Cash & Carry Management May 22

SPOTLIGHT ON ANDREW SELLEY, CEO OF BIDCORP

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR CASH & CARRY/DELIVERED WHOLESALERS

MAY 2022

Introducing the all new JUUL2 Insights to help shape wholesalers’ response to cost-of-living crisis

Same simplicity, enhanced vapour experience.

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Hunt’s Food Group creates new own-label

Over 20% more battery capacity

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Contents

May 2022

This month don’t miss...

06

CJ Lang opens its first company store since 2017.

08

09

Wanis is honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Dunsters Farm acquires The Little Food Company, of Oswestry.

ESSENTIALS 05 06

14

Editor’s Comment Industry News

FEATURES 14

Talking Point Grocery price inflation hits a new high and consumers take action to manage their basket spend.

15

Bestway Performance Awards Employees’ outstanding contributions are recognised by colleagues.

18

Spotlight Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp.

19

In Focus Hunt’s Food Group develops a new own-brand, Black Rock Bakery.

20

Rises in food and energy bills are making household budgets harder to manage for many people, leading to changes in shopper behaviour.

CCM Chefs’ Own-Brand Awards Have you entered yet?

26

18

CATEGORY INSIGHT 23

Bakery Bakery has undergone a transformation, with artisan-style products being introduced by suppliers to meet demand for more choice.

26

Summer Drinks There is plenty going on in the drinks market, from the introduction of new flavours and limited editions to creative marketing campaigns.

Winning the IGD Grocer Cup was a highlight for Andrew Selley.

Drinks suppliers are innovating in the low and no-alcohol market.

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May 2022

03

Tactics to keep shoppers loyal t’s one thing for wholesalers to think about Christmas at this time of the year – it’s the norm in wholesaling to plan so far ahead – but it’s quite another thing for consumers to be considering the festive season when the trees are still in blossom.

And yet the cost-of-living crisis means that many family households are already saving, or thinking about saving, for Christmas this year (page 14).

Research by the IGD shows that at least 45% of parents with children at home are trying to put money aside for the festive season, compared to 16% of people without children.

Meanwhile, Kantar reports that the level of products bought on promotion in the supermarkets has decreased by 2.7% to 27.3% as everyday low-price strategies come to the fore.

Although Booker has been highlighting its everyday low prices for years, promotions continue to play a big role in the wholesale/convenience channel.

When money is tight, consumers will obviously look for low prices on essentials but they are not averse to grabbing a bargain, and convenience stores have an advantage over the multiples when attempting to find out exactly what shoppers want.

It’s long been the case that convenience stores have strong links to their community, from serving tradespeople at breakfast to sponsoring the local football team. The staff who work in these

I

MAY 2022

Introducing the all new JUUL2 Insights to help shape wholesalers’ response to cost-of-living crisis

Kirsti Sharratt Managing Editor

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE...

SPOTLIGHT ON ANDREW SELLEY, CEO OF BIDCORP

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR CASH & CARRY/DELIVERED WHOLESALERS

shops invariably have their ears close to the ground, and store managers can often respond to customers’ needs quickly and effectively. This was particularly evident during the Covid lockdowns, when local shops provided a level of service to their regulars that the large supermarkets just couldn’t match.

Now, with a focus by the multiples on everyday low prices, perhaps convenience stores will offer more promotions and price-marked packs, thereby providing reassurance to shoppers that, far from being overcharged, they are getting a good deal in their local store.

Experts maintain that, in times of high inflation, consumers will choose to shop where they perceive they are getting the best value. As such, in addition to offering eye-catching promotions and PMPs, convenience stores may take a similar approach to the multiples in selling known value items (KVIs) at attractive prices, in recognition that this is a proven strategy to drive repeat custom.

As for helping people to plan for Christmas, the IGD suggests that offering a loyalty card savings scheme could be a good tactic to encourage shoppers to save while locking in their spend. It’s about retailers – and their wholesalers – being savvy in delivering what shoppers want in a way that works for all parties.

Same simplicity, enhanced vapour experience.

PEER RECOGNITION

Now available, stock up on the JUUL2 product range.

70% more e-liquid per pod

Hunt’s Food Group creates new own-label

Over 20% more battery capacity

Cash & Carry Management is free to cash & carry and delivered wholesale directors, buyers and managers.

The magazine is available to other subscribers for just £74 a year or £7 per copy. Overseas yearly subscriptions are priced at £95. Back issues dating back to 2011 are available online.

Great tasting, all new flavours

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

Address Winlove Publications Ltd PO Box 366 East Grinstead RH19 4ZE Tel (01342) 712100 Email mail.winlove@btconnect.com Publisher Winlove Publications Ltd EDITORIAL Managing Editor Kirsti Sharratt Contributor Siobhan Kielty ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Publishing Director Martin Lovell Media Sales Manager Clare Phillips 4,448 July 2018 – June 2019 Audit Bureau of Circulations Printed by Bishops Printers ISSN 1352-254X All media rates, feature lists and deadlines can be accessed online by visiting: cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED THIS MONTH 1. ONLINE Catch up on all the latest news via our website, including developments from wholesalers and suppliers, and view our current online magazine edition, as well as back issues. cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

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May 2022

05

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

CJ Lang opens new company store

CJ Lang & Son has opened its first company store since 2017.

The SPAR Scotland wholesaler and retailer acquired a third-generation family-run convenience store, Kinnaird’s Nisa Local, in Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway, and transformed it with the SPAR Market format – the first of its kind in Scotland.

The SPAR Dalbeattie store now has a very strong focus on fresh fruit and vegetables and chilled foods, and caters for key customer missions including ‘making a meal’ and ‘grab and eat’.

The shop has a large deli counter and an extensive

range of fresh produce and food from local suppliers.

The SPAR Scotland CJ’s food-to-go counter offers hot breakfast rolls throughout the morning and extends its offering into the evening with a selection of hot food.

This is complemented by a wide range of bakery products from Scottish baker Browning’s.

A self-serve Costa Express coffee machine, Tango Ice Blast and frozen Calippo slush machine will be installed in the coming weeks.

A home shopping delivery service will continue, and that will be complemented with the introduction of the Snappy Shopper app.

CJ Lang company-owned stores operations director Brian Straiton commented: “We are very excited to be back in the property market to acquire new convenience stores as part of our business strategy of adding an additional three to four stores per year to our company-owned estate.

“SPAR Market is an exciting new fresh, chilled and

produce store format for CJ Lang and SPAR Scotland that will really help to differentiate and grow from our traditional SPAR customer offer.”

More recently, CJ Lang has relaunched its store at Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfriesshire.

The firm has invested in energy-saving refrigeration to expand the chilled and produce range. There is also a new chilled beers, wines and spirits zone to highlight the depth of the customer offer. In addition, the store has a CJ’s food-to-go counter, a back-lit spirits display, local craft bakery items and other locally sourced lines.

The shop also has the very latest SPAR internal and external graphics package.

“Ahead of our peak summer tourist season, the fresh look SPAR store at Gatehouse of Fleet is the first of several more seasonal concept stores to open,” explained Straiton.

Morrisons and a national account controller at Brakes.

In recent years, Nithsdale has taken an active part in the IGD’s ‘Feeding Britain’s Future’ initiative to inform and inspire students about careers in the grocery trade.

In her new role, she will be responsible for the

ambient and grocery categories at FareShare, which is the UK’s largest food redistribution charity.

The news about Nithsdale followed the retirement last month of fellow Unitas trading controller Dave Warren.

Warren (below) started his career with Nurdin & Peacock in 1978, working on the shopfloor and progressing to become a general manager.

He spent 18 years with the C&C operator and then moved to Batleys’ HQ as a buyer.

After seven years with Batleys, he joined Today’s as

head of its on-trade division, a role he held for more than 15 years. A brief stint as a category manager with Bestway followed, before Warren returned to the Today’s business – now Unitas Wholesale – as trading controller responsible for non-foods, some key grocery products and tobacco.

Announcing his decision to retire, Warren said: “I have made friends – too many to count – along the way, working with some fantastic people, who I would like to thank for their help and support.”

Two senior executives leave Unitas Hilary Nithsdale, trading controller of Unitas Wholesale for 10 years, has moved to the charity FareShare as commercial manager.

Nithsdale (right) joined Today’s in 2012 to launch and develop the group’s own-brand ranges, later taking on responsibility for the chilled and confectionery categories. After Today’s merger with Landmark to form Unitas Wholesale in 2018, she managed the combined own-brand portfolio.

Before her decade with Unitas, Nithsdale worked at Wilko as a buyer for five years. She has also been a buyer at Netto and 06

May 2022

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McColl’s rescued Alliance Property Holdings, part of the Morrisons Group, has acquired McColl’s Retail Group, which had been put into administration after the group’s lenders withdrew their support for the business.

Morrisons – which already had a supply agreement with McColl’s – beat a rival offer from EG Group, the petrol station operator.

Morrisons will pay off McColl’s £170 million debts and preserve McColl’s 16,000-strong workforce and 1,160 convenience stores in their entirety. The majority of these stores trade under the McColl’s brand, with 270 currently operating as Morrisons Daily shops.

According to press reports, Morrisons chief executive David Potts said that the firm now intends to build on its Morrisons Daily

store format.

McColl’s had faced financial pressure over recent years resulting from Covidrelated disruption and, most recently, supply chain challenges that created issues in product availability, reported PwC, which was appointed as administrators.

The acquisition by Morrisons includes an agreement to rescue McColl’s two pension schemes which have over 2,000 members.

Recruitment drive

Booker has accelerated its recruitment drive, holding an open day at its Haydock Distribution Centre on 10 May, launching a refreshed recruitment page on Facebook, and exhibiting at Jobs Fair events in several locations.

The wholesaler is seeking warehouse operatives for its Haydock Distribution Centre, and encouraged people to turn up to the open day with their passport or birth certificate and National Insurance number.

“By the end of it, you may be walking away with a new

career working for the UK’s largest wholesaler!” said the firm in its pre-event publicity.

Booker is highlighting benefits of working for the business. These include 10% off Booker and Tesco purchases year round, with double discount days; Tesco home/pet/life insurance; and discounts on Tesco Mobile.

Meanwhile, on the new Facebook page, Booker will be posting job advertisements and any new campaigns it launches across all 193 of its locations in the UK. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, vacancies for warehouse workers in the five months to February 2022 were more than double the pre-pandemic level, and vacancies for drivers were 80% higher.

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

‘Connect & Inspire’ ‘Connect & Inspire’ is the theme of Caterforce’s annual conference, to be held on 16 November at The International Convention Centre Wales and Celtic Manor Resort.

At the event, the buying and marketing group will share its direction for the future while celebrating this year’s successes.

There will also be networking opportunities and time for suppliers to engage with key decision-makers across Caterforce’s wholesale membership.

The conference itself will cover the following subjects, presented by a range of speakers: a Sustainability and local community support a Exclusive customer insights a Ingenuity and future direction

Future food trends Marketing opportunities The celebrity speaker this year is adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle, best known for his daring challenges, including climbing Mount Everest, crossing Antarctica and rowing the Atlantic.

The evening session will include Caterforce’s annual supplier awards, voted for by its wholesale members.

More than 225 companies took part in GroceryAid Day last month to raise awareness of the charity. A total of 117 companies took part for the first time.

This was the fourth year of the event, and over five million people were reached through the awareness activities centred on the theme, #LetsTalkGroceryAid. There were over 2,500 downloads of the new communications toolkit, which inspired supporters to undertake various activities,

including quizzes, wellbeing sessions, virtual triathlons and baking competitions, with GroceryAid posters, flyers, wallet cards, stickers and bunting in thousands of depots, factories, stores and head offices.

The charity’s chief executive Steve Barnes said: “The demand for GroceryAid welfare services is growing at an unprecedented level. Last year, GroceryAid experienced a 139% increase in applications for financial support grants. We want everyone in our trade to know we are there for them when they need support.”

The charity’s helpline is on 08088 021 122. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can provide immediate support.

Ben Fogle will be the guest speaker at the conference.

a a

Trade support

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May 2022

07

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

In-person Honoured with Queen’s Award event

The Nisa Expo is returning as an in-person event this year.

The trade show will take place at the NAEC Stoneleigh on 27-28 September.

A gala dinner and awards ceremony will be held on the first evening, and a local foodbank charity will collect residue stock at the close of the exhibition.

Over 200 suppliers will be in attendance to share their latest products, talk about trends and engage with Nisa retailers. In addition, the Nisa and Co-op teams will be there to talk to existing and potential Nisa retailers.

In other news, Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity is donating £100,000 to UK good causes to help communities celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Three cakes Caterforce has added three new cakes to its Chefs’ Selections own-brand range.

The new lines are Blueberry & Lemon Triple Layer Cake, Speculoos Triple Layer Cake, and Passionfruit & White Chocolate Cake.

“Sales so far have been fantastic,” reported Joanna Halucha, group buying own brand & technical manager.

“Customers love that they last for seven days after defrosting, and the handdecorated finish looks like they have been created on the premises.”

08

May 2022

Wanis International Foods has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The East London based wholesaler has been recognised for its excellence in International Trade, having seen five years of uninterrupted growth.

The business was also commended for its commitment to equality and diversity and its strong record of charitable and philanthropic work locally, nationally and internationally.

Employing 165 people from around 30 international backgrounds, Wanis was founded in 1964 and served the UK’s first wave of independent African, Asian and Caribbean food stores, helping them to bring ‘the taste of home’ to the UK’s migrant communities for whom food was key to staying connected

to their cultures and traditions.

A family owned and run company, Wanis recently passed the £100 million turnover mark, and with clients including all of the major supermarket chains, hundreds of wholesalers and thousands of independent

Andrew Roberts

Bidfood’s commercial director Andrew Roberts has died.

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK, said: “It is with deepest regret that we announce the incredibly sad and untimely passing of our colleague and dear friend, Andrew Roberts, who passed away of natural causes over the Easter weekend.”

Roberts (pictured) spent nearly 30 years in the UK foodservice industry, having joined Booker Cash & Carry in 1994 where he assumed the role of buying controller before being seconded to Booker Foodservice to head up the buying team.

In 1999, when Booker Foodservice was sold to Bidvest, Roberts was brought on board to start building from scratch a

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buying department. He was subsequently promoted to director of buying.

Roberts won the chairman’s award across the entire Bidvest Group in 2009.

In 2015 he progressed to the role of commercial director and in 2018 he was appointed to Bidfood’s senior leadership team.

retailers nationwide, the company expects to go from strength to strength.

Commercial director George Phillips said: “On behalf of all of the team here at Wanis, we are absolutely thrilled to receive this award, particularly in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and of course the Commonwealth Games, especially as we have significant trade partnerships with many Commonwealth countries.

“We all worked hard during the pandemic to keep the shelves of UK retailers stocked, so this accolade means a lot to the whole team.” a D&I in Grocery LIVE! – the GroceryAid event focusing on diversity and inclusion – will take place at InterContinental London The O2 on 21 October.

Money advice Pricecheck has partnered with The Money Charity to help its employees manage their finances.

A spokesperson for the wholesaler said: “Pricecheck understands that money worries can be all consuming, making it difficult to focus on other things when you’re trying to figure out how you will pay that overdue bill or worrying what might be left (if anything) in your account at the end of the month.

“Whether it be advice on paying off credit cards, assistance on planning for your retirement or pointers on how to save for a rainy day, The Money Charity can help.”

Sweet additions Country Range Group has introduced five new desserts.

The new frozen products are Baked Salted Chocolate Torte, Lemon Panna Cotta Tart, Luscious Lemon Cheesecake (gluten-free), Rhubarb & Strawberry Cheesecake (gluten-free), and Cappuccino Cheesecake (pictured).

Country Range has also launched an Antiviral Disinfectant and a moisturising Antiviral Hand Soap, as well as reformulating its Kitchen Cleaner Sanitiser. All three products are proven to kill Covid-19.

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

First acquisition by Dunsters Family-run foodservice wholesaler Dunsters Farm has made its first acquisition.

The Bury-based wholesaler completed a deal in April to take over foodservice wholesaler The Little Food Company, which is located in Oswestry.

Like Dunsters Farm, The Little Food Company is particularly strong in the education sector but also offers frozen lines, which will complement Dunsters Farm’s ambient and chilled offer.

“We’re extremely excited to welcome The Little Food Company to the Dunsters Farm family,” said Hannah Barlow, managing director of Dunsters Farm. “There is a lot of synergy between our companies regarding customer base and geographical coverage, and both companies will benefit from the collaboration.

“The Little Food Company has a wealth of experience in the frozen sector which will

enable us to launch a brand new category to our customers over the coming months. In turn, we look forward to supporting The Little Food Company with their plans to extend their product range, further improving their offer for their customers.”

The Little Food Company’s operations director Mark Keats will continue to look after the firm’s day-today operations and has joined the Dunsters Farm

senior management team.

“This is an exciting chapter offering enormous potential for both businesses,” he said. “We look forward to sharing our expertise in the frozen sector and being part of Dunsters Farm’s ambitious growth plans.”

A member of Caterforce, Dunsters Farm has supplied coffee shops, restaurants, schools, hospitals, wholesalers and other caterers in the North for more than 60 years.

launch of the CORE ownlabel, Food To Go Club and the Data Insight programme, which now require additional resource as they develop across the group.”

He added: “Tabitha has

great experience in wholesale and we look forward to welcoming her to the team.”

Hunter-Smale, who has spent the last three-and-ahalf years at Sugro, added: “I am thrilled to be joining such an experienced head office team and hope that my role will offer Confex additional support, whilst I know I will enjoy working closely with Confex members and suppliers. Celebrating their 50th year, Confex is a forwardthinking, inclusive business which I’m extremely excited to be part of.”

Confex has more than 200 members with a combined turnover of £2.16 billion.

Lomond: The Wholesale Food Co is holding its first in-person trade show since the onset of the pandemic.

Taste@Lomond, which takes place on 18-19 May, will be hosted in two marquees at Lomond’s Glasgow depot. The wholesaler will be showcasing products to existing and potential retail and foodservice customers as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

The event will feature NPD; a dedicated area for locally-sourced products; deals and discounts across the two days; and a prize draw for customers to win £1,000 credit to their account.

Hunter-Smale joins Confex

Tabitha Hunter-Smale (right), former head of business development at Sugro, has joined Confex in the new role of projects development manager.

Tom Gittins, managing director of Confex, commented: “We are excited to be strengthening the head office team with the addition of Tabitha, in line with our continued group growth.

“Our member-led board felt it was the right time to expand our resource, creating the new role of projects development manager.

“Confex has implemented some great initiatives in the last two years such as the

Trade show

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May 2022

09

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[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

Team expanded

Advising the young

Country Range Group has reinforced its marketing team with the appointment of Kate Bancroft as marketing manager.

Bancroft initially joined Country Range Group in April last year as maternity cover for Emma Holden, who returned this month to start her new role of head of marketing.

Holden said: “Kate has been incredible since joining, and with new product launches, group events and our 30th anniversary celebrations all to come this year, we’re all delighted she accepted the offer to join our team on a permanent basis.”

Martin Ward, Country Range Group commercial director, added: “Kate adapted seamlessly when she joined as maternity cover last year and has been absolutely brilliant in co-ordinating and maximising our marketing this past 12 months. Both

Emma and Kate are perfect examples of the formidable talent that exists in the wholesale sector and we’re extremely fortunate to have them both within our team.”

Bancroft’s appointment is part of an ongoing plan by the Country Range Group to invest in and develop its central team in 2022. The organisation is currently looking to recruit a marketing assistant as well as additional resources in its trading and data departments. Contact enquiries@countryrange.co. uk for more information about the job roles.

Charles Wilson (right), former CEO of Booker, and Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp, have thrown their support behind a new generation of emerging talent in the wholesale sector and challenged them to question ‘how it’s always been done’.

The wholesale leaders inspired the young wholesalers, suppliers and service providers that make up the FWD’s Future Leaders Forum (FLF) with advice and encouragement from their own journeys to the top of the industry.

Wilson emphasised that no matter how senior one becomes, putting the customer first is key, while Selley reminded the attendees that challenge brings opportunity. He also said it was incumbent to understand the needs and wants of Gen Z and not revert to how it’s always been done.

The newly-established

Dylan Cheema, a business unit manager at Parfetts, has won a prestigious boxing title.

Cheema, 25, was crowned BOXXER Series lightweight champion in a unanimous decision over his opponent Rylan Charlton in the final in Coventry. He won £40,000.

Cheema, a former kickboxing double world champion at the age of 21 and 22, decided to switch to boxing just two years ago.

He joined the trading department at Parfetts in 2020, having previously worked as an independent retailer in his family’s own convenience store business.

He trains twice a day, six days a week, and also helps out in his family’s store every Saturday.

Parfetts supports Cheema with a sponsorship package and flexibility around training and fights. He said: “It means a lot to me that Parfetts are in my corner as I look to pursue my boxing dream.”

“Throughout the interrupKP Snacks has thanked tion we kept our partners wholesalers for their underfully updated with regular, standing following a cyber open and transparent comattack on the snacks firm. munications. We have reinTrading controller Matt troduced demand generaCollins said: “Following the tion programmes and look targeted cyber attack and forward to activating our ransomware, we worked next big event and campaign around the clock to rebuild with The Hundred as part of and reboot the business. the summer of sport.

“Our recovery has “We continue to remained on track remain agile and as planned, and pivot as required. sustainable producWe thank our tion across our wholesale partners seven manufacturfor their support ing sites continues, and collaboration, showing our busitruly showing that in ness resilience and Collins: ‘We times of a crisis determination as we transitioned back to worked around partnerships really the clock.’ matter.” business as usual.

Boxing champion

12

May 2022

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FLF is a networking space for emerging talent, focusing on inspiring, retaining and developing wholesale sector colleagues aged 30 or under.

As part of FWD’s Promoting Wholesale initiative, it recognises the need to attract the widest range of talents into the wholesale sector and give them the tools to lead the sector as their careers develop.

The FLF increases the amount of engagement the FWD has with members across a far wider range of roles, responsibilities and seniority.

Business reboot

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Stock up on smart snacks More retailers are realising they should be stocking more healthy snacking lines as well as the traditionally known, and a handful of California Raisins meet this criteria.

The positioning of sweets and snacks at the tills was a widespread phenomenon in the UK, and was frequently the cause of much nagging by children as families waited in the queue to pay for their groceries. Parents more often than not give in to their children, with the result that young people are eating far more sweets, chocolates, crisps and soft drinks than are good for them.

Healthy snacking habits are learned early in childhood and have lifelong lasting effects. However, it’s never too late to try to break a child’s junk-food habits.

Following Covid-19 and the lockdown periods where more people spent more time at home, whether sitting at a makeshift desk working or in front of the TV, it all typically

leads to one thing – more snacking. However, the good news being out of lockdown and getting back to normal is that people are trying to snack on healthier foods.

Kids often craze for the latest snack food, which may well be heavily advertised as a healthy choice. Despite advertising claims, these products may not be the healthiest snack choices. As children strive for independence in their teens, their food intake becomes less supervised. This age group tends to eat more snacks and fewer regular meals. Therefore, retailers need to play a major role in helping distinguish between healthy and unhealthy snacks.

Transparently good Raisins grow in many lands, but California invests highly in the quality of its fruit and getting the message across about the health benefits and other attributes. California raisins provide peace of mind for buyers and customers by consistently producing a clean, safe, rich tasting product from the world’s foremost raisin producing region.

The Raisin Administrative Committee are passionate about working with Britain’s retailers to promote existing and new snacking products featuring California raisins.

“We’re committed to supporting our trade partners who use California raisins,” says Peter Meadows, “and giving consumers the best possible choice.”

For more information please contact: info@ukraisins.co.uk

Crisis hits consumer spending

[ TALKING POINT ]

As prices rise, shoppers are changing their behaviour. Wholesalers can help their customers to meet consumer needs by understanding and acting on the latest insights. ith grocery price inflation at 5.9% in April – its highest level since December 2011 (Kantar) – shoppers are taking action in an attempt to manage their spending.

According to Kantar, supermarket sales fell by 5.9% over the 12 weeks to 17 April 2022. For the first time since the pandemic began, sales are also in decline – by 0.6% – compared with two years ago; the period now includes the start of the first lockdown when only essential shops were allowed to open.

The level of products bought on promotion, currently at 27.3%, has decreased by 2.7% as everyday lowprice strategies come to the fore (Kantar).

The IGD confirms that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is driving global commodity prices upwards, increasing inflation and putting severe cost-of-living pressures on households.

W

Parents are already saving for Christmas The cost-of-living crisis means that spending on seasonal events is likely to be impacted this year, reports the IGD. Many family households are already saving or are thinking about saving money to be able to afford Christmas this year: a 54% have children aged 0-4 a 47% have children aged 5-10 a 45% have children aged 11-18 A significant 60% of shoppers agree that a rise in costs would seriously affect how much they spend on special occasions this year.

“Offering this group of shoppers the ability to save money for big occasions like Christmas, while continuing to buy your products, such as through a loyalty card savings scheme, could be a good way to lock in their spend,” suggests Rhian Thomas, head of shopper insight.

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May 2022

For many people, managing household budgets is becoming more difficult.

Naomi Kissman, social impact director at the IGD, says: “For many, inflation is outstripping income, and prosperity is declining. We believe that this economic phase has a long way to run – inflation may peak higher and last longer than official forecasts suggest.

“Consumer confidence is very low and we also expect this to dip further in the coming months as shoppers come under increasing financial pressure.”

A total of 90% of shoppers expect food prices to rise in the next 12 months. Different techniques are being used to cope with rising inflation: households with children are skipping meals more often; lower affluence

shoppers are more likely to increase their use of food discounters and cut back on eating out; and higher affluence shoppers are more likely to plan their meals, reports the IGD. Even before the energy price cap was lifted last month, 87% of households reported an increase in their cost of living over late March (ONS). The most commonly reported reasons for this were higher pricing for food, energy and fuel. Indeed, record energy prices have left nearly a quarter of adults (23%) reporting that it was difficult to pay their usual household bills (compared to 17% in early November).

“As the impact of rising national insurance, food and energy bills takes effect, we expect shoppers to increase their ‘saving money’ focus,” notes Kissman. However, according to the ONS, 43% of adults reported that they would not be able to save money in the next 12 months. This is the highest percentage since the question was first asked in March 2020.

Kissman says: “Managing household budgets is set to become more difficult for a significant number of shoppers and they will be looking to business and CCM government for help.”

‘Consumers can save by shopping wholesale’ JJ Foodservice is encouraging consumers to buy in bulk ‘to make great savings’ as inflation and the cost of living continue to increase.

Although the wholesaler traditionally supplies restaurants and takeaways, it also has a fast-growing grocery business selling directly to homes – an enterprise it started during the pandemic.

“We sell many grocery essentials including fresh poultry, cheese, vegetable oil and flour in slightly bigger packs, but the savings are really

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worthwhile,” pointed out chief product officer Sezer Ozkul.

JJ is also highlighting a range of ‘chef-quality ingredients at wholesale prices’, including premium steak cuts, which are now offered in smaller pack sizes as part of its JJ Home range.

“You can buy a fresh UK beef fillet from just £4.10 per steak, or a T Bone from £8.69 – they usually go for about £25 in a restaurant!” said Ozkul. “We sell them in packs of five, so once you chip in with a few friends or neighbours, you can be eating chef-quality food at home, at an affordable price.”

The JJ Home range includes over 600 items at prices said to be lower than equivalent lines in supermarkets.

[ BESTWAY PERFORMANCE AWARDS ]

Bestway employees honour their colleagues for outstanding work

E

mployees from across Bestway Wholesale’s business – from drivers and pickers to depot managers and head office colleagues – were honoured earlier this month for their ‘exemplary behaviour or outstanding achievements’ at the Bestway Performance Awards.

The nominees and winners for all of the awards were selected by colleagues from Bestway. In addition to the employee accolades, there were five supplier titles.

At the event, which was held at the The Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, London, managing director Dawood Pervez told the 260-strong audience: “We have over 6,000 colleagues across over 60 sites, who continue to work hard to support our customers.

“Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and I’m incredibly proud of what they have achieved over the past year.”

All winners were presented with a certificate and trophy, and employee winners additionally received a cash bonus CCM to recognise their hard work.

Roll of honour Company Value Award: ‘We Are One Family’ Adam Moore, category controller, Bestpets Company Value Award: ‘Everyone’s Voice Matters’ Vicky Colley, systems administrator Company Value Award: ‘Champion What Is Right’ Dawn Whitworth, regional support manager Company Value Award: ‘Be Proud Of What You Do’ Muhammad Mayat, cash & carry assistant, Bestway Darwen Gold Depot of the Year Batleys Cardiff, Hadfield Road Silver Depot of the Year Bestway Nuneaton Bronze Depot of the Year Bestway Aintree Head Office Colleague of the Year Selvawani Thavanessan, accounts supervisor

Field Colleague of the Year Jason McKay, territory sales manager Depot Colleague of the Year Ummar Choudry, general manager, Bestway Enfield Unsung Hero Chris Cox, team leader, depot operations Store of the Year Costcutter Dunnington Store Colleague of the Year Daniella Jordan, store manager, Costcutter Dawlish Supplier of the Year Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Best Use of Data Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Best Supply Chain Management & Stock Availability JTI Best Cash & Carry Initiative PepsiCo (Walkers) Best Retail Initiative Country Choice

All the award winners with Dawood Pervez (ninth on right, back row), managing director of Bestway Wholesale.

www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

California walnut consumption grows five-fold in the UK Last crop season, the UK was the fifth largest importer of walnuts in Europe and the demand for healthy, nutritious food is increasing. Walnuts can play a role in offering a nutrientdense, flavourful addition to the daily diet which aligns with consumer’s desire to eat not only nutritious foods, but ones that also offer functional health benefits.

How have global supply and demand for California walnuts developed over the past year?

Last year, more than 4,500 walnut growers, many of them multi-generational family farms, produced a record-setting crop reaching 712,140MT, a 20% growth over the previous year. Even with COVID-induced lockdowns and shipping challenges, almost the entire year’s production was sold and shipped before this year’s harvest as consumer demand for wholesome, delicious foods, such as walnuts, increased.

Pam Graviet (pictured), senior marketing director, international at the California Walnut Commission (CWC), highlights the growth of California walnut consumption and opportunities for the trade.

How are California walnuts performing in the UK? Since 2011, California walnut consumption has grown almost five-fold in the UK, and last year alone the CWC saw shipments increase by 24% as consumers recognise their health benefits, quality, and versatility in desserts, breads, sauces, spreads and even as a minced meat replacement for those looking for a more plant-forward way of eating.

Are shipments to the UK being adversely affected by worldwide shipping issues?

California walnuts, like almost every commodity, have felt the challenges of ongoing supply chain disruptions, with shipments through March down by more than 30%. West Coast ports have been in the news as imports from Asia continue to flow, but many containers leave empty, causing shipment delays for orders in process.

Despite these challenges, the California walnut industry’s handlers are working diligently to secure containers and shipping dates to meet the growing demand in the UK. Why is the UK an important market for California walnuts?

While walnuts are familiar to UK consumers, annual per capita consumption is still very low at 0.136kg, so there’s tremendous opportunity for growth.

Which countries have increased/reduced their walnut production and how is California dealing with the competition?

According to data from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, China – which harvests at the same time as California – along with Chile have seen significant growth in walnut production over the past few years in addition to some moderate growth in several other countries. Chile, being a southern hemisphere producer, is contra-seasonal to the California crop.

While walnuts are available from many parts of the world, California walnuts are grown, harvested and processed under stringent state and federal regulations, reputed to be the world’s toughest. Handlers also meet individual customers’ standards and specifications. A food safety control programme and quality control regime (HACCP) is in place that meets the standards imposed by all regulatory authorities.

As a result, the California walnut industry has had an impeccable food safety record for more than a century and delivers high-quality walnuts year-round, year after year.

With bigger and bigger crops in the future, how is CWC planning to sell these larger crops worldwide?

Consumer demand continues to increase as more people discover the wide range of health benefits walnuts offer and global walnut consumption is extremely low. Statistics from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) show that in the top 20 walnut-consuming countries tracked by the INC, global annual consumption per capita is only 0.132kg, indicating tremendous room for growth. The CWC will continue its educational efforts, at both consumer and trade levels, demonstrating how this nutritious nut can be used in so many different ways and types of cuisines.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

What trends are you seeing globally with walnuts?

In Asia, new innovations with walnuts can be found in the bakery sector – not just in sweet offerings, but in daily and artisan breads. With snacking being the primary way people around the globe eat walnuts, there has been the introduction of a wide range of flavoured walnuts in Asia as well as the USA, including onion, corn soup, whisky spiced, barbecue, garlic parmesan, maple cinnamon, oatmeal cookie and even strawberry to name a few. We’re also starting to see some plant-based innovation in Europe and the USA, using walnuts as a meat replacement in sausages, burgers, bolognaise, tacos, lettuce wraps and as a pizza topping.

Consumers around the globe are looking for foods that help them improve and maintain their overall health and wellness.

Additionally, many consumers are moving towards a more plant-forward diet. California walnuts tick both boxes as there’s more than 30 years of scientific health research demonstrating the several health benefits of walnuts, and walnuts have the meaty texture and healthy fats that can be satisfying and literally transformed with the use of spices, complementary ingredients and cooking methods.

What are the latest developments from California walnuts in terms of investments, new growing technology, etc?

For more than 50 years, the California walnut industry has invested over $20 million in production research in the areas of orchard management, entomology, breeding and genomics, and plant pathology and nematology. This research has resulted in new varieties, developed through traditional cross breeding techniques used for centuries, as well as more efficient orchard maintenance and use of natural resources.

How do California walnuts fit with the growing trends in plant-based eating?

Walnuts are a must-have if choosing a plant-forward diet, including restaurant menus and ready-to-eat products. They

have a soft meaty texture that easily absorbs the flavours of other ingredients. Nutritionally, walnuts are unique among nuts as they are primarily comprised of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). They are the only tree nut to contain a significant amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plantbased omega-3 essential fatty acid, at 2.7g per 30g serving, that human bodies need but can only get from food. 30 grams of walnuts (a handful) offers 4.4 grams of protein and 1.4 grams of fibre in addition to a variety of micronutrients and antioxidants. Walnuts are also a heart-healthy food as recognised by Heart UK and have an EU qualified health claim.

How sustainable is the California walnut industry?

California walnut growers and processors (handlers) have spent more than a century caring for the land, sharing a commitment to public health, and supporting the communities we serve. California walnut growers and processors support research and innovation in water quality and conservation, soil health, energy use, and air quality. We constantly seek out and incorporate new methods of growing and handling walnuts that minimise waste, enhance productivity, and preserve and protect natural resources. We balance our use of natural resources by producing a nutrient-dense whole food that improves human health.

For further information please contact California Walnut Commission on 01628 535 755 or via email at walnuts@comeintothegarden.co.uk

[ SPOTLIGHT ] Andrew Selley, chief executive officer, Bidcorp (and unfortunately for my team I always believe there is more we can deliver!).

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

In 35 years I have seen a lot of challenges at work. Generally speaking, the best solution is always the same – have a clear vision how to get out of the situation, no matter how challenging; get the best team around you to help achieve that goal; motivate, communicate and lead the team towards the goal; then celebrate success.

‘I believe in abundance’ What have been your biggest achievements in work and outside work?

When I joined Booker Foodservice [acquired by Bidvest in 1999], part of my role was running the logistics business which was losing several million pounds a year. Within a couple of years I had worked with the team to deliver profitable returns. In my current role prior to Covid we again had a great team who managed to more than double the profitability of the business over five years. In 2018 I was the first delivered wholesaler to win the IGD Grocer Cup, which was a highlight. Latterly the food parcel programme in partnership with Brakes to feed the vulnerable during the first lockdown was a big achievement.

Outside of work I’ve helped to raise four amazing children, two of whom are now working and the others are doing A-levels and GCSEs. Who has been the biggest inspiration to you?

No one individual has inspired me that I can point to. I can always find something in every person I work with that makes me want to improve. Everyone in my team is better than me at something so there is daily inspiration.

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What were your ambitions when you were growing up?

I remember being destined for a career in wholesale/logistics because the first job I fancied was long-distance lorry driver. It was only because, when I was a kid, the Yorkie adverts featured lorry drivers, so I guessed that I could eat them all day long if I went down that career path!

What are your interests outside work?

I played rugby until my mid-thirties; now I watch it. I like to watch my son play – he’s better than I was but I still like to give him the ‘benefit of my experience’.

I also play electric guitar and drums, both of which, when played very loud, are a good way to wind down at the end of the day. I love being at work, and I love being with my family, and I pretty much just let the two blend together.

What approach do you take in business (and in life)?

I believe in abundance. There is always more that can be created, more that can be gained and more that can be given. It is one of the key mindsets I look for in people to work in the business. I always believe there is more that I can get out of life, both personally and professionally

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What is your favourite film, book and song/piece of music?

I’m afraid I’m a child of the ’70s and ’80s so it’s AC/DC, Deep Purple, and Rainbow to listen to, and Rocky, Rambo and Top Gun to watch!

What would people be surprised to know about you?

In the first lockdown I wrote, designed and published my management book IGNITE Your Business. I wanted to articulate all the key things I have learned in 30 odd years in the business, and communicate them in a fun, practical and useful way. If you want to see if I achieved that then head to www.ignite CCM yourbusiness.biz and get a copy!

23 years at Bidcorp After achieving a BA in Geography from the University of Leicester, Andrew Selley spent 12 years at Schweppes (now Coca-Cola Europacific Partners) where he progressed from graduate trainee to trading director. He has since spent 23 years at Bidcorp, and was appointed to his current role of CEO eight years ago, with responsibility for all the Bidcorp businesses in the UK: Bidfood, Bidfresh, manufacturing, imports and independent wholesale. Selley has an MBA in Business Studies and is a former chairman of the FWD.

Own-brand that meets demand

[ IN FOCUS ]

Hunt’s Food Group’s sales of savoury food-to-go products have gone from strength to strength. In response, it has developed a new own-label brand, Black Rock Bakery. new own-label brand, Black Rock Bakery, has been created by Sherborne-based Hunt’s Food Group to capitalise on the demand it has seen from the bake-off and food-to-go sectors.

The first items in the range are 10 premium, unbaked Cornish pasties.

A founding member of Caterforce, Hunt’s operates from five sites in the south and south-west of England and has a turnover of £110 million.

Black Rock Bakery is the latest addition to its own-label portfolio, which incorporates Childhay Manor (ice cream), Gourmade (retail ready meals), Thorner’s (butchery, pies and quiches) and Queenswood (pre-packed natural and organic commodities).

The new pasties – all manufactured in Cornwall – are tradiJason McGhee: ‘Exciting plans to tional cornish (giant, develop the range.’ large & medium); cheese & onion; chorizo, cheese & bacon; vegetable; lamb & mint; steak & ale; steak & stilton; and chicken & bacon.

Commenting on the launch of the new brand, Hunt’s purchasing director Jason McGhee said: “Throughout the last two years of Covid lockdowns and restrictions our savoury food-to-go category has gone from strength to strength, with total sales now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

“Cutting ranges and postponing NPD has been commonplace across many manufacturers but our customers have been demanding greater variety and increased numbers of premium, regionally produced products, so we are delighted to be able to launch this range in response to those requests.

“We have exciting plans to develop the range further and fully believe Black Rock Bakery will help us capitalise on the increased demand we are seeing.”

Hunt’s marketing manager Jadie

A

Carter added: “Staying in close contact with our foodservice customers over the last two years has been key to the speed we have been able to adapt to their changing needs and range requirements. Black Rock Bakery is our new solution to the multiple requests we have received, and we are all delighted to see this new pasty range already achieving a great following.”

The Black Rock Bakery range will be supported with a full PoS package to enable customers to create awareness and maximise sales within their businesses. There is also a dedicated website, www.blackrockbakery.co.uk.

Hunt’s already has plans to increase the offering with vegan pasties, as well as gourmet sausage rolls, artisan breads and sweet bakery products. CCM

Driven to support the people of Ukraine Hunt’s Food Group has leant its support to people affected by the war in Ukraine by providing essential supplies and driving them to the Polish border.

Four of Hunt’s drivers – Keith, Kev, Marick and Stirling (pictured) – recently embarked on a trip across Europe to deliver the supplies. Two lorries loaded with products including toiletries, nappies and sleeping bags were driven to a warehouse on the Polish border. The supplies were then

collected the following day and distributed to Ukrainian refugees.

The drivers had discovered the Help the Ukraine Taunton Facebook page, and approached the wholesaler’s senior team who were happy to provide resources for the trip.

“We are so proud of our drivers who have committed their time to organise and take this trip on their own initiative,” said Thomas Hunt, managing director.

Keith Snook, one of the drivers and logistics manager at Hunt’s, commented: “It was wonderful to be able to do our bit to help the people of Ukraine who were so in need of the supplies we were able to take over.

The support we had from the business was fantastic and we couldn’t have carried out this journey without it.”

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May 2022

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CCM Chefs’ Own-B rand Own-Brand A Awards wards 2022 20

CCM Chefs’ Own-Brand Awards 2022 ENTER ONLINE www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

CCM Chefs’ Own-Brand Awards 2022 Now in its fifth year, the prestigious CCM Chefs’ Own-Brand Awards is run by Cash & Carry Management magazine, in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs.

We know the care and passion that goes into creating a successful own-brand. It doesn’t just happen by magic: development chefs and supply partners work hard to bring exceptional products of excellent quality and great value to market – products that are driven by customer need and provide innovation in many categories. ese awards give cash & carries and delivered wholesalers whose own-brand products hit the mark the recognition they deserve, with endorsement from the Craft Guild of Chefs – the leading chefs’ association in the UK – who conduct the judging in blind tastings.

Entries are open for products in all food & drink categories at a cost of £125 plus VAT per product, with one free for every 10 products entered. e closing date for entries is Friday 1 July 2022. e products must be delivered on the date and to the delivery address that will be confirmed on receipt of your entry.

Judging will take place in August and the winners will be announced at a prestigious awards lunch in October.

For further information, contact Martin Lovell on 01342 712100.

Over 45% of retailers who sell Crisps & Snacks don’t sell pork snacks – missing out on a sales potential of £6.2m pa for Symbols & Independent Retailers.1

BRAND2

ED SALT NUTS

No.2 BRAND2

BEER & LAGE R

& WINE R CIDE

Put scratchings on shelf with nuts.

S& CRISP KS SNAC

83%

OF PORK SNACKS ARE CONSUMED WITH A DRINK3

Hang clipstrips with Beer Wines and Spirits (BWS) to capture incremental impulse sales.

Hang pubcard on flat side of fixture.

DON’T MISS OUT ON HIGH PROFIT, VAT-FREE SALES.

Sources: 1. IRI Market Advantage | Symbols & Independents GB | Crisps, Snacks & Popcorn and Pork Snacks | Value to 52 w/e 15-Jan-22. 2. IRI Market Advantage | IRI All Outlets GB | Pork Snacks | Value to 52 w/e 15-Jan-22. 3. Norstat | Jan 20.

IF YOU’RE NOT STOCKING PORK SCRATCHINGS YOU’RE MISSING OUT! No.1

Making bakery sales rise

[ BAKERY ]

Manufacturers are responding to demand for healthier and more adventurous bakery products with innovation that wholesalers and their customers can exploit. the best way forward is to bake them with natural products and minimal additions,” Grenter explains.

All Brioche Pasquier products have no preservatives but they do have a long shelf life of 21 days due to the unique natural ‘levain’ in the recipe. “A long shelf life means less wastage, and this is one of the key benefits of our brioche products. It is a desirable virtue for every part of the sales chain – from wholesalers, to retailers to consumers,” he says.

The company’s most recent addition to its range is its Pancakes, which can be paired with sweet or savoury toppings. The product comes conveniently wrapped in twin packs of eight and is suitable for vegetarians.

Brioche Pasquier has promotions planned for this year and continues striving to raise the profile of its products with consumers. It is working with family-based influencers with a collective 1.5 million reach to help drive people to buy its products, including best-seller, PITCH chocolate snack brioche, which come individually-wrapped in packs of six or four.

Meeting demand for healthier options akery has evolved into a much more complex sector than it was even five years ago. “Once a fairly stable corner of the market dominated by big brands and traditional loaves, in recent years bakery has undergone the sort of transformation that the brewing industry experienced 10 years ago in the craft beer revolution,” points out Matt Grenter, retail sales manager at Brioche Pasquier.

“There are of course still big bakers and dominant brands but the idea of craft has been re-introduced into the industry, with artisan bakers at the independent end of the market delivering sourdough, seeded, rye and numerous other loaves that are attracting the attention of consumers and putting pressure on the large bakeries to follow suit,” he says.

Breads from other parts of the world and different cultures have also become more widely popular. “Brioche is now very well established as a desirable alternative to traditional bread in any scenario, from barbecue to breakfast,” he claims.

B

Importance of being ‘clean’ ‘Clean labelling’ is an increasingly important factor for bread and wrapped bakery products. “Consumers are concerned about their health and wellbeing for themselves and for their children. Additives like preservatives, unhealthy fats, artificial flavourings and colourings all signal a red light to those who want to eat simple, clean bakery products,” he says.

Brioche Pasquier is a family-owned company with a focus on baking quality, clean label products. “We want our brioche to offer wholesome, affordable family food, and we believe

Warburtons – the UK’s largest bakery brand (Nielsen) – has introduced a new range of breads: The Big 21, which includes 21 varieties of seeds and grains; Plant Power a blend of pulses, grains and seeds; and Make It Grain, which includes Maris Otter barley malt grain.

The 700g loaves (rsp £1.85) are 100% wholemeal, high in fibre and protein, and low in saturated fat and sugar, making them the ‘perfect choice for the growing number of consumers looking for healthier products’.

In addition, seeds & grains is the second largest segment in wrapped bread and is in long-term growth, making the range a ideal option for retailers looking to grow their bakery category, says Warburtons.

The products also support consumers’ desire for more sustainable packaging solutions as they are wrapped in 100% recyclable paper packaging that can be recycled with newspapers and cardboard at home.

The range demonstrates the commitment of Warburtons to continue to innovate to excite consumers while also improving its impact on the environment.

Commenting on the launch of the three new loaves, innovation director Darren Littler says: “Consumers are always looking for new, interesting bakery products to make www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

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[ BAKERY ]

‘Consumers are always looking for new, interesting bakery products to make mealtimes more exciting’ Darren Littler, innovation director, Warburtons Lantmännen Unibake UK has restarted promotion of its Schulstad Bakery Solutions’ Thaw & Serve range to highlight the need for wholesalers to provide a quality pastry offering to meet morning cravings for a sweet treat. This range enables caterers without ovens to reduce preparation time significantly, as well as to control costs and wastage, while still offering an authentic sweet pastry option.

“Sweet treats account for over 30% of all breakfast occasions (Lumina), and pastries are seen as a staple breakfast option, with over half of Brits eating Danish pastries and croissants weekly (Opeepl). In fact, 84% of wholesalers that sell sweet bakery goods agree that croissants and Danish pastries are crucial in driving sales, meaning they are a must stock for wholesalers to remain competitive (H2O),” says Kate Sykes, marketing manager at Lantmännen Unibake UK. “Viennoiserie remains a popular breakfast choice and increasingly wholesalers, specifically independents, are allocating more space to the product as the category continues to innovate and bring fresh NPD and pack formats to the market.”

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Both range and quality are essential considerations for foodservice wholesalers when choosing which pastries and croissants to offer, advises Sykes. “Schulstad Bakery Solutions’ wide range of sweet treats assures customer satisfaction in both of these areas,” she says.

She also emphasises the need to focus on quality: “44% of croissant buyers select quality as a reason for choosing the establishment (Lumina). Wholesalers should stock highquality products made with real butter, with a light open texture.” Schulstad Bakery Solutions Croissants are available CCM in three variants – All Butter, Chocolate and Almond.

Do you have the ideal product mix?

Warburtons offers top tips on maximising sales and profits from bakery items: a Wrapped bakery is one of the main products driving shoppers into the channel. It is therefore essential to get the right range to encourage shopper footfall. a The impulse channel grew significantly during the main lockdowns, but since then shoppers, particularly younger ones, have returned to bigger stores. To bring those shoppers back, retailers need to consider their product mix in line with what younger shoppers want – for wrapped bakery, this lies within ‘other wrapped bakery’ as well as more premium and seeded loaves. a The impulse/convenience channel generally gives too much space to everyday wrapped bread. This is limiting space to key growth sectors such as bagels (+32%), teacakes (+21%), speciality/premium rolls such as brioche burger buns (+52%), and seeded bread (+17%) (Nielsen). a This change in product mix needs to start in cash & carries and delivered wholesalers – offering a wider range to help support retailers to make this step change is necessary to future proof this essential category. a Retailers are looking for a more diverse range to choose from when shopping in C&C: 85% of 500 retailers questioned said they stocked a sandwich alternative product such as bagels or pittas, 82% wrapped rolls, and 80% bakery snacks like crumpets and teacakes. a Retailers can be very brand loyal, with over a third wanting to see the likes of Warburtons in wholesale.

However, freshness is the No.1 reason influencing retailers’ choice in depot, and so it is essential that cash & carries are offering the freshest product – this is ranked as more important than price. a The impulse shopper’s financial confidence is at an alltime low. It is therefore essential for retailers to offer value. The price-marked pack is a great way to help retailers offer value to their shopper: 63% of retailers said they would stock a bakery PMP. a The merchandising of wrapped bakery in depot is important: retailers want clearer price labelling, a consistent location and better signage. a The online platform has become increasingly important. Many retailers even use the platform to help inform their in-store category decisions, so this is an effective way to help educate the shopper on NPD, best sellers and market trends.

All data unless otherwise stated: Lumina

mealtimes more exciting and these certainly do the trick. Not only do they taste great, but they also have a range of nutritional benefits, making them the perfect choice for a healthy balanced diet.

“Making the packaging fully recyclable is also just another step in the right direction for us, and we are thrilled that we are able to offer a more sustainable option to packaging that does not impact the freshness of the loaf.”

STOCK the UK’s

No. 1

1

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1. Based on NielsenIQ RMS data for the Wrapped Bakery category for the 52-week period ending 25.03.22 for Total Coverage inc discounters, Unit and Value Sales (Copyright © 2020, NielsenIQ)

[ SUMMER DRINKS ]

A bright season for drinks From on-the-go refreshment to outdoor entertaining, sales opportunities are here as shoppers look to reconnect and make the most of the upcoming summer months. rinks trends are important for the trade to follow.

The UK’s £2.9 billion convenience soft drinks category is growing at 6% (IRI), and a summer free of restrictions and with extra bank holidays provides huge opportunities for soft drinks and alcohol sales alike. It’s imperative that wholesalers steer their customers in the right direction to make the most of supplier activations and consumer demands.

Spring and summer refreshment is a sales driver for Barr Soft Drinks, which is promoting the return of Mango Month for its Rubicon brand. Throughout May, it is implementing PoS displays, offering giveaways and running in-depot events such as trade sampling days. The promotion is themed around the arrival of the Alphonso mango harvest on UK shores, and Barr is helping C&C/wholesalers to drive awareness and uplift during this peak sales period.

“Stocking Rubicon Mango alongside our other best-selling flavours will drive sales by catering to the demand for mouthwatering flavours from trusted brands, especially throughout the spring and summer months,” says Adrian Troy, marketing director.

“Rubicon continues to be the UK’s No.1 exotic juice drink brand, and 3.6 million households buy Rubicon Mango every year.

D

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We’re encouraging wholesalers and retailers to stock up on all pack formats and make the most of our in-depot and in-store activation tools.”

Over the last year, the Barr Soft Drinks portfolio of brands delivered an additional £14.3 million in retail sales value to the soft drinks category (IRI). IRN-BRU is the UK’s No.1 flavoured carbonate brand, and IRN-BRU XTRA is growing seven times faster than other flavoured carbonates (IRI).

What’s more, Rubicon Spring is the UK’s No.1 500ml flavoured water (IRI) and it brought 55% new shoppers into the category in 2021 versus 2020 (Kantar).

Barr Soft Drinks is currently rolling out 100% recycled plastic (rPET) bottles across all 500ml IRN-BRU and Rubicon products, with the rest of the IRN-BRU and Rubicon range due to change by the end of this year.

The move is a part of Barr’s wider initiative, ‘No Time To Waste’, which brings together net-zero, packaging, waste, water and sustainable sourcing workstreams.

Another supplier looking to make the most of summer social occasions, Refresco has brought back its full-sugar recipe of Old Jamaica Ginger Beer. The formula, which contains 15g sugar per 100ml, was last seen on the shelves in 2018, but is making a return in time for outdoor gatherings.

O G E S H T

OF GINGER

FROM THE ORIGINAL GINGER EXPERTS

THE UK’S NO.1 GINGER BEER BRAND*

STOCK NOW TO STOCK, CONTACT INFO.UK@REFRESCO.COM OR CALL 01509 674 915 *IRI MARKETPLACE: VOLUME AND VALUE SALES - MAT TO 23/1/22

[ SUMMER DRINKS ] This expands the Old Jamaica Ginger Beer line-up to Regular, Light, Extra Fiery and Original variants.

“While we know this level of sugar isn’t for everyone, we wanted to give our fans the choice and deliver something for all to enjoy,” says Terri Cooper, senior commercial manager at Old Jamaica.

“2022 is a year of celebrations as families and friends get together to mark many occasions, from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to Glastonbury and the World Cup. We wanted to mark it by reuniting our loyal fans with our super-popular original ginger beer full-sugar recipe.”

The resurrected variant is available to independent retailers in cases of 24 x 330ml cans, 6 x 330ml cans, 12 x 500ml bottles and 8 x two-litre bottles.

‘2022 is a year of celebrations as families and friends get together to mark many occasions, from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to Glastonbury and the World Cup’ Terri Cooper, senior commercial manager, Refresco The brand also launched a range of Ginger Ales last year as an alternative to tonic, as well as adding a Tropical Soda flavour to its range of Old Jamaica Sodas.

Also offering mixer options is Fentimans. The manufacturer has launched a new ‘fridge pack’ format for the growing in-home consumption mission. “This launch also heralds the introduction of our Rose Lemonade and Ginger Beer into a pack format designed specifically for creating long mixed drinks in the home, perfect for garden parties, BBQs or a Friday night in,” says Andrew Jackson, marketing director.

“The continued rise of premium spirits shows no sign of abating, with in-home consumption acting as a central pillar for the ongoing growth.”

The new packs will be supported by trade activity, with an above-the-line campaign to follow later in the year for the mixer range.

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SHS Drinks is focusing attention and £500,000 media spend on its premium soft drink brand, Bottlegreen.

The ‘Add a Dash of Extraordinary’ creative will run through the summer to increase awareness of the range of 500ml cordials and 750ml sparkling pressé bottles. The campaign includes print advertising and social media activity, and is aiming to amplify sales growth of premium drinks in independents.

“Leveraging the brand’s premium but relatable personality, the new creative focuses on the unrivalled quality and versatility of Bottlegreen’s ranges and highlights alternative usage occasions, while emphasising the brand’s taste credentials,” says Sarah Lawson, head of marketing – softs.

Britvic’s Robinsons Fruit Creations is also being supported by a brand refresh and media spend for the summer, with a £1 million advertising campaign across audio, out of home, social, digital and instore activity for its premium squash range.

A new launch sits alongside this investment – the Robinsons Fruit Creations Lemon & Raspberry variant. “As sales of our Fruit Creations range continue to grow, we want to give convenience shoppers the variety they crave through this latest addition,” says Phil Sanders, out-of-home commercial director.

“The new product is ideal for keeping retailers’ existing adult squash drinkers engaged with their range, as well as introducing new shoppers to the fixture.”

Nichols has introduced new additions to its Vimto brand for the summer in both its still and sparkling ranges. Vimto Cherry, Raspberry & Blackcurrant is now available in two-litre and 500ml bottles as an innovation in flavoured carbonates, while Vimto Blackberry, Raspberry & Blueberry 500ml Still provides a new launch for the on-thego drinks category.

Nichols is currently seeing growth from its Vimto Stills and Vimto Sparkling ranges, which will benefit from a summer campaign offering shoppers the chance to win a share of £100,000.

The activity is running in independents, managed convenience and wholesale, with possible £10 wins featured on any 500ml bottle across all flavours of the Vimto Stills and Sparking ranges via QR codes on PoS and social media.

“The addition of our new formats comes at the perfect time, as these variants will help us in our mission to tap into the emerging consumer trends of healthy hydration and flavour exploration, to help retailers grow incremental sales,” says marketing manager Jenny Powell.

MORE CHOICES. MORE SALES.

[ SUMMER DRINKS ] Tropical flavoured carbonates are also performing well, with fruit drink brand Rio reflecting 26% growth in 12 weeks leading up to February 2022 (IRI). The sales, marketing and distribution of Rio is now being managed by Boost Drinks.

“Flavoured carbonates are currently the third largest category in soft drinks, worth over £293 million and growing at 8% year on year, so there is a lot of opportunity here (IRI),” says Adrian Hipkiss, marketing & international business director. “After identifying consumer demand for low-sugar drink options that still taste good, we also offer Rio Tropical Light 330ml as a low-sugar alternative.”

‘Flavoured carbonates are currently the third largest category in soft drinks, worth over £293 million and growing at 8% year on year, so there is a lot of opportunity here’ Adrian Hipkiss, Boost Drinks’ marketing & international business director Radnor Hills is seeing the benefits of the healthier hydration trend, with two bottles of Radnor Splash sold every second last year. The supplier has expanded its line-up with the introduction of Radnor Fruits Sparkling cans. During lockdown, it also launched its Radnor Splash products in 250ml Tetra Paks to offer consumers more valuedriving products.

Radnor Hills supports cash & carries with sampling sessions and by sending free samples to selected customers. It follows this up with a report to help identify the priority customers.

This month, a summerfocused campaign is running on Radnor Splash 500ml bottles. The result of a partnership with Alton Towers, the promotion offers ‘2 for 1’ entry on tickets for all consumers. “Combining one of the UK’s most favourited drinks with one of the UK’s most popular theme parks creates an extremely exciting collaboration,” says a company spokesperson.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has stepped up creativity for its latest launch.

Coca-Cola Intergalactic is the first limitededition product under the Coca-Cola Creations platform, and celebrates the world of space.

The zero-sugar liquid, which has a reddish ‘starlit’ hue and delivers a cooling sensation, is packaged in a 250ml can inspired by the stars.

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engaging new and existing shoppers with flavours and experiences unlike anything they’ve had before,” says Martin Attock, vice president commercial development.

“As the No.1 soft drinks brand in GB, Coca-Cola is more than twice the size of its nearest competitor – and within that, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is a driving force as the fastest-growing major cola brand in GB retail (16.5%) and biggest contributor to cola growth (£46.3 million, Nielsen).”

The NPD is supported with an augmented reality concert accessed by scanning the QR code on cans, which will launch the Coca-Cola Hub where the performance can be found. Other digital elements include Instagram filters and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) experiences.

A summer burst of energy There’s also plenty going on in the energy category, with suppliers innovating and promoting ahead of the summer purchasing opportunities.

Red Bull has unveiled its seasonal edition with the launch of 2022’s Red Bull Summer Edition Apricot-Strawberry. Available in Summer Edition and Summer Edition Sugarfree variants, the NPD is supported with in-store marketing investment, including PoS materials and free-standing display units (FSDUs).

The eye-catching orange 250ml cans have both plain and price-marked options to offer retailers choice, while the on-trend summer flavours are set to satisfy the 41% of energy drink consumers who are looking to try more exotic fruit flavours (Lightspeed/Mintel).

Last year’s Summer Edition launch is now a permanent

Category first for health drinks Bounce Back is the first ever post-social replenishment drink. Developed and produced by two biochemists, this new drink has been specifically designed to be consumed after socialising and before bed, giving the body the replenishing nutrients it needs during sleep.

Its science-based formula of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids works with the body’s natural restoration process to help alleviate the stresses of an active social life, helping people to feel refreshed the next day.

The blend includes choline to support the maintenance of normal liver function, vitamin B12 to contribute to the reduction of tiredness, vitamin B6 to help maintain normal energy levels, vitamins C and E to assist in the protection of cells and oxidative stress, and zinc and selenium to help normal function of the body’s immune system.

The lightly sparkling drink is available in two flavours, Tropical and Raspberry, in single 250ml cans (rsp £2.49), four-packs (£8.99) and 12-packs (£21.29).

[ SUMMER DRINKS ] SKU known as the Green Edition, and the new Red Bull Summer Edition is expected to drive further growth.

The Editions portfolio is now worth £16.8 million and has shown a 116% uplift in sales (Nielsen). Offering a sugarfree option is important for consumer choice, with sugarfree variants having grown spend by 23.3% (Kantar).

Red Bull is the No.1 brand in total sports & energy, growing by £85.6 million versus a year ago and maintaining the second largest absolute gain on any other sports & energy brand (Nielsen). “From the iconic rhombus of Energy Drink 250ml, to Sugarfree and Zero variants, all the way to Red Bull’s range of Editions flavours, the Red Bull core range has something for every functional shopper,” says a company spokesperson.

Carabao UK&I has added its first 500ml PET bottle to its range of low-calorie energy drinks. The new pack format enables the supplier to better tap into the on-the-go consumption market, and the striking blue bottle has on-shelf impact.

“We continually monitor the needs of both our consumers and the category. Our research revealed that 87% of frequent energy drinkers would buy a 500ml resealable bottled version of their favourite energy drink,” says John Luck, chief marketing officer. “As on-the-go purchases continue to rise, the launch of our 500ml Original bottle is a key development – a longer and resealable alternative to our cans.”

Boost Drinks has reformulated its Fruit Punch flavoured 250ml SKU, replacing the existing sugar-free variant of Fruit Punch. The 65p price-marked cans communicate value, while the flavour profile of banana, passionfruit and peach stands out to consumers.

“The energy stimulation market is very much driven by taste and flavours,” says Adrian Hipkiss, marketing & international business director. “We anticipate our new Fruit Punch flavour to be very popular, especially as we head towards the warmer months and demand for exotic flavour profiles continue to be in high demand.”

To support the NPD, Boost is activating a wide-ranging marketing communications programme, including out-of-home and digital advertising, trade and consumer PR, press and influencer engagement, social media activity, print and digital trade advertising, consumer and experiential sampling, depot activation, and retail and depot PoS materials. In addition, the new SKU will feature as part of distribution drives across 2022.

“Advertising is very important,” maintains Hipkiss. “It’s key that retailers draw attention to attractive price points, deals and cross-promotions with eye-catching PoS, to encourage impulse purchases, which in turn will have an increase on basket spend in-store. We continue to offer free PoS on our website so that retailers can attract attention to the fixture.

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[ SUMMER DRINKS ] “We always recommend that soft drinks are chilled, positioned in easily accessible sites within the store at eye level, and restocked regularly to ensure optimum sales performance and play to the on-the-go market. We would also suggest dedicating at least a third of the chiller/fixture to the popular energy category, as currently £1 in every £3 spent on soft drinks in independents is on an energy drink (IRI).”

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I has partnered its Lucozade Energy brand with gaming behemoth Xbox, launching an on-pack promotion to tap into the massive popularity of video games.

Bottles of Lucozade Energy Orange, Original, Apple and Cherry have been transformed with limited-edition Halo sleeves to attract shoppers. By scanning a QR code on pack, Lucozade Energy drinkers will have the chance to win prizes including Xbox

Sustainability in the drinks industry Sustainability is more of a priority in the drinks industry than ever before, according to the Footprint Drinks Industry ESG Trends Report 2022, sponsored by Pernod Ricard UK. For the report, researchers surveyed more than 1,000 consumers and spoke with academics, consultants, investors and business experts from Pernod Ricard, CocaCola Europacific Partners, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company and other suppliers.

Consumer insights include: a 56% consider a drink brand’s green credentials when considering what to buy. a 50% of consumers care more about the health attributes of drinks than they did 12 months ago. a 74% check packaging for disposal information when throwing drinks away. a One in six consumers said responsible water sourcing was important to them when choosing drinks. a 53% of consumers seek out information on their favourite drinks brands and venues regarding environmental and social responsibility. a 72% said they would like to hear from pubs about the work they are doing to tackle green issues. a 93% said they would choose a pub that had supported the community in the pandemic.

Download the report at www.foodservicefootprint. com/footprint-drinks-industry-esg-trends-report-2022

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series S consoles, complete with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12 month subscriptions. In addition, to celebrate the Season 2 launch of Halo Infinite, shoppers can redeem exclusive ingame bonuses with every promotional bottle purchased.

“More than two-thirds of people play video games in the UK. Xbox has an exciting year ahead after the launch of Halo Infinite to its platform: Halo Infinite has had more than 20 million players jump into the game, making it the biggest launch in the Halo franchise history,” says Zoe Trimble, head of Lucozade Energy.

‘As stimulation drinks have seen growth of over 22%, new flavours are important for retailers to continue to drive excitement and provide different options for shoppers in this category’ Matt Gouldsmith, channel director wholesale, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I The promotion also offers retailers the chance to win an exclusive Xbox prize pack, including an Xbox Series S console to raffle off to their customers. The winning retailers will receive a full toolkit to run the competition, including posters, entry cards and PoS materials.

Suntory has extended its Lucozade Alert range with an Original variant. This joins the Tropical Burst and Cherry Blast flavours, which have already seen the stimulation brand generate sales of £1 million in under two months through wholesale and convenience (IRI).

“As stimulation drinks have seen a year-onyear growth of over 22% (IRI), new flavours are important for retailers to continue to drive excitement and provide different options for shoppers in this growing category,” says Matt Gouldsmith, channel director, wholesale.

Meanwhile, Suntory has invested almost £8 million in renovating the packaging of its brands to make them more sustainable, including reduced plastic sleeves on Lucozade Sport and 500ml Ribena bottles – an important step on its journey towards 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.

Summer plans lift off-trade spirits The upcoming months are also bringing opportunities for beers, wines and spirits, with national holidays, festival season and social reconnections driving consumer thirst.

Showcasing a brand refresh for its award-winning Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is the craft distiller Conker and its distributor Love Drinks.

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[ SUMMER DRINKS ] “The rebrand gives us a fresh look and improved onshelf visibility, and provides a clear platform for Conker Coffee Liqueur to shine from within our innovative portfolio of craft spirits,” says Conker Distillery founder Rupert Holloway. “We’re confident the refresh will help us reach and engage with even more discerning, planet-conscious coffee lovers in the UK.” Mast-Jägermeister UK has also launched into the cold brew coffee segment, with the versatile Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee proving popular both as a shot and as a cocktail ingredient.

Expected to boost sales is an off-trade campaign, encompassing out-of-home, social, digital, video-on-demand and experiential activity along with on-pack promotions across multiple pack sizes.

“This activity is designed not only to drive footfall in-store, but also to educate consumers to keep Jägermeister in their freezers at home for informal celebrations and gettogethers with friends and family,” says Johnny Dennys, head of brand and trade marketing.

Intercontinental Brands has redesigned its V-Kat Schnapps range, as well as adding a new variant, V-Kat Pink.

“The continued trend towards pink drinks has been fuelled by the creation of Instagram-friendly liquids and drinks, with many consumers honing their own mixology skills at home. Therefore, adding a pink variant will enable our customers to further capitalise on consumer demand and ensure they, too, are staying on top of current trends,” says Clare Gibson, marketing director.

“V-Kat is a dry schnapps that has been made to be mixed. It can be blended with mixers to create a long drink or used as a base for cocktails, making it a versatile option for at-home drinking occasions.”

Another pink drink is the strawberry-flavoured Puerto de Indias Gin. “The premiumisation trend continues to be strong, with affordable premium spirits performing particularly well,” says Craig Chapman, head of brand at Amber Bev. “We are significantly investing in driving Puerto de Indias Gin into UK outlets after its success in Spain, and we expect to see a great appetite for the brand this summer. We’re aware that glassware is top of the list when it comes to added product benefits that consumers want, so we are increasing the amount of bespoke Puerto de Indias gin glasses that we’ll be bringing to the UK this year.”

The distributor is also bringing whisky-based NPD to the UK, with the introduction of Kentucky Owl The Wiseman premium bourbon from Stoli Group.

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“Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is the beginning of the next chapter for Kentucky Owl and Stoli Group,” says Damian McKinney, Stoli’s global CEO. “As a family of exceptional brands, we are continuing to evolve, innovate and grow across all segments of the spirits market.”

Pink gin has had a teetotal makeover at Diageo, which has launched Gordon’s Premium Pink 0.0% Alcohol Free Spirit. The latest innovation from the No.1 gin brand is designed to capitalise on the growing low and no segment.

“With the alcohol-free trend showing no signs of slowing down, we are delighted to offer a new alcohol-free alternative which allows consumers to enjoy the great flavours of Gordon’s but without any of the alcohol,” says Jessica Lace, head of Gordon’s GB. “We are committed to providing choice for different occasions and we don’t think people should have to miss out on the flavour or the experience when choosing an alcohol-free drink.”

There is more Gordon’s NPD hitting the shelves, with Tropical Passionfruit Distilled Gin rolling out across the off-trade and on-trade. The 70cl bottle (rsp £16.50) is available plain and price-marked, and the launch is being supported by a £700,000 marketing campaign encompassing broadcast and digital advertising, social media and consumer activations.

“We know that 87% of spirits growth has come from flavour over the past few years, so stocking a range of flavoured spirits across various categories can help ensure sales potential is maximised,” says Lauren Priestley, head of category development off-trade.

“Keeping in mind ongoing and emerging trends is key for cash & carries. Leveraging well-known brands, stocking a diverse range of flavoured spirits as well as no and lower options will enable retailers to tap into consumer trends and help to drive sales.”

All the taste without the hangover Drinks suppliers are bringing a wave of innovation to the low and no-alcohol market. Beers, wines and spirits have all seen NPD enter this booming category, and wholesalers need to pay attention to trends and activity.

“It’s important to ensure a drinks range is inclusive, catering to those who choose not to drink alcohol, as well as those who do. When it comes to non-alcoholic options, they must deliver on taste and quality. A barrier to entry for many consumers previously was the taste of non-alcoholic options. However, with new innovations appearing regularly, this is beginning to change,” says Lauren Priestley, head of category off-trade at Diageo.

LARGEST SELLING CAN SIZE +28% YOY * FLAVOURED 500ML ENERGY +39% YOY * 74% OF CONSUMERS SEE AS NEW & DIFFERENT ** *IRI GB Symbols & Independents and NI Convenience sales to 26/12/21 **Cousins Davis research boost 500ml quantitative study - 198

[ SUMMER DRINKS ] Creating an on-the-go buzz WKD, the UK’s best-selling ready-to-drink alcoholic brand from SHS Drinks, has ‘enhanced RTD’ innovation joining the line-up. WKD X is a sub-brand containing caffeine, guarana and taurine, available in 500ml single cans with two flavour variants: WKD X Blue and WKD X Gold. The NPD comes in both standard and price-marked packs, in trade cases of 12 x 500ml single cans.

With energy drinks the fastest-growing segment of the soft drinks category (Nielsen) and with consumption skewed to the 18 to 30 age group, SHS believes that WKD is ideally placed to bring a nationally recognised brand to the fledgling enhanced RTD sub-category.

The launch is being supported with a communications campaign spanning social media, influencer activity and consumer-facing PR, along with in-store and cash & carry displays. “For depot managers and convenience retailers keen to focus on where incremental RTD category growth will come from, WKD X marks the spot,” maintains Alison Gray, head of brand – WKD. Funkin Cocktails is planning to maximise the opportunities from at-home social occasions, summer catch-ups and seasonal events driving off-trade sales this year.

“The past two years of restrictions has seen an undeniable shift in consumer drinking trends, and an increased interest in entertaining at home is a large part of this,” says Ben Anderson, marketing director.

“Promoting major sporting events and creating points of sale that encourage shoppers to get involved with these, such as making the link between Wimbledon and Funkin Cocktail’s Strawberry Daiquiri SKU, will prove beneficial.

Further to this, as shoppers often look to buy drinks to enjoy

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with friends during key sporting moments, they’ll be looking for the right pack size to suit this,” he says.

“The booming RTD market is currently worth a staggering £508 million and is continuing to grow at a 14% year on year as consumers make the most of beverages that combine ease and taste.”

Beer and wine take up trends Brewdog has noted that the enforced growth of at-home entertaining and treating that developed during the pandemic has remained a choice among many beer consumers.

“Even as the on-trade opened back up, we saw evidence of these habits continuing in the home and they have now become ingrained,” reports Alex Dullard, head of customer marketing. “This habitual change had led to trends in pack size and format, which are influencing overall category growth.”

As a result, Brewdog has aligned its NPD and changed its core range to offer 440ml cans rather than 330ml. It also launched The Brewdog Guarantee, which runs until 22 May. The initiative offers shoppers a refund on the full pack price if they are not satisfied with their purchase. The campaign is supported with in-store activation, together with digital and social activity.

Diageo has responded to the cold brew coffee trend with the introduction of Guinness Cold Brew Coffee Beer, which combines cold brew coffee with Guinness Draught, alongside roasted barley flavours.

The off-trade 440ml cans are currently being rolled out to wholesalers and convenience, with a supporting campaign including social media, influencer and advocacy activity. The new product has an abv of 4% and contains 2mg of caffeine per can.

John Burns, head of Guinness GB, told Cash & Carry Management: “We firmly believe that we have created a taste experience truly unrivalled in the market, and with over 95 million cups of coffee being consumed every day in Great Britain alone, now is the moment to offer a product which plays to an excitingly vast consumer space.”

KBE Drinks has partnered with award-winning Yeastie Boys Brewing Company to be the exclusive UK distributor for its craft beer range. “It’s important to cater for your craft beer customers, as this category has had another very strong year, with sales up by 21% in off-trade (Nielsen),” says John Price, head of marketing.

[ SUMMER DRINKS ] “Consumers are increasingly willing to spend more to treat themselves to better quality and authentic beer, which is in turn driving increased value in-store,” Price adds. “That’s why premium world lagers like Kingfisher and Sagres are a great option to stock, as they are on trend and can typically be charged at a minimum of 30% more than other, more mainstream, options.

According to Price, Kingfisher and Sagres have both enjoyed stellar performances in the off-trade over the last 12 months, with Kingfisher growing by 18% and Sagres by 163%, albeit from a relatively small base.

Wine is also a popular choice for at-home entertaining and unwinding, and still wine is currently worth £1.3 billion in convenience. “With value for money a pressing concern for shoppers, we expect key origins, sweeter profiles and rosés to maintain popularity as we head into the summer,” says Tom Smith, marketing director – Europe at Accolade Wines.

“The biggest volume of wine sales within convenience remains from the core price range, £6-£8, and these should be at the heart of any retailer’s wine category.”

‘New consumers who entered the wine category last year tend to be younger and less affluent, so it’s important to continue to appeal to this demographic’ Tom Smith, marketing director Europe, Accolade Wines This year is very much dominated by economic factors, which continue to impact consumers on a daily basis. “New consumers who entered the wine category last year tend to be younger and less affluent, so it’s important to continue to appeal to this demographic,” adds Smith.

“Fruit flavours and sparkling options appeal to this group, especially at celebratory and social occasions. Inflation is also contributing to squeezed budgets, with 44% of all sales focused in the £4-7 price range (Nielsen).”

The rise of the low/no alcohol alternatives is evident in the wine segment, and suppliers are responding with innovation.

Hardy’s Zero is a non-alcoholic range that uses cutting-edge de-alcoholising technology to offer a quality wine with lower sugar and superior taste to competitors, claims the company.

The range has three varieties: shiraz, chardonnay and sparkling. Zero alcohol wine is now worth over £39 million and over-indexes with younger consumers (Nielsen). The growth is driven by non-alcohol sparkling, which accounts for 38% of total zero-alcohol wine.

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its latest wine-on-tap brand, Vino Societa. This year sees a malbec option joining the sauvignon blanc and rosato styles.

“We are focused on transforming consumer perceptions around the quality of wine-on-tap wines and introducing new shoppers to the category, and it’s the perfect format for a night in,” continues Smith. “Under 35s currently under-index on boxed wine spend but are a demographic who value stylish products that are less damaging to the environment. Vino Societa addresses these needs and is the perfect opportunity to premiumise the category.”

Broadland Drinks is focused on the opportunities for English wine brands at this time of economic uncertainty.

“Rising costs in production and transportation, as well as global supply chain pressures, mean familiar imported wine brands will be forced to increase prices beyond the critical £4.49 retail price mark,” says Fran Draper, marketing director.

“These cost increases are seriously impacting wines produced outside of the UK, resulting in a clear opportunity for British wine brands like Three Mills.”

A redesign of the Three Mills brand highlights the provenance of the range, showcasing the iconic windmills of Norfolk. The entry-level pricing will continue across the varietals range, which has expanded to include zinfandel rosé and malbec alongside the existing pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc styles.

Treasury Wine Estates has achieved Carbon Neutral certification across its Lindeman’s brand. “There is a clear demand from consumers for more sustainable wines and they should be able to experience wine that is sustainably grown, made and packaged,” says Ben Blake, marketing director at Treasury Premium Brands.

“We are investing in initiatives that will ensure the continuous carbon footprint reduction across the Lindeman’s brand, as well as setting bold sustainability CCM targets across our entire business.”

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