Retail News November 2018

Retail News NOVEMBER 2018

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents News

Call for Common Sense A WORRYING development in Europe could threaten the entire Irish grocery model. A proposed amendment to the EU Directive on Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain calls for a ban on “cooperation agreements to form purchasing groups of retailers and wholesalers”, which is the business model conducted by the majority of Irish symbol groups and wholesale operators.

Our Chief News Reporter, Pavel Barter, talks to Irish retail representatives to find out where this amendment came from and what can be done to ensure that it is not passed into European law (Page 2). Surely, for the sake of ensuring a competitive grocery sector in Ireland and other EU countries where similar buying groups operate, common sense must prevail.

Quality and provenance are key phrases when it comes to the Irish grocery sector, a fact which was highlighted at the presentation of the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards recently (Page 18).

A host of producers from Northern Ireland enjoyed success at the awards and continue to win business with supermarket groups and foodservice operators in the Republic, as highlighted in our focus on Northern Ireland and in particular the sterling work of Invest NI (Page 28).

Quality also abounds in the annual Retail News Christmas Stocking guide (Page 36-59), where you can learn about the brands and products set to soar this Yuletide, from chocolates to Champagnes, poinsettia to pale ale.

2

EU Directive seeks to ban retail buying groups.

3

Dunnes takes top spot in grocery wars.

4

Heineken Ireland secures Business Working Responsible mark; BWG delivers strong growth; National Lottery reveals 2017 trading results.

6

September slowdown in sales growth; Freshly Chopped launches at home range; Jaymark to distribute Philip Morris.

8

Enterprise Ireland opens €1.25m fund for Irish retailers; CCPC launches campaign to help online sellers.

9

Finalists for the National Seafood Awards 2018 announced.

Maxol is launching a new convenience store concept, as well as its Rosa coffee brand, with a strong focus on food-to-go.

Dairy 16

The National Dairy Council promotes and celebrates the quality of Ireland’s pasture-based dairy and its nutritional benefits.

Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 18

24

Recent months saw the full implementation of plain packaging for tobacco products in Ireland, but JTI Ireland is as committed as ever to the success of the tobacco category.

Shop Profile 26

Stafford’s Costcutter in Wexford is sitting brightly in the south-east sunshine, celebrating 20 successful years in business, having recently secured multiple awards at this year’s Barry Group Annual Awards.

Focus on Northern Ireland 28

Jen Guiney, Business Development Executive with Invest NI’s Food & Drink Division in the Republic of Ireland, discusses the exciting business opportunities Northern Ireland’s food and drink producers are successfully pursuing.

IGBF President’s Event

Maxol 14

Tobacco

The winners of the 2018 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards, the Irish Quality Foodservice Awards and the Irish Good Choice! Awards were presented recently at a gala dinner in Dublin’s Clayton Hotel.

18

32

The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund recently hosted its annual President’s fundraising event in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.

Irish Organic Awards 67

The Bord Bia National Organic Awards 2018 saw six organic food companies selected as overall category winners from over 200 entries.

Irish Wine Show Star Awards 72

The National Off Licence Association recently presented the annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards at Sip 2018.

Focus on HR 74

How you handle an employee’s impending retirement is vital, particularly in light of an everincreasing state pension age.

Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.

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Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter Production: Ciara Conway Printed by: W&G Baird

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

Regulars & Reports 10 Industry News 36 Christmas Stocking: Essentials 48 Christmas Stocking: Spirits 54 Christmas Stocking: Beer 57 Christmas Stocking: Wine 60 Tobacco Products 66 Retail Ireland: Monthly Update 70 Forecourt Focus: News 71 Drinks News 76 What’s New

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News

EU Directive Seeks to Ban R A PROPOSED EU directive on retailer/supplier trading practices threatens the fabric of Irish grocery retail, according to retail representative groups. An amendment to the directive on Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain calls for a ban on “cooperation agreements to form purchasing groups of retailers and wholesalers”. Should the bill be passed in its current incarnation, it would outlaw the business model conducted by independent wholesalers Musgrave, BWG and Stonehouse, and symbol groups such as SuperValu, Centra, Spar, Londis, Mace, Costcutter, Gala, Daybreak, Day to Day, and XL Stop & Shop.

Thomas Burke, Retail Ireland Director, is among those voicing their opposition to the amendment. “We believe it has the potential to do significant damage to the retail model not only here in Ireland, but across Europe,” he told Retail News. “Many other member states across Europe operate similar retail market structures to ours, in terms of retail symbol groups and buying alliances. It is unwarranted and disproportionate.”

Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General, called on Irish MEPs to resist the proposal. 95% of RGDATA members are in buying groups, she explained. “A small shop in Ireland can't survive on their own. They don't have the buying power to compete with Tesco, Aldi or Lidl. Everything is distributed centrally now, so they wouldn't be able to access goods.

Supply agreements with symbol groups, and other wholesale alliances, have allowed independent shops the freedom to stay in business.”

The outcome of a prohibition on joint purchasing of goods and services from suppliers will give international chains a competitive advantage, she said: “Our members are minnows compared to the huge global multiple retailers. But buying groups have given them an opportunity to compete. They can get access to products at competitive prices.” The result may be less choice and higher prices for Irish consumers. Jobs may also be impacted as symbol groups employ huge numbers across the country.

The European Commission introduced its proposal for a directive on unfair practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain in April 2018. A significant number of the proposals, including bans on late payments for perishable food products, last minute order cancellations, and retroactive changes to contracts, are already written into Irish legislation under the Grocery Goods Regulations. The Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) recently began investigations to ensure retailers are compliant with the laws here.

The EU's new directive, however, may supersede this law.

In October, 50 amendments were added to the draft. “These amendments have thrown a spanner in the works,” said Buckley. “Some of them are off the wall.” Four MEPs introduced the demand for a ban on buying groups. It is believed that the

instigator is Albert Dess, a centre-right MEP from the German CSU party. Dess is on the board of a Bavarian milk cooperative that is having issues with its two buying groups.

Other amendments are causing concern for Irish retailers.

Under the Grocery Goods Regulations, retailers with a turnover of under €50m are exempt from compliance, but an amendment to the directive suggests removing this cap.

“It means every small retailer, who has no opportunity to be unfair in their trading, would have to comply. It would be a huge regulatory burden for no tangible result,” said Buckley.

Another amendment proposes a ban on economic dependencies between small producers and large retailers: the model behind Irish organisations such as Food Academy, Musgrave's operation for supporting start-up food businesses.

This amendment would also restrict artisan retail businesses.

“In recent years, retailers have been trying to develop mass market appeal for niche suppliers in their locality,” said Burke.

“We have concerns about anything that restricts the ability of retailers and suppliers to work together more closely to deliver for the consumer.”

In November, an RGDATA delegation in Brussels, which included Edel Clancy, Musgrave Group’s Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs, met Phil Hogan, EU Agriculture Commissioner, and highlighted retailer concerns about the amendment proposing a ban on buying groups.

Irish agricultural representatives have expressed their support for maintaining buying groups. In a submission, the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine of the Houses of the Oireachtas, stated: “The positions of cooperatives and joint purchasing arrangements, which assist smaller operators, must be preserved, provided that such groupings act fairly.”

A ban on buying groups has the potential to impact co-ops

32% Increase in Seasonal Jobs Expected IRISH recruitment website, Jobs.ie, has welcomed a 32% year-on-year increase in seasonal Christmas roles this year, an 8% increase on the same period five years ago. “Shop assistants, visual merchandisers, stockists, make-up artists, face painters and Santa’s elves are amongst the long list of positions on offer in the retail sector this year, ensuring that there is something out there to suit everybody this Christmas period,” noted Christopher Paye, General Manager at Jobs.ie.

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News

etail Buying Groups and other farming-based organisations, said Buckley. “This will be damaging to the farming sector and SME suppliers and is the opposite of what the committee wants to achieve - i.e. the protection of farmers.”

Commissioner Hogan said he understood RGDATA’s concerns and would consider them during negotiations on the directive. The RGDATA delegation also met with Ireland’s permanent agriculture representatives in Brussels. The directive is due to be negotiated between the commission, permanent representatives, and the council.

Burke believes Irish MEPs may have overlooked the amendment when it came before them: “I don't think there was an appreciation for what was being proposed, in terms of the implications from an Irish perspective, among our own MEPs. I'm not sure there was a full understanding of exactly how the market works. We've since been working with the MEPs to

explain the structure of the Irish retail market.”

Should the bill move into legislation in its current form, the implications could be severe. “If it was to pass, it would threaten the fabric of the Irish retail sector,” continued Burke.

“But we believe there's a considerable distance to run on this. We believe sense will prevail. We're encouraged that the commission and the council have voiced their opposition to this amendment, as did a significant number of MEPs, during the last stage of the process. We're hopeful we can find a resolution.”

Buckley pointed out what is effectively a ban on Irish symbol groups would contradict the purpose of the entire directive. “If the amendment goes through, as it is currently framed, it would become an unfair trading practice. The model we base our independent retail trade on in Ireland would effectively be prohibited by the EU.”

Dunnes Takes Top Spot in Grocery Wars DUNNES Stores has claimed the top spot in the Irish grocery market for the first Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend time since February this year, according to the latest 12 Weeks to 08 Oct 2017 12 Weeks to 07 Oct 2018 change** grocery market share figures %* %* % from Kantar Worldpanel for Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 2.1 the 12 weeks ending October Total Multiples 88.7% 88.5% 2.0 7, 2018.

SuperValu 21.9% 21.4% 0.0 Dunnes posted strong Tesco 21.9% 21.5% 0.6 sales growth of 3.4% over the Dunnes 21.8% 22.1% 3.4 latest period, propelling the Lidl 11.6% 11.7% 3.0 retailer to an overall market Aldi 11.5% 11.8% 4.5 share of 22.1%.

Other Outlets** 11.3% 11.5% 3.6 “Dunnes traditionally performs strongly over the *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers festive period and the retailer **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops may feel like Christmas has come early this year,” with over 80% of its growth in the past 12 weeks coming explained Douglas Faughnan, Consumer Insight Director through family shoppers. at Kantar Worldpanel. “While it is too soon to assess the After six consecutive periods at the top, Tesco was the full impact of its new Everyday Savers offer, which prices second-largest supermarket in the most recent period, many own brand everyday items at a euro or less, Dunnes’ accounting for 21.5% of total grocery sales. With online continued focus on shopper campaigns has helped to attract grocery sales up 15% compared to this time last year, the an extra 14,000 shoppers this period.” retailer will be hoping its latest e-commerce initiative further SuperValu, whose owner Musgrave recently acquired increases its dominance of online grocery in Ireland. high-end Dublin-based grocer Donnybrook Fair, accounted “Tesco’s recent announcement of free delivery for over for 21.4% of Irish grocery sales in the most recent 12 weeks; 65s when they spend €50 or more shows it is looking to however, the retailer still under-trades in the capital, further cash in on the growth of online shopping in Ireland,” according to Kantar. “Although SuperValu holds a 26% share Faughnan revealed. “Although just 2.4% of grocery retailing in its Munster heartland, the retailer is less represented in comes through e-commerce at present, this figure is forecast Dublin, where it only accounts for 19.4% of sales. By contrast, to hit 5% by 2022, and retailers are now looking at new ways Tesco and Dunnes perform more strongly in the capital, with to capture their fair share of the online pie.” shares of 23.6% and 26.1% respectively. Musgrave will be Lidl is the latest retailer to try and make the most of the hoping its latest acquisition can help SuperValu make up online boom, partnering with app Buymie to allow shoppers ground in this area,” noted Faughnan. in a small number of Dublin postcodes to order groceries on Meanwhile, sales growth of 4.5% has helped Aldi their phones. Lidl turned in a strong performance in the most to achieve a record market share of 11.8% in the most recent 12 weeks, growing its market share to 11.7% on the recent period. The retailer’s Swap & Save campaign, which back of sales growth of 3%. challenges shoppers to see how much they could save by Grocery market inflation stands at -0.12% for the 12 switching to Aldi, has clearly had an impact. The grocer week period ending October 7, 2018. attracted an additional 28,000 shoppers through its doors,

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News Heineken Ireland Secures Business Working Responsible Mark HEINEKEN Ireland is the first drinks company in Ireland to achieve the Business Working Responsibly mark from Business in the Community in recognition of its responsible and sustainable business practices.

The mark, developed by Business in the Community Ireland, and audited by the NSAI, is based on ISO 26000 and is the only independently audited standard for CSR and Sustainability in Ireland.

“We’re extremely proud to have achieved the Business Working Responsibly mark. It’s wonderful to see the emphasis we place on sustainability and responsibility across all aspects of our business recognised and benchmarked independently,” noted Maarten Schuurman, Managing Director of Heineken Ireland. “The mark serves as a clear signal to our stakeholders and our customers and consumers that we are listening; that we know sustainability matters to them as much as it does to us; and that we are working every day to make Heineken Ireland a truly green brewer. This is an important milestone on our journey and inspires us all to redouble our sustainability

efforts as we move in to 2019.”

Tomás Sercovich, CEO of Business in the Maarten Schuurman, Heineken Ireland Community Ireland, said: Managing Director, and the Heineken Ireland CSR and Corporate Affairs Team “Heineken collect Business in the Community’s Ireland’s Business Working Responsibly mark at exemplary Dublin’s Mansion House. work in sustainability and CSR represents exactly the kind of attitude towards community engagement we want to highlight with the Business Working Responsibly mark. They are deserving recipients of the mark and, with all they have planned for 2019, will be wonderful ambassadors for it too.”

BWG Delivers Strong Growth THE Spar Group, the 80% parent company of BWG, recently issued its annual results for the year to the end of September 2018, which noted very strong performance for the Irish business.

The BWG Group continued to deliver strong results for the year and reported euro-denominated turnover growth of 4.2% to €1.5 billion. This number was boosted by the inclusion of the 4 Aces business from May – if adjusted, the comparable group grew by 2.8%.

The Irish business contributed a 9.6% increase in turnover in Rand terms for Spar Group South Africa.

Operating profits were up 13% to R574m (approx. €35m) while PBT was up 15.5% to R537.9m (approx. €33m) All retail brands recorded positive growth, with the Londis brand increasing turnover to 4.9%, Mace growing by 4.4% and XL reporting growth of 4.5%.

The hospitality sector remained strong and again boosted the sales of the BWG Foodservice and BWG Wines & Spirits divisions, which reported turnover growths of 14.7% and 5.5% respectively.

The group’s distribution volumes continued to show strong increases and record case movements continued to be handled in the Kilcarbery distribution centre, which reported a sales increase of 6.9%.

A real highlight for this business during the year was the recognition received through a number of prestigious logistics and transport awards, including the Irish Logistics Company of the Year award.

The total number of stores across BWG Group’s store formats at September 30, 2018, was 1,371, with 105 new stores added during the year.

National Lottery Reveals 2017 Trading Results MORE than €226m, approximately €620,000 a day, was raised for good causes all over Ireland from National Lottery sales last year.

Trading results for 2017, which saw sales increase from €750.2m in 2016 to €800.2m, show that 20 new millionaires were created, with the total paid in prizes to participants valued at €452m, up from €422m paid in 2016. The amount paid to retailers in commissions was €48.8m.

There were 12 Lotto jackpots winners who shared over €71m in 2017. The highest jackpot of €12.8m was won by a Dublin syndicate. Three Irish EuroMillions jackpot winners shared €156.4m between them.

Other 2017 highlights include: • • •

1.36m of Irish adults participate in National Lottery games on a regular basis; Draw-based games delivered sales of €558.8m (€529.8m in 2016); Record online sales of €52.1m;

• •

•

Expanded retail network from 5,290 to 5,663 outlets; Total prize money paid on scratch cards in the year was over €150m; A syndicate from Stakelum’s 31 Lottery Hardware Store collect their participants €17m Euromillions win from scooped a the National Lottery.

EuroMillions plus prize of €500,000 prize. The previous record for EuroMillions plus wins in a year was 27 winners in 2009.

“We are delighted that the return to Good Causes from National Lottery sales registered an increase for the second consecutive year, with €226.3m going to communities all over Ireland,” noted Dermot Griffin, CEO of Premier Lotteries Ireland.

#NOWYOUCAN GREAT TASTE. ZERO ALCOHOL.

6|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

News September Slowdown in Sales Growth VISA’S Irish Consumer Spending Index, produced by IHS Markit, which measures expenditure across all payment types (cash, cheques and electronic payments), has revealed that spending in Ireland rose at a slower rate during September, ahead of the 2019 Government Budget being announced. Compared to a year earlier, expenditure rose by +1.5% year-onyear, down from +2.2% in August. Although growth has now been recorded in each of the past 19 months, the latest rise in household expenditure was the weakest recorded since March 2018. The figures, however, recorded solid growth in Food, Beverages & Tobacco (+2.8%).

Meanwhile, Retail Ireland’s latest Retail Monitor found that sales values grew by 3.9% in the third quarter of the year, compared to the same period in 2017, giving rise to positivity as

retailers approach the crucial Christmas period.

“2018 has been a strange year for the Irish retail sector thus far,” admitted Retail Ireland Director Thomas Burke.

“Sales values increased across all retail categories in the third quarter of this year, with full year increases also recorded.

However, while the continued upward trajectory in sales is welcome, the peaky nature of the sales patterns has made it difficult for retailers in terms of business planning and from a store operations perspective.

“With the Irish economy growing at close to 9%, the challenge now for retailers will be to carry this momentum into the key Christmas trading period and realise a greater share of the growing levels of disposable income. With wage growth running at 3% and increases in consumer disposable income of 4.4%, retailers feel they are not getting their fair share of that uplift with greater levels of spend now going towards other sectors of the economy including the hospitality industries.”

For supermarkets and c-stores, there was evidence that the extra spend across the summer led to some belt tightening in September. There was some evidence of premium products and treats over indexing in the sales recovery; a bellwether for the stronger economy.

Freshly Chopped Launches At Home Range FRESHLY Chopped has launched the brand’s first range of at home products. The range of four salad leaf bags launched exclusively in Dunnes Stores, but will appear in other leading grocery retailers over the coming months. The new range will be the first to market with a resealable package to ensure longer lasting freshness and decreased food waste.

All produced in Ireland, washed and ready to eat, the range includes two mixed leaf bags, Super Greens with baby kale and spinach (8 cal per serving and priced at €1.99) and Baby Leaf and Rocket, with Rocket, Baby Red Leaf and Mizuna (9 cal per serving and priced at €1.99).

Two of the salad leaf bags come complete with premium ingredients and dressings, a Coconut Salad with lambs lettuce, fine beans, desiccated coconut, red chard, and a coconut dressing (33 cal per serving and priced at €2.79), and Taste of The Garden with land cress, apple, lambs lettuce, red chard, pomegranate seeds plus a balsamic dressing (56 cal per serving and priced at €2.79).

FoodCloud Hits Major Milestone ON World Food Day 2018, October 16, FoodCloud hit the huge milestone of redistributing 40m meals. Over 2,079 tonnes of food were redistributed by FoodCloud in Q3 of 2018. This equates to an approximate saving of over €6.2m worth of food.

On October 28, FoodCloud announced a new partnership with AIB and Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI). Through this partnership, they have secured significant investment totalling €2.8m over three years: €1.8m from AIB supported by part-matched Government funding through SIFI. The funding will be used to invest in the further development of FoodCloud’s technology platform, expansion of their Hubs and the development of new food redistribution services and the establishment of an employee volunteer programme for AIB.

“This has been in the planning process for the past 24 months and we’re confident that we’re launching with the right leaves at the right price at Brian Lee, co-founder and CEO of the right time.

Freshly Chopped, announces the brand’s We see this first range of at home products. as phase one, with more healthy food options to be added over the coming months and years,” explained Brian Lee, co-founder and CEO of Freshly Chopped.

Jaymark to Distribute Philip Morris PHILIP Morris Limited has announced that the distribution of its entire portfolio of brands in Ireland, including Marlboro, L&M and e-cigarettes (Vivid and Nicocigs), will move to Jaymark, part of the Primeline distribution group, from December 4, 2018.

This move will consolidate the entire Philip Morris portfolio, including e-cigarettes, under a single distributor, opening many new channels and opportunities for all of its brands. The move to Jaymark means that, for the first time, a dedicated sales force will work towards achieving PML’s goals.

“This is a very exciting time for Philip Morris and very positive for our brands,” explained Kieran Groarke, Commercial Manager for Philip Morris. “Having a dedicated sales team in the field will be a great opportunity to talk to and work directly with our trade customers. We look forward to the new partnership with Jaymark.”

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News Enterprise Ireland Opens €1.25m Fund for Irish Retailers THE first call of the Enterprise Ireland Online Retail Scheme is open for applications. The new €1.25m fund is targeted at online retailers to encourage acceleration of their online offerings. It will remain open for six weeks, closing to applications at 3.00pm on Wednesday, December 5.

The fund is an initiative of the Government of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland and will provide up to €25,000 in funding to up to 25 retailers, amounting to €625,000 in this first call.

The purpose is to support online retailers to enhance their online sales capabilities to increase competitiveness and subsequently scale their businesses in international markets.

“The retail sector is lucrative and highly competitive, and it is important that we encourage its sustained growth by providing the mechanisms with which retailers can actively develop wider offerings online,” explained Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, at the fund’s launch.

The scheme is a pilot initiative developed in response to the current challenges around online capability within the retail sector. The fund will provide grants between €10,000 and €25,000 on a match fund basis with the specific purpose

Pictured are (l-r): Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD; Marian O’Gorman, CEO, Kilkenny Group; and Stephen Hughes, Enterprise Ireland. of enhancing digital capability. The total fund size is €1.25m and areas for funding include research, strategy development, implementation and training.

Further information on the fund and details on how to apply are available at www.enterprise-ireland.com/retail, or interested parties can email retail@enterprise-ireland.com.

Tesco’s Fangtastic Donation to Temple Street TESCO Ireland stores across the country raised a fangtastic €102,000 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 at the front of each store with cake

sales, face-painting, balloons and much more. “We are really proud to have supported Trick or Treat for Temple Street and are amazed by the level of support from our colleagues and customers alike,” said Aoife Donohoe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Tesco Ireland.

CCPC Launch Campaign to Help Online Sellers AS many online retailers are gearing up for the year’s busiest shopping days, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has commenced a campaign to make businesses who sell online aware of the protections that they must give consumers who are based in the EU. There are a set of consumer protection laws, known as the Consumer Rights Directive (CRD), which provide protections to consumers who buy goods or services online.

The CCPC’s ‘Selling Online’ campaign was informed by research commissioned to identify business’s awareness of the CRD and measure awareness of specific aspects of the law. The research found that the vast majority of companies are aware of, and adhere to, the CRD’s requirements to refund customers who cancel their order for any reason within the legal timeframe. However, there are considerable variations in the timeframes businesses give consumers to cancel, return their purchase, and get a refund.

Most companies that sell online offer refunds for customers

who change their minds, with 82% of them allowing at least 14 days, which is the statutory requirement. However, 39% calculate the 14 days from either when the order is placed or the goods have been dispatched, and consumers should have 14 days in which to cancel from when they receive the goods.

65% of businesses accepted returns when the packaging had been opened. Under the law, consumers are entitled to open the packaging of most products. Also, 25% alter their ‘change of mind policy’ when items are on sale.

Consumer protection law applies irrespective of whether an item is discounted.

“Our campaign is intended to particularly help smaller businesses who may not be aware of the Consumer Rights Directive or those who may have just started selling online,” explained Áine Carroll, Director of Communications and Policy at the CCPC. To access the CCPC ‘Selling Online Guide’, visit www.ccpc.ie/business/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/08/ CCPC-Guide-for-selling-online-final.pdf.

Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie|9

News Finalists for the Seafood Awards announced THE finalists for the National Seafood Awards 2018 have been announced. A total of 37 individuals and businesses from the Irish seafood sector have been shortlisted. The Awards, dedicated to recognising the achievements of individuals and businesses revolutionising the Irish seafood sector under the key themes of Sustainability, Innovation and Competitiveness, will be held in Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral on November 27, 2018.T The shortlist is as follows: Innovation

Competitiveness

Best in Fishing Innovation MFV Sean Og, Co. Dublin MFV Ocean Breeze, Co. Galway Galway Bay Inshore Fishermen's Association (GBIFA), Co. Galway

Fishing Enterprise of the Year McBride Fishing Company Ltd, Co. Donegal Damien Turner Fisheries Ltd, Co. Cork The Fish Box/Flannery's Seafood Bar, Co. Kerry

Best in Aquaculture Innovation Moyasta Oysters Ltd, Co. Clare Wild Atlantic Shellfish Ltd, Co. Sligo Marine Harvest Ireland, Co. Donegal Best in Processing Innovation Connemara Food Ventures, Co. Galway The Fresh Fish Deli, Co. Cork Ocean Veg Ireland Ltd, Co. Antrim Sustainability Best in Sustainable Fishing MFV Emma Lou T450, Co. Kerry Galway Bay Inshore Fishermen's Association, Co. Galway Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society Ltd, Co. Kerry Best in Sustainable Aquaculture Marine Harvest Ireland, Co. Donegal Mulroy Bay Mussels Ltd, Co. Donegal Sliogeisc Na Rossan T/A Irish Premium Oysters, Co. Donegal Best in Sustainable Processing Morgans Fine Fish, Co. Louth Proiseail (An Clochan Liath) Teo T/A Irish Fish Canners, Co. Donegal Connemara Seafoods, Co. Mayo

Moovers Wins Gold Moovers Chocolate Milk wins Gold at The Irish Food Awards

Aquaculture Enterprise of the Year Marine Harvest Ireland, Co. Donegal Mulroy Bay Mussels Ltd, Co. Donegal Belle Isle Seafoods Ltd, Co. Donegal Processing Enterprise of the Year Keohane Seafoods Ltd, Co. Cork Oceanpath Dunn's of Dublin, Co. Dublin Quinlan's Seafood/Kerry Fish UC, Co. Kerry Best Seafood Retailer of the Year Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt, Co. Dublin Dunnes Stores Swords, Co. Dublin Garveys Supervalu Corbally, Co. Limerick Best Seafood Retailer of the Year– Independent The Fish Market, Co. Westmeath The Good Fish Company, Co. Cork Galway Bay Seafoods Ltd, Co. Galway A Student of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented under the Skills category on the night.

Delicious tasting low fat flavoured milk • Ideal for packed lunches and drinking on-the-go • Low in fat, with no compromise on taste • No artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives • Added vitamin D • Ambient storage and a long shelf life

www.lakeland.ie

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Industry News

SuperValu Cooking All Stars Class PICTURED at SuperValu’s Cooking All Stars Class hosted by the Happy Pear and Bressie on Saturday, October 13, are Bressie, Clyde Carroll, Steve and, Dave Flynn, from the Happy Pear, Abigail Carroll, Eliza Carroll and Ethan Carroll. SuperValu is serious about kids’ and families’ healthy eating and growing a generation healthier than the last. Considering this, they have launched the SuperValu Cooking All Stars, a cooking skills programme for primary schools across Ireland. Cooking All Stars will teach children the basic life skills of healthy cooking and the importance of cooking together as a family.

Kepak Launch Omega 3 Enriched Beef KEPAK Group unveiled the first Omega 3 enriched beef recently at the influential Global Food Marketplace trade fair, SIAL, in France.

Kepak’s Omega 3 beef innovation was produced through a three-year collaboration with Alltech and is achieved by feeding cattle with a specialised algae supplement during the finishing phase. This means the beef reaches the required level of enrichment for Omega 3 accreditation. Another innovation revealed by Kepak at the Paris based food-fair included the “Beefroot Burger", featuring succulent grass fed Irish beef, blended with sweet beetroot and crunchy quinoa, part of Big Al’s new and exciting healthy and ecologically sustainable blended burger range.

Londis Sponsors Tastes Like Home for Third Season CATHERINE Fulvio is pictured with Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director, and Layla Mellett, aged seven, from Delgany, Co. Wicklow, at the launch of the third series of the popular cooking and travel show, Tastes Like Home.

Six incredible cities, 12 emotive families and food cooked with a passion is the recipe for this year’s third season of Tastes Like Home with Catherine Fulvio. The popular TV series, sponsored for the third successive season

by Londis, returned to RTE One on November 5 for six consecutive weeks. “The Irish are no strangers to the emotional relationship between food and family, and it’s this local connection that inspires our commitment to the sponsorship of the show year on year,” noted Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director. “Much like Londis, Catherine values quality, local produce and bringing fresh contemporary ideas to the table, so it’s a perfect match for us to partner with.”

BIM Hosts Bradán Salmon Growing Conference BORD Iascaigh Mhara hosted a two-day conference on the scientific developments within the salmon farming industry in Galway’s Maldron Hotel recently. “With increasing global demand for fish, aquaculture is now the fastest-growing animal food production sector in the world.

Consequently, fish farming operations are rapidly evolving with new technologies and equipment constantly being developed,” noted BIM’s Geoffrey Robinson. "Part of BIM’s work is to help fish farmers to keep their operations at the cutting edge of technology and an event like this allows us to showcase the latest innovations to Irish operators.” 25 separate presentations from national and international experts covered the latest research and technological developments within the sector on issues such as fish health and welfare, structural and service equipment as well as organic certification. Pictured are (l-r): Vera Flynn from BIM Finfish Certification; Damien O’Keefe, Irish Salmon Growers Association, and Dr Susie Mitchell, European Veterinary Specialist in Aquatic Animal Health.

Glanbia To Acquire SlimFast for $350m

GLANBIA plc has signed an agreement to acquire SlimFast from KSF Holdings LLP and HNS Intermediate Corporation, who collectively own SlimFast and other brands for $350m. SlimFast is a leading weight management and health & wellness brand family, distributed primarily in the food, drug, mass and club channel in the US and UK. Glanbia plans to operate SlimFast within its Performance Nutrition segment. “SlimFast is an established and enduring brand and, along with nutritional supplements brands “Healthy Delights” and “Nu-Therapy”, complements our existing portfolio targeting lifestyle consumers,” said Siobhán Talbot, Group Managing Director of Glanbia.

Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie|11

Industry News Gala Gifts €300k in Prizes to Shoppers GALA Retail has launched its biggest ever ‘Gala Gifts’ promotion, giving Gala customers the chance to win one of three Toyota Aygo cars and 150,000 instant prizes when customers spend €10 or more to receive a ‘Gala Gifts’ scratch card. Continuing celebrations of the Gala Group’s 20th year in business, the ‘Gala Gifts’ in-store promotion was launched by actress and TV broadcaster, Aoibhín Garrihy (pictured). The promotion runs across participating Gala Retail stores until November 25. Instant prizes up for grabs include a bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, a packet of Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps, a Cuisine de France Muffin, Club Rock Shandy Zero 500ml bottle and Lucozade Zero Original 330ml can. All qualifying customers have the chance to win one of three brand-new Toyota Aygo cars by filling out their details on the back of the scratch card and submitting it for the prize draw.

The total prize fund for the promotion is over €300,000, making this the Gala Group’s biggest consumer promotion to date. “Gala is thrilled to take a new approach to birthday gifting with the ‘Gala Gifts’ concept, celebrating our birthday by giving back to our loyal customers who have helped to make Gala and its stores what it is today,” noted Gary Desmond, Chief Executive of Gala Retail. “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our customers, and what better way than with ‘Gala Gifts’ our largest in-store promotion to date!” For further information, visit www.gala.ie.

Johnny Sexton Stars in Mace Campaign MACE has teamed up with Ireland Rugby star Johnny Sexton in an exciting new advertising and social media campaign, which will run nationwide, focusing on the fresh departments in store – deli, bakery and fresh foods. Also this autumn, Mace is giving people the chance to win an exclusive training session with Johnny Sexton for their local school or rugby club.

For a chance to win this incredible prize, Mace wants you to go the Extra Smile and perform a random act of kindness in your local community, and tell them about it. “I am really looking forward to seeing the wide range of thoughtful and spontaneous acts performed by people in communities all around the country,” noted the Irish rugby star. “I am genuinely proud to be working with Mace in promoting this positive community initiative throughout every town and village in Ireland.” Pictured are Willie O’ Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods; Ireland and Lions star out-half Johnny Sexton; actress Shiela Moylette; Leo Crawford, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group; and Daniel O’Connell, Mace Sales Director. See www.mace.ie for more information.

SuperValu to Invest Over €3m in Solar Panels SUPERVALU has announced an innovative plan to introduce solar panels to up to 30 of its stores over the next two years. The retailer will install the energyefficient PV panels to its store network as part of an investment of over €3m. The move to introduce solar panels is part of SuperValu’s commitment to the reduction of energy consumption across its estate by 20% over the next two years. Once installed, the solar PV panels will generate electricity from the sun and will feed directly into the electricity supply to the store. This will offset some 60,000 kg of CO² annually per store.

"This investment in solar panels demonstrates once again that as a community-focused retailer, SuperValu has taken a leadership position on sustainability,” noted Daniel Murphy, Sustainability Manager, SuperValu, pictured (left) with Michael Riordan, SuperValu Fermoy.

Primeline Partners with eXPD8 Ireland PRIMELINE and eXPD8 Ireland are entering into a joint venture agreement to provide Retail Field Marketing Solutions across Ireland and the UK. the new business, called Primeline Market Activation (PMA), will provide brands with a comprehensive service offering, combining retail expertise, strength of coverage and a quality service to maximise sales and visibility across all channels.

Operating out of Primeline’s Dublin office, PMA will provide merchandising and product support to Primeline Sales & Marketing’s and eXPD8 Ireland’s existing clients and potential new clients. The services PMA will provide include compliance audits, retail intelligence, merchandising, promotional builds, relays/refits, stocktaking, product returns and mystery shopping. “This is a great initiative which completes Primeline’s end-to-end sales offering,” noted Frank Magee, Primeline Group Commercial Manager. “Together with eXPD8’s systems and expertise, we will provide our partners with competitive advantages through market leading sales and merchandising solutions.”

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Industry News Rugby Stars Open Flagship Aldi Store ALDI’S nationwide expansion continued with the recent opening of a new flagship store at the revamped Frascati Shopping Centre in the heart of Blackrock. Ireland rugby stars Rob Kearney and Garry Ringrose took time away from training for the November internationals to officially open the store, with large crowds of fans gathering earlier to see the new look ‘Project Fresh’ store. Creating 20 new jobs, the new store follows the recent opening of Aldi Leixlip, as the retailer continues to invest in the greater Dublin area. Aldi’s Frascati Shopping Centre Store is part of its €160m store network investment. Aldi has committed €100m to constructing and opening 20 new stores by the end of 2019, while Project Fresh sees Aldi invest a further €60m in revamping the layout and design of all its 134 stores nationwide. The opening day was filled with family fun and festivities, with 2fm’s Nicky Byrne and Jenny Green on site playing music, and wine expert Tom Doorley providing tips and recommendations of his favourite Aldi wines. Gary Ringrose and Rob Kearney are pictured with Danielle Keating, Aldi Ireland, at the new store.

Solus won’t leave you in dark!

THE EU directive to cease production of Halogen light bulbs came into effect on September 1, 2018, but market leader, Solus have ensured that they have full stocks available to facilitate a smooth and gradual transition for the consumer from Halogen to LED. Whilst some in the industry are struggling to cope with the transition from Halogen to LEDs, stocks running out and Brexit, Solus have several million light bulbs in stock in their Irish warehouses. The phase-out of Halogen bulbs will be a gradual one and it is important to note that the ban is on production, not sales.

Solus were very much part of the process, at government level, back in 2009 when the EU Solus launched their pioneering new concept Customer Lighting Experience display in members SuperValu, with Kevin Grace, Head of Sales agreed at Musgrave Operating Partners; Ian Lynam, to phase Store Manager, SuperValu Lucan; David out both incandescent Reynolds, Sales and Marketing Director and Halogen of Solus; and former Miss World Rosanna Davison. light bulbs.

The key learning was that customer education is key and the process should be a gradual one. To facilitate this, Solus have over 1,200 SKU’s available and a full LED and Halogen range

available.

Under EU law, retailers are perfectly entitled to sell these until stocks run out and consumers are fully educated and ready to move Solus have over 1,200 SKU’s available and a full LED and Halogen range available. to LED As part of the education process, the new Solus Retail Experience, launched recently in SuperValu Lucan, displays, predicts and answer users’ questions in a simple friendly way.

The interactive ‘try me’ stations are a pioneering move and a first for the category as customers can see exactly what the bulb looks like when lit in a familiar room setting.

Market leader Solus were first in Ireland to introduce the XCross Filament LED range with patented technology. Solus next generation LED bulb with XCross filament design creates a compact 360-degree light source that looks and lights just like the old favourite incandescent bulb. It works just how you would expect it: instant light, using up to 90% less energy, with a natural warm light and up to 20,000 hours lifespan.

Established for over 80 years, Solus now supports 63 jobs in Ireland, sells one light bulb every six seconds and is proud to be one of the only light bulb companies with a directly employed Irish field sales team, with a recently upgraded fleet of Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans to reduce carbon emissions. Each light bulb is individually tested before packing to ensure the highest quality standards and Solus are proud to have achieved the NSAI ISO9001:2015 standard.

Killucan GAA Club Wins Circle K Prize CIRCLE K has announced Killucan GAA Club in Co. Westmeath as the grand prize winner of its 2018 Cash for Clubs initiative, with €10,000 in cash being awarded to the club. “Circle K Cash for Clubs was set up four years ago to recognise and reward the contribution made by clubs to their local communities,” noted Sinead Moriarty, PR and Communications Manager at Circle K Ireland. “We would like to congratulate all our winners, including Killucan GAA Club, a deserving recipient of this year’s €10,000 grand prize.” In 2018, over 3,000 clubs registered for Cash for Clubs. Since its launch in 2015, the initiative has invested over €400,000 in clubs nationwide.

Circle K Ireland Area Manager, Charles Fitzsimons, is pictured presenting the cheque to representatives from Killucan GAA Club.

NEW LOOK, NEW NAME: GOLDEN VIRGINIA YELLOW SAME GREAT TASTE SAME MODERN SUN-RIPENED BLEND SAME QUALITY FROM THE HOUSE OF GOLDEN VIRGINIA

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14|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Maxol

€100m Investment at Maxol Maxol is launching a new convenience store concept, as well as its Rosa coffee brand, with a strong focus on food-to-go.

MAXOL is set to invest over €100m in its company owned network of 115 service stations over the next three years. The company embarked on the internal redesign and refresh of its convenience stores, beginning with two test sites at Maxol Maynooth, Co. Kildare, and Maxol Carrigaline, Co. Cork. The new store concept sees Maxol add a warmer and more earthy palette of colours, which draw inspiration from the countryside to create a welcoming, contemporary feel for its 21st century shop services.

Recent figures from the two test sites have shown double digit growth in the newly extended food-to-go range, which caters for customers from breakfast through to dinner, and provides a quality selection of hot and cold meals. The hot beverages category, which now includes Rosa, Maxol’s new brand of coffee, has exceeded all expectations with a double digit growth in sales. In early 2019, Maxol will introduce its own private label range, including milk, water, eggs, firelighters and other daily essentials. Phase two of the roll-out is already underway at four sites - Adamstown in Dublin, Ballincollig in Cork, Garryowen in Limerick, and Skehard Road in Cork – with a further 16 sites to be completed by the end of 2018.

and into our customers’ homes. We are giving valuable time back to people who are time poor. And for those who aren't in a hurry, they can sit down in a pleasant and relaxed environment and have a quality cup of fresh Rosa coffee, or enjoy a made-to-order sandwich, in exactly the way they like it.

“People can order and pay for food on the Maxol app, as we roll out our new shop concept, and have their freshly prepared Maxol deli sandwich ready and waiting for them to collect,” he continues. “Our primary objective is to be the first choice for customers by creating a personal, pleasurable experience at Maxol. The initial results are very positive, with customer transactions and overall average spend on the increase. These are very exciting times for Maxol and the independent retailers who operate our sites”.

Strategic Supply & Support Agreement “After 20 years of a successful trading relationship with Mace, we have entered into a new strategic supply and support agreement with BWG Foods to support the introduction of the Maxol brand to our stores,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO of Maxol.

“It is a logical step in the rapid recent evolution of the Maxol retail strategy and will deliver a real point of difference to our convenience Pictured are Conor Sherry, licensee, Maxol offering. This will see the Maynooth and John Hadnett, Regional Manager, extension of the Maxol brand Maxol. into the shopping basket

Rosa, Maxol’s new brand of coffee, has exceeded all expectations with double digit sales growth.

Brand New Look Based on an in-depth usage and attitude study undertaken by B&A on behalf of Maxol, which sampled 1,200 consumers, it was found that 27% of all retail shopping behaviour in service stations is accounted for in tea and coffee purchases, with 21% of all consumers buying chilled drinks, and 15% spending on confectionery and sweets. In an exit interview at Maxol’s two concept stores with 400 customers, 86% responded favourably to the new brand look and improvements at Maxol.

For further information on Maxol, visit www.maxol.ie.

Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh.

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To find out more about how Northern Irish food and drink can help drive your business forward, contact: Jen Guiney T: +44 (0) 7985111024 - E: jen.guiney@investni.com

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16|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Dairy

Celebrating the Cream of Irish Dairy

The National Dairy Council promotes and celebrates the quality of Ireland’s pasture-based dairy and its nutritional benefits.

THE National Dairy Council is the NDC Guarantee Mark.

(NDC) champions the role of In September 2009, the NDC quality pasture-based dairy introduced a packaging mark and its nutrition benefits in giving consumers in the Republic supporting healthier, more of Ireland the reassurance of active living. The private knowing that if they buy milk or farmer-funded marketing cream with the NDC Guarantee, agency works to promote it is both farmed and processed and protect Ireland’s dairy locally. This guarantee gives reputation at home and abroad consumers the opportunity to and believes in a future in show their support for local jobs which Irish dairy is recognised on dairy farms and in the dairy and trusted as a vital part sector in an active way, when of people’s diet and general deciding what milk or cream to NDC research reveals that milk, yogurt and cheese are health across all life stages, buy. currently enjoying 2% annual growth. indispensable to Ireland’s social Nielsen research showed and economic wellbeing. that 67% of Irish consumers day in day out, coupled with our grassThe NDC celebrates the excellence claim strong support for Irish products, based farming systems, has enabled of Irish dairy each year through the which is currently being supported us to build successful markets for dairy NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, by their actual purchases. Empathy products around the world. a national competition to identify and Research also found in a national survey Retailers have a valuable role to reward excellence in Irish dairy farming, of consumers, aged 18-44 years, that play and form part of the communication well known to dairy farmers throughout 70% of consumers believe it is important and sourcing strategy which retains the country. that the milk they buy is sourced in the consumers’ connection with Ireland’s The farmers who are nominated Republic of Ireland. dairy heritage. Our domestic market for the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk NDC research has shown that the credentials must remain impeccable Awards are representing milk pools of average Irish household consumes 6.5 from farm to kitchen table. Working with hundreds or sometimes even thousands litres of milk a week, while milk, yogurt retailers to communicate the health of dairy farmers in their own co-ops. and cheese are currently enjoying benefits of dairy through innovative 2% annual growth. Three out of four category management solutions is an More Than A Business consumers see Irish dairy farming as area worth exploring. For example, Irish farming is more than just a positive due to our grass-based system. why not position dairy products beside business; it is a way of life. Irish farmers Ireland is the second biggest market in vitamin supplements in-store to learn their craft from their parents Europe for milk consumption per capita, reinforce the natural affordable nutrients and grandparents before them. It is no with 99% penetration. Bord Bia figures in milk, yogurt & cheese? accident that Irish dairy products are have shown that we had over €4 billion regarded as the best in the world. Our in exports of dairy and dairy ingredients The NDC Guarantee farmers and their families' commitment in 2017, a 19% increase since 2016, with Another way to reassure retailers and to delivering world class quality milk, butter exports increasing by 60%. consumers that they are buying Irish

The Simply Better Collection has won over 370 awards including ‘Own Label Brand of the Year’ at this year’s Irish Food & Drink Business Awards’.

IRISH QUALITY FOOD

®

2018

AWARDS

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

2018 Irish Quality Food & Drink Award Winners Revealed

The winners of the 2018 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards, the Irish Quality Foodservice Awards and the Irish Good Choice!

Awards were presented recently at a gala dinner in Dublin’s Clayton Hotel.

THE winners of the 2018 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards have been announced, and the results are packed with Irish products that are full of delicious flavours and textures. The winners are products that particularly tickled the taste buds of the Award’s 300+ judges who were ‘blown away’ by the quality of this year’s entries.

The Gold Q Winner, the highest product accolade in the Quality Food Awards, went to Meere’s Pork Products, Quin, Co. Clare, for their delicious gourmet sausage roll with smoked paprika and chorizo. Of all the thousands of products tasted during the competition, this was the judges’ favourite!

Retailer of the Year was Tesco, praised by the judges for its commitment to top quality and great value prices for shoppers. Christmas Retailer of the Year went to Dunnes Stores, which has a host of speciality produce ready for the festive season.

Winning the Christmas Q Award, which is awarded to the Best Overall Christmas Product, was Simply Better Handmade

Meere’s Pork Products were the proud winners of the Overall Gold Q Award.

Pictured are (l-r): Paul Tye, Graphic Packaging; Barry Rees and Orlaigh Meere, Meere’s Pork Products; and event MC Eoghan McDermott.

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

The Tesco Ireland team celebrate being named Retailer of the Year.

All Butter Mince Pies, produced in Galway by husband and wife team Siobhan and Paul Lawless and their family business, Foods of Athenry.

“Like many family businesses we have been baking delicious healthy food for our own kitchen table, driven by necessity but rooted in tradition,” noted Siobhan Lawless. “Our collaboration with the Simply Better team has given us the opportunity to bring these mince pies, which we believe have maintained their home made look and taste, to a national audience.

To be chosen as overall Christmas product of the year by the IQFAs is testimony to our great team in Galway, as well as the Simply Better team, who work in partnership with us to develop our products and business.”

Wildberry Bakery, from Ballineen in West Cork, was the winner of The Small Producer Award, which was sponsored by Dunnes Stores ‘Simply Better’. Keep an eye out for this delicious confectionery, most of which is gluten-free, on supermarket shelves next year. Part of this prize means that Dunnes works with the winner to get their products listed in its stores. Meere's Pork Products, who took this award last year, has just seen its white and black pudding go on sale in Dunnes Stores last month.

Winner of the Value Q Award was Lidl Emotionali Butterscotch Sweets from Sweet Tec , while other notable winners included Keelings, who lifted the Fresh Produce Fruit: Unprepared award; and BWG Foodservice, who won in the Fresh Produce category for the BWG Foodservice Fruity Grain Salad.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition for BWG Foodservice,” noted Ricky O’Brien, Head of BWG Foodservice. “We are

Pictured at the IQFA ceremony are (l-r): Paul Tye, Graphic Packaging; Diarmuid Murphy, Brand Manager for Dunnes Stores Simply Better Collection; Siobhan Lawless, Foods of Athenry, winner of the Best Overall Christmas Product for Simply Better Handmade All Butter Mince Pies; and event MC Eoghan McDermott.

Pictured at the presentation of the Small Producer Award to Wildberry Barkery are event MC Eoghan McDermott; Tom Robins Fehily and Susan Robins Fehily, owners of Wildberry Bakery; and Diarmuid Murphy, Simply Better Brand Manager, Dunnes Stores.

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

The Keelings team accept the award for Fresh Produce Fruit: Unprepared at the Quality Food and Drink Awards 2018: Denis Kenny, Senior Soft Fruit Grower Manager; Felim Condron, Senior National Account Manager; Ruth Verjans, Commercial Buyer, Soft Fruit; Agnes Tennyson, Commercial Buyer, Soft Fruit; Michael Bermingham, Technical Manager, Soft Fruit; Cathy Fox, Brand Manager; Danielle Hanna, Commercial Buyer, Soft Fruit; with event MC Eoghan McDermott. proud to work with the most reputable of suppliers, who are very passionate about producing high quality produce, as evidenced by this very strong representation in the final shortlist of award nominees.”

In the Irish Quality Drink Awards there were lots of winners in 12 drinks categories, ranging from wines under €10 to gin. Highlights included the Champagne Award, which went to Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne from O Moore & Co. for the second year in a row, and the Sparkling Wine Award, which went to Dunnes Stores Simply Better Prosecco DOC Extra Dry / Cassidy Wines, while Lidl’s Wild Burrow Irish Distilled Gin was named the best gin.

The Irish Quality Foodservice Awards, which recognise excellence in the foodservice sector, are now in their second year. Some key winners included Cobbs Bakery in the Biscuits & Cakes Category and BWG Foodservice Fruity Grain Salad in the Fresh Produce Category. Café of the Year Award went to Insomnia.

Other categories included the Irish Good Choice! Awards, Christmas Awards, and Best Value Award.

All retailers, food producers and manufacturers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were invited to enter products for the chance to achieve recognition for the quality of their produce, and industry acclaim.

A prestigious team of judges spent

four weeks tasting entries from across Ireland at the Limerick Institute of Technology. The results were announced at a sumptuous gala dinner on October 18 at The Clayton Hotel, Dublin.

“Every year, these awards get better, the quality higher and the categories more competitive,” explained Helen Lyons, Publishing Director of event

organisers, Metropolis Business Media.

“It is real barometer of how Irish produce is now achieving international recognition, both for its branded and own label products, particularly the flagship ranges.

“The Small Producer award is always particularly exciting as our winner will also see their product on the shelves at Dunnes. Last year’s winner, Meere’s Pork Products has just gone in-store with Dunnes this month. This year’s winner, Wildberry, supplies mostly to foodservice, so it will be great to see their delicious cakes more widely available to the public via Dunnes.”

The awards were once again headline sponsored by innovative packaging company, Graphic Packaging International. Other sponsors included Reflex Labels, Invest NI, Klockner Pentaplast, A Taste of Sol and the Local Enterprise Offices of Limerick, Clare and Tipperary.

The Irish Good Choice! Quality Food Awards worked in partnership with the Coeliac Society of Ireland, who played an important role in the stringent judging process of the awards, focusing on the healthier and ‘Free From’ market.

Full winners’ details are available on the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards website: irish.qualityfoodawards.com.

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

Pictured at the presentation of the Brandy, Cognac & Whiskey Award, won by Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Whiskey, are (l-r): Beth Treleaven, Event Manager, IQFA; Mark Hogan, Marketing Director, Quintessential Brands; Avril Donagher, Brand Director, Quintessential Brands; and Helen Lyons, Publishing Director, IQFA.

Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie|21

Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Irish Quality Food Awards 2018 Winners Value Q Lidl Emotionali Butterscotch Sweets / Sweet Tec Christmas Gold Q Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade All Butter Mince Pies / Foods of Athenry Overall Gold Q Meere’s Gourmet Sausage Roll - Chorizo and Smoked Paprika Christmas Retailer Dunnes Stores Tesco No Time For Waste The Juice Works Dunnes Stores Simply Better Small Producer Award Wildberry Bakery Overall Retailer of the Year 2018 Tesco Ireland

IRISH QUALITY FOOD AWARDS Bakery - Morning Goods Lidl Connell Bakery Pancakes / Hovis

Eggs Tesco Finest 6 Corn Fed Omega 3 Eggs / Greenfield Foods Cheese - Irish Hard Cheese Aldi Specially Selected Vintage White Cheddar / Carbery Cheese - Irish Soft Cheese Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese - Irish Speciality Cheese Lidl Deluxe Irish Mature Cheddar with Chives / Traditional Cheese

Pictured accepting the Value Q Award, won by Lidl Emotionali Butterscotch Sweets / Sweet Tec, is Joost Renirie, Executive Manager, Purchasing, Lidl Ireland (centre), with Elena Dimama, Editor, IQFA, and event MC Dairy - Chilled Lidl Coolree Creamery Eoghan McDermott.

Whipped Cream / Clona Dairy Products

Bakery - Small Loaves and Rolls Lidl Ancient Grain Roll / Panelto

Dairy - Butters and Spreads North Cork Pure Irish Creamery Butter

Biscuits - Sweet Lidl Double White Chocolate Chip Cookie / Dawn Foods

Dairy - Yogurts Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Made Wexford Rhubarb Farmhouse Yogurt / Killowen Farm

Bakery - Large Cakes Wildberry Bakery Chocolate and Raspberry Cake Biscuits - Savoury Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Multi Seed Rye Crackers / Sheridan's Bakery - Celebration Cakes Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade White Chocolate & Irish Raspberry Layer Cake / Sam's Cookies Bakery - Speciality Fruit Loaves MMM Family Bakery Chia & Goji Berries Loaf Bakery - Small Cakes Tesco Finest Coconut Biscuit Slices / Coolmore Foods Bakery - Packaged Large Loaves Tesco Glorious Grain Loaf / Stapleton's Bakery Bakery - Wheaten and Soda Bread Tesco Finest Seeded Wheaten / Stapleton's Bakery Bakery - Speciality Loaves Tesco Finest Olive And Rosemary Lunga / Aryzta Bakeries Cheese - Continental Hard Cheese Tesco Finest Gruyere / Castelli Cheese - Continental Soft Cheese Tesco Finest Camembert D'isigny En Normandie / Isigny Sainte Mere Cheese - Continental Speciality Cheese Tesco Finest Gorgonzola Piccante / Castelli

Delicatessen - Antipasti Lidl Meadow Fresh Speciality Antipasti Stuffed Peppadew with Feta Cheese Mix / ARI Delicatessen - Continental Meats Aldi Specially Selected Spanish Chorizo Spicy / Noel Alimentai Delicatessen – Dips Dunnes Stores Quinoa Houmous with Quinoa and Crunchy Sunflower Seeds / Orexis Delicatessen – Pre-cooked Meats Homebird Aromatic Tikka Irish Roast Chicken Slices Delicatessen - Other Products Tesco Finest Moroccan Cous Cous / Nature's Best Desserts and Puddings Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Mango & Passion Fruit Mousse Frozen Food – Sweet Tesco Finest Salted Caramel And Butterscotch Ice Cream / Yeo Valley Farms

Fresh Produce - Fruit Prepared Dunnes Stores Hand Cut Pineapple Rings / Freshcut Foods Fresh Produce - Salad Prepared Dunnes Stores Super Green Salad / Natures Best Fresh Produce - Vegetables Unprepared Dunnes Stores Irish Choy Sum / Martin Jones Fish - Frozen Aldi Specially Selected Marinated King Prawns Garlic / Eastern Fish Fish – Smoked Mr Good's Fabulous Fish Smoked Irish Organic Salmon Fish – Prepared Dunnes Stores Fishmonger Meals - Wild Atlantic Prawns with Gubbeen Chorizo & Paprika / Keohanes Fish - Fresh Dunnes Stores Lightly Smoked Salmon Darnes / Keohane's of Bantry Food To Go – Hot AtasteofSol Fresh Spanish Omelette with Onion Food To Go - Sandwiches Freshways Food Co Vegan Symphony Bloomer Sandwich Food To Go - Pastry Aryzta Clonakilty and Ballymaloe Pork Roll

Fresh Produce - Vegetables Prepared Lidl Chef Select Vegetable Roasting Tray Pesto Dressing / Wonderfoods

Cereals & Porridge Aldi Kavanaghs Organic Porridge / White's Speedicook

Fresh Produce - Fruit Berries Keelings Family Pack Strawberries

Relishes and Chutneys Aldi Specially, Selected Irish Jalapeno Pepper Relish / Follain

Fresh Produce - Fruit Unprepared Tesco Finest Sunkiss Melon / Keelings Fresh Produce - Salad Unprepared Tesco Ready to Eat Medium Avocado / Greencell

Childrens Food Pip & Pear Fishy Dishy Cooking Sauces Tesco Finest Pomodirini Sauce / Bakkavor

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Jams, Sweet Spreads and Sauces Wexford Home Preserves Orange & Strawberry Gin Marmalade Home Baking & Store Cupboard Ingredients Dunnes Stores Belgium Milk Chocolate Cookie Mix / Gempack Oils and Vinegars Dunnes Stores Simply Better Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena / Del Gusto Pasta, Rice & Grains Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Burrata & N'duja Mezzelune / Bertagni Sauces and Salad Dressings Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Sundried Tomato & Chilli Pesto / Taste with Gusto

Meat – Lamb Lidl Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb / Irish Country Meats Meat – Poultry Lidl Corn Fed Irish Chicken Breast with Caramelised Plum and Ginger Stuffing / Carton Bros Meat – Flavoured Sausages Lidl Deluxe Premium Duck Sausages / Loughnanes of Galway

Winner of the Chocolate and Confectionery Award was Lily O'Brien's 70% Dark Belgian Chocolates Share Bag. Pictured are (l-r): Elena Dimama, Editor, IQFA; Michelle Molloy, Assistant Brand Manager, Lily O’Brien’s; Hilary Hughes, International Marketing Manager, Lily O’Brien’s; and event MC Eoghan McDermott.

Meat - Sirloin Steaks Aldi Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Sirloin Steak / ABP Cahir

Pizzas Lidl Deluxe Sourdough Base with Half Goats Cheese Half Spicy Italian N'duja Sausage / Crust & Crumb

Meat - Fillet Steaks Tesco Finest Irish Angus Fillet Steak / Hilton Foods

Soups Deluxe Creamy Tomato & Basil Soup / Glanbia Foods

Meat - Ribeye Steaks Tesco Finest West Cork Dry Aged Ribeye / Hilton Foods

Frozen Food – Savoury Rosie & Jim's Southern Fried Chicken Goujons

Meat - Striploin Steaks Tesco Finest West Cork Dry Aged Striploin / Hilton Foods

Ready Meals & Ethnic Ready Meals Tesco The City Kitchen Brazilian Coconut Chicken / Kerry Foods

Meat - Unusual Cut Steaks Tesco Guest Big Kansas Steak / Hilton Foods Meat - Bacon Tesco Finest Canadian Maple Smoked Dry Cured Irish Rashers / Hilton Foods Meat - Breakfast Sausages Tesco Finest Traditional Irish Pork Sausages / Hilton Foods Meat - Burgers Aldi Specially Selected Tipperary Dry Aged IBA RIB Steak Burger / ABP Cahir Meat – Pork James Whelan Butchers Free Range Rack of Pork Meat – Puddings Meere’s Square Black Pudding Meat - Beef Lidl Chateaubriand / Liffey Meats Meat - Meatballs Lidl Inisvale Selection Hereford Meatballs / Linden Foods Meat – Game Lidl Fresh Irish Duck Breast with Garlic & Pepper Marinade / Silver Hill Foods

Pies & Pasties Meeres Gourmet Sausage Roll - Chorizo and Smoked Paprika Ready to Cook Dunnes Stores Butternut Boost Soup / Wonderfoods Quiches Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Barrel Aged Feta & Roasted Vegetable Quiche / Zanna Cookhouse Side Dishes Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Cheddar Cheese Garlic Potato Gratin / Wonderfoods Cold Beverages – Juices & Smoothies Keelings Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Hot Beverages Tesco Finest Ristretto Capsules / Percol Cold Beverages – Soft Drinks Tesco Finest Apple and Elderflower Presse / Bottlegreen Drinks Company Chocolate and Confectionery Lily O'Brien's 70% Dark Belgian Chocolates Share Bag

Snacks – Savoury Keogh's Crinkle Cut Irish Cheddar & Red Onion Crisps Snacks – Sweet Golden Popcorn Sweet & Salty Dynamic Duo Seasonal Occasions Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade All Butter Simnel Cake Slices / Sam's Cookies Christmas Q – Meats Lidl Glensallagh Irish Smoked Bone In Half Gammon Joint / Oakpark Foods Christmas Q - Desserts & Puddings Mince Pies Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade All Butter Mince Pies / Foods of Athenry Puddings Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hidden Centre Plum Liqueur Christmas Pudding / Seery's Christmas Q - Chilled Sweet Dunnes Stores Simply Better Award Winning Raspberry Sherry Trifle / Prestige Foods Christmas Q - Confectionery Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Nougat with Almond & Pistachio Drizzled with Belgian Dark Chocolate/ Miena's Irish Handmade Nougat Christmas Q - Fish Dunnes Stores Organic Irish Oak & Peat Hot Smoked Side of Salmon / William Carr Christmas Q - Grocery Ambient Dunnes Stores Simply Better Orange & Honey Ham Glaze / Wexford Preserves Christmas Q – Chilled Savoury Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Duck Fat / Skeaghanore Duck Christmas Q – - Cheese Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Cheese Board Selection / Traditional Cheese

Irish Foodservice Quality Food Awards Winners 2018 Cafe of the Year Insomnia Café

Hot Beverages Bell Lane Coffee Moondust Espresso

Biscuits & Cakes Cobbs Bakery Chocolate Cake

Meat - Steak Pallas Foods Irish Hereford Prime 10oz Striploin Eye Steak

Fresh Produce BWG Foodservice Fruity Grain Salad

Meat – Burger Musgrave MarketPlace Butcher Select 8oz Grain Fed Burger

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Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards Irish Good Choice! Quality Food Awards Winners 2018 Good Choice! Gold Q Dan & Monstro Homemade Pasta Sauce

Reduced/Low - Salt Lidl Glensallagh Reduced Salt Back Bacon / Callan Bacon

Free From - Chilled Sweet Dunnes Stores Free From Gluten, Wheat & Milk Vanilla & Caramel Iced Dessert / Eispro

Reduced/Low - Fat Tesco Reduced Fat Houmous Mediterranean Selection / Katsouris Fresh Foods

Free From - Bread & Bakery Lidl Just Free Gluten Free Iced Queen Cakes / Cuisine Royale

Reduced/Low - Sugar Tesco No Added Sugar Chunky Veg and Pasta Sauce / Greencore Group

Free From - Chilled Savoury Mr Good's Fabulous Fish Fresh Irish Whitefish Fillets

Food To Go – Healthier (Sandwiches) Boots Deli Lites Onion Bhaji Sandwich

Free From - Cereals Rigney's Cinnamon and Date Granola

Food To Go – Healthier (Salads) Aldi Specially Selected Nutri Grain Salad / Nature's Best

Free From - Frozen Savoury Rosie & Jim Battered Chicken Chunks Free From - Ambient Sweet Tesco Finest Free From Dark Chocolate & Ginger Cookies / Northumbrian Fine Foods

Grocery Ambient: Healthy and Alternative Tesco Crunchy 3 Nut Butter / F Duerr & Sons

Free From - Ambient Savoury Tesco Red Lentil Fusilli / La Doria

Pictured with the IQFA award for the BWG Fruity Grain Salad in the Fresh Produce Category are Ricky O’Brien, Head of BWG Foodservice, Lyndsey-Anne Coulter, NPD Manager, Willowbrook Foods; Samantha Freeman Broderick, Chill & Frozen Buying Manager and Karla Murray, Head of Foodservice Trading.

Snacks – Savoury & Sweet Healthy Snacks Lidl Alesto Snack Pots - Berry, Seed & Nut / R.M. Curtis & Co

Free From - Frozen Sweet Tesco Free From Fruit Split / Eispro

Dairy Tesco Organic Low Fat Milk / Aurivo Consumer Foods

Children’s Food – Healthy (Savoury) Dan & Monstro Homemade Pasta Sauce Children’s Food – Healthy (Sweet) Tesco Watermelon Lollies / Bakkavor

Meat Free Aldi Sweet Potato Burger / Great Foods

Hot Beverages Lidl Knightsbridge Green Tea / Finlay Beverages

Added Ingredients Aldi The Foodie Market Flaxseed Crunch / Virginia Health Foods

Soft Drinks Tesco Energy Boost Smoothie Mix / Ardo Reduced Fat Meat Dunnes Stores Low Fat Fresh Irish Beef Meatballs / Tendermeats

Protein Enhanced Food Lidl Coolree Creamery Fresh Irish Protein Milk / Aurivo Consumer Foods

Musgrave MarketPlace Butcher Select 8oz Grain Fed Burger was named winner in the Burger Category in the Irish Foodservice Awards. Pictured are (l-r): David Donnellan, Kepak; James Canavan and Fergal Reale, Musgrave MarketPlace; and Mel Bohan, Kepak.

Irish Quality Drink Awards Red Wine Under €10 LGI Wines Levalet Malbec IGP Pays d'Oc 2017 Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec / Catena White Wine Under €10 LGI Wines Levalet Marsanne Viognier IGP Pays d'Oc 2017 Rosé Wine Lidl Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT Rosé / Enoitalia Sparkling Wine Dunnes Stores Simply Better Prosecco DOC Extra Dry / Cassidy Wines Champagne Platinum Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne / O Moore

& Co Gold Tesco Finest Rose Non Vintage Champagne / O Moore & Co Red Wine Over €10 Platinum Tesco Finest The Trilogy Malbec / Catena Gold Rapaura Springs Classic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 Tesco Finest Minervois / Les Grands Chais de France White Wine Over €10 Tesco Finest Alsace Gewurztraminer / Arthur Metz

Vodka Lidl Vodka / Eckerts Wacholder Liqueurs & Speciality Spirits Lidl Irish Cream Liqueur / Terra Beer Tesco Rye River Brewing Solas Brown Porter / Rye River Brewing Co Brandy, Cognac & Whiskey Dublin Liberties Copper Alley Gin Dingle Distillery Original Gin Lidl Distilled Irish Gin / West Cork Distillers

24|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco

JTI Ireland's Category Commitment Recent months saw the full implementation of plain packaging for tobacco products in Ireland. This has changed the way packs look, but as JTI Ireland Sales Director Derek Mooney says, the market leader is as committed as ever to the success of the tobacco category.

ON September 29, 2018, plain packaging rules were implemented for all tobacco products sold in Ireland. As of this date, it is no longer permitted to sell tobacco products in branded packaging.

Branded packs were gradually replaced by plain packaging in the run up to September 29, and we recognised that as market leader (Source: JTI Ireland Ltd calculation based on Nielsen ROI extended scantrack on tobacco, 52 week data to October 7, 2018), JTI had a responsibility to guide all of our retail partners through this potentially disruptive transition period. We did this through a number of initiatives, ranging from our nationwide Partners for Progress Roadshows, to direct in-store support from the JTI Sales Force.

Commitment to Quality With the transition to plain packaging now complete, the way our packs look has changed, but our commitment to the tobacco category, and to our partnership with Ireland’s retailers, remains as strong as ever. We will continue to work hard to deliver longterm success through the dedication to product quality that has made JTI brands the top three most popular amongst Irish adult smokers (Source: JTI Ireland Ltd calculation based on Nielsen ROI extended scantrack on tobacco, 52 week data to October 7, 2018). We have transitioned to plain packaging, but the unique blends of our tobacco products have stayed exactly the same and this commitment to quality will remain into the future.

Similarly, we will continue to innovate in response to the demands of

Derek Mooney, Sales Director, JTI Ireland. consumers. The introduction of Firmtech Filter on our Premium brands Silk Cut and Benson & Hedges is the most recent example of the innovation that is a hallmark of JTI’s business, and this focus will continue in both our tobacco products and Reduced Risk Products (products with the potential to reduce the risks associated with smoking).

Highest Standard of Service This will be underpinned by JTI’s market-leading customer services, including our national sales force, telesales and key accounts teams, along

with our online ordering portal, JTI Engage. We will continue to invest in our people to ensure they have the tools necessary to provide the very highest standard of service.

Working in partnership is fundamental to long-term business success. Along with all of our retail partners, we have faced many challenges together and looking beyond plain packaging, will probably face many more. However, our determination to progress in partnership with retailers throughout Ireland remains as strong as ever.

For the road ahead JTI Ireland, your trusted partner.

Tobacco packaging might have changed, but here’s what won’t...

• • • • •

Our Market Leading Brands Our unique and time honoured Tobacco Blends Our commitment to Product Quality and Innovation Our dedication to Ireland’s Retail Sector Our focus on Customer Service

26|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Shop Profile

Stafford’s Store Shines in Sunny South-East Stafford’s Costcutter in Wexford is sitting brightly in the southeast sunshine, celebrating 20 successful years in business, having recently secured multiple awards at this year’s Barry Group Annual Awards.

STAFFORD’S Costcutter store in Clonard, Wexford town is currently celebrating 20 successful years in business. The Stafford family established their store in Wexford back in 1998, when they purchased what was then a small forecourt with an associated Quikpick shop. In 2002, the store adopted the Costcutter image and by that time, they had also increased the number of pumps on the forecourt.

The intervening years have seen the shop grow and develop into one of the most ambitious and successful stores in the entire Costcutter family, which has been rewarded at this year’s Barry Group’s Store of the Year Awards.

Last year, under the leadership of shop manager Jennifer Martin, the shop was named Store of the Year up to 2000 square feet at the 2017 Barry Group Awards. The Stafford family and all their staff were rightly delighted, but rather than resting on their laurels, that success inspired a year of hard thinking and hard work, which saw the shop

Pictured outside Stafford’s Costcutter, Clonard, Co. Wexford, are Barry O Sullivan, Costcutter Account Manager, and Jennifer Martin, Store Manager. retaining the award in 2018.

“We were absolutely delighted to win the Store of the Year award in our category last year,” Jennifer explains.

“It was wonderful recognition for all the hard work we had put in, and in the trust that the Staffords had put in me and the rest of the staff. They worked extremely hard in this shop over the years and we take the responsibility of running the shop very seriously.”

An Exceptional Team Over the years, the Staffords built up an exceptional team in the Wexford store.

Jennifer is a great example of why the Stafford family have been able to step

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Shop Profile go from here?’

FACT FILE: and ‘how can we Owner: do more for our customers?’,” Location: Jennifer reveals.

“One thing we Size: really noticed No. of Staff: was that because we had a large Opening Hours: car park, we

could see a lot of customers eating and drinking our food-to-go in their cars.

We have a reasonably large amount of space to work with in the shop and we felt the addition of a sit-down area would offer our customers a space they really needed, to consume our food-to-go in safety and comfort.”

back from the day-to-day running of their shop and still enjoy peace of mind.

Jennifer joined the shop over 10 years ago, working in the back office. She had a natural talent for organisation and leadership, which the Stafford family noted, and she was soon promoted to manager. Jennifer knows every aspect of the shop in detail and her commitment to the shop is matched only by her pride in its success.

“It really was great to win last year, but it also got us thinking ‘where do we

Adding a Sit-Down Area Working closely with the Barry Group’s Account Manager, Barry O’Sullivan, and other Costcutter staff, Jennifer and her team began to plan the addition of the sit-down area. They took the opportunity to re-examine the category management in the store, and also opened up the front of the shop with large windows at the new sit-down area.

“Jennifer and her team achieved great success,” Barry tells Retail News.

“It’s great to work with such a dedicated group of people. The fact that they immediately identified steps that they could take to serve their customers even better is a mark of just how dedicated the team is. We took the opportunity

Staff from Stafford’s Costcutter celebrate their awards haul: Nicole Nolan, Kate Duggan, Aisling Pitt, Karen Duggan, Caroline Rochford, Store Manager Jennifer Martin, and Barry O Sullivan, Costcutter Account Manager.

Bena Stafford Stafford’s Costcutter, Clonard, Co. Wexford 2,000 square feet retail space 13 full time & part time 07:00-22:00, Monday-Saturday; 08:00-21:00, Sunday of adding the sit-down area to help transform the entire feel of the shop.

The addition of a significant volume of natural light has improved what was already a great shop.”

The new sit-down area has proved extremely popular with customers, as Jennifer explains: “For us, success is happy customers and we are always looking for ways to go the extra mile for them. There isn’t a supermarket that is easy to get to on this side of town.

Our customers rely on us for everything from fuel to food-to-go, through to basket shops. We need to be competitive in our prices and meet as many of our customers’ needs as we can, as effectively as possible.”

Manager of the Year The fact that the team at Stafford’s won more awards in 2018 than 2017 is testament to how effectively the team can meet the needs of its customers. As well as securing the Store of the Year Award (up to 2,000 square feet) again in 2018, the shop was named the third best off-licence in the entire Costcutter group, while Jennifer herself secured a very well deserved Manager of the Year Award.

According to Barry, “It was great to see the team do even better at the awards this year. At Barry Group, we still value the family business ethos, and we are extremely committed to our members, so when we see them succeed, we are genuinely delighted.

Jennifer and her team are exactly the type of passionate and dedicated retailers that we love to work with. I’m excited to see what the plans will be to improve on the shop for next year and looking forward to helping it happen.”

In closing, Jennifer pays tribute to her fellow staff members: “We are a team and there would be no success without the amazing team we have built here, while I would also like to thank all our customers; their support and loyalty over the years is the only reason we are here. It’s a privilege to be part of their community and we look forward to serving their needs to the best of our ability for years to come.”

28|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Focus on Northern Ireland

Northern Exposure Retail News spoke to Jen Guiney, Business Development Executive with Invest NI’s Food & Drink Division in the Republic of Ireland, about the exciting business opportunities Northern Ireland’s food and drink producers are successfully pursuing.

INNOVATION in food and beverages enables retailers to meet the challenges from shoppers seeking different and outstanding taste experiences from quality products that also offer value for money.

Within easy reach of Dublin and other centres in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland offers an extensive network of transport services for fast and on-time delivery of food and drink products.

And finding original food and drink ideas in Northern Ireland just couldn’t be easier. Why? Because Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI), the region’s business development body, offers comprehensive support and guidance to retailers seeking smart ideas and innovative products from experienced producers, focused on building business in the Republic.

Jen Guiney, an experienced Business Development Executive

Jen Guiney, Business Development Executive with Invest NI’s Food & Drink Division in the Republic of Ireland. who has vast knowledge of over 400 food and drink manufacturers in Northern Ireland, heads up support for retailers throughout the Republic.

“My role is to broker mutually beneficial and profitable business relationships between retailers in the Republic and Northern Ireland companies,” Jen explains. “Retailers seeking an easily accessible source of innovative products that also combine consistently high quality, flexibility and value should explore what Northern Ireland has to offer.”

Award Winning Products Jen endeavours to offer retailers in Ireland a comprehensive understanding of the products, capacity and capabilities of all NI-based producers: “I seek to

pinpoint how our companies can help retailers in the Republic to meet their individual business objectives with outstanding food and drink products.

Many will already be aware of the outstanding taste and premium quality of Northern Ireland products and the companies producing them from the achievements of our producers in prestigious competitions such as the recent Blas na hEireann in Dingle and the Irish Quality Food Awards.”

Some 60 Northern Ireland food and drink products gained awards at Blas in Dingle, including, for the first time ever, the overall Supreme Champion, along with 20 golds in what proved to be a record year for Northern Ireland’s producers, mostly smaller enterprises.

Golds were achieved across most

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Focus on Northern Ireland product categories especially meat, dairy, bakery and, of course, fish, including smoked salmon.

“It was an outstanding performance

by Northern Ireland food and drink processors at Blas,” Jen enthuses. “Hannan Meats, for instance, a leader in dry-aging of meat in the world’s biggest complex of Himalayan salt chambers, gained golds for fillet and ribeye steaks at Blas to add to the three gold stars, each for beef, lamb and bacon products, earlier in the UK’s Great Taste Awards.”

apple cider vinegar.

“Our companies have been racking up major awards in such important benchmarking competitions for more than a decade,” Jen continues. "In

Supreme Champion Supreme Champion at Blas was Rooney Fish of Kilkeel, Co. Down, a family business formed Natural Umber, a unique apple cider vinegar, was the in 1975, with a global winner of the Golden Fork for Northern Ireland at the export business for its Great Taste Awards 2018. shellfish. Rooney won the top award for its addition to the recent supreme champion superb Millbay Oysters from its own title at Blas, our meat companies have extensive oyster farm in Carlingford won the top title in Great Taste on three Lough. separate occasions since 2011/12. Invest The oysters also achieved the NI has long recognised the role of such coveted three gold stars in the UK Great competitions in the development of Taste Awards in 2017. Moreover, almost companies and the promotion of the local 200 Northern Ireland products achieved industry and sponsors The Irish Quality gold stars in this year’s Great Taste.

Food Awards, Blas and the Great Taste Winner of the Golden Fork for Northern Awards.”

Ireland was Natural Umber, a unique

Rooney Fish of Kilkeel, Co. Down, were crowned Supreme Champion at Blas na hEireann 2018.

Glastry Farm Lemon Meringue, a Gold winner at Blas 2018.

Irish Quality Food Awards The recent Irish Quality Food Awards were also highly successful for NI food companies, with winners including Golden Popcorn for its Sweet and Salty Dynamic Duo; Hovis for their Lidl Connell Bakery Pancakes, White’s Speedicook for Aldi’s Kavanagh’s Organic Porridge; Linden Foods for Lidl’s Inisvale Selection Hereford Meatballs; Crust & Crumb for Lidl’s Deluxe Sourdough Base with Half Goats Cheese Half Spicy Italian N’duja Sausage. A significant number of other companies were highly commended in their categories.

“The region also has an increasing

Mash Direct, a market leader in vegetable and side dishes and convenience meals.

30|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Focus on Northern Ireland industry -leading innovation of food and drink producers in Northern Ireland,” Jen continues. “They’ve benchmarked their products successfully against the best in the UK and Ireland and collected an impressive haul of awards.”

It is also somewhat of a coup for the sector to have four products which have achieved EU protected status. Armagh Bramley Apples, Comber Early Potatoes and Lough Neagh Eels have PGI accreditation, while Lough Neagh Pollan has gained PDO status.

Golden Popcorn, one of the winners at the Irish Quality Food Awards for its Sweet and Salty Dynamic Duo popcorn. strengthening focus on healthier products which are gluten-free, low sugar and dairy-free,” Jen explains.

“Northern Ireland’s produce is consistently recognised and gains awards from the Irish Free From Awards, a frequent winner being Mash Direct, a market leader in vegetable and side dishes and convenience meals.

“All these awards demonstrate the outstanding taste, premium quality and

Flexibility & Versatility “Among the many benefits of working with our companies is their flexibility and versatility,” Jen boasts. “They are fully accredited, nimble and able to adapt to the specific needs of individual customers in terms of original products and speed of response, especially in their support for my work to help buyers identify opportunities. This is largely achieved through a successful programme of networking events, factory visits,

‘meet the buyer’ activities in Northern Ireland and the provision of consumer insight data about the Republic to local companies.”

Over the past year, these marketing activities also included an event at the home of the British Ambassador in Dublin, which attracted retail and foodservice buyers and featured food and drink prepared by award winning chef, Simon Dougan of the Yellow Deli in Portadown, Co. Armagh.

Food promotion activity like this has led to new business for a number

Dean Wright of Ballylisk Farm, whose Triple Rose Cheese was a winner at the Blas na hEireann Awards.

Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats, who won golds for fillet and ribeye steaks at Blas to add to the three gold stars they were awarded in the UK’s Great Taste Awards.

of Northern Irish businesses with Aldi in the Republic. Lidl has also added 11 smaller suppliers from Northern Ireland to its shelves throughout Ireland as an integral part of its innovative Kickstarter scheme.

The Lidl additions included Refuge Hot Chocolate from Belfast, an artisan start-up which gained three major awards at Blas, including the Bord Bia sponsored ‘Best Artisan Award’ and the Invest NI ‘Best Startup Award’.

“We appreciate that retailers are operating in an intensely competitive business environment and are keen to develop long-term relationships with suppliers that will enable them to meet the challenges that lie ahead, including the dynamic and increasingly exacting demands of shoppers,” Jen notes.

“We have already assisted many to identify purchasing opportunities in Northern Ireland through a successful programme of marketing activities, and many retailers, including Tesco Ireland and Dunnes Stores, now list our food and drink,” she adds. “The manufacturing

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Focus on Northern Ireland

Lorna Robinson of Cloughbane Foods, who supply their Cloughbane Little Farm range of children’s meals to Aldi Ireland. capability of our wide network of food and drink manufacturers means that Northern Ireland can satisfy customer needs across many chilled and ambient categories, as well as delivering volume requirements.”

Dragon Brand Foods’ Tikka Mayonnaise, another Northern Irish winner at the Blas na hEireann Awards.

Northern Ireland’s Biggest Manufacturing Industry Food and drink processing, Jen points out, remains Northern Ireland’s biggest manufacturing industry; it’s a £5 billion industry, featuring several major exporters.

“Food and drink companies in Northern Ireland are highly professional, especially in how they do business with existing and potential customers.

They are commercially astute and have logistics arrangements to ensure products are delivered when required and in the condition and timing customers expect,” she stresses.

Northern Ireland’s most successful sales in the Republic include grass-fed beef, poultry, dairy products and fish and seafood. The region is also home to leading producers of prepared meals using premium ingredients sourced from other Northern Ireland farms and suppliers.

The meat industry, for instance, is a key supplier to customers in Ireland because it is based on animals reared on largely family-owned farms often within five miles of the processing units and features multi-award-winning dry-aged beef, dry-cured bacon and lamb.

Creativity Winning Acclaim The creativity now underpinning the Northern Ireland food and drink industry has won acclaim from top chefs and restaurateurs, including Clodagh McKenna, as well as Mark Hix, Nigella Lawson, Angela Hartnett, Heston

Blumenthal, James Martin, Cyrus Todiwala and Terry Laybourne in Britain.

Many important processors are located in Northern Ireland. These include Moy Park, one of the world’s top poultry businesses, and meat processors such as Dunbia, Foyle Food Group and Linden Foods. Dale Farm Dairies, Northern Ireland’s leading dairy producer, has significant business with retailers in the Republic.

Furthermore, all food and drink in Northern Ireland is processed in modern, fully accredited factories, most with either BRC or SALSA accreditation.

The region, in addition, is home to the leading international food safety organisation, the Institute of Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast. This provides a sharp focus on wholesomeness, safety and provenance.

Overall, Northern Ireland ensures buyers ready and fast access to a successful food and drink industry that’s focused on original products from highly responsive, quality conscious and customer-led companies eager to do business throughout the Republic.

If you are looking for that innovative product to give you a point of difference coupled with flexibility, quality and consistency – why not make contact with Jen on; +44 (0) 7985 111024.

Northern Ireland's Clandeboye Estate supplies yogurt for Aldi Ireland's Select Range.

32|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

IGBF President’s Event

A Very Special Evening

The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund recently hosted its annual President’s fundraising event in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.

THE IGBF annual President’s fundraising event in The Crypt of Christ Church Cathedral recently. In a departure from the traditional black tie event usually associated with this annual event, John Moane, the 2018 President of Appeals for the IGBF, opted for a more relaxed ‘Party Chic’ theme for the night’s festivities, which included live music and a host of exciting entertainment for the 250 industry representatives from all across the grocery trade who supported the night.

The President’s annual appeal is always one of the social highlights of the grocery trade calendar, while also raising much-needed funds for the charity, which provides financial relief to people in the retail, wholesale and supplier trade sectors who have fallen on hard times because of ill health or bereavement.

Historically, the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund has been a very successfully run welfare charity, supported by the leading companies in the retail, wholesale, food and drink and services industries.

Pictured at the IGBF President’s Fundraising evening at The Crypt in Christchurch were (l-r): Nigel Scully, Aryzta Food Solutions Ireland; Mary McBride, Mars Ireland; John Moane, IGBF President of Appeals; Kevin Donnelly, Britvic; Tom Shipsey, Stonehouse Marketing Ltd; and Deirdre Shipsey.

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IGBF President’s Event

The JTI Ireland team pictured at the IGBF President’s Fundraising evening at The Crypt in Christchurch were (l-r): David Dowling, Elena Dowling, Jeanne Tuite, Barbara Mooney, Declan McGinn, Joan McGinn, John Moane, President of Appeals, IGBF, Derek Mooney, JTI Ireland Sales Director, and Kevin Tuite.

Showing Support “The annual President’s fundraising evening represents the Irish grocery sector coming together to show their support to former colleagues, and their families, who have experienced tough times,” noted John Moane, Managing Director of BWG Foods Wholesale Division, who took up the role of President of Appeals at the beginning of 2018. “It is also an evening where attendees can let their hair down, relax, reconnect with their colleagues in the

industry and enjoy themselves.”

Entertainment for the Party Chic event was provided by the amazing and renowned classical crossover group, Affinití, who fuse the best of Celtic, contemporary and classical elements to produce a gorgeous unique sound that enchanted those present, as well as a live DJ, atmospheric fire performers and Celtic drummers.

Hugely Successful Event In total, over €50,000 was raised from

250 industry representatives from across the grocery trade attended the annual President’s Event.

the event itself, while the raffle proved extremely popular as guests bid on a variety of items, including tickets for U2’s shows in the Three arena and tickets for the Ireland versus New Zealand rugby game in the Aviva Stadium in November.

In thanking everyone for their attendance and generosity on the night, President of Appeals John Moane made special mention of the sponsors, Aryzta, Mars, National Lottery, Mondelez, Diageo, JTI, IDL, Comans, Heineken and Britvic.

John Moane, President of Appeals, IGBF with his wife, Nicola Carroll.

Do More in Store This Christmas Christmas is the perfect time to choose PostPoint as your preferred electronic services supplier.

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Both of these are very popular products which are well established in the Irish marketplace, and give PostPoint retailers a competitive advantage when trying to attract customers into their stores this Christmas season.

Christmas Stamps

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PostPoint retailers can purchase stamps and One4all Gift Cards conveniently and quickly through the PostPoint helpdesk on 1800 300 150, and all orders are delivered free of charge straight to the retailers door.

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Paysafecard can be used to pay for goods and services from over 4,500 websites, including Facebook, Skype, Spotify and Boylesports.

Bill Payments By joining PostPoint, your customers will be able to pay all major household bills in your store.

Transactions are quick and convenient for you and your staff. You simply scan a customer’s bill and accept payment over the counter in a matter of seconds.

Postal Products PostPoint stores can offer a range of postal products and services, including National and International Stamps, and Christmas Stamp Booklets. National and International stamps are in high demand all year round, with the average PostPoint retailer selling almost 9,000 stamps per year.

National Lottery You can now offer Ireland’s most popular National Lottery games in your store through your PostPoint terminal, including; Lotto, EuroMillions, Daily Millions, Telly Bingo, All Cash and Winning Streak.

One4all Gift Cards The One4all Gift Card is Ireland’s leading multi-store Gift Card and is sold exclusively through Post Offices and PostPoint stores.

The One4all Gift Card makes the perfect gift for any customer as it is accepted in over 7,000 retail outlets nationwide.

‘PostPoint would like to wish all our retailers and readers of Retail News magazine a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.’

If you decide to choose PostPoint as your Card Payment provider a qualified An Post Engineer will visit your site to install your terminal. Additional pin pad and terminal stand available upon request.

Excellent customer support Our award winning Sales Team and Engineers are available and on call nationwide should you require any assistance on site. Our dedicated Retail Support Desk and Technical Support Desk are also available to you should you have any queries.

Fast replacement terminal Our iCT250 Card Payment Terminal is one of the most reliable and robust systems in the market. However, if your system does become damaged it will be repaired or replaced by one of An Post’s 16 nationwide engineers the next working day after the fault is reported.

Clear transparent pricing structure Our pricing is completely clear and transparent. We detail exactly what you pay on each transaction, including interchange charges and scheme fees. Monthly statements also clearly break down these charges for you by transaction type. So, you will be fully informed of the exact rates you are paying.

PostPoint works with all major retail brands including Spar, Centra, SuperValu, Tesco, Gala, Mace, Londis, Costcutter, Daybreak, Topaz and Applegreen. You can find more information about joining PostPoint at www.postpoint.ie, or you can call PostPoint Retail Support on 1800 300 150.

36|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking: Essentials

Festive Favourites!

The annual Retail News Christmas Stocking guide reveals the products guaranteed to fly off your shelves this Yuletide.

OVER the Christmas period in 2017, the average household spent a record €1,532 on groceries, an increase of €38 compared to the previous year, according to data from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland. Much of this increase was driven by staple items, with fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry posting a combined sales increase of €28m.

However, gift giving is synonymous with Christmas, as consumers all over the country treat their loved ones to presents, while the festive season also sees a spike in home entertaining, and not just for the traditional Christmas dinner, as parties and get-togethers reign supreme.

With that in mind, Retail News presents our annual Christmas Stocking guide, highlighting the ‘must-stocks’ for the festive season ahead.

Mondelez Chocolate is synonymous with the traditions of Christmas, and with its leading range of selection boxes, festive novelties, boxes and sharing bags, Mondelez will set up your Christmas

range of festive goodies!

From the new Premier League Advent Calendar - the perfect gift for any football fanatic, to the Cadbury Selection Box with Plush Toy in a choice of Cadbury Freddo or Monkey, to new formats of classic favourites like the Fry’s Collection, Mondelez’s range of NPD is sure to excite shoppers of all ages.

2018 has also seen the launch of the new Cadbury Secret Santa Campaign, which will encourage consumers to The Cadbury Dairy Milk Premier League Advent Calendar is the perfect gift for any football fanatic.

2018 for success.

Mondelez’s delicious range includes the much-loved Cadbury, Green & Blacks and Toblerone brands, all offering exciting NPD for consumers across a wide range of needs and occasions at Christmas 2018. Outside of chocolate, the company’s winning biscuits range, spanning Cadbury, Oreo and Ritz, offers treats from stocking fillers to dinner table favourites – and not forgetting Maynards Bassetts and their fantastic

The Fry’s Collection features three Fry’s favourites in one selection box: Peppermint Cream, Turkish Delight and Chocolate Cream.

38|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking: Essentials the perfect gift this Christmas in the form of fantastic sales,” enthused Levi Boorer, Customer Development Director, Ferrero. “We are really proud of our brands’ scale, and are committed to developing an all year round range that also caters for the explosion of special occasions during the festive season.”

Christmas 2017 saw Ferrero’s entire seasonal portfolio grow to be worth €3m, with Kinder Surprise 100g the largest seasonal SKU (Source: Nielsen 17 weeks to 31/12/17). Ferrero Rocher T24 remains the number four all year round boxed SKU across the total market (Source: Nielsen, Boxed Chocolate, Total Coverage, MAT WE 30/06/18), while their novelties also proved to be popular in

The Cadbury Freddo Christmas Stocking, another innovative winner from Mondelez.

Kinder’s Surprise Santa Figure will feature a new Surprise toy to drive seasonal relevancy this Christmas.

take part in a nationwide Secret Santa movement. With huge support, including a brand new TV ad, out-of-home advertising and experiential marketing, along with innovative new point of sale solutions, the Secret Santa campaign will ensure Cadbury remains front of mind for consumers when it comes to Christmas treating and gifting.

of consumer trends, so Ferrero are also adding another character to the Fluffy Toy range with the launch of the Kinder Unicorn. With 61% of parents finding the toy relevant for Christmas (Source: Toluna Omnibus – Nov 2017), the Unicorn will join the Polar Bear and Reindeer, to create a three-strong range.

Advent Calendars was the fastest growing sector at Christmas 2017 (+41%), with Kinder accounting for 26% of category growth, following the launch of its first Advent Calendar last

Ferrero Ferrero will be launching an array of new products across its brands this Christmas, including novelties, figures and advent calendars, supported with a multi-channel campaign worth €256,000. “By investing in NPD supported by media activity, we believe we can provide retailers with

Grand Ferrero Rocher, one of the seasonal highlights in the Ferrero portfolio.

Kinder Surprise 100g was the largest seasonal SKU in the Ferrero range last Christmas.

2017, with the Grand Ferrero Rocher 125g becoming the eighth biggest SKU in the novelties category (Source: Nielsen, Total Coverage, Sales Christmas 2017 vs YA, 18 Weeks to 30/12/17).

As the number two Kids Chocolate AYR line (Source: Nielsen MAT 15/07/18), Kinder is adding new Kinder Surprise Hollow Figures. The new 36g Figures will join Kinder’s existing range of novelties, including the Surprise Santa Figure, which will feature a new Surprise toy to drive seasonal relevancy.

Following sales of Kinder Joy, which grew by +3.7% last Christmas (Source: Nielsen 18 weeks to 31/12/17), the spoonable favourite will return this Christmas with new collectable winter eggs. Available in three colours and four different designs, the range will include eight seasonally relevant toys, perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree.

It is important that we keep on top

The Kinder Mini Mix Advent Calendar (351g) is sure to prove extremely popular this festive season.

For more information & advice on ranging, brands & shoppers visityourperfectstore.co.uk

No.1

Kids Advent Calendar**

Kinder Joy was the

No.1

self-treat product for Christmas 2017*

Discover the New Christmas range from Kinder *Source: Nielsen Kids Seasonal Need States, Session 1 to Date TY vs LY (Up to 23.12.2017) **Source: Seasonal S1 Christmas Review 2018, data to 30.12.2017)

40|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking: Essentials year (Source: Kids Seasonal Nielsen 18 weeks to 31/12/17). Kinder is looking to maintain its number one spot in kids Advent calendars (Source: Seasonal S1 Christmas Review 2018, data to 30/12/2017) with two new additions – the Kinder Mini Mix Advent Calendar (351g) and a Kinder Surprise Egg Advent Calendar (431g).

With many shoppers picking up additional products from convenience stores to consume for these occasions, retailers can inspire shoppers at the point of purchase by stocking a variety of products together, including boxed confectionery, crisps and wine. Retailers can also utilise disruptive and free POS from Ferrero, which can be ordered directly from www.yourperfectstore. co.uk.

“Free-standing display units placed near a till point can help to encourage impulse purchases,” reveals Levi Boorer.

“We understand that different size stores need different in-store solutions, which is why we’ve created a smaller, more practical free-standing display unit for stores with limited floor space.”

exclusively sold through Post Offices and PostPoint outlets. The One4all Gift Card makes the perfect gift for any occasion as it is accepted in over 7,000 retail outlets nationwide.

PostPoint retailers can purchase stamps and One4all Gift Cards conveniently and quickly through the PostPoint helpdesk on 1800 300 150, and all orders are delivered free of charge straight to the retailer’s door.

PostPoint works with all major retail brands including Spar, Centra, SuperValu, Tesco, Gala, Mace, Londis, Costcutter, Daybreak, Topaz and Applegreen. You can find more information about joining PostPoint at www.postpoint.ie, or you can call PostPoint Retail Support on 1800 300 150.

Lindt With a mission to create magical family moments for its shoppers, Lindt continues to “Bring the Magic Home” this Christmas with lots of exciting creations to choose from. Lovingly created by the Lindt master chocolatiers, shoppers can look forward to seeing PostPoint the adorable Lindt Teddy as well as a PostPoint are offering their customers selection of new products in the Lindt festive favourites such as Christmas range this season.

One4all Gift Cards and the Christmas Leading the innovation this year Stamp Booklet, both of which are very is the delightful Lindt Snowmen. The popular with consumers.

40g Lindt hollow figures are the perfect The One4all Gift Card is Ireland’s stocking filler and come in an array of leading multi-store gift card and is three colours. Also new to the range this year is the Lindt Christmas Sharing Pack 166g. Containing a selection of Lindt’s most iconic Christmas novelties, the milk chocolate selection is perfect for the party season.

Maintaining its position as the number one boxed chocolate brand (Source: AC Nielsen 52 weeks; Market Pralines - Data to July 15, 2018, MAT), Lindt Lindor continue to outperform the market with double digit growth and a market share of 12.6%. Lindor’s success comes not only from the much-loved classic Lindor Milk recipe but through their continual innovations to the market that are guaranteed to excite and delight your shoppers.

New Lindor Mint is the perfect blend of milk chocolate and rich mint flavour, skilfully created The One4all Gift Card is Ireland’s leading multiby the Lindt master store gift card and is accepted in over 7,000 chocolatiers. A much loved retail outlets nationwide.

A Simply Better Christmas from Dunnes!

DUNNES Stores was named Christmas Retailer of the Year at the 2018 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, with the Simply Better Brand winning in 18 categories on the night, including seven out of the nine Christmas Q Awards.

The Christmas Q Award for the Best Overall Christmas Product was awarded to Simply Better Handmade All Butter Mince Pies, produced in Galway by husband and wife team, Siobhan and Paul Lawless, and their family business, Foods of Athenry.

Simply Better Handmade All Butter Mince Pies, winner of the Christmas Q Award for the Best Overall Christmas Product at the Irish Quality Food Awards.

Lindt continues to “Bring the Magic Home” this Christmas with lots of new creations from the Lindt master chocolatiers.

Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie|41

Christmas Stocking: Essentials Lir Chocolate Lir, the legendary Irish chocolatier, is inspired by another Irish legend, the Children of Lir, an epic tale of love, beauty, magic, passion and transformation.

Some 30 years ago, Lir started out in humble fashion on the kitchen table of co-founder, Connie Doody, with a simple vision of creating joy and happiness for lovers of fine, chocolate confections.

As part of their 30th birthday celebrations, Lir’s

The Lir ‘Discovery’ collection brings together Lir’s delicious chocolate exteriors with mouthwatering interiors, using ingredients sourced around the world.

SuperValu and Centra to Sell 120,000 Poinsettias Over Festive Season New Lindor Mint is the perfect blend of milk chocolate and rich mint flavour, and is set to be the biggest new launch for the Lindor brand in recent years. recipe among Irish consumers, Lindor Mint is set to be the biggest new launch for the Lindor brand in recent years.

Also launching is the new Lindor Gift Box 287g. A beautifully crafted gift wrapped box embellished with red bow and containing the classic Lindor milk truffles, this ready-made gift is perfect for Christmas gifting.

As the market leaders, this Christmas, Lindt will deliver a massively up weighted national support plan behind the Lindor brand, with Lindor TV advertising returning to screens and a strong push in-store with premium point of sale and display.

New Lindor Gift Box 287g is a beautifully crafted gift wrapped box embellished with gold bow and containing the classic Lindor milk truffles.

SUPERVALU and Centra expect to sell over 120,000 poinsettias this festive season. The iconic plants will be available in all SuperValu and Centra stores across the country in a number of formats, from the best-selling €3 variant right up to those retailing for €13.

This season also sees SuperValu and Centra provide even greater customer choice and add some extra festive sparkle, with the introduction of the new ‘glitter poinsettia’, retailing for €5. All poinsettias sold by SuperValu and Centra are Bord Bia-approved and carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark.

North Dublin-based grower Uniplumo grows and supplies poinsettias to order for SuperValu and Centra. This is the 22nd year that Uniplumo has worked with SuperValu and Centra and will employ over 60 staff over the busy Christmas period to supply over 120,000 poinsettias for the Christmas season.

Grower Sean Grimes, Uniplumo’s Production Manager, explains, “Poinsettias require special care and attention during their growing cycle at our nursery. For five months, our team work tirelessly to cater for their every need, but it means that the very best Bord Bia Quality Assured Irish Poinsettias are available to SuperValu and Centra on time for their busy Christmas season.”

Eamon Howell, Trading Director, SuperValu and Centra said, “Poinsettias are extremely popular at this time of year and we’ve extended our range with the new ‘glitter’ poinsettias available in all stores. We are proud to source all of our poinsettias locally from Uniplumo; their passion and expertise for growing, together with their extensive plant knowledge, means that SuperValu and Centra customers have the highest quality, locally sourced poinsettias this festive season.”

Grower Sean Grimes is pictured at the Uniplumo facility in Oldtown, North Dublin, where Uniplumo grows and supplies poinsettias to order for SuperValu and Centra.

42|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking: Essentials Master Chocolatier has created the beautiful ‘Discovery’ collection. The new range brings together Lir’s delicious chocolate exteriors with mouthwatering interiors, using ingredients sourced around the world, from Ireland to Madagascar and Tahiti.

The ‘Discovery’ collection includes exciting new flavours, such as Persian Lime Truffle, Raspberry and Pistachio Duo, Dark Chocolate Torte and Chewy Pecan Caramel, alongside classic, much-loved favourites like Praline and Coffee. The delicious Sea Salted Caramel was also recently awarded a highly-coveted Great Taste Award 2018 from the Guild of Fine Food.

In addition to the ‘Discovery’ collection, Lir has also created a delightful ‘Dessert Collection’ and three irresistible flavours of cocoadusted truffles: Salted Caramel, Marc de Champagne and Milk Chocolate.

The Discovery Collection has an RRP of €13 (180g) and €24 (360g). The Dessert Collection’s RRP is €9 (145g), while the Truffles (168g) are priced at €9.50. The Lir Collection is available in selected Tesco and SuperValu stores nationwide.

From November 2018, customers can also purchase directly from the Lir online store at www.lirchocolates.com.

Nivea Nivea is delighted to launch its Christmas must-haves, showcasing this season’s amazing giftsets. Whether shoppers are in search of an essential stocking filler or indulgent pamper set for a loved one, Nivea has something to suit every budget.

The Nivea Men range includes The Full Works (RRP €18.95), a full set of favourite Nivea Men products, including Sensitive Face Wash 75ml, Sensitive Shower Gel 250ml, Sensitive Deodorant 150ml, Sensitive Moisturiser 75ml and Sensitive Post Shave Balm 100ml.

Keeping men fresh on the go, the Nivea Men Spruce Up (RRP €15) graband-go wash bag comes with three of consumers’ favourite full size products: Sensitive Shower Gel 250ml, Sensitive Deodorant 150ml and Crème Tin 75ml.

The Nivea Men Ready Set Go (RRP €7) features the hugely popular pairing of shower gel and Anti Perspirant spray: Sport Shower Gel 250ml and Sport Deodorant 150ml.

The Nivea range for women includes Nivea Pamper Time (RRP €18.75), a pampering treat for the skin and senses. Users can take time out to treat skin with this kit full of indulgence to cleanse, care, moisturise and refine the skin from top to toe, including Irresistibly Smooth Hand Cream 100ml,

Tesco Brings Two Christmas Favourites Together TWO Irish favourites are coming together in a unique partnership created by Tesco this Christmas with the launch of its finest Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Infused Salmon Side. 100% Irish fresh Atlantic salmon has been handpicked and carefully filleted in Ireland, before being infused with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin from The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Co. Leitrim.

“Working with Good Fish, we’ve crafted a perfect partnership with Tesco’s finest Gunpowder Gin Infused Salmon.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder to create a product synonymous with quality and craftsmanship,” noted Joe Manning, Fresh Category Director, Tesco Ireland. “Combining both partners, the recipe has been tried and tested to ensure that we’ve created a signature fresh, rounded flavourful dish, which is sure to be a real centre piece on the dining tables of Ireland this Christmas.”

This magical combination will be available in Tesco stores nationwide from early December; pricing to be confirmed.

Irresitably Smooth Body Lotion 250ml, Daily Essentials Caring 3in1 MicellAIR Cleansing Water 200ml, Shower Silk Mousse Crème Care 200ml, Lip Care Essential 4.8gm and a shower puff.

Nivea Body Beautiful (RRP €14) is a super moisturising skincare range in a beautiful raspberry beauty bag, including Shower Silk Mousse Rhubarb 200ml, Body Lotion Rich Nourishing 250ml, Lip Butter Tin Raspberry 16.7gm and a shower puff.

Nivea Body Beautiful (RRP €14) is a super moisturising skincare range in a beautiful raspberry beauty bag.

The Nivea Men range includes The Full Works (RRP €18.95), a full set of favourite Nivea Men products.

Shoppers can look and feel fresh with Nivea Fresh Blossom (RRP €10.50), the floral trio from Nivea, which includes Body Lotion Cherry Blossom 250ml, Hand Cream Cherry Blossom 100ml and Lip Cherry 4.8gm.

The new Nivea Christmas Giftsets are available nationwide from November 2018.

For more information, please visit www.nivea.ie or www.facebook.com/ niveaireland

Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie|43

Christmas Stocking: Essentials

Nivea MicellAIR Professional NIVEA’s MicellAIR Skin Breathe Professional range helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin, while gently caring and protecting its delicate moisture balance, removing even the most stubborn of make-up in just a few simple swipes. No rinsing or rubbing necessary.

MicellAIR Professional Micellar Water, 400ml (RRP €6.99) The latest Micellar Water from Nivea has a unique and innovative lightweight formula that effectively removes long-wear face and eye make-up while deeply cleansing the skin, in one easy step. With a brandnew 400ml bottle, the product leaves 0% greasy residue on the skin, leaving it beautifully cleansed without any rinsing or rubbing required.

MicellAIR Professional Eye Make-up Remover, 125ml (RRP €5.49) Effortlessly sweep away waterproof mascara and stubborn eyeliner with Nivea’s new MicellAIR Professional Eye Make-up Remover.

Infused with Micellar water, the latest product is perfect for those who love a dramatic smokey eye or simply cannot part with their favourite eye liner – removing stubborn make-up has never been easier! The highly effective yet caring formula is infused with green tea, which is known to reduce puffiness and soothe the skin. Eyes are left feeling fresh, with 0% greasy residue. The MicellAIR Professional Eye Make-up Remover comes in a convenient 125ml bottle, perfect for on-the-move or travelling.

MicellAIR Professional Make-up Remover Wipes (RRP €4.99) Soaked in Nivea’s MicellAIR water, MicellAIR Professional Make-up Remover Wipes cleanse and gently remove make-up, without causing irritation or drying out the skin. The superior technology allows dirt, oil and even waterproof make-up to be easily absorbed without harming the skin’s natural barrier and simultaneously protecting the eyes, lashes and skin.

Enriched with black tea, which is known for cell rejuvenation, the wipes leave the skin feeling deeply cleansed, nourished and soft, without any greasy residue.

Conveniently comprised in a pack of 20, the wipes are the perfect handbag to gym bag companion.

For more information, please visit www.nivea.ie or www.facebook.com/ niveaireland

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Irish Distillers

Launch Premium Division Affinity Brand Co. is the new division of Irish Distillers that is looking after their luxury and new brands.

IRISH Distillers has recently launched a new division, Affinity Brand Co. The Affinity Brand Co. will build affinity for Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard’s portfolio of luxury and new brands in highend, influential venues across Ireland. The Affinity Brand Co. portfolio is comprised of Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Green Spot, Monkey 47, Method and Madness, Absolut Elyx, Lillet and Perrier Jouet.

Headed up by Director, Shane Davey, the new division includes Grace O'Sullivan as Senior Brand Manager, Natalia Lynch as Sales Manager, and Ger Garland as Irish Whiskey Ambassador, alongside Ben Traynor, Brand Manager, Michael Cowman, Brand Ambassador, and Brand Specialist Andrew Dickey. The Affinity Brand Co. team will work directly with bartenders and specialist retailers to nurture new, established and traditional brands in the Irish market.

“Affinity means to have a natural liking for and understanding of something, and we choose to call our team the Affinity Brand Co. because we want our unique portfolio of products to be instinctively loved and understood by the influential bars, bartenders and off trade accounts in Ireland,” explains Shane Davey, Affinity Brand Co. Director.

“Our team knows that growing demand for high end and unique brands takes

The Affinity Brand Co. will launch several new brands into the ROI market, such as Monkey 47 Sloe Gin.

knowledge and skill, and with this new division and team, we will bring that knowledge and skill into the trade,” Davey continues. “The range of Pernod Ricard products that we represent is broad, offering the very best quality, and it meets the bartender, customer and consumer needs.

Incubate, innovate, and influence will be at the centre of everything we do under this new division.”

Over the next 12 months, the team will look to establish itself in the Irish market, positioning Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard’s brands as the pinnacle of the luxury and forward-thinking segment in Ireland. It will forge and grow strong relationships with key influencers.

The Affinity Brand Co. will launch several new brands into the ROI market, such as Monkey Sloe Gin, Avion Tequila and Suz, as well as really looking to accelerate growth in the lower alcohol Spritz category with Lillet, using all three of the Lillet variants.

The Affinity Brand Co. will accelerate growth in the lower alcohol Spritz category with Lillet.

Luxury Gifts for Christmas

This Christmas, the Affinity Brand Co., the new prestige division at Irish Distillers, offers a collection of Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard luxury gifts for Christmas.

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2018

Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Family Collection

IN Midleton, just two Master Distillers have had the privilege of preserving the legacy of the world’s most sought-after Irish whiskey, Midleton Very Rare. Created in 1984 by Master Distiller, Emeritus Barry Crockett, Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of his art and expertise. Once a year, Master Distiller Brian Nation honours Barry’s vision by handpicking the finest and rarest whiskeys available, carefully blending them to create an annual vintage of Midleton Very Rare. Only a select number of casks are deemed of sufficient excellence and rarity to bear the Midleton Very Rare name, making this the pinnacle of Irish whiskey. Prized among whiskey appreciators, Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2018 is a luxurious and distinguished gift for a special someone this Christmas.

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2018 reveals a vanilla sweetness and a light floral perfume on the nose, with some citrus zest and fresh herbs and spices, complemented by a touch of black pepper and charred oak. On tasting Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2018, the mouth is coated with sweet vanilla, cinnamon and clove, before hints of green apple and unripe banana come to the fore. Peppery pot still spices and charred American oak add complexity to the flavour. The soft sweet spices fade, leaving the final say to the charred oak and barley grains.

THE largest selling Single Pot Still Whiskey in the world, Redbreast is the definitive expression of the traditional Irish spirit. This Christmas, Redbreast offers a collectable gift pack, which includes Redbreast 12 Year Old, Redbreast 15 Year Old and Redbreast Lustau.

Full of aroma and flavour, Redbreast 12 Year Old benefits from a strong contribution from distillates which have matured in Oloroso sherry casks, giving it its trademark Christmas cake character. Rich and spicy, with notes of dried sultanas and figs, as well as toasted wood and hints of vanilla, it is the perfect accompaniment to Christmas get-togethers.

The additional maturation of Redbreast 15 Year Old adds further depth and complexity to this special whiskey. Originally a limited edition, Redbreast 15 Year Old is now a permanent member of the Redbreast family for whiskey appreciators to enjoy. The extra years in the barrel have given Redbreast 15 Year Old a more mellow taste profile than its younger sibling, Redbreast 12 Year Old. Redbreast Lustau is the latest expression in the Redbreast family, offering fans an innovative way to experience the brand’s signature sherry taste. Born from a unique collaboration and friendship between the Bodegas Lustau and the Midleton Distillery, Redbreast Lustau is initially matured in traditional bourbon and sherry casks, and then finished in hand selected sherry butts that have been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry from Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain.

The Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Family Collection is available from leading off licences at RRP €25 and is an ideal introduction to one of the leading Single Pot Still Whiskey brands in the world.

Midleton Very Rare Vintage Release 2018 is available from specialist off licences, RRP €180.

An Introduction to the

Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton THIS Christmas, consumers can enjoy an introductory taste of Midleton’s Single Pot Still Whiskeys with this specially curated selection, available from leading off licences at RRP €35.

An ideal gift for those in the know or a whiskey novice, the collection includes Redbreast 12 Year Old, Green Spot, Powers John Lane Release and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.

Redbreast 12 Year Old is full of aroma and flavour, and it is characterful, complex and lavishly generous. A rare and much sought after delight, given only small quantities are bottled yearly, Green Spot purposefully marries heritage and history with contemporary design and a sense of discovery. Green Spot is matured in a combination of new bourbon and refill bourbon casks, as well as sherry casks. Only small

quantities of Green Spot are bottled each year, making it a rare and much sought after delight.

Powers Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey celebrates the origin of the Powers whiskey tradition by providing a glimpse of the whiskey style that made Powers famous. Using a Pot Still distillate, which is true to the original style of John’s Lane, the whiskey has been matured for at least 12 years. 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 loved whiskeys. Created to commemorate the career of the former Master Distiller, Barry Crockett, who helped to formulate Midleton, Barry Crockett Legacy, a single pot still, was recently awarded Best Single Pot Still Whiskey at the 2018 Irish Whiskey Awards.

Method And Madness Single Grain

Method And Madness Single Malt

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I’m still fascinated by what’s possible,” said Master Distiller Brian Nation, speaking of Method And Madness Single Grain.

Method And Madness Single Grain is matured in first fill Bourbon casks and finished in Spanish oak casks. Brian Nation said that this release asked the question, “What if we take a step away from the familiar?” And, the result of the partnership between a Single Grain whiskey aged in virgin Spanish oak is a gentle taste of wood spice, playing off the natural sweetness of the grain.

Think of the smell of new pencil shavings, light rose petals and fresh rain beating down on pine on the nose; savour warm toasted oak, freshly peeled grapefruit and zesty wood spices in the mouth; and sweet cereal, the spiciness of clove and refreshing mint to finish.

Method And Madness Single Grain is available from leading off licences at RRP €49.

Innovation, ambition and collaboration are the heart of Method And Madness, a whiskey hatched from the minds of Midleton Distillery’s masters and apprentices. Innovation is nothing novel to Midleton, but the new micro-distillery has provided the copper canvas for experimentation to run free. The whiskeys coming out of this distillers’ playground provide a new taste from Irish whiskey history.

Method And Madness is a brand for those who want to pursue a more interesting path. The collection includes Single Malt, Single Grain and Single Pot Still.

Method And Madness Single Malt was laid down in Midleton in 2002, and is a first for the distillery team, as it was finished in a French Limousin Oak. As Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science, said: “We’re not reinventing the wheel, we’re rolling it on.” Being finished in French oak casks, Method And Madness Single Malt has light perfume notes. On the nose, this single malt gives aromas of freshly shelled peanuts and cereal malt, giving way to a snapped cinnamon stick and ice cream cone wafer on the tongue, while its finish reveals fragrant bon bons and a hint of toasted barley.

Method And Madness Single Malt is available from

leading off licences at RRP €79.

Method And Madness Single Pot Still

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Method And Madness Single Pot Still perfectly combines tradition and modernity, a combination of what the distillers at Midleton have always done and what they have never tried before.

A Single Pot Still Whiskey aged in French chestnut casks, straying away from the traditional oak has served this Single Pot Still well. “When you sit on your laurels, you go nowhere,” said Master Distiller Billy Leighton.

On the nose, Method And Madness Single Pot Still reveals red liquorice laces, fresh rosemary and mint and grated root ginger; on the palate, sweet fruit, spice and cinnamon toast; and to finish, aromatic green tea and rich wood.

Method And Madness Single Pot Still is available from leading off licences at RRP €69.

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy MIDLETON, the brand name synonymous with the annual vintage release of Midleton Very Rare and with the limited releases of Midleton Single Pot Still Whiskeys, characterises its whiskey style by elegant and fragrant distillates.

Bearing the name of the celebrated second generation Midleton Master Distiller, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy (RRP €250) is a tribute to the man who is inextricably linked to the Midleton distillery and who has more than anyone, shaped the renowned Midleton style. Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy is a single pot still, which was recently awarded Best Single Pot Still Whiskey at the 2018 Irish Whiskey Awards. Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy displays a distinctive Pot Still complexity, yet is refined and poised on the finish. With over 30 illustrious awards received to date, this is a whiskey that truly embodies its name.

It has an elegant aroma of vanilla and toasted oak, which is complemented by a touch of lime, succulent green berries, pears and sweet green pepper. This light pepper carries into fresh citrus, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla on the tongue, and its years spent in American oak are revealed. The full spectrum of flavours last well into the finish, slowly fading to expose the clean American oak foundation of this commemorative whiskey.

FOR more than a century, Redbreast has stayed true to the single pot still whiskey making tradition, and today is considered to be the definitive expression of this quintessential style of Irish whiskey.

Crafted by Master Blender Billy Leighton at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Redbreast offers a rich, fullbodied flavour profile, with a signature sherry influence, and is growing in popularity in key Irish whiskey markets around the world, including the US, UK and Ireland. The single pot still Irish whiskey range demonstrates a clear commitment to age, quality and innovation in Irish whiskey.

This Christmas, consumers can give the gift of style, luxury and taste with Redbreast 12 Year Old (RRP €59).

Full flavoured and complex, Redbreast 12 Year Old is resilient, rare and richly robust. Everyone enjoys whiskey in a different way, so this Christmas enjoy it in its purest form, neat and at room temperature, or create some classic Christmas cocktails to whet the appetite.

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Christmas Stocking: Spirits

Festive SpiritS

The festive season should be a peak selling period for spirits, as the popularity of Irish whiskey, gin and cocktail culture shows no signs of abating.

HOME entertaining and gift giving combine for a seasonal surge in spirits sales as the festive season fast approaches. When allied to the rise in cocktail culture across the country and the continued explosion in sales of Irish whiskey and gin, it should add up to a bumper Christmas 2018 for spirits sales.

2017 was another strong year for the Irish whiskey industry, which saw domestic sales of premium Irish whiskey brands grow by 41% to over 700,000 bottles, according to the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA).

Overall sales of Irish whiskey grew by 6% to 6.4m bottles in 2017, making Irish whiskey the fastest-growing spirits category globally. In 2014, there were just four distilleries in Ireland, but domestic and international demand will see that number surpass 30 by 2020.

Gin, however, will be the fastest performer in both value (at constant 2017 prices) and total volume terms

over the coming years, as it continues to be very much the fashionable drink, according to the latest report into the Irish spirits market by Euromonitor International. Growth is predicted to be marginally slower compared to the last year, due to market saturation and some level of product cannibalisation.

While there has been an explosion in the popularity of gin over recent years, many of these new brands are coming from Irish micro-distilleries. Craft spirits have moved into a similar realm with craft beers and ciders, with consumers maintaining an interest in provenance.

Baileys Baileys is a delicious and indulgent treat; part alcohol, part cake and pure pleasure. Deliciously simple over ice, poured over ice-cream, in coffee, creamy hot chocolate drinks, freakshakes or as a delightful cake or bake component: the choices are endless!

Part of the Diageo portfolio, Baileys is a remarkable Irish success story.

Born of the great Irish traditions of distilling and dairy, Baileys was expertly and uniquely created over four decades ago, giving rise to a whole new spirits category in cream liqueurs and growing to be the most successful spirits launch of the past 40 years. It’s now available in 160 countries, with over 237m people saying they love Baileys across the globe.

Today, Baileys is the world’s most loved spirits brand and has never been in better shape. A new positioning as a real grown-up treat is exciting new consumers and driving brand growth, with three bottles of Baileys sold every second (Source: International Wine and Spirits Report, global data 2017).

And with consumer demand for pure indulgent pleasure on the rise, this trend looks set to continue. Last Christmas, Baileys grew +22% versus the previous year (Source: AC Nielsen ROI THT ex

Baileys is a delicious and indulgent treat; part alcohol, part cake and pure creamy hot chocolate drinks, freakshakes or as a delightful cake or bake component – the choices are endless!

The world’s most loved spirits brand has never been in better shape. Last Christmas, Baileys volume grew +22% vs previous year* and with increased ATL investment, this year is shaping up to be even bigger. Stock up on Baileys this Christmas and treat yourself to some delicious sales.

Place an order with your Sales Representative or through your Diageo Connect account today on www.diageoconnect.com

*AC Nielsen ROI THT ex Dunnes ex Discounters, Dec 2017 L3M

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Christmas Stocking: Spirits

Baileys' new positioning as a real grown-up treat is exciting new consumers and driving brand growth, with three bottles of Baileys sold every second.

Dunnes ex Discounters, Dec 2017 L3M) and with increased ATL investment, this year is shaping up to be even bigger.

So, stock up on Baileys this Christmas and treat yourself to some delicious sales. Place an order with your sales representative or through your Diageo Connect account today on www. diageoconnect. com.

Cointreau A key ingredient in some of the world’s most famous cocktails, Cointreau has unmistakable individuality.

The unique orange liqueur, distributed in Ireland

by Barry & Fitzwilliam, is produced according to a secret recipe

Cointreau is produced from sweet and bitter orange peels to create a crystal-clear premium spirit.

that has remained unchanged for 150 years.

Originating from France, Cointreau is produced from sweet and bitter orange peels to create a crystal-clear premium spirit.

However you drink it, Cointreau promises a fascinating journey of the senses. Take a trip and discover yourself the subtle aromas of sweet and bitter oranges, the refreshing bite of ice and the smouldering chemistry of them combined.

Cointreau can be paired beautifully with soda water and freshly squeezed lime juice to create a Cointreau fizz, a refreshing burst of citrus notes sure to delight. A Cointreau Margarita is a classic. The Original Margarita was the result of a chic socialite, Margarita Sames, mixing her favourite spirits together until she made the perfect drink while entertaining at home. In 1948 in Acalpulco, Mexico, the Margarita was born, made with two of her favourites: Tequila & Cointreau & Fresh Lime Juice.

Tia Maria Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, 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 jewellery box with black pearl earrings and an ancient manuscript with the

recipe for a mysterious liqueur. The recipe was named after the courageous woman. Tia Maria was born.

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.

From that day forward, Tia Maria has been a favourite for coffee cocktail lovers the world over and it was even used in the very first Espresso Tia Maria: a Martini recipe favourite for over 40 years coffee cocktail ago. The lovers the world Espresso over.

Martini is just one of many cocktails that can be made using Tia Maria. There is the Tia Mint Americano, the Tia Iced Popcorn Frappe, the Tia Cappuccino, the Tia Flat White Russian and more. Checkout the website www.tiamaria.com for more versatile cocktails with Tia Maria.

Kilbeggan A double distilled blended whiskey, Kilbeggan, part of the Barry & Fitzwilliam portfolio, manages to be both complex and approachable at the same time, making it the ideal introduction for those exploring the world of Irish whiskey. Its double distillation gives it a robust profile with more character than blends that are triple distilled. Warm and accessible as the people who create it, Kilbeggan is the perfect complement to just about any mixer and can be enjoyed with cola, ginger ale, or soda, or as simple as over ice.

It is sweet on the nose with notes of caramel and vanilla and toasted warm aromas. Delicate malt and clean grain become more apparent with time. It has tastes of soft almond nougat, peach, caramel and vanilla flavours, before finishing quickly with soft, light malt

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Christmas Stocking: Spirits Lidl’s Gin Lifts Irish Quality Drink Award

A double distilled blended whiskey, Kilbeggan is the ideal introduction for those exploring the world of Irish whiskey. sugar flavours.

The distillation and ageing process of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey reveals the whiskey’s distinct characteristics. It’s an approachable, blended whiskey, aged in ex-bourbon casks for a minimum of four years, creating a long, satisfying finish. Kilbeggan is served perfectly as a hot whiskey or as an Irish coffee for the colder months.

Dublin Liberties Distillery With its construction on Mill Street currently nearing completion, The Dublin Liberties Distillery (DLD) will be home to some of the most exciting Irish whiskeys currently available, including The Dublin Liberties Whiskeys, The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey and The Dubliner Irish Whiskeys.

The Dubliner is currently taking the world by storm with an international gold medal sweep across its entire range this year, while whiskey enthusiasts in Ireland are also taking note; “The Dubliner is one of the fastest growing Irish whiskeys globally, and we’re seeing things really take off in Ireland as well,” says Commercial Director of Quintessential Brands Ireland, Max Hayes. Made from a blend of grain and malt whiskeys, The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is aged in bourbon casks from Kentucky, giving a perfectly-balanced flavour, with a soft richness and a hint of

The Dubliner 10-Year-Old Single Malt really captures the essence of Dublin in a classic Irish whiskey, paying homage to the centuries-old history of distilling in Dublin. sweet bourbon.

The jewel in the Dubliner’s crown is undoubtedly the award-winning 10-YearOld Single Malt, made from 100% malted barley, before being aged in bourbon oak casks. This ageing gives a rich complex flavour to this 43% ABV whiskey. On the nose, there’s a sweet, slightly spicy aroma with overtones of vanilla and honey, followed by a rich maltiness on the palate, with a hint of smooth chocolate.

The finish is long and smooth with a hint of toffee, while the chocolate and vanilla floats on the tongue.

Perfect as a sipping whiskey Dublin Liberties Copper enjoyed Alley: winner of the straight or on the rocks, Irish Quality Drink this stunning Award in the hotly contested Brandy, single malt, Cognac and Whiskey created category.

by Master

LIDL Ireland’s Wild Burrow Irish Distilled Gin was named the best gin in Ireland at the 2018 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. The story of Wild Burrow Gin starts on Rabbit Island, a small island off the coast of West Cork. Ingredients are sourced from this unique area to distinguish the gin from all others.

These carefully chosen botanicals are distilled with the finest spirts, resulting in an extraordinary taste experience. The award-winning gin is enhanced with 12 botanicals; Juniper, Coriander, Angelica, Orris Root, Orange, Lemon, Blackberry Leaves, Dandelion Flower, Scots Pine, Wild Garlic, Wild Fennel, and Furze Petals. All production of Wild Burrow Gin is completed in Ireland, exclusively for Lidl Ireland.

Distiller of The DLD, Darryl McNally, has captured the essence of Dublin in what is a classic style Irish whiskey, paying homage to the centuries-old history of distilling in Dublin.

The DLD is being constructed by The Dublin Liberties Whiskey Company, part of Quintessential Brands Ireland, one of the most dynamic drinks companies to emerge in the last decade.

Quintessential Brands recently enjoyed great success at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, where their Dublin Liberties Copper Alley won the Brandy, Cognac and Whiskey Award.

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Christmas Stocking: Spirits Teeling Whiskey Teeling Whiskey has released Teeling Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, the first commercial release distilled at its Dublin based Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Teeling Single Pot Still is the first new Dublin distilled Irish whiskey to be released for nearly 50 years, marking the true revival for the craft of distilling in the city. This release follows the auctioning of the first 100 bottles from the distillery in September, in aid of local Dublin charities - when bottle number one sold for Stg£10,000, breaking a world record for the most expensive bottle of whiskey sold from a new distillery.

Teeling Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey: the first commercial release distilled at its Dublin based Teeling Whiskey Distillery.

“When the Teeling Whiskey Company was formed in 2012, my vision was to revive Irish whiskey distilling in Dublin and put our capital city back at the top table of whiskey producing areas in the world,” said Jack Teeling, Founder and Managing Director of Teeling Whiskey. “While we have achieved a lot over the subsequent six years, the release of our own Dublin distilled whiskey completes the revival of the craft of distilling in Dublin and hopefully draws us into a new renaissance for not only Teeling Whiskey but Dublin distilled Irish whiskey as a whole.”

“We look forward to helping drive a new golden era for Dublin and Irish whiskey,” concluded Teeling. The Teeling Single Pot Still Irish whiskey 70cl bottle comes in a gift tube and is bottled at 46% with an RRP of €55.

Sling Shot Gin Sling Shot gin is a new Irish gin, launched recently by Lough Ree Distillery, from Lanesborough, Co. Longford. Sling Shot Gin is being distilled in a custom-built distillery in Lanesborough while construction of the state-of-the-art Lough Ree Distillery and visitor centre is under way, 50 metres away, ahead of its official opening in mid-2019.

in the Irish market. By using peat as a botanical, it adds depth and complexity to the gin, giving it full bodied flavour.

“Sling Shot gin is the first in a long line of spirits that we will be developing over the coming years,” noted Peter Clancy, CEO of Lough Ree Distillery.

“The gin market in Ireland and across Europe is growing exponentially and we’re excited to be part of that growth.”

The gin is the first in a line of planned Lough Ree Distillery spirits that will include whiskey, vodka, liqueurs, poitín, and fruit spirits.

Blackwater Barry’s Tea Irish Gin Blackwater Barry’s Tea Irish Gin is back just in time for Christmas. The innovative gin combines Barry’s Tea Classic Blend with Sicilian lemons, sweet Spanish oranges, juniper berries and cinnamon.

“There’s something about the way tea is distilled, the vitamins and spice notes that inspired this collaboration,” explained Peter Mulryan, co-founder of Blackwater Distillery. “The From Lough Ree Distillery, Sling Shot marries classic gin botanicals with local peat, along with a flavours of tea make it a perfect complement for this hint of citrus and fresh mint. time of year – it’s ideal for Global spirits expert Julia Nourney a winter cocktail or Christmas present. worked with Lough Ree Distillery to Demand for Blackwater Barry’s Tea Irish perfect the recipe for Sling Shot gin.

Gin last year was high and we’re proud to Sling Shot marries classic gin botanicals bring it back this year.” with local peat, along with a hint of Blackwater Barry’s Tea Irish Gin citrus and fresh mint. Sling Shot is the is available in a limited run, with only first ever gin to distil peat as a botanical, 10,000 bottes going on sale in retailers making it unique amongst competitors around the country (RRP €35).

Blackwater Barry’s Tea Irish Gin combines Barry’s Tea Classic Blend with Sicilian lemons, sweet Spanish oranges, juniper berries and cinnamon.

CHRISTMAS.

BRING IT ON HOME.

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Christmas Stocking: Beer

Beer Hits Top Gear

Beer sales are set to soar this festive season, as consumer stock up on their favourite brands.

CHRISTMAS is the peak selling period for off-trade beer sales, as consumers across the country stock up on their favourite tipples for home entertaining.

Lager is the nation’s favourite beer variant, according to a new online survey conducted by the Irish Brewers Association (IBA), with 45% of respondents saying it is their preferred choice. IPAs are the nation’s second favourite beer variant, with a 22% share and stout received an 11% share.

The survey was conducted on TheTaste.ie on behalf of the IBA, with over 1,300 respondents taking part. The survey aimed to explore the drinking preferences of beer consumers in Ireland, including where they drink and what they drink.

With around 100 microbreweries now operating around the country, there is more choice than ever and many consumers are now choosing beer in restaurants and bars to consume with food. According to the research, 51% of beer drinkers either always or often pair beer with food when eating out.

The research showed that many consumers change their beer of choice throughout the year. Some 45% of beer drinkers either always or often change beer preferences, with 43% changing due to seasonal factors.

There has also been a rise in the number of low and non-alcohol beer products on the market in the past few years, again giving consumers more choice. The demand is there for more options to be made available, with 57% of respondents saying they’d like to see more availability of non-alcoholic beer.

“Beer remains Ireland’s favourite alcohol beverage, accounting for just under 45% market share of all alcohol consumed in 2017,” notes Jonathan McDade, Head of the Irish Brewers Association. “What’s really exciting to see is the increasing diversity in the sector.

There is a huge amount of Irish-made beer products now available on the market and in our pubs and off licences across the country. Like the French with wine and the Germans with beer, we should be proud of this homegrown

sector. I hope to continue to see plenty of new beer products come to the market in 2019 and continue to offer beer drinkers a wide range of choice.”

Craft beer, in particular, has enjoyed outstanding growth in recent years, albeit from a small base. Market research group, Euromonitor International predict that the appetite for craft beer will grow further in the coming years, both in terms of the number of micro-breweries and their output.

Next year sees the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill become law. However, the structural separation part of the Bill does not come into effect until November 12, 2020. From that date, in mixed retail outlets alcohol products and advertising will be confined to one of the following: an area separated by a 1.2 metre high barrier, or units in which alcohol products are not visible up to 1.5 metres height, or up to three units that can be a maximum of 1 metre wide by 2.2 metres high. In addition alcohol products can be contained but not be visible in a unit behind the counter.

Barry and Fitzwilliam Irish Distributors for Brewdog.

FOR ORDERS CONTACT: sales@BandF.ie | (021) 4320900 or (01) 6671755 www.bandf.ie

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Enjoy BREWDOG Sensibly.

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Christmas Stocking: Beer BrewDog – Punk IPA Punk IPA is where the BrewDog revolution began. This scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion; synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts: full-on, fullflavour; at full-throttle.

Layered with new world hops to create an explosion of tropical fruit and an all-out riot of grapefruit, pineapple and lychee, before a spiky bitter finish, this is transatlantic fusion running at the fences of lost empires.

This 5.6% trans-atlantic fusion IPA is light golden in colour with tropical fruits and light caramel on the nose.

The palate soon becomes assertive and resinous with the New Zealand hops balanced by the biscuit malt. The finish is aggressive and dry, with the hops emerging over the warming alcohol.

This fresh, full flavour natural beer

New Carlsberg Unfiltered is a great tasting, cloudy, pilsner lager offering beer drinkers a brand-new taste experience. made. The brewers have removed the filtration process, which leaves more natural flavours and body in the lager and produces a premium, great tasting, cloudy pilsner with subtle floral and hop notes, unlike anything else in the category.

“I’m really excited to be launching Carlsberg Unfiltered Danish Pilsner in Ireland,” noted Alan McAleenan, Carlsberg Marketing Manager.

“It’s a great tasting lager that will appeal to lager drinkers who are looking to try something different and want a more natural taste experience from their beer.”

as did Francis’ Big Bangin’ IPA, in the Double IPA and American Style IPA categories, respectively.

Punk IPA from Brewdog is growing in popularity all the time. is a tribute to the classic IPAs of yesteryear. The post-modern twist is the addition of amazing fruity hops, giving an explosion of tropical fruit flavours and a sharp bitter finish.

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, sales are at an all-time high and Michael Barry, MD, doesn’t foresee the rebellious Punk IPA slowing down anytime soon.

Carlsberg Unfiltered New Carlsberg Unfiltered, from Diageo Ireland, has recently been launched into Ireland; a great tasting, cloudy, pilsner lager offering beer drinkers a brand-new taste experience. The new beer is inspired by Danish values of simplicity and connection with nature, and its name reflects how the lager is

McGargles McGargles is a range of multi-award winning beers, produced by Rye River Brewery, Celbridge, Co Kildare. Renowned for their commitment to authentic craft recipes, all McGargles beers are expertly brewed in 2,500 litre batches using hand-turned malts and direct from farm hops. Since 2013, McGargles has been at the forefront of innovation in the craft beer industry and this was recognised on a global platform at the recent 2018 World Beer Awards, where McGargles beers were awarded a total of six awards, doubling their haul from 2017.

Most notably, McGargles Dan’s Double IPA was awarded best in style winner in the Imperial/Double IPA category to be crowned Best Double IPA in the world. Dan’s Double IPA also picked up a Country Winner award,

Darragh’s Session IPA won the Country Award for Session IPA at the World Beer Awards for the second consecutive year.

Darragh’s Session IPA held onto the Country Winner award for Session IPA for a second consecutive year, having been voted Best Session IPA in the world at the 2017 World Beer Awards. Frank’s Lager bagged a Gold medal, while Sean’s Export Stout picked up a Silver medal.

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Christmas Stocking: Wine

Seasonal Cellars

Jean Smullen looks at some new wines available this Christmas, as well as the seasonal favourites, Champagne and Port.

SO far this year, things are looking up for the Irish wine trade. The summer heatwave provided a boost for alcohol sales, particularly branded products.

The September pre-Christmas trade shows seem to have generated significant orders and there was no duty increase in the 2019 budget. As the wine industry prepares for Christmas 2018, we look at new wines available this Christmas and focus on Champagne and Port.

Champagne The market for Champagne as a celebration drink has been seriously eroded by the enormous growth of Prosecco. Almost unknown 14 years ago, Prosecco is now the sparkling wine of choice for most celebrations.

The category is about to expand with the introduction of Prosecco Rosé and global sales of Prosecco are expected to reach more than 400m bottles by 2020.

Champagne, however, is still one of the ultimate luxury products and still holds great appeal for the customer prepared to pay for a quality product. It is important when upselling to emphasise to the customer how Champagne is made. Does your customer know that the ageing process in the deep limestone cellars of the great Champagne houses, where humidity is retained, ensures the complexity of the wine?

What makes Champagne so unique is a second fermentation in the bottle of an acidic still wine, made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. The wine is bottled and some extra yeast and sugar is

added to the bottle. This starts second fermentation within the bottle, which gives the wine its sparkle as it produces carbon dioxide and six atmospheres of pressure.

The yeast sediment from the fermentation process is eventually moved to the neck of the bottle, either manually or by machine, and is then removed by popping the crown cap to release the dead yeast cells now resting in the neck of the bottle. The final wine is sealed with a special three-layered cork held down by a wire muselet.

Compare that with Prosecco, made from a grape called Glera fermented and bottled in a tank. When it comes to trading up, the customer will buy the premium product if they understand it and therein lies the key selling point for Champagne.

Champagne Offers Pommery Brut Royal Champagne (€60) from Liberty Wine was this year’s Gold Star winner of the NOffLA Irish Wine Show Star Award for Sparkling/ Champagne under €60. Pommery has a huge estate, which includes some of the best vineyards in the region. One of Champagne’s best-known houses, Pommery owes its success to Jeanne Alexandrine Louise Pommery who, like the Widow Clicquot 50 years earlier, took over her husband’s job in 1860 and made a huge success of it. Pommery is a lighter style of champagne with brioche notes and light citrus fruits, a more open style and worth stocking.

Best known for its pink Champagne, the Laurent Perrier Rosé (€80) from Gilbeys is made from 100% Pinot Noir

and with a unique bottle shape, this is an extremely popular Champagne and one to have on your shelves this Christmas.

The Laurent Perrier Brut NV (€60) is the world’s fifth best-selling Champagne; it has delicate floral notes and lots of apple fruit character, and is on offer this year with a gift box and a gift pack.

Gilbeys also have Champagne de Castellane NV Brut (€37) as part of their Christmas wine off trade offering. A blend of 35% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier, this is another fresh style of Champagne with subtle white fruit flavours.

Taittinger, from Febvre Champagne Taittinger & Co., is Brut, one of the best the second value Champagnes largest land available on the owner in the market.

Champagne region with 288 hectares still in family ownership. Chardonnay (40%) dominates the house style. Taittinger have always

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Christmas Stocking: Wine aimed for elegance and purity of fruit.

One of the best value Champagnes, their wine style is clean with toasty notes. The Taittinger Brut Diamonds NV (Febvre & Co) in a gift box will be on offer this Christmas (€55).

Bollinger from Findlater & Co have the Bollinger Hat Box available this Christmas. The Hat Box pack includes a bottle of NV Bollinger and two Riedel glasses. Bollinger, established in 1829, is one of the world’s best known Champagne houses. They make a very rich Champagne style with Pinot Noir dominating, which gives its distinct crisp dry style. Look out too for Bollinger in Magnum and Jeroboam.

Port The other classic winter wine styles, long associated with the festive season are the fortified wine styles. Fortified wines are wines to which extra alcohol has been added during their production.

There are two different reasons for doing this and port illustrates one of them.

In port production, alcohol is added during fermentation, while quite a lot of the grape sugar still remains in the juice. This dose of spirit kills the yeasts, stops the fermentation and so the wine retains some of the natural sugar. The wine is sweet, tastes of spirit and needs a few years in oak barrels to soften and mature.

Febvre & Co. have Warre’s 10-year-old Tawny Port available in a beautiful gift tube this Christmas.

Ampersand Score Golden Hat-trick at the Irish Wine Show Awards AMPERSAND are delighted to have won 10 coveted awards and have three Gold Star Winners at the NOffLA Gold Star Irish Wine Awards 2018-2019 ceremony. The gold stars were awarded to Rioja Vega Crianza 2015, Santa Carolina Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2018 and De Vero Vino Rosso Biologico 2017.

To coincide with the awards, Ampersand are offering a great selection of trade deals to promote the winners and accompanying wines from their respective ranges. A full Point of Sale package is available containing shelf talkers, neck collars and posters for floor display.

“This is our best achievement to date on the awards front,” noted Willie Dardis, Wine Manager & Buyer, “and in these still Ampersand’s three Gold Star difficult times, this will be a major boost winners from the NOffLA and incentive to gain serious sales and Gold Star Irish Wine Awards: traction with these winning wines. It will Rioja Vega Crianza 2015, also help to endorse all our wine portfolio.” Santa Carolina Cellar Selection Ampersand are long established as Sauvignon Blanc 2018 and De a key distributor in the Irish off licence Vero Vino Rosso Biologico 2017. and convenience sector, with a direct nationwide sales team located throughout the country. Ampersand have an award-winning portfolio and import quality wines from all over the world.

For more information please contact Ampersand on (01) 4130150, email info@ampersandsales.ie or visit www.ampersandsales.ie.

Casa Ramos Pintos is part of the Louis Roederer group. This famous port house was originally founded in 1880 by Adriano Ramos Pinto and became known for its artistic packaging. In fact, their port lodge features a wonderful museum displaying their unique collection of packing, today considered to be works of art. Make sure you avail of the Christmas offer for Ramos Pinto LBV Port from Cassidy Wine: normally retailing at €28.99, but available at a promotional retail price of €25.99.

Taylor’s, from United Wines, were pioneers of the LBV category, developed to satisfy the demand for a high quality ready-to-drink alternative to vintage port for everyday consumption. Vintage Port and LBV both present a selection of very fine full-bodied red ports from a single year.

The demand for rosé wine has also extended into the port industry. Original, unique and innovative, make sure you stock Croft Pink from United Wines, the first ever rosé port, and still the market leader. It’s made using a new technique that extracts delicate colour, low tannin and ripe fruit flavours from the traditional Portuguese grape varieties.

Tawny wine now accounts for 20%

of the port category and as a wine style is gaining enormous popularity.

Febvre & Co. have Warre’s 10-yearold Tawny (€25 for 50cl) in a gift tube for the festive season. This wine has wonderful flavours of walnut and spice, with hazelnut and toffee aromas. A blended wine, the average age of the wine in the blend is 10 years but they can use younger vintages. The wine style is aged (tawny) and it is bottled ready to drink. Food pairing is another way of highlighting the versatility of port. Tawny port and chocolate pudding is now a certified wine match, with great appeal for the millennial market.

Look out too for Warre’s Late Bottled Vintage 2004, also from Febvre & Co., late bottled in 2001 and retailing at €33 for €75cl.

Graham’s Port Selection (Findlater & Co.) is a selection of different styles of port. An excellent gift option for anyone who loves this wine style, the packs are available in a 20cl five-pack and a 5cl five-pack, beautifully packaged.

Christmas Specials Now we have to look at the most commonly asked consumer question, “What goes with Turkey”? Well, Turkey is

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Christmas Stocking: Wine a dry old bird and it doesn't matter what your culinary prowess is, it needs a soft wine style with lots of juicy fruit to liven it up. Rioja is a perfect wine match, as it is soft and silky with beautiful spicy tones.

Another tip, as it is Christmas, many people have family over and will require greater volumes; this is where a magnum comes into its own. The wine in the magnum will have aged even quicker, thus guaranteeing even more softness and the two-bottle size is perfect for a larger than normal guest list. The Faustino V Magnum from Richmond Marketing is launching in Ireland for the first time, exclusive to SuperValu retailers, retailing at €30.

Also available in magnums from Gilbeys are the Ramon Bilbao Rioja Crianza, the 2014 Joseph Drouhin Cote du Beaune (Red) and the 2017 Mars de Frades Albarino.

Founded in 1858, Marqués de Riscal (Findlater & Co) is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja. They have on offer the Marqués de Riscal Reserva in both magnum and in double magnum.

New this Christmas Brand new to the market is the Brazilian Soul range of three varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tannat) from Comans Beverages.

Brazilian wine is a new entrant to the Irish market and guaranteed to generate interest.

Like Malbec in Argentina, Tannat has found its natural home in both Brazil and Uruguay so this one is definitely worth a try. The three wines in the range will retail at an Febvre & Co. introductory price have added of €11. new Greek Speaking of wines to their Tannat, Febvre & range, including Co. have a great Ionos Dry French Tannat Red Cabernet blend, Le Petit Sauvignon Gascoun Rouge Merlot.

Tannat Cabernet Franc 2016 retailing at €13. Look out too for new wines from Greece, which they have added to their portfolio: the Ionos Dry White Roditus

Muscat and Ionos Dry Red Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, both from PGI Peloponnese, retail at €11 each.

The fastest growing wine brand during 2018 was the Argentinian brand, Dada, from Comans Beverages.

They have just launched a wonderful addition to the range, the Dada Art Wine 8 (Chocolate). These wine styles first appeared last Christmas and were enormously popular with millennial consumers. This year, the Dada Art Wine 8 will be available on offer at €10, down from €12.

Another find is the 2017 Clos De Corten Sauvignon Blanc from Mackenway Distributors, which is new to the market and another Gold Star winner in the Irish Wine Show Star Awards in the Old World under €10 category. From one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic countries, Moldova, the wine is produced near the hidden village of Corten in Southern Moldova, where grapes are ripened by warm winds blown in from the Black Sea. Let’s not forget the traditional favourites. One of the Loire's best known and respected producers of premium wines from the AOP, Sancerre and Pouilly Fume, Pascal Jolivet wines are now distributed in Ireland by Cassidy Wines. Established in 1987, Pascal Jolivet has built up a strong following in Ireland. Pascal Jolivet now has 222 ha in Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, 124 ha in Touraine and a state-of-the-art production facility in Sancerre, where it has acquired plots from some of the best terroirs, responsible for the high quality of their Domaine wines. Pascal Jolivet Sancerre normally retails at €35.99, but will retail on promotion at €28.99 this Christmas.

Finally, as 2019 approaches, the predictions for next year is that the trend for low and no alcohol beverages will continue to grow, driven by younger consumers. This is reflected across all alcoholic drinks categories, with lower alcohol beers and wines now increasingly in demand. For those watching their alcohol intake this Christmas, make sure you have some of the lower ABV wines on your shelves, such as B by Black Tower (Findlater & Co), with 5.5% ABV, which is launching a new neck collar promotion this November. The promotion invites customers to nominate the unsung heroes in their lives to 'B' Our Champion for a chance to win a luxury weekend for two in London, including a West End Show and a case of 'B' by Black Tower wine.

Villa Maria SIR George Fistonich founded Villa Maria Estate in Auckland in 1961.

With vision and determination, he has steered the company to a position where it has become New Zealand’s leading wine award winner. At the age of 22, Sir George harvested his first grapes in 1962 and made his first wine under the name Villa Maria.

Villa Maria has been New Zealand's leading wine award winner, both nationally and internationally, since the early 1980s.

Throughout the 1960s, Villa Maria was a essentially one-man band, with George’s wife, Gail, supporting him in his venture. He made dry red and white wines, sourcing grapes from the greater Auckland regions. In the early 1970s, he started to employ staff and the company began to expand rapidly. Today, Villa Maria employs more than 250 permanent staff and exports wine to over 50 countries worldwide.

A family owned New Zealand winery, Villa Maria has been New Zealand's leading wine award winner, both nationally and internationally, since the early 1980s. The repositioning of the Private Bin Range has seen sales surge. Villa Maria is now the number one New Zealand wine brand on the market and it is now in the fourth most admired wine brand in the world, according to Drinks International 2018. Villa Maria is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

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Tobacco Products

Retailers Burned

by Excise Increase Legitimate tobacco retailers feel let down by last month’s Budget, which saw another excise increase on tobacco products, while the illicit trade continues to blossom.

RETAILERS are angry at the Government’s decision to impose yet another excise increase of 50c on tobacco in October’s Budget 2019, bringing the total cost of an average packet of cigarettes to €12.70.

The price increase came despite the Tax Strategy Group clearly stating in July that an increase in excise on tobacco would not generate any additional revenue, given the resultant levels of smuggling and money lost to the Exchequer.

Indeed, Revenue’s 2017 Tobacco Survey showed that the total amount of illegal cigarettes smoked in Ireland rose to 13%.

Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) is in no doubt that these excise increases, which make Ireland the most expensive place in the EU to buy cigarettes, only serve to further incentivise smuggling and undermine Irish retailers.

“Today’s decision is another slap in the face to retailers that have been compliant with every decision made by this Government,” argued RAS spokesperson, Benny Gilsenan, who runs an independent store on Dublin’s North Circular Road.

“We want more resources to be given to Revenue to protect businesses from illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol and solid fuel.”

RAS’s pre-budget submission had called for a freeze on further excise increases until the Government can gain control over the growth of the black market in Ireland, particularly with the looming uncertainty of Brexit.

“This year we have seen the discovery an illegal cigarette factory on Irish soil for the first time, and only recently we saw the discovery of two separate oil laundering operations and it’s significant that these plants

The Sale of Illicit Goods Bill 2017 was introduced

by Fianna Fáil TD for Louth/Meath East, Declan Breathnach, and aims to make it an offence to purchase illicit goods from an unregistered or unlicensed retailer.

HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO ENSURE YOU ARE GIVING YOUR CUSTOMERS THE CORRECT PACK 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.

A MODERN EXPRESSION OF QUALITY

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

Smoking kills.

62|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products were found near the border,” continued Gilsenan. “The increase further widens the gap between legitimate shop-owners that are earning an honest living, and gangs peddling €5 cigarette packets in our communities. What’s more, this is little more than a stealth tax on our lawabiding customers, who choose to buy legitimate product rather than smuggled product from the street.”

In its pre-budget submission, RAS called for not only a halt on excise increases, but also for more resources for Revenue, the registration of all solid fuel retailers and parliamentary support for the Sale of Illicit Goods Bill, which is designed to address smuggling.

“Our budget submission laid out measures that would protect Irish retailers, but the Government has completely ignored us yet again,” Gilsenan stressed. “If 2017 is anything to go by, we will continue to see the consequences of this into next year. The illegal tobacco trade cost Ireland €1.76 billion between 2010 and 2017. That’s enough to build 8,400 social housing units in Dublin but instead the money went into the hands of criminal gangs.”

The start of November saw Revenue seize 7.2m smuggled cigarettes at Dublin Port, with a value of over €4m, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €3.2m, with further seizures in Waterford and Louth, highlighting the extent of the problem of the illicit trade in Ireland and the fact that excise increases only serve to make the Irish market a bigger target for international criminal gangs.

Fianna Fáil’s Private Members Bill, the Sale of Illicit Goods Bill 2017, is currently going through the legislative process in the Oireachtas. The Bill, which was introduced by Fianna Fáil TD for Louth/Meath East Declan Breathnach, aims to create a deterrent to purchasing smuggled goods like cigarettes, alcohol and solid fuel. It makes it an offence to purchase such goods from an unregistered or unlicensed retailer, provides for the imposition of a penalty in respect of such offences and provides for an on-the-spot fine in respect of such offences.

“This Bill will help protect small retailers by deterring the purchase of illicit goods,” Gilsenan argued. “This goes some way to closing the gaping holes in Irish legislation that have existed until now.”

Silk Cut With over 21% share of the ready-made cigarette market, it is no surprise that Silk Cut, from JTI Ireland, continues to be Ireland’s number one cigarette brand

RMC SOM latest 4 weeks Oct 7, 2018).

Benson & Hedges, part of the JTI Ireland portfolio, has a long and rich history in the Irish tobacco market, which is rooted in its reputation for premium tobacco blends and enhanced by its commitment to making the highest quality cigarette products, without compromise.

Silk Cut is Ireland’s number one cigarette brand.

(Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, RMC SOM latest 4 weeks Oct 7, 2018).

With the largest cigarette portfolio on the market, 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.

Mayfair As Ireland’s number one value brand, JTI Ireland’s Mayfair offers market-leading quality, which is chosen by over one in every three existing value smokers (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, RMC SOS latest 4 weeks Oct 7, 2018).

Mayfair’s brand promise is to deliver affordable quality while continuing to lead innovation within the value sector. Mayfair Superkings Maxi Box has demonstrated impressive growth since its launch in September 2017, achieving an impressive 1.7% share of the cigarette market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, RMC SOM latest 4

Benson & Hedges Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s is Ireland’s leading cigarette product with 9.5% share of the Irish cigarette market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack,

Mayfair offers market leading quality that’s chosen by over one in every three existing adult value smokers.

Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s is Ireland’s leading cigarette product with 9.5% market share.

weeks Oct 7, 2018). Mayfair Superkings Maxi Box was the first, and remains the only, Superkings Maxi box on the Irish market, offering existing adult consumers added value.

Mayfair once again delivered on this promise in October 2018 with the launch of new Mayfair Double Capsule. The product contains two capsules and

WE WOULDN’T BE IRELAND’S * NO.1 RYO BRAND WITHOUT YOU

30g BOX

30g POUCH

€17.70 €17.20 RRP †

RRP †

Outers must be removed before retail sale. Packs in this outer are Plain Packaging compliant. compliant Recommended Retail Price per Pack. th *Nielsen Extended Scan Track, 68.4% RYO SOM YTD to 7 October 2018.

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.

64|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products allows existing consumers to choose up to four flavours.

Amber Leaf With over 68% share of the Roll Your Own category, Amber Leaf is the number one RYO Brand in Ireland (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, RYO SOM latest 4 weeks Oct 7, 2018).

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 and Blonde are available in two formats: 30g Pouch with papers and 30g Box with papers and filters. As the brand continues to adapt to changing regulations, the high quality and taste expected from Amber Leaf is never compromised.

John Player Blue is a true Irish cigarette brand, with over 40 years in the market. portfolio includes, as a smooth option, John Player Bright Blue (RSP: €12.20) and a longer cigarette with John Player Blue 100s (RSP: €12.20). Lastly, John Player Blue Compact (RSP: €11.50) is another versatile offering from the John Player range.

In this challenging and restrictive market place, Amber Leaf claims over 68% share of the RYO Imperial Tobacco John Player category. continues to offer adult consumers their preferred John Player John Player Blue is a true Irish cigarette brand, focused on delivering the best value in the premium segment. With over 40 years in the market, the brand takes pride in its strong heritage, whilst continuously evolving in order to offer adult tobacco consumers quality products and a strong portfolio to meet consumer demands and needs.

As a brand, John Player Blue currently has a 9.9% share of the cigarette sector (Source: Nielsen Scantrak Mat 52 weeks w/e October 7, 2018), offering great value across a full range of competitively priced products: John Player Blue 20s (RSP: €12.20), John Player Blue 24s (RSP: €14.20) and John Player Blue 27s (RSP: €15.20), delivering the best value in the premium sector with a price per stick of €0.56 (Price per stick based on current RSP).

John Player Blue Compact: another For the adult tobacco smokers versatile offering from the John Player that are looking for a different smoking range. experience, the John Player Blue

John Player Bright Blue, the smooth option from the John Player Blue portfolio. brands in a wide range of pack sizes at multiple price points - Recommended Selling Prices are correct at time of print.

To place an order or for more information on the John Player family range, visit www.johnplayer-ignite.ie or call their Telesales team on (01) 2434900.

The John Player Blue range includes John Player Blue 100s.

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.

F o r To b a c c o Tr a d e r s O n l y

66|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update MOMENTUM ON EU DIRECTIVE ON UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES GATHERS PACE ON October 16, Retail Ireland appeared before the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to present our views on the draft EU Directive on Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs), which is currently under consideration by the European Commission, Council and EU Parliament.

Other organisations presenting during the Committee session were the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) and the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), organisations who have all been strong advocates of this legislation at both national and European level.

The initial session heard from representatives of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), who spoke at length about their work on the Grocery Goods Regulations since 2016 and their satisfaction with that process to date. They also spoke about their complete opposition to the introduction of a ban on below cost selling and their belief that should the Directive pass at European level in its current form, that there would be a requirement for the establishment of a dedicated body to oversee such a regulation in the Irish market. This, they stated, was due to their consumer-focused remit.

Retail Ireland, in its presentation, took the opportunity to focus on the importance of allowing the Grocery Goods Regulations time to bed in at national level, the efforts and costs to retailers to ensure compliance with the regulations,

and our members’ concerns at some of the amendments to the Directive arising from the European Parliament at present.

Over recent weeks, the AGRI Committee of the European Parliament led by its Vice Chair, Italian MEP Paolo de Castro, have tabled a range of amendments that if passed would have a significant impact on Irish grocery retail operations. Along with the proposal to widen the scope of those suppliers covered by the regulations to include all actors in the supply chain, including multinational corporations, amendments to ban retail buying groups (amendment 56) and the proposal to restrict a retailer’s ability to impose standards on suppliers above the legal minimum (amendment 65) have been tabled.

Further amendments of concern include a proposal to ban economic dependence of individual suppliers on specific retail organisations, which may have an impact on certain retailer/ supplier programmes in the Irish market at present. Retail Ireland has been working to brief MEPs on the potential impact of such provisions, should they be passed. The lobby was successful in forcing a vote on a move to tripartite discussions with the EU Council and Commission, but significant challenges remain in order to ensure these market distorting measures are not passed in the final text of the Directive.

Retail Ireland will continue to work with our European association EuroCommerce to ensure the proposed Directive is moderated to reflect retail interests.

Public Health (Alcohol) Bill Becomes Law ON Wednesday October 17, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins, signed the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill into law. The Bill which now becomes the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, will significantly alter the way alcohol is marketed and sold in the Republic of Ireland. From a retail perspective, retailers will now have to chose one of three options when displaying alcohol in store. These range from dedicated alcohol cabinets to a barrier of 1.2m in height to separate alcohol products form other products, in the case of mixed trade

stores of sufficient scale. The Act also makes provision for the imposition of Minimum Unit Pricing at €0.10 per gram of alcohol and mandates suppliers to alter marketing practices and include health warnings, including cancer warning labels, on-pack as well as in on-trade premises.

We now await the issuing of the various commencement orders against the provisions within the Act. These orders will start the clock ticking on the transition periods in which retailers and suppliers will have to alter stores and practices to take account of the new laws. Retailers will have two years in which to make the required changes to store layouts and formats in order to comply with the legislation. The industry awaits further detailed guidance from the Minister on outstanding issues, including detailed guidelines on the format of entry and exit points from separated alcohol areas in-store, in order to ensure compliance with the various fire and other health and safety laws.

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.

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Irish Organic Awards

Irish Organic Award Winners Announced The Bord Bia National Organic Awards 2018 saw six organic food companies selected as overall category winners from over 200 entries.

WEXFORD based Irish Country Meats received the overall award at this year’s Bord Bia National Organic Awards 2018. The National Organic Awards are run every second year by Bord Bia in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The MC for this year’s event was journalist and broadcaster, Helen Carroll, and the Awards were presented by Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD. Following rigorous judging of over 200 entries, six organic food companies were All the winners from the Bord Bia National Organic Awards 2018, with Minister of State for the selected as overall Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD, and Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord category winners.

Bia. The event marked a true celebration of the best of Irish organic food, as a “We are absolutely thrilled to receive with a new dynamic opportunity driven wide selection of produce from all over this award,” said Managing Director, by consumer demand for an organic the country was represented on the Joe Hyland. “We take great pride in option,” said Hyland. winning stage. Awards were presented being the leading innovators and organic This year, two Kilkenny food in categories including foodservice, ambassadors in the lamb space in businesses were among the top six retail, direct sales, innovation and Europe but to be recognised in the home winners. Riversfield Organic Farm, in export, as well as a new category to the market in this way means a lot to us.”

Callen, Co. Kilkenny, were winners of competition this year, The Business in Irish Country Meats also took the the Chef’s Choice Award for their cherry the Community Award.

Retail Award for its Good Herdsmen tomatoes. “We are thrilled to have won Wexford-based Irish Country Meats Organic Half Leg of Lamb. “The product this award,” noted owner Vincent Grace. was the recipient of the Overall Award. was developed and marketed to meet “We are very proud of our tomatoes;

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Irish Organic Awards Winners Chef’s Choice Award: Riversfield Organic Farm Cherry Tomato Mix, Callan, Co. Kilkenny Retail Award Irish Country Meats Good Herdsmen Organic Half Leg of Lamb, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

Wexford-based Irish Country Meats won both the overall award and the retail award for their Good Herdsmen Organic Half Leg of Lamb at this year’s Bord Bia National Organic Awards 2018. Pictured are (l-r): Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD; Joe Hyland, Managing Director, Irish Country Meats; and Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia.

Direct Selling Award Highbank Organic Orchards & Distillery Sack No. 3 Pommeau Vintage 2016, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny Export Award The Little Milk Company Organic Cashel Blue – Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, & Cashel, Co. Tipperary New & Innovative Product Award Beechlawn Organic Farm Curly Kale in compostable bio-bag, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Business in the Community Award Slí Eile Housing Community Organic Farm, Mallow, Co. Cork

Dungarvan-based The Little Milk Company’s partnership with Cashel Blue saw them winning the Export Award for their Organic Cashel Blue Cheese. Pictured are (l-r): Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD; Sarah Furno, Cashel Blue; and John Liston, The Little Milk Company; and Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia.

Beechlawn Organic Farm were winners of the New & Innovative Product Award for their Curly Kale in compostable bio-bag product. Pictured are (l-r): Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Una Ni Bhrion and Padraig Fahy, Beechlawn Organic Farm; and Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia.

their versatility has them making appearances in local cafes, as well as in Michelin-starred restaurants.”

Highbank Organic Orchards and Distillery, from Cuffesgrange, Kilkenny, picked up the Direct Selling Award for their fortified apple wine, Sack No. 3 Pommeau Vintage 2016. The husband and wife team, Rod and Julie CalderPotts, have been developing a range of products that add value to their apples, exploiting their exceptional properties of taste and flavour, which they call ‘Pip to Sip’.

A Partnership for Success A partnership between The Little Milk Co. based in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, and a company producing Ireland’s bestloved farmhouse cheese, Cashel Blue, based in Tipperary, led to success in the Export Award at the National Organic Awards. Since they joined forces, they have been successfully selling the new organic Cashel Blue to the best retailers and hoteliers all over the world.

Beechlawn Organic Farm from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, picked up the award for the best New and Innovative Product. They identified a growing consumer need for biodegradable packaging and introduced the bio-bag, a fully biodegradable solution, to package their organic curly kale product.

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Irish Organic Awards Sli Eile Housing Community Organic Farm, Mallow, Co. Cork was the winner of the new Business in the Community Award. Their work not only results in producing delicious organic vegetables but, in doing so, helps the people who work the farm recover and rebuild their lives after experiencing mental health challenges.

Competing on the World Stage “The quality of Irish organic produce entered for these awards highlights once again that Irish organic food is of a high quality and can readily compete on the world stage,” noted Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. “Today is a celebration of the achievements of these individual companies and Irish organic food and drink as a whole. It’s a sector with a bright future and before the end of this year, we will be publishing the strategy for its future development to the year 2025.”

Speaking at the Awards, Tara McCarthy, CEO of Board Bia, said: “It’s very exciting to see such a broad variety of producers and products represented at this year’s National Organic Awards. It demonstrates why Irish consumers are increasingly choosing to include organic in their weekly shop. Bord Bia is committed to supporting Irish organic producers to reach their potential and strengthen their trade, both at home and in key export markets.”

In celebration of the Awards, a 70-strong crowd of individuals from the

Beechlawn Organic Farm BEECHLAWN Organic Farm, winner of the New & Innovative Product Award, was set up by husband and wife team, Padraig Fahy and Úna Ní Bhroin in 2002 and this year are supplying over 50 shops in Ireland with organic fruit and vegetables. From the start, Una was uncomfortable with using single use plastics to package the veg and fruit. However, organic rules demand very specific Beechlawn now pack their products labelling to show that the veg is in a bio-bag made from thistle and certified organic so pre-packs corn that’s both home and marine were necessary and customers compostable. always seemed to pick up the packs quicker than taking the time to pick up loose veg. Now, however, things have changed a lot with the realisation worldwide about how bad plastic pollution has become.

Every year, Una had tried to source compostable plastic but it was always too expensive or unavailable but eventually this year, they made a breakthrough with the bio-bag, which is home and marine compostable, and made from thistle and corn in Estonia and distributed by packaging company, Celtic Sales. Beechlawn hope to have new compostable labels by early 2019 and are currently researching compostable film for shrink wrap and cherry tomato tubs in a compostable container.

Beechlawn Organic Vegetables and fruit are available in many supermarkets around Ireland. For a product list, please phone Marie on 090 9646713 or 086 1799007. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm, or you can email info@beechlawnfarm.org for a shop (barcoded pre-packs) or bulk ( loose bulk veg) product and pricelists. Beechlawn also send mixed pallets of organic veg and fruit to companies, and they also have a seasonal guide to what they grow throughout the year. shortlisted producer companies, along with stakeholders from the organic industry, enjoyed a delicious Irish organic meal at the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin.

Pictured are (l-r): Helen Carroll, RTE Presenter and event MC; Vincent Grace, Founder, Riversfield Organic Farm, who won the Chef’s Choice Award for their Organic Cherry Tomato Mix; and Julie and Rod Calder-Potts, Highbank Organic Orchards & Distillery, who were the delighted recipients of the Direct Selling Award for their Sack No. 3 Pommeau Vintage 2016.

Judging Panel This year’s judging panel included: Evan Doyle, owner of the BrookLodge Hotel, Macreddin Village, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow; Franck Bardet, Sourcing Director, Biocoop France; Dr Oliver Moore, Irish Examiner journalist & UCC Lecturer; and Gillian Nelis, food writer with The Sunday Business Post.

National Organic Plan Established by the National Organic Plan under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in collaboration with Bord Bia, the objective of the National Organic Awards is to recognise the achievements and raise the profile of Irish organic food and drink manufacturers and growers. Now in their ninth year, the Awards are recognised as an important fixture in the calendar for the organic food and drink industry.

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Forecourt Focus: News Circle K Announces Play or Park Winner

Maxol Raise €25,000 for Aware

CIRCLE K has announced Josielyn Sta Maria as the August 2018 winner of Circle K Play or Park. Josielyn, from Finglas, Dublin 11, chose to play her points at her local Circle K in Glasnevin and has been announced as the lucky winner of an all-expenses paid trip to New Zealand. The incredible prize includes return flights for two people, private return airport transfers, seven nights’ five-star accommodation, a five-day tour of Bay of Islands, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves, along with a tour of the Hobbiton movie set. Josielyn will also have €2,000 prize money to spend on her holiday.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard I had won this prize!” said Josielyn. “It really is a trip of a lifetime and I can’t wait to visit New Zealand and explore everything that it has to offer. I would like to say a special thank you to Circle K for this incredible opportunity!”

Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group, presents a €25,000 cheque to Drew Flood, Business Development Executive, Aware, at Maxol Harold's Cross Service Station, Dublin.

MAXOL and its customers have raised €25,000 for charity partner Aware, which provides support, education, and information for people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions.

Maxol supported the charity by donating €10,000 and asking customers to top up their purchase in-store by adding 10c during the month of August.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Aware and the great work they do across the country,” noted Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group. “Mental health is such an important issue in Irish communities and Aware listens to the people that need it the most. I want to thank our loyal customers who supported this initiative and helped to raise so much for such a worthy cause.”

Drew Flood, Business Development Executive, Aware said: “The money raised will go towards providing education programmes to those in need and we greatly appreciate the hard work that the Maxol staff do.”

Richard Pollock, Loyalty and Insights Manager at Circle K, is pictured with August Play or Park winner, Josielyn Sta Maria, winner of an all-expenses-paid trip to New Zealand.

Maxol IURU Rugby Festival 2018 Kicks Off MAXOL continues one of rugby’s longest commercial sponsorships with the Irish Universities Rugby Union (IURU). The Maxol IURU Rugby Festival is the largest third level rugby event in Ireland, which kicked off this year with the Conroy Cup at University College Cork (UCC), which was won by Trinity College Dublin.

Siobhan Grimes, Head of Retail, The Maxol Group, said, “At Maxol, we strive to play an active role in supporting local communities and this sponsorship both has and will enable us to do that over the coming years. We have developed a special relationship with the Irish Universities Rugby Union and its members and are proud to be continuing our support of the growth of local sporting stars and the future success of Irish rugby. It was really rewarding to watch the players perform to such a high level on the pitch at UCC.”

Siobhán Grimes, Head of Retail, The Maxol Group, celebrates the launch of the Maxol IURU Rugby Festival at University College Cork with Gavin O’Donnell, Secretary, IURU; Eoin McBennet Snr, Rugby Manager, IURU; and Trevor Ringland, President of the IURU.

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Drinks News Brewers Association Meets Minister THE Irish Brewers Association (IBA) met Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed TD, at the Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork to discuss the contribution that the brewing industry makes to the economy in Ireland and the supports required from the Government to sustain growth. Keith Fagan, Chair of the Irish Brewers Association (IBA) and Country Manager of Molson Coors Ireland, said: “The Irish brewing industry makes a vital contribution to the agricultural sector, supporting farming jobs right across the country. As the industry continues to grow and eye new export opportunities, we hope that this contribution will continue to grow in the coming years. Furthermore, the commitments being made by Irish drinks producers under Bord Bia’s Origin Green scheme means more agricultural raw materials will be sourced locally.”

Pictured are Patricia Callan, Director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland; Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Michael Creed TD; Jonathan McDade, Head of the Irish Brewers Association; and Keith Fagan, Chair of the Irish Brewers Association and Country Manager of Molson Coors Ireland.

Diageo Campaign Wins CSR Award DIAGEO has been recognised at the 2018 Chambers Ireland CSR awards, scooping the top prize in the ‘Excellence in Community - Partnership with Charity’ category. Teaming up with the Licensed Vintners Association and the charity, Alone, Diageo’s master brewers created a new beer, Dublin Amber Ale to mark 200 years of the Dublin Pub. 50c from each pint sold was donated to Alone. Over 300 pubs took part and some €225,000 was raised for Alone, which is using the money for its ‘befriending network’ and to build homes for older people. Pictured at the awards ceremony are (l-r): Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland; Kevin McCarthy, Secretary General, Department of Rural and Community Development; Sean Moynihan, CEO, Alone; Annmarie Philips, Diageo’s Channel Director ROI Trade; and Alan Campbell, Vice Chairman, Licensed Vintners Association.

Bringing Beer to Life

WEXFORD Brewery, YellowBelly Beer has released an animated short-film via a mass digital screening event. The five-minute animation explains the origin story behind their much loved brewery mascot (who already features across the brewery’s beers, merchandise, comics and video game) with the aim of introducing beer drinkers to the world of YellowBelly Beer and giving those already familiar with the brewery a deeper understanding behind the artwork of their favourite Irish beer. “This is our first animated feature, and we are really excited to see people’s reactions - we want our viewers to have as much fun watching it, as we did creating it!” says Paul Reck, Creative Director at YellowBelly Beer (pictured). Paul is the full-time artist-in-residence at YellowBelly Beer, whose illustrations can be seen across every beer can, tap badge, t-shirt and comic book series.

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

SINEAD Dunphy, Festival Director, pictured at The Grayson, celebrating the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2018, which took place from October 25-29. Cork was transformed into a world-class jazz hotspot, with an exciting line-up of music acts including jazz greats, and a fringe festival that was bigger and better than ever before.

Irish Distillers Announces €150m Investment

IRISH Distillers has announced the investment of over €150m in its sites in Cork and Dublin to meet demand for its products, as the Irish whiskey renaissance continues apace.

This is accelerated by the continued growth of Jameson which is now in double or triple-digit growth in more than 80 markets across the world. Nearly €130m is to be spent expanding and upgrading the distillery in Midleton (pictured), and maturation site in Dungourney, Co. Cork, with over €20m being invested in the development of its bottling plant in Fox and Geese, Co. Dublin. The investment will see the construction of eight new maturation warehouses, each holding 16,800 casks, with further land to be purchased to support the next phase of development, in Dungourney, Co. Cork.

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Irish Wine Show Star Awards

NOffLA Rewards Wine Stars The National Off Licence Association recently presented the annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards at Sip 2018.

THE National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has awarded its annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards to 45 wines at Sip 2018. The winning wines from the Irish Wine Show Star Awards will be available to consumers all over the country from NOffLA outlets.

Kaiken 'Terroir Series' Vistaflores from Liberty Wines was named Wine of the Year 2018-2019, while also winning the award for New World Red Under €20. Mackenway Distributors’ Callia Alta Pinot Grigio was named White Wine of the Year 2018-2019, as well as the Best New World White Under €15.

In excess of 600 wines were submitted to the Star Award adjudication panel of NOffLA judges and independent wine journalists in this 18th year of the Awards. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value for money criteria, and the winning 15 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers across a number of price categories.

Promoting the Winners Each of the winning wines will be sold in NOffLA member outlets, of which there are more than 315 nationwide.

The chosen wines will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle. In the pre-Christmas period, NOffLA members will promote the Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2018-2019 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts, in a variety of special gift packs.

Speaking at the awards, Gary O’Donovan, Chairman of NOffLA, congratulated the winners and commented on the current trading environment, noting how “this annual event allows us to celebrate some of the finest products sold by our highlytrained members around the country.

NOffLA members are committed to excellence both in terms of personal service and the high-quality wines that we offer.”

The winners of the 2018 Irish Wine Show Star Awards.

Joe Coyle of Liberty Wines is pictured with the overall Wine of the Year Award 2018-19 for Kaiken ‘Terroir Series’ Vistaflores.

Brendan Smith of Mackenway Distributors accepts the White Wine of the Year Award for Callia Alta Pinot Grigio.

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Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2018 Gold Star Award Winners Category

Wine Name

Vintage

Company

Old World White Under €10

Clos De Corten Sauvignon Blanc

2017

Mackenway Distributors Ltd

Old World White Under €15

Agenda da Vinha Bianca

2017

Cassidy Wines Ltd

Old World White Under €20

Réserve MontRedon Côte Du Rhône Blanc

2017

Mackenway Distibutors Ltd

New World White Under €10

Santa Carolina Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc

2018

Ampersand Wines

New World White Under €15

Callia Alta Pinot Grigio

2018

Mackenway Distributors Ltd

New World White Under €20

Pear Tree Sauvignon Blanc

2017

Mackenway Distributors Ltd

Rosé Under €15

Doña Paula Rosé of 2018 Malbec

Santa Rita Estates

Old World Red Under €10

Da Vero Vino Rosso Biologico

2017

Ampersand Wines

Old World Red Under €15

Rioja Vega Crianza

2015

Ampersand Wines

Old World Red Under €20

Coto de Imaz Reserva

2014

Mackenway Distributors Ltd

New World Red Under €10

Kelly's Patch Shiraz

2017

Niche Vines by Counterpoint

New World Red Under €15

Doña Paula Estate, Black Edition

2016

Gilbeys

New World Red Under €20

Kaiken 'Terroir Series' Vistaflores

2017

Liberty Wines

Sparkling Under €25

Villa Conchi, Cava Brut Selección

NV

Tindal Wine Merchants Ltd

Sparkling/Champagne Under €60

Pommery Brut Royal Champagne

NV

Dalcassian Wines & Spirits

White Wine of the Year 20182019

Callia Alta Pinot Grigio

2018

Mackenway Distributors Ltd

Wine of the Year 2018-2019

Kaiken ‘Terroir Series’ Vistaflores

2017

Liberty Wines

Gary O’Donovan, Chairman of NOffLA. The Threat of Cross-Border Trading O’Donovan warned, however, that NOffLA members’ business is “under serious threat due to cross-border trade following on from the 15% reduction in the value of the Sterling since the Brexit referendum in 2016, and 25% difference in cost between Ireland and the UK. We fear that cross-border trade will soar depending on the final deal between the UK and EU and are calling on government to act now to protect the domestic Irish drinks industry through a reduction in excise duty.”

O’Donovan argued that the current trading environment is exacerbated by what he called “punitive excise rates”, further claiming that NOffLA members are being “locked out of the economic recovery by the Government… given as much as 50% of the cost of a bottle of wine is Excise & VAT”.

“Despite Ireland’s strong economic performance, NOffLA members continue to struggle with current excise levels,” the NOffLA Chairman said. “In the context of the current trading environment, and the looming uncertainty and dangers of Brexit, 81% of surveyed off-licence retailers believe that a 15% reduction in excise on alcohol will mitigate against the likely impacts of Brexit.

“NOffLA members are at the heart of their communities and serve as responsible and highly-knowledgeable local retailers that contribute through direct investment and local employment.

We are calling on the Government to protect these local businesses that underpin communities all across Ireland.”

Sip 2018 gave attendees the opportunity to taste some of the award-winning wines.

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Focus on HR

Managing Employee Retirement How you handle an employee’s impending retirement is vital, particularly in light of an ever-increasing state pension age.

RETIREMENT is a fundamental headline employment issue, in light of the recent increase of the state pension age from 65 to 66, and the impending further increases to 67 and 68 in 2021 and 2028 respectively. The issue of retirement is one which comes up regularly for employers and has attracted much recent attention due to case law and the Workplace Relations Commission’s publication of a Code of Practice on Longer Working at the end of 2017.

Legislation The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 prohibit discrimination in employment on a number of grounds, including age. Article 6 of Council Directive 2000/78/EC (“the Directive”) provides that Member States may provide that differences in treatment on the grounds of age shall not constitute discrimination, provided that the difference may be objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim, and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.

Retirement Age v Pension Age? There is no single fixed mandatory retirement age for employees in Ireland.

An employee’s contractual retirement age is an entirely separate issue to the age at which employees are entitled to draw down their state pension.

An employer is lawfully entitled to set individual retirement ages in the contract of employments.

Your company retirement age should be set out in the contract of employment.

Your retirement age can correlate to the state retirement age (currently 66) or the retirement age specified in any pension scheme, if in place. There is a retirement age set by law for some public servants.

Firefighters and Gardaí, for example,

have earlier retirement ages.

Objectively Justified The Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 provides that an employer must objectively justify the mandatory retirement age. The retirement age you set needs “to achieve a legitimate aim” and the means of achieving the aim should be both appropriate and necessary. Some examples of objectively justified reasons: •

To create opportunities in the labour market; • Health and safety concerns for the public and employees; • Encouraging recruitment and promotion of younger people; • Motivation through the increased prospect of promotion; • Preserving the dignity of older workers; • Intergenerational fairness.

The following case is important to show you the thinking on how to justify the mandatory retirement age.

In Saunders v CHC Ireland Limited [2011], the Equality Tribunal was asked to consider whether the employer’s

retirement age of 55 was discriminatory.

The complainant was a winchman. It is a safety-critical, physically demanding occupation. The objective aim put forward by the employer was: 1. the protection of the health and safety of both the winchmen and the civilians requiring rescue; 2. the proper operational functioning of the employer’s search and rescue service.

The Equality Officer was satisfied that the company had established a legitimate aim. The Equality Officer next considered whether the imposition of a retirement age of 55 was a necessary way of achieving this aim. In light of the published research that a person’s physical endurance, musculature and respiratory capacity decrease with age, the Equality Officer determined that the retirement age of 55 was objectively justified.

Your Paper Trail If you are setting a retirement age, it should be objectively justified as explained above. You should have

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Focus on HR About the Author

prepared a careful paper trail, showing why this chosen age [for example 66] is objectively justified. This should be reflected in a policy within your company handbook or policies and procedures document, so that all team members know about it.

Once the above is done [retirement age included in the contract, handbook and it is objectively justified], you should write to the employee approximately 12 months before their retirement age, informing them of their upcoming retirement. This is important so as not to surprise the employee. This allows for reasonable time for planning, arranging advice regarding people succession etc.

Once the employee is within six months of the planned retirement, you should meet to discuss arrangements for retirement, including:

to maximise the experience and skills of older workers, and to harness and accommodate those experiences and skills to the advantage of the business.

Such measures could include:

•

Request to Work Longer A request from an employee to work longer than their contracted retirement age should be considered carefully.

There are a number of matters to be considered regard including:

•

• •

Clear understanding of the retirement date and any possible issues arising; Exploration of measures (subject to agreement) which would support the pathway to retirement, for example flexible working, looking at alternative roles up to the date of retirement; Transitional arrangements in regard to the particular post; Assistance around guidance and information.

It is vital that you ensure this meeting is followed up in writing for clarification purposes.

Utilising the Skills and Experience of Older Workers From an employer perspective, managing an older and diverse workforce in a positive way will deliver greatest value by looking at how best

• •

• • •

Training of management at all levels about age diversity and the benefits of such diversity; Encouraging knowledge and experience sharing and utilising the skill and experiences of all workers; Exploring measures around flexible working patterns; “Proofing” policies and procedures for age bias; Encouraging a culture that appreciates the continuing need for relevant training and development amongst all age groups.

For the Employee • Is the employee confident that he/ she can continue to perform the role to the required standard?

• Can flexible working options or alternative roles be considered?

• What is the duration of the extension being sought?

• Are there any pension implications?

• Are there contract of employment implications?

For the Employer • Are there good grounds on which to accept or refuse the request e.g. can the retirement be justified on a

THIS advice is provided by the HR Suite, which offers specialist tailored and effective human resources and business solutions to clients throughout Ireland. Caroline McEnery, Managing Director of The HR Suite, is a member on the Low Pay Commission and is an Adjudicator in the Workplace Relations Commission. She is also author of 'The Art of Asking the Right Questions', a manager’s toolkit to all HR related tips to proactively manage your team. For more information, please contact The HR Suite on (066) 7102887 or (01) 9014335 or email info@thehrsuiteonline.com. Website: http://thehrsuiteonline.com.

•

•

•

legitimate and objective basis? It is important to note that the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 requires that a fixed-term contract post-retirement age must be objectively justified.

What are the objective criteria applicable to the request? This should form the basis of any assessment of a request to work beyond retirement age to ensure an equal and consistent approach to addressing this and other future requests.

How would the arrangements for the employee remaining on in the workforce be contractually framed (e.g. fixed term contract)?

Could granting the request be on the basis of a more flexible working arrangement (e.g. less than full hours or an alternative role)?

Fixed Term Contract After Retirement If you receive a request from one of your employees to work beyond their retirement age, you need to consider the precedent you are setting. Most importantly, you need to consider the need to ensure business requirements are met. If you choose to offer your employee a fixed term contract [i.e. a contract with a start date and end date], you must objectively justify it as explained above. It is simply not enough to say the contract is for a year and then ends. It must have a business reason attached and explained. Make sure you have a paper trail; remember, if it’s not in writing it didn’t happen!

If you require further information or advice on the above, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Consultants on (01) 9014335 or (066) 7102887 or email us at info@thehrsuiteonline.com.

76|Retail News|November 2018|www.retailnews.ie

What’s New CENTRA LAUNCHES INSPIRING NEW RANGE INSPIRED by Centra is a new product range which features all the essentials for a great night in. A carefully chosen range of over 100 new quality products, ‘Inspired by Centra’ uses the highest quality home grown ingredients from trusted suppliers, bringing customers the ultimate freshness and quality. The range includes Inspired by Centra Pizza, hand-streched sourdough pizza in the following flavours: Italian Buffalo Mozzarella & Plum Tomato Pizza, Italian Prosciutto & Spicy Salami Pizza and Chargrilled Vegetable & Basil Pesto Pizza. Inspired by Centra Belgian Biscuit Selection is a delicious combination of crunch and flavour, while Inspired by Centra Bakery Bites (pictured) are made in Co. Wicklow using Irish butter and Belgian Chocolate.

For full details, see www.centra.ie.

MAGIC NEWS FOR MAGGI MAGGI, Nestlé's international culinary brand, is re-launching its iconic Fusian and 3 Minute Noodles block range and So Juicy and So Tender dry recipe mixes in Ireland, with nutritionally improved recipes and updated packaging designs. Maggi Fusian and the Maggi 3 Minute noodle block range are now packed with even more carefully selected authentic ingredients and contain 25% less salt compared to the market average. As a result of the reformulation, 760kg of salt and 5 tonnes of saturated fat have been removed from the products. As part of the re-launch, Maggi is also revealing a new visual identity focused on flavour, with a more striking and contemporary packaging across the dry recipe mixes and noodles portfolio.

KEPAK BEEFS UP CSR PROGRAMME KEPAK has partnered with the Simon Community, providing free meat to the homelessness charity. Over the next four months, Kepak will be delivering a range of beef, lamb, pork and chicken products to Simon Community locations across Dublin, Cork and Limerick. During this time, Kepak will donate some 4.2 tonnes of meat to the Simon Community, reducing the charity’s meat costs by almost 30%. Pictured are (l-r): Christopher Watson, Site Manager, Kepak Clonee; Justyna Drogomireck, Fundraising Development Manager, Simon Community; and David Donnellan, Account Manager, Kepak.

WATERWIPES WITH SOAPBERRY WATERWIPES with Soapberry is the brand new wipe from the world’s purest baby wipes, WaterWipes. Designed for growing babies and made with 99.9% water, plus a drop of fruit and Soapberry extract, they provide the same purity parents rely on from WaterWipes, while harnessing the natural cleaning properties of Soapberry. “We have created the kindest and most naturally effective wipe for growing babies and their parents to inspire self-belief through the honesty of our product,” enthused Edward McCloskey, CEO and Creator of WaterWipes.

COGNIKIDS LAUNCHES IN SUPERVALU GOLD FOR MOOVERS LAKELAND Dairies has won a highly coveted gold award for its delicious tasting Moovers chocolate flavour milk in the flavoured milk category at the prestigious Blas na hEireann awards. “This endorsement for taste and quality further reinforces why Moovers is so popular with parents and their children and it also reaffirms why it’s a must stock for retailers,” noted Gerry Sheridan, Sales Manager at Lakeland Dairies. Moovers is made with semi-skimmed milk and has added vitamin D, and comes in 200ml cartons with a straw, all of which are recyclable, perfect for lunchboxes and on-the-go consumption.

IRISH baby products brand Cognikids has launched into SuperValu stores nationwide.

The stores are stocking the best-selling Sip, Dip and Grip range of feeding products, which can be found in the baby aisle. Founded by Ollwyn Moran, a leading Neurological Development Therapist and mum of two, Cognikids uses the latest technology, clever design and a fun-loving attitude to create a range of baby products that encourage babies to develop their own brains through movement and activity.

The range includes Sip, an open cup, ideal for a first cup; Dip is a unique weaning spoon; and Grip is the cognikids’ signature product, as seen on Dragons Den, a universal bottle gripper designed to be compatible with any baby bottle brand.

It’s your Call‌ You

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

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

To Donate: ww.igbf.

For Assistance: ww.igbf.ie/help/our_help.html For Queries: info@igbf.ie

Registered Charity No: 6577 Registered Friendly Society No: 1775

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