SLR August 2022 Edition by 55 North

AUGUST 2022 | ISSUE 232

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UMAYR ASIF

JISP PARTNERS PAYZONE

New deal sees shopping and rewards app grow reach as home delivery battle hots up.

Trail-blazing in home delivery

£20K RETAILER COMP

Nordic Spirit retailer incentive

£454 GROCERY BILL

Shoppers face big hike

KINGSLEY WHEATON

BAT adds ‘heatnot-burn’ device Checkout Scotland event nears 700 sell out – p33

SUMMER SOFTIES

All go in soft drinks

August 2022

Contents

Contents ISSUE 232

NEWS p4 p5 p6 p8 p9

Legislation The Scottish government outlines its plans for future HFSS restrictions. Business Intelligence The post-pandemic property boom is creating greater prospects for operators to expand. Access To Cash The Scottish Affairs Committee makes its recommendations to the UK government. Vaping Convenience retailers want to play their part in making Scotland smoke-free by 2034. Retail Crime A new report uncovers significant regional differences in the consumption of illicit tobacco. Cost-of-living Crisis Research reveals local shops are well placed to help their communities. Home Delivery Research reveals consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for the convenience of delivery. News Extra Forecourts A CMA report into competition in the fuel market clears forecourt operators of profiteering. Product News JTI launches a £20,000 retailer competition and Kate Moss takes creative control of Diet Coke. Off-Trade News Malibu encourages everyone to get into summer and Havana Club teams-up with Burna Boy.

INSIDE BUSINESS

p24 Research Digest Consumers are now facing a £454 rise in their annual grocery bill, according to new Kantar data. p29 SLR Awards It’s time to meet the judges who are getting up close and personal with the symbol groups this year. p31 Home Delivery Dundee retailer Umayr Nasir was one of the first retailers in the UK offer home delivery – and he has been blazing a trail ever since. p33 Checkout Scotland There are only a handful of tickets left for GroceryAid Scotland’s inaugural musical celebration. p34 Hotlines The latest new products and media campaigns. p54 Under The Counter News of a shoplifting squirrel sees a nervous Auld Boy tuck his trousers into his socks.

p10 p11 p12 p20 p22

FEATURES p36 Soft Drinks Record temperatures, holiday season and hybrid working have created a perfect storm of opportunity for growing soft drinks sales. p44 Nicotine Key developments in the alternative nicotine market are helping local retailers offer even more ways for shoppers to get their nicotine hits. p50 Back To Uni Healthy options are top of mind for students, with brands following the environmentally friendly trend. p52 Forecourts Innovative food-to-go solutions and services are helping forecourt retailers boost footfall and sales.

ON THE COVER p18 Jisp and Payzone team-up to offer integrated home delivery, click and collect, Scan and Save and loyalty services via the Payzone Plus device.

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AUGUST 2022 | SLR

News LEGISLATION New junk food proposals are different to England’s regulations

Almost half of Scots cutting back on essentials Almost half of adults in Scotland are cutting back on daily essentials due to rising costs, with energy bills, fuel, and food the main expense concerns, according to a new survey on behalf of STV News. The poll reveals 80% of respondents have been impacted by the cost-ofliving crisis and half admitted this is the most financially insecure that they have ever felt.

PayPoint launches ‘Refer a Retailer’ scheme PayPoint has launched a scheme to reward PayPoint One customers and encourage new retailers to sign up for its service. The ‘Refer a Retailer’ promotion offers existing PayPoint One customers one free month’s service credited to their account for each successful referral they make. In addition, referees will be eligible to claim back their

Scottish government outlines plans for future HFSS restrictions The Scottish Government has outlined its plans to restrict the promotion of high fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) products in a new consultation published on 1 July. In the consultation, the Scottish Government sets out a range of options for the number of categories of product that would be included within the restrictions, which fall into two main categories – location restrictions and promotional restrictions. The Scottish proposals include restricting the placement of HFSS products in the following areas: Q checkout areas, including selfservice Q end of aisles Q front of store, including store entrances and covered outside areas connected to the main shopping area Q island/bin displays.

They also include restricting the following types of promotion for HFSS products in-store: Q ‘X for Y’ promotions, such as buy one get one free, extra free, and 3 for 2 offers Q ‘X for £Y’ promotions such as 3 for £2 Q Temporary price reductions, such as 10% off for a limited period Q Meal deals Q Unlimited refills for a fixed charge. The proposals are different to those coming into force in England, which do not include restrictions on meal deals and temporary price reductions, or location restrictions on island/bin displays. They do however closely mirror the proposals currently being considered in Wales.

The consultation does not set out a preferred approach to exemptions from the regulations, instead asking whether the exemption should be based on the number of employees in a business, or the relevant square footage of the store. The regulations in England set out exemption criteria for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and stores under 2,000sq ft. ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “We remain very concerned about the prospect of slightly different and even more confusing rules on restricting HFSS products and promotional activity in Scotland and Wales compared to England.”

first month’s service fee. DRS Logistics provider has expertise in supporting complex recycling schemes

ACS appoints new directors to its board The Association of Convenience

Circularity Scotland unveils Biffa as official DRS logistics partner

Stores has appointed Darren Nickels (Henderson Technology), Susan Connolly (Connolly Spar), and Rob George (McColls) to its board. The new board appointments replace Debbie Robinson, Paul Cheema, and Andy Cresswell. Meanwhile, Paul Cheema will remain on the ACS Independents Board. ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said the appointments bring a “diverse range of skills and experience”.

Consumer confidence remains flat Consumer confidence remains flat at -41 in July, according to GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index. Two measures of confidence were up, one was down, and two were the same compared to June. Joe Staton, Client Strategy Director at GfK said the impact of soaring food and fuel prices and rising interest rates continues to “darken the financial mood of the nation”.

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Circularity Scotland has named Biffa as the official logistics partner for Scotland’s deposit return scheme – set to go live next August. The agreement comes after several months of collaboration between the two organisations and is expected to create around 500 jobs in Scotland. Circularity Scotland is also working with Biffa to explore the opportunity to build a PET recycling plant in Scotland. The agreement will also see Biffa take responsibility for the work of collecting billions of drinks bottles and cans from return points across Scotland each year, as well as managing the bulking and

counting centres that will process material for recycling. David Harris, CEO of Circularity Scotland, said: “As scheme administrator, Circularity Scotland is working at pace to ensure that the scheme runs effectively and efficiently, and at as low a cost as possible, from August 2023. “Bringing on board Biffa as our logistics service provider is another landmark moment in this work and their unparalleled expertise in supporting large-scale and complex recycling schemes will help us to achieve the aim of capturing and recycling at least 90% of drinks containers made from PET plastic, aluminium, steel or glass.”

HOME DELIVERY

United Wholesale Scotland teams up with Gophr delivery service United Wholesale Scotland’s delivery app Yuu has rolled out an on-demand delivery service with Gophr in Glasgow. Yuu is working with Gophr to deliver items from more than 70 convenience stores, with plans to roll the service out across Scotland by the end of 2022, according to reports. The partnership aims to allow for a seven-day-aweek service, between 8am and 9pm, with users being able to track the progress of their delivery from store to doorstep. Commenting on the partnership, Yuu Managing Director Chris Gallacher said: “We are both aligned when it comes to giving consumers a great service at the doorstep.”

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News BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE Post-pandemic property boom creating greater prospects for operators to expand

Convenience market set to return to turnover growth in 2022 The UK convenience market is forecast to reach a value of £45.2bn in 2022, up 3.2% on 2021, new research from Lumina reveals. This follows a small decline in 2021 of -0.8%, as market growth slowed as a result of hospitality reopening and coronavirus restrictions easing. The Lumina Intelligence UK Convenience Market Report 2022 shows the market is also expected to see positive, albeit modest, outlet growth at +0.6%, with a post-pandemic property boom creating greater prospects for operators to expand. Co-operatives and convenience multiples are expected to grow turnover by 5.6% and 3.8% in 2022, respectively. This growth will be underpinned by investment in store refits and physical expansion, as well as developments in delivery services. Forecourts (+1.6%), symbol groups (+2.9%) and unaffiliated independents (+1.7%) are all also expected to see growth, but at a slower rate to the total convenience market. The data shows that the percentage of UK adults that have had a convenience occasion stabilised at 64% in

May 2022, with basket spend and basket size down 10.5% to £7.18 and 15.6% to 2.7 items year-on-year, respectively. Insight Director at Lumina Intelligence, Blonnie Whist, said: “UK convenience retail remains in a strong position. Despite cost-of-living challenges, the market will benefit from a resurgence in on-the-go missions in 2022, as shoppers seek more accessibly priced options compared to foodservice channels. Leveraging different store formats, including grocery-led, food to go-led, service-led and delivery will be key to growth across the next three years.”

Nisa sustainability gains momentum Nisa has revealed that all its consumer leaflets are now printed on paper that is produced from 100% recycled fibre and is FSC certified. HH Global, who manage all Nisa’s marketing-related print requirements including leaflets and point of sale, has made the latest change as part of an ongoing plan for significant sustainability improvements.

SWA appoints sustainability chief Scottish Wholesale Association has appointed Ylva Haglund as its new Head of Sustainability and Engagement. Haglund has previously worked for Zero Waste Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful, and Scottish Environment Link. She will focus on helping the trade body’s members share knowledge and

FOOD TO GO Convenience stores struggling compared to other channels

Eating out of home and food-to-go occasions growing faster in Scotland

Eating out of home and food-togo occasions have grown faster in Scotland (+16%) compared to the rest of GB (+12%) in the 52 weeks to be worth £299m, according to research by TWC. The MealTrak data research shows eating out of home and food-to-go occasions have grown by 23% in the latest 12 weeks in Scotland, compared to 8% growth in GB, to the value of £69.6m. Overall, the research shows sandwich shops and coffee shops/ cafes have gone into decline over the latest 12 weeks.

Forecourts are rebounding well, with a 32% increase in occasions in the previous 12 weeks compared to 2021, but the data reveals c-stores continue to struggle compared to other channels. Tom Fender, Development Director at TWC, said: “These

results should make any Scottish foodservice business sit up and take note. Pubs and restaurants are in huge growth in terms of visits/occasions, as are cafes and coffee shops… and these outlets are stealing significant share and sales from convenience stores and sandwich shops.” He added: “Any foodservice operator and supplier to these outlets should now be digging underneath the headline figures to understand which sub-channels are in growth or decline, and the reasons for this.”

resources to understand and overcome the challenges on the road to net zero.

PayPoint launches retailer Summer Prize Draw PayPoint has launched its Summer Prize Draw, which runs until 31 August. Any retailer that signs up to PayPoint or expends their partnership with the EPoS provider during the course of the draw, and gets their terminal installed within the following three months, will be entered to win one of 10 £100 Amazon vouchers. The draw will take place on 1 December.

Treats taking a hit as shoppers tighten their belts More than 42% of consumers

FORECOURTS

Ascona group arrives in Scotland The fast-growing forecourt operator has taken on Springfield Road Service Station, Aberdeen, on a 20year lease. The site, which comprises about 3,200sq ft of retail space, is in a prominent location about two miles west of Aberdeen city centre. The forecourt, which will become a BP-branded petrol station with Nisa store, is due to open in a couple of months. Manoj Tugnait, Property Director North from Ascona Group, said: “The acquisition of Springfield Road Service Station brings Ascona to Scotland for the first time, something we are very excited about.”

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are buying fewer treats in a bid to reduce their spending, new research from digital and data experts TWC has revealed. The TWC Trends research reveals that consumers were also tightening their belts by buying cheaper groceries (40%), reducing other retail spending (39%), and indulging in fewer days or evenings out (31%).

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

News ACCESS TO CASH Scottish Affairs Committee makes recommendations to UK government

Food-to-go recovers faster than anticipated The UK food-to-go market is predicted to be worth £23.4bn

Half a million Scots risk struggling to access cash amid bank closures

by 2027, 26% more than prepandemic levels, according to insight provider IGD. The channel will be worth £18.9bn this year, 3% more than its pre-Covid value in 2019, IGD forecasts. However, growth will slow by the end of the year and throughout 2023 as consumers battle rising costs.

Government confirms £19.5m Horizon package The UK government is to provide a £19.5m interim compensation package to the postmasters who played a crucial role in exposing the Horizon scandal. Postmasters in the Group Litigation Order group will be contacted by Freeths – the firm that represented them during that action – very shortly with application details and will receive payment, once their application has been processed,

Half a million people across Scotland who are dependent on cash risk being cut off from accessing their money as banks ramp up branch closures, according to a report from the Scottish Affairs Committee. The report highlights that 53% of all bank branches in Scotland have shut down since 2015, representing the highest percentage loss across the UK’s four nations. Currently, 5.4 million people, or about 10% of adults in the UK, are reliant on cash. In Scotland, approximately 500,000 people are reliant on cash, one in every 10 Scots. Scottish Affairs Committee Chair, Pete Wishart, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis deepening, many people are using cash for budgeting. But what is deeply

worrying is that bank branches are closing at a record rate with very limited research or thought conducted of the possible widespread implications.” MPS are worried that the rapid rate of bank branch closures across Scotland may be as a result of banks rushing to close doors before the new rules that will protect access to cash and banking services come into force. The Committee recommends that the UK Government should consider asking the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to investigate and monitor cash acceptance levels across the UK. If the FCA finds a substantial number of retailers refusing to accept cash, the UK Government should introduce additional protections to ensure that consumers reliant on cash are not disadvantaged. The committee also recommends that the UK Government consider legislating in the Financial Services and Markets Bill to mandate the membership of LINK for card issuers and ATM operators to ensure that the Financial Inclusion Programme can continue to provide free access to cash for as long as it is needed. In addition, the committee recommends that the UK Government seek a long-term commitment from banks to maintain appropriate banking services for their customers using the Post Office network.

within a few weeks. RETAIL CRIME Glasgow men charged with excise duty fraud

Aldi’s beer festival returns Aldi Scotland has unveiled the line-up for its 27th Scottish Beer Festival, which kicks off in-store from 28 July. The festival is set to showcase 25 craft beers from five regions in Scotland, including the central belt, Aberdeen, Glasgow, the Highlands, and Edinburgh and the Lothians. The festival will take place across all of Aldi’s 103 Scottish stores.

One Stop backs Young Lives vs Cancer One Stop is raising money for the charity Young Lives vs Cancer in July by selling a set of four Care Bear badges and donating all proceeds to the charity. Young Lives vs Cancer helps children and young people and their families face cancer. The charity’s social workers offer specialist support, its grants help families to navigate the costs of cancer, and it offers families a free place to stay, nearby to the child’s hospital.

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Over 2 million illicit cigs seized in Glasgow Two men from Glasgow have been charged with excise duty fraud, after the seizure of approximately 2.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers searching a business unit in Glasgow’s Southside on 27 June uncovered eight pallets of cigarettes believed to be worth £795,000 in lost duty. Two men, aged 57 and 53, were charged with the fraud after being arrested and interviewed by HMRC officers. The 57-year-old was also charged with a £408,000 Excise Duty fraud related to another seizure of 1.1m suspected illicit cigarettes in Whitburn, West Lothian, on 27 April 2022. The pair have been released while enquiries continue. The news follows an unrelated operation where 1.8 tonnes of compressed raw tobacco leaf was discovered and seized by HMRC officers from a haulage depot in Wishaw on 24 June. Joe Hendry, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “The trade in illicit cigarettes and tobacco damages funding for essential public services and undermines legitimate traders including small, independent corner shops that serve local communities. “HMRC continues to work closely with our partners in Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce to relentlessly pursue the determined minority who refuse to play by the rules.”

LEGISLATION

Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Bill passes

The Scottish government has passed legislation to control the sale and use of fireworks. The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill introduces a fireworks licensing system, with mandatory safety training, for people wishing to purchase and use fireworks. It also introduces powers for local authorities to designate firework control zones, restrictions on the supply and use of fireworks, and a new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks and pyrotechnics to under-18s. Community Safety Minister, Ash Regan, said: “We still want people to enjoy them safely, for example attending organised displays. But this vitally important step will make firework use more predictable and safer.”

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EXTRA TASTE AND NO SUGAR

DRIVE INCREMENTAL IRN-BRU SALES

News VAPING Convenience retailers want to play their part in making Scotland smoke-free by 2034

Camelot can appeal Camelot Group and International Game Technology (IGT) have been given permission by the High Court to appeal the decision to award the fourth UK National Lottery licence to Allwyn Entertainment. In April, Camelot launched a High Court challenge against the decision. This led to the formal issuing of the lottery licence to Allwyn being suspended. The High Court lifted the suspension in June, but the legal challenge continued.

Co-op gives young people a voice Co-op is partnering with UK Youth to grow the #IWill Scotland initiative, working with YouthLink Scotland. A £250,000 investment from Co-op will be used to recruit, train and support new #Iwill Ambassadors. The 10–25-year-olds will work together to make a difference in their communities, and will

Poll shows widespread backing for vaping among Scots Scots think quitting smoking by vaping e-cigarettes should be encouraged, and that they think vaping is much safer than smoking cigarettes, according to a new Scottish Grocers’ Federation poll. The poll of 2,000 people, which comes in the wake of a Scottish Government consultation which proposes that in-store promotional displays of e-cigarettes should be banned, also shows that: Q E-cigarette users choose the products because they are cheaper and less harmful, and because they help them stop smoking. Q Vapers are increasingly choosing to buy e-cigarettes from local stores rather than the internet. Q Only one in six people, including non-smokers and non-vapers, want to make accessing vapes

harder. Around half of the respondents want to make it easier to access vapes. John Lee, SGF’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “Scots – both smokers and non-smokers alike – are giving the thumbs up to e-cigarettes. This is important evidence from the real world which backs up the view of NHS Scotland that vaping is much less harmful than smoking cigarettes. “Vapers are telling us that they are turning to e-cigarettes because they are safer, cheaper and more likely to lead to them quitting for good. “Our member convenience stores want to play their part in the massive effort needed to switch smokers to vaping and make Scotland smoke-free by 2034.

“It is great news that double the number of respondents are buying their e-cigarettes from convenience stores than were doing so a year ago. Not only is buying in one of our members’ stores good for the local economy, it also helps the vaper know what they are buying. “The Scottish Government wants to make Scotland smokefree by 2034 – they have the route to achieving that right in front of them.”

receive training and mentoring to help them drive change.

Glasgow shoppers can ‘bag’ a ‘Prime’ discount Co-op and Amazon are offering Prime customers in and around

STORE OPENINGS Retailer has developed the store’s range and added services

Co-op opens larger store in Auchtermuchty

Glasgow a discount of £10 off their first three shops of £50. The retailers launched their partnership in the area last September, with Prime customers able to do their full Co-op grocery shop on Amazon with same-day delivery included at no extra charge for orders over £40, and £1.99 for orders under that amount. The offer runs until 15 August.

Firms urged to sign up for Making Tax Digital HMRC is urging businesses in Scotland to sign up for Making Tax Digital (MTD), a part of the government’s plans to make it easier for companies to get their tax right. From 1 April 2022, MTD for VAT became mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses. This means businesses need to keep digital business records, sign up to MTD, and file all VAT returns using MTD-compatible software.

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Co-op has launched a new, improved and larger, convenience store in Auchtermuchty, Fife. The retailer has relocated to a near 3,000sq ft store, which is around 1,200sq ft larger than its previous store in the town. The store, which is open between 6am-10pm daily, features Post Office services throughout the store’s opening hours and a free ATM. The click-and-collect of groceries through Co-op’s online shop will be introduced “soon”.

The store also offers Co-op’s ownbrand Fairtrade coffee dispenser – Ever Ground – and bakery. There will also be pastries, rolls and cakes from Stephens Bakery of Fife. A unit is also available to enable the community to recycle soft plastics, including crisp packets, bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and pet food pouches. Ryan Scullion, Co-op’s Area Manager, said: “We have had a great response – we are delighted to have the opportunity to create a new, improved and larger store to serve the community. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life, and we are looking forward to welcoming the community into their new Co-op store. We have worked to develop the range, choice, products and added services to create a really compelling offer to serve Auchtermuchty, conveniently.”

COMMUNITY

Communities ‘stronger’ than ever Communities are stronger than ever, according to a new report commissioned by Spar. The report finds the key elements of a great neighbourhood include good neighbours (28%), feeling a sense of belonging (22%), and free green spaces (11%). In addition, the report shows that 31% of respondents said they were involved in activities for local causes including improving the area for others, with 18-24-year-olds most likely to be involved with local community projects, such as litter pick-ups. Spar’s report also revealed the most community-driven locations in the country, are Neath Port Talbot, Norwich, Dunfermline, Swansea, Barnsley, Hackney, Derry/ Londonderry, Plymouth, Chelmsford, and Preston.

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News RETAIL CRIME Report significant regional differences in the consumption of illicit tobacco

Illicit cigarette trade sees biggest rise of past five years

PROGRESSION NOT PERFECTION

Helping the convenience channel become more sustainable

Last year, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) worked with Derbyshire retailer Amit Patel to help him improve the sustainability of his store. Contraband and counterfeit cigarette consumption increased by 4.2% year-on-year in 2021, according to an independent report released by KPMG and commissioned by Philip Morris International (PML). The report shows that close to one-in-five cigarettes consumed in the UK was illicit (18.1%) – with the number rising to almost one in three in some areas. This increase was fuelled by counterfeit cigarettes in particular, which are now the most prevalent form of illicit cigarette in the UK. Their consumption grew 34.1% in 2021, topping three billion cigarettes for the first time since the study began 16 years ago. PML commissions test purchase teams to help gather evidence and intelligence to support prosecutions against retailers of

illicit products. The teams report that typically packets of illicit cigarettes cost from £5 to £7.50 – which is around half the price of legitimate products. The report also lays bare the significant regional differences in the consumption of illicit products, with Northeast England, Yorkshire and The Humber, and the Midlands all above average for counterfeit and contraband consumption, whereas London, Southeast and Southwest England, the East of England and Wales are all below average. Cem Uzundal, Head of UK Field Force for PML, said: “My message to retailers selling illicit product is that your actions put both your customers and your business at risk – you stand a very real chance of getting caught and facing the penalties.”

BUSINESS COSTS Trade body gives evidence to Low Pay Commission

ACS calls for cautious approach to future wage rates

The ACS has called for a cautious approach to future National Living Wage rates and consideration of the significant challenges currently facing employers. During the evidence session to the Low Pay Commission, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman, said: “It is vital that the government seeks to set wage rates which avoid negative impacts on businesses and support the good quality employment available in our sector. “We are urging the Low Pay Commission to take the current economic situation into context when setting future wage rates, looking at the significant disruption that businesses and consumers are experiencing as a result of the cost of living and cost of trading crisis.” ACS has also submitted written evidence to the Low Pay Commission.

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Amit himself told his story to a group of convenience retailers at an event in London in August 2021 and revealed how he had already saved more than £600 a year thanks to the changes he made. With energy costs rising rapidly, the need to save money wherever possible has never been greater. Cutting energy bills is necessary for cashflow as well as the environment. We asked those retailers who heard Amit speak to make their own pledges. Most recently, we spoke with Leicestershire retailer Jack Matthews.

“We’ve made a number of larger steps across the business. Towards the end of last year, we purchased a fully electric van, so for all our home deliveries and trips to wholesalers we’re now using the fully electric vehicle, which has saved us costs throughout the business but has also helped to improve our environmental standpoint. We’re also currently trialling a craft paper sleeve for the breads we bake in-store rather than in the plastic bags we were using before, so hopefully making a bit of a positive impact with little steps at a time.” However small, we want to hear about the steps you’re making on your sustainability journey. Share your ideas with us via @SuntoryBF_GBI on Twitter, and together we can help the channel grow for good.

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

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Tradeshow Thursday 22nd September 2022 Thank you to our key sponsors!

COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS Research reveals local shops are well placed to help their communities

Local shops helping communities manage cost-of-living crisis Shoppers see local shops as part of the solution to managing their money in the cost-of-livingcrisis, new research by the ACS reveals. The data shows that being able to save money on fuel by walking to a local shop instead of driving to a larger store is seen as the most popular benefit of shopping locally. Key findings from the research include: Q 78% of consumers agree that using local shops is better for the environment because they don’t have to travel as far; Q 61% of consumers agree that local shops help people save on multiple trips by providing a range of different services in one place; Q 53% of consumers agree that buying little and often helps them manage food waste. ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “Local shops are well placed to help their communities with the cost-of-living crisis, not

just through their convenient locations, but by helping people manage food waste, save fuel, and providing local access to services like ATM machines. Thousands of retailers also have relationships with food banks and discounted grocery apps like Gander and Too Good to Go, as well as promoting Healthy Start cards for healthy food and milk that is a huge help for young mothers.”

NEWSTRADE

Retailers ‘betrayed’ as Reach cuts terms on more titles Newspaper publisher Reach is to introduce a price rise and margin cut on the Scottish Daily and Saturday Mirror editions. The cover price on the weekday editions of the Scottish Daily Mirror will rise from £1.10 to £1.20 from Monday 1 August, with a 1% cut to the margin, taking it down from 20% to 19%. The Saturday edition, however, will see a 20p price hike to £1.80 with a 1% margin cut down to 19%. Jason Birks, National President of the NFRN, said: “Our members are simply being forced out of selling news as profits are falling.” The news came two days after Reach revealed a Sunday Express price rise and margin cut.

OFF-TRADE Free training offered to help combat underage sales

Course aims to keep small retailers on right side of law

To find out more contact the SPAR Scotland Tradeshow Team on 01382 512000

Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) is to offer free online training to retailers to help them prevent underage sales and proxy purchase. The course covers the requirements of the 2003 Licensing Act, how to refuse suspected underage sales, spot attempted proxy purchases, and apply the Challenge 25 policy. It draws on CAP’s extensive knowledge of working with retailers over the past 15 years and has been created in conjunction with CPL Training. The course will be available free of charge to all retailers in the 256 CAP areas of England and Wales and is adapted for separate licensing laws in Scotland.

CAP director Kate Winstanley said: “We hope independent retailers will find this short course a convenient and helpful way to ensure they have effective age verification policies in place.” Information about the course will be distributed to retailers through the network of local CAPs around the UK.

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HOME DELIVERY Research reveals consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for the convenience of delivery

Half of consumers find rapid delivery of groceries appealing Half of consumers find the idea of delivery of groceries in half an hour – or less – appealing, new research from digital and data experts TWC reveals. The TWC Trends research shows that 51% of consumers found the idea of rapid grocery delivery appealing, rising to 69% of those living in London. This over-index coincides with the greater presence of the quick commerce tech start-ups such as Gorillas, Getir, GoPuff and Zapp, but also relates to the demographic makeup of the capital. For example, London has the highest proportion of people working, who are more likely to need rapid delivery solutions. The primary reasons consumers cited for using rapid delivery firms were that the shops are too far away (42%); the shops are closed (35%); not having to wait long for delivery (35%); and bad weather (28%). HOME DELIVERY Stores can save £300

NFRN partners with e-bike brand Eskuta NFRN is partnering with e-mobility brand Eskuta to offer its members the opportunity to electrify their delivery service with an exclusive £300 saving on an SX-250 e-bike. The deal is aimed at convenience store owners who are looking to start or expand their current grocery delivery service while reducing their fuel costs and carbon footprint. The offer means members of the NFRN will be able to purchase one of Eskuta’s electric delivery bikes for £1,350 plus VAT compared to the RSP of £1,662 plus VAT. A custom branding option can be applied to the bike and delivery box.

Consumers reported typical spends of more than £20 on each occasion, with over half exceeding this level of spend, which is more than double the typical in-store convenience basket and reflects the willingness to pay a premium for the convenience of delivery, as well as the premium selection of goods on offer via some of the apps.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS with

• Up to 6% rebate • Delivery to your store – anywhere in Scotland • A smooth onboarding process including market leading aftercare support • Dedicated Business Development Manager contact to support your ongoing business needs

VAPING

Elfbar stops over a million counterfeit disposable vapes Disposable vape brand Elfbar has intercepted more than a million fake vapes bearing its product names. The company has been working closely with Chinese authorities to close down more than 20 counterfeit factories, which were found to have collectively produced over a million counterfeits. The counterfeiters have also created fake websites that look identical to the official Elfbar website. Domain names created by the fraudsters include Elfdar.com, Elfbar-tech.com, Elfba.com, Elfbar.link, and Elfbar-teoh. com. The company is asking retailers to be alert to the issue and has started to provide distributors with visual information on how to spot fakes. Victor Xiao, Chief Executive of Elfbar, said: “For retailers and consumers, we suggest that they verify products by scanning the QR code on the package and ensure it takes them to the official Elfbar.com domain for verification. If you suspect the product you bought is fake, please drop us a note at legal@elfbar.com, and we will take appropriate action.”

Sym b ol Gr oup of the Ye a r

W I N NER

To find out more and join our award winning team email Recruitment Manager, Craig Lynn: craig.lynn@cjlang.co.uk SparScotlandOfficial @SparScotland

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@SparScotland CJ Lang & Son Limited

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CJ Lang & Son Ltd, Longtown Distribution Centre, 78 Longtown Road, Dundee, DD4 8JU

News Extra

Forecourts | CMA fuel price report

NewsExtra SUPERCHARGED SOFT DRINKS SALES – P36 FORECOURTS Review looks at competition in the fuel market

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

Convenience Matters with the SGF “The last bank in town” is a phrase used all too often now as branches close at an alarming rate around Scotland. Last month the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee published its report, ‘Access to Cash in Scotland’. This noted that since 2015, 53% of Scotland’s bank branches have closed – the highest percentage loss across the UK’s four nations. The UK Government has now committed to introduce legislation to ensure the continued availability of withdrawal and deposit facilities in local communities – and some would say not before time. But who knows how many more branches will close before then? One thing is clear though: while cash may no longer be ‘king’ it remains important to many, with the Committee stating that approximately 500,000 people in Scotland are reliant on it. Many Scottish convenience stores remain, by their very nature, cash-orientated businesses, given that many of their customers utilise cash as their preferred payment method. And stores must meet the needs of their customers. Of course, how far retailers then must travel to bank their cash – incurring fuel and staff costs not to mention bank charges – is another matter. The irony is that, according to our Scottish Local Shop Report 2021, 24% of Scottish c-stores also provide a Post Office service – recognised as one of the most valuable services they offer to their local communities and that many, if not most, provide access to cash through the provision of ATMs and cashback. Convenience retailers were called the Fourth Emergency service during the pandemic but are they now taking on a new role – in all but name – as the last bank in town?

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Concern raised in CMA fuel market review

The report’s findings, which clear fuel retailers of fuel profiteering, have been welcomed across the sector. A review of competition in the road fuel market has found “cause for concern” in the growing gap between the price of crude oil when it enters refineries, and the wholesale price when it leaves refineries as petrol or diesel. The review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found the main drivers of increased road fuel prices are the rising cost of crude oil and a growing gap between the crude oil price and the wholesale price of petrol and diesel – the so-called ‘refining spread’. The refining spread has more than tripled in the past year, growing from 10p to nearly 35p per litre. Over the same period, the so-called ‘retailer spread’ – the difference between the wholesale price and the price charged to motorists – fluctuated but remained about 10p per litre on average. The review also found that, overall, the fuel duty cut appears to have been implemented, with the largest fuel retailers doing so immediately and others more gradually. It also found price significant differences between many rural and urban areas. In light of some of the concerns found and the urgency of the situation, the CMA has launched a market study that will examine the road fuel market in more depth, making full use of its compulsory information-gathering powers. An interim update will be published in the autumn. The CMA was also asked by the UK government to advise on possible measures to increase the transparency that consumers have over retail prices. The review sets

out how an open data scheme could help consumers more easily access and compare local pump prices. There may also be merit in providing more information about prices on motorways, the review found. Sarah Cardell, CMA General Counsel, said: “On the whole the retail market does seem to be competitive, but there are some areas that warrant further investigation. These include finding out whether the disparities in price between urban and rural areas are justified. “This area of work is a major priority for the CMA and if we can help, we will.” The CMA review was welcomed by the Association of Convenience Stores. Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are pleased that the CMA have acknowledged that retailers did pass on the duty rate cuts to drivers even when wholesale prices were rising. We will continue to engage with the CMA in their formal market study into the fuel market.”

Meanwhile, the Petrol Retailers Association said it was reassured by the findings of the review. Executive Director Gordon Balmer commented: “In recent months, we have seen motoring organisations and politicians attempting to scapegoat petrol retailers. This report exonerates petrol retailers and leaves unanswered questions about the extent to which these critics understand the retail fuel market at all.” Balmer added: “We are confident that this report will reassure motorists that petrol retailers are doing their best to keep their communities fuelled and fed, while operating on tight margins.” The RAC also welcomed the review but urged the government to ensure it is in a position to scrutinise the relationship between wholesale and retail prices. Fuel Spokesman Simon Williams said: “Regardless of the reasons for wholesale prices being what they are we continue to believe there is clear evidence, not least in the last week, that major retailers are incredibly slow to pass on falling wholesale costs, yet quick to pass on rising ones. The idea of allowing drivers to more easily compare pump prices near them may also prove beneficial. “The question drivers may have, however, is how long the review will take and – crucially – when they might see a change to what they pay every time they fill up. As each day goes by and the cost-of-living crisis is felt ever more keenly, the need for retailers – especially the largest ones – to reflect wholesale prices fairly becomes ever more urgent.” www.slrmag.co.uk

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Comment

CHECKOUT WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED With only a few weeks to go until GroceryAid Scotland’s inaugural Checkout Scotland music extravaganza in Glasgow on 1 September, I make no apologies for dedicating this month’s leader column to a project that has been close to my own heart for probably about 18 months. There are many good reasons why launching Checkout Scotland is a remarkable achievement for our sector. Firstly, and most importantly, it massively helps raise awareness of GroceryAid and the invaluable support the charity can offer to our industry colleagues who need a little help for whatever reason – and there’s absolutely no shame in needing a bit of help now and again. As most of us are all too aware these days, the last few years have been hard on many people. Covid brought bumper sales but it also brought a whole new layer of extra anxiety and stress to a sector that was already under extreme pressure as it was, facing routine abuse from customers, working too many hours and never taking holidays. For too many years, that sort of mental and physical anguish was just considered ‘part of the job’. Now, thankfully, it seems like we’re more comfortable talking about issues like mental health. Much of the stigma has been lifted. And that’s where GroceryAid can come in. A few years ago, local retailers in Scotland had probably never heard of GroceryAid, let alone the support the charity can and does offer to industry colleagues who have fallen on hard times. That all began to change when McCurrach veteran Peter Steel and OneO-One’s Jim Harper took up the roles of Joint Chairs of the Scottish Committee. Thanks to the frankly remarkable passion and commitment and doggedness and unique charm of the pair, GroceryAid Scotland has been transformed – and most importantly of all – awareness of the industry charity and how it can help in Scotland is undoubtedly at an all-time high. Checkout Scotland is the game-changer. It seemed crazily ambitious for a Committee that had never organised anything more than an industry pub quiz that raised a few hundred quid to decide that it would put on a musical celebration for 700 attendees with artists like Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting For Girls gracing the stage. But Peter and Jim, along with the brilliant Scottish Committee they put together, found a way to rise to every challenge. And believe me, staging an event of this scale and type comes with a whole world of daunting challenges. This is a Committee of volunteers giving up their time to try and make something special happen. The Committee includes people from symbol groups, supermarkets, Scottish suppliers, UK suppliers – you name it. And they are mostly all competing with each other in their ‘day jobs’. But they put that to one side and they pulled together to achieve something that I believe is really quite special. It occurred to me on a very recent Committee Zoom call that I don’t recall ever being involved in a forum where so many fierce competitors worked handin-hand for the common good. There’s a lesson in there somewhere – and if you work out what it is, do come and tell me at Checkout Scotland next month.

Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley abegley@55north.com News Editor Liz Wells lwells@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 Advertising Manager Garry Cole 07846 872 738 | gcole@55north.com

DESIGN Design & Digital Manager Richard Chaudhry rchaudhry@55north.com

EVENTS & OPERATIONS Events & Circulation Manager Cara Begley cbegley@55north.com Scottish Local Retailer is distributed free to qualifying readers. For a registration card, call 0141 222 5381. Other readers can obtain copies by annual subscription at £50 (UK), £62 (Europe airmail), £99 (Worldwide airmail). 55 North Ltd, Waterloo Chambers, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6AY Tel: 0141 22 22 100 Fax: 0141 22 22 177 Website: www.55north.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/slrmag DISCLAIMER The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of 55 North Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endevoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. Scottish Local Retailer is produced monthly by 55 North Ltd.

ANTONY BEGLEY, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

EDITORIAL

SLR | AUGUST 2022 www.slrmag.co.uk

Cover Story

Home Delivery / Click & Collect

JISP HOOKS UP WITH PAYZONE AS HOME DELIVERY BATTLE HOTS UP

Jisp and Payzone are joining forces to offer integrated home delivery, click and collect, Scan and Save and loyalty services via the Payzone Plus device. BY ANTONY BEGLEY

isp and Payzone have joined forces to allow retailers to offer integrated home delivery, click and collect, Scan and Save and store specific loyalty services, in addition to accessing brand rewards and content. Through the partnership, Jisp and Payzone will be offering thousands of retailers the integrated opportunity to use Jisp’s ‘Scan & Save’ solution, via the Payzone Plus device, helping them drive footfall, sales and increase loyalty locally at no additional costs to them.

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Payzone retailers with Jisp will be able to build store loyalty every time shoppers use Scan & Save and redeem products. Jisp will promote leading promotions in-app and online to drive shoppers to their local Scan & Save store. In addition, Jisp will provide exclusive 24hr deals and reward shoppers for referring friends and family to help them save money and increase loyalty. Jisp Media and Payzone will also raise cash for GroceryAid through its collaboration with FMCG brand partners by donating money every time a customer interacts with Jisp’s Scan & Save service in-store. www.slrmag.co.uk

Home Delivery / Click & Collect

Cover Story

Meanwhile, Jisp has also announced that since it first launched its Scan & Save solution, there have been almost 367k scans with almost 227k vouchers issued and over 202k redemptions. This means that a huge 89% of vouchers issued have been redeemed, delivering what Jisp calls an “industry-leading” redemption rate of 89%. In total, this means shoppers have saved over £265k so far. Greg Deacon, Chief Customer Officer, Jisp said: “We are delighted to help shoppers save over £265,000 to date with our moneysaving and rewards app. Our growth with Nisa is exceptional, we are piloting with Booker and soon to be Bestway retail. In addition, come September non-affiliated independents will bring exclusive savings to shoppers locally through this exciting partnership with Payzone.” Retailers can visit www.business.jisp. com/scan-save-payzone to find out more about the partnership.

HOME DELIVERY HUB Kilmarnock Best-One retailer Imran Akhtar is creating a new hub store in Hurlford focused solely on home delivery after hitting £1m in sales through Snappy Shopper. Imran started offering the app to his customers in January last year and sales via the platform have since soared, and as a result he started to offer Snappy Shopper to customers at his second store, Premier Cairnhill. The new retail hub will enable Imran to meet surging customer demand for online ordering, as more and more of his customers opt for the convenience of home delivery. He is investing £40k in the new store and predicts the move will result in 25% incremental growth. The store is processing on average 730 online transactions per week and is increasing customer loyalty with 90% repeat customers ordering through Snappy Shopper. Imran said: “The new hub will allow me to provide 100% availability to my customers on the platform with a dedicated delivery fleet and staff packing the orders. Joining Snappy Shopper has future-proofed my business, so my store can reach a whole new customer base who shop online”. Dael Links, Head of B2B Marketing at Snappy Shopper, added: “Imran is a great example of a retailer who has embraced the opportunity of home delivery, offering an outstanding service and growing his business in the process. This new store is a www.slrmag.co.uk

testament to his continued success on the Snappy Shopper platform.

WISH LIST Collect+, part of the PayPoint Group, and global e-commerce marketplace Wish, have signed a partnership that will allow consumers to click and collect parcels from Collect+ retailers. With millions of buyers and hundreds of thousands of merchants using the Wish marketplace, this partnership provides further convenience for online shoppers, who can now rely on parcels being delivered to a nearby safe and secure location whenever they are out of home. It also provides more opportunities for independent retailers to take advantage of increased footfall and opportunities to earn via their own partnership with Collect+. The service will initially be rolled out to select stores across the UK and comes at a time when the e-commerce sector has been booming, following a sustained shift in online consumer purchasing habits over the past two years. Michael Gnaedinger, Europe Director of Logistics at Wish, said: “We are thrilled to enter into this strategic partnership with PayPoint as it more than doubles the number of available pickup locations for our customers in the UK.” AUGUST 2022 | SLR

News

Products

Tropicana offers retailers juicy prizes Tropicana Brand Group is giving retailers the opportunity to win a £10,000 cash prize, with another 10 x £500 prizes up for grabs. The campaign runs across hero SKUs from the Tropicana, Naked and Copella ranges from 7 July to 15 September. To enter, retailers need to buy any two cases of the hero SKUs and text JUICY to the number on the POS materials. Winners be required to upload an image of their receipt.

KP marks Hundred tie-in with UWS event KP Snacks is celebrating its partnership with The Hundred cricket competition with an event at United Wholesale Scotland’s Queenslie depot on 16 August. The day promises themed theatre displays, POS materials and a VR cricket game from KP Snacks, alongside prize giveaways with stock vouchers and The Hundred merchandise up for grabs.

Rice up your life National Rice Week is returning for its fifth year this September (12th – 18th), with a multichannel consumer campaign that sets out to raise the profile of the UK rice sector. Led by The Rice Association, the campaign will invite the nation to ‘Rice Up Your Life’ and highlight all that rice has to offer – from its versatility and convenience as a recipe ingredient, to its nutritional content and health benefits.

The future is yellow for Yazoo Kids Yazoo Kids is launching new carton packaging later this year. From November, the flavoured milk brand will switch from plastic to more sustainable cardboard carton packaging. To drive the distinction between Yazoo’s core and Kids ranges, Minions will appear on x3 and x6 multipacks as part of an ongoing Universal Studios collaboration. The Kids packs will showcase

Product News SMOKE-FREE SALES SURGE – P44 TOBACCO Win big with Nordic Spirit

JTI launches £20k retailer competition JTI has launched a nationwide search to discover the ‘perfect’ Nordic Spirit stores amongst its independent retail trade partners. Running until December 2022, stores that perform best against a new points system will win high-value prizes including an expenses-paid trip to the Nordic region and a year’s supply of Nordic Spirit, the UK’s leading nicotine pouch range. To be in with the chance of winning the prizes on offer, retailers must follow the advice in the Nordic Spirit Perfect Store Guide available from JTI’s trade website. The guide includes five simple pillars that retailers should follow to generate product awareness in-store, entice new customers, and boost sales. Each pillar is worth a certain number of points, which their local JTI Business Adviser will score them on each month during scheduled store visits. At the end of the year, the competition will close and the 10 stores with the highest scores from each JTI region will win a prize bundle worth up to £2,000 per store, including:

Q One year’s supply of Nordic Spirit Q Fitbit Versa 3 Smartwatch Q £125 restaurant voucher Q Limited-edition Nordic Spirit merchandise. The winning regional stores will then qualify to enter the national Nordic Spirit Perfect Store competition. With the help of their JTI Business Advisers, retailers will have the opportunity to showcase their stores and one national champion per JTI region will be crowned. The winner will receive the following prize bundle, worth up to £20,000 per store: Q Expenses-paid trip to the Nordic region, including some fantastic excursions Q £2,000 wholesaler credit Q Apple iPad Air Q Tickets to some great events Q Nordic Spirit Perfect Store Makeover Q National trade press coverage, profiling winning retailers and their store Q Trophy and certificate.

SPORTS & ENERGY

Win football kit for your community Lucozade Sport has partnered with The Football Association to give both shoppers and retailers the chance to win football-related prizes. In-store by PoS materials encourage shoppers to text ‘WIN’ to 62123 for their chance of netting a prize. The campaign is also supported by PR and advertising activity, including social media and online content. For every entry received, Lucozade Sport will donate 10p to education and social inclusion charity Football Beyond Borders. There is also a competition just for retailers. By scanning the QR code on PoS material in depot when buying any case of Lucozade Sport, retailers can win a full football kit for their community.

SOFT DRINKS

Irn-Bru Xtra unveils £1m campaign Barr Soft Drinks has unveiled a £1m brand investment in Irn-Bru Xtra. The activity starts this month with heavyweight outdoor and digital advertising, complemented by in-store theatre. This will be followed by a sampling campaign in September, getting more than 500,000 cans into the hands of Scottish shoppers. Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “Irn-Bru Xtra is a muststock variant for all Scottish retailers and this £1 million brand investment will create massive visibility for the product, driving education and trial with shoppers.” Barr advised retailers to utilise its POS to create instore theatre and drive sales. To request POS, email trademarketing@ agbarr.co.uk with store or depot details.

the Minions in new lunchboxfriendly, square packaging.

SLR | AUGUST 2022

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SLRMAG

www.slrmag.co.uk

Products

News

Warburtons price-marks Toastie Loaf Warburtons will be putting its 800g Toastie Loaf into price-marked packaging for convenience stores from

SOFT DRINKS Supermodel designs bespoke Diet Coke cans

Moss is boss

September. The £1.39 PMP will

Kate Moss has been named as Creative Director for Diet Coke, as the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. In her first outing in the role, Moss has created the Diet Coke by Kate Moss ‘Love What You Love’ Limited Edition Collection of bespoke can designs. The collection comprises four designs featuring denim, leopard, lace and camouflage. These take inspiration from the supermodel’s favourite outfits from her lengthy career. The cans also feature her signature and a monochrome portrait of Moss that was created to celebrate her own 40th birthday. Furthermore, an on-pack promotion gives shoppers the chance to win thousands of prizes which include handbags, signed books and retail vouchers. A supporting consumer marketing campaign featuring Kate Moss includes out-of-home advertising, social media and events. Commenting on the campaign, Kate Moss said: “Being in front of and behind the camera was so

Half & Half 800g (£1.29 PMP)

complement the brand’s already existing price-marked range: Wholemeal 800g (£1.29 PMP), and Crumpets (99p PMP). This will be the first time the Toastie Loaf has been price-marked.

Soda Folk reformulates Soft drink challenger brand Soda Folk has reformulated its Root Beer flavour to ensure it is

exciting. Having full creative control of the look and feel of the campaign was a first for me. Diet Coke is a pop-culture icon and has a unique place in fashion history.” Diet Coke launched its 40th anniversary celebrations in February with a London Fashion Week partnership. The 330ml limited edition camo, denim, lace and leopard Diet Coke cans are available within 8, 10 and 12 x 330ml multipack cans. The competition will run on specially designed 500ml, 500ml PMP, 2-litre PET bottles and on the outer boards of the multipack cans.

HFSS compliant, ahead of the new English legislation hitting in October and as part of a wider brand commitment to do good and support health. Alongside the reformulation, the new Root Beer also features an updated pack design. Retailers should visit sodafolk.com/pages/stocksoda-folk for stock enquiries.

S E L A S R U O Y P U R E W O P

HIGH CAFFEINE ENERGY DRINK WITH THE INDESC

RIBABLE TASTE OF IRN-BRU

FROM THE N0.1 SCOTTISH GROCERY BRAND *

*Source: Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.21, Total Scotland

www.slrmag.co.uk

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

News

Off-Trade

Belhaven back on box Belhaven Best is celebrating this summer with the launch of a new campaign on STV, reminding drinkers of the simple pleasure of sharing a beer with friends and family in the pub. A 30-second advert takes viewers to a typical Scottish local, where chewing the fat with old pals, putting up with dad jokes and savouring a pint and a quiet moment with the dog are all on the menu. The ad marks Belhaven’s first TV activity for several years.

Madrí Excepcional celebrates soul of Madrid Molson Coors’ European-style lager Madrí Excepcional has unveiled its first ad campaign. ‘Door Roja’ celebrates ‘El alma de Madrid’ – or ‘The Soul of Madrid’. The £3.5m threemonth campaign includes TV, video-on-demand, out-of-home, experiential and social activities. At its heart is a new 60-second TV ad, shot in Madrid.

Off-TradeNews FOOD-TO-GO FUELLING FORECOURTS – P52 FLAVOURED RUM Enter the world of Coco the coconut horse

Do whatever tastes good in new Malibu campaign Malibu has launched a campaign to encourage everyone to get into the summer mindset all year round. A new advert takes viewers into the world of Malibu on Coco the coconut horse, where they find an inclusive space where everyone is doing what they like, whenever they like. The ad appears on social channels, digital out-of-home, and video-on-demand. In addition, Malibu will also be present at festivals including We Are Festival and South Facing this summer, sampling its range of RTDs and offering branded merchandise to drive consideration among its Gen

Z audience. The flavoured rum brand is also teaming up with beauty salons across the UK by sending out exclusive mini-fridges stocked with Malibu RTDs for consumers to enjoy while being pampered. Marnie Corrigan, Brand Director at Malibu’s parent company Pernod Ricard UK, commented: “This campaign invites consumers to ‘Do Whatever Tastes Good’, to embrace their guilty pleasures and enjoy drinking their favourite Malibu cocktail or drink. Our new campaign features a wide range of moments and new ways in which to enjoy Malibu, that’s unapologetically you.”

Tall order: Amber Beverage backs Ukrainian basketball team Amber Beverage Group (ABG), maker of Moskovskaya Vodka and Rooster Rojo Tequila, has announced its sponsorship of the Ukrainian men’s national basketball team. The agreement supports the team’s participation in the qualifying matches at the FIBA World Cup 2023. The matches will be held in Riga, Latvia due to the war in Ukraine. Jekaterina Stuge, CEO of ABG, said: “We support the team and wish them the best of luck. We hope that Ukraine will prevail – and not only on the basketball court.”

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SLRMAG

SLR | AUGUST 2022

www.slrmag.co.uk

Off-Trade

News

Lambrini and Denise Van Outen are loud and proud As part of its ‘Bring the Brini’ campaign, perry brand Lambrini has worked with Denise Van Outen to create a music video

RUM Collaboration follows success of Skepta limited-edition

Havana Club partners with the ‘King of Afro-fusion’ Havana Club has teamed up with Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer Burna Boy for its latest creative collaboration: a limited-edition Havana Club 7 Years bottle (RSP £26.99). The bottle label takes a number of cultural cues from Southern Nigeria, particularly the Rivers State region where Burna Boy was born. Each of the 72,000 limitededition bottles also carries a print of his signature. The launch is supported by a fully integrated campaign including out-of-home and digital media, alongside a range of POS materials.

Alongside the bottle, Burna Boy and Havana Club have also released a campaign film shot in Lagos and London. Featuring a voice over by Burna Boy, the film reveals the common culture and shared values people have in the good times they spend together. Marnie Corrigan, Brand Director at Pernod Ricard UK, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to reveal our latest collaboration with the King of Afro-fusion, Burna Boy, and continue the message of community championed during our previous partnership with Skepta.”

for the entertainer’s new single, ‘From New York to LA’, which is out now to support London Pride. Lambrini bottles and a ‘Bring the Brini’ neon sign are prominent in the video to drive awareness of the campaign and the partnership with Van Outen.

Dunnet Bay serves up smoky gin Dunnet Bay Distillers has launched its latest gin expression: Rock Rose Gin Smoked Orange. An initial batch of 600 bottles is available now before the gin becomes the ninth member of Dunnet Bay’s core range in November. Smoked Orange is the creation of graduate placement trainee Craig Chalmers; the 23-yearold recently gained a degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University.

WINE Jam Shed launches major out-of-home campaign

CRAFT BEER

Shedloads of new Accolade ads New ‘healthier’ IPA is a touch of Genius

Accolade Wine’s brand, Jam Shed, is painting the town blue this summer with the launch of its new ‘Shedloads’ campaign. Out-of-home activity includes advertising on billboards, digital road-side screens and bus super sides. In addition, sixsecond animations will run on YouTube, alongside contextual and Facebook sponsored ads. Tom Smith, Marketing Director for Europe at Accolade Wines, said: “The Jam Shed shopper, a younger, more causal wine drinker, is the most valuable within the wine category. This investment will help us to attract new shoppers and encourage existing buyers to purchase more often. “This new ‘Shedloads’ campaign gives people a reason to try Jam Shed, with catchy taglines that not only bring the brand’s fun personality to life but are descriptive when it comes to the delicious taste – rich, jammy & smooth!”

Genius Brewing has launched its second light craft beer to meet growing demand for healthier options. Gen!us India Pale Ale is a light, refreshing IPA with only 79 calories per can, and is also vegan certified. The new brew brings together Mosaic, Simcoe, and Citra hops for a balance of bitterness and grapefruit flavours. At 3% ABV, each can offers exactly one unit of alcohol and features industry-leading calorie, units, and nutrition labelling. Jason Clarke, co-founder of Genius Brewing, said: “We wanted to offer IPA drinkers a lighter alternative which delivers that lovely citrus, hoppy flavour but with low calories and less alcohol.” Gen!us IPA is available now in 330ml cans online, before rolling out to the on- and off-trades over the rest of 2022.

Kumala brings back braai South African wine brand Kumala has brought back its ‘Bring on the Braai’ competition for a second summer. Shoppers have the chance to win a Napoleon Freestyle grill worth over £750 as well as five portable grills. Ten pairs of tickets to CarFest 2022 are also up for grabs, as well as ten cases of wine. Tthe competition runs across multiple SKUs and more than 285,000 bottles feature a colourful and vibrant on-pack neck collar.

Rooster Rojo rocks up at Foodies Festivals Rooster Rojo is following its recent global advertising campaign that reminded consumers to ‘Sip Don’t Slam’ with a UK tour around summer festivals in a liveried bar bus. The premium 100% blue agave tequila will appear north of the border at the Foodies Festivals in Edinburgh from 5 to 7 August and in Glasgow from 12 to 14 August.

www.slrmag.co.uk

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

Inside Business

Market Research

SHOPPERS FACE £454 GROCERY BILL HIKE Consumers are now facing a significant increase to their annual grocery bills, according to new data from Kantar.

upermarket sales rose by 0.1% in the 12 weeks to 10 July 2022, the first time the market has registered growth since April 2021, new figures from Kantar reveal. The research shows supply chain issues have driven costs up across the industry and like-for-like grocery price inflation now stands at 9.9% over the past four

weeks. The data shows grocery prices continue to soar to near record-breaking heights and have jumped by another 1.6 percentage points since last month. This is the second highest level of grocery inflation since Kantar started tracking prices in this way in 2008. With grocery price inflation at almost 10%, people are now facing a £454 increase to their annual grocery bills. Fraser McKevitt, Head of Retail and Consumer Insight, Worldpanel Division, said: “All this means that people will be feeling the pinch during our first restriction-free summer since 2019. Taking a barbecue as an example, buying burgers, halloumi and coleslaw for some al fresco dining would cost you 13%, 17% and 14% more than it would have this time last year. “Buying enough for a typical family barbecue, shoppers will have to put aside £9.94 rather than the £9.01 they spent last year.”

Supermarkets’ own lines are growing by 4.1% this period, according to the data, while sales of branded items have fallen by 2.4%. McKevitt added: “It’s a complex picture and the grocers are busy negotiating with their suppliers to mitigate impact at the tills as far as possible. We’ve seen this play out in the headlines in recent weeks, with some well-known brands temporarily disappearing from supermarket shelves over pricing disputes.”

SHOPPERS BUYING WIDER RANGE OF BRANDS New data shows shoppers are buying a wider range of brands than before Covid. Almost half of UK consumers (46%) say they’re buying a greater variety of brands than they were before Covid-19, new data from NielsenIQ shows. The research shows consumers are also largely in search of their perfect brand match, with 58% of UK respondents feeling that if they look hard enough, they can find a brand that fits their exact needs. The analysis also highlighted: Q 50% of UK consumers prefer to buy locally made products from small businesses in their area. Q 48% try to support small brands where possible but are finding it harder to find them on the shelf. 24

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Q 51% feel that small brands are more authentic and trustworthy than big brands. Q 58% think that small brands are usually more expensive, but UK consumers are prepared to pay a bit more – this is higher than the global average (47%). Lauren Fernandes, Global Director of Thought Leadership, said: “Despite being largely ‘unfamiliar’ by respondents in terms of notoriety, small and medium brands have a great opportunity in today’s changed consumer landscape. Our data shows that price pressures and the ongoing pandemic have changed consumer needs, and their relative expectations of brands of different sizes.”

A number of reasons were given by respondents for buying a specific brand. Among these, good value for money (92%) availability (87%) and product quality (85%) are of utmost importance when shoppers made their purchasing decisions. As prices continue to rise across categories, affordability is a top reason backing this trend in functional buying. Fernandes added: “Today’s macroeconomic environment has created a perfect storm for small and medium-sized businesses to connect with consumers. But that same storm could shadow smaller brands before than can scale. The key will be finding the right levers, based on the right consumer data, to innovate in meaningful ways.” www.slrmag.co.uk

Market Research

Inside Business

INCOME GAP TREATS TAKE A HIT GROWING

Research by EY shows that the gap between high earners and those less well paid is growing.

nflationary pressures and economic uncertainty are widening the gap between low and middle-income consumers and high-income consumers, according to the latest EY UK Future Consumer Index. The 10th edition of the survey of more than 1,000 UK consumers found that 37% of low and middle-income consumers are only purchasing the essentials, compared to just 26% in the last survey in February 2022. A third of these consumers (32%) are now switching brands to try cheaper alternatives, up from 26% in February. Affordability has also risen in importance since February 2022, with 27% of all consumers now adopting an ‘affordability first’ mindset, an increase of 8%. The EY research also found significant levels of pessimism among low-income consumers, with 46% saying that they feel financially worse off compared to February this year. In addition, 44% expect their financial situation to be worse in 12 months, while only 39% feel in control of their lives. www.slrmag.co.uk

A significant minority of middleincome consumers are also bracing themselves for tough times with 33% expecting their financial situation to be worse in 12 months. Conversely, just 15% of high-income consumers expect to be financially worse off in the next 12 months with 61% of this income bracket saying they are excited about spending money on things that will improve their lifestyle. Silvia Rindone, EY UK&I Retail Lead, said: “Our research reveals that instead of consumer behaviour staying relatively consistent, we are seeing consumers drifting towards two extremes. At one end are cash-strapped consumers who are watching every penny, at the other are those who are willing to spend and want retailers and brands to excite and entice them to do so.” Across all income groups, consumers are making more economical and sustainable choices. Of those surveyed, 90% said they are trying not to waste food and 55% are paying more attention to the environmental impact of what they purchase.

TWC data reveals that getting on for half of shoppers are cutting back on treats as belts tighten.

More than 42% of consumers are buying fewer treats in a bid to reduce their spending, new research from digital and data experts TWC has revealed. The TWC Trends research reveals that trading down by buying cheaper groceries was next, with 40% agreement; followed by reducing other retail spending such as clothes and homewares (39%); and fewer days or evenings out (31%). Just under a third of consumers (29%) said they were opting to shop for groceries in cheaper stores, which aligns to a similar proportion saying they are shopping in the discounters more than they were six months ago. The research shows that convenience stores are holding up well, with more than half of consumers saying their usage of the channel has stayed the same. While 15% say they are using c-stores less than six months ago, this is balanced out by a similar proportion who claim to be using them more. Sarah Coleman, Communications Director at TWC, said: “It is really reassuring to see that convenience stores are continuing to prosper despite the current pressure on prices and household budgets. “Beneath the surface we are seeing an interesting trend with consumers in London more likely to be increasing their use of convenience stores – reinforcing the role smaller stores play in cities as well as rural communities. “We are also seeing younger consumers and those with children are more likely to be increasing their use of c-stores. Given that we know that these consumers are more likely to be under financial pressure, convenience stores need to ensure that they offer value to retain these customers. “One potential route is through price-marked packs – which are particularly liked by these consumer groups – but must deliver a fair return to all parties along the supply chain to be viable.” The TWC Trends Summer Edition 2022 series is based on the views and sentiments of more than 1,000 consumers across the UK.

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

Deliver Deli er the goods £26

average basket spend

80%

Snappy Shopper sales are from new customers

£1 million incremental sales achieved by top stores

Scan to learn more retailers.snappyshopper.co.uk inbound@snappyshopper.co.uk

In good company To have half a million pounds from 1,500 customers shows the power of Snappy Shopper Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Bailieston

The Snappy Shopper platform is very easy to use and helps us reach new customers who wouldnt usually shop in our store Amit Patel, Go Local Duchy

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Inside Business

Judging Panel – Symbol Group Categories | SLR Awards

MEET THE SYMBOL GROUP JUDGING PANEL The SLR Awards prides itself on the robustness and transparency of its judging process and on the quality of the judging panels that ultimately choose the winners. This same philosophy is carried over into the judging process for the Symbol Group Awards categories. So here are the judges who are getting up close and personal with the symbol groups this year...

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CHAIRMAN (NON-VOTING) ANTONY BEGLEY PUBLISHING DIRECTOR, SLR

HELEN LYONS (NON-VOTING) SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR, SLR

JAMIE BUCHANAN GO LOCAL PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, SGF

TOM FENDER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, TWC

JOHN LEE HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, SGF

JOHN MURRAY FOUNDER AND CVO, HIGHLAND FOOD AND DRINK CLUB

CHRIS NOICE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, ACS

TANYA PEPIN MANAGING DIRECTOR, TWC

JONATHAN RONS CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, C-STORE COLLECTIVE

PETER STEEL JOINT CHAIRMAN, GROCERYAID SCOTLAND

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

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Home Delivery

Inside Business

‘HOME DELIVERY IS NOW 60% OF MY BUSINESS’ Working with Snappy Shopper, Dundee retailer Umayr Nasir was one of the first retailers in the UK to introduce a home delivery service – and he has been blazing a trail ever since.

ome delivery is the biggest singlesolution opportunity available to local retailers in Scotland today. Of that there is little doubt. Can you think of anything else you can implement in virtually any store in a matter of days that could easily add thousands of pounds to your weekly turnover and, if you do it well, could ultimately become the biggest single part of your business? One of the first retailers in the UK to understand the potential of home delivery was Umayr Nasir, who owns and runs the Premier Nethergate Food Wine Plus store in Dundee. He was one of the very first retailers to start using Snappy Shopper, back when the home delivery giant was little more than a start-up. Despite scepticism from many at the time around whether home delivery had a place in local retailing, Umayr immediately saw and understood the potential – and now, home delivery sales outstrip store sales. That’s one of the reasons he is SLR’s reigning Home Delivery Retailer of the Year. “We do around 1,500 deliveries most weeks and have a fleet of 15 vehicles, including some new electric vans,” explains Umayr. “Home delivery is now 60% of my business.” Average basket spend is £27 and the store charges £2.95 per delivery, delivering all over Dundee. On a typical week, the store will do almost £40k a week on home delivery sales. Not bad for a small 1,500sq ft store.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Unsurprisingly, Umayr takes home delivery very seriously, describing it as “his main focus”. He markets the service very heavily using social media, leaflet drops, loyalty schemes, incentives such as free delivery or free gifts, instore POS, liveried vehicles and more. And that’s on top of the marketing and promotions that Snappy Shopper itself runs. Over the last year Umayr has worked hard at growing the range he makes available for home delivery. “Range is the way forward,” he explains. “We offer 7,000 lines now, many of which you can’t buy in-store. We offer lots of big multipacks, for instance, which are too bulky for the store. The stock comes into the large storage space in the store and goes straight back out for delivery. It never touches the shopfloor.” “Snappy Shopper is a fantastic brand and a great model,” he says. “They were the first company to understand home delivery and bring it to local retailers in a way that suits the specific needs of local retailers. I would recommend them to any retailer looking to really grow their business with home delivery.”

FAST FACTS: Q Q Q Q Q

Home delivery is 60% of Umayr’s business Weekly home delivery sales of almost £40k 1,500 deliveries a week Average basket spend of £27 7,000 products available to order

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

01.09.2022

Live music EVENT A musical celebration for grocery and convenience colleagues

For tickets and information visit groceryaid.org.uk/events/checkout-scotland

G O L D PA R T N E R S

S I LV E R S U P P O R T E R S

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

Checkout Scotland Event

CHECKOUT SCOTLAND 95% SOLD OUT! There are only a handful of tickets left for GroceryAid Scotland’s inaugural musical celebration, Checkout Scotland, so if you want to be among the lucky 700, it’s time to book your tickets!

ith weeks to go until GroceryAid Scotland’s inaugural musical celebration of the Scottish retailing industry, Checkout Scotland, the charity has announced that, as SLR went to press, only around 30 tickets remained available for sale. Remarkably for a launch event, Checkout Scotland is set to be a sell-out, with more than 700 industry colleagues set to attend the event on 1 September at Barras Art & Design (BAaD) in Glasgow. On course to be the largest single-day event in the Scottish local retailing sector this year, Checkout Scotland will be a unique opportunity for the trade to gather and recognise their colleagues’ efforts during the Covid crisis, while also supporting GroceryAid, our industry charity.

Inside Business

01.09.2022

George Bowie • DJ Cassi • Pretty Ugly Simon Cordiner • Rebecca Vasmant For tickets and information visit groceryaid.org.uk/events/checkout-scotland G O L D PA R T N E R S

S I LV E R S U P P O R T E R S

1 September BAaD, Glasgow

Tickets only £60

and is a truly representative cross-sector of our whole industry and they have done a simply fantastic job of working LAST FEW together to take this project REMAINING OVERWHELMING SUPPORT from being nothing but an Peter Steel and Jim Harper, Coambitious idea to a huge reality in Chairs of the GroceryAid Scotland a very short space of time. We would Committee, told SLR: “We have been absolutely like to thank everyone who serves and has overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of served on the Committee for their unbelievable the support we’ve received from across our commitment and enthusiasm. Without them, industry for Checkout Scotland. From both the this event would never have happened.” convenience and grocery sectors we have had Checkout Scotland will celebrate an industry unbelievable support. We offer our sincerest that has shone during the pandemic, serving thanks to the many partners and sponsors who communities across the country with passion have backed Checkout Scotland and helped and energy. Critically, the event will also help make it possible. raise awareness of the GroceryAid charity and “Similarly, the GroceryAid Scotland the life-changing work it does for industry Committee is now larger than it has ever been colleagues in need of a little help.

The event will see convenience and grocery industry colleagues gather for a day of live music, DJs, food and fun.

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

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

Hotlines

Product News & Media Watch

Gold Leaf limited editions Imperial Tobacco Following a similar launch last year, Imperial Tobacco has rolled out a new range of limited-edition papers, available in Gold Leaf 30g and 50g pouches until the end of September, with RSPs of £14.60 and £24 respectively. Four designs themed around the concepts of individuality, diversity and creative experiences will be rotated throughout the launch period. The trade outer also features a new look including an onpack flash promoting the limitededition papers.

Cadbury unveils Mystery Bars

Poppets PMPs Valeo Snackfoods Poppets has launched new £1 pricemarked packs for three of its bestselling variants – Original Toffee, Salted Caramel Fudge and Mix Ups. Poppets Salted Caramel Fudge and Mix Ups SKUs launched in pouches last year and have already favourites in the range. The Mix Ups pouch is an assortment of textures and flavours including toffee, salted caramel, malty crunch and chocolate balls.

Oreo Twists Mondelez The first major new launch by Oreo in three years, Twists are the brand’s first ever double-layered launches in the UK. The new products combine one layer of vanilla creme with another flavoured layer. Two variants that tap into the latest flavour trends – Vanilla & Caramel and Vanilla & Raspberry – are available in cases of 16 x 157g packs, with an RSP of £1.19. Mondelez is supporting the launch with a marketing campaign that includes social, digital and instore activities.

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Cadbury has launched two new Mystery Bars as part of a competition that gives consumers the chance to win a mystery prize worth £5,000 by guessing what the bars taste of. Cadbury Mystery Bars 01 and 02 are available in cases of 36 x 43g single bars (RSP 69p) and cases of 17 x 170g tablets (RSP £1.50). Both combine Dairy Milk chocolate with one of two undisclosed fill-ings. They are available until October. The promotion is bolstered by a significant consumer campaign including in-store support, digital, out-of-home, social media, audio and PR activities. Consumers can enter the competition by submitting their flavour guesses either online or via an on-pack QR code.

Seabrook Loaded Rings Calbee Calbee has unveiled new Loaded Rings in a tangy Sour Cream & Onion flavour, and available in multi-pack, sharing bag and £1 PMP formats. The launch coincides with a packaging redesign for the Loaded range, which launched last year under the Seabrook brand. The Loaded line-up also includes Crunchy Cheese & Bacon Fries and Seaside Salt & Vinegar Fries.

Pippa Rodgers, Brand Manager for Cadbury Dairy Milk at Mondelez International, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch this brand-new competition from Cadbury Dairy Milk and challenge the nation to solve the flavours of Cadbury Mystery Bars. We can’t wait to see the public’s reactions and creative guesses as friends and family come together to solve the mystery flavours.” She added: “All I can tell you for now is that the two new bars are the nation’s favourite Cadbury Dairy Milk, but with a delicious mystery flavour filling for shoppers to try and solve. All will not be revealed… yet.” Retailers can visit deliciousdisplay.co.uk for more merchandising advice and information on further boosting the chocolate category in their store.

McVitie’s Digestives Wholesense Pladis McVitie’s Digestives Wholesense is a lighter version of McVitie’s original Digestives and is available now in 300g packs with an RSP of £1.59. With 30% less sugar and 50% more fibre than the average digestive biscuit, it is exempt from England’s upcoming HFSS restrictions. This is the second launch in McVitie’s ‘lighter’ range, which debuted with McVitie’s Rich Tea Delights earlier this year.

Ambrosia Chocolate Orange Custard Premier Foods Ambrosia’s Chocolate Orange Custard is returning to shelves as a permanent fixture to the brand’s range. With 100% natural flavours and no added colours or preservatives, the new product combines the popular trend of orangeflavoured desserts with the creaminess of Ambrosia custard. It is available in 400g cans with a RSP of £1.49.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Product News & Media Watch Nature Valley Fruit & Nut General Mills The new HFSS-compliant range is made with 100% wholegrain oats, is high in fibre and contains no colours, artificial flavours, or preservatives. Available in two variants – Apple, Raisin, Almond & Peanut and Cranberry, Raisin, Almond & Peanut – the bars come in packs of four with an RSP of £2.19. The launch is back by videoon-demand, social, online video and influencer activities.

Wildlife Big Pots Yoplait

Fruit in Juice Cups Dole Sunshine Company

Yoplait has launched a new, affordable four-pack of Wildlife Big Pots. Previously only available in packs of six, shoppers will now be able to purchase a pack of four, 85g Wildlife Big Pots at an RSP of £1. The price-marked packs will be available in Strawberry and Peach, the same flavours as the popular Wildlife Choobs range. The bigger pot formats are aimed at kids aged between six and 12 years of age.



Ambrosia Ready-To-Eat Porridge Pots Premier Foods The porridge pots are available now in Original, Raspberry, and Golden Syrup flavours, with an RSP of £1. They can be enjoyed either ambient or hot, with no need to add hot water, making them ideal for shoppers who are seeking a convenient breakfast option. The launch is supported with a ‘Wake Up to Breakfast’ in-store and online campaign, including branded POS materials and digital advertising.

Dole Sunshine Company has announced two new additions to its Fruit in Juice cups range. The new flavours of Mango in juice and Pear in juice arrive to complement the existing range of Tropical Fruit, Peach, Pineapple, Mandarins and Mixed Fruits in juice cups. Both are available now in convenient fourpacks, with an RSP of £2.19.

Hotlines

Make it better cheddar Cathedral City has launched a £5m advertising campaign for 2022-23, centred around a brand-new TV advert. The ad airs across national TV, on-demand, YouTube and social media. It features a young boy, his dad and a talking cow, who together uncover what apparently makes Cathedral City cheese taste “so consistently delicious”.

Not getting jiggy with it Cawston Press is launching its biggest-ever campaign under a new ‘No Jiggery Pokery’ tagline. The campaign aims to highlight the “often misleading messaging and opaque practices” that exist within the soft drinks industry, and is fuelled by research, which shows that 63% would prefer it if fizzy drinks were made with more natural ingredients.

Welcome to the Plant Age Birds Eye is relaunching its meat-free Green Cuisine brand with a £4.4m campaign that challenges beliefs about plant-based diets. ‘Welcome to the Plant Age’ reveals a distinctive new identity for the brand with the introduction of new animated characters. It includes TV ads, new packaging, in-store support, PR and out-of-home advertising.

Have a smashing time Urban Eat Sub Rolls Samworth Brothers

glo hyper X2 BAT

This three-strong range is available now and comprises a new, recipe for the brand’s bestselling Ham & Cheese sub, new Chicken Salad and new Tuna Crunch. Urban Eat has also introduced a new, improved roll for the range. This is larger and softer than before, and also glaze-topped. Retailers can contact the sales team on 0116 236 1640 or email hello@foodfornow. co.uk. They can also visit urbaneat. co.uk to submit a request.

BAT’s latest heat-not-burn tobacco device incorporates advanced induction heating technology encased in a smaller, lighter-weight product. A separate boost function for faster heating, battery status LED indicator, a protective iris-shaped shutter, new colourways and new ‘barrel styling’ design complete the offer. Hyper X2 works with existing tobacco sticks from the glo hyper series. A global rollout started in Japan in July and will continue worldwide over the coming months.

Nutritionally enriched milk drink brand Nurishment’s new summer campaign reminds consumers of the rejuvenating benefits of the drink, which contains 13 vitamins, minerals, protein and calcium. The campaign includes radio, billboard, trade and consumer advertising, and features the tagline ‘Smash 3pm you with the 10am vibe’.

Change your lunch hour Oasis has launched a new light-hearted campaign to tap into the lunchtime occasion. It is expected to reach 81% of young adults multiple times and includes targeted video content on social media, alongside digital outof-home takeovers across high footfall areas. Headlines include ‘Oasis won’t change your life, just your lunch hour. Be your own Oasis.’

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

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

Feature

Soft Drinks

MAKING THE MOST OF A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY? Record temperatures, holiday season and hybrid working have created a perfect storm of opportunity for growing soft drinks sales this summer and autumn – and there’s no shortage of supplier activity to leverage in your store.

fter the chaos of the last few years, it’s encouraging to see something vaguely resembling normality return to communities across Scotland. The additional bonus of some lovely hot spells and some of the hottest temperatures on record have added some more gloss to a positive sales period and few categories have benefited quite like soft drinks. Soft drinks are the highest-selling products by volume in most stores anyway, so some blazing sunshine, some great sport, an extended holiday season and the persistence of hybrid working for many has created a whole world of opportunity to boost sales in the category even further. Those opportunities haven’t passed suppliers by with a raft of NPD, promotions, sampling, media investment and more, helping drive fresh excitement in an already buoyant category.

XTRA SPECIAL Barr Soft Drinks says it is set to deliver incremental sales in Scotland’s fast-growing 36

SLR | AUGUST 2022

£180m flavoured carbonates market [IRI, May 2022] with a £1m brand investment in IrnBru XTRA. The unmissable activity starts this month with heavyweight outdoor and digital advertising, complemented by in-store theatre. This will be followed by a huge sampling campaign in September, getting more than half a million cans into the hands of Scottish shoppers. “Irn-Bru XTRA is the fastest growing variant of the iconic brand, delivering extra taste with no sugar, and now accounts for over 20% of total Irn-Bru sales [IRI, Dec 2021],” says Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks. “Now worth over £16m and growing at 10% versus last year [IRI, Jun 2022], Irn-Bru XTRA is a must-stock variant for all Scottish retailers and this £1m brand investment will create massive visibility for the product, driving education and trial with shoppers.” The activity is part of a £6m annual brand investment throughout 2022, driving total incremental brand sales of Irn-Bru, the number one Scottish grocery brand [Kantar, Sep 2021].

Barr Soft Drinks advises retailers to utilise its impactful point of sale materials to create in-store theatre and drive sales whilst brand and product awareness is high. To request POS, email trademarketing@agbarr.co.uk with your store details. www.slrmag.co.uk

stock up on style We’re giving our fashion loving consumers a chance to win 1,000s of prizes* selected by Kate Moss via a collection of limited edition packs!

Available in plain and PMP

weekly consumers***

Scan to order your free POS

*GB18+. Purchase promo 500ml, 2l, 8/10/12x330ml pack & enter pin code under cap/inside board in downloaded Coke App for chance to win fashion prizes, in weekly draws or Instant App wins, between 18.711.9.22. Not all prizes may be won. Max 2 instant win ents/pers/day & max 112 prize draw ents throughout the entire promo period. Max 1 win/pers/prize type. Mop Up draw for 1 x fashion prize 12.9-10.10.22 Excl. apply. Full T&Cs: coca-cola.co.uk/app/dietcoke. Promoter: Coca-Cola GB. Sources: **Nielsen + CGA, Value MAT, W.E 21.05.22. ***Kantar Take Home, Data until May 22 – 52WE. © 2022 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. DIET COKE is a registered trade mark of The Coca-Cola Company.

Feature

Soft Drinks

MODEL BEHAVIOUR Diet Coke has announced that model and style icon Kate Moss has been appointed as Creative Director of the brand, the first time anyone has been appointed to this role in the brand’s 40year history. Moss is bringing to life a new ‘Love What You Love’ campaign that spotlights individuals who embrace a positive attitude to life by knowing who they are and what they love. She commented: “I am thrilled to join the Diet Coke family – I love the past collaborations they’ve done with such incredible names in fashion. The ‘Love What You Love’ campaign connected with me instantly as I am a firm believer that with confidence and passion, you can achieve your wildest dreams.” As part of the campaign, a new collection of limited-edition Diet Coke can designs has been revealed, inspired by the supermodel’s iconic looks, including camo, denim, lace and leopard print. The collection is now available alongside an on-pack promo offering fans the chance to win thousands of prizes hand-selected by Moss. The 330ml limited-edition cans are available in 8, 10 and 12 x 330ml multipack cans. The on-pack promo will run on specially designed 500ml, 500ml PMP, 2l PET bottles and on the outer boards of the multipack cans. A supporting consumer marketing campaign featuring Kate Moss includes out-of-home advertising, social media and events.

JUICY PRIZES Building on the success of last year’s tradeexclusive juice activation, Tropicana is promising to make this summer even juicier for retailers by offering them the chance to win even bigger cash prizes. With a £10,000 cash 38

SLR | AUGUST 2022

are looking for more refreshing options to purchase. Our hero SKUs are perfect for on-the-go drinking, and with consumers back out there enjoying the sunshine with friends and family, they can stay refreshed all day.”

FRUITY CAMPAIGN prize up for grabs for the winning retailer and another 10 x £500 runner-up prizes on offer, the campaign will run across hero SKUs from Naked, Tropicana and Copella ranges until 15 September. To be in with a chance of winning, retailers simply have to buy any two cases of Tropicana Smooth Orange (250ml or 850ml), Tropicana Original Orange (250ml or 850ml), Naked Blue Machine (300ml), Naked Green Machine (300ml) or Copella Cloudy Apple (300ml), and text JUICY to the number on the POS materials in store. Once notified of their win, retailers will need to upload an image of their receipt of purchase. Lucy Kent, Head of Impulse at Tropicana Brands Group, comments: “We know that Chilled Fruit Juice & Smoothies remains an incredibly important category for retailers during the summer months when consumers

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced that it is ramping up its marketing activity for Oasis this summer with a light-hearted campaign to tap into the lunchtime occasion. Launched recently, the campaign aims to show that ‘while Oasis can’t change our characters… it can refresh them’. The campaign is expected to reach 81% of young adults multiple times and will include targeted video content on social media, alongside eyecatching digital out-of-home takeovers across high footfall areas in city centres.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Feature

Soft Drinks

IRN-BRU ENERGY

DRIVE SOME SCOTTISH ENERGY INTO YOUR SALES! WITH THE ENERGY DRINKS MARKET CONTINUING TO DRIVE GROWTH IN THE WIDER SOFT DRINKS CATEGORY, IRN-BRU ENERGY IS A FANTASTIC HOME-GROWN OPTION TO ADD INTEREST AND DRIVE SALES, SAYS DAN BROWN, NISA PINKIE FARM, MUSSELBURGH.

“Energy drinks have been the highlight of the soft drinks category for many years and my shoppers just can’t get enough of them. These days, shoppers are looking for flavour as well as energy and a great option is Irn-Bru Energy. The Irn-Bru brand is iconic across Scotland and that famous name alone was what drove trial in the early days when the line was first launched - but it’s the great flavour profile and the quality of the liquid that drives those allimportant repeat sales. “It’s also a great value product and I find that it’s a really popular product with customers who don’t normally buy energy drinks. They love and trust the Irn-Bru brand and the product tastes great, so it’s bringing new shoppers into the category, as well as appealing to the many shoppers who do buy into the energy category on a regular basis.”

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Worth £87m and outperforming the juice drinks segment three-fold, Oasis is the number one juice drinks brand in GB [Nielsen, Mar 2022]. This summer activity will build on the brand’s growth momentum, focusing on young adults in urban centres when they are looking for refreshment whilst on the go and to accompany their lunch. Martin Attock, Vice President, Commercial Development at CCEP GB, said: “Across the juice drinks category we have seen sales of on-the-go formats return to growth, up 29% over the past 12 months, with Oasis on-the-go formats up over 42% [Nielsen, Mar 2022]. “We expect this trajectory to continue, particularly throughout the summer, and this new campaign will help keep Oasis front of mind with consumers on their lunchtime shopping mission.” The Oasis range is fully HFSScompliant, with all natural flavours and no artificial colours. Variants include Summer Fruits, Citrus Punch and Blackcurrant Apple.

BIG FRUIT HUNT Robinsons, the UK’s number one squash brand [NielsenIQ, Ap2 022], is continuing with its biggest summer activity to date with the launch of its ‘Big Fruit Hunt’. The £1.5m campaign centres around a digital Augmented reality (AR) fruit hunt, created to encourage families to flavour their water bottles with Robinsons, whenever, wherever. The activation will inspire families to get active together this summer and ensure the Robinsons brand continues to be front of mind for shoppers across a key season for soft drinks.

Running until 2 September across Robinsons squash promo packs, a QR Code will feature on-pack where shoppers can scan and be taken to an interactive map to find virtual fruit to fill a water bottle and collect prizes. The campaign will include in-store, OOH, POS, digital and social activations. Ben Parker, GB Retail Commercial Director at Britvic, comments: “This summer, we want to bring families together and get outdoors by taking part in the ‘Big Fruit Hunt’. Robinsons remains the number one squash brand in convenience with nearly 50% share of the category [IRI, Jan 2022]. With Robinsons Ready to Drink as the official soft drinks partner for The Hundred cricket tournament and the launch of the ‘Big Fruit Hunt’, we’re making sure that there is something for everyone this summer and drive further sales for retailers.” To amplify the campaign, Robinsons is partnering with Heart Radio. Over 90,000 prizes will be up for grabs in the ‘Big Fruit Hunt’ game, including bespoke Robinsons water bottles and outdoor activity kits. www.slrmag.co.uk

Soft Drinks

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CAP IT ALL Coca-Cola Great Britain recently launched its innovative new ‘attached caps’ solution on its plastic bottles making it easier to recycle the entire package and ensure no cap gets left behind. Production of bottles with attached caps began at CCEP’s site in East Kilbride in May, meaning that consumers in Scotland will have already started seeing new caps attached to 1.5l bottles of Fanta, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke. The switch is set to be completed for all plastic bottles across Coca-Cola GB’s range of brands by early 2024. All of Coca-Cola’s bottles, including the caps, have been 100% recyclable for many years but not all are being recycled. Bottle caps are often discarded and littered. The new design means that the cap stays connected to the bottle after opening, so the whole plastic bottle and attached cap can be recycled together, reducing the potential for it to be littered while still giving consumers a positive drinking experience. Coca-Cola is the first major soft drinks company to announce the switch across its entire range in Great Britain. The move also follows CCEP’s transition to Shrink to Board packs at its Sidcup manufacturing site last year, alongside light-weighting of its aluminium cans, which are now 22% lighter than just two years ago. CCEP is starting the changeover to attached caps initially from its bottling

MORE MULTIPACKS. MORE SALES. plant in East Kilbride, followed later this year by its site in Edmonton, North London and the rest of its sites in GB over the next 18 months. Stephen Moorhouse, General Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Great Britain said: “This is a small change that we hope will have a big impact, ensuring that when consumers recycle our bottles, no cap gets left behind. “The move is just one of the steps we’re taking as part of our This is Forward sustainability action plan, which targets six key social and environmental areas where the business has a significant impact and forms a key element of our 2040 net zero target.”

FEVER FUSION Nisa’s team of Retail Development Managers (RDMs) have been gleaning expert advice from Fever Tree to further their support of independent retailers and help grow sales. At an event recently held in Manchester, Fever Tree teamed up with the Nisa field team to enhance knowledge of their products, share details about NPDs and explain how to support Nisa partners in merchandising their range. The session forms part of an ongoing project led by Nisa’s Head of Retail, Victoria Lockie, to strengthen the expertise of RDMs and in doing so, improve the support offered to Nisa retailers. Lockie said: “It’s really important that we continue to help develop the team by offering these opportunities for education on categories and brands, so they know their subject and are well informed when it comes to speaking to partners.” Beth Bailey, National Account Executive at Fever Tree, said: “Sessions like these are brilliant to help us share information about our products and improve understanding of the products in the marketplace.” www.slrmag.co.uk

RED BULL GIVES YOU WIIINGS.

AUGUST 2022 | SLR

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Soft Drinks

GAMES ON CCEP is currently raising brand awareness through its role as the Official Soft Drinks Provider to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which are taking place this month at venues across the city, featuring around 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories. CCEP is supplying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar to the one million spectators expected to attend the Games, alongside a number of their other products. CCEP will be supporting Birmingham 2022 in its ambition to be the first Commonwealth Games with a carbon-neutral legacy, with activity focused around three of the Games’ key sustainability pillars – carbon and

air quality, conservation, and circular economy principles, to minimise waste. All bottles sold at the venues’ outlets are 100% recyclable and have been produced from 100% recycled plastic. CCEP is working closely with Birmingham 2022’s waste management and recycling providers, including Games sponsor Biffa, to ensure that plastics collected from all Games sites are processed and recycled. Messaging will be present on all catering outlets reminding customers to recycle their empty packaging. The soft drinks manufacturer is using low carbon options transport where possible, such as electric vehicles, to ensure products arrive at venues in a sustainable way.

RELENTLESS NPD Relentless has launched a new Zero Sugar range which includes two flavours – Peach and Raspberry – and bold new pack design to broaden the appeal of the brand. Relentless Zero Sugar Peach and Relentless Zero Sugar Raspberry are available now and boast a light and refreshing energy blend without the sugar. The new duo will feature eye-catching white and pink/peach can designs whilst retaining the recognisable Relentless ‘R’ motif in the centre of the pack. The new fruity variants are designed to fuel additional growth of the Relentless brand, which is up 10% in value over the past year [Nielsen, Mar 2022]. It will also help retailers tap into the growth of the wider energy drinks category and the continued popularity of sugar-free, HFSScompliant drinks. Relentless Zero Sugar Peach and Relentless Zero Sugar Raspberry are available in both plain and price-marked 500ml big cans for shoppers to enjoy on the go.

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Soft Drinks

MONSTER RANGES CCEP has brought is bringing more flavour to the energy drinks chiller with the arrival of Monster Ultra Gold and Monster Khaotic to maintain momentum behind the Monster brand – the single biggest contributor to soft drinks category growth in the last year [Nielsen, Jan 2022]. With zero sugar, easydrinking Ultra Gold has the fresh flavour of “biting into a perfectly ripened golden pineapple”, says CCEP, giving consumers a tasty and refreshing energy boost with no calories. Monster Ultra Gold’s fresh flavour and shiny gold packs are designed to appeal to new and existing Monster fans, helping retailers tap into the continued popularity of the sugar-free, HFSS-compliant energy drinks. Monster Ultra remains the No.1 zero sugar energy drinks range in GB, up a massive 41.4% in value [Nielsen, Jan 2022]. Monster Khaotic is a shake-up of one of the original Monster Juiced variants launched more than a decade ago when real fruit juice was first combined with the functionality of energy drinks. Today, the Monster Juiced range is worth £75m and in 60% growth [Nielsen, Jan 2022]. Fast forward to 2022 and the tropical orange twist of Monster Khaotic combined with Monster’s famous energy blend has been lightened up and juice blend adjusted to deliver a taste “best experienced, rather than described”. A bold and bright packaging design has been created by legendary street artist RISK, bringing his iconic West Coast style and vibrant presentation to capture the spirit of Monster Khaotic and deliver maximum impact on-shelf. Both are available in both plain and price-marked 500ml packs for shoppers to enjoy on the go. Point-of-sale materials including shelf strips, totems, wobblers, free-standing display units and more are available to drive excitement in-store. Convenience retailers can request POS materials via My.CCEP.com. CCEP and the Monster Energy Co have also launched the next phase of its Sales Supercharged convenience retailer www.slrmag.co.uk

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support initiative. The site offers advice from convenience retailers that have super charged their energy drinks sales and can be found at www. salessupercharged.com.

BIFFA BAGS IT With a year until Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) goes live, scheme administrator Circularity Scotland has announced leading sustainable waste management company Biffa as its logistics partner. The agreement comes after several months of close collaboration between the organisations as they progress towards DRS going live in August 2023 and is expected to create around 500 jobs in Scotland to support the collection, sorting and counting of products within scope of the scheme. Circularity Scotland is also working with Biffa to explore the opportunity to build a PET recycling plant in Scotland to support the scheme and deliver further employment opportunities. Biffa will take responsibility for the work of collecting billions of drinks bottles and cans from return points across the length and breadth of Scotland each year, as well as managing the bulking and counting centres that will process material for recycling. David Harris, CEO of Circularity Scotland, said: “Bringing on board Biffa as our logistics service provider is another landmark moment in this work and their unparalleled expertise in supporting large scale and complex recycling schemes will help us to achieve the aim of capturing and recycling at least 90% of drinks containers made from PET plastic, aluminium, steel or glass.”

HIGH CAFFEINE ENERGY DRINK WITH THE INDESCRIBABLE TASTE OF IRN-BRU

POWER UP YOUR ENERGY SALES AUGUST 2022 | SLR

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Nicotine

NEW POLLING SHOWS WIDESPREAD BACKING FOR VAPING A new poll for the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) shows that Scots think quitting smoking by switching to vaping should be encouraged, and that they think vaping is much safer than smoking cigarettes. The research also shows that: Q E-cigarette users choose the products because they are cheaper and less harmful, and because they help them stop smoking. Q Vapers are increasingly choosing to buy e-cigarettes from local stores rather than the internet. Q Only one-in-six people, including non-smokers and non-vapers, want to make accessing vapes harder. Around half want to make it easier. Commenting on the findings, SGF Head of Policy and Public Affairs Dr John Lee said: “Scots – both smokers and non-smokers alike – are giving the thumbs-up to e-cigarettes. This is important evidence from the real world which backs up the view of NHS Scotland that vaping is much less harmful than smoking cigarettes. “Our member convenience stores want to play their part in the massive effort needed to switch smokers to vaping and make Scotland smoke free by 2034.”

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THE HIT-MAKERS Key developments in the alternative nicotine market are helping local retailers offer even more ways for shoppers to get their nicotine hits. BY GAELLE WALKER

hen it comes to innovation, the alternative nicotine market is where it’s at these days. The first half of 2022 has seen the innovation dial cranked up to the max, with a plethora of new launches, range extensions and product upgrades from some of the industry’s biggest players, as they seek to support the shopper quest for new, more economical and less harmful ways to get their nicotine hit. The new product development drive is great news for the 59% of local store owners who currently consider the smoke-free category to be “the future of sales.” According to the recently published Big Switch survey of 1,400 convenience retailers, commissioned by Philip Morris Limited, a third of all convenience store owners said they would consider ending the sale of cigarettes in favour of smokefree products (such as vape and heatnot-burn devices) to help adult smokers switch.

Bringing a weighty slice of innovation to the heated tobacco table this July was BAT, which announced the global rollout of its innovationpacked heat-not-burn (HNB) glo hyper X2 device. Building on its existing glo hyper+ format, BAT claims that the new device offers its “most satisfying heated tobacco system yet,” thanks to a raft of product upgrades and new user-friendly features. The glo hyper X2 is smaller and lighter than other products in the series and also features a new ‘barrel styling’ design to provide “an easier grip and improved portability”. The device also incorporates advanced induction heating technology with two heating modes: Normal mode, which completes heating in approximately 20 seconds and Boost mode, which delivers a shorter time to first puff (approximately 15 seconds) plus a faster taste release. Glo hyper X2 also features an improved LED indicator on the top side of the device that indicates the ramp up progress, the charging www.slrmag.co.uk

Upgrade your stock to new JUUL2 Now with more cigarette-like satisfaction*. Add the JUUL2 product range today.

Virginia Tobacco

Crisp Menthol

Polar Menthol

Ruby Menthol

Summer Menthol

Designed for adult smokers. Not for sale to minors. JUUL is an e-cigarette. This is an age restricted product and age verification is required at sale. *Compared to the original JUUL. TM and © 2022 JUUL Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING: This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

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Nicotine

THE BIG SWITCH A recent survey of 1,400 local retailers commissioned by Philip Morris International highlighted strong support for smoke-free nicotine alternatives among local retailers and shoppers. Among its findings, the survey discovered that: Q 42% of store owners would be motivated to replace cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives, if the making switch meant helping their adult customers to go smoke-free. Q 47% of store owners believe they could be more involved in helping adult smokers switch to smoke-free alternatives. Q 43% of store owners say a lack of knowledge stops men and women who smoke from using smoke-free products. Q 52% of former adult smokers now using smoke-free alternatives said that price had prevented them from switching previously. Q 64% of former smokers now using smoke-free alternatives feel a convenience store is an appropriate place for smokers to be advised about smokefree products.

status, the session progress and when the Boost mode has been deployed. It also features a new “iris shutter” which protects the device from dust and debris. The hyper X2, which will be available in seven colours, will also continue to work with existing tobacco sticks from the glo hyper series. Kingsley Wheaton, Chief Marketing Officer at BAT, said: “The launch of glo hyper X2 – our newest, state-of-the-art heated tobacco product – marks another key milestone in our transformation as we build the brands of our future. “Our multi-category portfolio offers the industry’s widest choice of scientifically substantiated, less risky and enjoyable products for adult smokers who are looking to switch. This is a further big step in accelerating our transformation into a consumer products business that defines itself by the consumer needs that we meet, rather than the products we sell.” Away from HNB, the innovation-jammed vape market also witnessed the rollout of JUUL’s next-generation JUUL2 system across retail stores earlier this year. JUUL2 features an array of updates from previous versions including a more consistent vapour experience, larger, long-lasting battery and smart light system, communicating e-liquid level and battery life. Newly designed JUUL2 pods were also launched, alongside new technology to combat the use of counterfeit pods.

Commenting on the rollout, Juul Labs’ EMEA VP, Dan Thomson said: “A key part of our mission is to transition adult smokers away from cigarettes. “We believe the best method to switch adult smokers to a potentially less harmful, noncombustible alternative, is to provide a product that closely resembles the consistency and experience of smoking. “It’s also critically important that alternatives can continue to compete with cigarettes, especially when it comes to the point of purchase, and with JUUL2, we believe we are taking another step in that direction.” All UK retailers stocking JUUL products will continue to uphold the company’s ‘Challenge 25’ age verification policy and are subject to continued mystery shopping audits. The UK’s £31.7m nicotine pouch category has also not been left out of the innovation drive. JTI recently extended its Nordic Spirit portfolio with the launch of a new Spearmint flavour and

an Extra-Strong nicotine strength for Bergamot Wildberry. The end of July 2022 also saw the manufacturer launch a new Nordic Spirit competition for retailers, based around the ‘Perfect Store Model,’ and offering prizes worth up to £20,000. Running until 2 December, stores that best follow advice in the Nordic Spirit Perfect Store Guide will be in with the chance of winning a range of prizes including an expenses-paid trip to the Nordic region and a year’s supply of Nordic Spirit. The guide includes five pillars that JTI says retailers should follow to generate product awareness in-store, entice new customers and boost sales. 46

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THEY WORK HARD Time for a proper break

. 1 5 £10 RRP

Our lowest price

you've

EARNED EARN EA RNED D IT T

** * *

*Based on ITUK RRPs as at March 2022. RRP: For the avoidance of doubt, retailers are free at all times to determine the selling price of their products. **Based on ITUK estimates as at March 2022.

INTRODUCING THE

NORDIC SPIRIT PERFECT STORE FRAMEWORK NORDIC SPIRIT

PERFECT STORE

Jay Patel, the retailer at Nisa Local in Upper Beeding, Sussex, recently transformed his store by implementing the Perfect Store Framework with the help of his local JTI Business Advisor, Adam. JAY

Now worth £2.6 million a month1 in the UK, the nicotine pouch category is growing at a phenomenal rate. There’s never been a better time for JTI to launch its Perfect Store Framework, helping retailers across the country boost sales of Nordic Spirit, the UK’s leading nicotine pouch range2. The new framework ensures retailers have a ‘how to guide’ to generating product awareness in-store, enticing new customers, and boosting sales in this growing category.

ADAM

Retailer, Jay Patel shares his thoughts on the transformation of his store: “Since implementing the Perfect Store Framework with JTI, Nordic Spirit sales have increased by 22% in my store over the last four weeks. The sales increase was across the whole range, but the Extra Strong variants proved most popular with my customers. I have worked closely with my JTI Business Advisor Adam to set up the framework, which has sparked more interest from customers and helped me generate bigger profits. Now all I must do is keep up the framework!”

Putting it into practice The Perfect Store Framework can be achieved by following 5 key steps. Business Advisor, Adam explains how this was implemented in Jay’s store. STEP 1: Maintain distribution and availability Stock the full range to offer choice and meet demand

STEP 3: Increase brand presence Place point of sale material to raise awareness and inform customers

“Retailers should stock the full Nordic Spirit range, including varying flavours and strengths, and ensure they always stock at least three cans of each SKU. This ensures customers always have a choice available to them, which means they don’t have to shop around.”

STEP 2: Ensure clear visibility Display Nordic Spirit in the most effective way “Retailers can maximise product visibility through using a range of merchandising solutions. In Jay’s store, we used a fusion cube. countertop displays are essential for creating maximum visibility and, therefore, critical for the success of Nordic Spirit in your store. You can find the best merchandising solutions for your store by speaking to your local JTI Business Advisor.”

“It is important retailers educate themselves and their staff on Nordic Spirit and the wider nicotine pouch category – from product information through to how to use the product. JTI Advance, our microsite for retailers, has a range of training modules and sales guidance that has helped Jay understand the product and category.”

STEP 5: Tactical on-shelf pricing “There are three key places in store where you should increase visibility of Nordic Spirit and ensure your customers are aware of what’s on offer: front of the store, point of purchase and the back wall. For Jay’s store, we focused on increasing visibility at the point of purchase, where we placed an A3 cash mat, shelf wobbler and product leaflets for maximum impact. We also adapted the front of the store, placing bollard covers and a window poster, to drive further consumer awareness before they even step inside the store.”

Price competitively to ensure consumer confidence “Competitive pricing should be implemented across all the SKUs and evident across all touchpoints available in the store, for example, scan till systems, shelf edge labels, and at the point of purchase. We applied this in Jay’s store to ensure consumer confidence and boost sales.”

STEP 4: Build up your knowledge Understand key brand messages and the wider nicotine pouch category to educate customers

To find out more about the Nordic Spirit Perfect Store Framework, visit JTIAdvance.co.uk or contact your local JTI Business Advisor. Stay tuned for upcoming competitions with some exciting rewards and prizes available for stores who execute the Perfect Store Framework. 1. IRi Market Place, Value Sales, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Mar 2022. 2. IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, YTD Mar-22. For more information or to verify comparison contact Nordic Spirit on Facebook or Instagram: @nordicspirit_uk or using our details at nordicspirit.co.uk/contact

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Back To Uni

HEALTHY REBOUND

Healthy options are top of mind for Gen Z students with brands following the environmentally friendly trend.

HIGH CAFFEINE ENERGY DRINK WITH THE INDESCRIBABLE TASTE OF IRN-BRU

POWER UP YOUR ENERGY SALES 50

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tocking brands that are socially and environmentally responsible, while also touting healthy credentials, should be top of the agenda for retailers wishing to woo returning students. “High protein leguminous crops such as chickpeas, lentils and yellow split peas are not only a source of plant-based protein but also have sustainability credentials i.e. their ability to fix nitrogen levels improving soil health,” Kevin Butterworth, Marketing Director at Symington’s explains. “In recent research, we’ve found that 78% of consumers were motivated by a claim of high fibre and protein. With this in mind, we developed Blooming Good Food Co products with ingredients such as lentils and sweet potatoes to name a few. “Popular products within the healthier foods category are those with worldly flavours. Now more than ever, consumers are desiring a taste of the exotic with exposure of foods from across the globe at all-time high.” The Symington’s snack brand Naked is one such example, while the company also focuses on attracting meat-eaters looking for plant-based options. “Our brand-new launch, Naked Ultimate Noodles, meets the demand for interesting flavours while tapping into the trend of vegan products,” Butterworth adds. “The convenient product is MSG free and is made with natural south-east Asian flavours. Catering to the growing demand for authentic vegan friendly snacks, both the Chinese Style Duck and Korean Style Beef are vegan friendly, while the Japanese Style Chicken is suitable for vegetarians.” Meanwhile, KP Snacks is looking to turn trends into trade, tapping into demand for plantbased products. “Plant-based eating trends are here to stay, with more consumers actively choosing diets which incorporate more veg and plant-based foods. 46% of 25–44-year-olds believe it’s healthier and 38% believe it’s better

for the environment,” Matt Collins, Trading Director at KP Snacks notes. Ahead of the upcoming English HFSS regulations, the company is reformulating popchips, the Hula Hoops Puft range, and the Penn State flavour Sour Cream & Chive Pretzels. “Today, positive health within the snacking category is seen to be more about ‘managed health’, e.g. things that we can take out of our diet. This means that offering products with lower calories, as well as less saturated fat, salt, sugar, and additives, is becoming increasingly more important for snack brands,” he adds. Looking at younger children’s snacking needs, offering products supporting their development is an obvious area of high focus. “Research by Public Health England found that 19% of children aged 4-10 are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency and 37% of children aged 11-18 are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency,” Ewa Moxham, Yoplait Head of Marketing, says. “Over the past five years, we’ve renovated our core Petits Filous Pots Mixed Fruit range with an improved recipe. In the process, we’ve reduced the sugar in our products by 18%, even launching our very first No Added Sugar variant.”

Healthier offers are also central to Dole’s strategy; all the brand’s variants have “zero added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavourings, are less than 100 calories per serving, and come in convenient and recyclable packs which can be eaten at home or on the go”, says Andrew Bradshaw, the company’s UK Sales Director. www.slrmag.co.uk

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Forecourts

FUEL FOR THOUGHT FORD TRIALS ROBOT CHARGING STATION

Innovative food-to-go solutions and services are helping forecourt retailers boost footfall and sales. BY GAELLE WALKER

ith fuel prices already having soared in recent months, and warnings of further hikes to come over the summer, there’s little doubt that motorists are feeling the squeeze when it comes to filling up. Fortunately for the UK’s legion of petrol retailers, who it’s important to note are also operating on tight margins, the forecourts of today are about so much more than petrol and diesel alone. Despite the challenging conditions, forecourt operators across the country have been investing in new and improved facilities, services and in-store ranges in a bid to keep shoppers motoring to their sites. With the jubilant return of the ‘on-thego’ occasion, investment in food- and drink-to-go ranges has been a particular focus for many sites, which have bolstered their ranges with on-trend offers from big-name brands including Tango Ice Blast, Fwip, F’real, Costa Coffee and many more. Demand for such offers is clear to see. According to hot-off-the-press MealTrak data, the number of out-of-home eating occasions was up 8% in the 12-weeks to 13 June, compared to the same period last year. 52

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Forecourts were shown to be rebounding particularly well – with a 32% rise in occasions in the 12 weeks compared to 2021. The food-to-go recovery, MealTrak said, was being driven by ‘staples’ and ‘treats’ such as cakes and pastries, sandwiches, breakfast foods and hot and cold drinks, which all showed growth of 20% year on year. Fuel supply brand JET boasts a number of sites which have invested in such areas of late, including the JET Beacon Garage site in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, which recently re-opened after a complete Knock Down Re-Build. Acting as a blue-print for future developments, the new-look site features new retail store with “excellent food-to-go facilities including Costa Coffee, F’Real milkshakes, Tango Ice Blast and the Spar Daily Deli”. The site also features a new larger Jet Wash, air/water and vacuum for car valeting, AdBlue, and a free-to-use ATM. Electric vehicle charging points will be added in the coming months. Forecourt operators seeking to invest in other footfall-boosting services over the coming months could also profit from a new partnership between Collect + and e-commerce marketplace Wish.

Ford has developed a prototype robot charging station to help drivers with reduced mobility charge up their electric vehicles from inside, via their smartphones. The technology could enable disabled drivers to stay in the car while charging, or they could leave the car while the robot does all the work. According to Ford, disabled drivers have already identified ease of charging as a key purchase consideration for electric vehicles. Following initial lab testing, Ford researchers are now putting the robot charging station to the test in real-life situations. Once activated, the station cover slides open and the charging arm extends towards the inlet with the help of a tiny camera. For the trial, drivers were able to monitor the charge status via the FordPass app. After charging, the arm retracts back into place. In future, the robot charging station could be installed in forecourts, at disabled parking spaces and in private homes. The technology could also support more powerful charging to charge vehicles in a much shorter time.

The deal, which comes amid a boom-time for e-commerce, will allow shoppers to click and collect Wish parcels from Collect+ retailers. Commenting on the move, Nick Williams, Head of Strategic Partners and Product at PayPoint said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our retailers to partner with one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms and further position themselves as indispensable service providers to their local communities. “In the midst of surrounding economic uncertainty and cost-driven pressures facing retailers, from inflation to energy rates, I am extremely proud that we are able to continue adding value to their partnership with us by driving additional footfall and opportunities to earn additional revenue for their businesses.” www.slrmag.co.uk

UTC

SQUIRREL EATS NUTS AND BOLTS Under The Counter is no David Attenborough; the only animals he likes are horses and greyhounds. But only ones that have won him money at the bookies. He certainly has no time for squirrels, even the cute red ones. The mere mention of what he dismisses as “tree rats” has the Auld Boy tucking his trousers into his socks in case one runs up a spindly leg in search of nuts. Which brings us to the point of this story. Apparently, police were summoned to a Norwich B&Q in the middle of a Saturday night last month after the store’s intruder alarm was triggered. The investigating officers eventually tracked down the culprit in the Outdoor & Garden department: a grey squirrel that was taking its pick from the store’s impressive selection of wild bird food. Despite having a paunch full of peanuts, the bushy-tailed bandit managed to evade the pursuing flat-foots – who were no doubt distracted by the prospect of getting 25% off some spa accessories for the station jacuzzi

SQUID SHAME

– and fled the store for the safety of a nearby tree. “At which point,” UTC chuckled, “the cops handed the case over to their colleagues in Special Branch.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME? For reasons best known to themselves, the good people at MyDatingAdviser.com – a website that offers “trusted dating advice from the experts” – got in touch with Under The Counter the other day. Not that UTC has any need for dating advice. He’s so ancient, carbon dating would be more appropriate. At any rate, MyDatingAdviser had compiled a list of the UK’s rudest place names, which it felt compelled to share with the Auld Boy. Butthole Lane, Shitterton and Fannylane are just three of many towns, villages and hamlets it suggested he should visit, presumably as some sort of weird preamble to copping off with some random he’d met on the internet. What Under The Counter found interesting however, is that almost all the potty-mouthed places on the list don’t benefit from a convenience store. Painstaking research, which involved the Auld Boy scrolling about Google Maps for a good 10 minutes before he nodded off, revealed this glaring anomaly. It was during this snooze that he dreamt up a plausible reason for this lack of shoppage. After all, would you fancy popping out for a pint of milk to Londis Lickey End, Wideopen One-Stop, Nisa Willey, Premier Bell End, or Simply Fresh Minge Lane? 54

SLR | AUGUST 2022

Fish and chips aside, Under The Counter detests seafood with a passion that Mrs UTC wishes he would bring to their marriage. So, he was less than underwhelmed to discover “leading” Spanish wholesaler and importer Mevalco is now offering its UK customers octopus that has been harvested fresh from the Cantabrian Sea. UTC imagined the octopuses of Cantabria probably weren’t too excited when they heard the news either. However, the Auld Boy went from apathetic to apoplectic when a colleague suggested that the plural of octopus is octopi. “It’s definitely octopuses, octopodes at a push,” he raged. Something to do with the word coming from Greek, not Latin. No-one else in the office was still awake at this point, so recollection is hazy. Back with Mevalco, Old Fisherman’s Octopus, as it’s known, differs from other unsuspecting cephalopods plucked from the sea by dint of its unique flavour, which UTC suggested might include just a hint of octopus. Once harvested, the octopus legs are cut and weighed by hand, presumably by the Old Fisherman. They are immediately frozen for a month before being cooked in their own juices and shipped to the UK. In packs of eight, Under The Counter assumed.

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