Ulster Grocer

Grocer ™

40 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

MAY 2015

ULSTER

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CONTENTS

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 50, Number 5 May 2015 Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Sales Manager: Mark Beckett E: markbeckett@greerpublications.com Contributors: Seamus McCaffrey, Jason Winstanley Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com

www.ulstergrocer.com

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25-34

Art Editor: Karen Donnelly Production Manager: Stuart Gray Accounts: Gerardine Carson

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Designed & Produced by: Greer Publications Design Tel: 028 9078 3200 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911

Contents

Ulster Grocer is published by Greer Publications 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, BELFAST BT3 9JQ Tel: 028 9078 3200 Fax: 028 9078 3210 Web: www.ulstergrocer.com

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13 THE SECRET LIFE OF A SOLE TRADER: Mark Brown, owner of Arcadia Delicatessen, is the focus of this month’s My Life in the Grocery Trade Q&A. While running his own business entails long hours and hard work, he is enthused about the growing number of local artisan food producers and the forthcoming Year of Food 2016.

18-22 SIZZLING SUMMER: Should it arrive, be prepared with UG’s guide to the latest food, drinks and equipment on offer from the BIC Megalighter for barbecues and other cooking appliances to Kerry Foods’ new Henry Denny Fire & Smoke cooked meats range and Doherty & Gray’s new BBQ packs and hot dog sausages under the Hull’s brand.

24 FOCUS ON FRESH: Trading with the Henderson Group for over 30 years, Dale Farm is the focus of this month’s SPAR fresh supplier profile and is currently, among other lines, supplying butter and two cheese ranges under SPAR’s new enjoy local range.

25-34 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Find out who picked up the top awards and were highly commended in the prestigious Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards held on May 22 in the Culloden Hotel, alongside social pictures of the glittering gala event.

Greer Publications © 2015. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Greer Publications.

35-36 MARKETING MAGIC: Following on from our Awards coverage showcasing marketing excellence, marketing experts John Giles of Promar International and The Chartered Institute of Marketing, and Robert Lyle of LyleBailie International look at opportunities and challenges for the local grocery sector.

37-39 AGRI-FOOD EXCELLENCE: This year’s Balmoral Show was again a fantastic showcase for the local agri-food sector and well attended by retailers and producers alike.

Coverage in UG includes the Henderson Wholesale Local Supplier of the Year awards and M&S Farming for the Future Awards alongside pictures from around the NI Food Pavilion.

8 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

ULSTER GROCER

Publishers: James and Gladys Greer

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NEWS

GUEST COMMENT: GROCERS’ BALL THANKS

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s chairman of the Ulster Grocers’ Ball and on behalf of GroceryAid, I would like to thank all who contributed to making the event a great success on May 22.

The GroceryAid NI Fundraising Committee wish to thank everyone attending the ball and contributing to the impressive £44,345 raised for the charity and, in particular, the Ball’s sponsors and suppliers.

Suppliers of food and drinks for the reception and dinner included Coca-Cola Hellenic, Glenarm Organic Salmon, Dale Farm, Tesco, Henderson Foodservice, Kerry Foods, Genesis Bakery, UB Biscuits and Stafford Lynch. Also contributing to the hamper were Allied Bakeries, Coca-Cola Hellenic, GM Marketing, Henderson Group, Irwin’s Bakery, Kerry Foods, KP Snacks, Mackle Petfoods, Mash Direct, Musgrave, Moy Park, Premier Bakeries, PRM, Richmond Marketing, SHS Group, Squeeze Wheatgrass, Stafford Lynch, Tayto, Tesco, Walkers/Pepsico and White’s, while Greer Publications organised the hamper packing.

Kerry Foods contributed the star prize of the evening, while further ballot prizes were donated by Moy Park, the Hastings Group, WASP Technologies, the Holywood Partnership, GroceryAid, Tesco and Sunblest and auction prizes by the SHS Group and PRM Group.

Finally, I wish to thank you sincerely for your ongoing support and we look forward to seeing you at the Grocery Aid River Rock BBQ on Friday, 19th June.

Gerry Cassidy 4

Concerns raised by Green Pastures planning approval A

controversial redevelopment project encompassing a 4,100-square-metre supermarket on the outskirts of Ballymena narrowly passed planning approval earlier this month, raising concerns over both the future of the town centre and the power of the new super councils.

In the first vote involving an out-of-town retail application by a new super council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s planning committee passed the Green Pastures redevelopment project by five to four votes. The ‘urban village’ project is focused around Pastor Jeff Wright’s Green Pastures evangelical church, and also includes housing, a business park, a hotel and other community facilities.

Prior to the vote, the planning committee was urged to reject the application in a joint statement from Ballymena Chamber of Commerce President Alan Stewart and NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts.

“This is obviously a very disappointing result,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA. “It sets a dangerous precedent as the first major planning decision of the new councils, and sets up a new town centre with the capacity to draw millions away from the existing town centre at a time when Ballymena needs all the help and support it can get.

“It is disappointing that councillors seem to be promoting the view you can support out-oftown retail development and support town centres at the same time but you can’t have your cake and eat it. The trend is moving away from big boxes out of town. The future is strong vibrant town centres with a good mix of retail and hospitality.”

According to Green Pastures, the project will add 1,000 jobs to the area which is set to lose close to that number of positions when the Gallahers tobacco plant closes next year.

A previous planning application featuring a 6,100-square-metre supermarket was declined.

CAFRE opens new £3m Food Innovation Centre A

griculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has officially opened a new £3m Food Innovation Centre on the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprises (CAFRE) campus in Co Tyrone.

Facilities include a large teaching kitchen for students; industrial style kitchen for NPD development by clients; computerised sensory analysis suite with dedicated preparation kitchen, 10 individual sensory analysis booths and group panel areas; packaging prototype design area; conference and meeting facilities; and a market intelligence/ creativity room.

“The agri-food sector remains the most resilient parts of our local economy, recording yearon-year growth at a time when other industries are falling behind,” said O’Neill. “It is important that the sector is positioned to exploit market opportunities, supplying the right products at the right price and the right time. Food innovation is a key driver for growth of this area so this new state-of-the-art centre is essential in our drive for economic growth here.

“This superb facility will act as a catalyst to inspire Loughry students and provide our agrifood companies the opportunity to develop world class innovative products to meet the everchanging demands of the consumer.”

Jointly funded by DARD and the Northern Ireland Executive’s Jobs for the Economy initiative, the new Centre will act as a food hub to enhance co-operation between government, research institutions and industry, and is designed sustainably with biomass heating, solar PV and rainwater harvesting systems.

NEWS

QUB to open new Agri-Food Quest Competence Centre

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rade Minister Jonathan Bell used the Balmoral Show to announce £6.7m is to be invested in a new Agri-Food Quest Competence Centre (AFQCC) at Queen’s University Belfast.

The Centre will draw upon the research capabilities of Ulster University, Queen’s and the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), with a primary focus on improving the internationally competitive position of the Northern Ireland Agri-food sector through innovation and co-operative research.

Invest NI will provide £5m of research and development assistance funding for the project, with other industry partners contributing £1.7m.

“The Northern Ireland AgriFood Quest Competence Centre is the fourth in an initial series of Pictured at the Balmoral Show are, from left, Professor Chris Elliot, Competence Centres being funded Queen’s University Belfast; Trade Minister Jonathan Bell; and Michael Bell, NIFDA.

by Invest NI and industry partners, which are designed to rapidly transform great research into commercial success,” said Bell. “The Centre will provide a platform for companies which want to pursue research projects in areas such as packaging, shelf-life, waste minimisation and food security. Not only will it support the development of our local food industry to compete strongly in export markets, it will also build on the agri-food knowledge and skills that already exist in Northern Ireland.”

Prof Elliott said: “The establishment of this industry-academia research partnership is essential James Greer, publisher of Ulster Grocer, extends his to help local companies keep up with the fierce competition they face on the world’s global thanks to all the hardworking volunteers who helped pack the famous Ulster Grocers’ Ball hampers at one markets. The Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University is very proud to host this of SHS’ warehouses, under the efficient direction centre and will work alongside our industry partners to drive innovation across the agri-food of Greer Publications Account Manager Gerardine Carson. Pictured are, front row from left, Mark sectors.”

Beckett, Ulster Grocer, Julie Irvine and Katrina Dale, Dr. David Dobbin, CBE, chairman of the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association, said: Tesco and, back row from left, Gerardine Carson; Manus Carson; Anne Richie, Tesco; Paul Redmond, “NIFDA has been working for four years with Invest NI, and our partners to bring this centre to Musgrave; and Maria O’Prey, Tesco. Volunteers from fruition. Minister Bell’s department is to be congratulated for their support which has been crucial Specify and Ulster Business magazines and SHS also helped out. in helping to provide companies with exciting opportunities to collaborate.”

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NEWS

Bell welcomes record-breaking Invest NI results T

rade Minister Jonathan Bell has welcomed a record performance by Invest Northern Ireland - with nearly 14,000 jobs promoted, 9,410 new jobs, 25 new investors and £1.4bn of investment in the economy over the 2014-2015 financial year.

“This year’s results are tremendously encouraging and reflect the commitment of existing businesses and new investors to Northern Ireland,” he said. “The number of jobs promoted, the amount of investment into the local economy, the number of new investors secured, and the number of jobs actually created were all the highest levels ever.”

According to Invest NI, its results for 2014-2015 indicate £7 of investment in the NI economy was delivered for every £1 of support.

“2014-15 was a phenomenal year for Invest NI, outperforming our best year on record in 2013-14, said Alastair Hamilton, CEO of Invest NI. “During the course of the year, our support for businesses helped secure nearly 14,000 new jobs, a 30% increase on last year, with almost 60% of these outside Belfast.

These jobs will be created across a range of industries over the coming three to five years, and will deliver over £300m of salaries

annually to the NI economy.

“In addition to reporting on the number of new jobs promoted, we can also report on the number of jobs actually created each year since 2011.

Last year saw the highest number to date – 9,410, with 73% of these being created in locations outside Belfast.

“Over the course of the year we made nearly 5,000 offers of support, 93% to local businesses, contributing to our highest level of total investment Trade Minister Jonathan Bell is pictured with Invest Northern Ireland Chief into the NI economy ever, at Executive Alastair Hamilton. £1.4bn; 67% of this planned investment will be outside Belfast.” target. We also supported a number of Further, over 2014-15, Invest NI attracted a significant skills investment projects leveraging record 25 new investors to Northern Ireland, £62m of investment in skills ensuring securing over 1,000 new jobs and £63m-plus company staff have the best skills to help the in investment. business grow.”

“Supporting job creation is only one of Four of five targets in the Programme for the ways we help drive economic growth Government (PfG) were exceeded with regard in Northern Ireland,” said Hamilton. “We to new jobs, investment in the economy also support businesses to invest in research and R&D, and loans generated to SMEs, and development and skills and last year although a fifth target to increase the value of our support contributed towards £131m of manufacturing sales from NI by 20% was not business investment in R&D, 20% above met with sales only rising by 4.9%.

NI artisans form new lobby body

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ocal artisan food producers have formed a new organisation, with the aim of facilitating an exchange of business information and lobbying government bodies more effectively.

The new Ulster Food Producers Group includes many UK Great Taste Awards Claire Kelly, secretary of the Ulster Food winners, and has plans to Producers Group attract similar enterprises for the three counties of the Republic of Ireland bordering Northern Ireland, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan.

Claire Kelly, owner of premium chutney and relish specialist Passion Preserved, is secretary of the new venture, which was inspired by the Focus on Food showcase in St George’s Market hosted by Food NI and Belfast City Council in March.

“I believe the Group could be a very worthwhile development for what is now a very dynamic and innovation-led sector in Northern Ireland,” she said. “What emerged from the discussions was a recognition that what we really needed was a forum to encourage and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information between producers and to help ensure a significant role for artisans during the planned Year of Food in 2016.

“We recognised that a great deal could be achieved by working together as an information and lobbying body. There’s tremendous enthusiasm throughout the group and a great desire to co-operate and collaborate on activities to raise the profile of the sector especially with the wider public. We need consumers everywhere to recognise the quality and originality of local artisan foods and to include them when shopping. And we need both retailers and chefs to know that we can deliver in consistent quality and quantity.”

8 366• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

N A C U O Y

T S U TR US ON

RANGE

Customers demand quality and choice – and nobody delivers a better range at more competitive prices than Nisa. We offer over 12,000 chilled, frozen and ambient lines, including our own award winning Heritage range which we recently relaunched to ensure it remains best in class. And because we combine this with a state-of-the-art category management system, you can be confident that the products you stock are the ones your customers will want to buy.

For more information call 0800 542 7490 or email trust@nisaretail.com

9146 210x297 IRN April Trade Press Range AW01.indd 1

13/04/2015 11:26

RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS

NFRN calls on Paypoint to review commission caps P ayPoint has come under fire from NFRN, the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, for creating little or no profit for independent retailers. The Federation has rejected the payment services provider’s claims that ‘the real benefit is the additional footfall and sales generated’.

Citing data from one of its 15,000 members, NFRN claims that having a PayPoint terminal neither builds sales or footfall and that once staff, electricity and banking costs are accounted for, profits are negligible or non-existent.

“Add in staff wages of £6.50 an hour, which will be going up by 20p in October, and

ever increasing electricity costs for running the terminal and it’s clear how little shopkeepers make from being a PayPoint retailer,” said Paul Baxter, chief executive of NFRN. “With commission caps set to fall to as little as 7p and with the national minimum wage set to rise later this year, the money retailers make from PayPoint and so called extra sales will not even cover the salary of any employees, let along the owner’s costs and profits.

“How PayPoint can now justify the significant cuts on commission caps from May 18 in the face of this data and following the strong reaction from retailers is beyond me.

That’s why the NFRN is calling on PayPoint

FareShare and GroceryAid benefit from NIFDA Awards Collection Pictured are Mark Gowdy, treasurer for GroceryAid and Michael Bell, executive director of NIFDA.

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he Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) has raised £2,730 through a charity collection at the NIFDA Awards Dinner, which was held recently in the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge. As agreed on the night, the sum raised will be split evenly between two local charities – GroceryAid and FareShare.

Each charity has received a cheque for £1,365. FareShare saves good food destined for waste and sends it to charities and community groups who transform it into nutritious meals for vulnerable people. Last year, the charity saved 6,400 tonnes of food from going to waste, sending the food to over 1,700 charities and community groups across the UK. GroceryAid is the national charity for people who are working or have worked in the grocery industry. The charity currently looks after more than 8,500 current and former industry colleagues, with financial support or through its 24-hour helpline.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all those who donated so generously to the collection at the NIFDA Awards,” said Michael Bell, executive director of NIFDA. “The awards are all about celebrating the excellent work carried out by our local food and drink companies, so it is fitting that the money raised will go to two extremely worthy causes which are close to the hearts of those working in the industry. We are confident that the money raised will go directly towards helping vulnerable people across Northern Ireland and will make a positive difference to local communities.”

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to Pay Fair and urgently review its position.”

PayPoint, meanwhile, has recently added payment of rates bills for 2015/16 from Northern Ireland’s Department of Finance and Personnel’s Land & Property Services to its list of services available through its 1,150 PayPoint retailers in Northern Ireland.

“PayPoint is now the only convenience store-based payment network for virtually all household bills in Northern Ireland,” said Andrew Goddard, Retail Director at PayPoint. “This means that residents have even more reasons to visit our retailers who, in turn, have more opportunities to generate additional sales.”

NIIRTA OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR NEW NI MPS

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he Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has congratulated Northern Ireland’s 18 newly elected MPs and urged them to hit the ground running in tackling the economic challenges ahead.

“We congratulate our newly elected MPs and look forward to working with them over the course of the new Parliament,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA. “NIIRTA has set out a detailed 30-point plan (Retail First) which gives our MPs a policy agenda for not just growing our Retail Sector, but our economy as a whole.

“Among our priorities for the new Parliament include organising an International Infrastructure Investment Conference, City Deals for our five local cities, National Insurance Holidays for new businesses opening in areas of high unemployment and establishing a new Economic Advisory Council to advise the Secretary of State for NI on non-devolved issues.

“We need the right incentives and the right environment for our businesses and enterprises to thrive locally, nationally and across the world. That means we need appropriately trained staff – a workforce that can adapt and develop to the changing needs of consumers and trade.”

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02/04/2015 10:24

RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS

Maxol opens new Eglington service station T

he recent opening of Maxol Eglinton sees the introduction of Moreish, a new deli and café setting offering speciality sandwiches and freshly ground barista coffee, into Northern Ireland.

The Moreish café is located within the Maxol SPAR forecourt store and includes a contemporary seating area, state-of-the-art washrooms and WiFi. In addition to Eglinton, Maxol plans to bring the Moreish fresh food concept to Townparks, Antrim and Scarva Road, Banbridge service stations in the next three months.

“At Maxol we are committed to serving local communities and, with our new service station in Eglinton, we have supported the employment of more than 20 local people and created a key destination point in the North West,” said Brian Donaldson, general manager of the new Maxol in Eglinton.

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Alan and Val Rodden, our independent licensees, who are well known and highly regarded in the local area. It’s an exciting time in the business as we introduce Moreish – Fresh Food by Maxol to Northern Ireland, which we believe will really appeal to consumers offering fresh, high quality food on the go, sourced from local suppliers, as well as a comfortable seating area to relax and recharge.

“By continuing our alliance with the Henderson Group, under the SPAR franchise, we can continue to develop our convenience offering and best meet the needs of consumers today who are moving away from

Ashleigh Coyle recently helped fuel and convenience retailer Maxol officially open its new Eglinton service station.

the bigger weekly shop in large supermarkets and are now ‘topping up’ in smaller, local independent outlets, operated and served by local people.”

Maxol’s new service station located on the Coolafinny Road, Eglinton is operated by licensees Alan and Val Rodden who are wellknown faces in the area and who also run Dispo Products, a local hygiene supplies business.

The opening of Maxol Eglinton is part of a £40m investment from Maxol over the last 24 months.

Costcutter crosses 2,600 store threshold T

otal store numbers in the Costcutter Supermarkets Group rose above 2,600 for the first time last month, according to the Group, which operates Costcutter UK-wide as well as the Mace, Kwiksave, SuperShop and Simply Fresh symbol groups in GB. Store numbers totalled 2,625 at last count, representing a net increase of 41 stores in the first quarter of 2015 with an increase across all regions including eight retailers joining from Nisa to date in 2015, said the Group, which expects the overall store growth trend to continue through 2015 due to a strong pipeline of new retailers actively considering joining.

“Having over 2,600 retailers in our Group is a pleasing milestone to cross,” said Daniel Quest, retail director of Costcutter Supermarkets Group. “What is clear is that retailers understand the value we are able to bring due to the combined simplicity and strength of our offer.

“The simpler pricing, no membership fees and no order fees which we introduced in 2014 when we entered our partnership with P&H is obviously attractive. However, retailers are equally drawn by the value we can achieve through the £5bn buying power of Buyco, the strength of our range, and our compelling and flexible promotional programme.

“Retailers are also increasingly commenting on the attractiveness of our Independent own brand range, while at the same time we know they place significant value in our technology innovations such as our new ActivCPoS, ActivOC, ActivHUB and ActivMOBILE systems.

“With a brand portfolio that can cater for any retailer and market leading support from our expert field teams, who help members develop their store and grow sales, we are in a strong position to provide the sort of partnership independent retailers require in today’s market. This is helped further by the security and long-term stability provided by our parent company, Bibby Line Group.”

NIFDA HOSTS GROCERY SUPPLIERS CODE OF PRACTICE TRAINING

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Pictured (L-R) are Des McCullough, SHS; Brian Irwin, Irwin’s Bakery; Brendan Loughran, SHS; Michelle Charrington, Invest NI; Karen Fraser, Moy Park; Michael Bell, NIFDA; John Noble, BBG; Don Edwards, BBG; Matt Lilley, Dunbia; Simon Russell, Dunbia; and Drew McIvor, Invest NI.

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he Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) recently organised and ran the first ever Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice (GSCOP) training course in Northern Ireland.

The session was held at the Maldron Hotel Belfast and was delivered in partnership with the British Brands Group and Invest Northern Ireland. Tailored to general managers, commercial and sales directors and key account managers, the course provided those attending with a clear understanding of the GSCOP and its key elements. “It is important that suppliers understand the GSCOP and its implications, as this will help to improve the balance between suppliers and supermarkets,” said Michael Bell, executive director of NIFDA. “This course breaks down the legislation into clear and comprehensive chunks, and is essential for those involved in trading with supermarkets.”

My Life in the Grocery Trade Mark Brown, owner of Arcadia Delicatessen WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I’m the owner of Arcadia Delicatessen, a third generation family independent food store on Belfast’s Lisburn Road.

a wedding cheese cake and gift hampers to prepare for despatch. Christmas time multiplies things tenfold, as you can imagine, just keeping the shop stocked and functioning is a challenge but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I get home at 7.30pm, complete the day’s accounts, have dinner and look forward to bed!

BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE I have been working in the shop since I was 12 years old. I finished university and slipped into a full-time role in the shop under my father, William, who then ran the business.

My wife and I took over the shop in 2007.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I am involved in all aspects of the business from general ordering, customer service, seasonal planning, human resources, merchandising, stock control, product sourcing and book-keeping. We are also further developing our online offering which creates a whole new set of requirements. It’s an extremely full on job that allows me little time to think of anything else.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? I buy into the romanticised notion of the sole trader, the unique offering that we have and the special atmosphere that a shop like ours creates. Independent businesses are an important part of the retail mix and I am committed to sustaining that. I love the personal service that a shop like ours allows and enjoy meeting all the characters who walk through the door. We have a fantastic range of customers including many local

politicians, professional sportsmen and media personalities. It’s lovely to have their custom – a day in Arcadia is certainly not dull. I love meeting artisan producers and am especially passionate about the increasingly strong local food scene and am proud of the small role I have to play in that. I think consumers are now aware of the need to ‘Shop local’ and it is humbling to realise the strong support we have from the local community.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY My day starts at 8am when I begin to set up the shop. It takes an hour and a half to ready the shop for customers, there’s merchandising outside the shop, preparing the fish and cheese counters, prepping fresh salads and restocking our olives and anti-pasta section. Inevitably, I have a flurry of calls from suppliers and customers throughout the day, perhaps a consultation with a couple regarding

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? There have been many in recent years. We have won numerous awards including being named one of the top 10 delis in the UK, representing Northern Ireland as a judge in the World Cheese Awards and last December, we were one of a small group of retailers invited to No 10 Downing Street by the Chancellor to represent the best of local independent retailers.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? It’s a particularly exciting time for local food ahead of the NI Year of Food 2016. Over the past five or so years, we have been delighted with the quality of artisan food products coming on board and the degree of support for small producers from government bodies such as Invest NI. We have enjoyed playing our part in this and I think customers have now realised the importance of shopping local and sustaining independent producers and shops. I get great satisfaction out of providing a high level of customer service.

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RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

Lidl announces Connswater expansion plans L

idl has announced plans for a multi-million pound expansion of its store at the Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park in east Belfast. The investment will create up to 15 new jobs for the local area, contingent on planning approval.

Lidl will relocate within the retail park to a newly refurbished, modern store totalling 23,000 square feet on a 25-year lease. It will be modelled on recent openings on Lisburn’s Bentrim Road and Belfast’s High Street. Since arriving in Northern Ireland in 1999, Lidl has opened 38 stores across the country.

“Lidl’s decision to plan for a significant expansion in the retail park is fantastic news for Connswater and for the local area,” said Gerry Monaghan, manager of Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park.

“It’s a major vote of confidence in the current store, in the staff they have and their loyal customers.

“Recently we have seen retailers positively invest inside the centre, including Specsavers which responded to a rise in demand with a £300,000 expansion into a larger unit and Vodafone which opened a new concept store, a first for them in east Belfast.”

Paul Gibson, sales operations executive for Lidl NI, said: “Lidl is very much looking forward to the redevelopment of our Connswater store. We see great potential in this location and are looking forward to enhancing the shopping experience at this branch.

“Last year we celebrated 15 years in Northern Ireland and with more

Pictured are, from left, Ryan Kee, director of retail agency at Lambert Smith Hampton, and Gerry Monaghan, manager of Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park, with Paul Gibson, sales operations executive for Lidl NI.

and more people choosing to shop at Lidl we are excited with the plans we have for Connswater and would like to thank everyone involved in the process to date. Pending positive feedback from the planning authorities we hope to be in a position to be operating towards the end of the year.”

Asda pioneers new local lamb packaging

Tim McVicker, commercial director, Forest Feast is pictured with Susanna Hassard, Asda’s regional buying manager for NI and Scotland. Photo credit: Phil Smyth.

Forest Feast takes new range to the streets P

ortadown-based dried fruit and nut business Forest Feast has landed a supply deal with Asda in Northern Ireland to roll out its new range of snack products inspired by the sights and sounds of the international street food scene.

Forest Feast’s Spanish, Thai and USA inspired Street Food snack mixes will now be stocked in all Asda stores across Northern Ireland.

Asda is the first major multiple retailer in Northern Ireland to stock products from the new range, which Forest Feast launched this year following a major reinvestment into its production facilities, processing and packaging technology.

“Having the support of Asda for our new range is extremely valuable and we’re thrilled to have Street Food showcased in their portfolio of stores,” said Tim McVicker, commercial director, Forest Feast. “Our strategy is about staying ahead of consumer food trends and bringing innovative new products to market.

“We developed Street Food to celebrate the sights, sounds and spices of the global street food scene, where some of the most flavoursome, exciting cuisine is cooked and enjoyed in the open air.”

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Joe McDonald, Asda’s corporate affairs manager for NI, is pictured with Ivor Ferguson, deputy president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, at Asda Portadown.

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sda has launched an innovative new fresh meat range for the local market which aims to boost sales of NI Farm Quality Assured lamb by 75%.

Responding directly to customer feedback, Asda has worked with its main supplier, ABP in Newry, to develop a new, environmentallyfriendly ‘skin’ packaging range which offers greater choice and convenience to local shoppers.

Asda is the first to market with the unique packaging which has already been used to great effect on its Butcher’s Selection beef range.

The air-tight design prolongs the shelf life of the meat so it matures in the pack, enhancing both its quality and taste.

To promote the convenience and versatility of lamb, the new range includes popular, quick-to-cook cuts such as chops, escalopes and leg steaks. It also reflects the growing popularity for slow-cooking or braising techniques with the inclusion of cuts such as shank, neck fillet and shoulder of lamb.

The launch reinforces Asda’s support for local sheep farmers.

RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

Doherty & Gray makes Finest sausages for Tesco B

allymenabased Doherty & Gray has secured a significant new listing with Tesco, supplying sausages under the Tesco Finest brand to 30 of the retailer’s stores across Northern Ireland.

Naomi Jones and Alan McKeown The listing from Doherty & Gray are pictured has increased with Leanne Black of Tesco NI. Doherty & Gray’s annual business with Tesco by 50% and the contract is expected to be worth more than £500,000 per annum to the Co Antrim food firm.

The eight-strong Finest range includes pork sausages as well as pork with sweet chilli, caramelised onion and two distinct local flavours, Armagh Bramley and scallion. There are also beef and black pepper, beef and red wine jus and chorizo-style pork sausages in the line-up.

Doherty & Gray, which employs 100 people and has been in business for 61 years, first started to supply Tesco in Northern Ireland 18 years ago. It has cemented existing jobs and taken on two extra staff as a result of the latest deal with Tesco.

Doherty & Gray supplies Tesco Northern Ireland with 24 other lines, including Hull’s and Prima Valley sausages and Tesco Butcher’s Choice sausages and burgers. Its famous Hull’s veg roll remains a firm family favourite.

Tesco NI lists Moy Park Roast-in-the-Bag lines M

oy Park has secured a contract with Tesco NI to stock its new ‘roast-in-the-bag’ whole chicken product in all ranged Tesco stores across Northern Ireland.

The new product is the first to use cutting edge, thermoformed packaging technology; a printed, sealed pack which can go straight into the oven. The new ‘shelf to oven’ whole chicken product has been launched under the Moy Park Good Kitchen range, which was developed to target a growing market for added-value fresh chicken products. The roast-in-thebag whole chickens are locally sourced and available in two flavours, Extra Tasty and Garlic & Herb.

Michael Stewart, Ireland commercial manager, Moy Park is pictured with Sandra Weir, Fresh Food buying manager, Tesco NI.

M&S CELEBRATE MILK MILESTONES AT BALMORAL SHOW

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arks & Spencer celebrated two significant milk milestones at this year’s Balmoral Show, the 15th anniversary of its pioneering Milk Pledge Plus initiative and the fifth anniversary of its healthier milk lines.

The Milk Pledge Plus initiative, M&S’ unique payment system, marked the first time a retailer invested in a ‘Milk Pledge’ for its dairy farmers across the UK reflecting the cost of production, according to M&S. With its unique set of industry leading standards on welfare and farm standards, the initiative helps to remove the volatility of the milk industry’s price fluctuations, giving dairy farmers greater security.

M&S currently pays one of the highest prices per litre, more than any other major food retailer in the UK which is directly linked to production costs including fuel, fertiliser and animal feed costs.

“Supporting local farming has always been at the heart of our business and we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to support the future of the UK dairy industry,” said Anna Playfair Hannay, M&S agricultural technologist for dairy. “We supply our milk regionally which is sourced from a dedicated pool of UK dairy farmers.

This means that stores in Northern Ireland sell Northern Irish milk.”

Coleraine-based Ballyrashane Cooperative has supplied M&S with milk in Northern Ireland since 2000.

Roy Irwin, an M&S dairy farmer from Coleraine, said: “We are proud to have supplied M&S over the last 15 years and can celebrate in the anniversary of Milk Pledge Plus which has given us great security over the years as dairy production costs rise. It helps to give us the recognition we deserve and rewards our animal welfare policies at the same time.”

In 2011, meanwhile, M&S was the first retailer to introduce ‘healthier’ milk which cut 84 tonnes of saturated fat from its customers’ diets per year, while also improving the health and welfare of its dairy cows. To support its dairy farmers converting to the new feed, M&S introduced a new payment contract for farmers who achieve the reduced saturated fat level in their milk.

15

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Consumer Insight and Market Update

By Jason Winstanley, senior insight and research manager at Moy Park ALL CHANGE? Last month, we discussed the fact that consumer confidence was riding high ahead of the election, and asked whether the forthcoming campaign might adversely impact its levels. The answer might be surprising; the opposite has happened. Consumer confidence remained at a level of +4% during April1, one of the highest levels seen for many years. In addition, YouGov polling shows that the percentage of people with negative opinions of both the economy and their own finances actually decreased during the campaign2. Instead of the economy being remorselessly talked down by all sides in the run-up to the vote, what we actually saw was parties from across the political spectrum constantly trying to ‘go one better’ in terms of the promises being made. As a result, commitments such as freezing VAT, income tax and national insurance all seem to have registered with large portions of the electorate, actually boosting, not denting, consumer confidence.

In parallel with these strong measures of consumer confidence, the latest set of 12-week Total Till Roll growth figures from Kantar Worldpanel3 show a picture of a grocery market which remains a strongly contested battleground, with growth of only 0.2%. However, is it one which may be on the cusp of change? Aldi and Lidl continue to set the pace, with both recording double digit growth, of 15% and 10%, respectively. Whilst there is no doubt that this remains a fantastic achievement in the current climate, it is notable that growth in both retailers is starting to slow, compared to the stellar performances they enjoyed throughout 2014. Elsewhere, the Big Four all see decline, but

in many cases, the decline is slowing, so there is a definite sense in the market that the era of very strongly polarised growth is starting to come to an end.

However, if this is the start of a change, then it’s not likely to be a step change; we are far more likely to see a slow crawl back into positive territory for the Big Four, accompanied by a gentle slowing of discounter growth, than we are to see a rapid turnaround for any of the protagonists.

The twin macro factors influencing any such shift in the market are likely to be consumer confidence and price, and there is no doubt that the latter is a big influence on the former; the grocery market in the 12 weeks to April 26, saw its 20th consecutive period of deflation, with like-for-like prices for a representative basket of groceries down – 2.1% year on year. The big driver behind this is the ongoing price war in supermarkets, which is (slowly) helping the major retailers to change their own fortunes for the better. These lower prices, coupled with price falls elsewhere and political promises on taxation, are helping to drive up confidence, which is, in turn, helping to drive some of the changes we are seeing in retailer performance.

So, change is in the air, but, as ever, the position is very finely balanced, and nothing can be taken for granted... especially, perhaps, some of those political promises.

1: GfK Consumer Confidence, April 2015; 2: YouGov/Sunday Times polling, March and May 2015; 3: Kantar Worldpanel 12 weeks to 26th April 2015.

McColgan’s announces 43 jobs and £7.3m investment M

cColgan’s Quality Foods, which specialises in the manufacture of savoury and sweet pastry products, is creating 43 jobs in Strabane through an investment of over £7.3m.

The investment will fund new equipment and Pictured with former Trade Minister Arlene Foster are John Hood, Invest a state-of-theNorthern Ireland; Grainne Hampton, managing director, McColgan’s Quality Foods; and Chris Bannon, Invest Northern Ireland. art packing and despatch facility to retain and develop its customer base and prepare for future growth.

“This significant investment will deliver increased efficiencies and capacity for McColgan’s, which will enable the company to target larger customers with the aim of increasing export sales by 50% over the next three years,” said Arlene Foster, then Trade Minister before moving into the position of Finance Minister.

“McColgan’s is pursuing increased market share through a clear strategic direction founded on product quality, excellent customer service and continuous product development and innovation.

“The food and drink industry is important to the Northern Ireland economy, and innovation and market development remain crucial to its growth. Businesses like McColgan’s, which focus on export markets and product innovation, will help to drive the industry’s growth.”

16

WHITE’S OATS PUTS GROWTH IN FOCUS

Viewing the new time lapse cameras are, from left, farmer Mark Wilson, and Raymond Hillman, agronomist at White’s Oats.

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hite’s Oats is harnessing the latest digital technology in its pursuit of the very best varieties of oats for its award-winning breakfast cereals.

The company, based at Tandragee in Co Armagh, has installed a network of digital time-lapse cameras in an oat field of one of its principal growers.

The tiny cameras are monitoring the full growing cycle of the oats and providing additional data for the company’s ongoing research into new crop varieties for its range of porridges, granola and snacks, and also improving returns for its network of 30 growers.

“Our focus is on purchasing the best quality oats for our milling operation,” said Raymond Hillman, agronomist and head of the growing group at White’s Oats. “Data from the cameras will be used to shape our decisions on the varieties of oats we use.”

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Tennent’s NI targets demand for healthier drinks with new JWV+ J

WV+ is a new healthy Juicy Vitamin Water from Tennent’s NI, developed with a range of health intrinsics that will appeal to a wide range of consumers. JWV+ is targeted at consumers looking for healthy, tasty, refreshing alternatives to the traditional soft drink and bottled water offering.

Consumers are becoming increasingly health aware and looking for multifunctional beverages as an easy, affordable, alternative way to better manage health, which, in the last 10 years, has led to a significant increase in the ‘health and wellness category’. Within this, the functional drinks market has been one of the fastest growing in the last three years and is estimated to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 8.7% 2011 – 2016*.

The product intrinsics within JWV+ are not contained collectively in any other product.

It is gluten free, contains the RDA of seven essential vitamins (C, B1, B3, B5,B6, B7, B12), has no artificial flavours, preservatives or added sugar, is low in calories, made from natural mineral water and is suitable for vegans.

It comes in two great tasting flavours, Mixed Berries and Mandarin + Orange, with added functional ingredients, Ginseng, Green Tea and Rooibos. These natural ingredients provide an energy boost and help the body’s production of antioxidants that fight oxidative stress. The two variants have a juice content of 12% and 8% respectively.

Tennent’s NI has invested a great deal of time developing a product that meets the needs of the health conscious, clean label savvy consumer. JWV+ not only tastes great, but looks great too. The packaging creates stand out on shelf and the clean label and simple branding will send a clear message

to the consumer with regards to its intrinsic health and wellness benefits. A recent report into the Beverage Market by Mintel**, declared that after calorie content (JWV+ contains only 25 calories in Mixed Berries and 30 in Mandarin + Orange), clear labelling is the second feature that consumers will check for in a beverage.

JWV+ will also appeal to the increasing number of consumers looking for gluten free products. According to the Coeliac Society of Ireland, Ireland has one of the highest prevalence of coeliac disease in the world which has led to an ever-increasing consumer demand for gluten-free products. The freefrom category in the UK has doubled in size over the last five years and now has an estimated value of £365m, according to research from Mintel***. It also declared that the value of the free-from market in the UK could reach £550m by 2019.

A recent Bord Bia report**** found that clear labelling, competitive pricing and taste are the key components of the ideal free-from product.

JWV+ ticks all these boxes.

Its gluten free and vegan status is clearly communicated on the front panel of labels.

JWV+ is also listed on both Coeliac Society of Irelands and Gluten Free

Ireland websites and food lists.

JWV+ offers healthy margins for the retailer and an affordable RSP for the consumer. It comes in a handy wide neck 500ml bottle (12x500ml case). The launch will be supported by a strong retailer launch offer, social media and digital campaign, sampling, in-store activation and PR. For more information, please call TNI on 0800 665522. *Canadean Soft drinks market insights May 2014. **Mintel Jan 2015 – Bottled Water Report. ***Mintel ‘Free From’ report Jan 2015. ****Bord Bia Brand report Jan 2015.

17

BBQ & SUMMER FOODS

Get ready for a sizzling BBQ season with the BIC Megalighter The BAR’BIC’QUE season is officially here.

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ith barbecue season edging closer, ‘summer chefs’ are gearing up for warm weather and outdoor cooking and the BIC Megalighter is a very important component for any outdoor cooks at this time of year. The BIC Megalighter is a user-friendly, safe and reliable tool which assists in getting the party started when lighting a cooking appliance for the enjoyment of family and friends.

Not only is the BIC Megalighter an essential tool for consumers during the summertime, it is equally as important for households throughout the rest of the year. The BIC Megalighter is great for lighting fires, candles, cookers and BBQs, for use all year-round, so it’s important to keep it stocked and visible across the 12 months of the year. According to a study, 72%1 of consumers will use multi-purpose lighters for lighting candles in addition to lighting BBQs in the summer months.

Research has shown that 60%2 of purchases are on impulse, making it even more important to have impactful displays that engage the customer at the point of sale. In light of this, BIC has a wide variety of creative display solutions for retailers.

Consumers possess an affinity with the BIC Megalighter, primarily because of its safety features and ease of use.

89% said they would make a repeat purchase of the BIC Megalighter, and 75% are likely to recommend it to others.3 The BAR’BIC’QUE season is officially here and with it, the demand for the BIC Megalighter is about to soar so it’s important to have them on the shelves especially as BIC have launched a new turquoise colour for 2015.

Sources: 1: Source: Colour Change Multi-Purpose Lighter – Harris Interactive, March 2014 (2,000 respondents).

2: Source: Utility European Consumer Survey – Jan 2012.

3: Source: Utility European Consumer Survey – Jan 2012.

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Enjoy sizzling sales this summer with the BIC Megalighter™ ®

This season’s BBQ must have.

Order your BIC® Megalighters™ today.

Contact Neil Hunter at LMI on +4428 9446 5559 or +447866 442920 Warning! Keep away from children

BIC_Megalighter_Ulster Grocer_297x210.indd 1

BIC® LIGHTERS. OUR QUALITY, YOUR SAFETY™.

21/04/2015 10:37

BBQ & SUMMER FOODS

Mac Ivors declared international Champion Cider A

rmagh-based Mac Ivors cider received a gold medal and the acclaimed Champion Cider award at the The International Brewing and Cider Awards held recently in London.

The family-owned and run company became the first Irish cider producer to win a gold medal in the prestigious event for its Traditional Dry Cider (5.6% ABV).

Established in 1888, the Awards are internationally regarded as amongst the most important and influential industry events.

“Winning a gold, then Cider Champion in this global competition is such an honour,” said Greg Mac Neice, director and cider maker at Mac Ivors. “This is the standard we aim for at Mac Ivors. The judging panel of international cider experts have recognised that Mac Ivors cider is an exceptional product of premium quality and outstanding flavour.

“We work hard to make our cider taste this good. Most of all, we want people to enjoy drinking Mac Ivors cider. We want people to love it as much as we do.

“This endorsement will be immensely important to Mac Ivors Cider as we seek to expand our business in Europe and the US, a target market for the company. It also signals that Northern Ireland is fast becoming a significant producer of the finest quality cider and we are proud to be part of that.”

The ciders are made from 100% cold-pressed apple juice and do not contain any concentrates, artificial flavourings or colours. Up to 12 different varieties of apples are used and slowly fermented for a natural fruit flavour.

Botl seeks ‘the butterfly effect’ with new rum brand A

new locally-owned brand, Butterfly Cane Rum, is hitting the market this month after 18 months in development and a £500,000 investment by Botl Wine & Spirit Merchants.

Based on Boucher Road in Belfast, drinks supplier and distributor Botl is the sole owner of the innovative new brand targeting burgeoning demand for rum among the lucrative ‘Millennial’ market of 18 to 30 year olds.

Butterfly Cane Rum is a premiumquality, 3 year old rum matured in oak barrels by Angostura-manufacturer Fernandes Family Distillers in Trinidad. The brand name is inspired by nature, with the pure cane sugar grown in Trinidad and harvested when the native species of butterfly, known locally as the Scarlet Peacock, land on the crop feeding off the ripe sap.

The new brand is available as a 37.5% ABV, 3 year old golden rum alongside a Spiced variant, which is infused with a mix of spices and vanilla to offer the perfect balance of rich deep taste and spiced warmth at 35% ABV. Botl, which is owned and operated by drinks industry stalwart Jim O’Neill with his son Conor as sales director, will be throwing its full weight behind the brand launch with a support package for customers listing Butterfly Cane Rum including tailored account activity.

“We were looking for a younger, more energetic drink,” said O’Neill. “It will be positioned alongside the category leaders to take them on, and is premium in every way from the spirit itself to the labelling, packaging and carton quality.”

Botl also operates a Nisa Local store and ABV cash and carry at Clandeboye, and has trading contacts with most off-licence and grocery chains in NI as well as a number in GB and RoI.

Proximo adds Bushmills to its portfolio P

roximo Spirits UK has added the iconic, Northern Irish Bushmills Whiskey brand to its portfolio of premium spirits, which also includes Jose Cuervo Tequila, The Kraken Rum, Tin Cup American Whiskey and Boodles Gin. Proximo hopes the Bushmills Irish Whiskey range – which extends to Original, Black Bush, Irish Honey and the Malt Whiskey range including 10 year old, 16 year old and 21 year old whiskies – will add variety and give a new and exciting element to its existing range.

The company’s Northern Ireland business will be headed up by Patrick Morgan, regional sales manager.

Morgan has extensive licensed trade experience in both UK and Irish markets, having worked for Bass, Anheuser Busch and more locally with McCabes and Richmond Marketing.

“I am delighted to have joined Proximo Spirits, and am very much looking forward to working with the Northern Ireland trade to drive sales and awareness of our iconic Bushmills Irish whiskey brand,” said Morgan. “Bushmills whiskey has a fantastic history and strong presence in our local market and, without doubt, it will provide the major focus of our Proximo portfolio. Our portfolio is very focused on premium spirits, and I look forward to working with our retail and wholesale partners to drive sales and visibility.”

The Bushmills brand will be headlining the Proximo Spirits portfolio, and will be available through the local wholesale network in Northern Ireland.

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BBQ & SUMMER FOODS Nicola Weldon, IOI meats director, Kerry Foods.

Kerry Foods launches new brand to shake up the cooked meats category Fully integrated campaign to launch Fire & Smoke

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erry Foods, parent company of Denny, Ireland’s number one meat brand, has launched Fire & Smoke, an innovative new product range which is set to shake up the cooked meats aisle. The launch of the new brand is brought to consumers by Henry Denny and will be supported with a fully-integrated marketing campaign.

Fire & Smoke is a sensational premium crafted meat which has taken inspiration from the pitmaster craft of the American Deep South using fire and smoke cooking methods to create seven prepacked lines spanning ham, chicken, turkey and two deli-counter lines. Prime cuts are cooked low and slow, fire grilled over flames and smoked with oak wood chips to create a truly distinctive range.

Denny has been the leader in the market with regard to developing exciting and innovative product offerings for consumers including Denny Deli Style, the only 100% Natural Ingredients Ham. With the introduction of Fire & Smoke, the cooked meats category is set to be re-invigorated and will offer consumers choice which will ultimately drive penetration and growth in the category.

“At Kerry Foods, we are committed to developing category changing innovation to adapt to ever-changing consumer needs and trends,” said Nicola Weldon, IOI meats marketing director at Kerry Foods. “Cooked meats is a high penetration category, but requires a new energy and excitement to stimulate ongoing growth. With the introduction of Fire & Smoke, we are offering consumers an innovative, great tasting new product range that offers excitement, drama and choice, which will ultimately inspire usage and ultimately deliver incremental growth for the category.”

The integrated launch campaign for Fire & Smoke spans multiple channels above and below the line including a new TV ad, proximity media, digital including a new website and social media. Fire & Smoke was launched in-store with disruptive point of sale, and a creative PR and experiential campaign will support the brand over the coming weeks.

For more on Fire & Smoke visit www.fireandsmoke.ie or follow via @fireandsmokeIRL. 21

BBQ & SUMMER FOODS

Deep RiverRock knows Deep RiverRock gets that size does matter fruitier for summer S C ize matters and nobody knows that better than Deep RiverRock, Northern Ireland’s clear number one branded water.1 Deep RiverRock is going large with the launch of its new 1 litre sports bottle which launches on shelf during the month of May, ahead of the summer season which traditionally sees water sales peak.

Featuring the specially designed sports cap as the existing 750ml bottle, the pack will cater for heavy water consumers who hydrate for enhanced performance.

The 1 litre market accounts for 29.5% of the IOI IC MAT volume and is growing faster than the 750ml and 500ml market at +13.7% vol.

MAT.2 The new 1 litre pack is the latest addition to the Deep RiverRock line up which now features very clear positioning for each pack: Mini (330ml), Refresh (500ml), Hydrate (750ml) and Perform (1 litre).

The launch will coincide with the introduction of new packaging and graphics for greater standout on shelf, and in-store activation, digital activity and sponsorship activation will support the launch.

1: AC Nielsen NI Water Report Jan/Feb 2015 Value MAY; 2: AC Nielsen Scantrack IOI & NI data ND MAT 2014.

onsumers seeking hydration with a fruity twist can look forward to a new flavor of Deep RiverRock which hits the shelves from the end of April. Just in time for the summer season, Strawberry Still will quench the thirst of those seeking the benefits of water, blended with strawberry for a touch of natural sweetness.

The new 500ml pack will sit alongside the already popular Lemon & Lime and Forest Fruits flavoured sparkling variants. Deep RiverRock Strawberry Still is sugar free, made with pure water from glacial valleys in Co Antrim and natural flavours and sweeteners.

The market for flavoured water is worth almost £5.4m in Northern Ireland and is growing +17% yearon-year. The impulse category accounts for 40% of flavoured water sales, with 53% of IC flavoured water sales being still (growing in value +40%).

Strawberry is the number two flavour (after Lemon & Lime) and is growing +44% year on year. It accounts for 13% of flavoured sales, worth £715,000 per year.

Deep RiverRock is the Official Hydration Partner of the four proud rugby provinces – Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht – as well as Tyrone GAA and the Title Sponsor of the Belfast City Marathon.

Sources: Nielsen NI Scanning and Audit MAT ND 2014; Nielsen IOI volume sales MAT 2014.

Doherty & Gray invests to drive BBQ and summer eating sales B

allymena firm Doherty & Gray is continuing to invest in its Hull’s of Ballymena brand, with the launch of further product innovation which will drive sales for this year’s BBQ and summer eating season. Proudly based in Ballymena, all products are manufactured in a modern processing factory with BRC Grade A accreditation.

Working with leading Belfast design company Marks, Hull’s has recently been re-branded to create a contemporary new brand identity that delivers great differentiation & stand out in-store, making the range much easier to shop for customers.

Following on from this, the company is launching an exciting new range of locally-produced hot dogs: Hull’s Pork Hot Dogs 400g, Hull’s BBQ Pork Hot Dogs 400g and Hull’s Chilli Beef Hot Dogs 400g. The range offers something exciting and different for the chilled sausage category within the Province, and is anticipated to be a firm summer favourite whatever the weather. Hot dog sausages are very much ‘on trend’, and have become increasingly popular with shoppers over the past year. The introduction of a spicy beef hot dog sausage is something truly innovative which the majority of people will have never tried before.

Complementing the summer range is also a great value Hull’s BBQ pack which contains 4 Hull’s beef burgers and 6 Hulls Pork Hot Dog sausages – ideal for a family BBQ. All lines are currently available across the Province until the end of September.

22

ADVERTORIAL

Solv-X launches new Essentials range S

olv-X Products (formerly trading as Capitol Products) have announced that from the 15th June 2015 they are introducing their new Solv-X Essentials range to their customers after a very successful launch in Britain in 2014.

As Solv-X Products Managing Director Colm O’Neill explained: “We are very excited about developing our vision for the development of non-food sales and we believe the extended range sets a new benchmark for non-food convenience products in Northern Ireland. We have had a tremendous response in Britain, where we are now the preferred non-food convenience supplier for leading symbol groups including Musgrave GB (Budgens and Londis), Spar, Nisa and Costcutter stores.”

The business itself, which started over 20 years ago with one van on the road, has now grown to 30 Area Sales Representatives servicing over 6000 customers, and a workforce of over 50 people. The company’s portfolio extends to over 700 products including leading brands of the calibre of Pretty Legs, Bolsius,

Managing director, Colm O’Neill.

Murphy Candles, Bob Martin, Favour, Magic Tree, Nicolites and Vivid Vapours.

The new Solv-X Essentials lines represent just over 10% of their total portfolio but according to Colm O’Neill, “the introduction of our new lines is a major milestone in our development which allows us to offer retailers a fresh new approach in the ever-competitive world of non-food retailing. It makes strong business sense to bring all the own-brand lines under the one company brand umbrella, and

over the coming months we will be offering our customers a number of excellent new display options.”

The Solv-X Field sales team will use their experience and knowledge of the sector to ensure that the transition is smooth and quickly delivers growing sales and retailer profitability.

For further information contact Tel: 028 3086 8486, sales@solv-xproducts.com, or contact your local Solv-X Representative.

23

Q&a

Focus on Fresh – featuring Sam Boyd, regional sales manager at Dale Farm Group Trading Team to ensure we provide the product offering which best meets the needs of their shoppers and their new advanced store formats.

HAS THE CONTRACT OPENED UP YOUR BUSINESS TO NEW MARKETS? Our business has certainly continued to grow alongside the strength of the Henderson Group, which has continued to grow its market share in Northern Ireland. Our presence in SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA stores across Northern Ireland is a hugely valuable part of our business and the ideal showcase for our local products. It has also provided us with a connection to the wider SPAR network which has led to business outside of Northern Ireland.

Sam Boyd, regional sales manager at Dale Farm

TELL US ABOUT DALE FARM Dale Farm Group is Northern Ireland’s largest dairy business, owned by 1,500 local farmers and employing 1,300 people. The company produces and distributes a wide range of dairy products across the UK, Ireland and more than 45 countries worldwide. Our local consumer brands include Dale Farm milk, cream, ice cream and fruit juice drinks; Dromona cheese, butter and spreads; Spelga yogurts and yogurt drinks; and Fivemiletown speciality cheese.

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN SUPPLYING TO THE HENDERSON GROUP, AND HOW DID THE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP BEGIN? We have been supplying our dairy products to Henderson Group for over 30 years. Henderson Group’s commitment to supporting local producers and suppliers remains constant and we’re pleased to say our relationship has gone from strength to strength ever since.

WHICH PRODUCTS ARE PERFORMING BEST? Dale Farm is the market leader in local milk, butter, cheese and ice cream and we are seeing strong growth this year across the board. This has been boosted by a recent major £50m investment programme in our Northern Ireland processing sites. In yogurts, we are seeing a strong demand for our new Spelga Greek and fat free ranges and Dromona butter has also seen growth as consumers have come back to butter after the recent positive press coverage on butter and health. Most encouraging has been the recovery of our Fivemiletown Cheese, which we rescued from closure last year. This business is seeing a growth in sales and improved financial performance.

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DECIDING WHICH PRODUCTS TO SUPPLY? We are very much market- and consumer-led and are constantly looking at consumer behaviour and trends. We work closely with the Henderson

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DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS TO INTRODUCE MORE NEW LINES THIS YEAR? At Dale Farm, new product development is at the core of our growth strategy and we will be launching a number of exciting new lines in the coming 12 months. We believe in the importance of staying ahead of consumer trends and continually refreshing our offering in existing and new ranges, whether that means introducing quirky twists to our iconic ice cream lines, or developing new unique products within the yogurt category.

In January 2015, after a rigorous tendering process we were awarded a contract to supply to SPAR’s new own brand range Enjoy Local. This is the exciting new development of SPAR’s locally-sourced products which have all been repackaged to create a fresh new look and feel.

The new packaging also complies with new labelling legislation by incorporating the traffic light health labelling system.

Over 124 lines were launched by SPAR under their own brand label in March. We are currently supplying the butter, produced in Cullybackey, Ballymena and two cheese ranges, medium and mature cheddar, produced in Dunman, Cookstown. These are now in SPAR and EUROSPAR Stores throughout Northern Ireland.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH SUPPLYING TO THE WIDER RETAIL SECTOR? In today’s competitive market, you need every part of your supply chain to be efficient and effective from primary production on farm through to processing and distribution. Our growth has given us major benefits in economies of scale and the distribution reach to supply every part of the British Isles and beyond.

HAS THE HENDERSON GROUP CONTRACT GIVEN YOU ANY SPECIFIC INSIGHT INTO THE WIDER RETAIL MARKET? Working with the Henderson Group continues to bring us valuable insight in the convenience sector; for instance, the need to tailor our product range to suit the specific requirements of the convenience sector. We recently reviewed our c-sector case sizes across the range and, where possible, amended these to offer reduced waste for the retailer, and fresher sell by dates to the shopper. We have also been able to tailor our promotional activity to suit the convenience consumer, with excellent results.

Market ingAwards

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS ULSTER

40 years At the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

A Lidl surprise at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2015

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idl continued a stellar year in the Northern Ireland grocery trade at the weekend, walking away with the top prize of Best 2014 Marketing Campaign at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2015.

Award winners were announced during the Grocers’ Ball, an annual gala evening held at the Culloden Hotel to raise funds for grocers’ benevolent fund GroceryAid. This year’s event was well attended by representatives from the local grocery, food, drink and marketing

sectors, and saw £44,345 raised for the charity.

Hosting the evening was UTV presenter Paul Clark, while also presenting awards were Ulster Grocer publisher James Greer, Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and individual award sponsors.

“Entry numbers for the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards continue to grow year on year,” said James Greer. “This year, many of the categories were hotly contested with

■ Best Marketing Campaign Sponsored by McGowans

Winner – Lidl

the judges impressed by the quality of entries from not just major retail chains but also independent shops and small, local producers.

“As the local agri-food sector continues to grow and receive recognition as a vital driver of the Northern Ireland economy, the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2015 also reflect a return to confidence with businesses of all sizes willing to invest in marketing and brand building.”

Brian Crawford, managing director at McGowans, said: “McGowans provide print solutions from marketing collateral and direct mail through to outdoor media and FSDUs to companies throughout the local grocery, food and drink sector so we were delighted to sponsor the Best Marketing Campaign category at this year’s Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards.

It gave us great pleasure to present both Hendersons and Mackle Pet Foods with highly commended awards and the overall award to Lidl, winner of this hard fought category.”

Judges’ comments: “Lidl set down from the outset a very succinct set of campaign objectives in a very competitive retail market, and brought together an integrated programme embracing diverse media with stunning results.”

Pictured at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, held during the GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball at the Culloden Hotel, are, from left, Linda Fitzgerald, Desi Derby and Glen Cinnamon from Lidl, Brian Crawford of sponsor McGowans, Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell, Paul Gibson of Lidl and James Greer, publisher of Ulster Grocer.

Linda Fitzgerald, brand manager at Lidl, said: e are delighted to have won the Ulster Grocer Best Marketing Campaign award this year for our #LoveLidl NI/Lidl Surprises campaign. Our customers are at the heart of our marketing strategy and our aim with this campaign was to really make a positive difference in the local communities we serve. A full 360-degree campaign was used to bring Lidl Surprises to life. The activity focused on telling our story by surprising and delighting customers about the extensive, quality and locally-sourced range available in Lidl stores in NI. We wanted to provide new and existing customers with an opportunity to taste and learn about our products whilst also engaging with our customers in a meaningful way. The true legacy of this campaign are the positive differences Lidl has helped to bring to each community we have been involved in.

We painted fences, planted flowers, scrubbed pots and garden furniture, cooked for the masses, cleaned, danced, chatted, baked, dug and paddled our way around Northern Ireland! The campaign’s success underlines our commitment to Northern Ireland and our desire to bring more positive changes in the near future.”

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ULSTER

Sponsored by:

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS Best Marketing Campaign Joint highly commended – Henderson Group

Brian Crawford (McGowans), Brenda Mulligan (Henderson Group), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Brenda Mulligan, head of Brand Marketing at the Henderson Group, said: enderson Group is proud to receive the highly commended award for Best Marketing Campaign 2014 for our SPAR Hearts and Minds Christmas Campaign. The creative was a new departure for us this year, as we didn’t feature products. Instead we invested heavily in building an emotional affinity with our customers which played a major role in delivering a records sales performance, which surpassed all of our targets set.”

Judges’ comments: “SPAR’s Christmas campaign broke new ground in garnering customer appeal with the creative projection of substitute names for Spar but beyond this was a well thought through and well articulated presentation which makes them a worthy runner up for this year.”

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Joint highly commended – Mackle Petfoods Brian Crawford (McGowans), Claire McCann (Mackle Petfoods), Leanne McDowell, Gwen Rafferty (Mackle Petfoods) and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “Mackle Petfoods has emerged to become a dominant player in the pet food market in NI and their entry for Best Marketing Campaign justifies their inclusion as a runner up because of the breadth of activity in which they have engaged which has delivered a punchy market message and garnered heavy loyalty behind the brand.”

Gwen Rafferty, sales & marketing manager at Mackle Petfoods, said: ackle Petfoods is delighted to be recognised once again at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards for our Brandy Marketing Campaign. Brandy has a strong local heritage dating back to 1971 and continues to be a popular brand choice with consumers. We endeavoured not only to achieve a short-term impact within the duration of the campaign itself but also to develop a brand message that is fully integrated, sustainable and can continue into the future. Our key brand message is that dogs are not just a pet but an important member of the family and so we only want to feed them the best…

Brandy because they’re 100% Family.”

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■ Best Food Export Marketing Award Winner – Mash Direct Martin Hamilton, managing director of Mash Direct, said: ash Direct has come a long way from producing champ in our farmhouse kitchen, to supplying an enviable portfolio of customers across retail, food service and food manufacturing in the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Mash Direct have not only successfully weathered, but prospered during the gloomy economic climate and we look forward to building on our success further with lots of exciting new products. In just over 10 years, we have grown into a £14m company with two thirds of sales coming from outside Northern Ireland, planting firm roots with two major retail giants after securing a UK-wide supply contract with Asda and launching with multinational supermarket Carrefour in Dubai. Mash Direct is also building on its existing relationship with Asda, having agreed a new contract to supply three of its products lines stores across Britain in a deal that is projected to generate an additional £3m of sales in the following 12 months.”

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Mark Beckett (Ulster Grocer), Lance Hamilton (Mash Direct), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “An excellent submission, which demonstrates clear development and a strategy, with the results to complement it.”

ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS ■ Best Brand Winner – Cloughbane Farm Shop Lorna Robinson, managing director of Cloughbane, said: t Cloughbane we are delighted to have won Best Brand at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. We are a small family company based on a farm in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. Established in 2004, we began creating traditional pies from our Farm House Kitchen using recipes handed down through generations; and although we have since moved into a purpose-built cookroom facility, our ethos of creating traditional family meals without compromising on quality has always remained at the heart of Cloughbane. As the business has developed, we have used many methods to create a brand that still incorporates our ethos of a traditional family farm, yet is still creative and contemporary.

Thanks to our blend of striking red packaging and the use of a broad spectrum of marketing tools our brand has now become easily recognised. We would like to thank the judges who voted for us and of course our customers who have remained with us and allowed us to grow and develop into the company we are today.”

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Richard Robinson (Cloughbane), Michelle Kearney (Ulster Grocer), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “It’s a superb job. This company has demonstrated a clear awareness of what it takes to develop a brand and has sought to ensure that brand is projected to its target market and, in so doing, has clearly supported that with very strong brand identity.”

Highly commended – Irwin’s Bakery Colette Wilson, marketing manager at Irwin’s Bakery, said: e were honoured to receive the highly commended award for Best Brand at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards.

As a family-owned business that has been baking bread for more than 100 years in Northern Ireland, our brand values are incredibly important to us and it’s fantastic that the Irwin’s brand and its product range has been recognised and is synonymous with quality, family, community and trust - as well as innovation. Receiving this award is testament to the hard work of the team at Irwin’s Bakery in developing our brand in recent years. Going forward, we have exciting plans in place for Irwin’s products throughout the rest of 2015 and beyond.”

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Ruth Sloan and Colette Wilson (Irwin’s), Michelle Kearney (Ulster Grocer) Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “Irwin’s has an impressive historic record in brand development and marketing over many years, which makes them a worthy runner up in this year’s programme.”

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS ■ Green Retailer of the Year, Sponsored by Power NI Winner – Henderson Retail Alan Egner, commercial sales and marketing manager, said: ower NI is delighted to again sponsor the Green Retailer of the Year Award at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. We would like to congratulate both winner Henderson Retail, and highly commended runner up JC Stewart, on receiving this award, showcasing energy excellence in the local retail sector. Power NI pioneered ‘green’ energy in Northern Ireland and has been offering green energy options to local businesses since 1999. We continue to provide a full range of products and services including discounted fixed and variable price contracts, paperless billing with Energy Online, plus energy saving equipment and renewables to help our customers cut their energy costs.”

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Alan Egner (Power NI), Martin Agnew (Henderson Retail), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “Henderson’s are worthy winners, and are highly respected in the grocery industry for the extent to which they have pursued a green programme, including a range of energy saving and waste management measures, and what impressed the judges was the measures they put in place which are challenging but credible and a good reporting structure.”

Paul Stewart, managing director of JC Stewart, said: am really pleased JC Stewart has been highly commended by Ulster Grocer for its environmental initiatives. We work hard at this, on a continual basis. And we are asking staff to help us become more environmentally careful all the time.

So, it’s gratifying to have recognition that we are on the right course, doing the right thing. I feel strongly that we have a duty to be environmentally responsible and I take a personal interest in JC Stewart’s energy usage. We pioneered the use of a bio mass boiler a couple of years ago. Our latest initiative to cut waste has resulted in us now having zero landfill - quite an achievement. As an independent business, we are our own head office. That means that we have to provide the impetus for change ourselves. We will be displaying our trophy with pride!”

Martin Agnew, managing director of Henderson Retail, said: “Henderson Retail is delighted to receive the Green Retailer of the Year at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. Throughout the past year, we have worked closely with employees and suppliers to implement new procedures and practices which aimed to reduce our environmental impact by focusing on waste and energy management. We are extremely pleased to have been recognised once again following our success in recent years.”

Highly commended – JC Stewart

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Alan Egner (Power NI), Paul Stewart (JC Stewart), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “JC Stewart is a first time entry to the UG Marketing Awards, and has embarked on an impressive programme of energy conservation covering all aspects of recycling and energy recovery that has generated proven results.”

■ Best Artisan Food Campaign Winner – Squeeze Wheatgrass Alyson Magee (Ulster Grocer), Jacquelyn Stewart (Squeeze Wheatgrass), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “As an artisan company, they demonstrate a clear understanding of the market they are targeting and a good strategy to support it. Particular mention is made of the local PR programme, with a range of support material developed for the campaign.”

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Jacquelyn Stewart, managing director of Squeeze Wheatgrass, said: queeze Wheatgrass was absolutely thrilled to win the Best Artisan Foods Campaign at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards which were presented at the prestigious GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball. As a local artisan producer of Ready to Drink Wheatgrass shots and marketing on a limited budget, it was a huge honour to have our collaboration with Uproar Comics recognised at such a competitive event. The Best Artisan Food Product Campaign was a new category at the Marketing Awards this year. For Squeeze Wheatgrass to win the category in its inaugural year and be highlighted within Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry is huge acknowledgement and reward for all our hard work in building both brand and product recognition. Together with Uproar Comics, we will work on five comic strips in total for Wilfred Wheatgrass in 2015 and we are looking forward to continuing to engage with customers in this creative and innovative way.”

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS ■ Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership Sponsored by Hunky Dorys Winner – Asda

George Rankin, senior director NI for Asda, said: his is a tremendous accolade for our entire NI team. It proves that Asda not only recognises the pressures and challenges facing our customers but shows that we’re taking action to support the local charities and good causes which are working hard to help our local communities thrive. We’re immensely proud of Community Life and Asda Foundation – two of our main CSR programmes - and regard them as tangible, long-term investments in the communities we serve. Much credit is due to our team of Community Life Champions who play a vital role in spearheading our CSR drive – taking on everything from volunteering and fundraising, to welcoming community groups in to our stores to use our meeting room space free-of-charge. Their passion is truly infectious, inspiring each of our 5,000 NI colleagues to come on board and give Community Life their full support. The end result is a winning team which is radically transforming how we interact with our customers, helping to make sure the communities around our stores are better places to live.”

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George Rankin and Joe McDonald (Asda), Martin McClinton (Northern Snack Foods), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “The breadth, impact and scope of activities are impressive, and make Asda a very worthy winner for 2015.”

Martin McClinton, sales manager of Northern Snack Foods, said: “Northern Snack Foods is proud to be sponsor of the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards for a third year, backing the admirable category of Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership. The winner and runner up, Asda and Tesco respectively, have demonstrated impressive and sustained commitment to supporting local communities in which they operate and raising funds for notable charities.”

Highly commended – Tesco/Diabetes UK Caoimhe Mannion, marketing manager for Tesco NI, said: ll at Tesco NI are thrilled to have been highly commended in the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards Best CSR Initiative/ Charity Partnership category for our partnership with Diabetes UK. This partnership activated in our stores, depots and office in Northern Ireland, and was designed to focus on delivering the three core objectives; funding for research that could lead to a future without Type 1 diabetes, as part of the biggest ever national diabetes awareness campaign to get people screened for Type 2 diabetes, targeting areas with high prevalence and those most at risk, and life-changing support for a million people to help them manage their diabetes successfully. Thanks to the enormous generosity of Tesco customers, and the commitment of over 8,000 Tesco colleagues, the partnership raised over £500m in Northern Ireland alone.”

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Martin McClinton (Northern Snack Foods), Brendan Guidera (Tesco), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “It’s an excellent case, making them a worthy runner up this year.”

■ Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion Sponsored by NI Resourcing Winner – Henderson Group Karen Nicholson (NI Resourcing), Brenda Mulligan (Henderson Group), Leanne McDowell, Aidan Rogers (Henderson Group) and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “The Henderson Group has set out very clear objectives for their promotional programme, with an impressive array of promotional tools to support it including facebook, twitter etc with good overall results.”

Brenda Mulligan, head of Brand Marketing at the Henderson Group, said: t is a great honour to win Best In Store Consumer Sales Promotion at this year’s awards for our SPAR Shop & Win campaign. The campaign was designed to drive shopper loyalty and frequency across the Province by rewarding shoppers with prizes. The Shop & Win campaign has allowed SPAR NI to shift the needle against strong competition in the convenience channel and deliver on core marketing objectives. Going forward, we have exciting plans in place throughout the rest of 2015 and beyond.”

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Karen Nicholson, director at NI Resourcing, said: “NI Resourcing is proud to join the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards as a first-time sponsor of the Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion, and would like to congratulate the Henderson Group for its winning SPAR Shop & Win campaign and CPM/Suntory for its highly commended Lucozade Sport promotion, as well as the other short-listed entries. As a specialist in the recruitment of professional-level staff for the FMCG sector across the food manufacture and retail sectors, the UG Marketing Awards recognising excellence across the grocery sector are an ideal fit for NI Resourcing.”

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS Highly commended – CPM/Lucozade Sport

Alan Peyton, managing director of CPM, said: t is always a great honour to gain industry recognition and we are delighted to receive this prestigious award for Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion from the Ulster Grocer. This success is a reflection of CPM’s strong working partnership with Suntory in Northern Ireland whereby aligning a strong consumer promotion with excellent in-store execution not only yielded incredible sales success but also ultimately resulted in recognition through this reward. Driving mutually beneficial relationships with retailers is the cornerstone of our field activity and I am incredibly proud of our team in Northern Ireland. They are an extremely hard working group who on a daily basis deliver a high quality sales service on behalf of our client Suntory. I sincerely congratulate the entire team and wish them continued success and look forward to building on our first Ulster Grocer award.”

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Karen Nicholson (NI Resourcing), Matthew Williams (Suntory), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “An excellent entry, it demonstrates clear understanding of the market they are operating in and their ability to gain market share, with a high impact range of point-of-sale support.”

Understanding the marketing in field marketing in Ireland C

PM’s significant experience in field marketing, and particularly from its daily in-store activities and observations, highlights that many companies are failing to maximise their profit potential by sticking to outmoded sales and marketing practices. Brands spend millions on advertising, promotions and packaging in order to drive their brands, but this impact can be sizeably reduced if the relevant products are not available in-store and displayed to gain maximum consumer impact. It is important to remember that your brands are among many vying for the customer’s attention in an average store.

On any given promotional cycle, there will be hundreds of products on offer, each with its own strong marketing messages.

So what can marketers do to ensure their brands get the required exposure?

The answer lies in thinking about field marketing as part of your overall marketing strategy.

What is field marketing?

Field marketing broadly covers any activity that influences the sale of a product or the physical impact of a brand at the point of purchase.

The activities address the key drivers of sales such as stock availability, space, display of product, promotion implementation, point of sale placement and new product launches. Field marketing delivers results and ensures brand development in terms of accountability, visibility, availability and sales.

Why is field marketing important to both sales and marketing people?

Although some companies already spend a significant amount of money visiting retail outlets to manage the availability of their stock, this can be an expensive exercise and many companies lack the structures and resources to effectively manage field operations. It is for this reason that more companies are looking to outsource their field marketing activities.

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS ■ Best New Product Launch/Relaunch Sponsored by Dennison Commercials winner white’s

Danielle McBride, brand manager of White’s, said: hite’s Oats are delighted to have received the award for Best Product Re-launch at this year’s Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards in recognition of the repositioning and redesign of its range of porridge oats and oat based breakfast cereals. Our new packaging redesign and brand positioning White’s takes the time so you can make the most of yours has delivered strong brand recognition and improved shelf visibility and has created a strong foundation for the White’s brand to grow not only in the domestic market but also into the UK and further afield. The brand re-launch was supported by a fully integrated campaign under the strategic proposition of Good days crafted by White’s. To win such a prestigious industry award is testament to the efforts and commitment of the team and the passion we have in creating a contemporary brand identity for the White’s brand.”

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Rob Ireland (Dennison Commercials), Danielle McBride (White’s), Leanne McDowell and James Greer.

Judges’ comments: “White’s was a worthy winner of this year’s Best New Product Launch/ Relaunch award, and demonstrated very clearly the diversification initiative undertaken and the mechanisms put in place to make sure it achieved its objectives.

This creative campaign was outstanding.”

Rob Ireland, sales director at Dennison Commercials, said: “As a first time sponsor at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, we had a similar aim to the winner of this category, White’s Oats. We wanted to create awareness of our Volvo rigid vehicle product range that, like White’s, offers a quality product in a competitive market sector. For this reason, I was delighted to present White’s Oats with the overall award for this category. Congratulations also to runners up Musgrave-Supervalu and Nisa Retail.”

Joint highly commended – SuperValu

Joint highly commended – Nisa Retail

Rob Ireland (Dennison Commercials), Michael McCormack (Musgrave) Leanne McDowell, Pat Leneghan (Nisa Retail) and James Greer. Jointly highly commended – SuperValu

Michael McCormack, managing director, Musgrave Northern Ireland, said: e are delighted to be awarded the highly commended category for SuperValu’s Signature Tastes range. This award is recognition of the quality of the range and the hard work of our independent retail partners in bringing this premium range to the market. I would also like to thank our local and artisan suppliers who have helped us create this quality range of ‘Dine In’ meals. At SuperValu, we pride ourselves on being able to provide our shoppers with quality fresh food whether they are in a rush or have time to browse. With the Signature Tastes range, it is great to be able to give our shoppers yet another opportunity to buy wholesome, honestly priced food for themselves or the whole family.”

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Judges’ comments: “SuperValu has recognised the changing nature of the NI grocery market and has set out clear objectives and an excellent consumer-focused programme that will garner loyalty in the long term.”

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Pat Leneghan, head of Nisa in Ireland, said: t is a great honour to be highly commended in such prestigious industry awards. The calibre of entries is incredibly high so we are proud that not only was our own label Heritage range highly commended for Best New Product Launch/ Relaunch but also one of our independent retailers JC Stewart of Magherafelt was highly commended for Green Retailer of the Year. A fantastic achievement for Paul Stewart and his staff. A great deal of work has gone into the relaunch of our own label Heritage range to ensure it provides independent retailers, and their consumers, with a strong range of high quality own label products so it is great for this to be acknowledged in the market.”

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Judges’ comments: “A worthy runner up in this category, Nisa has clearly stated its rebranding objectives and set out an excellent consumer-focused supporting strategy. They have recognised and responded to different shopping habits, and gone after them.”

ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS

A sizzling good time awaits Kerry Foods’ star prize winner

Tim Straker of GroceryAid is pictured with winner of the star prize, Karen Douglas of Mackle Petfoods, and Mark Hewitt of prize-sponsor Kerry Foods.

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erry Foods donated the star prize at the Ulster Grocers’ Ball, celebrating the launch of its new Henry Denny’s Grill Fire & Smoke cooked meats range with a 10-day trip for two to Florida up for grabs.

With the new Fire & Smoke range taking inspiration from the pitmaster craft

of the American Deep South, the trip is to Kissimee, Florida, home of this year’s World BBQ Championships. It includes accommodation in the Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration Hotel, return flights for two adults departing November 1 for 10 nights, transfers, taxes and charges and VIP passes to the World BBQ Championships.

“We were delighted to support Grocery Aid with a fantastic 10-day holiday to the World BBQ Championships in Florida as the star prize in association with Fire and Smoke – our exciting new range of sliced cooked meats,” said Tim Gault, national account controller for Kerry Foods.

“Our retail partners have welcomed the opportunity to re-invigorate, with us, the cooked meats category through this exciting

and innovative product range. Fire and Smoke is a sensational premium crafted meat which has taken inspiration from the pitmaster craft of the American Deep South using fire and smoke cooking methods to create seven pre-packed lines spanning ham, chicken, turkey and two deli counter lines.

“By offering consumers great taste and choice, it will inspire increased usage and ultimately category growth. Supporting the launch is an integrated campaign including a new TV ad, proximity media, digital and in-store.”

Competitors for the prize placed £20 in sealed, marked envelopes at the Ulster Grocers’ Ball, with Karen Douglas of Mackle Petfoods the lucky winner. All funds raised went to GroceryAid.

Another great fundraising year for GroceryAid T

he Ulster Grocers’ Ball raised £44,345 for GroceryAid, which is a charity helping anyone who is working or has worked in the grocery industry for at least 10 years.

The grocery industry is defined as extending from the smallest shop to the largest factory across the grocery supply chain. Aid could include a quarterly payment for those struggling to get by; an emergency

one-off grant in a crisis; essential household appliances; mobility items; and personal visits for the socially isolated.

The 2015 GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Ball was well attended by guests from all sectors of the grocery trade including wholesalers, producers and retailers.

Pre-dinner speakers included Tim Straker of GroceryAid and Cliff Kells of Tesco,

chairman of the GroceryAid NI Fundraising Committee.

A six-course dinner was followed by the prize ballot and auction, conducted by Richard Livingston, and the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, alongside entertainment from James Huish, comedian Gerry Donnelly, Arco Electric and Bjorn Identity and, finally, collection of the famous hamper.

Having a great time on the night

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS

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FOCUS ON MARKETING

So many routes to market but none of them easy Food and drink companies mastering the art of marketing most effectively will be the long-term winners, says John Giles, divisional director with Promar International, the value chain consulting arm of Genus plc and chair of the Food, Drink & Agricultural Group of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

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he route to markets for all food and drink companies based in Northern Ireland is probably one of the most important decisions they will make. The options they are presented with are now wider than ever. As well as the mainstream retail markets, there are many niche markets to be explored – all of which have varying degrees of attraction to food suppliers.

The reality is that consumers can now buy food and drink products virtually 24 hours a day; they can buy the food they want, when they want and where they want. The choice available is simply staggering.

In the UK, there are about 10,000 food and drink companies, many of them with excellent products, but it will be those that can master the art of marketing most effectively that will be the long-term winners.

Within the CIM Food, Drink & Agriculture Group, we aim to help our members gain insight into what is happening in all markets.

Everyone has products to sell. It will be those that can understand the culture of ‘food and drink on demand’, and the opportunities it brings, that will thrive.

They (consumers) can buy the food they want, when they want and where they want. The choice available is simply staggering.”

The UK is not traditionally recognised as a major food exporting country, yet in recent years, exports have been booming; although we are still starting some way behind the ‘rest of the pack’. Northern Ireland has punched above its weight in international markets, not least in the dairy sector. The likes, however,

John Giles

of France, the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland all have established strong reputations in this area, as have other international players, such as Australia, New Zealand, the US and some Latin American countries.

Demand in emerging markets, such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia has been especially strong. Despite any concerns over volatile economies, or in the case of Russia, an import ban, the mid- to long-term prospects in many of these markets is still fundamentally good. Emerging markets still represent an opportunity for exports for Northern Irish based food and drink companies.

The leading supermarkets are still dominant, despite the well documented problems experienced in 2014. This has seen the rapid growth of the German-based discounters and the development of online shopping forcing them to reconsider their business models. Business with them is hard earned, takes time to develop and might not be for everyone in the supply chain. The commercial and technical standards which the major retailers require from suppliers are demanding. Factors such as provenance are important but only make up one of a myriad of requirements needed to do business with this customer base.

Larger foodservice and contract catering businesses also represent a major market

opportunity. Doing business with a major foodservice chain is not too dissimilar to working with a major retailer.

For ‘softer routes to market’ such as supplying farm shops, National Trust properties and the like, the basics still very much apply – a good product and being ‘local’ is not enough. Excellent logistics, a welldefined marketing plan, promotional support, a regular category review, forward plans for innovation in terms of product packaging and new product development are all required.

Innovation might be the most important thing of all here, but all suppliers will be required to show they understand, and can support, what the customer is trying to do.

Competitive pricing is a given. These routes to market might have an inherently stronger interest in the provenance of the products they are selling, but it does not guarantee a market in itself.

In the 24/7 ’food on demand’ environment, there are many routes to market for suppliers to explore. The reality however is there are no easy routes to market. Only those companies that invest in marketing and really understand the nature of customer and consumer behaviour, as well as that of competitors, will succeed. For the bigger food companies, who have budgets for a combination of consumer and B2B research, this is the norm in contrast to smaller food businesses which often see this as a cost, not a benefit. This has to change.

2015 will bring challenges to the Northern Ireland food and drink sector, but challenge also brings opportunity and the well prepared, well informed will be the ones that push on ahead. As a colleague, who comes from a production background, said to me: ‘Without marketing, we have nothing.’ And, as it happens, I fully agree!

CIM’s mission is to develop the marketing profession and those who work within it for the benefit of the economy and society.

It sets the professional standards for marketers and provides resources to help marketers stay ahead of the game. For further details, see www.cim.co.uk.

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FOCUS ON MARKETING

What contribution does advertising make to the Northern Ireland economy?

Robert Lyle, media director at LyleBailie International, analyses 2014 advertising revenue expenditure in the local market.

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yleBailie estimates that the Northern Ireland advertising media market was worth £155.7m in 2014. Not an unimpressive figure and one which helps to keep a lot of people in employment and up from the £141m figure in 2012.

However, as before, Northern Ireland punches well below its weight in terms of media spend per capita. UK expenditure is around £232 per person, and the Republic of Ireland £120. In Northern Ireland, the spend stands at £86. Indeed, on a pro rata basis, the Northern Ireland market should be worth £402m in spend.

No other issue is more important to the future of the industry in Northern Ireland.

Were we to increase our share of spend by just 0.2%, this would bring an additional £30m into the Northern Ireland economy, helping to employ more journalists, media sales and marketing people and help our transport and outdoor infrastructure too.

How can citizens be sure of a robust, independent media sector to keep government accountable without a fair distribution of revenue throughout the UK and Ireland? We can’t depend on Facebook and Twitter to do that.

When we look at the allocation of media spend, we can see structural issues come into play.

Comparing share of spend in 2000 to 2014, we can see that press has declined from around 47% share to 33%. TV is also at 33% with outdoor 10%, radio 9% and cinema at 1%. Digital is growing fastest with an estimated 14% share – significantly below the 50%-plus it takes in the UK and 30%-plus in the Republic of Ireland. It has now taken a significant part of the classified spend from press and continues to grow, we estimate, by around 9-10% year-on-year.

Why is there such an under investment in our advertising industry?

Part of the reason may be that some of the media planning systems for Northern Ireland are different – for example outdoor and press.

Many campaigns planned in Great Britain and Dublin leave Northern Ireland off the schedule or limit the amount apportioned here.

Certainly the local industry is too dependent on Northern Ireland government 36

NORTHERN IRELAND MEDIA EXPENDITURE NORTHERN IRELAND MEDIA SPEND 2000: £127m (Source: IPA) 2014: £155.7m (Source: Lyle Bailie Estimates) MEDIA SPEND PER CAPITA (Source: WARC/Agency estimates) NORTHERN IRELAND: £86 UNITED KINGDOM: £232 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: £120.31 • Northern Ireland is punching below its weight: on a pro rata basis the Northern Ireland market should be worth £402m in spend (not £155.7m). advertising spend – and so when the Executive looks for savings then advertising is often the first to suffer, despite the evidential role it has had in saving lives and delivering value for money to the taxpayer.

A large number of client decisions are now made outside Northern Ireland for certain sectors such as banking, travel and FMCG brands. If governmental decision making has devolved, why has budget setting by major organisations based here moved in the reverse direction?

The local market is small and it would be great to see more of our local companies developing brands here.”

Foreign Direct Investment is not bringing any significant additional spend into our local media sector so far.

The TV production sector has been very successful in campaigning for 3% share of network commissions for Northern Ireland (principally with the BBC). Our industry must start to campaign for a similar 3% allocation

from major UK companies to be spent in Northern Ireland and, if the campaign is planned on an all-Ireland basis, the allocation should be 28% for Northern Ireland. The evidence shows that local agencies (and media) will make this budget work harder in the local market, using more local media channels, better.

At a population of 2 million, the local market is small and it would be great to see more of our local companies developing brands here and outside Northern Ireland – the local media and agency sector certainly has the expertise to help them build brands rather than just trade in commodity products with large GB multiples or other global organisations.

Building brands is the way to grow the Northern Ireland economy. It requires investment.

And since advertising prices in Northern Ireland are lower than in Great Britain and the Republic, it makes our market a great place to invest in new brands and test-market new products before moving to export.

Overall the Northern Ireland media, advertising and marketing sector has to up its game. An industry-wide initiative to address these problems is crucial, or else there will be very little left of the Northern Ireland media industry in a decade, with drastic consequences for jobs, the economy and democracy.

BALMORAL SHOW 2015

Cookstown company Karro named Henderson Wholesale Supplier of the Year C

ookstown pork manufacturer Karro has been named Henderson Wholesale’s Overall Local Supplier of the Year at the company’s awards held at the Balmoral Show.

Henderson Wholesale, owners of the SPAR and EUROSPAR franchises in Northern Ireland, runs the awards scheme, now in its third year, to mark the excellent produce, practices and ranges of the companies it works with.

As a platinum sponsor of the three-day event, the SPAR brand has a key presence at the Balmoral Show, further strengthening its links with the agri-food industry and encouraging its customers to enjoy the best of local produce.

The judging panel of the Local Supplier of the Year awards included Professor Chris Elliott of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University; Freda Magill, UFU; UTV business editor Jamie Delargy; and agriculture journalist Richard Wright.

Karro, which operates from Molesworth Road in Cookstown, supplies a range of products including sausages, bacon and sliced cooked meat to Henderson Wholesale and showed impressive double digit growth in its business with the company in 2014, which has continued into 2015.

Judges were impressed by Karro’s efforts to ensure Henderson’s warehouse receives only the freshest of products, therefore helping

Pictured are, from left, John Hopkins from Irwin’s Bakery; Neal Kelly, Fresh Food director, Henderson Wholesale; Eugene Wallace from Allied Bakeries; Ashley Orr from Willowbrook Foods; Alistair McQuillan from Karro; Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing director, Henderson Wholesale; and Lance Hamilton, Mash Direct.

to avoid wastage, as well as its investment in innovative technology to audit products, ensure quality and capture orders.

Other winners included Willowbrook Foods in the Enjoy Local Supplier of the Year category, also runner up in the Overall Supplier of the Year category, while Irwin’s Bakery took the Tomorrow Matters Award, Allied Bakeries was named Best Direct to Store Supplier and Mash Direct took home the Brand Innovation Award.

Irwin’s Bakery was also highly commended

in the Best Direct to Store Supplier and Brand Innovation categories, while Allied Bakeries was highly commended in the Enjoy Local Supplier category.

“We work with around 240 local suppliers and are fortunate to have developed excellent relationships with them to ensure that we bring the very best fresh food to our customers at our stores across Northern Ireland each day,” said Neal Kelly, director of Fresh Food at Henderson Wholesale.

Local producer wins M&S Farming for the Future award

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Hillsborough producer Noel Hooke.

local producer supplying Marks & Spencer has been rewarded for his talent as an inspirational young producer at the M&S Farming for the Future Awards held during the Balmoral Show.

Noel Hooke from Co Down scooped the Young Producer Award which champions forward-thinking individuals whose technical ability or business aptitude promises to make a positive impact on their sector, and who demonstrate they have what it takes to lead the next generation of farmers.

A beef producer for Linden Foods, Hooke has travelled the word working with top pedigree cattle herds to gain a wealth of knowledge in breeding and preparing cattle.

At the age of 18, he won an Aberdeen Angus competition in Australia.

He recently returned to the family farm and is keen to use his knowledge to make a difference to the family’s beef finishing enterprise, which supplies M&S through

local meat supplier Linden Foods.

“The farm has been in our family since 1810 and I hope to continue to develop and expand the business and keep it at the forefront of the beef industry,” he said.

“I believe that by building a supply chain like this, we can deliver a more consistent product for consumers.”

Steve McLean, head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “The Farming for the Future awards are now in their eighth year, acknowledging the dedication and commitment our farmers and growers are making towards Plan A and sharing best practice amongst the agricultural community across Ireland and the UK. “Noel is a very worthy winner and has proved this by demonstrating his innovative thinking, commercial success and social responsibility in the way he manages and executes his business.” Hook received a £1,000 prize for the award.

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BALMORAL SHOW 2015 IN PICTURES

Gearing up for the Comber Potato Festival were Steven Christie, Nathan Gilmore and Richard Orr.

Jill Uprichard and Lynore Wolsey of Tayto.

Visitors enjoy Tesco’s Children’s Farm at the Show.

Jackie Kirk showcased a new packaging design for Ormo and Hovis.

Pamela Ballentine hosts cookery demonstrations on the huge Lidl stand.

Brian Monaghan of Quails Fine Foods in Banbridge.

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It was a family affair for Broughgammon Farm at the Show, with Freddie, Millie and Sandy Cole.

BALMORAL SHOW 2015 IN PICTURES

Sarah Murphy and Louise Manus of Linwoods.

A busy Mash Direct stand at the Show.

David Parker of Young’s Seafood, exhibiting on the Asda stand.

Niall Delargy of Ballyeamon Eggs.

Gemma Brougham of Genesis.

Ian Stevenson (left) and Colin Smith (right) of LMC are pictured with John Martin.

Paula McGurk and Conor McKee of Irwin’s Bakery.

David Crawford of Just Live a Little.

Beth Gowdy and Esther Jackson of White’s Oats.

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AGRI FOOD NEWS

Agri food advice: Budget 2015 highlights

By Seamus McCaffrey, managing director of Omagh-based Matrix Business Services and expert columnist for UG covering tax and business issues.

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here were few changes announced in the Budget as there was little time before the election in order to have the Finance Bill published.

For individuals and businesses, Revenue has set out plans to modernise the administration of the UK tax system with the introduction of digital tax accounts from early 2016. Revenue will use existing information which it holds to populate automatically a digital tax account for all taxes, eg corporation tax, paye and vat taxpayers will be able to view and manage their tax affairs in one place. Businesses will be able to input data from their business accounting software directly into their digital tax account and will be given the option to pay tax and National Insurance ‘as you go’ and to make single payments covering multiple taxes.

The Personal Allowance is to be increased to £10,800 in 2016/17 and £11,000 in 2017/18. Basic rate band is to be increased to £31,900 in 2016/17 and to £32,000 in 2017/18. From April 2016, a new tax-free personal savings allowance to remove tax on savings income of up to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for higher rate taxpayers will be introduced. This will be in addition to the £5,000 zero starting rate band for savers’ income which is in place from April 6, 2015.

From April 6, 2015 spouses and civil partners

will be entitled to transfer £1,060 of their personal allowance to their spouse or civil partner.

Pension planning is more flexible from April 2015. The Pensions lifetime allowance is to be reduced from £1.25m to £1m from April 2016.

In relation to business taxes, legislation is to be introduced to allow for country-by-country reporting. For global companies trading in the UK, there is now in place a diverted profits tax at the rate of 25% of the profits diverted abroad. The changing landscape in relation to corporation tax and flexibility with pensions represents an opportunity for companies to revisit their strategies in relation to profit retention, investment and distribution.

The Budget stated that there would be an announcement later in the year with regard to Capital Allowances and, in particular, the annual Investment Allowance (AIA). The AIA is currently available at 100% on the cost of relevant plant, machinery, fitting and fixtures up to a cost of £500,000. The limit of £500,000 is to be reduced for expenditure incurred after December 31, 2015; the new limit is to be announced later this year.

It was confirmed that there is no employers’ national insurance contribution for employees who are under 21 years, when paid less than £815 per week, from April 2015, and a

similar relief for apprentices under 25 years from April 2016.

Capital Gains Tax rates at 18%/28% for individuals and 28% for trustees and personal representatives remain unchanged. However, significant measures were introduced to restrict the availability of entrepreneurs’ Relief in certain circumstances. In addition, for Inheritance Tax, the government announced a review of the use of deeds of variation in inheritance tax planning.

As this is an election year, we can expect a further budget in June 2015 which may contain proposals with greater tax consequences. As usual, it is important that professional advice is obtained in order to assess the tax implications of any possible changes.

DCNI hosts nutrition and health conference A local audience of health and education professionals has heard from experts from across the UK and Ireland on new developments in nutrition science and practice.

The annual Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) Nutrition & Health – What’s New conference covered a diverse range of topics such as the role of sleep in obesity and the best ways to change dietary behaviour in schools.

Speaking at the conference, DCNI’s Dr Carole Lowis said it provided a platform for the sharing of the latest scientific research. “Once again the DCNI nutrition conference has brought together speakers of the highest calibre to share the most up-to-date research with a very engaged and receptive group of delegates,” she said. “This conference is attended annually by nutrition and education professionals including dietitians, home-economics teachers, school catering managers, academics and PHD students.

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“Amongst the keynote presentations, the 2015 delegates heard from Professor Barbara Livingstone, Ulster University on the influence of portion size in obesity; Professor Julie Lovegrove, University of Reading on the challenge of sustainable diets and the place of Ciara Rooney, Queen’s University Belfast, Sean Strain, director of NICHE and Professor of Human Nutrition at Ulster University and Dr Carole Lowis, DCNI. dairy foods therein; Dr Ciara Rooney, Queen’s University Belfast on changing and Health – an update on the evidence dietary behaviour in schools; and visiting was made by Dr Anne Nugent, University Professor Domhnall MacAuley, Ulster College Dublin while Professor Jason University on the role of physical activity on Ellis, Northumbria University delivered health questioning if sedentary behaviour is a presentation entitled Overweight and the ‘new smoking’. A presentation on Cheese obesity – the role of sleep.”

AGRI FOOD NEWS

Ulster Bank highlights £1.5bn commitment to agri-food sector

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lster Bank highlighted its commitment as a long-term partner for Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector through its £1.5bn in business lending at a briefing event earlier this month.

Speaking at the Bank’s Belfast headquarters, Ulster Bank’s Ellvena Graham said the bank is actively supporting its customers to grow the sector, as well as ensuring the sustainable development of businesses at all stages of the supply chain.

Graham was joined at the event in the bank’s Belfast headquarters by Chief Economist, Northern Ireland, Richard Ramsey, Senior Agriculture Manager Cormac McKervey and Business Banking Regional Director Andy Mills.

“Ulster Bank has made £1.5bn available to lend to businesses this year, and agri-food is a significant target area,” said Graham. “We have the people and the products in place to support future growth in the industry and to understand both the opportunities and challenges of expansion and export. We are determined to ensure that the future prospects for the sector remain positive.”

Ramsey said: “Northern Ireland’s agrisector has had significant challenges to cope

with over the past 12 months, primarily in relation to exchange rates. More generally, the global economic context has seen trade restrictions on Russia, and the ongoing uncertainty around a potential Greek default, which has introduced volatility to the market.

Yet the fundamentals of a burgeoning middle Pictured at the event are, from left, Richard Ramsey, Ulster Bank chief economist; class in developing Cormac McKervey, Ulster Bank senior agriculture manager; Richard Donnan, Ulster countries continue to Bank; and Ellvena Graham, Ulster Bank. provide support for a positive long-term outlook.”

However, farming is a business that focuses McKervey said: “Over the course of the on longer–term time horizons, and we work year, we’ve been working closely with our on that basis. Our new pasture loan and our customers to ensure that they are well prepared dedicated Food & Drink proposition are for the potential for volatility. Changes to designed to assist customers in planning ahead the single-farm payment and the strength and looking forward with more confidence. of the pound relative to the euro – meaning Members of the team were also the first in that exports to our main trading partner, the Ireland to receive a Certificate in Agricultural Republic of Ireland, are less price-competitive.

Finance, as part of the Bank’s Agriculture This has presented challenges for the industry.

Accreditation Programme.”

Cooperation key to global success of NI’s agri-food sector

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ollaboration to overcome challenges in the food chain and to maximise the potential of local businesses to succeed in markets like China should be a key focus for Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector, according to a leading figure in the industry.

Dunbia Chief Executive Jim Dobson was speaking at one of the Balmoral Show’s flagship events, the Ulster Bank lunch in the main marquee.

He said that members of the food chain in Northern Ireland should be working together to help solve mutual challenges. He also said that there should be considered cooperation with the Republic of Ireland to pool resources and take advantage of synergies in an effort to enable both industries to better target lucrative global markets, including the US and the Middle East.

Dobson, who leads a business with an annual turnover of £800m and more than 4,000 employees, joined speakers at the event including the Trade Minister Jonathan Bell and Ellvena Graham, head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland.

“Members of the local food supply chain rely on each other to stay in business and, as we face similar challenges, it makes sense for us to

Trade Minister Jonathan Bell is pictured at the Ulster Bank lunch during the Balmoral Show with Jim Dobson, right, chief executive of Dunbia, and Richard Donnan and Ellvena Graham of Ulster Bank.

work together to solve them,” said Dobson. “Our competition is not with each other, but with other countries who are trying to be ahead of the game in a fast-moving market. To be successful, we need to make sure we are, and are perceived to be, promoting all aspects of our food chain as best in class.”

Moy Park soars to five million chickens per week

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oy Park has increased its output to five million chickens per week for the first time in the company’s 72-year history, representing an increase of 60% from the 3.1 million birds produced per week in 2009.

“This is a significant milestone for Moy Park,” said Alan Gibson, UK and Ireland director at Moy Park. “The growth has been driven by demand from our customers and consumers who recognise Moy Park as a top quality, innovative and service-orientated business.

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“We continue to invest in our industryleading agricultural base and our state-ofthe-art processing facilities so we have the infrastructure in place to increase capacity to meet continued demand.

“Our broiler expansion programme has been hugely successful, adding to our farming estate, which is the most modern in the UK. This, coupled with our continued investment in our processing facilities, positions us positively for future growth.”

“Reaching five million birds per week is

a huge achievement and I want to thank all those involved in the planning, building and implementation of Moy Park’s fresh poultry supply chain.”

Moy Park has 14 processing facilities across the UK, Ireland, Holland and France and works with over 800 farmers across Northern Ireland and England.

The company has embarked on a broiler expansion programme that will see 250 new poultry houses constructed in Northern Ireland.

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MARKETING NEWS

Dale Farm supports primary school sports days D

ale Farm, the Mary Peters Trust and Podium 4 Sport have teamed up to offer primary schools across Northern Ireland the chance to ‘supercharge’ their sports day this summer.

The competition, which closed in May, will see five primary schools win a sports day with a difference, including a motivational visit from a professional young athlete, new sports day equipment from Podium 4 Sport and Dale Farm products to enjoy.

Pupils were invited to design a support banner for use on their school sports day, using the themes of energy, fun and sport, with the five winning designs produced as real banners for pupils to cheer on their classmates during their Dale Farm Sports Day. Each year, Dale Farm supports local athletic talent through the Dale Farm Athletes Academy in partnership with the Mary Peters Trust. Five of the top rising sports stars from across Northern Ireland are presented with a financial bursary and special training to help them further their careers. The five winning athletes will pay a special visit to schools winning the sports day competition to share their experience and inspire young children to maintain active lifestyles.

“At Dale Farm we encourage activity at all stages of life,” said Jason Hempton, commercial director – Branded Products, Dale Farm.

“Dairy plays a vital role in a balanced diet, with milk being nature’s fuel for performance and recovery. Sports days are competitive but

Forest Feast renews Little Athletes sponsorship

most importantly fun and inclusive. Starting the habit of being active and leading a nutritionally balanced lifestyle at a young age is hugely important and sports days are a great way of establishing that.”

Dame Mary Peters CH DBE, president of the Mary Peters Trust, Jason Hempton, commercial director, Dale Farm and Julie McCrory, Podium 4 Sport (centre) are pictured with Sullivan Prep pupils Hannah Bell and Timothy Bell.

Linden Foods ‘beefs up’ Ulster Rugby bid for success

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ortadownbased dried fruit and nuts expert Forest Feast has announced its continued sponsorship of the Forest Feast Little Athletics programme, in partnership with Athletics Ireland.

The Forest Feast Little Athletics programme introduces young children (5-10 years) to grassroots athletics in a fun, engaging and From left, Irish International Long Jump Athlete non-competitive Adam McMullen from Magherafelt is pictured with environment. It Christine Whelan, national sales manager, Forest Feast, Irish Long Jump Record Holder Kelly Proper, focuses on the use and Hannah O’Carroll and Evan Quirke from the of games to develop Greystones Little Athletics Club. Photo credit: Ramsey Cardy. fitness whilst enhancing agility, co-ordination and balance – all fundamental to longer term physical athletic development.

The announcement comes at a time when Athletics Ireland membership continues to grow, reaching a record number of 54,000 members with 21 new clubs across Ireland formed in 2014. Through the successful partnership with Forest Feast, the Little Athletics programme is delivered in athletics clubs nationwide by Athletics Ireland’s Regional Development Officers and Athletics Leaders.

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Linden Foods chef with Ulster Rugby players (left to right) Ian Humphreys, Roger Wilson and Declan Fitzpatrick.

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ungannon-based Linden Foods, part of the Fane Valley Group, has been ‘beefing up’ Ulster Rugby’s bid for Pro 12 glory, as an official supplier to the squad with its fresh 100% local chicken fillets and rump steak for meals for players three times a week.

“We are delighted to be playing our part in Ulster Rugby’s outstanding achievements in the Pro 12 this season,” said Niall McCool, communications manager at the Fane Valley Group. “The squad’s performances to date have been very impressive, which is great for all their supporters, including Linden Foods.

“This season was a debut year for Ulster Rugby providing their squad with breakfast/meals and for Linden Foods to be able to team up with Ulster Rugby and become official supplier is very rewarding.

The feedback from players and management staff has been extremely encouraging and to hear that our award-winning company is playing a significant role in this season’s success is a testament to the team we have at Linden Foods and our supply chain.”

Phil Pollock, business development manager at Ulster Rugby, said: “In 2014/15 we believe we have taken great steps forward in many areas including the nutritional support, which we supply the players during each week of the training programme.”

MARKETING NEWS

TENA Lady launches Never Be Afraid to Laugh campaign

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he UK’s leading bladder weakness brand has launched a new marketing campaign that continues to challenge the taboos surrounding bladder weakness, which is experienced by one in three women in the UK. The new campaign, which tackles the notion that bladder weakness can prevent women from living life to the full, focuses on laughing as one of life’s great pleasures.

Supported with a £3m media investment for 2015, Never Be Afraid to Laugh launched with a new TV campaign across TENA Lady Pants products in March and the range of TENA Lady pads in April.

Whether it’s a small giggle or a deep bellylaugh, the new TVC explores how TENA Lady’s innovative products can help facilitate these moments of joy with family and friends, without fear of any leaks, odour or moisture.

“The Never Be Afraid to Laugh campaign is all about giving women greater confidence to be themselves”, said Rachael Sumner, brand manager at TENA Lady. “We know that women’s laughs are unique, so TENA Lady works hard to develop innovative

purpose made products that are suited to individual requirements, for the very best security and protection.”

Driving value in-store, Never Be Afraid to Laugh is also being supported with an exciting new on-pack promotion. Titled Live, Laugh, Love, the promotion offers TENA Lady pads shoppers the chance to win an iPad Air 2 with a designer case every day.

Designed specifically with consumers in mind, shoppers who purchase a promotional pack of TENA Lady will be directed to a digital microsite, where they will need to enter a unique reference code to be eligible for a daily prize draw.

With 92 prizes to be won across the UK and Republic of Ireland during the promotional period, the Live, Laugh, Love promotion will launch across packs of: TENA Lady Mini, TENA Lady Normal (12 & 24), TENA Lady Extra (10 & 20), TENA Lady Extra Plus (8 & 16), TENA Lady Maxi Night*. The competition will be open for entry between May 1 and July 31.

“What better way to continue to normalise bladder weakness than to offer consumers the opportunity to win an incredible prize each time they purchase products from the TENA Lady range,” said Sumner. “With the added security and confidence that comes with using TENA Lady, women should never be afraid to live, laugh, love.”

TENA Lady, manufactured by leading global hygiene company SCA, is available in all good supermarkets, pharmacies and independent retailers. *Offer excludes TENA Lady Ultra Mini Plus, TENA Lady Mini Wing, TENA Lady Mini Plus, TENA Lady Normal Aloe Vera, TENA Lady Pants Discreet (M&L) and TENA Lady Pants Night.

Sausage brand commissions Neil Shawcross art L

Debra Johnston of Food Force Ireland with Paddy Mallon.

ocal artist Neil Shawcross recently unveiled his latest work at the James Wray & Co art gallery in Belfast. The painting, which was commissioned by Monaghan-based sausage manufacturer Arthur Mallon Foods, depicts the brand logo of the family-owned food company.

A wide variety of guests attended the gathering, and enjoyed the chance to meet the artist and also sample the famous Mallon sausage range, which was cooked to perfection by leading local chef Niall McKenna.

Irwin’s Bakery to give away a VIP Zoo Experience T

o celebrate the launch of Belfast Zoo’s new play facility, the Adventurers’ Learning Centre, Irwin’s Bakery has been running a promotion offering five lucky families the chance to enjoy a VIP Experience at Belfast Zoo. The winners will receive a fun-filled day with the zoo’s cutest creatures, including a once-in-a-lifetime feeding experience with the ring-tailed lemurs, while additional Belfast Zoo family tickets will also go to runners up.

“As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of time with the family and everyone loves a day at the zoo,” said Colette Wilson, marketing manager, Irwin’s Bakery. “We are offering this special prize on our Softee loaf because it is a favourite with families, especially for school lunches. We are hoping the promotion will attract new consumers, but also give our loyal shoppers a chance to win a fun prize and enjoy a fantastic family day out.”

The promotion started on April 15, with Irwin’s Bakery offering families the chance to win five VIP Experiences at the Belfast Zoo via an on-pack promotion on the brand’s Softee 800g loaf.

Clodagh Wilson spends a ‘zoo-per’ day at Belfast Zoo to kick off the partnership between Irwin’s Bakery and Belfast Zoo.

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EXPORT NEWS

Annaghmore Mushrooms joins Access 6 A

nnaghmore Mushrooms in Craigavon is one of the many food and drink SMEs across Northern Ireland which will be able to shave 25% off its transport and distribution costs thanks to a new logistics solution from Access 6, an EU-funded export development programme.

The cost-saving solution was initially developed to support the 90 food companies from NI, the border counties of Ireland and western Scotland which are part of the Access 6 programme.

However, thanks to its potential market impact, it is being opened up to all food producers and processors across the three regions.

Developed by specialist supply chain consultancy, PerformanSC in conjunction with global logistics provider DSV, the solution operates on an economies-of-scale basis, pooling resources from the participating food producers, and leveraging freight savings and efficiencies based on group volume.

Irrespective of their size or scope, all local food and drink SMEs will benefit from the cost reduction model and gain a competitive advantage Pictured are Jelena Milos from Annaghamore Mushrooms in Craigavon and Harry Hamilton, NI Project Manager, Access 6. within the European market.

The structure of the Access 6 Logistics Solution is guaranteed until June 2017 with a built in provision that the pricing will be reviewed annually, enabling further cost savings as export volumes increase.

Other benefits of the new solution, such as on-line shipment visibility, support and advice on labelling, tractability, warehousing, regulatory, customs and duty compliance will also help SMEs streamline and simplify their export efforts.

Full details of the Access 6 logistics solution are available on www.access6.eu or by contacting Harry Hamilton at NIFDA on 028 9024 1010.

Irwin’s Bakery secures new listing with Tesco

Pictured are, from left, John Russell, managing director of Glenarm Organic Salmon and John Hood, Invest NI director of Food and Tourism.

Glenarm Organic Salmon backed by INI to grow exports John Hopkins, sales director of Irwin’s Bakery, is pictured with Caoimhe Mannion, Tesco Northern Ireland’s marketing manager.

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esco is helping Portadown-based Irwin’s Bakery to bring a Northern Ireland favourite across the water, stocking Jammy Joeys and Snowy Joeys in more than 700 of its stores across Britain.

The listing has increased Irwin’s annual business with Tesco by 10%, and the contract means the Co Armagh bakery will supply more than one million packs of Joeys to Tesco stores in Britain each year.

A Joey is a sweet, moist madeira bun with a light texture which is then dowsed in a delicious flavoured coating and sprinkled with desiccated coconut.

Joeys were created by Howell’s Handmade and first appeared in Northern Ireland in 1985. When Irwin’s acquired Howell’s Handmade in 2009, it immediately ramped up production of them and it now bakes 60 million Joeys each year.

The rollout of Joeys into Britain followed a successful short-term promotion which led Tesco to listing them nationally.

“We have invested in our production facilities, which has allowed us to increase capacity and win business on this scale,” said John Hopkins, sales director at Irwin’s Bakery. “It is fantastic to secure this contract.”

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lenarm Organic Salmon in Co Antrim is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to accelerate growth in exports in a £100,000 project that has involved the development of an innovative product and also created three new jobs.

The company received support from Invest NI’s Jobs Fund towards the new posts to increase business outside Northern Ireland to almost 80% of its sales.

“This is a very important investment in the product portfolio by a progressive company at a time when the Food and Drink Federation has announced that salmon is now the UK’s leading food export particularly to huge and dynamic markets such as the US and China,” said John Hood, Invest NI director of Food and Tourism. “As well as the new jobs that are already in place, the investment marks an important step by Glenarm Organic into added value products.

“Our support has been geared to enable the company to exploit the export potential of its salmon, especially the new premium smoked product, with high-end hotels and restaurants worldwide.

It already has a solid platform for growth in almost 30 markets from San Francisco and New York in the US to Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.”

EXPORT NEWS

Burren Balsamics secures Great Britain trade B

urren Balsamics in Ballynahinch has won its first business in Britain. with help from Invest Northern Ireland.

The company, formed by friends Susie Hamilton Stubber and Susan Robinson, used an Invest NI Innovation Voucher in the development of a unique six-strong range of natural fruit infused vinegars and has now secured business from a distributor in England.

“Burren Balsamics has used the Innovation Voucher to help in bringing its range of balsamic vinegars to market,” said Olive Hill, director of Innovation and Technology Solutions at Invest NI. “The voucher provided assistance of £4,000 to enable the start-up business to link up with experts at the Loughry Campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in testing the vinegars and in the provision of essential nutritional data for its labels that retailers require.

“Winning business in Britain at such an early stage in this start-up enterprise’s development is a tremendous boost for the company and also shows the value of the Innovation Voucher scheme in helping to successfully bring original products to market faster.”

Hamilton Stubber said: “We formed the business in 2014 following feedback from a fundraising Christmas market in Ballynahinch. We both have a background in catering and decided to use the balsamic vinegars we had developed for our own meals at home to raise funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity. The success of the vinegars

Susie Hamilton Stubber and Susan Robinson of Burren Balsamics are pictured with Olive Hill of Invest NI.

led us to set up Burren Balsamics and to start selling the products at country markets and to local delis.

“We soon realised from discussions with retailers, however, that we needed advice and help with nutritional information for our labels and decided to turn to Invest NI for guidance. The Innovation Voucher was extremely beneficial in that it enabled us to tap into CAFRE’s expertise and take steps to ensure we met the requirements of retailers.”

Portaferry-based granola manufacturer secures Ocado deal J

Jill Crawford, founder of Just Live a Little.

ust Live a Little, a family-run company based in Portaferry, has launched eight products from its homemade granola range into premium online retailer Ocado.

The Ocado deal follows a year of incredible growth, which saw the company double its turnover and grow its product offering from three to 13 products across the range.

The deal forms part of the local business’ growth strategy to expand its market position across GB and gain a greater share of the breakfast market category in the UK and Ireland (currently valued at £2bn.)

The popular brand, which started out as a husband and wife team selling homemade granola at an artisan market stall in St George’s Market in 2011, now has products stocked across six countries and is available from Tesco NI, the Henderson Group, Ocado, Asda NI, The Musgrave Group and NISA among others.

Dunbia launches joint venture with Dutch processor D

unbia has announced a joint venture agreement with Dutch meat company, Shannon Meats, aimed at boosting its access in export markets.

“This agreement marks a key milestone in Dunbia’s strategic expansion plans,” said Jim Dobson, chief executive of the Dunbia Group. “We have been doing business with Shannon Meats for many years and have always been extremely impressed with their business approach which sits well with our own corporate ethos and values.

“Our plans to increase our export markets have been well documented. Shannon Meats have the networks and infrastructure to allow us to access new customers in the retail and wholesale trade in Holland and Benelux countries.”

Shannon Meats has over 25 years of experience in the meat industry, trading in 100% Irish beef products. “We have excellent relationships with a number of key suppliers across Ireland who supply us with top quality Irish beef and these relationships will continue,” said Ronnie Bosma, chief executive of Shannon Meats. “The agreement with Dunbia will bring us experience in livestock procurement and an introduction to the excellent farmers which Ireland has.”

Pictured are Jim Dobson, chief executive of Dunbia (right), with Ronnie Bosma, chief executive of Shannon Meats.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Rural Superfast Guide launched at Balmoral Show

Mike Mullan, HR director Europe at Moy Park.

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Rural Superfast Guide, provided jointly by BT and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has been created to help rural communities and businesses make the most of the Internet and highlight the benefits of superfast broadband for supporting economic rural Pictured are Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, Allen Irwin, head of Major Bids for growth by improving BT Northern Ireland, Stephen Mullan, Wholesale Services, BT Northern Ireland and Sean Donnelly, Network Design, BT Northern Ireland. productivity, communication with customers as well as strengthening selling capabilities.

“We are delighted to launch the Rural Superfast Guide at Northern Ireland’s premier agricultural show,” said Allen Irwin, head of Major Bids for BT Northern Ireland. “Superfast broadband uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide faster, more reliable Internet speeds that means that you can do more online at the same time.

“We’ll be here throughout the week and we’ll be on the road this summer at agricultural shows and in town centres to highlight the difference between regular and Superfast broadband speeds and show how faster Internet speeds can really benefit both your business and personal family needs.

“We’re encouraging everyone to find out if superfast broadband is available in their area and experience how a fast and reliable broadband service is crucial for the day to day running of your business.”

Minister Bell welcomes new funded solar initiative T

rade Minister Jonathan Bell MLA has urged businesses to explore the competitive advantages offered by solar technology.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of Kingspan Energy and ESB’s ‘Funded Solar’ initiative, Pictured with Trade Minister Jonathan Bell are, from left, Louise Foody, global which aims to help marketing director, Kingspan Insulated Panels; Ulster Rugby’s Ricky Andrew, Andrew Trimble; and Stuart Olding and Paddy Hayes, executive director, ESB. the business and commercial sectors use their roof space to generate clean, renewable electricity, without any upfront capital costs.

Through the initiative, Kingspan ESB provides all the capital to install a PV system on the roof, while the business owner provides a rooftop lease to Kingspan ESB and purchases the green electricity from the PV system at a reduced rate.

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moy park gains ‘3 star’ csr rating

M

oy Park has secured a ‘3 Star’ rating in Business in the Community’s annual Corporate Responsibility Index (CR Index), the most in-depth voluntary benchmark of corporate responsibility.

Achieving a ‘3 Star’ rating for the second time, Moy Park’s performance as a responsible business has remained high against Business In the Community’s robust benchmarking tool which rigorously assesses companies’ commitment to CR practices against a diverse range of factors. In 2013, Moy Park was the first company in the UK poultry industry and the first business from Northern Ireland, to be recognised in the CR Index.

As well as achieving a ‘3 Star’ rating in the CR Index, Moy Park also received the Dairy Crest Rural Action Award reaccredited at the 2015 Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards. This award, conferred on businesses that are committed to continual and positive rural impact, recognised Moy Park’s efforts in supporting and developing youth employment. The company was applauded for schemes such as Young Enterprise, The Prince’s Trust, Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster and Feeding Britain’s Future, aimed at supporting young people in the rural economy.

“Moy Park has been involved with Business in the Community for a number of years and we are honoured to be recognised for our corporate responsibly in two of their initiatives,” said Mike Mullan, HR director Europe at Moy Park. “Moy Park works closely with customers, suppliers, employees and the local community to ensure that we not only meet – but exceed – our responsibilities as a business. Corporate responsibility is placed at the very core of Moy Park and we are committed to industry leading operating processes and facilities.

We remain the only company from the UK wide poultry industry to be recognised in the prestigious CR Index ranking.”

APPOINTMENTS

People on the move...

in association with

Appointments made to the Board of Consumer Council A rlene Foster, in her former role as Trade Minister, announced the appointment of Sheila McClelland as chairperson and Judena Goldring as deputy chairperson on the Board of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

The appointments commenced on April 1, and will extend over three years.

“The new appointees are taking up their roles at a very challenging time for consumers,” said Foster. “Their extensive experience in public administration and the skills and talents they are bringing to their respective roles, will no doubt be of great value to the Consumer Council, as it pursues its aims of championing and safeguarding the interests of consumers in Northern Ireland.”

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissions for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland.

McClelland was, previous to this

appointment, chief executive of Carrickfergus BC until the reform of local government and the amalgamation of the council area into Mid and East Antrim DC on April 1.

Previous roles in the Northern Ireland Assembly include head of Outreach and Education, Keeper of the House, head of Corporate Services and Clerk to the Finance and Personnel Committee, while she has also served as Private Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development, and sat on the Boards of Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas (DETI/ Invest Northern Ireland), the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (Northern Ireland Committee).

Goldring retired from the position of chief executive at the Northern Ireland Law Commission in 2014, and is a lawyer, a former senior civil servant and currently deputy chair of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside.

BFP appoints Bill Thurston as new chief executive B

FP Wholesale Limited [BFP], the UK’s leading national wholesaler of bakery ingredients, has appointed Bill Thurston as chief executive.

Thurston has over three decades of experience in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, with a strong track record in achieving strategic business growth, and margin and customer service improvement in mature and developing markets.

He joins BFP from the Alshaya Group, where he was vice president of the Food Division. Previously he was chief executive of Langmead Farms, a salad and vegetable producing company, and managing director of Vion Food Group’s International Division for Fresh Meat with responsibility for the UK,

8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Middle East, India and the Far East. In the bakery ingredients sector, he has held senior positions at international manufacturing and distributing firms Dawn Foods and CSM Bakery Supplies.

The new appointment follows BFP’s acquisition by David Burresi and Sebastian Sipp, co-founders of ZIMT Partners, in July 2014 with the goal of growing the company, improving customer service and competitiveness. Since the acquisition, BFP has successfully decoupled from Lesaffre, its former conglomerate owner, made several investments into its warehousing and distribution systems and strengthened its senior management team.

As a result, BFP is better placed to serve its customers and achieve significant growth.

Clare Guinness

Fane Valley appoints new director of corporate services

C

lare Guinness has been appointed director for Corporate Services at Fane Valley Group, Northern Ireland’s biggest farmers’ co-operative.

Guinness will be responsible for M&A activity, corporate governance, board administration, human resources, health & safety and marketing/communications across the group.

She was previously regional business manager in Bank of Ireland and has a successful career in corporate and business banking, which spanned 17 years, over which time she was based in both London and Dublin.

A graduate of banking and finance, from Loughborough University, Guinness also earned a degree scholarship from Nat West Bank.

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email: email. markbeckett@greerpublications.com lauragirvan@greerpublications.com

SHELFLIFE

shelf life

www.ulstergrocer.com www.ulstergrocer.com

To see your product featured in Shelf-life, contact Mark at markbeckett@greerpublications.com or Tel: 028 9078 3235

Encona Sauces unveils new range of marinades E

ncona Sauces, the UK’s No.1 hot pepper sauce brand, is announcing major innovation with the launch of a new range of Encona Marinades – a first for the brand – along with additions to its current range and a packaging and label refresh.

Tapping into growing consumer interest in world cuisine and scratch cooking, the new range of Encona Marinades will be available in three 180g variants, packaged in square glass jars; Moroccan Harissa, Korean BBQ and Jamaican Jerk BBQ, all with an RRP of £1.99.

As well as the new Marinades, the company has also unveiled an addition to its 142ml glass bottle range, in the form of a Peruvian Amarillo sauce (RRP £1.39), as well as a new look for its squeezy bottle format (285ml) featuring two new variants – Mexican Smokey Jalapeno and Thai Mild Sweet Chilli (RRP £1.99). Labels have also been refreshed.

Rustlers broadens appeal with new paninis K

epak Convenience Foods is continuing to broaden the appeal of Rustlers, the UK’s favourite micro-snacking brand*1, with the launch in May of two great-tasting panini products.

The new panini lines are Chicken & Pesto (flame grilled chicken with mozzarella and a pesto mayonnaise) and Pepperoni (slices of pepperoni with mozzarella and a tomato and herb sauce). Both products feature an rrp of £2.39-£2.49 and are merchandised in outers of four.

Kepak Marketing Director John Armstrong says panini products are now ‘mainstream’ and so widely available in foodservice that introducing panini to Rustlers – and driving the growth of panini in retail – is a ‘natural next step’.

“As our audience matures and broadens, we are ensuring that the Rustlers’ range evolves accordingly,” he said. *1 IRI 52 w/e November 8, 2014

Tayto launches a ‘Ruby in a bag’ for curry lovers T

ayto Crisps has launched a new curry flavour that reflects Cockney rhyming slang and one of the region’s best-known singers, Ruby Murray Curry Rough Cut crisps.

Ruby Murray is well-used rhyming slang for curry with restaurants in London named simply ‘The Ruby’. The slang also featured regularly on iconic Cockney television shows such as Only Fools and Horses.

Born in Belfast in 1935, Ruby Murray scored seven Top 10 hits in the UK during the 50s including Softly, Softly, a number one hit in 1955. She holds the record for the most singles in the Top 10 – five in 1955 – with Elvis Presley and Madonna.

Ruby Murray Curry Rough Cuts were launched in April in 90g sharing bag format with a recommended retail price of £1.

Manderley Food Group is the holding company for snacks such as Tayto, Golden Wonder, Real and Mr Porky. The business now operates from four sites in Great Britain.

It produces a wide range of products including other snacks.

48 00

Q&A

In the Hot Seat Leona Kane, managing director of Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil.

day they will see that hard work pays off, and as time goes on and our business expands to where I am happy I will have more free time to do lots more things they want to do, and places we all want to go to.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? A lady telling me that I could never run my own business because I had no third level education and that I was about to have a baby. Boy was she wrong! I’m not smug about that at all!

I was always afraid about approaching buyers, chefs, and retailers, but a contact told me that if you know what you’re talking about and don’t tell lies, then you have nothing to worry about. Be honest and be yourself, your passion comes through and it will sell itself.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? Where do I start. I just can’t tolerate bad customer service. It’s not difficult to smile and even be polite if you are busy, and tell someone you will be with them in a minute.

Bad service is something that really gets on my nerves.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? To be able to sing.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I am a mum to Jacob (6) and Emily (3), wife to Richard, an arable farmer, and owner/ jack of all trades at Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil. We live on our farm on the outskirts of Limavady. I love spending lots of quality time with Jacob and Emily, when not working.

And when not doing either of those things, having a good night out with friends. I don’t have much time for TV but I do enjoy the interaction with our customers on Twitter and Facebook. I love horses but unfortunately had to sell my horse because I needed the stable to be my new store!

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Getting up at 7am, sorting out the kids first, getting Jacob to school. Then into work, going through emails, sorting out the orders and making sure everyone knows what they are doing for that day. Every day and every week is so different from a meeting with a buyer, cleaning the pressing room, doing the daily audit checks required, flying over to a food show, doing a tradeshow, having tours at the farm, to developing new products and ideas.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Winning the last UK Flavour of the Neighbourhood Award from Indigo Hotels, 50

part of Intercontinental Hotels, in Britain was amazing. Having to cook for William Sitwell, Masterchef judge and part of the Indigo judging panel, was another highlight.

Going to Hillsborough Castle to the Queen’s Garden Party was also pretty impressive, as was taking our produce over to the House of Commons last year.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love getting out and about and meeting new people. I’ve met some amazing people and friends through my work. I love the feedback from customers through Twitter and Facebook as well as emails and letters.

When I hear a chef praise the oils from our oil seed rape grown on our farm and procesed by us, sometimes I really do need to pinch myself.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Trying to juggle being a mum when the kids need me, and I can’t take them to the party, or have all their friends around every week like other mums do who work part-time or are full-time mums. There could be three to four days when I’m not at home, but I make up for it at the weekends. I am lucky my childminder comes to my house, so if the children are sick and I’m here, I can go across the yard to them. I am hoping one

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? I now have a great team at Broighter Gold.

We intend to expand our products and, of course, sales over the next 12 months. We also have a few ideas for tours of our farm and processing operations that we want to progress.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Northern Ireland has some amazing family businesses like Mash Direct, Hannan Meats, Yellow Door Deli, Tayto and Punjana Tea, but my mum is my rock. She helps out in so many ways. My grandmother is also someone I look up to. She had eight children, still makes hundreds of pots of jam, and bakes everyday. I don’t want to be a multinational business woman, just to get respect from my family when they grow up and say that I juggled life well.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? Benone Beach and around Mussenden Temple. I love the countryside and scenery on our own doorstep around the farm, I look out my window and see Binenvagh Mountain on one side and Donegal Hills on the other.

If the sun’s shining, I am quite happy being at home.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? I love food, especially sushi and tapas with breads... and my basil oil, of course!

Grocery Aid Deep River Rock BBQ

in association with the Titanic Belfast

Date: 19th June Arrival time: 7:30pm Venue: Titanic Belfast Price: £35

Marlene Scott Coca Cola HBC T: 028 9264 2356 E: marlene.scott@cchellenic.com

Charity Golf Day Belvoir Park Golf Club Thursday 2nd July 2015 Dear Grocery Aid Supporters, Our event is being staged on 2nd July this year and we’re hoping it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. It offers a great opportunity to network with the trade, entertain your customers or bring a few friends along and play the amazing Belvoir Park course.

A Lidl Surprise!

Thanks to the Ulster Grocer Awards for recognising our marketing efforts in Northern Ireland.

We were delighted to receive the award for best Marketing Campaign at the recent awards ceremony for our #Love Lidl NI/Lidl Surprises campaign.

Lidl surprises.

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28/05/2015 09:19