Retail News November 2019

Retail News NOVEMBER 2019

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

The great taste of Irish grass-fed dairy starts here. #LoveIrishDairy

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Contents News

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Festive Fever IT’S hard to believe that it is November already and the preChristmas season is getting into full swing, as it seems only last week that we were looking forward to the summer.

Time stops for no man, woman or child, however, and so Retail News presents its annual Christmas Stocking guide, highlighting the products guaranteed to fly off shelves over the Yuletide period, from chocolate confectionery to wines, whipped cream to craft gins (See Pages 48-69).

This time of the year is also awards season, and we report on the big winners from the Londis Retailing Awards (Page 18), the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards (Page 24) and the Gala Excellence in Retail Awards (Page 37), as some of the finest retailers and suppliers from across the country were rewarded for their sterling work.

On a more sobering note, retail representatives are worried that attempts to introduce new legislation around the retailersupplier relationship may add extra layers of bureaucracy and cost (Page 2). Our Chief News Reporter, Pavel Barter, gets to the heart of the issue, which came to a head at a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Newry Road Dundalk Project Fresh store, as part of €160m Irish store network investment.

Retailers under pressure from proposed EU supplier trading law.

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CSNA calls for a level playing pitch for proposed ‘latte levy’.

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Consumer confidence helps retailers to grow; Aldi celebrates 20 years in Ireland.

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Scally’s SuperValu wins international award; Tesco Ireland Category Director appointed Co-Chair of ECR Ireland; Flogas acquires Just Energy’s Irish business.

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Visa card holders to get ‘Real Rewards’ from SuperValu; Labour shortage a key concern for prepared consumer foods.

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Tesco Ireland to launch fully recyclable black plastic range; Stars come out for National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

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The Mulrooney family describe the success of their newly refurbished Nenagh store and how the support of the Gala brand has helped them grow.

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The state-of-the-art Londis store at Dublin City University was named Store of the Year at the 2019 Londis Retailing Awards.

Aldi has unveiled its revamped

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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Managing Director: Patrick Aylward Editorial & Marketing Director:

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Kathleen Belton

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Food and drink producers from Northern Ireland have won a host of national and international awards in recent months, including big wins at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards and Blas na hÉireann.

Store Focus 34

Fresh at Capital Dock is the progressive group’s flagship store, offering a unique shopping experience in one of Dublin’s most prestigious locations.

Gala Excellence in Retail Awards 37

October saw Gala’s annual Trade Fair and Excellence in Retail Awards taking place at the K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare.

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Christmas Stocking 48

Consumers all over the country are getting ready to splurge over the festive season, stocking up on the finest products available on your shelves for gifting, home entertaining and, of course, the Christmas dinner itself.

ECR Awards 72

The ECR Shopper Conference took place recently, with a host of speakers addressing the changing face of retail, as well as the presentation of the ECR Shopper Marketing and Category Management Awards.

Regulars & Reports

Retail News

Production: Ciara Conway

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When choosing a security service, you must use one that is licensed by the Private Security Authority or you could face prosecution and fines of up to €4,000.

Londis Retailing Awards

The winners of the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2019 have been announced, recognising the finest indigenous products available in Irish stores.

Invest Northern Ireland

Security

Aldi

Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

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Shop Profile

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director

Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter

Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

Email: ciara@tarapublications.ie Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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Industry News Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Tobacco Products & Accessories Christmas Stocking Forecourt Focus What’s New Shelf Life

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News

Retailers under pressure from proposed EU supplier trading law RETAILERS are concerned that attempts to introduce new legislation around the retailersupplier relationship may add extra layers of bureaucracy and cost. Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, recently announced the launch of a public consultation process on incorporating the EU’s Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive into Irish law.

According to the Minister, the directive is “one of a number of initiatives at EU level aimed at improving the transparency and fairness of the food supply chain”, which aims to “protect weaker suppliers against UTPs by stronger buyers in the food supply chain”.

However, Irish retailers contend that fair trading is already covered under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 (Grocery Goods Undertakings) Regulations 2016, which is also known as the Grocery Goods Regulations. The current regulations only apply to retailers and wholesalers of food and drink in Ireland with a worldwide turnover in excess of €50m.

“Under UTP, suddenly the net will extend to every shop that has a turnover of €2m,” Tara Buckley, RGDATA’s Director General, told Retail News. “The vast majority of our members buy most of their goods through one of the three big wholesale groups, which are all caught by the Grocery Goods Regulations.

It seems bizarre to us that we are going to end up with a set of regulations that will extend out and apply to very small players in the market, and create a potentially huge burden of regulation at a huge cost.”

Under the current regulations, which were introduced “to bring transparency and fairness into the trade relationships between grocery goods suppliers and wholesalers and retailers”, according to the CCPC, grocers must keep records, provide information and contracts.

The CCPC has been carrying RGDATA Director General, Tara out compliance checks of Buckley. retailers and wholesalers that fall under its remit.

The UTP directive includes these criteria, but will require additional compliance. “Suddenly we’re going to need inspection, regulation, and more paperwork, for a tiny percentage of the market,” added Buckley. “If our members have to pay new staff to handle the additional regulation, where do they get that money? Do they put their prices up?”

Earlier this month, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, met with Christine Tacon, the UK’s Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) who uncovered incidences in which Tesco delayed payments to suppliers

between 2013 and 2015.

Committee members called for stricter regulation to be imposed on retailers at the event. “If [UTP] came in this evening, it wouldn’t come in quick enough into this country,” said Labour TD Willie Penrose. “We’re eager that it should be widened into this country. The impact of unfair trading practices here in Ireland on the primary producer is very serious. The primary producer gets an average of 21% of the cost of a product. The retailer gets 51%.”

Pat Deering, a Fine Gael TD, echoed this accusation, saying: “someone is making money off the process, other than the primary producer”.

Penrose cited “evidence” of retail cartels Michael Creed TD, Minister operating in Ireland. “There of Agriculture, Food and the has been lot of unrest here Marine. in the last decade and a half. We have one industry in which there are four or five big players… It’s easy when there’s a small cohort of individuals controlling the industry, where the casualties are the primary producers.”

Yet there has been no recorded evidence of ‘hello money’, the practice whereby a retailer charges producers for shelf placement, in Ireland. Tacon, who referred to the practice as “listing fees”, said it was not a common occurrence in the UK either. “On the whole, listing fees have tended to disappear,” she told the committee.

The Irish Farming Association (IFA) has stated its distrust

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News of the CCPC and opposed its role in enforcement of UTP, should the legislation be introduced.

"Farmers do not have faith in the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to carry out this work,” said Joe Healy, IFA President. “The enforcement authority, which will have powers to investigate complaints and levy fines, will have to be a properly Retailers feel that introducing new resourced, legislation will add layers of bureaucracy independent and cost. office.”

Ireland’s Beef Market Taskforce, which is consulting with stakeholders on ways to progress the Beef Sector Agreement, is exploring ways to introduce the UTP Directive in Ireland.

Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn told the commission that the CCPC, had “acknowledged that they were not equipped

to address the issues that arose that led to the beef crisis.

You would need a regulator or another range of legislation to address that.”

As part of the UTP consultation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is inviting submissions from “all interested groups and individuals to have their say as to how the directive should be transposed” by a December 13 deadline.

RGDATA is currently reviewing the UTP directive and the Groceries Goods Regulations, with a view to making a submission. Buckley described the UTP’s €2m turnover threshold for businesses in the grocery convenience sector as a small amount “to be subject to a lot of new regulation. We felt that €50m was a suitable starting point. Even then, you’re still getting a fair few minnows.”

Some grocers are concerned that the UTP will only worsen a widening disparity between small retailers and large suppliers. According to the CCPC, "The onus is on wholesalers and retailers of grocery goods to assess whether the regulations apply to their businesses." But “some of the big suppliers are multi-billion euro businesses,” according to Buckley. Smaller retailers often claim supplier abuses of power, in cases such as mobile phone operators or newspaper distributors changing terms of conditions. If the legislation, as it stands, is not a two-way street, then how will retailers fare after the introduction of the UTP directive?

“We are not sure where the benefits would be in setting up a new layer of regulation, and extending the Grocery Goods Regulations to a raft of new retailers, who are tiny in the scheme of things in the grocery sector in Europe,” concluded Buckley. “We believe it will be totally unnecessary regulation that will make no difference, but cost a lot of money.”

CSNA calls for a level playing pitch for proposed ‘latte levy’ VINCENT Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, has called for a “level playing pitch” following the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD’s announcement to levy single use plastics, including cups and take away packaging.

“We are laying down a very clear marker to the Government that we will not allow it to be anything but a consistent application by all obligated parties,” Jennings insisted. “Retailers are fully committed to their corporate social responsibility and the protection of our environment.

However, they cannot become revenue collectors for the state without proper thought and provisions being put in place by that same Government in this regard.”

The CSNA is concerned that such a levy may not be implemented fairly, with stallholders, pop-up vendors, takeaways and other bricks and mortar outlets not applying this levy as diligently as convenience retailers. “This is an obvious shortfall of the existing plastic bag tariff and a certainty to follow suit should this poorly thought out 'latte levy' be put in place,” Jennings argued.

With an estimated 22,000 cups of tea and coffee sold per hour and a proposed tax on these cups of up to 25c per unit, the CSNA is gravely concerned.

“Retailers nationwide are already rewarding customers who bring their own reusable cup into their stores each day.

In addition to this, retailers are already paying costly Repak fees,” Jennings argued. “Many single use plastic cups on the

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA. market are biodegradable; without the proper infrastructure in place by the local authorities to collect this as refuse, it appears much of these biodegradable cups are currently ending up in landfill.”

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News Consumer confidence helps retailers to grow THE Irish grocery market remains buoyant, with growth accelerating to 3.3% in the 12 weeks to October 6, 2019, according to the Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend latest figures from Kantar. As the Brexit 12 Weeks to 06/10/19 change** 12 Weeks to 07/10/18 deadline looms, shoppers are showing no %* %* % signs of concern, visiting stores more often Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 3.3 and making larger trips this period than Total Multiples 88.5% 89.4% 4.3 they did last year. Customers will also have SuperValu 21.4% 21.2% 2.0 made savings, with price per pack down by Tesco 21.5% 21.1% 1.3 0.4%, the first time this has declined since Dunnes 22.1% 22.5% 5.5 June 2018.

Lidl 11.7% 11.9% 4.9 Dunnes Stores remains the nation’s Aldi 11.8% 12.6% 10.9 number one grocer, with a 1.3% lead over Other Outlets** 11.5% 10.6% -4.7 its next largest competitor, the biggest *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers differential it has enjoyed since February **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops 2019. “It has been a big year for Dunnes,” notes Charlotte Scott, Consumer Insight particularly encouraged by these results.”

Director at Kantar. “Its continued success, evidenced by 5.5% Aldi reached a new record market share at 12.6% this sales growth in the past 12 weeks, has largely been driven by period, continuing its strong performance and growing by its Shop & Save voucher campaign.”

10.9%. It has welcomed an additional 21,000 shoppers through SuperValu also enjoyed a marked boost in sales over the its doors, with a particular push to target young families. past 12 weeks, doubling its growth rate to 2%, which helped it “Traditionally, Aldi’s core shoppers are young and mid-range to overtake Tesco and become the second largest retailer for families, with these customers still a third more likely to shop the first time since December 2018. SuperValu has enjoyed at the retailer than any other group,” Scott notes. “However, larger basket sizes and growth in some of its core categories, growth among these groups has slowed to 0.8%, as the cohort as Scott explains: “Ireland’s two largest retailers, Dunnes and has cut back on its overall spending by 1.4%. In response, SuperValu, have both benefited from an out of season boom in Aldi’s has brought back its popular Big Toy Event, aimed sales of cleaning products. Shoppers have been indulging in at drawing these shoppers back into stores, and offering a spot of seasonal ‘autumn cleaning’, perhaps thanks to the something for the little ones.” popularity of internet sensation, Mrs Hinch, and being kept Giles Hurley, CEO, Aldi UK and Ireland, welcomed the indoors by the recent wet weather. Overall people have spent an latest figures, saying, “In the last couple of months, more and additional €7.2m on household cleaning in the past 12 weeks, more shoppers have taken the Aldi Swap & Save challenge, which is up 5.9% on last year and driven by Ireland’s two largest with families making huge savings on their weekly grocery retailers.” shop. Across this period, we saw a strong performance in the Despite falling behind SuperValu in the retailer rankings, volume of Irish poultry, fresh fish and Irish lamb sold in our Tesco enjoyed a return to growth this period, with shoppers stores, with sales on these lines increasing by 11%, 15% and making an extra trip compared to last year. Confectionery has 17% respectively, indicating a return to at-home, wholesome been a key category for Tesco, and is growing at an impressive cooking.”

31.1%. “Tesco individually accounts for 70% of the market Lidl’s performance at a total level has also improved, with growth of confectionery, which has increased in value by sales up 4.9% and its market share increasing to 11.9%. While 9.9% in the past 12 weeks,” Scott elaborates. “The retailer’s the retailer’s existing shoppers are visiting more often, and promotion on tubs of sweets, pricing them at €3.99, has proved spending more when they do, penetration has dropped slightly particularly popular and it has even had to put quotas in place by 0.4%. to limit shoppers to a maximum of four per person. With Grocery market inflation stands at 1.46% for the 12-week Halloween and Christmas just around the corner, Tesco will be period ending October 6, 2019.

Aldi celebrates 20 years in Ireland ALDI recently celebrated its anniversary in Ireland. Aldi opened its first stores in Ireland at Parnell Street, Dublin, and Westside Retail Park Ballincollig, Co. Cork, on November 4, 1999. Over the past 20 years, Aldi has opened 139 Irish stores capturing 12.6% of the Irish grocery market.

The group has also confirmed it is planning to open a new store in Ardee, Co. Louth, as part of its €160m Irish store network investment programme. Aldi plans to open the new store in mid-2021. The €5m development will support up to 80 jobs during the construction phase, as well as the creation of 20 permanent jobs once the store opens. Featuring Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh design, the store will be powered by 100% green electricity, with 87 free car parking spaces and 12 bicycle spaces available for customers.

Aldi Parnell Street’s store team gathered recently to celebrate Aldi’s 20th anniversary in Ireland.

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News Scally’s SuperValu wins international award SCALLY’S SuperValu in Clonakilty, Co Cork, has won a major international award for its trailblazing autismfriendly initiatives. The Clonakilty store was named winner in the Diversity & Inclusion category of the 2019 IGD Awards, which celebrate the best of the global food and consumer goods industry.

As part of SuperValu’s autism-friendly shopping programme, the Clonakilty store has provided specialised training to staff and organised autism-friendly shopping nights in the store. Scally’s subsequently worked together with autism charity AsIAm and other local businesses in the Cork town to gain recognition for Clonakilty as Ireland’s first autism-friendly town. Scally’s innovative approach to inclusion has led to 10 other towns in Ireland becoming autism-friendly and 90 other SuperValu stores offering tailored services for people with autism.

“Winning this award demonstrates that by working together with our customers and the local community in Clonakilty to introduce autism-friendly initiatives, we can Seamus Scally and the team from Scally’s SuperValu, make a real, positive difference to people’s lives,” said Clonakilty, celebrate winning the IGD Diversity & Inclusion Eugene Scally, Scally’s SuperValu, Clonakilty.

Award.

Tesco Ireland Category Director appointed Co-Chair of ECR Ireland ECR Ireland has announced that John Brennan, Fresh Category Director, Tesco Ireland, has been elected as its new retailer Co-Chair, joining Jim Cummins, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard.

“On behalf of the team at Tesco, I am delighted to have this opportunity of working with ECR Ireland in an industry leadership role to advance how trading partners can work better together,” said Brennan. “The traditional focus areas of ECR are Category Management and Supply Chain Management and ECR Ireland hosts important workgroups, conferences and awards in these areas, being renowned as the flagship for collaboration and peer-to-peer networking.

Notwithstanding these core activities, ECR Ireland will launch a special interest group on food & plastic waste, with Tesco Ireland delighted to take a leading role in its set-up and facilitation.”

Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland and CoChair, ECR Community, expressed his gratitude to outgoing Co-Chair, Brian Donaldson, Maxol CEO, “for the unstinting service towards ECR Ireland”. For more information on ECR Ireland activities & events, visit www.ecrireland.ie.

Pictured are John Brennan, Tesco Ireland; Declan Carolan, ECR Ireland; and Jim Cummins, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard.

Flogas acquires Just Energy’s Irish business FLOGAS Ireland and Just Energy Ireland have received formal approval from the CRU for their commercial agreement to transfer Just Energy Ireland commercial and residential gas and electricity contracts in Ireland to Flogas by the end of December 2019.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Just Energy Ireland commercial customers to Flogas,” said John Rooney, Managing Director, Flogas Ireland. “We’re working to ensure that they receive a great standard of service and exceptional value for their electricity and gas requirements and we will be in touch directly in the coming weeks. We presently offer very competitive commercial gas and electricity rates and we look forward to bringing those offers to our Just Energy commercial customers as well.”

John Rooney, Managing Director, Flogas Ireland.

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News Visa card holders to get ‘Real Rewards’ from SuperValu SUPERVALU has announced a new partnership, the first of its kind in Ireland, with Visa, as part of its Real Rewards loyalty programme. Under the terms of the partnership, all Irish Visa debit and credit cardholders will have the opportunity to double their Real Rewards points when they shop with SuperValu. With spending on Visa cards – debit, credit and prepaid – accounting for more than €1 in every €3 of Irish consumer spending, the agreement represents a huge commercial opportunity for SuperValu.

The SuperValu Real Rewards agreement is the biggest strategic partnership that Visa has signed with an Irish retailer.

Both companies made an investment in developing a new technology platform to facilitate the link-up.

Visa debit and credit cardholders will simply need to link their payment card with their Real Rewards account via SuperValu.ie/Visa or the Real Rewards app and will receive 250 bonus points (equates to €2.50) upon signup. At that stage, they will have a seamless shopping experience with the ability to earn points for their purchase at SuperValu by simply using their Visa debit or credit card.

“There has been a huge change in how Irish shoppers make purchases thanks to new technology like contactless payments and the Internet of Things,” noted Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director. “Naturally this partnership with Visa was a perfect fit as a result, giving our loyal customers the opportunity to double the money-back vouchers that they

receive from SuperValu.”

Philip Konopik, Visa’s Ireland Country Manager, added: “SuperValu’s shoppers will benefit greatly from this innovative partnership. We have seen in other industries how we can use our technology and knowledge to improve the customer experience, so we are delighted to be working with SuperValu to make it even easier for Visa cardholders to conveniently and seamlessly earn points and grow their Real Rewards moneyback value.”

Pictured are (l-r): Jenni Mundy, Managing Director, UK & Ireland at Visa; Philip Konopik, Country Manager, Ireland at Visa; and Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu.

Labour shortage a key concern for prepared consumer foods THE Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) sector is facing a massive challenge in terms of access to labour and skills, according to a new report from Food Drink Ireland.

Food Drink Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the food and drink sector, says that while the recent CSO statistic which shows that unemployment has fallen to 4.8% highlights a strong economy, it also underlines the increasing challenges that the tight Linda Stuart-Trainor, Director labour market is posing for of Prepared Consumer Foods labour-intensive sectors in Food Drink Ireland. such as PCFs. The FDI report, ‘A sector with a lot on its plate: Labour challenges in the Prepared Consumer Food sector 2019’, presents policy proposals designed to alleviate the immediate constraints and position the PCF sector for continued growth. These include calls to extend employment permit schemes for foreign workers across the food processing sector so that labour shortages do not impact in existing business and growth prospects.

Linda Stuart-Trainor, Director of Prepared Consumer Foods in Food Drink Ireland, outlined: “People are at the

heart of Ireland’s PCF sector – from food scientists to operatives on the factory floor to top marketing talent. It is vital that access to labour and skills does not become the weak link in the food supply chain.

“Already some companies are expressing caution in bidding for contracts or making plans to expand capacity as they are not confident there will be an adequate supply of labour and skills to deliver on these commitments. Without policy interventions, this situation is likely to worsen.”

Other proposals from the report include: • • • •

Drive research into automation and its application in the PCF sector; Provide support to firms to develop Industry 4.0 pilots in-house and boost supports for Industry 4.0 capital investments; Provide funding for an agri-food careers portal from the National Training Fund; Convene a millennial focus group to better understand how to attract and retain graduates.

“Government must take decisive action now to support this sector, which is of vital strategic importance to the Irish economy and society,” Stuart-Trainor concluded. “With exports of €2.6 billion and direct employment of over 22,000, the PCF sector is an increasingly internationalised sector at the nexus of evolving consumer demands and science-based innovation. It provides career opportunities in a wide variety of roles, for a range of skill levels.”

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News Tesco Ireland to launch fully recyclable black plastic range FULLY recyclable detectable black plastic trays packaging will feature on over 100 individual Tesco own-label products before the end of December this year. At its recent national supplier briefing involving over 300 of its own-label and branded suppliers, Tesco confirmed it has launched fully recyclable packaging across a suite of its own-label meat, chilled ready meals and fresh produce lines. Pigment changes in this Tesco packaging, which involves infra-red detectability in black plastic trays used for meat and other products, will mean 448 tonnes of plastic can now be recycled.

All of Ireland’s waste plants have Kari Daniels, Chief Executive the technology to detect the pigment.

Officer, Tesco Ireland.

Up to now, all black plastic trays have been non-detectable in recycling plants, which limited the volumes that could be captured for recycling. Changes made in the packaging manufacturing process to include a detectable pigment will now mean that once placed clean, dry and loose into the household recycling bin, these products are more readily recyclable at waste plants.

Kari Daniels, Chief Executive Officer, Tesco Ireland, said this latest move by Tesco is part of the company’s global commitment to make all its packaging fully recyclable by 2025: “Partnering with our suppliers, we’ve worked to harness new technological breakthroughs like this. Collaboration is helping us to meet our ambitious goals.”

Stars come out for National Lottery Good Causes Awards THE National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2019 shine a light on the extraordinary work impacting communities all over Ireland. Liquid Therapy in Donegal, an inspiring organisation which provides ocean, surf, and water therapy for young people with physical, emotional, behavioural or intellectual needs, has been named the National Lottery Good Cause of the Year 2019. 36 finalists from all over Ireland gathered for a glittering Awards dinner which was hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Grainne Seoige, with support from social media influencer and presenter, James Patrice. The six category winners received €10,000 each, whilst the overall Good Cause of the Year, Liquid Therapy, received an additional €25,000.

Lorraine Keane, pictured at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

Do more this Christmas with An Post Retailer Services CHRISTMAS is the perfect time to choose An Post Retailer Services as your preferred electronic services supplier. Retailers who join An Post Retailer Services this month can offer their customers festive favourites such as Christmas One4all Gift Cards and the Christmas Stamp Booklet. Both of these are very popular products, which are well established in the Irish marketplace, and give retailers a competitive advantage when trying to attract customers into their stores this Christmas season.

The One4all Gift Card is Ireland’s leading multi-store gift card, and makes the perfect gift for any occasion, as it is accepted in over 7,000 retail outlets nationwide.

An Post Retailer Services agents can purchase Stamps and One4all Gift Cards conveniently and quickly through the helpdesk on 1800 300 150, and all orders are delivered free of charge straight to the retailer’s door.

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Industry News Clonakilty celebrates one year of being Ireland’s first Autism Friendly Town IN October 2018, Clonakilty, through the partnership with AsIAm and SuperValu, alongside local retailers Eugene and Catriona Scally of Scally’s SuperValu, became Ireland’s first ever Autism Friendly Town. Their journey to becoming Autism-Friendly saw businesses, organisations and community groups throughout Clonakilty undergo training and organisational changes to receive accreditation. This initiative and accreditation was a first for anywhere in Ireland and the last year has been an incredible success for the whole Clonakilty community. The aim of this SuperValu and AsIAm initiative is to create a greater awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism so that our communities become more accessible and enjoyable places for autistic people to live in. To celebrate the anniversary, Alan Gardner, star of the Channel 4 programme, The Autistic Gardener, visited Clonakilty to see Ireland’s first Autism Friendly town and share how autism has made him one of the world’s leading landscape designers and how autistic people can focus on their strengths to find careers they enjoy. Alan is pictured with Elsa Quirk, Lochlann Rohan and Adam Harris, Founder and CEO of the Autism Charity AsIAm.ie.

Double celebration for Kerry footballer THERE were two reasons for Killarney footballer, Michael Foley, to be happy recently. While the corner-forward helped East Kerry book themselves an important semi-final spot in the Kerry Senior Championship, he also won a cool €42,000 thanks to his sister playing in his place on the National Lottery TV game show, Winning Streak. The game, broadcast on RTÉ Two, was aired at the same time as his sister, Melissa, played in his place on Winning Streak on RTÉ One. Pictured are (l-r): Marty Whelan, Winning Streak game show co-host; Melissa Foley, who won €42k for her brother; Maebh Gleeson, National Lottery; and Sinead Kennedy, co-host.

Tesco and McVitie’s team up for Temple Street TESCO Ireland and McVitie’s have announced details of a new partnership that sees both brands donating 10c to Temple Street for every pack of McVitie’s biscuits sold in Tesco stores and online over a fourweek period. All funds raised will help Temple Street to purchase eight new beds and mattresses for a vital new ward, which consists of eight isolation rooms for treating Temple Street’s most vulnerable patients.

The promotion ran across all packs of McVitie’s biscuits for four weeks up to November 12 and was supported by in store POS and social media. “This partnership with Tesco Ireland is about encouraging people to recognise the work that the incredible staff of Temple Street do to help sick children in Ireland. It means while enjoying an 11 o’clock break or an after-dinner cup of tea and biscuit, consumers can know they have also helped in raising much needed funds for Temple Street,” said Niamh Twyford, Head of Marketing at McVitie’s.

Celebrations for Grange store at Q Mark Awards RYAN’S SuperValu Grange in Douglas, Co. Cork, was one of the winners of the National Q Mark Awards recently.

Ryan’s has been involved in the Q Mark programme since 2005 and this is their fourth consecutive year being nominated for an award. The company is very proud of the continued growth and success following the Q Mark process and is committed to a continued programme of improvement and success in these areas. “It is a fantastic honour to be nominated for a Q Mark award for the fourth consecutive year. The nomination is recognition for the consistent hard work and dedication from all the team at Ryan’s Supervalu Grange,” noted Colin Mehigan, Fresh Food Manager, Ryan’s SuperValu, pictured with Laura McMullen, Ryan’s SuperValu; Marie Doyle-Henry of EIQA; and Elaine Judge and Pat Sisk from Ryan’s SuperValu.

Fyffes Launches new Exotics range FYFFES recently launched its new Exotics range at Fruit Attraction in Madrid in October. As part of its ‘Discover More’ campaign, Fyffes is inviting retailers to take a fresh look at premium ranging opportunities.

The initial range consists of deliciously different banana varieties like baby and red bananas, plantain, avocado and cassava.

“With our new Exotic range, we address consumer interest in deliciously different exotic fruit and vegetables and drive innovation in this category,” said Joris Schonk, Fyffes Commercial Director Europe.

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Industry News Changes at the top at Kellogg’s THE British and Irish arm of cereal and snack giant Kellogg’s is set for a new leader following a series of internal promotions which will see Oli Morton (left) run Kellogg’s businesses across Western Europe. As a result, Chris Silcock (right), currently Kellogg’s senior sales director, has been promoted to the role of vice-president and chief of the UK and Irish business. Silcock (45) joined Kellogg’s in August 2018 and his tenure as commercial leader has seen the business continue to grow sales of both breakfast cereals and the company’s Pringles brand. “I’ve really enjoyed the challenge, helping to build close relationships with our customers to ensure that both we and our trade partners succeed together,” Silcock noted. “But now I have the great privilege to be leading the whole of Kellogg’s across Britain and Ireland - a business which has an outstanding history, first-class reputation and world-class people. I’m excited for the future and what the team and I can achieve together.”

Fyffes’ Fit Squad shortlisted for top European award FYFFES’ ongoing work in helping to combat childhood obesity through its fitness-based ‘Fit Squad’ initiative continues to gain recognition. The Irish fruit importer has been named as one of 62 finalists shortlisted from seven countries for this year’s IMC European Awards for Integrated Marketing Communications. Developed by Titan Experience in conjunction with Irish health and fitness expert Tom Dalton, Fyffes ‘Fit Squad’ initiative has visited some 145 schools and seen over 14,000 children participate in 290 interactive sessions across 29 counties throughout Ireland, north and south. Pictured are Irish health and fitness expert Tom Dalton (centre) with Fyffes Emma Hunt-Duffy and Michael King from Titan Experience.

Irish salmon celebrated in new visitor experience A NEW visitor centre developed to tell the story of Irish salmon has opened in the Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. The Taste the Atlantic Irish Salmon Experience, financed under the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund, forms part of the wider Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) seafood trail, comprising salmon, mussel and oyster producers along the Atlantic seaboard from Donegal to Cork. The Taste the Atlantic Irish Salmon Visitor Experience allows visitors to travel from ancient Ireland to present time using touch screens, light walls and sound to discover how salmon has featured in Irish mythology and its role in sustaining communities living in some of Ireland’s most remote coastal locations today. Pictured is Birgitta Hedin-Curtin, owner and manager of the Burren Smokehouse and of the new visitor experience.

SuperValu shines at Blás na hÉireann Awards SUPERVALU scooped a massive 118 Blás Na hÉireann awards at the annual awards ceremony in Dingle recently. SuperValu picked up 42 awards for its own brand range of products, winning 21 Gold, 11 Silver and 10 bronze, while SuperValu’s Food Academy producers went home with 76 awards – 25 Gold, 27 Silver and 24 Bronze, including two Chef’s Larder Awards for Rocker Organic Farm Mixed Salad Leaves & Dunanny Organic Flour. “The Blás Na hÉireann awards is always a highlight on our calendar and we are delighted to have had another outstanding year,” noted Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu. Pictured are Musgrave Own Brand Operations Manager Sinéad Cronin with Laura Carolan of Manor Farm, whose Supervalu Free Range Whole Chicken was a Gold award winner in this year's Blas na hÉireann Awards.

Aldi to scrap 12.5m plastic bags annually ALDI is to scrap the use of 12.5m plastic bags annually with the introduction of three new environmentally friendly bag options across its 139 Irish stores. From January, all loose fruit and veg bags in store will be 100% compostable. Aldi will also be stocking a 100% Compostable Shopping bag (pictured) and a reusable and recyclable Paper Bag for Life. Both of Aldi’s new fully certified 100% compostable bags are made of biodegradable pasted corn starch, making them both suitable for commercial compost. The recyclable Paper Bag for Life is made from FSC certified eco-friendly paper and is printed with sustainable water inks, making it 100% recyclable.

“We are very proud to be the first retailer in Ireland to offer customers biodegradable and plasticfree alternatives to our entire produce and carrier bag range, including fruit and vegetable bags, standard carrier bags and Bags for Life,” noted John Curtin, Group Buying Director at Aldi Ireland.

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12|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Flynn’s Tomatoes wins €14m Aldi contract NORTH County Dublin grower, Flynn’s Tomatoes, has won a new five-year contract worth €14m with Aldi Ireland to supply its 139 stores. The new deal will see Flynn’s Tomatoes supply Aldi with 10.5m packs of Irish grown Bord Bia approved tomatoes across eight different varieties, including Piccolo, Sunstream, Vine, Plum, Baby Vine, Cherry Vine and Rainbow Mix. Under the new agreement, Roterno Vine tomatoes will also launch in Aldi stores in 2020. “This new longterm agreement with Aldi is a huge vote of confidence in our business,” noted Martin Flynn, pictured (left) with Paul Scally, Aldi Buying Director.

Solus: light years ahead in quality and excellence

IRISH company Solus Light Bulbs were proud to shine a spotlight on quality and excellence as headline Sponsor of the 2019 National Q Mark Awards. As market leader in Ireland, Solus are constantly investing in NPD and the development, manufacturing and application of innovative lighting solutions, including next generation LEDs. Solus were proud to sponsor the Q Mark Awards, shining a spotlight on all those who celebrate quality and excellence. It has also been a busy time for Solus Energy Labs, the R&D arm of the company, which ensures Solus remains at the forefront of emerging technologies within the connected home. Current projects include home automation and lighting using Internet of Things integration. It’s about enhancing the lighting experience in the home, bringing cutting edge innovation into people’s lives.

Avonmore celebrates ‘farmfulness’ RESPONDING to research that reveals one in three adults have not visited a farm in the past five years, and one in 10 have never been on a farm, Avonmore Fresh Milk is bringing a little bit of ‘farmfulness’ to their customers to enjoy in homes around Ireland this autumn. The brand has created a fun on-pack mechanic bringing the sounds of the farm direct to its customers, including a dawn chorus, the sound of soft rain and a happy herd grazing in lush meadows.

“We want to make a connection between the product and its journey from farm to fridge. The Avonmore ‘Farmfulness’ on-pack initiative is an effort to connect farm life with families all over Ireland, particularly those living in urban areas,” noted June Dowling, Senior Marketing Manager for Avonmore Fresh Milk, pictured (centre) with actress and Avonmore Fresh Milk brand ambassador Aoibhinn Garrihy, and Avonmore farmer, Larry Hannon.

Three cheese for the winners!

THE 2019 CÁIS Irish Cheese Awards were presented recently in Cork, rewarding the finest cheesemakers currently operating in Ireland. Some of Ireland’s most well-known cheesemakers, such as Durrus Cheese, Bandon Vale and Ardsallagh Farmhouse Cheese, were awarded across multiple categories, as were the Tipperary-based Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, Waterford-based Knockanore, Galway-based Killeen and Dozio’s of Mayo. Macroom-based Coolea Farmhouse Cheese was the winner of the Public Vote, 2019 judge Dr Kieran Jordan took home the CÁIS Appreciation Award, while the Supreme Champion was announced as Marion Roeleveld for her five-month matured Killeen Goats Cheese for the Dunnes Stores Simply Better range. Pictured during judging day are (l-r): Monique Kelleher, Communication Manager, Ornua; Ross Lewis, Chapter One; Catherine Fulvio and Enda Howley, expert cheddar grader, Ornua.

Tesco stores raise a ‘fangtastic’ €128k for Temple Street TESCO Ireland stores across the country raised a fangtastic €128,388 as part of Trick or Treat for Temple Street over the October bank holiday weekend. In all 151 stores, Tesco colleagues dressed up in a variety of costumes while they hosted Halloween parties with cake sales, facepainting, balloons and much more. “We are extremely proud of the incredible support shown by both colleagues and customers at this year’s Trick or Treat for Temple Street events. It’s amazing to see what is possible when people work together for such an important cause,” said Geraldine Casey, Director, Tesco. Pictured are Tesco staff from their Ballincollig store.

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14|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Shop Profile

Fresh new look for Mulrooney’s Gala The Mulrooney family describe the success of their newly refurbished Nenagh store and how the support of the Gala brand has helped them grow.

SITUATED on a main access route in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Mulrooney’s Gala store is ideally located to cater to the convenience retailing needs of the local community, something that Gala Retail is all about.

The partnership between the Mulrooney family and Gala Retail began in 2001 and is now made up of five Mulrooney’s Gala stores, four in Tipperary and one in Offaly.

It was 2005 when Mulrooney’s partnered with Gala Retail to open up the convenience store in Nenagh, a decision that retailer Shane Mulrooney has not looked back on.

“From our initial meeting with Gala Retail in 2001, we knew that the Gala Group was the one for us,” Shane explains. “The focus on community retailing, combined with

the hands-on nature of the Gala team of personnel aligned well with our values. There’s a real ‘family’ feel to being part of Gala and with the support of the group, we’ve been able to successfully grow our portfolio of stores over the years.

“In Nenagh, we saw a prime location for a Gala store, a store that could meet the needs of the local community and the passing trade of those travelling to Nenagh, Limerick and Galway,” Shane continues. “With the support and expertise of the team at Gala, our Gala Retail Operations Executive (ROE), Sandra Nicholson, and our local wholesalers, 4 Aces, we were able to make that happen.

The store has gone from strength to Gala’s latest concept, Galato, offers top strength over the years, particularly quality ice cream, chilled desserts and following our recent refurbishment.” milkshakes.

Pictured outside Mulrooney’s Gala, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, are: Deli Manager, Deirdre Donaldson; Store Manager, Gillian McLoughlin; store owners, Sean and Shane Mulrooney; and staff members Lorraine Minogue, Shauna Sheridan, Megan Sage and Aisling Looby.

Fresh Gala Branding The Nenagh store has recently undergone a store revamp, incorporating fresh new Gala branding and introducing the latest Gala concepts to great success. The Mulrooneys are very satisfied with the results, particularly the focus on its food-to-go offerings.

“We are thrilled with the response to our recent update to the store,” Shane notes, “and we are very excited about the fresh food options that we can bring customers with our newly updated New Street Deli and Baker’s Corner offerings.

We are able to offer a wide and varied range of food-to-go options that is fresh and convenient, as well as healthy options that meet the growing demands of the health conscious customer.”

The latest Gala category concepts have really worked in the store, as

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Shop Profile involved with the running of the stores, and when it comes to marketing and promoting the store on a regional level, that’s something we take care of in-house, with great success,” states Paula Mulrooney. “We also recognise the importance of the national marketing campaigns and partnerships run by Gala Retail. Associations like the sponsorship of Special Olympics Team Ireland and national competitions such as the Gala Gifts for Schools initiative help to drive footfall and ensure that the Gala name is known on a national level and reinforce our positioning as a trusted convenience brand at the heart of Irish communities.”

The store’s Coffee Junction area is vibrant, with a selection of coffees and teas to suit the tastes of all customers. our ultimate goal is to provide Shane explains: “The store’s Coffee the community with the best that Junction area is vibrant, with a selection we can offer,” Shane reveals. of coffees and teas to suit the tastes of “We have a really strong grocery all of our customers, and for those with range, on-site deli and a great a sweet tooth, we have Gala’s latest reputation for our fresh bakery concept, Galato, offering ice-cream, products. This has enabled the chilled desserts and milkshakes: this store to become a central part has been a huge hit with customers! of the thriving community. Our We take great pride in the fact that a location and parking facilities customer can walk into our store and mean that the store is ideally know with confidence that we can cater placed for the local school’s for their needs. Whether it’s breakfast, collection and drop off points, lunch, dinner, or some bread or a bun, which has seen the morning, the customer will be getting a fresh evening and lunch trade thrive. product, made with the highest quality Our sponsorship of local sporting clubs, approved ingredients.” from underage to senior teams, ensures that our branding is ever present in the Supporting the Community community.”

While the store benefits from the vibrant In relation to the the support that passing trade on a busy route for commuters, the Mulrooneys are mindful Gala Retail provides its retailers, it’s clear that the Mulrooneys appreciate the that many of their customers are from marketing and promotional support that the local community; this is reflected in they receive from the symbol group on a the store’s offerings and its involvement national level. in community organisations and events.

“As a community convenience store, “As a family, we are all very much

The Nenagh store has recently undergone a store revamp, incorporating fresh new Gala branding and introducing the latest Gala concepts to great success.

Growing Store Portfolio With stores in Roscrea, Lorrha, Templemore and Birr, as well as

FACT FILE: Owners:

Mulrooney Family

Location:

Brooklands, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

Size:

2500 square feet

No. of Staff:

25 Full time & Part Time

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday, 6.30am-11pm; Saturday, 7am-11pm; Sunday, 8am-11pm.

Nenagh, the Mulrooneys’ experience and knowledge of the grocery retailing sector is reflected in the success and growth of their portfolio of Gala stores, as well as the numerous award wins for the stores along the way.

Speaking about further plans for the Nenagh store, Shane concludes: “Looking to the future, we plan to continue the focus and expansion of our food-to-go options, establishing ourselves as a destination store in the Nenagh area, encompassing community values and offering our customers great variety, great value and great customer service.”

The New Street Deli offers a wide and varied range of foodto-go options that is fresh and convenient.

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Security

Securing your business When choosing a security service, you must use one that is licensed by the Private Security Authority or you could face prosecution and fines of up to €4,000.

THE security and protection of your business, staff and customers is important to you. It is equally important that when choosing a security service, you pick one that is licensed by the Private Security Authority (PSA).

The PSA, an agency of the Department of Justice and Equality, is responsible for regulating the private security industry. Their primary role is to ensure that the public is protected through a standards and qualifications based licensing system. The PSA licences over 30,000 contractors and employees across 12 sectors, including: • • • • • • •

Alarm and CCTV installation, monitoring and maintenance; Door and event security; Locksmiths; Access control and powered gates; Security guarding; Cash in transit; Private investigators.

If you use one of the above services, they must be licensed by the PSA. This includes electricians, property management companies and others providing any of these services.

By using an unlicensed service to carry out security work you put your business at risk and may invalidate your insurance policy. More importantly, you could face prosecution with fines of up to €4,000.

Security checklist When buying security services, you should check the following: •

•

That your provider is licensed. The PSA website psa.gov.ie provides a register of licensed contractors and individuals. You can also contact the PSA at info@psa.gov.ie.

That they have a tax clearance certificate (All licensed contractors are required to be tax compliant).

•

•

•

That risk assessments, design proposals and other documents are specific to your premises.

Never accept generic documents.

That you receive a certificate of completion for all installation and maintenance work carried out on your premises.

That you receive a compliance statement confirming that the contractor has all relevant insurance in place, that all equipment complies with the machinery directive and that all Health, Safety and Welfare at Work legislation is complied with.

If your provider cannot meet these simple requirements, you should ask yourself what are the consequences for my business if something does not work or if there is an incident involving an employee or customer.

Security matters • Choosing the right intruder alarm.

There are many types of intruder alarm available, each having different characteristics. A PSA licensed intruder alarm installer will undertake a security survey of your premises, evaluate the security needs of your property and help you select the most appropriate intruder alarm for your premises.

•

How many keys have you had made for your business? Do you know where they all are?

If you cannot account for all the keys for your business, you should consider the

potential security risk and think about changing your lock. A PSA licensed locksmith can advise you on the best lock for your entrance and install it to ensure maximum security.

• How safe is your powered gate?

Automatic gates are powerful machines which can pose a risk to both children and adults alike. Automatic gates must be installed by trained PSA licensed installers and regularly maintained for optimum safety and security.

•

Selecting an alarm monitoring service.

Monitored alarms deter burglars.

Consult your PSA licensed alarm installer about the best alarm and monitoring service for your business. A PSA licensed monitoring centre ensures that somebody will respond quickly to your alarm.

•

Licensed door staff and security guards.

All door staff and security guards are required to be PSA licensed and to display their licence card when on duty.

The following services require a PSA licensed contractor: • Security Guarding

• Alarm and CCTV Monitoring

• Alarm and CCTV Installation and Maintenance • Access Control Installation and Maintenance • Locksmith Services

• Private Investigation Services If you are buying a security service your provider must be licensed even if their primary business is not security.

Electricians, Property and Facilities Management Companies and others providing security services must be licensed.

Using unlicensed providers puts your business at risk as you could:

• Face Prosecution

• Invalidate your insurance cover

• Compromise the safety of your staff and customers Make sure that your security provider is licensed with the PSA visit

www.psa.gov.ie

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Londis Retailing Awards

DCU Crowned Store of the Year The state-of-the-art Londis store at Dublin City University was named Store of the Year at the 2019 Londis Retailing Awards.

Pictured at the presentation of the Overall Store of the Year 2019 Award are (l-r): Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods; Leo Crawford, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group; Nick Ye and Donnie Christian from Londis DCU; and Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

LONDIS DCU took top honours at the recent Londis Retailing Awards, held at the picturesque Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, Co. Kerry, where it was named Overall Store of the Year. The Londis Retailing Awards have been running for more than 20 years and recognise stores that excel across all areas of store performance.

The campus store is on the cutting edge of retail innovation in Ireland, is fully

paperless and is the first Londis store in Ireland to offer self-serve tills. Londis DCU, which beat off tough competition to be named Best of the Best at the 2019 awards ceremony, was also named Foodmarket Store of the Year, and was also presented with a Londis Retailing Excellence Award on the night.

The Londis Retailing Awards are the highlight of the calendar year for all Londis retailers and the Overall Store of

the Year award is a much-coveted and prestigious accolade.

Londis DCU Retail Manager Donnie Christian was delighted with this latest honour. “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award, which is testament to the extremely hard-working team that we have in-store,” he revealed. “This success is not only a mark of pride for our store and staff, but importantly, it shows our customers that we are passionate

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Londis Retailing Awards about delivering a top quality service. This is a very important point of differentiation in what is a very competitive marketplace and we’re honoured to have received this award.”

Independent Audit Process All the award recipients on the night were selected after demonstrating outstanding industry excellence, following a year of specialised audits conducted by retail specialists, SMA. The stores were independently examined across a range of criteria, including customer service, the quality of their fresh food offering, product range, and the stores’

commitment to upholding the highest standards of hygiene and food safety.

The Londis Retailing Awards were held as part of the Londis Conference 2019, entitled Londis Destination 22, which was chaired by sports journalist Evanne Ni Chuillinn.

Special guest speakers during the business session of the Conference included Irish rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll, Liam Sheedy, Manager of the Tipperary All-Ireland winning team and former All-Ireland winning camogie captain and coach on Ireland’s Fittest Family, Anna Geary.

Commitment & Ambition Congratulating all the Londis retailers

at the awards ceremony, Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director, said: “Londis retailers are at the heart of their communities around the country. It’s great to see the wealth of outstanding expertise demonstrated by Londis retailers and, in particular, the very worthy winners of the 2019 awards.

“The winners of this year’s awards are among the top retailers in the country. The Londis Retailing Awards are recognition of the commitment and ambition demonstrated by these retailers to keep providing the highest level of service to their customers. Their focus on continually exceeding customer expectations is a testament to the hard work of their staff, for which they should be very proud. I commend them all on this wonderful achievement.”

Londis Store of the Year Award Winners Overall Store of the Year Londis DCU, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Convenience Store of the Year Nolan’s Londis, Tralee, Co. Kerry Foodmarket Store of the Year Londis DCU, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Supermarket Store of the Year Gillen’s Londis, Trim, Co. Meath

Londis Category Awards 2019 Deli & Hot Food Store of the Year McCleary's Londis, New Terrace, Co. Monaghan Pictured at the presentation of the Convenience Store of the Year 2019 Award are (l-r): Vivian and Niall Nolan, Maureen Greaney, from Londis Tralee, with Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

Butchery Store of the Year Timothy's Londis, Abbeytown, Co. Roscommon Bakery Store of the Year Curtin's Londis, Adare, Co. Limerick Off Licence Store of the Year Griffin's Londis, KCR, Dublin 6W Fruit & Veg Store of the Year Kelly's Londis, Milltown, Co. Kerry Forecourt Store of the Year Nolan's Londis, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Nick Ye and Donnie Christian, Londis DCU, accept the Foodmarket Store of the Year 2019 Award from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

Customer Service Store of the Year Hiney's Londis, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Community Store of the Year Roche's Londis, Doneraile, Co. Cork

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Londis Retailing Awards Embodying the Spirit of Londis Winners at the annual Londis Retailing Awards ceremony embody what Londis stores are all about: uncompromising friendly customer service, quality produce and excellent value.

Londis stores have an extra special something that only local people can deliver because Londis retailers are local like their customers.

In total, 88 Londis stores were recognised for their excellence on a night of great celebration across a multitude of categories, including Convenience Store of the Year, Supermarket Store of the Year, Bakery Store of the Year, Fruit & Veg Store of the Year and the aforementioned Foodmarket and Overall Store of the Year, both of which were won by Londis DCU.

Londis Retailing Standard Awards 2019 Londis Adamstown, Co. Dublin Mullin's Londis, Shrule, Co. Galway Mulroy's Londis, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Griffin's Londis, 36 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1 Walsh's Londis, Clonakilty, Co. Cork McCarthy's Londis, Rathmore, Co. Kerry Doyle's Londis, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Kelly Hyland, Barry Gillen and Patricia Smyth, from Londis, Vincent and Annie Timothy from Londis Abbeytown, Roscommon, receive the Butchery Store of the Year 2019 Dublin Road, Trim, accept the Supermarket Store of the Year 2019 Award from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director. Award from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director (second from right) presents the Londis Forecourt of the Year 2019 Award to Maureen Greaney, Vivian Nolan and Niall Nolan.

Londis Adare won the Bakery Store of the Year 2019 Award. David and Karen Curtin are pictured receiving the award from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

Brendan McCleary and Peter Tolan from Londis Monaghan are pictured accepting the Deli and Hot Food Store of the Year 2019 Award from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director (centre).

Seamus Griffin, Martina Webb and David Bridgette from the Griffin Group are pictured accepting the Off Licence Store of the Year 2019 Award for Londis KCR, Dublin, from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

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Londis Retailing Awards Londis Retailing Excellence Awards 2019 Nolan's Londis, Tralee, Co. Kerry Roche's Londis, Doneraile, Co. Cork Knight's Londis, Clara, Co. Offaly Londis DCU, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Corbett's Londis, Newcastle Road, Galway Gillan's Londis, Castleknock, Dublin 15 Corbett's Londis, Mervue, Co. Galway McCleary's Londis, New Terrace, Co. Monaghan Gillen's Londis, Dublin Road, Trim, Co. Meath Londis Station Road, Adare, Co. Limerick Holligan's Londis, College Road, Kilkenny Hiney's Londis, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo Byrne's Londis, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow O'Reilly's Londis, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork Doolan's Londis, Clane, Co. Kildare McDermott's Londis, Irishtown, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Londis Maynooth Students Union, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Lawless' Londis, Athenry, Co. Galway Stack's Londis, Lixnaw, Co. Kerry Londis Tomnalosset, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Canavan's Londis, Inch, Co. Wexford Griffin's Londis, College Green, Dublin 2 Griffin's Londis, KCR, Dublin 6W Griffin's Londis, Nassau Street, Dublin 2 Griffin's Londis, Beacon Court, Sandyford, Dublin 18 O'Brien's Londis, Larkin's Cross, Co. Wexford Hennigan's Londis, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway Kelly's Londis, Milltown, Co. Kerry Casey's Londis, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Burke's Londis, Kinvara, Co. Galway Dillane's Londis, Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry Hernon's Londis, Bandon, Co. Cork Cunningham's Londis, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Griffin's Londis, St James' Hospital, Dublin 8 McNamee's Londis, Darragh, Co. Clare Browne's Londis, Kilcock, Co. Kildare O'Connor's Londis, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick Griffin's Londis, Grafton Street, Dublin 2 Brodigan's Londis, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Casey's Londis, Athlone Road, Roscommon Timothy's Londis, Abbeytown, Co. Roscommon

Seamus Kelly and Denis Heffernan from Londis Milltown accept the Fruit & Veg Store of the Year 2019 Award from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

McConnon's Londis, Old Cross Square, Monaghan Watchorne's Londis, Mountmellick, Co. Laois Casey's Londis, Renmore, Co. Galway Dillon's Londis, Fethard On Sea, Co. Wexford O'Donovan's Londis, Oola, Co. Limerick Sheehan's Londis, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8 Griffin's Londis, Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2 Jordan's Londis, Summerhill, Co. Meath Mulroy's Londis, Moneen Roundabout, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Hanrahan's Londis, Piercestown, Co. Wexford Donegan's Londis, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath Londis Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 Aherne's Londis, Thurles, Co. Tipperary O'Sullivan's Londis, Killorglin, Co. Kerry Foley's Londis, Drumlonagher, Co. Donegal McElearney's Londis, Drogheda, Co. Louth Casey's Londis, Dock Road, Co. Limerick Griffin's Londis, Parkwest, Dublin 12 McNamee's Londis, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare Griffin's Londis, Fonthill, Dublin 22 Griffin's Londis, Carmanhall Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18 O'Doherty's Londis, Our Lady's Island, Co. Wexford Casey's Londis, Ballina, Co. Mayo Casey's Londis, Newbridge, Co. Kildare Hanrahan's Londis, The Faythe, Co. Wexford Lowe's Londis, Grange, Co. Sligo Martin's Londis, Newbliss, Co. Monaghan Reilly's Londis, Abbeylands, Navan, Co. Meath Boggan's Londis, Rosslare , Co. Wexford Shiel's Londis, Malahide, Co. Dublin Griffin's Londis, Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin 1 Londis Callan, Co. Kilkenny Londis Cornelscourt, Dublin 18 Rock's Londis, Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth Meehan's Londis, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway Patterson's Londis, Foxrock, Dublin 18 O'Neill's Londis, Killeagh, Co. Cork Kennedy's Londis, Boyle, Co. Roscommon McCormac's Londis, St John's Park, Waterford Dunne's Londis, Bellurgan, Co. Louth

Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director (right) presents the Customer Service Store of the Year 2019 Award to Enda Hiney, Londis Crossmolina.

John and Majella Roche, Londis Doneraile, receive the Community Store of the Year 2019 Award from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director.

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Aldi

Revamped Aldi opens in Dundalk Aldi has unveiled its revamped Newry Road Dundalk Project Fresh store as part of €160m Irish store network investment.

ALDI’S Newry Road Dundalk Project Fresh store has reopened its doors to customers, following an extensive renovation project, which has seen the store completely refurbished, as part of Aldi’s €160m investment in its Irish store network. Aldi has committed €100m to constructing and opening 20 new stores, while Project Fresh sees Aldi invest a further €60m in revamping the layout and design of all of its 139 stores nationwide.

Featuring an exciting new layout in line with Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh store design, Aldi’s Newry Road store offers a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store, hi-spec fixtures and fittings, and new signage

that provides a more efficient and hassle-free shopping experience. There are also 109 car parking spaces available for customers.

Green Electricity The store will be powered by 100% green electricity. Aldi has invested heavily in improving its energy management systems and its entire store network is now powered by 100% wind generated energy. Aldi was the second retailer in Ireland to achieve ISO 50001 accreditation in recognition of its efforts to improve energy efficiencies.

Operating four stores in Co. Louth, Aldi has become an established part of that county’s retail landscape, proving very popular with shoppers for bringing greater competition, choice and value for money.

Aldi Newry Road participates in Aldi’s national partnership with FoodCloud, donating surplus food to local charities daily. The store has donated over 29,000 meals to its charity partners to date. Aldi Newry Road is also part of Aldi’s Community Grants network, with Cara Cancer Support Centre just one of several charities availing of the €500 bursary grants this year.

“The Project Fresh revamp of our

Aldi’s Newry Road store offers a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store, hi-spec fixtures and fittings, and new signage that provides a more efficient and hassle-free shopping experience.

store is great news for our customers.

Its new spacious design makes for a very easy and enjoyable shop,” noted Liam Reichenberg, Store Manager at Aldi Newry Road Dundalk, at the reopening.

“Our commitment to our customers is that we will never be beaten on price and will always provide the best value. Our Swap and Save campaign continues and the goal of this campaign is to remind shoppers about the savings that can be generated by swapping their weekly shop to Aldi.”

Irish Supply Base Aldi is also committed to growing its Irish supply base and increasing the number of Irish products available in its stores. It has invested more than €1,000,000 in its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme since 2018, which offers up-and-coming artisan Irish food and drink producers the chance to have their products listed in Aldi’s 139 stores. Aldi also recently increased its support for small Irish suppliers by reducing its payment terms to 14 days for suppliers that transact up to €300,000 annually with Aldi. Aldi will sell over €700m worth of Irish goods this year, sourced from Irish producers, manufacturers and suppliers across the country.

Aldi’s Newry Road store in Dundalk will be powered by 100% green electricity.

Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie|23

Male Grooming

The ultimate grooming experience from Nivea Men NIVEA Men, Ireland’s number one male facecare brand (Source; Nielson ROI Extended Scantrack 52-week data to June 17, 2019), is delighted to introduce new Nivea Men Deep, a comprehensive range of seven revitalising products designed to provide the ultimate grooming experience for men.

Deep, the latest innovative range from Nivea Men, includes AntiPerspirant Deodorant Spray, 1-Minute Mask, Cleansing Wash, Shaving Gel, Shower Gel, Anti-blackhead Scrub and Matte Finish Moisturiser, that work in tandem to tackle the dirt and sweat from a demanding day, while providing a deep, invigorating routine.

This innovative new range is specially formulated with black charcoal, a natural ingredient that works as a dirt magnet, drawing impurities from the skin and thoroughly cleansing for a

refreshed skin feeling that lasts all day.

With a masculine dark wood fragrance, the Nivea Men Deep range will have

users feeling fresh from morning to night and give them the power to tackle their day.

TACKLE THE

5 NEW

SIGNS OF

SKIN IRRITATION

24|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

Celebrating the best Irish food and drinks The winners of the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2019 have been announced, recognising the finest indigenous products available in Irish stores.

THE winners of the prestigious Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2019 were announced on Thursday, October 24, to a packed house at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. Producers, retailers and wholesalers from across the Irish food and drink industry came together to celebrate the very best produce available in Ireland.

Products were judged earlier this year by a panel of over 50 food experts from across Ireland and the UK over a three-week period at the University of Limerick, with awards presented to the finest products across more than 50 categories. The awards include both branded and own-label produce, and highlight the efforts made by retailers and wholesalers to provide the best quality at the best prices for their customers, both the general public and the foodservice industry.

Special Awards In addition to the category winners being announced (see the full list of winners here: www.irish.qualityfoodawards.com and on page 28), a number of special awards were also announced.

The Gold Q Winner, the highest product accolade in the Quality Food Awards, was presented to North Cork Creameries, Kanturk, Co. Cork, for their Pure Irish Creamery Butter.

Wildberry Bakery, Balineen, West Cork, took home the Christmas Gold Q Award for their Jewelled Christmas Cake.

The Rising Star Award, sponsored

by Lidl Ireland, was won by the Cotter Brothers, producers of Cotter Organic Lamb at Dromtrasna North, West Limerick. This award recognises and appreciates individuals aged under 25 who have a passion for quality food and drink.

Pictured at the presentation of the Gold Q Award to North Cork Creameries are (l-r): Beckie Dart, Director, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards; Ruairi Callaghan, North Cork Creameries; and Hector Ó hEochagáin, Irish Quality Food and Drink host.

Wildberrry Bakery were the winners of the Christmas Gold Q Award.

Pictured are: Beth Treleaven, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards; Susan and Tom Robbins Fehily, Wildberry Bakery; and event MC, Hector Ó hEochagáin.

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Aldi to the fore

The team from Dunnes Stores celebrate being named Retailer of the Year and Christmas Retailer of the Year.

Celebrating Food Heroes The Food Hero Award, sponsored by Aldi Ireland, was presented to Oonagh Monaghan, editor of Money For Jam and founder of Alpha Omega, consultants in food business development, based in Manorhamilton, Co. Letrim. The Food Hero Award recognises an individual who stands out in the industry for their sheer passion, drive, enthusiasm and hard work.

The No Time for Waste Award, sponsored by Tesco Ireland, was won by Ballymaguire Foods, Lusk, Co. Dublin.

As part of the prize, Ballymaguire Foods will be given the opportunity to have a year’s mentoring with Tesco Ireland’s

technical team, helping their company to reduce or even eliminate food waste The Meet the Buyer Award, sponsored by Limerick Enterprise Office, went to Wicklow Gold Beechwood Smoked Cheddar, produced by Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. This new award was presented to the Wicklow company, who excelled at the IIQFA Meet the Buyer event which took place earlier this year.

Dunnes Stores was named both Retailer of the Year and Christmas Retailer of the Year, recognising the huge innovation this Irish family-owned supermarket group has brought to the retail landscape.

The Small Producer of the Year Award was won by O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon Company. Pictured are: Diarmuid Murphy, Dunnes Stores; Mary and Pat O'Neill, O'Neills Dry Cure Bacon; and event MC, Hector Ó hEochagáin.

ALDI’S award-winning year continued at Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, with the retailer’s award winners including everything from cheese to steak and salad to cider.

Aldi’s leading private-label range has won hundreds of awards in 2019, encouraging more Irish shoppers to try its stores and contributing to its buoyant sales.

Aldi is Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket, with sales surging ahead by 10.9% equating to 11,000 additional shoppers.

“These awards are a real endorsement of the quality and value of our range,” noted Aldi Ireland’s Group Buying Director, John Curtin. “Many of our winning products are sourced from market leading Irish suppliers, including ABP Cahir, Waterford’s Blackwater Distillery and Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella. We work with over 200 Irish producers and are very proud that so many of our products and local producers have been recognised.”

The Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards celebrate and reward the finest food and drink products on Irish shelves, while The Irish Good Choice Quality Food Awards highlight food products that are specifically designed and marketed as Free From, for an alternative diet, or are healthier options to mainstream products.

Aldi’s list of winners included a Gold Award for Armagh Craft Cider, as well as Aldi Specially Selected Irish Lamb Burgers, Aldi Specially Selected Irish Angus Rib Roast on the Bone, Aldi Specially Selected Italian Parmigiano Reggiano Wedge, Aldi Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Salad Cubes, Aldi Specially Selected Handtied Sausages and Aldi Basil Topped Houmous Topped with Pesto & Parmesan Cheese.

Small Producer of the Year The Small Producer of the Year Award, sponsored by Dunnes Stores Simply Better, went to O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon Company, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. As part of this prize, O’Neills Dry Cure Bacon Company will have the opportunity to work directly with the Dunnes Stores Simply Better development and buying team, as well as the marketing team, to launch the

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

Oonagh Monaghan, Alpha Omega Consultant/Money Brendan Conway from Lidl Ireland presents the Rising for Jam, accepts the Food Hero Award from Aldi Ireland’s Star Award to Nick and Jack Cotter, Cotter Organic Lamb, Group Buying Director, John Curtin, and Hector Ó hEochagáin, event MC. with event host, Hector Ó hEochagáin. brand with Dunnes.

All the small producers who entered their produce into the awards were considered by the Dunnes Stores Simply Better team using the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards’ robust judging criteria: quality, ingredients, taste, aroma, innovation, packaging and price.

A shortlist of three companies then made a ‘Dragons Den’ style presentation before the judges arrived at the winner.

Last year’s winner, Wildberry Bakery has just started supplying its delicious carrot and walnut cakes to Dunnes Stores, and on the back of this new contract is taking on two new staff.

Irish Quality Drinks Awards There were a number of Irish Quality Drinks Awards announced, including Armagh Dry Craft Cider from Aldi Ireland; Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne; Allini Prosecco Spumante Conegliano from Lidl; Chianti Dunnes Stores Simply Better Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva; Listoke 1777 Small Batch Gin; Tesco Finest Vinas Del Rey Albarino; Tesco Finest French Grain Vodka; Tesco Finest Sauternes; and La Fabrique a vin Alicante Bouschet IGP Pays d’Oc 2018 from Dunnes Stores.

Tesco Ireland’s Head of Technical Law, Tracey McDermott, presents the No Time for Waste Award to Edward Spelman, Managing Director, Ballymaguire Foods, with event MC, Hector Ó hEochagáin.

Shining a light “Yet again we have been inundated with the highest quality produce in Ireland,” noted Beckie Dart, Director of the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards. “The Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards are proud to help shine a light on Ireland’s best from both branded and own label markets. Congratulations to all those who were shortlisted and winners. We can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store!”

Follow the latest news and competitions via the IQFA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ IrishQualityFoodAwards and on Twitter @ IrishQFAs.

The Meet the Buyer Award went to Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese. Eamon Ryan, Limerick Local Enterprise Office, presents the award to father and son, John Hempenstall (second from right) and Johnnie Hempenstall (second from left), alongside event MC, Hector Ó hEochagáin.

Our food keeps winning awards but the real winners are our customers.

Irish Quality Food Retailer of the Year 2019

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Award Winners Gold Q Award North Cork Pure Irish Creamery Butter Christmas Q Award Wildberry Bakery Jewelled Christmas Cake Food Hero Award: Oonagh Monahan, Food Business Development - Alpha Omega Consultant/ Money for Jam

Meet the Buyer Award: Wicklow Gold Beechwood Smoked Cheddar - Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese No Time for Waste Award: Ballymaguire Foods Rising Star Award: Cotter Brothers, Producers – Cotter Organic Lamb

Retailer of the Year: Dunnes Stores Christmas Retailer of the Year: Dunnes Stores Small Producer of the Year: O'Neills Dry Cure Bacon Co.

Irish Good Choice Quality Food Awards Dairy: Tesco Organic Low Fat Milk Food To Go: Vegan Sweet Potato Fritter and Spiced Hummus Wrap - Deli Lites Free From Allergens - Savoury: Tesco Wicked Kitchen Hella' Hot Cracked Corn Dip Free From Allergens - Sweet: Supernature Hazelnut Clusters

Free From Gluten - Biscuits and Cakes: Wildberry Bakery Chocolate and Raspberry Cake Free From Gluten - Meats: Garlic Chicken Kiev - Rosie & Jim Free From Gluten - Other: Roll It All Butter Pastry Grocery Ambient: Healthy and

Alternative: Tesco Bran Flakes Ready Meals: Pickle Organic Succulent Slow Cooked Organic Irish Lamb Shoulder & Date Tagine Reduced Fat Meat: Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Fillets - Rosie & Jim Reduced/Low: Wexford Home Preserves No Added Sugar Blackcurrant Jam

Irish Quality Food Awards Bacon: O'Neills Dry Cured Back Rashers Bakery - Bread Rolls: Tesco Chia Seed and Sunflower Roll Bakery - Breakfast Baked Goods: Tesco 5 Mini Danish Pastries Bakery - Flatbreads: Tesco Finest Flame Baked Peshwari Naan Bread Bakery - Home Baking and Cakes: Tesco Pour and Bake Salted Caramel Cakes Bakery - Large Loaves: Tesco Ciabatta Grande Bakery - Packaged Loaves: Tesco Finest Oatmeal & Linseed Loaf Bakery - Speciality Loaves: Tesco Finest Sourdough Bakery - Wheaten and Soda Bread: Jinny's Irish Stout Bread - Jinny's Bakery Beef: Aldi Specially Selected Irish Angus Rib Roast on the Bone Biscuits - Savoury: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Multi Seed Rye Crackers Biscuits - Sweet: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Cantuccini Toscani PGI Breakfast Products: The Chia Collective Organic Chia Muesli with Cranberry, Spelt and Popped Grains Butters and Spreads: North Cork Pure Irish Creamery Butter Cheeses - Continental Hard Cheese: Aldi Specially Selected Italian Parmigiano Reggiano Wedge Cheeses - Continental Soft Cheese: Aldi

Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Salad Cubes Cheeses - Irish Hard Cheese: Aldi Specially Selected Vintage Irish Cheddar - Traditional Cheese Cheeses - Irish Soft Cheese: Wicklow Bán Brie - Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese Cheeses - Speciality Cheese: Tesco Finest Gorgonzola PDO Piccante Children's Food: Dan & Monstro Homemade Curry Sauce Chilled Dairy: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Fresh Irish Madagascan Vanilla Bean Custard Chocolate and Confectionery: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Salted Caramel Fudge Christmas Q - Cakes and Puddings: Wildberry Bakery Jewelled Christmas Cake Christmas Q - Cheese and Cheeseboards: Tesco Finest Irish Cheese Collection Christmas Q - Confectionery: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Nougat Selection Christmas Q - Desserts: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Bûche De Noël Christmas Q - Fish: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Irish Smoked Trout Pâté Christmas Q - Other Meats: Lidl Deluxe Dry Cured Irish Bacon Loin Joint with

Acacia Honey and Mustard Glaze Connolly Meats Christmas Q - Savoury: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Award Winning Orange & Honey Ham Glaze Christmas Q - Sweet: Aldi Specially Selected Irish Brandy Butter Christmas Q - Turkey: Dunnes Stores Make Christmas Free Range Fresh Irish Reared Turkey Crown with a Sage & Onion Stuffing Cold Beverages - Carbonates: King of Kefir - Herbel Crest Cold Beverages - Juices and Smoothies: Keelings Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice - Keeling F Juices Cold Beverages - Presse and Cordials: Tesco Finest Sparkling Sicilian Lemon & Garden Mint Presse Condiments: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Sweet Chilli Sauce Cooking Sauces: Szechuan Sauce - My Apricot Kitchen Crisps: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hand Cooked Clogherhead Sea Salt & White Wine Vinegar Crisps Delicatessen Goods - Antipasti: Aldi Specially Selected Oriental Side Salad Delicatessen Goods - Continental Meats: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Prosciutto Di Parma Delicatessen Goods - Dips: Aldi Basil Topped Houmous Topped with Pesto & Parmesan Cheese

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Delicatessen Goods - Meat Based Items: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Irish Duck Rilette Pâté Delicatessen Goods - Pre-cooked Meats: Lidl Deluxe Irish Carved Topside Beef - O'Brien Fine Foods Desserts and Puddings: Lidl Deluxe Sticky Toffee Pudding Eggs: Lidl Deluxe 6 Corn Fed Free Range Eggs Omega 3 Enriched - Connolly's Organic Eggs Fillet Beef Steaks: Aldi Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Fillet Steaks - ABP Cahir Fish - Fresh: Carlingford Oysters Carlingford Oyster Company Fish - Frozen: Donegal Catch 2 Craft Cider Battered Atlantic Haddock Fillets Green Isle Foods Fish - Prepared: Dunnes Stores Fishmonger Meals - Soya & Plum Tuna Steaks Fish - Smoked: Tesco Peppered Smoked Mackerel Fillets Flavoured Sausages: Loughnane’s Jerk Chicken Sausage - Sean Loughnane’s Galway Food To Go: Boots Piri Piri Chicken Couscous and Feta Wrap - Deli Lites Fresh Produce - Fruit Prepared: Lidl Meadow Fresh Fresh Cut Fruit Salad Fresh Cut Food Services Fresh Produce - Fruit Unprepared: Tesco Supersweet Yellow Flesh Nectarines Fresh Produce - Vegetables Prepared: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Soy Ginger & Chilli Asian Style Greens

Fresh Produce - Vegetables Unprepared: Lidl Deluxe Rooster Potatoes - Meade Potato Company Game: Lidl Deluxe Confit Duck Legs Silver Hill Foods Hot Beverages - Coffee: Tesco Finest Ristretto Coffee Capsules Hot Beverages - Tea: Dunnes Stores Gold Blend Tea Ice Cream: Tesco Finest Raspberry & Pomegranate Lollies Jams and Sweet Spreads: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Limited Edition Pure Raw Irish Honey Lamb: Dunnes Stores Irish Lamb Rosemary & Garlic Tomahawks Meal Accompaniments: Tesco Meals Made Easy Sweet Potato Mash Oils and Vinegars: Amodeo Intense Balsamic Reduction Other Cuts - Beef Steaks: Salt Aged Sharing Striploin Steak - James Whelan Butchers Pasta, Rice & Grains: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Burrata & Nduja Mezzelune Pizzas: Aldi Specially Selected Spicy Pepperoni and Chorizo Pizza Pork: Tesco Finest Roast in the Bag Irish Pork Fillet with a Cranberry, Apricot and Orange Stuffing wrapped in Dry Cured Streaky Bacon Poultry: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Bronze Butter Basted Turkey Breast Joint Puddings: Rudd’s Chorizo White Pudding - Sean Loughnane’s Galway Quiches, Pies and Pasties: Dunnes

Stores Simply Better Handmade Barrel Aged Feta & Roasted Vegetable Quiche Ready Meals: Bombay Pantry Goan Vegan Curry Relishes and Chutneys: Beetroot Relish - Moran's Megajam Rib Eye Beef Steaks: Aldi Specially Selected Tipperary Dry Aged Irish Black Angus Rib Eye Steak - ABP Cahir Seasonal Occasions - BBQ: Tesco Fire Pit Kentucky Style Beef Brisket Seasonal Occasions - Easter: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Single Origin Colombian Milk Chocolate Egg Sirloin Beef Steaks: Lidl Irish Sirloin Steak with Garlic Butter - Liffey Meats Snacks - Savoury: Lidl Alesto Brazil Nuts Snacks - Sweet: Keogh's Honey and Sea Salt Popcorn Soups: Le Skinny Chef Leek & Nettle Soup Store Cupboard Items: Dunnes Stores Mustard & Maple Dressing Striploin Beef Steaks: Salt Aged Striploin Steak - James Whelan Butchers Traditional Sausages: Aldi Specially Selected Handtied Sausages Value Q: Dunnes Stores My Family Favourites Caesar Salad Vegetarian/Vegan: Dunnes Stores Vegetable Curry Vegetarian/Vegan - Foodservice: Rich Sauces Vegan Mayonnaise Yogurts: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Made Triple Berry Yogurt

Irish Quality Drinks Awards Beer and Cider Gold Winner: Armagh Craft Cider Dry - Aldi Ireland

White Wine Over €12: Tesco Finest Sauternes

Champagne and Sparkling Wine Gold Winner: Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne

White Wine: White Wine Up to €12: Tesco Finest Vinas Del Rey Albariño

Sparkling Wine Gold Winner: Allini Prosecco Spumante Conegliano Lidl Ireland Red Wine Over €12: Dunnes Stores Simply Better Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva Campomaggio Red Wine Up to €12: Dunnes Stores - La Fabrique a vin Alicante Bouschet IGP Pays d'Oc 2018 LGI Wines

Gin: Listoke 1777 Small Batch Irish Gin Listoke Distillery Boyle's Gin - Aldi Ireland Liqueurs: Lidl Deluxe Irish Whiskey Liqueur – Terra Vodka: Tesco Finest French Grain Vodka :Winner (Gold)

30|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Invest Northern Ireland

Northern food solutions: award winning quality Food and drink producers from Northern Ireland have won a host of national and international awards in recent months, including big wins at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards and Blas na hÉireann.

CRAFT cider, premium crisps, vegan mayonnaise and a vegan wrap were all winners from Northern Ireland at this year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards in Dublin.

The winning brands included Armagh Cider and Glens of Antrim Potatoes, as well as Deli-Lites and Rich Sauces, both based in Co. Down. These companies are already doing significant business in Ireland with major retailers, independents and foodservice companies.

Deli-Lites also collected a second award for an innovative wrap for the ‘food to go’ sector.

Blas na hÉireann Awards These IQFA achievements followed quickly on the back of outstanding results for Northern Ireland’s food and drink companies across a broad range of Jen Guiney, Business Development Executive, Invest Northern Ireland. product categories at last month’s Blas na hÉireann Northern Ireland’s Burren raise the company’s profile considerably.

Awards in Dingle.

Balsamics, from Richhill, Co. Armagh, This year, Northern Ireland At this event, Northern Ireland was awarded gold and also Best Artisan companies also performed particularly companies gained 11 gold and 30 Product for its Raspberry Infused well in ‘The Chef’s Larder’ category, other awards, across a broad range Balsamic Vinegar. This was a very with awards being presented to Hannan of categories, including eggs, bakery, significant win for this small family Meats for guanciale and a gluten free meats, charcuterie, healthy snacks, business, who specialise in fruit infused Italian style sausage, and to Craic Foods alcohol, balsamic vinegar, apple cider balsamics and white condiments, using for its Black Garlic Solo product, as well vinegar and rapeseed oils. locally sourced ingredients, and will as En Place Foods for its Fresh Pine Oil

Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie|31

Invest Northern Ireland and Fresh Loveage Oil, and Kettyle Irish Foods for its Beef Marrow Melt.

In addition to the high level of recognition at the IQFAs and Blas, almost 180 products from Northern Ireland companies were successful in the UK Great Taste Awards in September, with eight achieving the coveted three gold stars rating. This included Whitewater Brewery in Co. Down, which gained the prestigious Golden Fork for Northern Ireland.

World’s Best Food Destination These outstanding achievements at IFQA, Blas and the Great Taste Awards demonstrate that Northern Ireland is now an international hub for fabulously creative and delicious food and drink, an important development for the region, which was endorsed by the award of

Northern Ireland’s Burren Balsamics, from Richhill, Co. Armagh, was a big winner at the Blas na hÉireann Awards, winning Gold and also Best Artisan Product for its Raspberry Infused Balsamic Vinegar.

Bernard Sloan, Whitewater Brewing Co., winner of NI Regional Fork award for its Craft Beer: Krem De La Kremlin Russian Stout at the 2019 Great Taste Awards.

Craic Foods Black Garlic Salt, Chef’s Larder winner at 2019 Blas na h’Éireann Awards.

World’s Best Food Destination at the World Travel Trade Awards in London last November.

The strength and diversity of this rich and distinctive food culture is now widely recognised by the market, consumers and food journalists.

As a result of this engagement in national awards, Northern Ireland food and drink companies have become an important source for major supermarkets, independents and delis seeking innovative and quality food products, with a wealth of products from Northern Ireland on the shelves of major supermarket chains, including Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, Tesco Ireland, Aldi and Lidl.

Top Quality Private Label As well as branded food, the supermarkets in Ireland are increasingly looking to Northern Ireland for private label food and drink products. This is perfectly illustrated by the recent IQFA winner, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, who were nominated for the Awards by

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Invest Northern Ireland

Dunnes Stores Simply Better Clogherhead Sea Salt and White Wine Vinegar Crisps, produced by Glens of Antrim Potatoes, winner at 2019 Irish Quality Food Awards and Blas na hÉireann.

The DeliLites team, who picked up two awards at the 2019 IQFAs in the Food To Go category for their Vegan Sweet Potato Fritter and Spiced Hummus Wrap.

Dunnes Stores. Glens of Antrim Potatoes produce Dunnes Stores Simply Better Clogherhead Sea Salt and White Wine Vinegar Crisps, which was also a winner at Blas na hÉireann.

The achievements also reflect the position of food and drink in Northern Ireland, where it is a serious business with a focus on market-led innovation and premium quality. It is a highly valued and respected industry and is still Northern Ireland’s biggest manufacturer, one which contributes upwards of €5.8 billion (£5 billion) to the local economy annually and is now a major supplier to multiple retailers and foodservice operations, including highend restaurants, hotels and retailers, not only in Ireland but across Europe.

the UK and works closely with its food and drink portfolio to build their capability, including presenting opportunities for them to access and evaluate consumer insights data.

The Business Development Team has the contacts and expertise to enable retailers to identify and avail of potential opportunities offered by Northern Ireland’s innovative, creative and customer-focused producers. These companies are also nimble, versatile and ready either to adapt existing products or to develop new ones to meet specific customer requirements.

Invest NI’s Business Development Team It is important to point out that retailers and distributors are also able to sample the best of Northern Ireland food and drink and have opportunities to meet their producers through Invest Northern Ireland's Business Development Team, which seeks to facilitate engagement between Northern Ireland producers and retailers in Ireland and beyond.

This team organises Meet the Supplier events and factory visits on a regular basis, has an annual presence at a number of key shows in Ireland and

Taste the Island This all adds up to Northern Ireland being a rich source of the greatest variety of Kettyle Irish Foods Bone Marrow Melt, one delicious, wholesome, original of the 2019 Blas na h’Éireann Chef’s Larder and safe food and drink from winning products. an ambitious, progressive and responsive industry. It is also an Business Development Executive, industry which has embraced the Taste Invest NI. Email jen.guiney@investni.com the Island initiative with enthusiasm. or Mob +44 (0) 7985111024 If you wish to source product, Information about the producers is organise a factory visit or find out more also readily available digitally on the about Northern Ireland food and drink www.buynifood.com website. producers, please contact Jen Guiney,

Grand Central Hotel, Belfast, Co. Antrim

Northern Ireland.

Bringing our world-class food and drink to your table.

When you source food and drink from Northern Ireland, you can be sure of its quality. That’s why Northern Ireland’s food and drink regularly features in global awards for outstanding taste such as the Quality Food Awards, Great Taste Awards, World Cheese Awards, International Wine & Spirit Competition and the Blas na h’Éireann Irish Food & Drink Awards. This is also why Northern Ireland was named the World’s Best Food Destination at the International Travel & Tourism Awards 2018.

Learn how you can serve our quality food and drink.

For further information contact Jen Guiney, Invest NI E: Jen.Guiney@investni.com M:+44 79 8511 1024

Northern Ireland. Altogether more.

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Store Focus

A Fresh Approach to Shopping

Fresh at Capital Dock is the progressive group’s flagship store, offering a unique shopping experience in one of Dublin’s most prestigious locations.

WHEN Fresh The Good Food Market won the 2018 NACS International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award in London, it displayed very clearly just how hungry the brand was for success. It also showed just how high standards in grocery retailing have become in Ireland.

The successes of 2018 were great for Fresh, but it did leave the organisation with the question of ‘what next?’ The answer turned out to be quite simple, invest more and raise standards even higher. The latest addition to the brand in Capital Dock in Dublin is going to win awards; you read it here first. It is a world class example of what a high concept grocery offering can deliver.

Fresh at Capital Dock is stunning, having been tailor-made to fit perfectly into one of the most prestigious areas in the capital. Shopping in Fresh at Capital Dock is an experience to remember. This is a destination shop with distinction.

The attention to detail and investment in quality is relentless. The fixtures, fittings, flooring and lighting are all of extremely high quality for a supermarket; the look and feel is closer to a high class hotel. Located near State Street, Indeed and JP Morgan,

and directly underneath Capital Dock Residence, Dublin’s largest residential tower featuring luxury and penthouse apartments, Fresh at Capital Dock has been designed with its location in mind at all times and offers a shopping experience that will impress even the most discerning customer.

A Wonderland of Surprises The 7,000 square feet of space is a

wonderland of surprises, offering a relaxed shopping atmosphere devoid of noisy shelf shouters, with premium Irish and international brands perfectly presented. Fresh at Capital Dock features a number of entirely new elements, including a Willy-Wonka like Gelateria offering top quality treats and a new Fresh Juices concept. The Fresh Caffé and Fresh Kitchen concepts, meanwhile, look spectacular and

The juice bar at Fresh offers both made to order and self-serve fresh juices.

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Store Focus

The stunning Fruit & Veg and healthy snacking area in Fresh at Capital Dock. reinforce how strong the focus on foodfor-now and food-to-go is in the shop.

The Fresh baked goods, the extensive self-serve salad bar, the signature sandwich creations, Asian street food and traditional hot food meals, all meet a variety of shopping missions. Indeed, Fresh proudly displays its mission statement above the fresh baked goods: “Our mission is to provide our customers with a combination of fresh, quality and authentic food for now and food for later … we do this with great customer service in a pleasant atmosphere.”

Pleasant seems somewhat of an understatement; the atmosphere is delightful. The shop features a large and luxurious sit-down area for customers to relax and eat on the premises with views out across the River Liffey. It also features a large external seating area which will prove popular during the summer months.

Reflecting its Prestigious Location “We are extremely proud of what we have done here,” Noel Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Fresh The Good Food Market, tells Retail News. “We have invested a tremendous amount of time and energy in making sure every part of this shop was exactly right. This shop has been designed at all times with its location in mind; this is an extremely prestigious location in Dublin and the shop needed to reflect that.”

Smith stresses that the team at Fresh have “extremely high standards” but that’s not all: “We also have quite a lot of local knowledge, as we have another location nearby at Grand Canal Dock. We wanted to create a shop that was absolutely world class and deliver a shopping experience for our customers with a difference. We knew that this was the perfect location for that type of shop.”

Engaged and Attentive Staff Fresh at Capital Dock is not somewhere to go to save big on a basket of goods; it is a place to go and take some time out, a place to go to treat yourself and your senses. Extremely helpful and attentive staff are on hand to make sure your experience is the best possible one every time you visit.

“We spent a lot of time training staff in advance of the opening,” Smith reveals.

“We have some new concepts that they needed training on and we also spent time making sure everyone was up to speed on how existing concepts would function in this new space. It is absolutely critical to make sure that all staff are engaged and capable in order for the shop to maintain its standards. All the

FACT FILE: Founder:

Noel Smith

Location:

Capital Dock, Dublin 2

Size:

7,000 square feet

No. of Staff:

36 full time & part time

Opening Hours: 7am-9pm, Monday-Friday; 8am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday Fresh at Capital Dock also features a full off licence and a range of core grocery brands, with a focus on a small selection of core ambient grocery brands that sell at high volume.

Alongside the premium Irish and international brands on offer, the own brand range of Fresh products is very visible on the shelves. Star products, such as Tony’s Chocolonely, the super successful Dutch Fairtrade chocolate, sit alongside Irish brands like Butler’s on backlit shelves, calling to consumers to treat themselves or buy a lovely gift for someone else.

effort and hard work we have put into this project could easily be washed away if the right staff were not in place to deliver the experience. We have a very strong focus on people in Fresh; it is a point of pride to us that we now employ over 280 people in the group. We have come a long way in a little over a decade and we intend to go a lot further together.”

Fresh at Capital Dock is a strong statement from the group; this is a store that, once visited, is impossible to forget, with exceptional standards across every aspect of store design and layout making this nothing short of spectacular.

The Fresh Kitchen, offering both self-serve & serve assisted produce, reinforces how strong the focus on food-for-now and food-to-go is in the shop.

36|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update RETAIL IRELAND HOSTS EUROCOMMERCE IN DUBLIN IN October, Retail Ireland had the honour of hosting the Board of EuroCommerce, the European retail and wholesale trade association, here in Dublin for the first time in almost a decade.

EuroCommerce represents retail and wholesale businesses operating across each of the 28 European Union States and its membership includes global brands such as Tesco, Ikea, Amazon, Marks & Spencer and Carrefour.

EuroCommerce members serve up to 500m consumers across Europe every day, while also employing millions of European citizens. Further information on their activities is available Pictured are (l-r): Christian at https://www.

Verschueren, Director General eurocommerce.eu/. of EuroCommerce; Minister for During the twoEuropean Affairs, Helen McEntee day visit to Ireland, TD; Régis Degelcke, President the EuroCommerce of EuroCommerce; and Thomas Board availed Burke, Director of Retail Ireland. of guided store tours of Avoca in Dunboyne and Maxol’s M3 Mulhuddart Services site, the purpose of which was to demonstrate the diverse range and innovation that is a hallmark of the Irish retail sector. The group met Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD, while our Chairperson, Brian Donaldson of the Maxol Group, and Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, addressed the Board on the

second day of the visit, when there was an opportunity for an exchange of views on topics such as supply chain, trade and of course, Brexit.

The opportunity to host this meeting was an ideal way to show the innovation and dynamism that is evident in Ireland’s retail sector. With Brexit looming large Pictured during the on the horizon, it EuroCommerce meeting in was also a perfect Dublin are : Retail Ireland opportunity to Director Thomas Burke; underscore with our Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec; European partners Régis Degelcke, President the unique situation of EuroCommerce; Brian the Irish retail sector finds itself in. Minister Donaldson, Chair of Retail Ireland and CEO of the Helen McEntee took Maxol Group; and Christian a wide range of Verschueren, Director General questions from the of EuroCommerce. assembled retailers during what was a valuable session, with different perspectives on Brexit coming from various members of EuroCommerce from across Europe.

It further cemented Retail Ireland’s strong relationship with this pan-European organisation that holds considerable influence in the European institutions from where an increasing amount of legislation originates, which impacts the retail sector in Ireland.

Met Éireann addresses Retail Ireland Council Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting with Met Éireann, addressed the assembled Retail Ireland membership at the bi-annual Retail Ireland Council on September 25. Recent years have seen increasingly extreme weather events which have been severely disruptive to the retail sector. We in Retail Ireland felt that an opportunity for retailers to engage with Met Éireann on the issue of weather warnings would be beneficial not just for retailers but would also allow Met Éireann to understand the concern in the sector on the application of the more severe red warnings in particular.

It has been felt in the past by the sector that more clarity on the application of weather warnings was merited and this was conveyed to Cusack on the morning. In the course of the discussion, Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting made clear

that red weather warnings are only put in place in the case of severe weather. She explained to the group that there are strict criteria that must first be met for Met Éireann to issue this level of warning; for example, winds must reach a mean speed in excess of 80 km/h with gusts of 130 km/h or more, or snow is falling that is likely to cause accumulations of 8cm.

Cusack explained that these rates of both wind and snow accumulations are extremely rare in Ireland but may begin to increase in frequency in the years ahead.

With the formation of the National Emergency Coordination Group, every effort is now made to ensure that retailers and their distribution centres are included in any discussions that include the issuing of weather warnings which could have an impact on the sector.

Tel: 01-6051558 www.retailireland.ie Need more?

For more information about what we do and how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie.

Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie|37

Gala Excellence in Retail Awards

Gala rewards top retailers October saw Gala’s annual Trade Fair and Excellence in Retail Awards taking place at the K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare.

HUNDREDS of guests attended the annual Gala Trade Fair and Gala Excellence in Retail Awards ceremony, which took place at the beginning of October at The K Club.

Retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and Gala stakeholders converged on Kildare, where they first attended the Gala trade fair at Punchestown, followed by a night spent celebrating excellence in retailing at the Gala Group’s Awards.

Gala Trade Fair Over 100 suppliers took part in this year’s Gala trade fair, which took place at the Trackside Pavilion at Punchestown. Gala retailers attended to avail of ‘show-only’ offers and suppliers enjoyed the opportunity to meet new and established Gala retailers from across the country.

“For over 20 years, our suppliers have made great efforts in supporting the Gala Group and its retailers, not only at the trade show and conference, but all year round,” enthused Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail. “The trade fair provides both retailers and suppliers with the chance to meet face-to-face, creating and strengthening partnerships and providing an opportunity to showcase the latest innovations and products. This event offers retailers the opportunity to avail of exceptional offers, to the benefit of both parties.

“Gala continues to deliver great value, quality produce and excellent service to our customers, and our suppliers play a huge role in helping our stores to achieve this; they’re an integral part of the Gala mix.”

Following the trade show, Gala retailers dressed for success at the annual Gala Excellence in Retail Awards dinner, which was MC’d by TV presenter Síle Seoige, and featured entertainment from internationally renowned ‘Mind Magician’, Keith Barry.

CEO of Gala Retail, Gary Desmond, with host of the Gala Group awards, Síle Seoige, and ‘Mind Magician’, Keith Barry.

John O'Connor, Commercial Director, Tayto Snacks, pictured accepting the Supplier of the Year Award from Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail.

38|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Gala Excellence in Retail Awards

Tony Cluskey, Marketing & Ambient Trading Manager, Gala Retail, is pictured with Paula Mulrooney of Mulrooney’s Gala, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, winners of the Community Initiative Award, and Sinead Duffin, Nestlé.

Gala Retail’s Marketing & Ambient Trading Manager, Tony Cluskey, is pictured with Brian King and Marie Corrigan from King’s Gala, winners of the Marketing Initiative Award, and Barry Filgate, Tayto Snacks.

Category Winners: • Customer Service Award: Harkin's Gala, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal.

• Alcohol Award: Hanlon's Gala, Longford.

• Fresh Food Award: Gala Rathdrinagh, Navan, Co. Meath.

• Baker Corner Award: Browne's Gala, Manorcunningham, Co. Donegal.

• Marketing Initiative Award: King’s Gala Group.

• Community Initiative Award: Mulrooney’s Gala, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

• Brand Champion Award: O'Shea’s Gala, Blennerville, Co. Kerry.

• Chilled Retailer Award: McGloin's Gala, Foxford, Co. Mayo.

• Fresh food manager: Sarah Flynn, McDermott’s Gala, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick.

• Manager of the year: Ciara Smith, Gala Portarlington, Co. Laois.

• Special Merit Award: Bracken’s Gala, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

Innovation and Growth During the opening remarks at the Awards ceremony, Gary Desmond thanked suppliers and retailers for their support and attendance at the Gala trade fair earlier in the day, praising them for their part in making it another successful trade event for the group.

He also took the opportunity to revisit the Group’s successes and marketing activities throughout the year, as well as the growing success of Gala’s range of in-store concepts.

Acknowledging the key role that innovation plays in today’s fastmoving convenience sector, Desmond referenced the growth of Gala’s concept offerings: “Delivering new and exciting solutions, giving our customers more reasons to visit Gala and enhancing their experience at Gala stores is what the team at Gala are focused on.

“Based on the success of the Baker’s Corner concept, we have introduced a number of new exclusive Gala Concepts,” he continued. “First came Coffee Junction, and last year we introduced Galato and New Street Deli to much success. These concepts have proven to be popular footfall drivers

Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie|39

Gala Excellence in Retail Awards for retailers and continued innovation and development of instore offerings and concepts represents the future of convenience retailing.”

The CEO also outlined the growth of the Gala Group, extending a warm welcome to all of the new stores that have joined Gala in the past 12 months from the Gala Retail family.

Sponsorships, Promotions & Marketing During his speech, Desmond highlighted the marketing activities, promotions and partnerships that Gala has undertaken so far in 2019.

This year marked Gala’s fifth year in partnership with Special Olympics Ireland, a partnership that was recently recognised at the prestigious Chambers Ireland Awards, where Gala Retail received the award for Excellence in Community for Partnership with a Charity.

Following a hugely successful Gala Gifts for Schools campaign in 2018, the competition has returned in 2019, with an increased prize fund to €30,000, with three primary schools each wining €10,000 in three categories –Best Health & Wellness Project, Best Tech Project, and Best Eco Project.

Desmond also took the opportunity to talk about the Group’s latest partnership - the first ever Sunday Independent / Gala Retail Inspiration Awards. Gala has teamed up with Ireland’s most read newspaper to launch the search for Ireland’s unsung heroes, with the inaugural awards ceremony due to take place in November.

Excellence in Retailing Presented to stores that are deemed outstanding, following a comprehensive and independent assessment process under the Gala ‘Business Excellence Standards Tool’ (B.E.S.T) programme, the Gala annual Excellence in Retail Awards recognise excellence in retailing throughout the Gala Group.

“The Gala Group is privileged to have so many accomplished retailers who embody the ethos of Gala Retail by going the extra mile to deliver excellence in retailing,” explained Desmond. “Our annual awards provide an opportunity to recognise these retailers on a national platform, and to celebrate their successes over the past year.”

A record number of awards were presented this year, with 60 stores from across the country being recognised for excellence in retailing and 12 Category Awards presented, including the Customer Service and Brand Champion awards.

Tony Cluskey, Marketing & Ambient Trading Manager, Gala Retail, pictured with Kieron and Mary O'Shea of O’Shea’s Gala, Blennerville, Co. Kerry, winners of the Brand Champion Award, and Tony Costigan, Sales Capability Manager, Mondelez Ireland.

Tayto Snacks was named as Gala Supplier of the Year, and Commercial Director of Tayto Snacks, John O’Connor, commented that the company was thrilled to be receiving the award in this, it’s 65th year in business.

In closing, Desmond stated, “The Gala Excellence in Retail Awards are

not given to stores automatically; they are earned. Our annual B.E.S.T awards are judged by an external third-party to ensure standards are upheld year-onyear. We are thrilled to say that this year, a record number of stores have met the highest standards and been recognised with Gold Awards.”

Audrey Kelly, Fresh Foods, Frozen Trading & Chilled Logistics Manager, Gala Retail, pictured with Goisa Hrynko and Kareen Farrell, Gala Rathdrinagh, Co. Meath, and Gillian Wilson, Carroll Cuisine.

42|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products & Accessories

Smoke Signals

The tobacco products and smoking accessories category remains a big footfall driver for retailers.

THE Irish tobacco industry continued to be adversely impacted by the ongoing decline in retail volume sales of cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos and pipe tobacco in 2018, with fine cut tobacco also registering a volume contraction for the first time, albeit a modest one, according to the latest report into the tobacco market by Euromonitor International.

Euromonitor attribute the contraction in fine cut tobacco to that sector coming under increasing pressure from economy cigarettes, with a ban on 30g pouches playing a key role in this, alongside recent increases in excise narrowing the price gap between economy cigarettes and fine cut tobacco.

Within fine cut tobacco, RYO tobacco has grown exponentially in recent years, and although it stagnated somewhat in 2018, Euromonitor expect it to return to growth over the coming years.

Most of the major manufacturers are looking for new ways to maintain their sales and generate growth, including moving into the vaping category, as well as the launch of better value larger packs.

Grocery retailers, led by convenience stores, remained the leading distribution channel for cigarettes in 2018, followed by newsagent-tobacconists/kiosks, according to Euromonitor.

An EU-wide track and trace system was introduced earlier this year in a bid to address the issue of illicit trade, as part of the EU’s revised Tobacco Products Directive (TPD2). The traceability system involves all tobacco packs being marked with a unique identifier and all relevant operators involved in tobacco trade being required to record the movement of these packs throughout the supply chain and transmit the related information to an independent provider. Retailers obtain two separate ID codes, an Economic Operator ID code, which identifies the retailer, and a Facility ID code, to identify the outlet where the cigarettes and Roll Your Own tobacco are sold. If a retailer operates more than one outlet, a Facility ID code is required for each location.

Cigars and cigarillos in 2018 continued to be led by John Player & Sons, largely thanks to the strength of its Café Crème cigarillos and wide product portfolio. However, Gallaher’s Hamlet remained the leading brand in the category overall due to its stronger distribution across Ireland, according to Euromonitor.

Silk Cut As Ireland’s number one cigarette brand, with over 21% share of the ready-made cigarette market (Source: Nielsen

Silk Cut continues to adapt its portfolio to meet the changing preferences of existing adult smokers in Ireland. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland Limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

IRELAND’S No.1 RYO. *

INNOVATOR NOT IMITATOR. PREMIUM QUALITY. FINEST BLEND. DISTINCTIVE TASTE.

Outers must be removed before retail sale. Packs in this outer are Plain Packaging compliant. compliant *Nielsen Extended Scan Track, 68.7% RYO SOM latest 4 weeks 8th September 2019. Correct at the time of printing.

This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

Smoking kills.

44|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products & Accessories Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOM 21.4%, September 8, 2019), Silk Cut Purple, Blue and Silver, from JTI Ireland, remain some of the most recognised cigarette products amongst existing adult smokers in Ireland.

With the largest cigarette portfolio on the market, consisting of 14 SKUs in total, Silk Cut is widely recognised not only for its distinctive taste and superior quality but also for its market leading innovations. From Flavour on Demand to FirmTech Filter, Silk Cut continues to adapt its portfolio to meet the changing preferences of existing adult smokers in Ireland.

Benson & Hedges From JTI Ireland, Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s is Ireland’s leading cigarette product with 9.9% share of the Irish cigarette market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOM Mayfair continues to lead innovation in the value sector. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland Limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s is Ireland’s leading cigarette product.

Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland Limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

9.9% Sept 8, 2019). Leveraging its rich heritage and superior quality, Benson & Hedges Gold remains at the forefront of the tobacco industry, diversifying and innovating to remain the number one cigarette product in Ireland.

Mayfair As Ireland’s number one value brand, Mayfair, from JTI Ireland, offers market-

leading quality, which is chosen by over one in every three existing value smokers (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOS 36.9%, Sept 8, 2019).

Mayfair’s brand promise is to deliver affordable quality, while continuing to lead innovation in the value sector.

Mayfair once again delivered on this promise in October 2018, with the launch of Mayfair Double Capsule. The product contains two capsules, one spearmint and one peppermint, allowing adult consumers two capsules, four flavours and more value.

Amber Leaf With over 68% of the Roll Your Own market, JTI Ireland’s Amber Leaf brand is the clear leader within the market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RYO SOM 68.7%, Sept 8, 2019). As market leader, Amber Leaf has pioneered the development of some of the key innovations within the Irish RYO category. Amber Leaf was the first to launch the Crush Proof Box (CPB) format and the first to include filters.

Amber Leaf, favoured by existing adult Irish RYO smokers, is made from the finest Virginia tobacco which is expertly blended to deliver its distinctive market leading taste. Amber Leaf Original & Blonde are available in two

The hugely popular Amber Leaf RYO brand. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland Limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products. formats: 30g Pouch with papers & 30g Box with papers & filters.

John Player With innovation at the core of their brands, John Player have a wide and varied portfolio of tobacco products.

JPS ensures a high quality tobacco experience at an honest price, across the range, including the 29 pack at only €16 RRP. Introduced into the market in 2009 and now Ireland’s fastest growing cigarette brand with market share of 11.23%, JPS continues to provide products which meet both the varying tastes of adult smokers, whilst also remaining competitive in the growing value sector (Source: Nielsen Data / MAT / to October 6, 2019).

Adult consumers seek value in every category of their shopping experience and tobacco is no different.

From the premium filter lines, Blue and Silverstream, to the menthol offerings, Crushball and Green, JPS caters to the preferred and diverse tastes of adult tobacco consumers.

The range includes: JPS Blue: a firmer filter is a consumer hallmark of high quality, keeping the perfect shape to enhance the smoking experience throughout; JPS Red: premium quality tobacco at a value price; JPS Silver Stream: smooth filter has

QUALITY ASSURED

IRELAND’S Nº1 VALUE

CIGARETTE BRAND*

AVAILABLE IN KING SIZE, SUPERKINGS AND BIG BOXES (24 & 28)

A MODERN EXPRESSION OF QUALITY

*Nielsen ROI Extended Scantrack, RMC SOM, YTD 8th September 2019. Correct at the time of printing. Outer must be removed before retail sale. Packs in this outer are plain packaging compliant.

This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

Smoking kills.

46|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products & Accessories

JPS continues to provide products which meet both the varying tastes of adult smokers, whilst also remaining competitive in the growing value sector. unique flow channels, giving consumers exceptionally smooth taste; JPS Green Edge: features a mentholated inner liner which is more effective at transferring menthol flavour than filter tips; JPS Crushball: delivers a smooth fresh burst precisely when consumers want it.

Having a selection of blends, formats and pack sizes available enables retailers to satisfy the varied preferences of all adult smokers. Contact the John Player Trade Sales Team on (01) 2434900 now to place an order for JPS.

Ampersand has recognised the need for greater choice with NPD that taps into consumer trends including OCB Virgin Slim Papers and Tips, for consumers looking for an unbleached paper and a softer smoke.

Featuring an unbleached paper with a natural brown colour, OCB Virgin Paper offers the highest level of rolling paper quality. Manufactured to the best standards to offer a silky touch, lightweight feel OCB Papers & Tips and premium quality, OCB New product development, innovation Virgin provides consumers and a strong range is key to driving with the best possible rolling growth of the tobacco accessories and experience. OCB Virgin Papers RYO category, according to Ampersand. offer a unique proposition, providing real appeal for consumers who are looking for an all-natural rolling paper for a smoother smoke. Each leaf is gummed with OCB natural acacia gum, Consumers trust the Swan brand and sustainably sourced retailers can benefit from best-in-class from African acacia margins, strong sell through and repeat trees, which is purchase. both 100% natural, vegetarian, GM Swan product ever. free and legendary for its It’s not just consumers that effectiveness! recognise Swan as a trusted brand.

OCB Virgin has updated Retailers can benefit from best-in-class branding so the OCB & Virgin margins, strong sell through and repeat brand is more visible, and purchase on the entire Swan range, from is now printed on recycled filters to lighter fluid. material in a Virgin Slim Retailers interested in reviewing vertical box, helping retailers their tobacco accessories range can to manage shelf space. contact Ampersand, with unique promotional offers and competitive Swan RRPs available across leading brands, Also from Ampersand comes including Swan. Ampersand’s local the Swan brand, including sales representatives have a wealth of Swan Ultra Slim, the thinnest knowledge in this category and the team ever Swan filter and a can assist retailers in selecting the right premium quality product range to suit any store.

OCB Virgin and Swan Papers and OCB Virgin Slim Papers and Tips, for consumers aimed at discerning smokers, and Swan ‘Eco’ filters, the Tips are distributed in Ireland exclusively looking for an unbleached paper and a softer most environmentally friendly

by Ampersand, Tel: (01) 4130100. smoke.

at an honest price.

IRELAND’S FASTEST GROWING CIGARETTE BRAND*

Stock up on quality.

*Nielsen Scantrak MAT 52 weeks, W/E 18th October 2019.

LOG ON TO WWW.SHOWMEID.IE & MAKE&SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS PROTECTED LOG ON TO TO WWW.SHOWMEID.IE MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS PROTECTED LOG ON WWW.SHOWMEID.IE & MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS PROTECTED

Smoking is for adults is and Player believes that children should not smoke.

Please be ever vigilant.

Smoking is for adults and Player believes that that children should not smoke.

Please be ever vigilant.

Smoking forJohn adults andJohn John Player believes children should not smoke.

Please be ever vigilant. there is is any doubt about a person’s ageage - always refuse the sale. for Trade Customers Only.

If there is any doubt about a person’s age - always refuse the sale.

Information Trade Customers IfIfthere any doubt about a person’s - always refuse the Information sale. for Information for TradeOnly.

Customers Only.

LOG ON TO WWW.SHOWMEID.IE & MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS PROTECTED

Smoking is for adults and John Player believes that children should not smoke. Please be ever vigilant.

If there is any doubt about a person’s age - always refuse the sale. Information for Trade Customers Only.

For For Tobacco Tobacco For Tobac Traders Only Traders Only O ForTraders Tobacc

Traders On

48|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking – Essentials

Festive favourites

‘Tis the season to stock up on everything from selection boxes to whipped cream as consumers indulge in a little luxury for the Christmas holidays.

CHRISTMAS is coming and consumers around the country are getting ready to splurge over the festive season, stocking up on the finest products available on your shelves for gifting, home entertaining and, of course, the Christmas dinner itself.

Last December, Irish grocery value sales reached €995m, the highest monthly total ever recorded in the Irish grocery market, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel. This was driven

by Irish shoppers spending an average of €694 on groceries in December – €151 more than the typical month. Branded and premium private label ranges grew by 3.8% and 11.2% respectively as shoppers spoiled themselves and their families over Christmas 2018.

The popularity of classic Christmas staples continued to endure, with mince pie sales rising by more than 10%.

Meanwhile, seasonal biscuit ranges grew by 11% and shoppers spent almost €2m on Christmas puddings alone.

Lindt Lindor Maintaining their position as the number one boxed chocolate brand, Lindt Lindor continue to outperform the market, growing three times faster at +9.3% and a holding a market share of 13.4% (Source: AC Nielsen 52 weeks; Market Pralines - data to October 6, 2019, MAT). Lindor’s success comes not only from the much-loved classic Lindor milk recipe but also through their continual innovations to the market that are guaranteed to excite and delight your shoppers.

This autumn

For Christmas 2019, Lindor Milk & White will join the exciting Lindor line-up.

Make your sales

blissful

with Ireland’s No.1 Boxed Brand

STOCK UP NOW! *Source AC Nielsen 52 weeks to October 6th 2019

Lindt Master Chocolatier since 1845

50|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking – Essentials

The Lindor Maxi Ball 550g has huge on-shelf impact. welcomes the launch of the latest limited edition to the Lindor cornet range. Lindt’s master chocolatiers have taken the smoothest melting white chocolate and enrobed it in the finest milk chocolate to create Lindor Milk & White. With a unique recipe and taste profile that only Lindor can deliver, Milk & White looks certain to be a massive hit this Christmas.

For Christmas 2019, Lindor Milk & White will join the exciting Lindor lineup of flavours and formats. From the classic milk cornet in a variety of sizes to the wow impact gift of Lindor Maxi Ball 550g and the prewrapped understated elegance of the Lindor gift box 287g, Lindt have Christmas gifting covered.

As market leaders, Lindt will deliver a massively up-weighted

national support plan this Christmas behind the Lindor brand, with Lindor TV advertising returning to your screens from November and a strong push in-store, with premium point of sale and display.

With a format for every occasion, give your shoppers the gift of bliss this Christmas: Lindor from Lindt!

Lindt Lindor 200g retails at €6.99 and the Lindor Gift Box 287g retails at €12.

the perfect gift at Christmas time, and this festive season, Cadbury is ‘heroing’ people’s generous instinct with opportunities to give the perfect gift to someone you love.

This year’s Secret Santa campaign will see Cadbury popping up in two locations in Ireland in the lead-up to Christmas, with a Build Your Own Selection Box experience! Do you know someone who would do anything for a Dairy Milk, or go crazy for a Caramel?

Consumers can hand-pick someone they love the perfect combination of their favourite Cadbury bars to create the ultimate selection box they will love! The selection will be made up of plenty of Cadbury favourites, including the classic Cadbury Dairy Milk range, Freddo, Wispa, Twirl and many, many more!

Those unable to make it to the Build Your Own Selection Box experience

Cadbury Nothing feels better than giving someone

Cadbury Roses is getting a makeover for 2019, with a tin designed by jewellery and watch designer Olivia Burton.

Lindor’s 287g gift box is sure to be a huge hit with Irish consumers.

can catch the Secret Santa Post Van at four locations around the country throughout the month of December. The Secret Santa Post Van will give people the opportunity to send a Cadbury Dairy Milk bar for free to someone they love anywhere in Ireland.

Cadbury is synonymous with Christmas, and some new additions to the Cadbury Christmas range will be sure to delight chocolate fans this year.

Everyone’s Christmas favourite, Cadbury Roses is getting a makeover for 2019. A must-have for fashion lovers,

Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie|51

Christmas Stocking – Essentials

The new Heroes Games Edition has a built-in game on the tin, which is the perfect group game to enjoy with family and friends. the brand with 80 years heritage as a consumer favourite will be packaged in a tin designed by jewellery and watch designer Olivia Burton.

Christmas means boardgames, and why not play while enjoying Cadbury Heroes with all the family? The new Heroes Games Edition has a built-in

game on the tin, which is the perfect group game to enjoy with family and friends.

What’s better than one Oreo? How about a yard of the world’s favourite cookie in a cheeky novelty gift? The Oreo Yard Stick is another new offering for Christmas this year.

The Oreo Yard Stick is a new offering for Christmas this year from Cadbury.

Tesco celebrates Poinsettia harvest SEAN Grimes, Production Manager at Uniplumo, is pictured with Belle Walsh (aged five) at the annual Poinsettia harvest, marking the beginning of the festive season. North Dublin-based Uniplumo is Ireland’s largest grower of Poinsettia and has been supplying Irish Poinsettia to Tesco for the past 22 years.

With the countdown to Christmas officially on, Uniplumo is set to supply close to 85,000 Poinsettias for delivery to Tesco stores across Ireland over the season.

Ampersand Ampersand’s confectionery lines will make the perfect stocking fillers for those consumers who want to make Christmas that little bit extra-special for their loved ones, from kiddies to grandparents.

The Sonas Sweets range of confectionery will make fantastic stocking fillers for both kiddies and big kids alike this festive season. Sonas Sweets has a range of premium jellies and sweets and a €2 mix-up of all the classic favourites. The €1 hanging bag range has over 23 delicious treats and would make perfect Christmas stocking fillers for sweet lovers, offering great value for money and the opportunity to turn a good Christmas stocking into a great one for very little cost!

Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery, a much-loved Irish brand, has returned to the market after 30 years and is the perfect solution to creating stocking filler nostalgia this Christmas. The Cleeve’s range consists of bars and hanging bags. The bars have a Willy Wonka likeness to them and a retro look that appeals to all ages. Each bar is also foil wrapped for freshness and as a nod to its vintage roots and will offer a unique and memorable consumer experience for the chocolate lover this festive season.

The bar range includes Macaroon, Sea Salt Caramel Crisp, and Mint Crisp, with three new additions: Classic Milk Chocolate, Classic Dark Chocolate and Honey Crisp.

The Cleeve’s range also has a hanging bag selection that would make a lovely stocking filler for those family members with a sweet tooth. The range includes Iced Caramels, Original Toffee, Chocolate Caramels, Original Fudge, Macaroon Bites and Irish Golden Days.

The best-selling Original Slab Toffee has also been relaunched and a treat sized box of Original Iced Caramels has been

52|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking – Essentials One4All partners with Tesco Ireland ONE4ALL recently announced a new partnership with Tesco Ireland which will see the retailer sell One4all Gift Cards, making it easier for consumers to buy gifts for loved ones.

Available to purchase in a range of values from €15 to €150, One4all Gift Cards are now available for purchase at all 151 Tesco Ireland locations across the country.

An added bonus, Tesco Ireland will now also accept One4all Gift Cards as full or part payment on items purchased in-stores nationwide.

“We’re delighted to partner with One4all to offer our customers across the country the opportunity not only to purchase the cards but also to redeem in-store,” said Ruairi Twomey, Marketing Director at Tesco Ireland.

Michael Dawson, Group CEO at One4all, added: “We are thrilled to add one of Ireland’s largest and mostloved supermarkets to our treasured list of partners. We know that this relationship with Tesco will make gift buying and grocery shopping so much more convenient for communities around Ireland. We look forward to a fruitful future in partnership with Tesco Ireland.”

Ampersand’s confectionery lines make the perfect stocking fillers this Christmas, from Sonas Sweets and Cleeve’s. developed as a premium treat pack for snacking.

Ampersand will have Christmas Stocking wobblers available for both ranges to prompt consumers in-store. If you would like to stock Sonas Sweets and Cleeve’s, please get in touch with your Ampersand representative or call the sales line directly on (01) 4130150.

Avonmore A must for everyone’s shopping list this and every Christmas is Avonmore Cream, with over 1.5m households in Ireland buying Avonmore Cream and almost 300 units bought every minute during Christmas week. Avonmore Freshly Whipped Cream is the

perfect accompaniment to Christmas desserts.

Cream is a must stock item for the Christmas season and Avonmore has a wide range of creams to suit every occasion, including Avonmore Freshly Whipped Cream, which is already whipped for added convenience, delicious Avonmore Sour Cream for party dips and appetisers, and Avonmore Fresh Dessert Cream, perfect for pouring straight over puddings and festive treats.

Already whipped and ready to serve, Avonmore Freshly Whipped Cream is the perfect accompaniment to Christmas puddings, mince pies, Irish coffees and Christmas desserts.

Avonmore Whipped Cream is a key

01 4130150

info@ampersandsales.ie

www.ampersandsales.ie

@Ampersand_Ire

54|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking – Essentials Lidl launch Christmas food range LIDL has launched its Christmas food offering, with sweet and savoury treats perfect for every occasion over the festive period. Lidl has it all this holiday season, from fresh Irish turkeys to mouth-watering Deluxe desserts. Favourites from previous years are back by popular demand, along with over 150 new tasty and affordable extras. The range includes everything from canapés to the full Christmas dinner, deluxe seafood, veggie options and show-stopping desserts, delicious cheeses and a host of chocolates and wines.

Avonmore Whipped Cream is a key seller for Christmas and particularly popular due to its added convenience. seller for Christmas and particularly popular due to its added convenience.

In addition to standard whipped Cream, Avonmore has a number of flavoured whipped creams, perfect for the festive season and for consumers looking for an extra twist for their festive treats. Back by popular demand, Baileys Whipped Cream combines the unique and great taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur and Avonmore Freshly

Whipped Cream. Delicious on top of a chocolate cake, in a latte, or with any dessert of your choice, it combines two great Irish products into one unforgettable taste. Also back by popular demand, Avonmore’s Caramel Whipped Cream is a clear seasonal favourite with consumers. Infused with delicious Christmas caramel, this fabulous flavour appeals to consumers both young and old and is perfect for family dessert and treats.

For consumers who want a luxuriously thick pouring cream,

Avonmore Luxury Fresh Custard is made with fresh Irish cream infused with Madagascan vanilla beans.

Avonmore has a number of flavoured whipped creams, perfect for the festive season and for consumers looking for an extra twist for their festive treats, including Baileys Whipped Cream and Freshly Whipped Brandy Cream.

Avonmore Fresh Dessert Cream is a festive favourite. The deliciously smooth, thick consistency is the perfect accompaniment to mince pies, Christmas pudding, trifle & Christmas treats. For information on all Avonmore seasonal favourites and a wide range of stunning Christmas recipes sure to impress guests, plus step by step video guides, consumers can visit cookwithAvonmore.ie.

The Avonmore range also includes Avonmore Luxury Fresh Custard, made with fresh Irish cream infused with Madagascan vanilla beans.

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Christmas Stocking – Essentials

The Baileys Chocolate Collection (227g) is perfectly presented in a stunning, black and gold circular box and contains a range of Baileys milk, dark and white truffles, along with other classics such as coffee, caramel and almond.

Baileys Chocolates The glorious combination of Baileys Original Cream Liquor with the finest chocolate creates the perfect indulgence for Baileys and chocolate lovers this Christmas.

The Baileys Chocolate Collection (227g) is perfectly presented in a stunning, black and gold circular box and contains a range of Baileys milk, dark and white truffles, along with other classics such as coffee, caramel and almond, guaranteed to delight everyone with a sweet tooth.

With a smooth milk chocolate shell and a creamy centre, Baileys original truffles have a devoted fan base and have proved especially popular at Christmas! The tube or mini pouch is an ideal Christmas stocking filler, while the truffle bar is perfect for sharing anytime.

In 2018, Baileys launched a salted caramel chocolate range, to the delight of chocolate lovers everywhere. Available in a sharing tube or pouch, each is filled with mini truffles wrapped with silky smooth chocolate shells and oozing with a salty caramel centre that has a touch of the iconic Irish cream.

The Baileys Gift Box (260g) is another fantastic option for gifting during the festive season. This range includes a selection of favourites, including milk, dark and white truffles, brownies and caramels, all with the signature Baileys flavour.

To find out more about Baileys Chocolates and browse the full range, visit the website at www.lirchocolates.com/baileyscollection.php.

Pez Exceptional growth in sales of the Pez range of novelty candy dispensers continues in Ireland through 2019. Pez

is an iconic brand which has featured in several TV series and big-screen movies.

Pez has become a global collectible phenomenon, with dedicated collectors known to pay substantial sums of money for rare and desirable pieces.

There has been a long association between Disney and Pez since 1962, and the latest Frozen 2 movie, launching on November 22, will see several new Pez collectibles featuring well-known Frozen 2 characters available in-store immediately. Demand for Frozen 2 is expected to deliver a huge spike in sales in the run-in to Christmas.

The collectible ranges for Christmas will also include LOL Surprise, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Toy Story 4, Hello Kitty, and more. Pez collectibles are perfect Christmas stocking-fillers, and each Pez display box contains several different characters featuring a particular licence.

Pez candies are lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan, GM-free and free-from artificial colours and are distributed exclusively in Ireland by Shelton, Dublin. For more information, call (01) 4018455 or visit www.shelton.ie.

Pez collectibles are perfect Christmas stocking-fillers, with the Frozen 2 characters set to capture imaginations this season.

There will be huge demand for the new Pez collectibles featuring wellknown Frozen 2 characters.

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Christmas Stocking – Essentials

Over 80 years of Sellotape Top 10 Sellotape Facts

The iconic Sellotape brand, which celebrated its 80th birthday last year, has a host of options available for the hectic Christmas season.

THE well-loved and well-known brand, Sellotape, had a humble beginning with its inception in Acton Town, West London, in 1937. Since then, Sellotape has ascended into iconic status, earning an entry in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1980, and now selling nine million rolls a year.

With five million rolls anticipated to be sold in the run-up to the festive period, Sellotape is now the nation’s

Sellotape now sells nine million rolls each year.

favourite sticky tape brand, with tens of thousands of stockists in Ireland & the UK. “We celebrated our history and achieved a milestone in 2018, reaching our 80th birthday and now we look to the future, embracing all the developments we can offer to our endconsumers,” said Elaine Ash, Marketing Manager Ireland, Henkel.

Proving indispensable in homes, schools and offices, it has earned its status and has become a true household name, which is even more evident at Christmas; so make sure to have the must stock product Sellotape in your stores for the The Sellotape on-hand dispenser and refills always prove festive season. hugely popular at Christmas.

1. Production of Sellotape began in West Acton in 1937.

2. Sellotape Original Golden was used to help seal first aid kits during World War II. 3. In 1970 Sellotape became a regular on children’s TV programme Blue Peter.

4. Henkel purchased Sellotape in 2003.

5. The brand logo has been changed more than 10 times during the eight decades. The last major brand relaunch in 2009 saw Sellotape’s lozenge logo modernised and transformed into a graphical swoosh.

6. In 2003, Sellotape was the recipient of Superbrands’ most trustworthy brand award.

7. It would take 14,654 rolls of Sellotape Original Golden to get from one side of the UK to the other.

8. The word Sellotape has its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.

9. The amount of Original Golden rolls sold each year is enough to reach the moon.

10. There are 98 variations of Sellotape.

The decorative festive tapes from Sellotape are huge sellers in the run-up to the festive season.

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Christmas Stocking – Spirits

High spirits Spirit sales continue to grow, with a peak expected over the festive season.

SALES of spirits in Ireland are on the rise, having once again registered an increase in 2018 (+6.6%), up from 2.25m to 2.4m nine-litre cases, according to the 2018 Irish Spirits Market Report by Drinks Ireland. As with previous years, most Irish spirits are purchased through the off-trade market. The proportion of the drinks market represented by spirits is gradually increasing and crossed the 20% mark for the first time in over a decade in 2018.

Gin and premium Irish whiskey remain the fastest growing spirits in Ireland, while vodka registered the highest sales of all categories. Gin once again grew (up by 31.8%) but at a slightly slower pace than in previous years.

Combined liqueurs also registered increased sales during the year and Irish GI products registered an increase in sales of 7.5% over the course of the year.

Irish whiskey is the second most popular spirit in Ireland, with a 25.1% share of the market. Sales increased by 5.4% between 2017 and 2018.

Despite a strong performance by both gin and whiskey, vodka remains Ireland’s favourite spirits drink,

accounting for 33.7% of all spirits sales, up by 4.8% between 2017 and 2018.

Graham Norton’s Gin Graham Norton’s foray into the spirits business has seen two of his newto-market gins win gold and silver at the prestigious Gin Masters 2019 competition in London.

Judged alongside industry peers in a blind tasting competition, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin scooped a coveted gold medal, while his popular Graham Norton’s Own Pink Gin landed a silver award.

Created in collaboration with West Cork Distilleries, Skibbereen, and distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin is a combination of juniper and coriander, with hints of locally foraged rosehip, fuchsia petals and gooseberries rounding off the special blend of 12 botanicals. The gins boast a London Dry style and a flavour as likeable and distinctive as the man himself! His second winner, Graham Norton’s Own Pink Gin, has pushed the boundaries with its use of locally foraged botanicals

Graham Norton’s Award winning gins were created in collaboration with West Cork Distilleries, Skibbereen. also. Both are produced from 100% Irish grain, drawing flavours from rose petals, lemon peel, orange peel, elderflower to name but a few.

HAVE YOU TRIED MY NEW GIN?

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60|Retail News|November 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking – Spirits

Tia Maria is available in special gift packs for the festive season.

Tia Maria Tia Maria dates back to the mid-17th century, when a beautiful young Spanish aristocrat fled the turmoil colonial war brought to the island of Jamaica. Her maid saved one family treasure, a small jewelry box with black pearl earrings and an ancient manuscript with the recipe for a mysterious liqueur. The recipe was named after the courageous woman, and Tia Maria was born. Tia Maria is a sweet liqueur with a strong coffee character and a complex aromatic structure. There are three significant elements: Tia Maria coffee provides the distinctive roasted, full-bodied rich taste; Madagascan vanilla provides a pronounced but delicate, fragrant back note; Jamaica Run is the ingredient that gives body, depth and structure.

Tia Maria is made using cold brew coffee, with coffee beans from the blue mountains of Jamaica. The recipe lay dormant for many years before being rediscovered in the 1940s by Dr Kenneth Leigh Evans, who began to produce and market it. Since then, Tia Maria has been a favourite for coffee cocktail lovers the world over and it was even used in the very first Espresso Martini recipe over 40 years ago. Barry & Fitzwilliam have a Tia Maria Espresso Martini pack this Christmas.

‘Disaronno wears Diesel’ is a limited edition bottle run, with a bold, ironic style that shows Disaronno’s instantly recognisable logo wrapped in an eye-grabbing camouflage denim pattern.

Disaronno Also from Barry & Fitzwilliam, Disaronno, the world’s favorite Italian liqueur, has partnered with Diesel, the iconic global streetwear brand, to customise its new limited edition: ‘Disaronno wears Diesel’.

‘Disaronno wears Diesel’ is a limited edition bottle run, with a bold, ironic style that shows Disaronno’s instantly recognisable logo wrapped in an eyegrabbing camouflage denim pattern (denim is Diesel’s signature textile).

The design reflects the shared

approaches of the two brands: both are world-renowned, Italy-based companies that share a strong focus on promoting creativity and originality.

“Every year, the announcement of the Disaronno Limited Edition is an important international occasion, which we always look forward to. This year, the Disaronno bottle, with its unmistakable shape, takes on an unexpected look full of character. It is the perfect blend of Italian style and modernity,” says Augusto Reina, CEO of Illva Saronno Holding.

Jägermeister Jägermeister, distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, is the world’s leading premium herbal liqueur, whose strictly guarded recipe has remained unchanged for more than 80 years. Jägermeister is made with the highest-grade herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits from around the globe, 56 herbs & spices crafted into four distinct macerates, and combined together. Jägermeister are working towards ensuring the perfect serve globally, which sits at a cool -18°C. Jägermeister Scharf is a new release, which translates to "hot" or "spicy" in German. This is a new expression of the herbal liqueur which is made with the same 56 botanicals but it has extra ginger for an extra kick, highlighting the hot character of Jägermeister Scharf.

Jägermeister and Jägermeister Scharf: hugely popular with Irish consumers.

Rémy Martin VSOP Rémy Martin VSOP, distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, is composed of eaux-devie coming exclusively from the highestquality vineyards of Cognac, the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.

Such eaux-de-vie offer an exceptional ageing potential and are known as Cognac Fine Champagne.

Accounting for one in three bottles of VSOP consumed worldwide, Remy Martin is the benchmark for the VSOP category and is blended from spirits aged from four to 12 years. This latest version finishes the cognac in old barrels for a year before bottling. Rémy Martin VSOP embodies the perfect harmony of powerful and elegant aromas and

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Christmas Stocking – Spirits Cosmopolitan. Cointreau is crafted through the unique distillation of allnatural sweet and bitter orange peels, resulting in a crystal-clear liqueur that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. For more than 30 years, the finest orange peels are carefully selected by Master Distiller, Carole Quinton, to create the definitive orange liqueur.

Cointreau Blood Orange is a bold variation of their recipe, making use of blood oranges from Corsica, along with the peels of sweet and bitter orange that you find in the traditional Cointreau.

The blood oranges are harvested right when the peels are packed with the highest concentration of oils, resulting in rich, expressive citrus notes all the way through. The perfect balance between sweet, bitter and blood orange peels, Cointreau Blood Orange is like tasting a ripe fruit, a new taste experience, both tangy and rich in aromas.

Rémy Martin VSOP accounts for one in three bottles of VSOP consumed worldwide. is the symbol of the cellar master’s art of blending. Rémy Martin VSOP is extremely versatile, so consumers can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Cointreau Cointreau, also from Barry & Fitzwilliam, is the cornerstone of more than 350 internationally renowned cocktails, such as the Margarita, Sidecar and

Glenmorangie Glenmorangie, from Edward Dillon & Co., has created exclusive gift editions of the famous Scotch whisky for the 2019 festive season. Adorned with Glenmorangie’s signet icon, the Glenmorangie Emblem Pack contains a bottle of The Original and two Glenmorangie tumblers. The Glenmorangie Pioneering Collection invites consumers on a journey through the distillery’s range of expressions, which includes three 350ml bottles of

and coconut; Lasanta is smooth on the palate and its honeyed tastes reveal the richness of sultanas, warm spices and Seville orange; while Quinta Ruban’s soft, velvety texture leads to tastes of berries and nutmeg entwined with mint chocolate and seville orange, then a bold and deep finish.

Hennessy Whether it’s VS, V.S.O.P or X.O, Hennessy has the perfect gift sets this festive season, distributed by Edward Dillon.

Only the most distinctive eaux-de-vie

The iconic Hennessy X.O remains unchanged since its creation in 1870. are selected, matured and blended to create Hennessy VS. With their beautifully rounded structure, the eaux-de-vie selected for the Hennessy V.S.O.P stand out for their well-structured character

The Glenmorangie Emblem Pack contains a bottle of The Original and two Glenmorangie tumblers.

The original Cointreau and Cointreau Blood Orange, the cornerstone of countless cocktails.

Glenmorangie Original, Lasanta and Quinta Ruban.

Glenmorangie Original is the original expression of the elegant, yet complex single malt whisky; Nectar D'or enchants with a nose of lemon tart, fresh vanilla pods, orange zest

and their ability to evolve well over several years. The emblematic icon of the House, Hennessy X.O remains unchanged since its creation in 1870, but never ceases to surprise. A blend of 100 eaux-de-vie, its deep amber colour is a sign of its intensity.

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Christmas Stocking – Spirits Jameson The Jameson Gift Box (RRP €25) from Irish Distillers is the perfect gift for any whiskey lover. Each box is perfectly presented with a 200ml bottle of Jameson Caskmates IPA, a pair of socks and a Jameson tumbler.

The Jameson Gift Box includes a 200ml bottle of Jameson Caskmates IPA, a pair of socks and a Jameson tumbler.

Also from Jameson comes Jameson Black Barrel (RRP €50). Matured in reawakened bourbon barrels, for another level of smoothness, Jameson Black Barrel has a unique richness, with intense vanilla sweetness, pot still spiciness and nutty notes. Time spent maturing in these barrels lends this whiskey intensified notes of vanilla sweetness and caramel, alongside toasted wood, fruit, and warm spice.

A personalised engraving is the perfect Christmas gift, and is available free of charge from the unique Jameson Black Barrel Pop up experience in Dublin City Centre South William Street from December 10-24.

Powers John's Lane Powers John's Lane (RRP €66) from Irish Distillers is a celebration of the original style of Powers Whiskey and the quintessential Irish Single Pot Still distillate.

A celebration of Powers original John’s Lane distillery in Dublin, it is matured for 12 years, mainly in first fill American bourbon casks with a small contribution of distillate which has been matured in Oloroso sherry butts. The result is a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey of outstanding flavour and complexity, which provides a perfect tribute to the spiritual home of one of Ireland’s most

The Irishman named Irish Whiskey of the Year The Irishman 17-Year-Old Single Malt, produced by Walsh Whiskey, has been awarded the highest accolade at this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards.

Crowned overall Irish Whiskey of the Year at the annual event, the accolade tops off what has been a fantastic year for The Irishman 17-Year-Old Single Malt.

It was also named Best Irish Single Cask Whiskey at the Irish Whiskey Awards, on top of taking home a Masters medal at the Irish Whiskey Masters earlier this year and being crowned Irish Single The Irishman 17-Year-Old Single Malt, Cask of the Year by Jim Murray’s produced by Walsh Whiskey, was Whisky Bible 2019. named Irish Whiskey of the Year at this The Irishman 17-Year-Old Single Malt is an extremely limited year’s Irish Whiskey Awards. release, with just three casks of 600 bottles per cask produced each year. Originally released in 2016 to mark Walsh Whiskey’s 17th year in business, the expression has become a must-have in any whiskey enthusiast’s collection.

The Irishman 17-Year-Old Single Malt is a superlative Single Malt resulting from 17 years maturation in a first fill Sherry Butt. The signet of this exceptional 17-Year-Old is its rich deep flavour and great warmth. This super-premium, triple distilled Irish whiskey is bottled at 56% ABV and non-chill filtered.

Other expressions from the Walsh Whiskey portfolio that received Irish Whiskey Awards for 2019 were the newly released Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Japanese Mizunara Oak Finish and Writers’ Tears Cask Strength 2019 Release, both of which received Gold Medals.

“The quality of competition across all categories is testament to the fantastic industry we have here in Ireland,” noted Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of Walsh Whiskey. “The Irish Whiskey Awards are the equivalent of the Oscars for the industry and we are honoured to hold the title of Best Irish Whiskey 2019”.

The Irishman is currently enjoying sharing the spotlight with Martin Scorsese’s latest release of the same name, which premiered at New York Film Festival in September.

Powers John's Lane is a celebration of the original style of Powers Whiskey.

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Christmas Stocking – Spirits in two types of wood - American and French Oak. It is triple-distilled, nonchill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV. The expression is made possible by a close collaboration between the Walsh family in County Carlow and the Legaret family in Cognac, France.

Whisky Advocate also gave 'Honourable Mention' to Writers' Tears Cask Strength (2019), which it scored at 93 points.

loved whiskeys. Powers John’s Lane Release won Gold at The Irish Whiskey Masters, Gold at the Beverage Testing Institute and Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2019.

Midleton Very Rare Crafted by Master Distiller Brian Nation, Midleton Very Rare 2019 (RRP €180), the 36th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range, combines only handselected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys of exceptional quality and rarity within the Midleton inventory.

There is also a Midleton Very Rare 2019 Gift Set (RRP €250), which contains the Midleton Very Rare 2019 bottle with two handmade, etched glasses which were designed specifically for this release.

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (RRP €250) displays a distinctive pot still complexity yet is refined and poised on the finish.

Writers’ Tears - Double Oak has been named in Whiskey Advocate’s list of the 10 highest-scoring whiskeys. released in May 2019, has been named in Whiskey Advocate’s list of the 10 highest-scoring whiskeys, out of 150 whiskeys reviewed, in the magazine’s Fall 2019 edition. Awarded 94 points, the second highest score of all whiskeys reviewed, Writers’ Tears - Double Oak’s recommended retail price of €55 is excellent value at approximately half the average price of the Top 10 whiskeys listed.

Writers’ Tears - Double Oak is aged

Ballykeefe Distillery Ballykeefe Distillery has launched two special Christmas gift boxes. Ballykeefe Distillery’s Lady Desart Gin was officially launched nationwide earlier this month.

It is an original London dry gin with an oriental twist, crafted from 12 botanicals that combine to enhance and enrich the juniper flavour with a subtle citrus freshness. Wild forest and long red peppers are handpicked in the wild mountain forests of Vietnam, along with the Cambodian Mondulkiri red pepper, and the inclusion of these three rare oriental peppers makes this such a unique gin.

The Lady Desart Gin Christmas Gift Box contains a 500ml bottle of Lady Desart Gin, a 50ml bottle of Ballykeefe Distillery Extra Dry Irish Gin, a 50ml bottle of Ballykeefe Distillery Sloe Gin and two branded Ballykeefe copa gin glasses.

The Sloe Gin Christmas Gift Box contains a 500ml bottle of BallyKeefe Sloe Gin plus a 50ml bottle of Lady Desart Gin, a 50ml bottle of Ballykeefe Distillery Extra Dry Irish Gin, and two branded Ballykeefe copa gin glasses.

The Ballykeefe Distillery Gin Christmas Gift Boxes retail at €49.99 and are available exclusively in selected SuperValu stores nationwide.

The Midleton Very Rare 2019 Gift Set contains the Midleton Very Rare 2019 bottle with two handmade, etched glasses.

Writer’s Tears Double Oak Walsh Whiskey has scored a double coup as a result of its Writers’ Tears whiskey range being the only whiskey in the world to have two expressions included in the prestigious Whisky Advocate list of highest-scoring whiskeys reviewed this autumn. Writers’ Tears - Double Oak and Writers’ Tears - Cask Strength (2019) are also the only Irish whiskeys to make the list.

Writers’ Tears - Double Oak, first

The Lady Desart Gin Christmas Gift Box contains a 500ml bottle of Lady Desart Gin, a 50ml bottle of Ballykeefe Distillery Extra Dry Irish Gin, a 50ml bottle of Ballykeefe Distillery Sloe Gin and two branded Ballykeefe copa gin glasses.

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Christmas Stocking – Wines

Grape Expectations Jean Smullen examines some ‘must stock’ wines for the Christmas period, from special gift packs to celebratory Champagne.

AS the wine trade in Ireland approaches the busy 2019 Christmas trading period, it is worth taking a look at the Irish Wine Market Report for 2018, recently released by the re-branded Drinks Ireland Wine (formerly Irish Wine Association). These are still challenging times for Ireland’s wine industry; in 2018, total wine consumption decreased by 2% compared to the previous year, which reflects the general trend of declining per capita alcohol consumption on the Irish market. Sales of wine decreased marginally, from 9.1m cases in 2017 to 8.9m cases in 2018.

For the fifth consecutive year, Chilean wine remains the biggest country of origin by volume sales, with a market share of 27.2%, followed by Australia at 15.6%. The biggest change is for Spain, who have overtaken France and Italy into third place with 13% of volume sales on the Irish market. France slips to fourth place with a market share of 11.9% and Italy falls back to fifth with 9.4%.

Sales of wine in the off-trade have gained further ground and now account for 82% of all wine sales on the Irish market; on-trade sales have slipped back from a high of 20% of the market in

2017 to 18% in 2018. White wine remains the most popular; 49% of all wines consumed on the Irish market are white, 46% are red and 5% are rosé.

The market share for wine amounts to 27% of the alcoholic drinks market, compared to 45% share for beer, and 20.5% for spirits. Cider has 7.5% of the total market. Wine continues to be the second most popular drink after beer on the Irish market. (Source: Drinks Ireland Wine 2019 Market Report).

The retail trade is hoping for strong wine sales this Christmas.

The corporate customer is back and consumer confidence is steady, so taking this into consideration, it is hoped that consumers will trade up during Christmas 2019. Let’s take a look at some of the special wines and special offers on offer from the Irish importing trade in the run-up to Christmas 2019.

Barry & Fitzwilliam Barry & Fitzwilliam have a range of successful prestigious French wines on the market, such as Michel Lynch, Guigal and the Gabriel Meffre range. Look out for the Michel Lynch on offer at €12.49.

Villa Maria, another star in the Barry & Fitzwilliam stable, is New Zealand's

The prestigious Michel Lynch wine brand will be on offer this festive season.

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Christmas Stocking – Wines Noir & Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.

These will be available to SuperValu and Carry Out retailers with an RRP of €33.

Barry & Fitzwilliam will also have their number one Australian brand, McGuigan, available in a festive gift pack.

The McGuigan Black Label pack will feature a Red & White varietal from the Black Label range with an RRP of €20.

As Christmas approaches, this is the time of year when the consumer looks at fortified wines such as sherry and port.

Barry & Fitzwilliam have a very strong line-up in the fortified wine sector. The company represents Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry, Croft Original Sherry, Tio Pepe Sherry and Cockburn’s. These are category captains and Harvey’s Bristol Cream and Tio Pepe will be on offer at €14.

McGuigan Black Label Shiraz, one of the top performing wines on the Irish market.

Villa Maria is the leading New Zealand wine brand on the Irish market

leading wine brand on the Irish market.

Look out for the Christmas Gift Twin Pack featuring a Cellar Selection Pinot

Edward Dillon & Co. This year, Edward Dillon & Co will be highlighting their premium Champagne brands in the pre-Christmas period.

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is always in great demand. Veuve Clicquot’s quality is consistently recreated every year thanks to their reserve wines. The Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Gift Box will be available (RRP €58.20).

In 1818, Madame Clicquot created

Moët & Chandon is always in demand when it comes to celebrating.

Clicquot Rosé Gift Box will have an RRP of €69.50.

The house style of Moët Impérial is always in great demand for any celebration. Created in 1869 and celebrating its 150th anniversary, the signature expression of the House style, Moët Impérial brings together an accomplished assemblage of the three main grape varieties of Champagne and the ancestral winemaking tradition that has made the global success of the Maison. Rosé Impérial is distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity. Look out for Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial with Gift Box at a retail price of €60.75. The

The hugely popular Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is available in a gift box this festive season.

Barry & Fitzwilliam have a very strong line up in the fortified wine sector, including Cockburns, Harveys and Tio Pepe.

the very first blended rosé in the Champagne region. She broke with the accepted practice of using an elderberry-based preparation to colour the wine and instead blended red wine from the Bouzy region. The result was the first blended rosé, the Veuve

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2008 has been described as a champagne miracle.

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Christmas Stocking – Wines Moët & Chandon NV Gift Box will retail at €54.20 For the consumer who wants to trade up, vintage Champagne is the ideal gift. The 2008 vintage for Dom Perignon was outstanding. Just as the harvest was getting under way, the weather conditions were perfect and the grapes were riper than anyone dared hope, which allowed them to declare 2008 a vintage year. The Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006 is also exceptional, the wine shows the quality of the Pinot Noir grape harvested that year. Dom Pérignon Vintage 2008 will retail at €216.20, while Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006 is priced at €365.

Findlater & Co. Findlater & Co are another company with some of the most impressive wine names on their list. Their prestigious Champagne house, Champagne Bollinger have just released the Bollinger 007 Limited Edition Millésimé

Champagne Bollinger have just released the Bollinger 007 Limited Edition Millésimé 2011 to coincide with No Time to Die, the 25th James Bond film.

2011 to coincide with No Time to Die, the 25th James Bond film. They have created a limited-edition wine dedicated to 007, with a 2011 vintage inspired by the world of Bond. The jet-black 75cl bottle has the number “25” formed from the titles of the previous films, which are similarly etched on the glass of the wooden box.

The 2011 vintage was made entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the Grand Cru

village of Aÿ where the House was first established in 1829. This is the first time that both the vintage and village have been used exclusively by Bollinger. The Bollinger 007 Limited Edition Millésimé 2011 will be on limited release (RRP €180).

In 1979, Champagne Bollinger appeared on screen with the release of Moonraker, becoming the Official Champagne for the famous British secret agent. To celebrate their 40-year partnership, Champagne Bollinger enlisted designer Eric Berthes to re-imagine the Moonraker space shuttle, crafted from pewter and wood veneer, encasing a Saint Louis crystal ice bucket and a magnum of Bollinger 2007, the Bond vintage par excellence (RRP €5,007).

Names to look out for in the Findlater portfolio also include, from Bordeaux, Chateau Grand Bateau a collaboration between Chateau Beychevelle and Maison Barriere.

There are two wines in the range that are blended by the winemaker of Chateau Beychevelle and represent classic Bordeaux wines offering great value; to make them even more appealing, they are available in in wooden boxes with three bottles of white (Sauvignon Blanc) and three bottles of red (made predominantly from Merlot) sold in a wooden case, this is on offer at €90 for 6 bottles (€14.99 each, down from the normal RRP of €17.99 per bottle). This is a perfect corporate gift offering, a really appealing gift for anyone who loves Bordeaux wine.

From the Côtes du Rhone, Findlater & Co. have the M. Chapoutier Organic Collection Bio on offer at €16.99 (usual RRP €19.99).

Rhône reds offer something for every taste and this biodynamic wine from one of the greatest producers in the Rhône Valley will certainly appeal to the younger consumer who is looking for organic or biodynamic wines.

Look out as well for the Hacienda Lopez de Haro Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 on offer at € 21.99 per bottle, down from €29.99, or Grahams Quinta dos Malvedos 2005 at €39.99, reduced from €50.

Gilbeys With Bibendum Gilbeys with Bibendum will be selling a range of gift packs for some of their top wine brands this Christmas.

Sales of classic wine styles from the Burgundy region are always in great demand at Christmas. Look out for Joseph Drouhin, one of their

The 2015 Joseph Drouhin Cote du Beaune Blanc and Drouhin Vaudon Chablis are classic wine styles from the Burgundy region. top Burgundy houses; the 2015 Joseph Drouhin Cote du Beaune Blanc will be available in Magnums at €250. The Drouhin Vaudon Chablis is on offer at €180 per case.

They also have the Laurent Perrier

Laurent Perrier is one of the most luxurious Champagnes on the market.

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Christmas Stocking – Wines

Laurent Perrier Rosé has a cult following in Ireland, so make sure you stock it.

Gilbeys with Bibendum have Mar de Frades Albarino in Magnum on offer at €130 for a case of six.

Brut NV gift boxes on offer at €190 and the Laurent Perrier Rose NV Gift Pack (with glass) at €200. One of the most luxurious Champagnes on the market, Laurent Perrier Rosé has a cult following, so make sure you stock it.

This is the time of year that sales of wine in Magnum are in great demand.

Gilbeys with Bibendum have the Ramon Bilbao Rioja Crianza in Magnum on sale at €100 and the Mar de Frades Albarino at €130 for a case of six.

The hugely popular Laurent Perrier Brut NV is sure to fly from shelves this Christmas.

Concha Y Toro A brand to watch out for these holidays is 1000 Stories. The brand, launched

by Concha y Toro’s Californian winery, is the initiator of bourbon barrel aged wine. Indeed, winemaker Bob Blue is meticulously ageing the wine, made from Zinfandel grapes with a smalllot approach, together with insightful sourcing and careful management. This results in a polished character, layered flavours and elegant boldness, which all characterise the nature of 1000 Stories.

This is definitely a great wine to go for during winter holidays, the perfect occasion for trading up!

1000 Stories, launched by Concha y Toro’s Californian winery, is made from Zinfandel grapes.

Alliance Wines Alliance Wines have a range of premium wines that they sell to the independent off licence sector. Their pre-Christmas tasting in Dublin revealed a few superstar wines, including 2017 Domaine Pillot, Chassagne Montrachet Blanc (at €319.38 for a case of 12), a sublime white Burgundy. I also loved their 2014 Latium Morin Amarone Campo Leon DOCG (€132.85 for a case of six), a beautiful rich red wine to sip by a fire at Christmas time. Their DOCa Rioja 2014 Bodegas Manzanos Voche Graciano, a Gold Medal winner at Decanter 2017, made from 100% Graciano grown in Rioja Baja, is modern Spanish wine making at its best, from one of the most important producers in Rioja.

Classic Drinks Classic Drinks have a premium Prosecco in the shape of Masottina Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso NV (€22-25). With Masottina, the Dal Bianco family have created a sparkling wine of great finesse. They produce approximately 350,000 bottles and last year, Stephen Spurrier awarded 96 Points for this wine in Decanter, one of the highest ever achieved for a Prosecco. It is slightly

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Christmas Stocking – Wines smoky on the nose and is very fresh in style, with lots of lime fruit. If you are looking for a fine example of premium Prosecco to recommend to your customers this Christmas, this is perfect.

Comans Beverages Comans Beverages have some great premium wine offers this Christmas.

Look out for their brandnew premium wine from California, the Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon (€36). Louis M. Martini uses grapes harvested from some of Napa and Sonoma’s most coveted sites, including the worldfamous Monte Rosso vineyard, to create some of the world’s finest artisan Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1933, Italian-born Louis M. Martini started winemaking at the historic winery in the Napa Valley; today, the winery is owned by the Gallo family.

For the customer who loves good Malbec, make sure you stock another star wine from Comans Beverages, the Trapiche Single Vineyard Ambrosia Malbec (€36.99). Trapiche was founded in 1883. It was twice awarded IWSC Argentine wine producer of the year in 2004 & 2008.

Most of the fruit produced

by Trapiche comes from the eastern part of the Mendoza region.

Comans have a few new stars in their wine range, including a very much “ontrend” wine, the Fairgrape Sulphite Free Tempranillo, which will retail at €12.99.

From Fincas las Moras, the winery who produce the very successful Dada range, they have the Finca las Moras Barrel Malbec (€13.99). I also love their new wine from the Douro region in Portugal, the Pocas Vale de Cavalos, which retails at €15.99.

This perfect winter wine has tons of dark bramble fruit and a good firm tannin.

Irish Wine Show Star Awards presented at Sip 2019 THE National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has awarded its annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards to 45 wines at Sip 2019. Cassidy Wines were the highest overall medal winners on the night, receiving five Gold awards for their wines.

Mackenway Distributors came in second place with four of the Gold Star winning wines. Other companies to win Gold Star Awards included Ampersand Wines, Barry & Fitzwilliam, Gilbeys of Ireland, Liberty wines and Niche Vines @ All the winners at the Irish Wine Show Counterpoint.

Star Awards.

Cassidy Wines won the Wine of the Year Award 2019/2020 with their Domaine de la Borie Blanche Minervois La Livinière 2015 which was the winning wine in the Old-World Red Under €20 category.

The White Wine of the Year was awarded to Domaine Lafage 'Cadireta' 2018 from Mackenway Distributors which was the best wine in the OldWorld White Under €20 category.

Overall winners, White Wine and Wine Each of the winning wines will be sold in of the Year, Bren Smith of Mackenway NOffLA member outlets, of which there are more Distributors Ltd and Cheryl Owens of than 315 nationwide. The chosen wines will be Cassidy Wines. recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. In the pre-Christmas period NOffLA members will promote the Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2019-2020 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts, in a variety of special gift packs.

2019 Gold Star Award Winners Old World White Under €10: Chantarel Sauvignon NV (Cassidy Wines) Old World White Under €15: Alpha Zeta 'C' Chardonnay 2018 (Liberty Wines) Old World White Under €20: Domaine Lafage 'Cadireta' 2018 (Mackenway) New World White Under €10: Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Cassidy Wines) New World White Under €15: Snare Point Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Niche Vines @ Counterpoint) New World White Under €20: Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2017 (Liberty Wines) Old World Red Under €10: La Granja Tempranillo/Garnacha 2018 (Ampersand Wines) Old World Red Under €15: El Perdiguero 'Barrica' 2014 (Mackenway) Old World Red Under €20: Domaine de la Antares Merlot 2018 Winner of the Old Borie Blanche Minervois La Livinière 2015 from Ampersand World Red Under (Cassidy Wines) Wines, winner of €10: La Granja New World Red Under €10: Antares Merlot the New World Red Tempranillo/ 2018 (Ampersand Wines) Under €10.

Garnacha 2018 from New World Red Under €15: McGuigan Ampersand Wines.

Black Label Reserve Shiraz 2015 (Barry & Fitzwilliam) New World Red Under €20: Garzón Tannat Reserva 2017 (Mackenway) Rosé Under €15: Santa Rita Limited Release Rosé 2019 (Gilbeys with Bidendum) Sparkling Wine Under €25: Cune Cava Brut NV (Gilbeys with Bidendum) Champagne Under €60: Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV (Cassidy Wines) White Wine of the Year and Old World White Under €20: Domaine Lafage 'Cadireta' 2018 (Mackenway) Wine of the Year and Old World Red Under €20: Domaine de la Borie Blanche Minervois La Livinière 2015 (Cassidy Wines)

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Forecourt Focus: News Maxol announces 2018 Excellence Awards winners MAXOL has announced the winners of its 2018 Excellence Awards. The annual awards scheme promotes and rewards excellence in retail standards, customer experience, and community engagement across Maxol’s network of service stations in Ireland. The awards were presented at a companywide special celebration in Porto, Portugal.

Maxol service stations in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Wicklow and Dublin have taken home the honours this year, having demonstrated Shane Cantillon from Maxol stand-out performances Carrigaline accepts the award for in customer service overall company-owned Store of and experience, and the the Year from Brian Donaldson, highest of standards in Maxol Group CEO. terms of facilities.

Maxol’s Excellence Awards, now in its twenty-second year, rewards both company-owned and dealer-owned service stations. Awards were presented in the following categories: Excellence in Standards, Customer Experience and Excellence in Community Engagement. The two top performing sites across all categories were rewarded with the most coveted award of the night: Store of the Year.

2018 Winners: Company-owned winners: Excellence in Standards: Donal and Alan Spillane of Maxol Ballinrea, Co. Cork

Excellence in Customer Experience: Joe McCormac of Maxol Blessington, Co. Wicklow Excellence in Community Engagement: Shane Cantillon of Maxol Carrigaline, Co. Cork Overall Store of the Year: Maxol Carrigaline, Co. Cork Dealer network winners: Excellence in Standards: Ray Aherne of Sovereign Retail Limited Rolestown Swords, Co. Dublin Excellence in Customer Experience: Sheahan’s Muckross Road, Co. Kerry Excellence in Community Engagement: Garvey’s Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick Overall Store of the Year: Sheahan’s Aisling Sheahan from Sheahan’s Muckross Road, Co. Maxol Muckross Road, accepts Kerry the dealer network Store of the Year from Brian Donaldson, Maxol “Congratulations Group CEO. to our winning retailers and their teams, who have once again gone above and beyond to provide top class services and facilities to our customers and their communities,” noted Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group. “We believe in the importance and benefits of rewarding our own for their hard work and the standards they maintain and drive, year-on-year. The Awards are a great way of engaging staff and creating a collaborative environment within our service stations, as well as friendly competition among our retailers each year.”

Circle K opens Kilcullen Motorway Service Area CIRCLE K has unveiled its newest motorway service area in its nationwide network, Circle K M9 Kilcullen, located between J2 and J3, on the M9 motorway in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, creating 30 new jobs for the local area. This is the final of the three newly developed motorway sites which Circle K announced plans for last year in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, following recent openings at Athlone and Gorey.

Circle K M9 Kilcullen offers a wide range of superb products and services, including Circle K’s miles and milesPlus advanced premium fuels, dedicated pumps for AdBlue and Gasoil customers and fast-charge points for electric vehicles. Also available are Circle K’s high-quality fresh deli food range, which includes gourmet sandwiches, pizza and carvery dinners, a fully serviced barista serving Circle K’s own Simply Great Coffee, a wide selection of pastries, as well as its signature flavour range of Froster frozen soft drinks, and soft serve ice-cream.

The Kildare site, which is open 24/7, also features a wide range of services for customers’ convenience, including a seated café area, an indoor and outdoor

children’s play area, WC changing and showering facilities, Wi-Fi, and extensive parking for customers including truck and coach spaces. A McDonalds restaurant will also be on site.

The official opening celebration at Circle K Kilcullen was attended by Olympic equestrian hopeful Cathal Daniels, Circle K senior management, local political dignitaries and a host of new customers.

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Forecourt Focus: News Circle K partners with Intouch.com on self-service kiosks CIRCLE K and Intouch.com have announced a partnership that they claim will re-invent in-store customer experience through the introduction of Intouch.com’s state of the art in-store personalisation platform.

Intouch.com will install self-service kiosks in Circle K stores nationwide, with 30 sites being deployed initially, including high footfall motorway sites at Gorey, Athlone and Kill North. Intouch.com’s platform will increase the customer experience by automating the process for customers to provide feedback on their shopping journey and register for a Fuel Card or for the Play Or Park loyalty program.

Additional innovative technology will allow Circle K to use artificial Pictured are Tim Arits, co-founder, COO/CCO, Intouch.com, and Paul Dixon, Senior intelligence (AI) to recommend relevant Director of Retail Sales and Operations at Circle K Ireland. products and promotions in real-time to their customers as they shop. The collaboration is a market-first for forecourt retail and creates Dr Sameh Abdalla, Intouch’s CEO, explained “Machine an exciting opportunity to personalise the shopping experience learning is the fastest way forward to a strong ROI. It allows of Circle K customers. retailers to harness the value of the data that is happening in The system will be enabled with self-learning capabilities, their stores every day in order to greatly extend their current allowing it to self-improve from successful recommendations. targeting capabilities and enhance their bottom line.”

Applegreen Food Awards presented APPLEGREEN has announced the winners of its annual Food Awards for 2019, which took place at the prestigious Slane Castle recently. The Awards celebrate best in class for customer experience and reward excellence in quality across the retailer’s food business.

There were a number of main winners announced on the night, including Bakewell of the Year, which went to Applegreen Navan Retail Park, Burger King of the Year went to Applegreen Rathcoole, Costa Coffee of the Year was presented to Applegreen Castlebellingham North and Food Brand Champion

The Applegreen Food Awards 2019 took place at Slane Castle.

Applegreen Barista of the Year Andrea Scannell (centre) celebrates with Sean Naughton (far left), CEO Bob Etchingham and COO Joe Barrett (right)

went to Bas Wiebenga of Applegreen Navan Retail Park. The other big winner on the night saw 19-year-old Andrea Scannell win Barista of the Year, while Lavazza of the Year went to her and the team at Applegreen Tramore.

“Congratulations goes to all the worthy winners of this year’s Applegreen Food Awards and to all the runners up who made the decision making process so difficult again this year,” said Aaron Duggan, Head of Food for Applegreen. “The hard work and expertise shown by everyone who entered is to be applauded and I’m delighted to host these internal awards, allowing our stars to shine. The Applegreen customer experience is of the utmost importance to us all and these awards recognise the dedication and pride delivered by our teams every day.”

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ECR Awards

ECR Shopper Awards presented The ECR Shopper Conference took place recently, with a host of speakers addressing the changing face of retail, as well as the presentation of the ECR Shopper Marketing and Category Management Awards.

THE ECR Shopper Conference and Awards took place recently at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. The annual event saw a range of speakers discussing the changing face of the retail sector and examining key trends for the months and years ahead, as well as the presentation of the ECR Shopper Marketing and Category Management Awards.

Keynote Address Keynote speaker was Luc Demeulenaere, Director of Strategy at Haystack ShopTing Consulting.

In a very interesting presentation, Demeulenaere spoke about category management in the scope of the retailer as shopper marketer. He discussed the importance of segmentation in category management and the challenge in segmentation work, including the importance of linking consumer and shopper value drivers. Segmentation must connect consumption universes

Pictured are (l-r): keynote speaker Luc Demeulenaere, Haystack; Colm Rooney, Shopper Intelligence; Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland. to make it actionable both for the consumer and the brand, he argued.

He examined ECR’s unique consumer-shopper framework in depth, and discussed positioning the role of the category in the context of winning in retail. Category management is the art of optimising the category experience around the shopper journey for the target personas, Demeulenaere stated, advising brand owners to look for distinctive lifestyle and consumer values that drive choice and target their consumer solution to their needs and values.

Preferred retailers match their offer to the consumer needs and aspirations of their high potential consumer/ shoppers in the shopping mission, including main shop, top-up shop, lunch etc. The role of the destination categories depends on shopping mission.

He examined different shopping missions across different consumer groups, from family driven shoppers to socially engaged shoppers and the economically deprived, looking at how they have very different shopping expectations, and how marketing to the shopper is “the steering engine for bringing all the retailer elements to life”.

The Aldi Effect Other speakers included Colm Rooney, Shopper Intelligence Country Manager, Ireland, who examined the impact of Aldi on the Irish retail landscape.

Rooney looked at the ‘satisfaction battles’ between grocery retailers when it came to price, product, assortment and execution, with Aldi coming out on top, with an overall satisfaction rating of 66%, compared to 64% for Dunnes, 63% for Tesco, 62% for Lidl and 60% for SuperValu. Rooney then delved into the

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ECR Awards performance of the two discounters in Ireland, Aldi and Lidl, and revealed that Aldi is becoming a real main/weekly shop option for Irish shoppers, moving away from Lidl in terms of how we perceive them as a ‘discounter’.

Peak Retail?

David Berry from Kantar asked ‘Have we reached peak retail?’, examining the evolution of the retail sector since the global economic crash in 2009 and predicting some likely changes for the coming years, including changing business models, blurring channels.

Partnerships will become vital, Berry argued, but reassuringly, physical stores will remain critical. Indeed, Berry discussed the continued rise of online shopping, and the key strategies for physical stores to retain their relevance, including functioning as assets for eCommerce/omnichannel operations.

Physical stores must maximise shopping efficiency, Berry noted, while also engaging consumers by making “store shopping as fun as online shopping is easy”. Bricks-and-mortar stores can be a resource for shopping that is the opposite of “routine replenishment”, offering flagship stores that are true destinations.

Shoppers as Environmental Activists Brian O’Kennedy from Clearstream Solutions argued that shoppers are the new environmental activists. He advised delegates on applying sustainability thinking to their business and the benefits to be accrued from doing so. Corporate sustainability is now a core mainstream business metric, he explained, and consumers expect

Michelle McGreal, Goosebump, is pictured presenting the ECR Shopper Marketing Award to Unilever Ireland’s Kate Hegarty, Ice Cream Shopper Marketing, and Elaine Prendergast, Ice Cream Brand Manager. business to rise to the challenge.

Conscious consumerism is fuelled by social media, ‘Turning moments into movements’. He advised businesses to consciously engage consumers on the topic and not wait to be asked.

together we increase the overall size of the cake for all. Retailers and suppliers should focus on the common ground of what shoppers want and how to deliver this profitably for both sides, Flavin argued.

The Evolution of Retailing Robert Flavin, Director, Strategic Planning, V360°, provided a very interesting presentation which looked at the evolution of retailing from the era of the supplier, through the era of the retailer and on to today’s era of the shopper. He outlined the benefits of collaboration in today’s retail environment, whereby instead of competing for a bigger slice of the cake,

Award Presentations: Shopper Marketing The event also saw the presentation of the ECR Shopper Marketing Award, sponsored by Goosebump, and the ECR Category Management Award, sponsored

by V360°.

Unilever took home the ECR Shopper Marketing Award for the launch of Kinder Ice Cream. Unilever Ireland’s Elaine Prendergast, Ice Cream Brand Manager, and Kate Hegarty, Ice Cream Shopper Marketing, talked delegates through the high profile launch of Kinder Ice Cream in 2019, including maximising awareness pre-launch via brand ambassadors like Doireann Garrihy and Baz Ashmawy, and a massive online campaign, and strong distribution in the grocery and convenience channel. Strong visibility in-store was key, targeting consumers in different channels. A high profile advertising campaign, including outdoor, POS and visibility in shopping centres, helped to accelerate demand, while a strong sampling campaign drove trial and purchase.

The other finalists for the ECR Shopper Marketing Award included: •

Lauren West, Shopper Activations Manager, Heineken, is pictured accepting the ECR Category Management Award from Stephen Rust, V360º.

Heineken Ireland and SuperValu: Re-engaging shoppers within the off licence: an agile approach to

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ECR Awards •

disrupting the shopper autopilot.

Catherine Bray, Category Manager, Heineken, discussed how SuperValu and Heineken Ireland worked together to create an engaging solution which disrupts the shopper journey and offers a more exciting experience, with the objective of growing the category, while also exploring how digital assets connect with shoppers, and using the learnings to shape their strategy ahead of legislative changes. A pilot project in SuperValu Castletroy was hugely successful, increasing consumer engagement, growing the category by 16%, and growing the Heineken portfolio at 2.5 times the rate of the rest of the estate, leading to a value share growth of 3.3%.

•

Green Isle Foods: Supporting Shoppers to Reduce Food Waste in 2019. Aisling Twomey, Brand Manager, Green Isle Foods, explained how one in 10 people in Ireland experience food poverty, while Irish businesses and consumers throw out one million tonnes of food each year.

Green Isle’s campaign encouraged consumers to ‘Waste less; Buy Frozen’, targeting adults aged 24-54 and families, and asking them to consciously choose frozen, equating frozen food with reducing waste and saving money. A high profile in-store POS campaign in over 100 stores helped to bring the message to shoppers, while a digital activation campaign saw a 23.3 % increase in visitors to the Green Isle website, 88.8% of whom were new visitors.

Retailer category volumes grew by 3.6-11.7% during the promotion, while retail volumes grew by 7.411.1%.

•

Tesco Firepit, Leveraging the Summer BBQ occasion. Damian Harte and Rose Paget-Frank, Tesco Ireland, and Sophie Van Dijk, Hilton Foods, explained how by developing a differentiated barbecue range via collaborations with a range of producers (Hilton Foods, Ballymaguire Foods, Manor Farm and Coughlan’s) and promoting it around a host of events from March to October, Tesco Ireland increased BBQ sales by 14%, and 75% of the increased spend was incremental.

ECR Category Management Award Heineken Ireland won the ECR Category Management Award for Zero

The team from Heineken Ireland are pictured receiving the ECR Category Management Award for ‘Zero Zone; A scalable category approach to the Non Alcoholic category’.

Zone, a scalable category approach to the non-alcoholic category. Lauren West, Shopper Activations Manager, Heineken Ireland, explained how the company created the Zero Zone, a permanent solution which can house all non-alcoholic beer brands within any retail space. Heineken partnered with key retail customers across the country, including Tesco Ireland, SuperValu, Centra, BWG, Barry Group and Dunnes Stores, sharing their vision with customers and working with the customer category teams, tailoring units to each customer’s requirements. Their field sales team then developed a video to help sell the concept at a store level, advising and educating retailers and coordinating with the installation teams.

The results were extraordinary, with over 400 Zero Zones delivered in six months, resulting in 50% category growth across the non-alcoholic sector, with a 57% increase in non-alcoholic beer shoppers, 70% of whom were new to the beer category.

The other finalist saw Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland and Green Isle Foods teaming up with the purpose of ‘Growing Good Business by Applying a Balanced Category Management Approach’ to the frozen foods category.

Aiza Foy, Range Planning Manager, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, and

Sarah Kearns, Category Manager, Green Isle Foods, explained how the two companies used performance trends, store audits and consumer insight studies to help them understand shopper behaviour, before making category recommendations and starting store trials. Recognising the challenges and opportunities facing the frozen foods category, the companies worked together to grow the category, recognising that frozen vegetarian foods, in particular, are viewed as a ‘hero category’.

Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland and Co-Chair ECR Community, said that the ECR Awards were now a highlight of the industry calendar and were unique for four reasons. “Firstly, all entrants meet in advance of the day with an ECR Panel consisting of the sponsors, Goosebump and V360, and ECR representatives.

There are only two ECR awards every year, making them unique and rare.

All Award entrants present their case study submission on stage, which allows companies to showcase their expertise and capabilities to trading partners.

Finally, the Award winners are selected via a vote from attending delegates, who are the peers of the Award entrants; this makes it a very rewarding accolade to receive.”

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What's New VIVAGREEN LAUNCH TWO ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

MR LEE’S NOODLES LAUNCH AT SUPERVALU

IRISH company, VivaGreen, maker of eco-friendly products and pioneer in sustainable practices for almost 30 years, has launched two new products: SnackSax, recyclable and compostable paper sandwich bags perfect for packed lunches, and DeOdour Chemical-Free, a product made from natural minerals which eliminates bad smells in bins. SnackSax paper sandwich bags are made from 100% compostable paper from sustainable sources and are fully compostable and recyclable.

DeOdour Chemical Free works by binding odour molecules to eliminate bad smells in bins.

MR Lee’s Pure Foods launched three of their six Asian inspired instant noodles with selected SuperValu stores across Ireland.

Mr Lee’s aim to put the ‘good in’ to their foods, not just taking the ‘bad out’. They are loaded with the finest freeze-dried veggies, air-dried Vietnamese rice noodles, herbs, spices and traditional chef-crafted broths to create a real food experience vs traditional cup noodles. They are also low in saturated fats, calories, and sugar and are gluten-free, palm oil free and always guarantee ‘No Nasties’ across the entire range. The flavours include the vegan friendly Zen Garden Vegetables (registered by the Vegan Society), the award-winning Coconut Chicken Laksa and the bestseller, Hong Kong Street Beef.

NEW TEA PYRAMIDS FROM LILY’S TEA LILY’S Tea has launched a brand new, re-designed, innovative, and fully biodegradable tea pyramid containing pure green tea and Lily's Organic Matcha tea. Containing pure green organic green tea and a generous helping of Organic Matcha tea, these pyramids offer the perfect and convenient way to enjoy the powerful benefits of Matcha green tea. Matcha contains more than 10 times the level of antioxidants compared to regular green tea. Mild to taste, these pyramids have been re-designed to have a finer mesh, to keep the Matcha intact until it gets to your cup.

PIP & PEAR UNDERGOES REBRAND IRISH grown chilled baby food brand Pip & Pear is undergoing an exciting new rebrand and will now take on the world of nutritious, organic baby food in the form of Pipin Pear. Launching into new European markets, the name change to Pipin Pear is one that is consistent with all territories from which it will now operate. A healthy and delicious alternative to home cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrients, Pipin Pear is 100% organic and free of all preservatives and additives. The range includes six new dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Mighty Mango & Chicken, Cottage Pie, Hearty Beef Stew, Creamy Chicken, Peas & Pasta and Vegetarian Superstar Pasta. With no added salt, sugar or additives, Pipin Pear is made for children aged from seven months to three years.

ICELAND CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF FROZEN 2 ICELAND Ireland has launched an exclusive new Frozen 2 range from Disney Kitchen and it’s sure to have Disney fans of all ages racing to its freezers as the only place to pick up a Frozen treat. From potato shapes in the image of cute little Olaf to Icicle Lollies that look like they could have been created by Elsa herself, this is not one to be missed for Frozen super fans. Every product in the range meets Disney’s nutritional guidelines, and includes: Disney Kitchen Frozen 2 French Fries; Disney Kitchen Olaf Shaped Noses; Disney Kitchen 5 Icicle Lollies; Disney Kitchen Enchanting Breaded Chicken Shapes; Disney Kitchen 8 Breaded Haddock Snowflakes; Disney Kitchen 6 Olaf Lollies; and Disney Kitchen 6 Raspberry and Peach Flavoured Swirl Lollies.

LIDL INTRODUCES IRISH PLANT-BASED VEGAN BURGERS LIDL Ireland has extended its vegan offering with the introduction of an Irish made, plant based, vegan burger. Priced at €2.99 (2-pack), the Plant to Plate Vegan Burgers are made with fresh, nutritious ingredients packing natural goodness into your diet and guarantee a seriously good taste. Made in Co. Offaly, Lidl’s Plant to Plate Vegan Burgers are produced by Loughnane’s, who have been working closely with Lidl Ireland for over 11 years. The burgers are one of three new vegan products at Lidl, the others being Eden Curried Cauliflower Burgers and Eden Vegan Sausages.

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Shelf Life WEEE Ireland have published findings that 3.2m lightbulbs were recycled in 2018, despite an estimated 10m being sold in Ireland in the same period. WEEE Ireland is calling on Irish consumers to “Have a Lightbulb Moment” and recycle their compact fluorescent (CFL) lightbulbs. “While Ireland is excellent at recycling waste household electrical goods and batteries, it is clear that when it comes to what to do with our old lightbulbs, we are still in the dark,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland.

DUBLIN based bakery Brodericks has secured a tasty new €6.5m contract with Aldi UK and Ireland to supply over 950 Aldi stores. Brodericks has entered into a new one-year contract to supply all Aldi stores with deliciously indulgent Irish baked treats, including the popular Specially Selected Mini Bite Tubs and Hand finished Irish Indulgent Slices. Pictured celebrating the new oneyear deal are Bernard Broderick, Director of Brodericks, and Peter Bough, Aldi Ireland Buying Director.

KEPAK Group is to supply enough meat to table a ‘Sunday Roast’ to those affected by homelessness, supported by the Simon Community, at the charity’s primary city locations over the next year. As part of its ‘Sunday Roast’ campaign, Kepak will be delivering a range of beef, lamb, pork and chicken products to Simon Community locations across Dublin, Cork and Limerick once a week for 12 months, which will save The Simon Community thousands of euro in costs, freeing up much-needed funds to be put towards some of the charity’s other worthwhile initiatives. Pictured are Victoria Antoniades, celebrity chef Nick Munier, and Louisa MacKenzie at the launch of the partnership.

WALSH’S Bakehouse, home of the Waterford Blaa, has announced a new retail partnership with over 90 SuperValu Stores and distributor Irish Pride/Pat the Baker. Since Monday, November 11, Fresh Waterford Blaas are available daily in over 90 Supervalu Store across Munster and South Leinster. “Having successfully completed the SuperValu Food Academy programme, we are now in a position to deliver fresh Blaas Daily, with our partners (and Blaa enthusiasts!) Irish Pride/Pat the Baker, to over 90 SuperValu Stores in Cork, Kerry, Clare, Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary and Limerick,” said Michael Walsh, pictured with Dermot Walsh in Waterford’s Viking Triangle.

ATHLETES Jordan Lee, Ciara Mageean, Nicole Turner and Olympic hero Michael Carruth with Lisa Clancy, Paralympic Ireland Board Member, Pater Sherrard, Olympic Federation of Ireland Chief Executive, at the launch of Circle K’s Here for Ireland initiative, at Killiney Hill Park. Circle K customers can show their support for our homegrown champions by simply scanning either the Circle K app or their Play or Park loyalty tag in-store. In so doing, they will automatically generate digital coins, which Team Ireland athletes can then use to fuel their journey to Tokyo. It is estimated that approximately €250,000 worth of digital coins will be generated over the course of the initiative, all of which will be shared evenly amongst Team Ireland hopefuls.

JACOB Stockdale lines out for Maxol’s Christmas campaign for Aware, with Brian Donaldson, CEO of Maxol Group, and Drew Flood, Aware. Maxol is aiming to raise over €60,000 this Christmas for its charity partner, Aware. Maxol will donate 10c to Aware for every cup of Rosa coffee, tea or other hot drink purchased up to December 31.

With Jacob’s support, Maxol hopes to surpass the whopping €62,000 figure that was raised last year.

SIX incredible cities, 12 emotive families and food cooked with a passion is the recipe for this year’s fourth season of Tastes Like Home with Catherine Fulvio (pictured).

The popular TV series, sponsored for the fourth successive season

by Londis, returned to RTE One on November 4 for six consecutive weeks, promising a serving of delicious recipes steeped in tradition, as well as glimpses into the culture and sights from locations right across the world.

THE Ferrero Group has unveiled a new packaging goal as it releases its 10th Corporate Social Responsibility Report, with a commitment to make all packaging 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. As part of the announcement, Ferrero signed the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment and is sharing the Foundation’s vision of a circular economy for plastics, where plastics never become waste, and the need for action across the entire supply chain. eal INTOUCH.COM and Re-Vision have announced a partnership they claim will re-invent in-store personalisation through the introduction of AI-driven retail recommendations powered by Intouch. The powerful synergy of the two platforms will allow retailers to use AI to inspire their customers with relevant products and promotions in real-time as they shop in-store. The collaboration is a market-first for grocery retail and creates exciting opportunities for retailers to personalise the shopping experience of their customers. Pictured are Dr Sameh Abdalla, CEO, Intouch, and Michel Haagmans, CEO & Owner at Re-Vision.

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