ShelfLife February Issue 2024

LARGEST INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED GROCERY TRADE CIRCULATION IN IRELAND

February 2024

Support system

Peter Donohoe, chief people officer, BWG Group, highlights how the Hire 2 Retire (H2R) solution is making a major difference to retailers’ daily operations

+

Return on investment Shauna Bernard delves into retailers’ reactions to the launch of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme

Striking agriculture What lessons can Ireland’s food industry take from the French farmers’ protests?

CONVENIENCE RETAILING • OFF-TRADE • SUPERMARKETS • NEWSAGENCY • FORECOURT

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS WITH 25 HOLIDAYS IN-STORE 5TH FEBRUARY - 17TH MARCH

T&C’S APPLY

#GALA25 | GALA.IE

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

OPINION

3

ShelfLife February 2024 Vol. 31 No.2

Sad news of two Marks & Spencer store closures

Editor GILLIAN HAMILL (01) 294 7776 gillian.hamill@mediateam.ie Staff journalist SHAUNA BERNARD (01) 294 7709 shauna.bernard@mediateam.ie Contributors CAROLINE REIDY NIKKI MURRAN Head of business IAN MULVANEY (01) 294 7766 ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie Account manager MARK MORGAN (01) 294 7767 mark.morgan@mediateam.ie Circulation subs@mediateam.ie Publisher JOHN McDONALD (01) 294 7744 john.mcdonald@mediateam.ie Printing W & G Baird Ltd ShelfLife is a controlled circulation magazine, available to selected individuals with interests in the retail and wholesale grocery trade, who fall within the publisher’s terms of control.

For those outside these terms, annual subscription is €98.00 including postage & packing.

As ShelfLife headed to print this month, news had just emerged regarding Marks and Spencer’s decision to close two stores in the Republic of Ireland: a food and clothes store in Drogheda, Co. Louth, which would lead to the loss of 57 jobs, as well as one separate grocery store in Clarion Quay, Dublin.

Labour TD Ged Nash described the decision to close the Drogheda store as a “major blow” for the town, given its status as a large employer and the only M&S store in the area.

According to Eddie Murphy, director of M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland, both stores had been “underperforming” and the Dublin store had suffered from a lack of footfall in recent years. While he added the retail group understand there will be disappointment following the announcement, it believes the decision is “the right one for the future of M&S in Ireland”.

Ged Nash subsequently emphasised the importance of the company engaging with staff and unions during the statutory redundancy consultation process, noting: “Agreed packages must adequately reflect the hard work and dedication of staff, many of whom have worked there since the store opened two decades ago and where appropriate, staff should be given the option to relocate within the company.” M&S also said its priority now is to support affected colleagues through these changes.

On pages 26-27 of this issue, I explore the recent farmers’ strikes which brought French motorways to a standstill.

While this is a complex issue, it is often framed as a David and Goliath style battle between retail giants and farming families struggling to survive on a declining income. Undoubtedly, there is a significant amount of truth to this, given the major buying power possessed by supermarkets.

However, as the latest announcement by Marks & Spencer illustrates, unfortunately, retail is by no means always a ‘sure bet’. Location plays a key role in retail success. As always, the reality is more nuanced and complicated than surface-level headlines, and no-one’s best interests are served by glossing over the realities affecting all parts of the food chain.

Gillian Hamill, editor, ShelfLife magazine

Contents February 4

10

18

39

COVER STORY 22 Support system: Peter Donohoe of BWG Group tells Gillian Hamill how the Hire 2 Retire (H2R) solution is

making a major difference to retailers’ daily operations

NEWS&ANALYSIS Managing Director JOHN McDONALD; Sales Director PAUL BYRNE Operations Director BILLY HUGGARD Published monthly by Mediateam Ltd., 55 Spruce Avenue, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

A94 RP22 Telephone (01) 294 7776 Fax (01) 294 7799 ISSN: 1393 0753

5

News grid

6

Seen and heard

14 CSNA news 44 Off-trade news 45 NOffLA news

FEATURES&REPORTS 18 Deposit Return Scheme:

Circulation audited by Audit Bureau of Circulations.

ShelfLife is a member of Magazines Ireland

Shauna Bernard delves into retailers' reactions to the DRS launch and explores the impact on their businesses

20 How to create a great

charity partnership: Barnardos director Mary Gamble discusses how its partnership with Aldi has progressed to date

31 Marketing: Colin Gordon

26 Striking agriculture: What

explores why some brands thrive and stand the test of time while others decline and disappear into the ether 56 Recruitment: Excel Recruitment’s Nikki Murran explores the question of whether today's job candidates possess less 'staying power' than their predecessors

ADVISOR

MARKETING& CATEGORY FOCUS

28 HR: Caroline Reidy explains

32 Protein products

21 Social diary: Check out who’s

been out and about this month!

lessons can be learnt from the French farmers' protests?

what ‘parent’s leave’ means for both employers and employees

40 Frozen foods 48 Market movers

4

NEWS

NEWSGRID The top news stories in FMCG

and retail from across Ireland

Athlone Towncentre records more than 4 million visitors in 2023

Richmond Marketing pre-lets new Citywest logistics facility

New laws will force grocery stores and pharmacies to accept cash

Athlone Towncentre, the largest shopping centre in the Midlands, has recorded a footfall of 4.1 million in 2023, representing an 8% increase in footfall on 2022 and a 52% increase on 2021. Pre-Covid, a record 4.2 million visits were recorded in 2019. The strong recovery in footfall numbers in 2023 occurred despite increased cost of living pressures during the year, and indicate robust consumer sentiment in the region.

Richmond Marketing has agreed a pre-letting of a new logistics facility in Citywest, which will see the brand builder amalgamate its distribution operation in Park West with its city centre head office. The deal was signed with Con McCarthy’s Rockface Developments for the prime warehouse and office HQ at 4065 Kingswood Road in Citywest.

Construction has begun, with the new 126,000sq ft building set to finish in the fourth quarter of this year.

The National Payments Strategy is expected to see legislative changes implemented later this year to the effect that supermarkets, c-stores and pharmacies will have to accept cash from customers, but not other stores. Thirdparty companies operating ATMs may also be forced to have €10 or €20 notes available, with the Central Bank having powers to set and impose rules on machines. Specific numbers of ATMs will also need to be kept in certain regions.

‘Dry January’ saw alcohol sales fall by 8.6%: Kantar Following a record-breaking festive period, take-home grocery sales are starting to slow with a more moderate 2.2% increase in the four weeks to 21 January 2024, Kantar reports. “Consumers took on ‘Dry January’ with alcohol sales falling by 8.6% and shoppers spending €7.4 million less during January compared to last year,” said Kantar’s Emer Healy. “Sales of non-alcoholic beverages jumped 8.9% with shoppers spending €125,000 more year-on-year.”

Kellanova Ireland offers paid leave to support co-parenting Kellanova Ireland has added to its family friendly policies by offering 10 weeks’ paid leave* (within the first year of the baby’s birth date) to those who are expecting a child, but do not qualify for maternity, primary adopter or other primary parental leave policies. The policy applies to various parenting situations including fathers or a same-sex female relationship who are currently only entitled to two weeks’ statutory leave. *(Pay is instead of the two weeks’ statutory paternity leave in Ireland and not in addition to it)

Applegreen opens new €10m Roadside Service Area in Limerick Applegreen is creating more than 80 jobs with an investment of €10 million in a new service area at the Clondrinagh Roundabout in Limerick. The location will bring several brands to Clondrinagh, including M&S Food, Braeburn Coffee, Subway and a Bakewell deli, as well as boasting a stand-alone Burger King Drive Thru restaurant. This will be Applegreen’s fourth location in Co. Limerick and thirtieth in Munster.

Mark Ryan, head of M&S Food Applegreen and Laura Harper, trading director, Marks and Spencer Ireland and Northern Ireland

Research shows high trust in Ireland’s food safety New research shows consumers believe food safety in Ireland has improved in the past five years, with nine in ten considering food safe. Comprehensive research* undertaken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) also showed a majority of industry decison makers (58%) believe food is safer than five years ago. This is attributed to robust regulations, better knowledge of food safety procedures and robust controls by food inspectors. *(Source: Consumer and industry research undertaken by Behaviour & Attitudes between 12 October and 6 November 2023.)

Dunnes Stores out in front with new record share Dunnes, Tesco and Lidl all grew ahead of the total market in terms of value during the four weeks to 21 January 2024, Kantar reports.

Dunnes hit a new record share of 24.6% with growth of 9.9% year-on-year (YOY). Dunnes’ growth stems from a boost in new shoppers, up 1.3 percentage points YOY which is the highest growth in new shoppers among all the retailers. Meanwhile, Tesco holds 23.8% of the market, SuperValu holds 20.6%, Lidl holds 12.5% and Aldi holds 10.8%.

Asda cafés in NI offer free porridge and hot drink Asda is currently offering all customers across its 205 UK cafés a free breakfast porridge and a hot drink. The initiative is now open to all ages and will run until 20 March daily from 8am to 12pm, including five Northern Ireland cafés, in Antrim, Portadown, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Strabane. The partnership with Quaker will allow customers to enjoy a free bowl of porridge along with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. ■

For more details on all the above and the latest grocery-related news as it happens, visit www.shelflife.ie.

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

6

SEEN AND HEARD

New Inver station opens in Castlecomer, Kilkenny Inver Energy has announced the latest addition to its network of retail forecourts with the opening of Inver Castlecomer Road, strategically located just off the Castlecomer roundabout, in Kilkenny.

This state-of-the-art station has been built from the ground up and supplies fuel and a wide range of food and beverages to motorists and the local community.

With an investment of €2.3 million, Inver Castlecomer Road station features a spacious 168m2 Spar store, designed to provide a comprehensive variety of products and an excellent customer experience. In addition to the barista-style Insomnia coffee, the shop offers a selection of hot and cold meals freshly made at its class-leading deli.

“We are proud to unveil our most recent company-owned and operated service station that is assured to be the destination of choice for locals and road users,” said Ben Lenihan, retail director at Inver Energy.

Employing 21 people, Inver Castlecomer Road provides increased convenience and economic

¤2.3 million has been invested in the new state-of-the-art station

Inver Castlecomer Road station features a spacious 168m2 Spar store

growth in the region. As part of the Inver network, the new station will nominate a local charity every year as part of Inver’s Leading Lights initiative, supporting local organisations that make a difference in the community.

Aligned with Inver’s commitment to decarbonisation, Inver Castlecomer Road has HVO on the pumps – an alternative to diesel

capable of achieving up to a 90% reduction in carbon emissions.

“Inver Castlecomer Road exemplifies how we see forecourts continuing to evolve in the coming years. This includes providing expanded biofuels offerings and bringing lower carbon solutions to the Irish forecourt,” said John O’Leary, managing director at Inver Energy.

Fyffes Fittest School search goes live News likely to appeal to teachers and pupils looking to get 2024 off to a healthy start is the announcement from banana importer Fyffes that its search to find ‘Ireland’s Fittest School 2024’ has now gone live.

Running until the end of March, the top four schools in Ireland, north and south, will progress to a live ‘grand final’ at which the prize package will include €8,000 worth of sports equipment.

Working with Fyffes, the aim is to find a school whose focus on fitness will replicate the success of previous ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ winners – Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Dunfanaghy (2022) and Gilson National School, Oldcastle (2023).

Schools can register at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie.

Pictured at a recent Fit Squad live in-school fitness visit is Fyffes head of marketing, Emma HuntDuffy (centre) and Fyffes marketing executive, Áine McElroy (centre left). With them are Ronan McGinty, Rush National School assistant principal; fitness trainer, Sharon Flanagan and Olympian sprinter, Phil Healy

Stronger enforcement to reduce vape youth appeal needed, not excessive policies to reduce adult consumer choice, says JTI Ireland

“We strongly condemn noncompliant marketing practices that are designed to appeal to children,” says JTI Ireland’s sales director, Garin Murphy

In a recent submission to the Irish government, JTI Ireland’s sales director, Garin Murphy, sheds light on crucial aspects of JTI’s stance on tobacco and e-vapour regulations. With a focus on curbing youth appeal and enhancing responsible marketing, he advocates for the integration of the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) code into law.

The proposed integration seeks to address youth appeal in advertising, packaging, and flavour descriptions of nicotine products. Garin Murphy emphasises the importance of enforcement, which would be overseen by the Health Service Executive (HSE), aiming to prosecute non-compliant operators. “It is our view that all manufacturers, distributors and retailers of nicotine inhaling products should adhere to all these regulatory requirements,” he says.

Highlighting JTI’s commitment to responsible retailing and marketing, Murphy underscores the company’s adherence to the ASAI E-Cigarette Code. Expressing

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

concerns over the prevalence of unlawful e-vapour products in Ireland, he stresses the urgency of incorporating the ASAI code into legislation to fortify enforcement against deceptive marketing practices.

Addressing the broader regulatory landscape, Murphy emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement before introducing additional measures. “JTI has called for a minimum age of 18 for nicotine product purchases, supports a ban on proxy sales, and supports venue owners’ autonomy in setting smoking policies. We strongly condemn non-compliant marketing practices that are designed to appeal to children,” he states.

JTI’s comprehensive recommendation involves adopting the ASAI Code alongside the new age of sale restriction as a strategic deterrent against youth uptake of nicotine products. Garin Murphy acknowledges the complexity of policymaking, urging a balanced approach that aligns legitimate retail interests with societal welfare during the ongoing public consultation.

Ready to BOOST your business with Slushy Jack’s?

High Margin Returns Zero-Initial Investment Maintenance-Free Low-Running Costs

Healthy

Sustainable

Climate Friendly

Ethical

Unlock soaring profits with Europe’s leading frozen drinks brand!

FREE CALL OUT S E RV I C E

Limited availability on our slush machines - get in touch today!

Call: 01 2865000 • www.dairyglen.ie • info@dairyglen.ie

T&C’s apply

8

SEEN AND HEARD

Fit Foods introduces Gut-Friendly Yogurts Fit Foods, an Irish frontrunner in crafting nutritious and delectable meal options, is proudly presenting its latest innovation; Gut-Friendly Yogurts enriched with live yogurt cultures.

The O’Leary family, owners of DMC Foods and stewards of Fit Foods since 2014, are excited to bring a new level of goodness to customers with the introduction of Gut-Friendly Yogurts. With a commitment to health and flavour, these yogurts are meticulously crafted to ensure the highest quality and nutritional value.

The range is available in three enticing flavours, each paired with a crunchy granola topper: • Strawberry with a Toasted Granola Topper • Vanilla Yogurt with a Chocolate Granola Topper • Vanilla Yogurt with a Coconut and Granola Topper These yogurt creations not only deliver on taste but also provide all the benefits of live yogurt cultures, promoting a healthy gut and overall well-being.

Brian O’Leary, leading the Fit Foods legacy, shared his enthusiasm, stating: “Our Gut-Friendly Yogurts are a testament to our dedication to providing delicious, health-conscious options. We believe that a happy gut contributes to a happy and fulfilled life.”

Fit Foods unveils new ‘game-changing’ high-protein ready meal Fit Foods, Ireland’s leading branded ready meal provider, is proudly introducing its latest innovation in the world of high protein convenience.

The O’Leary family, owners of DMC Foods and stewards of Fit Foods since 2014, have once again raised the bar with the launch of their new highprotein ready meal – Sweet & Sour chicken with Chinese Style Rice.

Crafted and manufactured entirely in-house, the company says this delectable addition to the Fit Foods Fit Foods Sweet & Sour range reflects its Chicken with Chinese Style commitment to quality and Rice is packed with an taste. Indeed, the O’Leary impressive 31g of protein family’s dedication to the and a mere 461 kcals local community is evident, with over 300 employees contributing to the development and manufacturing process, making DMC Foods a cornerstone of local employment.

Fit Foods Sweet & Sour Chicken with Chinese Style Rice combines a takeaway taste with a health-conscious twist.

Packed with an impressive 31g of protein and a mere 461 kcals, this ready meal is poised to become the go-to choice for those seeking a guilt-free and delicious takeaway alternative.

“We are thrilled to present our latest addition to Fit Foods,” said Brian O’Leary, CEO of DMC Foods. “Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or simply someone who appreciates a takeaway without the guilt, Fit Foods Sweet & Sour Chicken with Chinese Style Rice exemplifies our ongoing commitment to providing nutritious and satisfying options for our valued customers.”

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Fit Foods describes its new Gut-Friendly Yogurts as delivering a “perfect balance of taste and gut health”

SuperValu and Centra invest ¤28m in Reverse Vending Machines In advance of the recent launch of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on 1 February, SuperValu and Centra invested €28m in Reverse Vending Machines as part of their continued commitment to building more sustainable communities.

SuperValu and Centra have installed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in 540 stores across the 26 counties in Ireland.

A total of 667 Reverse Vending Machines are available to customers in 219 SuperValu and 321 Centra stores nationwide. The scale and geographical spread of Reverse Vending Machines in SuperValu and Centa stores ensures that customers in large and small communities across the country can more easily make their returns nearby.

Trials in stores began in early 2023, with one key result being that customers will see two machines present in higher footfall locations to increase efficiency and convenience in returning containers.

“As part of our strategy to build more sustainable communities and play our part in protecting the planet, we are delighted to roll out the DRS scheme across our 540 SuperValu and Centra stores. By investing €28m in the installation of over 600 Reverse Vending Machines in every county in Ireland, we hope to make returns as convenient as possible for everyone,” said Ian Allen, managing director, SuperValu and Centra.

“Investments in DRS complement other environmental initiatives undertaken by retailers, such as installation of solar panels, the implementation of fridge doors for energy conservation, LED lighting, and efforts to reduce packaging,” he continued.

SuperValu and Centra estimate that 90% of recyclable PET bottles and AUL cans sold in-store will be returned and more than 320 million containers are projected to be collected annually with the rollout of Reverse Vending Machines across the store network.

A total of 667 Reverse Vending Machines are available to customers in 219 SuperValu and 321 Centra stores nationwide

10

SEEN AND HEARD

Centra plans to open 20 new stores in 2024 Centra plans to open 20 new stores in 2024, in a move which would create 500 new jobs nationwide.

The openings are part of a €27m store expansion programme, which will also encompass the revamp of 40 existing Centra stores.

Ireland’s largest convenience store network currently has 496 stores.

This is expected to rapidly surpass 500 stores nationwide for the first time, which Centra states will embed it as the convenience brand with the largest footprint in Ireland.

During the past five years, Centra has already invested up to €100 million in the revamp and refresh of 355 stores.

The brand delivered a record-breaking performance in 2023, with sales of €2.1bn reflecting Centra’s “resilience, expanding footprint, and its continued sharp focus on responding to consumer needs to give customers what they want, when they want it from Ireland’s leading convenience brand”.

Centra’s growth was underpinned by a strong performance in its core categories. Deli and food-to-go sales were up 11%, bread and cake sales grew 7%, ready meals rose by 17% and its own brand range increased by 12%.

Frank & Honest, the number one gourmet bean-to-cup coffee brand in Ireland, achieved year-on-year growth of 9% in 2023. The next-generation range includes innovative new lines like iced coffee, already available in 65 stores and proving hugely popular.

Gala Retail celebrates 25 years with huge ‘Home or Away’ giveaway Celebrating 25 years in business, Gala Retail is giving away 25 holidays to lucky customers with its Home or Away promotion, which is live in stores from 5 February onwards.

Teaming up with Irish TV presenter, Anna Daly, following her recent appearance on RTE’s High Road Low Road, the Home or Away giveaway invites Gala customers who spend over €10 in participating stores to enter a draw where they can win one of 25 holidays.

Participants have the chance to win one of 10 family holidays abroad or Launching the promotion be one of the lucky 15 shoppers to are presenter Anna Daly win a staycation across Ireland. and Gary Desmond, CEO, “We’re thrilled to launch Home or Gala Retail, with kids Away to celebrate 25 years of Gala Hailee Maher (age 5) and Alexander David Retail. It’s an opportunity for Gala Sarpong (age 7) retailers to reward their loyal customers for their support, gifting €80,000 of holidays to Gala shoppers, and helping them create unforgettable memories with their families,” said Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail.

The Home or Away promotion will gift lucky winners 10 family holidays abroad worth €4,000, and teaming up with Ireland Hotels and ‘The Go Anywhere’ gift card, there will be 15 staycations across Ireland up for grabs, at the value of €2,500, encouraging the lucky winners to enjoy and explore new parts of Ireland while supporting local tourism and hospitality.

The promotion will run in participating Gala Retail stores from 5 February until 17 March 2024 and will be supported by a nationwide radio and social media campaign with more prizes up for grabs.

Further information is available at www.gala.ie/news.

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

At the 2024 Centra retailer conference in Killarney were Centra sales director Cormac Dawson, Centra managing director Ian Allen, and Centra retailer council chair Ray Keane

Moo’d ice cream, Centra’s exclusive ice cream brand, saw an 8% increase in sales in 2023 and is now available in 314 stores. This year, the brand will see an expansion of gelato flavours.

Centra successfully achieved its target of a 12% carbon reduction in the 12 months following the launch of the Musgrave Sustainability Fund in summer 2022.

Over the past two years, a total investment of €23m, combining contributions from both retailers and Centra, has been allocated towards enhancing sustainability upgrades in Centra stores.

GetPro named as official protein partner of Dublin GAA GetPro, a new high protein range from Danone, is delighted to announce that it is the new Official Protein Partner of Dublin GAA. The partnership will see GetPro and Dublin GAA work together to champion a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness of the role of protein in supporting individuals’ fitness journey*.

The new GetPro range which combines high-protein and great taste has been developed for people who want to get more out of their workouts* or can even be enjoyed as a healthy* snack.

Whether your customers are exercise enthusiasts or fitness fanatics, the journey to any fitness goal begins with the individual and GetPro supports every step of this journey*, with complete protein**.

To celebrate the announcement, GetPro is hosting a special popup on Dublin’s Grafton Street, from 22-25 February, where members of the public can ‘Beat the Pro!’ As well as tasting delicious GetPro products, people can also take part in four exciting challenges against the clock, all tested out by Dublin GAA players.

“Uniting with the pinnacle of Gaelic games in Dublin GAA marks a really exciting milestone for us here in Danone,” said Maria Murphy, marketing director, Danone Ireland.

GetPro offers 11 protein snack options including delicious yogurts, puddings, mousses and drinks, to be enjoyed at home and on-thego after a workout. With options ranging from a smooth and creamy caramel pudding to a juicy strawberry drink, GetPro has everyone covered.

For more information, see GetPro’s Instagram page @GetPROUKI. *(GetPro contains protein which contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle). **(Found in all dairy products).

Dublin GAA players, Martha Byrne, Donal Burke, Cormac Costello and Ciara Tierney were all on hand to launch the sponsorship

Team up with Nearby.

We work with stores just like yours to drive footfall and excite the local community.

As a symbol store, you will receive a fresh new look, promotional activity and central billing, all while keeping total control of your business. Drive your store forward today by teaming up with the experts at Nearby.

To become a symbol store contact: Jason McSteen, Nearby Sales Manager jmcsteen@sandwni.com 086 6040 474

always-nearby.com

12

SEEN AND HEARD

ENSO and GS1 Ireland partner to drive supply chain sustainability and innovation ENSO and GS1 Ireland have announced a collaboration agreement that will see the two organisations working together to empower Irish SMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to incorporate sustainability into their business operations, communications, and supply chains and to meet their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) reporting obligations.

Through GS1 Ireland’s Solution Provider Programme, ENSO and GS1 Ireland will work together to assist Irish businesses to understand their ESG requirements, to define their sustainability goals, and crucially to communicate their ESG commitments and progress.

“Sustainability is a significant area for businesses to tackle,” said Donal Quinn, founder of ENSO. “Not only are consumers making purchasing decisions based on it, but the ability to win new tenders, renew key contracts or attract investment may depend on ESG commitments and performance.

“ENSO specialises in simplifying sustainability for businesses,” he continued. “We provide a framework which streamlines strategy creation, and which adds structure so businesses can prioritise actions. The ENSO platform enables businesses to transparently communicate their sustainability commitments, impacts and progress to customers and other key stakeholders.”

Maria Svejdar, head of marketing and customer experience at GS1, said: “As part of the partnership, GS1 Ireland has subscribed to the ENSO platform to assess our business impacts both environmentally and socially.

Donal Quinn, founder of ENSO, alongside Maria Svejdar, head of marketing and customer experience at GS1

Using the ENSO platform has provided a central point around which all our staff can discuss sustainability priorities and jointly agree goals. We have now identified a clear path forward for GS1 Ireland to address our sustainability impacts and to make clear and measurable commitments for the future.”

“Our joint mission is to create impactful and innovative solutions for sharing sustainability information with consumers and trading partners alike,” Quinn added.

To learn more, visit www.gs1ie.org, www.ensoimpact.com, or contact either company.

Essity brands Bodyform and Plenty scoop Product of the Year Awards for 2024 Essity, a leading global hygiene and health company, is thrilled to announce that two of its prominent brands, Bodyform and Plenty, have been crowned Product of the Year for 2024. Bodyform’s innovative Cour-V Technology secured victory in the Period Care category, while Plenty Flexisheets Tubeless emerged triumphant in the General Household category, marking a significant achievement for both brands.

The annual Product of the Year Award programme is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive consumer survey of product innovation – surveying people on their most loved products.

Bodyform, a trailblazer in feminine hygiene, clinched the prestigious award with its groundbreaking Cour-V Technology.

The key features of Bodyform Cour-V include adaptive Fit with V-protection towels and Cour-V adaptive technology for optimal protection, fast absorption through 3x smart blood absorption zones, improved design with a better shape, enhanced core, and eco-friendly packaging using 80% renewable and recycled materials.

Bodyform Cour-V Liners were launched in March 2023, with Cour-V being relaunched across the entire portfolio by the end of 2024.

Plenty, a household name for high-quality household products, secured the award in the General Household category with its innovative Plenty Flexisheets Tubeless kitchen roll. Launched in May 2023, this revolutionary product allows users to choose exactly what they need, thanks to more perforations on the roll, which in turn leads to less waste. With no cardboard core to recycle and less plastic in the packaging, Tubeless is more environmentally friendly.

Plenty Flexisheets Tubeless redefines household convenience by being easily wettable, wringable, and scrubbable. Boasting an impressive 40% increase in absorbency, this product maintains its strength even when wet, making it an ideal choice for a myriad of household tasks.

“These achievements underscore our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, and we are proud to provide consumers with products that make a difference in their lives,” said Ruth Gresty at Essity.

Both products’ packaging will be updated to include the Product of the Year logo.

The innovative Plenty Flexisheets Tubeless kitchen roll boasts an impressive 40% increase in absorbency

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Taste of Dublin 2024 bigger than ever with new location at Merrion Square

With everything from cookery demonstrations, interactive workshops, and hands-on masterclasses, there really is something for everyone at Taste of Dublin 2024

Dublin’s legendary culinary festival, Taste of Dublin, is set to return this June with another explosion of flavours and food innovation.

The iconic event will take place for the first time in one of Dublin’s most beautiful Georgian Squares – the historic Merrion Square. To mark this new location, the festival has also revealed Jysk, the Danish interiors retailer, as its headline sponsor.

This year’s edition spotlights the remarkable surge in Irish culinary creativity. The larger festival footprint will ensure a more immersive experience for food aficionados.

Taste of Dublin will take place from 13 – 16 June with over 34,000 people expected to attend the event.

Once again, the festival will bring a constellation of well-known Irish chefs, restaurants, artisan food innovators, and musical acts together for a truly remarkable experience for the senses. Cultural diversity in food will be at the heart of the festival. Furthermore, together with Jysk and other key sponsors, the organisers are planning several new and exciting activations and visitor activities as part of the 2024 line-up.

For more information, visit tasteofdublin.ie. ■

Begin

Supporting Irish Retail

At Bank of Ireland, we’re here to support the financial wellbeing of your business as it keeps building for years to come. Everyday banking solutions and dedicated business teams when you need them.

For all your Retail Sector needs talk to Owen Clifford Head of Retail Sector 087 9079002 owen.clifford@boi.com bankofireland.com/business

Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

14

CSNA NEWS

CSNA NEWS CSNA CAMPAIGN

CSNA launches ‘Be Kind’ campaign

GUS O’HARA

National President, CSNA

CSNA NEWS

Deposit Return Scheme VAT: What you need to know The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) deposit is charged at each stage of the supply chain when the drink product is supplied. There is no ValueAdded Tax (VAT) on the deposit when the drink product is supplied. Businesses in a supply chain supplying Deposit Return Scheme products will not have to account for VAT on the deposit they charge. An example of such businesses are: • producers • wholesalers or • retailers Under VAT law, the deposit amount will be regarded as nil when the drink product is moving through the supply chain. A VAT liability will arise on the deposits when empty plastic bottles or cans are not returned. In this case, the operator of the scheme will be the person who is liable for the VAT due.

Producers, wholesalers and retailers will not have to account for VAT on the deposit they charge

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Following the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme, the CSNA has launched a ‘Be Kind’ campaign, specifically designed to support retail workers. Over the four-month transition period, we kindly encourage customers to extend kindness to all retail professionals.

The association has designed a poster exclusively for members, available for download, print and display in your store. Additionally, the CSNA has crafted engaging social media images for sharing across your platforms. Feel free to use these marketing resources to help support your staff and back-up the campaign with an online presence with these resources.

Download the poster and share the images on your social media channels to maximise visibility of the campaign. If you would like to tag the CSNA, we will like and share

your posts.

Facebook: @CSNAIre Instagram: @csna_ireland X: @CSNA_Ireland Linkedln: @CSNA Speaking on the newly launched campaign, CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings commented: “We want to ensure that our members and their staff are treated fairly and kindly by their customers and members of the public. We understand that there will be some instances where customers become frustrated, but we would like to remind them to ‘Be Kind’ to our staff as this is a new initiative for us all.”

The CSNA wishes to emphasize to all its members the importance of registering for the Deposit Return Scheme. Should any member encounter issues during the registration process, feel free to reach out to Laura at the CSNA

CSNA UPDATE

office by dialling 045-535050. Your smooth registration experience is the association’s priority.

Visit the CSNA website to download the poster and social media images.

CSNA REMINDER

Commercial rates: An important update Following observations from members regarding rates demands, the CSNA has been provided with the following information as outlined by Minister Coveney to the Dáil this month.

It is clear that local authorities are obliged to make contact with individual rate payers and seek from them a request to pay the grant.

From CSNA’s perspective, this is a delay and totally unnecessary.

“As advised, the estimate includes a provision of €257 million to support the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB) which was announced as part of Budget 2024.

“The ICOB grant will provide a one-off cash injection of up to €5,000 to SMEs in recognition of the costs faced by businesses across the country. It is targeted at small and medium businesses operating directly within a premises that is commercially rateable by a Local Authority. The grant will be paid at a rate of half the enterprise’s 2023 commercial rates bill, for firms paying up to €10,000 in rates. For those paying between €10,000 and €30,000 in rates, they will receive a flat grant of €5,000 each. No grant

The CSNA has created a new poster campaign to ensure that retailers and their staff are treated fairly and kindly by members of the public

will be available for firms paying more than €30,000.

“It is not intended that there be a formal application process for the scheme and in this regard, it is proposed that local authorities will contact businesses in relation to the availability and conditions relating to the grant.

“Work is ongoing between officials in my Department and the local authorities on the details of the administration of the grant. It is intended that the grant will be issued directly to eligible businesses by the local authorities in the first quarter of 2024.”

Minister Simon Coveney outlined important information regarding rates demands in the Dáil this month

CSNA issues important reminder regarding Reverse Vending Machines The CSNA wants to bring to your attention an essential aspect of maintaining optimal performance for your Reverse Vending Machine. It is crucial to ensure that the power to the machine remains connected at all times.

Re-turn, the scheme operator, requires constant connectivity to the machine. Additionally, important software updates are scheduled to occur throughout the night to enhance functionality and security.

Disrupting the power supply by disconnecting the machine may result in interruptions to service, loss of data, and delays in processing transactions.

We would recommend that you inform all your employees within your store of the importance of not turning off your RVM so as to prevent any unintended disruptions.

CSNA NEWS

15

IF YOU WISH TO JOIN THE CSNA, PLEASE CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION ON 045 535050

CSNA UPDATE

Tobacco licencing update: Key points While some portions of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 have commenced, Section 27 regarding the sale of tobacco and nicotine products by minors has not yet begun. Therefore it is still perfectly legal for staff members under 18 to sell tobacco and nicotine products to customers over 18.

When the relevant sections of the act have commenced, the sale of these products will be restricted to holders of licences who will have to apply for a licence each year.

Section 11 of the act provides that an application will be accompanied by the prescribed fee, a tax clearance certificate and a declaration signed by the applicant or officer of the company that the applicant has complied with tobacco control legislation.

A person under 18 will not be able to apply for a licence and in order to ensure that tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products are no longer sold in temporary or moveable premises, a licence will not be issued for a period of time shorter than one year or for temporary or moveable premises other than a commercial passenger ship.

An application for a licence can be refused if the application is not made in accordance with section 12, if the applicant has been convicted of two or more serious or category A offences in tobacco control or the HSE believes that any information provided as part of an application is false or misleading. A licence may be revoked if the licensee has been convicted of two or more serious or Category A

It is currently still legal for staff members under 18 to sell tobacco and nicotine products to customers over 18

offences within the meaning of section 28 of the act, the licensee no longer holds a tax clearance certificate which is in force, or the HSE believes that the licensee provided it with false or misleading information when making the application. Section 39 of the act also provides for minimum

suspension periods for licences to sell tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products. These are designed to ensure that the penalties for offences under tobacco control law are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

Suspension periods will depend on the seriousness of the offence committed, whether it is a serious offence and it is applicable to summary prosecution or indictment.

The new licencing system will make enforcement of tobacco control more efficient as there will be a complete and up to date register of all tobacco and nicotine inhaling products sold by retailers immediately available to the enforcement authority and the number of retail outlets selling these products is likely to reduce. ■

INTERVIEW

20

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH

FIONA DONNELLAN

founder of Sustainable PR 3. Top movie recommendation?

‘The Deepest Breath’ on Netflix is a really good watch. It’s about a champion freediver and expert safety diver, plus an Irish director.

9. Favourite grocery shop?

I love Kate’s Kitchen in Sligo. They stock some really tasty bits and are huge supporters of Irish brands.

4. Top spot for a walk?

Queen Maeve Trail in Sligo is epic, the 6km loop takes you up to Knocknarea’s summit with incredible views of Sligo.

10. Your favourite dish to make at home?

Nothing beats a delicious Dahl.

5. Top book recommendation?

My favourite book of all time is Margaret Atwood’s ‘Cat’s Eye’ but for a lighter read anything by Harlan Coben.

Fiona Donnellan

1. Best series you recently watched on a streaming platform?

I loved ‘Tour de France: Unchained’ on Netflix.

I’m not even a big cycling fan but it’s shot so well and the athleticism is insane. Totally worth a watch.

2. Best place for coffee?

I’m based in Sligo so I have to give Rover in Sligo town a shoutout, they know their coffee.

Try the oat flat white.

6. Favourite influencer/content creator if you have one?

I consume a lot of podcasts so I love podcast hosts like PJ Kirby, Kevin Towney from ‘I’m Grand Mam’ and Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams from ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me.’ It’s such light-hearted entertainment.

7. Best ad on telly?

Lidl’s Christmas ad with the racoon was cute.

8. Worst ad on telly?

That Eir ad for broadband with the ‘gigglybits’; that word lives rent-free in my head now.

11. First thing you would do if you were Taoiseach?

My first action would be to implement comprehensive policies aimed at transitioning Ireland to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This would include renewable energy investments, carbon pricing, retrofitting and energy efficiency programs, education and awareness campaigns and innovation and research funding around climate.

12. If you had to live in another country, where would you choose?

I would live in Melbourne, Australia. An incredible city with some of the tastiest food and coffee.

13. Greatest achievement to date?

In business, Sustainable PR is five years old

this year and personally, I completed a half Ironman.

14. Best website?

OpenAI, it’s so exciting to see what’s possible.

15. Do you prefer working from home or in the office/on-site?

I love working from home.

16. Best piece of advice you ever received?

Work smarter, not harder. By prioritising tasks and managing time effectively, I can accomplish more in less time.

17. Top restaurant recommendation?

In Dublin I love Pickle and in Sligo, try Otto.

18. Who is the last artist/group you saw live?

I saw CMAT in the church in Dingle at Other Voices, she is incredible live.

19. Best customer service you ever received?

Recently I had a lovely experience with Drumhierney Lodge in Leitrim.

20. What’s the last compliment you received?

I got a compliment for a recent coffee I made, I’ve been working on my latte art. ■ www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

Available Category Sponsorships Customer Service Manager of the Year 2024 Off-Licence Manager of the Year 2024

MAIN SPONSOR

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

For seat/table sales, and sponsorship opportunities please contact; markmorgan@mediateam.ie and/or ianmulvaney@mediateam.ie

Great Managers Make Great Teams Venue: Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Deadline for entries: March 8.

Enter or nominate here: www.groceryawards.ie

Date of Event: May 9 2024

New and Available Categories for 2024 Butcher Manager of the Year 2024 Best Retail Group Marketing 2024

CATEGORY SPONSORS

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.groceryawards.ie

18

FEATURE

Advancing towards sustainability Following the launch of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme which went live on 1 February, Shauna Bernard delves into retailers’ reactions to the launch and explores the impact on their businesses Retailers have invested in installing Reverse Vending Machines across the country, such as this example at SuperValu Sutton

Re-turn, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), has officially launched as of 1 February.

Consumers purchasing drinks in plastic bottles or aluminium cans featuring the Re-turn logo will pay a fully refundable deposit in addition to the product’s price.

This initiative is aiming to enhance recycling rates and contribute to Ireland’s circular economy goals. With targets set by the EU to increase plastic beverage bottle collection rates, Re-turn offers a method to achieve higher recycling rates, as evidenced by its success in other European countries such as Croatia, Iceland, and the Netherlands.

A deposit of 15 cents applies to containers ranging from 150ml to 500ml, while a 25-cent deposit is required for containers exceeding 500ml up to three litres. Re-turn has clarified that “during this transition period, some drinks containers may be subject to a deposit even if they do not feature the Re-turn logo. In these instances, consumers will always be entitled to a refund of their deposit.”

Empty and undamaged plastic bottles and cans can be returned to participating shops and supermarkets nationwide. Consumers have the option to use Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) or return them manually over the counter. Upon returning the empty and undamaged container with the Re-turn logo, consumers can reclaim their deposit. For RVM returns, a voucher will be issued for redemption at the store’s till or as a cash refund. Over-the-counter returns will involve a verification process by the retailer.

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Certain items are not eligible for the DRS, including dairy drink products, steel and tin cans containing foodstuffs, and containers for cleaning supplies. Glass drink containers should be recycled as usual at designated glass and bottle banks.

A lot done in a short time Speaking at the Re-turn launch event, Tony Keohane, chair of DRS Ireland, said: “This is one of the biggest social and environmental changes we are going to see in Ireland for quite some time. This has been done in a timescale that has not been matched anywhere in Europe that I know of. We have

RGDATA director general Tara Buckley says the association will be “monitoring the scheme’s introduction” and will be making representations to Re-turn if the scheme does not prove to be cost-neutral for retailers as promised

done a lot in the short space of time and that’s absolutely amazing.”

Ciaran Foley, chief executive officer, Re-turn, said: “I joined Re-turn because it was really about making a difference. It wasn’t about a big bang launch of the DRS, but I listened to what the scheme was all about. The goal of the Re-turn team that we set ourselves is to become a quality organisation that is trusted by everyone.

“It’s been a monumental effort to get here.

But obviously, we’ve now got to go out and influence people to recycle and to get our 90% clean environment.”

RGDATA reaction Tara Buckley, director general of RGDATA, spoke to ShelfLife about their members’ reaction to the Deposit Return Scheme. “This is a new government policy that they have to comply with if they want to sell products in in-scope containers. Most have either invested in an RVM or are opting out of takeback and adopting a “wait and see” approach to see how consumers’ habits change as a result of the new scheme.”

Buckley went on to explain that RGDATA will be “monitoring the scheme’s introduction” and will be making representations to Re-turn if the scheme does not prove to be cost-neutral for retailers as promised.

“The transition periods were agreed after consultation with producers and retailers and a number of workshops on the issue so they should be sufficient to allow all existing stock

FEATURE

to be sold within the timeframes that are set out. There are challenges for retailers in dealing with some products with international barcodes that will not have the Re-turn logo but will incur the deposit which will be returned when the container is returned.

RGDATA has raised this issue with Re-turn and we have asked them to ensure that there are very clear communications to the public about this and all aspects of the scheme,” Buckley concluded.

CSNA speaks out Speaking to Vincent Jennings, chief executive officer of CSNA, he explains his concerns that while retailers generally support the idea of a deposit return scheme for its environmental benefits, they have reservations about the methodology. Jennings suggests that the scheme has been influenced by large producers and retailers to protect their market share, which could be a disadvantage for smaller retailers.

“Overall we are in favour of it, however, the methodology is a completely different thing. It leaves a lot to be desired in the way that it has been handled, perhaps in many respects hijacked by the large producers and retailers

While many retailers have availed of exemptions for the Deposit Return Scheme, CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings emphasises the need for all members to participate in some form to avoid logistical and operational challenges

who saw this as a way of protecting their market and increasing their market share.

“That was not necessarily good for competition and certainly wasn’t in the interest of smaller retailers. But those retailers then saw that, if you can’t beat them, join them. To the surprise of many in the industry, they’ve actually stood up to the market and said, ‘No, we are going to be a part of this and we’re not going to allow our customers to feel as if we are second class retailers’.”

Jennings acknowledges that many retailers have availed of exemptions but emphasises the

need for all members to participate in some form to avoid logistical and operational challenges.

“It just would make no economic sense for them to put in a machine but they certainly didn’t want to be taking on board all the difficulties, the logistical, the health, the argumentative difficulties that will come from accepting it as a manual over-the-counter return system.”

Additionally, Jennings expresses concerns about the timeline for transitioning to only selling products with the Re-turn logo. He suggests that the timeframes may be challenging, especially considering seasonal factors like Christmas ordering and stock left over.

“No matter how long it would have been, there would have always been potential difficulties. The real thing is how good will the supply system be. It will most certainly be the case that from 1 June, it will be literally a criminal offence to provide a product that does not have the Re-turn logo upon it.

Whether it is going to happen in February, March, April, or May, every last [applicable] product in our stores on 1 June must have a logo on it.”

price as it was. If a bottle of Coke was €2 yesterday, it’s still €2 tomorrow but it’s just that the deposit is the added extra. It’s not an extra sale, it’s not an extra profit for the business, so that’s a challenge for retailers to educate their customers and drive that message home.”

from consumers. The key issue here is the current lack of product with the new logo in the marketplace. One would have thought that the scheme should have been timed to go live a few months after suppliers had the new products on shelves which would have made this easier for everyone.”

19

What do retailers think?

ShelfLife magazine reached out to retailers who were taking part in the Deposit Return Scheme, to learn their views on the new initiative John Paul Lonergan

Ray Lee

John Paul Lonergan, owner, Spar, Fairview, County Dublin, said: “Being able to provide the DRS to customers and the local community, it is something to be welcomed and it is a positive.

“There is a substantial cost attached to it as well. It is an area that the government needs to get more involved in, to help with more support, because that seems to be the main barrier for smaller retailers. The cost of providing the service is probably the biggest challenge…We made a decision for ourselves that we had to do it as it was the best thing for our business.

“But there’s other costs as well that are ongoing. You will probably have increased labour costs at your till points because the vouchers have to be paid out at tills and redeemed at tills. That will possibly slow down transactions.

“I’ve heard a few customers saying that prices are going up. The price is not going up, it is remaining the exact same selling

Ray Lee, managing director, Lee’s Centra Group, Charleville, County Cork, said: “Overall I believe that the scheme will ultimately be positive in terms of helping to reduce litter and waste nationwide and help us move towards a cleaner and more sustainable Ireland. We made an investment in excess of €70,000 across our four stores to install RVMs. “I have always broadly welcomed the objectives of the scheme but it’s disappointing that the burden of the cost associated with it has been laid at the retailer’s door, with very little government support, along with all this government’s various initiatives which have significantly increased the cost of doing business.

“There will obviously be the initial period of a few months from the go-live date where you would expect issues with any scheme of this size that requires such behavioural change

Owen Kelly

Owen Kelly, store manager, Londis, Kilkelly, County Mayo, said: “When it was first announced I will admit to being a little hesitant. However, once the information began to flow and become more freely available, the benefits of the scheme became evident.

“I have also looked at countries where the scheme is already active, such as Croatia, Iceland and the Netherlands, and in every case the collection rate goes up upon implementation, which is a real positive.

“We could have applied for an exemption from the scheme, but we are a rural area and see this as a community service we are providing. If we hadn’t opted for an RVM, we would have been forcing our local customers to travel anything up to 30 km to the next nearest collection point.” ■

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

20 INTERVIEW

How to create a great charity partnership Currently in year four of a successful partnership with Aldi, Mary Gamble, Barnardos director of fundraising and communications, discusses how the partnership has progressed to date, and reflects on how other FMCG brands can establish and sustain a partnership that meets clear deliverables for their chosen charity Q: How did the partnership with Aldi come about? What was the inspiration behind your work together?

A: Barnardos is Ireland’s largest children’s charity working with over 20,000 children and families nationwide. In 2020, we were seeking a substantial retail partner to match our size and geographical locations which would share our values, engage our supporters, and importantly resonate with the families we work with every day. We approached Aldi in April 2020 to begin discussions on what a partnership would look like and what impact we could collectively make on the lives of the vulnerable children living in Ireland.

Q: Why did you feel Aldi and Barnardos are the right fit as partners, in terms of both organisations’ aims and ethos?

Barnardos Early Years services are warm, welcoming and engaging in supporting children to learn, develop, and increase their readiness for school

A: We began working on a focus for the partnership which had a clear vison in terms of deliverables. It became very clear that Barnardos Early Years and Family Support services would be a great fit for both brands.

From there, we created clear fundraising goals and outcomes for the services. The partnership’s work in raising awareness around food insecurity has demonstrated our joint commitment to tackling the issue of food poverty in Ireland. Barnardos are proud to work with Aldi Ireland, an organisation who listens to their customers and who responds to support their communities at a local and national level.

Q: What are the key elements, fundraising events, and messaging that your partnership with Aldi has entailed?

A: The Aldi and Barnardos partnership continues to go from strength to strength. In 2023, we created a joint tagline called ‘Look At Me Now’ which personifies the nurturing elements of our work together. Every euro raised through fundraising events and activities goes towards ensuring some of the most vulnerable children in Ireland can grow, develop and reach their full potential. We are also entering into the fourth year of the Barnardos Big Active campaign supported by Aldi which is a school-based activity and wellbeing initiative aimed at developing primary and secondary students’ physical, emotional and mental health. This specially designed programme has been created

by Barnardos and has been rolled out to schools all over the country with great support from Aldi.

“What we are most proud of is, by working together, Barnardos and Aldi Ireland have delivered transformational support to vulnerable children when they need it most,” says Mary Gamble, Barnardos director of fundraising and communications

Q: What advice would you give to other brands that are contemplating teaming up with a charity partner? What are the key considerations that they should take into account?

A: Be considered in who you partner with and do your research. Working with a charity should be a strategic decision which has support across multiple internal departments.

If the partnership is delivered well, it will increase your brand affinity scores and encourage customer loyalty. Make sure your values align and ensure that the shared goals of the partnership are more than just financial.

Doing good is good for business!

Q: What results are you most proud of, through your partnership with Aldi Ireland?

A: Aldi staff and customers have raised over €1.5 million over three years. So financial success speaks for itself. What that means in terms of human impact is that the partnership funds already provide over 14,090 meals for children in our services; support over 1,409 children to be school ready and start life in the most positive way; and support 140 families with specialised counselling, intensive parenting support and we are only in year four!

What we are most proud of is, by working together, Barnardos and Aldi Ireland have delivered transformational support to vulnerable children when they need it most – “Because childhood lasts a lifetime.” ■

“The Aldi and Barnardos partnership continues to go from strength to strength. In 2023, we created a joint tagline called ‘Look At Me Now’ which personifies the nurturing elements of our work together.”

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

SOCIAL DIARY

‘It’s broccoli but better’: Vegetarian delights showcase the versatility of Tenderstem In an exciting collaboration, Tenderstem, the versatile and vibrant vegetable, has teamed up with Michelin-recommended Glas restaurant, the innovative vegetarian and vegan dining haven in Dublin 2.

The partnership capitalises on the culinary expertise of Glas’s head chef, Malte Half, whose passion for experimenting with flavours

Ally Giundi & Lorraine Fountain

and textures has inspired wonderful new vegetarian dishes which celebrate the unique flavour and versatility of Tenderstem, the leggy brassica that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

To celebrate the new partnership, Tenderstem invited guests to join its team for a celebratory lunch in Glas Restaurant on

Malte Half & Lils Cox

Thursday, 18 January, where they had the opportunity to enjoy some fabulously creative dishes from none other than the very talented Malte Half. Turn to page 48 for more information.

Follow @tenderstemIreland on Instagram for a visual feast of Tenderstem creations. ■

Ian Mulvaney & Dr. Clem Ryan

B ro u g h t to you by

info@tasteofdublin.ie w w w.ta s te ofd u b l i n .i e

13 - 16 JUNE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

MERRION SQUARE

WHERE FOOD LOVERS FEAST

Malte Half

21

22

INTERVIEW

Support system

Against the backdrop of Ireland’s highly regulated and competitive labour market, Peter Donohoe, chief people officer, BWG Group, tells Gillian Hamill how the Hire 2 Retire (H2R) solution is making a major difference to retailers’ daily operations, alongside discussing innovations such as the B-well app, BWG’s Academy and the role HR has played in integrating acquisitions Understanding what makes entrepreneurs tick is a key part of Peter Donohoe’s role as chief people officer at BWG Group. Hailing from a farming background, where his parents also established their own machine hire business and family-run restaurant, the value of hard work was impressed on Donohoe from a young age. He fully understands the constant time pressures retailers face in attempting to juggle all the various aspects of their business. Subsequently, it’s not hard to see why he has become a passionate advocate for BWG Group’s new‘Hire 2 Retire’ (H2R) solution.

An end-to-end people management platform, Hire 2 Retire incorporates the most advanced recruitment, human resources, time and attendance, and payroll solutions, in addition to professional development offerings, all powered by a purpose-built artificial intelligence enabled digital platform.

Increased support

“We listen to what our retailers are saying and then we adapt, because that’s how you make the product better,” says Peter Donohoe, chief people officer, BWG Group

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

“The platform was developed in response to significant demand from retailers for increased support in navigating the now many challenges associated with recruiting and managing a workforce in today’s highly regulated and competitive labour market,” Donohoe explains.

The platform is the first of its kind. BWG Foods began the process of rolling out Hire 2 Retire across its network of over 1,000 retailers last year. The group has made a significant investment of €2 million in the solution. Developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, working remotely on a project of this nature, alongside UK colleagues, naturally brought its own challenges, but Donohoe is certain the platform represents the way forward as a long-term solution that saves retailers’ valuable time and potential stress.

“It's been a fantastic project, with a huge commitment from the business,” he tells ShelfLife.“We are investing significantly, because we really do see this as something that's absolutely essential, longer term, as a vital support

INTERVIEW

Enthusiastic feedback

from BWG to all of our retailers. The more we can help them running their stores as entrepreneurs, the better that will be for us. And it’s an area that typically some retailers have struggled with, because most entrepreneurs get into business, not necessarily to manage people. It's an area that that they almost end up having to do, instead of wanting to do. The more we can actually build a full support system around recruitment and people management, I think that will be crucial to ensure that we have strong independent retail in Ireland into the future, and hence why we are so committed to this project.”

Ongoing roll-out A phased roll-out is currently ongoing, with ten new retailers added each month, Donohoe explains. This is very much a deliberate strategy to have the necessary preparations at each store already in place, to make the on-boarding process as easy and straightforward for retailers as possible.

“There's quite a lot of change that has to happen in a store typically, in bringing in the solution. We therefore have a very detailed plan that we effectively execute,” Donohoe explains.

“We tend to work with their timelines as well. So, for example, for a store located in a coastal area, with peak trading during the summer months, we won’t bring in the solution during that busy timeframe. This ensures they aren't putting too much pressure on themselves as they introduce the technology. We very much work hand-in-hand with what is currently happening in their business, in a partnership approach. We spend time understanding where their pressure points are and then obviously we work to a collective timeline that works effectively for both of us.”

While planning for the solution’s implementation in each store needs to be efficiently handled by BWG together with its partners, the rewards far outweigh this initial step, as Donohoe explains through some concrete examples.“It’s a full HR service wrap,” he asserts.“Previously, a lot of HR supports were available for retailers to focus on different areas, be that in employee advice, recruitment, a clocking system, payroll, or training. However, no other group has ever pulled the whole thing together, where [all the resources] are available on one platform.”

Benefits for retailers The advantages for retailers?“You only have to input something once,” says Donohoe.“It's extremely powerful because you bring a lot of control to your business, with full visibility on what’s currently happening.

“For example, if you hire somebody into the business, you do it through the platform. They upload their CV and the system captures all their information, so there is no need for form filling or any possibility of documents going missing; that removes a huge amount of manual tasks.” The self-service nature of the platform means that an employee joining the company simply has to enter the necessary information once through the app.“In retail, you are hiring multiple types of people, from students to working parents, so the solution is highly adaptable and can accommodate everyone’s needs.

“Another good example would be that once you’ve hired a new recruit, there are certain training requirements they must undertake,” Donohoe adds.“For example, if you're hiring a new employee into the deli, and he’s starting on Monday, the system will start to email him all the training courses he needs to complete, including food safety and customer service requirements. The store manager has full visibility on whether or not the training has been completed. If not, the system will keep emailing the recruit to remind him. That removes a lot of

23

An end-to-end people management platform, Hire 2 Retire (H2R) is powered by a purpose-built artificial intelligence enabled digital platform work, where previously a manager would have to log back into a system to monitor the entire training process. It's brilliant to have full visibility on what's happening in their store.”

Another key area where the Hire 2 Retire solution is proving a hugely important resource for retailers is compliance with business regulations, specifically around Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) inspections; making it easy for them to ensure they are meeting all the necessary requirements. As well as featuring and monitoring all necessary training, the BWG Group is fully on hand to offer HR advice.“If retailers are looking for guidance on any challenge or issues they face, we will talk through the issues and guide them on how to deal with that, based on our firsthand experience. I love engaging with our retailers, because they're brilliant people, they really are. And you come away feeling energised, so it's just fantastic to have a tool like Hire 2 Retire that's able to support them in running their operations.

The more we can do to help our retailers be successful, the better it will be for us. It's a real win-win approach.”

Moreover, Donohoe is genuinely thrilled to report retailers’ enthusiasm for the new solution.“Like all new things, it takes a bit of time to adjust and get used to it, and as I said earlier, we provide a full service support around that, but retailers are definitely seeing the results .” In fact, one retailer recently told him that he couldn’t now imagine operating his business without it.

“Our own colleagues who are using it at an employee level, love it as well. They love the fact that they have a roster, and they can more easily schedule their timetables. If they're looking to book holidays, they can do it through the app, so it brings great clarity and it's a brilliant solution for colleagues, but also for a manager who's trying to plan out the week.”

Of course, as with many of the best ideas in life, continual evolution is anticipated for the Hire 2 Retire solution.“I think it is, and very much will be a continuum,” says Donohoe.“I don't think it will ever be finished. We listen to what our retailers are saying and then we adapt, because that's how you make the product better.” The“real world impact” of retailers using the solution in their businesses, has already been used to “tweak” the solution, to make it even more practical for use within a store.

Artificial intelligence “I think over time where this platform will really add value, as it gains more and more data, will be found in the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence,” adds Donohoe.“AI is obviously a very hot topic in a general sense. Once we collect more data, the stores that are using the platform, will be able to start to look at trends and gain more analysis on certain areas. What we're trying to do is move from a reactive to proactive approach, so that instead of a store asking‘why are employee turnover levels high?’, the platform will offer ways to fix that, and get ahead of problems before they actually become problems. That's the whole beauty of the system; and that will happen over time for sure.”

This leads on to a further discussion on the benefits and potential future downsides of artificial intelligence. As Donohoe points out, even for those of us who have not yet integrated AI programmes such as Chat GPT into our daily work lives, we have all in fact been using AI for some time

The BWG HR team (L-R): Ipshita Adhikary, Aaron Wynne, Mary Wall, Carla Skelly, Shauna O’Callaghan, Peter Donohoe, Patricia Arnold, Vitor Notaro, Leticia Romeu, Paulo Soares www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

24 INTERVIEW

its plant in Jamestown, Co. Leitrim, he has also worked within sales at Glanbia, and later worked within operations in the UK also.“I progressed into HR, and I was heavily involved as a manager in a systems rollout,” he adds.“I really enjoyed the people part of it. HR is a great career for someone who wants to get the best out of people. If you're motivated by that, a career in HR is ideal; I honestly love getting up in the morning to do my job!”After joining BWG in 2006, Donohoe points out that the business tends to attract longterm staff, with one colleague who retired last year, having notched up 50 years of service within the business.“I'm 17 years here, I'm only a young gun!” he laughs.

Integrating acquisitions

Mary Wall, head of retail HR services, BWG Foods through developments such as using predictive text when composing messages on our phones.

“There's a lot of press around AI, and yes I do think it can be used to increase our productivity and that’s where it's currently heading in the workplace. Where exactly that will land yet, I'm not 100% sure, but definitely it's already here, and we're already heavily invested in using it ourselves,” he says.

An open, inquisitive mind, shown throughout our interview, in his reactions to topics such as AI, is an important attribute for Donohoe.“I would say my leadership style would be very collaborative,” he tells ShelfLife.“For me, particularly in this business, you need to be adaptable and flexible. I suppose in HR, you tend to naturally do that anyway.You definitely need to have an ability to shift quickly.”

Team success This ability to quickly adapt has resulted in continued success for BWG’s HR team and the overall business.“I'm incredibly proud of how our HR team and BWG have evolved; we’re a phenomenal team and there's no question about that,” Donohoe says.“I’m very proud of the initiatives we have put in place for our retailers. Such as when we launched the BWG Academy in 2019 over on the North Road [in Dublin’s North City Business Park], where we have a state-of-the-art bespoke training centre for retailers where they can come and learn practical skills, such as deli training or wine tasting to give just a couple of examples; there's a huge amount of material for retailers. I’m also hugely proud of our 'B-well' support app launched in 2020, an employee assistance programme for retailers, which can have a major impact on retailer and employee wellbeing.”

With over 28 personnel now working in the HR team at BWG Group, Donohoe is a“strong believer” in“promoting from within”, and it’s clearly a great source of satisfaction for him to see graduates progress through the business and many colleagues flourish into different roles.“They are now doing brilliantly in those areas,” he smiles.“I’m a very strong believer in giving opportunities to the existing team to grow, develop and progress. I was fortunate that happened to me in my career.”

Career progression Speaking of career development, Donohoe’s background has seen him progress through both operational and HR roles.

Previously working in Glanbia as the operations manager of ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

The fast-paced nature of the business is clearly a source of motivation for Donohoe.“Within BWG, we have had a number of acquisitions during the past year. Integrating those businesses into BWG, from a people point of view, has been challenging but rewarding,” he says.“When we acquire a company, we place a huge emphasis on the people aspect of it and if we get that right, we know the integration is going to go well. I would say that is a core competency within BWG; we're very good at integrating new acquisitions.”

He proceeds to list a number of acquisitions that occurred during the past year, including Cox's, McCarrick’s, and Tuffy Wholesale.“We were quite busy on the acquisition front.

Obviously, with that, we had people who had been working in those businesses for a long time, and we focused [where necessary] on transferring them to other parts of our company. There's a lot of disruption that occurs. Staff members at a family-run business that has been established for a long time are naturally going to wonder,‘what's the new employer going to be like to deal with?’We really over-index on that people part, and bringing them into our business and we’re very proud of the integration we have achieved.”

Unassuming determination This focus on teamwork is also very much present in Donohoe’s personal life where he is a coach with Kilmacud Crokes GAA, where he loves seeing players develop as part of the team.“Family is hugely important to me. I'm married to Noreen, and I have three great boys, James, Gavin and Rory, who I love spending time with. I try and get out for a run; I think that's probably a good way of de-stressing as well,” he continues.“I try and run maybe three or four times a week.

“I’m incredibly proud of how our HR team and BWG have evolved; we’re a phenomenal team and there’s no question about that,” says Peter Donohoe There's been loads of times where I've started off with a problem and by the time you've got to the end of the run, you've either got rid of it or you've worked out a solution.

Particularly when you're dealing with people, it's complex, and some of the issues are very serious ones.” In fact, his goal is to run 15 miles each week,“so I'd be out with the foxes at about half five, six o'clock in the morning; I'm an early riser.” It’s undoubtedly a superb time of day,“when there's no traffic and the city is starting to wake up”. His advice to others who want to improve their fitness?“The hardest part is always putting on your runners, but once you do, it’s a great way to de-stress.”

This unassuming dedication and determination is an attitude that Donohoe clearly also brings to his work in HR. Overall,“developing the right culture is crucial”, in his view, throughout areas such as“retention, our focus on succession planning, and developing people; ensuring we are aligned with our leadership team. Culture is multifaceted but a company’s leadership has a huge impact on that. At BWG, it's really important for us to showcase that innovation gene in our business, and also to ensure we deliver a customer-centric approach. Anything that we can do in an HR context to enable that is vital.” ■

ADVERTORIAL

25

Expansion endeavours!

With a career steeped in retail management and a knack for driving growth, David Tarrant, managing director of Casey Retail Group, orchestrates the expansion of the company’s diverse offerings. From transforming stores to fostering community connections, David’s leadership propels Casey Retail Group towards new horizons of success, writes Shauna Bernard

Caseys Londis Balla has recorded an impressive performance, with a 25% increase in trading in 2023 compared to 2022, and finishing 5% ahead of budget

David Tarrant, the managing director of Casey Retail Group, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a diverse background in retail management and a solid tenure with various reputable brands, Tarrant assumed his role in 2020. Owned and operated by Gerry and Kate Casey alongside Tarrant, the group encompasses Londis and Circle K forecourts, offering a wide array of culinary experiences including The Kitchen at Caseys, Supermac’s, Freshly Chopped, and Four Star Pizza.

Tarrant’s career journey spans from his early days at MSVC wholesale to managerial positions at SuperValu and Centra, culminating in his leadership role within Casey Retail Group.

The Balla, Co. Mayo store, acquired in November 2022, underwent a significant transformation from a Spar to a Londis establishment in February 2023 in collaboration with BWG. There are currently 30 staff employed at the store.

“The store is an integral part of the community as we operate the local post office from within,” says Tarrant,“The post office was a great new addition to the group and gave us a chance to meet all the locals immediately and develop our customer relationships.”

Impressive performance The store has shown impressive performance, with a 25% increase in trading in 2023 compared to 2022, and finishing 5% ahead of budget. Despite challenging trading conditions in January 2024, the store continues to achieve double-digit growth.

According to Tarrant, the progress can be attributed to their focus on enhancing the food and drink offerings, particularly with the well-received addition of The Kitchen at Caseys. The transformation of the hot and cold deli offerings, the introduction of extensive fresh bakery ranges, and the inclusion of Bewley’s coffee have all contributed to increased sales across fresh departments. Tarrant notes:“A key driver of our business is our alcohol department and adding the Londis spec off-licence branding and imaging along with a complete reinvigoration of ranges available has seen the off-licence deliver 20% growth in 2023.”

Key success factors Tarrant states that there are three major factors to the store’s success. Firstly, the leadership of manager Peter O’Dowd and

Caseys Londis Balla “is an integral part of the community as we operate the local post office from within,” says David Tarrant

his staff have played a pivotal role. With O’Dowd’s five years of experience within the group and his ability to foster a positive atmosphere among both customers and team members, he has been instrumental in maintaining high standards.

Secondly, the store’s commitment to meeting customer needs has been paramount. Every decision and action is geared towards ensuring customer satisfaction, and the community of Balla has embraced and supported the store’s endeavours wholeheartedly.

Lastly, the reputation and heritage associated with the Casey name have played a significant role in the store’s success. The Casey brand has garnered recognition and trust within the region, contributing to the store’s positive reception in Balla.“With Castlebar only 10 km away where our first store has operated since 1996 and the home of our head office, customers were aware of our retail presence,” Tarrant notes.

the existing estate must be financially strong and able to withstand all the cost and competitor challenges we all experience. The financial strength of the stores will allow us to develop more with the help and guidance of the Bank of Ireland and BWG.” Tarrant explains that Owen Clifford (Head of Retail) and local relationship manager Vanessa O’Carroll have been highly professional and accessible since their partnership began. They consistently provided Tarrant with valuable insights and support whenever required.

Their willingness to collaborate and offer expertise has greatly benefited the Casey Retail Group.

Future expansion

Bank of Ireland’s support has been instrumental in facilitating their store’s expansion plans. Balla marked the initial step in a series of acquisitions planned for the upcoming years. Tarrant states:“We are in no rush, primarily

Tarrant expresses excitement for future plans for expansion:“We are excited to be close to completing a deal for a forecourt and convenience store in Limerick.”

Explaining that the purchase is going through the final stages, Tarrant concludes:“We are all looking forward to transforming the store and forecourt. This will be a much larger project than previous acquisitions or revamps and we really cannot wait to get going.” ■

Bank of Ireland’s support has been instrumental in facilitating the store’s expansion plans

The store’s progress can be attributed to the team’s focus on enhancing the food and drink offerings, particularly with the popular addition of The Kitchen at Caseys

BOI support

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

26 FEATURE

Striking agriculture Gillian Hamill explores what lessons our food industry can take from the extensive farmers’ protests which occurred in France during the past month If there is any nation renowned for its willingness and ability to protest, it is undoubtedly the French. In the past month, French farmers have proved no exception to this perception, successfully attracting widespread international media attention for their effective blockade of the French capital.

Why did the French farmers feel it was necessary to implement such an intense protest?

The first reason is fairly straightforward: farmers in France, the EU’s biggest agricultural producer, say they are not being paid enough.

They also feel they have been choked by excessive regulation on environmental protection. According to Reuters, while some of these concerns are shared by producers across the EU, issues such as food price negotiations are specific to France.

Mercosur trade deal France 24 has also highlighted French farmers’ specific concerns regarding the Mercosur trade deal and Ukraine farm imports. On the first of these issues, RFI.fr outlines that the Mercosur trade agreement has been negotiated for nearly two decades between the European Union and Latin American countries. The agreement, which has emerged as a central grievance for farmers concerned about foreign

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

competition, would allow Europe to export things like cars and biotechnology and, in return, it would allow in agricultural products such as dairy and beef.

“The Mercosur agreement risks weakening some sectors, notably sheep and cattle farmers,” said economist Antoine Bouët. “You cannot separate out farming from other sectors,” he added. “It’s difficult to impose a treaty on South Americans that would open their borders to industry, and we would concede nothing on agriculture.”

France’s Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has since said Paris would prevent a trade deal between the European Union and South American bloc Mercosur. “This Mercosur deal, as it stands, is not good for our farmers. It cannot be signed as is, it won’t be signed as is,” Le Maire told broadcasters CNews and Europe 1. Meanwhile, during a visit to Sweden, Macron also expressed France’s opposition to the planned trade deal, but he added that he felt it was “too easy” to blame all the farmers’ woes on the EU.

Ukrainian farm imports On the issue of Ukranian farm imports, in a bid to calm angry farmers, the EU has said that while it intends to extend tariff-free entry for Ukrainian farm products for a year from June,

there would also be “safeguards” implemented to stop cheaper imports from flooding the market. Regarding the most sensitive products, namely poultry, eggs and sugar, an “emergency brake” would be used to stabilise imports at the average volumes of 2022 and 2023.

Environmental ‘red tape’ Explaining farmers’ resistance to what they perceive as excessive environment-related red tape, Reuters reports that farmers have taken issue both with EU subsidy rules, such as an incoming requirement to leave 4% of farmland fallow, and their belief that the French administration has overcomplicated the implementation of EU policy, such as in restoring hedges. Rows over irrigation projects and criticism about animal welfare and pesticides have caused ageing French farmers to feel they are becoming increasingly isolated within society. They state that the move by the government and retailers to bring down food inflation has left many producers unable to cover high costs for energy, fertiliser and transport.

The government’s plan to phase out a tax break for farmers on diesel fuel (part of a wider energy transition policy) also made many farmers see red. Here in Ireland, we could surely only imagine a similar reaction were the government ever to announce plans to phase out agricultural (green) diesel in this part of the world, so it’s certainly understandable why this was a flashpoint for many farmers based in The Hexagon.

FEATURE

27

Attal’s response Given this list of grievances, what was it that made the farmers decide to call off their action at the start of this month? Prime Minister Gabriel Attal certainly had a difficult task on his hands to appease such a severely disgruntled group. RFI.fr reports that Attal offered a slew of new concessions including an annual 150 million euros for livestock farmers and a ban on food imports treated with thiacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide already banned in France. He also pledged that he wanted to “better recognise the farming profession”, “protect (farmers) against unfair competition” and “give value back to our food”. Moreover, Attal vowed to ensure a clear Europe-wide definition of lab-grown meat, a technology still in its infancy.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said all major supermarkets will be audited for compliance with a new law, created with the goal of ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce. Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau also announced a €2 billion loan package for those who are setting up as farmers. He likewise added that there will also be a “pause” in France’s national plan for reducing pesticide use. Unsurprisingly, the resented fuel tax hike was also withdrawn.

Unions react Following these announcements, Arnaud Gaillot, the president of the Young Farmers union, said that in view of the developments, farmers needed to end their blockades and “enter into a new form of mobilisation”. The FNSEA, France’s biggest rural union, said that it wants to see the first government measures implemented by the start of the trade fair and a law passed by June, according to its leader, Arnaud Rousseau, speaking on BFMTV. All is certainly not yet rosy in the garden, however. Another major union, The Confederation Paysanne disagreed with the main FNSEA union when it called off the blockades after the government delayed the pesticide plan and offered €400 million in aid to farmers. “The leaders of the FNSEA obtained from the government responses linked to their personal interest as speculative agri-managers,” the union claimed in a statement. The Confederation Paysanne subsequently said it would remain mobilised because “the fundamental question of income” was “still not being tackled head-on by the government”.

While the protests therefore disbanded, it is clear that not all the seeds of discontent have been rooted out. The French government was also left counting the costs of the protests – including roadblocks, lane closures and demonstrations, that affected more than 150 locations around France, with motorways around major cities including Paris and Lyon affected.

In November 2021, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) brought the ‘Save Irish Farming’ campaign to Dublin city, whereby hundreds of farmers tractors drove down Ormond Quay in Dublin on their way to a rally in Merrion Square (Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie)

Thankfully, calm also returned to the vast Rungis wholesale food market that serves the 12 million people in the Paris capital region. In total, 79 farmers were released after being held in custody for an incursion into the food hub, with prosecutors saying they will investigate for property damage.

International action France was certainly not the only country affected moreover. Reuters reports that traffic around the Belgian capital was also disrupted by angry farmers and about a dozen tractors made it through to Brussels’ EU area where they honked loudly. Belgian media reported that farmers stopped about five trucks with Spanish vegetables and dumped the produce near the distribution centre of Belgian retailer Colruyt near Brussels. Protests also erupted in Germany after a government decision to phase out a tax break on agricultural diesel as it tried to balance its 2024 budget. Indeed, Berlin was briefly brought to a near standstill as trucks and tractors filled one of its central avenues.

Meanwhile in Romania, truck drivers and farmers also protested against high business costs by blocking access to a border crossing with Ukraine.

IFA shows support Meanwhile, here in Ireland, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) announced a number of protests across the country on Thursday evening, 1 February 1, to show their support to their European counterparts.

“Farmers here have been watching the

“Farmers here have been watching the protests across Europe. They are just as frustrated by what is happening as farmers in other countries. They feel they are being regulated out of business by Brussels bureaucrats and Department of Agriculture officials who are far removed from the reality of day-to-day farming.”

protests across Europe,” said IFA president Francie Gorman. “They are just as frustrated by what is happening as farmers in other countries. They feel they are being regulated out of business by Brussels bureaucrats and Department of Agriculture officials who are far removed from the reality of day-to-day farming.

“Irish farmers are pro-EU, but there is mounting frustration about the impact of EU policy on European farmers, and its implementation here in Ireland. The general feeling amongst farmers across the EU is that ‘enough is enough’,” Gorman said.

Impact on Irish exports Writing for Agriland.ie, Margaret Donnelly has also highlighted the negative impacts for Irish exports. “Unfortunately, the ripples of the French protests are being directly felt by Irish processors and will, no doubt, be felt by Irish farmers in turn.

“In recent days, French retailers have said ‘non’ to Irish meat processors looking to sell Irish beef and lamb in French supermarkets.

However, France is Ireland’s largest Eurozone market for beef, including live exports, and at €260m, accounts for 23% of Irish beef exports to Continental Europe (57,270t). It is also our biggest export market for sheep meat with a value of €90m, which equates to 42% of our total global sheep meat exports.”

As a result, Donnelly highlights the need for Ireland to “increase our export reach and reduce our dependence on a small set of markets”.

Overall, a key factor in the French farmer protests was that despite all the disruption caused (not least to French motorway service stations which suddenly found themselves with a full roster of staff employed but zero customers) was that by and large, public sentiment remained firmly behind the farmers.

While the supermarkets retain huge buying power, farmers across Europe are clearly not to be underestimated, as demonstrated by the outcome achieved in France. ■

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

28 ADVISOR: HR

Parent’s leave: What you need to know Although it sounds similar to “parental leave”, the benefits of “parent’s leave” are actually vastly different. Here, The HR Suite’s Caroline Reidy clears up any confusion, with a full explanation of what this means for both employers and employees As one embarks on the journey of parenthood, support and resources become invaluable companions. In Ireland, parents are met with a robust framework of assistance, notably exemplified by the provision of “parent’s leave”. This foundational support reflects Ireland’s dedication to nurturing families and ensuring the wellbeing of both parents and children.

Parent’s leave entitles each parent to seven weeks’ leave during the first two years of a child’s life, or in the case of adoption, within two years of the placement of the child with the family. This is being extended by two weeks to nine weeks from August 2024. The leave period remains the same in the case of multiple births i.e. in the case of twins or the adoption of multiple children at the same time. Parent’s leave is available to both employees and people who are self-employed.

New parents are also eligible for a payment called“parent’s benefit” while they are on parent’s leave, should they have the requisite PRSI contributions. If you are selfemployed, you should apply directly to the Department of Social Protection for parent’s benefit at least six weeks before you intend to take parent’s leave. Note that the employer is not required to pay the employee while they are on ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

parent’s leave, although it is common for some employers to ‘top-up’ an employee’s parent’s leave.

The weekly payment for parent’s benefit is currently €274 per week.

Difference between parent’s and parental leave Parent’s leave is not to be confused with“parental leave” which is another form of support offered to parents here in Ireland. Despite their similar names, they actually offer vastly different benefits.

Parental leave is offered to

parents and guardians of children under 12 or up to the age of 16 years for a child with a disability.

It entitles parents to take unpaid leave of up to 26 weeks (for each eligible child) to spend time looking after their children. This leave can be taken as either one continuous period or in two separate blocks that are at least six weeks each. There must also be a gap of at least 10 weeks between the two periods of paternal leave per child.

This differs compared to parent’s leave which, as mentioned earlier, is specifically for parents during the child’s first two years.

This can be taken in one continuous seven-week period or in multiple different periods of greater than one week each.

Furthermore, under normal circumstances, both parents have an equal separate entitlement to both parental leave and parent’s leave. If they both work for the same employer they can, with the employer’s permission, transfer 14 weeks of their parental leave entitlement to the other parent.

This transferral of weeks is not possible for parent’s leave.

Who is eligible for parent’s leave?

As per the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019, there are certain criteria that an employee must meet to be eligible to take parent’s leave. They must:

CAROLINE REIDY Managing director The HR Suite If you are an organisation based in the Republic of Ireland and require further information or advice relating to HR, please do not hesitate to contact The HR Suite’s office on (066)7102887 or email info@thehrsuite.com.

1. Be a relevant parent People who are considered relevant parents are as follows: • A parent of the child • A spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the parent of the child • A parent of a donor-conceived child as provided under section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 • The adopting parent or parents of a child • The spouse or civil partner of the adopting parent of the child (if the parents have not adopted jointly) 2. Take the leave within 104 weeks (two years) of the birth of the child or in the case of adoption, from the date the child is placed with them (the placement date) 3. Give at least six weeks’ notice to their employer This only refers to an employee’s minimum legal entitlement to parent’s leave. The employer may offer more rights in the contract of employment.

Parent’s leave entitles each parent to seven weeks’ leave during the first two years of a child’s life, or within two years of the placement of an adopted child with the family

ADVISOR: HR 29

Other rules for parent’s leave

• The employee is treated as being

in employment while they are on parent’s leave, therefore their service is not affected and they are entitled to return to the same role upon their return from parent’s leave.

• Annual leave: The employee will accrue annual leave while they are on parent’s leave.

• Public holidays: The employee will also accrue any public holidays that occur during their parent’s leave.

• PRSI contributions: The employee can get credited PRSI contributions while they are on parent’s leave.

Can a parent’s leave application be refused?

As an employer, you can only refuse parent’s leave if the employee is not entitled to it. You can however, postpone the employee’s parent’s leave for up to 12 weeks for the following reasons:

“Parent’s leave is not to be confused with “parental leave” which is another form of support offered to parents here in Ireland. Despite their similar names, they actually offer vastly different benefits.”

• Seasonal variations in the

volume of work.

• No replacement to carry out their work.

• The nature of their duties.

• The number of other employees also taking parent’s leave.

• Any other relevant matters.

If a postponement of an employee’s parent’s leave takes them past the two-year eligibility period, the period can be extended as long as the dates originally requested are within the two-year period and the supporting documentation is submitted confirming these dates and the reason for rejection. ■

Parental leave is offered to parents and guardians of children under 12 or up to the age of 16 years for a child with a disability. Parents are entitled to take unpaid leave of up to 26 weeks (for each eligible child) to spend time looking after their children

BRAND NEWS

JDE Peet’s launches home-recyclable paper refill pack for instant coffee JDE Peet’s coffee is now bringing its revolutionary paper refill pack to Ireland retail for the first time, from January 2024 under the well-known brands of Kenco and L’OR. Following a successful year of research, development and testing, JDE Peet’s is the first major UK and Ireland coffee company to switch from plastic to paper refills, marking a breakthrough for sustainable packaging in the instant coffee category, with a pack that can now be recycled at home.

The cutting-edge packaging technology is over 85%* paper, meaning it can be put in home recycling bins and has been specially developed to keep the coffee fresh for 15 months so consumers can enjoy the same high-quality taste experience they know and love. What’s more, it uses 97% less packaging and 85% less CO2 than a standard 200g glass jar – reducing packaging waste. Moreover, reducing consumers’ trips to their local recycling depot.

The new paper packaging will replace the existing plastic packs for Kenco, and are now launching in retailers in Ireland, since January onwards.

“We’re delighted to launch our new home recyclable paper refills,” said Roberto De Felice, marketing director, JDE Coffee UK & Ireland.

“Research shows consumers want to embrace reusable and refillable packaging, 76% of shoppers

are looking to recycle more** – but ‘ease of recycling’ can be a significant barrier. Our new packs will help empower consumers to make greener choices by making it easier to recycle and driving wider adoption of refills - reducing packaging waste and removing plastic from retail supply chains. Taking this crucial stride confirms our commitment to advancing our sustainability goals to make 100% of our packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2030.”

The new refill pack marks a significant step towards JDE’s sustainability journey and supports its Common Grounds Programme, which aims to minimise its footprint and positively impact people, the planet and the future of coffee and tea.

For more information on Common Grounds, see here: https://www.jdepeets.com/sustainability/.

The new pack is over 85%* paper, meaning it can be put in home recycling bins

About JDE Peet’s JDE UK & Ireland is a subsidiary of JDE Peet’s, the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company, serving approximately 4,500 cups of coffee or tea per second. JDE Peet’s offers coffee and tea in more than 100 countries with a portfolio of over 50 brands including Kenco, Douwe Egberts, Tassimo and L’OR in the UK and Ireland. Read more about the company’s journey towards a coffee and tea for every cup at www.jdepeets.com. ■

The new cutting-edge refill pack uses 97% less packaging and 85% less CO2 than a standard 200g glass jar

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

30 APPOINTMENTS

Aramark Ireland announces two senior appointments Aramark Ireland has announced the appointment of Kevin McGinley as vice president of Food Services and Jason Keegan as vice president of Aramark Workplace Solutions. Both will serve as key members of Aramark Ireland’s Executive Leadership Team.

As vice president of Food Services, Kevin McGinley will be responsible for all aspects of the food services division at Aramark Ireland and will lead the charge in driving new sales growth within Aramark’s existing client base, while maintaining high customer service and developing operational strategies to achieve measurable outcomes.

McGinley has been with Aramark for six years and previously held the position of operations director. He has a wealth of experience in the FMCG and service industries, having also held positions as national sales manager at Bewley’s, contracts

manager at Topaz and regional manager at Henderson’s Northern Ireland.

Jason Keegan, in his new role, will oversee the operation of Aramark’s Workplace Solutions division. “Aramark brings expertise and innovation across energy, property, facilities and food to create seamless integrated solutions for clients across Ireland,” the company stated.

Keegan will be responsible for all aspects of Aramark’s Workplace Solutions in Ireland including developing operational strategies and driving new sales growth, ultimately aimed at setting new benchmarks and redefining the standards of excellence in workplace solutions.

He joined Aramark in 2017 as an operations director and has previous experience in leadership and management roles in Sodexo.

Tom Neville, CEO and president of Aramark Ireland said he was “delighted” to announce

Kevin McGinley

Jason Keegan

both appointments. “Our success is made possible by ensuring we have a strong and passionate team – their collective knowledge, experience and leadership will be an excellent addition to our leadership team,” Neville said.

“Jason and Kevin’s leadership will be instrumental in helping us achieve our strategic goals and further strengthen our position in the Irish market. I look forward to working closely with Kevin and Jason, as we continue to grow the Aramark business in Ireland.”

Ornua appoints Conor Galvin as chief executive officer The board of Ornua Co-operative has appointed Conor Galvin as chief executive.

Galvin, who is currently chief executive of Dairygold Co-operative Society, will take up his new role in May. Galvin joined Dairygold in 2014 and held a number of roles in its senior leadership team before becoming chief executive in January 2022. Prior to joining Dairygold, he was finance director with DCC’s Food & Beverage Conor Galvin

division, and he was also country finance manager with Procter & Gamble in Ireland.

Originally from a farming background in Co. Westmeath, Galvin is a science graduate from University College Dublin, and holds an MBA from the Smurfit Business School. He is also a qualified accountant.

“I am delighted that Conor Galvin will be the new chief executive of Ornua and will lead the group as it continues to deliver value for its member co-operatives and the 14,000 dairy farming families that supply them,” said Aidan O’Driscoll, Ornua Co-operative chair.

“His appointment follows a comprehensive selection process led by a board subcommittee,” he continued. “Conor has a deep knowledge of the dairy sector and has

extensive senior executive experience. He is deeply committed to the co-operative nature of the dairy business and has a strong focus on working in close partnership with key stakeholders. My fellow board directors and I look forward to working with Conor as Ornua continues its journey of delivering long-term sustainable growth.”

O’Driscoll also thanked Donal Buggy, who has been Ornua’s interim chief executive since last September.

“Donal’s tireless commitment to the business has been vital during this transition period, and he will remain in his current role of interim chief executive until May, and thereafter continue in his role of group chief financial officer,” O’Driscoll said.

Lindsay Brady appointed president of Ornua Foods North America Irish dairy co-operative Ornua has appointed Lindsay Brady to the position of president, Ornua Foods North America.

As president, Brady will have responsibility for leading the Ornua Foods North America business in driving ambitious growth plans for Kerrygold in the United States – a market in which the brand currently holds the number two position for branded butter – and Latin America.

With over 20 years’ experience in the food and beverage sector, Brady is “a proven leader in consumer goods and accelerating business growth,” the company states. She brings a wealth of experience having held

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

senior leadership positions with multiple organisations including Hillshire brands, Tyson Foods, General Mills, and Campbell Soup Company.

Most recently, Brady held the role of general manager at Conagra Brands, managing a portfolio of brands and businesses including Marie Callendar’s and Birds Eye. She is a passionate champion of diversity and inclusion and Lindsay Brady

vastly experienced in developing strong business culture.

“Lindsay brings extensive senior executive experience to this important role, having shaped the growth of several major household brands during her career in the food and beverage industry in the United States,” said Donal Buggy, interim chief executive, Ornua.

“Lindsay’s appointment reflects the ambition we have to further build the Kerrygold success story in the U.S. market in particular, where there is significant potential for further growth,” he added. ■

ADVISOR: RECRUITMENT

31

Staying power on the wane…

Do today’s job candidates have less ‘staying power’ than those in years gone by? Excel Recruitment’s Nikki Murran delves into the various aspects of this question

In today’s rollercoaster world of grocery retail, candidates who start but don’t stay can cause huge disruption to any team or store. We are hearing more stories from retailers who have gone through full recruitment drives, inductions, and training delivery only to be told within the first few months that this new hire is already moving on.

Is this a generational thing? Do today’s candidates have less‘staying power’ than those in years gone by?

Have we shifted to a culture where it’s now acceptable to let your feet do the talking to your employer by leaving a job where you are finding the going tough, or just slightly unpleasant?

So why is this happening? And what, if anything, can or should retailers do to reduce these flighty new starters?

Manage expectations Candidates today certainly have higher expectations than those of previous years. Often what retail staff would have considered as a nice extra, is now a minimum expectation. Many candidates start new roles with skewed expectations of what their actual hours, responsibilities, or place in the businesses will be. Inevitably their expectations are much more favourable than the reality. When faced with this realisation, many new starters are choosing to leave their new role and start over, rather than adjust or compromise. In most

instances, ensuring full disclosure on all facets of a new job can dramatically reduce candidate ‘fallouts’.

When we took a sample of candidates who had left their jobs in less than six months, the number one reason they stated was the role was not what they expected.

Laying out your shift patterns, and contracted hours is imperative.

However, retailers with better retention are going one step further and giving a detailed breakdown of the role they are offering – including challenges that may arise for a new hire.

First impressions count Even in instances where retailers have done a thorough job of explaining the role, company and responsibilities, a cohort of new starters will still leave before they have even completed their training.

Candidates now expect an enjoyable induction, to feel valued from arrival, and to be made feel like they are part of a team. They also look for a robust training plan which ranges from six weeks to six months, covering not only their role but company highlights, the organisation’s plan, and wider social and cultural inclusions. This may feel like a big ask for some retailers, but setting aside some time to welcome on board each employee pays dividends. Poor induction or training was the second highest

NIKKI MURRAN Director, Grocery Retail Recruitment, Excel Recruitment www.excelrecruitment.com

ranked on our list of reasons a new hire leaves.

Market demands Today’s recruitment market is still candidate-led – meaning that candidates have ample choice between employers. It is widely understood by today’s candidates, particularly at entry-level and slightly above, that they have the “upper hand”.

It’s a phenomenon that arose from an overheated market, coupled with a mindset shift over the last five years. Any employer who is not aware of this new employee attitude is unlikely to have much success with their new team additions.

When I asked several retailers how they are managing this shift, the most successful all seem to have one thing in common. They are investing more time and resources in their recruiting and on-boarding practices.

Mentors Long gone are the days of training solely by“shadowing”. Today’s new starters tend to spend days clicking through online training and signing sheets of compliance documents.

This is often followed by off-site training or training in a different store to get a more“well-rounded” experience.

The problem here is that while

“shadowing” is no longer seen as best practice in most incidents – what it did do well was appoint a mentor by default. Someone who could help you understand the culture of the store and guide you to find your fit within it.

A lot of the candidates who left prematurely made statements like – “I was left,” “forgotten about” or “ignored”. Appointing a mentor or following the old routine of shadowing one team member during the first few critical weeks really limits this and is certainly food for thought!

Feedback My favourite one-size-fits-all solution: I believe open, honest, direct, and fair feedback can improve any professional relationship and it appears that it has an impact in these scenarios too. Another reason cited by these leavers was a lack of appreciation or feedback. Today’s candidates are unwilling to wait for the six-month review to get a pat on the back – weekly and monthly check-ins are the way forward in order to hang on to those newbies! ■

Protein Products

Frozen Foods

32

CATEGORY FOCUS Protein Products

Power of protein With positive growth expected to continue in sports nutrition over the next five years, with Euromonitor reporting robust volume and constant value growth is expected across all major categories, here we outline the bestselling brands and latest innovations continuing to power impressive results within this dynamic sector

S

ports nutrition has significant growth opportunities, Euromonitor states in a recent report entitled ‘Sports Nutrition in Ireland’ published in September 2023. “The positive growth dynamic is expected to continue in sports nutrition over the forecast [five-year] period, with robust volume and constant value growth expected in all major categories,” Euromonitor stated. “Given that increased health-consciousness is expected to be a lasting legacy of the pandemic, growing participation in sports and fitness activities among the Irish population should continue to boost overall demand,” the analyst added.

Euromonitor also reports a strong potential for protein bars due to their broader appeal.

“The protein bars segment is expected to be one of the key winners in sports nutrition over the forecast period, due to its much broader appeal and larger consumer base,” Euromonitor states.

Sports protein ready-to-drink (RTD) products are also expected to see good growth over the forecast period as consumers seek more convenient protein offerings that can be consumed on-the-go, Euromonitor adds. With major brands in this category focusing on innovation and product

development, they are likely to drive category growth in the coming years.

Research from Bord Bia also shows the extent to which in the last decade, protein content has become a key focus for Irish shoppers, evident in convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide. According to Bord Bia’s Insight Centre, among potential users of protein products, 39% express interest, peaking at 56% among Irish enthusiasts.

Health food stores are increasingly vital in Ireland’s sports nutrition scene, connecting enthusiasts with performance-boosting products.

‘There’s more of you in you’

joined the Optimum Nutrition elite team including Irish athletes Emma Duggan, Sean Finn, Nadia Power and Conor O’Keeffe.

Commenting on his new ambassador role, Keenan said: “I’m delighted to join Optimum Nutrition as one of their brand ambassadors alongside some fantastic athletes I admire.

Nutrition is a massive part of rugby and highperformance sport, providing the building blocks for each training session and match.

“With Optimum Nutrition as a partner, my Leinster Rugby teammates and I know we will

The world’s number one selling protein powder brand, Optimum Nutrition, produces a variety of great tasting, high-quality nutritional foods and beverages

Optimum Nutrition is the world’s number one selling protein powder brand.* The official performance nutrition partner of the Gaelic Players Association and Leinster Rugby, Optimum Nutrition has been the preferred choice of professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts for more than 35 years.

Recently, Optimum Nutrition announced Leinster Rugby player Hugo Keenan as a new ambassador. The Leinster Rugby fullback

Leinster Rugby player Hugo Keenan has been announced as a new ambassador for Optimum Nutrition

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Leinster Rugby fullback, Hugo Keenan has joined the Optimum Nutrition elite team which includes Irish athletes Emma Duggan, Sean Finn, Nadia Power and Conor O’Keeffe

be provided with the very best nutrition products for elite athletes, playing a significant role in support of our goals each season,” he added.

Optimum Nutrition supports motivated athletes and fitness enthusiasts as they work to unlock their potential and find more energy, strength and recovery.

The brand produces a variety of great tasting, high-quality nutritional foods and beverages that support an active and healthy lifestyle, including bars, protein powders, ready-to-drink shakes, energy products and more.

To learn more about the Optimum Nutrition product portfolio, visit the brand’s Irish website, OptimumNutrition.ie. *(Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Health 2023 edition, Sports Protein Powder category, % retail value shares, 2022 data)

Protein Products

Frozen Foods

34 CATEGORY FOCUS Protein Products

Continuing to reinvent snacking

For those seeking additional protein in their diets, Avonmore Protein Milk offers a choice of ten products

Hero for every fitness journey It’s that time of year! Time to get back into an exercise routine and stay active. Whether your shoppers are just starting their fitness journey or restarting it, Avonmore Protein Milk has a range of great-tasting high protein products for those seeking additional protein in their diets.

For those looking for a convenient, greattasting, high protein milk after exercising, they can choose from Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Original flavour, or for those seeking a top of the range option, Protein Gold is perfect after a heavy workout, with 33g of protein. Meanwhile, Pro-Oats offers 27g of protein alongside 23g of oats, ideal for those early morning sessions before work.

With a total of ten products in the Avonmore Protein Milk to choose from, there’s one for every occasion in everyone’s fitness journey.

Ireland’s number one protein bar brand, Fulfil, is set to launch an exciting, limited-edition flavour to its already extensive flavour portfolio. Fulfil, the protein category leader in snack bars will hit shelves with two innovative flavours this year, continuing to reinvent the snacking category.

Milk Chocolate Crunch is a limited edition offering and can be found on shelves from April. Milk Chocolate Crunch not only has a broad consumer flavour appeal, but its indulgent taste and distinctive crunch, whilst boasting all of Fulfil’s distinctive attributes such as 20g protein, nine vitamins and less than 3g sugar, make it set to be a consumer favourite. Fulfil’s genuinely tasty alternatives to standard chocolate confectionery give consumers a high-protein snacking choice, with no compromise on flavour.

Keep up to date with all things Fulfil and watch out for a sampling coming near you @fulfil_nutrition. *(Source: Based on collated EPOS from over 1500 Republic of Ireland stores for 52w/e 31st December 2023)

Fulfil Milk Chocolate Crunch is a limited edition offering which can be found on shelves from April

New Fulfil Milk Chocolate Crunch possesses all the brand’s distinctive attributes such as 20g protein, nine vitamins and less than 3g sugar

Fuelling performance, energising lives Over recent years, Energise has evolved beyond being just a sports drinks brand. It has crafted a diverse portfolio of sports and energy drinks, catering to the ever-growing energy needs of consumers — all while maintaining an attractive price point for Irish consumers.

Energise Sport is the number two sports drink brand in Ireland and wears the “Made in Ireland” badge with pride. Whether consumers are hitting the gym, sprinting on the field, or conquering rugged trails, Energise Sport provides the perfect solution. Formulated based on scientific research, this isotonic sports drink strikes the perfect balance of

water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes. Clinical trials have proven its ability to facilitate rapid hydration and enhance endurance during exercise. This has led to strong sport hydration partnerships including the FAI, Ulster Rugby, Belfast Giants and many GAA teams across the country.

Energise Energy is a stimulant energy drink that packs a punch with its unique blend of energy-boosting ingredients, caffeine and great tasting flavours. Fierce White and Mango Magic are the latest launches from the brand, which continue to further drive brand growth.

Refreshing Energise Glucose is charged with glucose and fortified with B vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid and B6). These vitamins contribute to reducing tiredness and fatigue. Available in both 500ml, 440ml and 750ml – these price-marked and great-value marked packs continue to drive strong sales within the everyday energy category.

Full on protein, full on taste!

Energise Sport is the number two sports drink brand in Ireland

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Danone GetPro is a range of high-protein dairy snacks designed for people who want to get more out of their workouts, and enjoy a great tasting, healthy snack*.

Containing between 15 – 25 grams of protein per serve, GetPro’s range of tasty products includes high-protein yogurts, mousses, puddings, and drinks. Each product is high in protein with great tasting flavours and textures, the most delicious way to follow a

workout, and support an individual on their fitness journey*.

Discover GetPro’s delicious and high protein range of performance protein drinks, yoghurts and desserts; elevating performance throughout the fitness journey. *(GetPro contains protein which contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.)

Monster growth Thanks to new product innovation, the zero sugar segment has been enriched with the introduction of Lewis Hamilton Zero Sugar and Ultra Rosa from Monster.

Monster has continued its growth within the Zero Sugar segment with the launch of Monster Zero Sugar – a zero sugar option of the flagship original Monster, and a new Ultra flavour, Peachy Keen. The expanding zero sugar segment now includes Ultra White, Ultra Rosa, Ultra Paradise, Ultra Gold, Ultra Fiesta Mango, Ultra Watermelon, Ultra Blue, Ultra Red, Ultra Peachy Keen as well as Lewis Hamilton Zero Sugar and now Green Zero Sugar.

The Monster Energy brand’s Full Flavour range has also seen a new addition with the introduction of Aussie Lemonade and with the launch of Reserve Pineapple. The full flavoured segment now includes Mango Loco, Pipeline Punch, Monarch, Khaotic, Aussie Lemonade, Pacific Punch, Mixxd Punch, The Doctor and Reserve Pineapple.

Coming Soon!

Data Source: Based on collated EPOS from over 1500 Republic of Ireland stores for 52w/e 31st December 2023

Protein Products

Frozen Foods

36 CATEGORY FOCUS Protein Products

Giving you wiiings!

Promising to vitalise body and mind, Red Bull Energy Drink, alongside its expanding range of editions is the perfect option for those looking for ‘wiiings’ this spring!

Red Bull Sugar Free serves the no sugar category trend, while the colourful editions including Tropical, Red (Watermelon), Green (Cactus Fruit), Apricot and Juneberry provide wiiings for every taste.

Red Bull Energy Drink, and now the Tropical and Watermelon editions, are also available in super convenient four-packs, driving value and variety for the consumer.

In return, Red Bull continues to grow strongly in Ireland with growth of +23% in 2023 versus the previous year, while Red Bull 250ml Energy Drink is the number one energy drink in the Irish market*.

Founded in 1987, Red Bull established the energy drinks product category and is now available in over 170 countries worldwide. It is appreciated worldwide by top athletes, students and in highly demanding professions, as well as during long drives.

Giving wiiings to people and ideas, Red Bull is proud to champion athletes across

Elevate the snacking experience Fit Foods, Ireland’s premier ready meal provider, is proud to announce the latest addition to its line-up – High-Protein Puddings, a delicious and nutritious solution for smart snacking on-the-go.

These innovative puddings, designed for those who prioritize protein in their diet, pack an impressive 20g of protein per pot, making it the ideal choice for individuals seeking a convenient and satisfying snack to fuel their busy lifestyles.

The O’Leary family, owners of DMC Foods home of Fit Foods - continue their commitment to high-quality products that prioritize both flavour and nutritional value.

Fit Foods’ High-Protein Puddings pack an impressive 20g of protein per pot

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

the island, supporting rugby player Mack Hansen, hockey goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, surfer Conor Maguire, mountain biker Greg Callaghan and drifter Conor Shanahan.

Visit www.redbull.ie or follow @RedBullIre on Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date with the latest action and events for what promises to be an exciting and energizing 2024. *(Source: Nielsen ROI Scantrack Energy Drinks Value Sales data – Full Year 2023 v 2022)

Red Bull continues to grow strongly in Ireland with growth of +23% in 2023 versus the previous year

Brian O’Leary, the leading force behind Fit Foods, expressed excitement about the launch, stating: “We understand the importance of convenient, nutritious snacking in today’s fast-paced world. Our High-Protein Pudding not only satisfies sweet cravings but also ensures a substantial protein boost whenever it’s needed. Our High-Protein Puddings are set to become the go-to option for a guilt-free treat.”

Offering the perfect combination of taste and nutrition, eating gut-friendly foods, such as Fit Foods’ Gut-Friendly Yogurts, can also offer a range of benefits: • Digestive health: Live yogurt cultures promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy digestive system.

• Improved gut microbiota: Consuming gutfriendly foods contributes to a balanced and diverse microbiota, which is linked to various aspects of overall health.

• Boosted immunity: A healthy gut is associated with a stronger immune system, helping the body defend against illnesses and infections.

• Nutrient absorption: A well-maintained gut enhances the absorption of nutrients, ensuring the body can make the most of the food consumed.

• Mood and mental health: There’s emerging research suggesting a connection between gut health and mental wellbeing. A healthy gut may positively impact mood and cognitive function.

• Reduced inflammation: Maintaining a balanced gut environment may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to various chronic diseases.

• Weight management: Some studies suggest that a healthy gut microbiome is associated with better weight management and metabolism.

• Regularity: Gut-friendly foods can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing issues like constipation.

Fit Foods’ Gut-Friendly Yogurts, enriched with live yogurt cultures, provide a tasty and convenient way to incorporate these benefits into an individual’s daily diet, promoting a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Optimal hydration Nestlé Health Science UK & Ireland is excited to announce the launch of Nuun, a leading US hydration sports nutrition brand, designed to support optimal hydration during workouts and help replenish electrolytes lost during exercise.

Nuun offers a range of effervescent drink tablets that go beyond water, replenishing vital minerals that contribute to performance.

The product line includes two variants: Nuun Sport Electrolytes and Nuun Ultra Hydration.

Nuun Sport Electrolytes, the flagship sports drink tablet product, is formulated with complete electrolytes and clean ingredients to help replace what is lost during exerciseinduced sweating. With four delicious flavours; LemonLime, Orange, StrawberryLemonade, and TriBerry, Nuun Sport Electrolytes provides a great balance of ingredients for mineral replenishment to deliver hydration support before, during, and after workouts.

For high-need hydration occasions, Nuun Ultra Hydration is inspired by pioneering science and developed to provide powerful hydration when it is needed the most. It is formulated with an optimised electrolyte carbohydrate blend to deliver proactive hydration support, ensuring you stay on track for every activity.

Nuun Sport Electrolytes and Nuun Ultra Hydration support optimal hydration and help replenish electrolytes lost during exercise

Electrolytes, tiny particles that carry electrical charges, play a crucial role in maintaining proper bodily function. When people sweat, Nuun’s electrolyte blend helps maintain water balance at a cellular level, ensuring healthy recovery and lasting performance.

All Nuun products are made with no artificial colours or flavours and are Informed Sports Certified which means they do not contain ingredients and compounds prohibited in sport and can be used by athletes and sport professionals.

“We are thrilled to introduce Nuun to the UK and Ireland,” said Zoe Cooper, innovation manager at Nestlé Health Science UK & Ireland.

“With Nuun, sports enthusiasts can achieve optimal hydration with a range of delicious flavours and clean ingredients. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, >>

MORE WIIINGS TO SHARE.

Protein Products

Frozen Foods

38 CATEGORY FOCUS Protein Products

snacking choices that also satisfy cravings for a treat on-the-go. Each two-pack is perfectly portioned and offers an ideal healthy option impulse purchase at the point of sale.

For more information, email info@absolutenutrition.ie, visit www.absolutenutrition.ie or social media @absnutfoods.

Dynamic coffee innovation Velo Coffee Roasters has unveiled Velo Coffee + Protein, a ready-to-brew coffee that contains 12g of protein per serving.

The product brings together small-batch roasted Speciality Arabica coffee with the benefits of protein.

Suzanne Casey and Madyson Savner, who spearhead the project, describe the result as a creamy, rich coffee with notes of milk chocolate, able to provide healthy energy while helping consumers to build and maintain muscle. While protein products like coffee-flavoured protein powder and RTD iced coffees have already launched on the market, adding traditional whey protein to hot liquids usually makes it congeal as it is not heat soluble, says Savner.

The company partnered with Glanbia Nutritionals to launch the protein coffee using Glanbia’s ProTherma whey, said to dissolve completely and maintain its nutritional properties without impacting on the coffee’s taste or aroma. Mayuresh Bedekar, director of product at Glanbia

Velo Coffee Roasters partnered with Glanbia Nutritionals to launch the protein coffee using Glanbia’s ProTherma whey

Power up your day

A new ready-to-brew coffee, Velo Coffee + Protein contains 12g of protein per serving

Nutritionals, said: “The coffee uses a highquality hydrolysed whey protein, ProTherma, which is an exciting new alternative that works with hot coffee to achieve a protein-rich formulation that is stable and highly soluble.”

“We wanted to create a coffee that still tasted delicious, so you don’t have to make a sacrifice for quality and flavour when having your boost of protein,” added Suzanne Casey. “This is a revolutionary approach to great-tasting, real speciality coffee with additional health benefits,” Indeed, one industry expert described it as the most innovative product in coffee since the launch of the Nespresso capsule in 1986. After nearly two years of testing, Velo Coffee + Protein has achieved the taste and quality standards for which the Cork coffee roasters are known.

>> Nuun is here to support you in finishing your workout strong, hydrated, and replenished.”

Nuun Sport and Nuun Ultra Hydration are now available at sports retailers across the UK and Ireland supported by leading sports nutrition distributor UNNU. For more information about Nuun Hydration and its range of products, visit www.everyhealth.com.

Absolute satisfaction!

Absolute Nutrition continues to hold its reign in the healthy snack food market, offering the finest quality, minimal ingredient with maximum taste, functional snacks to athletes and health-conscious consumers. The range also satisfies customers with busy, on-the-go lifestyles or individuals simply looking to satisfy that sweet tooth craving in the most guilt free-way. An ideal travel snack or coffee accompaniment, Absolute Nutrition snacks

Absolute Nutrition offers the finest quality, minimal ingredient with maximum taste, functional snacks

tick every box and also boast zero food waste at the brand’s gluten-free, Dublin-based bakery.

With over five core flavours to choose from and a seasonal selection, Absolute Nutrition offers a mix of taste, flavours and functionality to guide consumers into making better

With over five core flavours and a seasonal selection, Absolute Nutrition offers a mix of taste, flavours and functionality

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Flahavan’s, Ireland’s favourite porridge, launched its High Protein Vanilla porridge pot in response to growing consumer demand for convenient breakfast solutions with added health benefits. Part of a wider functional range from the Waterford-based family food business, the High Protein pot has established itself as a staple among younger and healthconscious porridge consumers, who have helped drive exceptional sales volume growth in the past 52 weeks. The new functional range includes three varieties: High Protein, Immunity Boost and High Fibre.

Flahavan’s High Protein Porridge pot combines all the delicious creaminess of Flahavan’s locally-sourced oats with a delicately sweet vanilla flavour. Each pot contains 8.5g of protein and also provides a good source of fibre. The High Protein pot was developed to appeal to younger consumers who are seeking to increase their protein intake at breakfast time or before/after a workout.

Flahavan’s Immunity Boost Porridge comes in both sachets and pots and has a delicious raspberry flavour. It contains real fruit raspberry pieces as well as added vitamins such as Iron, Zinc and Vitamin D to give you an extra boost of goodness each morning, as well as providing a good source of fibre.

Flahavan’s High Fibre Porridge pots and sachets contain a variety of seeds and oat bran for a natural boost of fibre, as well as providing a good source of protein. A delicious creamy porridge with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and golden linseeds for texture, this is a great way of increasing your fibre intake with a healthy and nutritious porridge breakfast at home or at your desk.

All products are low in saturated fats and can be heated in the microwave using milk or water or can be prepared by simply adding boiling water and allowing to stand for up to three minutes.

Flahavan’s range of ‘Porridge Oats with Added Benefits’ is now available in all major supermarkets at a RRP of €1.39 per 45g pot (Immunity Boost, High Fibre, and High Protein variants). ■

Each pot of Flahavan’s High Protein Porridge contains 8.5g of protein and also provides a good source of fibre

FOOD FOCUS 39

The Sibly Food Co. signs €1m Aldi contract

Cork-based business The Sibly Food Co. has signed a 12-month deal worth €1m with Aldi to supply its healthy, hunger-busting energy balls at Aldi’s Rachael O’Connor, buying 161 stores director at Aldi Ireland and nationwide.

Matthew Collins, Sibly Entrepreneur Food Co. Matthew Collins started his relationship with Aldi back in 2022 when he was selected as one of five winners in the ‘Grow with Aldi’ supplier development programme. Since then, The Sibly Food Co. has supplied Aldi with its handmade energy balls and won a silver medal at the Blas na hÉireann Awards.

This new deal will see The Sibly Food Co. continue to supply Aldi with its popular four-packs, alongside a host of limited edition Specialbuy products.

New data shows flexitarianism in Ireland is on the rise

Ireland has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of the flexitarian diet, where more people are choosing plant-based meals without cutting out meat entirely, Social media, Google searches according to recent research conducted by and survey data have revealed a surge in interest for recipe box provider, flexitarianism in Ireland HelloFresh Ireland.

Irish searches for the term ‘flexitarian diet’ have experienced an uptick, soaring by 250% in the last year. This trend aligns with the global pattern, with the #flexitarian hashtag amassing over 52 million views on TikTok. The HelloFresh Ireland data also analysed regional trends in flexitarianism, revealing Tipperary and Cavan as the forerunners, with a 100% increase in search interest over the past year.

New GIY Market Garden announced at Curraghmore Estate

GIY, the multi-award-winning social enterprise, has signed a lease with Curraghmore Estate in Portlaw, Co. Waterford to create the GIY Market Garden. This will be a mixed-use organic smallholding with poultry, pigs and field-scale veg and fruit following regenerative agriculture principles.

The new partnership with the Curraghmore Estate will build on the success of GROW HQ to create a regenerative food education campus in Waterford.

People in Waterford and beyond will be able to sign up to receive a weekly box of organically grown produce from the garden from July 2024. To sign up for the waiting list, visit www.GIY.ie.

Richard Mee, head grower at GIY, Michael Kelly, founder of GIY, Richard, The Earl of Tyrone, Curraghmore Estate and Michael Murphy, head gardener at Curraghmore Estate

Greencore reports strong start to FY24 trading Leading convenience foods manufacturer Greencore Group plc has issued its latest trading update for Q1, the 13 weeks ended 29 December 2023.

The group delivered a strong financial and operational performance in Q1 FY24, which it states was “underpinned by outstanding customer service levels (99.2%), and improved profit conversion year on year”.

“I am extremely encouraged by the strong start to the year for our business,” said Dalton Philips, chief executive officer. “Our manufactured like-for-like volume growth of 0.5% in the quarter, continued to outperform the market in the key categories in which we operate. This performance has once again been supported by our outstanding operational service levels to ensure availability of products to our customers.

Our focus as a team is to provide fresh and healthy foods to our customers and consumers each and every day.”

Greencore reports inflationary pressures on raw materials and energy are now easing, providing a more stable cost outlook in FY24 compared to the prior year. Wage inflation will persist due to National Living Wage increases, which Greencore says it will continue to manage through ongoing recovery and mitigating actions.

Following this strong financial and operational start to the year, with improved

profit conversion, the group reports it expects to generate an FY24 outturn in line with current market expectations*. *(Source: Consensus FY24 market expectations of Adjusted Operating Profit range of £80.5m to £85.0m, as compiled

by Greencore from available analyst estimates on 15 January 2024)

“Our manufactured like-for-like volume growth of 0.5% in the quarter, continued to outperform the market in the key categories in which we operate,” said Greencore CEO, Dalton Philips

Irish food and drink exports exceed ¤16 billion for second consecutive year: Bord Bia The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports were almost €16.3 billion in 2023, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects report 2023/24.

Exports were impacted by inflation and a cost-of-living crisis which continued to affect consumer spending last year, in addition to significant downward pressure on trade prices.

The overall value of Irish exports declined by 4% compared to the previous year, when exports grew by a record-breaking 22%. The

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue and Bord Bia chief executive Jim O’Toole

value of exports remains 24% higher than 2019, and the industry’s ability to retain much of the growth from 2022 represented a solid performance in a challenging global marketplace.

The dairy sector, which accounts for almost 40% of overall Irish food and drink exports, saw export values decline by 8% to €6.3 billion last year. The decline in the value of butter and casein exports was partly offset by increases in the value of cheese, specialist nutritional powders, yoghurt, and whole milk powder.

The value of meat and livestock exports was largely stable at €4.2 billion.

The prepared consumer foods (PCF) sector had a strong year in value terms, with sales increasing by 7% to €3.1 billion, thanks to increased exports of meal solutions, bakery products and soft drinks and juices.

However, volume growth was muted, particularly to the UK market.

Seafood sales declined by 14% to €550 million due largely to a reduction in the volume of pelagic fish and salmon exports, while exports of Irish horticulture and cereals were valued at €295 million in 2023, a 6% decline on the previous year. ■

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

Protein Products

Frozen Foods

40 CATEGORY FOCUS Frozen Foods

Frozen solid!

By ‘locking in’ nutrition and offering convenient mealtime options using quality ingredients, leading manufacturers in Ireland are continuing to drive sales within the frozen sector. Read on to learn more about the brands with innovative ranges that are whetting appetites nationwide

F

or those seeking healthy, budget-friendly options, the frozen food aisle is a go-to destination. Adapting to the evolving demands of the Irish market, frozen food emerges as a key player in the fight against food waste. In a period of stretched budgets, leading frozen food brands are thriving by providing high-quality freshness at an affordable price. Recognising that the frozen food section isn’t an impulse-buy hotspot, retailers aim for the right balance between affordability and premium offerings.

Sarah Hanly, prepared consumer foods

(PCF) international graduate, recently wrote on the subject of frozen foods for Bord Bia*.

“According to Kantar, the frozen category is one of the strongest performing categories within the grocery channel regarding volume and value growth (with +10.4% value YOY and -1.8% volume YOY),” Hanly wrote. “Reviewing the sub-categories within frozen, prepared foods, followed by confectionery, hold the most significant value market share with 62.4% and 25.2%, respectively, and are the leading contributors to growth,” she added.

Within prepared foods, savoury bakery and

Changing attitudes to frozen chicken Since its launch in 2019, the Chicken with Attitude premium chicken range has gone a long way to changing people’s attitudes about cooked frozen chicken. The brand set out to prove that people will pay for premium quality frozen chicken once they try it.

Heavy investment in in-store sampling is proving to be extremely successful, the brand reports. People who would previously never have considered buying frozen cooked chicken tenders are now changing their attitudes. According to commercial director for the brand, Jim Mahon: “It’s the age old story that any good chef will tell you…It starts

Chicken with Attitude only uses hand-cut whole fillet in its Tenders and Popcorn with bespoke coatings for a delicious, crispy finish

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

The Chicken with Attitude premium chicken range is demonstrating that people will pay for premium quality frozen chicken once they try it

with top quality ingredients. We only use hand-cut whole fillet in our Tenders and Popcorn with bespoke coatings for a delicious, crispy finish. No reformed or chopped and shaped products carry our brand name.

Consumers expect restaurant quality and this is what they get.”

What’s more, all Chicken with Attitude products are fully cooked and can be heated up in an air fryer or oven in 12 minutes. “Sales continue to show a sharp upward trend,” says Mahon. “Our new Real Chicken Dippers have been enthusiastically welcomed as part of the range. More line extensions are planned for the near future.”

processed poultry are driving performance, which in turn contributes to growth in the total frozen category. Within frozen confectionery (ice creams and desserts), lollies and premium ice cream drive this sub-category’s success with category values of €14m and €11.5m, respectively. In desserts, ‘pies, tarts, and flans’ are delivering the most robust growth due to new shoppers entering the category, Hanly highlighted. “Looking into 2024, the future for frozen food is promising; the category has significant opportunities for increased growth due to its relevance to consumer needs.” *(Source: Kantar. (2023). Frozen Channel Category Debrief. Bord Bia)

The latest offering in the Chicken with Attitude range is the Real Chicken Dipper: another premium quality product with a difference. So what exactly are real chicken dippers? “They are individually hand-cut from a single chicken breast,” says Mahon. “Not like others which are made from chicken that is minced and chopped and shaped by machine.” Indeed, according to Chicken with Attitude, “the difference in flavour, quality and texture is staggering”. A quality option for the kids, the Real Chicken Dipper uses real chicken in a light tempura batter. It’s available in 500g family size bags in supermarkets nationwide.

The Real Chicken Dipper uses real chicken in a light tempura batter, available in 500g family size bags

Protein Products

Frozen Foods

42 CATEGORY FOCUS Frozen Foods

A

&

with Emma Cahill,

Glenhaven brand director

Established in Co. Wicklow by the Cahill family in 1986, Glenhaven Foods has grown to become one of Ireland’s largest frozen food processors for the retail and foodservice sectors. Glenhaven now has a turnover of €60m and operates out of two purpose-built factories in Arklow, including a state-of-the-art fully cooked facility.

This year, Glenhaven was awarded four gongs at the Family Business Awards, including Family Business of the Year, Innovative Family Business of the Year, a Family Business Longevity Award and International Family Business of the Year.

Glenhaven is a major employer in Co. Wicklow and remains a 100% independent, Irish, familyowned business. In this month’s issue, we decided to catch up with Glenhaven brand director Emma Cahill to learn more about this growing business.

Q: Do you think being a family business gives you an edge over competitors?

A: Being a family business is definitely a massive part of who we are as a company. Many of our team have been with the business for over 30 years, with many second generation and now even third generation employees. Our team has a massive depth of knowledge and dedication. We all take a lot of pride in what we produce, and that shines through in the quality of our products.

Q: Tell us more about your upcoming new expanded cheese range for your retail brand?

A: Coated Cheese Bites have been a proven success in quick-service restaurants (QSRs) for a number of years now, with some reaching a cult status. With the continued rise of the fakeaway,

Glenhaven Cheese Bites are made with 100% Irish cheese and the range includes scrumptious Chilli, Pizza and Nacho varieties

Donegal Catch, Ireland’s number one frozen fish brand for almost 40 years, is encouraging Irish households to choose Irish white fish this National Fish Week (12-18 February) and throughout the year! Buying responsibly caught Irish haddock, whiting and hake from Donegal Catch supports Irish fishermen, fisherwomen and local fishing communities.

Donegal Catch is Ireland’s largest white fish processor, processing 30% of Irish landed haddock and whiting and employing 120 people in Ireland.

The brand recently launched new products featuring Irish white fish species - a range of fishcakes including Irish Haddock Ginger & Chilli and Irish Hake Lemon & Parsley (the first brand to offer a range of fishcakes in the freezer aisle) and a family pack of Breaded Irish Hake Fillets.

The range of fishcakes is designed with busy professionals, couples and families in mind and is sure to elevate any meal occasion at home. With two portions per pack, they are perfect as a starter, part of a lunch spread, or a quick midweek evening meal. These fishcakes and the hake fillets can be cooked from frozen, are suitable for both air fryers and ovens and have been developed and made in Ireland using responsibly sourced fish. All the packaging is fully recyclable.

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Glenhaven Cheese Bites are an easy win with customers looking for a take-away inspired side or appetiser to go alongside their pizza or burger.

We are releasing three new Glenhaven Cheese Bites products in handy 200g size boxes later this year. The entire range is made with 100% Irish cheese and includes our Glenhaven Chilli Cheese Bites, our innovative Glenhaven Pizza Cheese Bites and our delicious Glenhaven Nacho Cheese Bites.

Our 100% Irish cheese bites make a quick and easy snack, and are ready from the air fryer in just seven minutes. With three varieties, they also make fantastic party food.

Glenhaven Cheese Bites will launch in Tesco and Dunnes Stores this coming spring and we are planning to launch across other Irish and UK retailers throughout 2024.

National Fish Week

Number one frozen fish brand

With two portions per pack, Donegal Catch Fishcakes are perfect as a starter, part of a lunch spread, or a quick midweek evening meal

Brother and sister team Barry and Emma Cahill are extremely proud of their family business

Donegal Catch’s range of fishcakes includes Irish Haddock Ginger & Chilli, and Irish Hake Lemon & Parsley Fishcakes

To celebrate National Fish Week, Donegal Catch will be running a TV advert featuring fisherman Frank McClenaghan from Greencastle in Co. Donegal. In the ad, he explains why fishing is important for local communities and the role sustainability plays in the Irish fishing industry. The TV advert, which first aired on Monday, 5 February, will run for three weeks as part of the National Fish Week campaign.

“This National Fish Week we are encouraging Irish households to choose Donegal Catch Irish haddock, whiting and hake. With people’s increasing desire to eat locally and sustainably caught fish, we are working closely with Irish fishermen like Frank, to bring quality fish to Irish dinner plates,” said Aisling Twomey, Donegal Catch marketing manager.

“Donegal Catch is the largest purchaser of white fish from the Irish catching sector and processes over 30% of Irish landed haddock and whiting,” Twomey explained. “We recognise the role we play in the sustainable development of the Irish fishing industry, protecting our waters, and positively impacting our communities for generations to come.”

Supporting responsible fishing practices, Donegal Catch works closely with Irish fish suppliers to source the best quality fish, fully traceable back to the boat. For Irish haddock, whiting and hake, Donegal Catch is a key

Frozen Foods CATEGORY FOCUS 43

Green Isle has launched a new campaign brought to life nationally across out of home, radio, social and in-store.

Green Isle has been championing good, convenient food in Ireland for over 60 years: ‘Making you feel like a champion in the kitchen’. From classic side dishes of garden peas to flavoursome stir-fry mixes and crispy roast potatoes, Green Isle makes good food decisions easy. The brand’s range of vegetable and potato sides saves time on meal preparation as all the chopping and slicing has been done already, ensuring that family meal times are as stress-free as possible and that everyone feels like a champion in the kitchen.

“For generations, Irish families have trusted Green Isle to put good food on their table,” says Mairéad Walsh, marketing manager, Green Isle. “From sustainable packaging to tackling food waste, and ensuring our products are as nutritious as possible, we want to create an Ireland where everyone can eat better and live greener. That’s goodness for all.”

Watch out for new and exciting additions to the brand’s range, coming soon.

Good food fast Unislim celebrates eating delicious, healthy food crafted to inspire a more balanced lifestyle.

The Unislim food range uses only the finest ingredients. The brand currently has two impressive gluten-free, vegan-friendly products on the market: Unislim Gorge Us Rustic Cut Chips and deliciously Skinny Sweet Potato Fries.

Created by Unislim’s top food experts, these products are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, low in saturated fats, contain no artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings and have been approved by Ireland’s top dieticians.

Unislim recently launched a frozen ready meal range. This includes four mouth-watering, flavour-filled, delicious recipes: Thai Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice, Mango Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice, Beef Ragu with Wholewheat Pasta and finally, Spicy Chickpea Curry with Jasmine Rice. Low in calories and fat but high

As well as Gorge Us Rustic Cut Chips and Skinny Sweet Potato Fries, Unislim now offers a tasty new frozen ready meal range

A fresh new profit opportunity in the fast growing Frozen Healthy Ready Meal sector - Unislim’s ‘New’ Frozen Ready Meal Range

Why you and your shoppers will love them!

Delicious & perfectly balanced meals Low in Calories - High in Protein - Low in Fat Broad Demographic Appeal Convenient case size of 6 Manufactured in Ireland

Four superb flavours to launch into a fast growing market sector.

Supported by Unislim: 240 classes across the country Over 27,000 active subscribers Social media reach of 200k

These complement our strong selling Unislim Rustic Chips & Skinny Sweet Potato Fries!

Protein Products

Championing good food!

in protein, the range makes mealtimes quick and convenient, because sometimes everyone needs ‘Good Food Fast!’

Unislim is a family run, Irish owned company.

Its goal is to offer healthy, delicious, wholesome and great-tasting options for vegans and health-conscious foodies. It has been Ireland’s leading slimming and healthy lifestyle club since 1972. Unislim offers its loyal members a personalised and effective weight loss plan, which encourages them to make healthier food choices. With a network of 240+ supportive weekly classes all over Ireland or Unislim online, there is a class near your store.

Visit unislim.com for more information. ■

Frozen Foods

From classic side dishes to tasty stirfry mixes and crispy roast potatoes, Green Isle makes good food decisions easy, and is proudly endorsed by Green Isle ambassador Derval O’Rourke

stake holder in the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) backed Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), which focus on improving the sustainability of these Irish fisheries. Donegal Catch procures 100% of its haddock, whiting and hake from Irish co-ops, fishermen and fisherwomen who are members of the Fishery Improvement Projects.

44 OFF-TRADE NEWS

Calling all independent retailers… Don’t miss the chance to join the Rioja Wine Club An exciting new initiative for 2024, Rioja Wine Ireland is inviting independent retailers to apply to join the Rioja Wine Club: an exclusive membership club which comes with benefits including training opportunities, a sample budget and even a trip to Rioja.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the region of Rioja while helping the group to communicate the premium credentials of Rioja wines to consumers, the team would like to hear from you.

Successful applicants will receive a generous support package including: • One education session for staff with a certified Rioja Wine educator (worth €400) • Up to €400 sample budget to go towards in-store Rioja tastings • Exclusive digital toolbox for use on online channels • Online support from Rioja social media • Invitation to a wine sourcing trip to Rioja (one staff member per retailer) In return, successful retailers will be expected to: • List new Rioja wines (one producer minimum and two references)

Findlater & Co launches all-sustainable wine portfolio Findlater & Co has announced a significant shift in its business approach: starting this year, its portfolio will exclusively feature sustainable wineries.

“This move signifies our strong commitment to environmental responsibility and our leadership Findlater & Co believes that role in guiding the wine industry “collective efforts can drive towards a more sustainable meaningful change in the face of the climate crisis future,” the company said.

The decision is in line with its ‘Give Wine A Future’ movement, which was established in 2021 in response to the climate emergency, supporting wine producers who positively impact the environment.

“The Give Wine a Future movement emerged from the urgent need for Ireland’s wine industry to confront climate change,” the company said. “With Europe facing severe climate-related events like wildfires, floods, heatwaves, and drought, immediate action is crucial to prevent escalating this crisis.”

To celebrate this milestone and discuss the opportunities of this strategic change, Findlater & Co is excited to host the second Give Wine A Future portfolio tasting event on 5 March at The Shelbourne in Dublin. The trade-only event, open to all trade partners and industry colleagues, will serve as a platform for industry leaders, sustainability experts, and trade customers to explore sustainable viticulture.

The event will feature themed seminars, tastings, and discussions led by renowned wine experts and sustainability advocates, showcasing wines that meet the highest quality standards and reflect environmental stewardship.

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Retailers can apply to be in with a chance of securing a spot in the club, by scanning the QR code.

Registrations close 21 February 2024.

Successful applicants will be notified by 4 March.

Horse Racing Ireland Racecourses welcomes O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey as Official Whiskey Partner Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racecourses has announced a new partnership with O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey which delivers priority pouring rights at all four HRI-owned racecourses – Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan and Tipperary.

Following a series of recent successes in securing both race and non-racing partnerships, HRI Racecourses has signed a three-year agreement with the wholly Irish-owned Wexford brand. In addition to the existing sponsorship of the O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Leopardstown Chase on Day 2 of Dublin Racing Festival (3-4 February), this partnership will extend branding and pouring rights across all four HRI Racecourses and deliver experiential pop-ups at each location.

O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey, bonded by Stafford Bonded in County Wexford, is the only Irish-owned Irish whiskey in the standard blend category. For over a century, Stafford Bonded has been providing whiskey management solutions to distilleries. The brand is a tribute to the Staffords’ ancestors from Baltimore, West Cork, where the O’Driscolls were one of Ireland’s strongest clans.

“Inspired by my grandfather Diarmuid O’Driscoll and the adventurous spirit of my ancestors, we are delighted to bring this brave and daring spirit to HRI Racecourses,” said owner of Stafford Bonded and MD of O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey, Michael Stafford.

O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey, with its blend of golden grain and malted barley, triple distilled and aged in bourbon casks for a minimum of three years, offers the signature smoothness of Irish whiskey. ■ Vicki Donlon, commercial manager, HRI Racecourses; Micheal Stafford, owner of Stafford Bonded and MD of O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey; and Paul Dermody, CEO, HRI Racecourses

NOFFLA NEWS 45

www.noffla.ie

Winners of NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2024 announced Congratulations to all this year’s superb winners, including Molloys Liquor Store, Clondalkin which has been named NOffLA National Off-Licence of the Year 2024 The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has revealed the winners of its annual Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2024, which are now in their 28th year. The awards were presented at the Honourable Society of King’s Inns on Monday, 29 January.

NOffLA, which was established in 1991, represents independent specialist off-licences across Ireland, with the sector representing 5,900 jobs in 26 counties. The awards recognise and showcase the excellence of independent off-licences and highlight those retailers that offer exceptional service to customers and demonstrate excellence in retail standards.

Other awards on the night included: •

The 19 Crimes Best First Time Entrant 2024 Number 21 Dungarvan

•

The Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2024 64 Wine, Glasthule

•

The El Coto Customer Service Award of the Year 2024 The Vintry, Rathgar

•

The Redbreast Spirit Specialist of the Year 2024 O’Donovan’s Off-Licence, Riversdale Midleton

•

The Guinness Beer Specialist of the Year 2024 Molloys Liquor Store – The Liberties

•

The Dona Paula Wine Specialist of the Year 2024 McHugh’s Artane

•

The Jack Daniels Munster Off-Licence of the Year 2024 Carry Out Tramore

•

The Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Connacht/Ulster OffLicence of the Year 2024 Dicey’s Off-Licence, Donegal

•

The Alpha Zeta Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2024 The Wine Centre, Kilkenny

•

The Bacardi Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2024 McHugh’s Kilbarrack

•

The NOffLA RTC Online Trainees of the Year 2024 Peyton Tuomi, Blackrock Cellar, Arthur Halligan, Carry Out, Tramore and Cian Roche, Gibney’s of Malahide

•

The NOffLA Responsible Retailer of the Year 2024 Nolan’s of Clontarf

All the winners celebrating their fantastic results at the Honourable Society of King’s Inns on Monday, 29 January

“We’ve had Minimum Unit Pricing in place for over two years now, which stops alcohol from being sold at dangerously low costs, meaning that Ireland’s excise scheme is no longer justifiable on the basis of public health. And, with the State already receiving record tax revenues, it is time for the government to alleviate the persistent cost pressures on firms by bringing excise rates in line with European levels.”

The awards, which included 46 finalists, saw Molloys Liquor Store in Clondalkin awarded ‘National Off-Licence of the Year 2024’, Nolan’s of Clontarf awarded ‘Responsible Retailer of the Year 2024’ and 64 Wine, Glasthule awarded ‘Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2024’.

All 46 finalists were awarded certificates of ‘Excellence’ and a Customer Service Award based on their performance.

All 46 finalists were awarded certificates of ‘Excellence’ and a Customer Service Award based on their performance

Judging for the awards involves an examination of over 100 aspects of each entrant’s business. Final awards were allocated following this process.

NOffLA chairman, Cathal McHugh, praised the standard of entrants this year, noting: “We are delighted to celebrate the NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards, which recognise the finest of community retailing and all that is great about the independent off-licence sector. NOffLA members deliver high standards of service to their customers, representing the genuine essence of ‘shopping local’.

“This has been an extraordinary time for small businesses, with inflation and growing prices affecting NOffLA members and the wider retail sector,” McHugh added. “The government may provide an immediate lifeline to these local enterprises by reducing alcohol tax rates, which remain the highest in Europe.

The team from the NOffLA National Off-Licence of the Year 2024; Molloys Liquor Store, Clondalkin

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

46 NOFFLA NEWS

www.noffla.ie

1

1.

2

3

4

5

The 19 Crimes Best First Time Entrant 2024. Number 21 Dungarvan: Presented

by Richard Nolan (Findlater & Co.) to Lorraine Cowming

2. The NOffLA Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2024. 64 Wine, Glasthule: Presented by Cathal McHugh to Enrico Goffi and Anthony Robineau 3. The El Coto Customer Service Award of the Year 2024. The Vintry, Rathgar: Presented by Christine Smith (Mackenway Wines) to Evelyn Jones

6

7

4. The Redbreast Spirit Specialist of the Year 2024. O’Donovan’s OffLicence, Riversdale Midleton: Presented

by Mark Boyle (Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard) to Michael Collins 5. The Guinness Beer Specialist of the Year 2024. Molloys Liquor Store The Liberties: Presented by David Daly (Diageo Ireland) to Mark Cleary 6. The Dona Paula Wine Specialist of the Year 2024. McHughs Artane: Presented

by Terry Pennington (Santa Rita) to Robert O’Brien, Aidan O’Neill and Frank Haughton

8

9

7. The Jack Daniels Munster Off-Licence of the Year 2024. Carry Out Tramore: Presented by John Cassidy (Edward Dillon) to Jim Barry (Barry Group) 8. The Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Connacht/Ulster Off-Licence of the Year 2024. Dicey’s Off-Licence, Donegal: Represented by NOffLA chairman Cathal McHugh and Brian Thornton (The Shed Distillery & Dalcassian Wines & Spirits) 9. The Alpha Zeta Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2024. The Wine Centre, Kilkenny: Presented by Shane Boyce (Liberty Wines) to Dante Ruiz and Darren Meehan

10

10. The Bacardi Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2024. McHughs Kilbarrack: Presented by John Cassidy (Edward Dillon) to Darragh Harford, Caolann Haughton and James Carroll 11. The NOffLA RTC Online Trainees of the Year 2024. Joel Durand, Blackrock Cellar (on behalf of winner Peyton Tuomi of Blackrock Cellar) and Cian Roche, Gibney’s of Malahide 12. The NOffLA Responsible Retailer of the Year 2024. Nolan’s of Clontarf: Presented by Cathal McHugh (NOffLA) to Richard Nolan

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

11

12

NOFFLA NEWS 47

www.noffla.ie

Chairman Cathal McHugh outlines update on policy developments and NOffLA’s work At this year’s ceremony, chairman Cathal McHugh also took the opportunity to update attendees on recent policy developments and NOffLA’s work in these areas

Sale of Alcohol Bill Firstly, the government will bring forward its Sale of Alcohol Bill, which is intended to ‘modernise’ Ireland’s alcohol licensing laws, in the coming weeks.

Most significantly, these include provisions on the extinguishment of alcohol licences, distance/ online sales, and aligning Sunday alcohol sale hours with the rest of the week. “NOffLA has met with the Department of Justice to share our views on this and we will keep members updated as the bill develops through the Oireachtas,” McHugh told attendees.

Taxation and alcohol excise Meanwhile, on taxation and alcohol excise: members will be aware that excise remained unchanged in last year’s Budget.

While no increase was welcome, McHugh stated that NOffLA will continue to make the case to the Department of Finance and government for an excise reduction, along with the association’s drinks sector colleagues.

While rising costs are impacting all small businesses across the country, the off-licence sector is burdened further by an excise regime that is the highest in Europe.

“This is unacceptable,” McHugh said, “particularly given that we now have Minimum Unit Pricing in place for the last two years, which prohibits retailing at dangerously low prices, meaning Irish excise rates can no longer be justified on the grounds of public health. NOffLA will continue to inform policy-thinking in this area in 2024, at both a political and Departmental level.”

Minimum Unit Pricing

And on the topic of Minimum Unit Pricing: NOffLA continues to support an all-island model of MUP, to create an all-island pricing model and public health framework across both jurisdictions. However, the introduction of MUP in the North is still likely years away.

New health labelling regulations Furthermore, as members are aware, the new health labelling regulations on alcohol are due to come into place on 22 May 2026.

“NOffLA remains concerned about the impact these new regulations will have across the wider drinks sector,” McHugh said.

“We continue to explore possible next steps we could take alongside the wider drinks industry on this issue.

“NOffLA will continue to closely monitor future developments at EU level and at the World Trade Organisation and we will keep our members updated.”

Deposit Return Scheme At the time of print, the Deposit Return Scheme had recently commenced on 1 February 2024.

“NOffLA continues to be in regular contact with Re-turn on matters relating to the Deposit Return scheme, on the application of the new scheme and the recent communication on international barcodes,” McHugh said.

“Last year, NOffLA managed to secure an expansion of the exemption scheme to cover most off-licences, on the same terms as other retailers. I would like to thank all those involved in these efforts.

“We will continue to challenge measures which affect small retailers under the scheme disproportionately, including the guidance which requires retailers to spend onerous amounts of time on additional tasks at very short notice.

“We would like to thank members for their engagement on this issue and we are always available should a query arise.”

Thank you to sponsors for continued support The NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Award celebrations are a well-earned tribute to all NOffLA’s members who have demonstrated their commitment to adopting ‘best practice’ as their motto, by putting their names forward for this important awards competition.

As well as thanking members for their continued participation and

dedication, the association pointed out that now in their 28th year, the awards would not have been possible without the genuine commitment of NOffLA’s sponsors. Their sponsorship is a source of great encouragement to the association, and NOffLA is particularly grateful to the following:

19 Crimes – Findlater & Co. El Coto – Mackenway Wines Redbreast – Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Guinness – Diageo Ireland Dona Paula – Santa Rita Estates Jack Daniels – Edward Dillon Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Alpha Zeta – Liberty Wines Bacardi – Edward Dillon

NOffLA contacts If you have any queries regarding NOffLA membership or services, please contact our administrator, Reggie Walsh, at Block D, Unit 6, Nutgrove Office Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, by telephone on 01 - 296 2326, by fax on 01 - 296 2451 or by email at info@noffla.ie.

The NOffLA website can be found at www.noffla.ie. ■

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife February 2024

48 MARKET MOVERS

Tayto

Dairyglen

Introducing new Tayto Hearts: A perfect treat to make your loved one’s day!

Dairyglen provides ‘seamless integration’ of Slushy Jack’s concept

Launched with perfect timing in the run-up to Valentine’s Day, Tayto has created the perfect crispy delight to make that special someone’s day.

Tayto Hearts is the spicy, heart-shaped, snack that is guaranteed to win brownie points, whether shared with a partner, friend or crush.

According to Tayto and the brand’s legendary, much-loved Mr Tayto mascot: “Mr. Tayto has put careful consideration into his latest tasty creation, ensuring that each heart-shaped bite is packed with incredibly delicious flavour to spice up your life.”

Tayto Hearts are available for a limited time only, in a 95g pack and can be found in retailers nationwide.

At Dairyglen, the team recognise the importance of delivering premium quality products to retailers, not only to enrich customer experiences but also to drive sales in today’s fiercely competitive economy.

The company prides itself on offering Europe’s leading frozen beverage brand, complemented by state-of-the-art machines, stands, branding, and equipment that Dairyglen consistently updates and enhances to remain unparalleled in the market.

Moreover, Dairyglen says it can provide a seamless integration of Slushy Jack’s into your business through its fully managed solutions.

From fitting and installing the machine and stand in your establishment to supplying syrups and packaging, Dairyglen also offers free maintenance and call-out support, significantly reducing your running costs with minimal upfront investment.

Not only has Slushy Jack’s created a unique, memorable brand experience, but it’s truly set apart by remarkable profitability potential.

With minimal ingredient costs and low overhead expenses, each Slushy Jack’s sale translates into substantial, high profit-margin returns, making it a lucrative addition to any business.

Slushy Jack’s stands as a game-changer in the industry, appealing to a broad demographic due to its sensory allure — vibrant colours, vibrant flavours and refreshing qualities — ideal for children or adults.

Contact Dairyglen today and unlock the untapped potential of Slushy Jack’s.

Kellogg’s

Kellogg’s delivers ‘OMG twist’ to breakfast line-up with new chocolate variant Kellogg’s has unveiled its latest addition to the breakfast table: Chocolate Flavour Corn Flakes.

Crispy and golden, the original Kellogg’s Corn Flakes have been delighting families for over 100 years and this latest innovation is poised to tantalise taste buds.

Since launching in 1922, the Corn Flake has stood as Kellogg’s original cereal. With approximately 66 million boxes made each year, it continues to captivate breakfast eaters, solidifying its place as a morning staple.

Given its rich heritage, it’s only fitting that a product of such significance is given a modern-day twist. Kellogg’s has answered the nation’s quest for a delicious new morning choice, with the “irresistible marriage” of rich, velvety cocoa and the signature crunch of Kellogg’s classic Corn Flakes.

High in fibre and vitamin D, the base of the Corn Flake is the same heritage product the nation loves. The traditional flakes are tumbled and coated with cocoa to create the unique crunchy texture with a new chocolatey twist.

Corn Flakes lovers can now find the new Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Chocolate Flavour in Tesco stores nationwide, since Wednesday, 24 January, with an RRP of €4.49.

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Tenderstem

Tenderstem and top chef Malte Half join forces to inspire with vegetarian delights In an exciting collaboration, Tenderstem, the versatile and vibrant vegetable, is teaming up with Michelin-recommended Glas restaurant, the innovative vegetarian and vegan dining haven in Dublin 2.

The partnership capitalises on the culinary expertise of Glas’s head chef, Malte Half, whose passion for experimenting with flavours and textures has inspired wonderful new vegetarian dishes which celebrate the unique flavour and versatility of Tenderstem, the leggy brassica that stands head and shoulders above the rest. “It’s broccoli but better!”

The collaboration with Malte and Glas is part of the “Tenderstem: Broccoli but Better” campaign to increase awareness of Tenderstem in Ireland. It’s backed by Global Fresh Exotic (GFE), the Meath-based company that holds the license for Tenderstem in Ireland, which is responsible for managing the supply chain and can “deliver a consistent high-quality product year-round”.

Explaining more about Tenderstem’s benefits, Richard Moore, managing director, Global Fresh Exotics, said: “Unlike regular broccoli, it’s incredibly versatile, offering delicious results when boiled, steamed, grilled, roasted, air-fried, or even eaten raw. With a quick cooking time, it retains more nutrients, making it a convenient and healthy addition to any meal.”

Follow @tenderstemIreland on Instagram for a visual feast of Tenderstem creations. ■

IRELAND’S FASTEST * GROWING WORLD LAGER

Please contact your local representative for more details. *Source: NIQ – Total Market Value Sales, World Lager L12WE 3rd December 2023 (World Lager excluding Lomza).

Brewed in the UK

50 HOTSPOTS

Keep on smiling: Make-up artist loses job after body language fails to impress AI No doubt, you have all read articles or listened to podcasts discussing the threat of artificial intelligence coming for office jobs, in much the same way as the industrial revolution once put paid to swathes of manual labour. Well, now, a make-up artist claims to have lost her job as a direct result of AI. Specifically, after an AI recruitment tool that used facial recognition technology marked her down for her body language.

Anthea Mairoudhiou, a former MAC make-up artist, was laid off from her role in 2020 based on the results of a video interview conducted using HireVue - a US-based recruitment company that used AI facial analysis technology to mark candidates, SkyNews reports.

Mairoudhiou scored full marks for her performance but lost her job because her body language was marked poorly.

HireVue has since removed the facial analysis function from all new assessments in early 2020 after a number of workers raised concerns. Mairoudhiou took legal action against Estee Lauder, the parent company of MAC Cosmetics, and agreed on a settlement out of court.

Maybe it’s best to stick to the tried and tested policy of letting customers judge the service provided!

X marks the spot: Thoughts on the grocery industry ■ Cllr. Ray McAdam: @RayMcAdam (7 Feb) Minister @paschald & I met with @lidlireland last week where it confirmed it was proceeding with the redevelopment of the former #AnnesleyMotors site on #BallyboughRoad for the construction of a new store. For further details, check out www.raymcadam.com #NorthInnerCity.

■ FamilyHistoryToday: @familyhist2DAY Well, this is very worrying for the British. Tetley Tea said supplies were “much tighter” than it would like amid disruption in the Red Sea. It comes after Sainsbury’s supermarket issued warnings about the availability of black tea. #storminateacup ■ R Martin: @RMartin17116032 [Re: Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme:] It was exactly the same when the plastic bag levy came in. The end of the world! “I’m not paying for a supermarket bag.” But within weeks, plastic bag pollution disappeared from Ireland.

A drama-laden message piqued the curiosity of passer-bys this Valentine’s Day (Source: Facebook)

Mystery man probably didn’t have such a Happy Valentine’s A mystery man named Paul may not have ended up having a terribly Happy Valentine’s Day this year! Locals in Dublin 7 were intrigued this 14th February when a large poster appeared opposite Phibsboro Shopping Centre, with the following message: “Paul. Tell your wife about us or I will!

Happy Valentine’s baby. PS: I’m pregnant.”

The poster was signed off with a love heart and the single initial T. Interested people from far and wide were eager to know more on social media. Some also had sympathy for potentially innocent Pauls caught up in a romantic crossfire, DublinLive reports. As one person sagely noted:“I wonder how many Pauls in that area are absolutely sweating right now.” Quite!

Paper bag charges ripped apart by shoppers With a number of clothes and other retailers now charging a fee for paper bags (although this is not government-mandated unlike the plastic bag fee), an increasing number of shoppers have been discussing their chagrin on this subject online.

Complaints range from shoppers questioning why they are paying to effectively provide free marketing for retailers with branded bags, to deeming the fee unfair when they have already just spent what amounts to a small fortune with certain retailers.

As one retail staff employee going by the name of “effervance” noted on a Reddit thread:“Every single day I get a minimum of 30 people complaining that the paper bags cost 15 cent. Not 50 cent; 15 cent. Out of those 30 people, I’d say about 10 of them or even half of them will have a full-on go at me, as if I’m the one that set the price rather than the company I work for.”

Whether shoppers agree with paying for a paper bag or not, the message of the CSNA’s new campaign urging shoppers to‘Be kind’ to retail staff, certainly seems relevant here!

Grocery across the globe UK

USA

Tesco partners with Barclays to provide Tesco-branded banking Tesco has announced a long-term strategic partnership with Barclays Bank to provide Tesco-branded banking products and services. Under the terms of the deal (initially agreed for ten years), Tesco will receive annual income for the use of its brand, for growing the customer base, and as a result of Barclays’ participation in Tesco’s Clubcard programme. Tesco’s existing banking operations in credit cards, loans and savings will be sold to Barclays.

Walmart announces new stores and more jobs Walmart has announced new plans to expand and modernise its store network. In the next five years, Walmart is planning to build or convert more than 150 stores, while simultaneously continuing its programme to remodel existing stores. During the next 12 months, Walmart plans to remodel 650 stores across 47 states and Puerto Rico – creating tens of thousands of jobs supporting these projects.

France

BULGARIA

Carrefour acquires 31 stores from Intermarché Carrefour has entered into exclusive negotiations with Groupe Intermarché to acquire 31 stores. These stores represent 94,000sq m, or 0.3% of the food retail space in France, and generated sales of €400m million in 2022.

Under the agreement’s terms, Carrefour will substitute Intermarché for the purchase of 26 stores from Casino, while the remaining five stores will be acquired directly from Intermarché. Carrefour has committed to maintain all employees working in the stores and their social benefits for a minimum period of 15 months.

ShelfLife February 2024 | www.shelflife.ie

Kaufland Bulgaria supports Antarctic expeditions To find out more about the effects of climate change, the Antarctic Institute Bulgaria regularly conducts expeditions to Antartica. Kaufland Bulgaria is the first strategic partner of the expedition. Since the expeditions began 31 years ago, no other company has supported them so extensively. By supporting with food and other everyday goods, Kaufland Bulgaria is helping to increase the frequency and quality of the research. ■

REVOLUTIONARY TO THE COFFEE MARKET!

INTRODUCING PAPER REFILL PACKS

The paper refill pack marks a significant step on both Kenco and L’OR’s sustainability journey to minimise its footprint and positively impact people, the planet and the future of coffee.

RECYCLABLE AT HOME

KEEPS COFFEE FRESH FOR 15 MONTHS!

REDUCED PACKAGING WASTE

LAUNCHING IN RETAILERS IN IRELAND FROM JANUARY 2024