Retail News May 2015

MAY 2015

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www.retailnews.ie|May 2015|Contents|5

Contents Hot Summer Ahead for Sales

News 6

Retailers call for changes to laws on shoplifting.

SUMMER is almost upon us, not that you’d necessarily grasp that from the weather the last few weeks, and it’s time to stock up on products for the hopefully warm and dry days ahead.

With this in mind, Retail News presents its annual Summer Stocking guide, focusing on the products guaranteed to fly off your shelves over the sunny season, from outdoor dining and barbeque essentials to the beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and water brands setting consumer taste buds alight (Page 26-50).

In a Special Report, we look at the sterling work carried out by Invest NI in helping Northern Irish companies to sell a broad range of quality food and drink products to the Republic’s retailers. The business development body has recently launched a unique retail programme aimed at assisting companies not currently doing business there to identify and exploit opportunities with major retailers, where 15 Northern Ireland-based companies secured a position on Invest NI’s first ROI Retail Programme. See full report on Page 17.

Also this issue, we continue our focus on Ireland’s impressive forecourt sector (Page 54-59), with the latest news from the sector, including the incredible statistic that five of the 15 finalists in the NACS Insight International Convenience Retail Awards are Irish forecourts, proving that Irish forecourt stores are the envy of the entire world.

Hopefully, we will have an overall Irish winner when the results are announced in London in June.

7

Are Irish shopping centres fit for purpose?

Competition intensifies in grocery market.

8

17 32

Special Report: Look North

Gala tees off Special Olympics sponsorship of Team Ireland; Speciality food to be celebrated at FHI.

17

A host of innovative food and drink companies from Northern Ireland are making their mark with retailers throughout the Republic of Ireland.

54

Forecourt Focus: News 54

Spotlight: Carry Out 22

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

9 9

10

Heffernan’s Carry Out off licence in Tipperary Town is a fine example of a local business catering for the needs of its customers.

25

Irish whiskey’s global share to grow by 300%; Ireland showcases Origin Green at EXPO Milan; Shorter lunch breaks bring big opportunities.

Frustrating pace of retail’s recovery; Retail Consultation Forum focuses on town centres.

26

36

11

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director. kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie

58

Dolan’s Gala store in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, has been meeting the needs of its community for more than half a century.

Summer Stocking

The hottest products to have on your shelves as temperatures soar.

Orchard Thieves

11

Forecourt Focus: Shop Profile

26

Lidl shines at 2015 Grocer Own Label Awards; JTI challenges plain packaging legislation.

Maxol acquires Limerick’s largest service station; Topaz launch Re.Store concept across Ireland; the Irish laundry revolution; Topaz Play Or Park Winner; Irish forecourts lead the nominations in the NACS Insight International Convenience Retail Awards.

Irish Dairy Board Becomes Ornua; UK Supermarket ShakeUp.

Heineken Ireland have just launched their new cider brand, Orchard Thieves, following three years in development.

Sharon Walsh, Marketing Director, Heineken Ireland, talks us through the new brand.

60 Tesco Taste Bud 60

The Tesco Taste Bud programme with Bord Bia has unveiled the 20 Irish food and drink companies to join the programme, which has so far delivered €30m worth of Irish food and drink sales to UK stores.

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12 26 38 42 47 52 62

Industry News Summer Dining Beer & Cider Wine & Spirits Soft Drinks & Water Market News Shelf Life

6|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

News News

Retailers Call for Changes to Laws on Shoplifters

RETAILERS have have called called for for a change change to to Ireland’s Ireland’s data data RETAILERS RETAILERS have called for aa change to Ireland’s data protection laws laws in in order order to to allow allow them them to to share share information information protection protection laws in order allow them to to Ireland’s share information RETAILERS have calledto for a change data about serial serial shoplifters. shoplifters.

While their counterparts counterparts in the the UK UK about While their in about serial shoplifters.

While their counterparts in the UK protection laws in order to allow them to share information can exchange exchange images images and and information information about about offenders offenders with can with can exchange images and information about offenders with about serial shoplifters.

While counterparts in the UK previous convictions, ROI lawstheir prevent retailers here here from previous convictions, ROI laws prevent retailers from previous convictions, ROI laws prevent retailers here from can exchange images and information about offenders with doing the the same. same. doing doing theconvictions, same. previous ROI you laws prevent retailers from “If you you are are in in Penny’s Penny’s you can’t can’t swap images here of known known “If swap images of “If you are in Penny’s you can’t swap images of known doing the same. criminals with Tesco,” the head of security for a Dublin criminals with with Tesco,” Tesco,” the the head head of of security security for for aa Dublin Dublin criminals “If you centre are in Penny’s youN can’t images ETAIL EWS .. swap RETAIL N “The inability inabilityofto toknown share shopping centre told R EWS “The share shopping told ETAIL EWS R N .

“The inability to share shopping centre told criminals with Tesco,” the head of security for a Dublin information is the greatest retail security weakness here.” information is the greatest retail security weakness here.” information is the greatest retail security weakness here.”

R etail N ews.of “The inability to share shopping centre told “We cannot build a database citizens to be wary of,” “We cannot cannot build build aa database database of of citizens citizens to to be be wary wary of,” of,” “We information is theFitzsimons, greatest retail security weakness here.” concurred David David Fitzsimons, CEO of Retail Retail Excellence concurred CEO of Excellence concurred David Fitzsimons, CEO of RetailtoExcellence “We cannot build a database of citizens beprotection, wary of,” to Ireland.

“There’s a need need for aa loosening loosening of data data protection, to Ireland.

“There’s for of Ireland.

“There’s aa need for a CEO loosening of data protection, to concurred David Fitzsimons, of Retail Excellence allow people people to to highlight highlight potential potential risk.” risk.” allow allow people to highlight potential risk.”of data protection, to Ireland.

“There’s need for a loosening At the the recentaNational National Strategic Retail Theft Theft Forum, Forum, At recent Strategic Retail At the recent National Strategic Retail Theft Forum, allow people to highlight potential risk.” retailers voiced grievances about the lack of penalties for retailers voiced voiced grievances grievances about about the the lack lack of of penalties penalties for for retailers At the recent National Strategic Retail Theft Forum, persistent shoplifting offenders.

“A serial serial shoplifter shoplifter might persistent shoplifting offenders.

“A might persistentvoiced shoplifting offenders.

“A serial shoplifter might retailers about the lack of penalties for go to to the the court court --grievances and it’s it’s their their fifth time there where they they go and fifth time there --where where go to the court and it’s their fifth time there they persistent shoplifting offenders.

“A serial shoplifter might get a fine, or a suspended sentence.

But it does not seem to get aa fine, fine, or or aa suspended suspended sentence. sentence. But But it it does does not not seem seem to to get go to the court - and fifthback timeto there - where deter them: they justit’s gotheir straight back to doing again,”they said deter them: they just go straight doing again,” said deter them: they just go straight back toitdoing said get a fine, or a suspended sentence.

But does again,” not seem to RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley.

Buckley.

RGDATA Director General, Tara RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley. deter them: they just go straight back to doing again,” said A Centra Centra shopkeeper shopkeeper in in County County Meath, Meath, who who asked asked not not to to A A Centra shopkeeper in County Meath, who asked not to RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley.

ETAIL N EWS about an incident incident earlier earlier this this R NEWS be identified, identified, told R ETAIL about an be told about an incident earlier NEWS be identified, told RETAIL in A Centra shopkeeper County who asked notthis to year in which which two men men entered entered hisMeath, 4,500 square square foot town town year in two his 4,500 foot year in whichtold two men entered his 4,500 square foot town R etail N ews about an incident earlier this be identified, centre store store and and stole stole €70 €70 of of pre-packed pre-packed meat meat in in aa bin-liner. bin-liner. centre centre store and stole of pre-packed meat in foot a bin-liner. year which two men€70 entered his 4,500 square “Iinphoned phoned the Gardaí, Gardaí, who have have two cars cars in town, town,town but “I the who two in but “I phoned the Gardaí, who have two cars in town, but centre store and stole €70 of pre-packed meat in a bin-liner. they were busy,” he recalled.

“My manager followed them they were were busy,” busy,” he he recalled. recalled. “My “My manager manager followed followed them them they phoned Gardaí, who have two inthey town, but on“I foot to the thethe other side of of town.

On thecars way, they swapped on foot to other side town.

On the way, swapped on foot to the other side of town.

On the way, they swapped they were busy,” he recalled.

“My manager followed them the bag for an empty one.

Then they went into an Aldi and the bag bag for for an an empty empty one. one. Then Then they they went went into into an an Aldi Aldi and and the on to the other side of town.

On thefilling way, they swapped didfoot exactly the same thing – they they were filling bin-liners with did exactly the same thing – were bin-liners with did exactly theempty same thing – they were filling with the bagWhen for an one.

Then they went intobin-liners an Aldi and meat.

When they came came out of the the shop, Gardaí were waiting meat. they out of shop, Gardaí were waiting meat.

When they came out –ofthey the shop, Gardaíbin-liners were waiting did same thing filling with butexactly couldn’tthe catch them.

I still still see seewere those shoplifters in in the the but couldn’t catch them. those shoplifters but couldn’t catch them.

II still seeshop, those shoplifters in the meat.

When they came out of the Gardaí were waiting town.” town.” town.” but couldn’t catch them. still see those shoplifters in the If retailers retailers were ableIto to circulate CCTV images to to one one If were able circulate CCTV images If retailers were able to circulate CCTV images to one town.” another, they could prevent this kind of repeat theft, said the another, they they could prevent prevent this this kind kind of of repeat repeat theft, theft, said said the the another, If retailers could were able to circulate CCTV images to one retailer. retailer. retailer. they could prevent this kind of repeat theft, said the another, The The The retailer. demographic of of demographic demographic of The shoplifters is shoplifters is shoplifters is of demographic now younger, younger, now now younger, shoplifters is he continued. continued. he he continued. now younger, “At one stage, “At one one stage, stage, “At he continued. shoplifters shoplifters shoplifters “At one were 12stage, or 13 13 were 12 or were 12 or 13 shoplifters were upwards, but upwards, but upwards, but 12 or now 13 upwards, they now they they they they nownow they but they can be as young can be as young can be asbe young they can as six years old. as six six years yearsas old. as young asnothing six old.

There’s nothing There’s There’s nothing years old. done with withThere’s them done them done with them nothing done from a young from aa young young from with from age, them so by by the the a age, so age, so by the young age, so by time they are time they they are are time the time they are teenagers, they teenagers, they teenagers, they they teenagers, are in in aa very very bad bad are are in in aa very very bad bad are scenario.” scenario.” scenario.” scenario.”

The security security The The security The security RGDATA Director Director General, General, Tara Tara Buckley.

Buckley. source told RGDATA source told RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley. source told

ETAIL N EWS that RETAIL NEWS that R ETAIL NEWS that R laws should should tighten tighten laws laws should Rtighten etail News source toldoffenders. for repeat repeat offenders. for for repeat offenders. that laws should “It could could take take aa tighten “It “It could take a for repeat offenders. year for them them to get get “It year for to year for them to get could take a year for something to to court, court, something something tosomething court, them to get and when they do go, to and when when they they do do go, go, and court, and when they the judge lets them the judge judge lets lets them them do the go, the lets off with withjudge a slap slap onthem the off off a on the off with a slap on the with a slap on the wrist. wrist.

The legislation wrist. The The legislation legislation wrist.

The legislation definitely has to be changed.” definitely has to be changed.” definitely has has to to be be changed.” changed.” definitely Tara TaraBuckley Buckleydescribed describedthe thecourt courtprocess processfor forshoplifters shoplifters Tara Buckley described the court process for shoplifters Tara Buckley described the court process for shoplifters as a revolving door.

“Our members believe if you are as a revolving door.

“Our members believe if you areaa as a revolving door.

“Our members believe if you are as a revolving door. “Our members believenot if you are aa of serial serialshoplifter, shoplifter,you youmust mustserve servetime. time.It’s It’s not notan anissue issue of of serial shoplifter, you must serve time.

It’s an issue serial shoplifter,ofyou must serve time.ofIt’s not an issue of a a€2.50 €2.50packet packet of ofrazors, razors,or oraaa€1 €1bar bar of ofchocolate. chocolate.These These a €2.50 packet razors, or €1 bar chocolate.

These a €2.50are packet of razors, or a €1said bar of chocolate. These to people people are arerobbing robbingall allthe thetime,” time,” said saidBuckley.

Buckley.According According to to people robbing all the time,” Buckley.

According people aregrocery robbing all the time,” said Buckley.

According to retailers, shoplifters often steal retailers, grocery grocery shoplifters shoplifters often often steal stealsmall smallitems, items,such such retailers, small items, such retailers, grocery shoplifters often steal small items, such a as asconfectionery, confectionery,but butthis thiscan canamount amountto toaaalarge largestrain strainon on aa as confectionery, but this can amount to large strain on as confectionery, but this can amount to a large strain on a business over time. business over time. business over over time. time. business The Centra retailer said he put “40 cameras” into The Centra Centra retailer retailer said said he he put put “40 “40 cameras” cameras” into into The The Centra retailer said he put “40 cameras” into his hisstore storeat atthe thecost costof ofaround around€40,000, €40,000,but butthis thishas hasnot not his store at the cost of around €40,000, but this has not his store atcriminals. the cost of around €40,000, but this has spent not dissuaded dissuaded criminals. criminals.A Alarge largebulk bulkof ofhis histime timeis isnow now spent spent dissuaded A large bulk of his time is now dissuaded criminals.

A large bulk of his time is now spent overseeing overseeingshop shopsecurity: security:“My “Myjob jobconsists consistsof ofkeeping keepingthe the overseeing shop security: “My job consists of keeping the overseeing shop security: “My job consists of Gardaí keepinghave the theft to a minimum.

It gets frustrating.

The theft to a minimum.

It gets frustrating.

The Gardaí have theft to to aa minimum. minimum. It It gets gets frustrating. frustrating. The The Gardaí Gardaí have have theft very verylittle littleresources.” resources.” very little resources.” very little resources.”

The TheGardaí Gardaíhold holdthe theNational NationalStrategic StrategicRetail RetailTheft Theft The Gardaí hold the National Strategic Retail Theft The Gardaí hold the National Strategic Retail Theft Forum twice a year in Dublin, where they discuss issues Forum twice a year in Dublin, where they discuss issues Forum twice twice aa year year in in Dublin, Dublin, where where they they discuss discuss issues issues Forum with withsecurity securityexperts, experts,large largeretail retailgroups, groups,and andretail retail with security experts, large retail groups, and retail with security According experts, large retail groups, and retail steal associations. associations. According Accordingto toaaaGarda Gardasource, source,shoplifters shoplifters steal steal associations. to Garda source, shoplifters associations.

According to a Garda source, shoplifters steal items itemsat atspecific specifictimes timesof ofthe theweek. week.“On “OnaaaFriday Fridayevening, evening, items at specific times of the week.

“On Friday evening, items at specific times of the week.

“On a Friday said evening, before beforethe theweekend, weekend,young younggirls girlstake takecosmetics,” cosmetics,” said saidthe the before the weekend, young girls take cosmetics,” the before the weekend, young girls take cosmetics,” said the source.

“On a Saturday afternoon, young lads take drink source.

“On a Saturday afternoon, young lads take drink source. “On “On aa Saturday Saturday afternoon, afternoon, young young lads lads take take drink drink source. from fromoff-licences.” off-licences.” from off-licences.” from off-licences.”

The Thelack lackofof ofpolice policeresources resourcesand andlegal legalrestrictions restrictions The lack police resources and legal restrictions The lack of police resources and legal restrictions hampers efforts to stop shoplifting.

“If a Garda hampers efforts to stop shoplifting.

“If a Garda stopsand and hampers efforts efforts to to stop stop shoplifting. shoplifting. “If “If aa Garda Garda stops stops and hampers stops and searches searchessomeone someonewhere wherereasonable reasonablegrounds groundsdid didnot notexist, exist, searches someone where reasonable grounds did not exist, searches someone where reasonablesaid groundssecurity did not exist, the theindividual individualcan cansue suethe theguards,” guards,” said saidthe the security securityinsider. insider. the individual can sue the guards,” the insider. the individual can sue the guards,” said the security insider.

“A “Asecurity securityofficer officeralso alsohas hasno noability abilityto tostop stopand andsearch. search.

“A security officer also has no ability to stop and search.

“A security officer also has no ability toit’s stop and to search.

They Theyknow knowif theymake makeaaafalse falsearrest, arrest, it’s it’sgoing going to tocost cost They know ififthey they make false arrest, going cost They know if they make a false arrest, it’s going to cost €17,000 to €27,000 [in damages].”

Retailers have reported €17,000 to €27,000 [in damages].”

Retailers have reported €17,000 to to €27,000 €27,000 [in [in damages].” damages].” Retailers Retailers have have reported reported €17,000 cases casesof ofshoplifters shoplifterswho whogoad goadstaff, staff,or orpretend pretendto tosteal steal cases of shoplifters who goad staff, or pretend to steal cases of shoplifters who goad staff, or pretend to steal items, items,so sothey theymight mightmake makeaaaclaim claimabout aboutfalse falseallegations allegationsof of items, so they might make claim about false allegations of items, so they might make a claim about false allegations of shoplifting. shoplifting. shoplifting. shoplifting.

Members Membersofof ofstaff staffoften oftenturn turnaaablind blindeye eyeto toretail retailtheft, theft, Members staff often turn blind eye to retail theft, Members ofstore staff often turn astaff blind eye to retail theft, continued the owner.

“The might not want continued the store owner.

“The staff might not wantto tobe be continued the store owner.

“The staff might not want to be continued thesomething store owner.

“Thethey staffhave might nottowant to be dragged into where to go court, or dragged into something where they have to go to court, or dragged into into something something where where they they have have to to go go to to court, court, or or dragged they theyare areafraid afraidof ofgetting gettingassaulted.” assaulted.” they are afraid of getting assaulted.” they are afraid of getting assaulted.”

The Thegovernment’s government’sCriminal CriminalJustice Justice(Burglary (Burglaryofof of The government’s Criminal Justice (Burglary The government’s Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Dwellings)Bill Billpromises promisesto tointroduce introducelonger longersentences sentencesfor for Dwellings) Bill promises to introduce longer sentences for Dwellings) Bill promises toit introduce longer sentences for serial serialburglars. burglars.However, However, ititdoes doesnot notapply applyto tocommercial commercial serial burglars.

However, does not apply to commercial serial burglars.

However,written it does not apply to commercial premises. premises.RGDATA RGDATAhas has written writtento tothe theDepartment Departmentof ofJustice Justice premises.

RGDATA has to the Department of Justice premises.

RGDATA has written to the Department of Justice calling for similar deterrents for retail calling for for similar similar deterrents deterrents for for retail retailshoplifters. shoplifters. calling shoplifters. calling for similar deterrents for retail shoplifters.

“I“I “Igot gotthe theimpression impressionfrom fromthe theGuards Guards[at [atthe theNational National got the impression from the Guards [at the National “I got the impression from the Guards [at the National Strategic Retail Theft Forum], that the retail sector Strategic Retail Theft Forum], that the retail sector needs Strategic Retail Retail Theft Theft Forum], Forum], that that the the retail retail sector sector needs needs Strategic needs to tohighlight highlightthis thisissue issuemore moreto tothe thepolicy policymakers makersto totry tryand and to highlight this issue more to the policy makers to try and to highlight this issue more to the policy makers to try and address addressdeficiencies deficienciesin inthe thelaw,” law,”said saidBuckley.

Buckley.“Overall, “Overall,it’s it’saaa address deficiencies in the law,” said Buckley.

“Overall, it’s address deficiencies incrime the law,” said Buckley.

“Overall, it’s a much muchmore moreexpensive expensive crime crimethan thanit itis isbeing beingportrayed portrayedas. as.It It much more expensive than it is being portrayed as.

It much more independent expensive crime than it is being portrayed as. It is draining shops.” is draining independent shops.” is draining draining independent independent shops.” shops.” is

Retail Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|5 RetailNews|May News|May2015|www.retailnews.ie|5 2015|www.retailnews.ie|7

News News

IrishShopping ShoppingCentres Centres Irish “NotFit FitFor ForPurpose”?

Purpose”?

“Not SHOPPING centres need to SHOPPING centres need to provide provide an experience-driven experience-driven SHOPPING centres need to provide an an experience-driven retail experience if going to a retail retail experience if they they are going to survive, survive, a leading leading retail retail experience if they are are going to survive, a leading retail R ETAIL N EWS . representative has told R etail N ews . representative RETAIL NEWS . representative has has toldtold David Fitzsimons, head ofRetail Retail Excellence Ireland David Fitzsimons, head of Excellence Ireland David Fitzsimons, head of Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), said Irish shopping centres in current form (REI), that Irish shopping centres in their their current form (REI), saidsaid thatthat Irish shopping centres in their current form “are not fit for purpose into the future”. “are not fit for purpose into the future”. “are not fit for purpose into the future”.

Therecent recent REIShopping ShoppingCentre CentreReview Review surveyed surveyed 200 200 TheThe recent REIREI Shopping Centre Review surveyed 200 shopping centre tenants from 33 centres across the shopping centre tenants from 33 shopping shopping centres across shopping centre tenants from 33 shopping centres across thethe country. None of the respondents ranked their centres as country.

None of the respondents ranked their centres as country. None of the respondents ranked their centres as being in in “Good Health” from an performance.

None being “Good Health” from an overall overall performance.

None being in “Good Health” from an overall performance.

None of them described their schemes as “Profitable” and the of them described their schemes as “Profitable” and the of them described theirschemes schemeswere as “Profitable” and the majority said their “Poorly Promoted”. majority schemes were “Poorly Promoted”. majority saidsaid theirtheir schemes were “Poorly Promoted”.

According to Fitzsimons, managers need to think about about According to Fitzsimons, managers need to think According Fitzsimons, managers need to think about new ways ways to of new of bringing bringing people people into into their their shopping shopping centres. centres. new “Younger ways of bringingare peoplemotivated into their shopping centres.

“Younger people people are not not motivated by by buying buying stuff: stuff: they’re they’re “Younger people are not motivated by “Some buyingofstuff: they’re motivated by experience,” he said. the motivated by experience,” he said. “Some of the biggest biggest motivated by developers experience,” he said. “Some of the biggest property property developers in in the the world world are are putting putting their their money money property developers in the world are putting their money into urban-based retail developments, they build into urban-based retail developments, where where they build a a into urban-based retail developments, where they build a

compelling public area. compelling public area. compelling public area.

Shopping centres are Shopping centres are Shopping centres are quite bland –– they are quite bland they are quite bland – they are malls with shops.

That’s malls with shops.

That’s malls with shops. That’s why we’re seeing growth why we’re seeing growth why we’re seeing growth outside the M50 with outside the M50 with outside the M50 with destinations that offer destinations that offer destinations that offer experience.” experience.” experience.”

The Shopping Shopping Centre Centre The The Shopping Centre David Fitzsimons, CEO, Retail Excellence Review revealed that David Fitzsimons, CEO, Retail Review revealed that Ireland.

David Fitzsimons, CEO,Excellence Retail Review revealed that Ireland. retail tenants have become retail tenants have become Excellence Ireland. retail tenants have become demoralised with centres. demoralised with centres. demoralised with centres.

Many described their Many described their future future plans plans as as involving involving aa “Definite “Definite Many described their future plans as involving a “Definite Exit Exit from from Scheme”.

Scheme”.

Exit from “TheScheme”. bigger picture picture is is that that today’s today’s consumer consumer wants wants an an “The bigger “The biggersaid picture is that today’s consumer wants an experience,” Fitzsimons.

“Consumers today want midexperience,” said Fitzsimons. “Consumers today want midexperience,” said Fitzsimons.

“Consumers today want midweek week convenience convenience and and weekend weekend experience. experience. That That means means food, food, week convenience and weekend experience.

That means food, hospitality, retail, a day out: all wrapped up in one.” hospitality, retail, a day out: all wrapped up in one.” hospitality, retail, a day out: all wrapped up in one.”

CompetitionIntensifies Intensifies in in Competition GroceryMarket Market Grocery

have declined because of shoppers choosing to up pick up THE latest supermarket share figures from Kantar declined because of shoppers choosing to pick cheaper in Ireland, for the 12 weeks, ending April 26, 26, cheaper goods in-store. sales have remained weeks goods in-store.

SuperValu’s sales choosing have remained inup growth THEWorldpanel latest supermarket share figures fromending KantarApril have declined because of SuperValu’s shoppers to pick competition groceryApril top-spot, in forin-store. the eighth in asales row, largely thanks show intense forgrowth thegoods eighth month in amonth row, largely thanks the retailer’s Worldpanel in Ireland, for thefor 12Ireland’s weeks, ending 26, with cheaper SuperValu’s have to remained SuperValu level on market share.top-spot, with the retailer’s abilitywin to consistently win new shoppers. andcompetition ability tofor consistently newinshoppers.

SuperValu’s showTesco intense for Ireland’s grocery in to growth the eighth month a row, largely thanksplan “Over thepast past12 12weeks, weeks SuperValu and Tesco have plan to open four newgives stores thisopportunity year gives itto “Over the to four new stores year it the Tesco and SuperValu level on market share. to SuperValu’s theopen retailer’s ability to this consistently win new shoppers.

25% of the grocery market, with SuperValu the opportunity to grow sales further and out-perform the each captured grow sales further and out-perform the overall market.

“Over the past 12 weeks SuperValu and Tesco have SuperValu’s plan to open four new stores this year gives it to 25% hold of onto number one position it claimed last theoverall market.

However, growth rates atfurther Aldi and Lidl have declined, eachbattling captured thethe grocery market, with SuperValu opportunity to grow sales and out-perform the as aiming to recover lost ground,” noteslast David overall However, growth rates have declined, month and Tesco David Berry explains: “OneatofAldi the and mostLidl interesting trends as in battling to hold onto the number one position it claimed market. at Kantar Worldpanel.

“Intense competition David Berry explains: “One of the most interesting trends in Berry, Director the latest data is the slowing growth rate of both Aldi and month and Tesco aiming to recover lost ground,” notes David However, growth rates at Aldi and Lidl have declined, as between theat supermarkets has resulted in more choice and David the data the “One slowing growth rate ofand both7.8% Aldi andLidl Lidl.latest While theis 8.8% growth by Aldi for Berry, Director Kantar Worldpanel.

“Intense competition Berry explains: of posted the most interesting trends in for shoppers, highlighted by the low level of Lidl.

While the 8.8% this growth posted by Aldi and2010 7.8%that for Lidl better value remains impressive, is the first time since between the supermarkets has resulted in more choice and the latest data is the slowing growth rate of both Aldi and and prices increasing by just 0.2%. Many staple remains thisgrown is the their first time since 2010 that inflation both Aldiimpressive, and 8.8% Lidl have less than better value for shoppers, highlighted by the low level of Lidl.

While the growth posted bysales Aldi by and 7.8% for10%.”

Lidl grocery items are now cheaper than they were last year, with both Aldi and Lidl havehas grown their sales by lessof than 10%.”

The grocery market returned to inflation 0.2% inflation and prices increasing by just 0.2%. Many staple remains impressive, this is the first time since 2010 that for grocery market hasApril returned to inflation of -0.1% 0.2% for the price of meat and vegetables both dropping by 3% and the The 12-week period ending 26, 2015, up from last grocery items are now cheaper than they were last year, with both Aldi and Lidl have grown their sales by less than 10%.” the 12-week period ending April 26, 2015, up from -0.1% last bread by 2%.” period. the priceAmong of meat both Dunnes dropping byposted 3% and The grocery market has returned to inflation of 0.2% for theand bigvegetables threeretailers, retailers, has period.

Among the big three Dunnes has posted the For more information, see www.kantarworldpanel.com. bread by 2%.” the 12-week period ending April 26, 2015, up from -0.1% last the strongest sales growth of 3.6%, lifting its market For more information, see www.kantarworldpanel.com. strongest sales growth of 3.6%, lifting its market share Among the big three retailers, Dunnes has posted period. share from 21.5% to 22%.

This from 21.5% to 22%. This increase the strongest salesthe growth ofindustrial 3.6%, lifting its market For more information, see www.kantarworldpanel.com. increase comes despite the recent comes despite recent share from 21.5% to 22%.

This industrial action taken in action taken by staff in by thestaff build increase comes recent theto build updespite to Easter. up Easter.

One ofthe theOne keyof the industrial action taken by staff inbeen Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend key positives for Dunnes has positives for Dunnes has been its the build up to Easter.

One of the its strength in Dublin, an area strength in Dublin, an area where 12 Weeks to 05 Jan 2014 12 Weeks to 04 Jan 2015 change** Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend key positives for Dunnes has been where grocery sales are growing %* %* % grocery sales are growing and its strength in Dublin, an area and where Dunnes accounts for a where Dunnes accounts for over 12 Weeks to 05 Jan 2014 12 Weeks to 04 Jan 2015 change** Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 1.1 where grocery salesofare growing %* %* % over a quarter shopper spend. quarter of shopper spend.

Total Multiples 88.6% 88.9% 1.5 and where Dunnes accounts for While Tesco’s marketshare share While Tesco’s market 26.3% 25.0% -3.5 TotalTesco Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 1.1 overisa lower quarter of shopper it spend. year-on-year, has 21.5% 22.0% 3.6 TotalDunnes Multiples 88.6% 88.9% 1.5 improved its position While Tesco’s market versus share last 25.1% 25.0% 0.8 TescoTotal SuperValu 26.3% 25.0% -3.5 This recentitimprovement is lower year-on-year, has month.

Dunnes 21.5% 22.0% 3.6 Total Discounters 15.7% 16.8% 8.3 has lifted its market share improved its position versus last 8.0% 8.6% 8.8 TotalAldi SuperValu 25.1% 25.0% 0.8 25%, improvement in line with month.

This recent back up to 7.7% 8.2% 7.8 TotalLidl Discounters 15.7% 16.8% 8.3 as Ireland’s 11.4% 11.1% -1.9 SuperValu has lifted its market share joint Aldi Other Outlets** 8.0% 8.6% 8.8 supermarket.

The amount backlargest up to 25%, in line with Lidl 7.7% 8.2% 7.8 sold at Tesco *= Other Percentage Share of Total Grocers of groceries SuperValu as Ireland’s joint has Outlets** 11.4% 11.1% -1.9 **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops flat, butThe value sales have remained largest supermarket. amount of groceries sold at Tesco has *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops remained flat, but value sales

8|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

News Gala Tees Off Special Olympics Sponsorship of Team Ireland AHEAD of this July’s World Summer Games, which are taking place is Los Angeles, Gala, has joined Special Olympics Ireland as Official Sponsor of Team Ireland. In a six figure deal that includes sponsorship rights and a significant activation budget, this major sponsorship by Gala in 2015 will help Irish athletes travel to and compete at the Games.

Gala’s commitment to Team Ireland marks a considerable milestone in the fundraising efforts of Special Olympics Ireland, who required €440,000 to cover the cost of sending an Irish delegation to the World Games.

“We are an Irish Retail Group, and our stores and their communities are central to our success,” Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala, says. “Special Olympics is an outstanding organisation that has supported thousands of athletes in our stores’ communities over the years, and the Gala Group wanted to collectively help the athletes from Team Ireland create special moments in Los Angeles. Being in a position to assist the athletes in achieving their dreams and experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is something that all of our stores committed to and we’re looking forward to an exciting summer, wishing Team Ireland every success at the Games.”

In addition to the sponsorship rights, Gala will be running a coinciding integrated campaign, titled #GalaSpecialMoment. The campaign will be running

Pictured celebrating the Gala sponsorship are golfing legend Christy O’Connor Jr, Clare golfer Paul Kirrane, Gary Desmond, Gala CEO; Matt English, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland; and Senator Eamonn Coghlan.

in-store, through media promotions and via Gala’s social media channels, which now boast a 100,000 strong community. From July 23 to August 2, exclusive updates from the Games will be delivered via Gala’s social media channels as part of the convenience group’s #GalaSpecialMoment campaign and Gala shoppers will also be encouraged to share their #GalaSpecialMoment online.

Speciality Food to be Celebrated at FHI

THIS year’s Food & Hospitality Ireland will be celebrating the vibrant Irish artisan food and drink scene with the addition of the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Ireland. This brand new section of the exhibition will feature the very best small food and drink producers that Ireland has to offer.

Some fantastic companies have already come on board, including the Guild of Fine Food, who will be bringing along some of their Great Taste Awards winners. The prestigious Great Taste Awards is the acknowledged benchmark for speciality food and drink. It has been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world, and for the first time ever, visitors can see many of the amazing products alongside the very best from the Irish retail and hospitality industries.

Not only can you source the best new products for your business, but Food & Hospitality Ireland is an unrivalled opportunity to keep up to date with the latest trends, learn from leading experts and network with the industry’s finest. Many exciting new names have already signed up, including Hugh Jordan, Suki Tea, Tipperary Food Network, CEB,

Clare Local Enterprise Office among many others.

Last year's Food and Hospitality Ireland attracted over 2,230 visitors, who placed more than €10m worth of orders.

Indeed, 84% of visitors placed or planned to place an order from visiting the show.

Food & Hospitality Ireland takes place on September 16 and 17 at Citywest, Dublin. Find out more at www.foodhospitality.ie

Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|9 2015|www.retailnews.ie|7

News Irish Whiskey’s Global Share to Grow by 300% IRISH Whiskey exports are set to double by 2020, and to double again ten years later. Such was the ambitious vision for the sector unveiled by Minister for Agriculture and Food, Simon Coveney TD at the Irish Whiskey Association’s “Vision for Irish Whiskey” event, held recently in the Old Jameson Distillery, Smithfield.

The document sets out the industry’s ambition for the future and outlines a strategy to ensure continued growth in the sector. There are 26 new or proposed distilleries across Ireland and annual exports of Irish Whiskey are now valued at over €300m, up 220% since 2003.

“Growth of almost 200% over a decade reflects an industry with ambition, a sense of mission and a deep understanding of individual markets,” Minister Coveney noted. “Irish whiskey brands now represent the fastest growing spirit globally and with investment of €1 billion planned over a ten year period, Irish whiskey and those who champion it will be well placed to generate growth, exports and jobs and a very special tourist offering celebrating an all-island heritage.”

Pictured are Anna Malmhake, CEO, Irish Distillers PernodRicard, with Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, and Bernard Walsh, Chairman, Irish Whiskey Association, and founder of Walsh Whiskey Distillery.

Ireland Showcases Origin Green at EXPO Milan MILAN recently celebrated the opening of EXPO 2015 and hosted the Tuttofood trade fair. EXPO, formerly known as the World Fair, takes place every five years and in Milan visitors can experience elements of the industry, culture, education etc. of the 145 participating countries.

The government designated Bord Bia's Origin Green Programme as Ireland's flagship initiative to respond to the Milan EXPO theme, ‘Feeding the Planet – Energy for Life’, which means that Bord Bia will now demonstrate its programme for sustainable food production to two million visitors over the next six months.

“International food buyers will see the impact of Origin Green on Irish food production and understand the contribution it can make globally to sustainable food production at a time when the world needs to increase food production by 70% in the next four decades,” noted Aidan Cotter, CEO of Bord Bia.

Shorter Lunch Breaks Bring Big Opportunities SHORTER lunch times mean that one out of five Irish consumers skip on lunch almost every day, according to a new global consumer survey by Canadean. However, this presents a great opportunity for FMCG companies, which need to bring convenient, tasty and comforting lunch options to the table.

According to the survey, one in five Irish consumers are skipping lunch almost every day and 44% are skipping their afternoon meal at least twice during the working week.

Lunch is supposed to be a staple meal in consumers’ diets, providing a break half way through the day. However, as consumers feel stressed at work and are looking to impress their employers, they often take a quick break or none at all, leaving little time to enjoy food.

“Nowadays, many busy employees who feel under pressure to meet their work commitments grab a quick bite at their desk, if anything at all,” Kirsty Nolan, analyst with Canadean, says. “Even though this might initially sound like bad news, shorter lunch breaks actually present a huge opportunity for FMCG manufactures to target busy consumers with convenient, fast and exciting options.”

The survey reveals that six out of 10 consumers in

Ireland agree that convenient food can also be tasty, while roughly the same number (62%) find food appealing that suits their needs for comfort. “These results abolish some barriers that used to stand in the way of convenience food,” says Kirsty. “The strategy to reignite the lunch time might lie in offering consumers a moment of comfort and relaxation with a fast and appetising lunch option.”

10|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

News Lidl Shines at 2015 Grocer Own Label Awards LIDL is celebrating after dominating the 2015 Grocer Own Label Awards in London.

The retailer beat off stiff competition to be named overall Champion, taking home 13 Gold medals and a record 23 Silver awards for its top quality own label products, including eight medals for products produced exclusively for the retailer by local Irish suppliers.

Following a record number of entries this year, Lidl stormed home with Gold medals being awarded to five products which are sourced/produced in Ireland, including its Deluxe Garlic & Pepper Marinated Duck Breast Fillets, produced by Silver Hill Foods, based in Emyvale, Co Monaghan; Deluxe Sicilian Lemonade, produced by Glenpatrick Spring Water, based in Clonmel, County Tipperary; Meadow Fresh Mediterranean Style Salad Bowl, produced by Willowbrook Foods, based in Killinchy, Co. Down; Deluxe Irish Farmhouse Layered Strawberry Yogurt, produced by Irish Yogurts, based in The Gold Medal winning Deluxe Garlic & Pepper Marinated Duck Breast Fillets, Clonakilty, West Cork; and Deluxe Irish Red produced by Silver Hill Foods, based in Emyvale, Co Monaghan.

Pepper & Jalapeno Relish, which is produced for the retailer by The Scullery, based in European products,” enthused Linda Fitzgerald, Own Brand Nenagh, County Tipperary.

Manager, Lidl. “This is a great reward for all of the hard Other winning products which are sourced or produced work that our local buying team places on sourcing and in Ireland include Lidl’s Inismara Cajun Salmon Darnes, producing the highest quality products at the lowest possible produced by Keohane Seafoods, based in Kinsale, County prices. As a retailer, we are committed to supporting local Cork; Glensallagh Carved Roasted Turkey Breast Slices, suppliers and producers, currently working with over 180 produced by Green Farm Foods Ltd in Rathowen, Co. Irish suppliers across various categories, a number which Westmeath, and Heat, Eat and Enjoy Creamy Tomato & is growing each year. These awards help to reinforce our Basil Soup, produced by Glanbia, based in County Kilkenny. message that low cost does not mean having to compromise “We are delighted to have won so many medals at this on quality.” year’s Grocer Own Label Awards for both our Irish and

JTI Challenges Plain Packaging Legislation TOBACCO manufacturer JTI Ireland has initiated a legal challenge to the Government’s plain packaging legislation following its enactment in March. The case is currently before the Commercial Court, the fast track division of the High Court, following JTI’s successful application for entry.

JTI Ireland has asked the Court to confirm that, under EU law, the Irish Government cannot enact or commence plain packaging legislation.

JTI Ireland had written to the Government before the plain packaging legislation was enacted, asking that it await the

outcome of a UK case, which is currently being considered by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), before it took further steps to enact plain packaging legislation in Ireland. The case that is currently before the CJEU concerns the EU Tobacco Products Directive and was referred by the High Court of England and Wales in November 2014 and the CJEU is expected to deliver its decision in early 2016.

The CJEU decision will bind all Member States and will be critically relevant to the entitlement of EU Member States to legislate for plain packaging.

The Government decided to proceed and the legislation was enacted into law in March. JTI’s legal challenge followed. The Irish Government has now itself applied to the Commercial Court, asking that questions it has on the legal basis for the legislation be referred to the CJEU. JTI Ireland indicated its opposition to the State’s request, as the CJEU is already considering a similar referral from the UK Courts.

JTI Ireland also maintains that, irrespective of this specific challenge to the right of Ireland to enact or commence plain packaging under EU law, plain packaging itself is unlawful as it would infringe important principles of law and other fundamental rights – including trade mark rights – and go against obligations under WTO rules.

Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|11

News Irish Dairy Board Becomes Ornua IRELAND’S largest exporter of Irish dairy products, the Irish Dairy Board, has unveiled a new global corporate identity, Ornua – The Home of Irish Dairy. Ornua owns the iconic Kerrygold brand, which is synonymous the world over for quality butter, cheese and milk powders, selling hundreds of millions of packets of butter each year. Ornua currently supplies dairy branded products and ingredients into over 110 markets around the world.

Ornua’s mission is to open and develop valuable global markets for dairy products and in so doing, deliver strong returns to the farmers it represents. This goal is being achieved by a team of over 3,000 dedicated staff working in Ireland and across its 18 subsidiaries and in-market teams around the world.

Ornua’s drive to secure new high-value outlets for Irish dairy products has seen the business make significant investments in the US, Germany, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and most recently, in Spain. Over the last five years, Ornua has invested over €200m in growing its brands, in innovation and in opening new production facilities and offices around the world. The co-operative is currently building a Centre of Excellence for Kerrygold Butter Production & Packing in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. This centre will support the global development of the Kerrygold brand, which will be a valuable outlet for the expanded milk output from 2015.

Ornua also published a review of its 2014 operational and financial performance, characterised by excellent revenue growth and investment in the development of new

Donal Buggy, Group Finance Director, Kevin Lane, CEO, and Aaron Forde, Chairman, are pictured at the announcement of Ornua's 2014 full year results.

routes to market for Irish dairy products. Turnover rose by 10% to €2.34 billion, helping to drive a Group Operating Surplus of €30.3m. This was achieved alongside considerable investment across the business, including a €36m spend in brand development and market support. In addition, purchases from members were up 41,000 tonnes on 2013, an increase of 16%. Profit Before Tax rose to €28.1m, up 23% year-on-year. On the back of this outturn, a €12m bonus was declared to members, including a cash bonus of €7.5m, up 15% on 2013.

“In addition to an excellent financial performance, 2014 was a year in which we significantly increased the capacity of our business through brand growth, innovation and inmarket investment,” said CEO Kevin Lane. “We enter into this new era for Irish dairying in an excellent position, with a strongly performing organisation, geared for growth.”

UK Supermarket Shake-Up THE UK’s grocery market is experiencing massive changes, with Tesco announcing a loss of £6.38 billion, the largest in its 97-year history.

“A £6.4bn loss isn’t just one of the biggest losses in British corporate history, it’s a black hole that risks consuming a once all-powerful brand,” insisted Paul Thomas of retail consultants Retail Remedy.

John Ibbotson of retail consultants, Retail Vision, argued that “This is the official end of the Tesco era”.

"The irony is that Tesco is on the right path,” he continued. “Amid the extensive wreckage left by his predecessors, Dave Lewis [Tesco CEO] has done all the right things, and made all the tough decisions, to put Tesco back on track… but there's a long way to go yet

before the agile new Tesco that is emerging becomes a profitable Tesco once again. And even when it does recover, it will never again be the force it once was. With this huge loss, the decadent retail dynasty of Tesco has come to an end.”

Sainsbury also reported their first full-year loss in almost a decade, which industry commentators maintain is down to the most challenging UK retail environment in a generation.

“Sainsbury’s is feeling the pressure from discounters continuing to lure away more affluent shoppers, coupled with Tesco’s nascent domestic recovery. As the latter gathers pace, Sainsbury’s will appear increasingly vulnerable,” noted Planet Retail’s David Gray.

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Industry Industry News News XTRA REASON TO VISIT SUPERVALU AND CENTRA XTRA-VISION is expanding its Xpress DVD vending machines business, with the announcement of a new partnership with Musgrave, which sees new Xtra-vision Xpress vending machines installed in over 100 Centra and SuperValu stores throughout Ireland.

As the new Xpress machines will be located in areas of the country that currently have no Xtra-vision presence, this partnership gives SuperValu and Centra shoppers access to a convenient and low cost DVD rental service, right on their doorstep. Since launching the Xpress vending machines in Ireland in 2014, Xtra-vision has experienced huge demand from customers, with over 55,000 people currently using the service. “We have previously installed 20 Xtra-vision Xpress DVD vending machines to our stores in the Leinster region, with very positive consumer feedback,” noted Eamon Howell, Trading Director of SuperValu and Centra. “This partnership with Xtra-vision allows us to deliver a very convenient service to our customers in their local store – offering a home cinema experience to communities across the country.” See www.xvxpress.ie for more information.

Top Award for St James’ Aldi Backs Baking Winners Gate BREWHOUSE No. 4 at St James’ Gate has become the first major brewery in the world and the first manufacturing plant in Ireland to achieve the highest award possible in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. LEED certification is the internationally recognised benchmark for green certification developed by the US Green Building Council to promote sustainability in the building and construction industry. Brewhouse No. 4, the €169m state-of-the-art brewhouse at St. James’ Gate, which was opened last September, is the world’s largest stout brewhouse capable of producing 300,000 pints in every two-hour brew. Pictured are (l-r): Rick Fedrizzi, CEO of US Green Building Council; Colin O’ Brien, Operations Director, Diageo Ireland; and David Cutter, President of Global Supply and Procurement.

Kerrygold Nuggets Of Gold IN celebration of this year's Kerrygold Ballymaloe Litfest, Kerrygold has launched the #NuggetsOfGold campaign, inviting food enthusiasts to share their wisest cooking tip, skill or most loved recipe with the world. Each entrant is in with the chance to win a cookery class and stay at Ballymaloe and lots of other Kerrygold goodies. Pictured at the launch are Jeanne Kelly, Kerrygold Spokesperson; Rory O'Connell, Festival Director; and Darina Allen, Festival Director.

ALDI Stores (Ireland) will once again this year sponsor The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA). Relaunched last year by the NPA, the event was a huge success, with entries from each one of the 26 counties. For the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, baking enthusiasts have the opportunity to earn some serious 'dough', with a top prize worth €5,000, plus 10% of the profits when their bread is stocked in store. Aldi will also sponsor the National Junior Baking Competition, in association with Foróige, Ireland’s leading youth organisation – the finals of which will also take place in the Aldi Marquee at the National Ploughing Championships. The winner of the National Junior Baking Competition will win a KitchenAid Stand Mixer to help them on their baking journey, as well as a trip for their local Foróige club or group to Delphi Adventure Centre in Co. Mayo.

Divilly’s Sign with Energia PREMIUM cooked deli and breakfast meats producer Divilly’s of Galway have strengthened their green credentials by signing a contract for 100% renewable energy with competitive energy provider Energia. The deal will see Divilly’s switch to 100% “green” energy from Energia for the 700,000 KWhrs of electricity they use every year as part of its commitment to achieving Origin Green status from Bord Bia for its business. Working with Bord Bia and Origin Green has also prompted Divilly’s to launch an entire new range of flavoursome lower sodium, less fat deli meats, and later breakfast meats, without compromising on quality or taste: the Less is Best range. Pictured are Bill Shaughnessy, Sales Manager, Divilly Meats, Galway, and John King, Energia.

14|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie 20|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News News Industry Heineken Signs with Ulster Rugby HEINEKEN has agreed a new five-year contract with Ulster Rugby, meaning Heineken will be official Pouring Rights Partner at Kingspan Stadium until at least 2020.

The new agreement further extends an already successful partnership between Heineken and the province that has seen the brand successfully delivering supporters’ nights, live music, VIP fan tours and meet-the-player events at Kingspan Stadium that have served to deepen the connection between Heineken and Ulster Rugby supporters. Pictured celebrating are (l-r): Karl Donnelly, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Heineken Ireland, Leza Nulty, Commercial Manager for Heineken NI, and Ulster Rugby players Jared Payne, Tommy Bowe and Franco Van Der Merwe.

Dublin Brews Brilliant Festival THE worlds of coffee and tea are set to blend once again at the Dublin Coffee & Tea Festival 2015 and some of the industry’s leading brands have snapped up their space early for the event that launched with huge success last year. The Dublin Coffee & Tea Festival 2015 takes place once again at the RDS Industies Hall from September 11-13, 2015. Some 5,700 visitors flocked to the inaugural Festival last year to taste what the coffee and tea industry in Ireland had to offer, including Marie-Ann Rogers (pictured). For more information, see www.dublincoffeefestival.com.

Bepanthen First Moments Campaign NEW mums make two ‘SOS’ calls per day in the early months of motherhood, according to new research released by Bepanthen nappy care ointment to coincide with the launch of their ‘First Moments’ campaign to celebrate the precious early days of motherhood. The campaign encourages mums all over Ireland to share and celebrate their own first moments and is being led by model mum, Pippa O’Connor, pictured with her two-year-old son, Ollie, who topped the poll as Ireland’s most admired new mum. Having recorded a 16% growth year on year, Bepanthen is a strong number two nappy care brand in the Irish market.

Bepanthen had a strong promotion in the grocery trade in April, offering consumers a free pack of wipes with every Bepanthen 100g nappy care ointment purchased. Bepanthen’s strategy in 2015 is all about communicating to consumers that Bepanthen is gentle and effective and is ideal for daily use as a protection against nappy rash.

KINETIC WIN FOUR MEDIA AWARDS KINETIC, the Out Of Home media

buying and planning specialists, won four awards at this year’s annual Media Awards. Kinetic won the Gold Award for ‘Best Collaboration between Agency and Media Owner- Out of Home’ for its creative campaign in collaboration with Starcom on behalf of the Tiger Fringe Festival, which also won a Silver Award for ‘Creativity in Media’. Kinetic also won a Silver Award in the category of ‘Best Collaboration between Agency and Media Owner – Out of Home’ for its work with JCDecaux, Mediacom and Coca-Cola creating an internal Luas special which ran last summer to promote the impactful ‘Share A Coke’ campaign. Finally, Kinetic took home the Silver Award for ‘Best Research Initiative’ in collaboration with Mindshare and GroupM for their work on examining grocery shoppers’ interaction with Out of Home formats on the Path to Purchase. Pictured are (l-r): Mike Gaskin, Client Associate, Starcom; Aoife Hudson, Kinetic; and Anna Doyle, Client Director, Starcom.

Kellogg’s Powers Play with the GAA IRISH children don’t know the difference between mealtime food heroes and treat time baddies. Research conducted by Kellogg’s has revealed that one in four children (26.2%) surveyed believe that less healthy food such as cheese burgers gives them energy and makes them better at sport, while one in ten (10%) children admitted that eating healthy food and being active is only important because “my Mam or teacher tell me to”. The research coincides with the launch of ‘Kellogg’s Powering Play,’ a fun game based nutritional workshop, developed in conjunction with the GAA. The pilot module will be held in 14 selected Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps this summer and is designed to encourage children to think about powering their play through nutrition.

Television and radio presenter Mairéad Farrell is pictured alongside Kilkenny hurling legend Henry Shefflin, left, and four-time All-Star Donegal Gaelic footballer Karl Lacey, to launch ‘Kellogg’s Powering Play’.

Join us and you and your customers will be smiling.

As you know happy customers make very good business sense. When you are part of the MACE family you will have the strength of the MACE buying power behind you. You will have access to the incredibly supportive MACE team. Not only is there a nationwide ad campaign, there is tons of in-store, local marketing and advertising support. The MACE Own Brand range offers your customers quality and is extremely competitively priced. We are Ireland’s fastest growing neighbourhood and forecourt stores because people everywhere like the extras we offer. Being part of our success story will put a smile on the face of your business.

John Tully – 086 818 9312 (Regional Manager North) | Liam Attridge – 086 852 1362 (Regional Manager South) visit www.mace.ie |

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Industry News Glanbia Officially Opens €17m Expansion

IRISH COMPANY WINS SEAFOOD ‘OSCAR’

EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan recently officially opened Glanbia Ingredients Ireland’s (GII) newly-expanded butter plant in Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny. The €17m investment and expansion at GII’s milk-processing facility has created one of Europe’s largest butter plants, processing up to 2,400 metric tonnes per week, and a centre of excellence for lactic butter in Ireland.

The latest upgrade brings to €106m the total investment in GII’s milk processing facility at Ballyragget over the last six years and will allow the plant to increase capacity by almost 50%. Global butter consumption is predicted to increase by +4.5% per annum until 2018. Photographed with the commissioner is from left Jim Bergin, CEO of Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, Liam Herlihy, Chairman of Glanbia PLC and Joe Brien, Butter plant manager, GII.

IRISH Atlantic Seafood Company (iASC) is the first Irish company ever to win the seafood industry’s most prestigious award, the Prix d’Elite for world’s best Seafood Product Line. The Cork-based seafood company scooped the award for its innovative line of shellfish butters at the Global Seafood Expo in Brussels, the world’s largest seafood event. The award-winning product range ‘Something Fishy’ enhances fish dishes with a delicious shellfish protein combined with Irish butter, seafood and seasoning to produce an ‘umami’ or savoury taste. The product was developed and tested in BIM’s Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty, which provides invaluable expertise and support to help seafood companies to bring their fish products to life. Pictured receiving the Prix d’Elite award at the Global Seafood Expo on behalf of the Irish Atlantic Seafood Company are Colin Ross and James Grimes, with Tara McCarthy of Bord Bia (right) and Amb MacAodha, the Irish ambassador to Belgium.

Bloom Back in Phoenix Park BORD BIA has launched Bloom 2015, a five-day annual event packed full of gardening inspiration, gastronomic delights and good old fashioned family fun! Attracting a nationwide audience – with over 106,000 people attending last year – this year Ireland’s largest garden, food and family festival will run from Thursday, May 28 until Monday, June 1. Home to even more gastronomic delights and palette pleasers, the Food Village at Bloom will offer a wide range of artisan produce on sale and onsite dining options. Guests can also dine at Bistro Bloom restaurant, café and seafood bar, visit the all new Country Crest Food Fayre, or try a wide range of tasty handcrafted Irish beers and spirits in the Bloom Inn. For more information and tickets, visit www.bloominthepark.com.

Monaghan Mushrooms Join Origin Green INTERNATIONAL mushroom supplier Monaghan Mushrooms has joined an elite group of companies to be fully verified members of the Bord Bia Origin Green sustainability programme. The Monaghan based family run business has built sustainability measures into its business planning for over a decade and has exceeded the targets required to receive the Origin Green verification, making their level of achievements unique in the mushroom industry and in the Irish food industry in general.

Pictured at the announcement and presentation are (l-r): Aidan Cotter, CEO, Bord Bia; Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht; and Philip Wilson, Director of Monaghan Mushrooms.

Farmbake Teams up with EUROSPAR FARMBAKE, the Irish owned and family run cake business, has teamed up with EUROSPAR to offer customers a chance to win one of 50 family day passes to Dublin Zoo.The six-week campaign is running across all 50 EUROSPAR outlets in Ireland, with in-store POS and leaflets inviting customers to enter the ‘Text and Win’ competition to win the family day passes. Bright and colourful display units containing a variety of tasty Farmbake products are also in place in each store. Farmbake is also offering EUROSPAR customers the opportunity to buy two of their favourite Farmbake cakes or treats for just €3 in their local EUROSPAR. “We have a wonderful long standing relationship with EUROSPAR and we are delighted to work in partnership with them for this great promotion,” noted Alan Divney, Managing Director of Farmbake, pictured (right) with Martin Kavanagh, Trading Manager BWG Foods.

Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|17

Special Report: Look North

Northern Exposure

A host of innovative food and drink companies from Northern Ireland are making their mark with retailers throughout the Republic of Ireland.

NORTHERN Ireland has become a major source of delicious and original food and drink for leading retailers in the Republic. A €7 billion industry and now Northern Ireland’s biggest manufacturer, the region’s companies, both large and small and across most categories, already sell a broad range of quality products to the Republic’s retailers.

Keen to build on existing success in the Republic, Invest Northern Ireland, the region’s business development body, recently launched a unique retail programme aimed at assisting companies not currently doing business there to identify and exploit opportunities with major retailers such as Tesco Ireland, Musgrave, Aldi, Lidl and Dunnes, who dominate the marketplace.

Fifteen Northern Ireland-based companies secured a position on Invest NI’s first ROI Retail Programme from over 60 which had applied to join – another measure of the importance placed by northern companies on the southern market. Invest NI appointed retail expert Dermot O’Connell, formerly a senior buyer with a number of key retail giants, to help companies to market in the Republic.

Only those which had achieved either British Retail Consortium (BRC) or SALSA (Safe And Local Supplier Approval) essential accreditation reached the final stage, which includes a workshop on doing business in the south and one-to-one mentoring by O’Connell.

The programme also provides mentoring on developing professional pitches to buyers and will provide further support in regard to securing retailer buyer meetings.

18|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Special Report: Look North prepared salads. Four northern companies also lifted category awards in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, a competition that focuses on products largely developed for and in conjunction with major retailers.

Another yardstick of Northern Ireland’s success as an innovator in tasty food is the achievement of more awards for premium quality foods than anywhere else in the British Isles in the Great Taste Awards, an annual competition organised by the influential UK Guild of Fine Food.

Northern Irish companies have won the overall Supreme Champion Title in successive years, in 2011/12 and 2012/13. Hannan Meats, a Northern Ireland beef and bacon processor, was named Supreme Champion in the awards for its Italian style Guanciale. It also won a record number of awards for its Himalayan saltaged beef, now on sale in Dublin and other parts of the Republic.

TV Celebrity Chef Paul Rankin joined forces with Irwin’s Bakery to create a range of great tasting bread products products.

Strategic Focus The strategic focus of Northern Ireland’s companies on the southern market has seen several widely recognised brands emerge, such as Moy Park of Craigavon, the north’s biggest poultry processor and biggest company, Genesis Bakery in Magherafelt, Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Irwin’s Bakery’s Rankin Selection traditional Irish breads and Kettyle Irish meat. Other northern companies including White’s Oats in Tandragee supply own label products to key retailers.

In addition, several much smaller companies are starting to make a significant impact in the south, with original products including Abernethy handmade butter in Dromara, Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oils from Limavady and Graham’s Bakery in Dromore, a baker of mini bites and cakes.

Armagh-based Linwoods supplies a range of health products, including linseeds, flaxseed and hemp, and Kestrel, based in Portadown, sells Forest Feast branded fruit and nut snacks.

As well as its support for food events in the south, Invest NI organises a programme of ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions that bring retailers north to meet local companies and to visit processing plants. This has led to southern based multiple retailers and many independents meeting both existing and

Major Awards As well as developing special programmes for companies seeking business in the south and buyer targeting, Invest NI is a key sponsor of major awards such as Blas na hEireann, the National Irish Food and Drink Awards, which are held annually as part of the prestigious Dingle Food Festival, and the annual Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards in Dublin.

Shane McArdle, Invest NI’s Head of Business Development Food in the Republic, sees both awards as being vitally important occasions for the north’s food companies to raise awareness and make contacts with retailers in the south. “We’ve a good track record in both events, which attract buyers from most of the Republic’s retailers, including independents and deli, as well as the big multiples,” he says. “Both events work well for our companies and have led to increased business for both large and small producers.

“Buyers in the south are increasingly turning to suppliers in Northern Ireland for deliciously different food and drink,” McArdle adds.

“We’ve seen significant interest in sectors such as bakery, meat, dairy and in beverages such as cider and craft beers. Cider producers from Armagh, our orchard county, have attracted considerable interest and business.”

Thirty-four Blas na h’Eireann awards, including 11 golds, seven silvers and 16 bronzes were made to northern companies last year.

Gold winners covered ciders, meat, bakery, culinary oils, Abernethy handmade butter from Dromara has been making inroads in the Irish market. granola, ice cream and pre-

Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|19

Special Report: Look North potential suppliers in Northern Ireland over the past few years.

Outstanding Taste What makes doing business in the north popular with Irish retailers is the experience of companies, the determination to win sales in the south and the fact that all food and drink is processed in modern factories operating to the highest European accredited hygiene standards. In meat, the processors rely on animals reared on largely family-owned farms within five miles of the processing units.

This means that retailers can count on products from the north that combine outstanding taste with wholesomeness, safety and provenance. It’s an industry with a rich heritage in the development and supply of premium food and drink. Another feature is the versatility and nimbleness of an industry in which small and medium sized firms dominate.

These characteristics have attracted many European and Middle Eastern supermarkets such as Auchan, Carrefour, Leclerc, El Corte Ingles / SuperCor, Mercadona, Eroski, Spinnneys, LuLu and Al Maya, as well as discounters such as Lidl and Aldi. In the UK, virtually all the leading supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, the Cooperative and Budgens, along with Harrods, The Broighter Gold award winning range of cold pressed rapeseed oils.

Fortnum and Mason, Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Waitrose, list Northern Ireland produce.

Own Label Foods As well as supplying branded products, companies from Northern Ireland already provide a range of own label foods, such as meat, cheese and breakfast cereals, to leading retailers from Finland to Spain.

This track record of success demonstrates that Northern Irish food and drink companies, both large and small and across most industry sectors, have products which leading supermarkets prize in terms of quality, innovation, value and provenance for their customers. It also proves that Northern Irish companies have experience in dealing with such supermarkets and can meet their often exacting requirements.

In the beef sector, for instance, supermarkets benefit from a unique Farm Quality Assurance Scheme in Northern Kestrel, based in Portadown, sells Forest Feast branded fruit and nut snacks.

Armagh-based Linwoods supplies a range of health products, including linseeds, flaxseed and hemp to Irish retailers.

20|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Special Report: Look North Moy Park Launch ‘Roast in the Bag’ Packaging

MOY Park has developed the first roast-in-the-bag chicken product to use cutting edge thermoformed packaging technology. The state-of-the-art packaging is a printed, sealed pack that can go straight into the oven.

The new ‘shelf to oven’ whole chicken product has been launched under the Moy Park ‘Good Kitchen’ range, which was developed to target a growing market for added-value fresh chicken products. The roast-in-thebag ‘ready to cook’ whole chickens are locally sourced and come in two flavours ‘Extra Tasty’ and ‘Garlic & Herb’.

“Our new roast in the bag range is the first retail ready, ovenable whole chicken product to use this innovative packaging technology,” explained Briege Finnegan, Brand Marketing Manager, Moy Park. “The packaging self-vents and enables the chicken to selfbaste throughout the cooking process, which results in more succulent meat and an enhanced flavour. We developed the range to offer consumers a convenient shelf-to-oven roast in the bag chicken, making it ideal for those who don’t like touching raw meat or don’t have time to prepare a raw chicken from scratch. Due to the innovative nature of the packaging, the chicken browns in the pack without having to open it during cooking.

The cooking juices are retained within the pack, which means consumers will be able to create flavoursome stocks and gravy.”

The Moy Park ‘Good Kitchen’ Roast in the Bag range is now available, with an RRP of €6. For more information, see www.moyparkchicken.com.

White’s has been milling quality porridge oats and oat based cereals since 1841.

Ireland, which ensures the complete provenance and total traceability of carcass meat and increasingly value-added products from ‘field to fork’.

Meat plants are also monitored closely by government inspectors to ensure the highest standards of food safety in all their processes and procedures. They operate to the highest levels of BRC accreditation, while smaller companies usually have SALSA – Safe and Local Supplier Accreditation.

Speciality bacon, cured using natural techniques, has also been developed by processors in Northern Ireland for European customers, including Albert Heijn supermarkets in the Netherlands.

Milk and creamery butter from farmers’ co-operatives in Northern Ireland are also on sale in the Republic. As well as these dairy products, Northern Ireland now has a developing speciality cheese industry, with companies such as Young Buck, Kearney and Dart Mountain producing award winning blue cheeses. Dale Farm, the north’s biggest dairy business, supplies Dromona branded cheddar to customers in the south.

Seafood that’s sourced from the cold and invigorating waters of the North Atlantic and around the Northern Ireland coastline, ensuring rich flavours and firm textures, is exported to major supermarkets. Seafood supplied by Northern Ireland processors include fish, smoked and fresh salmon, crabmeat and deli crab claws, oysters, mussels, shelled Queenie scallops, and fresh and cooked langoustines.

Irish Whiskey Revolution Northern Ireland, furthermore, is part of the Irish Whiskey revolution and now has Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, producing Dunville VR premium whiskey. Belfast Distillery, located in the old Crumlin Road Gaol, is marketing Danny Boy and Titanic brands and is soon to revive the historic McConnell’s Single Malt. Niche Drinks in Derry, manufacturer of Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur and Shannon’s Irish Coffee, has just launched The Quiet Man Irish whiskey. In addition, the gin industry in the north has been revived by Rademon Craft Distillery on Crossgar with its Shortcross Gin. The northern industry is also supported by sophisticated logistics and freight transport services, which ensure fast delivery from factories to shelves.

As a result of ongoing investment by companies in innovative and market-focused products, assisted by Invest NI, Northern Ireland is today a global centre of excellence in food and drink, with superb flavours, provenance and heritage.

If you would be like any further information, contact: Shane McArdle, Food Business Development Director, Republic of Ireland & International Markets E: shane.mcardle@investni.com. Mob: +44 (0)7817 173516.

Drew McIvor, Food Business Development Executive, Republic of Ireland. E: drew.mcivor@investni.com Tel: +44 (0)28 9069 8113.

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Spotlight: Carry Out

26|Retail 22|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Spotlight: Spotlight: Carry Carry Out Out

Store manager, Donagh Heffernan is pictured outside the Tipperary Town store with Carry Out Sales Manager, David O’Keeffe.

Store manager, Donagh Heffernan is pictured outside the Tipperary Town store with Carry Out CARRY is oneDavid of Ireland’s SalesOut Manager, O’Keeffe.leading specialist off licence

franchises. It first opened its doors in 2003, since when it has grown to over located nationwide and theoff group’s CARRY Out85 is stores one of Ireland’s leading specialist licence parent company, Barry Group, has ambitious plans tolicence grow CARRY OutItisfirst one of Ireland’s leading specialist off franchises. opened its doors in 2003, since when it has itsfranchises. store network into triple figures.

It first opened its doors in 2003, since when it has grown to over 85 stores located nationwide and the group’s According to 85 thestores group,Group, Carryhas Outambitious knows and what itsgroup’s grown to over located nationwide the parent company, Barry plans to grow customers want, because they arehas managed by people parent Barry Group, ambitious plans toliving grow its storecompany, network into triple figures. in its theAccording localnetwork community: “ThisCarry is what Out is all store into triple figures. to the group, OutCarry knows what its about local businesses serving local communities with an excellent According to the group, Carry knows what its living customers want, because they areOut managed by people customers they is are managed people living product levelbecause of expertise and commitment to all service in therange, localwant, community: “This what Carry by Out is about in the local doorstep.” community: is what Carrywith Outan is all about right onbusinesses your local serving “This local communities excellent local serving local with It’s abusinesses philosophy that can becommunities traced back to thean broader product range, level of expertise and commitment toexcellent service product level of expertise commitment service right on range, your doorstep.”

Barry Group, and ultimately to theand MD, Jim Barry.to There doorstep.”

It’son a your philosophy that traced back to the areright very good reasons why can Jimbe Barry was named asbroader It’sGroup, aMost philosophy that can be traced back to the broader Barry and ultimately tointhe Jim Barry.

There ‘Ireland’s Trusted Leader’ theMD, 2015 Great Places to Barry Group, and ultimately to Barry the as MD, Jim Barry.

There are very good reasons why Jim was named Work Awards and why Barry Group a whole wasasnamed are very good why Jim named as Mostreasons Trusted Leader’ in thewas 2015 Great Places as ‘Ireland’s a ‘Great Place To Work’ one of Barry Deloitte’s Best Managed ‘Ireland’s Most Leader’ the 2015 to Work Awards and why Barry Group as a Great whole was to Companies.

ThoseTrusted awards are an in endorsement of a Places company Work Awards and why Barry Group as a whole was named as a ‘Great Place To Work’ and one of Deloitte’s Best that puts the customer at the heart of everything theynamed do. as aphilosophy ‘GreatCompanies.

Place To Work’ one of Deloitte’s Managed Managed Those awards are an Best endorsement That permeates the Barry Group and all the of Companies.

Those awards are an endorsement a company a company puts the customer atCarry the heart brands under that its umbrella, including Out. of everything that puts the customer atpermeates the heart of everything theyand do. all they do. That philosophy the Barry Group That philosophy permeates the Barry Group and all the the brands under its umbrella, including Carry Out. Eye For Detail brandsHeffernan, under its umbrella, CarryCarry Out. Out Donagh Manager including of Heffernan’s Eye For Detail in Tipperary Town, is a perfect example of the type of Eye For Heffernan, Detail Donagh Manager of Heffernan’s CarryGroup Out independent-minded entrepreneur that the Barry Donagh Heffernan, Manager of example Heffernan’s Carry Out in Tipperary Town, is a perfect of the type of the loves to work with.

Donagh, whose uncle Michael owns in Tipperary Town, isentrepreneur a perfect example of the typeGroup of independent-minded that the Barry store, has played football for Tipperary at senior level, so independent-minded entrepreneur that the Barry owns Groupthe loves to work with.

Donagh, whose uncle Michael he knows what commitment means. The store manager is loves to work with.

Donagh, uncleatMichael ownsso the store, has played football for whose Tipperary senior level, enthusiastic and hard-working, with the eye for detail that store, has what played football for means.

Tipperary senior level, sois he knows commitment Theatstore manager retail needs.what commitment means. The store manager is he knows enthusiastic and hard-working, with the eye for detail that Heffernan’s is one of the best turned out shops on enthusiastic retail needs. and hard-working, with the eye for detail that Tipperary Town’s Main Street. As the motorways and outretail needs.

Heffernan’s is one of the best turned out shops on of-town shopping went in, Main Street never Heffernan’s is one of Street. the best out went shopsanywhere on outTipperary Town’s Main Asturned the motorways and and some of the same principles that applied to retailing Tipperary Town’s went Mainin, Street. the motorways outof-town shopping MainAs Street never wentand anywhere 50 and years ago Details the stained glass of-town shopping wenttoday. in, Main Street never went anywhere some ofstill theapply same principles thatlike applied to retailing above the door of the shop and the pristine of glass the andyears some of the same principles that applied retailing 50 ago still apply today.

Details likecondition thetostained shop front make Heffernan’s a credit to the street.

Like athe 50 years still apply today. like the stainedofglass above theago door of the shop andDetails the pristine condition good local business should, it brightens up its little bit of above the door of the shop and the pristine condition of shop front make Heffernan’s a credit to the street. Like the athe shop local front business make Heffernan’s credit to up theits street. good should, it abrightens littleLike bit ofa the good local business should, it brightens up its little bit of the town.

Carry Out’s Carry Out’s Outstanding Outstanding Performance Performance Heffernan’s Carry Out off licence in Tipperary Town is a fine Heffernan’s Carry Outbusiness off licence example of a local in Tipperary Town is a of fine catering for the needs its examplecustomers. of a local business catering for the needs of its town. customers.

The interior of the shop is equally immaculate. Through clever use of planograms and Heffernan’sThrough offers a The interior of the shop is shelving, equally immaculate. huge array of planograms beers, wines, spirts and more.

The rise of craft town. clever use of and shelving, Heffernan’s offers a beer has been a huge phenomenon in the off licence sector, The interior of the shop is equally immaculate.

Through huge array of beers, wines, spirts and more. The rise of craft with consumers craft beers, offers making clever usebeen of planograms andembracing shelving, Heffernan’s beerIrish has a huge really phenomenon in the off licence sector,a it one of Irish the fastest growing sectors in the entire Irish drinks huge array of beers, wines, spirts and more.

The rise of craftit with consumers really embracing craft beers, making industry.

“I love that there are so many small craft Irish beer has been a huge phenomenon in the off licence sector, one of the fastest growing sectors in the entire Irish drinks brewers starting offering good with Irish consumers really embracing craft beers, making industry.

“I love up thatand there are sosome manyreally small craftquality Irish it one of thestarting fastest up growing sectors in thereally entiregood Irish drinks product,” Donagh enthuses.

“As asome local businessman, I’m brewers and offering quality industry. love there are soa many small Irish very keen “I to workthat with other businesses in thecraft area.” product,” Donagh enthuses.

“As local businessman, I’m brewers starting and offering some really good quality very keen to workupwith product,” Donagh enthuses.

“As a local businessman, I’m Driving Sales & Margin other businesses in the very keen to work with other businesses in the area.”

Growth area.”

One of the biggest Driving & Carry Margin Driving Sales strengths of the Growth Growth Out Group is the OneOne of the biggest ofown the biggest exclusive label strengths of strengths of the the Carry Carry beers that Carry Out Out is Out Group Group is the the stores can offer their exclusive label exclusive own own label customers.

“The whole beers that Carry beers that Carry Out philosophy behindOut stores can offer their stores can offer their the Carry Out group “The whole customers.

“The whole iscustomers. to work with local philosophy behind philosophy behind business-people,” David the Out the Carry CarryNational Out group group O’Keeffe, is to work with is to work with local local Sales Manager, Barry business-people,” David business-people,” Group, tells RETAIL David O’Keeffe, National O’Keeffe, National NEWS . “They are our Sales Barry Sales Manager, Manager, Barry customers and we need ETAIL R Group, tells R etail Group, tells toNmeet all of their ews.. “They “They are are our our NEWS needs.

We know that customers customers and and we we need need they need to drive sales to to meet meet all all of of their their and margin,know even in a needs. needs. We We know that that flat market.

Our unique they they need need to to drive drive sales sales own label offerings and and margin, margin, even even in in aa allow our members to flat flat market. market. Our Our unique unique offer excellent value own own label label offerings offerings and quality to their to allow our allow our members members to offer offer excellent excellent value value and and quality quality to to their their

Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|23 Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|27

Spotlight: Carry Carry Out Out Spotlight: members at the Tipperary store.

Indeed, one of Heffernan’s strengths is its staff retention, which is undoubtedly helped by opportunities for upskilling, which help to foster the team mentality in the store.

As Donagh points out: “A local business should know its customers really well. In order to do that, you need retain staff to get to know the regulars.”

A Fantastic Team “We are a local business looking to meet the needs of the local community,” Donagh concludes. “We have been doing that for the last 12 years. For the last 10 of those years, we have had the support of Carry Out and the entire Barry Group.

Myself and my staff work extremely hard to make this business a success, and we would not work with

customers. They have grown to account for almost 20% of sales across the group.”

In the past two years, every Carry Out member has recorded strong sales growth, according to the National Sales Manager. “Carry Out and the Barry Group are in this for the long haul,” he explains. “For the local business owners we work with, it is their life. So no matter what market conditions do, it is up to us to find ways to work with our members to grow their business. We are very engaged with our members: we visit shops regularly, conduct audits of all aspects of the business. Just as importantly, we listen to them, we listen to what has changed with their customers, with their business and we learn a huge amount from that.

It makes the partnership very strong. It is a lot of hard work, but it does work.”

The support offered from the group includes staff training and development, from wine and beer tasting to merchandising and marketing (including social media marketing), as well as leadership and management. Donagh engages enthusiastically with these programmes, as do staff

anyone that did not do the same. It’s a fantastic team that we have put together and I’d like to thank everyone for all their hard work.”

Heffernan’s Carry Out in Tipperary is an exceptionally well-run local business that serves the off licence needs of its community, while generating employment on the Main Street. It is also a perfect example of the synergy created by the hard-working team at Carry Out and enthusiastic, energetic and knowledgeable managers like Donagh.

Fact File Owner: Manager: Location: Size: Opening Hours:

Michael Heffernan Donagh Heffernan 1 Main Street, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary 1,400 square feet 10:30-22:00, Monday-Saturday; 12:30-22:00, Sunday.

It’s your Call‌ You

At the IGBF we assist the families of over 300 of your colleagues every month. These families are more unfortunate than ourselves and without your support such assistance would not be possible...

But we still need your help to continue to make the difference.

To Donate: h p://www.igbf.ie/dona ons/dona ons.html For Assistance: h p://www.igbf.ie/help/our_help.html For Queries: info@igbf.ie

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50|Retail News|May News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie 2015|www.retailnews.ie 50|Retail

Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|25

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Retail Ireland: Ireland: Monthly Monthly Update Update Retail

Frustrating Pace of Retail’s Recovery

Retail Consultation Consultation Retail Forum Focuses Focuses on on Forum Town Centres Centres Town

ONMay May11, 11,Retail RetailIreland Irelandpublished publishedthe thesecond secondissue issue ON ofour ournew newquarterly quarterlyindustry industrytrends trendsand andanalysis analysispaper, paper, of RetailIreland IrelandMonitor, Monitor,with withkey keyindicators indicatorspointing pointingto toaa Retail frustratinglyslow slowrate rateof ofgrowth growthininIrish Irishretail retailsales salesduring during frustratingly thefirst firstquarter quarterof of2015.

2015. the Despiteimpressive impressiveimprovements improvementsininthe thegeneral general Despite economy, the CSO’s latest data confirms that the economy, the CSO’s latest data confirms that the retailsector sectorcontinues continuesto tolag lagfar farbehind behindother othersectors’ sectors’ retail performance.While Whilesales salesvolumes volumeshave haveimproved, improved, performance. rising5.1%, 5.1%,the thegrowth growthininreal realvalue valueof ofsales salesremains remains rising disappointinglymodest, modest,finishing finishingjust just0.9% 0.9%ahead aheadof ofthe the disappointingly sameperiod periodlast lastyear. year.This Thisdisparity disparitybetween betweenvalue valueand and same volumeisisfurther furtherevidence evidencethat thatIrish Irishshoppers shoppersremain remainextremely extremelyprice priceconscious, conscious, volume forcingretailers retailersto tooffer offerheavy heavydiscounts discountsininorder orderto todrive drivefootfall footfalland andsales. sales. forcing RetailIreland IrelandMonitor Monitoranalyses analysesthe thelatest latestCSO CSORetail RetailSales SalesIndex Indexand andcontains contains Retail oncurrent currentmarket markettrends trendsfrom fromaaselection selectionof ofour ourmember member expertcommentary commentaryon expert companiesand andIbec's Ibec'steam teamof ofrenowned renownedeconomists. economists.The Thepaper paperaims aimsto toscratch scratch companies belowthe thesurface surfaceof ofthe thesales salesdata dataitself itselfand andprovide providegenuine genuineinsight insightinto intoindustry industry below trends.ItItalso alsogives givesus usaaplatform platformfrom fromwhich whichto tospeak speakininan aneducated educatedand andinsightful insightful trends. wayto tomedia mediaand andother otherstakeholders stakeholdersabout aboutretail's retail'soverall overallperformance. performance. way Oursecond secondissue issuehighlights highlightsthat thatcertain certaincategories, categories,such suchas asfurniture furnitureand and Our homewares,are areoutperforming outperforminggeneral generalmarket markettrends, trends,largely largelyas asaaresult resultof ofthe the homewares, releaseof ofpent-up pent-updemand, demand,while whileother othercategories, categories,mainly mainlysupermarkets supermarketsand and release books,news newsand andstationery, stationery,continue continueto tostruggle. struggle.Key Keytrends trendsset setout outininthe thepaper paper books, include: include: Supermarketsand andconvenience conveniencestores: stores:Deflation Deflationand andbrutal brutalcompetition competitionhave have •• Supermarkets greatly impacted combined value growth, which slowed from 1.5% to just greatly impacted combined value growth, which slowed from 1.5% to just 0.2%during duringQ1.

Q1.Supermarket Supermarketvalue valuegrowth growthininthe thesame sameperiod periodwas waseffectively effectively 0.2% flat. flat.

Servicestations: stations:Price Pricepressures pressurescontinue continueto tohamper hampergrowth, growth,with withmarginal marginal •• Service volumeincreases increasesdriven drivenmainly mainlyby byincreased increaseddiesel dieselsales, sales,as asconsumers consumers volume continuetheir theirswitch switchto todiesel-powered diesel-poweredvehicles. vehicles. continue Pharmacies:Sales Salescontinue continueto tobe bedriven drivenby byfront-of-shop front-of-shopgrowth, growth,offsetting offsetting •• Pharmacies: declineininprescription prescriptionrevenues. revenues.Over-the-counter Over-the-countermedicines medicineshave haveseen seen aadecline strongstart startto tothe theyear, year,driven drivenby byaahigh highincidence incidenceof ofcoughs coughsand andcolds. colds. aastrong Meanwhile,beauty beautysales saleshave haverisen risenininline linewith withaarecovering recoveringeconomy, economy,with withaa Meanwhile, strong Mother’s Day closing out the quarter. strong Mother’s Day closing out the quarter.

Furniture:Mirroring Mirroringan anincrease increaseininhome homerenovations renovationsand andrising risingactivity activityininthe the •• Furniture: propertymarket, market,furniture furnitureand andhomewares homewarescontinue continueto tolead leadretail's retail'srecovery, recovery, property withsales salesvalues valuesnow nowexceeding exceeding2007's 2007'sprevious previouspeak. peak. with Books,news: news:AAweaker weakereuro eurocontinues continuesto tosignificantly significantlyimpact impactthe thesales sales •• Books, ofbooks booksand andmagazines magazinesininaacategory categorywhich whichisisheavily heavilyexposed exposedto tosuch such of pressures. pressures.

Fashion&&Footwear: Footwear:Luxury Luxurygoods, goods,accessories accessoriesand andjewellery jewelleryare areperforming performing •• Fashion well,whilst whilstinterestingly, interestingly,menswear menswearoutperformed outperformedwomenswear womenswearduring duringQ1.

Q1. well, “Ireland’sretailers retailerscontinue continueto tostruggle,” struggle,”noted notedDirector Directorof ofRetail RetailIreland, Ireland, “Ireland’s ThomasBurke.

Burke.“Despite “Despitestrong stronggrowth growthininthe theeconomy, economy,value valuefor formoney moneyisisstill stillthe the Thomas keydeterminant determinantfor forIrish Irishconsumers. consumers.Meanwhile, Meanwhile,retailers retailersare arefacing facingincreasing increasingcost cost key pressures.Firstly, Firstly,aaweak weakeuro eurohas hasresulted resultedininhigher higherimport importcosts costsfor forthose thoseretailers retailers pressures. sourcingproducts productsininnon-Eurozone non-Eurozonemarkets. markets.Secondly, Secondly,retailers retailersare arevery veryconcerned concerned sourcing aboutany anyproposed proposedincreases increasesininother othercosts, costs,specifically specificallywage wageincreases. increases.With With about retail’srecovery recoverystill stillfragile, fragile,Retail RetailIreland Irelandisisvery veryconcerned concernedabout aboutthe theintroduction introduction retail’s offurther furthercosts coststhat thatwould wouldserve serveto tofurther furtherdestabilise destabiliseaasector sectorwhich whichhas hasendured enduredaa of torridlast lastfew fewyears yearsand andone onewhich whichremains remainssignificantly significantlychallenged.” challenged.” torrid Thesecond secondissue issueof ofRetail RetailIreland IrelandMonitor Monitorisisnow nowavailable availableto toaccess accessat at The www.retailireland.ie. www.retailireland.ie.

APRIL27 27saw, saw,Retail Retail APRIL Irelandtravelling travellingto to Ireland Drogheda to participate Drogheda to participate thelatest latestsession sessionof ofthe the ininthe RetailConsultation ConsultationForum, Forum, Retail chairedby bythe theMinister Minister chaired ofState Statefor forBusiness Businessand and of Employment,Ged GedNash NashTD TD Employment, (pictured).The Theagenda agendafor for (pictured). theForum's Forum'sfifth fifthmeeting meetingcentred centredon onmeasures measures the toimprove improvethe thebusiness businessenvironment environmentfor for to retailersoperating operatingon onIreland's Ireland'straditional traditionalhigh high retailers streets, both in city and town centres across streets, both in city and town centres across thecountry. country. the Muchof ofthe thediscussion discussionfocussed focussed Much onthe theJoint JointOireachtas OireachtasCommittee Committeeon on on Jobs,Enterprise Enterpriseand andInnovation's Innovation'srecent recent Jobs, publicationof ofaaformal formalreport reportand andset setof ofpolicy policy publication recommendationsto tosupport supportbusiness businessgrowth growth recommendations andjob jobcreation creationinintown townand andvillage villagecentres. centres. and Thislong longawaited awaitedreport reportfollows followsaanumber numberof of This hearingswhich whichthe theCommittee Committeefacilitated facilitatedlast last hearings summer,ininwhich whichRetail RetailIreland Irelandparticipated. participated. summer, Wewere wereparticularly particularlypleased pleasedto tosee seethat thatthe the We finalset setof ofrecommendations recommendationsincluded includedalmost almost final allthe themeasures measuresRetail RetailIreland Irelandoriginally originallycalled called all for,including including'rates 'ratesholidays' holidays'to toincentivise incentivisethe the for, take-upof ofvacant vacantretail retailunits, units,reductions reductionsinin take-up commercialrates ratesfor forsmaller smalleroperators, operators,action action commercial onupward upwardonly onlyrents, rents,reduced reducedbank bankcharges, charges, on improvementsininaccess accessand andparking parkingfacilities facilities improvements andincreased increasedresources resourcesfor foron-street on-streetpolicing. policing. and At the meeting, Retail Ireland took the At the meeting, Retail Ireland took the opportunityto toengage engagewith withMinister MinisterNash Nash opportunity andhis hisofficials officialsat atthe theDepartment Departmentof ofJobs, Jobs, and Enterpriseand andInnovation, Innovation,expressing expressingour our Enterprise strongsupport supportfor forthe theJOC’s JOC’sproposals proposalsfor for strong therejuvenation rejuvenationof ofIrish Irishhigh highstreets streetsand and the callingfor forreal realand andlasting lastingaction actionon onthe the calling recommendationsmade. made. recommendations

To Donate log onto www.igbf.ie To get assistance log on to www.igbf.ie Tel: 01-4566619

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26|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Summer Stocking: Summer Dining

Easy Living

Summer time and the dining is very much ‘al fresco’ as consumers all over Ireland embrace barbeque culture and lighter eating for the sunny season.

ALL over Ireland, men and women are engaging in a yearly ritual. They’re opening sheds, cellars and attics and digging out the barbeque equipment – grill, heater, outdoor furniture etc. – as the summer season takes hold.

Ireland as a nation has really embraced al fresco dining, with barbeques now commonplace during the summer right across the country. Once the sole preserve of the weekend grillers, barbeques are now almost as likely to take place mid-week, as consumers see the barbeque as convenient, as well as providing tasty meals.

While we may lag slightly behind Europe’s biggest BBQ’ers in the UK, where two thirds of households now own a barbeque grill and the average number of barbeques held per family is now more than nine each summer, Ireland has embraced outdoor dining. The warm, dry summers of the last couple of years have undoubtedly helped and the trend this year is for more of the same.

Indeed, barbeque and alfresco eating has now become a standard alternative summer meal format, with consumers now considering it as normal to barbeque or eat outside during the summer. As new house building begins to pickup again, developers are incorporating patio areas and built-in barbeques as key purchase incentives.

Barbeques and al fresco eating and entertaining have become a more fashionable and cheaper alternative to a visit to the local pub or restaurant, while hot and spicy food regions are all gaining in popularity on the barbeque, including food styles from South America, North Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Cajun and creole spices from the Southern US. Irish consumers are definitely becoming more adventurous in their barbequing. Over the last few years there has been a clear ‘sausage to swordfish and burger to brochette’ evolution in the style and type of food cooked at a barbecue. Prime meat cuts and steaks regularly appear on the barbecue, while high end seafood, like swordfish steaks, are increasing in popularity all the time, accompanied by salads, sauces and the perennial favourite, the baked potato.

It is estimated that the barbeque industry is worth more than €300m per year, which can translate into sales and profit opportunities for smart retailers who have a dedicated BBQ section in-store. Of course, summer dining isn’t just about barbecues, and other areas to experience a surge in sales during the summer months include salads, fresh fruits and berries, and generally lighter meal styles.

Make it a saucy summer with Heinz Stock up today!

Supported b in-store PO y S

MAKES A BBQ BRILLIANT

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Summer Stocking: Summer Dining The Heinz BBQ Heroes campaign launched at the end of April and will run right through to the end of summer. The campaign will include TV, radio, outdoor, digital, social and very heavyweight customer marketing activity.

“The BBQ season is all about the freedom to make personalised choices to liven up dishes,” Emily O’Kane, Marketing Manager at Heinz, commented. “Our BBQ Heroes campaign encourages consumers to enjoy their food in their own way through exploring refreshing taste combinations.

Heinz offers consumers a diverse range of BBQ products, allowing them the chance to tailor each and every BBQ meal, turning it from good to great.”

Heinz Tomato Ketchup: the number one selling Ketchup brand in Ireland.

Heinz This summer, Heinz unveils a refreshed campaign to promote its unrivalled range of sauces during the BBQ season. Returning for a second year to maximise the full BBQ season, the Heinz BBQ Heroes campaign has increased its promotional spend from last year to include a television advert for the first time as well as an increased social media presence. The key focus for the 20-second television advert supporting the launch is to drive relevance and taste appeal of Heinz sauces by inspiring consumers to use Heinz sauces at the BBQ occasion.

The advertising will provide tips on how to use Heinz sauces as a marinade and highlight Heinz products.

The mouth-watering BBQ Heroes range offers consumers versatility and the opportunity to experience new tastes during the up-coming BBQ season. The range includes much-loved classics, such as Heinz Tomato Ketchup, which is the number one selling Ketchup brand in Ireland, with a 56% value share of the category (Source: Kantar, January 2015).

Flanagan’s Foods Grace Foods, the UK’s leading supplier of Caribbean food and drink products (Source: IRI: UK Caribbean Food & Drink, Retail Sales. Period: MAT 52 w/e Feb. 28, 2015), and a major supplier of world foods brands to markets across the UK and Europe, is delighted to introduce the following new range to the Irish market, available exclusively in the Republic of Ireland through Flanagan’s Foods.

Encona is the UK’s number-one hot pepper sauce brand (Source: IRI UK Table Sauces (Chilli & BBQ) MAT 52 w/e March 28, 2015), established over 40 years ago and featuring a range of delicious flavours from around the world, which are incredibly versatile. Encona sauces can be used as dips, condiments, marinades, cooking ingredients or flavourful everyday table sauces.

Available in 285ml top-down squeezy packs in a range of heat levels to suit chilli aficionados and novices alike, Encona is the perfect addition to anyone’s kitchen to help ‘fire up the flavour’ and ‘banish the bland’ for everyday meals

The zingy Heinz Salad Cream and Heinz Classic BBQ: perennial favourites with Irish consumers.

The range also includes zingy Heinz Salad Cream and full flavoured Heinz Classic BBQ: HJ Heinz is the market leader in BBQ sauce and holds a market value share of 39% (Sourcce: Kantar, January 2015). The Heinz portfolio also features new adventurous varieties, such as the refreshingly spicy Heinz Peri Peri and Heinz Sweet Chilli Sauce, which will add a kick to the nation’s favourite BBQ foods. The campaign also offers great marinade suggestions to really bring out flavours.

The Encona range includes a range of delicious flavours from around the world in 285ml top-down squeezy packs in a range of heat levels to suit chilli aficionados and novices alike.

Exclusively available from: Flanagan’s Foods, D3 Riverview Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12 Office Direct: +353 1 450 6100

E: info@flanagansfoods.ie

www.flanagansfoods.ie

*Source: IRI UK Table Sauces (Chilli & BBQ) MAT 52 w/e 28th March 2015

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Summer Stocking: Summer Dining and favourite foods. Following on from the success of the existing variants, West Indian Hot Pepper, Thai Sweet Chilli, Brazilian BBQ and Texan BBQ, new exciting flavours such as Jamaican Jerk BBQ, Thai Mild Sweet Chilli and Mexican Smokey Jalapeno will be available from May 2015.

To make barbeque dishes even more flavoursome, Encona Sauces has launched a new range of Marinades. Available in 180g jars in three flavours, Moroccan Harissa, Korean BBQ and Jamaican Jerk BBQ, these marinades are perfect for adding an authentic spicy kick to all summer dishes. Jamaican Jerk BBQ is an authentic mild Jerk seasoning, blended with tomatoes and spices for a distinctive Jerk flavour without the heat. Moroccan Harissa is a spicy and fragrant Moroccan inspired paste, made with a blend of chilli puree, herbs and spices, to create a perfect aromatic North African style marinade. Last but not least, Korean BBQ is made with a blend of Gochujang spices to create its sweet and Encona Sauces has spicy flavour. launched a new Grace Hot Pepper range of Marinades Sauce is a delicious in 180g jars in three and tangy Jamaicanflavours, Moroccan style condiment that Harissa, Korean BBQ and Jamaican Jerk can be used to help BBQ. add a fiery flavour to Grace Hot a whole host of dishes, Pepper Sauce from stews and soups to pasta and pizza and is a delicious it works wonderfully in cocktails too! It is and tangy Jamaican-style the perfect table accompaniment for hotcondiment that sauce lovers. can be used For more information on stocking Grace to help add a Foods products, contact Flanagan’s Foods: fiery flavour to Tel: (01) 4506100, Email: a whole host of info@flanagansfoods.ie or visit dishes. www.flanagansfoods.ie.

Bord Na Móna Having launched their new range of barbeque products and packaging in summer 2014, Bord na Móna are now the number one branded barbeque fuels range on the Irish market. The BBQ range includes Instant Lighting BBQ Charcoal, Barbecue Charcoal, and the Disposable Instant BBQ Grill.

Consumers are looking for product quality, consistency in performance and range and Bord na Móna delivers on this, as well as delivering real value in this category. Indeed, Bord na Móna brings a wealth of experience in the fuels business to the summer outdoors and last year were rewarded with a strong sales performance, which exceeded expectations.

“The barbeque category has been in growth for past number of years and the trend for in-home entertaining

For the more discerning barbecue chef, Bord na Móna BBQ Charcoal 5kg briquettes are quick to light, burn for longer and give a more consistent high heat output for even better cooking results.

Bord na Móna Instant Lighting Charcoal is the ideal product for the barbecue novice or for an impromptu barbecue occasion.

is set to continue as the economy recovers,” notes Patricia Mulligan, Trade Marketing Manager. “We are bringing the Bord na Móna brand to life in-store and supporting it with a range of Point-of-Sale material and in-store theatre to really engage consumers with the theme, Make Your Summer Sizzle. Our eye-catching POS material includes head-boards, shelf strips, aisle fins and FSDUs. “We know that today’s shoppers are extremely busy and we only have three seconds to interrupt them instore and catch their attention and that’s exactly what our POS is designed to achieve across multiples, forecourts, symbol group stores and independents by bringing the barbeque category to life instore.”

The range includes the Bord na Móna Disposable BBQ Grill, which is the ideal convenient, no-fuss, easy lighting product designed to give consumers an authentic barbeque experience every time.

Bord na Móna Instant Lighting Charcoal 2kg and 4kg is the ideal Bord na Móna are product for the barbeque novice or bringing their brand for an impromptu barbeque occasion. to life in-store, with Compact and easy to use, it lights with a range of Point-ofSale material and just one match, and consumers then in-store theatre, simply leave it for approximately 20 including eyeminutes before cooking. catching aisle fins.

For the more discerning barbeque chef, Bord na Móna BBQ Charcoal 5kg briquettes are quick to light, burn for longer and give a more consistent high heat output for even better cooking results.

Consumers looking to create an immediate fire should

www.bordnamonafuels.ie

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Summer Stocking: Summer Dining try the quick and easy to light Bord na Móna Firelog, which along with the kiln dried wood is suitable for chimineas and fire pits, both of which are hugely popular for al fresco entertaining.

“We had a great summer last year for Bord na Móna’s Disposable BBQ Grill is barbeque and we’re anticipating the ideal convenient, no-fuss, easy lighting product designed to give users an authentic more of the barbecue experience every time. same in 2015,” concludes Patricia Mulligan, “so our advice to retailers is to stock up now and make it easy for your customers to make their summer sizzle.”

Clarkes’ Fresh Fruit Pat Clarke, trading as Clarke’s Fresh Fruit, has established a reputation for the production of quality fresh fruit over the past 50 years. In 1983, Pat introduced the strawberry variety El Santa to Ireland for the first time, and its excellent flavour, firm texture and impressive shelf-life has led to El Santa now accounting for 80% of all strawberry production in Ireland. As a Bord Bia quality assured soft fruit producer, Pat prides himself on delivering top quality flavoursome berries to the consumer at all times.

Clarke’s Fresh Fruit is a family run business, currently

Pat Clarke, trading as Clarke’s Fresh Fruit, has built up a reputation for the production of quality fresh fruit over 50 years.

growing 50 acres of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries at Stamullen, Co. Meath. From May to November, fruit is produced seven days a week. Continual development takes place in line with consumer demands for fresh quality produce with least air miles. The firm employs over 100 people and uses the most advanced technology, while working in close harmony with natural resources.

Cropping techniques are monitored closely and constantly evaluated and the use of organic compost and certified plants (Elite Stock) ensures best quality tasteful berries. All of the fruit is grown on the farm and is picked, packed and dispatched on the same day to guarantee freshness.

A new brand of jams has been developed to complement the flavoursome fruit. The range includes five varieties: Strawberry, Raspberry, Blackberry and also Strawberry and Raspberry with No Added Sugar. This jam is specially produced by Folláin, Macroom, Co. Cork, from the wholesome fruit grown on Clarke’s Fresh Fruit Farm.

Clarke’s Fresh Fruit farm is synonymous with excellence in fruit growing and continues to show a strong commitment

Clarke’s have developed a new brand of jams in five varieties: Strawberry, Raspberry, Blackberry and also Strawberry and Raspberry with No Added Sugar.

to safe and efficient farm practice. Key achievements in relation to resource efficiency and sustainability include a computer-controlled irrigation and drip feed system, which ensures the plants receive the optimum amount of water and nutrients necessary to produce top quality fruit, while reducing water wastage. The upgrading of the production area to the most modern table top system has achieved significant labour efficiency and improved yields.

An estimated 40% increase in harvested produce has been recorded from a lower density area, thereby reducing the impact on the surrounding landscape.

High standards have been reflected in many awards, including being voted Bord Bia Fruit Grower of the Year many times, while capturing the prestigious overall Grower of the Year award in 2010. Global G.A.P certification is achieved annually and they have received a Grade A in BRC certification. A National Award for best Farm Family was achieved in 1997 and in 2000 the Clarke family were the proud recipients of the unique Family Farm of the Millennium Award. The fruit and jams are available nationwide from large groups such as Dunne’s Stores, SuperValu, Aldi and Lidl as well as smaller independent outlets and are also sold into the wholesale market. The berries are on the shelf the same day they are picked and are available straight from the plant in the Farm Shop at Stamullen.

Avonmore While we all know the Irish summer is unpredictable, Avonmore Cream is an essential item for everyone’s shopping basket, regardless of what the weather brings.

Produced by Glanbia Consumer Foods, the Avonmore Cream range has something to suit all tastes and occasions, including the fridge staple, Fresh Cream, convenient Freshly Whipped Cream, Sour Cream, which is perfect for summer BBQs, Fresh Dessert Cream, perfect for pouring over summer berries, and the latest addition to the range Summer Whipped Cream.

Avonmore has a cream to suit every occasion. Avonmore

Avonmore Fresh Dessert Cream has a luxuriously smooth and thick consistency and can be poured straight from the bottle over all consumers’ favourite summer treats.

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Summer Stocking: Summer Dining Fresh Dessert Cream is a must-have for the summer season. Already thickened and ready to serve, Avonmore Fresh Dessert Cream has a luxuriously smooth and thick consistency and can be poured straight from the bottle over all consumers’ favourite summer treats.

Avonmore Summer Whipped Cream is a The newest delicious, vanilla-flavoured whipped cream that’s perfect for long summer days and addition to summer desserts. the Avonmore cream range is sure to delight both young and old alike.

Avonmore Summer Whipped Cream is a delicious, vanillaflavoured whipped cream that’s perfect for long summer days and summer desserts. Consumers can pop it into their picnic cooler bag and spoon over raspberries, strawberries or their favourite desserts for a really sumptuous treat – a great alternative to ice-cream!

Consumers who are currently dusting off the BBQ this summer to entertain friends will be sure to stock up on Avonmore Sour Cream. The tangy taste of Avonmore Sour Cream is the ideal accompaniment for barbeques, light meals or simply as a dip for nachos.

And if the famous Irish weather does let us down this summer, don’t despair! Consumers can enjoy Avonmore Fresh Cream or Freshly Whipped Cream with warm chocolate cake or their favourite dessert for the perfect treat, whatever the weather!

Consumers looking for inspiration this summer can visit cookwithavonmore.ie, which features over 300 delicious recipes, including starters, mains meals, desserts, snacks and picnic ideas, as well as lots of great competitions.

Irish Pride The soft rolls category is one of the key categories in the bread market. It has grown in importance in recent years as consumer eating habits evolve. The Irish consumer enjoys variety in their diets and the soft rolls category gives the consumer a perfect alternative to the sliced pan, offering everything from delicious burger buns to floury baps and healthy rolls.

The Irish Pride Bunsters burger bun and hot dog roll range is perfect for any barbecue.

Irish Pride claims leadership of the soft rolls category.

The brand has delivered consistent growth in recent years and it has also been the main driver of innovation, offering the consumer high quality products and great value.

The Irish Pride Bunsters burger bun and hot dog roll range is perfect for any barbeque, while the Irish Pride Bap range allows consumers to enjoy the soft texture of a Floury Bap. Irish Pride is committed to delivering growth in the soft rolls category by continuing to focus on innovation, product quality and value for consumers.

BIC Lights Up BBQ Season AS barbecue season begins, the BIC Megalighter is a very important component for any outdoor cooks at this time of year. The BIC Megalighter is a userfriendly, safe and reliable tool which assists in getting the party started when lighting a cooking appliance for the enjoyment of family and friends.

Not only is the BIC Megalighter an essential tool for consumers during the summertime, it is equally as important for households throughout the rest of the year. The BIC Megalighter is great for lighting fires, candles, cookers and BBQs, for use all year-round so it’s important to keep The BIC Megalighter is a userit stocked and visible friendly, safe and reliable tool across the 12 months of which assists in getting the the year. According to a party started when lighting a study, 72% of consumers cooking appliance. will use multi-purpose lighters for lighting candles in addition to lighting BBQ’s in the summer months (Source: Colour Change Multi-Purpose Lighter – Harris Interactive, March 2014, 2000 respondents).

Research has shown that 60% of purchases are on impulse, making it even more important to have impactful displays that engage the customer at the point of sale. In light of this, BIC has a wide variety of creative display solutions for retailers (Source: Utility European Consumer Survey – Jan 2012).

Consumers possess an affinity with the BIC Megalighter, primarily because of its safety features and ease of use. 89% said they would make a repeat purchase of the BIC Megalighter, and 75% are likely to recommend it to others.

The BAR’BIC’QUE season is officially here and with it, the demand for the BIC Megalighter is about to soar so it’s important to have them on the shelves, especially as BIC have launched a new turquoise colour for 2015.

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Summer Stocking: Summer Dining Ben & Jerry’s The sequel to Ben & Jerry’s much loved Core Range, the Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Cores range has arrived. The range is made with love at its core and includes three flavours: What-alotta Chocolate, Utter Peanut Butter Clutter and Speculoos?

Specu-Love.

This new range features a crunchy, spoonable cookie core and is surrounded by euphoric Fairtrade ice cream with chunky cookie pieces thrown in for good measure! Starring crumbled chocolate, peanut butter and caramelised cookies, these tantalising tubs are set to be a hit with flavour fans.

What-a-lotta Chocolate comes with a euphoria rating suitable for sweet-toothed fans in search of an indulgent scoop. At the heart of this taste sensation is a core of delicious crushed chocolatey cookie, surrounded by rich chocolate Fairtrade ice cream and extra chocolatey cookie pieces to delight the taste buds.

Bash to Shake Up Partyware

BASH is the new table/partyware brand developed by two young Irish entrepreneurs, Paul Cosgrave and Declan Fahy. Cosgrave and Fahy are the same duo that brought the infamous American Red Cup to the UK and Irish shores in 2009, selling over 8m units last year.

Bash is a new brand of tableware, consisting of cups, plates, bowls, napkins and shot glasses in six core colours. “We wanted to bring a premium quality product to the market that was both cool and fashionable,” said Paul. “We realised the partyware category in most major retailers was very one dimensional and a bit boring. We set out to revolutionise the category with a new, colourful and great quality brand that would help create great parties and allow our customers to host with style.”

Tesco Ireland and Dunnes Stores have agreed to stock the range in Ireland, while in the UK, Bash will be available in Tesco UK, ASDA and Morrison’s.

Bash’s Paul Cosgrave and Declan Fahy are pictured with the new range.

Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Cores range comes in three flavours: What-alotta Chocolate, Utter Peanut Butter Clutter and Speculoos? Specu-Love.

Utter Peanut Butter Clutter is packed with three peanut buttery punches; a core of crunchy peanut butter cookie, peanut butter ice cream and peanut butter cookies.

A delicious caramelised biscuit with a spicy twist is at the core of Speculoos? Specu-love. Surrounded by caramel ice cream and caramelised cookie chunks with a crumbled biscuit core, it’s a crunchy, creamy concoction that will leave fans wanting more.

“The newly released Cookie Cores are the ultimate indulgence, starring three iconic cookies crumbled into the new flavours,” says David Suter, Brand Manager for Ben & Jerry’s Ireland. “There’s a Cookie Core to suit every taste, whether it’s spiced, sweet or nutty, we know fans will be digging in!”

HB Cornetto Taco HB ice cream has officially launched the Mexican-inspired Cornetto Taco in Ireland. A taco-shaped crispy waffle shell filled with creamy vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, Cornetto Taco is finished with a delicious chocolate and peanut-flecked layer coating the edge of the ice cream.

Cornetto Taco comes in perfect snack-sized 92ml packs at an RRP of €1.80 and is launched hot on the heels of the of the budget-friendly €1 Cornetto.

Cornetto Taco: a taco-shaped crispy waffle shell filled with creamy vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

HB Marketing Manager, Nigel Thomson explained: “We’re bringing a Mexican twist to the Cornetto range and we reckon people are going to go loco for Cornetto Taco. The newest addition to the extended Cornetto family brings something really different to the ice cream market and is the perfect size and shape to have as an on-the-go treat.”

OPEN UP YOUR OFF LICENCE TO BETTER VALUE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS & BETTER MARGINS FOR YOU

Barry Group, Upper Quartertown, Mallow, Co. Cork Contact: David O’Keefe 086-7740885 www.barrygroup.ie

42|Retail News|May News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie 2015|www.retailnews.ie 36|Retail

Summer Stocking: Orchard Thieves

Apple Of Your Eye Heineken Ireland have just launched their new cider brand, Orchard Thieves, following three years in development. Sharon Walsh, Marketing Director, Heineken Ireland, talks us through the new brand.

HEINEKEN Ireland has launched Orchard Thieves, its brand new cider brand, after three years in development.

With a 20m budget over the next five years, Orchard Thieves is confident of securing a slice of Ireland’s Irish cider market, which is valued at €366m. Heineken Ireland Marketing Director, Sharon Walsh, explains the reasoning behind the launch.

Why does Heineken Ireland want to enter the mainstream cider market?

Heineken is the biggest cider producer in the world and we enjoy excellent success in the UK with Bulmers, Strongbow

in the US and CEE markets with Strongbow Apple Ciders.

Heineken Ireland already has a stake in the cider market, with three cider brands in our portfolio; Symonds, Scrumpy Jack and Stonehouse. These, however, are niche brands.

With more than 125 years of experience and a leading Cider R&D centre in Stassen, Heineken has identified cider as a global priority for our business, recognising the huge potential of this innovative and exciting category. Heineken believes that there is a bigger opportunity for a premium mainstream cider in the Irish market, hence the launch of Orchard Thieves Cider to Ireland.

Why now?

After three years in development, Heineken Ireland believes the time is right to launch into one of the world’s biggest cider markets.

Heineken is dedicated to growing the cider category and expanding the choice options for Irish consumers, starting with Orchard Thieves Cider.

With cider, we want to reach consumers beer can’t. 17% of Irish consumers have drunk cider in the past week and cider represents 13% of all long alcohol (beer, cider & RTD) consumed. This is a great opportunity for Heineken.

How is Orchard Thieves different to other ciders on the market?

Orchard Thieves is a refreshingly different take on cider. It is

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Summer Stocking: Orchard Thieves crafted from the perfect mix of crisp and tart apples for an instant, fresh apple taste. In independent consumer research with over 1,000 consumers in Ireland, it was described as instantly refreshing with a real apple cider taste. We believe the taste and contemporary positioning that is relevant to Irish consumers is what sets Orchard Thieves apart from other cider brands.

In describing Orchard Thieves, we would say it is a contemporary brand with a modern, urban edge. The brand idea is about being bold and pushing boundaries to pursue enjoyment. Some of the most memorable times with friends are the occasions or nights out that take an unexpected and fun twist.

seeding out the brand idea, #BeBold.

Using ambient graffiti, disruptive social media and hi-jacked TV ads, we’ve allowed ourselves to ‘creep’ into the hearts and “The Irish minds of consumers. When it comes to consumer has the launch phase, this means we won’t be starting from zero. a very specific We’re investing €20m over the next taste preference five years into marketing this brand, activating across OOH, TV, digital, social, when it comes and PR. An extensive trade program featuring innovative sampling will allow to cider – not consumers to ‘thieve’ a taste at www.denofthieves.ie, meaning any too dry and not interest sparked from our activity, too sweet – but instantly delivers consumers with a reward for seeking us out. consumers One of our most exciting innovations The Irish cider market has traditionally been are looking for is the world’s first ‘thieve-able’ TV ad. dominated by one brand, which remains Over the course of the year, consumers hugely popular with Irish consumers. choice.” will have the chance to thieve pints How do you plan to shift consumers’ and maybe more from our ad through expectations and, more importantly, tastes? www.denofthieves.ie and be rewarded for boldly pursuing The cider market in Ireland is already quite established enjoyment. and the Irish consumer has a very specific taste preference when it comes to cider – not too dry and not too sweet – but Sponsorships play an important role in helping to define consumers are looking for choice. The launch of Orchard a brand’s target audience. Have you any sponsorships Thieves is one of the biggest product innovations the Irish planned for Orchard Thieves? cider market has seen in years.

We wanted to develop a cider that fits the taste At the moment, we have no plans for sponsorship preference of the Irish consumer and offers them a choice of activity. We will keep this under review as the brand grows tastes. As a result, we have a product which is a refreshingly and potentially an opportunity arises. different take on cider. Orchard Thieves is instantly refreshing with a real apple cider taste.

Orchard Thieves has been in development for more than three years. What sort of research did you undertake in that time?

We researched the concept and taste with independent research company TNS and over 1,000 consumers in Ireland and followed this up with qualitative research using our partners MCCP and Bricolage. Separately, we taste tested it with an independent expert panel from research company Haystack and Orchard Thieves outperformed the competition on key taste metrics.

We also undertook research into the brand name for Orchard Thieves. We tested Irish names – both family names, heritage related names and modern themed names.

Heineken has a cider in New Zealand called Orchard Thieves and this name came through as the strongest name for consumers in Ireland as an indicator of their love for mischief and adventure. When the name tested so well with consumers here, we knew we had hit on the right name.

What are your hopes for the brand in its first year?

Having just launched, our focus is continuing to build the Orchard Thieves brand in Ireland and act as a credible alternative for the Irish cider drinker. We’re hoping that our fox will pop up on shelves and in bars and in conversations over the next few months.

Our approach to getting our name out there is one of the most innovative strategies we’ve invested in. We’ve worked with our agencies to craft a launch plan that will excite, surprise and most importantly, grab consumers’ attention.

From our thieved TV ads to our innovative sampling and disruptive social media approach, we are confident our cider pitch is compelling.

How do you plan to promote it?

The promotional campaign to date has focused initially on

Given the tough trading conditions of the last few years, particularly in the on trade, how do you expect Orchard Thieves to perform in both on and off trade channels?

This is something we were very aware of in the planning stages and wanted to approach this from a very innovative and unique way. We know that one of the most important elements of launching a brand is making sure consumers get to taste it. For this reason, we have developed innovative sampling initiatives for both the on and off trade. We’ve also invested in draught so that consumers can have a delicious, refreshing cold pint which, along with its availability in pint bottle, can and multipack, will aid its distribution.

To drive consumers to the on trade, we have a digital sampling platform in which consumers can interact with our mobile friendly website, take part in exciting games and thieve pints that can later be redeemed in on-trade accounts around the country.

We will also have over 300 sampling occasions hosted nationwide, inviting customers to engage with us, #BeBold and ultimately be rewarded for it.

In the off trade, we have disruptive POS, inviting consumers to engage with us on a level they wouldn’t be familiar with within an off licence and again, rewarding them for going one step further, seizing the opportunity for adventure and boldly pursuing enjoyment.

38|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Summer Stocking: Beer & Cider

Liquid Gold The barbeque season is upon us, with massive opportunities to grow your beer and cider sales.

IN recent years, summer has come to signify the start of barbeque season. While this traditionally means an upswing in sales of burgers, sausages and salads, retailers shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to watch beer and cider sales soar significantly, as consumers around the country stock up on their favourite tipples for home entertaining.

Indeed, the trend towards home entertainment is here to stay, according to Euromonitor International, who predict that the off trade will continue to grow at the expense of the pub sector.

However, recent figures from Heineken Ireland maintain that the on trade is in growth again. The value of the total beer market in Ireland now stands at €2.6 billion, which represents an increase of 3.1% in value terms, primarily driven by this increased growth of the on trade, according to Heineken Ireland, who maintain that the pub trade accounts for 63% of the Irish beer market, with the off trade commanding a 37% share.

Amstel Radler Heineken Ireland promises more sociable times ahead for Amstel Radler and the growing number of people who enjoy its unique, lower alcohol mix. Launched last year, the refreshing blend of 40% Amstel beer and 60% cloudy lemon is set to appear in a TTL campaign throughout the summer.

The new Amstel Radler creative is about ‘Refreshment in the Mix’. It relates directly to the unique product combination of Amstel beer and cloudy lemon, and also to the sociability of its drinkers. Amstel Radler is generally enjoyed during occasions with family and friends, at barbeques, after playing team sports, at family brunches and more.

Enjoyed all year round, Amstel Radler caters to the growing lower strength category, as the brand has a 2% ABV. It appeals to existing lager drinkers looking to enjoy occasions with less alcohol, as well as recruiting new

drinkers. In fact, it’s estimated that 40% of people who tried Amstel Radler last year were new to beer.

In Irish taste tests, 79% of the people who sampled it liked Amstel Radler’s unique mix of premium Amstel beer and cloudy lemon, with an equal spread of male and female drinkers.

Amstel Radler already has brand awareness of 60%, with trial at 20%.

This new marketing drive promises to push Amstel Radler into increasingly sociable situations where lower alcohol is not only appropriate, but also welcomed.

Amstel Radler, the refreshing blend of 40% Amstel beer and 60% cloudy lemon, is set to appear in a TTL campaign throughout the summer, entitled ‘Refreshment in the Mix’.

Orchard Thieves Heineken Ireland has launched Orchard Thieves, its brand new cider brand, after three years in development. With a €20m budget over the next five years, Orchard Thieves is confident of securing a slice of Ireland’s Irish cider market, which is valued at €366m.

“Our new cider brand has been under development for over three years,” explained Fiona Curtin, Senior Innovation Manager at Heineken Ireland. “We have undertaken major research into the category, from a branding and taste perspective, and we know that Irish cider drinkers are

CLOUDS PART

FRIENDS GATHER

A refreshing mix of Amstel Beer and Cloudy Lemon that’s double the refreshment and just 2% alcohol, Amstel Radler can refresh any moment. Add it to the mix at a barbeque, a weekend brunch, after sport or any time you want to hang out in good company.

REFRESHMENT IN THE MIX Amstel Beer • Cloudy Lemon • 2% ABV.

Life’s about making the most of these moments and being ready for the next.

Add refreshment to your product mix today.

40|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Summer Stocking: Beer & Cider looking for an alternative. Now, as we prepare for this major launch, we are very confident that what we have produced is very compelling.”

Orchard Thieves is a refreshingly different take on cider. It is crafted from the perfect mix of crisp and tart apples for an instant, fresh apple taste. In independent consumer research with over 1,000 consumers in Ireland, it was described as instantly refreshing with a real apple cider taste. A contemporary brand with a modern, urban edge, Orchard Thieves’ brand idea is Orchard Thieves, the new cider brand from Heineken Ireland. about being bold and pushing boundaries to pursue enjoyment.

Desperados Desperados, the full bodied beer with an edge of tequila is perfect for getting any party started! Thanks to boundary breaking innovation in the off trade in 2014, Desperados continues to cement itself as Ireland’s number one party beer within the 18-24 year old target market. 2015 is set to be its biggest year yet with occasions like festivals and a beautiful summer ahead.

2014 saw the introduction of the Desperados 50cl can, which broadens the footprint of the brand on shelf and floor. Volumes soared for Desperados last year with the introduction of the can, which now accounts for 21% of ex-factory sales.

This trend is set to continue into 2015 with the sku maintaining its EDLP RRP OF 4 cans for €10 plus a field sales focus in both the independent and convenience channels.

Both the three-pack and the Desperados Can will be front of mind for shoppers over the coming months as the brand keeps conversations with fans going daily on Facebook and Twitter to a 60,000 fan following. Added in-store disruptive visibility and price promotions also ensure that Desperados is the first choice when it comes to big party occasions and Last year’s launch the most premium party starting of the Desperados 50cl can has proved beer on shelves! Keep up to date extremely successful. with all things Desperados at Facebook.com/Desperados.

Corona Extra/Corona Light C&C Gleeson recently expanded its beer portfolio, adding one of the world’s leading beer brands to its range and becoming the exclusive distributor of Corona Extra and

Corona Light in Ireland. C&C Gleeson is now managing three of the top ten beer brands in the world, as Corona joins Stella Artois and Brahma, which are already in the C&C Gleeson portfolio.

“Corona leads the ‘Sunshine Beer’ category around the world and is a brand we have always admired and respected, so it’s a particularly welcome addition to our business,” noted Laura Faulkner, Brand Manager for Corona. “In terms of growing the C&C Gleeson business, acquiring exclusive distribution rights to Corona presents a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our trade reach, offering customers across the island of Ireland an extended collection of some of the most popular drinks brands not only in Ireland, but globally.”

Under the C&C Gleeson ownership, Corona will enter the summer with a heavy weighted marketing campaign across outdoor, radio and online, reminding Irish consumers exactly why they love Corona.

Having added Corona to the mix, C&C Gleeson is now Ireland’s third largest distributor to the trade and the company will support its new star performer to assure it continues to grow its market leading position.

C&C Gleeson is now the exclusive distributor of Corona Extra in Ireland.

Bulmers Bulmers has made a much-anticipated return to TV with the launch of a new, through-the-line campaign that celebrates the Bulmers journey, extolling the virtues of that quintessential Bulmers ingredient - time.

In a world where the pace of life is increasing and attention spans are being whittled away, the new Bulmers ‘Not a Moment Too Soon’ campaign celebrates taking it slow, reflecting all of the brand’s core strengths around heritage and authenticity.

“Bulmers has always been true to itself and is an authentic Irish brand from a world that features orchards, the VATS, apples and time,” explained Belinda Kelly, Marketing Manager for Bulmers. “This new campaign is a return to our roots and to the time it takes to craft an original. Time has always been a distinctive and defining quality of the Bulmers brand and its authenticity and Irishness are central to its wide appeal.

“Every drop of Bulmers has been on a journey that started almost a decade before, with the planting of an apple tree,” she continued. “Defined by a pace, we wear our slowness as a badge of honour. Bulmers is a brand for today’s consumers and whilst we embrace the here and now, there will The new Bulmers ‘Not a always be some things that Moment Too Soon’ campaign we like to do in the same celebrates taking it slow, traditional way we’ve always reflecting all of the brand’s core done. The new campaign is a strengths around heritage and homage to the time it takes to authenticity.

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Summer Stocking: Beer & Cider get things just right – and not a moment too soon.”

A seven figure investment sees the campaign roll-out across TV, radio, digital, outdoor and BTL, together with PR, helping to cement Bulmers’ status as The Original Cider.

Throughout the summer, Bulmers will be back supporting the best in Irish music events with the much-lauded Forbidden Fruit festival returning to the spectacular surrounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Bulmers Live at Leopardstown series once again taking place at Leopardstown Racecourse.

Bulmers is distributed in Ireland by C&C Gleeson, one of the leading manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers to the Irish drinks industry.

Smithwick’s Smithwick’s Blonde, a delicate, uncomplicated beer with a smooth finish, fruity aroma and a subtly hopped character, is the latest addition to join the Smithwick’s family of crafted beers. Launched just in time for the summer days ahead, Smithwick’s Blonde is the perfect accompaniment to good conversation and relaxing evenings with friends and is introduced in Smithwick’s new ‘Superior Then. Superior Now’ campaign.

Created with Polaris hops, known as flavour hops, Smithwick’s Blonde is an Irish crafted golden beer. Its sweet malt delivers a delicate flavour and a smooth finish.

With over 300 years of brewing expertise, Smithwick’s has

From a tradition founded in 1710, Smithwick’s Superior Irish Ale and Smithwick’s Pale Ale recently won two coveted awards at the 2015 Monde Selection Quality Awards. A seven-time winner of Monde gold medal, 300 years on, Smithwick’s stands the test of time, a beer of remarkable quality that is still a favourite amongst ale drinkers today.

Estrella Damm Molson Coors has announced exclusive distribution rights of the award winning Damm family of beers including Estrella Damm, Daura (Gluten Free) and Inedit beers as part of the Damm portfolio in the Republic of Ireland. Significant investment is being put behind a full through-the-line marketing and advertising campaign to support the launch.

Plans for 2015 are very ambitious, as Molson Coors continue to invest heavily in new and existing brands that will help both the on and off trade by driving choice and value in the marketing, while offering new experiences to their customers.

Grupo Damm hold a market leading portfolio of brands, including the iconic premium lager of Spain and the flagship beer of Grupo Damm, Estrella Damm.

The Irish family of Grupo Damm brands now being distributed exclusively by Molson Coors are: Estrella Damm, the stylish, vibrant, passionate beer, recognised as the premium beer in Spain and “the beer of Barcelona”; Daura Damm, the gluten free and top selling, internationally recognised and multi award winning beer for coeliacs; Inedit, which was created through a unique collaboration with the world renowned chef Ferran Adrià to pair with food, which has received numerous international awards.

Smithwick’s Blonde: the latest addition to join the Smithwick’s family of crafted beers.

Smithwick’s Blonde takes centre stage in the current Smithwick’s 20” TV ad and out of home campaign.

always brewed great tasting beer and Smithwick’s Blonde is part of this continuous and exciting journey in beer.

“We are very proud of creating Smithwick’s Blonde, with its delicious balance of hops and malt and believe this remarkable beer offers lager and ale drinkers a fresh alternative this summer,” explained brewer, Luis Ortega. Smithwick’s Blonde is available in 500ml bottles.

Smithwick’s Blonde takes centre stage in the current Smithwick’s 20” TV ad and out of home campaign: ‘Smithwick’s. Since 1710. Superior Then. Superior now’. This new ad celebrates an enduring passion for quality and shows that only the best things stand the test of time. The campaign proudly champions timeless classics that still hold their own today, including Smithwick’s.

Commenting on the new campaign, Jennifer English, Marketing Director, Diageo, said: “This campaign celebrates how craftsmanship, attention to detail and experience are appreciated by people for generations. Fashions come and go but quality endures.”

Estrella Damm from Molson Coors is a modern, vibrant and passionate brand that brings a unique offering to Ireland.

Barry & Fitzwilliam Global beer bands have seen a major increase in interest.

Barry & Fitzwilliam currently distribute the Wells & Young portfolio, the most popular of which are Banana Bread Beer, Waggle Dance and Bombardier and Coopers from Australia, which has gained a very loyal following over the years. A new addition to the B&F range for summer is Warsteiner and Warsteiner Non Alcoholic. In relation to craft, B&F now carry an extensive range of Irish craft beers and ciders and due to the increased interest from both on and off trade customers, they expect dramatic growth in this sector of the market over the coming months, maintains Michael Barry, MD of Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Also from B&F, the W.K.D. range will be much supported again this summer with a combination of promotions, a social media campaign, as well as traditional media. The new addition to the range for summer will be WKD Vegas.

42|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Summer Stocking: Wines & Spirits

Summer Cellars Jean Smullen looks at the lighter styles of wine, perfect for summer consumption, while we also profile the spirits brands on the up this season.

AS consumer confidence slowly returns, this is not translating into trading up in terms of wine sales. Sadly the “only buy on offer” mind-set is now firmly entrenched.

Brand loyalty has all but disappeared and it is still all about price. Trading the wine customer up is going to take some work, though I’ve seen green shoots on that front with sampling and promotions now starting to return. Once again, marketing budgets exist and they are being utilised in a positive way.

Santa Rita will have their own garden at this year’s Bloom in the Phoenix Park this June Bank Holiday weekend. Delegat’s Oyster Bay and Barossa Valley Estate have a nationwide programme of in-store sampling, which is proving very effective in terms of trading the consumer up. There are definitely many more consumer wine events, tastings and dinners featuring visiting wine makers and personalities out there. The trade is starting to engage and educate the consumer and that can only be a good thing.

The retail trade looks forward to these longer summer days, especially if the weather picks up. Not only does this add the feel-good factor but garden parties and barbeques definitely increase sales of food and wine.

So what to look out for and stock this summer? Argentina is very much on trend and there is a great demand for their red wines, particularly those made from the Malbec grape.

Recent figures show Argentina has increased its market share and overtaken Germany into 9th place by doubling its market share to 2.1% of the Irish market: 172,611 cases, up from 86,640 in 2012.

New Zealand’s 2014 vintage is now on the shelves and the quality is very good. The vintage was up 29% on the previous year, and Philip Gregan, Chief Executive Officer for New Zealand Winegrowers, noted “All grape growing regions experienced very favourable growing conditions through the summer and into the early autumn. 2014 is set to be another memorable, high quality vintage.” New Zealand is still performing well on the Irish wine market, with its value share sitting at 4.3%, up 23.2%; and volume share at 3.3%, up 14.9%, with an average price of €10.35, one of the highest on this market.

European wines continue to perform well, thanks to lots of promotional price activity and all the fashionable wine styles. Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, and Southern Rhone are still performing strongly, though I’ve noticed that the consumer who would once only drink Chateauneuf du Pape is now trying Argentine Malbec. South Africa is back in growth as the consumer re-discovers their wines and wine styles.

Apart from that, it is a case of round up the usual suspects for summer 2015. Australia, Italy, Chile, Spain and France all have new emerging wine styles to capture the customer’s interest; look out for Romania, which is now starting to gather a bit of momentum on this market.

Argentina Coman’s will have the wonderful Las Moras Dada Malbec/ Bonarda on offer for Father’s Day (June 15). This Argentine wine is a new style concept wine, made from a blend of Malbec and Bonarda grapes grown in the San Juan region.

It is aged in American oak with medium toast to bring out the vanilla character. Las Moras has created a soft, easy drinking, approachable summery wine with a little residual sugar, which will add to its appeal for the novice red wine

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Summer Stocking: Wines & Spirits drinker. It’s perfect served with barbeque food and as the name suggests, a good wine to highlight as a gift for Father’s Day. Look out for the special Father’s Day neck collar. For more information, see www.comans.ie.

New Zealand International Sauvignon Blanc Day takes place each year on May 15.

Although Sancerre in France is the grape’s spiritual home, Marlborough in New Zealand has become its de facto residence as far as Sauvignon Blanc fans across the world are concerned.

Here are a few Kiwi “Savvys” worth looking out for: Greenlea Wines, part of the Boyne Valley Group, are the sole importers of the Peter Yealands range of New Zealand wines and their Sauvignon Blanc is the most awarded NZ Sauv.

Blanc on the market. Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc has a target RSP of €15, though Greenlea regularly promote with stock deals that see the RSP drop to €12.50. Keep an eye out for Peter Yealands Pinot Noir, a well-made red wine, bursting with vibrant flavour and ideal for summer dishes and al fresco dining. For more information, see www. boynevalley. com.

Findlater Wine & Spirit Group Yealands Family distributes Wines were awarded Matua on the overall World the Irish Champion title at the market.

International Green It’s hard to Apple Environment separate Awards 2014, and New winner of IWSC New Zealand and Zealand winemaker of Sauvignon the year 2015.

Blanc these days, but it was only in 1969 that Bill and Ross Spence founders of Matua first put them together. They produced the first bottles of Matua in an old tin shed which they had rented in 1974. After four decades, Bill Spence is still involved as Matua ambassador, and their awardwinning wines are crafted by local winemaker, Nikolai St George.

Matua has become one of the most decorated New Zealand wine brands, winning hundreds of trophies and medals over the years. In recent times, Matua was named IWSC’s 2012 New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year and in The hugely impressive 2013 Senior Winemaker, Nikolai St Matua Sauvignon Blanc, George was named Winemaker of which has been wowing the Year at the Royal Easter Show consumers for four decades. (www.findlaterws.ie).

Australia Australia are now flying the flag for Moscado, the grape variety that has taken the USA by storm, with sales on the US market registering a 40% average increase over the last three years. Moscato has yet to make an impact here, though that is slowly changing.

New to the Irish market is the Wolf Blass Yellow Label Moscato, a low alcohol (5% ABV) refreshing crisp and light wine. Lightly spritzed, it has very appealing tropical and passionfruit flavours that will appeal to the novice wine drinker and to those who like lower alcohol wines.

Findlater Wine & Spirit group will be promoting this wine during the summer months. For more information, see www.findlaterws.ie.

McGuigan will also be launching their McGuigan Frizzante Moscato on the Irish market through their importer Barry & Fitzwilliam. Expected to retail at €14.99, it will go on promotion this summer at €9.99. For more information, see www.bandf.ie.

Chile Cycling has grown exponentially here in Ireland over the last number of years, with a reported 10,000 bicycle trips into Dublin’s city centre on a daily basis. Now that summer is here, expect to see a huge surge in bicycle clubs hitting the bike trails at the weekends.

Chilean winery Cono Sur has been inextricably linked to cycling. The world’s first fully carbon neutral wine brand, it achieved this accolade by encouraging the vineyard workers and office staff to cycle to keep their environmental impact to a minimum. Because of this, Cono Sur named their most popular range, Bicicleta. This summer, Cono Sur will be investing heavily in a number of cycling-themed ATL activities, with promotions across multiple media platforms, prominent social media and display advertising. They will be supporting cyclingrelated events, including sponsoring the Tour de Picnic charity cycle for a second year. The promotion will be managed by the Cono Sur distributor in Ireland, Findlater Wine & Spirit group. Stock up now on Cono Sur Bicicleta and get involved. For more information, see www.findlaterws.ie.

France Gascony is certainly on trend for zippy white wine styles.

Located to the South of Bordeaux on the Atlantic coast, Gascony was historically part of the Basque region. The region is best known for foie gras and Armagnac.

Cassidy Wines have a super Vin du Gascony called Domaine du Tarqiuet, made from Ugni-Blanc 45%, Colombard 35%, Sauvignon 10% and Gros Manseng 10%.

This wine is extremely aromatic, with scents of white flowers, pear drop and honeysuckle. The palate is crisp and very fresh and this wine style and the wine region is certainly set to make its mark this summer. For more information, see www.cassidywines.com.

The Barton & Guestier winemaking team, under the direction of Laurent Prada, has chosen 30 partners in the Languedoc, Gascony and Corsica to create the B&G Reserve Varietals. The Barton & Guestier varietal range is distributed in Ireland by Richmond Marketing and will be on price promotion this summer. Their Sauvignon Blanc Reserve is made from fruit grown in Gascony, while the Chardonnay Reserve is aged on the lees and the fruit is sourced in Langeudoc. Both have won many awards, including a Silver Medal at 2014 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for the Chardonnay and a Bronze Medal at IWC in 2013. For more information, see www.richmondmarketing.com.

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Summer Stocking: Wines & Spirits Italy Nothing says style and summer like Italian wine and Italian fashion houses. This summer, they have combined to create a vibrant new bottle. Valdo Floral Edition Rosè is a unique interpretation of spring mood, designed by Fabrizio Sclavi, an eminent fashion editor with a special passion for illustration. The design is a tribute to nature, to beauty, to colour and to the joy of living. The new limited edition bottle from one of Italy’s top Prosecco houses was launched recently at the Milan Design Week 2015. The Valdo Floral Edition Rosè will be on offer this summer at €20. For more information, see www.febvre.ie.

Romania Febvre & Co. (www.febvre.ie) will be highlighting their great new range of wines from Romania this summer. Paparuda from Romania will retail at €9.99: the range of varietals includes Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cramele Recas is an estate near Timisoara, the capital of the Banat region in Western Romania. This almost 1,000-hectare estate is in impeccable condition and is run by Elvira and Philip Cox, a Romanian/English partnership. They have employed an Australian/Spanish winemaking couple to make the wines and are advised full-time by well-known wine consultant, David Cowderoy.

South Africa La Motte and Leopard’s Leap have just appointed Classic Drinks as their exclusive agent in Ireland. Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, both wine estates are owned by the Rupert Family. La Motte’s Nabot farm is situated in the Walker Bay coastal region and has been developed as an organic production operation. The very modern commercial Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyard offers a range of good value South African wine styles. Export Director, Marius Kotze was in Ireland recently to re-launch their range of wines here. For more information, see www.classicdrinks.ie.

Febvre & Co will have their Two Oceans varietal range

McGuigan Sparkles For Summer AWARD winning Australian winery, McGuigan Wines, has launched its latest release, McGuigan Frizzante. Introduced to the trade by Chief Winemaker Neil McGuigan, it’s a light style of sparkling with soft lemon and apple fruit characters, with an RSP of €15. The new sparkling wine is a reflection of McGuigan Wines’ philosophy, which is to create wines that reflect what consumers like to drink.

“We are delighted to launch McGuigan Frizzante as a new addition to our sparkling wines portfolio. We wanted to create a high quality wine with an easy drinking style at the right price point, and the result of those efforts, McGuigan Frizzante, is a credit to our winemakers,” noted Neil McGuigan.

(Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet/ Merlot) on offer this summer at €10 (www. febvre.ie).

Richmond Marketing will be highlighting their 56 Hundred Cabernet Sauvignon and 56 Hundred Pinot Grigio from South Africa this summer. It will be available on offer throughout the summer.

Produced by Nederburg, who Tiojito, the drink of summer 2015: made from are part of the Tio Pepe Fino, lemonade, fresh mint and ice.

Distell Group, this varietal range has lovely fresh fruit flavours from good modern wine making techniques (www.richmondmarketing.com).

Spain Spain has quite a few emerging wine styles that are eminently suitable for summer. From sherry cocktails to the white wines of Rias Biaxis and the classic reds from Rioja, there is something for everyone.

Barry & Fitzwilliam, who import the wines of González Byass, are flying the flag for Tiojito, the drink of the summer of 2015. Refreshingly delicious, refreshingly different and refreshingly Spanish. The base of this drink is the dry Fino sherry from González Byass Tio Pepe. The recipe is simple: Tio Pepe Fino, lemonade, fresh mint and ice. This ideal summer drink is perfect as a refreshing tipple on a hot day or a cool sundowner. The taste is incredibly refreshing, as the fine, dry sherry, sweet lemonade and freshness of the mint make for an exciting mix. For more information, see www.bandf.ie.

Cassidy Wines have a fabulous new white from the Marques de Caceres stable. The Marques de Caceres Deusa Nai Albarino. Deusa Nai was the mythical goddess from Galicia and the wine has a limited production of 17,000 bottles. This is a wonderful, food-friendly wine style from the Spanish region that is very much in fashion, Riax Biaxas.

The wine will retail at €17.99 (www.cassidywines.com).

No Irish barbie would be complete without a Rioja, one of Ireland’s favourite red wine styles. Since first being launched only a few years ago, Torres Ibéricos Crianza has become very popular. This spring, it has been relaunched with a new label and new name, Torres Altos Ibéricos. The wine is named after an exceptionally beautiful area called Alto Otero in the Rioja Alavesa region, where the Torres family have their eco-friendly winery on the on the outskirts of the historic town of Labastida (www.findlaterws.ie).

Faustino V, which is Reserva level and made from 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo, has won medals at IWSC and Mundus Vini. Distributed by Richmond Marketing, Faustino V will be on special offer this summer, as will the Faustino V Blanco, which is made from Viura 75% and Chardonnay 25% (www.richmondmarketing.com).

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Summer Stocking: Wines & Spirits Barry & Fitzwilliam Michael Barry of Barry & Fitzwilliam claims that they now have probably the most prestigious French wine range on the market when you take account of the success of Michel Lynch, Guigal and the Gabriel Meffre range, which includes La Chasse du Pape.

Faiveley Burgundy Wines, Jolivet Loire Wines and PreissZimmer Alsace wines complete what is now an outstanding portfolio of French wine.

From Australia, McGuigan continues to outperform the market and is now the number one Australian brand in the off trade. The Black Label range is comprised of a Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Rosé. The range will have strong above the line marketing support for the summer, particularly in the national press with a major emphasis on Neil McGuigan’s award IWC awards as “the Best White Winemaker in the world” for the third time, as well as the launch of McGuigan Frizzante for the BBQ season.

Finca La Linda and Luigi Bosca Argentinean Wines have been added to the B&F range, while the family owned Villa Maria winery has been New Zealand’s leading wine award winner, both nationally and internationally since the early 1980s. The repositioning of the Private Bin Range has seen sales surge in the last 12 The hugely popular months.

McGuigan Black Label The B&F Chilean range Shiraz, part of the Barry & includes MontGras, which Fitzwilliam portfolio. continues to perform strongly, while the Soleus range of Organic Wine produced by Mont Gras is also going from strength to strength and Casa Silva is amongst the finest producers of top class premium Chilean wines, according to Michael Barry.

Barry & Fitzwilliam have a very strong line up in the fortified wine sector, including Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry, Croft Original Sherry, Tio Pepe Sherry and Cockburns. B&F are putting a major focus on Tio Pepe and its mixability for cocktails over the summer months. The “Tiojito” cocktail will be featured as an on pack execution this summer: 40% Tio Pepe, 60% Sprite or Lemon Soda, served in a long glass over ice with some mint leaves to garnish.

Barry & Fitzwilliam also distribute a wide range of premium spirits. They include Teachers Scotch, Courvoisier Cognac, Rémy Martin Cognac, The Famous Grouse Finest Scotch Whisky, Jim Beam Bourbon, Vladivar Vodka, Boru Vodka and Whyte and Mackay Scotch.

Barry & Fitzwilliam are the exclusive distributor of The Kilbeggan Distilling Company’s range of whiskey brands which includes: Kilbeggan, Connemara and Tyrconnell.

Kilbeggan has had a makeover, with a totally redesigned package which has been instrumental in its current success.

Summer 2015 also sees Greenore 8 Year Old rebranded as Kilbeggan 8 Year Old. The summer will also see a major emphasis on the new additions to the Jim Beam Range i.e. Red Stag, Honey & Devils Cut, as well as major promotions on Jim Beam itself, while B&F also hold distribution rights for Auchentoshan & Bowmore Scotch Whiskies.

Barry & Fitzwilliam also distribute Cointreau, the perfect partner for cocktails, as well as the range of Bols Liqueurs from one of the largest and oldest producers of fine spirits and liqueurs in the world, some dating back to the year 1575. Sourz continues to be a great success, with Sourz apple taking clubs Kilbeggan has recently had a and style bars by storm. makeover, and its redesigned Jagermeister, the famous pack has been instrumental in its German schnapps, is a current success huge seller in the shooter market, particularly among trend setters and is growing internationally. The 20cl size continues to do very well in the off trade.

Tia Maria is a hugely popular coffee liqueur worldwide, particularly thanks to its mixability in cocktails, which will be promoted with a new TV and press campaign.

Disaronno has a distinctive square glass decanter and smooth almond flavour, which will be supported by a satellite TV campaign, while Midori, the original and most popular melon liqueur on the market, is the base of many popular cocktails, including the iconic Midori Illusion and the Japanese Slipper.

Shortcross Gin Northern Ireland’s international award-winning gin, Shortcross celebrates its first anniversary this month.

Shortcross Gin is the first spirit to be launched by Rademon Estate Distillery, the North’s first and only craft distillery.

Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery is located at the couple’s historic family estate just outside Downpatrick, Co. Down. The first batch of their super premium craft gin, Shortcross was released in May 2014 to great critical acclaim and the word is spreading fast.

In April, the award-winning Co. Down gin added to its already impressive list of accolades, winning a Silver Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition

46|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Summer Stocking: Wines & Spirits 2015.

To celebrate the brand’s recent success, and to mark its first year, Rademon Estate Distillery launched a special limited edition anniversary batch on May 4, with each of the 365 bottles one for each day of its first year individually signed, labelled, numbered and sealed with a To celebrate its first anniversary, Northern striking Ireland’s Shortcross Gin launched a special gold wax. limited edition anniversary batch.

For more information, see www.Shortcrossgin.com.

The Wild Geese High-flying premium Irish spirit range, The Wild Geese collection has amassed a number of prestigious accolades and medals for its spirits, including its rum, vodka and honey liqueur.

Already this year, The Wild Geese Collection has been awarded “World’s Best Gold Rum’ at the World Rum Awards 2015; Gold medal (Wild Geese Golden Rum) at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015; two silver medals for its Untamed Irish Vodka at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015 and the International Spirits Challenge 2015; two silver medals for its Exiles Irish Gin (the only gin in the world with shamrock) at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015 and International Spirits Challenge 2015; and two bronze medals for its Wild Geese Irish Honey Liqueur at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015 and International Spirits Challenge 2015.

“The Wild Geese Collection is unique, being the only premium and super-premium collection of Irish spirits in the market,” said André Levy, Chairman of Protégé International, exclusive global distributor of The Wild Geese Collection.

Bodegas Torres Brandy Named World’s Best TORRES’ 30-year-old brandy, Jaime I, has been selected as the world’s best brandy at the prestigious World Drinks Awards 2015, held by TheDrinksReport. com at a ceremony in London.

Though Bodegas Torres is known best in Ireland for their broad range of wines, ranging from consumer favourites Viña Sol and Sangre de Toro to the iconic Mas La Plana, this award highlights the quality of their oftenoverlooked brandy offering.

Jaime I is a special 30 year old brandy from Torres, named for the founder of the House, Jaime Torres Vendrell. It’s a blend of brandies from their oldest soleras, including Parellada wines originally destined for the Torres 10 aged for an extra amount of time and a small amount of their rare 1972 Folle Blanche eaux-de-vie.

This brandy was also honoured at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it was named Best Spanish Brandy, winning a double gold medal, the highest distinction. See www.findlaterws.ie for more information.

The Wild Geese premium Irish spirits range has won a host of international awards.

Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|47

Summer Stocking: Soft Drinks/Water

The Soft Parade

The hot summer days should see soaring soft drink and bottled water sales across the country.

IRISH consumers love soft drinks and bottled waters. Your soft drinks cooler remains an extremely valuable category in-store, as well as an important driver of footfall into your shop.

According to the latest report into the soft drinks sector by Euromonitor International, sales of soft drinks remained flat in 2014, as several categories continued to witness declines in sales, particularly carbonates and sports and energy drinks, who lost out to other product categories, such as concentrates and bottled water, as consumers demonstrated a preference for these products, which were regarded as better for their health. Carbonates continue to be worth in the region of €703m per year, however, while bottled water sales increased by 1% in value terms in 2014, with actual sales of €215m, according to Euromonitor.

Innovation continues to bolster demand and maintain consumer interest across soft drinks, according to Euromonitor, who predict that impulse sales are set to be stronger than takehome sales over the coming years, although they warn that the weather can have a huge effect on impulse soft drink sales.

Deep RiverRock Size matters and nobody knows that better than Deep RiverRock, Ireland’s number one

branded water (Source: AC Nielsen IOI Water Report Jan/Feb 2015 Value MAY). Deep RiverRock is going large with the launch of its new 1 litre sports bottle which launches on shelf during the month of May, ahead of the summer season, which traditionally sees water sales peak.

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

The 1 litre market accounts for 29.5% of the IOI IC MAT volume and is growing faster than the 750ml and 500ml market at +13.7% volume MAT (Source: AC Nielsen Scantrack data ND MAT 2014). The new 1 litre pack is the latest addition to the Deep RiverRock lineup, which now features very clear positioning for each pack: Mini (330ml), Refresh (500ml), Hydrate (750ml) and Perform (1 litre).

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

Deep RiverRock is the Official Hydration Partner of the four rugby provinces – Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht – as well as Deep RiverRock is going Tyrone GAA and is also the Title Sponsor of large with the launch of its the Belfast City Marathon. new 1 litre sports bottle.

48|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Summer Stocking: Soft Drinks/Water Meanwhile, consumers seeking hydration with a fruity twist can turn to a new flavour Deep RiverRock, Strawberry Still, which is hitting shelves just in time for the summer season.

Strawberry Still will quench the thirst of those seeking the benefits of water – blended with strawberry for a touch of natural sweetness. The new 500ml pack will sit alongside the already popular Lemon & Lime and Forest Fruits flavoured sparkling variants from Deep RiverRock.

Deep RiverRock Strawberry Still is sugar free, made with pure water from glacial valleys in Co. Antrim and natural flavours and sweeteners.

The market for flavoured water is worth almost €14m in the Republic of Ireland and is growing +11% year on year (Source: Nielsen Value Sales ROI Ext Scan including Dunnes & Discounters MAT Jan. 25).

The impulse category accounts for over half [56%] of flavoured Deep RiverRock Strawberry Still: hitting shelves just in water sales with 70% of IC time for the summer season. flavoured water sales, being Still vs. 30% Sparkling (Source: Nielsen Value Sales ROI Ext Scan MAT, Jan. 25).

Strawberry is the number two flavour (after Lemon & Lime) and is growing +16% year on year. It accounts for 16% of flavoured sales, worth €2.2m per year (Source: Nielsen IOI Volume Sales MAT 2014).

Coca-Cola’s one brand strategy sees all of its four variants are marketed as one brand, across all touch points.

“Choose Happiness is an evolution of Open Happiness that will focus on celebrating choice in a way that makes consumers smile,” stresses Aoife Nagle, Senior Brand Manager, Coca-Cola Ireland. “Our new activity will not only encourage people around the world to take an active approach in being happy, but also – in showcasing the full range of products in our portfolio as one iconic brand, one Coca-Cola family – we are making choice easier for those who love the great taste, happiness and refreshment of CocaCola.

“Our summer campaign celebrates this new positioning and will engage our consumers across the country with an integrated campaign that includes TVC, OOH, PR, digital, and music-centred activations at seven prominent locations nationwide.”

The campaign begins with the inspiring new TVC ‘What Are You Waiting For’, which is running across RTE, TV3 UTV, Sky and Medialink from May 18. Created by Ogilvy Amsterdam, this is the first creative of the Coca-Cola Choose Happiness direction and is centred on the concept that young people are the directors of their own happiness and they can represent a new generation who instinctively choose Coca-Cola to be happier. It features the song ‘What Are You Waiting Coca-Cola Ireland is launching its Choose Happiness For?’ specifically written for the campaign and performed by positioning with a new teen-focused TV commercial. The Amsterdam-based rapper and producer HT. ‘What Are You Waiting For’ TVC will be the first under the To run alongside the TVC, Coca-Cola will release highnew ‘one brand’ strategy that unites the Coca-Cola family impact OOH advertising reinforcing consumer choice under and puts consumer choice at the heart of the Coca-Cola the new ‘one brand’ strategy. The striking OOH will feature brand proposition. all four Cokes together, showcasing the significant change For 129 years, Coca-Cola has been providing uplifting in packaging introduced earlier this spring with witty copy refreshment and moments of happiness. From simple lines such as ‘great taste runs in the family’ and ‘all for one, moments of connection like sharing a meal together or one for all’. special occasions such as Christmas, Coca-Cola has always This approach also includes a highly visible shopper encouraged people to see the glass half-full. With Choose marketing push and there will be a PR and experiential Happiness, Coca-Cola is motivating people to go further: to marketing campaign running throughout the summer to realise that it is not only about seeing the glass half full, but support the campaign, which began with the launch of a to take action to fill the glass up themselves. detailed study into teen happiness and will be followed by a number of music-centred activations for teens across seven locations nationwide.

The summer campaign represents the beginning of a shift in marketing strategy for Coca-Cola, where all of its four variants are marketed as one brand, across all touch points. The new strategy will highlight ‘choice’ by putting focus on the distinct characteristics of the difference Coca-Cola variants so customers are new encouraged to choose the best Coke to fit their needs and occasion, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Ireland is launching its Choose Happiness positioning with a new teen-focused TV commercial.

Coca-Cola Zero and Coca-Cola Life.

NEW 1

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B IG HYD R ATIO N IT’S A NO BR AI NE R

W HE N YO U CA N’ T TH IN K ST RA IG HT

H YDRATE

Deep RiverRock is a registered trade mark of Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Ltd.

50|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Summer Stocking: Soft Drinks/Water Grace Aloe Vera Grace Foods, the UK’s leading supplier of Caribbean food and drink products (Source: IRI, UK Caribbean Food & Drink, Retail Sales. Period: MAT 52 w/e February 28, 2015), and a major supplier of world foods brands to markets across the UK and Europe, is delighted to introduce the following new range to the Irish market, available exclusively in the Republic of Ireland through Flanagan’s Foods.

Grace Aloe Vera is the UK’s leading brand of Aloe Vera drinks. The new reduced-sugar Grace Aloe Refresh range contains 50% less sugar than the regular Grace Aloe Vera drinks, bringing exciting new choice and innovation to the mainstream soft-drinks category and satisfying ever-growing consumer demand for healthy drink alternatives, with only 4.8g of sugar per 100ml. This is significantly less than the sugar found in most premium juices, fruit smoothies and flavoured waters.

Made with delicious real aloe vera pieces, and with 30% real aloe vera content in every 500ml pack, Grace Aloe Refresh is rich in the antioxidant Vitamin C, which helps the immune system to function normally and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Available in Original, Strawberry and Mango flavours, Grace Aloe Refresh drinks contain no preservatives, are suitable for vegetarians and also gluten free. They are sourced direct from Taiwan, a renowned global production centre for true aloe vera quality.

Grace Aloe Vera, the UK’s leading brand of Aloe Vera drinks, is now available in Ireland through Flanagan’s Foods.

Grace Coconut Water Grace Foods’ heritage and track record in sourcing authentic coconut products has been established over many years.

Grace Coconut Water is a tasty and refreshing thirst quencher, packed with the delicate aroma and flavour of young coconuts, straight from the tree, for the ultimate source of hydration.

Grace’s Tetra Pak Coconut Water is available in both 330ml and 1 litre formats. The latter comprises 100% coconut water with no added sugar. Both products are

cholesterol- and gluten free, and a source of minerals and Vitamin C, with zero fat and no artificial additives. The 310ml canned Coconut Water Drinks are lightly sweetened, delivering a rich, full coconut flavour, available with or without real coconut pieces.

Grace Coconut Water is a tasty and refreshing thirst quencher, packed with the delicate aroma and flavour of young coconuts, straight from the tree, for the ultimate source of hydration.

IRN-BRU As part of its heavyweight support for IRN-BRU, the UK’s number one flavoured carbonate brand (Source: Nielsen Scantrack, Vol Sales, MAT to 28.03.15, Total UK Impulse), AG Barr will be airing two new TV commercials in the Republic of Ireland.

The TV campaign forms part of a €8.4m (Stg£6m) brand investment in the UK and Ireland this year and will run during June and July on RTE, RTE2, TV3/3e, C4 and Sky. “The popular ‘Gets You Through’ adverts are the most successful in IRN-BRU’s history,” says Adrian Troy, Head of Marketing for AG Barr. “The adverts reflect the cheeky, maverick attitude for which IRN-BRU is well-loved and reinforce the message that whatever life throws at you, IRN-BRU ‘Gets You Through’.”

IRN-BRU has recently become the Official Soft Drink Partner of The English Football League, enhancing its rich heritage of sports sponsorship, which also includes the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

Irish consumers have really responded to IRN-BRU as its distribution has consistently increased. The brand is currently growing at 11% in Ireland (Source: AG Barr Sales Data), driving incremental category sales.

The TV campaign will drive demand and Irish retailers should stock up to make the most of this huge sales IRN-BRU is being supported with two new TV commercials in Ireland. opportunity.

Exclusively available from: Flanagan’s Foods, D3 Riverview Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12 Office Direct: +353 1 450 6100

E: info@flanagansfoods.ie

www.flanagansfoods.ie

www.gracefoods.co.uk *Source: IRI UK Retail Sales, Aloe Vera Drinks, Period: MAT 52w/e 3rd January 2015

52 |RetailNews|October News|May 2015| www.retailnews.ie 10|Retail 2014|www.retailnews.ie 54| Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Market Industry Market News News

CARR’S CRISPBREADS

EXTRA WINNING SMILES

TASTE is on the agenda with the latest Carr’s collection of Lunchtime Crispbreads and Flatbreads!

With a distinct taste, casual sophistication and healthy offering of mixed seeds and grains, Carr’s makes every lunchtime extra special. With deliciously light and refreshing ingredients to choose from, it has never been easier to have a satisfying healthy lunch or a light snack on the go, like Carr’s Lunchtime Crispbreads, which are available in Chive, Mixed Seed and Mixed Grain, €2.29, and Carr’s Lunchtime Flatbreads, which are available in Salt & Cracked Pepper, Multi Grain and Mixed Seed, €2.29.

MAY 18 saw the launch of an exciting new campaign from Extra, Ireland’s number one gum brand (Extra 74.8% value share, AC Nielsen, March 22, 2015) and the driving force behind the gum category, which is growing in volume and value sales YTD ( Gum category growth of +1.2% value and +0.2% volume YTD, AC Nielsen, March 22, 2015). The nationwide campaign Winning Smiles, in partnership with the Irish Dental Association, offers consumers the chance to win €50 off their next dental appointment by simply texting ‘smiles’ and their name to 50400. The campaign is supported with high impact in store POS and will be further amplified with retailer exclusive prizes and a 360 degree activation plan that includes digital, outdoor and TV advertising.

NEW AERO MOUSSE BAR LAUNCHES NESTLÉ Confectionery’s much-loved chocolate brand Aero is to launch a brand new indulgent Aero Mousse chocolate bar aimed at its female target audience. A single impulse bar, Aero Mousse consists of bubbly Aero chocolate, topped with a layer of velvety chocolate mousse, all wrapped up in a smooth milk chocolate shell. The target audience for Aero Mousse will be females aged 35-54 years. These are typically busy women who are constantly on-the-go but value a small moment and reward for themselves. When these women treat themselves, they want something that feels “worth it” and indulgent. The launch will be supported by a high profile out of home media campaign and a digital and social media campaign.

FOOTBALL STICKERS ARE COMING HOME THE English FA has confirmed an exciting new four-year deal with Panini, the world leader in the sticker collectable and trading card market. England complete the Italian company's set of national federations and the English team will now proudly appear in Panini collections in their official England kit for the first time since Euro ‘96. Since its foundation in 1961, Panini has become synonymous with football worldwide and now distributes in more than 120 countries.

SUPER MEAL TIMES WITH LINWOODS THE award-winning Linwoods range of delicious, nutritious Superfoods has added an exciting new product to the range as Linwoods took two of the most popular products in their current range, Flaxseed and Chia Seed, and gave them a tasty twist! To complement the nutrient rich Flax and Chia seeds, Linwoods innovation in new product development sees the addition of cinnamon and apple to provide a unique blend to tantalize taste buds. Not only is this a great tasting product, but it is nutrient rich and high in Omega3, which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. The new Linwoods Milled Flax, Chia seed, Apple & Cinnamon is available in a 200g pack (RRP €3.99).

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54|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie 22|Retail

Forecourt Focus: News Maxol Acquires Limerick’s Largest Service Station THE Maxol Group have acquired family owned Chawke's Service Station, Castletroy, Limerick, one of the most successful forecourts in Ireland.

The Chawke family’s Service Station has been at the heart of the community in the Limerick region for many years and is well known for being an innovator in the forecourt convenience sector. Maxol is delighted to see this long established business join its expanding network and looks forward to continuing on the good work already laid down by Tom Chawke and his dedicated team.

“This is a great opportunity for Maxol to grow and increase its brand awareness in the Limerick region, building on the flourishing business long established by Tom and his family,” said Tom Noonan, CEO, The Maxol Group.

“We have plans, this year, to invest in new site facilities with Centra and to provide new car washes.”

In turn, Tom Chawke commented, “We are delighted that a respected and long-standing family-owned company such as Maxol has acquired our business. It is never easy to retire from a business and one which the Chawke family have enjoyed so much; leaving it in the safe hands of Maxol, makes it a little easier.”

However, not all will be changing as well-known manager, Tom Duggan is the new Maxol licensee and takes on the opportunity of managing his own business, supported by the existing staff. “I am looking forward to the new

Pictured are (l-r): Eddie Devine; Maxol Regional Manager; Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group General Manager; Tom Duggan, the new Maxol licensee for Maxol Castletroy; retiring owner Tom Chawke and Tom Noonan, Chief Executive of the Maxol Group.

opportunity of running my own business and continuing to serve the local community with the high standards that customers expect at Chawkes,” said Duggan.

Topaz Launch Re-Store Concept Across Ireland TOPAZ have launched Re.Store, their a dynamic new Irish food, coffee and convenience concept to revolutionise the forecourt and convenience experience.

Providing a balanced and nutritious range of fresh, healthy and delicious food for people on the go, Re.Store is transforming service stations throughout the country with unprecedented choices in food and coffee. At Re.Store, the finest beans and superior blends will meet with the care and attention of skilled baristas to ensure every cup is made to perfection. From the wholesome food to the handcrafted barista coffee, quality is top priority.

This innovative, new concept has launched in over 26 Topaz company-owned sites so far, with this number set to swell to 150 branches before the end of 2015 and an investment of over €25m by the company.

“At Topaz, we are not interested in minor tweaks, we wanted to completely redefine our food and coffee offer that was in keeping with the changing habits and desires of our 2m weekly customers,” stated Emmet O’Neill, CEO of Topaz. “This will fundamentally alter the way that people think about service stations. With Re.Store, we will now offer customers an unparalleled selection of healthy and

wholesome food, combined with an unprecedented range of quality coffees: Irish sourced ingredients, an Irish concept delivered by an Irish company.”

Leinster and Ireland rugby star Luke Fitzgerald and broadcaster Vogue Williams present Re.Store, a dynamic new Irish food, coffee and convenience concept.

Always FRESH MILK

and the SAME BEANS as our coffee shops

2015|www.retailnews.ie|23 Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|55

Forecourt Focus: News The Irish Laundry Revolution THE Revolution Laundrette story started in 2012 in France, and was introduced into Ireland in 2013, with the first machine being installed in Courtown, Co. Wexford. The Revolution laundrette is not a traditional laundry service with limited opening hours and high costs. Instead, it is located in forecourts and supermarkets, where it remains open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This is ideal for busy homes where both parents may be working and time to get to the laundry is limited to out-of-office hours. The costs for either washing or drying clothes or larger items are less than half that of the traditional laundrette. The washing cycle is much quicker than that of any ordinary household washing machine and the washing detergent is included in the wash cycle, so there is no need for the customer to bring their own. The dryer is a large capacity dryer (18kg) and is great for drying heavy loads in the worst of weather and only takes 15 minutes, depending on the load capacity.

Photo-Me are now operating over 30 Revolutions on sites around Ireland and plan to have one sited in every large town across the country in the near future. The major benefit to a site owner who has a Revolution in their carpark is the extra footfall that it brings to the shop on the forecourt and the extra time spent on site while the washing is being completed: 30 minutes washing and 15 minutes drying.

This time is generally used for purchasing beverages, deli products or magazines etc. The extra revenue generated from these sales is in addition to the revenue share from the machine itself.

Feedback from customers is extremely favourable. Many customers are using this facility for their normal weekly washing, plus the heavy washes of duvets, blankets, pillows etc., while sports clubs use them for their teams’ sports gear, which is becoming a major topic now with as water charges

kick in.

“We are delighted to have the first Revolution washing facility installed within our forecourt,” enthuses Barry Gillen, Photo-Me are looking for more forecourt retailers Manager to become part of the team to bring the Revolution of Topaz laundrette concept to consumers in your town or area.

Service Station in Trim, Co. Meath. “The Revolution has improved the overall service station experience and attracted new customers, who are now visiting our shop on a regular basis.

The launderette creates an excellent value-added service that generates additional revenue, while offering benefits to the customer!”

The Revolution has begun and Photo-Me are looking for more forecourt retailers to become part of the team to bring a fantastic new concept to consumers in your town or area.

The installation takes less than one working day and will not cause any disruption to your business but will bring additional revenue and profit. Each installation is supported with a traditional marketing campaign, as well as through social media platforms. For more information, see www.photo-me.ie or call (01) 4572121 for an information pack.

Topaz Play Or Park Winner NICOLA Ormond from Tyrrellstown, Co. Dublin was a recent winner with Topaz Play or Park, driving away in a SEAT Toledo SE I-TECH Car worth €22,000. This fantastic prize comes with Alcantara Seats, Cruise Control, a 6-Speaker Radio/CD System, with Aux-in, Bluetooth and Satellite Navigation.

“It’s a real life-changing surprise and myself, my family and my friends are just over the moon with the car,” said a delighted Nicola. “It’s a beautiful car and we’re all really looking forward to journeying in it.”

Over 350,000 people have signed up to play Topaz Play or Park, the loyalty game which allows customers collect points every time they refuel or make a purchase at participating Topaz stores.

Topaz Play or Park winner Nicola Ormond is pictured with Elaine Kearney, Customer Loyalty Manager, Topaz, and Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product, SEAT.

To find out what Costa Express can offer you contact: ROI tel: 021 500 3526 NI tel: 02892 689204

24|Retail 56|Retail News|May News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: News

Irish Stores Are Shining in NACS Retail Awards Irish forecourts lead the nominations in the NACS Insight International Convenience Retail Awards.

IRISH IRISH convenience convenience retail retail stores stores are are the the envy envy not not just just of of our our colleagues colleagues in in the the UK UK and and Europe Europe but but the the entire entire world. world. One One need need only only glance glance through through the the shortlist shortlist for for the the seventh seventh annual annual NACS NACS Insight Insight International International Convenience Convenience Retail Retail Awards Awards for for proof. proof. Seven Seven of of the the 15 15 finalists finalists are are Irish Irish stores, stores, and and five five of of those those seven seven are are forecourts. forecourts.

The The Irish Irish forecourts forecourts nominated nominated include include Applegreen Applegreen Tuam Tuam Road, Road, Galway; Galway; Centra Centra Greystones, Greystones, Co. Co. Wicklow; Wicklow; Donnellan’s Donnellan’s Centra, Centra, Ennis, Ennis, Co. Co. Clare; Clare; Centra Centra Mountain Mountain Top, Top, Letterkenny, Letterkenny, Co. Co. Donegal, Donegal, and and Topaz Topaz Ballacolla, Ballacolla, Co. Co. Laois.

Laois.

common common sight sight in in the the US US retail retail market, market, beer beer caves caves are are not not only only unseen unseen but but also also often often unheard unheard of of in in the the Irish Irish market. market.

Applegreen Applegreen Tuam Tuam Road, Road, Galway Galway is is ahead ahead of of the the pack pack with with aa spacious, spacious, walk-in walk-in refrigerator: refrigerator: an an attractive attractive showpiece showpiece for for customers. customers.

Applegreen Applegreen Tuam Tuam Road Road has has also also introduced introduced the the first first Chopstix Chopstix Noodle Noodle Bar Bar in in Ireland.

Ireland. Since Since opening, opening, Applegreen Applegreen Galway Galway has has out-performed out-performed expectations. expectations. The The combined combined food food offering offering of of The The Bakewell, Bakewell, Chopstix Chopstix

About About the the Awards Awards The The NACS NACS Insight Insight International International Convenience Convenience Retail Retail Awards Awards have have become become aa highlight highlight of of the the retail retail calendar calendar as as aa global global platform platform which which recognises recognises and and promotes promotes convenience convenience retailing retailing excellence. excellence. Convenience Convenience and and fuel fuel retailers retailers from from all all countries countries compete compete to to win win these these highly highly coveted coveted awards. awards.

The The 2015 2015 Awards Awards will will be be presented presented during during the the 2015 2015 NACS NACS Insight Insight Convenience Convenience Summit Summit –– Europe Europe Awards Awards Dinner Dinner on on June June 11 11 at at the the Renaissance Renaissance St St Pancras Pancras Hotel Hotel in in London.

London.

In In 2015 2015 NACS NACS Insight Insight have have invited invited entries entries in in the the following following categories: categories: • The The International International Convenience Convenience Retailer Retailer of of the the Year Year award; award; • The The International International Convenience Convenience Retail Retail Applegreen’s Applegreen’s site site at at Tuam Tuam Road, Road, Galway, Galway, really really puts puts the the customer customer experience experience at at its its Sustainability Sustainability award award (new (new category category for for heart. heart.

2015); 2015); and • The and Burger Burger King King has has beaten beaten initial initial projected projected targets targets The European European Convenience Convenience Industry Industry Leader Leader of of the the Year Year substantially. award; substantially. award; Applegreen • The Applegreen customers customers can can collect collect points points across across most most of of The International International Technology Technology Retailer Retailer of of the the Year Year (new (new the category the food food offerings offerings category for for 2015).

2015).

2015 2015 will will also also see see the the first first three three sites sites in in New New York York rebranded International rebranded to to Applegreen Applegreen to to cement cement its its status status as as an an International Appeal Appeal international Over international brand brand and and there there are are more more new new sites sites and and Over the the past past six six years, years, these these awards awards have have seen seen outstanding outstanding rebrands entries rebrands planned planned for for the the coming coming year, year, with with significant significant entries from from aa host host of of countries, countries, including including Norway, Norway, growth Germany, growth expectations. expectations.

Germany, Slovenia, Slovenia, Singapore, Singapore, Switzerland, Switzerland, Argentina, Argentina, Sweden, Sweden, Australia, Australia, United United Arab Arab Emirates, Emirates, Poland, Poland, Ireland, Ireland, Centra Chile, Centra Chile, China, China, South South Africa, Africa, France, France, the the USA, USA, the the UK UK and and Centra New Centra has has no no fewer fewer than than four four finalists finalists in in the the 2015 2015 awards, awards, New Zealand.

Zealand. Previous Previous winners winners include: include: Rutters Rutters –– USA, USA, including FreshStop including three three forecourts: forecourts: Centra Centra Greystones, Greystones, Co. Co. Wicklow; Wicklow; FreshStop –– South South Africa, Africa, Centra Centra Rochestown Rochestown –– Ireland, Ireland, Donnellan’s Topaz Donnellan’s Centra, Centra, Ennis, Ennis, Co. Co. Clare; Clare; and and Centra Centra Mountain Mountain Topaz Cashel Cashel –– Ireland, Ireland, Applegreen Applegreen Mount Mount Merrion Merrion –– Top, Ireland Top, Letterkenny.

Letterkenny. The The fourth fourth Centra Centra store store is is located located at at Ireland and and SPAR SPAR Dongguan Dongguan –– China.

China.

South South Douglas Douglas Road, Road, Co. Co. Cork.

Cork.

Centra Applegreen Centra Greystones Greystones has has completely completely revamped revamped its its Applegreen community The community convenience convenience forecourt forecourt store, store, with with aa focus focus on on The Irish Irish finalists finalists this this year year include include Applegreen’s Applegreen’s Galway Galway fresh store, fresh foods foods and and aa healthy healthy living living experience experience for for the the customer. customer. store, which which really really puts puts the the customer customer experience experience at at its its heart. heart.

The The The 1,900 1,900 square square feet feet Co. Co. Wicklow Wicklow store store is is owned owned and and The store store features features aa large large seating seating area area and and has has large, large, floorflooroperated to-ceiling operated by

by Dave Dave Whelan, Whelan, who who implemented implemented Centra’s Centra’s latest latest to-ceiling windows windows to to get get maximum maximum light light and and atmosphere atmosphere convenience into convenience format format thinking, thinking, focusing focusing on on fresh fresh food food vistas, vistas, into the the store. store. It It also also uses uses natural natural materials materials and and up-cycles up-cycles pre-made whenever pre-made and and made-for-you made-for-you gourmet gourmet sandwiches, sandwiches, fresh fresh whenever possible. possible. Special Special emphasis emphasis has has been been given given to to hot the hot and and cold cold food food solutions, solutions, barista barista coffee, coffee, gourmet gourmet pizza, pizza, the seating seating area, area, convenience convenience zone zone and and aa new new beer beer cave. cave. A A

Retail News|May News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie|57 2015|www.retailnews.ie|25 Retail

Forecourt Focus: News a self-service salad bar and a fresh bakery.In addition, the store layout integrates ice cream and a healthy eating offer as part of the ‘fresh’ journey. The store owner reveals that the new range has appealed to both the health conscious and traditional convenience customer alike – striking an important balance. The food innovations have been well received with fresh foods, barista coffee, ice cream and pizza now accounting for 25% of sales; an increase of fresh food sales of 45% year on year.

New and innovative front of store initiatives were introduced to enhance the customer experience from forecourt to till, including queuing systems that introduce impulse sales opportunities, both for food and non food impulse categories, while innovative in-store signage supports the services offer .

Kelly’s Centra Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, has already chalked up numerous accolades including Centra Store of the Year 2015.

On the forecourt, Whelan takes advantage of the fact people generally travelled to his site by car so he has focused on a home heating solution via solid fuel. This area of the business now averages €9k per week from this category in winter, peaking as high as €19k during the coldest winter periods.

Family-run Donnellans Centra, Ennis, Co. Clare, celebrates 26 years of retailing this year and has a fresh new-look forecourt to boot.The company has recently invested €250,000 in a brand new canopy, including new diesel and petrol pumps; plus a further €250,000 on a revamped store, featuring an off-licence and extended deli area. The store, which operates as a Texaco Forecourt and Centra store with deli, provides local employment in the community with 25 full time staff and 10 part time staff. It also sponsors the local Ennis Football club and the Kilnamona camogie hurling jerseys.

Owners Gerry and Joan Donnellan have worked hard to grow the business and meet the needs of their customers, delivering the highest standards of hygiene, food safety and quality. As a result, the store has been awarded the emerald award in the Excellence Ireland Quality Association audits for the last three years. It has also been shortlisted for the prestigious Q Mark Awards.

The store acquired a full off-licence two years ago and has introduced a wine tower and smart savings unit to highlight the range and grow sales. Participation has already risen to 8.5% and the store is targeting 12% over the next 18 months by developing staff knowledge.

Kelly’s Centra Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, a 5,400 square feet Centra store with 120 seater diner and eight pump Topaz forecourt, has already chalked up numerous accolades including Centra Store of the Year 2015. Owned by Mairtin Kelly, the site is managed by Lee O’Donnell and David Bonner and employs 60 staff.

The retailer has recently invested €1.2m in redeveloping the site, which has increased the store size from 2,200 square

feet and taken the diner capacity from 50 seats to 120. The move also introduced a new butchery and in-store bakery. It has also expanded its fresh range within the store to cater for current health trends and the emergence of new fitness centres in its locality.

People are a key asset for Kelly’s Centra and staff development is integral to the business. This includes annual and mid-year development reviews, a 140 operations programme, involvement with the community, training courses, KPI meetings and monthly staff engagement sessions. It has also brought in motivational speakers including Jason Black, the first person from Letterkenny to climb Mount Everest, and organises quarterly staff outings to reward effort and success.

Involvement in the community is critical, especially given the store’s edge of town location, and is taken very seriously

by Kelly’s Centra. To reflect the store’s focus on cleaner and healthy eating, it supports local sports teams including football, hurling, badminton and a local bodybuilding champion. It also hosts events in aid of local charities, raising over €47,000 over the last four years.

The investments are paying dividends. Kelly’s Centra has a highly motivated team, which is achieving its goals, with produce sales up 19%; bread and cakes up 22%, and meat, poultry and fish up 39%. The margin has improved by 0.5% and footfall has increased by 10%.

Topaz Ballacolla Topaz claims to be putting the service back into service stations with its Re.Store convenience concept at its Manor Stone Ballacolla forecourt store in County Laois. The site is ideally located at junction 3 on the M8 Dublin to Cork motorway. The Ballacolla store opening has created new jobs in the area and represents a total investment of €5.5m by Topaz.

According to Topaz, the site is a recipe for success, with better services, offer and team. It provides an attended forecourt with 10 pump islands, pay at pump facilities, a truck stop, electric vehicle charging and parking.

Inside, there’s barista coffee, the new Re.Store food offer, food to go, free WiFi, a boardroom area, seating for 100 customers plus the Play or Park loyalty game; all delivered by a team of skilled staff and a Deloitte Best Managed Company 2015.

Since opening its doors in Ballacolla, food is accounting for 42% of total shop sales, coffee is running at 43% of total food sales and 18.61% of total shop sales, with barista sales accounting for one third of total coffee sales. Fuel sales, meanwhile, have increased 38.8 % in six weeks.

The other Irish entrants include Centra South Douglas Road, Co. Cork, and SPAR Millennium Walkway, Dublin.

Other international entrants include Warrior Fuel in New Mexico, USA; Axion energy’s new Spot Café site in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Migrolino in Switzerland; Deli de Luca in Norway and Scotmid at Barnton, Edinburgh.

Topaz’s Ballacolla store opening has created new jobs in the area and represents a total investment of €5.5m.

58|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: Shop Profile

A True Gala Performance

Dolan’s Gala store in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, has been meeting the needs of its community for more than half a century.

Store owner, Brian Dolan, pictured outside his thriving Gala store in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

DOLAN’S store has been serving the local community of Tullamore, Co. Offaly, for over 50 years. Brian Dolan’s parents first established the business when they returned from the US in the 1960s. Brian and his brother Pat have been involved in the family forecourt since childhood and have experienced many of the highs and lows of retail. It is a matter of fact that this is a business that has risen from the ashes, and one that is looking to new heights.

“In 2003, we experienced a huge fire on the site,” Brian tells Retail News. “We did not lose the underground tanks, but the forecourt and shop were completely gutted by the flames. The premises was destroyed.”

The scale of the fire might have been enough to end the Dolans proud history of serving the community, but Brian was determined and tenacious in the face of adversity.

He immediately began to seek out and meet with symbol groups, as well as seeking planning permission for a new larger forecourt and shop.

Looking back now, Brian admits that “the fire was a disaster for the business, but it was also an opportunity.

At that time, symbol groups were driving up standards in the sector. They had a lot to offer independent retailers such as ourselves. Joining with a group would give us a competitive advantage over where we were before the fire, but I also considered areas such as IT expertise, deliveries, training. Joining with a group made sense for the business.”

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Forecourt Focus: Shop Profile

Incredible Support Incredible Support The store owner considered a host of prospective retail The store owner considered a host of prospective retail partners but Gala won out, with two factors “tipping the partners but Gala won out, with two factors “tipping the scales in their favour”. scales in their favour”.

“First of all, I absolutely loved Gala’s one-to-one “First of all, I absolutely loved Gala’s one-to-one approach,” Brian reveals. “From the very first moment I approach,” Brian reveals. “From the very first moment I met the group, and still today, I am known as ‘Brian’, or met the group, and still today, I am known as ‘Brian’, or ‘Mr Dolan’ if they want to be formal. I’m never a number.

‘Mr Dolan’ if they want to be formal. I’m never a number.

If I pick up the phone and call Anthony [Robinson, Retail If I pick up the phone and call Anthony [Robinson, Retail Operations Executive, Gala Group], I get his support and Operations Executive, Gala Group], I get his support and attention immediately. It’s like that across the Group and it attention immediately. It’s like that across the Group and it always has been.” always has been.”

The second plus point was the “incredible support” Brian The second plus point was the “incredible support” Brian received from Liam Linden and the 4 Aces wholesale team. received from Liam Linden and the 4 Aces wholesale team.

For three years following the fire, Dolan’s traded from a For three years following the fire, Dolan’s traded from a portakabin on the site, while their planning application for portable cabin on the site, while their planning application the new store went through the legal process. for the new store went through the legal process.

“Obviously, that was an extremely difficult situation,” “Obviously, that was an extremely difficult situation,” Brian recalls. “Stock control was almost impossible as we Brian recalls. “Stock control was almost impossible as we had almost no room. Liam and the 4 Aces team were flexible had almost no room. Liam and the 4 Aces team were flexible and reliable, and their support was extremely valuable.” and reliable, and their support was extremely valuable.”

Once planning permission was obtained in 2006, the Once planning permission was obtained in 2006, the project moved quickly. By August of that year, Dolan's had project moved quickly. By August of that year, Dolan’s had moved from a cramped portakabin to a spacious forecourt. moved from a cramped portable cabin to a spacious forecourt.

Brian pays tribute to the local community, who stood by Brian pays tribute to the local community, who stood by them in the tough times, and eventually benefited from a them in the tough times, and eventually benefited from a bigger and better shop when the new forecourt store opened bigger and better shop when the new forecourt store opened its doors. its doors.

Refined RefinedGrocery GrocerySelection Selection Trade Tradewas wasvery verystrong strongright rightfrom fromthe the start, start,and andBrian Brianquickly quicklysaw sawthe thebenefits benefits of ofpartnering partneringwith withGala.

Gala.The TheBaker’s Baker’s Corner Cornerelement elementallowed allowedDolan’s Dolan’sto tooffer offer fresh freshbaked bakedgoods goodsto tocustomers customersfor forthe the very veryfirst firsttime. time.This, This,of ofcourse, course,meant meantthat the experience with it, thatdeli thestaff deli had staffno had no experience but Ben McGinn and the Gala Fresh Food with it, but Ben McGinn and the Gala team closely with deli manager Freshworked Food team worked closely with Michelle Barrett and her staff, for deli manager Michelle Barrett andtraining her and support.

The deli, full off licence, staff, for training and the support.

The deli, the grocery selection, Bewley’s thelarge full off licence, the largethe grocery coffee offering, are all “ammunition” asare selection, the Bewley’s coffee offering, Brian calls it, to give peoplecalls cause all “ammunition” as Brian it,to to give choose their shop of choice. people Dolan’s cause toaschoose Dolan’s as their Billy Massey, Retail Operations shop of choice.

Manager withRobinson, the Gala Retail Group,Operations tells Retail Anthony , “There is the a lotGala of competition in News Executive with Group, tells town. square is , “There is a feet, lot ofBrian competition RETAIL With NEWS4,000 able to offer a food-to-go package as well in town.

With 4,000 square feet, Brian as fulltogrocery pricing is a able offer aselection, food-to-gowith package as to match.

Brian worksselection, very closely Liam the Brian 4 well as a full grocery withwith pricing to and match.

Aces team he is always looking to 4refine offering works veryand closely with Liam and the Aces his team and hefor is his customers can give them value forcustomers money, whilst always lookingsotohe refine his offering for his so he maintaining Gala is thewhilst ‘local market’ and Brian can give themmargin. value for money, maintaining margin. is theisperfect example of that.

He is is very with Gala the ‘local market’ and Brian theengaged perfect example of his community, allhis sorts of local activities and all that.

He is very supporting engaged with community, supporting events.” sorts of local activities and events.”

It It is is not not just just Brian Brian Dolan Dolan who who is is heavily heavily involved involved in in sponsorships. The Gala Group has an on-going association with the Jack & Jill Foundation, which has seen the brand raising more than €100,000 for the charity, while Gala is also an official team sponsor of Team Ireland at the Special Olympics 2015 World Summer Games.

Connecting with the Community During the recent introduction of the latest Gala branding to the shop, Brian used Facebook to keep his customers bang up-to-date with progress. While things were much less dramatic than the days of the fire, posts showing the latest developments kept Dolan’s connected to the community in a very modern way.

“I “I am am always always looking looking to to make make the the shop shop better,” better,” Brian Brian explains, “and Gala is always working to make my business better too. As well as the addition of this latest branding, which my customers and I love, it is the areas customers don’t see that develop too.” He cites the examples of the latest CashGuard system for retail security, the iPad based ordering system for Gala’s Chilled Centralised operation, which means that all Brian’s deliveries arrive in one drop three days a week.

“It’s “It’s always always about about making making things things easier easier and and better better for for my business and my customers,” the store owner concludes.

“I’m a big fan of making good things even better and so is the Gala Group, which is one of the reasons we make such a great partnership.”

Fact File Owner: Location: Size: No. of Staff:

Brian Dolan Clara Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 4,000 square feet retail space 19 full time & part time

Opening Hours:

07:00-23:00; Monday-Friday; 07:30-23:00, Saturday.

60|Retail 34|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Tesco Taste Bud

Irish Suppliers Taste Tesco Success The Tesco Taste Bud programme with Bord Bia has unveiled the TheIrish Tesco Taste Bord has unveiled the 20 food andBud drinkprogramme companieswith to join theBia programme, which 20 Irish food and drink companies to join the programme, which has so far delivered €30m worth of Irish food and drink sales to UK has so far delivered €30m worth of Irish food and drink sales to UK stores. stores.

TESCO Ireland and Bord Bia have unveiled their newly re-branded annual supplier development programme called Taste Bud. 20 Irish food and drink companies will join the fourth annual programme, which helps Irish companies to secure, grow and maintain a listing with Tesco at home in Ireland and in Tesco markets overseas.

To date, 50 Irish companies have completed the highly successful development programme, recording over €30m worth of sales to Tesco stores, with nearly a quarter of this revenue generated in the UK, highlighting the export opportunities realised through the programme. Taste Bud is the only supplier development programme in Ireland offering Irish food and drink companies export potential to international markets and currently participating companies are collectively listed in over 1,000 Tesco stores.

Some well-known Irish brands that have participated in this programme and now export to Tesco UK stores include: Ballymaloe Country Relish, Lily O’Brien's, Keogh's Crisps and Glenilen.

The launch of the Taste Bud programme coincides with the launch of comprehensive research into Tesco Ireland’s impact on the Irish economy, conducted by independent international economists, Indecon. Testament to Tesco’s on-

Pictured at the Tesco Taste Bud launch event in partnership with Bord Bia are Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD; Nicola Kearns, Nik’s Tea, John Paul O’Reilly, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland; and Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia.

going support of the Irish agri-food sector, the report’s key findings demonstrate that: Tesco is the world’s biggest buyer of Irish food and drink; Tesco is responsible for nearly 47,000 jobs; employing 14,500 people directly in stores, head office and its depot and supporting a further 32,180 jobs in its supply chain; Over 13,000 Irish farm families supply their produce to Tesco; • Tesco now works with over 480 small and medium Irish local suppliers; • Tesco purchases €1.6 billion of Irish food and drink, including €931m for export; • Tesco’s international stores are a major purchaser of Irish food and drink, buying 11.7% of Ireland’s food and drink exports in 2013, a figure which is growing year on year; • Tesco’s total value of Irish food and drink exports exceeds the value of France and Spain combined; • Indecon estimate that the full economy wide impact of Tesco is €3.26 billion per year; • 100% of the fresh lamb, beef, pork, eggs and milk that Tesco sells is Irish.

Catherine Buggy, Boutique Bake, pictured with John Paul O’Reilly, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland at the launch of the Tesco Taste Bud programme in partnership with Bord Bia.

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Tesco Tesco Taste Taste Bud Bud Tesco Taste Bud programme participants from 2012 – 2015: 2012 Local Foods of Athenry

Fusco Foods Green Saffron Eight Degrees Brewing Co Ltd

Swift Fine Foods

2013 Local Murphy's Ice Cream

2014 Local Boutique Bake

2015 Local Bombay Pantry

Good Grains Irish Atlantic Mangrove Green Ltd (Chilly Moo)

Matt's Dream Pizza Harvest Moon Improper Butter

Niks Tea 250 Kal Bia Ganbreise

Newgrange Gold

Johnnie Cupcakes

Nusli

Orpens

Organic Little One

Skelligs Chocolates

McCormack Farms

The Radical Food Company Una’s Pies National The Different Dairy Company

The Scullery Goatsbridge Trout

Keoghs Crisps

National Chia Bia

National Broderick's

National Goodness Grains

Killowen Island Seafoods

Blue Haven Carlow Brewinga Co (O'Hara's)

Boutique Bake Chilly Moo

O'Hanlon Herbs

Powerful Yoghurt

Kinsale Gourmet

Paganini Export Cashel Blue

Ballymaloe Sauces Cully & Sully Green Isle

Glenilen Farm Glenisk

Export Bfree

Dee's Whole Foods JDS Foods Lily O'Brien's

Galway Hooker

Waldron Meats

Kilmore Quay

Export Chia Bia

Connacht Gold Green Saffron Yeats Country Foods

Rye River Brewing/ McGargles

Nature's Best

Speaking at the launch of the 2015 Taste Bud programme, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD said: “Irish produce is amongst the finest in the world and it is incredibly important that we support what is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry. As a valued supporter of the Irish food and drink sector, it is encouraging to see the on-going success of Tesco’s supplier development programme with Bord Bia, which gives Irish companies the opportunity to innovate, grow and compete internationally, ensuring that more Irish products reach shelves, both in the domestic and overseas markets. This kind of innovation and growth helps us deliver on the ambitious growth targets for the agri-food sector in Ireland.”

Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia commented: “Taste Bud is a comprehensive and practical programme that provides Irish food and drink businesses with access, workshops and mentoring, as well as the platform to develop and expand their businesses exponentially. Bord Bia has supported the programme for four years and we are heartened to hear the many, many success stories from Irish companies who have taken part and gone on to grow, both locally and internationally.”

Alan Gray, Managing Partner, Indecon Economic Consultants, indicated that: “One of the most noteworthy findings of the research is that because of the unique scale of the purchases of Irish food and drink by Tesco internationally, Tesco is the world’s biggest buyer of Irish food and drink.

BRÚ

Export Lakeland Dairies

Coomara Flahavan’s Ballineen Fine Foods

Keohane's Seafood Coolmore

Continuing to maximise the sub-supply potential of export markets within Tesco internationally should continue to be given priority.”

Taste Bud runs over a seven-month period and incorporates local, national and export levels to support companies at various stages of their development.

Participants receive tailored mentoring and bespoke workshops with Tesco buyers and technical experts as well as access to relevant consumer insights.

John Paul O’Reilly, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland, explained: “Tesco is passionate about Irish food – we are the world’s biggest buyer of Irish food and drink and we export €931m worth of Irish products each year.

Our support for Irish suppliers is central to our business and growing year on year. We are extremely proud to support over 13,000 Irish farm families and 480 Irish SMEs and through our Taste Bud programme to play a role in the current and future success of Irish suppliers through our global network.”

The participants in the 2015 Taste Bud Programme are as follows

• • •

Local: Bombay Pantry; Niks Tea; 250Kal; Bia Ganbreise; Nüsli; Organic Little One; McCormack Farms.

National: Goodness Grains; Boutique Bake; Chilly Moo; BRÚ, Powerful Yogurt; Galway Hooker; Kilmore Quay.

Export: Lakeland Dairies; Coomara; Flahavan’s; Ballineen Fine Foods, Keohane Seafoods, Coolmore Foods.

62|Retail News|May 2015|www.retailnews.ie

Shelf Life VALEO Foods has completed a significant investment programme involving a €7m upgrade of its Cabra manufacturing facility in West Dublin. The latest phase of the investment has seen the creation of a new state-of-the-art production line, which, among other things, has resulted in the manufacturing, production and packaging of Chef sauces, and Fruitfield jams and marmalades, returning to Ireland. This marks the biggest single investment in the site since it was established 70 years ago, and will see the creation of 40 new positions, bringing total employment at the Cabra facility to 150 people over the next 12 months. Pictured at the official opening are Oliver Sutherland, Group Commercial Officer, Valeo Foods; Grainne O’Halloran, Technical Director, Valeo Foods; and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe TD. BROADCASTERS Lottie Ryan and Ivan Yates are pictured in Dublin at the launch of HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays. Members of the public across Ireland are being asked to organise their own ice cream party this summer to raise much needed funds for DSI. To get involved, consumers simply freephone 1890 373737 or register online at www.downsyndrome.ie to receive their party pack, which includes vouchers for free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream. Last year, 1,020 parties across Ireland saw 142,442 people participate in the campaign and enjoy free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream.

GUINNESS Storehouse has officially unveiled its new permanent advertising exhibit, the world’s most unique and innovative celebration of Guinness advertising. The advertising exhibit at the Guinness Storehouse is the only place in the world where visitors can immerse themselves in the best Guinness ads in a bespoke interactive exhibition space. The newly opened advertising exhibit features collections of famous Guinness ads since 1929, film footage and Guinness historical artefacts, from Gilroy’s series of unforgettable illustrations: a hapless zookeeper, girder-toting workers and, most famously, the toucan; to the powerful and emotive ads such as the Surfer and the more recent Guinness ad featuring superbly dressed Congolese men, ‘Sapeurs’.

ALDI Ireland has announced that the first new season Irish spring lamb of 2015 is now available in its 114 stores. Guaranteed 100% sourced from and fully traceable to Republic of Ireland farms certified under the Bord Bia scheme, Aldi’s new season Irish spring lamb range is supplied by Irish Country Meats of Camolin, Co. Wexford.

The company has been working in partnership with Aldi for over eight years, supplying prime lamb cuts all year round.

20 years after bringing us Father Ted, director Declan Lowney is back on our screens with a new suite of TV ads for Brady Family Ham. Created

by Bloom and produced by Rocket Science productions, the campaign features a real man talking about real ham in a kitchen in the countryside. Deirdre O’Neill, Head of Marketing at O’Brien Fine Foods, owners of the Brady Family Ham brand, said, “We’re really proud of the unique taste and quality of our ham.

We’re very excited about the way these new commercials tell our product story in an entertaining and uniquely Irish way. The TV campaign will be supported on radio, video on demand and via below the line activities.”

A NEW network of excellence in sensory food science, Sensory Food Network Ireland has been launched to promote the integration of sensory science activities on the island of Ireland. Sensory food science is the study of how we as consumers perceive foods with each of our senses. The importance of a scientifically sound approach to the sensory evaluation of food has received increasing recognition by the food industry in Ireland.

Sensory Food Network Ireland includes 10 leading institutions with expertise in sensory science. This sensory network will become an integral part of the food and beverage industry, in supporting new product development by providing services such as product matching, consumer acceptance and flavour chemistry. Pictured are (l-r): Dr Sinéad McCarthy and Dr Frank O Mara, Teagasc; Tom Hayes TD, Minister for State Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine; and Dr Eimear Gallagher, Teagasc.

FOR the beer lovers among you, James Winans of Vanguard Beer Collective will be hosting a series of Beer Appreciation courses at the Dublin Bar Academy in Dublin’s Francis Street in the coming months. The four hour course covers everything from beer styles and ingredients to history and food pairings. Participants will sample over a dozen different beers, including a variety of Irish craft beers from breweries such as Eight Degrees Brewing, Reel Deel Brewery, and Bo Bristle. The courses are open to anyone, 18 and over, for €49 per person and are limited to 35 people per course, so online registration is required. For more information, see www.dublinbaracademy.com.

VAYU Energy has signed a new deal with C&C Group plc which adds C&C’s production sites in Glasgow and Somerset to Vayu’s existing gas and electricity supply arrangements with C&C in Ireland, with a combined value of €5m over the next three years. The deal represents a milestone for European energy deregulation by enabling, for the first time, a multinational company with operations in the UK and Ireland to procure natural gas centrally from a single supplier.

This means that natural gas for C&C’s key manufacturing and distribution sites across Ireland and the UK are now supplied by one provider: Vayu Energy. Pictured are Simon Firth, Head of Energy Services at Vayu, and Denis Cronin, Head of Energy Procurement at C&C Group.

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