on-the-go alternative to crisps, the new Graze 28g Marmite Crunch Punnet (RSP £1.20) has less than 150kcal per portion, is high in fibre, packed with veg, and brings a savoury tang to a medley of roasted corn, broad beans and corn hoops. It is also vegan-friendly and non-HFSS.

Cadbury is expanding its Caramilk range, which debuted in 2021, with the launch of new Cadbury Caramilk Buttons. Available now, the new product offers Cadbury’s golden caramel chocolate buttons in 90g (RSP £1.49) and 105g (RSP £1.99) sharing bag formats. PMPs are also available. The launch will be backed by PR and in-store support. The Caramilk brand has already generated nearly £18m in sales.

Müller Corner Creations G’Dairy Müller

Summer Edition 2022 Red Bull

Fantastic name aside, Müller’s Australian-inspired NPD offers creamy yogurt, with a 3-in-1 smooth fruit blend in the corner – a mixture of mango, passionfruit and coconut.

G’Dairy is a source of protein, it is made with real fruit and milk from British farms, and contains no artificial preservatives, sweeteners or colours. Packs RSP at £3. The launch is supported by social media and PR activity.

Red Bull’s 2022 Summer Edition has launched in an Apricot-Strawberry flavour. Both Original and Sugarfree variants are available in 250ml orange cans in both plain and price-marked packs, for a limited time only. The launch is backed with in-store activity, including POS, FSDUs and more. Last year’s Summer Edition proved so popular with shoppers that it has now become a permanent SKU.

Hotlines

British Cannabis on box British Cannabis has launched a new TV advert as part of a £500,000 awareness and consumer recruitment campaign for 2022/23.

The ad aims to break down barriers to legal cannabis-derived products, and has gained approval to make more industry-specific references than any campaign to date. It airs across the Sky and Channel 5 networks.

Portable yogurt Yoplait has launched a multi-channel marketing campaign promoting Frubes as the go-to portable snack for kids. Spearheaded by a month-long TV burst, the campaign also includes includes activations on YouTube and gaming platforms to connect with younger audiences. The full campaign is expected to reach four million UK consumers.

Sip don’t slam Amber Beverage Group has launched a new advertising campaign for its brand, Rooster Rojo Tequila. The campaign theme, ‘Sip don’t slam’, conveys the message that Rooster Rojo should be savoured and not drunk like a shot.

The campaign, which comprises film footage, social media content and print ads, was shot in urban Los Angeles.

Get food going Smirnoff Raspberry Crush and Lemonade Diageo

Five Litre Fridge Pack Highland Spring

Smirnoff’s new 4.5% ABV premix 250ml slimline can is available from 6 April in both plain (RSP £1.95) and price-marked formats. The brand is supporting the launch alongside the wider flavour portfolio with a marketing spend of more than £2m. It follows the success of Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, the best-selling flavoured vodka of the last six months in the offtrade.

The 5-litre fridge pack (RSP £3) keeps fresh for up to four weeks once opened and is the mostrequested size by consumers after 10-litres, offering a more compact solution for shoppers as the trend for ‘the big shop’ continues. The launch is backed by shopper marketing, social, PR and digital activity. The brand advised retailers to merchandise packs next to its other multipacks, midshelf for ease of handling.

A new campaign for Frylight looks to build brand awareness and encourage trial of spray oils among ‘healthy hackers’. ‘Get Food Going’ runs to 1 May across paid social and online video channels, and features a series of fun, eye-catching animated videos in which food ingredients are brought to life with the help of Frylight.

Love what you love Diet Coke’s latest campaign – ‘Love what you love’ – encourages consumers to embrace a “positive, unapologetic attitude”.

It is spearheaded by a TV ad that relays one women’s conviction to transform her commute with roller skating and a sip of Diet Coke. The global campaign also includes out-of-home, social, digital, PR and POS activation.

For all the latest product news, head to www.slrmag.co.uk/category/product-news www.slrmag.co.uk

APRIL 2022 | SLR

31

Our Bread. Our Brand. Our Story.

Here at Hovis we have been baking bread from the finest ingredients for more than 130 years. Our range may have changed and evolved over the years, but our exceptionally high standards of care and expertise never will.

Since 1886...

® Established back in 1886, have had a long presence in Scotland, first starting on Paton Street then moving to Duke Street, Glasgow in 1983.

We employ approx. 350 colleagues locally, all who show fantastic commitment in baking and delivering excellent quality bread every week. The Glasgow team have an average service of over 20 years across the site; this is testament to the family spirit everyone ® brings with them every day to bake our best and Mothers Pride® bread.

We were proud to launch the Hovis Bakers Since 1886® range in April 2021. Since the launch, new loaves, rolls, burger buns and hot cross buns were created using our extensive baking experience to deliver products with great quality and taste.

Hovis has the #1 unit share across three types of bread in the impulse channel #1

#1

IN LARGE WHITE

IN LARGE WHOLEMEAL

30.5% Unit Share1

36.2% Unit Share3

#1

IN LARGE SEEDED & GRAINS 29.9% Unit Share2

White:

Half & Half:

Wholemeal / Brown:

Bread with Bits:

Other Bakery:

1. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged white bread loaves category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

Regional:

2. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged bread loaves with seeds and grains category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

3. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged brown/ wholemeal bread loaves category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

Aviemore ‘22

! k c a B e r ’ e W

Announcing our Tradeshow sponsors so far...

Have you registered yet for one of the biggest retail events of the year?

Thursday 22nd September 2022

To find out more call us on 01382 512 000 www.sparscotland.co.uk @SparScotland CJ Lang & Son Limited

@SparScotland SparScotlandOfficial

Fascia Focus

Feature

TIME FOR A FRESH START? The last year has been the most tumultuous period in living memory in local retailing and for many retailers the time may be right to consider joining a fascia, symbol group or franchise for the first time, or to consider a new partner more in line with their new business strategy.

I

t’s been both another year to forget and a year to remember for the retailing sector.

The pandemic has changed local retailing almost beyond recognition and, with so much change going on in such a short space of time, it’s hardly surprising that many retailers are taking a fresh look at the fundamentals of their business.

For a lot of retailers, that means taking a clearheaded look at the options that are available to them in terms of working with a fascia, symbol or franchise partner. For some that will mean joining a group for the first time, for many more it will mean taking a close look at whether the partner they currently work with is still the best option available to them in the new world in which they find themselves.

The benefits of joining a group are well known and well understood. Joining a group for the first time, or choosing a new group more appropriate to your current circumstances, is one of the few ways that retailers can improve their sales and margins overnight.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Yes, it’s largely been a fantastic year for local retailers – at least on the commercial front – but with restrictions likely to be eased significantly in the coming months, the world is set to be turned upside down once more. Hospitality will re-open, non-essential retail will be back with a bang and the blurring of the boundaries between foodservice, retail and online will no doubt become even more pronounced.

So is it time to consider a partner who is truly aligned with your strategy for 2022 and beyond?

All the fascia, symbol and franchise groups have been working hard over the last 12 months, adapting to the new reality and evolving to better meet the needs of their members – so there’s plenty of work to be done to truly analyse which offer is best for you.

To help take some of the effort out of that analysis, we have compiled overviews of many of the leading UK groups which you can read over the next pages.

It’s an important decision and one that could have a huge impact on your business.

APRIL 2022 | SLR

35

As an independent retailer, you need a Symbol and franchise partner that can help grow your footfall, sales and profits.

Costcutter and best-one retailers enjoy access to the Bestway Cash & Carry depot network with rebate rewards on qualifying purchases

Whatever your store. Whatever your shopper.

Bestway Retail now has the right offer for you.

The best value offer for busy shoppers in high footfall locations from best-one

A destination for both alcohol and food that is fit for the future through Bargain Booze

An exceptional fresh offer for top-up to full shop missions from Costcutter

And for retailers simply wanting access to the very best of Bestway Cash and Carry we have a leading retail club scheme, Xtra Local

Find out how Bestway Retail can help you grow your food and drink business.

www.bestwayretail.co.uk

Bestway

Advertising Feature

BE THE BEST. BE WITH BESTWAY. With best-in-class service support, an outstanding product range and a choice of fascias, Bestway Retail helps its retailers ‘make more possible’.

T

he convenience channel has come out of the pandemic in a very strong position. When stock availability was at its worst and with restrictions in full swing, independent retailers kept customers topped up with the everyday essentials they needed. This vital support has certainly earned the goodwill of local communities, turning ‘lifeline’ customers into ‘lifetime’ ones.

But 2022 has arrived with its own set of challenges to contend with. Soaring costs, like energy and fuel, as well as the highest rate of inflation for 30 years, means that independent retailers have a rocky road ahead of them.

Now is the time for independents to seriously consider joining a symbol group so that they can get the support they need to not only survive but thrive. A supportive symbol group, like Bestway Retail, can give entrepreneurial retailers the best benefits in the market across a portfolio of symbols and fascias. We help our retailers ‘make more possible’ at a time of economic uncertainty and inflationary pressure.

With over 45 years of experience in the sector, we know what matters most to retailers and have the market insight necessary to help them grow their business.

www.slrmag.co.uk

We know that one size does not fit all, and in today’s marketplace, personalisation is as important to retailers as it is to their customers.

Whether a Bargain Booze, a Best-one, or a Costcutter symbol or franchise offer, Bestway Retail has dedicated significant investment to ensure that retailers have the best choice of brands and best-in-class service support, product range, and rebates.

Bestway’s promise to its retailers includes tapping into years of industry knowledge, a lifetime of retail experience, and access to exceptional talent and market-leading innovation.

For example, the Bestway Retail Development Programme (BRDP) is the only retail-focused scheme of its kind in the industry, giving independent retailers free and unique access to industry experts so that they can grow their business.

Along with access to the BRPDs, retailers receive support from a dedicated business development manager who provides personal support tailored for entrepreneurial independent retailers.

Retailers also have access to the nation’s largest independent Cash & Carry network, where we offer industry-leading promotions.

Anand Cheema, a Falkirk retailer who recently joined Costcutter, said that: “Being able to spend at cash and carry has helped me strengthen my retail prices, which allows me to compete with local convenience stores and multiples as well.”

“The benefits I get from Bestway’s Cash and Carry access are fantastic. For example, spending at my local Cash and Carry counts towards my Costcutter rebate payment, helping me earn more. All of my spend is amalgamated into one, making it easy to track my cash flow, and if I can’t get something through delivered wholesale, I can from cash and carry.”

“Bestway’s Cash and carry offer adds about 4-5% profit to my bottom line, and it’s just one of the many reasons why I’ve decided to join Bestway Retail under the Costcutter symbol.”

So whether you’re a retailer is a large community store, a valued resource in a rural location, or in a high footfall urban location, we have the right offer to meet your needs thanks to our commitment to flexibility, individualism, and our deep-rooted understanding of the industry.

To put it simply, whatever your store and whoever your shopper, Bestway Retail has the right offer.

APRIL 2022 | SLR

37

Feature

Tobacco

THE FORMAT THAT FITS

The UK’s tobacco manufacturers are exploring new ways of offering adult smokers all-important value for money.

BY GAELLE WALKER

I

n a category as heavily taxed as tobacco, achieving a true value for money proposition is no mean feat. The continuous rise in duties on factory made cigarettes (FMC) and roll your own (RYO) products has prompted the birth of numerous different mechanics to help tobacco retailers offer adult smokers more value for their money over the years.

And of course, value for money means different things to different shoppers. For some, it’s about buying the smallest legally-available format to keep out-of-pocket prices low, while for others bigger packs equal better value.

The same can be said for papers and filters, with some tobacco brands going down the

38

SLR | APRIL 2022

added-value route by including these key accessories within RYO pouches, while for other manufacturers, the exclusion of papers and filters allows for lower RSPs. And we approach spring and summer (when tobacco sales tend to rise to due the increase in outdoor occasions), another value for money mechanic has been birthed within the FMC sector.

Rolling out to independent retailers from April, Imperial Tobacco is trialling a limitededition range of added-value packs containing 21 cigarettes across a number of its most popular brands, including Players JPS, Richmond, L&B Blue and Lambert & Butler.

The new bigger box range of 21s will be exclusively available to the independent channel with RSPs of £10.15 for Richmond, £10.40 for Players JPS and L&B Blue, and £11.20 for Lambert & Butler.

Imperial Tobacco UK Consumer Marketing Manager Tom Gully comments: “Driving value for our customers remains a top priority for our business. Through this latest launch, we’re offering the same popular blends at great value price points, but in a bigger box format for consumer convenience.

“This is a new slightly bigger box format especially for our limited edition 21s packs. Given the current drive for value and convenience being www.slrmag.co.uk

For Tobacco Traders Only

Feature

Tobacco

KEY MARKET STATS Q The Tobacco market is currently worth £14bn (before tax) per year. (Imperial Tobacco) Q There is almost a 50/50 market share split across Factory Made Cigarettes (FMC) and Roll Your Own (RYO) categories – at 53% and 47% respectively. (Imperial Tobacco) Q The lower price tiers now account for the majority of FMC sales, with the sub-economy segment making up a 63% share. (Imperial Tobacco) Q The economy-priced RYO and FMC segments are both growing at 4% value year-on-year.

(Imperial Tobacco) Q Economy-priced RYO accounts for 51% of sales, while mid-price and premium products hold 35% and 14% shares respectively.

(Imperial Tobacco) Q The nicotine pouch category is now worth £2.2m and is growing 40% year-on-year, according to JTI. Q In terms of the flavour split, the UK nicotine pouch market is currently 77.6% menthol and 22.1% fruit, according to JTI.

seen across the tobacco category, we expect to receive positive feedback from consumers on the new launch of our bigger box formats.”

It’s not the first time that tobacco manufacturers have played with pack sizes in a bid to offer adult smokers new value propositions.

Several big-name FMC brands, including JTI’s Sterling, were launched in smaller 18 and 19 pack formats prior to the introduction of standardised packaging regulations in an attempt to offer adult smokers lower out of pocket prices.

At the other end of the scale, the arrival of the new added-value “extra-stick” format within FMC is an interesting move and one which is likely to play well with value-hungry adult smokers.

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SLR | APRIL 2022

While the new 21 packs are currently only tabled to be available for a limited time only, the move could well prompt the birth of further added-value or so-called “extra-stick” formats of 21 or even 22s over the coming months, so watch this space.

Away from FMC, JTI has also taken the “bigger can be better” approach to demonstrating value for money, with a new larger format of its “less for less” Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco brand.

Now available in a 50g pouch, as well as the existing 30g format, Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco contains no filters or papers with a lower RSP of £21.20.

Explaining the concept, JTI’s marketing Vice President Mark McGuinness says: “Mirroring the

30g format, Sterling Essential Rolling Tobacco 50g is a less for less alternative, with no filters and papers providing existing adult smokers the freedom to purchase their preferred tobacco accessories.

“With the demand for value RYO products a key trend in the market, we want to support our retailers and wholesalers so that they can meet this demand by offering a quality brand with competitive RSPs.” The lower selling prices afforded by the RYO sector, when compared with FMC has prompted further growth in the UK’s RYO sector over the past year and – according to Imperial – there is now almost a 50/50 market share split across FMC and RYO. www.slrmag.co.uk

NEW: SPEARMINT AND BERGAMOT WILDBERRY EXTRA-STRONG NEW STRENGTH

NEW FLAVOUR

BEST SELLER

Why stock it?

• The nicotine pouch category is worth £2.2mi and is growing 40% year-on-year.

• Strong and Extra-Strong now make up 72.6% of salesii, and Extra-Strong is the fastest growing strength.vi • This is the first ever Spearmint nicotine pouch available in an Extra-Strong strength • Bergamot Wildberry makes up 63.8% of all fruit flavour salesiii with menthol accounting for 77.6%.iv

Ross Hennessy, Sales Vice President at JTI UK, says:

“Retailers can now stock a full range of Nordic Spirit flavours, including Mint, Spearmint and Bergamot Wildberry. With Regular, Strong or Extra-Strong strengths available across our range, retailers can offer something for everyone and capitalise on the category’s potential.”

Stock up on the Nordic Spirit Extra Strong range now!

Retailers should visit www.jtiadvance.co.uk or speak to their local JTI Business Advisor for more information. *IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Q4 21. For more information or to verify comparison contact Nordic Spirit on Facebook or Instagram: @ nordicspirit_uk or using our details at nordicspirit.co.uk/contact **Retailers are of course free to sell JTI products at whatever price they choose i.IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Q4 21. For more information or to verify comparison contact Nordic Spirit on Facebook or Instagram: @nordicspirit_uk or using our details at nordicspirit.co.uk/contact ii. IRi Market Place, Value Sales, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Dec 2021 iii. IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Q4 21. iv.IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Q4 21 vs. Q1 21. For more information or to verify comparison contact Nordic Spirit on Facebook or Instagram: @nordicspirit_uk or using our details at nordicspirit.co.uk/contact iii.IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Dec 2021 iv. IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Dec 2021.

Nicotine products are for over 18s only What is VERIFY? VERIFY provides retailers with display materials, support and training on how to avoid selling tobacco, vapour and oral nicotine products to under 18s and ensure compliance with the law.

Ensure VERIFY is visible in your shop Complete VERIFY online training to learn about your responsibilities

More details at

www.vapermarket.co.uk/verify

Feature

Tobacco

MERCHANDISING ADVICE Imperial Tobacco’S UK Corporate Affairs Director Duncan Cunningham imparts his top tips for merchandising success.

DISPLAY IT RIGHT Given the value of tobacco shoppers in terms of the wider sales they generate in store we would recommend retailers make it clear that they sell tobacco by displaying products within an installed gantry.

Even if retailers choose to stock tobacco products under the counter, it’s really important there’s signage that informs shoppers that tobacco is sold in store to avoid missing out on sales.

DON’T OVERLOOK ACCESSORIES Any tobacco stockist should also ensure they have a range of accessories on offer as they are often part of impulse purchases made by shoppers when visiting a store to buy tobacco products. With this in mind, stocking a range of lighters, filters and papers, even if it’s a small selection, will really help retailers cater to these shoppers and ensure they don’t miss out on sales.

INVEST IN STAFF KNOWLEDGE Retailers need to ensure their staff know what products are stocked in store and where they’re positioned on the gantry at the bare minimum.

Better still, if they can be armed with advice on what solutions they should offer if a product does go out of stock for any reason, this will go a long way to helping retain customers.

MAINTAIN STOCK LEVELS For this reason, it’s also crucial for retailers to make sure they maintain stock levels at all times, especially of their top sellers. Smokers tend to be brand loyal so if they walk out due to their product being out of stock, they simply may not return, especially if they do find it in stock at a store nearby.

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ACCESSORIES Growing RYO sales have also led to further sales wins for the accessories market in the past year.

In fact, according to Republic Technologies, the UK accessories market’s value climbed by 4.8% to hit £320m in the 12 months to 28 November 2021.

Republic Technologies Sales and Marketing Director Gavin Anderson explains: “Cash conscious shoppers are turning to more affordable RYO products as a way of saving money, versus FMCs. “By ensuring they are fully stocked with a range of tobacco accessories from trusted brands, retailers can cater for every customer and drive sales.”

Republic Technologies range of innovative accessories products includes the Swan Crushball filters which are available in Cool Burst and Fresh Burst flavours. www.slrmag.co.uk

Tobacco

Feature

CIGAR FOCUS Demand for greater value for money also continues to shape the UK’s cigar category which, according to STG, now boasts a retail sales value of just over £287m following a 19% rise over the last year.

Cigar volumes over the same period also increased significantly, up 21.8% to hit 428.9m cigars, as part of a move which underlined “the growing importance” of the category to retailers, STG Country Director Alastair Williams says.

“The search for value has also been a consistent trend in cigars for a while now, evidenced by the success of our Moments Blue brand, which offers a quality smoke at a low price.

“It is now the sixth best-selling cigar brand in the UK in value terms, but interestingly most of its sales go through the multiple grocery channel, so I wonder if it’s one area where independent retailers might be missing a trick by not stocking it? And with the continued impact of the pandemic on the economy and the cost of living going up, I would only imagine this move towards value will increase,” he says.

The “stellar” performance of the UK cigar market remains largely driven by the fast-growing cigarillo segment, which already accounts for 44.4% of all cigars sold in volume terms, and totals £91.3m in annual sales according to STG. “However, the total category growth has also been supplemented by the continual rise in the medium / large segment, albeit from a smaller base,” Williams adds.

“Miniatures are still the largest segment within cigars, currently worth £104m in annual sales and led by our Signature Blue brand, while the small cigar segment appears to be continuing a slow but consistent decline.”

JTI EXPANDS NORDIC SPIRIT RANGE JTI’s Nordic Spirit brand has been extended with the launch of a new Spearmint flavour and a new Extra-Strong nicotine strength for Bergamot Wildberry.

The new Spearmint flavour is also available in an Extra-Strong strength to reflect the growing demand for stronger variants in the nicotine pouch category, JTI said.

With Strong and Extra-Strong now making up 72.6% of nicotine pouch sales and Extra-Strong the fastest growing strength, the latest variants would help retailers provide a range of options for customers seeking a stronger nicotine experience, JTI’s Head of Marketing Mark McGuiness said.

www.slrmag.co.uk

HEAT NOT BURN Away from combustible tobacco, the heated tobacco market is continuing to make sales gains as awareness among adult smokers grows.

However, there’s still a long way to go, as Morris Limited (PMI) Head of Commercial Planning Kate O’Dowd explains.

“Whilst awareness of heated tobacco is growing, it remains comparatively low in the UK, where the e-cigarette market was already well-established by the time IQOS launched.

“If retailers raise awareness of new and emerging alternatives – particularly with information on products that may meet preferences based on taste, satisfaction, and affordability – they’ll be in a stronger position to convert that smoker,” she says.

Addressing the affordability barrier is another key way in which retailers can help to drive sales of heated tobacco through their stores, O’Dowd adds.

In a recent pilot, almost 15% of new and existing IQOS shoppers chose to buy a refurbished device at a reduced cost through PMI’s e-commerce channels.

“Between 28 September and 16 December 2021, almost 15% of new and existing customers purchased devices that had been cleaned and refreshed for re-entry into the market,” O’Dowd adds.

“Consumer appetite for this type of product demonstrates the importance of affordability as a potential cost barrier for adult smokers looking to switch to a better alternative. With the RSP of 20 HEETS tobacco sticks less than half the average price for a pack of 20 cigarettes, retailers should ensure they’re explaining to customers the cost benefit of switching than continuing to smoke.”

Stocking a wide-ranging flavour portfolio, including traditional tobacco blends and an array of menthol flavours can also help to incentivise sales.

To that end, PMI recently launched HEETS Mauve, its fifth menthol blend.

APRIL 2022 | SLR

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Feature

Soft Drinks

SOFT FOCUS

The UK’s soft drinks industry is in for a good-looking summer of sales, driven by larger formats, sugar-free variants and exotic flavours.

BY GAELLE WALKER

SOFTDRINKS LOW DOWN Q Nine out of 10 shoppers say that flavour and taste are important considerations when choosing a soft drink.

Q Seven out of 10 say that sugar content or lack thereof is important.

Q Fifty-four per cent of shoppers seek out sugar-free carbonates in on-the-go soft drinks according to Britvic.

Q The energy drinks market is worth £1.6bn and growing at 14.2% year on year according to Barr Soft Drinks, making it the biggest and most profitable drink-now segment in the UK.

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W

ith over two-thirds of local retailers currently benefiting from a growth in sales of impulse soft drinks (according to Britvic) there’s certainly never been a better time to hone in hard on the soft stuff.

In fact, Britvic also claims that one-third of retailers are currently expecting sales of on-thego products to exceed pre-Covid levels this year, as UK shoppers adjust to the ‘new normal’ way of life – and thanks to the recent fruitful array of innovative new launches and range extensions, those shoppers will certainly have a juicy range to choose from.

The arrival of enticing limited-edition and rotational flavour series looks set to be a key trend over the spring and summer of 2022, with Britvic, AG Barr and Red Bull already firmly in on the act.

FRUIT-FUELLED Unveiled in February 2022, Britvic’s new Tango Editions rotational flavour series is seeking to “disrupt” shoppers via its fusion of “bold flavours, bold liquids and bold pack designs.”

The first ‘Berry Peachy’ Edition is available now in key ‘on-the-go’ formats including 500ml bottles and 330ml cans. Multipacks and 2L bottles are also available.

Britvic Out-Of-Home Commercial Director Phil Sanders explains the concept: “We know that convenience shoppers are constantly looking for something new to try, particularly in the fruit carbonates category. This is exactly why we have developed the Tango Editions range – to disrupt consumers through the introduction of a rotational flavour series which combines bold tastes, bold liquids and bold pack designs.”

Also embracing the editions act is Red Bull which has just unveiled its latest Seasonal Edition www.slrmag.co.uk

Soft Drinks

Feature

TOP FIVE PRIORITIES FOR SPORTS AND ENERGY SHOPPERS

MORE MULTIPACKS. MORE SALES.

in a new Apricot-Strawberry flavour, within the sports and energy segment. Delivering all the functional benefits of Red Bull Energy Drink, in a sweet apricot and strawberry flavour, the Red Bull Summer Edition is available in 250ml orange cans and in both plain and price-marked packs.

Tropical and exotic flavours are currently growing 38% more than all other mainstream flavours on offer according to Red Bull, with 41% of energy drink consumers actively looking to try more exotic fruit flavours. Red Bull describes Flavour Editions as incremental to its portfolio, with 10% of new energy drink shoppers opting to buy Red Bull Editions SKUs over any other format.

The launch follows last year’s limited Cactus Edition which proved so popular that it has now become a permanent SKU known as the Green Edition. www.slrmag.co.uk

RE

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ER

IN A ST O HT

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With sustainability SOURCE: LIGHTSPEED/MINTEL, APRIL 2021 continuing to move up shoppers’ priority lists, Barr Soft Drinks recently unveiled its roadmap to becoming carbon net zero by 2040.

Under its No Time To Waste initiative, the company plans to bring together multiple energy, packaging and waste programmes to become more sustainable over the next 18 years.

Building on changes that have already been implemented, such as 100% recyclable soft drinks packaging, clear on-pack messaging and a 41% reduction in greenhouse gases, No Time To Waste also includes a commitment to significantly reduce the use of virgin plastic through 100% recycled film on all multipacks. Barr will also introduce paper straws on smaller juice packs and plant-based plastics in its 1L cartons.

N

Low sugar/sugar free 39% Favourite flavour 37% Favourite brand 36% All natural ingredients 35% Larger pack size 22%

BOU G

GREEN MOVES

Q Q Q Q Q

O Y 2 .5 SEC

RAW DEAL Catering to this growing demand for innovative new flavour-combinations within energy drinks, Barr’s Rubicon Raw brand is soon to be bolstered with the launch of a new Apple & Guava variant.

Joining the brand’s existing line-up of popular flavours such as Raspberry & Blueberry and Orange and Mango, the new flavour will appeal “to a much broader base of consumers with different energy needs,” says Barr Soft Drinks Marketing Director Adrian Troy.

“Innovation has seen the consumer base shift and the category must be exciting and varied to keep a broader range of shoppers engaged,” he says. “Rubicon Raw meets the needs of this new audience and 60% of the brand’s sales have been incremental by recruiting new and lapsed energy consumers. The number one purchase driver for Rubicon Raw is its 20% real fruit juice content, which together with natural caffeine

SOURCE: ¹NIELSEN SCANTRACK, SPORTS & ENERGY, TOTAL GB COVERAGE, UNIT SALES, RED BULL ENERGY DRINK 4 PACK, 52 W/E 19.02.2022. *RED BULL ENERGY DRINK 4 PACK.

APRIL 2022 | SLR

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Feature

Soft Drinks

and B-vitamins provides a big energy hit that is full of flavour.”

And while far-flung flavours look set to dominate the NPD agenda in 2022, the low and no sugar power-trend will also continue making a mark in the chiller.

Red Bull’s Summer Edition, for example, has been launched in a regular and sugar-free option in a bid to appeal to cater for the growing number of health-conscious shoppers who “increasingly opt for low or no sugar alternatives,” Red Bull says.

Within energy drinks specifically, sugar-free variants are currently growing penetration by 24.3%, according to Red Bull – demonstrating shoppers’ growing desire to cut down on their calorie intake. The rise in sugar-free variants is also helping to attract new shoppers into the energy drink category, who might have previously swerved it, for fear of its high sugar reputation.

Fortunately for those shoppers, Britvic also reduced the sugar content across its core range of Rockstar energy drinks in March. “When it comes to energy drinks, 44% of non-buyers state the reason they don’t buy into the category is that they contain too much sugar,” Britvic’s Sanders adds.

“Through this move, we are aiming to encourage continued growth within the category by energising those health-conscious consumers and meeting even more energy needs.

Rollout of the updated Rockstar core range (with less than 4.5g of sugar per 100ml) started in mid-March in both plain and price-marked packs. The move also means that all six of Rockstar’s best-selling lines are now HFSS compliant.

With 17% of retailers already introducing more HFSS-compliant lines ahead of the October implementation in England, Rockstar’s new formulations will also help to support the convenience channel in the lead up to the change, Britvic adds.

The flavours available include Original, Punched Tropical Guava, XDurance Blueberry Pomegranate Acai, Juiced El Mango, Juiced Tropical Punch, Juiced Tropical Orange Passion Fruit – alongside Original No Sugar and Punched Sour Bubbleburst, which already comply with the HFSS restrictions.

NEW FLAVOUR ADDED TO ROBINSONS’ READY TO DRINK LINE-UP Britvic also responded to the ‘no to low’ sugar movement earlier this year with the addition of a third flavour to its Robinsons ‘Ready to Drink’ format in March.

With ‘No Added Sugar’, the new Blackberry & Blueberry variant is available in £1 PMPs and joins the existing Raspberry & Apple and Peach & Mango flavours launched last year.

The new flavour will “allow retailers to offer their shoppers even more variety when it comes to choosing soft drinks – with lower sugar variants that don’t compromise on taste,” Britvic says.

“As the UK’s number one squash brand, there is a huge opportunity for retailers to draw shoppers into the on-the-go sector. In fact, Britvic’s research has shown that 55% of retailers have added new soft drinks launches and flavours to their offerings to boost on-the-go sales since lockdown restrictions have eased,” Britvic’s out-of-home commercial director Phil Sanders adds.

The launch is being supported by digital advertising and disruptive in-store activation.

TOP TIPS TO POWER UP YOUR ENERGY SALES Q Double up: CCEP urges retailers to dedicate space to best-sellers (like Monster) – including double facings where needed to avoid running out of stock.

Q Price perfect: Stocking price-marked packs will “help to reassure value-conscious shoppers that they can still enjoy great quality products from their favourite brands”.

Q Healthy lines: Demand for low- and no-sugar variants is growing. Two-thirds of CCEP’s volume sales now come from low- and no-sugar variants – that’s 40% more than 10 years ago.

Q Display it right: Low- and no-sugar variants such as Monster Ultra should be positioned alongside their original alternatives, to make it easy for shoppers to choose the one they want.

SOURCE: COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS

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www.slrmag.co.uk

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Source: (1) Nielsen Total Value LC MAT TY (w) up to w/c 06.11.21. (2) Nielsen, Top 4 Grocery Retailer, Unit ROS (Wtd) Latest 8wks up to w/end 27.03.21

UTC

GOOD VIBRATIONS

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

UTC is no prude, but you’re more likely to find him in a betting shop than a sex shop. He’ll choose William Hill over Ann Summers any day of the week.

So he was slightly nonplussed to discover that Tesco has started selling sex toys.

As part of an exclusive brand partnership, “sexual wellness” company Lovehoney’s wares are now stocked in more than 250 Tesco Extra stores across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Six products – that cryptically promise to “suit all needs” – are offered, with prices ranging from £4.99 to £24.99.

Lovehoney believes that everyone should have a fun and fulfilling sex life – even the Auld Yin. Explaining the partnership, its CCO Debbie Bond said: “We look forward to being able to share our fabulous product range with the Tesco customers.”

Indeed. As chance would have it, Mrs UTC has been rocking the old Clubcard for years now. So, in the best traditions of investigative journalism, UTC necked a couple of tins of Tennent’s and asked his better half if she would consider buying a sex toy as part of the weekly shop.

“I’d be too embarrassed to stick it in my basket,” said Mrs UTC. All the Tennent’s in the world couldn’t bring UTC to ask where she would stick it.

Many of our readers will be old enough to remember the fall of the Iron Curtain. UTC is old enough to remember it going up; so he is quite rightly outraged about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Mentioning the Cold War to him triggers memories of the Hungarian uprising, the Berlin Wall, missiles in Cuba, and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation. And – tangentially – the fight he has with Mrs UTC every winter when she turns the central heating on.

So he was pleased to discover that Finnebrogue, which owns the Better Naked brand, has renamed its Chicken Kiev to Kyiv in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and has also pledged 50% of its profits to the humanitarian relief effort.

Keen to do his bit, and get something for his tea, he was all set to buy a pack until he found out the ‘chicken’ is in fact made from pea protein – a legume he has an irrational fear of.

So, rather than showing solidarity by helping Finnebrogue grow its sales, he jumped onto unicef.org.uk and donated a tenner instead.

In case anyone is wondering, unlike Chicken Kyiv, UTC is most definitely not better naked.

Come pie with me Britain celebrated National Pie Week last month (7 to 13 March). The event, as ever, was accompanied by a flurry of scientifically conducted surveys revealing the nation’s favourite pie.

As these all scientifically reached different conclusions, UTC decided to run with analysis from a company called SlotsUp. Mainly because an online fruit machine database feigning interest in British culinary habits appealed to his contrarian nature.

However, SlotsUp’s list of Britain’s 15 favourite pies soon had a big vein in the Auld Boy’s forehead pulsating for a couple of reasons.

First of all, the list was topped by Cottage Pie. Not a real pie, according to UTC, who went to great lengths – well, a quick Google search – to convince his uninterested colleagues that “a pie is a whole dish encased in pastry”.

Like the humble Scotch pie, for example. Which leads nicely to the curmudgeon-in-chief ’s second gripe: the complete and utter absence of your bog-standard pie from the list. Neither it, nor that exotic example of fusion cuisine at its finest – the macaroni pie – were to be found anywhere in the top 15.

With cries of “Slot’s up with you?” ringing in his ears, UTC swiftly departed for the nearest Greggs.

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