SCOTTISH GROCER
& PROVISION TRADER THE ORGAN OF THE GROCERY TRADE IN SCOTLAND
Registered at the G.P.O as a Newspaper
FEBRUARY 2018
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THE
VOL XC, NO 2, FEBRUARY 2018
HAPPY 90TH ANNIVERSARY TO SCOTTISH GROCER FROM THE NO.1 SCOTTISH GROCERY BRAND*
Supporting the Scottish retail trade since 1977.
We are now delivering to new areas across Scotland 6 days a week. Get in touch to register your interest, and a member of our team will promptly get back to you.
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WORKING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT SCOTTISH RETAILERS FOR 90 YEARS Source : Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 21.05.17, Total Scotland
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90 years in the bag SCOTTISH Grocer is 90 – and what a difference nine decades make. It might be hard to imagine such a life now, but when the first issue of what was then called The Scottish Grocer and Provision Trader went to press on 10 February, 1928 there were no screens, there was no software, the pocket caculator was a pipe dream and the first barcodes were still decades off. As Scottish retailers in 1928 were picking up the debut issue of their very own trade publication, John Logie Baird was months away from demonstrating the world’s first colour television transmission, while Alexander Fleming wouldn’t accidentally discover Penicillin until Scottish Grocer was in its seventh month. To say Scottish Grocer has covered some pretty major changes in retailing and society at large over its 90 year history is to put it mildly. Britain’s place in the world – and the produce available as a result – was markedly different from today, something which can be seen in those early issues of Scottish Grocer. It’s fair to say that fresh and local is now a major focus for many of the brands in Scotland’s stores, but in the first days of our publication the trend of the time was for all things colonial, as retailers were urged to support the Empire by snapping up produce from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. It wasn’t all Empire in 1928 however, as Scottish retailers were also active in building relationships with neighbours in Europe, an issue which certainly grabs its fair share of headlines in our time. As Scottish Grocer was finding its feet, many of its readers where finding their sea legs as they embarked on what we might call a study tour – with a team of 300 (then described as retailers and wives) heading out from the port of Leith to Denmark to learn about all things bacon. Whether the study tour’s trips to Dan-
The first issue of Scottish Grocer and Provision Trader made a commitment to serve retailers.
ish castles and Hamlet’s Grave helped to boost bacon sales at home remains unanswered, but going by Scottish Grocer’s coverage of the trip, the retailers who attended definitely viewed the expedition as worth while. Readers with concerns for the future today should also take some comfort in knowing that the sky appears to have always been falling, in one way or another, for just about all of Scottish Grocer’s history. In one editorial published in 1959 the headline warned that “One in 5 Grocers Will Soon Be Out Of Business”, there was plenty of fear around the potential consequences of Decimalisation or “D-Day” as it was referred to in 1971, and if there is anyone out there who didn’t get their fill of European referendum chatter over the last few years, there’s plenty more concern to be found in coverage of the Referendum on the European Community in 1975.
28 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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Established 1928
While the Empire Marketing Board (left) no longer encourages retailers to “Buy Empire” in Scottish Grocer, other advertisers of yesteryear can still be heard from today.
Despite several warnings of industry crisis down the years, Scottish Grocer has never had a shortage of talented retailers running successful businesses to cover. As retailers face challenges caused by Brexit uncertainty, new data protection rules, the raging debate over the deposit return scheme, food price inflation and plenty more it might be worth remembering on the more difficult days that Scotland’s retailers have taken on a lot since Scottish Grocer issue number one. Launched in a time of peace between two calamitous world wars, there was more than a hint of idealism in that first issue of Scottish Grocer, with the editor calling for an “up-to-date and progressive publication”, a publication which would serve as “the voice of the grocer and provision trades in Scotland – a Scottish journal for Scottish readers dealing exclusively with Scottish affairs.” While today’s Scottish Grocer editorial team would never presume to speak on behalf of retailers, more than a few of whom are far from shy about voicing their
“We offer the services of The Scottish Grocer and Provision Trader to every retailer who is keenly interested in his business, enterprising and progressive; who wants to keep abreast of the times; who wants to be conversant with all the latest trade movements; who wants to know all that is latest and best in the matter of supplies; who wants to learn what his trade organisations are doing for his benefit; who wants to get acquainted with all the brightest and most up-to-date ideas for the conduct of his business.” - The Scottish Grocer and Provision Trader, February 1928 opinions for themselves, there is advice from that first issue which definitely still rings true today: “Let your interest in The Scottish Grocer be a personal one; it will be your journal furthering and protecting your interests and we want you to feel that you have had
a share in its successful development. “Let your contribution to its progress be something more than your subscription; encourage it with your advice and suggestions; after all, it is to be your paper, and you know better than anybody what you would like to see in it.” February 2018 · Scottish Grocer · 29
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Turning back the clock A look at the issues of the day for retailers of the past
• Will the public accept bacon in a packet? That was the tough question being asked by Scottish Grocer as concerns were raised over the appetite for film-covered pork among 1950s consumers. • The Auld Enemy – Letters to the Editor as far back as 1959 warn of the dire consequences that could befall the independent retailer in the face of competitively-priced multiple site operators. One of the first vending machines also found its way into Scottish Grocer.
• Dear Mr Churchill: Twelve years before the Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill the Chancellor of the Exchequer fell under fire from The Scottish Grocer, with calls to reduce burdens on industry as well as questions on sugar duties – issues that haven’t dissapeared for 90 years.
• Rough trade: Conditions were tough for retailers in 1928, and little did they know that the great depression was just around the corner. Despite the challenges, R.S.McColl had a good year with pre-tax profits of £39,349 - that’s about £2.27m in today’s money.
• Best foot forward: A team of 300 set out from Leith bound for Denmark on a tour that really brought home the bacon.
• (Above) Retailing in the early days of Scottish Grocer was not an equal opportunities occupation.
• A big moment in the history of Spar, the launch of own label in 1959 rocked the relationship between buying groups and manufacturers.
30 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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No shortage of familiar faces
THE good thing about being in business for 90 years is it provides plenty of time to form lasting relationships with all kinds of people, from independent retailers and multiples managers to wholesalers and food and drink producers. There’s no doubt that Scottish Grocer wouldn’t have made it 90 years without the support and insight of a host of retailers and industry figures down the years and these relationships continue to be just as important as ever. Looking back over the last couple of decades, there are dozens upon dozens of faces that pop up again and again, and while there’s nowhere close to enough room to fit everyone in, here is a selection of some familiar faces, some of which may look a little bit fresher than the experienced operators we know today.
• Dennis and Linda Williams with some of the team at Broadway
• (Clockwise from top) Scottish wholesale stalwart Eddie Lynagh takes on a new role at the SWA. The Iqbal family celebrates after being named National Neighbourhood Shop of the Year by Robert Wiseman. Ross Kerr, now of the SGF Healthy Living Programme, dips into some Doritos.
• (From left) Asim Sarwar lays out his vision for the future of United Wholesale (Scotland), and retailer David Sands celebrates with his Perthshire best business trophy. 32 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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Established 1928
• (From top left) Nabeel Ramzan takes on a Landmark role in 2014, with Amaan Ramzan taking up the vice-chairman position last year. Colin Smith has been no stranger to sales success and JW Filshill continues to enjoy awards triumphs to this day.
• Producing the goods – (Above) The popularity of Tunnock’s Caramel Logs in the Middle East push the Uddingston-based firm to expand its production capacity. (Below) Robert Graham celebrates securing a sevenfigure distribution deal with German discounter Lidl, providing fuel for further expansion.
• Stephen Watt (left) of Interbrew UK – now AB InBev – with Athif Sarwar, United Wholesale. United would later split to become United Wholesale Grocers and United Wholesale (Scotland). February 2018 · Scottish Grocer · 33
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The never-ending stories IF 2017 was anything to go by then retailing is a seriously fast-paced and unpredictable industry, with mergers between major firms and the unfortunate collapses of others leaving the whole sector wondering what the future holds. Despite the ever-changing nature of Scottish retailing, over 90 years Scottish Grocer has found that the shop owners of days gone by would be more than familiar with many of the issues facing retailers today. The months to come promise further developments on many long-standing issues including the implementation of minimum unit pricing for alcohol, the introduction of a sugar levy on soft drinks and potentially round two of the ongoing fight for additional legal protection for shop workers. Whatever happens with these stories in 2018, Scottish Grocer’s 90-year history would suggests it’s unlikely that all of these issues will be fully put to bed.
news
• If at first you don’t succeed: In 2011 Scottish Grocer reported on what became a failed attempt to give shop workers more protection under the law. Could a fresh attempt in 2018 result in new legislation?
Government wins long battle on MUP
2012 alcohol pricing act scheduled for 1 May 201 8
MINIMUM unit pricing will go ahead in Scotland next spring following a ruling by the UK Supreme Court, bringing a legal battle that has raged on since 2012 to a close. The Supreme Court’s ruling would appear to be the last ring of the bell in a legal battle that was brought by the Scotch Whisky Association and slugged out everywhere from the Court of Session in Edinburgh to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Delivering the verdict, which was unanimously agreed upon by all seven Supreme Court judges, Lord Mance said the court had found minimum pricing to
The new price floor
The Supreme Court has
upheld earlier rulings in
ment has contended that if the measure is properly justified on health grounds then its effects on the market a can be justified under the law.
favour of minimum pricing.
When minimum pricing was first passed in 2012, the aim was to set a floor price of 50p per unit. The Scottish Government says this is still its preferred MUP which, subject to passing secondary legislation, would affect prices as follows:
has unanimously backed our pi• A 700ml bottle of spirits oneering and life-saving alcohol at 37.5% ABV would be pricing policy. £13.13 “This has been a long journey and in the five years • A 750ml bottle of wine since the In a ruling of global signifi at act was passed, 12.5% alcohol-relatABV would be £4.69 cance, the ed deaths in Scotland UK supreme court has have inunanimously creased. With alcohol • A case of 24 440ml cans backed our life-saving available of beer at 4% ABV would cost for sale at just 18 pence pricing policy. a unit, be “a proportionate means £21.12 that death toll of remains In the wake of the final unacceptachieving a legitimate aim”. rulably high. ing, Scottish Governme The SWA had argued • Four 440ml cans of 5% nt health “Given the clear and proven since secretary Shona Robison link strength 2012 that minimum pricing lager anwould between consumption and cost disnounced plans to introduce harm, at least £4.40 criminates against particular a minimum pricing is the minimum unit price (MUP) most efproducts in a way that is for fective and efficient way not per• A three litre bottle of alcohol on 1 May, 2018. to tackle mitted under EU Law. the cheap, high-strength strong cider at 7.5% ABV Plans to form a group alcohol However, the Scottish with rethat causes so much damage Governstrength would cost £11.25. tailers this month to discuss to the so many families.” practicalities of implemen ting • A 500ml super-strength Karen Betts, Scotch Whisky minimum pricing are also Asundercan of beer at 9% ABV would sociation chief executive, way according to Robison, said: be £2.25 who “We accept the Supreme said the Scottish Governme Court’s nt is ruling on minimum unit already in dialogue with pricing negative effects of trade repre(MUP) of alcohol in barriers sentative bodies. Scotland. being raised in overseas Looking ahead, the Scotch markets Responding to the Supreme whisthat discriminate against ky industry will continue Scotch Court’s verdict, Robison to work whisky as a consequence said: in partnership with the of min“This is a historic and far-reachgovernimum pricing, and to ment and the voluntary argue for ing judgment and a landmark sector fair competition on our to promote responsib behalf. moment in our ambition le drink“This is vital in order to turn ing and to tackle alcohol-re that the around Scotland’s troubled lated jobs and investment the relaharm. industionship with alcohol. Health secretary Shona try provides in Scotland “We will now look to the Robison are not “In a ruling of global Scotrevealed 1 May will be damaged. At home, we signifiMUP day. tish and UK governments hope to cance, the UK Supreme to supsee an objective assessmen Court port the industry against t of 6 · Scottish Grocer · December the the impact of MUP.” 2017
• What next for Londis? Scottish Grocer has covered the symbol since it appeared on high streets at the turn of the century. Following Tesco’s Booker deal, the story takes another turn.
• Minimum pricing, a story turned into a legal saga fought from the spring of 2012 until last year.
• Not all deals are done in London and Scottish Grocer has dedicated more than a few pages down the years to keeping its readers up to date with all the local movers and shakers.
• The long-awaited sugar levy comes into force from April this year. What the implications will be have been the subject of speculation in the consumer press, but soft drinks firms like AG Barr have been highlighting their movement towards low and no sugar alternatives in Scottish Grocer for the better part of a decade. 34 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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Convenience as a force for good THE role of Scotland’s independent stores has undoubtedly changed over the last 90 years with the dawn of the supermarkets forcing smaller stores to adapt and evolve their offer in a quest to carve out a new space for themselves in the marketplace. Despite huge stores from the big four looming like a darkness on the edge of most towns across the country, many convenience retailers have made radical transformations to their businesses, meeting the demands for convenience that many consumers in today’s push notification culture crave. The most obvious example of industry evolution is the emergence of food to go as a revolutionary force in Scottish retailing, with stores of all shapes and sizes introducing offers ranging from the packet sandwich to restaurant-quality cuisine in a con-
venience format. Continuing growth in chilled for many retailers, while not without its challenges, also points towards further evolution in Scotland’s stores with tinned grocery making way for fresh produce as consumers seek out healthier options. A welcome trend in health terms, the shift towards healthier produce still has a way to go but there can be no doubt many of Scotland’s independent retailers have been instrumental in improving the national diet. From participation in the Scottish Grocer Federation Healthy Living Programme, reaching out to local schools, and a wide range of healthfocused loyalty schemes and promotions, as well as the expansion of fresh fruit and veg ranges in many stores, independent retailers have been instrumental in changing attitudes towards food.
• From top - Harris Aslam adds more FTG in Fife, David Sands expanded his fresh range back in 2008, as did Stanley Morris (below) in 2002.
• (Left) FTG was a focus for the team at McLeish Inverurie. (Below) Faraz Iqbal hosts the SGF Healthy Living Programme’s biggest ever breakfast.
• 50’s FTG - Kraft was well ahead of the curve with this convenient snack option. 36 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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Congratulations
from one historic brand to another
SPAR Scotland, the largest symbol group in Scotland. Proud to be serving Scotland’s independent retailers and local communities.
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Where did they go? OVER the last 90 years Scottish Grocer has reported on some truly impressive new product development that has thrived in Scotland’s independent stores, following brands and manufacturers as their ranges go from strength to strength. Sadly not all SKUs are created equal and products that are a hit with shoppers today can easily fall our of favour tomorrow.
When looking back over the last 90 years of Scottish Grocer, a stroll down memory lane can morph into a lurch down “what where they thinking?” alley, but there’s no question that although some of yesterday’s grocery would be out of place in today’s landscape, it can’t be denied that some of the more unusual products were a real hit back in the day.
• When it sometimes feels like every third restaurant opening today is a “gourmet burger” joint, it’s easy to scoff at the thought of tinned hamburgers. However, 1959 was the time before microwaves and frozen ready meals. so if you wanted convenience there’s a good chance it was going to come in a can.
• Irn-Bru 32 may be gone, but the legacy of the big blue bird lives on for those who still remember its mad ad campaign. Coo, coo.
• Who needs fizz when you can do it at home? Manufactured in Glasgow from the 1950s until 1998, Creamola Foam had a good run. • Not all NPD is created equal. Before Golden Wonder was snapped up by Tayto, the firm took a punt on a waffle-shaped Wotsit. They weren’t a huge hit, but a“Bring back the old wotsits wafflers!!!” Facebook page does exist today.
• Baked beans continue to prove popular with Scottish consumers, but the more courageous attemps at bean-cuisine have, for better or worse, fallen out of favour. • Müller is the biggest name in milk at the moment, but there was a time when Robert Wiseman was the brand of choice for many Scottish consumers.
• Don’t have a cow man, it can be easy to forget just how huge The Simpsons were in the 1990s and Bart Simpson really knew how to shift a product. 38 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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The Wonder Wonder Years Years The
Whilst everyone knows of iconic crisps brand Golden Wonder, fewer are aware of how the company was originally founded… Just after the war, when many were wondering what the future had in store, Scotsman William Alexander opened a Stockbridge-based bakery business in 1947. Dismayed at the machinery lying idle during the day after early morning baking had finished, he hit upon the idea of making potato crisps, creating Golden Wonder! Alexander’s wife and son played key roles in the company’s development and by 1961 Golden Wonder was the brand leader in Scotland. Further expansion followed along with the introduction of new exciting flavours, such as Cheese & Onion and Salt & Vinegar. In the early ‘60s crisps were still a rarity in grocery shops, being sold mostly in pubs, and Golden Wonder were among the first to put them on supermarket shelves.
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In 1964 the company went national, opening factories in England and developing revolutionary packaging, which kept crisps fresher for longer than ever before. Popular snack, Ringos, was launched in the autumn of 1972 as the company continued to grow and Prawn Cocktail was launched in its core range in 1981.
with the company facing financial problems, acquired Golden Wonder in 2006, integrating it into the wider group portfolio.
As the decades passed, flavours and products evolved alongside tastes and demands of Scottish consumers. The snack range grew to include TransformA-Snack, Bikers and Saucers, with Sausage and Tomato, Pickled Onion and Smoky Bacon becoming the most popular choices in the crisp range.
Today, Golden Wonder is outperforming the flat crisp market in Scotland by staying close to its roots. The company launched its most recent new product, Chippies, in Stockbridge, 70 years after the company was set up in the same town. Products across the entire Golden Wonder portfolio remain Tayto Group (TGL) spotted not only consumers’ love for Golden Wonder but fully flavoured but now pack even more also the future potential of the brand and, punch per crunch!
29/01/2018 12:23
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With a little help from my friends RETAILERS understand the need for support from brands and Scottish Grocer does too, with the publication’s relationships with producers proving to be vital to keeping readers informed over the last nine decades. When Scottish Grocer first got off the ground, one of the main advertisers to back the new publication was the Empire Marketing Board. Things have changed a fair bit since then but looking back over the last 90 years there are plenty of brands recognisable to today’s customer – including some brands which have been backing Scottish Grocer since issue number one. Not every product that has appeared on Scottish Grocer’s pages has turned out to be a hit. Some seriously questionable NPD has cropped up over the years – but there’s no doubt that working with producers big and small has been vital to providing retailers with the information they need.
40 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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ed s a h c r u p ly t n e c e r e W 800 p a r w o t s e in h c a m 2 minute r e p s r fe a W l e m a r a C costing £1.2m nd. a m e d r u o y h it w p u to keep ABT 8 1 0 2 n Ja £4,500 FOR A MACHINE TO WRAP 120 TUNNOCK’S CARAMEL WAFERS PER MINUTE WE NOW HAVE NINE OF
THESE MACHINES, ALL BOUGHT
NEW
AND
KEYED TO WRAP AT 120
PER MINUTE TO MEET THE EVER INCREASING DEMAND HOME
FROM
AND
THE
EXPORT
MARKETS
TO WRAP TUNNOCK’S SNOWBALLS TO WRAP TUNNOCK’S PIPER CARAMEL WAFERS TO WRAP TUNNOCK’S SULTANA PUDDINGS TO WRAP TUNNOCK’S CARAMEL LOGS TO WRAP TUNNOCK’S CREAM WAFERS TO WRAP TUNNOCK’S CHOCOLATE MERINGUES TO WRAP TUNNOCK’S IMP CHOCOLATE WAFER.
Thousands have visited Tunnock’s, at Uddingston, and have seen nine Large wafer ovens, al bought at a cost of £8,500 each
We hope to have our new multi-storey bakery extension completed soon P.S.--THE ONLY TAKE-OVER WE KNOW IS WHEN YOU TAKE OUR CAKES AND BISCUITS--A.T.
NEW WAFER OVEN COSTING £1.5m HERE MAY 2018
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• Derbyshire-based Swizzels also celebrates its 90th birthday this year.
Scotland’s sweet tooth
A NATION famed for its sweet tooth should have its fair share of confectionery brands, and that’s certainly the case in Scotland. Pretenders definitely come and go, but some of the most popular brands today can trace their roots back way beyond the first issue of Scottish Grocer – Tunnocks was just shy of its 40th year when issue one landed in stores, while Golden Casket’s J&A Ferguson brand dates back to 1794. As can be seen, the packaging and products have changed somewhat over the years, but the quality that keeps customers coming back seems to be in good shape and there’s no reason not to think many of Scotland’s favourite confectionery brands could be around for 90 years more.
• Still a family business, still made in Uddingston, still going strong after 128 years, there’s few brands that can challenge Tunnocks.
• It doesn’t get more vintage than this. From range to packaging, Buchanan’s stands out as a classic brand.
• Decades later, Golden Casket’s Buchanan’s now strikes a contemporary chord but keeps its identity.
J. G. ROSS (BAKERS) LTD
Highclere Business Park, Highclere Way, Inverurie, Aberdeen AB51 5QW.
Award Winning Craft Bakers
1962: Where it all began, Auchleven.
Tel: 01467 620 764 | Email: info@jg-ross.co.uk
2007:
Purpose built bakery and coffee shop in Inverurie.
2013: Food-to-Go counters in convenience stores.
From humble beginnings...
...to a state-of the art facility
Moving with the times
J G Ross (Bakers) Ltd have come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small bakery in the village of Auchleven in 1962.
There have been many proud achievements over the years, notably the opening of the company’s purposebuilt 38,000 sq ft bakery in Inverurie in 2007.
With over 55 years’ experience in applying traditional skills, the bakery continuously extends and evolves the range in innovative and imaginative ways.
The company’s philosophy remains the same as in 1962: Use premium ingredients, locally sourced, invest in staff and equipment, and build long and mutually profitable relationships with suppliers and customers.
J.G. ROSS - EVOLVING OVER THE YEARS TO MEET MODERN DAY CONSUMER NEEDS 42 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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Julie Nisbet, Managing Director at Strathmore Foods reflects on the benefits of the strong relationship with Scottish Grocer over the years. “It has been a pleasure working with the team at Scottish Grocer over the years and I’m delighted to wish the publication a Happy Anniversary as they celebrate their 90th issue. We’ve worked with the Scottish Grocer to extend our McIntosh chilled brand within the Scottish convenience sector and strengthen our company position as a strong competitor within the chilled retailer sector for many years now. The value that the Scottish Grocer offers our business through insights into the convenience sector and access to key stakeholders in the area
celebrating with you all again on 8th March in Glasgow City Centre. Watching the publication change and adapt through the years has been an exciting journey and we’re proud to have supported the Scottish Grocer team throughout the years.
is of great benefit to our business - especially at the round table events which we attend on an annual basis. We’re always thrilled to be featured in the annual food & drink brand review and look forward to seeing where we place in the December issue every year.
As the McIntosh brand continues to grow in the convenience sector with products that are ideally suited, we look forward to growing this even further throughout 2018 with the Scottish Grocer team into key areas such as food-to-go with our new hot food 2 go pots.” Julie Nisbet, Managing Director Strathmore Foods
We’ve worked up a strong relationship with the team at the Scottish Grocer over the years through the support they’ve offered us during the launch of a number of new successful products and marketing initiatives over the last 18 years. We are so grateful for their support and commitment to our brand. Also, as proud sponsors of the chilled category at the Scottish Grocer Awards for the second year we are contributing to the recognition of the top stores across the country and look forward to
From The Whole Team at McIntosh
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Survival of the fittest
RETAILERS know that it can be a tough old world out there, and the businesses that go the distance tend to be those that are prepared to invest and evolve with the times. For some brands that can mean breaking ground on a new production facility, investing millions and creating new jobs. For others it might be as simple as a packaging revamp that’s more in tune with the design trends of the day. Whatever steps the firms behind Scotland’s biggest brands take to stay at the top of their game, it’s vital that retailers are kept in the loop and so Scottish Grocer has been there for 90 years reporting on all the changes from new flavour innovations to huge factory projects and everything in between.
• The biggest brands in Scotland didn’t get there all in one go. AG Barr managed to boost production by opening a Cumbernauld blending plant.
• Moving with the times. A packaging overhaul may be a fun project for a design team but any of Scotland’s most long-standing top brands have build some of their success on familiarity, blending modernisation with heritage. • Packs change, new flavours and formats appear, but a solid brand is a solid brand. Müller’s Vitality range, which has a health claim at its heart, was arguably ahead of the curve when looking at today’s trends.
• Another Lanarkshire manufacturing story, Tunnocks continues to produce some of the nation’s confectionery favourites at 34 Old Mill Road in Uddingston. Still a family business, Tunnocks is run by teacake inventor Boyd Tunnock, who turned 85 last month, and can still be found working away at the factory to this day.
• What’s in a name? Unilever seems to think a lot. Mediterranean olive oil spread Olivio didn’t disappear so much as undergo a serious facelift.
• Maturing market: Alcohol-free beer was something of a hard sell at the turn of the century but Diageo made a good stab at giving the category some premium credential, attaching the Guinness brand to its Kaliber alcohol-free beer. The trailblazing beer has since been somewhat eclipsed by the now wellestablished Beck’s Blue, with plenty of other brewers entering the category. 44 · Scottish Grocer · February 2018
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Happy
90
th
Anniversary
Congratulations on your milestone!
QUALITY
ImperialTobacco - SG - linda.indd 1
BLEND
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CHAMBORD ROYALE
ELEVATE
BarcardiBrownForeman - SG - Emmaa.indd 1
YOUR FIZZ
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STEP 1
POUR 125ML SPARKLING WINE
STEP 2
ADD 15ML CHAMBORD BLACK RASPBERRY LIQUEUR
STEP 3
GARNISH WITH A RASPBERRY ET VOILA A CHAMBORD ROYALE
EAT AS MANY RASPBERRIES AS YOU LIKE, BUT PLEASE DRINK CHAMBORD RESPONSIBLY. C H A M B O R D B L A C K R A S P B E R R Y L I Q U E U R © 2 0 1 8 . C H A M B O R D I S A R E G I S T E R E D T R A D E M A R K . A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D.
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Making a splash in retail scottishgrocer January 2014
sc r ottishgrocer er ce oc grro scottishg February 2010
May 2011
& convenience retailer
& convenience retailer
& convenience retailer
UNITED
125 years of Happiness calls for a special delivery.
Carry Depot of the Year Winner: United 2012/13
On Sunday 8th May Coca-Cola celebrates 125 years of Happiness . Make sure your customers can join in by stocking the new limited edition commemorative cans and bottles. But hurry, with a new TV advert, outdoor and digital activity, they won’t be around for long.
Coca-Cola, Coke, the design of
the Coca-Cola Contour Bottle and
the Dynamic Ribbon device are
registered trade marks of The
Coca-Cola Company.
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• Scottish Grocer is no stranger to big birthdays with a number of top brands from Fairy to Coca Cola celebrating their significant milestones on our front cover. 21/04/2011 er | print size: A4 | artwork size 100% | print info: cmyk | proof AW1
IT may not be Rolling Stone but Scottish Grocer has been lucky enough to see some legends appear on its pages as brands, businesses and individuals have booked their place to be the first things retailers see when an issue falls through the door. There has been no shortage of brand launches that kicked-off in Scotland on the
£3 Billion mark
Landmark appoints
Celebrate 125 years with
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SWA, Best Cash &
1960
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• Wholesalers aren’t shy when they’ve got something to shout about either as demonstrated by United Wholesale Grocers’ Nabeel Ramzan. UWG celebrated another milestone with Scottish Grocer last year, as it marked 40 years since Mohammad Ramzan started a wholesale business from a grocery store in Maryhill. Today, the firm employs over 140 people with a turnover in excess of £130m.
Ramzan as
Vice Chairman
Asian Trader, Wholesale Depot of the Year Winner: United 2012/13
Nabeel Ramzan “Give yourself a clean start. Join the fastest growing symbol group in Scotland. With us, you will lead and others will follow.”
www.uwgl.co.uk
cover of Scottish Grocer, and some of the big names in convenience retailing have chosen to share their achievements – and occasionally their humour – with retailers. Few individuals have found themselves on the front page of Scottish Grocer over the years, so when someone does they’re always worth paying attention to. • AG Barr has been catching retailers attentions with irreverent covers for decades.
• Some send off: When well-kent face Ross Kerr retired from his role as head of trade development at Walkers, his former bosses arranged to have him grace the SG cover.
• For many retailers, their first glimpse of some of the biggest brands of today will have been on the front cover of an issue of Scottish Grocer.
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United Wholesale Grocers extend our heartiest congratulations to the
on completing 9O years.
UNITED WHOLESALE 1982
UNITED WHOLESALE GROCERS LTD
1996
UNITED WHOLESALE GROCERS LTD 2OO5
1977
SPRINGBURN DEPOT
246 Flemington Street, Glasgow G21 4BY T: O141 557 2255 F: O141 557 222O OPENING HOURS: Mon to Sat: 6am-5.3Opm Thurs Late Night 6am-8pm
www.uwgl.co.uk
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POLMADIE DEPOT
35O Polmadie Road, Glasgow G42 OPH T: O141 423 1313 F: O141 423 7861 OPENING HOURS: Mon to Sat: 5am-9pm Sunday 1Oam-7pm
A member of the Landmark Group
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90
special feature
Established 1928
YE AR S
The best in the business
Celebrating 22 years of the Scottish Grocer Awards FIRST launched in 1996, the Scottish Grocer Awards has celebrated the best retailers in the country for 22 years with no signs of slowing down any time soon. Each year has seen some of the nation’s top retailers recognised for their sterling work, as well as providing an opportunity for leading lights in the industry to let their hair down, and more than a few famous faces have also been part of the party down the years. On Thursday 8 March, the Scottish Grocer Awards will return to the Glasgow Hilton for another night in which those at the front line of convenience take centre stage yet again.
50 ¡ Scottish Grocer ¡ February 2018
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