06 Symbol Groups Nathalie Fullerton parts ways with One Stop and joins Parfetts’ Go Local symbol group.
07 Fascias Girish Jeeva moves Barmulloch store to Costcutter Bargain Booze.
08 Home Delivery Indie retailers turbocharge sales with order aggregation tech.
09 Research Most convenience shoppers are led by mission, not brand, a new study finds.
10 Illicit Trade More than seven in 10 convenience retailers say they know of nearby shops selling illicit nicotine.
12 News Extra Crime A 15% rise in shoplifting may partly reflect a rise in crime reporting.
32 Product News Coca-Cola unveils a new 500ml ‘supercan’ while Highland Spring boosts its sustainability credentials.
34 Off-Trade News A new on-pack promo for 1664 Bière launches alongside a Spiced addition to the Bacardí & Coca-Cola RTD range.
INSIDE BUSINESS
36 Store Profile Keystore More Kilmacolm Road Harry and Andy Hayre worked closely with JW Filshill to create a slick new destination store.
38 GroceryAid Day Help make sure your team knows about the free and confidential support our industry charity offers.
40 SLR Awards It’s time to meet his year’s judging panel
43 Deposit Return Scheme With 18 months until DRS launches, suppliers can now access detailed information on how to use the scheme logo.
44 Hotlines The latest new products and media campaigns.
58 Under The Counter The Auld Boy enters Aldi’s competition to find a new pie taster.
FEATURES
46 Ice Cream The Scottish ice cream scene shows plenty of promise as we head towards the peak sales season.
48 Summer Socialising Retailers are facing multiple challenges right now, but summer brings a welcome opportunity to heat up sales.
ACS launches Decline09
The Association of Convenience Stores has revealed a new awareness campaign to help retailers, colleagues and consumers with incoming rules on age verification for tobacco products. The Decline09 campaign, backed by leading retailers and the Chartered Institute for Trading Standards, has been developed in consultation with the Department for Health and Social Care.
CJ
Lang welcomes new Trading Director
Dundee-based wholesaler and convenience retailer for Spar in Scotland, CJ Lang & Son, has appointed Josie Cattermoul as Trading Director. In her new role, Cattermoul will lead Trading across Buying, Range, Promotions and Supplier Partnerships.
C-store card spend grows Consumer card spending on groceries in Food & Drink Specialists, which includes convenience stores, as well as off-licences, butchers and bakeries, has grown 6.1%, while transaction growth has risen 7.4% from 23 January 2026 – 19 February 2026, versus the same period in 2025, according to Barclays.
Investing in security pays off for local retailers
The Association of Convenience Stores’ Annual Crime Report identified a drop in shop theft recorded by UK convenience retailers, down 6% to 5.8 million incidents a year. Meanwhile, verbal abuse incidents had dropped by 20.5% from over 1.2 million incidents to 954,000+.
The fall in shop theft and verbal abuse incidents comes as convenience retailers spent a record £313m in crime prevention and detection measures, investing in areas like CCTV, security tagging, protective screens, facial recognition and AI store monitoring to keep their stock secure and their colleagues safe.
Nathalie Fullerton leaves One Stop for Go Local
Glasgow-based Nathalie Fullerton has parted ways with One Stop and joined Parfetts’ Go Local symbol group.
Nathalie told SLR that her margins had already leapt up from 19% with One Stop to 27.5% with Go Local based on the same product mix.
One of Nathalie’s core gripes with One Stop was its rigidity of the franchise model, which she felt was limiting her product o er and opportunities for growth. “I know my store better than anybody, I know what sells, I know what the customers are looking for.”
She claimed that Parfetts had been more willing to shape the store’s o er around Nathalie’s knowledge of her customers’ needs. “ ey’re working with me to optimise the store as best as possible. e Go Local sta have been fantastic, they’ve been so
TREND
accommodating, it’s been a breath of fresh air.”
As SLR went to press, the store was scheduled to close for three days to undergo a major re t.
“We’re looking to start a food-togo o ering – a mini deli with fresh sandwiches and hot and cold rolls. she said. “We’ll also extend our online opening hours until 2am.”
In addition, household products will be moved towards the front of the store to deter shopli ers.
Nathalie has also adopted Retail Data Partnership’s ShopMate EPoS system, which is able to integrate with her Snappy Shopper online delivery o er. “It helps so much with time-consuming stu ,” she said.
Scots indies cash in on Echo Falls frenzy
Retailers and shoppers have been falling over themselves to get their hands on Echo Falls Blue Raspberry Fruit Fusion after the bright blue drink launched exclusively in the convenience channel in mid-March.
Sunny’s Premier in Stirling sold 840 bottles in under a week. “I went to the cash and carry & grabbed almost 30 cases because I knew it was going to sell fast,” said Hafiz Ahmed, who then raced to source more. “People have been buying three or six bottles… Blue Raspberry is the most popular slushy flavour, and everyone wants to try this.”
Dan Brown, owner of Pinkie Farm in Musselburgh, sold 300 bottles in a single day. “There’s been massive demand for it,” he said. “We bought 50 cases and we sold out on the same day we got it.”
Natalie Lightfoot of Londis Solo Convenience in Baillieston sold 100 bottles on her first day of sales and claimed that Vinarchy’s decision to supply it exclusively to wholesale for the first three months made it all the more sought after. “This is how to get the hype!” she said. “We build the ‘must get’ vibes for consumers.”
AWARDS UWS picks up three gongs
United Wholesale (Scotland) wins Unitas awards
Buying group, Unitas, awarded United Wholesale (Scotland) (UWS) its Retail Member of the Year accolade at a special ceremony at Liverpool’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday 11 March.
e wholesaler won the award in recognition of its success during 2025, which included the opening of its new London depot, symbol group expansion plans, and a sustainability drive.
In addition, UWS picked up the Member Initiative of the Year for its Rainham depot opening. Describing the move as “an unmistakable declaration of intent”, judges praised the new depot as a template for the future of cash and carry wholesale.
Jason Butler, Head of Operations at UWS, also picked up the Members’ Employee of the Year award.
FASCIA Glasgow retailer switches to Parfetts
Glasgow retailer Girish Jeeva moves Barmulloch store to Costcutter
Ambitious Glasgow retailer Girish Jeeva has moved his Barmulloch store to Costcutter with 24 hour opening with plans to rebrand it as Costcutter Bargain Booze later this year.
Girish has enjoyed an extremely pro table partnership with Booker’s Premier fascia. “We’re currently trading at £75–£80k per week, which is a fantastic position to be in,” he exclusively told SLR.
“However, we rmly believe the store has the potential to break into six gures. With a stronger o ering and the right fresh proposition, we’re con dent we can push towards £100,000 per week.”
e key driver behind the move is access to Co-op own-brand products. “We’re moving from 12m of Fresh & Chilled to 18.5m,” he said. “We believe that introducing
a strong, quality-led o er like Coop will allow us to hit our six- gure target before the end of the year.”
A £100,000 re t began on 2 March with the new Costcutter fascia going up in late March. is will be followed by a grand launch this month during the holiday period, and the dual Costcutter Bargain Booze branding implemented later in the year.
“We’ve had an incredible journey with Booker,” added Girish, whose London Road store will remain
Snappy Shopper unveils social retail media opportunity
Snappy Shopper has launched Media Connect – a social retail media network that enables retailers to earn revenue by allowing brands to activate campaigns across their stores’ social pages.
Brands will be able to run activations across hundreds of Snappy Shopper independent convenience retailers’ social media pages, managed through one platform. In addition to driving awareness and orders through the Snappy Shopper platform, the company has pledged that 50% of media revenue will be shared directly back with retailers.
Vice President of Media Ads, Groups, and Business Development, Greg Deacon, said: “ e future of retail media isn’t just bigger networks. It’s unlocking the power of local retail and social communities at scale. Everyone is talking about Retail Media. But almost all of the conversation focuses on supermarkets and Amazon. Meanwhile, one of the most powerful and overlooked media channels in grocery is hiding in plain sight: Independent convenience retailers.”
He stated that the network combined local retailer credibility with national campaign scale; o site social distribution through trusted store pages; and closed-loop reporting linking engagement to commerce.
Deacon urged FMCGs to get involved.
with Premier. “ ey’ve supported us from day one, and in return we’ve given everything to elevate the Premier brand and take it to the next level – something I truly believe we’ve achieved. I’m genuinely grateful for the relationship we’ve built, and Booker will always be family to us.
“On the other hand, our early relationship with Costcutter has been extremely positive. We’re excited to be one of the rst dualbranded Costcutter stores in Scotland and to work with Bestway to help take the brand to a whole new level and truly put Costcutter back on the map.
“In addition to the rebrand, we’ll also be moving to 24-hour trading immediately a er the re t – another big step forward in unlocking the store’s full potential.”
Spar Scotland reveals World Cup ‘good luck’ truck livery
Spar Scotland’s World Cup teaser truck livery has hit the road ahead of the tournament this summer.
Applied to one of Spar Scotland’s standard trailers, the new livery celebrates Scotland’s men’s national team qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and is designed as a good luck message to the national team.
A full World Cup campaign will follow, with extensive in-store activation and multichannel support. Spar retailers can expect a comprehensive programme spanning in-store POS, digital and social activity, radio advertising and further vehicle branding.
UKVIA launches ninth VApril campaign
As well as supporting smokers to quit, the UK Vaping Industry Association has said VApril 2026 will focus on raising awareness of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently progressing through Parliament. The Bill would give ministers powers to restrict flavours, packaging and product displays. The campaign will highlight its potential impact on consumers and encourage vapers to speak up for the choices that helped them become smoke free.
Alcohol marketing restrictions loom
The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities have published a new strategy aimed at reducing deaths and harms caused by misuse of alcohol and drugs, which includes plans to target the affordability, attractiveness and availability of alcohol, including next steps on alcohol marketing restrictions.
C-Store Collective partners with Ubamarket
Specialist convenience consultancy, C-Store Collective, has announced a new partnership with Ubamarket, the team behind the AI-powered Ubacart app. Ubacart offers a suite of tools designed to make life easier on the shop floor, from personalised promotions and instant discounts to ‘scan as you shop’ technology.
EDGEPoS aidsFuel Finder reporting
Henderson Technology has updated its EDGEPoS system so forecourt retailers can automatically report fuel price changes to the UK Government’s Fuel Finder service. Existing users can access the feature for free. Fuel price transparency regulations require forecourts to submit price updates to the Fuel Finder database within 30 minutes of any change.
CAMPAIGN
REGULAR and SPICED
Convenience Ltd joins Spar Scotland
Arul Palaniappan and Prabu Vai of SRJ Convenience Ltd have opened their first Spar Scotland store in Lossiemouth, Moray, and a second Spar is in the pipeline.
The entrepreneurial retailers already own over 30 stores, many of which are Premier-branded, including Premier Lossiemouth, which is less than a mile away and the 10,000sq ft New Elgin Service Station, which opened last year, boasting 800sq ft beer and soft drinks caves.
Spar Lossiemouth also features a beer cave as well as a cake counter and there are plans to offer a post office service shortly.
Independent Sales Director at CJ Lang & Son Brian Straiton said: “A huge warm welcome to Arul & Prabu of SRJ Convenience Retail on their first of two stores with Spar Scotland.
“At only 1,200sq ft this store has everything needed to serve the community and customers in Lossiemouth. Fitted out to a high standard as you would expect from Arul & Prabu. The store has got off to a great start from a trading perspective, and I am sure it will continue to grow from strength to strength in the coming months.
“A big well done to all teams involved from the start of this project to completion of the store launch.”
Indie retailers turbocharge sales with order aggregation tech
Local retailers in Scotland and beyond have seen home delivery sales explode since adopting order aggregation technology from Snappy Technologies, which enables them to consolidate orders from multiple platforms into a single interface.
Ram, owner of Edinburgh-based Gilmerton Grocers, has grown Just Eat sales alone by 300% and saved countless hours on admin. “Now I can use my skilled sta on other productive work in store instead of menu admin, saving us 10 hours per week in time and increasing our sales by 300% on Just Eat,” he said. “I could write ve pages on the bene ts of Order Aggregation (OA).”
For Girish Jeeva, owner of Girish’s Costcutter Barmulloch in Glasgow, the operational impact has been signi cant. He said: “By using OA, we save on average 12 to 15 hours per week. It has reduced manual work and errors, improved order accuracy and made it easier to operate, especially during busy hours.”
Alex Kapadia, owner of Morrisons Daily Whitehills in Northampton, England, said the system has fundamentally changed his ability to scale:
“Before using OA, managing 4,000 products manually on Just Eat was impossible. Since switching, everything updates automatically from our EPoS, margins have improved, cancellations and refunds are almost nonexistent, and our sales have more than doubled.”
FASCIA Retailers expand with new symbol
e majority of convenience store shoppers are led by mission-based behaviour, without a plan to purchase a speci c product or brand, a new study from Co-op Media Network (CMN) has found.
e study, in partnership with research consultancy Trinity McQueen, involved a combination of accompanied shops and post-purchase interviews in three large and three small Co-op stores.
Over two-thirds (68%) of shoppers visit a convenience store with no set list – written or mental – and instead shop with a mission or need in mind e.g. ‘something for dinner’ or ‘I’m thirsty’, revealed the study. It claimed that convenience shoppers had a stronger reliance on in-store prompts – such as retail media – to guide their decision making and
Keystore opens in Bridge of Don
Most convenience shoppers mission-led, rather than brand-led
that they were more open to guidance from in store advertising campaigns. By contrast, the study found that customers in larger stores showed the opposite pattern, with more planning, stronger intent and less behavioural exibility when shopping.
Furthermore, the research uncovered that shoppers in smaller convenience store formats underestimate how much they will purchase on their trip, with many customers picking up a basket mid-shop a er selecting more products than initially planned.
e data also revealed that the rst brand or product a shopper sees in store largely in uences their nal purchase.
e study revealed that 88% of shoppers will complete their mission in-store and purchase a substitute product if their planned product is not available, rather than seeking other options elsewhere.
Locals in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, have flocked to their new KeyStore after independent retailer, Scott Duncan, joined the Filshilloperated symbol group and refitted his store.
Third generation retailer Scott decided to upgrade the 600sq ft outlet after a visit last year to nearby Cults KeyStore where he chatted to owner Chris Cobb and left inspired.
The response from customers to this new era of the family business has been amazing, said Scott.
“The comments I get from customers who are finding new products – Koka Noodles, for example, and our Jack’s Beans coffee station – and getting excited about them are great,” he said.
Gulf gives dealers FuelSense
Gulf Retail will provide its dealer network with access to FuelSense, a pricing and compliance platform from myAutomate that helps Gulf sites meet the UK Fuel Finder fuel price reporting requirements while equipping retailers with data-driven pricing tools.
Feb Scots footfall drops February failed to deliver footfall growth in Scotland with Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)
Sensormatic data recording a 3% decrease YoY, down from 5.1% in January. However, the country still fared better than England, which suffered a 5% footfall decline, down from -1.4% in January; and Wales, where footfall plummeted 5.8%, down from -2.8% in the previous month.
TNT Charter launches
The retail industry has backed MP Sarah Edwards in launching The TNT Charter – Trust & Transparency in Business Energy – which aims to save retailers money on energy. The charter, which has garnered support from the Association of Convenience Stores, the British Retail Consortium, The Federation of Independent Retailers and the British Independent Retailers Association, calls for immediate reform of how electricity prices are set, sold and disclosed.
70% of Brits shop locally every week
Repeat customers anchor local economies despite squeezed budgets, with 70% of UK consumers shopping locally weekly, new data from global technology company, Square, has revealed. What’s more, 80% said their relationship with their favourite local business was more than transactional. The report found that 40% described the relationship as familiar – that feeling of being recognised when you walk through the door – and another 29% said they felt a personal bond with the staff.
71% of c-stores know of nearby shops selling illicit nicotine
Seven in 10 (71%) retailers said they were aware of shops in their area selling illicit nicotine products, new research from Philip Morris Limited (PML), the UK and Ireland a liate of Philip Morris International (PMI), has revealed.
What’s more, nearly nine in 10 retailers (88%) are regularly asked by customers if they stock illicit nicotine products and more than two-thirds (68%) are asked for illicit vapes or cigarettes two-to-six times per week, according to PML’s nationwide survey of 200 UK convenience store managers.
At the national level, the most recent KPMG Report on Illicit Cigarette Consumption in Europe shows that UK illicit cigarette consumption has increased by almost 50% in the ve years to 2024. is is despite the declining rate of legal cigarette sales, where volumes have decreased by almost one-quarter over the past ve years (ibid). e illicit cigarette market is now denying the economy of £3.2bn (ibid).
Will O’Reilly, illicit trade consultant and former senior Met Police O cer, said: “Illicit trade is a lowrisk, high-reward operation for organised crime groups. Gangs are now taking control of the full illicit supply chain, from production to sales. e increasing presence of store fronts set up to sell illicit cigarettes
COMMUNITY
Royston shop helps local girl compete in Dance World Cup
Twelve-year-old Mirren King is heading to Dublin to represent Scotland in the Dance World Cup finals in July after Glasgow retailer, Raheem Ali Razaq, agreed to sponsor her.
Raheem has sponsored the hip-hop dancer £250 and is also going to assist with a charity night to raise extra funds for the 11-day trip, which will see the young dancer enter solo, duo and teams categories.
Mirren and her mum, Debbie, are regulars at Ali’s Nisa in Royston in Glasgow. “Debbie is one of my best customers and it’s a big feat for her daughter to reach that stage in an international competition. We’d do anything to help,” Raheem said.
is undercutting legitimate retailers and embedding criminals in local communities.”
Catherine Goger, Illicit Trade Prevention Manager at PML, said: “Illicit trade is out of control in the UK. Retailers are encountering demand week in, week out, and many can see illegal products being sold a stone’s throw away. When the issue becomes this widespread and visible, it undermines the compliant retailers running responsible businesses that serve their communities.
“Regulation plays a vital role, but it must be supported by consistent enforcement and more e ective communication about the dangers of illicit trade to consumers. Together, improved detection, enforcement and education will help protect consumers and retailers. Without this, the illicit trade will continue to threaten the livelihoods of convenience stores.”
One in five Scots witness abuse of store staff
A shocking one in ve Scottish shoppers (19%) have witnessed verbal or physical abuse of shop sta in the last 12 months, up from one in six last year, according to a new survey by the Scottish Retail Consortium with Opinium.
e data also showed 18% of customers have witnessed shopli ing taking place while at a store in the last 12 months and that 7% had witnessed people damaging store property such as displays, merchandise, and ttings.
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said abusive or violent behaviour towards shop sta is wholly unacceptable. “ ese stark gures show witnessing such incidents of the or abuse has become an all-too-common part of the shopping experience for many Scots.
“While an incident can be over in a matter of seconds, it can have life-long consequences on those who experience it. Experiencing the reality of retail crime makes shoppers think twice about visiting their local high streets, undermining the health and vitality of Scotland’s retail destinations. Despite better legal protections for shopworkers and record spending by retailers on crime prevention we know from member feedback that criminals are becoming bolder and more aggressive.
“Sustained action is needed to get on top of this scourge and in particular to apprehend and deal rmly with persistent perpetrators.”
CRIME Shopworker mistreatment is rife
Convenience Matters with the SGF
In recent weeks, the UK Deposit Return Scheme has again filled our calendars with meetings and calls on retailers, wholesalers and producers for key data on sales, labour costs and store operations.
While 18 months may feel like enough time to make all the critical decisions on issues such as the Return Handling Fee, the Deposit Level and how collection logistics will work, retailers plan months in advance. IT systems may need updated, shop fitters may need to be hired, and thousands of stores may need Reverse Vending Machines installed –not to mention the impact on the supply chain of switching over to scheme-compliant stock.
Once the rollout begins, costs are likely to peak with extra customer support, staff training and cleaning time; the process could be complex and the sooner retailers have full information, the better.
So far, our engagement with the scheme administrators ‘Exchange for Change’ has been incredibly positive. A breath of fresh air, following the collapse of the Scottish scheme, although everyone is working at breakneck speed to deliver DRS by the October 2027 deadline.
Our objective will always be to ensure that our members and retailers get a fair deal, and to help facilitate understanding and access to the right information and providers.
Comparisons have been made to the rollout of the National Lottery, three decades ago. It may be tempting to wait and see how it goes before getting involved. But our view is that early adoption is essential to ensure convenience stores are at the heart of this service in Scotland. A service that every single customer will require.
15% Scottish shoplifting hike may partly reflect rise in crime reporting
The implementation of the Retail Crime Taskforce could be influencing the shoplifting figures.
Shopli ing in Scotland has shot up 15% year-on-year (YoY) to 50,300 crimes in 2025, an increase of 137% from the year ending December 2021, according to ScotGov’s newly released recorded crime data. But while the increase is “disappointing”, the surge may be linked to improved levels of crime reporting by retailers, the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has claimed.
Dundee City recorded the highest percentage increase in shop the with a 48.1% YoY rise from 1,937 reported crimes in 2024 to 2,864 in 2025. is marked a huge 249% increase when compared to 2021. is alarming rise means Dundee City has overtaken Edinburgh as the local authority with the highest recorded number of shopli ing crimes per 10,000 capita in Scotland.
East Dumbartonshire also saw a sharp upli in recorded shop the , up 43% to 561 crimes, while Perth & Kinross recorded 1,099 shop the s (up 39% YoY) and Inverclyde saw shop the s climb 30% to 923 crimes.
Edinburgh City had the overall highest number of recorded shop the s, up 27% to 9,642, followed by Glasgow City, up 26% with 8,982.
Meanwhile, the Shetland Islands, Aberdeenshire and Clackmannanshire saw the biggest YoY percentage declines in shop the gures at -25%, -21% and -20% respectively.
In total, 12 Scottish local authorities saw a decline in recorded shopli ing crimes, while 20 experienced an increase.
However, the rise in the nation’s o cial shopli ing gures does not necessarily mean a 15% increase in the number of shop the crimes being committed, highlighted SRC, noting that the implementation of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce had led to an increase in retailers reporting crime to the police.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, SRC Deputy Head, said: “Shop the continues to be a blight on our communities. ieving from stores isn’t a victimless crime. It’s a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats towards shop workers and we know from member feedback that thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive.
“ e nancial cost is immense. Our most recent crime report found the total cost of retail crime across the UK last year was £985m. at cost is paid for through higher prices, a worse shopping experience, and undermines the health and vitality of our high streets
“Whilst the rise in recorded crime is disappointing, it’s likely some of this is a consequence of the increased police response following the creation of the Retail Crime Taskforce.
“Retailers are starting to increase reporting in the hope Police Scotland will be able to respond more e ectively than in the past. So this rise may not mark an increase in crime; just in retailers informing the police.”
Police Inspector Emma Wright of the Retail Crime Taskforce told SLR: “From speaking with retailers, it does appear that increased con dence in the police response could be a factor in increased reporting, rather than the gures being wholly attributable to a rise in the s occurring.”
She pointed to the fact that 99.8% of respondents to the Scottish Grocers’ Federation’s Annual Crime survey in 2024/25 reported that shopli ing had increased in the past year, whereas this gure dropped to 54.8% in 2025/26.
Also, in 2024/25, 48.2% of respondents reported that they were unlikely or very unlikely to report shopli ing incidents to the police, but in 2025/26, only 10.9% took this view.
MacDonald-Russell highlighted the need for the Retail Crime Taskforce funding to be sustained and enhanced and for the courts to play their part if the sector is to truly turn the tide on thieving and crime against retailers.
THE REAL HEROES OF LOCAL RETAILING
At the very heart of it, the fundamental difference between local retailing and every other sector comes down to one simple thing: our people. Everything that makes our sector so critical to every community in Scotland can be boiled down to the people who work in our stores all day long, seven days a week.
It’s our people who create, develop and sustain that unique relationship that our stores enjoy with the communities we serve. It’s our people that are the real reason behind our continued success through thick and thin, through the occasional good times and through the more frequent tough times.
And that is precisely why the SLR Above & Beyond Awards are so special to us. They provide a unique opportunity to recognise, celebrate and honour the amazing people working in our stores. The real heroes of our sector.
Yes, owners and managers are critical to the success of our businesses. Their vision and resilience and commitment and passion mean many thousands of stores across Scotland continue to survive and succeed. But those same owners and managers would be the first to admit that none of their success would be possible without their teams – the colleagues on the shopfloor and behind the till and in the delivery vehicles.
What’s remarkable is that many of these colleagues don’t settle for just turning up, doing their job and going home. An incredible amount of them routinely go above and beyond the basic job requirements. And that’s what the Above & Beyond Awards were created to recognise. Our sector is simply packed with very wonderful, caring and compassionate people who go way above and beyond to look after their colleagues, customers and communities.
The tales we heard at last month’s Awards were often hard to take in. There was joy and there were tears – plenty of them – and that’s not something you see at too many industry awards ceremonies. That tells us everything we need to know. That room full of heroes deserves the attention and the recognition, and their stories need to be told and shared.
The world needs to know how vital local retailing is and how blessed the sector is with good, decent, hard-working, caring people. In today’s increasingly unfathomable world, it’s absolutely vital that we remind ourselves –and everyone else – that local retailing is not like other sectors. It is truly unique, and that’s down to our people. We need to look after them because they sure as hell look after us.
ANTONY BEGLEY, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
EDITORIAL
Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley abegley@55north.com
Deputy Editor Sarah Britton sbritton@55north.com
Features Editor Gaelle Walker gwalker@55north.com
Web Editor
Findlay Stein fstein@55north.com
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing Director Helen Lyons 07575 959 915 | hlyons@55north.com
Design & Digital Manager Richard Chaudhry rchaudhry@55north.com
EVENTS & OPERATIONS
Events & Circulation Manager Cara Begley cbegley@55north.com
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YOUR SALES WILL BE FLYING WITHOUT WINGS
MADE IN SCOTLAND FROM GIRDERS
TREASURES BEYOND MEASURE
The Above and Beyond Awards 2026 have unearthed another treasure trove of local retailing jewels.
BY GAELLE WALKER
Now in their third year, SLR’s Above and Beyond Awards were designed to celebrate the unsung heroes of our industry – those good humans who go out of their way to make things better for the people and places around them.
We always suspected we would unearth some gems, but what keeps on surfacing year a er year are treasures beyond measure – and this year was certainly no exception.
Our nalists and winners don’t just go above and beyond every now and again – they live it every single day.
And they don’t do it for the money, to meet a target, tick a box, or to get ‘likes’ – they do it because that’s just who they are.
Most of them were shocked to learn that they’d been nominated – and all of them shrugged o our praise of their actions – actions which so many of them said “just came naturally.”
Only those actions don’t come naturally to everyone – and that’s why these individuals, this industry, and these awards are so unique.
From running into burning buildings to rescue elderly residents, to buying sleeping bags for the homeless, visiting elderly shoppers in care homes, playing Santa for children who would otherwise go without to simply “being there” for people – every single one of this year’s nalists and winners demonstrates what it truly means to go above and beyond –and not just sporadically, every single day.
eir stories le us awed and inspired – and, in many cases, a little tearful too.
is year’s glittering collection of nalists and winners was honoured at a special lunch at Glasgow’s Corinthian Club on 18 March – and now it’s your chance to share in their celebration.
Read on to nd out more about them all – but be sure to grab your shades – because they are absolutely blinding.
INDEPENDENT STORE COLLEAGUE
THIS AWARD RECOGNISES THE POSITIVE IMPACT MADE BY COLLEAGUES WORKING IN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED LOCAL RETAILING STORES IN SCOTLAND.
KERRI GRIER
Supervisor, Bourtreehill Supermarket
Kerri started out as Bourtreehill’s delivery driver during the pandemic. At its height she made more than 150 lifeline deliveries a day – delivering essential goods but also treasured connection to isolated and vulnerable local people. After almost two years, store manager Imran brought her in-store where he knew she would shine – but she’s done more than that – she’s blazed a trail.
Imran says there’s no job she can’t do. She runs the store’s social media, she cashes up at night, she’s a merchandising dream, she cleans, she orders – and she’s also a customer service queen – expert at connecting with people, especially the old and young.
GERTU KIRTSING
Deli/Kitchen Supervisor, David’s Kitchen
Gertu is a key ingredient in the David’s Kitchen business – helping with everything from staff training to social media and new store set-ups.
Her stellar impact is also keenly felt on the catering side of the business where Gertu is queen of the central kitchen – helping to prepare and cook its vast range of homemade ready meals.
She also reigns supreme in the outside catering arm of the business – making up mouth-watering platters for anything between 20 to 750 people multiple times a week – often working 14-hour shifts in the process – and smiling through every one.
SHIVAM MADAAN
Manager, Day Today Haddington
At just 29, Shivam’s natural affinity for retail and people has seen him soar from sales assistant to manager in only three years – despite having no prior retail experience. Proactive and interested, he’s taken it upon himself to learn everything he can about store operations, local trends and wine – of which he now has a corking knowledge.
He’s also a motivating manager and mathematical whizz whose eagle-eye on costs helps the business to save precious pounds.
In addition to all of the above, he also happily gives up his spare time to support those in need – and is regularly found helping out in the local community kitchen.
SEAN MANEY
Manager, Greens of Shettleston
Sean is a managerial maestro whose skills with people, products and procedures see him regularly parachuted in to help support other stores.
A natural-born knack with people helps him to build strong motivated teams and even stronger stores.
His local support is also legendary – barely any month goes by without some sort of big-ticket donation or community initiative.
From local school kids to pensioners, the hard-up and the homeless, everyone benefits from Sean’s kind and compassionate nature.
COMPANY OWNED STORE COLLEAGUE
THIS AWARD SHOWCASES THE BRILLIANCE OF COLLEAGUES WORKING IN CJ LANG COMPANY-OWNED STORES IN SCOTLAND.
DIANE GARRY Supervisor, SPAR Coatbridge
Diane Garry started working at SPAR Coatbridge in her teens and 17 years later she’s still there; the store, her team and her customers having become a constant and treasured fixture in her life.
One of her favourite parts of the role is the interactions she has with customers. Many of these are elderly and will visit every day – some multiple times a day.
She’s also a real stickler for high standards – a job is never done until she’s completely satisfied with it. Planograms hold a special place in her heart!
And when responsibility calls, Diane answers – a fact she proved all too well last summer, when she stepped up to cover the manager in her absence.
LIAM HAILES Manager, SPAR Balintore
Much like the store he manages, Liam Hailes is a treasured part of local life in the small coastal village of Balintore, where he was born and raised.
Having worked in the store for more than 13 years, no one understands what local shoppers and the wider community need better than Liam.
In addition to his busy day job managing what is a highly successful store, he’s a true community lynchpin – helping to organise a packed calendar of meaningful community events throughout the year which last year culminated in a magical Christmas celebration featuring real live reindeer!
Unfortunately Liam wasn’t able to attend, so his certificate was picked up by a colleague.
ANGELA KELLY Sales Assistant, SPAR Garthamlock
Described as the heart and soul of SPAR’s Garthamlock store, Angie is a ray of sunshine who goes out of her way to brighten people’s days.
Her warmth, enthusiasm and genuine interest in people create a powerful sense of community within the store.
And that’s not her only star quality: Angie’s also an exceptionally hard-worker, whose knowledge of in-store processes and local trends was invaluable to manager Gerry Haughey when he first joined the store.
She’s also a social media whizz, whose posts have helped to drive new levels of engagement for the store – as well as footfall and sales.
STACEY
MCMAHON Manager, SPAR Peterculter
Stacey has been the life and soul of SPAR Peterculter for more than 25 years now –regularly going above and beyond to support her team and her customers.
From care-laden home deliveries to elderly shoppers in her own time, to ‘Natter and Chatter’ events in the community centre, her nurturing nature knows no bounds – even the snow can’t stop her!
When the village was hit by deep snow this winter, Stacey grabbed a shovel and cleared a path to the store – carrying out a huge number of home deliveries to elderly and vulnerable shoppers in her own time too.
She is always ready to help with her team’s problems or workplace goals.
Why Why
Why SPAR Scotland? Truth is, SPAR has become a major part of our lives. It's more than just running a shop. It's a way of life. From the tradeshow to the conferences, we have made friends for life:
• The people. We have the nicest people both as retailers and at CJ Lang & Son. We feel like a part of something much bigger than just us. It's like an extended family.
• Great margins.
• High quality own brand products.
• Great range.
• We have the easiest ordering system.
• Punctual deliveries.
• Amazing helpdesk that's fast and efficient.
• The best backup and support.
Mohammed Razzaq (Zak). SPAR Retailer for over 7 years
TEAM OF THE YEAR
THIS AWARD REWARDS IN-STORE TEAMS WHICH HAVE PULLED TOGETHER TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO THEIR STORES AND/OR TO THEIR COMMUNITY.
SPAR DENNY
This loyal team of friends pulled together to pull off great success when their store transitioned from Scotfresh to SPAR last year.
Many members of the team are long serving and they had to go on a real journey, learning entirely new ways of working as well as going through a significant store refit.
The above would be a daunting prospect for any team, but not for team Denny who rose to the challenge and embraced all the changes with enthusiasm, positivity and bags of team spirit – having a lot of fun along the way too.
Thanks to their inspiring approach, sales have grown by an incredible 25% year on year, with food-to-go sales having risen by a meaty 45%!
SPAR EASTRIGGS
Come rain or shine, the team at SPAR Eastriggs are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to spread a little joy in their local community – often in their own time and from their own pockets too.
From Easter Egg hunts around the village to in-store Christmas carol concerts, this is a store that truly goes above and beyond for its community.
Last Christmas was certainly no exception, when the team, led by manager Tanya Wilson, took 40 local children on a festive cinema trip, with each child gifted a tasty treat donated by the team too.
Team members also braved the elements to deliver heartfelt hampers to some of the community’s most elderly residents at the start of the new year.
SPAR GARTHAMLOCK
This highly motivated and engaged team has helped to transform SPAR Garthamlock into one of the most successful stores in SPAR Scotland’s estate –winning the Company-Owned Store accolade at the SPAR Scotland Awards twice in just five years.
This is a team that pulls together, where everyone has a voice, a goal and countless reasons to feel proud.
Little wonder then that SPAR Garthamlock also boasts of its lowest staff turnover rates in the company and a reputation for excellent standards, a fact which means it’s now regularly used as a testbed for new concepts, such as Food To Go where the store achieving great success.
SPAR KINCAIDSTON
When it comes to heartfelt acts of team spirit, SPAR Kincaidston really is the top of the tree – with all team members thinking outside of the box and willingly giving up their own time to support those in need.
From in-store birthday parties for elderly shoppers to donating Christmas decorations and spreading festive cheer – this is a team that stops at nothing to make people smile – often bringing the whole community in on their inspirational initiatives too.
Last Christmas the team launched their biggest Angel Tree initiative to date –resulting in 50 fabulous presents for local disadvantaged children to unwrap on Christmas Day – with many gifts donated by team members themselves.
MAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS' DAY
FRUITIER
UP AND COMING STAR
THIS AWARD RECOGNISES COLLEAGUES AGED 25 OR UNDER WHO HAVE MADE AN OUTSTANDING IMPACT IN THEIR STORES AND HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE IN THE SECTOR AHEAD OF THEM.
JODI EWING
Supervisor, SPAR Saltcoats
‘Little Jodi’ has made a big impact at SPAR Saltcoats since she joined at just 18. The last three years have seen her confidence bloom, taking on greater responsibility for store operations with enthusiasm and ease.
She’s also become a sought-after face on the shop floor where she excels at making shoppers feel welcome – never forgetting a birthday or heartfelt compliment.
And as the pile of cards personally addressed to Jodi at the store this Christmas shows – she’s clearly got a special place in her customers’ hearts too.
HARSHITA JAND
Supervisor, Girish’s Costcutter, Barmulloch
Harshita wakes up every day “excited to come to work” and it shows – her warm smile and positive attitude lighting up the shop floor and delighting customers –especially parents and their kids.
She’s also an operational bright spark with a natural instinct for retail that helps to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the store – acting as the physical eyes and ears for manager Snehal who now runs it remotely from India!
Social media is another string to Harshita’s bow – with engagement and followers both having soared under her care.
KARIS WALDRON
Supervisor, SPAR Greenock
Karis joined SPAR Greenock as a general sales assistant in 2022 and was promoted to supervisor just one year later.
Her thirst for learning and desire to progress has seen her go from strength to strength since then – and she’s now one of the store’s most competent employees, never leaving a job until she’s 100% satisfied.
Her knowledge of store processes and passion for perfection were clear for all to see last year when she led not one but two CEO visits with confidence and success.
LONG SERVICE AWARD
THIS AWARD HIGHLIGHTS THE POSITIVE POWER OF COLLEAGUES WHO HAVE WORKED IN THE SECTOR, OR THEIR STORE, FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
GERRY HAUGHEY
Manager, SPAR Garthamlock
Managerial mastermind Gerry Haughey has worked for SPAR for 30 years. He’s currently heading up one of the company’s best-performing stores which, under his care, has also claimed SPAR Scotland’s Company Owned Store of the Year Award not once but twice – in just five years!
As a manager, he’s always looking for new and fun ways to motivate his team, creating a warm and friendly working environment - where staff feel supported, valued and empowered.
To many of his team, Gerry is so much more than a manager – he’s also a career coach, friend and shoulder to cry on - whose door is always open.
MARGO MACAULEY
Manager, Costcutter Muirhouse
Kind-hearted Margo lives and breathes store life and has been doing so for a quarter of a century – since she joined as a sales assistant in 2001.
Her “underlying instinct to help others” has seen the store become the beating heart of local life, with Margo regularly going above and beyond to support her loyal local shoppers – caring for many of them in much the same way as a family member would.
She’s also a valuable source of support for her team – having taken many of them under her wing over the years, helping to develop their careers, and comforting them through tough times – even when facing hard ones of her own.
STACEY
MCMAHON Manager, SPAR Peterculter
Stacey has been working her magic at SPAR Peterculter for more than 25 years –becoming a treasured part of local life in that time.
She goes out of her way to look after others, especially the elderly, regularly giving up her own time to see that their needs are met.
She knows what they need, she knows what makes them happy – and crucially, she knows when they’re not well or something’s not right – and acts on it – as she has done several times before.
Her kind and fair nature also make her a marvellous manager – even to her children who all worked in the store growing up.
ASTONISHING ACT
OUR TWO ASTONISHING ACT WINNERS BOTH PUSHED THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT IT MEANS TO ‘GO ABOVE AND BEYOND.’
SEAN MANEY AND EDWIN PIRIE BOTH PERFORMED TRULY ASTONISHING ACTS OF SELFLESS BRAVERY, PUTTING THE NEEDS AND WELFARE OF OTHERS BEFORE THEIR OWN, EACH IN CHALLENGING AND DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.
THEIR HEROIC ACTIONS LEFT OUR JUDGES SPEECHLESS AND THE AUDIENCE IN AWE.
SEAN MANEY Manager, Greens of Shettleston
Sean performed a jaw-dropping act of bravery when he ran into a burning building opposite his store and helped to get its elderly residents to safety.
When he discovered one couple trapped on the first floor due to restricted mobility, he stayed with them until the Fire Service arrived – and then helped them carry their hose upstairs!
Once all the elderly residents were safely evacuated, Sean ran back to the store to grab refreshments for the firefighters battling the blaze which by that point had taken hold of the whole building.
He then designated the store a ‘safe space’ for any locals affected by the fire – offering free drinks, snacks and comfort to those in need – all without a second thought.
EDWIN PIRIE
Driver/Storeman, Premier Whitehills
Edwin was a true snow angel during the terrible winter storms that lashed Aberdeenshire at the start of the year.
While other delivery companies gave up, Edwin stood up – braving cut-off roads and knee-deep snowdrifts to deliver essential groceries to shoppers in need.
On one particularly treacherous day, with the snow still falling heavily, Edwin carried out 45 home deliveries to remote addresses, some of which were 10 miles inland and virtually cut off.
On many occasions the challenging conditions saw Edwin dig his way to people’s doors, determined that those in need didn’t go without – delivering not just bags of food but also bundles of comfort in the process.
Thank you to our sponsors
Thank you to the Above and Beyond Awards sponsors – Mondelez International, SPAR Scotland/CJ Lang, Highland Spring and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, and our media partners The Scottish Sun. We couldn’t do this without you. Your backing helps us honour the colleagues and teams powering local retail, showcasing their impact on stores, shoppers and communities across Scotland.
YOP refreshed
Yoplait has unveiled a new look for YOP for the first time in more than 20 years, backed by a £600,000 marketing and sampling campaign to boost on-shelf standout, drive appeal with teenagers and young adults, and accelerate brand growth. ‘Put a Yop to it’ kicks off this month, tapping into the stressful, lives of teenagers and young adults. It runs across social, digital, out-of-home and in-store shopper channels.
New-look Nordic Spirit
JTI UK has revealed a refreshed brand identity for its Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches, with new packaging designed to stand out more prominently on shelves.
Beyond the vibrant new look, the modernised packaging offers enhanced guidance on strength and flavour. Dry or Moist labelling indicates a slower or faster release respectively, and a clear six dot strength system, ranging from 6-17mg, further illustrates the nicotine intensity level.
Soft drinks power ahead in convenience
Soft drinks continue to be the shining light in the convenience sector, with fresh figures from Talysis pointing to a strong start to 2026 after a standout 2025. While convenience as a whole fell 1.7% YOY in 2025, soft drinks, confectionery and alcohol were the only major categories to deliver meaningful value growth, with soft drinks the clear winner across value, volume and category share.
Ferrero launches Kinder Bueno Dark
Ferrero UK has expanded its portfolio with Kinder Bueno Dark. Available now, the variant introduces a more intense cocoa taste while maintaining Bueno’s signature wafer, smooth hazelnut filling and texture. With white, milk and now dark variants, the range offers retailers broader flavour coverage to cater to differing preferences and support incremental category growth.
CCEP unveils ‘supercan’ and lowers PMP prices
Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners (CCEP) has launched a new 500ml Coca-Cola ‘Supercan’ format in GB and lowered the price of selected large PET Coca-Cola bottles in convenience. e moves are accompanied by the roll out of a mobile app for the MyCCEP.com online customer portal.
e supercan launches with a nationwide ‘Superfan’ on-pack promotion that runs until 4 May and leverages Coca-Cola’s position as O cial So Drinks Partner of the Premier League.
BREAKFAST CEREALS
Weetabix refreshes packs
Weetabix has unveiled updated packaging across its core range, with clearer on-pack callouts for vitamin D, fibre and iron to help shoppers make quick, health-led choices at breakfast.
The new designs will appear on more than 677 million packs, bringing the nutritional messaging to breakfast tables at scale and throughout the year. The refresh aims to address common gaps in UK diets by putting key nutrients front and centre on shelf.
The updated packs are available now across Weetabix Original, Protein, Chocolate, Banana, Organic and Oatibix.
STG revamps XQS
e 500ml can will continue as part of Coca-Cola’s core range a er the promotion ends.
For a limited time, CCEP is also rolling out reduced PMPs across selected 1.75L and 2L Coca-Cola bottles, backed by direct investment in shelf price.
e launch of the MyCCEP app follows demand for a mobile version to help manage so drinks ranges on the move. Eligible users can visit MyCCEP.com now to nd out more and access links to download the app.
SOFT DRINKS Irn-Bru Ice Cream joins core range
Irn-Bru Ice Cream is returning to shelves as a permanent addition to the brand’s range after strong consumer demand and successful sales.
It is available in a range of formats including 500ml PET (£1.29 PMP), 2L PET (£1.79 PMP and plain pack RSP £2.15), an eight-pack of 330ml cans (RSP £4.20), and 330ml single cans (RSP £1.10).
Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK has rebranded the full XQS nicotine pouch range, with new-look packs available now at the same £5.50 price point.
Irn-Bru Ice Cream joins the core Irn-Bru Zero range, formerly known as Irn-Bru Xtra. The permanent extension is positioned to strengthen the zero-sugar portfolio and bring additional excitement to the fixture.
e update introduces a bolder logo and elevated packaging. Packs retain bright colour gradients and add simpli ed letterforms with glossy textures. Strength indicators remain, and a new avour pro le indicator on the side shows whether each SKU is sweet, fresh, zesty, tangy or icy.
Highland Spring restores woodlands
Highland Spring Group has launched a new partnership with the Woodland Trust to accelerate native woodland recovery in the Ochil Hills.
e move extends the company’s land and water stewardship beyond its own estate and is framed as a key step on its journey to becoming nature-positive.
e collaboration builds on Highland Spring’s management of 2,500 acres of protected land in the Ochils.
Funding will cover practical conservation measures including deer-exclusion fencing, vole-guard recycling, and native woodland restoration aimed at improv-
ing long-term ecological resilience. e partnership also creates dedicated employee-volunteering opportunities so sta can support projects on the ground and connect more closely with the land that underpins the business.
Boost Drinks unveils ‘Straight Up’ campaign
Boost Drinks is launching a multi-million-pound brand campaign across the UK, positioning the brand as a “no-brainer” choice.
Running from April to July 2026 and aiming to reach more than 20 million shoppers, the activity spans out-of-home advertising, digital, social and on-street sampling of more than 500,000 consumers. The campaign builds on Boost’s multi-year sponsorship of the rugby Super League.
The brand continues to grow, holding the number three position in stimulation energy and number two in sports drinks, and has recently launched a range of three zero sugar waters with electrolytes.
GROCERY New look is bolstered by £3.5m campaign
Batchelors unveils biggest-ever rebrand
Batchelors has launched the biggest rebrand in its 130-year history, rolling out a bold new visual identity across all 200 products in its Super Noodles, Pasta N
Sauce and Cup A Soup ranges to improve consistency, aid navigation at shelf and unlock further growth in easy meals.
e rebrand is backed by a £3.5m marketing campaign that includes the brand’s rst new TV ad in seven years, alongside large-format out-of-home, paid social, PR and in-store activation designed to spotlight Batchelors’ taste and comfort cues.
e refreshed design comes with easy meals having grown by more than 120% year on year.
Picture: Angus Mackie, WTLM
Brooklyn Brewery rolls out limited-edition trio Brooklyn Brewery has added three limited-edition craft beers to its range. Bel Air Sour (5% ABV) is a tart, tropical sour ale; Fonio Rising Double Pilsner (6.4% ABV) is a robust, crisp golden lager brewed with fonio; and Black Chocolate Stout (8.4% ABV) is an imperial stout delivering rich cocoa and fresh-ground espresso notes. All three are available in 440ml cans, with an RSP of £3.25–£4.25.
Heineken launches Cruzcampo Sevilla Orange
Heineken UK has unveiled Cruzcampo Sevilla Orange, a “crisp and refreshing” 3.3% ABV lager brewed with the zesty flavour of Seville oranges, and available now in a 4x440ml can format, RSP £5.80. It will feature as part of the multi-million-pound ‘Choose to Cruz’ master-brand campaign, live on TV, digital, social and out of home from May. The launch will also be boosted with a sampling campaign.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% adds twp flavours
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is moving into flavoured alcohol-free beer with Limone di Sicilia (Sicilian lemon) and Arancia Rossa (Italian blood orange). The new flavours come in 4 x 330ml packs with an RSP of £5.50. The launch is backed by more than £1m in marketing investment spanning sampling, social and influencer activity, retailer support and events.
Carlsberg Britvic brings Mythos to UK
Greek-style lager Mythos has launched, available now from Booker, with a wider rollout across grocery, convenience and impulse in September 2026. Formats include a 660ml bottle at RSP £2.75, 4x440ml cans at RSP £6, and 10x440ml cans at RSP £13. The launch targets the world beer segment’s bomming Mediterranean trend, where Spanish and Italian styles continue to grow year on year.
1664 Bière unveils new on-pack promotion
Carlsberg Britvic has launched a new on-pack promotion for its 1664 Bière brand to boost sales as more consumers continue to socialise at home.
e brand is aiming to position itself at the centre of at-home cultural moments and build on its strong o -trade momentum, where it is currently up 9.7% in volume and 10.4% in value.
e ‘House Party Suprême’ promotion gives shoppers weekly chances to win £2,000 prize bundles. Instant-win prizes are also available across all 1664 Bière can formats, including 1664 Bière 0.0%.
CIDER
e brand is looking to reinvigorate the premium beer category with the activity, a er a successful 2025. Winners can choose between a gaming bundle – including a TV and games console – or a music bundle featuring a speaker and
karaoke machines. Both prize options are designed to enhance nights in with friends and family. Instant-win items include 1664 Bière-branded Bluetooth speakers and Polaroid cameras. e campaign runs until 31 May.
New look for Kopparberg
Kopparberg has unveiled a brand refresh, with new-look packaging retaining the brand’s distinctive black and gold identity, wordmark and flavour cues, while introducing more vibrant colour and enhanced contrast to deliver even stronger block impact on shelf.
RTDs
Four Loko ups
Clearer, more immediate flavour signposting, helping shoppers find their favourites faster.
At the centre of the redesign is Kopparberg’s ‘K’ brand asset, now featured boldly across every pack.
RTDs Brand returns to cultural roots with cheeky campaign
WKD marks 30th anniversary
WKD is launching a major brand campaign as it celebrates its 30th year, aiming to drive growth across the RTD category.
SHS Drinks is returning the brand to its cultural roots with a renewed focus on the personality that built its following. Backed by over £10m of investment in 2026, the ‘Got a WKD Side?’ campaign is designed to reach 90% of 18–24-year-olds through out-of-home, broadcaster video on demand, digital, experiential and shopper marketing activity.
ABV with Remix Red Star Brands has unveiled Four Loko Remix, a range of vodka-based RTDs launched in response growing demand for higher-ABV options among drinkers aged 21 to 34.
The range debuts in two SKUs – Peach Pulse and Berry Blitza. Both are 12% ABV and come in sleek 330ml recyclable, resealable Tetra Pak cartons (RSP £4.50). The range is available now. Launch activity includes a suite of POS materials and FSDUs, alongside a nationwide user generated content push across Instagram and TikTok with gifting boxes for the two Remix SKUs and personalised merchandise.
BEER Shoppers can win a house party bundle
CCEP launches Bacardí & Coca-Cola Spiced
Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners (CCEP) has added a new Spiced variant to its Bacardí & Coca-Cola range.
Available now at an RSP of £2.30, the 250ml slim can pairs Bacardí Spiced rum with hints of vanilla, mixed with Coca-Cola.
To support the launch, a ‘Bring the Party Home’ on-pack promotion will run for 12 weeks from 7 April giving shoppers the chance to win weekly house-party prizes including Bluetooth turntables, speakers and headphones. Each month, one winner will also receive a Bacardí
& Coca-Cola DIY House Party Kit. Packed inside a branded travel case, the kit includes DJ-inspired party gear and lighting, a Polaroid camera, a disco ball and Bacardí & Coca-Cola Spiced cans.
CCEP has also unveiled its rst on-pack promotion across its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola readyto-drink range, giving shoppers the chance to win live music experiences at Wembley Stadium.
Running until 29 June, prizes include tickets to see major artists performing at Wembley this year, plus £400 towards travel and other expenses.
Rekorderlig adds
Pineapple-Kiwi flavour
Molson Coors Beverage Company has expanded the Rekorderlig range with a new Pineapple-Kiwi flavour. Rolling out at 3.4% ABV in 500ml bottles and 500ml cans, it blends crisp pear cider with the taste of tropical pineapple and a hint of kiwi. The brand will be supported this summer with out-of-home, sampling, social activity and in-store media.
Glen Moray unveils Forbidden Fruit
Glen Moray has added Forbidden Fruit to its range, inviting drinkers to “give in to temptation” with a single malt finished in French oak casks previously used for Calvados. The new expression draws on the apple-led spirit, building on a bourbon-matured base in Glen Moray’s signature Speyside style. Forbidden Fruit (40% ABV) is available now, RSP £32.
CHECK OUT GREENOCK’S NEW ‘NEXT LEVEL’ KEYSTORE
Harry and Andy Hayre explain how they worked closely with Filshill to create a slick new destination store.
BY SARAH BRITTON
Astunning KeyStore More store, described as “next level” by JW Filshill, has opened its doors in Greenock, following a six- gure investment by forward-thinking, tech-savvy young retailers, Harry and Andy Hayre.
Located in a small mixed-use retail development on Kilmacolm Road in the Inverclyde town, the store is the culmination of Harry and Andy’s vision to create a cutting-edge convenience store that brings a new shopping experience to a busy neighbourhood that was missing a “one-stop shop”.
e 2,400sq store features custom-made lighting, an open ceiling, modern ceramic tiled ooring and refreshed internal signage. Improved shop ow, sleek chillers and e ective merchandising create a welcoming, spacious environment.
From a cool slush counter and Ca a co ee station to local gems Aulds the Bakers and award-winning butcher McCaskie’s of Wemyss Bay, the outlet is designed to be a destination store.
Another key feature is the beer cave, which is the rst of its kind in Inverclyde.
Working with h-generation family business Filshill, a wholesaler which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, Harry and Andy sat down with business development manager Kieran Dhinsa to start the planning process.
“It was a no-brainer that we’d choose KeyStore More,” says Harry. “We’ve been with Filshill since 2018 and have family who are KeyStore
retailers too, so we can also bounce ideas o them and they’ve given us good advice over the years. However, I can honestly say that the support of Kieran and Filshill has been exceptional – nothing is too much bother, and they don’t dictate what we should do.
“It’s a partnership that works well. We’re a family business; they’re a family business – they get it. Kieran’s family are also retailers so all that experience, our experience – it all comes together and it’s really a collaboration at the end of the day.”
Having a blank canvas and free rein to realise their vision was exciting for Harry and Andy. “ e whole process took about a year,” Harry points out.
“We’d been looking for a new site for a while – we have another KeyStore More outlet in Grieve Road, which is just 10 minutes away – so it was important that a second store was within easy reach. e location is perfect for us and surrounded by houses and ats, there’s a primary school a ve-minute walk from the store and a sports centre not far away, so there’s plenty of passing trade as well as local foot tra c.
“ ere’s a café and hairdresser opposite, a beauty salon too, so people going there also pop into the store. e café is more of a sit-down sort of place so there isn’t a clash with our food-to-go o er.”
Opening week sales exceeded expectations and are showing strong signs of growth.
“Having just opened a week or two before Christmas we’re still in the bedding-in stage and dealing with a few things that aren’t quite right yet, but we’re delighted with the outcome and we’re 100% con dent that sales will continue to grow,” Harry says.
“We’re obviously getting to know our customers so going forward we’ll adapt and tailor our range to suit the community’s needs and trial new products and services, learn from what works and what doesn’t, and work with Filshill’s planograms to o er the best range possible.
“KeyStore’s value-led promotions are excellent and availability is great. We’ve got access to all the leading brands, support with merchandising, and we bene t from the company’s data which helps us get the best out of each category. We’re also looking to introduce home deliveries via Snappy Shopper in the future.”
Craig Brown, JW Filshill Chief Sales and Marketing O cer, refers to the site as a “next level” KeyStore.
He says: “For Harry and Andy to start o the new year with this amazing new store sends a signal to other retailers that investing in your business is the right thing to do – be that a store refresh, complete refurbishment, introducing new services or equipment, or trying to make better use of social media channels.
“With KeyStore, we are supporting our retailers to make more margin, stock the right core range, and make their promotional plan work for their stores.
“Using technology to simplify day-to-day operations, deliver promotional plans – backed by data-led merchandising to drive sales – is one of our strengths and allows retailers to focus on what di erentiates independent convenience stores.”
He adds: “Independents can also o er excellence in personal service because – unlike the multiples – they are convenient, local and friendly, and support local groups, organisations and good causes through the KeyStore Community Fund.
“Our relationship with our suppliers, built on trust, transparency and sharing information, allows us to push our ‘big brands/low prices’ message. We know the Scottish convenience market inside out, understand the challenges family businesses face and understand that retailers must run their businesses the way they want – so what we do is give you the tools to help you be more successful.
“Kilmacolm Road shows what’s possible when retailers invest in their business and work in partnership with their wholesaler.”
GROCERYAID DAY: PLAY YOUR PART
At the end of this month, GroceryAid Day provides the perfect opportunity for you to help make sure your team knows about the free and confidential support that our industry charity can offer them.
30TH APR 2026
Raising of GroceryAid
Throughout Your Business Awareness
groceryaid.org.uk
Over the last four or ve years, more industry colleagues than ever have been made aware of the fantastic nancial, emotional and practical support available from GroceryAid, all of it free and entirely con dential.
e GroceryAid Scotland committee have done a brilliant job of helping raise awareness of the charity but there’s still plenty of work to do – and you can play your part by helping promote GroceryAid Day which takes place on 30 April.
All you have to do is order your free pack on in-store printed materials and make sure everyone on your team sees them. It couldn’t be simpler.
GroceryAid Day is the one day of the year where the industry comes together to raise awareness of its industry charity and colleagues across Scotland will be working with you to help make sure as many colleagues as possible know that there is help available if they need it – and it’s help that they’ve earned.
GroceryAid’s support is 24/7, 365 days a year and the charity wants every industry colleague to know about support that’s available to them.
e printed materials include posters, lea ets, wallet cards and stickers – and you can visit groceryaid.org.uk to order them.
IS BACK!
As the flagship event of the GroceryAid Scotland Committee, the Checkout Scotland music festival has rapidly become a highlight of the annual local retailing calendar –and it’s back for 2026. Checkout Scotland 2026 will once again take place at BAaD in Glasgow and is scheduled for 27 August. Organisers will soon be announcing the line-up for the event, and it promises to be an absolute banger of an evening once again.
To enquire about sponsorship or tickets, please get in touch with Checkout CoChair Antony Begley at abegley@55north.com
MEET THE JUDGES
FRI 13 MAR 2026
WED 17 JUNE 2026
The entry deadline for the SLR Awards 2026 has passed and the hard work now begins for our various judges. First up are our paper judges who analyse all entries to help draw up the shortlists for each category.
BY ANTONY BEGLEY
By the time you read this article, the entry deadline for the SLR Awards 2026 will be in the past and the team at SLR will already be getting on with the task of collating, ordering and organising the many entries we have received in preparation for the complex and detailed task of judging this year’s awards.
If you’ve been involved with the SLR Awards in previous years, you’ll already be aware that the first task is the paper judging where we gather an experienced and expert panel of retailers and industry experts to painstakingly work through every entry and help us draw up the shortlists for this year’s Awards.
It’s a huge job for the judges – which is why we need a panel that truly understands local retailing. Thankfully, we have been able to build yet another fantastically well-qualified panel who have been prepared to share their valuable time, experience and expertise.
The unique way we run and judge the SLR Awards mean you know you are being judged fairly and knowledgeably by people who know the sector inside out. At SLR we’re proud to be able to say that ‘we get retail’ – and there’s no doubt that the same can be said of our judging panel.
Then, once the paper judging is complete, we will be hitting the road once again. As usual, I personally will visit every store on the shortlist over the course of about six weeks. I’ll be accompanied by another panel of expert judges including awards sponsors, industry experts and fellow retailers. And we’ll visit unannounced, as we always do. It’s the only way to judge fairly, we feel. We want to see your stores how your customers see them.
It’s a gruelling six weeks where I’ll typically cover between 3,000 and 4,000 miles but it’s ultimately a hugely rewarding endeavour. First and foremost, having a single lead judge visit literally every store means the judging is done to exactly the same standard. Secondly, it’s rewarding for me personally because it gives me a fantastic and intense deep dive into how the Scottish local retailing sector is progressing.
If the last few years are anything to go by, the judges will be seeing lots of innovation, lots of investment and one or two surprises.
We can’t wait to get started. And to find out if yours is one of the stores we’ll be visiting, keep an eye out for the shortlist when it’s published on the SLR website.
EXTERNAL PAPER JUDGES
JAMIE BUCHANAN
A familiar face in Scottish local retailing, Jamie Buchanan is Programme Director for the SGF Go Local Programme. A former Director of Company-Owned Stores at Spar Scotland, Jamie managed 118 stores before joining SGF to run the Scottish Government-funded Go Local Programme to encourage convenience stores to engage with local, regional and national suppliers.
EDDIE LYNAGH
Another well-kent face, Eddie Lynagh spent decades with Booker in a variety of depot management roles. He was also President of the Scottish Wholesale Association on two separate occasions. Now officially retired, Eddie retains a keen interest in the local retailing sector and plays an active role on the Scottish Committee of industry charity GroceryAid.
KAREN PEATTIE
Freelance journalist Karen Peattie has been reporting on the local retailing sector in Scotland for more than 30 years and was a consulting editor on SLR when the magazine launched nearly a quarter of a century ago. She continues to report on the sector in trade magazines and in The Herald newspaper, as well as providing PR services for a number of Scottish retail and wholesale businesses.
AVTAR SIDHU
Known as ‘Sid’ to his pals, Avtar Sidhu is a hugely experienced and progressive retailer. His St John’s Budgens store in Kenilworth has won more awards than Sid cares to remember. He also sits on the Independent Board of the Association of Convenience Stores.
LUKE MCGARTY
Luke is Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Communications at SGF and plays a lead role in engaging with government ministers, officials, politicians and key stakeholders within the local retailing sector.
KATHRYN NEIL
Kathryn joined the SGF Healthy Living Programme in 2014 as a Development Manager covering the central and east coast part of the country before taking over the role of Director in 2018. Kathryn has a wealth of experience in the convenience retail sector on which she now draws to develop long term strategy and goals for the Healthy Living Programme.
CHRIS NOICE
A long-standing judge at the SLR Awards, Chris Noice is Communications Director at the Association of Convenience Stores. He joined ACS in 2009 and is responsible for all external and internal communications and media relations as well as a wide-ranging research portfolio. Chris is an official spokesperson for ACS, appearing frequently in print, on national television and radio, to make the case for local shops to external audiences.
CHRISTIE CO
EXCHANGE FOR CHANGE PUBLISHES DRS LOGO REQUIREMENTS
With 18 months until the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launches, suppliers can now access detailed information on how to use the scheme logo.
DRS administrator Exchange for Change has published the approved Regulatory Requirements for the scheme logo.
e document sets out full guidance for drinks producers on how to include the DRS logo on packaging. From 1 October 2027, use of the scheme logo in line with the published guidance will be mandatory for producers across the UK in order to remain compliant with DRS regulations.
e logo will help consumers recognise drinks containers that are included in the DRS when the scheme launches next year. It is designed as a simple, distinctive symbol to make the scheme instantly recognisable on drinks containers.
e DRS Logo Regulatory Requirements set out:
Q How the DRS logo must be clearly displayed on every in-scope container, with options explained for portrait or landscape on-pack orientation;
Q Minimum and maximum size speci cations, and clear space rules;
Q Approved colour formats and production guidance;
Q e process for any future withdrawal or replacement of the DRS logo.
e guidance also con rms how the DRS logo may be used alongside or instead of existing on-pack recycling labels at the discretion of producers.
Full technical artwork les are available in a range of print- and digitalready formats to support packaging updates.
Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said: “ e scheme logo is visual shorthand for how the deposit return scheme works. From October next year, people will see this icon on every in-scope bottle and can across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. e consistency of the DRS logo matters, as it will build recognition and help to drive behaviour change in recycling.
“Publishing the approved Regulatory Requirements gives drinks producers the clarity they need to plan artwork cycles and packaging updates with con dence. We’re focused on giving industry time, certainty and support as we move towards launch.”
e full Deposit Return Schem Logo Regulatory Requirements, along with downloadable artwork les and supporting resources, are available now in the Resources section of the Exchange for Change website (exchangeforchange.co.uk).
SENIOR LEADERS APPOINTED TO GUIDE DRS PREPARATION
TOPLEFT: Kate McFerran
TOPRIGHT: Rehan Akram
LEFT: Trevor Gordon
Exchange for Change has appointed five senior leaders to its executive team as preparations continue for the fast-approaching October 2027 Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launch.
In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Smith will lead operational planning and end-to-end delivery for the UK’s DRS, making sure the systems, processes, logistics, infrastructure partners and enterprise procurement are in place ahead of October 2027.
Kate McFerran has been named Corporate Affairs Director and will lead government affairs, industry engagement, media and communications.
Rehan Akram has been appointed Legal Director and will oversee regulatory compliance, governance and commercial contracting for Exchange for Change.
As People Director, Henrik Malmquist will lead all people and HR activity across Exchange for Change.
In his new role as Chief Information Officer, Trevor Gordon will lead the technology and data systems required to operate the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme.
Russell Davies, CEO of Exchange for Change, said: “Delivery is now our priority. We’re building the leadership capability that is vital to deliver this scheme, and these senior appointments strengthen our operational, legal, stakeholder and technology expertise to ensure the scheme is a success.
“Our focus is clear – finalise scheme design, build the systems and partnerships required, and work closely with producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators to ensure the scheme is practical, efficient and ready to launch on time.”
Relentless White Citrus CCEP
The NPD lands in 500ml cans in both plain and £1 price-marked packs, featuring a striking opaque white design with the familiar Relentless ‘R’ motif. Marketing support includes influencer and ambassador partnerships, in-store sampling and brand takeovers at key music and cultural events. POS and digital downloads are available from MyCCEP.com.
Rubicon Raw Cherry Burst AG Barr
Cherry Burst launches alongside Zero Added Sugar Cherry Raspberry. Both are available in cases of 12 x 500ml cans, pricemarked at £1. A high-impact POS suite is available. The brand will be supported throughout 2026 by an enhanced, always-on social campaign expected to reach 8.8m consumers, complemented by high-footfall sampling.
M&M’s Cookie Dough Mars Wrigley
The new variant featuring a cookie dough-flavour centre coated in milk chocolate and the brand’s crisp shell. It targets demand for bitesize products and flavours that appeal to Gen Z, younger millennials and young families, and is available in 102g share bags (RSP £1.85). The launch is supported by a marketing campaign featuring the brand’s so-called ‘spokescandies’.
Irn-Bru Energy returns in 500ml cans
Irn-Bru Energy is back on shelves in Original and Zero Sugar, giving retailers a way to tap one of the fastestgrowing soft drinks categories.
Rolling out in 500ml cans, the drinks combine IrnBru’s top secret essence with taurine, caffeine and B vitamins.
The return lands amid strong category momentum. Sports and energy drinks are worth £3.1bn and growing at 11.1%, accounting for 41% of drink-now soft drinks sales. Innovation remains a key growth driver, with 62% of 2025 category growth coming from new products, flavours and pack formats.
The launch targets shoppers who want the distinctive taste of Irn-Bru with energy drink
Dr
functionality, particularly in Scotland where the brand has a long heritage.
Packs are available nationally from this month in 500ml cans across two price points: £1 PMP and plain pack at RSP £1.50, in both Original and Zero Sugar variants.
Kenny Nicholson, Irn-Bru Brand Director at AG Barr, said: “Energy drinks remain one of the most dynamic parts of the soft drinks category, and retailers know just how important it is to get the range right. We’re bringing back Irn-Bru Energy to deliver the iconic flavour people love into the energy category, giving shoppers something genuinely different while delivering strong incremental sales for retailers.”
blu Creamy Tobacco Imperial Brands
Squashies Cherry Cola Swizzels
The limited edition is dairy-free and HFSS-compliant. It rolls out in 330ml cans (single and multipacks) and 500ml and 2l bottles, and will remain on-shelf until February 2027. A ‘Dare to Cream’ campaign supports the launch, including an on-pack promotion, ‘Dare or Darey’ challenges across social media, and sampling. Retailers can visit MyCCEP.com for POS materials and digital assets.
The new flavour was developed in response to demand for tobacco-inspired options among pod-system users, particularly former cigarette smokers and dual users in the 29–41 age group. It is available as both a blu bar kit, offering 1,000 puffs per prefilled, replaceable pod, and as a pod pack including two replacement blu pods delivering a total of 2,000 puffs per pod pack, which have an RSP of £5.99.
Price-marked at £1.15, the 120g Squashies Cherry Cola hanging bags feature the soft and foamy texture of Squashies in the popular flavour combination of cola and cherry. The new product appeals to both sharing and self-treat shopper missions, and Swizzels said it had received “extremely positive” feedback from consumers.
Squashies is currently the UK’s most popular sugar confectionery brand.
Pepper Cream Swirl CCEP
7 Days Oreo Croissant
Mondelez
The product blends the soft, airy dough of a classic 7 Days croissant with a dual-texture filling that combines Oreo cream and cookie pieces, appealing to both existing 7 Days shoppers and Oreo fans. The bold, co-branded 70g pack carries an RSP of 79p. The launch marks the first UK NPD for 7 Days since Mondelez International acquired the business in 2021.
Golden Wonder Classics
Tayto
Golden Wonder has introduced three new price-marked products as it extends its new look across its PMP snack lineup: Oinks £1 PMP –a bacon-flavoured line now offered in a sharing format; Saucers Sour Cream & Onion £1 PMP – returning due to shopper demand; and Bikers Cheese & Onion
35p PMP – a new non-HFSS line joining the multi-buy impulse range with its 35p each or 2 for 60p mechanic.
poppi
Carlsberg Britvic
Positioned as a functional fizzy drink, poppi offers low sugar, low calories, real fruit juice and high fibre. It comes in 330ml cans, both individually and in four-packs, across five flavours: Strawberry Lemon, Orange, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Lime and Wild Berry. Initially available from Tesco, a wider rollout follows later in the year.
McCoy’s Coated Peanuts KP Snacks
McCoy’s has entered the Tasty Nuts category for the first time, with Flame Grilled Steak and Salt & Malt Vinegar flavours both available in £1.35 price-marked packs. The move marks the ridged crisp brand’s first venture beyond crisps. Packs contain KP Nuts that are coated in a crunchy outer shell and then infused with McCoy’s flavours, with each pack featuring a KP stamp.
Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho Cheese Pepsico
The non-HFSS variant is available now in 163g sharing bags at RSP
£2.50 and 70g PMP packs at RSP
Bagels back
New York Bakery is back on TV and video on demand following the success of its 2025 marketing push. The relaunch of ‘Bakes You There’ runs until 14 April alongside programming on ITV2, E4, Film4 and Sky News. The 30-second film centres on Lisa, a young girl transported to the streets of New York after biting into her breakfast bagel.
The Devil drinks Diet Coke
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has launched a Diet Coke collaboration with The Devil Wears Prada 2, which hits cinemas on 1 May. The campaign runs across TV, digital, social and out-of-home, spearheaded by a bespoke ad set in the film’s Runway offices, capturing the moment when fashion pauses for a muchneeded Diet Coke break.
£1.35. The flavour has been strongly requested by UK consumers and follows standout performance in the US, where it became the number one Flamin’ Hot Doritos variant in its launch year and the biggest first-year flavour launch in the brand’s history.
Flava Explosions
AG Barr
AG Barr has launched ‘Flava Explosions,’ a new range of ontrend, fun flavours aimed at younger shoppers. Two flavours – Berry Blast and Peach Punch – roll out in cases of 12 x 500ml PET bottles, price-marked at £1, alongside multipacks of 6 x 330ml cans, RSP
£2.65. The products will be available for 12 months from midMarch with several activation bursts throughout the year.
Superconductor
Batchelors has launched its first new TV ad in seven years as part of a £3.5m marketing campaign to support its latest rebrand. The light-hearted ad features an orchestra conductor frantically increasing the pace of the music so he can rush off stage to eat some freshly prepared Super Noodles – using two batons for chopsticks.
Go deep
Chicago Town is spending £800,000 on a new campaign targeting 18–25s that positions Deep Dish as fast, no-fuss comfort food. Flipping the phrase “it’s not that deep,” the campaign asserts that Deep Dish is that deep, and runs across out-of-home, placements in student accommodation, flyposting, social, and online video until the beginning of May.
Ralph returns
Alpen is back on screens with a revival of its ‘Alpen: It’s the Grown-Up Thing to Do’ campaign, backed by a £1.5m investment across TV, video on demand and social media. At the centre is Ralph, Alpen’s mascot and once a mascot for other cereal brands. Now he’s “grown up,” moved to the Alps and starts his day with Alpen.
The Scottish ice cream scene shows plenty of promise as we head towards the peak sales season.
BY SARAH BRITTON
Scotland’s love of ice cream knows no bounds. Compared to its population share of roughly 8.3% of the UK, Scotland has an 8.8% (Nielsen iQ) share of the ice cream market – this overtrade is worth £9.7m based on current value sales, according to e Knowledge Bank.
“Provenance remains important within the category, with over a third of Scottish shoppers saying they would be more likely to buy ice cream if it is made in Scotland [ e Knowledge Bank Provence Research 2025],” says Strategic Market Intelligence Manager Andrew Niven. “Scottish brands retain a strong presence in their home market, accounting for almost a h of sales [Nielsen iQ].”
So it’s no surprise that Mackie’s of Scotland is a top performer.
NATIONAL TREASURES
Mackie’s announced record sales for the nancial year ending May 2025.
e family-owned dairy business reported its highest-ever turnover of £24.8m, an 11% year-on-year increase, alongside a 3% rise in pro ts.
Adding to Mackie’s success in 2025 was a strong marketing push with the company’s ‘Full Cream Ahead’ campaign which drove home Mackie’s high cream content and quality while raising brand awareness. As a result, shopping purchases grew by 8% in targeted areas, compared to 3% in those without the marketing drive.
Over the 24/25 nancial year, Mackie’s won more than 300,000 new buyers across the UK compared to the previous year and was purchased by more than a quarter of households in Scotland [KantarWorldpanel].
Scottish producer, Equi’s Ice Cream, has also seen recent success. Equi’s Strawberry Ripple, Belgian Chocolate, Vegan Pistachio, and White Chocolate, Pomegranate & Pistachio avours were each awarded ve Stars at the newly rebranded Ice Cream Alliance Golden Scoop Awards earlier this year.
While Niven claims that there continues to be a slight preference for tubs in Scotland, he adds that handheld ice cream products have been in
strong growth. “In 2025, unusually warm weather drove a 25% increase in handheld ice cream sales,” he says.
Mars Drinks & Treats enjoyed a strong sales performance in the UK convenience channel, growing impulse by 19.5% and multipacks by 17.7%.
Kerry Cavanaugh, General Manager at Mars Drinks and Treats, says: “For convenience, we want to ensure that we are o ering a good mix of impulse products for the higher levels of on-the-go consumption seen in these stores, alongside multipacks, where we have seen sales grow substantially over the past four years as the consumer attitude towards ice cream consumption has developed.
e rm has launched Galaxy Ice Cream (RSP £2.50) and Mars Salted Caramel Ice Cream multipacks for 2026 (RSP £3.50).
LITTLE LUXURIES
“A growing consumer trend is the move towards premiumisation,” says Declan Hassett, Licensing Manager at Diageo.
He claims that, despite the uncertain economic climate, consumers are continuing to spend on a ordable luxuries, showing a willingness to treat themselves to small, accessible items.
Carte D’Or teamed up with Baileys to launch Carte D’Or Baileys at the end of 2023 and the product became a permanent addition to the brand’s portfolio.
Niven concurs that the relative low cost of ice cream can appeal to shoppers on a treat mission. “Summer 2026 will again see cost-of-living challenges at the forefront of shoppers’ minds. Anything retailers can do to emphasise value (e.g. quality of ingredients, a ordable treat, tubs for sharing) and bring a bit of theatre to the merchandising will work well.”
Mackie’s Managing Director, Stuart Common, concludes: “We’re realistic about the challenges ahead but remain intent on o ering a product that embodies a ordable luxury.”
FUN IN THE
Aer a particularly harsh winter, Scottish retailers and their customers will no doubt be longing for some summer sunshine to brighten sales this summer. And if good weather alone isn’t enough to convince consumers to get together with friends and family, there’s the World Cup nals to boot.
It’s been 28 years since Scotland last graced the nals and many retailers will have never experienced the associated sales spike. “Scotland being in the World Cup is unprecedented!” beams Nathalie Fullerton of Go Local Dumbarton Road, Glasgow. “I’m not a big football fan but even I’m excited about it!”
Retailers are facing multiple challenges right now, but with summer just around the corner comes a welcome opportunity to heat up sales.
BY SARAH BRITTON
But she reckons Scotland’s extra bank holiday is the cherry on top. e national holiday has been approved by the King and is due to take place on the Monday a er Scotland’s rst match against Haiti on Sunday 14 June at 2am. “Glasgow City Council said yes to the bank holiday, which is great for us. To be fair, the Scots don’t need an excuse to drink or have a party! But if people know they’ve got a day o on a Monday, they’re quite happy to party even longer! By that time, we’ll have extended our [home] delivery time until 2am so that will hopefully make a good di erence as well.”
For Nathalie, football equals extra alcohol sales with people getting together with friends to watch the match and enjoy a few bevvies.
“When it was the [Rangers v Celtic Scottish Cup quarter nal] match we were cleaned out [of alcoholic RTDs] within half an hour!” she laughs. “Buckfast has been the staple [for football fans], but we also sell a lot of AU cans, Smirno & Cola, Dragon Soop, Four Loko, Magnums, they all sell well.”
Coca-Cola Europaci c Partners (CCEP) claims that maximising alcoholic ready-to-drink sales during the summer months is about ensuring retailers stock the right pack sizes for di erent missions.
“Ranging exibly across singles and multipacks ensures that both spontaneous and planned occasions are covered,” says Kate Abbotson, Senior External Communications Manager at CCEP, which supplies Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola, Absolut Vodka & Sprite, and Bacardi & Coca-Cola.
“ e alcohol RTD category continues to outperform the wider alcohol market and is now worth over £735m in GB [Nielsen - Total ARTD - Total Coverage - 52w/e
24.01.26], value sales are forecast to grow by an average of 4% annually between 2026 and 2028 – equating to 8% growth across the two years [GlobalData, Segment Insight, February 2026].”
A TASTE OF HOLIDAYS
Carlsberg Britvic concurs that alcohol is a key category to focus on over the summer. e rm is set to bring a avour of Greece to UK shoppers, with the introduction of Greekstyle beer, Mythos, which is brewed and canned in the UK. A favourite among British holiday goers, the premium lager is the only Greek-inspired lager available in UK retail. e arrival taps into a clear gap in the world beer segment, where Spanish- and Italian-style lagers continue to see strong year-on-year momentum [NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage, World Lager (+3.4%) Vs Lager Category (-0.5%) Carlsberg Britvic De ned, Value Sales, MAT 52 w/e 14/02/26] as shoppers continue to enjoy Mediterraneaninspired drinks.
A whopping 4.5 million Brits travelled to Greece in 2024 [Greek Tourism Ministry / ABTA reporting, 2024] and demand for Greek cuisine is up by 17% year-on-year [UK Greek food growth reporting, 2025]. What’s more, Greek ranks as the third-most-popular world cuisine UK consumers are keen to try, but many still nd it di cult to access these products [GA by NIQ,
MAX YOUR SNACKS WITH PEPSICO
Q Sharing formats should be placed at the top of retailers’ main displays, putting them in the shopper’s eyeline. This will grab their attention and encourage more sales of larger packs, which are higher value than single packs – and suitable for social gatherings. The higher the value, the higher they should sit.
Q We recommend retailers locate their main snacking fixture close to other impulse categories, near front of store is important for catching shopper attention to boost basket spend ahead of socialising moments.
Q Retailers can also tie savoury snacks into deals and displays around big sporting events or seasonal occasions, when drink and snack combos are often a go-to choice. For example, installing a slim rack of sharing packs of a store’s most popular crisps and snacks in the likes of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks displays presents an opportunity for incremental sales through cross category merchandising.
Q In the weeks leading up to key events, such as finals of sporting events, retailers should remind their shoppers to pick up the essentials with dedicated displays and point of sale material to help grow sales.
Food Insights Report 2025, Sample Size:1999]. erefore, Carlsberg Britvic believes Mythos is well placed to tap into the UK’s love for all things Hellenic style and claims it is primed for high-energy, sociable settings, including barbecues and lively at-home dining occasions.
Dharmesh Rana, Brand Director – Premium Brands, Carlsberg Britvic says: “Increasing the remit of a beer that so many British consumers already know, love and associate with memorable holiday moments is an exciting evolution for our beer line-up. We’re seeing clear momentum in premium, world beers, with shoppers looking to trade up for authentic products with a compelling cultural story. Mythos is a leading Greek style lager that brings something genuinely di erent to the world beer xture, capturing the spirit of the Greek Islands in a way that resonates strongly with UK shoppers. For retailers, it’s a clear opportunity to drive incremental growth by lling a gap in the category and tapping into demand for premium, destination-led brands.”
Another popular option for summer socials is bag-in-a-box (BiB) wine, which is all the rage, according to Kingsland Drinks. “It’s important that stores are catering for key occasions, from global and local sports tournaments and popular music festivals to impromptu BBQs and garden parties and o er drinks to suit all budgets,” says Jo Taylorson, Head of Marketing and Product Management, Kingsland Drinks.
She claims that BiB wines o er recyclability, a ordability, and longer-lasting wine. “New consumers to the bag-in-box category realise the bene ts in terms of convenience, freshness and quality,” she says. “It’s a great format to have in the house for party evenings, summer gatherings and beyond – bag-in-box wines stay fresh for up to six weeks so can cover a whole weekend, or multiple gatherings.”
Kingsland Drinks has expanded its Australian Andrew Peace brand range with the addition of both 1.5L and 2.25L BiB formats recently, which extends the o ering into new parts of the market.
CATERING FOR MODERATION
At the other end of the format scale, Taylorson notes that smaller sized bottles, like the rm’s recently launched 187ml Masterpeace Shiraz, are also coming into their own as shoppers realise and appreciate the convenience they o er. “ ey’re great for having in the house for the right occasion, such as for guests who prefer particular wines, and for moderation moments where a full bottle may be too much for one evening,” she says.
e concept of alcohol moderation is
becoming more mainstream as people opt for balanced lifestyles. “With our [upcoming] re t we’ll be extending our non-alcoholic drinks so it’s inclusive for everybody, so people that don’t drink can still get involved in the party,” says Nathalie.
Paragon Brands concurs that low and no alcohol needs to be a key consideration this summer. “Sports and gaming tournaments are lucrative occasions for independent retailers and convenience stores – both for planned gatherings and for spontaneous get-togethers when home nation teams are competing.
“When it comes to drinks for viewing parties, the xture needs to appeal to a consumer that demands engaging brands, sharable experiences, great avours – not forgetting the importance of a good nonalcohol range,” says Chris Jones, Managing Director at Paragon Brands.
e rm’s Caleño range of tropical nonalcoholic spirits is positioned to sit at the forefront of a wider cultural shi in UK drinks. “No and low products are not replacing alcohol, they extend the occasion, bringing additional spend and impulse purchase opportunities,” says Jones. “Social acceptance around not drinking is evolving and isn’t limited to certain age groups – it’s an open marketplace with opportunities from all angles, ages and at-home occasions – and a pro t-driver for retailers.”
e Knowledge Bank’s Andrew Niven agrees that alcohol alternatives will be in demand over the warmer months. “Lighter, healthier categories including fruit and berries, healthy snacks, low and no alcohol and so drinks with lower sugar or functional bene ts are all well placed for growth this summer,” he says. “Retailers should be balancing credible healthier options with indulgence to capitalise on this.”
ICE CREAM FLAVOUR BUILT FOR SALES
AG Barr appears to have nailed both healthier and indulgence trends with Irn-Bru Ice Cream Zero Sugar. e brand’s mostloved limited-edition avour is returning as a permanent addition to the range, having achieved sales of £29m when released in 2023.
e new permanent avour extension is set to strengthen the core zero sugar range, with two in three Irn-Bru shoppers saying they would buy the Ice Cream avour.
Kenny Nicholson, Irn-Bru Brand Director at AG Barr, said: “Everyone knows Irn-Bru is truly unique. ere’s no other avour on the market quite like it. We’re ‘Made in Scotland from Girders’ but with a sweet, so side, and every piece of innovation we bring to market should embody that spirit.
“Inspired by the classic ice-cream oat, IrnBru Ice Cream taps into the trend for nostalgic comfort while delivering an irresistible twist on
the brand’s iconic taste. We all know the ritual –a cold can of Irn-Bru and a scoop of vanilla. It’s a classic for a reason.”
e launch will be supported by a marketing campaign rooted in the brand’s ‘Made in Scotland from Girders’ comms platform.
FOCUS ON FUNCTIONAL
Niven encourages retailers to think about the impact climate change is having on so drinks demand over the summer months. “With summer now stretching from as early as May through to October, retailers need to think longer term about stock depth and availability across key seasonal lines. at also creates opportunity in hydration-focused drinks and functional options that align with warmer weather and more outdoor activity.”
Consumers looking for a drink to support their stamina and focus, whilst exciting their tastebuds may well be drawn to CCEP’s Relentless White Citrus energy drink.
Relentless is the number one energy drinks brand in the a ordable energy sub-category [NIQ, Total Coverage, Value Sales, MAT to 24.01.26] and its entire line-up is low sugar and HFSS-compliant.
CCEP claims that consumers, in particular young adults, are on the lookout for avour innovation in energy, with recent research showing that 74% of this demographic want new and exotic avours [Innova 2024 European Taste Trends].
Available in plain and £1 price-marked 500ml packs, White Citrus builds on citrus being the no.1 avour pro le in energy drinks [ibid] and follows the success of Relentless Guava, which launched last year and has already delivered over £2.3m in value sales [Nielsen GB, Grocer, L52wks to 04.10.25].
e launch will be backed by in uencer and ambassador partnerships, in-store sampling and brand takeovers at key music and cultural events – building on the brand’s longstanding association with the music scene.
Convenience retailers can also drive excitement in-store with Relentless White Citrus POS materials and digital downloads, available from MyCCEP.com.
Functional Energy Drinks are key to growth in the Impulse channel, especially during the summer, with Functional Energy driving 47% of all So Drink growth in Impulse during the summer of 2025 [Nielsen Scantrack, Total Impulse, 12 weeks to 9 August 2025], states Red Bull. It claims that Red Bull Energy Drink 250ml, 355ml and 473ml were the top three SKUS, delivering most value in Total Impulse in the four weeks to 17 January. [Nielsen Scantrack]. However, there is still plenty of opportunity to boost sales with new lines, the rm believes.
“Although core SKUs drive the most value, Summer is a key time to engage the in ux of new shoppers through NPD, to drive incremental sales,” says a spokesman. “ e success of last year’s Summer Edition is evidence of this, driving +66% more value than the prior
INSPIRE YOUR SHOPPERS
Retailers shouldn’t underestimate the role of social media in demonstrating value, urges The Knowledge Bank’s Andrew Niven. He claims that platforms like Instagram are highly visual, making them ideal for showing simple, creative ways to use products.
“For example, frozen berries can be positioned not just as a healthy dessert ingredient but as a naturally sweet alternative to ice cubes in summer drinks,” he says.
“Ideas like this help shoppers see added value and can drive incremental purchases without relying on price promotions.”
Serve
Up Summer Sales with Bardinet Brandy
Warmer weather drives demand for refreshing, easy-to-make drinks for social occasions.
As a top-selling UK brandy seeing growth in both volume and value* Bardinet VSOP is the perfect base to create simple yet delicious serves.
Retailers can trigger increased impulse purchases and grow basket value during this key period.
year’s Summer Edition [Nielsen Scantrack, Total Impulse, 4 weeks to 27 Dec 2025]. In fact, Red Bull Summer Edition was one of the most successful NPDs across FMCG last year, ranking number ve in weekly sales [Nielsen Total FMCG data to 06.12.2025].”
Multipacks are also a key growth driver in Functional Energy and Summer is a key time to trade consumers up into larger pack formats as occasions get bigger, highlights Red Bull. “25% of Food and Drink occasions in June, July and August feature four or more, the only other time this is higher is in the month of December [Worldpanel by Numerator, Usage Panel, 4 weeks to Nov 2025],” says a spokesperson. “Multipacks are gaining momentum in Impulse and this year, 27% of Functional Energy Shoppers who buy in Impulse, bought a Multipack [Worldpanel by Numerator, Take-Home, Total Market, 52 weeks to 5 October 2025], seeing value sales grow by +11% in a year [NIQ Scantrack, Total Impulse, 52 weeks to 3 January 2026].
Energy spend dedicated to
“In 2025, Editions Multipacks have seen loyalty grow to 24% (that’s 24% of their Sport & Energy spend dedicated to Edition Multipacks, +8.9pts vs YA) [Worldpanel by Numerator, Take-Home, 52 weeks to 5 October 2025].”
February saw the nationwide launch for the rst-ever Red Bull Spring Edition – with the taste of Cherry Sakura. e avour is available in single 250ml (plain and PMC) 355ml and 473ml (plain and PMC) cans, as well as 4 x 250ml can multipack.
And while the company has yet to o cially reveal a Summer edition, speculation is rife online that a Japanese Sudachi Lime avour is on the cards.
Red Bull tells retailers that Summer is a vital time to engage shoppers, with penetration peaking in the month of July as more consumers are on the go. “Not only do we see a growth in shopper numbers, but shoppers are also making more frequent trips,” says a spokesperson. “In fact, shoppers on average will make +10% more trips in Summer vs the average month in the year [Worldpanel by Numerator, Take-Home, Total Coverage, 52 weeks to 5 October 2025].”
e World Cup will undoubtedly make July even more pro table for c-stores. “ e de ning social event this summer will be the World Cup nals,” says Niven. “While o cial fan zones may limit what people can bring, the real opportunity for retailers is match-day gatherings at home. From these, we expect strong demand for traditional ‘game day’ categories: sharing snacks, pizza, ice cream and alcohol.”
PepsiCo concurs that the World Cup could unlock incremental sales. “2026 is set to
bring even more opportunities for retailers to maximise savoury snacking sales, as it will be a signi cant year of sports in the UK, especially football,” says Ed Merrett, Wholesale Controller at PepsiCo. “Ahead of these events, retailers should be keeping a nger on the pulse and catering their snacking o ering towards popular shopper missions that are likely to prompt shoppers to increase their impulse sales and therefore overall basket spend.”
He claims that 99% of people in Great Britain consume savoury snacks [Kantar Worldpanel –GB Total Savoury – 52 w/e 29 December 2024 | Total Market & Convenience Channel] and 50% purchase savoury snacks from convenience outlets [ibid]. “ is presents a big opportunity for independent retailers to maximise their savoury snacking sales through catering to summer socialising occasions”, says Merrett. “An example of this is the Big Night In occasion, with 36% of snacking occasions taking place in the evening [Impulse Bolt data, poll of 4,462
consumers conducted in Q3 2024]. During these occasions, as consumers come together to connect and socialise, many will be looking for larger pack sizes of their favourite savoury snacks that they can enjoy together. From the likes of Walkers, Doritos, Cheetos, Sensations and more, PepsiCo’s portfolio is perfectly placed to help retailers tap into this sales opportunity with the perfect balance of much-loved favourites and exciting new launches.”
BBQ BONANZA
Meanwhile, during the daytime, the BBQ occasion will undoubtedly be central to summer socialising.
“In the current climate, many households are more mindful of bigger-ticket spending but still want to enjoy meaningful moments with family and friends, observes St Pierre Groupe, which owns St Pierre and Baker Street brands.
“Hosting a barbecue o ers a cost-e ective way to recreate the experience of dining out, while
maintaining control over spend,” says Customer Development Director, UK, Josh Corrigan.
“ e at-home BBQ has evolved beyond a purely functional meal occasion and become a social event in its own right. Rather than visiting restaurants, shoppers are investing in key elements that help them deliver a more elevated experience in their own gardens. It’s about creating something that feels special without the price tag of eating out.”
He claims bakery plays a central role in that shi with burgers and hot dogs remaining staples, but notes shoppers are increasingly trading up from standard buns to brioche as a simple way to upgrade the meal. “It’s an accessible swap that helps transform everyday barbecue favourites into something that feels more considered and restaurant inspired,” he says.
“Consumers are pairing higher-quality proteins with artisanal cheeses, bold marinades and globally inspired toppings, and importantly, upgrading the carrier as well. Brioche buns have
deliver excitement and di erentiation. Younger shoppers in particular are more adventurous, seeking out avours that feel restaurant-inspired but are easy to recreate at home.”
Flavour-led bun innovation also taps directly into this trend, cites Corrigan. e rm is launching St Pierre Caramelised Onion Brioche Buns for the 2026 BBQ season. Available from April to September, the limited-edition launch is designed to drive excitement and seasonal impulse during the key BBQ period.
e company says that cross-merchandising burger buns and hot dog rolls alongside BBQ essentials such as sausages, burgers, sauces and condiments reinforces the meal mission and encourages higher basket spend.
Lactalis UK & Ireland is also of the view that displaying BBQ lines together can lead to incremental sales. “Scottish retailers can capitalise by ensuring key BBQ ingredients and complementary products are clearly visible and easy to shop,” says Group Marketing Director Heloise Le Norcy-Trott. “Creating a dedicated BBQ display that groups products together makes it easier for shoppers to build a complete meal and encourages them to add extra items to their basket.”
Brands such as Leerdammer slices and Galbani Burrata are particularly relevant here, she claims. “Leerdammer slices provide a convenient burger topping that shoppers can quickly add to their basket, while Galbani Burrata allows retailers to tap into demand for premium, Italian-inspired at-home dining for salads, sharing platters and grilled dishes.
become a key part of that trade-up, o ering a richer avour, so er texture and premium appearance that elevates the entire dish.”
He adds: “Global avour exploration is becoming increasingly visible within the BBQ occasion. Shoppers are looking beyond traditional ketchup-and-mustard combinations and experimenting with Korean-style marinades, American smokehouse avours, Mexican-inspired toppings, and layered sweetand-savoury pro les. is re ects a broader appetite for bold, globally in uenced tastes that
“Barbecue season delivers strong incremental sales for independent retailers, particularly during bank holidays and warm weather periods when consumers gather with friends and family.
Cheese plays a central role in these occasions, as it can be used across multiple dishes including burgers, salads, sides and sharing boards. is means it drives both planned purchases and incremental add-ons within the same shop.”
Nathalie claims summer sunshine isn’t vital for footfall at her store. “Dumbarton Road is a busy area when the weather is decent, or even just dry – it doesn’t have to be that the sun’s out,” she says. However, a few sunny spells can boost sales. “Seeing the sun out puts people in a happier mood. ey’re out and about walking around and it makes such a di erence to sales.”
Let’s hope the sun can o er retailers more than a few rays of hope this summer.
JUSTI-PIE’D AND ANCIENT
Under The Counter was giddy with excitement at the return of Aldi Scotland’s com-pie-tition to find a dedicated Pie Tester.
A lifelong savoury pastry fan, the Auld Boy felt compelled to throw his bunnet into the ring. And why not? Mutton ventured, mutton gained.
The lucky winner will follow in the footsteps of reigning champie-on Stuart McNeill, a Falkirk teacher who swapped chalk dust for hot water crust when he stepped up to the plate.
To enter the now-closed competition, pie lovers had to
summarise their suitability for the position, which plays “a pivotal role in assessing the desirability of each pie, from crust quality and filling consistency to flavour balance and overall harmony of ingredients”. Or, as UTC more succinctly put it, “involves eating loads of free pies”.
The Auld Boy is breathlessly waiting to find out if he’s won. However, his laconic entry – “I am well suited for the role as my colleagues consider me crusty and full of mince” – means he’ll likely still be shelling out for his pies for the foreseeable.
SHAGGY DOG STORY
Under The Counter is well aware what month this is, but he’s fairly sure the launch of Hera The Dog vodka isn’t an April Fools’ joke. And if it is, he’s not bothered – brands and businesses with pun-based names are like catnip to the Auld Boy. Hence haircuts at Shearers, and flowers from Florist Gump – if he ever bought Mrs UTC flowers, that is.
To the best of UTC’s knowledge, Hera The Dog isn’t named after Hera the Greek goddess, who was both Zeus’s wife and sister. Ponder that, if you thought our royal family was more inbred than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
THIS SUCKS
Chupa Chups has launched a new, easier-to-open wrapper after discovering – via online forums – that consumers find its packaging “stubbornly hard to open”.
Under The Counter found this mildly interesting – certainly more mentally stimulating than the facts that Salvador Dali designed the Chupa Chups logo and it’s actually pronounced ‘choopa choops’ –because it implies that nobody at the brand eats their own lollipops. If they did, they wouldn’t need the internet to tell them only Edward Scissorhands could unwrap one without having a toddler-grade tantrum.
However, in a twist that would have even Alanis Morissette rolling her eyes, the brand has encased the new easy-open lollipops inside an impentetrable carbon composite shell that’s coated in silicon carbide, wrapped in aramid fibres, and dipped in liquid rubber. Named ‘Chupa Chups Impossible,’ the extremely limited-edition lolly has been sent to a select band of international influencers for them to try and prise apart.
UTC has not received his in the post yet.
The Auld Boy suspects an oversight at Chupa Chups. Either that, or its marketing agency blew the entire promotional budget on aramid fibres and forgot to hold back roughly the equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s weekly wage for a first-class stamp.
Not that the Auld Boy’s bitter. Well, he is. However, when he’s not sucking lemons or chewing wasps, his lolly of choice lies closer to home – the Swizzels Drumstick.
It may not have a wrapper designed by Salvador Dali but at least there’s no risk of some agitated clown shrieking: “It’s pronounced ‘drooom-steeek’!”
It is, rather, a premium spirit crafted from 100% organic, non-GMO Italian wheat, distilled seven times, and filtered through coconut –yes, coconut, no less – charcoal. Own-brand paint stripper it is not, so you won’t be feeling ruff the morning after.
What’s more, the American brand donates 6% of all sales to fund animal shelters and has raised more than $68,000 to date, which buys a lot of whatever dug meat is called in the US.
UTC is not a dog lover – unless the number on its jacket matches the number on his betting slip. His good lady is more predisposed to
canines, however. So, if anyone knows what kind of mutt is in the picture, give the Auld Boy a shout. He’s sure Mrs UTC would love one, if only to make up for all those bouquets she’s missed out on.
Not a dog, apparently
He ate all the pies: Stuart McNeill
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