SLR September 2023 Edition

SEPTEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 245

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NEW

Next level tobacco.

Next level sales.

IQOS is the leader in heated tobacco category which has grown +400% in the last 3 years.*

Don’t miss out. Stock up now.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This product is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults. *The heated tobacco category has grown by 406% between January 2020 to June 2023 (Nielsen offtake independent and symbol general data). In June 2023, HEETS for IQOS had a 99.14% share of market in the heated tobacco category (Nielsen offtake independent and symbol general data). IQOS ILUMA™ is only compatible with TEREA™ sticks. Using TEREA™ sticks with previous IQOS™ generations may cause damage to your device. TEREA™ sticks contain a metal part; do not disassemble. Keep out of reach of children. This material is restricted to those who are involved in the business of the sale or distribution of tobacco who are aged 18 years and over. This material should not be made available to the public or sent to anyone else.

Spar Scotland Preview – a look ahead to this month’s Trade Show

NEW

Next level tobacco.

Next level sales.

IQOS is the leader in heated tobacco category which has grown +400% in the last 3 years.*

Don’t miss out. Stock up now.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This product is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults. *The heated tobacco category has grown by 406% between January 2020 to June 2023 (Nielsen offtake independent and symbol general data). In June 2023, HEETS for IQOS had a 99.14% share of market in the heated tobacco category (Nielsen offtake independent and symbol general data). IQOS ILUMA™ is only compatible with TEREA™ sticks. Using TEREA™ sticks with previous IQOS™ generations may cause damage to your device. TEREA™ sticks contain a metal part; do not disassemble. Keep out of reach of children. This material is restricted to those who are involved in the business of the sale or distribution of tobacco who are aged 18 years and over. This material should not be made available to the public or sent to anyone else.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 245

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OUT OF CONTROL Retail crime continues to spike as the world looks the other way.

+

KILTWALK KINDNESS

Trade unites for GroceryAid

PWR TO THE PEOPLE

AG Barr launches Pwr-Bru

FASCIA FOCUS Thinking of switching?

Spar Scotland Preview – a look ahead to this month’s Trade Show

September 2023

Contents

Contents ISSUE 245

NEWS 06 07 08 10 11 12 14 22 24

Slush Drinks Due to the adverse effects of glycerol, retailers are asked to stop selling slush to under-fives.

Sales Scotland’s independent convenience stores have performed strongly over the past year, new research reveals.

National Lottery Incoming Lottery operator Allwyn confirms its new online retailer portal has gone live.

Community Suntory partners with local retailers to donate cases of drinks to good causes.

Forecourts Henderson Technology launches a new mobile pay-at-pump app.

Underage Drinking A new partnership will help retailers avoid making underage sales and reduce ‘proxy’ purchases.

News Extra Underage Vaping New research from Trading Standards reveals a concerning level of underage sales.

Product News Cadbury kicks-off a new football promo while Mondelez and Mars Wrigley get set for Christmas.

Off-Trade News Hooch gets souped-up and Chivas buddies-up with rapper Stefflon Don.

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INSIDE BUSINESS 26

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GroceryAid Retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and even SLR’s very own publisher are doing the Kiltwalk this year to raise much-needed funds for GroceryAid Scotland.

The Big Interview Johnathan Kemp AG Barr’s Commercial Director thinks Pwr-Bru will be the Energy category’s “biggest launch of the year”.

Spar Scotland Tradeshow A 15-page guide to one of the biggest events in the local retailing calendar.

Hotlines The latest new products and media campaigns.

Under The Counter The threat of strike action at Tetley’s only UK teabag factory causes consternation for UTC.

FEATURES 49 58 60

Fascia Focus Is now the right time for a fresh start for your business with a new symbol partner?

Big Night In An increase in at-home socialising is good news for retailers ready to cash in on a Big Night In boom.

Breakfast Whether enjoyed at home or on-the-go, breakfast remains a key category for retailers.

ON THE COVER 18

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Retail crime There have been some horrific attacks on retailers recently, but what is causing the problem and – more importantly – what can be done about it?

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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News SLUSHIES Voluntary industry guidance on glycerol in slush-ice drinks has been issued

Tweedbank services open Newly-built Tweedbank Service Station, in the Scottish Borders, has opened. The service station, which is owned by MFG, features a Budgens store, a Greggs, and a Costa Coffee. It will also have seven electric vehicle charging points. The station will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Earlier this year, the Scottish Borders Licensing Board granted a premises licence to sell alcohol.

Aberdeen retailer scoops Camelot prize Retailer Scott Duncan of Duncan Enterprises in Aberdeen has been awarded a £1,000 prize in National Lottery operator Camelot’s Site, Stock, Sell online quarterly prize draw. The 10-point programme assists retailers in improving their instore standards and increasing sales throughout the year. Scott said: “It was a lovely surprise to

Industry guidance issued on glycerol in slush-ice drinks Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued new voluntary industry guidance on glycerol in slush-ice drinks, advising that they should not be sold to under-fives.

Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol as a substitute for sugar to create the slush effect. The new guidance asks businesses to only add glycerol at the minimum quantity technically necessary to achieve this effect.

While glycerol is found in some other foods, it is added in much lower quantities than in slush.

Manufacturers are being advised to tell retailers that they should not offer free refill promotions to under-10s, to prevent young children being exposed to excessive amounts of glycerol.

The updated guidance follows an FSA risk assessment which found that children below this age may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol.

At very high levels of exposure – typically when several products are drunk by a child in a short space of time – glycerol intoxication can cause shock, hypoglycaemia, and loss of consciousness.

FSS and the FSA are aware of two cases in Scotland, in 2021 and 2022, where children were hospitalised because of glycerol intoxication.

Stephen Hendry, Head of Labelling, Standards & Regulated Products at FSS, said: “We are grateful to those manufacturers who have already taken steps to reduce levels of glycerol, and to those who have already told us they will be adopting our new guidelines.”

Those above the age of four are considered unlikely to suffer ill effects from drinking one slush drink. This is because the effects of glycerol are related to body weight. The FSA’s risk assessment and advice took into account the average weight of children at different ages.

The new industry guidelines may be reassessed if the maximum levels of glycerol used by the industry decrease.

find out I’d won. It means I can treat my one-year-old baby and it’ll also help with nursery fees.”

One Stop and Veolia have a lot of bottle One Stop has partnered with global resource management company Veolia with the aim of recycling more than 380,000 milk bottles per year. Empty own-label milk bottles from the stores’ relevant vending machines and staff refreshments are collected

FOOD SECURITY

Scottish government launches fund to tackle food insecurity The Scottish government has unveiled a £1.6m Cash-First Fund to enable public sector and third sector partnerships to deliver cash grants for food and other essentials, helping to reduce the need for food banks.

Up to £200,000 will be made available to partnerships including community food initiatives, local authority teams, and money advice services.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Taking a cash-first approach to tackling food insecurity means people can access the essentials they need while maintaining dignity. When this is delivered collaboratively, with advice and support to strengthen people’s income, it can also help prevent future hardship.”

from One Stop’s distribution centres by Veolia to be washed, shredded, and turned into pellets which can then be blown back into milk bottles.

North Berwick service station plans to charge Plans submitted to revamp Dalrymple Service Station would see its current jet wash machines demolished and replaced with nine electric vehicle charging points, canopies and three jet wash bays, as well as a vacuum and air unit. The North Berwick site already features a Londisbranded store, PayPoint, Costa Express, National Lottery, ATM, toilets, and Wifi.

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HFSS Food Standards Scotland looks at the consumption of sugary and discretionary products

Consumption of sugary drinks highest in Scotland’s poorer areas People living in the poorer areas of Scotland consume almost double the amount of sugary drinks compared to the rest of the country, new research reveals.

Analysis by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) also shows that young adults aged between 16-35 years old were the highest consumers of sugary soft drinks.

Consumption of food and drink not needed for health – known as discretionary foods – accounts for around 15% of calorie intake and almost 40% of sugar.

FSS found that these discretionary foods and drinks, as well as breakfast cereals, ready meals and pizza, contributed 28% to average intakes of calories, 18% to average intakes of total fat and saturated fat, and 49% to average intakes of sugars.

Alana McDonald, Senior Public Health Nutrition Advisor at FSS, said: “Many discretionary and high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) food items are purchased on promotion, which can encourage us to buy more than we need, or to buy things we weren’t intending to.”

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News SALES Scottish stores are performing ahead of others in Great Britain

Scottish c-stores performing strongly Scotland’s independent local retailing stores have performed strongly over the past year, new research reveals.

Figures from SmartView Convenience from data and digital consultancy TWC Group – which involves a sample of around 5,000 independent retail and wholesalersupplied symbol stores in Great Britain – shows that value sales for Scotland in the 52 weeks ending 30 July 2023 were +4.6% higher than a year ago, which is ahead of growth in total GB. The best-performing categories in Scotland over the period were crisps, snacks & nuts (+21.4%), chilled (+18.5%), confectionery (+15.2%), and soft drinks (+10.9%).

In a separate consumer study, commissioned by TWC, 800 Scottish consumers were asked about the role of local independent convenience stores in their community. The top response was ‘being open and available when consumers need them’, followed by ‘offering jobs to local people’.

The data also shows that Scots recognise the importance of independent convenience stores in maintaining a community spirit.

The next responses recognised the efforts of retailers to support their customers by trying to keep prices competitive and by offering good deals, offers and promotions.

Tom Fender, Development Director at TWC, said: “Data from

SmartView Convenience confirms that the independent retail sector in Scotland is robust and there is plenty of room for optimism.

“Consumers recognise the importance of their local store and continue to support these businesses, which they see as an important part of their local community.”

TWC launched the ‘SmartView Convenience’ report in January this year to enable retailers to understand sector and category performance and trends as a benchmark for their own performance; identify growth drivers; understand the true ‘top sellers’ in a category; and quickly identify range gaps.

Jet unveils new national campaign Jet is launching the first instalment of its ‘Keep on Moving’ campaign for 2023 – part of a six-week programme of activity. The ad, which will run nationally for the first time, is the brand’s first promoting Jet Charge, its ultra-rapid EV service, which launched earlier this year. The campaign also includes an interactive on-site activation – Wheel Spins.

Milngavie Scotmid closes amid ‘tough trading’ Scotmid has closed its store on South Mains Road in Milngavie at the end of August after a “prolonged period of tough trading”. The retailer said it is “exploring relocation options” for the seven staff members, but job security has not been confirmed.

Gavin Randell, Head of Retail Operations at Scotmid, told the Glasgow Times: “Our priority is the wellbeing of our colleagues

COLLABORATIONS Partnership between Snappy Shopper and Scotmid continues to grow

Snappy Shopper and Scotmid partnership reaches milestone Snappy Shopper and Scotmid have delivered more than 500,000 orders since partnering in 2019.

The 24 Scotmid stores currently teamed up with Snappy Shopper have seen 200,000 orders delivered in the past year – that’s 41,979 orders more than the previous year, an increase of 21% year-on-year.

Scotmid shares a green agenda with Snappy Shopper by offering a fleet of zero-emission electrical vehicles (EVs) at 18 of the partnered stores.

Mike Callahan, Founder and Chief Executive at Snappy Shopper, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement that demonstrates the strength of convenience stores and how teaming up with Snappy Shopper supports local businesses to increase their customer base, enabling them to grow amid the current cost-of-living crisis.

“What’s more, we fully support Scotmid’s effort to make deliveries carbon-neutral with its fleet of EVs. We’re confident that they’ll achieve their ambition to have EVs at all their hubs and any future sites.”

Stuart Forsyth, Food Online Development Manager at Scotmid, said: “We’ve seen fantastic growth in our convenience stores since offering Snappy Shopper as a rapid delivery service.”

He added: “We are proud to work with Snappy Shopper and look forward to witnessing the continued growth that comes with this partnership.”

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LOYALTY SCHEME

Jisp launches wholesale loyalty platform Tech solutions company Jisp has reengineered its Scan & Save mobile app to be applied in a wholesale or cash & carry setting.

Instead of shoppers scanning a barcode to activate a discount voucher and build loyalty rewards, a retailer would scan the wholesaler’s product case code to achieve the same outcome.

The platform gives retailers a reason to visit cash & carries more regularly to redeem rewards, win prizes, and receive deals from big brands.

directly impacted by this change.

BP Pulse gets green light for Glasgow EV chargers BP Pulse has secured planning permission for three charging units at a BP petrol station in Castlebank Street, in Glasgow’s west end. This will see six electric charging bays installed, as well as an enclosure and associated equipment. A Glasgow City Council report of handling said: “The addition of the EV chargers represents a suitable adaptation in terms of climate mitigation.”

Wallyford c-store wants to alter delivery restrictions Day-Today Wallyford, in East Lothian, is seeking permission for 5am deliveries. Retailer Fiasal Omer wants council planners will allow him to vary the delivery restrictions at the Salters Road store from 7am to 11pm to 5am to 11pm. The deliveries would take place to the rear of the store, adjacent to residential properties.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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News LOTTERY Retailers need to electronically transfer their existing Retailer Agreement by 18 December

Spinner Winner drives shoppers to Spar stores Spar’s new online Spinner Winner competition has been a huge success with more than 333,000 spins of the virtual wheel and 68,623 prize vouchers won by contestants in its first four weeks. The Spinner Winner campaign, which ran until 30 August, gave shoppers a daily chance to spin a wheel and win prizes, as well enter a mega prize draw to win a car up to £50,000 or £10,000 in cash.

Government mulls cigarette pack inserts The government is consulting on plans to add pack inserts into tobacco products to encourage smokers to give up. Placed inside cigarette and hand-rolling tobacco packs, they would contain positive messages to encourage people to quit and signpost them to support.

Messages would set out the

Allwyn’s online portal goes live ahead of fourth licence Allwyn, the incoming operator of The National Lottery, has confirmed that its new online retailer portal has gone live.

The company is urging retailers to log on via TNLpartners.co.uk or by scanning a QR code featured on the communications they’ve been sent.

Retailers will need to log on and electronically transfer their existing Retailer Agreement from Camelot to Allwyn by 18 December 2023 at the latest to ensure they don’t experience an interruption to their National Lottery service.

All independent retailers will receive communications outlining what they need to do to complete this, including: Q Registering their store and creating an account to start the process.

Q Confirming their personal details (they will need the last three digits of the bank account used to pay their current National Lottery invoices, as well as proof of identity).

Q Reading and signing their Transfer of Retailer Agreement.

health benefits of quitting and show how much money smokers would save by giving up.

Nisa’s forecourt estate growing sales Nisa is reporting “significant success” in the business it does with forecourt stores, with

Completing this process will ensure that their store is set up to continue selling National Lottery products CASH The Treasury has set out a framework to protect free access to cash

Measures to protect free access to cash unveiled

sales in 2022 up 29% over three years. The symbol group is also reporting a 23% average weekly sales increase over 23% in the same period. In addition, 237 forecourt stores have joined Nisa’s estate in the three-year period, with 73 joining so far in 2023. This has taken the total Nisa forecourt store numbers to almost 400 across the UK.

Scotmid store raises £700 for charity Staff at Scotmid’s Inverbervie store, in Aberdeenshire, has raised more than £700 for Guide Dogs Scotland. The store held a one-day fundraising event for the charity with staff raising funds through bake sales, a tombola, and raffles. The funds will help train three new guide dog habilitation specialists and two guide dog mobility specialists.

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

The Treasury has set out a new framework to protect free access to cash.

A statement from the government has outlined the minimum expectations of banks to protect services for individuals and businesses looking to withdraw and deposit cash. As part of this, people should be able to withdraw cash without incurring any fees.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been granted new powers by the government to protect access to cash services and if banks and building societies are not meeting the standards outlined, they can be fined.

In addition, the FCA is required to ‘have regard’ to local deficiencies in cash access.

ahead of the changeover from Camelot to Allwyn on 1 February 2024.

Allwyn’s Retail Director, Katharine Challinor, said: “We ask retailers to log on to TNLpartners. co.uk at their earliest convenience to watch the ‘how to’ video and complete the steps outlined. If retailers need additional support or have any questions, their Camelot Retail Sales Executive will also be visiting them in-store to guide them through the process.

“We appreciate summer is a busy time for retailers, so we’re really grateful to them for prioritising this – and for all they continue to do in selling National Lottery tickets in their stores.”

In addition, retailers can call the free hotline on 0800 8 40 50 60 if they need any further help.

LOW EMISSIONS ZONES Clean air measure slashes store’s footfall

Glasgow retailer says LEZ has cut business by half

Retailer Omar Aldulemy, owner of Zad Foods in Glasgow, says the second phase of the city’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) may force his store to close after business plummeted by 50%.

Omar says the drop in footfall has forced him to cut staff hours and a partner in the business has resigned.

He told Glasgow Times: “I had to take a loan to pay suppliers, workers, and all the expenses.”

A council spokesperson told the newspaper: “The LEZ is an essential measure if Glasgow is to tackle the harmful air pollution that has dogged parts of the city centre for decades.”

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CHIVAS REGAL STEFFLON DON

NEW LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE

STOCK UP NOW ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

News COMMUNITY Drinks manufacturer helps retailers support their community

Speakers announced for HFSS CPG meeting SGF has confirmed four speakers for the next meeting of its Cross Party Group on restricting promotions of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS). These are Scottish Government’s Restricting Promotions Team Leader, Diet and Healthy Weight Cheryl McNulty, SGF Healthy Living Pro-gramme Director Kathryn Neil, Mars Wrigley Public Affairs Senior Manager Dean Duke, and Independent Retailer Umar Majid. The meeting takes place at the Scottish Parliament on 26 September at 6pm. Email aidans@sgfscot.co.uk to confirm your attendance.

Solar Sainsbury’s The Sainsbury’s store at Straiton will have nearly 1,288 solar panels installed across its roof

by Eon UK Heat, if planning permission is given. The planning statement from Eon, meanwhile, also says that all of the electricity generated by the installation will be used onsite to “offset energy used from the national grid.” The statement says it is likely to take two weeks to install the panels, which will last for around 35 years.

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I and retailer partners give away cases of drinks Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has partnered with independent retailers across the UK to donate stock to local charities and community groups.

The campaign follows the first successful partnership in December 2020, when 40 leading retailers took part.

This year saw 50 retailers across England, Scotland and Wales donate more than 90 pallets of Ribena, Ribena Sparkling, and Orangina – equivalent to around 9,000 cases of stock – to a variety of community projects.

Store owners from a number of symbol groups, as well as

independent retailers, got involved in this year’s charity drive.

Wholesale partners including United Wholesale Scotland also took part and acted as distribution and collection points for retailers.

Glasgow-based Londis Solo Convenience donated cases to the youth group The Safety Zone Bargeddie, football teams East End Utd 2016s and 2017s, and

Broomhouse Community Hall, among others.

Natalie Lightfoot, of Londis Solo Convenience, said: “We know times are hard for shoppers right now, and charitable organisations are having to work even harder than ever. We’ve been a collection point for our local food bank for a number of years now, so we’ve seen the real positive impact that initiatives like this can deliver.

“This partnership with SBF GB&I will further help out our local charity partners, and the people who are most important to our store – the people in our local area.”

COMMUNITY

Spar Scotland extends partnership with Scottish FA Spar Scotland’s four-year partnership with the Scottish Football Association has been extended by a further four years.

The partnership, which began in 2019, encourages young people to have an active and healthy lifestyle and supports girls who want to play football at a grassroots level.

A key element of the partnership was the introduction of the Spar Future Stars Challenge Cup, a nationwide football competition for schoolgirls aged between 12-16 years, which broke all records in 2023. Registrations are already open for the 2024 competition.

The Women’s Scottish Cup trophy will also be hitting the road as part of community activations and the brand will feature on media interview backdrops and in stadia.

COMMUNITY Sophie Williams makes final three

Edinburgh retailer finalist of Raj Aggarwal Trophy Sophie Williams of the Broadway Premier store, in the Oxgangs area of Edinburgh, has been named as a finalist of the 2023 Raj Aggarwal Trophy.

The trophy, which marks the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal, is awarded to retailers who have demonstrated a commitment to community retailing.

The other finalists are Sheela Keshwara of Spar Priory Road and Trudy Davies of Woosnam & Davies News.

The finalists have been invited to attend ACS’ Heart of the Community conference in October, where they will discuss their community activity over the past year. The winner will be voted on by retailers and suppliers and unveiled at a reception on the House of Commons Terrace.

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News TECHNOLOGY New app will enable consumers to pay at pump

Henderson Technology adds mobile pay-at-pump app Henderson Technology and Blu Dot Technologies have teamed up to launch a mobile pay-at-pump app called Fuel Pay. On arrival at the pump, motorists can use the Fuel Pay app to select the pump, fuel grade, and the amount to refuel. The pump is authorised in-store and then refuelling can begin. Payment automatically uses the card assigned during initial registration.

On completion the motorist simply drives away, with their VAT receipt e-mailed automatically.

With Fuel Pay Assist, motorists requiring assistance with refuelling – such as blue badge holders – can download the Fuel Pay app and easily identify participating forecourts. On arrival to the forecourt, the motorist identifies

their pump and requests assistance.

When the store receives the request for assistance, a response to the motorist confirms that an attendant will arrive at the pump.

All communication with the store is via the Fuel Pay app.

On arriving at the pump, the attendant asks the motorist to confirm their fuel grade and then completes the refuelling. The attendant has no involvement or responsibility for collecting payment, and the receipt is automatically e-mailed to the motorist.

The companies say the new app offers multiple benefits, including: Q Driver-friendly payment method – intuitive user experience that allows the driver to refuel quickly and easily.

Q Puts forecourts on the map – drive new customers to forecourts using the station finder.

Q Modernise businesses – Fuel Pay is integrated with debit/ credit cards, fuel cards and local accounts.

Q Customer loyalty – Fuel Pay is integrated with Azpiral Staff Loyalty and will be further integrated with Azpiral customer loyalty.

Darren Nickels, Henderson’s Retail Technology Operations Director, said: “This is a cost-effective solution for customers who simply want to purchase fuel without having to enter the store and can be run in conjunction with existing Outdoor Payment Terminals.”

Co-op gets permission for RVM in East Linton Co-op has been given permission for a reverse vending machine behind its East Linton store. The retailer will install a machine ahead of Scotland’s delayed deposit return scheme.

East Lothian Council’s planning department noted there had been no objections from members of the public to the proposals at 53 High Street.

The council said the machine would “not harm the character or appearance” of the business, the surrounding area or East Linton Conservation Area.

EG Group’s Portlethen petrol station progresses Construction has started on the first phase of EG Group’s development at Dandara’s City South Business Park in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire. The facility will be open for business by the end of the year. The petrol station will consist of 10 fuel

ELECTRIC VEHICLES Gridserve plans to upgrade and expand its UK network

Gridserve secures financing for EV charging network expansion Gridserve has secured more than half a billion pounds in certified green financing to upgrade and expand its UK-wide EV charging network.

The refinancing comprises £326m in committed loan facilities, with a further £200m uncommitted accordion facility for future assets.

The funding will allow Gridserve to accelerate the upgrade and expansion of its UK network. Projected to include the installation of more than 500 new electric super hubs nationwide, the growth will deliver more than 3,000 new high-power chargepoints with class-leading speeds of up to 350kW, capable of providing 100 miles of charge in only five minutes.

Toddington Harper, Founder and Chief Executive of Gridserve, said: “To secure the largest debt raise globally for a privately-owned charge point operator is a remarkable endorsement of Gridserve’s electric vehicle charging network, our Sun-to-Wheel strategy, our fantastic team and our future expansion plans. This financing – which was a hugely popular transaction amongst banks, attracting overwhelming market

FORECOURTS

MFG seeks permission for EV charging points at Dreghorn petrol station MFG has applied for planning permission to make a number of changes to its Annick Filling Station, in Dreghorn, North Ayrshire.

The company wants to demolish the current car wash to revamp the layout of the area adjacent to the petrol pumps and forecourt to install eight EV charging points and erect three jet wash bays.

The planning

pumps, a convenience store, and two food-service concessions, along with four ultra-fast electric vehicle charging points spread across the three-acre site near Aberdeen City Centre.

Asda’s food-to-go trial Asda is launching a new foodto-go concept. The Asda Food Hub will be trialled in two stores initially and will see a new concession at the front of store serving barista-style coffees alongside premium grab-and-go options that are freshly

prepared in-store. The food

demand – will accelerate our delivery, providing customers further confidence to go electric, and fully charge Gridserve’s mission to move the needle on climate change.”

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document says: “The charging facility offers a modern design approach, which is uncluttered and fit for purpose.”

will change throughout the day and there will be a host of meal deals on offer. If it performs well, the retailer plans to roll it out to further stores in the UK.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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News UNDERAGE DRINKING Partnership aims to help retailers avoid making underage sales and reduce ‘proxy’ sales

POs and pharmacies have most positive impact Post offices, pharmacies, and convenience stores are services that have the most positive impact on a local area, according to the ACS’ 2023 Community Barometer. The same services were rated highest among local people as the most essential, with pharmacies considered the most essential local service, followed by post offices and convenience stores. The report also shows that more than half of people want their local area to have more banks.

Subway agrees private equity firm sale Subway has entered into a definitive agreement to be bought by affiliates of Roark Capital for an undisclosed sum. The transaction combines Subway’s global presence and brand strength with Roark’s expertise in restaurant and

Community Alcohol Partnership launches in East Renfrewshire A new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP), which brings together local stakeholders to tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour, has launched in East Renfrewshire.

CAPs are made up of partnerships between retailers, local authorities, police, schools, neighbourhood groups and health providers, working together to highlight the risks of underage drinking and improve the health and wellbeing of local children and young people.

The East Renfrewshire CAP will work with youth services and local organisations to provide alcoholfree activities for young people. It will also work with local schools to educate young people about underage drinking and ensure that they are equipped to make the right decisions about issues such as alcohol and drugs, as well as anti-social and criminal behaviour.

In addition, CAP aims to help retailers avoid making underage sales and reduce ‘proxy’ sales where adults buy alcohol for under-18s.

Partners in the East Renfrewshire CAP include trading standards, licensing, community safety and local schools in East Renfrewshire Council, as well Scottish Fire & Rescue. The CAP will be coordinated locally by Police Scotland.

Derek Lewis, Chair of CAP, said: “We know from research that underage drinking can lead to many social and educational problems for children and young people. We also know from our evaluations that CAPs are having a significant impact on reducing alcohol consumption amongst 13- and 16-year-olds in the areas in which they operate.

“Local CAP schemes are established and run by people from a variety of organisations within their communities, including retailers, local authorities, police forces and schools to identify and tackle the problems associated with underage drinking. All CAPs are tailored to the needs of their local community which means that they are highly effective in getting to the root cause of the problem.”

franchise business models. The sale ends the nearly six-decade run as a family-owned business.

The chain has nearly 37,000 restaurants spread over more

HOME DELIVERY Partnership will give back to NHS staff

Snappy Shopper teams up with NHS Staff Benefits

than 100 countries.

Co-op extends ‘dummy display packaging’ trial Co-op is extending its trial of anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’ for targeted products on its shelves to deter rising levels of crime driven by prolific

Snappy Shopper is partnering with NHS Staff Benefits to give back to NHS staff.

The NHS Staff Benefits scheme offers various perks and discounts to health service employees by providing additional support and incentives to recognise their hard work and dedication to healthcare services. As a result of the collaboration with Snappy

PROMOTIONS More than 85 prices frozen

One Stop stores continue to keep prices locked One Stop is continuing to help its customers with another price lock on more than 85 products.

and persistent offenders

and local organised criminal gangs. The empty packaging will be used across higher value products on its shelves frequently targeted by criminals for re-sale, in stores where there is a local issue. Shoppers have to take the dummy display case to the till where it is exchanged for the actual product.

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Shopper, NHS staff members can get £10 off an £11 shop.

Mike Callachan, Founder and Chief Executive at Snappy Shopper, said: “Our mission has always been to provide convenience and value to our customers, and now, by joining forces with NHS Staff Benefits, we can extend our support to the incredible NHS workforce who tirelessly care for our communities.

“Together, we’ll ensure that our modern shopping solution makes their lives a little easier, offering them a well-deserved perk for their unwavering dedication to keeping us all healthy and safe.”

The retailer has locked prices on products to help customers with summer picnics, school holiday snacks, and quick-and-easy dinners and breakfasts. It has also locked prices on alcohol lines.

One Stop’s Head of Product, Marianne Aitken said: “We want to help customers’ money go further and we don’t want them to have to hunt for great value – they can find everything they need at their local One Stop at fantastic lockedin prices.”

The prices will remain frozen until 18 September 2023.

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MADE WITH

THE BEST

ALPHONSO

mangoES

UNBORING

News Extra

Underage Vaping

NewsExtra TIME FOR A FRESH FASCIA? – P48 UNDERAGE VAPING Research reveals the extent of underage vaping problem

Youths targeting c-stores for vapes Scottish Grocers’ Federation

Convenience Matters with the SGF Public Finances are tight just now. Like other parts of the economy, inflation and slow growth means Ministers are having to do more with less.

Scotland’s notional deficit could exceed projections by £1bn in the next financial year.

Potentially rising to £1.9bn by 2027-28. This means, at least in the short term, government will not be able to meet its spending commitments or invest in new projects.

In the mid to long term, the Scottish Government has three options: cut spending to key public services, hike up taxes, or grow the economy to increase overall tax income.

While the first two may be appealing for a short-term fix, it’s only by taking decisive action to aid growth in the Scottish Economy that the Public Finance can be put back on a sustainable footing.

A few weeks ago, SGF met with the Cabinet Secretary for the Wellbeing Economy. We are due to meet with the Cochair New Deal for Business Group, Dr Poonam Malik, early this month and we have also submitted our views for committee evidence.

SGF’s assessment is that it is absolutely critical that the Scottish Government takes a new approach to working with business. Instead of adding to the ever-growing burden of top-down restrictions and regulations, Ministers must look to work alongside our sector to deliver its aims.

Promoting a vibrant trading environment, providing support, and encouraging businesses to grow and invest, wherever possible.

That means looking again at issues like Business Rates and taking a cautious approach to restrictions and over-regulation on responsible businesses.

Many of whom are at the very heart of many communities and local economies.

14

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland and Imperial College London have further highlighted the extent of underage vaping across the UK. The challenges faced by the vaping sector looks set to increase after the scale of the underage vaping problem was further highlighted by recent industry reports.

Trading standards tests have found that one in eight premises visited in Scotland sold cigarettes to an under-18 volunteer, while one in five stores sold vapes to an underage person.

In 2022, officers carried out test purchase operations at 312 premises across Scotland with 63 failures for vapes, and 268 attempted test purchases of tobacco with 33 failures.

The results are “significantly worse” than trading standards expected and may in large part be caused by the child-appealing nature of vapes and their wide availability in shops and service premises.

David MacKenzie, Chair of The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS), said: “These results are very concerning, and we will be stepping up efforts this year to support sellers with advice, and continue to take enforcement action where sellers break the law.”

He added: “We would like to see the same display rules applied to NVPs that is applied to tobacco, i.e. they are kept out of sight in store.”

Meanwhile, another piece of research by Imperial College London has revealed that children are “targeting” convenience stores to buy vapes.

The university’s research reveals 51% of young vapers got their vapes from corner shops and convenience stores in 2022, compared to 34% in 2019.

In addition, the data shows an increase in the proportion of

children reporting that they had seen e-cigarettes on display in shops.

Dr Anthony Laverty, from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said: “These results highlight high levels of exposure to tobacco and e-cigarettes among children as well as the ease of accessing these products.

“This is despite legislation prohibiting sales to minors. There needs to be greater enforcement of existing laws on the display of tobacco, as well as action to stem e-cigarette advertising and put vapes out of sight and reach of children.”

Hazel Cheeseman, Deputy Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, added: “This analysis shows that in-store promotion has the biggest impact, which is why Ash is advocating that promotion and display of e-cigarettes in shops should be prohibited, as should the child-friendly packaging and labelling of vapes.”

In response to growing concern, the Association of Convenience Stores has launched a new campaign aimed at cracking down on rogue vape sales and supporting responsible retailers.

As part of the campaign, ACS has published new Challenge25 materials specific to vaping to

help responsible retailers when serving customers. Challenging customers who look underage is one of the biggest triggers of abuse, so signposting retailers’ responsibilities can be an effective way of reducing the risk of confrontation.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The vaping market has grown significantly in the last few years and is an important product category in thousands of convenience stores, but along with the growth of the legitimate market has been an explosion of rogue sellers. These businesses are sourcing illicit products from rogue distributors and failing to take their responsibilities on agerestricted sales seriously.

“Through this campaign, we are sending a clear message that having a robust Challenge25 policy is the best way for retailers and their colleagues to eliminate sales to underage customers, and we’re encouraging anyone concerned about the sale of illicit products to report it straight away.”

The campaign is also highlighting the main things to look out for when trying to spot a fake or illicit vape.

The new Challenge25 materials are available at acs.org.uk/ challenge25 and include posters, badges and shelf strips. www.slrmag.co.uk

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Comment

HOW MANY RETAILERS NEED TO DIE? We’ve been producing SLR for well over two decades and while much of the industry has changed beyond recognition over that time, there’s one specific thing that hasn’t changed a bit: retail crime.

It’s as endemic as it ever was. In fact, you could easily make a decent case that it’s actually worse now than it’s ever been. Shoplifting is rife, violence and abuse towards shop staff is literally a daily occurrence and in the last week or two alone we’ve seen unspeakable violence and aggression directed towards retailers who were only doing their job.

Edinburgh Londis assistant manager Asma Haq was left with bruised ribs as a gang of lowlife young thugs took selfies as they ransacked the store. A repeat shoplifter who said he was carrying a knife threatened to “put holes” in Musselburgh retailer Dan Brown during an altercation in the store. I could go on and on and on.

Most horrifically of all, it looks like we can add the death of yet another retailer to the shameful list of innocent shop workers who have lost their lives in their stores. It’s worth reading that sentence again: lost their lives. Gone forever.

Best-One retailer Bashir Ahmed reportedly died in his store last month after a confrontation with a shoplifter.

This has all happened in a matter of weeks and I’m sure there have been countless other horror stories in that time that didn’t make it into the headlines.

But here’s a question: if someone had died doing his or her job while, say, collecting bins or teaching schoolchildren or driving a bus, can you imagine the outcry? The Daily Mail would have a field day. Our country is going to wrack and ruin. It’s the end of the world as we know it.

Yet when it happens to retailers, it almost goes unnoticed. A short article in a regional newspaper and we all get back on with our lives. How has it come to this? It’s not a glib, trite question. It’s a very deep and profound one. How has it come this? Why does our society seem to feel that death, violence, abuse and theft are just part of the job? They’re not part of any other job, so why should they be part of ours?

It wasn’t that long ago that politicians were heralding the remarkable role that the local retailing sector (alongside the NHS) played in keeping Scotland in one piece during the pandemic. We all know politicians are renowned for their short memories, but come on.

Worse still in this sorry tale of woe: police response to incidents in stores is, according to many retailers I’ve spoken to, getting worse. And it wasn’t great to start with.

RIP Bashir. The thoughts of our entire industry are with you and your family. It should never have been allowed to end this way for you.

EDITORIAL Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley abegley@55north.com Deputy Editor Liz Wells lwells@55north.com Features Editor Gaelle Walker gwalker@55north.com Features Writer Elena Dimama edimama@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 © 55 North Ltd. 2023 ISSN 1740-2409.

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

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Cover Story

Rising Crime

UNDER ATTACK The last few weeks have seen yet another spate of violence and abuse towards retailers, as well as at least one mortality. But what is causing the apparent spike in retail crime and what can be done about it?

were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing.”

He added: “We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Bashir’s family and friends at this very difficult time”.

PROTECTION OF WORKERS

BY LIZ WELLS

F

or as long as SLR has been published – well over two decades now – the problem of retail crime has been endemic. Experienced retailers have largely resigned themselves to the fact that violence, abuse and even death are just part of the everyday risks of the job. And the rest of the world seems to agree. From politicians and police to the proverbial man on the street, nobody seems to particularly care when another retailer gets threatened, battered, racially abused, spat at or worse. At best, incidents like these make it into a small article in a regional newspaper and are quickly forgotten.

How has it been allowed to come to the point where the world simply shrugs its shoulders at senseless, mindless violence – as long as it happens in a convenience store? They wouldn’t put up with it in any other walk of life – so why do they seem prepared to accept it in stores?

The latest Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) Crime Report shows that violence and abuse of retailers is literally a daily occurrence. It happens 365 days a year. And if all this wasn’t shocking enough, it looks like the problem is actually getting worse with Scotland’s independent convenience stores coming under attack more often from increasingly brazen criminals.

If you flicked through last month’s papers you would have seen reports of retailers being faced with balaclava-wearing criminals armed with knives, guns, and even one with a blow torch.

And that’s just the ones hitting the headlines, there are obviously many others that are not reported.

The coverage peaked when Best-One retailer Bashir Ahmed, 69, was reportedly pronounced dead on Friday 18 August after emergency services were called to the Main Street store in Newtongrange at around 7pm after concerns were raised. Police Scotland says the incident 18

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

“We are finding ourselves in dangerous positions, with knives being pulled, and the police response is shocking.”

DAN BROWN, PINKIE FARM, MUSSELBURGH

is being treated as “unexplained” and that an investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances around his death.

However, reports suggest that a female youth has been reported in connection with shoplifting and assault, following a disturbance at the same premises prior to officers being called.

The girl has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration following the incident, according to the report. However, she has not been reported in connection with Bashir’s death and was not arrested.

The retailer, who was known locally as Bash, ran the shop with his daughter.

Dawood Pervez, Managing Director at Bestway Wholesale, said: “Bashir was at the heart of his community and loved by all. We

Also highlighting the extent of the problem were new figures that Scotland’s shopworker protection law has been used 7,056 times in less than two years to report retail-specific cases of abuse or assault of staff and retailers.

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Agerestricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act, which creates an offence of assaulting, threatening or abusing retail workers and provides for a statutory aggravation of that offence where the retail worker is enforcing a statutory age restriction, came into force in August 2021.

The latest figures provided by Police Scotland show that up to July 2023, reports included serious assaults (37), common assaults (3,066), and threats and abuse (3,953).

SGF says it has approached Police Scotland, the Scottish government, the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal’s Office to ensure these figures are reported frequently and provide additional data on referrals and convictions relating to the act. The trade body says this is essential information to show the act is a working deterrent.

Pete Cheema, SGF Chief Executive, said: “While we welcome the figures on the Protection of Workers Act provided by Police Scotland, we really need to know how many of those cases are being brought to justice. That would encourage more retailers to report the crimes happening in-store, daily, and could be an effective way of making potential perpetrators think twice.”

POLICE CUTS All this comes as Police Scotland outlined urgent action to maintain effective policing within the funding available.

The force says it needs to make more than £50m of savings to ensure a “balanced budget” and it is required to reduce the number of police officers it has from 17,234 to around 16,600.

Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor said hard choices were being made to maintain effective policing with funds available www.slrmag.co.uk

Rising Crime

and that “action is being taken” to achieve savings and balance next year’s budget.

“Areas which encounter the greatest demand and which carry the greatest risk are being prioritised to ensure we continue to effectively reduce harm and protect the vulnerable.”

She added: “As part of this urgent action we have paused police staff recruitment other than for reform or externally funded posts; for roles based in our Contact, Command and Control Division or Resource Deployment Unit; for Police Custody and Security Officers; and for Public Enquiry and Support Assistants.”

“Recruitment of Probationary Constables will continue and our commitment to no compulsory redundancies for police staff remains.”

In addition, DCCD Taylor said funding challenges underlined the need to accelerate changes that made savings or supported operational policing.

She added: “This work will shape our Service and define core policing. It seeks to reduce demand and increase capacity, and accelerate those changes which save money and provide benefits to operational policing. This includes the ongoing transformation of our estate.

We will also review support services and our command structures.

“Consequently, some of the things that we do may need to be done differently or take us longer. The level of service we provide in some areas will reduce.”

OUT OF CONTROL Retailer Dan Brown, of Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh has recently been attacked, not once, but twice. He says the problem of retail crime is spiralling out of control. “The problem is there is no deterrent – they are getting off with it,” he said.

“The police are under-resourced. We used to have five local police officers, but now we only have one, and there used to be Shopwatch but that’s gone too.”

Saleem Sadiq, Managing Director of Spar Renfrew, agrees: “To be honest we have almost given up, we never report any low-level crime, even when we do we’re lucky if an officer turns up a week later.

“I think if there was an online portal where crime could be recorded that would help, maybe there is one but I am not aware.” www.slrmag.co.uk

Cover Story

The cost-of-living crisis is frequently blamed for the increase in crime, but Dan says it is only part of the problem. “They think it’s a victimless crime and they are getting one up on shops that are charging too much in their eyes. But retailers are suffering. We are finding ourselves in dangerous positions, with knives being pulled, and the police response is shocking.”

Dan says he is seeing kids acting like professional shoplifters. “Since Covid teenagers are not going to school, locally 15-20% of kids aren’t going to school, they hang around in large groups and vandalise the store, harass my staff, and shoplift,” he added.

Dan has invested in top-of-the-range CCTV, screens around the store, and radios for the staff.

He is also trialling body cams.

He said: “We need the Scottish government to acknowledge it is a problem and we need retailers to keep reporting every crime.”

BIG BOYS And it’s not just independents that are being affected by rising levels of crime. Co-op recently reported a 35% year-on-year in crime, SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

19

Cover Story

Rising Crime

shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour, with more than 175,000 incidents recorded in the first six months of this year – almost 1,000 incidents every day.

The Co-op has warned that this level of outof-control crime is unsustainable and could even eventually see some communities become no-go areas for local stores. The convenience retailer called on all police forces and crime commissioners to target prolific offenders and local organised criminal gangs to reverse the existing environment in many cities that sees criminals operate without fear of being caught or charged.

Reports show that almost two-thirds (63%) of crime is driven by repeat and prolific offenders, with drug or alcohol addictions and, local organised criminal gangs, among the main drivers of offending. Yet a Freedom of Information request by Co-op has highlighted that police failed to respond in 71% of serious retail crimes reported. With some, according to their own data, not responding to nine in 10 serious incidents reported.

With crime often the flashpoint for attacks, assault, abuse and anti-social behaviour, Coop also revealed that front-line store workers had seen physical assaults increase year-onyear by almost one-third (30%) and anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse rising by a fifth (20%).

Matt Hood, Co-op Food Managing Director, said: “We know retail crime is driven by repeat

and prolific offenders and, organised criminal gangs. It is an ongoing challenge for all retailers, and in the worst instances can even be described as ‘looting’. I have seen some horrific incidents of brazen and violent theft in our stores, where my store colleagues feel scared and threatened.

“I see first-hand how this criminal behaviour also erodes the very fabric of our communities – it’s hard to over-emphasise how important urgent change is. Co-op has invested significantly in keeping colleagues and stores safe, but we need the police to play their part.

“Too often, forces fail to respond to desperate calls by our store teams, and criminals are operating in communities without any fear of consequences.”

Meanwhile, Waitrose and John Lewis are offering free hot drinks to on-duty police officers in a bid to deter shoplifters.

AUGUST ASSAULTS SNAPSHOT

20

23 AUGUST

Londis store in Leith’s Easter Road raided by gang of 11 youths wearing balaclavas who made off with £100 worth of items including alcohol and vapes.

13 AUGUST

Balaclava gang chased after seriously injuring shopkeeper in gun and blade attack at Day-Today on Ladymuir Crescent in Pollok, Glasgow.

12 AUGUST

Retailer Dan Brown, owner of Pinkie Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh, was attacked by a man at the shop at about 3pm.

It was the second time he was threatened in his shop in a week.

12 AUGUST

Police were called to Meiklewood Road, East Ayrshire, at around 7.20am after reports a man had threatened staff with a knife before making off with a three-figure sum of cash.

8 AUGUST

Shopkeeper ‘threatened with knife’ during robbery bid at a premises in the Pollokshaws Road area of Glasgow.

9 AUGUST

Manager Ash Hameed was working at the Day-Today store in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, when a disturbance broke out between two customers. He raced around the counter to grab one of the youths – who then pulled a meat clever from his trousers.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

John Lewis Partnership has written to the Police Federation to say officers can make the most of the offer – as long as they bring a reusable cup.

In Waitrose, police officers and community support officers will be able to get drinks from the in-store coffee machines. Nicki Juniper, Head of Security for the John Lewis Partnership, told the BBC: “Retail crime is a national problem and requires a national solution.

“Just having a police car parked outside can make people think twice about shoplifting from our branches or becoming aggressive towards our [staff ].”

There is no doubt that retail crime is a continuing problem. How we solve the problem is less clear, but it seems the sector’s best bet is getting everyone to work together to bring numbers down.

“Scotland’s shopworker protection law has been used 7,056 times in less than two years to report retailspecific cases of abuse or assault of staff and retailers.” www.slrmag.co.uk

News

Products

Lucozade Energy makeover Lucozade Energy has reformulated its Original and Orange flavours after 18 months of research and development, and input from 6,500 consumers.

Available now, the new recipes are “zingier” on the palate, with a bolder taste for the Original

Product News THE BIG NIGHT IN IS BOOMING – P58 CONFECTIONERY Thousands of match tickets up for grabs

Cadbury kicks-off new football promo

flavour and a more citrusy note for Orange. The Orange and Original flavours are also getting a fresh pack design that reveals more of the contents to shoppers.

Burts revamps Guinness crisps range Burts Snacks has redesigned its Guinness range of handcooked potato chips as part of its decade-long partnership with the stout brand. The revamped design follows the launch of Burts’ new brand identity in 2022.

The range comes in two flavours – Guinness (40g and 150g) and

Cadbury FC has rolled out its biggest-ever prize giveaway – Match the Minute to Win It – to coincide with the launch of the new football season.

The promotion gives shoppers the chance to see some of the nation’s favourite teams in action.

Besides thousands of match tickets, Match the Minute to Win

It offers prizes including stadium experiences and retail gift vouchers.

To enter, shoppers need to buy a participating pack and input its barcode and batch code online to be instantly designated a UK football match and their very own ‘minute’ within the match. They’re a winner if a goal is scored in that game on their given minute.

The promotion runs through to late October 2023 on blocks, multipacks, single bars and pouches across Cadbury favourites, including Cadbury Dairy Milk, Wispa, Twirl, Double Decker and Crunchie.

It is running both on- and offpack, meaning that as long as the product is included in the offer, shoppers will be able to take part regardless of whether or not the pack they’re buying has a promotional flash on it.

Retailers can visit SnackDisplay. co.uk for more details and advice on how to make the most of Mondelez promotions.

Guinness & Chilli (150g).

Skwishee competition plumbs new depths Skwishee fans did not disappoint when they were urged to get creative and make their own containers for the frozen fizzy drinks brand’s nationwide Bring Your Own Cup Day (29 July).

A wide variety of items were brought along to stockists to be filled for £2.49, ranging from buckets to baguettes. Spurred on by a competition to win a year’s supply of Skwishee, many shoppers created handmade containers or carved fruit, although the most bizarre was possibly a small toilet.

Müller completes clear caps transition Müller Milk & Ingredients has successfully switched all its coloured milk bottle caps to clear, reducing dependency on virgin plastic by more than 1,500 tonnes each year. The dairy company began converting coloured caps last winter. This process is now complete, and all private label and branded milk

SPORTS & ENERGY

Retailers can win £250 with Rockstar Rockstar Energy Drink is running an exclusive competition for convenience retailers, with four retailers selected to win £250 each month, from now until the end of 2023.

Retailers simply need to visit Britvic’s atyourconvenience.com website and fill out the form by 13 September to be entered into the next draw.

There will be further chances for retailers to win each month via the website, until the end of the year.

The retailer site launched earlier this year and has been designed and built with retailers’ needs in mind – using feedback from hundreds of customers collated by an independent market research company.

Registered users can benefit from advice, insights, free POS kits and product trials.

Rockstar Energy Drink will also be offering monthly advice articles for retailers on the At Your Convenience website.

SOFT DRINKS

Dr Pepper gets weirder Dr Pepper has relaunched its brand in Great Britain, with an all-new design and its first campaign in over a decade.

The ‘Try More Weird’ campaign encourages people to embrace their weird quirks and more eccentric side, and includes sponsorship, experiential, shopper activation, PR and influencer engagement.

To coincide with its launch, all Dr Pepper packs have been redesigned, with the Zero Sugar variant also taking on a new naming convention. The drink that was once Dr Pepper Zero will now be Dr Pepper Zerooo – zero sugar with extra ‘ooo’.

The redesign features contrasting swirls of the brand’s traditional burgundy and a new, vibrant, hot pink.

Martin Attock, Vice-Present of Commercial Development at CCEP GB said: “We’re confident Dr Pepper’s new-look packs will deliver even more standout on shelf, and that the Try More Weird campaign will entertain shoppers, encourage them to embrace their individuality and keep the brand front of mind.”

produced by Müller now carries a clear cap.

22

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

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Products

Ce

Mondelez and Mars get ready for Christmas

brating

Years

The Cadbury Chunk Collection is back in a new and improved 400g pack (RSP £6) that includes a new Caramilk chunk.

Finally from Mondelez, new Toblerone Truffles are made with honey and almond nougat, and come in 108g packs, RSP £6.09.

Meanwhile, Mars Wrigley’s 2023 Christmas range includes four new Maltesers launches, including Maltesers Assorted Truffles (200g, RSP £5.50) and Maltesers Mint Truffles (200g, RSP £5.50). They are joined by Maltesers Christmas Mix (240g, RSP £5.85), a sharing bag stuffed with mini Maltesers Reindeers and teasers; and 29g Maltesers Reindeers (RSP 75p), available in milk chocolate and mint flavours.

Source: NielsenIQ, Value Sales, MAT to June 2023

www.slrmag.co.uk

le

5

CONFECTIONERY The Christmas countdown commences with a raft of NPD

Both Mondelez and Mars Wrigley have unwrapped a sleighful of new products to help retailers get set for a bumper festive season.

The countdown to Christmas begins with the addition of the 296g Cadbury Mini Snowballs Family Pack (RSP £4.50). Retailers can also tap into sharing occasions with the 360g Cadbury Dairy Milk Winter Orange Crisp (RSP £3.50.

The new 340g Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar contains 10 Cadbury Dairy Milk Chunks, five Cadbury Dairy Milk Robins, four Hazelnut Jingly Bells, four Caramel Chunks and a 100g Winter Wonderland Bar for Christmas Eve. It has a £10 RSP. Mondelez is also rolling out a new Cadbury Buttons Selection Box this year. The 375g packs RSP at £6.50 and include four different flavoured 95g treat bags: Buttons, Orange Buttons, Salted Caramel Nibbles and Caramilk Buttons.

It is joined by the 230g Cadbury Dairy Milk Money Box Tin (RSP £6), described as “the perfect top-up gift in the final run up to Christmas”.

The tins feature a playful design and offer a secondary packaging use.

News

Drive your sales with Crisps the UK’s and Snacks brand

#4 Growing +19% YoY

12158 SLR HP Vert-Hoops 50th Range ad.indd 1

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR 23 13:01 01/08/2023

News

Off-Trade

Chinese whiskeys make their UK debut What are said to be first Chinese whiskeys to come to the UK are available now from Speciality Drinks. The Gaolong distillery range includes a softly smoky blended whiskey and a duo of five-year-old single malts – one matured solely in ex-bourbon casks and the other in exbourbon and ex-brandy casks.

A corn-based Botanical Gin distilled with 20 Chinese herbs and spices is also available.

Spirits of Virtue unveils noalcohol tequila alternatives With tequila continuing to grow in popularity, Scottish nonalcoholic spirits producer Spirits of Virtue has launched a range of three alcohol-free agave drinks, comprising Seven Giants Blanco, Seven Giants Reposado and Seven Giants Añejo. The range has an RSP of £21.99 per 70cl bottle. Retailers should complete

Off-TradeNews ARE YOU SKIPPING BREAKFAST? – P60 RTDs New alcopop is twice as strong as original

Global soops up Hooch Global Brands has unveiled Soopa Hooch, an ‘enhanced RTS’ that is twice as strong as the brand’s original alcoholic lemonade.

Described as “a party starter like no other,” Soopa Hooch (ABV 8%) has a vodka spirit base and also contains 32mg of caffeine per 100ml, alongside taurine and guarana.

It is available in 440ml cans, price-marked at £2.89.

The range is available now in three on-trend flavours: Electric Lemonade, Darkest Berry and Twisted Tropical.

Hooch is supporting the launch with a range of wholesale displays,

including bollard covers, standees, pallet wraps and aisle fins.

For a limited time, retailers can order free point-of-sale kits, through the Soopa Hooch displays

in wholesalers, or online via QR codes found in 8x440ml cartons.

The launch comes as the enhanced RTD category is increasing 25.5% year on year.

The convenience channel is also growing in the wider RTD category, with consumers increasing their frequency of purchase of RTDs in convenience by +27.7%.

Charlie Leaver, Head of Brand at Global Brands, said: “We can’t wait to add value to the enhanced RTD category with an easily recognisable and innovative brand. The appeal and recognition of Hooch is set to shake-up an already high-growth area of RTDs.”

the form at spiritsofvirtue.com/ contact for stock enquiries.

BrewDog out to save planet BrewDog has launched ‘Beer For Your Grandchildren,’ a new campaign to publicise its ongoing pledge to protect the planet. The campaign highlights BrewDog’s efforts towards safeguarding the planet through its sustainability goals, ensuring that future generations will still be around to drink beer.

Billboards show the world in flames and call on everyone to make choices that protect the planet for the good of children.

Elderflower liqueur first SHS Drinks’ premium cordial brand bottlegreen has teamedup with award-winning potato vodka Edwards 1902 to create Edwards bottlegreen Elderflower Liqueur. Available now in 50cl bottles (RSP £26) with premium, wax-covered closures, the 20% ABV liqueur blends smooth, single-estate potato vodka with cordial containing hand-picked elderflowers to produce the first

LOW/NO ALCOHOL

Heineken 0.0 continues starring role in TV soaps Heineken and ITV have renewed their product placement partnership that sees Heineken 0.0, the brand’s alcohol-free beer, on tap in Coronation Street’s Rovers Return as well as the Woolpack in Emmerdale, for at least the next 18 months.

When the original partnership was announced in April 2022, it marked the first appearance of a real-world beer in both TV pubs, putting Heineken 0.0 alongside fictional brews like Newton & Ridley and Ephraim Monk.

The tie-up was lauded by industry experts, commentators, and politicians alike as a significant step forward in helping to normalise alcohol-free beer among consumers by making it more visible and acceptable in the UK.

CIDER

£2k big night in with Stowford Press

Westons Cider has launched the ‘Stowford Press Big Night In,’ an on-pack promo giving shoppers the chance to win everything they need for the ultimate night in with friends.

The promotion runs until March 2024 across Stowford Press Apple Cider 10- and four-packs, as well as new Stowford Press Low Alcohol cans, and is supported by an extensive out-of-home campaign.

The £2,000 top prize bundle includes a smart TV, speaker bar, PS5 console and game, wireless speaker, £250 supermarket or takeaway voucher, a 12-month TV streaming subscription, and branded pint glasses to accompany a pack of Stowford Press cider. Ten runners-up will win a £100 supermarket or takeaway voucher.

all-British co-branded elderflower liqueur.

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

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

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Off-Trade

News

Portman Group says yes A complaint made by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) against the SNP’s YES Gin has not been upheld by alcohol industry watchdog the Portman Group. The WSTA was concerned packaging did not communicate the gin’s alcoholic nature and appealed to minors.

The Portman Group said: “It was clear from the overall impression

WHISKY Drink like a don this summer

Chivas and Stefflon Don team up

of the product it was an alcoholic drink and did not have a particular appeal to children.”

Dead Man sticks up two new fingers Halewood International has

Blended Scotch whisky Chivas is giving consumers the chance to drink like a ‘Don’ this summer through a limited-edition bottling of its Chivas 12, in partnership with rapper Stefflon Don. The limited edition is the latest move in an ongoing partnership between the Pernod Ricard brand and the British rapper, with more activity to be unveiled in the coming months.

Chivas 12 x Stefflon Don (ABV 40%, RSP £32.80) is available now.

added two new tequila-based variants to its Dead Man’s Fingers range of cream liqueurs.

Both Dead Man’s Fingers Blue Raspberry Tequila Cream Liqueur and Black Cherry Tequila Cream liqueur are 15% ABV and are available now in 50cl (RSP £13), 70cl (RSP £15) and one litre (RSP £18.50) formats. They

BEER Off-Trade debut

The star beer of Seville

Cruzcampo, Spain’s number one draught lager, has made its UK off-trade debut after a successful launch in pubs in April.

The light, crisp 4.4% ABV beer, which hails from Seville, is now available from Booker in 440ml cans in both four-packs (RSP £6.25) and 10-packs (RSP £12.50).

Further formats will be available later this month, including a 660ml bottle (RSP £2.75) and a 12 x 330ml pack (RSP £12.50).

The launch will be backed in 2024 by a UK-wide multimillion-pound TV and social media campaign.

Alexander Wilson, Category & Commercial Strategy Director – Off Trade at Heineken UK, said: “With almost half of premium and world lager growth since Covid coming from Spanish brands, we see an opportunity to launch Cruzcampo as an affordable trade-up option for lager drinkers who enjoy discovering new experiences.

“The launch of Cruzcampo in the on-trade has been extremely popular as consumers seek out authentic Spanish beers and we’re looking forward to replicating this success in the off-trade.”

CIDER

Frosty Jack’s brings in tiered pricing Aston Manor Cider has introduced a new range of Frosty Jack’s pack formats, as it seeks to offer more affordability to customers facing tough spending decisions as inflation keeps rising.

Frosty Jack’s has introduced a new tiered approach to its prices and the new packs, available now, come in at a number of different recommended retail price points.

To remain affordable to customers, the new range includes a 2.5L bottle price marked at £5.99, and a new 1L bullet bottle price marked at £2.99. Plain packs are also available.

Grace Anthony, Marketing Manager at Frosty Jack’s, says: “We are here for shoppers, helping them to save with our affordable cider, and allowing them to direct their spend on what really matters.

The introduction of our new Frosty Jack’s pack formats provides shoppers with an affordable solution, without trading down on quality.

join existing flavours Mango and Strawberry.

Everything’s copacetic King of Soho, a London-based gin and vodka brand, has announced a wider rollout of its new ultra-premium Copacetic Vodka. Made using English wheat, the 40% spirit is distilled in small batches and comes in a distinctive 70cl purple bottle that is decorated using organic inks and a water-based coating on transparent glass to make it readily recyclable. Contact info@kingofsoho.com for stock enquiries.

Jameson supports women’s football with new shirts Pernod Ricard’s Irish whiskey brand Jameson is championing the unsung heroes of women’s grassroots football with a new collection of shirts produced in collaboration with fashion and football brand Lovers FC. The shirts have been designed for LGBTQIA+ champions Peaches FC, inclusivity pioneers ExGirlfriend FC’s and the boundary blurring Victoria Park Vixens.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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Inside Business

HUGE INCREASE IN SUPPORT GroceryAid has published its Impact Report for 2022-23 revealing the steeply growing requirement for the charity’s financial, emotional and practical support services from independent retailing and grocery colleagues.

The report reveals that there was a massive 44% increase in the number of requests from industry colleagues for support over the last year.

In total, GroceryAid spent £5.6m supporting colleagues, including a record £642,000 awarded in School Essentials Grants.

The charity’s free and confidential helpline also received over 10,000 calls from colleagues which resulted in more than 5,000 in-the-moment counselling sessions with a fully qualified and accredited counsellor.

There was also a 14% increase in referrals for legal advice from Law Express.

Furthermore, 1,282 Relate relationship counselling sessions were delivered.

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GroceryAid Scotland

KILTWALK FOR GROCERYAID!

Retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and even SLR’s very own publisher are doing the Kiltwalk this year to raise much-needed funds for GroceryAid Scotland.

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nder GroceryAid Scotland’s umbrella ‘Just Dae It!’ fundraising campaign to encourage the entire Scottish sector to do something active for charity, a huge group of retailers, suppliers and wholesalers are taking part in this year’s series of Kiltwalks to raise money for GroceryAid. With Kiltwalks in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, some of the industry’s finest – and SLR publisher Antony Begley – are donning their kilts and walking up to 21 miles to further raise awareness of GroceryAid as well as raising much-needed funds.

Last month’s Dundee Kiltwalk saw Spar Scotland colleagues walk en masse in an inspiring display of commitment to the charity. This month sees many of the GroceryAid Scotland committee tackle a 21-mile circuit in Edinburgh.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

SLR publisher Antony Begley commented: “This is my first Kiltwalk so I’m not sure what to expect. I’ve already looked out my kilt, last worn on my wedding day, and thankfully it still fits.

“Whatever the day throws at us, it will all be worth it.

With the demand for financial, emotional and practical support from GroceryAid rocketing over the 12 months, more of our industry colleagues than ever clearly need help.

“We are in the very privileged position of being able to offer a little help and I want to personally thank all the fantastic friends and colleagues in this amazing industry who have already sponsored me.

“I set myself a fundraising target of £200 which I felt was challenging but doable. Thanks to the generosity of this industry however, I’m now approaching £800, which is humbling. If you can help, please do.”

TO SPONSOR GROCERYAID SCOTLAND’S KILTWALK IN EDINBURGH, VISIT: JUSTGIVING.COM/TEAM/GASCOTLANDCOMMITTEEJUSTDAEIT

www.slrmag.co.uk

Inside Business

The Big Interview | Jonathan Kemp, Barr Soft Drinks

PWR TO THE PEOPLE

Barr Soft Drinks is launching a new range of Pwr-Bru energy drinks that it believes will drive growth in the big can energy category. SLR visited Commercial Director Jonathan Kemp in Cumbernauld to find out more.

BY ANTONY BEGLEY

“Pwr-Bru is, without a doubt, the biggest launch of the year for the energy market.”

JONATHAN KEMP

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW… BRAND: PWR-BRU AVAILABLE: NOW – AND ONLY IN SCOTLAND. FORMAT: 500ML CANS; PLAIN AND PMP PRICING: £1.40 RSP (PLAIN PACK) OR £1.19 PMP FLAVOURS: ORIGINAL, CHERRY, BERRY AND TROPICAL CASE SIZE: 12 X 500ML

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

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hen you are the custodian of Scotland’s favourite brand, you have to tread very carefully when it comes to new product development – as Barr Soft Drinks Commercial Director Jonathan Kemp understands better than most.

Irn-Bru is beyond iconic in Scotland, as every local retailer knows. It enjoys a following like no other food or drink product and its fans are loyal to an astonishing extent.

So, when you decide to launch a new Irn-Bru product there’s a lot to take into consideration, which goes a long way to explaining why Irn-Bru has never strayed far from its core DNA. There’s been Fiery, there’s been Xtra, there’s even been Energy – but every single one of those products was instantly identifiable as Irn-Bru, with that unique and unmistakable flavour profile.

At the tail end of last month however, Kemp and his team took the very bold step of introducing a new brand and a new range of products that, unprecedentedly, doesn’t taste like Irn-Bru. That new brand is Pwr-Bru and Kemp describes it plainly as “without a doubt, the biggest launch of the year for the energy market”.

And while I said above that the most remarkable thing about this brand extension of-a-kind is that it doesn’t actually taste like Irn-Bru, that’s not strictly speaking true: one of the four new variants of Pwr-Bru is badged as ‘Original’ and the flavour will be very familiar indeed to fans of Irn-Bru Energy.

TASTE TEST The other three lines in the 500ml big can range do however have very different flavour

profiles from Scotland’s other national drink.

After a quick tasting session at Barr’s HQ in Cumbernauld, I can confirm that Cherry is tart and refreshing, Berry is sweet and smooth, and Tropical is fruity and, well, tropical.

Very interestingly, though, all four variants do actually include that famous Irn-Bru essence.

It’s not immediately obvious when you taste the fruity variants, but it comes through loud and clear at the end.

“The launch of Pwr-Bru represents the first time we have anything like this with the Irn-Bru brand, but all four products have Irn-Bru’s DNA running through them,” Kemp says.

So what exactly has Barr Soft Drinks done here? Unlike all of the previous products that carried the name of ‘Irn-Bru,’ this one can’t be described simply as a new variant.

“Effectively, we’ve created a new brand called Pwr-Bru which isn’t just a variant of Irn-Bru, it’s a completely new brand in its own right,” volunteers Kemp.

You won’t, for instance, find the words ‘IrnBru’ written prominently on the can – although it’s pretty difficult to miss the fact that this new product has Irn-Bru blood in it.

“It’s a new brand,” comments Kemp, “and it’s a standalone brand but we want consumers to instantly understand that this is a product that shares its DNA with Irn-Bru. That’s why we’ve used the famous girder on the front of the pack, and we’ve used the instantly recognisable IrnBru lettering on-pack too.”

Pwr-Bru is launching in Scotland only, although Kemp doesn’t rule out a roll-out south of the border down the line, and is available in big 500ml cans in both plain and price-marked packs (PMP). The plain pack carries an RSP of www.slrmag.co.uk

Jonathan Kemp, Barr Soft Drinks | The Big Interview

£1.40 while the PMP is £1.19, putting the range at a considerably lower price point than those of its main competitors. The new lines are nonHFSS and levy-free.

AUTUMN LAUNCH And if you’re wondering why Kemp has chosen to launch now as autumn descends, the answer is, like Bru, just three letters long: “DRS.” “We’ve been working on Pwr-Bru for over a year, and we had planned to launch it in 2024 because 2023 was set to have enough challenges as we prepared for the launch of DRS,” he explains. “When DRS was postponed, we decided to bring the launch of Pwr-Bru forward – which has turned out to be a very positive choice both for us and for retailers because the last couple of months haven’t been great for the soft drinks category and we believe Pwr-Bru will help bring a much-needed boost for retailers across Scotland.”

Barr Soft Drinks already has a fairly extensive portfolio of energy drinks with Irn-Bru Energy, Rubicon Raw and Boost – which it bought in 2022 – but Pwr-Bru offers something different, something aimed not at Irn-Bru fans but at the wider population of consumers who regularly buy energy drinks.

The Energy market in Scotland is a growing fast, up £25m versus last year, and it delivers one-third of total soft drinks category growth [Circana, May 2023]. Interestingly, though, only 25% of shoppers currently buy energy brands – so there still appears to be huge growth potential for retailers [Kantar, May 2023].

“Irn-Bru has already delivered growth within the energy market with Irn-Bru Energy, for example, delivering £8.5m of category growth according to Circana data to May this year,” says Kemp. “The is brand is seen by consumers as having a natural fit with the category, but research highlighted that there is the potential for

www.slrmag.co.uk

“The Energy market in Scotland delivers onethird of total soft drinks category growth even though only 25% of shoppers currently buy energy brands – so there is still huge growth potential.” something bigger and bolder. They wanted us to go one step further with flavour and appearance and deliver something new in energy that looks and acts differently to the usual brands available.

Combining the distinctive personality of IrnBru with the secret flavour essence and a bold design, Pwr-Bru will bring something truly unique to the category. We believe Pwr-Bru is the brand to unlock incremental growth.”

Inside Business

TOP SCORER Two clear requirements were highlighted by big can energy drinkers when surveyed about the new products: firstly, it should look and act like an energy drink – not just behave like IrnBru and, secondly, it should taste like an energy drink and should not just taste like Irn-Bru. And while there are a lot of reasons for being sceptical about ‘intention to purchase’ data, the consumer testing found 98% of big can energy drinkers said they would buy Pwr-Bru – “the highest score we’ve ever had for any product,” notes Kemp. Make of that what you will.

The launch is backed by a £3m investment targeting 18-24s. Unsurprisingly, there is a huge focus on social media and brand influencers as well as sampling and outdoor posters.

“Social media is massive these days,” says Kemp. “When we launched a TikTok campaign around the launch of Irn-Bru Tropical and IrnBru Ice Cream, I was doing a presentation to my Board. When I walked into the room it already had 60,000 views. A half hour later when I’d finished my presentation, it was up to 500,000 views. It ended up at about 5.2 million views.

The power of social media can be quite scary sometimes.”

Pwr-Bru marketing kicked off last month with a TikTok campaign encouraging consumers to find hidden QR codes dotted around public places in Scotland – from iconic streets and sports arenas to music venues and student hangouts across. Eagle-eyed Scots could scan the code and potentially win a pack of all four Pwr-Bru variants, becoming the first to get their hands – and lips – on a can.

A range of POS is also available to retailers to support the launch.

“Scotland’s independent retailers will get their hands on Pwr-Bru before the multiples, so it’ll be a great chance to make some noise and drive sales growth,” concludes Kemp.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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Inside Business

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SPAR SCOTLAND TRADESHOW AND CONFERENCE 2023

SOLD OUT THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2023 MACDONALD HOTEL & RESORT, AVIEMORE

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SLR | XXXXX/X 2023

www.slrmag.co.uk

COME AND TAKE A FRESH LOOK! We’re excited to be heading back to Aviemore for our annual Tradeshow & Conference.

Based in the heart of Scotland and after a hugely successful event in 2022, this event is hotly anticipated! This is an absolutely MUST attend event once again.

After the success of last year’s event, we will once more have in attendance our independent retailers, all our store managers, and representatives from Spar UK and Spar International.

The Scottish trade press and associated industry bodies will all be in attendance too.

This year we are doing things a little differently as we turn the whole event on its head – a tradeshow in a huge arc marquee in the grounds, followed by a sit-down dinner, awards and an evening of entertainment within the hotel complex – be prepared to be amazed!

28TH SEP, AVIEMORE

The day will include: l

Presentations on where we are as a business and our future vision.

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Our Tradeshow will officially run from 10.00am until 4.00pm. The audience will be the best from Spar and across Scotland, with plenty of opportunities for networking well into the evening.

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A Drinks Reception including announcing the winners of this year’s Spar Scotland Awards – we’ve added some new categories too!

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A Gala dinner like no other in the Osprey Arena – with lots to tempt your taste buds.

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We will round off our event with not one but two bands – bring your dancing shoes with you!

CONTENTS 33 BACK AT AVIEMORE 34 CHIEF EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW 36 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 40 EXHIBITORS 42 SPAR SCOTLAND NEWS 43 SPAR SCOTLAND AWARDS 44 SPONSORS

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO AVIEMORE SPAR Scotland’s annual tradeshow and conference returns to the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, in the heart of Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park, on Thursday 28 September.

The winners of the annual SPAR Scotland Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in the evening, followed by live entertainment.

Colin McLean, Chief Executive of CJ Lang & Son, said: “We are excited to be heading back to Aviemore in the heart of Scotland for our annual tradeshow and conference. After a hugely successful event in 2022, we know that this will be a must-attend event.

This year the CJ Lang & Son Ltd tradeshow and business conference will take place in a huge arc marquee in the grounds of the resort. All exhibitor space at the tradeshow has sold out and 200 FMCG suppliers will be in attendance.

The tradeshow will run from 10am until 4pm.

“We are anticipating that 850 delegates will be in attendance on the day.”

DAY AGENDA FOR 28 SEPTEMBER l

7.30AM

REGISTRATION OPENS – IN THE CONFERENCE CENTRE COMPLEX

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8.15AM

SUPPLIER BUSINESS PRESENTATION – IN THE AUDITORIUM, CONFERENCE CENTRE

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9.15AM

INDEPENDENT RETAILER BUSINESS PRESENTATION – IN THE AUDITORIUM, CONFERENCE CENTRE

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10.00AM

TRADESHOW OPENS

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3.15PM

CJ LANG & SON COLLEAGUE BUSINESS PRESENTATION – IN THE AUDITORIUM, CONFERENCE CENTRE

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4.00PM

APPY DAY SPAR SCOTLAND HAS CREATED AN APP TO HELP DELEGATES NAVIGATE THIS YEAR’S TRADE SHOW. THE APP, WHICH CAN BE ACCESSED AND DOWNLOADED PRIOR TO THE EVENT, CARRIES A HOST OF INFORMATION INCLUDING: l

DAY AND EVENING AGENDAS;

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FLOOR PLANS;

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EXHIBITOR LISTS;

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INFORMATION OF SPAR SCOTLAND AWARDS AND NOMINEES;

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INFORMATION ON THE GALA DINNER AND RAFFLE PRIZES;

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AND INFORMATION ABOUT OUR 100’S OF DEALS ON THE DAY THAT ARE EXCLUSIVE TO INDEPENDENT RETAILERS ATTENDING THE EVENT.

TRADESHOW CLOSES

THE APP WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM BOTH THE APPLE APP STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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THERE’LL BE PLENTY MORE AT AVIEMORE! Last year’s Spar Scotland Trade Show at Aviemore was the highlight of the year for Spar retailers – and this year’s event is set to be even bigger, even better and packed full of big news.

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

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The revitalisation of the Spar Scotland brand over the last five years since Colin McLean was appointed Chief Executive has been little short of remarkable. A business that had been allowed to fall into a truly lamentable state has, in fairly short order, been transformed back into a powerhouse of the Scottish local retailing sector. McLean himself has been fond of quoting former SLR editor David Rees who once stated in an article on the rebirth of the Dundee-based wholesaler and retailer that “the sleeping giant had re-awakened”.

It’s probably fair to say that the giant is now very much awake and on his toes, a fact that even the typically under-stated McLean is prepared to accept. “Yes, I think we can say that we’ve completed the first phase of our project to take Spar Scotland back to where it belongs,” he states.

Investment was non-existent. Five years ago, the company was in a seemingly terminal downward spiral.

Fast forward back to today and Spar Scotland is investing millions in its estate with major back-to-the-bricks refits happening on a rolling basis: Crosshouse, Drymen, Grangemouth, Glenrothes, Garthamlock – the list goes on. The CJ’s food-to-go concept has been rolled out to the companyowned estate too, another major investment in a category that is likely to be critical to the sector in years to come. More recently, phase two of the company’s food-to-go project has been implemented in Garthamlock with promising early signs.

Then there’s been the series of acquisitions and new stores that have characterised the last couple of years, with many more in the pipeline.

GIANT STEPS Whatever way you look at it, the last five-and-a-half years for Spar Scotland demonstrate exactly what can be achieved with a strong leader, a strong plan, and a strong team. Of course, a little luck along the way doesn’t do any harm either.

McLean’s first summer in Dundee was a scorcher, helping drive up volumes and deliver an instant boost to sales and profits, but it was the creation of a brand-new, big-hitting senior management team that was to have a much more lasting effect on the business. A raft of new industry heavyweights joined the experienced team that was already there, creating a solid base upon which to build.

Building on that initial success, McLean took some very tough and occasionally unpopular decisions – offloading underperforming stores and dropping unprofitable services, for example – but the results were there for all to see.

The company rapidly moved from the financial intensive care unit to the out-patients ward before striding back out into the big wide world, highly profitable, growing and with a long-term plan in place.

Then Covid struck and, as most retailers experienced, for all that it was a horrendous period in general, it was a great period for business. As McLean pointed out at the time, however, Spar Scotland was only able to take full advantage of the period because of the systems, processes and people it had put in place before the pandemic turned the world upside down.

Since then, Spar Scotland has continued to build and evolve.

“This year we are investing literally five times more than we were investing five years ago,” says McLean. “That’s signed off by my Board and we have huge plans for the future. We’ve moved out of the initial phase and into the next phase where we build strong, profitable, sustainable growth for the long-term.”

That’s a remarkable statement to be able to make after what is, after all, a relatively short period. But the evidence that a solid platform has been built is all around. Spar Scotland’s company-owned store estate had been allowed to fall way below the standards expected of a leading global retail brand.

www.slrmag.co.uk

“We’ve started 2023 really well too,” says McLean. “We’ve seen big growth already this year and while some of that is clearly down to inflation, we’re actually seeing big growth in volumes too. Our core business is performing exceptionally well and we’re seeing the positive impact of all the work we’ve done on the business over the last five years. We’ve also been the number one Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in Spar UK for the past month, having been number two for the previous few months. That’s a massive achievement when you consider the quality of the other Spar RDCs across the UK. We’re punching above our weight and we’re in great shape.”

INDEPENDENT FOCUS But it’s not just the company-owned estate that’s seeing the benefit of the new and improved Spar Scotland. A huge investment programme in the facilities at Dundee, the transport fleet and a raft of other visionary investments in supply chain optimisation solutions, data partnerships and lots more besides have clearly benefitted the hundreds of independent Spar retailers across Scotland.

Critically, the fact that Spar Scotland can attract the attention of some of Scotland’s leading local retailers tells its own story.

Possibly the biggest news to emerge at last year’s Spar Scotland Trade Show and Conference was the news that David Sands was moving his stores into Spar. For anyone that knows David, they’ll know that he didn’t take that decision lightly.

“We were absolutely delighted to welcome the David Sands Group stores to Spar Scotland, as you can imagine” says McLean. “It demonstrates how far Spar Scotland has come and it shows that we are the group of choice for Scotland’s best independent retailers.”

Are there any similarly earth-shaking announcements likely this year at Aviemore? “I couldn’t possibly say,” laughs McLean.

“But yes, we have some big announcements to make and I look forward to welcoming everyone to Aviemore. We’re hungry, we’re acquisitive and we’re committed to ensuring that this sleeping giant remains very much awake for a very long time to come.”

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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ANOTHER TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR!

It’s been another huge year for SPAR Scotland since last year’s Tradeshow and Conference, as the brand continues to grow, evolve and progress. Here’s a look back at just some of the highlights…

AUGUST 2023

JUNE 2023

SPAR SCOTLAND EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCOTTISH FA

SPAR SCOTLAND RELAUNCHES GLENROTHES STORE

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SPAR SCOTLAND’S FOUR-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED BY A FURTHER FOUR YEARS. THE PARTNERSHIP ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO HAVE AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND SUPPORTS GIRLS WHO WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL AT A GRASSROOTS LEVEL WITH THE AIM ONE DAY TO REPRESENT THE SCOTLAND WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM.

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SPAR SCOTLAND HAS RELAUNCHED ITS BIGHTY AVENUE STORE IN GLENROTHES, IN THE HEART OF FIFE.

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CUSTOMERS AT SPAR BIGHTY AVENUE ARE NOW GREETED WITH NEW BRANDING EXTERNALLY AND INTERNALLY, A NEW SALES COUNTER, NEW SHELVING, AND ENHANCED LIGHTING. ALL REFRIGERATION CABINETS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH MODERN, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FRIDGES AND FREEZERS.

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THE COMPANY-OWNED STORE, WHICH EMPLOYS 12 MEMBERS OF STAFF, IS SITUATED AT 55-57 BIGHTY AVENUE AND IS OPEN FROM 7AM-10PM MON-SAT AND 8AM-10PM ON SUNDAY.

THE PARTNERSHIP NOW INCLUDES SUPPORTING THE SCOTTISH WOMEN’S DOMESTIC GAME

JULY 2023 SPAR SCOTLAND RELAUNCHES GRANGEMOUTH STORE l

SPAR SCOTLAND HAS RELAUNCHED ITS GRANGEMOUTH STORE, AT 91 NEWHOUSE ROAD, AFTER A REFIT.

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THE 1,319SQ FT COMPANY-OWNED STORE HAS HAD NEW ENERGY-EFFICIENT CO2 REFRIGERATION INSTALLED THROUGHOUT THE STORE TO PROVIDE SHOPPERS WITH A GREATER RANGE OF FRESH AND FROZEN FOODS, BEERS AND WINES, SOFT DRINKS, AND SANDWICHES.

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SPAR NEWHOUSE ROAD HAS HAD NEW GRAPHICS ADDED TO THE FRONT OF THE STORE AND INTERNALLY, GIVING IT A FRESH NEW LOOK AND APPEARANCE. THE STORE HAS ALSO BEEN DECORATED INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY, WITH NEW FEATURE LIGHTING FOR A BRIGHTER LOOK, NEW ELECTRONIC SHELF EDGE LABELS (ESELS) AND THE CJ’S FOOD-TO-GO AREA HAS BEEN REMODELLED TO ALLOW FOR A NEW RANGE OF REFRIGERATED SANDWICHES.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

SPAR SCOTLAND OPENS NEW HIGHLANDS STORE l

CJ LANG & SON OPENED A NEW COMPANY-OWNED STORE IN THE VILLAGE OF CASTLETOWN.

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THE LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE IS LOCATED WHERE THE MORRISON’S DAILY STORE ONCE TRADED ON THE MAIN STREET. THIS STORE WAS PREVIOUSLY AN INDEPENDENT SPAR STORE.

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THE 1,342SQ FT STORE, WHICH EMPLOYS 11 PEOPLE, HAS BEEN REFITTED INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY WITH THE LATEST SPAR DESIGNS. A NEW FLOOR, COUNTER AREA, CEILING AND SHELVING HAVE ALL BEEN ADDED. ALSO NEW IS THE FAMOUS CJ’S BRANDED FOOD-TO-GO AREA WHICH WILL PROVIDE SHOPPERS WITH A RANGE OF HOT AND COLD FOOD-TO-GO TREATS. A COSTA COFFEE MACHINE AND A CALIPPO SLUSH MACHINE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.

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MAY 2023 CJ LANG CUSTOMISES SPAR SCOTLAND SALESTRACK PLATFORM l

CJ LANG & SON IS TO CUSTOMISE ITS SPAR SCOTLAND SALESTRACK PLATFORM, A TOOL THAT ALLOWS THE BUSINESS TO REPORT BOTH ITS WHOLESALE SHIPMENTS AND EPOS SALES DATA IN ONE PLATFORM, AFTER SEEING TRACTION WITH ITS SUPPLIERS AND RETAILERS.

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BY TOGGLING BETWEEN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL METRICS, SUPPLIERS CAN SEAMLESSLY TRACK PRODUCT PERFORMANCE THROUGH DEPOTS, INTO RETAIL AND OUT TO THE CONSUMER. THE DATA CAN BE USED TO EDUCATE RETAILERS ON WHAT IS DRIVING PERFORMANCE IN THEIR OWN STORES.

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THE SPAR SCOTLAND SALESTRACK PLATFORM HAS JUST UNDERGONE AN UPGRADE, DESIGNED IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH THE CJ LANG TRADING TEAM, WHICH HAS UNLOCKED A SERIES OF NEW FEATURES TO TAKE PERFORMANCE AND REPORTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

BY ADDING CUSTOMISED FUNCTIONALITY THAT IS UNIQUE TO SPAR SCOTLAND SALESTRACK.

APRIL 2023 SPAR SCOTLAND HOSTS FUTURE STARS FINALS l

SPAR SCOTLAND HAS HOSTED ITS SECOND FUTURE STARS NATIONAL FINALS AT BROADWOOD STADIUM, IN CUMBERNAULD.

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APPROXIMATELY 400 GIRLS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 16 PARTICIPATED ON THE DAY, REPRESENTING 300 TEAMS, FROM 200 SCHOOLS.

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THIS YEAR BRAEVIEW ACADEMY AND HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL WON THE SPAR FUTURE STARS CUPS.

MARCH 2023 SPAR SCOTLAND PROMOTES POSITIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT l

SPAR SCOTLAND IS WORKING WITH POLICE SCOTLAND AND LOCHSIDE ACADEMY, THE LARGEST SECONDARY SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN, TO DISCUSS POSITIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, CSR, AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.

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THE FIRST ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS TOOK PLACE AT LOCHSIDE ACADEMY ON 20 MARCH WHEN SPAR SCOTLAND AREA MANAGER GARRY BRAILSFORD AND SPAR SCOTLAND MARKETING MANAGER PAULA MIDDLETON SPOKE TO ABOUT 100 STUDENTS AGED 13- AND 14-YEARS-OLD ABOUT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH SPAR AND CJ LANG & SON.

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THE RETAILER WAS INVITED BACK IN APRIL TO DO ANOTHER ROUNDTABLE SESSION WITH OLDER STUDENTS ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH SPAR AND WHAT AN EMPLOYER EXPECTS OF AN EMPLOYEE IN THE WORKPLACE.

SPAR SCOTLAND TAKES A GANDER AT CUTTING FOOD WASTE l

SPAR SCOTLAND’S STORES IN ABRONHILL AND STONEHOUSE STARTED A TRIAL WITH FOOD WASTE APP GANDER – A FIRST FOR THE SCOTTISH CONVENIENCE MARKET.

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THE MOVE FOLLOWS GANDER EXHIBITING AT CJ LANG’S TRADESHOW LAST SEPTEMBER IN AVIEMORE.

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THE TRIAL WILL RUN FOR AT LEAST 12 WEEKS IN BOTH STORES, WITH THE VIEW TO CUTTING FOOD WASTE AND OFFERING CUSTOMERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A SELECTION OF FRESH FOOD AT REDUCED PRICES.

CJ LANG & SON WELCOMES BARRY’S STORES l

CJ LANG & SON HAS WELCOMED BARRY’S STORES TO SPAR SCOTLAND.

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BARRY’S STORES, WHICH IS RUN BY FATHER AND SON BARRY AND STEVEN OUJLA, IS A GROUP OF FOUR STORES IN THE SOUTH OF GLASGOW AND PAISLEY. THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER HAS BEEN OPERATING SINCE 1981 AND EMPLOYS 30 PEOPLE.

CJ LANG & SON DRIVER SCOOPS PRIZE AT INTERNATIONAL SPAR COMPETITION l

CJ LANG & SON DRIVER WILLIE BROWN WON SECOND PRIZE AT THE INAUGURAL SPAR INTERNATIONAL DRIVER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION, HELD TO HIGHLIGHT THE ROLE LORRY DRIVERS PLAY IN SPAR’S OPERATION AND PROMOTE DRIVING AS A CAREER.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

37

FEBRUARY 2023 SPAR SCOTLAND AWARDS £1,000 TO FOODBANKS l

SPAR SCOTLAND HAS DONATED £1,000 BETWEEN FOUR FOODBANKS AFTER A COMPETITION HELD ON SOCIAL MEDIA IN JANUARY.

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THE SYMBOL GROUP’S FOLLOWERS ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM WERE ASKED TO NOMINATE A LOCAL FOODBANK TO RECEIVE £250 IN SPAR SCOTLAND VOUCHERS. MORE THAN 230 NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED, AND FOUR WINNERS WERE PICKED AT RANDOM TO BE GIVEN £250 EACH.

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THE WINNERS ARE THORNTON COMMUNITY FOOD SUPPORT, EBI UNITES, WEE MOBILE FOODBANK LANARKSHIRE, AND DALBEATTIE FOODBANK.

SPAR SCOTLAND EXTENDS CONTRACT TO ADVERTISE ON STV l

SPAR SCOTLAND EXTENDED ITS CONTRACT TO ADVERTISE ON STV UNTIL APRIL 2024.

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THE WHOLESALER, WHICH STARTED ADVERTISING ON STV IN 2019, SAW THAT SCOTTISH CONSUMERS WANT TO SEE LEADING BRANDS ADVERTISE ON STV WITH GREAT PROMOTIONAL PRICES.

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PAULA MIDDLETON, SPAR SCOTLAND MARKETING MANAGER, SAID: “WITH THE RIGHT STRATEGY, WE’VE SEEN HOW OUR MOST RECENT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN HAS ALLOWED US TO CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS HIGHLIGHTING TO THEM OUR LOCALNESS AND GREAT VALUE, ALL OF WHICH IS AVAILABLE IN SPAR STORES THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF SCOTLAND.” SPAR SCOTLAND’S FIREWALK RAISES £4K FOR MARIE CURIE l

MORE THAN 40 EMPLOYEES FROM CJ LANG & SON TOOK PART IN A FIREWALK AT THE COMPANY’S DUNDEE DEPOT ON 29 JANUARY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR END-OFLIFE CHARITY MARIE CURIE. THE VOLUNTEERS, FROM ALL AREAS OF CJ LANG’S BUSINESS, RAISED MORE THAN £4,000 SO FAR

BY WALKING ACROSS THE HOT EMBERS WITH A PIPER ON HAND.

JANUARY 2023 CJ LANG SELECTS RELEX TO AUTOMATE AND OPTIMISE SUPPLY CHAIN l

CJ LANG & SON HAS SELECTED RELEX, A PROVIDER OF UNIFIED SUPPLY CHAIN AND RETAIL PLANNING SOLUTIONS, TO AUTOMATE AND OPTIMISE ITS SUPPLY CHAIN PROCESSES.

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RELEX WILL DELIVER INTEGRATED STORE AND DISTRIBUTION CENTRE FORECASTING AND REPLENISHMENT, AS WELL AS IMPROVED ALLOCATIONS AND PROMOTIONAL FORECASTING FOR CJ LANG’S COMPANY-OWNED STORES AND DISTRIBUTION CENTRE. RELEX WILL ALSO DRIVE IMPROVED ORDER ACCURACY, SHARING OF FORECASTS TO SUPPLIERS, AND FRESH ASSORTMENT OPTIMISATION.

DECEMBER 2022 CJ LANG RECOGNISED FOR COMMUNITY WORK

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CJ LANG & SON HAS BEEN RECOGNISED FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING AND NURTURING YOUNG PEOPLE.

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THE RETAILER HAS BEEN PRESENTED WITH AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY AWARD FROM HELM, THE GRASSROOTS SPECIALIST YOUTH WORK PROVIDER, FOR SPENDING MANY HOURS CREATING AND IMPLEMENTING A TRAINING PROGRAMME SPECIFICALLY FOR HELM’S YOUNG PEOPLE.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

www.slrmag.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2022 CJ LANG REFRESHES LIVERY l

CJ LANG HAS REVAMPED THE LOOK OF ITS VEHICLE FLEET.

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THE COMPANY’S FLEET OF 59 VEHICLES, MADE UP OF A MIXTURE OF PRIME MOVERS, TRAILERS, AND DRAWBARS, IS NOW SPORTING NEW GRAPHICS SHOWING OFF THE GREAT EVERYDAY LOW PRICES IN SPAR STORES.

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THE FLEET TRAVELS APPROXIMATELY 32,000KMS EACH YEAR DELIVERING TO SPAR STORES ACROSS SCOTLAND.

OCTOBER 2022 CJ LANG’S STRATEGY DELIVERS POSITIVE RESULTS l

CJ LANG & SON HAS REPORTED A 10.7% INCREASE IN PRE-TAX PROFITS TO £3.4M FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 APRIL 2022, WITH MARGIN UP 0.3% TO 23.3%. MEANWHILE, TURNOVER FOR THE YEAR WAS DOWN 0.1% TO £212.3M.

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THE COMPANY CONTINUES TO IMPLEMENT ITS STRATEGY FOR PROFITABLE GROWTH, WITH A CONTINUED FOCUS ON ENHANCING ITS FOOD-TO-GO OFFER CJ’S, AS WELL AS IMPROVING AND IMPLEMENTING CONSISTENT STORE STANDARDS WHILE INVESTING IN THE STORE ESTATE.

SPAR SCOTLAND RAISES £24K FOR GROCERYAID l

EMPLOYEES FROM CJ LANG & SON HAVE RAISED MORE THAN £24,000 FOR GROCERYAID

BY TAKING PART IN ALL FOUR KILTWALKS OVER THE SUMMER. A TOTAL OF 186 EMPLOYEES FROM ACROSS SCOTLAND COMPETED IN THE EVENTS IN GLASGOW, ABERDEEN, DUNDEE, AND EDINBURGH TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CHARITY. IN TOTAL, INCLUDING A TOP-UP BY SIR TOM HUNTER, FUNDS RAISED FOR GROCERYAID WERE £24,038.

CJ LANG AGREES MAINTENANCE SERVICES PARTNERSHIP l

CJ LANG & SON HAS FORMED A MAINTENANCE SERVICES PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY BUILDING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (CBES) FOR MORE THAN 100 OF ITS COMPANY-OWNED SPAR STORES.

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CBES WILL PROVIDE AN ASSET-BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICE THAT INCLUDES BUILDING FABRIC AND ELECTRICAL WORKS.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2022 DAVID SANDS GROUP JOINS SPAR SCOTLAND l

CONVENIENCE RETAILER DAVID SANDS GROUP HAS JOINED SPAR SCOTLAND.

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DAVID SANDS IS A FAMILY-OWNED, FIFTHGENERATION BUSINESS THAT HAS OVER 200 YEARS OF GROCERY RETAILING IN SCOTLAND. THE COMPANY LAUNCHED THE DAVID’S KITCHEN BRAND OF CONVENIENCE RETAILING/FOODSERVICE LOCAL STORES IN 2013.

TODAY THE COMPANY HAS FOUR STORES OPERATING AROUND SCOTLAND, INCLUDING THE AWARDWINNING PINKIE FARM STORE IN MUSSELBURGH.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

39

ALL OF THE 2023 EXHIBITORS Licensed

l SHS Sales & Marketing (GB)

C26

l Robinson Young Ltd

B09

D06

l Sofidel UK

B03

l Cornish Sea Salt

B20

l Denzels

B19

l The Innis & Gunn Brewing Company C28

l Fox, Burtons Companies

B18

l Treasury Premium Brands

B32

l Grace Foods

B12

B29

l Whyte & Mackay Ltd

B30

l KBF Enterprises Ltd (Warrior Brands) J04

l Brewdog plc

C17

l William Grant & Sons UK Ltd

B28

l Lotus

l Brown-Forman UK

C05

l Yealands / Bibendum Off Trade

C06

l Marshalls Foods and ZMI (Wikinger)

l Accolade Wines Ltd

C01

l Thatchers Cider Company Ltd

l Asahi UK Ltd

C27

l The Glen Turner Company

l AU Vodka

B22

l Australian Vintage Ltd

C02

l BELHAVEN (Greene King Brewing & Brands)

(Trading as LMB UK)

C22

l Budweiser Brewing Group UK & I (AB InBev UK Limited)

C19

l Budweiser Budvar UK Ltd

C20

l C&C Group plc (Tennent’s)

C32

l Carlsberg Marstons Brewing Company

C03

l Casella Family Brands Europe Limited l Cider Of Sweden (Kopparberg)

D04 C14

l COLD TOWN BEER (Scotbrew Ltd) C09 l Concha y Toro UK

C18

l Consolidated Craft Breweries

B24

l Corinthian Brands Ltd

C10

l CVH Spirits

C11

l Damm Brewery UK Ltd

C08

l Diageo Great Britain

C13

l Funkin UK Ltd

C16

l Global Brands Ltd

D05

l Hammonds of Knutsford

D03

l Hatch Mansfield Agencies Ltd

C15

l Heineken UK

C24

l Ian MacLeod Distillers Ltd

C12

l ICBrands

C23

l International Beverage Holdings Ltd (Inverhouse Distillers)

40

C21

l J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) Ltd

C30

l Les Grands Chais de France

B27

l Molson Coors Beverage Company

D07

l Off Piste Wines

D08

l Pernod Ricard UK Ltd

C25

l Proximo Spirits UK

C04

l Red star Brands - Four Loko

B26

l Sazerac T/A Hi-spirits

C07

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

Cigs /Tobacco /Vape

B10

Dual stand

B25

l Nestle UK Ltd

B23

l Premier Foods

B14

l British American Tobacco (UK) Ltd

J01

l The Kraft Heinz Company

B15

l Clipper UK Ltd

B31

l Thomas Tunnock Ltd

B13

l Imperial Tobacco Limited

A06

l Vitamin Well Ltd -Barebells

l JTI UK

A19

l JUUL Labs UK Ltd

B16

l Liberty Flights Ltd

E28

l Philip Morris Limited

G26

l Republic Technologies (UK) Ltd

G01

l Ashers Bakery

G34

l Ritmeester Cigars UK LTD

A21

l Barista

E02

l Totally Wicked

A01

l Brownings the Bakers

G23

l Cakes By Rebecca Ltd

G22

l Costa Express

E19

Frozen

Milkshakes

B21

Food to Go / Bread & Cakes

l Country Choice Foods LTD (brake) G27 l Crosta & Mollica

J03

l D McGhee and Sons Ltd

G19

l Froneri

E26

l Europastry Benelux BV

G07

l Little Moons

E25

l First Quality Food

G32

l McCain Foods (GB) LTD

E22

l Fordham Fine Foods

G03

l Nomad Foods

E24

l FrozenBrothers - Tango Ice Blast/Slush Puppy

Non Foods l B&J Toys

B06

l CARD CONNECTION

B04

l DCS GROUP (UK) LIMITED

B07

l Edco UK

B11

l Energizer- Group Ltd

B17

l Fifo

B05

l PMS International Group PLC

B01

l Potter and Moore

B08

G18

l Greencore (FTG Convenience)

G28

l Hovis

G29

l iSqueeze

G21

l Lancashire Eccles Cakes

G30

l Nisbets

G24

l Orkney Bakery

H01a

l R T Stuart Ltd

G09

l Rollover

G25

l Sophia Cupcakes

G17

l Tchibo Coffee International Ltd

G13

l Vicky Foods

G15

www.slrmag.co.uk

l Warburtons Ltd

G11

Confectionery

l Britvic

A07

l Muller Dairy UK Limited

H20

l Coca Cola Enterprises

A02

l Nomadic Foods

H14

l Danone

A10

l Norseland Ltd

H05

l Kompassion Kombucha

A04

l Pilgrims Food Masters Ltd

H12

l Anderson Veitch

J07

l Monster energy

A03

l Prep House

H08

l Bazooka Candy Brands (Topps)

J06

l Nix and Kix

A11

l Punjab Pakora

H07

l BIP Candy and Toy UK

H32

l Nutrabolt

A05

l Shaken Udder Ltd

H13

l Dunhills Pontefract Plc (Haribo)

H28

l Red Bull Company Limited

l Strathmore Foods LTD

H16

l Euro Food Brands

H30

l SHS (highland Spring)

D09

l Total Produce Glasgow (Dole)

H03

l Feastables (Icon Chocolate)

E01a

l Suntory

A13

l Tropicana Brands Group

H10

l Ferrero UK Limited

H23

l Vimto Soft Drinks

A09

l Upper Dysart Limited

H18

l GB Brands

H22

l VITHIT

A08

l Golden Casket

H25

l Lindt & Sprungli UK Ltd

H21

l Mars / Wrigley

H17

l Mondelez UK Limited (Cadbury)

H15

l Apple Blossom Bakery

l Perfetti Van Melle (PVM UK)

H34

l Swizzels Matlow Ltd

A23 & A25

Property Invest NI l Acorn Signs

E06

l Arneg UK

E14

l Clandeboye

l Aurora

E11

H26

l Clarke Millar Foods

l GSS Contracts Ltd

E17

l Tilly Confectionery Ltd (Mrs Tilly’s)

H24

l Golden Popcorn/Gourmet Crunch

l Joalpe

E15

l Valeo/Kettle Foods

H27

l Island Salads

l Lowe

E21

l K&G McAtamney

l Vertex

E20

Crisps & Snacks

G04-G16

l Lakeland Daries

Services/ Marketing/ Other

l Milgro l Graze

A26

l Noisy Snacks

l Howdah snacks

A12

l Thompson’s Tea (Punjana)

l HR

E01

l IOC Anabtawi UK LTD

E12

l TS Foods

l Camelot

E10

l Kelloggs

D02

l Gander

E16

l KP Snacks

A24

l GoceryAid

E07

l New Wave Foods

A16

l Healthy Living Programme

E03

l PepsiCo UK

A20

l Albert Bartlett / Scotty Brand H02 & H04

l Image Data

E13

l Pladis UK

D01

l Arla Foods

H06

l Marie Curie

E05

l Savoursmiths

A14

l Compleat Food Group

H16

l Post Office

E04

l Taking the Pea (Dignity Brands)

J05

l Farmlay Eggs

l Relex

E09

Chilled

No Exhibition Stand

l Taylors snacks (Mackie’s at Taypack) A18

l Grahams Dairies Ltd

G02

l Scottish F& D retail awards

J02

l Tayto Group Limited

l Harva International BV

H02a

l Snappy Shopper

E18

l House of Westphalia Ltd

H06

l SoluM

E23

l Jack Links (Chilled)

H09

l SPAR BRAND

B02

l Kepak UK LTD (Rustlers)

G20

l The Fed (NFRN)

E08

A28

Soft Drinks l A G Barr plc

A17

l Lacka Foods Ltd

l Actiph Water

E27

l Malcolm Allan Butchers

H01b

l Boost Drinks LTD

A15

l May & Raeburn Ltd

G05

www.slrmag.co.uk

H11 & H13

l Tomra (DRS scheme) No Exhibition Stand

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

41

SPAR INTEGRATION COMPLETE AT DAVID SANDS’ STORES The final step of the integration of the David’s Kitchen and Pinkie Farm stores into SPAR Scotland was completed earlier this year.

SPAR signage has been hoisted proudly above the David Sands Group’s three David’s Kitchen stores in Glenrothes, Falkirk and Kirkcaldy, as well as its Pinkie Farm store in Musselburgh.

Founded in 1812, David Sands is a family-owned, fifthgeneration business that continues to thrive more than 200 years later – and the fact that Sands trusts SPAR to deliver for him, in every sense, is a badge of honour.

David Sands added: “Having the full support of the SPAR brand and the team at Dundee means we can offer our local shoppers a substantial range of products and great service.

It is really important to us that we exceed the needs of our customers every day. It is also hugely beneficial to have the Dundee depot in such close proximity to us, as supplies into our stores are now much more reliable.

“Our partnership with SPAR Scotland and CJ Lang & Son is giving us the confidence to move our business forward. We are combining the best of David’s Kitchen and Pinkie Farm with the best of SPAR Scotland – a powerful combination.”

The four stores have adopted the newer SPAR Market fascia, reflecting the importance of fresh and chilled as well as freshly prepared food-to-go in all four stores.

Brian Straiton, Independent Sales Director for CJ Lang & Son, said: “We are really pleased to be working with David, Dan, Keith and their teams. We have worked closely with them on range development and the internal and external branding of all four stores to SPAR Market, whilst ensuring their local identity is retained throughout. We are looking forward to helping them grow their business and having a long partnership with one of the best Scottish independent retailers.”

SPAR GROWS OWN-BRAND RANGE SPAR Own Brand, which is worth around £350m in annual retail sales and is the 20th biggest-selling food brand in the UK, has made some notable additions in recent months.

SPAR has introduced own-brand tins of rice pudding and custard – the largest sub-category for ambient desserts.

Tins of SPAR own-label rice pudding (RSP 95p) and custard (RSP 95p) are available in participating SPAR stores around the UK. In addition, SPAR has entered the flavoured spirits market with an own-label raspberry-flavoured vodka price-marked at £14.99.

According to SPAR market research, raspberry vodka currently commands 37% of the flavoured vodka market.

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

SPAR has also launched five new ownlabel lines to its overall confectionery range. Joining the take-home confectionery category are Giant Strawberries, which are vegan and vegetarian friendly, Yummy Bears, and Sour Gummy Mix. SPAR has introduced a new character called Tilly the Turtle. This line will sit in the impulse confectionery category, along with Sour Flames, which are also new.

sensation MrBeast’s new confectionery range. Working with Icon Foods, SPAR has secured a deal to distribute four SKUs in the Feastables range of chocolate bars until January 2024. The range is available now from participating SPAR stores across the UK, with products priced between £2 and £2.49.

All five products are packaged in a new vibrant design that takes inspiration from traditional sweet shop style stripes with a bold and vivid colour palette.

Henry Goodchild, SPAR UK Trading Controller, said: “We are always looking at interesting new brands to work with and opportunities for differentiation and this partnership is another example of how we are able to find a new and innovative way to stand out from the crowd.”

SPAR has also been chosen as exclusive convenience partner for the launch of YouTube

The launch has been supported in SPAR stores with a campaign including online activity, POS, social media, in-store radio, and consumer competitions.

www.slrmag.co.uk

STAR RETAILERS TO SHINE AT EVENING AWARDS The SPAR Scotland Awards recognise some of the best SPAR stores, retailers and suppliers across Scotland.

SPAR Scotland is to host its second annual awards ceremony in Aviemore following the success of last year’s inaugural event.

The SPAR Scotland Awards programme highlights individual store achievements which have made a positive impact on communities.

A new category – Supplier of the Year – has been launched for this year’s awards. The category was open to all CJ Lang & Son’s suppliers and was judged by the symbol group’s trading team along with executive team members.

This year’s other categories are: l Independent community retailer of the year – sponsored by Budweiser Brewing Group l Company-owned community store of the year – sponsored by Graham’s the Family Dairy l Independent retailer of the year – sponsored by AG Barr l Company-owned store of the year – sponsored by Hovis l Supplier of the year – sponsored by Tomra

www.slrmag.co.uk

The SPAR Scotland stores that entered the awards were judged on a number of agreed criteria. These included the internal and external appearance of stores, their activity in the community, staff engagement, in-store theatre, and store standards, judged across May, June and July.

The Community Store of the Year category specifically looked at what a SPAR store and retailer has done within their community in terms of supporting local groups and charities, fundraising events, and how they work hand-inhand with their community throughout the year.

A shortlist of stores was drawn up for sponsors, SPAR Scotland Chief Executive Colin McLean, and associate directors to visit in August.

McLean said: “We are extremely excited to welcome back so many sponsors to the awards and tradeshow. After a hugely successful event last year the bar has been set incredibly high, but we have a few surprises up our sleeves to make this year’s event go with an even bigger bang.

“These awards will recognise some of the best SPAR stores and suppliers we have across Scotland.”

EVENING AGENDA l

6.00PM

DRINKS IN FOYER, CONFERENCE CENTRE

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6.30PM

FORMAL PROCEEDINGS COMMENCE, INCLUDING THE SPAR SCOTLAND AWARDS

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7.30PM

DINNER SERVICE COMMENCES

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10.00PM

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT AND DANCING COMMENCES

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12.45AM

LAST ORDERS AT THE BAR

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

43

SPONSORS

Thank you to our Tradeshow and SPAR Scotland Awards Sponsors…

SPAR Scotland Tradeshow and Awards Sponsors

PEPSICO PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the World. Every day millions of people in the UK enjoy our snacks, oats, and beverages. The 4,5000-strong sales team behind these household names is spread across our 10 UK sites including our Quaker oats mill in Cupar and our Walkers crisp factory in Leicester – the biggest crisp factory in the world.

Our portfolio includes some of the nation’s best-loved snack brands like Walkers, the nation’s favourite crisp, made from 100% British potatoes and famous for their mouthwatering flavours. But that’s not all, we also create iconic snacks like Doritos, Wotsits, and Monster Munch.

Our vision is to be a global leader in convenient foods and beverages by winning with PepsiCo Positive. Behind this vision lies a passion for sustainability and a commitment to doing business in the right way. We strongly believe that integrating purpose into our business strategy will be the key to our future success.

COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERSERS Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is the sole licensed bottler for products of the Coco-Cola Company (TCCC) in Andorra, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Pacific, and Indonesia. In Great Britain (GB) we employ some 3,600 people across England, Scotland, and Wales at manufacturing sites, offices, and depots.

Coca-Cola may be a global company, but we are a local business. We have our roots firmly in those communities in which we do business from Sidcup in Kent to East Kilbride in Scotland.

Our customers and suppliers are critical partners of our business, we service over 300,000 outlets with CCEP GB making, selling, and distributing soft drinks for every occasion, with 97% of our products made in GB and over 60% sold are no- or low-calorie.

SPAR Scotland Awards Sponsors

BARR SOFT DRINKS Established over 140 years ago in Scotland and now operating across the UK and internationally, AG Barr has been creating and building great-tasting brands that people love and our business has grown as a result. Employing 860 people across nine locations, we are proud to be a responsible business that listens to our customers, builds lasting customer relationships, takes care of our employees, gives something back to our communities, and works to minimise our environmental impact.

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SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

www.slrmag.co.uk

BUDWEISER BREWING GROUP UK&I Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I is a proud part of AB InBev globally. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest natural ingredients and renewable electricity. We are proud to offer the UK’s leading premium beer, cider, and seltzer brands, including global brands Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; international brands Bud Light, Corona Tropical, Becks, Leffe, and Hoegaarden; and craft heroes Camden Town Brewery. In the UK, Budweiser Brewing Group employs 1,400 people in our three breweries in Magor, South Wales, Samlesbury, Lancashire, and Enfield, North London, and in our local headquarters in Central London.

We are here to champion Britain’s iconic beer culture, from barley farmers to pubs and retail. We are a founding member of the Portman Group, member of the British Beer and Pub Association and supporter of the Drinkaware Trust. We are also members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Renewable and Sustainable Energy and the All-Party Parliamentary Corporate Responsibility Group. As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world.

GRAHAM’S THE FAMILY DAIRY Graham’s The Family Dairy, which was established over 70 years ago, produces an award-winning home-grown range of the highest quality food and drink. Their current range includes Graham’s Gold, Graham’s Organic, milk, cheese, cream, butter, spreadable butter, ice-cream in six flavours, cottage cheese, quark, sour cream, yogurt and Protein 22; which is all made using the finest Scottish ingredients from 100 specially selected farming partners.

From their family farm in the heart of Scotland, Graham’s has grown through three generations and is now Scotland’s largest independent dairy since setting up in Bridge of Allan in 1939. Today more than half of Scotland’s households buy Graham’s products and they are now proudly Scotland’s number one Dairy and Food Brand.

HOVIS Hovis Limited is a baking business owned by Endless LLP. We’re based in High Wycombe and employ 2,800 people across eight bakeries, one flourmill, and three distribution centres in the UK. We’re proud to be part of a baking heritage that goes back more than 130 years, now delivering more than one million of our much-loved loaves every day throughout the UK and Ireland. There’s more to us than Hovis though – we also bake Mother’s Pride, our ‘Bakers Since 1886’ range, Ormo and other bakery products too. We pride ourselves on the taste and quality of all our bakery products, but then they do have Hovis baked into them.

TOMRA TOMRA’s reverse vending machines capture 45 billion used beverage containers every year with over 82,000 RVMs in operation around the world. We already have successful and long-standing relationships with thousands of grocery convenience retailers and bring know-how, a portfolio of machines, and the capacity to support retailers who wish to provide their shoppers with an automated return point for DRS.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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Hotlines

Product News & Media Watch

Golden Wonder Mega Rings Tayto The new ‘baked not fried’ snack is available in two variants – Mega Onion Rings and Mega Spicy Rings – in 50g packs price marked at £1.

Over the past four years, £1 PMPs have been the main driver of snacks category growth, growing over three times faster than the market and accounting for half of all sales. Golden Wonder’s £1 PMP Snacks range is currently outperforming the market, with growth of 22.6% vs 9.9%.

Barr Soft Drinks powers ahead

Flavour Kravers Flame Grilled Steak £1.25 PMP KP Snacks KP Snacks has rolled out new KP Flavour Kravers Flame Grilled Steak in a £1.25 price-marked pack.

Available now, the launch combines the Flavour Kravers’ best-performing SKU and KP’s £1.25 PMP format.

Worth £108.1m, the brand’s £1.25 PMP range is growing ahead of the overall market at +53.4% (vs +30.5%). The Flavour Kravers range has generated £4.2m in sales over the past year.

Barr Soft Drinks has made another foray into the energy drink market with the launch of Pwr-Bru. A four-strong range comes in outers of 12x500ml plain packs, RSP £1.40. Cans price-marked at £1.19 are also available.

The range consists of the Original Irn-Bru flavour and three fruity variants: ‘Origin’ Original, ‘Diablo’ Cherry, ‘Maverick’ Berry and ‘Dropkick’ Tropical. All four are non-HFSS and levy free.

A £3m launch investment will target 18–24-yearolds, using social media, brand influencers, sampling and outdoor posters and will also include point of sale

Urban Eat Micro Snacks Fresh Food For Now Co

Toffee Flavour Oaties Nairn’s

The new range can be microwaved in-pack or cooked in an oven or air fryer and comprises Mexican Beef Burrito, Curried Chickpea Wrap, Three Cheese Panini, Cheese & Ham Panini, Spicy Chicken Panini, and Tex Mex Chicken Panini.

Breakfast options include a Sausage Bap and Bacon Roll.

The launch is supported with POS materials, including barkers and branded SRPs.

Available now in 160g packs, the crumbly biscuits each contain 49 calories, are made with gluten-free wholegrain oats, and are approved

by Coeliac UK. They also contain 45% less sugar than the average sweet gluten-free biscuit. Sales of the Gluten Free Oaties range, which also includes Original and Choc Chip flavours, have almost tripled over the last year.

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and a field sales drive. A limited number of cans also found their way into the public domain last month to to generate some buzz around the product.

In testing, 98% of big can energy drinkers said they would buy Pwr-Bru and more than 85% said they would make a repeat purchase of all flavours.

Jonathan Kemp, Commercial Director at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “Pwr-Bru is, without a doubt, the biggest launch of the year for the energy market.

“We’re confident that these four eye-catching, great-tasting new products will re-energise the category and drive incremental sales for retailers.”

Cadbury Darkmilk Praline/ Cadbury Caramilk Crispy Mondelez Cadbury Darkmilk Praline contains 40%-cocoa chocolate with a creamy hazelnut filling and comes as hazelnut-flavoured chocolate sees 13% year-on-year growth. Cadbury Caramilk Crispy comprises a golden blend of white chocolate with a light crisped rice inclusion. Both are available now in 85g tablets, RSP £1.49. Visit SnackDisplay.co.uk for more information.

Juice Burst Peach Ice Tea Purity Soft Drinks Juice Burst Peach Ice Tea is available in cases of 12x330ml bottles with an RSP of £1.29. Like the rest of the Juice Burst range, it provides consumers with one of their five a day, and has no added sugar, artificial flavours or sweeteners. The bottles are made with 30% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. The launch is supported by a national outof-home and digital marketing campaign.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Product News & Media Watch Richmond/Players Compact Imperial Tobacco

Monster Zero Sugar CCEP

With shopper demand for value continuing to shape the Tobacco category, Imperial Tobacco has launched new Compact variants for its Richmond and Players cigarette brands, which are available at RSPs of £10.99 and £11.60 respectively.

Both feature new cigarette sticks that are 13% slimmer and come in a modern rounded-corner pack that can easily fit into any bag or pocket for on-the-go convenience.

Monster Zero Sugar offers the same taste of Monster Original but with no calories and no sugar. It is available in both single 500ml cans and multipacks of 4 x 500ml. The can design pays homage to the Monster Original, with the same look and feel to deliver maximum engagement with core Monster fans. The launch is designed to fuel further momentum behind the brand, which is now worth £545m.

McVitie’s Penguin Cracker pladis Launched as part of McVitie’s Christmas range for 2023, the new Penguin Cracker comes in three different designs. Each cracker contains a McVitie’s Original Penguin Bar, McVitie’s Mini Penguins Pack and a festive Christmas party hat. Intended as stocking fillers or to add a touch of extra entertainment to the children’s Christmas table, the crackers are available in mixed cases of 12, with an RSP of £1.25.

Candy Castle Crew Mutations Rose Marketing Launching just in time for Halloween, this six-strong range of sour sweets offers: Sour Belt Rainbow Roll; Triple Sour Squeezee; Sour Funkee Dip; Super Sour Skull; Extremely Sour Hard Candy and an extremely sour Venom Gunk. Each pack has a ‘Sour Meter’. The pocketmoney priced range is available directly from rosemarketinguk.com/ mutations with exclusive limited launch promotional offers.

Hotlines

 Irrestisti-Bel marketing Babybel’s Snack Heroes are back and once again inspiring consumers to ‘Join the Goodness’. The brand has spent more than £1m bringing Super-Bel, Big-Bel, Irresisti-Bel and Flexi-Bel back to TV, video-on-demand and cinemas. Other campaign activities include shopper marketing, ecommerce, PR and social, and a website upgrade.

Water as nature intended Highland Spring’s new brand positioning, ‘Water as Nature Intended,’ tells how the brand’s product is sourced in Perthshire. The new positioning launches with a billboard campaign that helps consumers understand the water’s journey from falling as rain on the Ochil Hills then filtering through the land, where it is bottled at source.

Chocomel back Chocomel has returned to TV screens with a £10m campaign, following its on-screen debut in April. ‘Chocomel, Sharing Not Required’ is back on ITV, Sky and C4, VOD and YouTube.

The latest campaign is expected to reach 33.6% of all adults at least five times, and is backed by in-depot POS, in-store shippers, van sales, and Snappy Shopper activations.

Don’t just stand there Mixed fruit in jelly Dole Sunshine Company

Pepperoni Mozzarella Pesto Dr. Oetker Ristorante

Targeted specifically at kids, the range has an RSP of £1.79 for a four-pack. Two SKUs are available, one with strawberry-flavoured jelly and the other with orange-flavoured jelly, both of which are made with 100% real fruit juice. Both contain real fruit pieces of pineapple and papaya, are high in vitamin C, and contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.

As part of a major brand overhaul, Dr. Oetker Ristorante has rolled out a new Pepperoni Mozzarella Pesto (RSP £3.85), which joins the core range. It features the familiar Ristorante thin and crispy crust, topped with pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, and drizzled with pesto.

It launches alongside Dr. Oetker Ristorante Primo in flavours Salame Piccante Nduja and Primo Pollo Funghi Truffini.

Both RSP at £4.40.

Maynards Bassetts is once more asking the nation to ‘Set The Juice Loose’ through a new outdoor and digital campaign. Ads depict Wine Gums and Jelly Babies under attack from a series of figurines including a jouster, archer and diver. A series of humorous battle scenes show all three desperate to Set The Juice Loose.

Flipping adverts Lactalis has launched a new TV campaign for its Seriously Spreadable range which features three 20-second-long ads that each showcase a different quirky but relatable habit through characters ‘Suzie the flipper,’ ‘Stephen the scooper’ and ‘Brian the spooner’. An initial burst ran last month, with a second scheduled to start in October.

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

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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Fascia Focus

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TIME FOR A FRESH START? With as much pressure ever on retailers thanks to ever rising costs, it could be the right time for a fresh start for your business with a new symbol partner that better meets your specific needs.

BY ANTONY BEGLEY

A

fter the long shadow of Covid finally receded, it was never likely that our sector would emerge neatly into a new, problem-free world of easy profits. Inflation, rising energy costs, staffing challenges, the list goes on and on. Thankfully, most local retailing business are still performing well, at least on a financial level. For the most part, sales and profits may not be quite at peak Covid levels but they’re also not back down to 2019 pre-Covid levels either.

NEW DIRECTION So, bearing all this mind and with the world of retailing still subject to major flux and uncertainty, it’s natural that many retailers may feel they’ve reached a crossroads and the time has come to consider a fresh start.

The lure of joining another symbol group, franchise or fascia is strong, but one word of warning: the grass isn’t always greener. It might be, but it isn’t necessarily so.

The UK’s major symbol groups have been just as hard done by the last few years but, by and large, they have responded more than admirably. So, the first thing to ask yourself when looking at a new partner is a simple question: would my business be better, stronger and more profitable with a different symbol or franchise partner? And if so, why and how?

A partnership, by definition, involves both partners pulling their weight, working closely together and meeting the challenges and exploiting the opportunities together.

Changing symbol group is rarely the magic bullet we’re all looking for, the one that fixes everything in one fell swoop. You’ll have to play your part too and only by truly working hand-in-hand with your symbol group will you fully exploit the many opportunities that exist.

So it takes a very clear eye and a very frank and dispassionate analytical approach to decide whether the grass is indeed greener. The key here is to firstly identify the areas of your own business that aren’t performing the way you want them to. Whether that’s margins, stock levels, staffing, admin, pricing or something else. A new symbol group can’t fix all of these problems for you on day one. They can help on lots of fronts, but they can’t wipe the slate clean for you in an instant.

Once you’ve identified the weak areas, then it’s time to analyse the various options on the table, trying to establish which groups are most likely to be able to help you with the weaknesses you’ve already identified.

Comparing symbol groups is a complex task and some would say that there is no completely reliable way to analyse how good a symbol group is until you’ve signed on that dotted line and actually started trading. www.slrmag.co.uk

Talking to other retailers is a great way to learn more about the nitty gritty of what lies under the bonnet of each of the major groups but, once again, tread carefully and don’t take everything you hear as indisputable fact. All you’re hearing is one person’s subjective view of what it’s like to work with this or that symbol group. If another retailer feels like they had a bad time with a particular group, that doesn’t mean you will too.

But, after all that, if you are still keen to test the waters, we have produced a brief guide to some of the leading symbol groups in Scotland and across the UK. There are some very clear differences between the groups but the key is not to judge a symbol group on just one or two factors like delivery charges, promotional pricing or claimed availability levels. Try to judge each group in the round, and try to establish what each group could bring to your specific store with your particular customer base.

BUSY YEAR It has been another busy year for the symbol groups. Recruitment activity is as aggressive as it’s ever been, and more and more groups are targeting Scotland.

If you are looking to change group, you’ll have a long line of suitors at your door but be prepared for some tough conversations, even from groups desperate to grow in Scotland.

In recent years all of the main groups have become more selective about who they work with. They are looking for retailers to play a very active role in the partnership whether that means running bigger promotional cycles, investing in store upgrades or refits, higher levels of range compliance or any number of other commitments that your new group will expect you to honour if you want their full support.

That makes commercial sense for them, and it makes common sense too. Why would they want to commit resource to a store that they don’t believe is keeping up its end of the bargain? At the end of the day, the groups rely entirely on stores as the public face of the business, so wanting to drive standards up is something that all parties should welcome.

In return for the enormous support that symbol groups can offer local retailers, they will be looking for commitment and drive from their retail partners. There are very few quick wins in this game and only be forging a strong, positive partnership with your symbol group can you maximise your returns over the longer term.

So have a look through the guide and start lining your ducks up – and, of course, never forget the old adage: it takes two to tango.

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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Fascia Focus | Premier

CUT COSTS AND BOOST PROFITS WITH PREMIER

Scotland’s biggest symbol group is committed to helping its retailers reduce costs while driving footfall and growing cash profit with a fantastic promotional programme.

P

remier is the UK’s largest symbol group with over 4,250 stores across the UK, with over 500 of these in Scotland making it the biggest symbol operator in Scotland. Backed by Booker, the UK’s leading food & drink wholesaler, Scottish Premier retailers benefit from group exclusives with delivery at cash & carry prices and the convenience to top up at any of our 23 branches in Scotland, to maximise availability.

Premier retailers benefit from a fantastic promotional programme covering all categories which is backed up by a comprehensive EDLP programme. The Premier promotion programme is designed to drive footfall and increase cash profit with our Mega Deals giving PORs of over 15% and most of our core deals offering at least 25% POR. Our dedicated Scottish promotions each period also offer a real point of difference from the competition.

Premier is committed to helping Scottish retailers reduce costs and to supporting both retailers & shoppers alike. Key initiatives include: Q Reducing energy consumption with efficient LED lighting, Beer Caves and refrigeration units 50

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

Q Extending our Spend & Save scheme to include Vape products, earning retailers up to 5% rebate Q Linking up with Healthy Scotland to support communities and children across Scotland Q Food donation points in stores via Fareshare Scottish retailers have access to over 600 ownbrand products through the Jack’s and Euro Shopper brands. Euro Shopper is our entry-level value range and Jack’s, part of the Tesco Family, is our mid-tier range. Both exclusive ranges come in price-marked packs and give retailers a minimum of 30% POR*.

Premier’s store development teams will design and implement our latest-thinking stores, including Beer Caves, Refresh Zones and local Scottish bakery link-ups, whilst ensuring stores are as energy efficient and sustainable as possible.

Some Scottish stores who have invested over £200k have seen this pay back within 12 months and the launch of our new Small Store format means that now any Scottish stores from 300sq ft+ can benefit from the Premier model. * Excluding some produce & chilled lines

TELEPHONE 01933 371246 E-MAIL MARTYN.PARKINSON@BOOKER.CO.UK WEBSITE WWW.PREMIER-STORES.CO.UK TWITTER @MYLOCALPREMIER www.slrmag.co.uk

Celebrating

JOIN THE UK’S LARGEST SYMBOL GROUP • No joining fees • Up to 5% Spend & Save discount* (Now includes Vape spend) • Free Marketing support • Free EPOS system* • Assistance with van leasing • Bespoke ranges & promotions for Scotland *Terms and conditions apply.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW WE CAN HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS

CALL US TODAY ON 0808 178 8644

OR VISIT JoinPremier.co.uk

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Fascia Focus | Spar Scotland

SPAR SCOTLAND CONTINUES TO DELIVER SUCCESS Continued investment and an efficient business model ensures SPAR Scotland delivers success.

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e hold a deep sense of pride in being an independent family-run business. The SPAR brand is a strong convenience brand and, as a leading symbol group, we are in a great position to support our mix of independent forecourt and convenience retailers.

We continue to raise the convenience bar and the recent onboarding of high performing retailers such as the David Sands Group is testimony that we have made huge strides forward.

This is how we are committed to provide our SPAR retailers with first class support and further develop independent retailer convenience and forecourt businesses all over the country: Q Our dedicated team of six Business Development Managers (BDMs) cover all of Scotland.

Q We provide up to three multi-temp deliveries per week, with no delivery charges.

Q Joint business reviews are available with a dedicated BDM Q We offer a start-to-finish recruitment support package, with refit assistance, store design and merchandising support at no cost.

Q Store layouts are based on a demographic survey of the area with a tailored range to match.

Q SPAR retailers get a range of local and national promotions supported with TV advertising and various sponsorships.

Q SPAR retailers have access to our 900 exclusive awardwinning SPAR own-label range of products.

Q We work in partnership with Scottish suppliers – over 50% of the products on Scottish SPAR store shelves come from Scotland, which means great availability.

Q Stores have access to a full fresh offer, with BDM guidance and merchandising support.

Q Our depot in Dundee is fully supported with a great team who are there for SPAR retailers.

JOIN SPAR SCOTLAND TODAY – WE ARE YOUR SYMBOL OF CHOICE. 52

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2023

www.slrmag.co.uk

Joining the family has never been easier

• The first wholesaler in Scotland to deliver Prime and Mr Beast Feastables • A first class distribution delivery service • The only convenience retailer consistently on STV • Taking our brand in Scotland to a new audience through our ongoing partnership with the Scottish FA • ... AND up to 6% rebate Just a few of the reasons more and more independent retailers are joining SPAR Scotland.

For a confidential, informal conversation contact craig.lynn@cjlang.co.uk or call 01382 512000 SparScotlandOfficial

@SparScotland

www.cjlang.co.uk

@SparScotland

CJ Lang & Son Limited

www.sparscotland.co.uk

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

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Fascia Focus | Bestway Retail

BESTWAY RETAIL HELPS ‘MAKE MORE POSSIBLE’ Offering a portfolio of symbols and fascias, Bestway Retail has the perfect offer for retailers in turbulent economic times.

I

ndependent retailers continue to keep customers topped up with the everyday essentials they need. This vital support has certainly earned the goodwill of local communities, turning ‘lifeline’ customers into ‘lifetime’ ones.

But 2023 arrived with its own set of challenges to contend with. Soaring costs, such as energy and fuel, as well as the highest rate of inflation seen in three decades, means that independent retailers have a rocky road ahead of them.

Now is the time for independents to seriously consider joining a symbol group so that they can get the support they need to not only survive but thrive.

A supportive symbol group, like Bestway Retail, can give entrepreneurial retailers the best benefits in the market across a portfolio of symbols and fascias. We help our retailers ‘make more possible’ at a time of economic uncertainty and inflationary pressure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highly competitive wholesale pricing Loyalty rewards with up to 5% rebate Award-winning own label range

Best in class alcohol range Premium delivery service Up to 4% rebate

Get the best of both worlds with our hybrid store options - a Bargain Booze in a Costcutter or best-one model to benefit from both supply chains

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

Up to 6% rebate on purchases Access to 2,000 Co-op own label SKUs Achieve 20% growth with Shopper First

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

01904 232662 www .bestwayretail.co.uk

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Fascia Guide | Nisa

NISA AIMING TO BUILD ON SCOTTISH SUCCESS STORIES

Nisa is aiming to build on the success of some of its retailers in Scotland over the next year with progressive recruitment targets in place.

N

isa retailers such as Greens Retail, PGNJ, The Trinity Partnership and many others lead the way on the Scottish independent retail scene with plans to further expand store numbers heading into 2024.

With Nisa, retailers have the choice to operate under various symbol fascias: Nisa Local, Nisa

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www.slrmag.co.uk

Nisa | Fascia Guide

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Express, Nisa Extra or Dual-Branded, whereby a Nisa partner can maintain their own local identity while also benefiting from the strength of the Nisa brand. Retailers also have the choice to trade under their own independent fascia.

Nisa understands what matters to its retailers and its format propositions are tailored to meet a variety of needs.

Demand for value has never been higher and consumers are comparing prices at the shelf, dining out less and brand loyalty is in decline.

In order to help retailers mitigate the impact, Nisa recently announced price adjustments into numerous categories. This followed a multi-million investment into the wholesale price (WSP) of more than a thousand branded products.

The two investments came after Nisa made a multi-million price investment announced in 2022 which saw more than 1,000 price reductions for Nisa retailers, including 330 ‘core essentials’ Co-op lines, designed to offer value to shoppers as well as good margins for independent retailers.

Nisa brings fresh thinking to the forefront to help retailers grow their businesses.

Understanding the ambitious entrepreneurial spirit of Nisa customers and the need to stand out to compete sets the Nisa proposition apart.

Nisa provides fresh thinking to ensure retailers can create the best customer offer in their local area.

With 2,400 Co-op products across all categories, Nisa customers have access to a UK brand that shoppers recognise and trust that drives footfall into our partners stores.

The Co-op range includes great quality core convenience essentials including 100% British meat and free-range eggs along with a premium brand ‘Co-op Irresistible’ that includes award winning pizzas and wines, a free from range and the new GRO vegan range.

In 2022, Nisa developed a full Nisa EPoS solution, which is available along with access to its online platform. The solution offers a multitude of services including ordering, deals, presells, planograms, in store POS generation plus full order, delivery and invoice tracking.

With a target of opening 400 new outlets across the UK – more than 30 of them in Scotland – in 2023, Nisa’s Head of Retail Victoria Lockie said Nisa was ahead of its expectations.

The expansion involves recruiting single and multi-site retailers to the symbol, as well as helping them to open new sites.

She said: “We’re in Scotland to stay and we’re proud of our retailers here. Our relationships and mutual respect are the most important things.” www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2023 | SLR

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Big Night In

EVEN BIGGER NIGHTS IN TOP TIPS TO MAXIMISE SALES FROM BRITVIC Q Be visible – The siting of clear point of sale material in-store and posting on your store’s social media channels can help increase basket spend. Use gondola ends for take-home soft drinks in large formats. Create displays alongside complimentary categories such as snacks to create the Big Night In. Q Offer value – Special deals in store are a key sales driver and need to be available next to regularly priced soft drinks to ensure that retailers have a clear choice when it comes to selecting the right mix for their stores. Including large formats of soft drinks in deals with snacks and meal deals will support shoppers looking for an easy big night in solution.

Q Stock favourites – Shoppers are seeing more value in the familiar brands they trust. This could be down to shoppers having less disposable income, therefore they are defaulting to the wellknown, trusted brands.

• Know your events – Make sure you are aware of upcoming events, including key sports events, bank holidays and seasonal occasions. Ensure you are prepared with the right range and enough stock to keep up with demand, catering for all the family.

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As the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze family budgets, a predicted increase in at-home socialising is good news for retailers ready to cash in on a Big Night In boom.

BY ELENA DIMAMA

T

he Big Night In occasion is expected to see big growth in the year, as inflationary pressures and the cost-of-living crisis leads to more consumers staying indoors.

According to TWC Trends, 58% of Scottish consumers plan to eat out less frequently, while the rise of the ‘fakeaway’ trend set to continue.

Overall, 29% of consumers plan to have fewer takeaways to curb spend, with many planning to increase ‘entertaining at home’ occasions, TWC Trends figures reveal, while two-thirds of people believe it is important to make savings on their grocery bills, according to Nielsen.

However, 69% of consumers plan to shop around at a number of stores to take

advantage of offers, with 60% actively looking out for and trying to buy products that are on promotion.

HOME DINING “As the recessionary environment hits, we expect to see growth in in home family dining and at home socialising,” Ben Parker, GB Retail Commercial Director at Britvic, notes. “Consumers have been feeling the pinch from rising living costs and inflation this last year, with consumer confidence at the lowest point on record.”

Indeed, total take-home soft drink sales in convenience and impulse over the last year showed growth of 5.3% versus 2021, according to IRI, with social occasions being worth £2.64bn for the year to 27 www.slrmag.co.uk

Big Night In

WALKERS MAX UNVEILS FRESH FLAVOURS WITH PIZZA HUT Walkers Max has teamed up with Pizza Hut to launch two new flavours, Walkers Max Pepperoni Feast and Walkers Max Texan BBQ. Both are available in RSP PMP, with the launch backed by an on-pack promotion running through to 31 December.

The campaign offers consumers a two-for-one offer on Pizza Hut pizzas across both SKUs. Consumers will be able to redeem the offer on promotional packs via an onpack QR code and purchase two pizzas for the price of one from Pizza Hut delivery franchises, with no restriction on size, or the time of day.

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November 2022, up 3.6% annually, according to figures from Kantar.

“For those consumers who are planning nights in with friends and family over socialising outside of the home, larger formats such as our 2-ltr sharing bottles and multipacks of carbonated soft drinks as Pepsi MAX, Tango and 7UP Free play an important role.

“Interestingly, cola is now the second-mostconsumed mixer with spirits at home, with eight million more occasions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Cola flavours are driving growth, with 56% of Pepsi MAX’s penetration coming exclusively from flavours. This shows consumers have an appetite for new and interesting flavours within the cola category.”

SHARING WINS “Sharing formats are particularly important to Gen-Z consumers,” Mike Chapman, Head of Wholesale at PepsiCo says, “with 71% favouring a night at home with friends or family.” Indeed, according to Kantar, this demographic is snacking three times daily, seeking intense flavour experiences when choosing products for the Big Night In. “Sharing RRP price-marked packs continue to be hugely important in driving continued growth of the category, accounting for 68% of total CSN growth,” Chapman adds. “RRP PMPs remain the number one contributor to crisps and snacks growth in value vs other segments, so stocking the right mix of standard and RRP PMP sharing formats is key for retailers, particularly to maximise occasions like Big Night In.” For Kepak, PMPs “continue to provide a vital reassurance of value, with all of Rustlers’ best sellers available in this format, however, value isn’t just confined to the price of a single product,” with Ross Davison, Head of Convenience at Kepak (Foods Division), explaining: “Meal deals and bundle offers are popular with shoppers seeking savings. Product promotions also highlight good value and drive impulse purchase, such as an on-pack promotion giving shoppers something extra.”

KEY TRENDS DRIVING THE MARKET FROM PEPSICO Q Gen-Z: Sharing formats are particularly important to Gen-Z consumers, with 71% favouring a night at home with friends or family.

Q Pre-planned missions: Nights in are often planned in advance, with 83% of purchases in the occasion pre-planned. This brings a massive opportunity for retailers to gear their displays towards the Big Night In occasion, especially towards the end of the week when more nights in take place.

Q Cross-category purchases: As 84% of night in occasions are enjoyed with beverages, there’s a clear opportunity for retailers to drive cross-category sales and tailor their displays and promotions.

Q Celebratory occasions: Crisps and snacks play an important part of social occasions, as shoppers come together to celebrate in their own homes. Christmas is a great opportunity for retailers to increase basket spend in-store, especially within savoury snacks. Shoppers are often looking for something a little less ordinary to enjoy, with bold flavours in sharing formats key to boosting sales here.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SLR - 77x297.indd 1

13:27:54 SEPTEMBER 2023 | 24/08/2023 SLR 59

Feature

Breakfast

BREAKFAST TIME Whether enjoyed at home or on-the-go, breakfast remains a core category for retailers and great way to get off to a profitable day.

BY ELENA DIMAMA

E

ating breakfast at home remains an important ritual of the day, despite many shoppers now returning to the office, giving staple items a welcome boost.

Mintel figures have revealed that 57% of consumers eat breakfast at home every day in comparison to just 5% eating it out of home. The home-eating trend is consistent with the income squeeze shoppers are facing, as IGD research shows that consumers have on average £88 less to spend per week than this time last year.

AFFORDABLE CROWD PLEASERS Traditional breakfast items, such as crumpets and English muffins, grew by 0.9% in units over the last year, according to Nielsen.

Meanwhile, sales of white bread currently account for over 55% of pre-packaged bread units sold.

“Given the current economic climate, many shoppers are buying fewer different types of bread for their households and are increasingly moving towards pre-packaged white bread, which is most likely to satisfy the needs of multiple people,” Alistair Gaunt, Commercial Director at Hovis says.

“It is therefore clearly important for retailers to stock white bread as it is a potential ‘crowdpleaser’ for everyone in the household.”

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However, other bread types can also be crucial to stock, as bread with seeds and grains accounts for over 18% of loaves sold and brown/ wholemeal for nearly 14%.

“Despite the squeeze on grocery spending, we believe there’s still a significant role for premium products in bakery as shoppers look for affordable treats,” Gaunt adds. “Our Hovis Bakers Since 1886 range is the perfect product to stock to tap into this trend. Since its launch just two years ago, the range is now worth over £14m RSV and continues to build in popularity so we’d highly recommend this as a must-stock for retailers to take advantage of the continued interest in affordable treats to enjoy at home.”

ON-THE-GO GROWTH Despite consumers turning to eating at home more and more frequently, breakfast on-thego sectors are still in growth, with data from Nielsen showing an increase in both value sales and volume in the breakfast dairy drink space.

“The breakfast occasion is already often the cheapest mission of the day, and against the backdrop of the current economic landscape, with 67% of adults worrying about rising food and drink prices, we may see customers switch from lunch on-the-go to breakfast on-the-go as it represents a more affordable treat,” Darryl Burgess, Head of Sales for Weetabix, notes.

WEETABIX PUTS BREAKFAST ON WORLD STAGE Weetabix has partnered for the third year running with the FA, for a promotional campaign during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

Bestselling products from the Weetabix portfolio – including Weetabix Original, Weetabix Banana, Weetabix Chocolate and Weetabix Protein – feature in a hero campaign that runs from July through to the end of September.

Shoppers purchasing any of these packs are in with a chance of winning an official FA shirt, with a new winner every 90 minutes.

Entry is via an on-pack QR code, with consumers able to fill a simple online form to find out instantly if they are a winner.

Thousands of footballs are also up for grabs.

The on-pack promotion is supported by a 360-degree activation encompassing ecommerce, social media, and in-store shopper media and ATL advertising, in a campaign representing an overall investment in excess of £2m.

www.slrmag.co.uk

YE’LL BE BACK FUR MORE! Delicious toasted!

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UTC

TROUBLE BREWING Notorious tea jenny that he is, Under The Counter was relieved to discover that a potential tea bag shortage has been avoided. This means his morning cuppa, his afternoon one, and all the ones in between will continue to be noisily slurped as usual, much to the delight of his co-workers.

It’s fair to say the Auld Boy’s typical shift consists of eight hours either drinking or making tea, broken up by a couple of brief work breaks and numerous trips to the toilet.

Anyway, it turns out that trouble was brewing at the UK’s only Tetley factory which, in an outstanding example of geographical determinism, is located near Stockton-on-Tees, right in the heart of Teesside.

A now-resolved row over pay meant the factory’s teabag makers, infused with a desire for a decent wage,

had voted overwhelmingly to down whatever tools teabags are made with.

But what would the brand’s loveable cartoon brand ambassadors, the Tetley Tea Folk, make of such industrial unrest?

Given the factory’s predominantly female workforce, they’d probably say – in a Yorkshire accent – “Where did all these women come from?”

For as UTC, steeped in radical feminism after watching the Barbie movie last month will tell you, it took the Tea Folk 17 years to recruit their first and only female member, Tina.

According to Wikipedia, Tina is “caring, fun loving and helpful,” which is all the patriarchy can ask of a token female really.

As a droll Auld Boy said: “The phrase ‘paint me blue and call me Smurfette’ springs to mind.”

A TALE OF DERRING-DON’T It was one of Under The Counter’s colleagues who sniggeringly alerted him to a story about a balloon filled with gas.

The irony was lost on the flatulent Auld Boy, however, as he got tangled up in the tale of the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer, which this month is set to become the first hydrogen open basket gas balloon to cross the Atlantic.

This struck an alarm bell with UTC, who recalled, in 1937, watching newsreels of the hydrogen-filled airship Hindenburg burst into flames. ‘Highly’ and ‘flammable’ are pretty much all you need to know about hydrogen.

Perhaps it the frisson of fiery foolhardiness that is spurring one of the balloon’s pilots into attempting to become the first person to cross the Atlantic three times in an open basket balloon.

Or perhaps it’s because he’s called Sir David Hempleman-Adams. With a double-barrelled name straight off the pages of a Victorian adventure novel, how could he be anything but an intrepid explorer? And he is. Davey Boy has been to the ends of the earth, up the highest mountains on every continent and has quite a thing for balloons of the open basket variety.

All this, of course, pales into insignificance when held up against the Auld Boy’s feats of endurance and derring-do.

These include walking 12 miles in a pair of winklepickers after missing the last bus home when he was a lad. He was also brave enough, on one occasion, to camp overnight in Strathclyde Park. On the Bellshill side, no less.

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GLUMMER HOLIDAY Along with the usual messages in Spanish and emails about avocados, Under The Counter’s electronic mailbag recently bulged with a dire warning he cheerily just had to share with colleagues: holidays can kill!

So if you’re reading this and were lucky enough to get away somewhere over the summer, congratulations.

You’re still alive.

Raging wildfires aside, the recent European heatwave apparently led to outbreaks of exotic and potentially fatal diseases in previously unaffected areas, like tickborne encephalitis and West Nile virus.

The grim warning came from London Medical Laboratory’s Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan. As part of his spiel to get everyone to buy an expensive allergy test, he said: “The good news is the West Nile virus is normally almost symptomless.

However, people aged over 50 or with co-morbidities such as cancer, diabetes or hypertension, are at risk of getting seriously ill.”

Not really good news then, especially for the co-morbid community, since an infection could lead to fits, meningitis or even water on the brain.

However the real good news, if you like jokes that are even older than UTC, is that the Auld Boy knows a simple cure for water on the brain: a quick tap on the head.

www.slrmag.co.uk

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