Shelflife October Issue 2023

LARGEST INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED GROCERY TRADE CIRCULATION IN IRELAND

October 2023

A winning strategy

Londis sales director Conor Hayes discusses the brand’s ambitious new ‘Achieving Together’ strategy to 2026

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The best made plans…

How will the proposed Planning and Development Bill 2023 affect Ireland’s planning decisions?

Budget 2024 More supports needed for independent retailers facing increased costs

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

OPINION ShelfLife October 2023 Vol. 30 No.10 Editor GILLIAN HAMILL (01) 294 7776 gillian.hamill@mediateam.ie Staff journalist SHAUNA BERNARD (01) 294 7709 shauna.bernard@mediateam.ie Contributors CAROLINE REIDY FIONNUALA CAROLAN NIKKI MURRAN COLIN GORDON 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.

Retailers left counting costs in aftermath of Storm Babet No doubt all our readers can strongly empathise with the businesses across Co. Cork that are currently tackling the aftermath of Storm Babet. Such severe damage was caused that the government emergency fund it prompted could surpass its initial €10 million budget. In fact, some shop owners have been left facing repair costs of up to €500,000, according to one estimate.

The storm has raised major questions about the issue of insurance and the fact that retailers in places previously flooded are now unable to secure cover. “Midleton in particular would have no insurance because of previous claims in 2009, 2015 and now this one,” said Paul Kavanagh, executive director of the Cork-based McCarthy Insurance Group. ShelfLife will report further on this matter in our next issue.

In a more general sense, the world can feel like a worrying place at the moment, against the terrible backdrop of the ongoing Israeli-Palestine conflict and war in Ukraine. It feels more important than ever to take joy in the little, everyday things, where we can help make a positive difference within our local communities. On that front, I would definitely recommend checking out Nikki Murran’s ‘love letter to the grocery industry’ on page 26 for a feel-good read.

The final preparations are also underway for the ShelfLife C-Store Awards on 22 November at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Loaghaire – a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all you and your colleagues’ hard work during the past year. I look forward to catching up with you then: please do come over and say hi if you spot me!

Gillian Hamill, editor, ShelfLife magazine

Contents October 20

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60

64

COVER STORY 28 Londis looking to the future: Conor Hayes, Londis sales director tells Gillian Hamill how he intends to achieve

the Londis brand’s ambitious new strategy by 2026

NEWS&ANALYSIS News grid 6 Food focus 7 Seen and Heard 14 CSNA news 62 NOffLA news

planning system will lead to faster planning decisions and a better resourced sector.

Fionnuala Carolan looks at why this is badly needed 64 Budget 2024: Industry groups outline their concerns about increased business costs

FEATURES&REPORTS

ADVISOR

18 Nearby store profile: Shauna

26 Recruitment: Excel

4 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

Circulation audited by Audit Bureau of Circulations.

ShelfLife is a member of Magazines Ireland

Bernard sits down with Robert Richardson, owner of Nearby Newtowngore in Co. Leitrim, to delve into the store's history and recent rebranding to Nearby 20 Get with the plan: It is hoped that a new bill to overhaul the

Recruitment’s Nikki Murran discusses the advantages of making a career in retail 32 HR: The HR Suite’s Caroline Reidy advises on how to get the most from end-of-year performance reviews

34 Marketing: Colin Gordon

explains how driving promotions is good practice in the short-term but urges retailers not to lose sight of the long game

MARKETING& CATEGORY FOCUS 36 Irish brands 45 NoLo alcohol 50 Fuel 54 Cash and carry brands 60 Soup 65 Social diary 66 Appointments 68 Market movers

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NEWS

NEWSGRID The top news stories in FMCG Payzone launches digital fundraising platform for retailers Payzone has launched the ‘all-inone’ fundraising platform, aimed at improving the way Mairead Ronan with businesses engage Barretstown Campers in fundraising Ciara Cogley and activities. The Danny Curran platform bridges the physical and virtual worlds, providing a suite of digitally enabled tools for collecting funds.

A key feature of the platform enables all fundraising activity to be tracked, monitored, and reported on from one place, with donations paid directly to the bank account of the charity.

Grocery inflation declines by 10.5% The latest Kantar’s data shows that take-home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 8.5% in the four weeks to 1 October 2023. During the month of October shoppers visited stores more often, up 5.9% and made an average of 20.5 trips. As consumers look for ways to manage household budgets, volumes per trip continued to decline compared to last year, down 7.3%.

Grocery price inflation, which stands at 10.5% in the 12 weeks to 1 October, is the main driving factor behind the rise in value sales rather than increased purchasing.

Edward Dillon to extend operations into Northern Ireland Edward Dillon has announced plans to take over the distribution of the Moët Hennessy portfolio in Northern Ireland from Dillon Bass, commencing from 1 January 2024. Edward Dillon has a premium brand portfolio owned by major spirit industry players Moët Hennessy, BacardiMartini, and Brown-Forman. Moët Hennessy, part of LVMH’s Wines and Spirits Division, features renowned brands like Hennessy and a prestigious collection of champagnes, including Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Krug, and Ruinart.

and retail from across Ireland

Lidl and Aldi commit to increased Living Wage Lidl Ireland has committed to the latest Living Wage rate of €14.80 as recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group for 2024. The company has said it will invest €3 million to introduce the change from 1 March 2024 that will benefit 2,000 employees across Ireland, as all other employees currently earn in excess of the new Living Wage. Aldi Ireland has also announced that it will be “fully adopting” the recommendations of the Living Wage Technical Group for 2024.

Eurospar Kilkenny celebrated at annual Blás na hÉireann awards McCarthy’s Eurospar Kilkenny was celebrating after being awarded Silver and Bronze medals at the prestigious Blas na hÉireann, Irish Food Awards.

John McCarthy’s Eurospar took home the bronze medal in the Bakery Category for its sumptuous Tin Loaf while its Gourmet Lamb Noisettes took home the silver medal in the Lamb Category.

“Eurospar is extremely proud of the achievements of John McCarthy and all the team in McCarthy’s Eurospar Kilkenny. It’s a great honour to be recognised at these most prestigious Irish food awards,” said Peter Dwan, Eurospar sales director.

Eurospar Kilkenny retailers John and Margaret McCarthy receiving their Blas na hÉireann awards

Abbeyleix named as Ireland’s Tidiest Town Abbeyleix, Co. Laois was named as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023 at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin on 6 October with the event livestreamed to thousands more online. Some of the other big winners on the day included Geashill, Co. Offaly, awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Village; Killarney, Co. Kerry awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town and Ballincollig, Co. Cork awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

For more information, turn to page 12.

Spar gives 2,000 tree saplings to schools for National Tree Day Spar, in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland, called on primary school children across the country to take the pledge and plant a tree on Spar National Tree Day, 5 October 2023. This year’s campaign, themed “Nuts about Nature” - “Fiáin chun Dúlra”, aims to encourage children, parents and teachers to connect directly with nature by planting one of the 2,000 native Irish hazel tree saplings available free to primary schools on www.treeday.ie.

Cormac Downey, president of the Tree Council Of Ireland, Brendan Fitzsimons, CEO of the Tree Council of Ireland with Colin Donnelly, Spar sales director and Helen Lalor, Spar marketing manager

M&S Food ranked number one supermarket in CXi report M&S Food has been ranked number one for customer experience in the Irish supermarket sector as part of the CXi Customer Experience report for 2023. M&S Food was ranked ninth in the overall survey, the highest ranked supermarket included in the survey with Dunnes coming in tenth position overall. The annual report, which is now in its ninth year, saw 175 organisations featured in a survey on customer experience which resulted in a ranked league across eleven sectors.

(Source: CXi Customer Experience Report 2023)

Dunnes is top retailer Dunnes has 23.3% Irish market share, achieving a 10.5% year-on-year growth fuelled by a strong boost of new shoppers, according to Kantar. Tesco holds 22.5% share, experiencing robust 11.3% year-on-year growth, up 15.8%. SuperValu stands at 20.6% market share, displaying 4.5% month-onmonth growth. The next largest share of the market is held by Lidl with 13.5% share and then Aldi with 12.3% market share. ■

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

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

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FOOD FOCUS

Donegal Catch launches five new products Donegal Catch, Ireland’s leading frozen fish brand for almost 40 years, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Donegal Catch Fishcakes range.

Designed with busy professionals, couples and families in mind, these convenient new fishcakes are sure to elevate any meal occasion at home, with two portions per pack.

Donegal Catch’s fishcakes can be cooked from frozen and are suitable for both air fryers and ovens. Developed and made in Ireland, the range uses responsibly sourced fish and the packaging is fully recyclable.

The range includes the following varieties, which are all high in protein and free from artificial colours, preservatives and flavours: • Irish Haddock Ginger & Chilli €4.50 x 2 fishcakes: A fusion of 100% Irish haddock, fluffy mashed potato, and the vibrant flavours of chilli and ginger with Donegal Catch’s signature golden breadcrumbs.

• Irish Hake Lemon & Parsley €4.50 x 2 fishcakes: Made with 100% Irish hake, complemented by lemon, parsley and a blend of herbs, combined with the irresistible texture of mashed potato and Donegal Catch’s signature golden breadcrumbs.

• Atlantic Salmon €4.50 x 2 fishcakes: Prepared with 100% Atlantic salmon, this fishcake features a delightful blend of fluffy mashed potato and herbs, all wrapped in Donegal Catch’s signature golden breadcrumbs.

Meanwhile, parents are always looking for fun and creative ways to encourage their kids to eat more fish and as always Donegal Catch is here to help, offering the quality assurance parents need with products that kids will love. Donegal Catch is delighted to introduce new golden, crunchy and tasty Battered Fish Nuggets.

Lidl Ireland and Begleys Fresh Produce Group sign new €1.5m deal

Lidl Ireland has signed a new deal with Irish-based James O’Regan, commercial director at Begleys, Kyle supplier, Begleys Fresh Carrick and Brian Carrick, Produce Group valued at growers at Begleys, based €1.5 million. A producer in Rush, Co. Dublin of fresh fruit and vegetables across Ireland, this new deal has resulted in Begleys growing its workforce by a further eight full-time workers, as the supplier expands its sprouts and pumpkins supply to Lidl stores nationwide this autumn.

The family-run business with over five decades of experience in the Irish agricultural industry, has its main headquarters in Dublin and operates in several sites across the country, managing close to 1,000 acres of Irish produce.

Donegal Catch is also proud to introduce a new Irish Breaded Hake Family Pack. The hake fillets are made with 100% Irish hake, responsibly caught in Irish waters and produced in Ireland. Both products come in fully recyclable packaging and can be cooked in the air fryer or oven. They are also a source of protein and free from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

• Battered Fish Nuggets €3.75 per 250g – Made with 100% fish fillets and produced in Ireland. Ideal for parents looking for new ideas to help children get the recommended two portions of fish per week, they’re great in a lunchtime wrap with wedges or served alongside classic mash and their favourite vegetables.

• Breaded Irish Hake Fillets – Family Pack €6.99 x 5 fillets – Made with 100% Irish hake; responsibly caught in Irish waters and produced in Ireland. Hake is a mild flavoured fish, with a firm texture and delicate flavour. This family pack is the perfect way to help individuals and families get the recommended two portions of fish per week*.

Zambrero takes World Hunger Day to new heights

Zambrero, the renowned Australian multinational restaurant franchise, has held its second annual meal packing event in support of World Hunger Day. On 15 October (the day Ireland Women’s rugby before World Hunger player Stacey Flood at Day), Zambrero pledged the launch of Zambrero to double donations for Ireland’s Plate4Plate meal every burrito or bowl packing event order, as part of its mission to end world hunger with the goal to donate 1 billion meals by 2025.

Zambrero Ireland once again rallied the community, with the event supported by 300 dedicated volunteers and St. Mary’s College in Rathmines, Dublin. Esteemed sporting stars also participated, including rugby sensation Stacey Flood, Irish sprinter Sharlene Mawdsley, and Limerick hurling superstar Gearóid Hegarty.

Responsible fishing

Supporting responsible fishing practices, Donegal Catch works closely with all 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 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.

Donegal Catch also has tasty and quick recipe ideas, along with top tips on how best to get more fish into your diet. More details can be found at www.donegalcatch.ie, Instagram and Facebook. *(The Irish Heart foundation recommends two portions of fish per week, with one portion being an oily fish.)

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Bord Bia reports 16% rise in eggs sales

To mark World Egg Day 2023 on 13 October 2023, Bord Bia has reported a 16% rise in The egg category has eggs sales among Irish seen strong value growth consumers*, as spend on of +21.2% in 2023 eggs in Ireland in 2023 reached €172 million or a total of 619 million eggs purchased this year.

The report revealed that 88.6% of households buy eggs at least once a month and the category has seen strong value growth of +21.2% in 2023 which highlights consumers’ trust and reliance on the nutritional value an egg can provide. *(Source: The report contains Kantar purchasing data compared to the same period year-on-year (YoY) and a nationally representative survey conducted by Coyne Research of over 1,000 Irish adults aged 18 or older in March 2023)

SEEN AND HEARD

7

Smooch Ice Cream hosts official awards ceremony to recognise excellence across all sites

Smooch is delighted to announce the following stores as category winners:

• Best Store at an Independent: Lawler’s Kilmuckridge • Best Store at Londis: Doyle’s Londis, Gorey • Best Store at Mace: Mace Ballyrafter • Best Store at Maxol: Maxol Clonakilty • Best Store at Spar: Spar Little Island • Best Store at Spar Forecourt: O’Keefe’s Spar, Ennis • Best Store at Spar Express: Spar Express, Edenderry • Best Store at Corrib Oil: Corrib Oil Cellbridge • Best Store at Top Oil: Top Oil Garrycastle • Best Customer Service: Londis Ballina • Best New Store: Mace Ballinalack • Best Original Store: Roche’s Mitchelstown • Best 99: Londis Rosscarbery • Best Special: Gala Blennerville • Best Milkshake: Spar Cloghan • Best 99 Puller: Alex Butler at Spar Kilcullen

• Best Overall Store: Foley’s Mallow • Best Store at Eurospar: Eurospar Kilcullen • Best Store at Gala: Gala Ovens, Ballincollig

To install a Smooch ice-cream concept in your store or for more information on current price plans, contact sclancy@dairyglen.ie.

Smooch Ice Cream, Ireland’s leading ice cream concession brand, hosted its first official internal awards programme last month. The new reward initiative aims to recognise the achievements of over 160 Smooch sites, rewarding excellence and features live interaction from the public who voted for their favourite store across several categories.

Kicking off the first year of the Smooch Awards, stores achieved recognition for best practice across a number of categories including Best Overall Store, Best Customer Service, Best New Store and Best 99.

A big congratulations to all the participating stores and especially the winners across each category!

And the winners are…

The team at Foley’s Mallow celebrating being crowned as Ireland’s Best Overall Store at the Smooch Ice Cream awards

Take a listen to the perfect podcast for your retail tea break

Record 2 million used batteries saved from landfill in school recycling competition

As the host of Ireland’s biggest retail podcast, The Retail Tea Break, Melissa Moore brings together industry experts, retailers and brands. Her aim is to decode myths, share knowledge and give her audience an insight into the Host Melissa Moore is retail industry. an award-winning retail “I’m passionate about consultant, mentor and retail, so it’s great to be able educator with over to share valuable 25 years’ experience conversations that educate and empower others in our industry,” says Moore.

With almost 60 episodes, broken down into 30-minute conversations, topics covered include the latest retail trends, ecommerce, loyalty, people and physical stores.

Guests have included Circle K, Lidl, Portwest, Kilkenny Design along with global retail experts from Salesforce and many more.

The podcast is available now across all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple iTunes and Youtube.

An award-winning retail consultant, mentor and educator with over 25 years’ experience, Melissa Moore has worked with national and international retail brands.

As founder of The Retail Advisor, Moore empowers retailers to reach their potential through sales growth and excellence in customer experience. She works on the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision and has co-created and co-delivered a final year undergraduate course and micro-cred called “Founder Selling” for the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at the University of Galway.

For more information, visit www.theretailadvisor.ie.

The equivalent of 2 million used AA batteries - the weight of around five school buses – has been diverted from landfill and recycled thanks to a nationwide schools’ battery initiative.

WEEE Ireland’s Schools Battery Recycling Competition saw a record amount of waste batteries collected from last October to March this year - and their precious materials recovered for re-use.

And as it enters its 12th year, the country’s largest e-waste and battery recycling scheme is once again calling on primary and secondary students throughout Ireland to participate in the vital initiative, which protects the environment and also supports LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The drive is being backed by TV and radio presenter Laura Woods, who was joined by one of this year’s winners - Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Ballyroan Dublin, to launch this year’s contest.

In addition to Scoil Naomh Pádraig, five other schools in Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford were crowned Battery Recycling Champions, each receiving €2,000 in sports vouchers to reward their commitment to sustainability.

Returning for a new school year from this month onwards, the competition is open to all primary and secondary schools which collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes in WEEE Ireland battery recycling counties.

Every battery recycled with WEEE Ireland goes towards a donation fund for LauraLynn.

Interested schools can visit weeeireland.ie for more information and to order WEEE Ireland blue battery boxes.

TV and radio presenter Laura Woods with Molly Farrelly (age 9), Eve Geoghegan (age 10), Abigail Craven (age 9), and Isabelle Khumnariang (age 10) from Scoil Naomh Padraig, who collected the equivalent of 20,600 AA batteries to win in their category, alongside Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

8

SEEN AND HEARD

Lower cost loans available from Capitalflow Founded in 2016, Capitalflow, Ireland’s fastestgrowing business lender, has become an important lender in the Irish market, with €1.2 billion lent to customers to-date.

Offering bespoke finance in leasing and hire purchase products to retailers and suppliers, the company supports the retail sector with competitive fixed-rate finance over flexible terms. Capitalflow has deep expertise in the retail sector, and currently funds a large number of retail assets including shop fit-outs, digital display systems, cash collection machines, vehicles and refrigeration, servicing both large and small retailers. Capitalflow also partners with a number of retail equipment suppliers to provide suitable finance options for customers and through its online portal.

In addition to its new personal motor finance product, Capitalflow has recently partnered with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to offer €75m in lower cost funding to Irish businesses, including retailers and retail suppliers, through the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme. The scheme allows eligible customers to borrow from Capitalflow at substantially lower cost rates which are fixed over the term of the loan, backed by the State’s 80% guarantee rate.

Having increased its team by over 50% since the pandemic, Capitalflow offers competitive business finance for retailers and suppliers of retail equipment nationwide. To find out more about partnering with Capitalflow, or to get a quote, go online to Capitalflow.ie.

Carl Frampton launches Stablemate Irish Whiskey

Former two-weight world champion fighter, Carl Frampton, has launched Stablemate Irish Whiskey; a new carefully crafted whiskey

Belfast-born former two-weight world champion fighter, Carl Frampton, recently introduced his much-anticipated release, Stablemate Irish Whiskey, exclusively at Banana Block in Belfast.

This premium, expertly blended, and triple-distilled Irish whiskey embodies the spirit of a true champion and carries with it the legacy of The Jackal.

Stablemate is not just a whiskey; it’s a testament to the resilience, camaraderie, and character that define both boxing and life itself.

Frampton, a renowned pugilist, knows that in both the ring and everyday challenges, we all need someone in our corner. It’s about rising after every fall, facing adversity, and moving forward.

Stablemate embodies these values and offers a taste of the champion’s journey.

On the palate, Stablemate Irish Whiskey delivers a warm and smooth profile with pronounced notes of vanilla, honey, and spice.

What sets Stablemate apart is its affiliation with the House of Jackal, the parent brand owned by Carl Frampton. Known as “The Jackal,” Frampton has used his profile and sporting success to bridge divides and unite communities. With Stablemate, he continues this legacy by bringing people together over a glass of exceptional Irish whiskey.

Stablemate Irish Whiskey is now available for purchase exclusively online at stablematewhiskey.com.

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Capitalflow has joined the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme

Centra partners with Snappy to pioneer home delivery app Snappy Group, the technology business behind Snappy Shopper, the fast-growing grocery and convenience store delivery app, has announced a new strategic partnership with Centra.

The collaboration will see Snappy develop and power the new home delivery app, Centra Go. The Centra Go app will offer shoppers a complete in-store shopping experience from the convenience of their own home with unique features including bespoke categories, deli counter ordering and updated order alert preferences, connecting Centra stores and their customers like never before.

What’s more, alongside traditional grocery, the revolutionary, community-focused app will enable hot food-to-go for home delivery, meaning Centra can now provide Ireland’s culturally iconic delicacy – known as “The Chicken Fillet Roll” – to shoppers from the comfort of their own homes.

“Entering the Irish market and joining forces with Centra to bring the ‘Centra Go’ app to life is a landmark moment for us,” said Mike Callachan, co-founder and chief executive officer for the Snappy Group.

“Snappy Shopper’s expertise in app development together with Centra retailers’ commitment to quality service will ensure that our shoppers have the most seamless shopping experience available,” added Ian Allen, managing director at Centra.

Paolo Di Giovambattista, driver, with Breda Cahill, Centra Ballinteer owner and Ian Allen, managing director, Centra

Don’t get left in the dark

Since 1st September 2023, the EU has banned the sale of fluorescent lighting. This may directly affect your business. With a fully funded lighting upgrade from Energia, you can get your old fluorescent lighting replaced, while also reducing your lighting consumption by up to 80%. We’ll make it easy by managing the entire process from start to finish.

Find out more at energia.ie/lighting

10

SEEN AND HEARD

Dole launches specialist division, Dole Organics and new Dole Go Organic! consumer brand Dole officially introduced both Dole Organics, a new specialist division and its new Go Organic! consumer brand at Fruit Attraction 2023, held in Madrid on 3-5 October.

Dole Organics will be dedicated to bringing renewed impetus to the organic fresh produce category by promoting cross sector collaboration, consolidating supply, assuring continuity and consistency of product and applying best-in-class category management practices in-store.

Focusing on its ‘diversified’ organic fresh produce range, Dole’s new Go Organic! brand will complement its successful Dole Organic banana and pineapple offering already available across Europe.

Dole’s credentials as a world-class organic grower are already firmly established. Celebrating 25 years of its organic banana programme this month, Dole is the largest grower and distributor of both premium organic bananas and pineapples in the United States, while in Europe, Dole works hand in glove with a broad network of accomplished local third-party organic growers across many of the local markets in which it has on-theground operations.

By virtue of this experience, its local infrastructure and relationships, global reach and resources and in-house expertise in growing organics, Dole believes it is uniquely positioned to make an important contribution to moving the category into the mainstream. Dole Organics will be dedicated to satisfying an identified need amongst retailers for reliable cross category 52-week partners in organics, a demand amongst consumers for greater consistency in the quality and availability of organic produce on-shelf and an appetite amongst organic growers for greater commercial security and investment in the category as a whole. To that end, Dole Organics is committed to aligning its own organic production what that of the very best global and local third-party growers to offer a comprehensive, consistent, integrated year-round range, grown with care, passion and pride and promoted creatively to appeal to the widest possible consumer set.

Dole Go Organic! will be a critical instrument in this regard. An integrated category concept, Go Organic! will be a focal point for best practices across production, procurement, packaging and promotion. Projecting a compelling call to action, it is dedicated to delivering a clear point of difference at retail and has an inherently Dole Organics will collaborate contemporary, natural look and feel, with local and global growers to one supported by the application of offer a consistent and integrated best-in-class sustainable packaging year-round range wherever possible. Go Organic’s tagline, ‘Taste first. Planet, always’ positions the eating experience as a primary call to purchase, a message that will be amplified by engaging digital and on-pack promotions and innovative in-store activations targeting a broader constituency of consumers than the traditional organic niche. The Dole mark, of course will serve, as always, as a promise of quality to the broad cohort of consumers across Europe who recognise and trust the iconic brand.

“Our ambition is unambiguous,” says Bengt Nilsson, president of Dole Northern Europe. “We aim to become the indispensable conduit that brings together our own organic production, that of the most accomplished local and global organic growers, the full resources of our group and our commercial partners to present consistently superior organic produce to consumers, 52 weeks of the year.

“We are laying foundations and extending an open invitation to independent organic growers and European retailers alike to work together with Dole to collectively bring organic fruit and vegetables to the next level.”

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12

SEEN AND HEARD

Centra celebrates producers with 28 awards at Blas na hÉireann Centra’s Irish food producers have claimed 28 awards at this year’s prestigious Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards.

Centra scooped an impressive seven Gold awards for products including Inspired by Centra Overnight Oats, Centra Rapeseed Oil, Centra Streaky Smoked Rashers, Centra Mango Kefir and The Happy Pear Hummus.

The awards saw Centra producers take home a total of seven gold, 13 silver and eight bronze awards. The big wins include 11 products from the Inspired by Centra range, expertly created to bring customers a range with value in mind without compromising on taste or quality.

Award winners within the Inspired by Centra range include mouth-watering favourites such as Inspired By Centra Irish Angus Sirloin Steak with Peppercorn Butter and Inspired By Centra Italian Napoli Salami, Spicy Piccante Salami & Roasted Red Pepper Pizza.

Other key award winners from the Centra range include Centra Hi Fibre Rolls, Centra

L-R: Gerry Sheridan and Lisa Clarke, Moo’d Ice Cream, Cavan with Rachel Gearey and Majella Moynihan (Musgrave Group)

Tomato & Basil Soup and Centra Irish Creamery Butter.

“As the leading Irish convenience retailer, we pride ourselves on offering quality Irish produce for our customers to enjoy. Our trusted suppliers scooping 28 accolades at this year’s awards

Retail event unveils game-changing strategies for retail industry

Leading figures from the Scandinavian retail sector will convene at the Norwegian Embassy in Dublin on 24 October for the Norwegian Retail Innovation Summit. Together they will discuss how to break away from tradition and empower frontline teams to increase retail revenue.

“We want to put a new perspective on retail, and teach how to grow sales, reduce staff churn and increase customer satisfaction by doing things differently,” says Tomas Pinås, sales manager at Maze.

At the NRIS, attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from successful retailers and CEOs. One of the speakers is Henning Eriksen, CEO of Norwegian Furniture brand Mobelringen. He is acclaimed for steering the company toward remarkable success through a strong customercentric approach.

Several speakers from successful retail brands will join Henning Eriksen at the event: • Stine Solheim: managing director of Fargerike, credited with turning it into a retail powerhouse with top customer satisfaction scores.

• Pär Linder: retail director at Gina Tricot, a driving force behind a 170% increase in NPS, positioning Gina Tricot at the forefront of fashion trends.

• Milan Hladil: operations director at Albert, the Czech Republic’s leading grocery chain, with 19+ years of retail expertise prioritizing quality, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.

• Mark Rice and Tomas Pinås: innovators from Maze, empowering frontline staff to double and triple retail revenues globally by flipping the management pyramid.

The Norwegian Retail Innovation Summit takes place at the Norwegian Embassy in Dublin on 24 October.

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Mark McCaffrey of Crust & Crumb Bakery, Fermanagh with Majella Moynihan (Musgrave Group)

demonstrates this,” said Ian Allen, managing director, Centra.

Now in its 16th year, Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards sees competition from a range of top-quality Irish producers across 32 counties.

Abbeyleix in Co. Laois named as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023

Ian Allen, managing director of SuperValu, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and the Abbeyleix Tidy Town committee

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has announced Abbeyleix, Co. Laois as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023.

Over 600 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin on 6 October with the event live-streamed to thousands more online.

This year, 887 towns were competing for the prestigious awards.

As well as being named Ireland’s Tidiest Town, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois was named as Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town.

Minister Humphreys also presented a new award to Cappoquin, Boyle and Ballyshannon TidyTowns groups, recognising their tremendous efforts to address vacancy and dereliction in line with the government’s Town Centre First policy.

SuperValu has been the competition’s main sponsor for over 30 years, and Ian Allen, managing director of SuperValu, announced the results with Minister Humphreys.

Some of the other big winners included: • Geashill, Co. Offaly awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Village.

• Killarney, Co. Kerry awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town.

• Ballincollig, Co. Cork awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

Congratulating all the volunteers, Ian Allen said that “as a community retailer, it is a source of great pride for us at SuperValu to be involved in such an incredible initiative”. ■

14

CSNA NEWS

CSNA NEWS CSNA ANALYSIS

Budget 2024: Assurances to retailers not met

GUS O’HARA

National President, CSNA

This was not a good budget for retail employers.

The association has expressed its disappointment to both the Department of Finance, and the Department of Enterprise that assurances given by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other government ministers that small and mediumsized businesses would receive meaningful assistances have not been delivered.

Assistances that were supposed to cushion the increased costs we will encounter from the enormous and unprecedented hike to the minimum wage, ongoing additional

CSNA NEWS

Deposit Return Scheme: Ensure you don’t miss registration deadline As you may be aware, Ireland is on the verge of introducing the Deposit Return Scheme, and with a lot of information within the sector, we believe it’s crucial to ensure that our members stay wellinformed throughout the rollout of this new initiative.

CSNA wants to remind members that registration is now open for all retailers, regardless of whether you opt for a manual return point, a reverse vending machine, or if you intend to apply for an exemption.

It’s important to note that all

retailers must complete their registration by 30 October. For those considering the use of reverse vending equipment, it’s a good time to start planning where such a machine could be conveniently located within your store.

All retailers need to register for the Deposit Return Scheme by visiting www.re-turn.ie/retailer by 30 October. Registration for the Deposit Return Scheme is a legal obligation for all retailers.

Laura Kelly, John Paul Lonergan and Vicent Jennings of the CSNA

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

labour costs (public holiday, extra sick leave etc) and other government-induced costs such as the Deposit Return Scheme and proposed ‘latte levy’ are contained in a €250 million rates relief package to be divided amongst 130,000 ratepayers averaging €1900 each. This is a tiny fraction of our projected cost increases and is clearly not sufficient.

Make no mistake, these cost increases are 100% due to government decisions, it is very difficult for us to believe that no one in any of the relevant Departments is unaware of the real additional costs that these decisions will incur.

The praises heaped upon our sector during the pandemic emergency sound very empty and hollow now.

Tánaiste Micheal Martin during the Budget 2024 media press conference

CSNA NEWS

Low Pay Commission to discuss potential employer supports for transition to living wage The Low Pay Commission has released its annual report subsequent to the Budget announcement. The CSNA is providing members with one of the commission’s recommendations relating to necessary consultations and will be using this recommendation as the basis for meetings with government departments over the next number of weeks.

The commission notes the relative lack of progress in considering how minimum wage employers, who might face financial difficulty as a result of the transition to a living wage, can be supported. The employer representatives on the commission in particular see the introduction of supports for vulnerable businesses as critical to their continued support for the transition to a living wage.

The Low Pay Commission therefore reiterates its recommendation that this issue be discussed between the relevant representative groups

and government - in particular proposals regarding the details and design of such supports and for government to give due consideration to any such proposals. To inform discussions, the commission intends to use its research capacities to examine a number of different options for an employer support, potentially including examples from other jurisdictions that have progressed to a living wage.

The national minimum wage will increase by €1.40 to €12.70 per hour from 1 January 2024.

The national minimum wage will increase by ¤1.40 to ¤12.70 per hour from 1 January 2024

CSNA NEWS

15

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

CSNA DEALS PARTNER ADVICE

CSNA NEWS

‘Disclose all material facts’ advises JDM Insurance

Always ensure you have read and understood all insurance documentation

In the case of most insurers, proposal forms are no longer used.

Whilst some might consider this an improvement, JDM Insurance strongly disagrees. JDM is troubled by the number of instances where policyholders find themselves where their insurance cover has been brought into question owing to the fact that insurers believe that they have not been advised of all or accurate information when cover was being set up.

Whether you believe it to be right or wrong, in the event of a dispute with their insurers, policyholders are deemed to have read and understood all documentation, (including the policy booklet, policy schedule, statement of fact, and proposal etc.), in its entirety. They simply can’t rely upon any lack of understanding.

All of these examples should have been disclosed.

Don’t ever find yourself in such a situation. Paying large/ outrageous/extortionate premiums will not be an excuse.

Always remember – call JDM Insurance on (01) 298 8266 to discuss any/every incident.

The company will advise and guide you.

Minister Calleary urges early filing of company annual returns The Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary is urging early action on the filing of company annual returns with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) in the context of the late November peak filing period.

While the deadlines for filing annual returns vary across companies, there is a significant peak in filing in the latter part of November. Approximately 80,000 companies will be required to file by the deadline of 25 November this year. However, as 25 November falls on a Saturday, the effective deadline is Monday, 27 November.

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary

CSNA NEWS

CSNA cigarette and tobacco pricelist updated with price changes

The updated cigarette and tobacco pricelist is now available on the CSNA website

The CSNA cigarette and tobacco pricelist has been updated with all price changes from tobacco companies. We would recommend for all CSNA members to download the cigarette pricelist to ensure that you are selling the products at the new recommended prices. You can find the CSNA pricelist on the CSNA website. ■

Examples: “I didn’t mention the robbery because I didn’t make any claim.”

“I didn’t know that my safe wasn’t approved for that amount of cash.”

“I didn’t know that I had to tell my insurer that I was doing deliveries.”

“I didn’t know that I had to tell them my roof is flat.”

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

C-STORE AWARDS 2023

Venue Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Date November 22 2023

www.cstore.ie PLATINUM SPONSORS

the heart of convenience retail

TICKETS & INFORMATION IAN MULVANEY | (01) 294 7766 | ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie

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STORE PROFILE

18

Richardson’s Nearby in Newtowngore benefits from a vibrant, colourful and inviting exterior

Quality first and foremost Shauna Bernard sits down with Robert Richardson, owner of Nearby Newtowngore in Co. Leitrim, to delve into the store’s history at the heart of its local community and recent rebranding to Nearby

I

n the quaint village of Newtowngore in Co. Leitrim, a local corner store has stood the test of time, witnessing 45 years of community growth, economic changes, and now, a recent transformation.

ShelfLife journalist Shauna Bernard sits down with owner Robert Richardson to delve into the store’s rich history, the recent rebranding to Nearby, and the challenges and successes faced over the years.

While Robert Richardson has been based at the store for an impressive 27 years, the store first partnered with S&W Wholesale five years ago. When asked about his move to the Nearby brand, Richardson explains that product pricing was a major factor behind his decision, as he was eager to provide the best value possible to his customers. Great support from Nearby’s parent company S&W Wholesale and a strong package reinforced his decision that partnering with the Nearby brand was a smart move.

an estimated €140,000-€150,000, reflecting a commitment to providing a modern shopping experience for the community and fitting in with Nearby’s ethos to drive sustainability forwards within the entire business.

Renovations and renewal

Staffing

With the change came a significant overhaul of the store’s infrastructure. Renovations included new refrigeration units, upgraded shelving, and the implementation of energy-efficient LED lighting. The total cost of this transformative process amounted to

The team extends beyond professional roles; they all share a close bond with a total of six members, including Robert and his wife. It’s clear from our conversation that there is a strong sense of community in place within the store. Richardson also highlights

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Sales growth

their dedication to accommodating individual needs, exemplified by a long-term staff member Evelina who transitioned to a part-time role after having a child.

“She’s there for 30 hours a week, and we gave those hours to accommodate her needs,” he explains; expressing a commitment to flexibility and understanding and showcasing the store’s supportive approach towards its team members.

Alongside Evelina, two of Richardson’s nieces also work at the store alongside another female part-time colleague. Despite the team’s diversity in age and background, Richardson’s Nearby ensures a nurturing

“Sales would have grown, yes, most definitely,” affirms Richardson.“The biggest part of the shop would be our own meat counter.” At Richardson’s Nearby, the team take pride in sourcing all their beef and lamb from their family farm, ensuring a quality and personalised touch.

This commitment extends to sourcing chickens and pigs locally, a practice that resonates well with their customers. Despite the challenges brought about by Covid, the store managed to retain 90% of its customer base, showcasing resilience and customer loyalty during challenging times.

With a tight-knit team of six, friendly customer service is a must at Richardson’s Nearby

STORE PROFILE

19

environment, where younger members, often juggling college and school, find a space to thrive. The part-time staff, typically joining during the summertime, work during the evenings.

Upholding morale As the owner and retailer, Richardson believes fostering a positive and collaborative work environment is paramount.“We share a strong work ethic and each person works together; you help each other out,” he says. At Richardson’s Nearby, the ethos revolves around a shared commitment.“We’re all on the same level in the shop working together,” he adds. This shared atmosphere not only boosts morale but creates a workplace culture where every team member feels valued and contributes to the overall success of the store.

Sourcing local The commitment to sourcing local produce is a fundamental aspect of Richardson’s business philosophy.“We would be buying our fruit and veg and eggs locally,” he says. This emphasis on local procurement extends beyond fruit and vegetables to include the sourcing of cattle from nearby farmers for their in-house feeding.“We would be buying cattle off local farmers for feeding for ourselves,” notes Richardson, to support local agriculture. The approach ensures that a significant portion of their fresh food is sustainably sourced right from the community.

Testament to quality Richardson’s Nearby takes pride in its unique and distinguished feature — the meat counter. Indeed, the craft butcher’s tagline is extremely fitting:‘From our family farm to your family table’. As Richardson proudly notes:“We’ve won a few national awards. We’ve won food speciality awards and we’ve won an award for our sausages and burgers; gold awards for those.”

While the meat counter is the star attraction, there’s more to celebrate. The store also boasts treats crafted

by Richardson’s wife, an accomplished baker. The offerings include cheesecakes and apple tarts. The cheesecakes have many a fan within the store while the apple tart is another award winner.

Standards are paramount at Richardson’s Nearby where the team pride themselves on maintaining well stocked and neatly arranged shelves

The team at Richardson’s Nearby proudly displaying their win at the latest ShelfLife C-Store Awards, where they received a Bronze medal in the Medium-Sized Convenience Store category

In exploring the store’s proudest achievements, he outlines how Richardson’s Nearby has been recognised on a broader scale. Awards at the national level include a Bronze medal in the Medium-Sized Convenience Store category at the ShelfLife C-Store of the Year Awards 2022.

Navigating challenges Navigating the challenges of the current cost-of-living crisis, Richardson notes that the store does its best to stand out in terms of affordability and quality:“We’ve done our homework, comparing prices with larger stores and different items. We prioritise offering competitive prices while maintaining quality.”

Aside from competitive pricing, the store prioritises a welcoming and customer-friendly environment.“We have a nice clean store that’s a friendly store, and we do whatever we can to accommodate each customer,” Richardson emphasises. This commitment to both affordability and a welcoming shopping experience underscores the store’s resilience in the face of economic uncertainties.

Energy costs Dealing with the rising tide of business costs, particularly in energy, has presented significant challenges for Richardson’s Nearby. According to Richardson, the store has felt the impact, with ESB costs soaring by 45%-50%. In response to this surge, the store implemented a proactive solution by installing solar panels to alleviate some of the escalating energy expenses. While the solar panels are a relatively recent addition, their initial impact appears promising, as Richardson has noticed in his most recent bills. Despite these efforts, the broader landscape of increasing costs, spanning from the cost-of-living to product expenses and packaging, remains a challenge.

Richardson acknowledges the delicate balance required in passing on these costs to consumers while maintaining competitiveness.“You can only put so much of it on the customer because as a retailer you have to be competitive with everybody else, so it has

been very challenging and tough,” he concedes.

Nearby’s ‘Bring Home the Value’ promotions have subsequently proved vital in reinforcing customers’ perception of the strong value available across the store.

Despite economic challenges, the store’s solar panel installation demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. These were installed five months ago, and as Richardson explains, there will be“a three-to-fouryear payback time” on their installation. The extended payback period is part of their strategy to deal with rising business expenses.

Adapting amidst uncertainty Despite the challenges posed by rising business costs, Richardson is firmly focused on the importance of remaining resilient throughout the coming years when the cost-of-living crisis is expected to continue, noting: “We just have to try and ride the storm!”

Nevertheless, with a clear strategy of offering quality, local (and award-winning to boot!) produce, Nearby Newtowngore is certain to continue to build a name for itself within fresh produce – much to the delight of its local custom base! ■

The Richardsons’ craft butchery is a unique selling point for their store, with the fitting tagline, ‘From our family farm to your family table’

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

20 FEATURE

Reforms in the proposed new Planning and Development Bill 2023 include a restructuring of An Bord Pleanála and a renaming of the organisation to An Coimisiún Pleanála

The best made plans

A new bill to overhaul the planning system is in the offing, which if enacted will hopefully lead to faster planning decisions and even savings for consumers. Fionnuala Carolan looks at why big changes in the planning process are absolutely necessary

“We are active supporters of the Retail Planning Guidelines and actively engage in the planning process to ensure that the objectives of the Retail Planning Guidelines are upheld,” says RGDATA director general Tara Buckley

For the past thirty years or so, we have seen out of town retail parks mushroom in rural Ireland and bit by bit this has eroded small businesses from towns and villages. We have all been dismayed by the sights of boarded up and abandoned shop fronts while driving through rural areas, only to be met with a huge retail park on the outskirts of the town. It’s no secret about the detrimental effect this has on a

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

community and on the livelihoods of those in the area. However, there are two sides of every coin and these supermarkets have also brought with them convenience and value to time-poor customers.

If these retailers built within the town environs, they could encourage shoppers back to town centres and make it viable for smaller niche businesses to also get a slice of the pie.

Tara Buckley, director general of RGDATA thinks that “some retailers seem intent to push outdated formats and stores on the edge of towns which suck trade from town centres and damage the vitality and viability of town centres”.

Planning reforms The planning laws have long been an issue for both commercial and residential projects but finally in early October, the government announced approval by Cabinet of the new Planning and Development Bill 2023, a review of the planning system. If enacted, the government claims this will bring greater consistency to how planning decisions are made.

Reforms in the proposed legislation include a restructuring of An Bord Pleanála and a

renaming of the organisation to An Coimisiún Pleanála, as well as a new ten-year development plan for local authorities and mandatory timelines for decision-making.

The bill, which is to be published in full in the coming weeks, represents the largest shake-up of the planning system in Ireland for more than two decades.

Announcing Cabinet approval for the new bill, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar explains why it is so badly needed. “We need faster planning decisions, more timely judicial reviews and fewer of them.

It’s currently taking far too long for applications to get through the system and it’s in all our interests to make sure the planning system is resourced properly. The Planning and Development Bill will bring more certainty and consistency to the planning process, and also make it more coherent and user-friendly.

We have much to do – from housing, to renewable energy, to regional development – and this legislation will be a real step change. So, let’s get it done.”

So why are there such long delays in planning applications from An Bord Pleanála? Earlier this year, Eoin Burke-Kennedy

wrote in The Irish Times about An Bord Pleanála’s dire staffing levels, with at one point just 10 board members. While there are currently 15 board members and 70 inspectors, this hasn’t always been the case. In 2020, it had just 56 inspectors.

Speaking at a conference on housing earlier this year, the chief executive of Glenveagh Properties, Stephen Garvey, noted that An Bord Pleanála had just 70 inspectors and 15 board members with which to regulate the entire planning system here compared with the Central Bank which has 1,100 staff to regulate the financial system. That certainly puts things into perspective.

Report by Aldi There has been endless frustration in the retail industry due to the length of time it takes for planning decisions to be made with projects being held up for months on end while waiting on the outcomes of appeals. A report published last month by DCU’s Anthony Foley and commissioned

by Aldi highlights the fact that An Bord Pleanála has a statutory deadline of 18-weeks to reach a decision. However, over the period analysed in this report, Aldi has

FEATURE

experienced delays of up to 91 weeks in excess of this deadline.

The report also looks at the consumer and wider economic impacts of delays by An Bord Pleanála deciding on third-party appeals of Aldi’s planning applications over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022.

The report titled ‘The Financial Impact of Ireland’s Planning System Delays on Irish Consumers’ details that of the 16 appeals of Aldi planning applications made to An Bord Pleanála over the five-year period, 13 experienced decision delays resulting in total savings forgone to consumers of almost €10 million.

Colin Breslin, managing director, buying and services, Aldi Ireland commenting on the report says: “Unfortunately, this report also demonstrates that our planning system is one of the biggest obstacles we face in delivering stores within convenient reach of every household in Ireland. 91 weeks to wait for a planning decision simply is not acceptable, and the cost for hard-pressed Irish consumers is clear to see.”

While he acknowledges that progress is being made in the overhaul of An Bord Pleanála and the need for the organisation to get an injection of additional resources, Aldi has devised a detailed set of recommendations for government and legislators to consider and primary among these is the need to ensure that an enhanced Bord Pleanála is comprehensively staffed.

RGDATA’s response While everyone would surely be in favour of a better staffed organisation, Tara Buckley, director general of RGDATA, raises some further points.

According to Buckley: “The genuine local community retailers that RGDATA represents should probably be flattered by the report’s attempts to describe a big multinational player as ‘the community supermarket’.”

Aldi has repeatedly emphasised its high pay rate and its investment in Irish suppliers, including that it currently stocks over 1,800 products and works with over 330 Irish suppliers and has invested more than €5,500,000 in its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme since 2018. Buckley is nevertheless adamant that “the biggest local supporters, community sponsors, local employment providers and supporters of Irish producers and suppliers are the genuine local community shop”.

She goes on to say: “Otherwise the report is essentially a moan

about the delays associated with An Bord Pleanala. That might be fair enough, but what is missing from the report is any discussion around the steps that the group could take themselves to avoid ending up with planning applications being appealed. A simple step they could take would be to design their developments to comply with Irish planning law and the Retail Planning Guidelines, rather than consistently pushing for developments that are out of town, edge of town or otherwise unconnected to existing town centre areas,” she argues.

the Climate Action Plan. RGDATA also makes observations on specific planning applications where it appears that the developer is proposing a development which is not consistent with the retail planning guidelines.”

It would seem like a lot of the planning objections made by RGDATA are against Lidl and Aldi but Buckley says that this is not the case and that observations are made in respect of particular retail

21

development proposals rather than directed at any specific operator or developer. “If a proposed retail development is inconsistent with the retail planning guidelines and not in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development, then RGDATA will lodge an observation. If a developer proposes a retail development which is consistent with the retail planning guidelines, then RGDATA does not take part in the planning process. The problem is that some retailers seem intent to push outdated formats and stores on the edge of towns which will suck trade from town centres and damage the vitality and viability of town centres. Stores which have such harmful impacts and which do not comply with the retail planning guidelines will attract observations from RGDATA.” Buckley says that RGDATA is a strong supporter of a well organised and resourced planning system and will examine all areas of the new planning bill once it’s published. “We welcome any measure that will reduce delays in the planning system and ensure greater consistency in the application of national guidance across all local authorities.” ■

Keeping business in towns RGDATA is understandably a staunch supporter of maintaining business in towns and it engages and monitors retail planning submissions to curtail many of the out-of-town plans put forward by the supermarkets.

Buckley says that RGDATA has a strong commitment to sustainable retail planning with an emphasis on vibrant town centres, walkable communities and selfsufficient small towns and villages.

“We are active supporters of the Retail Planning Guidelines and actively engage in the planning process to ensure that the objectives of the Retail Planning Guidelines are upheld,” she says.

“RGDATA makes submissions on Town Centre First; national and local development plans and RGDATA has been represented on various government advisory groups on national planning and Town Centre First,” she explains.

“We monitor retail planning and we make submissions concerning the draft development plans for local authorities to ensure that policies concerning town centres and retail strategies comply with the retail planning guidelines and

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

DIAGEO Carry Put Store of the Year, Heffernan’s Carry Out Tipperary Town

Growing Together

Awards aplenty for Barry Group in the Marble City Barry Group recently held their Conference and Awards in Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, the first occurrence of this event since the pandemic.

The theme for this year’s event tied into the company’s purpose ‘Growing Together’. “We truly believe in the power of partnership and believe for success to be achieved; we must go on the journey collectively”, shared Jim Barry, Managing Director.

“Therefore, to fuel this growth, we brought together our customers, suppliers and the Barry Group team with the aim of creating an event that equipped our retailers with the relevant and actionable information to elevate their business to new levels of success.” The Barry Group Conference was headlined by Sharon Yourell Lawlor who presented on how

to engage customers and maximise sales while also featuring speakers on multiple topics including DRS, branding, training and development, and sustainability. Additionally, Barry Group were thankful to have their event sponsors, Britvic, Diageo and Mondelez speak at the event and share how they too were aiding retailers to soar towards retail excellence.

A key highlight of the conference was the introduction of the rebrand of Barry Group’s brand portfolio as presented by Alan Cronin, Marketing Manager, a key element of the Group’s commitment to growth as they aim to double their turnover in the next five years. “As we enter this new era in the history of our business which will be landmarked

Carry Out South East Regional Winner, Downey’s Carry Our Barrack St.

Carry Out South East Regional Winner, Reynold’s Carry Out Clongriffin

Suntory Costcutter Store of the Year, Durkin’s Costcutter Baile na hAbhann

Arytza Costcutter Best Bakery Award, Tierney’s Costcutter Tulla Road, Candy’s Costcutter Carnew, Doherty’s Costcutter Carndonagh

Costcutter Stores 3,501 sq. ft + Award, Doherty’s Costcutter Carndonagh

Costcutter Best Impulse Offering, Costcutter Windy Arbour

Costcutter Forecourt of the Year, O’Brien’s Costcutter Bandon Road

Costcutter Stores up to 2,500 sq. ft Award Durkin’s Costcutter Baile na hAbhann

Arytza Costcutter Deli Award, Costcutter Burges Cross

Costcutter Best Full Off Licence, Doherty’s Costcutter Carndonagh

by growth and acceleration, we wanted to ensure that our brands were in line and represented this plan. Therefore, we engaged with multiple design partners to work with us in developing the future of not only Costcutter and Carry Out, but Barry Group also”, shared Cronin. The new visual identities for their symbol groups, Costcutter and Carry Out, are also accompanied by new store specs which aim to further enhance the instore customer experience.

Following the conference, the Barry Group Awards celebrated the high standards within the group across Costcutter, Carry Out and the businesses valued supply partners.

“We feel that when an effort is made, credit is due”, shared Edwina Lucey, Sales Director. “The purpose of our Barry Group awards is to recognise the stores and retailers that excel across all areas of performance, ensuring a customer centric superior offering. Additionally, we

also celebrate the suppliers who are committed to aiding our customers on this journey through their commitment to our business and their fantastic service level. This is an event that I always enjoy, it is fantastic to see so many of our partners being recognised for their commitment to excellence”.

Deservingly winning the overall Costcutter Store of the Year award, Durkin’s Costcutter Bailen a hAbhann, Galway represent the very best in the

Costcutter retail group. The award is a true testament to the hard work and vision of a passionate and dedicated team. Continuing the celebrations, Heffernan’s Carry Out, Tipperary Town were awarded Carry Out Store of the Year and were worthy recipients due to their impeccable service offering and continuous dedication to enhancing customer experience.

The Barry Group Supplier of the Year Awards saw an introduction of a new category, Sustainable Supplier of the Year which was won by Britvic on the night. “While we are committed to our Sustainability Strategy, we acknowledge that we cannot create a sustainable future alone, it requires collaboration”, said Holly Barry, Brand Strategist. “Therefore, this year we have introduced a new award category for our suppliers that recognises a supplier who has a continuous focus on sustainable innovation to help make a difference to our planet”. While there were many worthy winners across multiple categories, the coveted Supplier of the Year was awarded to Diageo in recognition of their high level of service and their ongoing collaboration to ensure that Barry Group customers have a premium service offering.

Best Chill & Fresh Supplier, K&K Produce

Best Alcohol Supplier, DIAGEO

Supplier of the Year, DIAGEO

Best Ambient Supplier, Mondelez

Sustainable Supplier of the Year, BRITVIC

Best Innovation from a Supplier, Suntory for Lucozade Sport Zero

Best Chill, Fresh & Frozen Central Billing Supplier, Birds Eye

IDL Carry Out Best Spirit Store, Fleming’s Carry Out Muckross Road

Carry Out Own Label Champion, McCarthy’s Carry Out, St. John’s Square

Carry Out North West Region Winner, Heffernan’s Carry Out Tipperary Town Carry Out Best Ambient Central Billing Supplier, Tayto Snacks Findlater Carry Out Best Wine Store, Carry Out Kilcullen

Molson Coors Carry Out Best Beer Store, O’ Brien’s Carry Out Tyrrelstown

IDL Carry Out Best Whiskey Store, Fleming’s Carry Out Tralee Road

26 ADVISOR: RECRUITMENT

A love letter to the grocery retail industry With limitless opportunities for progression, and countless new things to learn, a career in retail is much more than just ‘a job in a shop’.

Here, Excel Recruitment’s Nikki Murran reflects on the numerous advantages afforded by a role in Ireland’s grocery retail industry

Retail jobs can get bad press and often do. It is an industry filled with hard-working employees, some on minimum wage, dealing in overwhelmingly busy stores and with an unpredictable public.

However, this past month I have been asking retailers, and past retailers who now work on my team – what do you love about the industry? It’s been inspiring hearing about their stories and their passion for the industry.

So, it prompted me to compile this list for anyone thinking of turning their part-time retail job into a fullscale career. Or indeed any store owners looking to convince their staff to take that leap with them.

Career kickstart There are few other industries that will allow you to join with no experience, no further education and measure you solely on your ability and work ethic. Nearly every retailer, at every level I speak to, started their retail career during school, they enjoyed it, did well, and progressed. Not through their exam results or who they knew.

Rather, based on how well they worked. Just because you are not a straight-A student does not mean you won’t be a straight-A retailer!

Learning life-long skills Dealing with customer complaints, handling money, learning about ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

food safety or manual handling skills – regardless of your role in retail you will learn so many skills which will stand to you in every aspect of your life!

Teammates Nothing brings people together more than working alongside each other toward a common goal. In every store in the country, you will find passionate, hard-working, dedicated teams of people. Usually, people who are warm, caring and outgoing, as this goes hand in hand with dealing with customers successfully, day after day and indeed year after year. In every store I have ever worked in, I have been overwhelmed by the talent and dedication of the teams I have worked alongside.

I met so many people from outside my usual social circle, people from all walks of life, all nationalities, and all age ranges. It was always one of the best parts about working in retail as I got to understand so many different cultures and meet and build friendships with such a diverse group of fabulous people.

The customers To be fair, this can sometimes be the biggest challenge, but often, it is one of the biggest rewards. I started

my retail career in a local convenience store, in a quiet area, with an aging population. The boss said to me on my first day – “remember, for some of these customers you may be the only person they speak with today.” That stuck with me for the next decade while I worked in retail, and I gained so much from spending an extra moment or two with each customer who was looking for a connection. Not only did it help me to develop empathy, but it brought me so much joy, laughter, and genuine pleasure.

Building confidence Retail is the ultimate confidence builder. Working in retail gives you so many opportunities to excel in various tasks. From merchandising a section in the store, to helping a customer, achieving a sales target, or just knowing you have done a solid day’s work. People who have

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

spent time in retail build a level of confidence that is difficult to replicate!

Something for everyone The retail industry really does have something for everyone! Do you like physical work? Why not try out a pack-out manager job? Great with numbers? Stock control manager! Do you love people? In store HR manager might be for you. A true foodie? Fresh food manager it is! Do you love chatting with new people? Checkout supervisor may be your calling! Or perhaps you love doing a little of everything? Convenience management is for you so! There are endless possibilities, and most retailers will support their staff to find the right fit for them. Most managers work their way through many departments before they progress to store manager. If you

ADVISOR: RECRUITMENT

are not sure what’s right for you, find a good recruitment agency who will help you pinpoint your retail talents! (ahem).

Community Many of the stores throughout Ireland are deeply embedded in their community. They often support local charities, sponsor the local GAA team, and provide spot prizes for the local school’s annual raffle. It’s a wonderful feeling being involved in your community and being part of your local retail team is a surefire way to make that happen!

Work-life balance Retail employment can get a bad name when it comes to work life balance. But, in the past number of years, most retailers have reduced their contracted hours, and many others offer much more flexibility.

Because stores open longer than the usual 9-5, most retailers are finding that they can navigate their personal life, be it childcare or

“Many retailers work morning shifts and are home in time for training, whilst others drop the kids to school in plenty of time to make the start of their shift. Retail can be whatever you make it and with so many retail employers open to flexibility, it really is a great fit for many!” sports, with just a little flexibility from their employer. Many retailers work morning shifts and are home in time for training, whilst others drop the kids to school in plenty of time to make the start of their shift. Retail can be whatever you make it and with so many retail employers open to flexibility, it really is a great fit for many!

Ownership Regardless of how long you have worked in retail, for those who ask they will nearly always be given the opportunity for growth and ownership. Grocery stores work best when the teams running them each take responsibility for their

own section, area, department or just the flower stand! You don’t need to wait – as soon as you feel ready you can be sure any request for more will be met with enthusiasm and support from your manager!

Fabulous Irish product You only have to look around any of the grocery stores here to see how most embrace beautiful local Irish products and help small businesses bring them to wider markets. For those with a passion for food, working in this space gives a lovely opportunity to work with some amazing brands and fabulous products.

Limitless progression You can start your retail career as a sales assistant or trainee and steadily climb the ranks to store manager, regional manager, or fresh food area manager to name but a few. In fact, most of the senior retailers in the country started as sales assistants. Many retailers will help you through college, others offer outstanding training programs, in everything from HR to food safety, while others still will offer apprenticeships in butchery and baking. The sky really is the limit and for those willing to work hard and learn, your career path really is in your hands! ■

27

28 INTERVIEW

Achieving together Following a successful Retail Conference at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, Co. Clare entitled ‘Achieving Together’, Londis sales director Conor Hayes sat down with Gillian Hamill at BWG House to set out the key elements and innovations contained within the Londis brand’s ambitious new strategy to 2026

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Nothing has been left to chance within the fine detail of Londis’ ambitious new‘Achieving Together’ strategy to 2026. Within just minutes of sitting down with Londis sales director Conor Hayes in his office at BWG House for our Monday morning interview, it becomes apparent that despite the strategy’s huge level of detail - featuring “18 work streams that stem from four focus areas” that a straight-forward, practical approach is the impetus behind this retailer-centered plan.

Londis’ previous strategy published in late 2019 was naturally quickly impacted by the Covid pandemic, which stalled several key elements within that plan. Six months before the publication of the new Achieving Together strategy, the Londis team evaluated which of these elements were still relevant and potentially valuable. Combining this with EPOS data and analysis, they started pulling all the various strands of their research together to create a cohesive, comprehensive vision.

INTERVIEW 29

Strengthening profitability “One of the biggest things that came out of that was that we need to help retailers with their profitability to make sure they’re as profitable as they can possibly be,” says Hayes.

“Sometimes strategy can be a lot of big words and a lot of detail, but that was the overarching objective, to strengthen our retailers’ profitability and to focus on that.”

Meeting with retailers for profitability workshops will be an important part of achieving this goal. Explaining the mechanics behind the advice that will be offered to all Londis retailers, Hayes explains:“We have detailed information for all our stores: all their EPOS data has been analysed and we’ve gone through it in detail to say what the consumers are using the store for. Specifically, who’s going into your store, what are they buying, is the store set up for that consumer’s shopper mission and is the shop set up right to maximize sales from that consumer.”

The ‘shopper mission’ within each store was updated postpandemic.“The pandemic would have changed the dynamic of how people are using the shops,” says Hayes, explaining more about why Londis decided to hold their retailer profitability workshops based on the shopper mission operating within each store.“For example, if you’re an‘eat and treat’ [foodservice-centered] store, we’ve grouped all those stores together. We’re going to go through their cost bases and see what money goes out; we benchmark that across all the other stores. We will look at our Affinity Schemes to make sure that if we can do it cheaper, we will do so.” Hayes is confident this will yield noteworthy results based on prior success.“Every time we’ve done these in the past, we’ve saved retailers money, without a doubt, because busy retailers can miss that level of detail or they can miss something that they think they have a good deal on already but if another retailer has a better deal, we share that information and they can save money that way.”

“I called it out at the end of our conference; I want every retailer to be as profitable as possible,” Hayes reaffirms.

“There’s work in that; that sounds like a statement of grandeur but it’s not. We know the stores that we have to target and work with on an individual basis. We know the level of detail involved because we’ve started the work already.”

Ensuring store standards Store standards are another critical part of the strategy.“We want all of our stores to be of a similar standard, so we have upweighted our standards programme,” says Hayes.“This year, we did over 360 audits in our stores, and we overindexed at the ShelfLife C-Store Awards. As well as conducting internal and external audits again for all Londis stores, Hayes highlights the comprehensive nature of the brand’s food safety standards.“We have the BWG Retail Food Safety Standard, and we’ve partnered with LRQA on that so that’s a very stringent audit.” Showing ShelfLife the hefty weight of a physical copy of this document, Hayes notes: “As you can see, it’s a huge audit and this is our first year with it. BWG paid for it for our retailers. It’s a significant cost, but we believe it is so important that we get it right, for our retailers and ultimately for their customers. We will continue to pay for it as long as we’re making progress, and all retailers engage and participate.”

If retailers pass this rigorous in-house food safety standard, they can be fully confident in their store’s credentials, says Hayes.“If you pass this, you will pass anything, anywhere in the world, because even the EHOs will tell you that this is one of the most stringent audits that they’ve ever seen, so it’s great for retailers to make sure that everything is right.”

concrete tile and new more modern internal signage, as well as a new pink background colour for the bakery.“I know that sounds scary,” laughs Hayes,“but it’s a very light pink. It’s very subtle but it’s just to differentiate the bakery option versus the rest of the store.” The Bia Blás deli concept has been retained due to the positive feedback and research it has generated, albeit changed slightly, alongside an updated off-licence and more clearly highlighted promotions. Londis’ food innovation workshops also allow retailers and their staff to both taste and see how mouth-watering new creations can be created in their own stores.

Own brand growth

Londis Racecourse Foodhall in Castleknock, Dublin showcases the latest Londis store design

“It’s vitally important because you can give stuff away for free, but if a shop is not up to standard, consumers won’t come in, so it’s not all about price. It’s about the look, the feel, the cleanliness, the atmosphere, how the shop is laid out. That’s critical for the consumer because we’ve such a great choice in Ireland of retail, we’re the number one in the world in retail I believe, so retailers have to be spot on with their store standards.”

Subtle store enhancements Speaking of getting a store spot on, as part of the new strategy, Londis also launched its new store design, which is showcased in the Racecourse Foodhall in Castleknock, Dublin.“It’s a fabulous store, Jonathan Gillan runs it, and it’s magnificent,” says Hayes.“His store is now a third bigger again and he’s done it from front to back; there’s been an amazing job done on it.”

The new store design focuses on“subtle enhancements” instead of radical changes to a look and feel that was already working well.“We weren’t going to rip it up and start again,” concedes Hayes,“because it wasn’t the right thing to do as we’re still very much growing, and the feedback we have is that the store look and feel is very good.” The changes include a

“We’re also going to do some work around our house brand and own brand ranges,” Hayes continues.“That’s high on the consumer agenda and it’s high on our agenda. We need to be able to maximise that, so we’re going to make sure we can get the range into every store we have.”

Volume is very much the name of the game when it comes to own brand success.“We’ve always boxed above our weight in this area but it’s getting more challenging with the price of packaging and the cost of transport, so it’s great to be a part of BWG where you have house brands,” says Hayes. For example, BWG offers the quality, Bord-Bia approved Irish meat brand, Inishella.“As part of BWG, we can use the house brands to supplement our own brand range and there’s some great plans around that.” As yet, Hayes says these plans are still“in their infancy”, but no doubt there will be more to report on this topic in the not-too-distant future.“Between own brand and house brands, we would have over 600 lines,” Hayes continues.

Home meal replacement (HMR) is now a major category within convenience. Londis offers both BWG’s ‘Fresh Choice’ range of meals and a number of other options on central billing.“HMR is a category that’s growing and growing,” says Hayes,“because of its popularity with elderly people and time sensitive shoppers, who just want to pop something in the microwave”. Reflecting on the evolution of the sector, Hayes notes that it’s a far cry from the days when Pot Noodle was the only option, with everything from curries to full carvery dinners now available.

‘Hire to Retire’ solution It's clear that both Londis and the wider BWG Foods have put in the work to deliver the ranges that shoppers want,

The Londis Retailer Conference held at Spanish Point, Co. Clare was a fantastic opportunity for the BWG team to catch up socially with Londis retailers

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

30 INTERVIEW

Londis has updated its sleek and modern store design with “subtle enhancements” that draw on the brand’s strengths

giving them a compelling reason to repeatedly visit Londis stores. However, one area which some retailers are finding increasingly outside of their control in today’s challenging labour market, is finding the right staff to serve that custom base. In this regard, Hayes believes that BWG has the answer with its“state-of the-art” solution,‘Hire to Retire’ (H2R).

“We can help a retailer hire somebody, but that’s not all. In the‘Hire to Retire’ portal, they can go directly on to Indeed, and the process brings them the whole way through to the interview.” Hayes explains that the solution sorts through applicants’ CVs, removes the ones that aren’t relevant, and gives the retailer a shortlist of people to interview.“Once they interview them, we take over then,” says Hayes, providing new staff with the induction schedule and training, as well as highlighting any training issues prior to the staff member starting. Check-in, rosters, time in attendance, holiday rosters and payroll are all taken care of by the Hire to Retire programme, which also provides an exit interview if a staff member does leave.“The retailer effectively has very little to do and it takes all of the pressure off them,” says Hayes, with all the information stored centrally in the cloud.

Game-changing IT Hayes is also upbeat about the group’s new IT innovation, ShoplinkPOS, describing it as“a game changer for retailers.

The system is linked to their EPOS systems so it’s integrating their stock and margin, cash control, security, finance, and all the necessary compliance technologies.” A multitude of services are included such as“a one-click promotion activation”, communication, automated invoices, and matching analytics and benchmarks. This is all presented on a dashboard,“so a retailer can go in and see his or her whole business performance on one screen. And it won’t just automate existing processes, it has a huge level of functionality that we’ve never had before,” Hayes continues.“The good news is it’s not something that will be here in 12 or 18 months, it’s ready to go; it’s on trial in stores around the country.”

He goes on to explain that BWG has a retailer group with 16 retailers from across all its brands who give input into the development of the system.“Before each next stage of development, if retailers don’t like something, they can give us that feedback. We listen to that and understand their reasons, and we can either change it or say, no, this is the reason why we’re keeping it. Then in the next stage of development, we can look at what they want to do.”

A trusted Irish brand While it’s all steam ahead for cutting-edge progress within the IT department, the traditional strength of the Londis brand nevertheless still forms the backbone of its vision for the future.“There’s a huge trust element involved there,” says Hayes, who benefits from over 150 years of combined ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Londis special offers are clearly highlighted in-store

experience on his own team.“The Londis brand is seen as a trusted, value brand, and our demographic has changed,” Hayes explains.“We’re getting a younger and younger demographic as the years come along which is great. The marketing team have done a great job of engaging with those shoppers.” Specifically, the brand’s sponsorships of Hell and Back and Ireland’s Fittest Family have proved instrumental in this regard. “For our next advertising campaign, we’re looking at using all mediums, for the young and old,” Hayes continues.

“Am I a Tik Tok fan? No, it’s probably a bit beyond me but it’s great to be engaged with it,” he laughs, promptly dismissing our suggestions that he might be tempted to appear in a choreographed dance routine!“Families aren’t sitting down together to watch Coronation Street like they did when I was young, that doesn’t happen anymore,” he reflects.“It’s all on the Player, Rewind,YouTube, computers, phones. We will still be on mainstream TV, but we also have to look at all the other areas where people are engaging.” On this front, Londis introduced its‘Socio Local’ solution at its conference last year, which provides all the images and content for retailers to post on their social media platforms. They can therefore be confident they are posting professional material, while still being able to“put their own twist”on their posts if they so wish.

Interaction is vital Indeed, humour has consistently been at the centre of Londis’ marketing. This approach has worked well in terms of generating impressive social media views and a haul of wellregarded marketing awards for the brand.“We’re looking at that again for the next campaign,” says Hayes.“I think it tells the story of Londis; we work hard but we are good craic at the same time.We want to engage and have a bit of fun and I think that’s important. That’s what brings people back, it’s that social interaction in the store. Particularly for elderly people, that could be the only person that they speak to that day.”

Interaction with his retailers is also vital for Hayes. In fact, he goes so far as to describe the recent Londis Retailer Conference as the best day in his career to date.“God was looking out for me,” he laughs. Following the conference event led by MC Des Cahill, they decided to hold a barbecue at the Armada Hotel at Spanish Point in Co. Clare – a“risky” choice weather-wise!“We had a tent, and it was 28 degrees at 9 o’clock at night. Just to see 200 people sitting on the beach, having a beer, I just said to myself,‘it doesn’t get much better than this’ because absolutely, the weather made it, but the atmosphere was fantastic. I had BWG’s chief commercial officer, chief financial officer, chief operations officer, chief marketing and communications officer, and chief people person, all sitting at different tables having the craic with retailers with everybody talking to each other like human beings, it was fantastic. It’ll be hard to beat it!”

The Bia Blás deli concept at Londis has received positive feedback from shoppers and retailers

Future progress This positive momentum has been mirrored by the group’s ten new stores brought on-stream in the past 12 months, right the way“from Buncrana in Donegal to Dooagh in Kerry”. The Londis brand’s rural-based network of stores “absolutely performed out of their skin during the pandemic,” says Hayes, a success which he attributes in no small measure to his retailers’ bravery, resilience and adaptability.“The city stores have come back, not to the same level, but they’re on the way,” he adds. Despite the Londis brand’s strong rural presence across the country, when questioned about the brand’s continued city centre presence, Hayes is quick to emphasise its similarly healthy state, pointing to recently opened stores in Golden Lane in Dublin, Galway and Limerick as evidence of a robust urban portfolio.

Despite the brand’s positive outlook, Hayes believes government needs to be more cognisant of the pressures faced by independent retailers.“100%, they need to see things from the retailer’s mindset. While the Deposit Return Scheme is a positive step and one that we are absolutely supportive of, it is coming at significant cost to our independent retailers. This legislation has a direct impact on retailer profitability as it will be some time before an independent operator can recoup the initial outlay they must shoulder by installing the RVM equipment. It is something that government needs to be cognisant of, particularly in the case of the smaller independent operators. The government needs to get it right and see how measures will affect our retailers. If you start to dilute that [independent retail] and make that too hard, we could see retailers leave the industry. The independent retailer on the ground is the lifeblood of Ireland’s retailing and must be protected and supported.” ■

Londis is continuing its successful sponsorship of ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’ on RTÉ 1

Local Stores, Local Communities, National Impact

ing sor mily n o p Fa ly s ttest d u i Pro d’s F lan Ire

We want you to be a part of this journey, so contact Sean Lavin to learn more about Londis and our new era of retail.

SHOPPER FIRST APPROACH

OUR PEOPLE AT OUR CORE

RETAILER PROFITABILITY

DRIVING INNOVATION

SEAN LAVIN

www.londis.ie

HEAD OF SALES TEL: 086 254 1230 EMAIL: slavin@bwg.ie

32

ADVISOR: HR

Evaluating end-of-year performance An effective end-of-year performance review which facilitates an open, twoway conversation between both staff and management can help drive major business progress. Here, The HR Suite’s Caroline Reidy outlines how to get the most from the process

As the end of the year approaches, it is important that employers put steps in place to review performance.

The review process benefits staff, management and the business as it enables a transparent two-way communication process for both parties. It allows both parties an equal opportunity to discuss the role, their performance, objectives and future goals of the employee and the business. In conducting this meeting, it will also provide an understanding of how remote working may have negatively or positively impacted employee performance.

Prior to the meeting The manager conducting the performance review should inform the employee in advance that they will be doing a review with them approximately one week before the meeting. The employee should be given the appropriate template documentation by the manager, and before the meeting, they should be asked to write a review of their own performance. Prior to the meeting, the manager should evaluate the performance as well; this will allow for an authentic reflection of performance from both parties. This allows for the manager to conduct the meeting in a timely manner and with sufficient preparation, resulting in a meeting that is clear and succinct.

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

During the meeting During the performance meeting, it is important that both sides be fair and honest in their feedback and there must be an open line of communication between them. This method of meeting management enables impartial and cogent understanding on both sides.

By assessing the form, it enables a direct comparison between how the employee views certain aspects of their performance and how the management views it in the same areas. It’s crucial that the manager employs the following aspects in order to successfully conduct an end-of-year performance meeting and allow for constructive criticism: • Review past performance and focus on the future – In conducting the meeting, it is

important that performance is reviewed from both the business and the employee’s perspective. However, the focus of the meeting should be largely focused on the future and how future success can be achieved.

• Actively listening – When conducting an end of year performance review, it is important that the manager conducting the meeting is actively listening to what the employee is saying. In conducting the meeting, it also enables the manager to gauge the body language, help people to clarify or respond, and expand on the conversation to enhance the conversation and the feedback.

• Asking the right questions – It is important when conducting a performance meeting that the manager knows when to use open ended or closed questions and acknowledge when an answer can be probed further to encourage the employee to elaborate on their own feelings, experiences or views relating to this.

• Constructive feedback – In conducting the performance meeting in the correct manner, it allows for the meeting to be focused objectively on evidence and actual examples rather than be based on a subjective opinion.

Supporting this culture allows for reinforcement of achievement and enables past performance to be reviewed.

• End the conversation with agreed upon next steps - It is important that any required follow-up meeting is arranged or an estimated time as to when the next meeting will be. This

“The focus of the meeting should be largely focused on the future and how future success can be achieved,” writes Caroline Reidy

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.

provides clarity for the employee and highlights to the employee that what was discussed will be followed up on.

After the meeting The key points from the meeting should be documented, including the objectives that were discussed and decided upon and should be agreed by both parties at the meeting. A copy of the notes should be given to the employee and a copy kept on their employee file. Having this paper trail acts as a guide when measuring how performance is aligning with the business and personal goals at the next performance meeting. Having the paper trail allows for clear identification at the next meeting as to where improvements have occurred or where they are required in the future.

Clear perspective The business and the employee both benefit from doing an end-ofyear performance review; doing so can boost motivation, performance, and loyalty to the company. These reviews also guarantee openness regarding the company’s goals for the upcoming year and how each employee can contribute to them.

End-of-year performance reviews are key for all employees. Having this meeting promotes engagement and gives all employees a clear perspective and agenda of the business goals, regardless of where they are working from. ■

Lee’s • Charleville

34 ADVISOR: MARKETING

Balancing short and long-term objectivities With new research showing that marketers are becoming more short-term in focus, marketing expert Colin Gordon highlights the importance of balancing this with keeping an organisation’s long-term goals firmly in sight COLIN GORDON In a detailed research survey which I recently commissioned into how marketing is seen and functioning in Ireland right now, it’s evident that marketers are becoming more short term in focus. They are using promotions more than before and seeing a reduction in their amount of training - if marketers were accountants or therapists training would be called CPD (continuous professional development). While the full extent of the research is currently being interpreted and interrogated, this set of results on their own are somewhat worrying.

It’s understandable in a highly dynamic marketplace with high inflation and a nervous consumer base to see organisations react by driving promotions (to deliver perceived value improvements, presumably) and this is by definition, a short-term focus. It’s also easy to see how a busy marketer could decide to ditch training in order to focus on the packed workload she or he has on their desk right now.

However, while there is no long term without (surviving) the short term, it’s really important to be thinking about how the organisation is going to look in the future, i.e., the long term.

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Marketing Expert

In terms of increasing the incidence of promotions at the ‘cost’ of other aspects of brand building, value is more than price; promotions can be copied; promotions can become addictive; promotions don’t build your brand’s personality.

In terms of skipping training, how is a marketer expected to learn about all the changes taking place in MarTech (marketing technology), among consumers and service agencies, in the media world, and innovative ways of judging marketing performance, e.g., return on investment versus the net promotor score (NPS) or customer effort score (CES)?

It’s important to balance the here and now with the long-term goals of the organisation and marketing is uniquely positioned to handle that balance. ■

‘Marketing is in trouble: How we got here and 10 steps to get us out’ by Colin Gordon is now available to purchase, published by Orpen Press.

To get your hands on a copy, visit the following: www.orpenpress.com www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08M9XY6HF www.amazon.com/dp/B08M9XY6HF Marketing is in trouble eBook by Colin Gordon 9781786051127. Rakuten Kobo Ireland www.kobo.com/ie/en/ebook/marketing-is-in-trouble.

“Driving promotions (to deliver perceived value improvements, presumably) is by definition, a short-term focus,” writes Colin Gordon

“While there is no long term without (surviving) the short term, it is really important to be thinking about how the organisation is going to look in the future, i.e., the long term.”

INTERVIEW

20

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH

JULIE O’HARA

brand manager, O’Hara’s of Foxford 3. Top movie recommendation?

Get Out.

10. Your favourite dish to make at home?

Penne à la vodka with bruschetta.

17. Biggest fear?

Someone not liking my penne à la vodka.

4. Top spot for a walk?

Drummin Woods, Foxford.

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

Try to fix the housing crisis.

18. City or beach break?

I’ll take any break.

5. Top book recommendation?

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

6. Which social media platform do you use most?

Instagram.

Julie O’Hara

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

Mare of Easttown.

2. Best place for coffee?

My best friends’ homes.

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

Mel Robbins. For humour, Garron Noone.

8. Best ad on telly?

All Christmas ads.

9. Favourite grocery shop?

Sean’s Deli in New York where I met my husband.

Join Ireland’s leading family-owned forecourt & convenience retailer.

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These fantastic newly refurbished Maxol forecourts offer state-of-the-art convenience experiences that include: • • • • • •

Modern internal fitout and fixtures Maxol Deli ROSA Coffee A fresh neighbourhood grocery offer New look off-licence / wine section And bags more!

If this opportunity excites you, we want to hear from you!

Download your application pack: www.maxol.ie/business-opportunity

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

Spain.

13. Greatest achievement to date?

My three children.

14. Best website? Google.

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

Definitely on-site. I love to work with our team face-to-face.

16. Best piece of advice you ever received?

This too will pass.

19. Top restaurant recommendation?

Cot and Cobble, Ballina, Co. Mayo and Pearl Brasserie, Dublin.

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

The Rolling Stones.

21. Best customer service you ever received?

The Club House, Kilkenny.

22. What’s the last compliment you received?

I just realised that I don’t get enough compliments. ■

35

Soup

Cash & Carry

Fuel

NoLo Alcohol

Irish Brands

36 CATEGORY FOCUS Irish Brands

Irish aisles are shining!

It’s clear from numerous data sources that Irish shoppers simply love Irish brands. That’s not just because homegrown heroes support jobs and in turn our economy, but because the proof is in the pudding – the quality Irish ingredients and time and care that have gone into creating these products can be tasted every time!

I

rish retailers – from the local community store to the nation’s largest multiples – are huge supporters of Irish producers. Not only do they give Irish goods vital shelf space, but often they actively work in partnership with Irish suppliers to encourage their development and drive growth for both businesses. The reasons for this are obvious for those of you who have tasted the brands displayed on these pages – often their taste credentials are genuinely superb – as testified by multiple award wins – to say nothing of their entrepreneurial genius which creates true market breakthroughs, often helping to develop brand new categories and subcategories in the process.

According to research conducted by Bibby Financial Services, 90% of Irish SMEs said they were confident about their business prospects in 2023. The 2023 Global Business Monitor, which surveys nine countries on topics such as business sentiment, opportunities and challenges, shows that Ireland and Germany, both at 90%, were the most confident nations about business prospects for the year ahead.

67% of Irish SMEs said they have experienced an increase in business over the last six months, while 18% said their performance has remained the same.

Companies in Ireland are confident this positive trend is set to continue, with 72% of Irish SMEs saying they expect their revenue to increase over the next six months, the second highest globally. 20% expect it to stay the same while 8% expect sales to decline.

The true taste of home Tayto, the number one crisps and snacks brand* is also Ireland’s number one indigenous grocery brand*. As market leader, Tayto consistently captures the nation’s hearts and tops the polls as the most missed brand by Irish expats each year**. Being a much-loved market incumbent, Tayto plays a huge role in shaping market trends and through consistent NPD, integrated through-the-line campaigns and great-tasting products, the brand remains front of consumers’ minds and top of their

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Mr. Tayto appeared on TV screens this year with a new campaign titled ‘Tayto: The True Taste of Home’

shopping lists.

Using insights citing taste as the key purchase driver for the Tayto brand**, Mr. Tayto appeared on our TV screens this year

with a new above-the-line (ATL) campaign titled ‘Tayto: The True Taste of Home’. The emotional hello and goodbye with a loved one at the airport are a feeling that Irish people know well, but Mr. Tayto knows how to truly welcome anyone home, and a packet of Tayto can be more powerful than it seems. The TV advert really resonated with Irish consumers who scored the ad 98 out of 100 on emotional connection***.

The Tayto brand remains as relevant today as when it first launched back in 1954. While NPD and fun advertising campaigns capture the nation, Mr. Tayto also keeps audiences entertained across social media and his TikTok account keeps him front of centre with the >>

Taste above all else O’Donnells is the leading hand-cooked crisp brand in Ireland, currently holding a 11.7%* value market share of the crisps category. O’Donnells is the most awarded crisp in Ireland, having amassed countless awards from expert judging panels over the past number of years, highlighting the exemplary quality of Ireland’s number one hand cooked crisp brand**.

New to the market are O’Donnells 125g Crinkle Cut Ballymaloe and 125g Crinkle Cut Sour Cream & Onion. The grooves of the furrows ploughed on the Seskin family farm are the inspiration for the O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Furrows product. The extra deep ridges capture more of the outstanding taste and flavour that O’Donnells consumers know and love. This summer, the brand celebrated the launch of the new flavours by hosting a lunch for media and content creators at Seskin Farm in Tipperary, home to the O’Donnell family.

The O’Donnells team love the earth and through its packaging reduction programme, the brand is committed to reducing its impact on the planet. O’Donnells has made significant reductions to the amount of film used in the range – it has removed 22% of film from impulse and sharing pack formats and 38% from the multipack range.

Throughout the autumn, O’Donnells is live with the ‘Taste Above All Else’ campaign, spanning video on demand (VOD), digital, social and in-store, as well as sponsoring Today FM’s number one Morning Show with Dave Moore. *(Source: Nielsen MAT Value Sales 16 July 2023, Crisps). **(Great Taste Awards, Free From Food Awards, Irish Quality Food Awards and Blas na hEireann Award).

The creation of O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Furrows was inspired by the furrows ploughed on the Seskin family farm

Ireland’s No. 1 Hand Cooked Crisp*

TASTE ABOVE ALL ELSE Source: * Nielsen MAT Value Sales 16 July 2023, Crisps.

*(Source: Nielsen Scantrack Value Sales MAT Sept 2023/Top 100 FMCG brands). **(Source: Annual Brand Preferences Amongst the Diaspora study, undertaken by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of Checkout magazine). **(Source: Red C Research 2022/2023). ***(Source: Red C TV advertising research July 23).

Authentically natural and good-for-you

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>> Gen Z audience in particular.

Tayto has plans to continue supporting campaigns ATL in the coming months and we hear we will see something very special on our screens this Christmas. We all can’t wait to see what’s in store for this iconic brand that will turn 70 next year.

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Irish Brands

38 CATEGORY FOCUS Irish Brands

All Fiid meals are made with all-natural ingredients and are high in protein and fibre making them on-trend kitchen essentials

Fiid launched on the scene in early 2019 with the aim of disrupting the ambient grocery aisles, drawing in a younger, more discerning and health-conscious shopper while making plant-forward food accessible to everyone.

Founder Shane Ryan says that consumers have really “connected” with the brand and the problem they are solving. “There is still huge demand for brands that offer authentically natural and good-for-you foods with ingredients that shoppers recognise and trust,” he says. “The need for convenience has not abated post-Covid with consumers now more than ever looking for shortcut solutions without compromising on nutrition and taste.

We’re excited to be championing on this in Ireland and beyond.”

Fiid makes a range of six quick-cook meal bowls served in a pouch. The range is 100% plant-based, made with all-natural ingredients and ready to eat in as little as 90 seconds.

Each meal is prepared by placing fresh

Rigorously vetted for quality

Fiid’s range of six quick-cook meal bowls is 100% plant-based and ready to eat in as little as 90 seconds

ingredients in Fiid’s pouch packaging, sealing it and then cooking gently to perfection in a hot water bath to extend the shelf life naturally, without additives or preservatives. In

TOP 15

IRISHNESS Satisfaction with Irishness

01 Fresh Counter Meat

01 Cream

02 Fresh Lamb

02 Fresh Beef

03 Sandwiches

03 Mushrooms

04 Fresh Beef

04 Fresh Counter Meat

05 Deli Counter Cheese

05 Spec Wrapped Bread

06 Cream

06 Eggs

07 Cream Liqueur

07 Burgers, Meatballs, R2C Meats

08 Fresh Pork

Pre-P P Everyday Cheese 08 Pre

09 Brandy/Cognac

09 Deli Counter Cheese

10 Eggs

10 Fresh Counter Fish

11 1 Fresh Counter Fish

11 1 Potatoes

12 Chilled Vegetarian Food

12 Sandwiches

13 Baby Toiletries

13 Sausages

14 Sausages

14 Rashers

15 Fresh Chicken

15 Fresh Chicken

i

Established in 2013, Hale Vaping emerged to transform Ireland’s vaping landscape. Hale’s mission is clear; help Irish smokers embrace a healthier, cost-effective alternative to cigarettes.

Hale proudly manufactures its own e-liquid locally, in Carlow; proudly Irish made and Irish owned. With 70 own-branded vape stores across the country selling the Hale range, Hale also distributes its products into the convenience, forecourt, and grocery channels.

Hale offers retailer support that extends beyond product distribution, providing personalised sales support, merchandising expertise, and efficient stock management solutions. The company’s commitment to retailers includes next-day delivery, informative point-of-sale materials, and a dedicated in-house data analysis team for optimised sales strategies. >>

Make life golden

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Importance of Irishness

addition, the full range is high in protein and fibre making them on-trend kitchen essentials.

Backed by industry heavyweights such as Strong Root’s Sam Dennigan, Fiid is Ireland’s leading B Corp - a collection of companies around the world that balance people, planet and profit, meeting high standards of sustainability, social responsibility, transparency, and accountability. The company is fully carbon neutral (the world’s first carbon neutral ready meal) and, through its sales, feeds every student every day at the Mazangoza School in Malawi in partnership with feeding project charity Mary’s Meals.

Fiid is available to order in Ireland via GM Marketing.

Kerrygold, Ireland’s leading butter brand, has announced the extension of its product range with the launch of the Kerrygold Butter Stick. The handy 100-gram format offers food lovers greater variety for a host of usage occasions while delivering the unmistakable great taste that Kerrygold is known for all over the world.

Made from the milk of Irish grassfed cows, the new format maintains Kerrygold’s rich, creamy real butter taste while responding to the evolving needs of diverse household sizes by offering more convenience and increased choice for Irish consumers. With 25-gram markings on the pack, the Kerrygold Butter Stick is made for every cooking occasion and gives baking enthusiasts and budding cooks greater functionality and flexibility in the kitchen, as they strive for the perfect flavour.

The Kerrygold Butter Stick is now stocked nationwide at most major supermarkets, convenience and independent retailers in addition to the core range of Kerrygold Butter products including Salted and Unsalted, Kerrygold Spreadable and Kerrygold Softer.

For more information, see: www.kerrygold.com/ie.

= significant change in rank vs 2022 202

Data from survey of 32,872 Irish shoppers, Nov 2021-March 2023. Shopper insights available for 153 FMCG categories in 2023

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Caroline Reid, Head of Client Services, Ireland caroline.reid@shopperintelligence.com

The handy 100-gram format of the new Kerrygold Butter Stick offers food lovers greater flexibility for a host of usage occasions

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW

NEW 100g BUTTER S TICKS

>>

Through Hale’s years of experience, the team has curated a range of premium, TPDcompliant vaping products, rigorously vetted for quality, and performance. This is why Hale Liquids are the number one selling liquid in the Irish market today. Hale also works directly with manufacturers across the globe to bring the Irish vape consumer top international brands such as Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE Crystal and many more.

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40 CATEGORY FOCUS Irish Brands

Desi Derby, marketing director, and Mark Moriarty, trading director, Musgrave Wholesale Partners, alongside Green Shoots suppliers

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Helping Irish businesses to grow

Hale Vaping’s liquids are the number one selling liquid in the Irish market today

Throughout 2023, Hale has invested heavily in corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives and is proud to partner with WEEE Ireland to provide battery takeback facilities, ensuring that everything possible is being done to educate and inform consumers on how to dispose of their used vapes correctly.

As the company evolves, Hale Vaping remains committed to growth, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of consumers – and of course, continuing to emphasise the clear message; “If you don’t smoke, don’t vape”.

Working with over 800 Irish suppliers, with over 3,500 Irish products across their range, and as a sixth-generation family-owned Irish business, Musgrave MarketPlace is proud to support local suppliers, jobs and communities.

As a key partner of hospitality, Musgrave MarketPlace is always scouting for innovative, new value-added products to supply to its network of customers, and recently launched its new Green Shoots initiative. In collaboration with Bord Bia, the initiative invites local Irish businesses to pitch themselves - ‘Dragon’s Den’ style - to a panel of foodservice experts, spanning culinary, purchasing, sales and marketing.

Five successful Irish suppliers from the first round of applicants have begun the process of launching their delicious products across Musgrave MarketPlace: • Builín Blasta Builín Blasta is located in the heart of Galway’s

Ireland’s fastest growing crisp range 2023 has been another successful and exciting year for Keoghs Crisps as the brand continues to grow both domestically and internationally. As the largest owned crisp manufacturer in Ireland, Keoghs is delighted to announce huge brand growth in both the Kantar and Nielsen best-selling 100 brands for 2023 with 26th position in Kantar and 56th for Nielsen. This year’s food awards season has been abundant for Keoghs which picked up three prestigious Great Taste Awards including a double star award for its Crinkle Cut Salt and Vinegar, three Blas Na hEireann Awards and one Irish Quality Food and Drink Award. The Keoghs Sweet Chilli crisps variety is really this year’s stand out flavour, picking up gold across all award bodies.

Recently, Keoghs unveiled exciting new packaging designs for its Crinkle Cut crisp range, brought to life through the creative talents of local illustrator Peter Donnelly.

The new packaging depicts scenes of Irish landmarks, mostly that of Keoghs local North County Dublin. This move aims to capture the true essence of Keoghs

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Gaeltacht, with a range of unique sauces and condiments that are quick and delicious. Its glorious onion smoked mayo and salsa makes you wish the last taste never arrives.

• The Uneek Functional Cheese Company Based in County Limerick, The Uneek Functional Cheese Company specialises in making and creating luxury cheese sauces, which are both vegetarian and gluten free.

The brand’s cheese sauce takes the time and hassle out of sauce preparation and supports a varied staffing skillset.

• The Vanilla Bean Patisserie An artisan patisserie based in Co. Cavan, The Vanilla Bean Patisserie specialises in creating artisanal and handmade desserts.

This attention to detail and craftsmanship ensures that each dessert is unique, delicious, and of the highest quality.

• Spice O’Life Located in West Cork, Spice O’Life produces a range of spice and seasoning blends as well as liquid sauces, marinades, and flavoured mayonnaises. Versions of classics such as Sweet Chilli and Smokey BBQ ooze flavour as well as some top-notch homemade style marinades.

• The Cultured Food Company Also located in Cork, the Cultured Food Company specialises in creating highquality, naturally fermented food. Its products offer new and exciting options that are not only tasty, but also full of health benefits.

To find out more about the Green Shoots initiative and to shop these products, visit musgravemarketplace.ie.

Keoghs picked up three prestigious Great Taste Awards, three Blas Na hEireann Awards and one Irish Quality Food and Drink Award this year

premium snack brand and helps align Keoghs Crinkle Cut range to the Keoghs masterbrand. Keoghs Crinkle Cut is Ireland’s fastest growing crisp range and the brand looks forward to continued growth with a fresh new look for 2024.

Heather Connolly of Builín Blasta, which produces a range of unique sauces and condiments

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42 CATEGORY FOCUS Irish Brands

Cleeve’s range includes classic flavours that have been favourites for generations: Mint Crisp (shown here), Macaroon and Sea Salt Caramel Crisp

Honouring Irish heritage through innovation In the ever-evolving world of confectionery, Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery in 2023 proudly represents tradition, quality, and Irish heritage.

Established in 1882 by the Cleeve brothers in Limerick, this iconic Irish brand has gracefully endured over a century of changing tastes.

Ampersand, entrusted with preserving Cleeve’s legacy, has unveiled a significant rebranding initiative, marking a milestone in the brand’s 140-year history which is set to captivate Cleeve’s to a new generation of confectionery enthusiasts.

Cleeve’s chocolate bars, beloved by Irish consumers, now proudly feature a minimum of 30% cocoa solids, ensuring a significantly enhanced chocolate tasting experience.

What’s more, Cleeve’s chocolate is now free from palm oil and vegetable oil, reaffirming Ampersand’s and Cleeve’s commitment to quality.

The recipe upgrade coincides with a new packaging look that combines modern sophistication with classic vintage charm.

The chocolate bars are also elegantly wrapped in vibrant, colour-coded flow pack foil packaging designed to maintain their freshness. The packaging is also eco-friendly and fully recyclable, reflecting Cleeve’s dedication to sustainability. The bars are also showcased in striking full-colour shelf-ready cases, perfect for prominent placement in retail outlets.

Today, Cleeve’s operates from a state-ofthe-art 2,000 square metre factory in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, supporting Irish jobs throughout the supply chain. The new confectionery line, distributed by Ampersand, offers a range of milk chocolate confections and bars which include a popping candy variant for children, toffees and caramels that embody the essence of Irish craftsmanship and quality that defines Cleeve’s.

Cleeve’s newly rebranded chocolate bars retail at €1.20 and are available in a convenient 34g format, offering the ideal portion for an

The new Cleeve’s Popping Candy Chocolate Bar offers superb value priced at just 50c for the fun 20g format

authentic Irish treat. The range includes classic flavours that have been favourites for generations: Macaroon, Mint Crisp and Sea Salt Caramel Crisp. Both Macaroon and Mint Crisp are also available in a sharing size 90g pack format priced at €2.30. The new Cleeve’s Popping Candy Chocolate Bar offers superb value priced at just 50c for the fun 20g format.

For more information on Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery, visit cleevesirishconfectionery.ie or Cleeve’s social media pages on Instagram and Facebook. If you would like to order Cleeve’s, contact your Ampersand representative or call the sales line on 01 413 0150.

Irish Brands CATEGORY FOCUS 43

Passionate about chocolate

THE FIRST SINGLE MALT WHISKEY DISTILLED IN COUNTY WICKLOW FOR OVER 100 YEARS

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warming finish complemented by oak spices, soft leather, honeyed almonds, and stewed fruits.

“Our first Fercullen Single Malt release takes authentic inspiration from our unique location,” says John Cashman, the head of new product development for The Powerscourt Distillery. “It is a great honour to be involved in the inaugural release of a whiskey which was completely distilled here in Powerscourt Distillery. The whole team are exceptionally proud of this key milestone in our story, especially our first employee and senior distiller, Johnathan Graham, who, alongside our founding master distiller, supervised the first distillation in 2018. Our award-winning master distiller, Paul Corbett, has curated the final liquid – a sensational single malt worthy of the title, ‘Spirit of Wicklow’.

Lily O’Brien’s is the largest of the Irish brands in the premium box chocolate market in Ireland and is the second largest brand overall in the total premium box chocolate category.

(Source: Nielsen MAT Dec 2022). In business for over 30 years now, Lily O’Brien’s has become a firm favorite in homes across the country providing consumers with affordable premium luxury chocolate products for gifting and sharing with family and friends.

The passion for chocolate that first inspired Mary Ann O’Brien is still present in every aspect of the business and remains at the very core of what Lily O’Brien’s does. Based in the heart of Co. Kildare, the company now employs 218 employees. The highly experienced team are passionate about creating innovative chocolate recipes and mouth-watering chocolate creations using the finest quality ingredients to create special >>

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The Powerscourt Distillery Fercullen Single Malt boasts a complex flavour profile

“The spirit laid down at Powerscourt Distillery in 2018 is of exceptional quality,” adds Paul Corbett, master distiller. “To have the opportunity to blend these liquids and establish the DNA of Fercullen Single Malt has been an honour. I look forward to blending many more releases of Powerscourt Distillery liquid in the coming years.”

Available from Barry & Fitzwilliam or Powerscourt Distillery directly.

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The Powerscourt Distillery has made history with its latest release – one hundred years since a whiskey has been distilled in the county, 100% malt, 100% distilled on the Powerscourt Estate and 100% Wicklow in a bottle! The Powerscourt Distillery Fercullen Single Malt is available at selected stockists across Ireland and from the Powerscourt Distillery and Visitor Centre, plus its online store, with a RRP of €55.

This whiskey’s complex flavour profile boasts a nose filled with toffee, baking spices, vanilla, dessert apples, pears, soft leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked buttered pastry crusts. On the palate, enjoy rich notes of vanilla custard, soft oak, salted caramel, digestives, and tarte tatin, followed by a

The first Fercullen Single Malt release takes authentic inspiration from its unique location in Wicklow

Irish Brands NoLo Alcohol

Wicklow in a bottle!

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Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Collection offers a mouthwatering selection of six of the world’s best loved desserts recipes

>> moments of enjoyment.

Recently awarded Brand of the year 2023

by Chambers Ireland, Lily O’Brien’s has a strong track record in innovation in boxed chocolates and premium sharing. The Desserts Collection and the Gift-Wrapped Ultimate Chocolate Collection are both in the top five SKUs in the premium inlaid boxed chocolates market in Ireland (Source: Nielsen Mat Dec 2022). The Desserts Collection contains a mouthwatering selection of six of the world’s best loved desserts recipes. The Ultimate Chocolate Collection contains a selection of milk white and dark chocolates and comes gift wrapped perfect for last minute gifting.

The latest addition to the brand’s portfolio and perfect for informal get-togethers and

sharing with family and friends, the Lily O’Brien’s Truffles range was launched in September 2022. Available in eye catching single flavour 200g cartons of individually wrapped chocolate truffles, there are three products in the range - Milk Chocolate Truffles, Salted Caramel Truffles and Vanilla Truffles which are all proving very popular with consumers. Salted Caramel Truffles was voted Product of the Year 2023 in the Chocolate Category at the Product of the Year awards.

Competing against household names, the decadently delicious Salted Caramel Truffles was awarded following a consumer survey of 8,000 people carried out across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland by Kantar.

Lily O’Brien’s share bags are the ideal indulgence for self-treating or sharing. The current range of five recipes has recently been extended to include a new Milk Chocolate Orange recipe. With Orange currently a favourite with consumers this new addition is

Lily O’Brien’s share bags range has been extended to include a new Milk Chocolate Orange recipe

Lily O’Brien’s Truffles range is available in three delicious flavours

sure to be a winner.

Lily O’Brien’s is continuously investing in packaging design and in-store displays to showcase the range in-store and to ensure consumers receive the very best product experience. The brand will also be supported with an above-the-line (ATL) campaign in Quarter 4. The campaign ‘For the ones you really know’ reflects Lily O’Brien’s core values; passion for chocolate and passion for people and is focused on the importance of relationships and letting those around us know how much they are loved.

With national distribution available through Tennant & Ruttle, contact your sales representative for more information at www.lilyobriens.ie.

SuperValu producers triumph at the 2023 Blas na hÉireann Awards with remarkable 94 wins Producers of SuperValu, Ireland’s largest grocery retailer, took home a remarkable 94 Blás na hÉireann awards recently in another winning year for the retailer and its local producers.

SuperValu own brand and its Food Academy producers picked up 94 awards – winning 26 Gold, 24 Silver, 30 Bronze, five Chef’s Larder and nine speciality awards.

SuperValu Signature Tastes won five Gold awards: highlighting the exemplary quality across the top-tier range. This brings the total number of awards won by SuperValu and its suppliers over the last three years up to an incredible 303 awards across SuperValu own brand, SuperValu Signature Tastes, Food Academy, and The Happy Pear.

SuperValu award winners included one prestigious ‘Chef’s Larder’ awards, won by Oliver Carty for Signature Tastes Hampshire Easy Carve Gammon. Food Academy producers took home four of the highly coveted awards; including Cherry Orchard Community Garden’s Mixed Salad Leaves, Clonmore Farm’s Mixed Salad Leaves, Dainty Greens Microgreens Medley, and Roll It Pastry’s All Butter Puff Pastry. This highly regarded title is awarded for ingredients, specialist products or recipe staples that a chef would find to be a valuable part of their larder. Another key highlight was for SuperValu Food Academy producer Achill Island Sea Salt, taking home the ‘Best New Product’ for Achill Island Sea Salted Nougat with Cashew Nuts.

SuperValu Signature Tastes and own brand took home a total of 10 Gold awards including SuperValu Natural Kefir of Clóna

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Dairy Products Ltd, a West Cork based manufacturer of 100% Irish fresh milk and cream products and SuperValu Rapeseed Oil of Newgrange Gold.

Also included in the Gold award line-up was SuperValu Signature Tastes Irish Hampshire Smoked Rack of Bacon (exclusive to SuperValu), produced by Oliver Carty. The business is owned and run by Ted Carty, whose foresight, innovation, and love of the business has brought Oliver Carty to where it is today, one of Ireland’s largest pork and bacon producers.

It was also another successful year for SuperValu’s Food Academy producers who picked up 48 awards – 13 Gold, 8 Silver, 14 Bronze, four Chef’s Larder, one Best New Product and eight Best in County; including one Gold award from Ballykilcavan Brewing for its Blackwell Irish Stout.

David and Lisa Walsh-Kemmis established Ballykilcavan Brewing Company on their family’s historic farm in 2016, spanning 13 generations since 1639. They founded an on-farm brewery sourcing 100% of barley from the estate and introduced hop gardens while committing to sustainability and maintaining their Origin Green Sustainability status for 2023. With a dedication to preserving the farm’s legacy, each beer is named after a specific location on the farm, showcasing full ingredient traceability and emphasising the unique terroir of Ballykilcavan.

“2023 has been another stellar year for SuperValu at the prestigious Blas na hÉireann awards,” said Ian Allen, managing director, SuperValu. “We are incredibly proud of our local producers as they receive the recognition they deserve.” ■

SuperValu Food Academy winner, Mari Donnellan of Dan & Monstro

Loretto Kiernan and Sarah Donnelly of Oliver Carty with Deirdre O’Brien of Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland

Paul and Sinead Farrelly of Drumully Boxty

NoLo Alocohol CATEGORY FOCUS 45

Irish Brands NoLo Alcohol

NoLo on the go!

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With sales of non-alcoholic beer tripling since 2017, it’s clear that Irish consumers are increasingly appreciating the benefits of the no and low (NoLo) alcohol category, delivering the taste credentials of their favourite alcoholic brands but crucially, without any hangover symptoms, writes Gillian Hamill

he latest data proves that Irish people are continuing to embrace non-alcoholic beer and other no or low alcohol alternatives. As more and more consumers opt to choose 0.0% beer, Ireland’s brewers have responded by producing high quality nonalcoholic beers in recent years. This has resulted in an unprecedented choice of 0.0% beers for consumers.

Figures compiled by Drinks Ireland show

that non-alcoholic beer sales in Ireland have more than tripled between 2017 and 2021, from 1.79 million to 5.55 million litres. The market share for non-alcoholic beer soared by 275% during this time, from 0.4% to 1.5%.

The industry anticipates that non-alcoholic beer will soar in popularity this year and beyond, as Irish consumers seek more balance in their drinking and avail of the growing range of alternatives now available.

According to Drinks Ireland, this will mirror what’s happening internationally, with the global non-alcoholic beer category predicted to grow annually by 8.7% between 2021 and 2025.

While this trend is driven by nonalcoholic beer in Ireland, sales of nonalcoholic cider and low/no alcoholic spirits both grew in 2021, by 52% and 314% respectively.

0% alcohol; 100% flavour

wine itself rises from below and carries off all the lightest molecules in the liquid. The process is repeated until the desired level of alcohol is reached. This is a very gentle and sympathetic technique which works well in reducing alcoholic content yet retains the delicate aromas and flavours of the wines.

‘Research has shown that regular wine drinkers have been decreasing over the last couple of years and consumers are now shopping with mental and physical wellness in mind,” says Terry Pennington, export commercial director of Santa Rita Estates.

“Current trends are towards healthier lifestyles and more moderate alcohol consumption with the younger generations looking for low/no

alcohol alternatives. The addition of our Santa Rita 120 ‘0%’ alcohol wines is perfect for those looking for low and no alcohol alternatives without compromising taste, flavour, or enjoyment.”

With two in five wine drinkers globally reducing their alcohol consumption, Santa Rita is continuing to beat the drum for this category with its Santa Rita 120 0% de-alcoholised wine.

Available as a Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon, these are the perfect alternative for those who choose not to drink alcohol. The wine is made using traditional methods with the spinning cone column distillation process used to de-alcoholise the wine after alcoholic fermentation is completed.

The spinning cones gently and repeatedly spin the wine out into thin liquid films, simultaneously a cool vapour created from the Santa Rita 120 0% uses a spinning cone column distillation process which de-alcoholises the wine while retaining its flavour

Santa Rite 120 0% is available in both Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties; an ideal alternative for those who choose not to drink alcohol

Superb portfolio Noreast is an independent family business based in Dundalk which has been specialising in sourcing, importing and marketing an exclusive range of the finest NoLo beers to the Irish drinks trade since its formation in 1995 such as Erdinger, Budvar and Krombacher.

Erdinger Alkoholfrei (ABV 0.5%) is produced exclusively in the Bavarian town of Erding. It is brewed to the highest standards according to the strict Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Besides being pleasingly refreshing, it has reduced calories (107 kj/25 Kcal per 100ml).

The monosaccharides, like glucose and fructose, contained in Erdinger Alkoholfrei provide energy quickly, while polysaccharides (carbohydrates) provide longer-lasting energy.

A unique success story, in the late 90s, Erdinger Weissbräu revolutionized the beer market with its Erdinger Alkoholfrei – the first non-alcoholic beer to also be a true sports drink*.

With its isotonic properties, vitamin B12 and folic acid (B9), Erdinger Alkoholfrei is the ideal regeneration drink after sports. Vitamins B12 and B9 have numberous positive effects for the human body, including stimulating the

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

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With its isotonic properties, vitamin B12 and folic acid (B9), Erdinger Alkoholfrei is an ideal regeneration drink after sports

immune system and helping to preserve normal muscle activity. This non-alcoholic wheat beer meets the needs of a large sporting target group seeking natural refreshment.

These features allowed Erdinger Alkoholfrei to quickly conquer a market previously dominated by pilsner and light beers. Its unique status is guaranteed by a full, aromatic and lively wheat beer taste – which only Erdinger Alkoholfrei has in this form.

Demonstrating continued innovation, Erdinger Alkoholfrei Grapefruit & Lemon (330ml NRB) represents a new taste for a new wheat beer generation. Featuring the bittersweet taste of fruit, it’s made using purely natural ingredients and without any artificial aromas or preservatives. Containing vitamins B9, B12 and C, it’s also isotonic. This fruity variant of Erdinger Alkoholfrei is particularly popular within the female target group.

Noreast also distributes Krombacher Alkoholfrei 0.0% Pils (330ml NRB) - an easy drinking and ultra refreshing option with a well-balanced malt character and light hop aromas; Kilbroney Irish Water; and Estrella Free Damm. This non-alcoholic member of the Spanish Estrella family is a clean, sparkling, transparent amber colour with shades of gold.

A beer that is fresh with just the right amount of bitterness, available in 330ml cans.

A true trailblazer Delivering an unrivalled taste with zero alcohol, McGuigan Wines pledges to make great quality wine accessible to everyone around the world for every occasion.

The company has subsequently been named

McGuigan Wines has been named IWSC International Winemaker of the Year a record breaking four times

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

IWSC International Winemaker of the Year a record breaking four times and its commitment to alcohol free wines is no different. McGuigan Zero is a trailblazer in its category.

The range offers an unparalleled alcoholfree experience both on the nose and palate, launching with Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling variants. It’s created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product. The fruit has been sourced and selected specially for McGuigan Zero from premium vineyards in Southeastern Australia.

The quality of the fruit and its adaptability to the alcohol removal process ensures that customers are drinking the best possible alcohol-free wines. McGuigan Wines, Ireland’s number one Australian wine brand, is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Another number one hit!

result is an additional mouthfeel and finish, rounded off with dried tannins to present a complex and finely balanced Sparkling Rosé, minus the alcohol.

Kylie Minogue Wines’ Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rosé contains just 22 calories per 100ml which is around 80 less calories per glass than a standard glass of prosecco*, making it a delicious, lighter alternative. Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam. *(Source: DrinkAware.co.uk 125ml glass of 12% ABV Prosecco contains around 108 calories).

Punked up flavour No-alcohol just got punked up. And Punk AF lives up to its billing, with all the flavour but none of the alcohol. Brewed with eight different hops from North America, New Zealand and Europe: juicy tropical fruit mixes it up with grassy and pine notes, for a beer that’s all flavour, no alcohol. All sitting on a solid malt bassline.

The bitter finish belies its ABV, rolling in at 35 IBUs to provide the perfect retort to those

Kylie Minogue Wines’ Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rosé contains just 22 calories per 100ml

Rolling in at 35 IBUs, Punk AF is full of flavour

“I am over the moon with the incredible response to this latest addition to the Kylie Minogue Wines portfolio,” said global pop icon Kylie Minogue. “Our first zero-alcohol wine and a truly sparkling example what can be achieved in this area! This really is a tribute to my amazing Kylie Minogue Wines team ever since we launched, we have focused on delivering many varietals of innovative and high-quality wine, for every occasion and person, worldwide. Our Zero Percent Sparkling Rosé is no exception, and I am beyond thrilled it has been received so well. Thank you for the continued support.”

In December 2022, Kylie Minogue Wines launched its first 0% alcohol Sparkling Rosé in the UK and Ireland, with flavours and acidic balance mirroring that found in wine. Through a blend of organic European grapes and green tea selected from the Liu-Da Mountains of Yunnan province in China, Kylie Minogue Wines’ 0% alcohol production process provides maximum development of wine attributes without generating any alcohol.

The careful selection of ingredients is reflected in the extraction process of the tea, with one bud and two leaves individually hand-plucked at a time. Brewed into a strong infusion and added to the grape ferment, the

who push alcohol-free beer devoid of character. BrewDog is on a mission to prove that alcohol-free does not equate to tastefree. And now the brand has delivered a new alternative to the mainstream. A beer for those seeking a point of difference at 0.5% ABV that brings all the attitude of the flagship, Punk IPA. Punk IPA was the beer that kickstarted the craft beer revolution and Punk AF is the next step in the brand’s desire to brew beer for every taste, for every occasion.

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam. ■

BrewDog’s Punk AF is brewed with eight different hops from North America, New Zealand and Europe

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50 CATEGORY FOCUS Fuel

Heat heroes

With many consumers feeling the pinch from higher energy bills, it’s little wonder that they’re seeking out strong value-formoney, sustainable and safe alternatives that will keep them toasty warm throughout chilly days and nights

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igures released in December 2022 by the Central Statistics Office showed that wholesale electricity prices increased by over 10% year-on-year.

Not only that, but according to Darragh Cassidy, writing for bonkers.ie, Irish households pay some of the highest prices for electricity in all of Europe. In fact, Irish electricity prices are the third most expensive in the EU, according to data from Eurostat.

And we’re more expensive than non-EU countries such as Norway, Switzerland, the UK, and Iceland too.

Indeed, according to his report on bonkers.ie, when you look at the net price of electricity, before governments have added on any taxes and charges, electricity prices here are a staggering 60% above the EU average and more expensive than anywhere else.

A more recent report for July 2023 called the Household Energy Price Index, which was commissioned by the Austrian and Hungarian energy regulators, makes for even worse reading. It shows prices paid by consumers here are the most expensive in all of Europe at over 70% above average (€0.47 per kWh

compared to an EU average of just €0.26), bonkers.ie adds.

Dr Paul Deane, senior research fellow, Energy Policy & Modelling Group, MaREI Centre/ERI also published an analysis on energy prices last year, after a year of war in Ukraine had seen our energy bills go up exponentially. “Although we don’t get gas directly from Russia, the impact of the war and the ongoing energy crisis has been felt in our pockets because of the global energy market. An unseasonably mild winter and a rush to fill gas stores means we didn’t see the shortages we feared,” Dr Deane wrote.

He also pointed out that by December 2022, consumer electricity prices were 62.7% higher year-on-year, according to the Central Statistics Office.

Further demonstrating how consumers are increasingly seeking out alternative energy sources to try and cut down their energy bills, in September 2022, the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) reported a 40% increase on sales compared to the same period the previous year. The UK trade association believes that the trend clearly indicates that consumers are

Zipping ahead

essential to rapidly expand distribution of the new Zip range ahead of the upcoming winter season’s high demand. This involves partnering with all retailers, streamlining logistics, and targeted marketing to ensure convenient access for customers. The goal is to reinforce Zip Firelighters as the number one preferred choice for effective fire-starting throughout Ireland.

The Zip winter fuels range, comprising of Zip Kiln Dried Firewood, Zip Irish Kiln Dried Kindling, Zip Smokeless Coal, and the new addition to the 2024 range, the Zip 100%

The Zip Firelighter range is set for a fresh winter season launch, featuring vibrant new packaging and sizes while maintaining its exceptional performance. This launch holds significant importance for engaging with all Irish market customers and ensuring the product reaches consumers promptly, explains Frank Cahalan, trading controller Ireland, Standard Brands (Zip).

Zip Firelighters are already available through all channels and stores in Ireland, but it’s

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

taking action to help cushion themselves against spiralling home heating bills.

Data collated from all SIA manufacturing members, which accounts for approximately 75% of total UK stove sales, shows that sales for the second quarter of 2022 (April to June) hit over 35,000 units, compared to just over 25,000 for the same quarter of 2021.* This increase, in what is typically a quieter sales period for the market, shows that consumers are recognising the benefits of using modern, ecodesign compliant wood burning stoves to provide home heating.

“With the cost for heating our homes accounting for the biggest chunk of home energy bills [last] winter, it is little wonder consumers are looking for alternatives to supplement their gas or electric heating.

Couple that with growing awareness of how stretched the grid is and the possibility of more power cuts this winter, the option to use a highly efficient, low carbon and low emission wood burning stove to heat your main living space makes good (common) sense,” said chair of the SIA, Andy Hill. *(Source: Wood log and multi-fuel stoves. Figures do not include boiler stoves or pellet stoves).

Zip’s winter fuels range, which includes a number of products including Zip Kiln Dried Firewood (pictured here), has seen substantial growth in recent years

Fuel CATEGORY FOCUS

Zip 100% Natural Heat Logs are a new addition to the brand’s 2024 range

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with Frank Cahalan,

trading controller Ireland, Standard Brands (Zip)

A: We kick off our winter advertising with the continuation of our #startofagoodtime campaign. Zip is always at the “start” of a good time, whether it’s lighting a fire to warm the house before a dinner party or getting the firepit going with loved ones in the garden, Zip delivers every time. We will continue with the #startofagoodtime radio campaign from Q4 to ensure the messaging resonates with our consumers. The diverse audience on radio and the increased frequency will reinforce the #startofagoodtime campaign and keep our brand top of mind.

The radio will be supported on our Zip socials where we’ll run competitions for a #startofagoodtime indoor bundle and launch a lifestyle ad campaign centred around Zip always being at the start of a good time.

Additionally, we’ll provide weekly suggestions for starting a good time with Zip, such as cozy fireside moments or fun firepit gatherings with friends. Plus, we will be capitalising on key #startofagoodtime opportunities, including national days like National Popcorn Day, Valentine’s Day and National Irish Coffee Day. This two-pronged approach will target

The Zip Firelighter range now features vibrant new packaging and sizes

consumers both wherever they are listening to the radio and whilst online in order to maximise the efficiency of the campaign and underpin our core message of ‘Give Your Fire Some Zip’.

During the summer we will continue investing in radio advertising to maintain the #startofagoodtime momentum with summer specific ads as well as bringing #startofagoodtime to life on social media with a summer focus. Watch this space for more information coming soon.

This cost saving rises to 43% when compared to oil, 50% when compared with petroleum gas and 77% when compared with electricity.

The tightening of belts and the increase in indoor fires will mean more people turn to Zip products, where value for money and not wasting money on poor quality products plays a part. Zip firelighters have been around since 1936 which means we have over seven decades of experience in making firelighting reliable, quick, and easy.

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Q: What will the key elements and core messaging of your marketing campaign entail for 2024? How significantly will you invest in this?

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A

&

Irish Brands

Natural Heat Logs. Zip’s winter fuels range has seen a substantial growth in recent years. The market has experienced a notable surge in the utilization of timber as an eco-friendly fuel source. The Zip Smokeless Coal 10kg bag has become a popular choice for customers to include in their weekly shopping. As peat exits the market in 2024, the new Zip 100% Natural Heat Log will be the perfect alternative for consumers. Zip winter fuels will continue to offer sustainable alternatives to the brand’s valued customers.

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*(Source: Nielsen 23 weeks to December)

Q: How has Zip worked to improve the company’s overall sustainability credentials, and more specifically, what has the factory done to improve its impact on the environment?

Established in 1936, Zip has over seven decades of experience in making firelighting reliable, quick, and easy

Q: With consumers experiencing significant energy cost increases since 2022, to what extent can Zip’s product range help people to reduce their bills as the cost-of-living crisis persists?

A: As energy prices remain high across Ireland consumers are looking towards firelighters and fuel to heat their homes. We saw an uplift of 8.2% in firelighter sales during winter 2022 which is expected to continue rising this year*.

This is because real fires remain the cheapest method to heat your home. The Stove Industry Alliance published that it is 29% cheaper per kWh to burn wood compared to natural gas.

A: Standard Brands has taken some major steps towards reducing its impact on the environment. Our factory based in Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, has moved to 100% renewable energy. Pre-March 2022 we were only at 10% renewable energy. We have installed energy efficient equipment to further help reduce energy use. We almost doubled our five-year target, saving 9.5 million litres of water, and saving 50% of our total manufacturing usage with plans to build on this further.

With a renewed focus on reducing packaging and prioritising sustainable materials for NPD, the changes made to Zip’s packaging across the globe in 2023 have seen a cardboard reduction equivalent to saving circa 1,430 trees. Our new product launches now focus on materials that are both sustainable and renewable, such as sugarcane bagasse.

The sustainability plan is just the start for Standard Brands as we continue our investment into securing our future, not just with our products but by educating our people.

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

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CATEGORY FOCUS Fuel

33% of solid fuel sales are illegal: SFMI Solid Fuel Merchants Ireland (SFMI), the country’s largest representative body for businesses and retailers engaged in the sale and distribution of solid fuels, has unveiled new research, compiled by Morley Economic Consulting, titled ‘Ireland’s Solid Fuel Merchants - An Economic and Community Impact Analysis’. Among the standout facts contained in the research is that up to one third (33%) of all fuel sold in Ireland is illegal, smoky fuel, emanating from outside the country.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector and delves into the multifaceted contributions of the solid fuel industry to Ireland’s economy, communities, and environmental stewardship. The research highlights the positive community impact made by solid fuel merchants across the country, who give back to the very communities that sustain them. Crucially, the report also underscores SFMI’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation amidst evolving market and consumer behaviour trends.

• The findings also shed light on the concerns of SFMI members regarding the future viability of the sector, particularly in light of challenges posed by the illegal sale of smoky fuels from outside the jurisdiction. Within this dynamic regulatory landscape, SFMI advocates for a level playing field that ensures fair and ethical trading practices so that legitimate retailers, and the people who rely on them for the energy requirements are protected.

Among the report’s key findings are; • A low-level enforcement of regulations pertaining to illegal fuel sales by local authorities - with just one prosecution to date • Six in every 10 merchants view the current state of their business, and/or sector, negatively • The need for further funds for local authorities to police the sale of illegal fuel • Until energy security is achieved, households must have a secondary heat source - which underscores the importance of solid fuel merchants in the community • The need for the North South Ministerial Council to push for a smoky coal ban across the island of Ireland in order to prevent the illegal sale of solid fuel • The need for a €25m just transition fund for solid fuel merchants “SFMI members are united in their serious concern at the low level of enforcement of regulations by local authorities in preventing the sale of illegal fuel,” said chairperson of Solid Fuel Merchants Ireland, Colin Ahern.

“With two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland and a lack of alignment on regulations

Cylinder safety at the core of Calor

pertaining to smoky fuel and carbon taxes this has led to a prolific amount of illegal fuel being sold without detection. The fact a legal lacuna indirectly facilitates the sale of illegal fuel from Northern Ireland is far from satisfactory. Politicians and policymakers need to make this a priority if they are serious about making an impact on the environment while safeguarding legitimate fuel merchants.”

If left unchecked, the level of illegal trade is likely to continue to trend upwards and this could result in annual losses to the exchequer of upwards of €18 million by 2025, not to mention the serious environmental damage that is being done with product that is below par quality, and more importantly, safety standards.

“The absence of a fully regulated EPA licensing requirement is creating fertile ground for illegal traders. To contain this problem, we are once again calling for the introduction of an EPA licensing requirement, to ensure the establishment of a national database of approved, legitimate solid fuel retailers.” Ahern concluded.

delivered to a Calor retailer.

It is imperative for customer safety that when purchasing a cylinder, you always check that there is a seal and that the seal is not broken.

For more information on becoming a Calor retailer or to see Calor’s range of mobile heaters, check out its website at www.calorgas.ie.

As temperatures drop and the long evenings begin, many homeowners are turning on their home heating systems for longer periods of time. Homeowners need to be well prepared for the winter months; they want energy that is reliable, affordable and safe to use. Calor retailers can be confident in recommending Calor cylinders to their customers, because of the commitment Calor makes to safety in its cylinders.

Every Calor cylinder goes through a detailed seven-point mandatory safety check before it is delivered to a Calor retailer

When purchasing a cylinder, always check that there is a seal and that the seal is not broken

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

At Calor, safety and trust are paramount for the brand’s retailers and their customers. Over the past 80 years, Calor has been meeting the energy needs of homes and businesses across the island of Ireland. Throughout this time, Calor has earned a reputation for delivering the highest standards of cylinder safety in the products it offers, and those available through its extensive retailer network.

All Calor cylinders are filled by Calor, so it can be sure of every one. Every Calor cylinder goes through a substantial and detailed sevenpoint mandatory safety check before it is

Calor has earned a reputation for delivering the highest standards of cylinder safety

Fuel CATEGORY FOCUS

Flogas is renowned for its high-quality products and reliable services

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First, from setup to ongoing operational assistance, Flogas retailers benefit from a dedicated cylinder representative in their area and an established network of distributors for reliable, consistent local service. With access to technical support, customer service along with sales and marketing assistance, signing up to Flogas makes sense for your business.

Second, as a trusted name in the energy industry, Flogas is renowned for its highquality products and reliable services.

Irish Brands

Top five benefits of partnering with Flogas

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Fuel

Become a Flogas retailer Get ready for the winter season by stocking up on our full range of cylinders.

Sign up to our official dealer database so customer can easily find your store!

Call us now for more information: ROI: 041 214 9600

NI: 028 9073 2611

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LPG

easier to carry and particularly useful for boats, caravans and outdoor entertaining.

Last but by no means least, as a Flogas retailer, you provide an essential energy source to your local community, fostering relationships and establishing your business as a cornerstone of support.

Becoming a Flogas retailer is not just a business venture; according to the brand, it’s a strategic partnership that gives you the resources, expertise and credibility needed for long-term success. As a fully owned Irish company, working with Flogas means that you are supporting local, Irish jobs. ■

Cash & Carry

Becoming a Flogas retailer is a strategic partnership that gives you the resources, expertise and credibility needed for longterm success

Continuous investment in marketing and promotional activities actively benefit retailers.

It’s a collective effort that will boost your visibility and attract more customers.

Third, Flogas operates a rigorous retesting programme on all empty cylinders prior to refilling and cylinders are fitted with secure, tamper-proof seals (Securiseal). Safety is Flogas’ priority and with a 24-hour emergency service, you can be sure that assistance is there should you need it.

Fourth, Flogas is the only company in Ireland offering the Gaslight cylinder. Half the weight of traditional steel cylinders, they are

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54 CATEGORY FOCUS Cash & Carry

One stop shopping From interactive online digital platforms to mobile apps with intuitive search features, cash and carry brands have embraced new technologies in recent years to make life even easier for customers. ShelfLife looks at the top players in the Irish market and what new services they can offer their customers

I

reland has an exceedingly strong network of cash and carries dispersed throughout the country. Many are now open seven days a week with extended opening hours, click & collect capabilities, and nationwide delivery.

Although value is first and foremost for most customers, it is important to offer more than this to keep them coming back. They are looking for innovative and unique food experiences and it is not uncommon to see

Bringing value home

live cooking demonstrations with in-house chefs happening across venues. The availability of quality, local and specialist products enable cash and carries to respond to the many trends happening within the food industry.

Technology has played a big role in changing how cash and carries do business.

Although they love to see customers come through the doors, this is not essential anymore with customers able to access all

Business made easy

Fact File

Fact File

Name: Value Centre, 4 Aces, Better Deal Number of branches nationwide: 21 Number of customers: 20,000+ Number of lines in product listing: 13,000+ Tagline: Value Centre – Your local wholesaler Ordering options: Online with ShopLink.ie, telesales, in-branch and dedicated sales developers Typical opening hours: 8am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm Saturday. Online ordering available 24/7 Retail Partners: XL and Gala Size – range of outlets: 12,000 sq ft – 60,000 sq ft

Name: Musgrave MarketPlace Number of branches nationwide: 9 Location: Dublin (Ballymun, Robinhood, Sallynoggin), Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Belfast, Derry Number of customers: 45,000 Number of lines in product listing: 14,000+ Tagline: Business Made Easy Ordering options: Online, app, collect, delivered, click & collect, telesales, business development manager Typical opening hours: 8am – 6pm Size – range of outlets: 35,000 – 75,000sq ft

Thomas Morrison, head of retail sales, Musgrave MarketPlace

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

services through their mobile phones.

Dedicated apps are making ordering easier with customers fulfilling orders at the click of a button. Once it is ordered, the cash and carry is looking to deliver in as short a time frame as possible with some offering same day deliveries. We look at Value Centre, Musgrave MarketPlace and Stonehouse to see what these main players are doing to keep their customers content.

Q: How have you worked to make your offering as convenient and flexible for your retail partners as possible, so they can always place and receive orders right when they need them?

A: At Musgrave MarketPlace, we are continually looking at ways to improve the overall shopping experience for our customers. In 2022, we made significant changes - digitally transforming the business. Through our online digital platform, customers have access to a onestop-shop for all their business needs. We stock more than 14,000 products available for delivery - the largest online ordering service for retail, SME, and foodservice sector on the island of Ireland.

We also recently launched our new mobile app – giving customers an additional method to order in a fast, efficient, and easy way. With features like intuitive search, a barcode scanner allowing customers to scan a product and add it straight to their cart, plus access to order history, the app will give customers instant access to the full range of products at their fingertips.

In addition, branches are now open seven days a week with extended opening hours, click & collect, and nationwide delivery routes. We want to make sure our customers can shop at a time that suits

>>

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>>

them. With the strongest fulfilment capability of any retail and foodservice supplier in the market, we can respond quickly if our customers need urgent support.

At a time when businesses are facing many challenges, we are focused on building the strongest service proposition in the market – whilst providing the most extensive range at the best value. Our new brand positioning or strapline as it’s commonly called, Business Made Easy, which we unveiled earlier this year brings all these commitments together.

Q: Value has become more important than ever as the cost-of-living crisis continues. How are you ensuring you deliver competitive pricing and promotions?

A: We are acutely conscious that consumers’ pockets have been stretched by the cost-of-living crisis. It is very important to us that we offer a good value, highquality, competitive offering to our customers.

In these times of economic uncertainty and increasing costs, we have introduced a Price Cuts campaign delivering marketbeating prices on the products that matter most to our customers. In addition, a Switch & Save campaign highlights our own-brand Musgrave Excellence range which is quality approved, endorsed by a panel of chefs and promises to be at least 15% cheaper than the branded equivalent.

We have invested significantly in our own-brand offerings to provide a greater range of choice and value to customers.

Our retail customers can get up to 50% savings by shopping our own brand ranges.

Q: What makes your offering stand out within the marketplace, particularly in terms of helping your retail partners to drive innovation within foodservice/their in-store offering during the past year?

A: We have a culture of innovation and constantly monitor the market to keep up to date with consumer trends. We bring our customers into this process, through initiatives like our state-of-the-art food emporiums, which offer them a space to be inspired and learn from our teams of development chefs while at the same time affording them the chance to see, smell and taste new products.

Our customers are looking for more innovative and unique food experiences.

For us, it is very important to be able to offer choice and diversity in products and ranges that allow them to thrive. Quality, local and specialist products enable us to meet the needs of our customers and the constantly evolving trends within the food industry.

Our in-branch and product specialists in Alcohol, Fruit & Veg, Meat, Coffee and NonFood Ranges are always on hand to offer reliable, trustworthy advice and expertise to our customers.

Recent expansion in our range has included more vegan and healthy ingredients; a scaled alcohol business under the Musgrave MarketPlace brand; Butchers

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Prime, a premium Irish Hereford meat range; and Brewdoo Coffee bean-to-cup and barista coffee proposition for the hospitality sector.

Customers can now also buy from our Extended Range - a specially curated range of products which trusted suppliers can sell directly to Musgrave MarketPlace customers on our e-commerce platform. The range includes everything from artisan Irish food and beverage products to restaurant furniture, packaging, and equipment. The platform supports small Irish producers by providing them with a way to bring their products to market with the ambition to have over 12,000 Extended Range products on the platform by 2024.

Musgrave MarketPlace is extremely proud of its partnership with Foodcloud to reduce food waste

Q: In recent years, many retailers and their cash and carry partners have strengthened their sustainability credentials. How have you further built on this progress during the past year?

A: Across Musgrave Group, we are dedicated to supporting sustainable solutions for the good of the planet and our communities.

We’re playing our role and leading by example. Whether by reducing food and plastic waste, driving down carbon emissions, safeguarding human rights or supporting our communities, we are committed to making a real difference.

We are extremely proud of our partnership with FoodCloud to reduce food waste, which has delivered over 1.2 million meals, with an estimated value of over €1.5 million, to amazing charities all over Ireland. The donations have also saved 520 tonnes of food from going to landfill and 1665.92 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions from entering earth’s atmosphere.

As part of our commitment in helping customers reduce their food waste, Musgrave MarketPlace recently held a Food Waste Workshop. Expert panellists shared invaluable insights and ideas on how to reduce food waste and cost and we’ll continue to support customers to reduce their food waste over the coming months with a series of online resources.

We are installing solar panels at our locations around Ireland to reduce emissions from our electricity use – our Galway branch will be the first to install solar panels, 100% LED lighting and electronic shelf edge labels.

79% of the packaging we sell is either compostable, recyclable or reusable. 85% of our own brand packaging is either compostable, recyclable or reusable – this will increase to 100% by 2025.

We know we have a role to play and firmly believe that together we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come by helping to look after the planet we share.

Q: How extensively are you supporting local, Irish producers?

A: Musgrave MarketPlace is the only 100% Irish-owned national foodservice wholesaler. We are committed to supporting Irish jobs, Irish businesses and the future of the foodservice industry across the island of Ireland. That’s why we work with over 800 Irish suppliers and stock over 3,500 Irish products across our range. We are committed to providing our customers with the most extensive range of products and supporting local Irish suppliers is extremely important to us. Our recently launched Green Shoots initiative brings these two commitments together.

In collaboration with Bord Bia, the Dragons Den style initiative invited pitches from local Irish businesses with the opportunity for their product to be promoted and sold across Musgrave MarketPlace branches and online platforms – providing access to over 45,000 customers. Five companies were selected after presenting to a panel of foodservice experts and are now being promoted across our channels and in-branch.

Q: What are your plans and goals to expand your brand further during 2024?

A: The wholesale and foodservice market is growing, and we are now accelerating our own plans to grow organically and by acquisition in Ireland and the UK. We think significant growth opportunity remains in Ireland, but we are also open to opportunities to acquire businesses outside of Ireland. In the recent weeks, we have announced two exciting acquisitions in the premium market in the UK, Ritter Courivaud and Town & Country Fine Foods, as well as a great Irish business - Doyle’s Veg Prep.

Our acquisitions are part of Musgrave’s wider strategy to grow a world-class food and beverage business. We will continue to explore acquisition opportunities that fit with our strategy.

All our plans for 2024 will be focused on continuing to respond to customer needs from ease of ordering, service and delivery to innovating with new food offerings to delivering the best value possible. Firmly alongside this, is a strong commitment to doing our business in the most sustainable way.

We are extremely proud of our partnership with FoodCloud to reduce food waste, which has delivered over 1.2 million meals, with an estimated value of over €1.5 million, to amazing charities all over Ireland.

Creating Vibrant

350k

Communities

invested in TUD’s school of culinary arts.

Working with over

800

€65k raised to support our 2022 charity partner Women’s Aid

Irish suppliers

100% of our fresh beef and lamb is Irish.

Find out more about our sustainability vision

We will transform our business to be net zero by 2040.

Net Zero

40% By 2025, 40% of our transport will use a sustainable fuel source, reducing carbon emissions by 30% in 2025 & 50% by 2030.

Follow us on social media to find out how you can register or you can contact your local BDM.

@MusgraveMPlace

Musgrave MarketPlace

Musgrave MarketPlace

Musgrave MarketPlace

Caring for the Planet

100% Green Electricity Our branches use 100% Green Electricity. Our Cork Food Emporium will be the first to install solar panels, 100% LED lighting and Electronic Shelf Edge Labels (ESEL).

This will reduce the branches carbon footprint and provide a “green-print” for all 7 branches in ROI.

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58 CATEGORY FOCUS Cash & Carry

Looking after the independents

Janice Gibney, chief operations officer

suppliers as regards innovation and concepts.

Q: How extensively are you supporting local, Irish producers?

Fact File Name: Stonehouse Marketing Ltd Number of branches nationwide: 21 Number of customers: Over 7,500 Number of lines in product listing: Over 10,000 Tagline: Ireland’s leading group for the independent wholesaler.

Ordering options: Online, in depot, telesales, sales representatives.

Typical opening hours: 8am to 7pm Retail Partners: Fresh Today, Applegreen and Gala Size – range of outlets: 40,000 to 45,000 sq ft Q: How have you worked to make your offering as convenient and flexible for your retail partners as possible, so they can always place and receive orders right when they need them?

A: Stonehouse carries a full range of ambient and frozen products to meet our customer’s needs, we constantly review our offering and engage with our customers on their requirements and encourage them to try new products and concepts to develop their business.

The extent of our reach ensures we can service customers in every part of the country, and we deliver to most areas daily.

Q: Value has become more important than ever as the cost-of-living crisis continues. How are you ensuring you deliver competitive pricing and promotions?

A: Our own label and generic brands play an important part in our strategy along with implementing an aggressive branded promotion plan with our key suppliers.

We pride ourselves on our relationships with our suppliers and we challenge them constantly to ensure we remain competitive.

Q: What makes your offering stand out within the marketplace, particularly in terms of helping your retail partners to drive innovation within foodservice/their in-store offering during the past year?

A: We believe our service levels combined with our pricing structure to our customers represent the best value in the market. We react quicker to ensure products can be listed at depot level and therefore offered to our customers, and we consistently challenge our

A: Our preference is to support local producers and the Irish distributors, but we must always be aware of the pan European market as regards innovation, trends, and pricing.

Q: What are your plans and goals to expand your brand further during 2024?

A: We have had a lot of change in Stonehouse over the past 24 months and while some members have departed, we have opened our doors to new members.

We are delighted that Applegreen, Freddie Hamilton Wholesale, Tullys Wholesale, Conaty Food & Catering Supplies and Gerry Ellis & Sons have joined to group, they each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Stonehouse and expand our nationwide reach even more. Our new members will help grow awareness among the consumer of our brand and will aid us in our negotiations with suppliers.

Our focus for 2024 will be to expand our Homestead brand further at retail level in conjunction with developing our foodservice offering, which will drive additional distribution and sales. ■

Homestead Brands Limited, 16 Priory Office Pack, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.

Tel: 01 2966000, Fax: 01 2966002, E-mail: info@homestead.ie.

INTERVIEW 59

Nutrition – and quick!

After securing partnerships with major retailers including Aldi, BWG, SuperValu, Dunnes Stores and Tesco, NutriQuick is making real waves within Ireland’s healthy convenience foods sector. ShelfLife caught up with Dean Siney, managing director at NutriQuick Ireland, to learn more about this burgeoning brand’s plans for further expansion Q: What was the inspiration behind starting NutriQuick and how has the company continued to innovate to meet consumer needs?

A: I have always had a passion for good, healthy food, and with my background in health, fitness, and wellbeing, I noticed a significant challenge in the market - a lack of accessible, high-quality, and convenient healthy food options. This observation led me to start NutriQuick.

I saw the opportunity to develop high-quality, convenient healthy foods where the products and meals are crafted with the right ingredients and portions, making them nutritionally balanced and providing optimum nutritional value for our customers. My goal has been to address the need for better, healthier food choices in a fastpaced world. We aim to continually innovate to meet the changing needs and dietary preferences of our customers while maintaining our commitment to quality and wellbeing.

Q: How significantly have you grown since establishment and what are your plans for future expansion? Do you have specific timelines in place for particular goals?

A: Since establishing the NutriQuick brand in 2016, we have experienced substantial growth, largely thanks to the unwavering support of our loyal customers. Our online platform, www.nutriquick.ie, has been a crucial avenue for our expansion, allowing us to reach a wide audience seeking healthier food options.

In addition to our online presence, we have formed valuable partnerships with renowned retail giants, including Aldi, BWG, SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, and Tesco. These collaborations have played a pivotal role in bringing NutriQuick products to a broader market.

Looking forward, our plan is to continue our growth within these existing partnerships and channels. We are committed to innovation, seeking new ways to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.

Furthermore, we are excited to explore export opportunities with some of these valued partners, expanding NutriQuick’s reach beyond our current market. This reflects our dedication to providing healthy and convenient food options to an even wider audience, both locally and internationally.

creative and innovative in developing new options for our consumers. The key lesson we’ve learned from this successful relationship is the importance of collaboration. By working hand in hand with the retailer to understand their specific needs and the preferences of their consumers, we’ve been able to align our offerings more effectively with the market, ultimately leading to our shared success.

We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership with Dunnes Stores and using the knowledge and experience gained to further enhance our product range and cater to the evolving tastes and demands of our customers.

Q: How are you helping to spread brand awareness through your partnerships with both the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and overall marketing plans?

A: Our strategy for creating brand awareness involves establishing a strong presence within the GAA and GPA community through various collaborative efforts. We plan to do this by sponsoring and supporting clubs, counties, and other opportunities within the GAA community. This includes conducting nutritional workshops and educational initiatives to promote health and well-being.

Moreover, we aim to be actively involved in GAA events and activities, aligning ourselves with the core values of the organisation.

We also intend to develop a product range tailored to the dietary needs of players in the game. This not only supports their wellbeing but also enhances their performance, reinforcing our commitment to the sports community and the importance of proper nutrition in achieving peak athletic performance.

By engaging with the GAA and GPA in these multifaceted ways, we hope to raise brand awareness, foster meaningful connections, and contribute positively to the world of sports and nutrition. ■

Q: You recently secured a new listing with Dunnes Stores for your range of award-winning ready meals. How significantly has your partnership with Dunnes Stores enhanced the business and what are the key learnings you have gained from your business relationship?

A: This partnership represents a significant milestone for NutriQuick, as it has substantially expanded our reach and broadened our consumer base.

Working closely with Dunnes Stores has not only allowed us to increase our market presence but also encouraged us to be more

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

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60 CATEGORY FOCUS Soup

Bowls of comfort!

Filling, nutritious, excellent value-for-money and ready in just minutes, soup has got it all!

At a time when shoppers are seeking out the ultimate seasonal comfort food on cosy days and evenings, it’s important to make sure you’re fully stocked with the leading brands that your shoppers will be on the hunt for, writes Gillian Hamill

D

uring chilly autumn and winter days, warm, nourishing soup is the food equivalent of ‘a hug in a bowl’.

According to a report by Euromonitor Ireland titled ‘Meals and Soups in Ireland’ published in November 2022, there will be moderate growth in retail constant value sales of meals and soups during the forecast five-year period as a whole. A key trend is that local brands will continue to grow in popularity. According to Euromonitor, “local consumers will increasingly favour soup and ready meals with shorter ingredient lists and cleaner labels, as they increasingly seek more natural products.

Local brands are also likely to grow in popularity, as Irish products are generally perceived as high quality by local consumers.”

Euromonitor also states that branded

products are likely to continue to gain ground on private label. According to Euromonitor, “although private label accounted for more than a third of retail value sales of meals and soups in 2022, its share declined during the latter part of the review period. This trend is set to persist into the forecast period, as local consumers increasingly seek out high-quality, healthful, protein-rich offerings.”

Meanwhile, in a global market report titled ‘The Future of Meals, Pizza and Soup 2023’, ’Mintel has also reported specifically on the future of soup in the next two years.

According to Mintel: “As consumers seek lower prices, their aspirations for more nutritious and filling food increase. Brands will bode well if they promote positive and functional health benefits such as satiety, gut health and immune health support to add value.

Packed full of goodness As the number one soup brand in Ireland, Cully & Sully is delighted so many homes are serving up a warming bowl of its soup during the colder months.

Cully & Sully soups are packed full of goodness with fresh vegetables and fresh herbs. All the brand’s soups are naturally gluten free as no nasty thickeners are used.

Instead, there is enough vegetables packed in to get a thick soup the natural way.

A soup that Cully & Sully really enjoys during the autumn months is its velouté style Squashed Veggie Soup which has all your seasonal favourites like butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato and some cumin to add a touch of warmth.

Cully & Sully’s expansion into a risotto range offers a delicious and hunger busting alternative to the brand’s soups. The Charming Chicken Risotto, Moreish Mushroom and Tempting Tomato risotto are all naturally gluten free and contain less than 1% saturated

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Cully & Sully’s Squashed Veggie Soup is full of seasonal favourites like butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato with a little cumin for a touch of warmth

fats. This range offers two vegan friendly SKUs that don’t lack in flavour or sustenance. Cully & Sully founders Cullen Allen and Colum O’Sullivan recommend serving them with a nice drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper and parmesan cheese shavings.

Cully and Ivan (the development chef from day dot) are sharing lots of delicious autumnal serving suggestions for the soups and risottos on the brand’s social media and website. The

“As budgets remain strained, brands must demonstrate a deeper level of empathy towards the economic situation of their consumers and assist consumers to cook at home in more energy-efficient ways to save both time and money.” For example, Mintel’s research shows 28% of financially struggling UK home cooks would limit oven/hob cooking time to save money.

As Ayisha Koyenikan, associate director – Food & Drink, Mintel, states: “As strained budgets continue to drive consumer behaviour, brands can prove value by helping keep energy costs low and hungry stomachs fuller for longer.” Soup which is naturally filling, nutritious and can be prepared in the microwave in minutes is an ideal option on all counts.

duo will even include some Halloween themed recipes and there will be giveaways in the lead up to the SOUPtacular holiday. Check out www.cullyandsully.com for more and follow the brand on www.instagram.com/cullyandsully.

With winter around the corner, there are lots more exciting plans in the pipeline that you will see pop up on the brand’s limited edition soup lids. Doing good has always been part of Cully & Sully’s ethos and what better time of year is there to give back to cherished customers?

Feel good factor The Avonmore Feel Good Soup range is available in a range of three delicious flavours; Feel Good Tomato & Basil, Feel Good Mediterranean Vegetable and Feel Good Garden Vegetable.

The Feel Good range does not contain any dairy or animal produce, making the soups suitable for the vegan consumer. Each 400g carton contains less than 100 calories, is gluten free and the packaging is fully

Soup CATEGORY FOCUS

Irish brand Fiid upgrades the classics to create wholesome, filling, plant-based bowls aimed at the discerning, health-conscious consumer who demands more from their meals.

Sweet, smooth and gently spiced, Fiid’s new

Fiid has sold over 1 million meals since launch a short few years ago

an h t s Les SAT 1% AT F

ROCKING RISOTTO RANGE

Soup

Sweet, smooth and gently spiced

Award-winning broth company, Sadie’s Kitchen which is stocked in multiples and independents nationwide, successfully went central with Musgrave this year.

2024 will see the young health food brand enter into the chilled ready meal and sauces categories with its signature sustainable packaging.

Sadie’s Kitchen will continue using outer sleeve packaging which is 100% recyclable and made with cardboard from sustainably sourced forests and a recyclable tub format.

The disrupter brand departed from single-use plastic pouches last year in line with its sustainability goals for 2023-2026. ■

Cash & Carry

recyclable. The Feel Good range will be supported in-store with point of sale (POS) this winter, as well as an extensive social media campaign. The brand therefore advises retailers to be sure to stock up on Avonmore fresh soups this winter.

Signature sustainability

Fuel

Each 400g carton of Avonmore Feel Good Soup contains less than 100 calories

Sadie’s Kitchen uses 100% recyclable outer sleeve packaging which is made with cardboard from sustainably sourced forests and a recyclable tub format

NoLo Alcohol

Each Fiid Chip Shop Curry Bowl contains just 215 kcal, delivers two of an individual’s fivea-day and is high in protein and fibre

Irish Brands

Chip Shop Curry Bowl is a veggie-packed, healthy take on one of Ireland’s favourite indulgent comfort foods. Made using only natural ingredients, the new bowl is designed with midweek satisfaction in mind; just heat the pack for 90 seconds in the microwave for a comforting and filling meal in an instant.

Each bowl contains just 215 kcal, delivers two of an individual’s five-a-day and is high in protein and fibre. Fiid’s latest launch joins a line-up of five other SKUs which have sold over 1 million meals since launch a short few years ago. Fiid products are available to order through GM Marketing.

61

62 NOFFLA NEWS

www.noffla.ie

2023-2024 Irish Wine Show Star Award winners announced The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) awarded its annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards to 54 wines on Monday, 9 October. The annual event, now in its 22nd year, was hosted at the Morrison Hotel in Dublin. The winning wines from the Irish Wine Show Star Awards will be available to consumers from NOffLA outlets across Ireland.

At the event, NOffLA also expressed the disappointment of its members that Ireland continues to levy the highest excise on wine across the EU and UK. NOffLA said it hoped to see a reduction in excise duty as part of Budget 2024, which will help ease the high-cost burdens experienced by many independent off-licences in the last year.

NOffLA, along with the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) called for a 7.5% reduction in alcohol excise levels in Budget 2024, supported by a further 7.5% reduction next year to bring Ireland’s alcohol excise regime in line with European levels and to also help protect the commercial viability of businesses within the

Irish drinks sector in an increasingly challenging trading environment.

Speaking at the Awards, Cathal McHugh, chairman of NOffLA said: “We are excited to honour the outstanding wines that NOffLA members sell across the country and that our wonderful customers enjoy. I want to congratulate all of the winners this evening and thank everyone who submitted an application this year.”

“Unfortunately, Irish drinks sector businesses are burdened with the highest levels of alcohol excise in the EU and UK, and excise increases from a decade ago remain in place and continue to impact these small, independent businesses. We hope that an excise reduction will be included in Budget 2024, given the increasingly uncertain economic conditions these businesses now face.

“It is also particularly disappointing given that with Minimum Unit Pricing coming into effect early last year, which now safeguards against the retailing of alcohol at

All the Gold Star recipients celebrating their fantastic results at the 2023-2024 Irish Wine Show Star Awards

dangerously low prices, Ireland’s punitively high excise levels are no longer justified from a public health perspective.”

In total, in excess of 600 wines were submitted to the Star Award adjudication panel of NOffLA judges and independent wine journalists. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value for money criteria, and the winning 54 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers

across a number of price categories.

Each of the winning wines will be sold in NOffLA member outlets across the country and will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. In the pre-Christmas period NOffLA members will promote the Irish Wine Show Star Awards 20232024 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts, in a variety of special gift packs.

2023-2024 Gold Star Award winners Category

Wine

Vintage

Company

Old World White under €12

Hans Baer Riesling

2022

Ampersand Wines

Old World White under €15

Remy Pannier Cepage de Loire Sauvignon

2022

Ampersand Wines

Old World White under €20

Gabel Riesling Trocken Organic

2022

Febvre Wines

New World White under €12

Santa Rita Estate Reserve Semillon

2017

Bibendum Ireland

New World White under €15

Growers Touch Sauvignon Blanc

2022

MCM Spirits & Liqueurs

New World White under €20

Kono Sauvignon Blanc

2022

Mackenway Wines

Old World Red under €12

Rioja Vega Semi Crianza

2022

Ampersand Wines

Old World Red under €15

El Perdiguero Crianza

2020

Mackenway Wines

Old World Red under €20

Portia Crianza Tempranillo

2019

Richmond Marketing

New World Red under €12

Carmen Premier 1850 Cabernet Sauvignon

2015

Bibendum Ireland

New World Red under €15

Nuevo Mundo Cabernet Sauvignon, Organic

2020

Febvre Wines

New World Red under €20

Cabernario No.8 Cabernet Sauvignon

2017

Bibendum Ireland

Rosé under €15

Alpha Zeta ‘R’ Rosato Veronese

2022

Liberty Wines Ltd.

Sparkling under €25

Villa Conchi, Cava Brut NV

NV

Tindal Wine Merchants

Champagne under €60

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV

NV

Liberty Wines Ltd.

Non-Alcoholic Red under €15

Zero-Point-Five Pinot Noir

NV

Mackenway Wines

Non-Alcoholic White under €15

Leitz Eins-Zwei-Zero Riesling

NV

Mackenway Wines

Non-Alcoholic Sparkling under €15

Faber Sparkling Rosé

NV

Ampersand Wines

White Wine of the Year 2023-2024 Gabel Riesling Trocken Organic

2022

Febvre Wines

WINE OF THE YEAR 2023-2024

2019

Richmond Marketing

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Portia Crianza Tempranillo

Portia Crianza Tempranillo was named Wine of the Year 20232024, represented by Shelly O’Neill of Richmond Marketing

Gabel Riesling Trocken Organic was named White Wine of the Year 20232024, represented by Eoin McConville of Febvre Wines

NOFFLA NEWS 63

www.noffla.ie

An overview of NOffLA’s work during 2023: NOffLA chairman Cathal McHugh Firstly, on behalf of the National Off-Licence Association, chairman Cathal McHugh extended his sincere thanks to the association’s members for their efforts over the past couple of years. He acknowledged members’ dedication in representing Ireland’s off-trade sector so well, especially in light of recent challenges. He also expressed his gratitude to NOffLA’s suppliers for their continued support.

He proceeded to discuss some of NOffLA’s work over the past year and the political and regulatory issues that impact the off-trade sector.

Minimum Unit Pricing The most significant of these issues is Minimum Unit Pricing, which commenced in January of last year, a development NOffLA had long campaigned for. NOffLA supports MUP as a means to regulate the cynical deep discounting of alcohol products.

However, given the political situation at present, the introduction of MUP in Northern Ireland is likely still years away.

NOffLA continues to support an all-island MUP model to establish consistent pricing and a public health framework across both jurisdictions.

Deposit Return Scheme The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is expected to come into operation in February of next year. NOffLA has been heavily engaged with Re-Turn, the operators of the scheme, on a range of issues. Following months of engagement between NOffLA and Re-Turn, the retailer exemption was amended to include independent off-licences.

The threshold for the scheme has also been increased to include those retail outlets with a footprint/layout of 250sq m and under. McHugh believes this

represents a significant win for NOffLA members. He sincerely thanked all who supported NOffLA’s Government Affairs team in achieving this crucial outcome for the sector.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that the concern going forward is that the DRS scheme will have the unintended effect of reducing the range of imported beers available to NOffLA’s members.

Alcohol labelling Beyond that, alcohol labelling regulations under section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, which were signed into law

by Minister Stephen Donnelly in May, will commence in May 2026.

The regulations will mandate cancer and health warnings on alcohol product labels and require alcohol retailers, including off-licences, to display health warning notices. NOffLA firmly opposes this unilateral decision, which will have serious repercussions for its members and the wider drinks sector. The association fully supports the position of Drinks Ireland for Ireland to follow a common EU approach to introducing alcohol labelling, and will continue to work with the wider industry to address this issue.

Alcohol licensing reform NOffLA has also been engaging this year with the Department of Justice on the ‘Sale of Alcohol Bill’ which will seek to “modernise Ireland’s alcohol licensing laws.”

The association understands that the bill will begin progressing through the Oireachtas shortly.

The bill is expected to include provisions to bring Sunday hours into line with the rest of the week; to reform alcohol licences; and to regulate distance and online sales. NOffLA will review any potential impact to members and continue its engagement

NOffLA continues to support an all-island Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) model to establish consistent pricing

with the Department in this area on behalf of members.

On behalf of NOffLA, McHugh acknowledged all those who participated in NOffLA’s International Wine Excise Campaign recently. This campaign compliments NOffLA’s ongoing work with Drinks Industry Group Ireland, to seek a 7.5% excise rate reduction in Budget 2024. The campaign also unites associate members and global wine producers, urging them to contact their respective home country Ambassadors in Ireland or their Minister for Finance, on the challenges presented to wine producers by Ireland’s excessive excise rate.

McHugh asked all members to please keep up your valued efforts on this campaign.

Excise duty Speaking ahead of the Budget 2024 announcement, McHugh added that NOffLA’s members, like all small businesses today, face growing challenges due to rising costs and economic uncertainty in the short and medium terms. Along with its drinks sector colleagues, NOffLA called for a 7.5% reduction in alcohol excise in the Budget,

supported by a further 7.5% reduction in next year’s Budget.

McHugh highlighted that Ireland has the second highest composite level of alcohol excise in the EU and UK, and as we know, the highest excise on wine. NOffLA met with the Department of Finance and emphasised that an excise reduction is not only crucial for the sector but also appropriate, given the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing – which prohibits alcohol at dangerously low prices.

Finally, Cathal McHugh concluded that NOffLA’s most important role is in representing you, its members, in the political and regulatory sphere. All NOffLA retailers operate in a highly regulated sector and it is important that their voice is heard when policy is being shaped, McHugh said. To this end, NOffLA retains the services of Penta (formerly known as Hume Brophy). They are the association’s public affairs consultants and help NOffLA to gain access to decision-makers and give sound advice as the association formulates its own strategies in this area.

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 October 2023

64 FEATURE

Budget 2024: Industry reaction

While supports have been welcomed in some quarters, independent retailers say increases to the national minimum wage and excise duty on tobacco will have a detrimental impact

fraction of our projected cost increases and is clearly not sufficient,” said CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings.

Increases Unveiling the 2024 Budget, Minister McGrath said that from 1 January next year, the minimum wage would rise by €1.40 per hour to €12.70. Meanwhile, duty on cigarettes increased by 75 cents on Budget night, taking the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes to €16.75.

Minister McGrath also announced that a domestic tax on e-cigarettes and vapes would be introduced in the next budget.

Responding, Martin Mulligan, the Fed’s president in Ireland, said: “While we want to pay our workers a fair and reasonable wage, the cost of doing business is rising all the time and independent retailers continue to struggle.

“Increasing tax on tobacco products will inevitably drive smokers into the hands of criminals who deal in counterfeit and contraband goods, depriving both the government and retailers of revenue.

“With energy costs remaining stubbornly high, we are disappointed that there was no mention of energy support for small businesses,” Mulligan added.

Regarding the government’s announcement of €250 million in funding for businesses, Mulligan called for clarity around what this would be and the specific help available to the independent retail sector.

Justice package

Pictured outside Government Buildings before presenting Budget 2024 to Cabinet are Fianna Fail Minister for Finance Michael McGrath with Fine Gael Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe (Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie)

Key points for retail sector • Price of a pack of 20 cigarettes increased by 75c • No change to alcohol prices • Universal Social Charge rate will decrease from 4.3% to 4% • National Minimum Wage will increase to €12.70 from 1 January 2024 • Excise increases on petrol and diesel will be deferred, with half next April and second half in August 2024.

Incases to the national minimum wage and to the excise duty on tobacco that were announced in Budget 2024 by Finance Minister Michael McGrath will have a harmful impact on independent retailers in the Republic of Ireland, the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has warned.

At the same time, Fed members gave some of the measures, including €250 million worth of support for businesses and greater funding for the justice system, the thumbs up.

Assurances not met However, the Convenience Stores and Newsagent Association (CSNA) is firmly of the view that Budget 2024 was not good overall for Ireland’s retail sector. The CSNA has

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

expressed its disappointment to both the Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise that assurances given by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other government ministers that small and medium-sized businesses would receive meaningful assistances have not been delivered.

“Assistances that were supposed to cushion the increased costs we will encounter from the enormous and unprecedented hike to the minimum wage, ongoing additional labour costs (public holiday, extra sick leave etc) and other government-induced costs such as the Deposit Return Scheme and proposed Latte Levy are contained in a €250 million rates relief package to be divided amongst 130,000 ratepayers averaging €1900 each. This is a tiny

Meanwhile, a package of €172 million in 2024 for the whole Justice sector will help fund 1,000 gardai recruits and a €25 million increase in the garda budget to meet overtime demands.

Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, said this was part of the government’s plan to make people “feel safe” in their communities.

“There has been a huge increase in shoplifting in recent months, but when we report these incidents, nothing is done about it,” said Martin Mulligan. “We are pleased to hear of the additional funding and hope it will help to combat the rise of retail crime in Ireland and help to better protect retail workers from violence and abuse.”

Make your voice heard Following the announcement of Budget 2024, RGDATA has also called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to meet with independent shopkeepers to hear directly their huge concerns about the significant cost increases being lumped on local employers by government. RGDATA has also urged all members to make your voices heard to local TDs about the cumulative impact all the government measures will have on your business.

RGDATA had previously said that it would “closely monitor” Budget 2024 to ensure that government would respond to its calls for supports for independent shops to fund the introduction of new policies on the minimum/ living wage; sick pay; pensions and other cost of doing business increases.

Ultimately, the disappointment regarding Budget 2024 is clear. As the CSNA concluded: “The praises heaped upon our sector during the pandemic emergency sound very empty and hollow now.” ■

SOCIAL DIARY 65

Whiskey lovers celebrate new member of Redbreast Irish Whiskey family Whiskey experts and enthusiasts gathered at a Redbreast Irish Whiskey event in the Dylan Hotel in Dublin on Thursday, 28 September to celebrate a brand-new release of Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition, the latest limited-

Anthony Nolan & Oisin Davis

edition whiskey in the Redbreast Iberian Series. Guests enjoyed an evening of exquisite entertainment and indulged in a Portuguese inspired menu, bringing the feeling of Portugal’s Douro Valley to Ireland for a

Byron Kumbula & Siobhan McAuley

moment of luxury escapism with Redbreast Irish Whiskey.

Keep up to date with the latest Redbreast Irish Whiskey news by following @redbreastirishwhiskey on Instagram.

Emma Waldron & Ros Lipsett

Daniella Scully & Kate McCarthy

DublinTown unveils revamped website, DublinTown.ie – ‘Your ultimate guide to Dublin city’ DublinTown.ie, the leading online destination for all things Dublin, unveiled a new and improved website, www.dublintown.ie on 19 September in Café en Seine. Designed to entertain and inform locals and visitors alike, the site already welcomes online visitors from

Dylan Kenny & Lauren Hanlon

over 150 countries worldwide. To give Dublin the very best window to the world, the new site will be packed with new content on things to see and do in the capital; utilising the very latest technology to make it better and faster than ever.

In addition to these features, DublinTown.ie

Zara Paolozzi & Rebecca Byrne

showcases over 1,500 businesses, including the newest additions to the city’s everevolving streetscape. Whether a seasoned Dubliner or a first-time visitor, DublinTown’s website is now the perfect starting point to make the most of time spent in Dublin.

Eider Leite & Niamh McKeever

Issac Nolan & Kes Rodriguez

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

66 SOCIAL DIARY

Magic & Sparkle!

M&S Ireland hosted a Christmas extravaganza showcasing its festive ranges on Wednesday, 11 October in the glamourous surroundings of

Ian Barden and Charlotte Alcock

25 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2. Marks & Spencer says its team of experts have worked closely with the best producers, to ensure the

Michelle O’Sullivan, Laura Harper and Lisa Smith

best quality ingredients are sourced and the most stunning packaging has been created for both its new and beloved festive favourites. ■

Mark Morgan and Ian Mulvaney

Sive O’Brien and Pat Kane

APPOINTMENTS Bord Bia appoints Martin Hofler as senior sustainability manager

Martin Hofler

Bord Bia has appointed Martin Hofler to the position of senior sustainability manager.

In his new role, Hofler will be responsible for overseeing and managing the company/manufacturing portion of the Origin Green programme, the national programme driving sustainable improvement in the Irish food and drink sector. As senior sustainability manager, he will continue to drive Origin Green’s ambition to enable the manufacturing industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities.

Before joining Bord Bia, Hofler worked in several global sustainability roles with leading organisations including Jacobs Engineering, PepsiCo U.S., Ornua Deutschland, and the Dairy Sustainability Framework.

Hofler is a graduate of UCD Smurfit School and Trinity College Dublin with an MSc. in Business Sustainability and an MSc. in Environmental Science respectively. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Scranton.

Additionally, he is committed to professional development, holding a Diploma in Strategic Project and Programme Management from the Institute of Project Management.

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

Shauna Bernard appointed staff journalist at ShelfLife

Shauna Bernard

Shauna Bernard has been appointed staff journalist at ShelfLife, as part of her overall remit within parent company Mediateam’s editorial department, where she will work across a portfolio of industry leading brands, including GrowTrade.ie, TechCentral.ie and Drinks Industry Ireland.

A motivated multimedia journalism graduate and creator and host of the awaywiththefairies_podcast, Bernard brings skills in storytelling, communication, and digital media expertise.

She holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Wolverhampton and a Higher National Diploma in Journalism from Coláiste Dhúlaigh CDCFE. “We are delighted to welcome Shauna on board as the newest member of Mediateam’s editorial department, who will be working across our portfolio of well-established, respected brands within each of their specific fields,” said ShelfLife editor Gillian Hamill.

“With a clear enthusiasm and journalistic passion for getting to the real heart of the story behind industry headlines, we are confident Shauna will prove a fantastic asset to Mediateam’s continued high reader engagement and future success.”

APPOINTMENTS 67

ASAI appoints Mary Behan and Seóna Parker in key roles

Mary Behan

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), the independent selfregulatory body for marketing communications in Ireland, has appointed Mary Behan as marketing and communications manager and promoted Seóna Parker to senior services manager.

Mary Behan has almost a decade of experience in the marketing and communications industry across a range of sectors including finance, insurance and regulation. Her previous roles include digital marketing and communications coordinator at KennCo Insurance and marketing and communications manager at St. Raphael’s

advice as well as advertising complaints management.

Parker holds a Graduateship in Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from The Irish Times Training.

Pearl & Dean strengthens Irish business with the appointment of Damon Westbury

Garda Credit Union.

Behan holds a Bachelor of Business in Marketing from South East Technological University and a Certificate in Online Marketing and Digital Strategy from Griffith College.

Seóna Parker has a vast and in-depth knowledge of the ASAI with a career spanning over 25 years with the organisation.

She has extensive expertise in self-regulation and the Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications. During her previous role within the organisation, Parker’s responsibilities focused on key technical areas including ad regulation and policy, copy

Damon Westbury

Pearl & Dean, the UK’s best-known cinema advertising company, is strengthening the Irish arm of the business with the appointment of Damon Westbury as chief commercial officer.

Pearl & Dean Ireland, which rebranded from Wide Eye Media in 2022, is the market leader for cinema advertising in Ireland and has 100% share of the cinema advertising market.

The Irish operation is also home to Adtower, Ireland’s largest digital out-of-home convenience retail media network and Packed.

House, an experiential and digital media services production company, and publisher of popular online properties including entertainment.ie, Beaut.ie and FamilyFriendlyHQ.ie.

Prior to joining Pearl & Dean, Westbury worked in numerous senior roles throughout his career. This includes Microsoft Advertising, Clear Channel Global, The European Broadcaster Exchange, Zinc Media PLC and most recently with WPP’s proprietary programmatic agency Xaxis. He brings over 20 years of experience to the business with a unique background across traditional, digital and programmatic advertising as well as branded entertainment and publishing.

Tom Neville appointed president and CEO for Aramark Ireland

Tom Neville

Aramark has appointed Tom Neville as president and CEO of Aramark Ireland, overseeing all operations for the business, inclusive of Avoca.

As president and CEO, Neville will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all food and facilities management services across the organisation. He will lead the Aramark Ireland executive team with a key focus on delivering profitable growth, excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Neville joined Aramark in 2019 as chief financial officer for Aramark Northern Europe, where he was responsible for the financial operations of the entire organisation, providing strategic guidance to support the company’s overall business objectives.

“Since joining Aramark, I have been fortunate to work with a talented and dynamic team of industry leaders,” said Neville.

“I’m focused on leading this exceptional team towards delivering continued growth across all our services, while continuing to deliver excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.”

NIQ appoints new country manager for Ireland NIQ (formerly known as NielsenIQ) has appointed David Berry as new country manager for Ireland.

In this role, Berry will oversee business in the Irish market and work closely with manufacturers and retailers to develop and implement tailored solutions.

He will also be leading in the roll out of ‘NIQ Discover’ in the Irish market, a platform which will allow retailers and manufacturers to use data to improve efficiency.

Berry brings a wealth of knowledge with more than 20 years of experience within the

Seóna Parker

market research and information sector. He joins NIQ from Kantar, where he worked as managing director for Ireland for the past five years.

“David’s expertise of the Irish retail landscape and track record of success make him the ideal leader to drive our business forward,” said Rachel White, managing director UK & Ireland at NIQ. “I am excited to be joining at a time of significant transformation and innovation for NIQ in Ireland,” said Berry, “with the move to a market-leading new platform – NIQ

David Berry Discover which empowers companies to dive deeper into insights and tell the full story across data.”

A graduate of Cardiff University, Berry has lived in Ireland for 15 years.

As an expert in consumer and retailer trends, he is also regularly featuring in the business and consumer press. ■

www.shelflife.ie | ShelfLife October 2023

68 MARKET MOVERS

Hot Chip

Lyons

Lyons Tea unveils brand-new look and feel

Having nailed the recipe for the perfect cookie dough, Dublin’s awardwinning Hot Chip has now launched a super-convenient new range of ready-to-bake dough balls in 81 select Tesco stores across the country and online at www.hotchipdublin.com.

The handy new dough balls range comes in three rich and luxurious award-winning flavours; Original Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Chip, and Hot Chip’s brand-new Salted Caramel, which recently received 2-stars – signifying it as an “outstanding” product – at the Great Taste Awards 2023.

Each 270g pack contains six conveniently pre-portioned handmade dough balls – enough to make six medium-sized cookies – which can be easily stored in the consumer’s fridge for up to 10 weeks, or their freezer, where the dough will keep for months until ready to use. The cookies can be perfectly baked in a preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or in an air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes.

The 270g packs are now stocked in 81 select Tesco stores, exclusively for three months. The brand’s three-pack bundles (270g per pack), priced at €16.99 plus postage, can also be ordered online for nationwide home delivery at www.hotchipdublin.com. There’s even an option to include a free personalised handwritten note within an order.

Lyons Tea has been putting the talk into tea since 1902 and has thrived as one of Ireland’s favourite tea brands, boasting cultural iconic status, throughout the past century.

This month, Lyons Tea is unveiling a modernised look and feel without losing any of its rich, full bodied and bold flavour or the much-loved quintessential Lyons essence. The refresh will include a striking new logo, a smaller redesigned pack, and a new square tea bag shape that provides best-ever flavour release, but all with the same award-winning tea blend at its heart.

The refresh is the result of a major €40m investment programme by Lipton Teas & Infusions, its owner and the world’s leading tea company.

Since becoming an independent company in 2022, and as a first step in driving value back into the tea category, Lipton Teas & Infusions has been laser-focused on improving manufacturing and innovation for Lyons Tea. Along with the new look and feel, new sustainable packaging will be rolled out - which is stronger and more durable on-shelf and designed to have no plastic overwrap. It is fully plant-based and recyclable, and 33% smaller than the current box so can fit in the kitchen cupboard more easily.

Complemented by Lyons’ latest marketing campaign, ‘We’re Square’, Lyons Tea’s new look packs are now on shelves nationwide with RRPs starting from €2.50 for the Lyons Original 40s and €4 for Lyons Original 80s.

For more information, visit www.lyonstea.ie.

Yoplait

Avonmore

Yoplait Skyr launches new blended flavour packs and new Yoplait Logo is unveiled

Avonmore Super Milk’s new campaign emphasises that 90% of us need more vitamin D

Yoplait Ireland is proud to announce the addition of two new blended flavour packs to its popular Yoplait Skyr range. Namely, the Yoplait Skyr blended ‘Red Fruits’ pack, containing two Raspberry and two Mixed Berry variants, and the Yoplait Skyr ‘Peach Mango’ pack containing two Peach and two Mango flavoured yoghurts. They join the already established Yoplait Skyr favourites, the Skyr Blueberry layered fruit range and Skyr Red Berries in the dairy aisles.

Yoplait Skyr is a 100% natural, high-quality dairy, fat free source of rich protein which provides a high percentage of an individual’s daily nutritional requirements. Its protein rich properties make Yoplait Skyr an excellent pre or post gym or sports snack whilst its creamy texture and great flavours make it an excellent addition to any meal or break time throughout the day.

Yoplait has also unveiled a new logo, which builds on its famous ‘Little Flower’ by adding a new additional petal which is symbolic of Yoplait’s reconnection with its co-operative roots and brand commitments to its consumers.

Avonmore Super Milk - a significant growth brand within the fresh milk category, recently announced the launch of its brand-new advertising campaign, promoting the importance of vitamin D in supporting good health. The campaign focuses on the message that 90% of us need more vitamin D*.

Ireland’s northerly latitude ensures that we don’t get enough sunshine, which means that we don’t naturally get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium, which is important for maintaining bone and muscle health and also helps support our immune systems too. However, according to recent FSAI findings (February 2023), 94% of children, 94% of teenagers and 90% of adults have inadequate intakes of vitamin D. Avonmore Super Milk is enriched with vitamin D, which not only supports our bone health, but our immune system too. It’s also enriched with vitamin B, vitamin E, extra calcium and folic acid.

This high-profile advertising campaign runs across TV, radio, out-ofhome (OOH) and digital during the autumn/winter months at a time of year when we are not getting enough vitamin D from the sun.

Hot Chip introduces new range of ready-to-bake Cookie Dough Balls

*(Source: 2023 FSAI Report - Vitamin D - Scientific recommendations for 5-65 year olds living in Ireland - published in February 2023).

(Enjoy Avonmore Super Milk as part of a healthy and balanced diet including foods containing vitamin D).

ShelfLife October 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

STEVEN BARTLETT

HOST OF THE DIARY OF A CEO PODCAST, YOUNGEST DRAGON ON 'DRAGONS DEN', ENTREPRENEUR & INVESTOR

RICHARD COLLINS CEO & FOUNDER OF WALFRID PRIVATE & THE WEALTH SUMMIT

THE RDS DUBLIN 1 5 TH N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 MANDY HICKSON

NICO LEONARD

ENTREPRENEUR & FOUNDER OF PRIDE AND PINION

FORMER RAF PILOT & MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

NIALL QUINN

EX-PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALLER & FORMER CHAIRMAN OF SUNDERLAND AFC

VAL QUINN

ENTREPRENEUR & FORMER MD OF COCA-COLA IRELAND

KEITH BARRY

MENTALIST, MAGICIAN & KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MIKE GREENE

THE SECRET MILLIONAIRE - CH4, ENTREPRENEUR & MENTOR

TOM GANNON

DAMIEN MALONE

CO-FOUNDER OF CALI CALI FOODS & FULFIL NUTRITION

MANAGING PARTNER & FOUNDER OF MALONE & CO

JIM POWER

ECONOMIC ANALYST, BUSINESS OWNER & PODCASTER

GARY FOX

FOUNDER OF HOSTBUTLERS & PODCAST HOST OF THE ENTREPRENEUR EXPERIMENT

DR. AALOK Y. SHUKLA

GARY GRIMES

FOUNDER & CEO OF SIMPLÍ BUSINESS FINANCE

CO-FOUNDER OF IMPLEMENT AI

Whether you are at the start up, scale up or sell up phase of your journey this is an event not to be missed.

On the day Business Owners will learn how they can overcome any obstacles and thrive whilst accelerating their Financial Independence.

Each speaker will showcase invaluable expertise and know-how that can be utilised by you and your business.

70 MARKET MOVERS

Danone

Nordic Spirit

Danone launches brand new high-protein range with GetPro

Nordic Spirit relaunches Watermelon Strong to revive summer spirit

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 delicious products include 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 consumers on their fitness journey*.

Discover GetPro’s delicious and high protein range of performance protein drinks, yoghurts and desserts: “Elevate your performance on your fitness journey.”

For more information on GetPro performance protein products, visit get-pro.co.uk.

Keep an eye out for this exciting new range which will be rolled out across stores nationwide in the coming weeks. *(GetPro contains protein which contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle)

FULL ON PROTEIN. FULL ON TASTE.

*Contains naturally occurring sugars only. **With the exception of GetPRO puddings which are low in fat.

Thought the taste of summer was gone? In fact, Nordic Spirit Watermelon Strong* is back again for a limited time only.

Adult consumers can now experience the refreshing taste of the tropics while available.

Nordic Spirit offers 100% tobacco free nicotine pouches; the more convenient and discreet way to enjoy nicotine with no smoke or vapour. They can be used anytime, anywhere.

The brand advises retailers to stock up now and ‘discover the unseen’ with Nordic Spirit Watermelon Strong, available for a limited time only. ■ *(18+. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance)

TRY NOW

ADDED SUGARS*

FAT **

NEW

Nordic Spirit contains nicotine.

Nicotine is an addictive substance.

LIMITED EDITION WATERMELON STRONG

BACK STRONGER NOW AVAILABLE IN STRONG

100% TOBACCO FREE, NICOTINE POUCHES For more information go to:

WWW.NORDICSPIRIT.IE

THAN EVER