Retail News September 2019

Retail News SEPTEMBER 2019

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

For illustrative purposes only.

velvety, whipped bubbles wrapped in delicious milk chocolate ® Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

5,890 miles away.

Still a home game.

The Rugby World Cup 2019 logo TM Š Rugby World Cup Limited 2015. All rights reserved.

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents News

A Brexit-Shaped Budget?

AS October fast approaches and Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe TD, finalises his fiscal plans, Ireland’s retailers have their say on what they would like to see the Minister implement in Budget 2020.

Mitigating some of the worst effects of Brexit is high on the agenda for most retail groups, who call for a business friendly budget, while there are some particularly interesting suggestions around ‘positive’ tax reforms, including the introduction of a training tax credit, which might allow employers a rebate on PRSI when an employee is away on an official apprenticeship. See the full story on Page 2.

Also inside, we report on the launch of Food Works 2020, which offers supports valued at over €50,000 (Page 30), and examine new Irish research, which reveals the commercial benefits of sharing traceability information with consumers (Page 34).

Elsewhere, Louis McConkey examines the current state of the media market and what’s being consumed when and where (Page 18); we reveal how the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) introduces higher security standards for online payments and brings the opportunity for retailers to reduce their banking costs (Page 32); and we reveal the shortlist for this year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Award (Page 56).

Finally, the Rugby World Cup brings opportunities for retailers (Page 20) and we’d like to wish Joe Schmidt and the Irish team the best of luck for the tournament.

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director

2

Retailers reveal Budget wish-lists.

3

Musgrave MarketPlace unveils €1.7m Galway upgrade.

4

Aldi named Ireland’s top brand for reputation and value; Donegal EuroSpar installs solar panels; CSNA Skillnet hosts free seminar.

5

SuperValu trials Ireland’s largest eco-range; Circle K Ireland announces changes to leadership team; Irish consumer spending falls.

6

Grocery market defies expectations with continued growth; Beer producers commit to ingredient and calorie info on labels.

7

Local Authorities launch mywaste.ie; Underage drinking in decline.

The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Sporting Legends Lunch raised more than €40,000 for the charity.

Advertising & Media 18

Digital has encroached on you and your customers’ various touchpoints, so Louis McConkey examines the current state of the media market and what’s being consumed when and where.

Rugby World Cup 20

The 2019 Rugby World Cup brings a host of opportunities for retailers to see sales soar.

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Editorial & Marketing Director:

Published by: Tara Publishing Ltd,

Kathleen Belton

kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie

14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.

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Printed by: W&G Baird

Graphics: Catherine Doyle

34

Traceability is not just important for legal compliance, it also makes sound business sense.

New Irish research reveals the commercial benefits of sharing traceability information with consumers.

Managing for disruption is not just about adapting to new technology, insists Dr Mathew Donald, management expert, academic and author, who highlights the importance of building trust in times of disruption. Meanwhile, we report on Cash Dash, who specialise in tailor-made EPOS solutions, and CBE’s newly launched self-checkout solutions for forecourts.

On The Vine 54

This autumn, retailers can expect to be asked for lighter style wines, with lower alcohol, preferably vegan and of course, under that magical €10 price point, writes Jean Smullen.

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards 56

After a month-long judging process, the shortlist has been announced for the 2019 Irish Food and Drink Awards.

Regulars & Reports

Managing Director: Patrick Aylward

Production: Ciara Conway

The second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) will change the way shoppers purchase goods online, but it also has a raft of potential savings and opportunities for clever retailers, writes Aaron Dodd.

Traceability

14

Panini have launched the Official Premier League Adrenalyn Trading Cards, with a massive 469 cards to collect across all 20 Premier League clubs.

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

32

Premier League Trading Cards 16

Food & Drink start-ups are being encouraged to enter the Food Works accelerator programme, which offers supports valued at over €50,000.

Finance

40

Retail News Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter

30

Retail Technology

IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch 14

Food Works 2020

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

8 23 38

46 52 62 63 64

Industry News Confectionery Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Fuels Drinks News Forecourt Focus: News What’s New Shelf Life

2|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

News

Retailers Reveal Budget Wish-lists Retailers are calling for a business-friendly budget in October. But will the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, listen? Retail News talks to retail representatives about their wish-list for Budget 2020.

RETAILERS are calling on the Government to deliver a business-friendly budget next month. As Brexit approaches, retail representatives want Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Finance, to avoid placing additional costs or tax burdens on the Irish retail sector, and to be wary of the budget’s impact on consumer spending and consumer confidence.

“We want to see positive tax reforms, rather than negative ones,” said RGDATA’s Director General, Tara Buckley. “We have asked the Minister not to introduce any additional business costs on our members.”

Sectors within retail have requested specific actions (and non-actions) to buoy up the industry in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA), for example, called for a moratorium on changes to the licensing of tobacco Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director and vaping products.

General.

NOffLA, the representative group for independent off-licences, called on the government to reduce excise duty on alcohol by 7.5% per annum over the course of the next two budgets, amounting to a 10c reduction on spirits, beer, and cider, and a 50c reduction on a bottle of wine.

Some budgetary concerns affect all retailers. “Changes in rates disproportionally impact the retail sector,” noted the CSNA’s CEO, Vincent Jennings. “Forecourt owners face extraordinary additional rates bills as a result of recent revaluations.”

Neil McDonnell, ISME CEO, told Retail News that Ireland’s rates system is not fit for purpose. “It penalises you for living in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway,” he said. “Once you get an hour outside the M50, town centres are dying. Our commercial

Neil McDonnell, CEO, ISME.

rates system is punishing people for having well-kept premises in a town centre. It is encouraging donut development. It means the Lidl, on a periphery of a town, has a lower commercial rate base than the small shop in the middle of town. It's completely daft.”

A potential hike to the National Minimum Wage is another concern that spans the sector. “The Government should limit any increases to the National Minimum Wage and PSO levies,” a spokesperson for Musgrave argued.

McDonnell elaborated: “It's a very popular measure to keep hiking the National Minimum Wage, but it doesn't feed the P60 earnings of low wage earners. If a shop can't afford them, they just cut the hours. They might make €9.80 an hour, but they get less hours, so it's stupid and playing politics with the wage structures for small retailers.”

Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director of BWG Foods, called on the Government to do something about the country’s increasing accommodation costs, which are leading to wage pressures.

“Ireland is suffering from an acute housing shortage, which has pushed the cost of rental accommodation to a national all-time high of almost €1,400 per month,” said O’Byrne.

“While rental cost increases are likely to moderate over the year ahead, it’s critical that the Government intervenes to increase the availability of housing to bring value back into the market,” he continued. “From a retail perspective, rising accommodation costs are resulting in unsustainable wage demands, so it’s imperative for this issue to be addressed in the upcoming budget.”

O’Byrne also called upon the Government to encourage more people into the retail labour market: “Full employment… has led to an intensely competitive jobs market, where recruiting and retaining staff for small businesses can be a challenge. Incentivising those outside the workforce to re-enter or upskill, and reviewing Ireland’s current immigration policies, should be explored as a priority.”

Escalating insurance premiums continue to demand immediate attention. Systemic reform of the insurance industry in Ireland is badly needed, added the BWG chief: “The Government must work with our industry to combat spurious claims, reduce awards for very minor injuries, increase transparency in the way our premiums are calculated and claims settled and, ultimately, to reduce the cost of premiums in the retail industry.”

Musgrave called on the Government to implement the Cost of Insurance Working Group’s recommendations. RGDATA called for an immediate reduction in premiums.

One solution, suggested Tara Buckley, is the introduction of a tax on insurance company profits. She believes this has precedence. “After the banks were facing collapse [in 2008/2009], there was an indication that bankers would go back to the bonuses. The Government interjected and insisted on making sure that didn’t happen.”

One of Retail Ireland’s main submissions, in advance of the budget, is the introduction of a training tax credit, which might allow employers a rebate on PRSI when an employee is away an official apprenticeship.

Musgrave’s spokesperson concurred, telling Retail News: “Apprenticeships and graduate schemes allow staff to upskill,

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|3

News and gain new qualifications while they are working.

While these programmes are effective, they can prove challenging for independent retailers when employees are out of the workplace to receive training.

To mitigate this cost, the Government should bring in a new training tax Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA. credit. This would allow employers to receive a rebate on PRSI when an employee is off-site on a training course.”

RGDATA has asked Paschal Donohoe to introduce a national coordinator for the Collaborative Town Centre Health Check programme, which aims to regenerate towns and villages in rural Ireland. “To roll-out the programme nationally, it needs to be properly funded and somebody to be in charge,” argued Tara Buckley.

Increasing funding levels to the Gardaí is another way not only to reduce crime levels but to encourage the prosperity of small communities. Retail Ireland wants Government to allocate sufficient funding to An Garda Siochana to expand the National Fraud Unit.

With the risk of a no-deal Brexit at the end of October, should we delay the budget until the UK decides their next move?

CSNA’s Vincent Jennings thinks not. “Brexit will blow up on a daily, weekly basis, for many weeks and months ahead,” he said. “A lot of the warehouses that are full at the moment will be able to cushion the blows for the first number of weeks or months, but it will not be an easy matter. If Kent is a giant car Willie O’Byrne, CEO, BWG park, it could be six months Foods. before we see the affect in Ireland.”

With this dark shadow looming over the retail landscape, it appears that retailers are not looking for an unfair advantage in Budget 2020. They just want a level playing field.

Musgrave MarketPlace Unveils €1.7m Galway Upgrade MUSGRAVE MarketPlace officially unveiled its newly revamped Galway branch to customers recently. The €1.7m upgrade of the Galway branch is the latest step in a €12.6m investment plan which Musgrave MarketPlace has undertaken to transform each branch into state-of-theart Food Emporiums and improve their environmental performance, reducing their carbon footprint.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new Galway branch, Noel Keeley, Managing Director, Musgrave Whole Sale Partners, said: “We have now upgraded seven branches to our Food Emporium format across Ireland, with Galway being the latest. Opening these upgraded branches and improving our customer experience is about showing leadership in our space and offering our customers moments of food Pictured are (l-r): Noel Keeley, Managing Director of Musgrave Wholesale inspiration.

Partners; Tony Nolan of Musgrave MarketPlace Galway; and special “The business of food and drink is guest Síle Seoige at the unveiling of Musgrave MarketPlace’s upgraded constantly evolving and, as a business, we Galway branch. need to ensure that we continue to innovate and respond to growing trends that impact our customers’ We have our ear to the ground and finger on the pulse to needs,” he continued. “This investment is testament to our gauge consumer demand and the products they want, and commitment to delivering unrivalled quality and value to we look forward to bringing a new branch layout, a greater our customers and ensuring we keep our brand promise range of products and the advice of in-branch experts to our of ‘first for value, first for choice and first for service’. customers in Galway and the surrounding areas.”

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News Aldi Named Ireland’s Top Brand for Reputation and Value ALDI has been named Ireland’s top brand by YouGov’s BrandIndex, taking the crown over a host of leading technology, retail and consumer brands between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019.

BrandIndex is one of the world’s leading measures of brand perception, conducting over 33,000 consumer interviews in Ireland annually, and scoring brands across impression, quality, value, satisfaction, recommend and

reputation. The survey is undertaken by YouGov, a global reputations agency engaged by thousands of companies around the world to deliver insights on consumer perceptions.

Aldi scored highest with an index ranking of 45.8, ahead of Lidl at 44.3, Google at 42 and Netflix at 40.9. The next grocery outlets were Tesco at 37.7 and Dunnes Stores at 31.6.

“This is another marker of success for what Aldi Ireland is doing, and particularly gratifying as it is based on consistent interviews with consumers right throughout the year,” noted John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director. “The survey measures important areas like value, reputation and satisfaction, all of which are central to our offering.”

Donegal EuroSpar Installs Solar Panels EUROSPAR announced the first installation of solar panels at a Donegal store as part of a partnership developed by BWG and Irish renewable energy efficiency company, Enerpower.

EuroSpar Gortahork, owned by Thomas McClafferty, is the first store to complete the solar panel installation, which is expected to see a 15% reduction in the store’s carbon emissions and a significant annual cost saving on energy bills of up to 15%. Further installations are being rolled out to other EuroSpar stores in Louth and Kilkenny over the coming weeks, as part of the partnership, after which it is expected that there will be further uptake of the initiative among EuroSpar retailers.

Requiring normal daylight to function, the advanced solar panels deployed as part of the scheme are highly efficient and are designed to deliver significant energy cost savings.

“We are delighted that EuroSpar in Gortahork is the first store to connect as part of this exciting partnership,” noted Malachy Hanberry, MD, EuroSpar. “As a leading retail brand, EuroSpar is committed to seeking out new opportunities and innovations that will help us and our retailers to reduce our carbon footprint. We look forward to other retailers benefiting from this collaboration as they seek to future-proof their businesses from an environmental impact perspective.”

Pictured as EuroSpar Gortahork becomes the first to install solar panels as part of BWG rollout plans are Dr John Carty of Enerpower; EuroSpar Gortahork owner Pat McClafferty; Managing Director of EuroSpar, Malachy Hanberry; and EuroSpar Gortahork owner Thomas McClafferty.

CSNA Skillnet Host Free Seminar CSNA Skillnet recently held a seminar to mark the official launch of the vibrant learning network, specifically designed to offer profitable retail training solutions for business owners and managers this autumn.

The seminar took place at The Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, on September 12, where top industry speakers provided training-led solutions and information on a range of key topics, including valuation rent and rates, insurance, security, safety, recruitment and multistore management. The agenda was carefully devised to showcase a selection of the many profit-driven solutions one can avail of through engaging with CSNA Skillnet courses.

Irish Whiskey Awarded Legal Protection in India INDIA has granted geographic indication status to Irish Whiskey, a legal protection that will help prevent the sale of fake products in the Indian market. This protection now means that only spirits produced in Ireland can use “Irish whiskey” on their label. This

recognition is a vital tool in supporting the future growth of Irish whiskey in the world’s largest whiskey market. It means Irish Whiskey can fully compete against other whiskies by reinforcing the authenticity of the product for the Indian consumer.

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News SuperValu Trial Ireland’s Largest Eco-Range SUPERVALU recently launched a trial range of 65 Eco Friendly products in 12 SuperValu stores. The full range includes products from four environmentally friendly brands, with household ranges that will help customers shop and live more sustainably. The range of 65 products offers customers a sustainable alternative to kitchen and household essentials and supports them in thinking green with their shopping choices.

The new range of eco products aims to offer customers choice as they move away from a disposable lifestyle, with the Bee’s Wrap Sandwich wrap a perfect solution for school lunches, reusable Bamboo Towels to replace kitchen towel and reusable organic cotton Terry cleansing pads that can be used for removing make-up and then used again and again.

Not only will the range help customers save money in the long run as products are reusable, but customers will be helping the environment along the way.

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, said of the launch, “I am delighted to announce that we are now trialing a new Eco-Range in a number of SuperValu stores.

We are committed to providing our customers with more sustainable choices. We recognise that this is important to our

customers and for the environment. We will continue working to reduce and eliminate plastic where possible, giving our customers more and more sustainable choices.”

Circle K Ireland Announces Changes to Leadership Team CIRCLE K Ireland has announced details of changes to its leadership team. Jonathan Diver has moved to the role of Senior Director of Fuel; Derek Nolan has taken up a new position as Senior Director of Retail Operations for Dealer & Franchise; and Paul Dixon began a new role, acting as Senior Director of Retail Operations.

Jonathan Diver has been with the organisation since 2002, working in both Site Manager and Area Manager roles. In 2006, he became Dealer Manager, while also spending time as a Network Pictured are (l-r): Jonathan Diver, Senior Director of Fuel; Derek Nolan, Development Manager. Jonathan also played an integral role in the successful rebrand from Topaz Senior Director of Retail Operations for Dealer & Franchise; and Paul Dixon, Senior Director of Retail Operations. to Circle K. Lawlor from Fuels Director to Managing Director of Circle Derek Nolan joined the business in January K Ireland, taking over from former Managing Director Niall 2017, following several years working with both Tesco and Anderton, who has been promoted to Senior Vice President Odeon cinemas. Derek also played an integral role in the for Circle K Central & Eastern Europe and Ireland. rebrand process over the last couple of years, guiding the Speaking about the new roles, Gordon Lawlor, MD of Circle K Network and Retail teams through the integration Circle K Ireland, said, “I’d like to congratulate Jonathan Diver, period.

Derek Nolan, and Paul Dixon on their new positions within Paul Dixon joined the business in June 2017 as Central the company. All three have been central to the success of Operations Manager, having spent several years prior our business in recent years and are a vital part of the future working with Marks and Spencer at a management level. direction of the company.”

These changes follow the recent promotion of Gordon

Irish Consumer Spending Falls Again VISA’S Irish Consumer Spending Index, produced by IHS Markit, which measures expenditure across all payment types (cash, cheques and electronic payments), signalled an ongoing reduction in household expenditure in July.

Spending was down -0.3% year-on-year, the third successive decline. That said, the latest fall was only marginal, slowing from the -2.6% decrease seen in June to the weakest in the current sequence of falling spend. Face-

to-Face spending remained the main source of weakness in July, posting a reduction in expenditure for the third month running. Mirroring the overall picture, however, the decline of -1.6% year-on-year was the weakest in the current period of decline. Sector data suggested that the overall reduction in spending was centred on three categories, namely Food & Drink (-1.3%), Clothing & Footwear (-4.6 %) and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (-4.9%).

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News Grocery Market Defies Expectations with Continued Growth THE Irish grocery market continued to grow in the 12 weeks to August 11, 2019, against a challenging backdrop of bad weather compared Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend to last summer’s heatwave and major sporting 12 Weeks to 12/08/18 12 Weeks to 11/08/19 change** events. The latest figures from Kantar show %* %* % that the overall grocery sector increased by Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 2.7 2.7% in the latest period as cooler weather Total Multiples 88.5% 89.1% 3.4 led to a deviation from typical seasonal spend.

SuperValu 22.0% 21.3% -0.3 Tesco 22.4% 21.5% -1.1 Shoppers made larger but less frequent Dunnes 20.9% 21.6% 6.4 grocery trips and the average spend per shop Lidl 11.9% 12.0% 4.3 increased by 84 cents to €23.29.

Aldi 11.5% 12.6% 12.7 “While certain typical summer categories Other Outlets** 11.5% 10.9% -2.2 felt the impact of the mild weather this period, *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers it wasn’t all bad news,” noted Charlotte James, **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops Consumer Insight Director at Kantar. “Ice cream and sun care sales were down 17% and 41.5% respectively; however, wine, which grocers this period. Dunnes, Tesco and Lidl attempted to is usually more popular in colder months, grew by 13.7%. demonstrate value through a mix of 49c price points, while All the major retailers took advantage of this, with Tesco SuperValu and Aldi continued to offer discounts on different particularly benefiting by ramping up promotions in the sector. product ranges. Dunnes, Ireland’s largest grocer again this The proportion of wine bought on deal at Tesco increased from month, enjoyed success with sales of fruit, veg and salads 29.6% to 43.8%, resulting in category growth of 14.9% for the growing by 2.9%, ahead of the market rate. Charlotte James retailer.” elaborates: “Dunnes has had a strong 12 weeks across the Aldi and Lidl continued their march on the Irish grocery board, growing at 6.4% and claiming 21.6% market share. The sector again this month. Aldi’s particularly impressive growth retailer is focusing on differentiating itself from competitors of 12.7% helped it achieve a record market share of 12.6%. through a range of in-store experiences and this month opened While Dublin remains a key area for the retailer, Munster and a new premium food hall in Dublin’s Ilac Centre, as well as a the rest of Leinster are still its heartland and contributed twonew site in Naas which focuses on its fresh counters.” thirds of its overall sales increase. Lidl now accounts for 12% of SuperValu improved its performance this period, with sales Irish grocery sales and is also particularly popular in Munster, decline softening to 0.3%. As the market moved towards less where it increased sales by 12.1%. frequent but bigger shopping trips, SuperValu capitalised with a Scrutiny over single-use plastic was a major trend this 10.3% increase in the average spend per shop. period, with retailers seeking to adapt to changing consumer Overall, average price growth of 1.1% was a welcome preferences. Charlotte James explains: “Aldi’s ban on black boost for the retailers, while the strong euro also contributed plastic trays for fruit and veg packaging and SuperValu’s move to an increase in cross-border shopping in the latest 12 weeks. to 100% compostable shopping bags are direct responses to a Charlotte James explains: “Brexit uncertainties and sterling’s change in shopper habits. Many consumers are already making struggles saw cross-border spend increase by 14% compared the shift towards more sustainable choices. For example, loose with this time last year, with much of that on fresh and chilled fruit sales grew by 6.4% in the latest 12 weeks as pre-packed products. However, this still only makes up 0.6% of all sales alternatives declined by 2.3%. Lidl has made the most headway and remains a small part of the market.” in this respect and sold 23% of its fruit loose, the highest Grocery market inflation stands at 2.5% for the 12-week proportion of all the retailers.” period ending August 11, 2019.

Fresh produce as a whole was a clear focus for all the

Beer Producers Commit to Ingredient and Calorie Info on Labels DRINKS Ireland, formerly known as Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland, has signed a new commitment with the European Commission to provide clear information regarding ingredients and energy values on beer labels. The ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) commits beer producers to provide this consumer information on the labels of bottles and cans of beer in the EU market by 2022.

“Over the last four years, brewers in the Irish market have been rolling out ingredients and energy labelling on a voluntary basis. Across Europe, 60% of beers sold have calorie information, while 85% already carry an ingredients list,” said Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland.

“This MoU further demonstrates a strong commitment by brewers in Ireland and across the EU to provide this information, with ambitious timelines for delivery. The Irish beer sector is proud of the quality products it makes and wants to further empower consumers when they’re making purchasing decisions.”

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News Local Authorities Launch mywaste.ie GUARANTEED Irish has teamed up with mywaste.ie, Ireland’s official guide to managing your waste, to call on businesses and households nationwide to make the right choices when disposing of waste. The initiative, developed by the Regional Waste Management Offices, outlines a set of recycling labels specific to the Irish market, as well as a citizens’ guide to effective waste disposal.

In Ireland, waste management operates differently than across Europe, with most packaging materials accepted at the kerbside being exported for recycling or disposal. It is, therefore, vital that Irish Pictured are: Seamus Clancy, CEO, Repak; Pauline McDonogh, Regional Waste Prevention consumers dispose of their Officer, Southern Waste Region Office; Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish; Sinead packaging correctly and have Ni Mhainnin, Regional Waste Prevention Officer, Connacht Ulster Region Waste access to the right information, Management Office; Declan Breen, Regional Waste Prevention Officer, Eastern Midlands specific to the Ireland, in order Regional Waste Management Office. to do so. As well as providing a labelling system, unique to Irish households and businesses, on www.mywaste.ie you’ll will producers to take up this useful initiative.” find everything you need to know on how to manage your waste Declan Breen from mywaste.ie said, “The new recycling responsibly and efficiently. information labels will greatly assist consumers in their As the call for immediate climate action takes centre determination to recycle effectively within our unique waste stage in the global political agenda, Guaranteed Irish is management system, providing a clear indicator as to what can encouraging its network of 600+ business members across be recycled here. We already have interest from major retailers Ireland to take a proactive approach to responsible waste in the new labelling system, and we look forward to rolling it out management at a local level. From recycling waste using the free of charge to producers, manufacturers and retailers.” mywaste.ie labelling system, to incorporating the labels in end Guaranteed Irish CEO, Brid O’Connell noted: “Guaranteed user packaging design and sustainable business practice in Irish is supportive of the new labelling system that removes any the workplace, efficient recycling at a local level can make a confusion and ambiguity and is encouraging all producers and significant impact on the climate and the community. manufacturers to apply for the new Irish recycling information In launching the initiative, Minister for Communications, labels, to assist the consumer in their shopping and waste Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD, said: management habits.”

“These new labels will clearly show when to recycle or dispose For more information, see www.mywaste.ie. of an item and I encourage all retailers, manufacturers and

Underage Drinking in Decline UNDERAGE alcohol consumption has declined in Ireland, according to new research from the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD).

The report found that the proportion of underage people who consumed alcohol in Ireland has declined by 30% (based on ESPAD school population, 2011-2015, 15-16-year-olds). In 2011, 50% of 15-16year olds had consumed alcohol in the previous month; by 2015, this had fallen to 35%.

Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland , formerly known as Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland, welcomed the findings: “This research confirms that Ireland is moving in the right direction when it comes to underage drinking. We believe that underage drinking should absolutely never occur and work hard to ensure that our products are aimed at an adult audience only, for responsible consumption.

Going forward, it’s important that relevant stakeholders, Government and society as a whole works together to further reduce underage drinking. We are committed to doing our part in this regard.”

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Industry News Tesco Ireland Joins 30% Club Ireland THE 30% Club Ireland announced that Tesco Ireland has signed up as its 250th supporter. Tesco Ireland has already made significant headway on ensuring diversity in the business, with a 40% female representation on the Irish leadership team, as well as a 50:50 gender split across its 13,000 workforce. “We are very proud to be a diverse and inclusive company, where everyone is welcome,” noted Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland. “By making this pledge to the 30% Club Ireland, we’re committing to continue our work in developing Tesco Ireland as an inclusive working environment. As one of only 13 Irish Best Workplaces for Women, we’re very proud to make this acknowledgement and commitment to continuing to be a workplace of equal opportunity. The drive for diversity and inclusion is a huge part of our identity as a company and we believe it helps us deliver our purpose of serving shoppers a little better every day.” Pictured are (l-r): Carol Andrews, 30% Club Ireland Country lead and Managing Director at BNY Mellon Ireland, and Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland.

Lidl Opens 200th Store on Island of Ireland LIDL recently announced the opening of its 200th store on the island of Ireland, located in Tullamore Co. Offaly, bringing the total number of Lidl employees on the island of Ireland to over 5,200. The Tullamore store opening is part of a €200m investment in 2019, which includes 10 new store openings and the opening of a new 58,000m² distribution centre, which is currently under construction in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

“With 162 stores in the Republic, 38 stores in Northern Ireland and two million customers passing through our doors every week, we have established deep local relationships,” noted JP Scally, Managing Director at Lidl Ireland. Staff at Lidl Tullamore are pictured outside the new store.

Gala Announces €30k Gifts for Primary Schools WITH a €30,000 prize pot up for grabs for Irish primary schools, Gala Retail is back with its ‘Gala Gifts for Schools’ campaign. This year sees the introduction of three categories for schools to enter, Best Health & Wellness Project, Best Tech Project, and Best Eco Project, with the winning primary school in each category being awarded €10,000. Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail, said: “This year, we wanted to build upon our Gala Gifts for Schools competition by increasing the overall fund to €30,000, and we’re hoping that schools throughout the country are ready to share their best project ideas with us.” Gary Desmond and Gala Gifts for Schools Ambassador, TV personality and entrepreneur, Aoibhín Garrihy were joined by school children, Brooke Foy (left) and Harrison Clarke for the launch of Gala Gifts for Schools 2019 which took at Airfield Estate, Dundrum. For more information, visit www.gala.ie/giftsforschools.

Appointment at Pinergy PINERGY, the award winning smart energy provider, has announced the appointment of Esme Murphy as the company’s Energy Advisor to the retail and leisure sectors. “Esme will play a key role for us in developing our work within the retail and leisure sector by meeting directly with customers and prospective clients and offering them specialist advice and knowledge on the solutions best suited to their organisation’s needs,” noted Jon Jerromes, Head of Sales at Pinergy.

Blu Launches Vaping Ad Campaign VAPING brand blu has launched an extensive and fully integrated marketing campaign which aims to highlight vaping as an alternative for smokers. The out of home marketing campaign consists of adverts being placed at 320 key locations throughout Dublin city.

In addition, the brand opened a pop-up shop on Dawson Street from August 2-15. “Our marketing campaign is running until the end of September and we are aiming to get the blu brand in front of every adult smoker in Dublin to encourage them to try blu as an alternative to smoking” noted blu’s Irish Head of Marketing, Carmel Balala. “We have advertising running at 320 locations in Dublin, including on buses, at Luas stops and large billboard sites.”

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Same Premium Quality from Ireland’s No.1 Cigarette Brand.* Correct at the time of printing. *Nielsen ROI Extended Scantrack, RMC SOM, YTD 14th July 2019. Outer must be removed before retail sale. Packs in this outer are Plain Packaging compliant.

Recommended Retail Price. 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.

10|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Coca-Cola Impulse Packs Move to 50% Recycled Plastic AS part of its journey towards a World Without Waste, Coca-Cola Ireland in partnership with its local bottling partner, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC), has announced that all of its 500ml packs and smaller are now being made from 50% recycled plastic (rPET) and its ‘take-home’ packs, all bottles greater than 500ml, have moved to 25% rPET. The recycled material will be incorporated across Coca-Cola’s full portfolio, including its iconic brands Coca-Cola, CocaCola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite. The investment in recycled PET combined with other sustainability measures across its packs will result in the elimination of approximately 2,000 tonnes of virgin plastic from circulation in Ireland annually, and supports the ambitions of a circular economy by creating a closed loop for plastic packaging. Recycled PET bottles are also one of the lowest carbon-dense packaging types to produce within the beverage sector.

Spar Better Choices Back to School Value Campaign SPAR Better Choices Ambassador Claudine Keane officially launched the Spar Better Choices - Back to School Value campaign, which offers great prices on healthy breakfast, lunchbox and dinner favourites in participating Spar stores nationwide. Spar has also launched a shopper giveaway where 50 lucky parents will each win a €20 voucher to put towards school lunch shopping at Spar. To enter this giveaway, head to www.spar.ie. “I am thrilled to be involved again with Spar Better Choices, particularly for the Back to School Value campaign,” said Claudine. “We have a very busy family home, with two growing boys, so it is really important that we provide them both with nutritious food and snacks for school breakfast, lunch or on-the-go. Spar’s Better Choices Back to School Value range gives families peace of mind, knowing that their children have a wide choice of healthy options when it comes to purchasing foods for school.”

Claudine is pictured with Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director.

SuperValu Introduces 100% Compostable Reusable Shopping Bags FROM September 9, compostable and reusable shopping bags will be available in SuperValu stores. A first for any Irish retailer, the introduction of these bags to SuperValu stores will result in a massive 2.5m plastic bags being removed from circulation. This is the first bag available in Irish supermarkets that is both reusable and compostable. This announcement follows the introduction of fully compostable fruit and vegetable bags for customers in 2018, to date resulting in 2.7m single-use plastic bags being removed from stores. The SuperValu shopping bag is priced at 89c, is 100% compostable and made from a blend of renewable raw materials. “We are delighted to be the first Irish supermarket to introduce 100% reusable compostable bags in-store and will continue to explore ways of reducing plastic in innovative ways, making sure we meet our pledge to make 100% of our Own Brand and fresh fruit and vegetable packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025,” said Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu.

Aldi is The Big Cheese ALDI Ireland’s Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Mozzarella Pearls, produced exclusively for Aldi in West Cork by Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella, won a silver award at the annual International Cheese & Dairy Awards. “This award win is further proof that Aldi not only offers the best dairy products in Ireland, but some of the very best in the world,” said Aldi’s Group Buying Director John Curtin. “Well done to everyone involved and particularly our supplier, Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella. The quality of their products in second to none.”

One4all Donates €39,000 to Crumlin ONE4ALL announced that its fifth annual Shop4Crumlin charity campaign has raised a whopping €39,000 in 2019. All Shop4Crumlin monies raised go directly to the CMRF Giggle Fund, a fund dedicated to bringing a smile to its brave patients’ faces. “We are absolutely thrilled to be donating another €39,000 to CMRF Crumlin following a successful 2019 Shop4Crumlin campaign,” said One4all group CEO Michael Dawson. “In just five years, One4all Gift Card holders across Ireland have helped us to raise over €140,000 for CHI at Crumlin. The Giggle Fund is an incredibly worthy cause and a great resource for patients and their families.”

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

Industry News Manor Farm Send Team to Haiti

ADO Carton (right), CEO of Cavan-based Manor Farm, was joined by new Haven ambassador, Alan Quinlan, at Sean King's farm, Poles, Co. Cavan, to celebrate Manor Farm’s trip to Haiti. Along with the company's Scandinavian Plc, Scandi Standard, Manor Farm sent 12 volunteers from Ireland to Haiti on September 7, where they were joined by 10 volunteers from Scandi Standard in Norway and Denmark to help build chicken coops for Haitian families, in support of charity partner Haven. Manor Farm have partnered with Haven since 2015 and this is the second year where volunteer teams have travelled to Haiti to help local families build sustainable livelihoods.

Including this year, Manor Farm have raised over €300,000 for Haven charity and following this trip, they will have helped to build almost 40 chicken coops in Haiti. This commitment has also made a significant contribution to local community projects in education and clean water access.

Lidl Introduces Reusable Fruit & Veg Bags

LIDL recently became the first retailer in Ireland to announce the introduction of reusable fruit and veg bags across all 162 stores nationwide.

Available in September, the reusable fruit and veg bags are designed to give customers a sustainable choice and reduce plastic use and waste in the long term. The Green Bags, priced at 99c for two, provide customers with an affordable, reusable alternative to singleuse, small fruit and vegetable bags. “We are delighted to be the first Irish retailer to introduce reusable bags for loose fruit and veg for our customers. This announcement is the latest step on our journey to tackle the important issue of plastic waste,” noted Deirdre Ryan, Head of CSR at Lidl Ireland.

Londis Renews All Ireland 7s Sponsorship LONDIS recently renewed its sponsorship of the Londis 7s, the All-Ireland Senior Football Tournament at Kilmacud Crokes, which took place on August 31, the eve of the drawn All Ireland Football Final between Dublin and Kerry. Ireland’s premier sevens competition, the All Ireland Football Sevens has been running since 1973. Pictured at the launch of the Londis 7s, All-Ireland Senior Football Sevens at Kilmacud Crokes were: Paul Griffin, former Dublin captain; Charlie Redmond, All-Ireland winner with Dublin; Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director; Pat Horgan, Chairman of Kilmacud Crokes Football; Tomás Ó Sé, five time All-Ireland winner with Kerry; and Tyrone star forward Richie Donnelly.

Keelings Remove Black Plastic Across Product Range KEELINGS have offically removed black plastic, which is not currently recyclable in Ireland, from their entire product range.

The family-business is committed to making continuous sustainability improvements across all of its packaging. “As a familybusiness, we are conscious we make the right decision when it comes to packaging our berries. Electronic scanners in recycling plants have a hard time seeing black plastic, so it can be missed and end up in landfill, and so we have removed all black plastic from our product range,” noted David Keeling, Managing Director of Keelings. “This solution is an important step in the right direction, and is part of a wider packaging sustainability strategy that benefits both our environment, and our customers.”

Nestlé Ireland Partners with Pieta House PIETA House and Nestlé Ireland have announced a new partnership which will involve a three-year commitment by Nestlé Ireland to support Pieta House and to assist in the expansion of Pieta House’s Outreach services. As part of the partnership, Nestlé will pledge over €100,000 to help Pieta House to continue to provide hope to those in need of its services. Pictured at the announcement are Blathnaid Treacy, TV and radio presenter,, with Andrew Shaw, Country Manager, Nestlé Ireland, and Elaine Austin, CEO of Pieta House Ireland.

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18

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

IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch

Sporting Legends Come Out for IGBF The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Sporting Legends Lunch raised more than €40,000 for the charity.

THE Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund has raised more than €40,000 at the annual 2019 Sporting Legends Lunch, held on Friday, August 30, in the Aviva Stadium.

A star-studded panel, featuring sporting legends Paul O’Connell, Paula Radcliffe and Jason McAteer, entertained the audience as they each shared their personal stories of success, challenges and funny mishaps that have happened along the way.

GAA legend Alan Brogan joined the panel as a surprise guest ahead of the All-Ireland Football Final to share some of his insider knowledge on the game and predications ahead of the big match.

MC Síle Seoige brought out the best of the panel and their golden sporting stories, some of which had the audience in stitches of laughter.

Jason McAteer is a born comedian, but also capable of showing his serious side when he spoke honestly of the lows of being forced to retire from football through injury, while both Paula Radcliffe and Paul O’Connell provided some rare insights into what makes elite athletes tick, and Alan Brogan’s introduction was the perfect lead-in to All Ireland Football Final weekend.

Pictured in the Aviva Stadium are (l-r): former Liverpool and Ireland midfielder, Jason McAteer; event MC Síle Seoige; world record marathon runner Paula Radcliffe; former Dublin Gaelic football star, Alan Brogan; and former Ireland, Munster and Lions captain, Paul O’Connell.

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|15

IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch

Paul O’Connell provided insights into the highs and lows of the sporting life.

Complete Sell-Out The event was a complete sell-out, with 400 guests attending on the day, including many major Irish retailers and suppliers to the industry. A whopping €11,500 was raised through the raffle prizes alone.

The IGBF Lunch would not be possible without its sponsors and this year a huge thank-you goes to The Executive Institute, Kind Healthy Snacks and Kellogg’s. A special mention also goes to Tesco Ireland, Diageo, and FMI, whose continued support has helped make the event a huge success.

Other sponsors included Coca-Cola, PWC, Gala Retail Services, Retail News, Tayto, One4All, Tayto, CPM, Juul, Manor Farm, Barry’s Tea and ALD Automotive, who provided prizes for the raffle.

The IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch was MC’ed by Síle Seoige.

The panel kept the sell-out crowd hugely entertained as they opened up about the life of an elite sports star.

Sponsors Kellogg's with the sporting legends panel at the Aviva Stadium.

16|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Premier League Trading Cards

Panini Launches Official Premier League Trading Cards Panini have launched the Official Premier League Adrenalyn Trading Cards, with a massive 469 cards to collect across all 20 Premier League clubs.

THE eagerly anticipated Official Premier League Adrenalyn XL Trading Cards have landed! “Panini are taking the helm of this iconic brand for the very first time and we couldn’t be more excited to present the first Adrenalyn XL Trading Card Collection under the Premier League brand,” noted Rebecca Smith, Head of Circulation, Panini.

The new, official trading cards hit shelves on September 5, featuring the Premier League’s top talent.

A Must-Have Collection Including all 20 clubs in one of the world’s best and most exciting leagues, this is a must-have collection for football

Premier League Adrenalyn XL Trading Card collectors can kick start their album with a starter pack, which includes a collector’s binder, game board, mini checklist, 14 trading cards, a magazine game guide and two limited edition cards.

fans and collectors alike. This superb collection features 469 trading cards plus 26 Limited Edition cards to look out for. Collectors can activate their cards in the free to download Adrenalyn XL app, trade and compete with their friends.

Collectors can kick start their album with a starter pack, which includes a collector’s binder, game board, mini checklist, 24 trading cards, a magazine game guide and 2 limited edition cards.

Starter packs are priced at €7.99 RRP and packets, which include six trading cards each, are priced at €1 RRP. Heavyweight Marketing Campaign “With this being arguably the highest

profile collection of the year, we have spent a considerable amount of time researching the content, look and feel of the collection,” explains Rebecca. “We have a heavyweight marketing campaign behind the collection, which includes investment in TV, VOD and digital.

“We will be working with key influencers and activating on our own social channels. There will be magazine cover mount activity and a nationwide schools sampling campaign, in addition to a Premier League Adrenalyn XL tour kicking off in late September. We will also be working closely with the Premier League clubs and grass roots football clubs across the UK and Ireland.”

THE FFICI L ING T C S F THE EMIE LE GUE

Launching 5th September 2019

DON’T MISS OUT! © The Football Association Premier League 2019

PANINI ANNOUNCE EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP

18|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Advertising & Media

How to Use Digital Effectively

Digital has encroached on you and your customers’ various touchpoints, so Louis McConkey examines the current state of the media market and what’s being consumed when and where.

“IT is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin We are spending more time absorbing media every year - though media consumption is peaking as the maximum capacity, the amount of time you have to watch, look, read and listen, is topping out. In fact, the next big battle between TV and Digital Streaming will be the ownership of the “second” screen that’s on – whether that be a TV, tablet, phone or other connected device. Social Media will be the prime driver of this.

The Use of Media TV is still the highest grossing media, with OOH, Internet and Cinema making gains across the board. Overall advertising media spend is down 2-3% so far in 2019 - and Brexit uncertainty is certainly a major factor. This year, just six of the top 10 programmes were on RTE, with four on Virgin Media. A shining beacon for Television audiences was Love Island, which transcended all expectation and delivered equally across all demographics, socio and economic, equally.

Who said the golden era of TV was over? Despite the growth of Netflix and other on-demand streamers, Irish adult viewers watch over three hours of TV every day, which equates to 22 hours each week, with 84% of measured content watched as it happened. 91% of broadcast sport is watched live.

Digital has greatly benefitted Cinema through lower production access costs and we each go to the movies an average of 3.3 times a year, compared to

the European average of 1.7. Advertisers have realised that Cinema offers geographic, demographic and psychographic targeting and there were almost 20 minutes of commercials and trailers (mostly ads) shown before the screening of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, for example.

A massive 82% of all adults in Ireland listen to radio on an average day, with the average listener tuning in for four hours daily. That first button or position is ever important as we switch channels just 1.6 times a day. Of all earspace, 85% of listening time is spent with live radio.

The listener’s own on-demand audio

is a far second, although Podcasts and Spotify have made significant gains in recent years.

Print readership continues to decline, though still offers ‘Retail Detail’ and it’s a beneficial secondary medium, especially for an older audience.

Readership is still quite strong, with a band of loyal followers of both broadsheets and tabloids. The traditional press titles have been very successful in driving their audiences online (if not monetising them) and the reputable online titles are more likely than not to be the old school real estates.

Outdoor: the OOH market is strong and is very dominant in major urban areas due to investment in digital plant

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|19

Advertising & Media About the Author

The amount of time consumers have to watch, look, read and listen, is maxing out. by most contractors.

Creating a high impact campaign outside of the big cities can be difficult due to universe of panels available.

Digital innovation is helping OOH to grow share Digital advertising spend is still growing, which is no wonder, given how many times you check your phone a day (60 on average).

The market breaks down into: Search (36% share), Display (32%), Social (20%) & VOD (12%). Digital has seen massive growth, but internet use has begun to stagnate as it reaches peak saturation.

Ironically, one of the big audience shifts has been the over 55s, who are embracing tablets in their droves. VOD / AV consumption continues to grow, although it is starting to level off with older age groups. YouTube remains the prime channel.

Just as the internet has spurred a media revolution, so too a retail eCommerce revolution. It’s not the discounters who are going to eat your lunch; it is Siri, Cortana, Google Assist, Alexa et al who are going to take huge bites of it. At the moment, it is more likely to be nongrocery on bigger ticket or high value items but it is coming. In the US, grocery eCommerce has been growing at 14% a year. In Ireland, just 8% of adults have bought groceries online but contrast this with the 50% who have bought fashion or sports goods online.

Although trust is an issue, Ireland is fast becoming an early adopter in all things Digital and as the platforms get their privacy acts in order, we will, over time, learn to supress our distrust of them and uptake of the devices will increase. It will no longer be just enough to invest in your premises, staff and suppliers. You need to invest time, manpower and resources to protect your business in the technological ether. Use of smart devices is becoming mainstream – personal assistants, smart watches, home monitoring etc.

– and 5G roll-out will accelerate the uptake of the IoT. The advances in AI will shape how your consumers research, order and buy the products they are getting from you now.

Local Media So, in terms of delivering footfall to clicks or bricks & mortar, you need to look at where your consumer is likely to be at with media you can buy or control locally. Take the time (or get some help) to set up a Google AdWords account. Do it before someone else stakes out your territory. Proximity Targeting is possible

The next big battle between TV and Digital Streaming will be the ownership of the “second” screen that’s on – whether that be a TV, tablet, phone or other connected device.

LOUIS McConkey is Managing Director of McConkey Media Associates, one of Ireland’s leading communications partners. McConkey have vast experience and expertise, but perhaps more importantly, they understand their clients’ business and tailor their services to give each business maximum benefit.

Though based in Dublin, McConkey Associates has been involved in the implementation of campaigns across Ireland, GB and mainland Europe.

This breadth of experience ensures that clients get bespoke, finely focused creative work, targeting the audience they need – wherever that audience is based. They provide the full range of services for print, outdoor, TV, radio, online, social and mobile – from insight, to concept, to production, to distribution. More @ mcconkey.media.

within a one, five or 10km radius of specific locations, depending on availability of plant or inventory locally.

You might have to run your campaign slightly longer through the various day-parts but you will eventually reach your catchment audience. Encourage your customers to sign-up to your social media feeds. Incentivise them to keep coming back, perhaps with your green or ethical credentials. Consider whether you want to catch them out and about (mobile) or at home (tablets).

Develop a relationship with your local media – Press and Radio.

Sure, you might have to spend some money to advertise but also try to find a way to garner on-going editorial through sponsorship of a sports team, supporting a charity, a healthy education programme, a local event and so on.

Digital offers many tools to gather data, create awareness, convert opinion and help achieve objectives but don’t spread yourself too thin with a scattergun approach. Pick something and do it properly. Then evaluate your campaigns against the results and try to improve them. Finally, remember, the quality of your message or product is just as important as the delivery.

20|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Rugby World Cup

Oval Time!

The 2019 Rugby World Cup brings a host of opportunities for clever retailers to see sales soar.

THE 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan starts on September 20 and goes on for just over six weeks, with the final taking place on Saturday, November 2, as Joe Schmidt’s Irish team bid to go as far as they can in the competition.

These kind of massive sporting events, like the Olympic Games, the football World Cup and the Euros, bring people together in houses all over the country, as we bid to share our collective joys and heartbreaks with friends and family. This brings a host of opportunities for retailers, as consumers stock up on a wealth of products for entertaining at home.

With the games taking place in Japan, the time difference means that most of Ireland’s games will take place in the morning – our opener against Scotland is on Sunday, September 22, at 8:45am – see fixture list opposite.

Aldi on the Ball Aldi, the Official Supermarket of the IRFU, will be helping supporters cheer on the Irish Rugby Team, with a range of Official Licensed Merchandise, on sale in 139 stores nationwide since September 12. Aldi’s Play Rugby Ambassador, Paul O’Connell is currently appearing in a brand new TV ad for the range, alongside Irish actress Amy Coleman, which was filmed in Aldi’s East Wall Store. The product range includes official match balls, hoodies, fleeces and more.

Ireland’s out-half Johnny Sexton partnered with Johnny Sexton Stars for Mace.

Mace competition gave people the chance to Last autumn, Mace announced their win an exclusive training session with the partnership with Irish rugby star Leinster, Ireland and Lions out-half for Johnny Sexton in an advertising their local school or rugby club. and social media campaign, while a

Heineken Sponsors Rugby World Cup

Aldi’s Play Rugby Ambassador, Paul O’Connell is currently appearing in a brand new TV ad for the range of Official Licensed Merchandise, on sale in 139 Aldi stores nationwide.

2019 marks a massive year for Heineken as a sponsor of the Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan. The tournament will be viewed by a huge worldwide audience. Its amplification campaign kicked off in March, with Heineken rewarding three lucky shoppers the prize of a trip to Japan to watch Ireland’s opening game against Scotland. The campaign ramps up nationwide this month with activations in over 1,000 off-trade accounts and Heineken branded Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan, merchandise available across selected retailers. Limited edition Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan packs will also be available throughout the trade. The off trade activity is accompanied by a heavyweight ATL campaign across TV, OOH and digital and features a number of Rugby World Cup legends, including Keith Wood.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019

MATCH SCHEDULE Match times in GMT

POOL A

POOL B

POOL C

POOL D

IRELAND SCOTLAND JAPAN RUSSIA SAMOA

NEW ZEALAND SOUTH AFRICA ITALY NAMIBIA CANADA

ENGLAND FRANCE ARGENTINA USA TONGA

AUSTRALIA WALES GEORGIA FIJI URUGUAY

20 Sep, 11:45 Tokyo Stadium

21 Sep, 10:45 International Stadium Yokohama

21 Sep, 08:15 Tokyo Stadium

21 Sep, 05:45 Sapporo Dome

Japan v Russia

New Zealand v South Africa

France v Argentina

Australia v Fiji

22 Sep, 08:45 International Stadium Yokohama

22 Sep, 06:15 Hanazono Rugby Stadium

Italy v Namibia

22 Sep, 11:15 Sapporo Dome

England v Tonga

23 Sep, 11:15 City of Toyota Stadium

24 Sep, 11:15 Kumagaya Rugby Stadium

26 Sep, 08:45 Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium

26 Sep, 11:45 Kobe Misaki Stadium

25 Sep, 06:15 Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium

28 Sep, 08:15 Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa

Japan v Ireland

28 Sep, 10:45 City of Toyota Stadium

South Africa v Namibia

28 Sep, 05:45 Hanazono Rugby Stadium

29 Sep, 06:15 Kumagaya Rugby Stadium

30 Sep, 11:15 Kobe Misaki Stadium

Scotland v Samoa

2 Oct, 11:15 Oita Stadium

New Zealand v Canada

2 Oct, 08:45 Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium

France v USA

29 Sep, 08:45 Tokyo Stadium

Australia v Wales

3 Oct, 11:15 Kobe Misaki Stadium

4 Oct, 10:45 Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa

South Africa v Italy

5 Oct, 09:00 Tokyo Stadium

England v Argentina

3 Oct, 06:15 Hanazono Rugby Stadium

5 Oct, 11:30 City of Toyota Stadium

Japan v Samoa

6 Oct, 05:45 Tokyo Stadium

New Zealand v Namibia

6 Oct, 08:45 Kumamoto Stadium

France v Tonga

5 Oct, 06:15 Oita Stadium

Australia v Uruguay

9 Oct, 08:15 Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa

Scotland v Russia

8 Oct, 11:15 Kobe Misaki Stadium

South Africa v Canada

9 Oct, 05:45 Kumagaya Rugby Stadium

Argentina v USA

9 Oct, 10:45 Oita Stadium

Wales v Fiji

12 Oct, 11:45 Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium

12 Oct, 05:45 City of Toyota Stadium

12 Oct, 09:15 International Stadium Yokohama

11 Oct, 11:15 Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa 13 Oct, 09:15 Kumamoto Stadium

Ireland v Scotland

Russia v Samoa

Ireland v Russia

Italy v Canada

Wales v Georgia

England v USA

Fiji v Uruguay

Argentina v Tonga

Georgia v Uruguay

Georgia v Fiji

Ireland v Samoa

New Zealand v Italy

England v France

13 Oct, 11:45 International Stadium Yokohama

13 Oct, 04:15 Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium

13 Oct, 06:45 Hanazono Rugby Stadium

Namibia v Canada

USA v Tonga

Wales v Uruguay

QUARTER-FINAL 1

QUARTER-FINAL 2

QUARTER-FINAL 3

QUARTER-FINAL 4

19 Oct, 08:15 Oita Stadium

19 Oct, 11:15 Tokyo Stadium

20 Oct, 08:15 Oita Stadium

20 Oct, 11:15 Tokyo Stadium

WINNER POOL C RUNNER-UP POOL D

WINNER POOL B RUNNER-UP POOL A

WINNER POOL D RUNNER-UP POOL C

WINNER POOL A RUNNER-UP POOL B

Japan v Scotland

Australia v Georgia

SEMI-FINAL 1

BRONZE FINAL

SEMI-FINAL 2

26 Oct, 09:00 International Stadium Yokohama

1 Nov, 09:00 Tokyo Stadium

27 Oct, 09:00 International Stadium Yokohama

WINNER QF1 WINNER QF2

RUNNER-UP SF1 RUNNER-UP SF2

WINNER QF3 WINNER QF4

FINAL 2 Nov, 09:00 International Stadium Yokohama

WINNER SF1 WINNER SF2

www.rugbyworldcup.com

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

Confectionery

Sweet Dreams

Irish consumers’ love affair with confectionery, both chocolate and sugar, shows no signs of abating, as we treat ourselves to our favourite sweet treats.

WE’VE always known that Ireland has a collective sweet tooth, but maybe we didn’t realise quite how sweet. According to the latest report into the Irish confectionery market by Euromonitor International, per capita consumption of chocolate confectionery in Ireland is almost double the average for Western Europe. Although Ireland is to a certain extent in the midst of an obesity epidemic, chocolate continues to grow in size and chocolate pouches and bags is the fastest-growing category within chocolate confectionery.

Increasing disposable incomes coupled with a rapidly decreasing unemployment rate are currently giving fuel to consumers in Ireland spending more on food. Within confectionery, Irish consumers are currently spending more on indulgent, premium treats and are not only spending more but are also consuming premium products more frequently, across chocolate and sugar confectionery.

Reformulation has become a big issue for confectionery manufacturers,

many of whom fear a wider rollout of the sugar tax, according to Euromonitor, with the result that many key players are reformulating their products to avoid sugar as much as possible, either by reducing the sugar content or by increasing the use of artificial sweeteners.

In sugar confectionery, pastilles, gums, jellies and chews are a big category, with a wealth of new products and flavours hitting the market, which helps to boost its sales, especially around Halloween, Easter and Christmas.

Kidulting is another big trend in confectionery, referring to the consumption of sweets and treats that are geared towards adult consumers who are looking for ways to relive their childhood, hence the reappearance onshelf of many familiar names from the past.

In the gum category, sugar-free chewing gum is the fastest-growing category as consumers become increasingly health conscious. More

and more brands are beginning to sell sugar-free chewing gum in bottled format, which appeals in particular to young professionals as a convenient way to consume and carry gum on the go.

Nestlé Confectionery Premium chocolate is performing strongly this year with Nestlé

KitKat became the first major brand to feature Ruby chocolate, derived from Ruby cocoa beans, which has an intense naturally occurring berry-fruitiness taste without the addition of any flavour or colour.

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

Confectionery

KitKat Senses extended from a sharing box into a single format in Salted Caramel and Hazelnut variants.

a sharing box into a single format, delivering the perfect combination of delicious KitKat chocolate and wafer with a thick layer of indulgent salted caramel filling, infused with crunchy caramel flakes (Salted Caramel variant) or a layer of sumptuous praline and crunchy hazelnut pieces (Hazelnut variant).

New from Aero this year is Aero Bliss, a premium version of the iconic bubbly chocolate. Aero Bliss consists of individually wrapped velvety, smooth milk chocolates in three luxurious flavours: Milk Chocolate, Praline and Available in 101g sharing bags, new Munchies Chocolate Fudge Brownie is the first new Munchies product since 1996.

adding growth through the launch of indulgent versions of their much-loved confectionery brands.

KitKat remains one of the most iconic and enduring confectionery brands of all time and continues to grow through ongoing innovation in terms of flavours and formats.

Earlier this year saw the launch of a Ruby chocolate KitKat - a unique

Aero Bliss consists of individually wrapped velvety, smooth milk chocolates in three luxurious flavours: Milk Chocolate, Praline and Salted Caramel.

Salted Caramel. Aero Bliss chocolates are filled with a cocoa aerated whipped centre (Milk Chocolate flavour), a salted caramel aerated whipped centre (Salted Caramel flavour) or velvety, whipped New Aero Bliss chocolates come in an innovative pop-open box, perfect for sharing with family and friends. variant offering consumers a new taste experience. The crispy, four-finger wafer bar is coated with Ruby chocolate, a fourth chocolate after dark, milk and white. This chocolate is derived from Ruby cocoa beans, which has an intense naturally occurring berry-fruitiness taste without the addition of any flavour or colour. KitKat is the first major brand to feature this exciting new chocolate and news of the launch received much coverage across social media.

KitKat Senses also extended from

Mixed white and chocolate discs with creamy fillings, Milkybar MixUps are available in both single and sharing bags.

praline bubbles with crispy pieces (Praline flavour).

The delicious light chocolate bubbles inside the smooth chocolate shell melt effortlessly in the mouth with every bite, creating a deliciously smooth chocolate sensation. These chocolates come in an innovative pop-open box, perfect for sharing with family and friends. More recently, Aero Bliss has extended further to launch in a single format with three delicious chocolates in each box, perfect for consumers looking for an indulgent ‘me time’ special treat.

Ireland’s leading white chocolate, Milkybar, has for the first time also extended to include milk chocolate in its range through Milkybar MixUps. Mixed white and chocolate discs with creamy fillings, Milkybar MixUps are available in both single and sharing bags.

This summer, it was all about the llama with the launch of fun and special edition Smarties, Llama Edition.

Available for a limited period only, these colourful sweets were available in a single and sharing bag format.

Extending further their offering of sharing bags this year, Nestlé are launching Munchies Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Original Munchies are already one of Nestlé’s most popular sharing bags, so Irish chocolate fans will be delighted with the new extension to the flavour choice. Available in 101g sharing bags, new Munchies Chocolate Fudge Brownie is the first new Munchies product since 1996.

Maria McKenna, Marketing Manager Confectionery Brand Manager, Nestlé Ireland said: “We are thrilled to bring this tasty new flavour to our Munchies family. Our teams in York and Fawdon have worked tirelessly over the last six months to bring these new flavours to our loyal Munchies fans. It’s a real

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|25

Confectionery delight to see (and taste) the results of our hard work; reaction so far has been amazing and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Munchies.”

Cadbury Ireland's number one chocolate brand has introduced a reduced sugar variant to its much-loved range: Cadbury Dairy Milk 30% Less Sugar.

Available in an 85g tablet and 35g single bar, Cadbury Dairy Milk 30% Less Sugar contains no artificial sweeteners.

The launch follows three years of development by Cadbury’s science and innovation teams in Reading and Bournville, who have replaced the sugar with fibre in a way that reduces the sugar while staying true to the iconic texture and taste profile of Cadbury Dairy Milk.

The Cadbury Dairy Milk brand is worth over €65m and still growing +1%, claiming over 21% share of the chocolate category (Source: Nielsen Total Scantrack ROI, excl. Dunnes & Discounters, 52 w/e 16/06/2019).

Accompanied by the Premier League Trophy, England and Manchester United football legend, Gary Neville, touched down in Dublin recently to officially launch Cadbury’s third year as ‘Official Snack Partner’ to the Premier League.

As part of their year-three launch, Cadbury Ireland teamed up with Off The Ball, to host an exclusive live broadcast at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, in front of a capacity crowd of over 2,000.

Proceeds raised through tickets for the

Irish Inventor’s Bar joins Cadbury Dairy Milk Range CADBURY Dairy Milk Choca-Latte, invented

by Ireland’s very own Callum Clogher, will become the latest addition to join the iconic Cadbury Dairy Milk range after winning a public vote that put him head to head against two other finalists. The intense and delicious winning flavour will now sit alongside iconic bars Callum Clogher from Roscommon invented such as Caramel, Fruit & Nut and Whole Cadbury Dairy Milk Choca-Latte, the latest addition to the Cadbury Dairy Milk range.

Nut on supermarket shelves across Ireland and the UK and Ireland from September.

Callum, a 17-year-old student from Co. Roscommon, created Cadbury Dairy Milk Choca-Latte off the back of his love for coffee and chocolate and was able to bring to life this unique bar along the Cadbury Research & Development team in Bournville as Cadbury opened its doors to its fans for the first time. The winning bar consists of a delicious mix of coffee cream and vanilla sandwiched in between the smooth taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk.

“The whole experience has been brilliant; from visiting Bournville, seeing my bar in shops and even seeing my face on posters all around Ireland, it has been completely surreal,” noted Callum.

Chocolate fans have another chance to become the next chocolate inventor, as the Cadbury Inventor Competition is back for a second year. “With so many ingredients to choose from, chocolate lovers across the country are sure to be spoilt for choice and we look forward to seeing the imagination of our fans shine through,” noted Maighréad Lynch, Brand Manager at Cadbury.

For more information, see www.cadburyinventor.com or visit www.facebook.com/CadburyIreland.

Cadbury Dairy Milk 30% Less Sugar contains no artificial sweeteners. event, which sold out in three hours, are being donated to Cadbury Ireland’s charity partner, Aware. Joining Gary as special guest for the live Cadbury Off The Ball show was his old Manchester United teammate and Republic of

Ireland football legend, Roy Keane.

“We are thrilled that Gary could join us to launch the third year of our Premier League partnership,” noted Cadbury Ireland Brand Manager, Maighréad Lynch.

“Cadbury has a very strong history in Ireland, which spans over 80 years and, with nearly two million Premier League fans across the country, this sponsorship is a great fit for us.

“The Premier League is all about bringing people together, through their mutual love of the game, from families gathering to watch a match, to debating the starting line-up with friends, or celebrating a moment of magic with a fellow supporter. Bringing people together is what Cadbury is all about and this partnership gives us the opportunity to celebrate those moments.”

As part of the partnership, Cadbury also sponsor the Premier League’s Golden Boot and Golden Glove Awards.

“We were delighted to present Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alisson Becker with their awards at the end of last season and we look forward to seeing who will

26|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Confectionery be in contention, with the new season underway,” Maighréad added.

To celebrate their sponsorship of the Premier League, Cadbury is currently running ‘Match & Win’ on-pack and will have many in-store competitions throughout the season, giving customers the chance to win money-can’t-buy Premier League prizes and experiences.

Fulfil Fulfil Nutrition has reinvented snacking with a genuinely tasty, healthier snack bar for people that live an active, social and full-on life. Packed with protein, vitamins and low in sugar, Fulfil fuels life in a wonderful way, giving consumers what they need to live life to the full.

Fulfil is Ireland’s number one healthy bar brand, with 55% market share and also continues to lead the protein bar category with 71% market share (Source: ROI Nielsen Scantack Data MAT, 16/6/19). Since 2018, Fulfil

Manchester United and England football legend and Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville was in Dublin recently to officially launch Cadbury’s third year as ‘Official Snack Partner’ to the Premier League. with 45%, 55% and 65% cocoa content.

Developed with only the finest quality ingredients, the new Excellence range combines all the smooth creaminess of milk chocolate with the benefits of high cocoa.

Carefully crafted by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers, Lindt Excellence high cocoa milk chocolate offers the perfect balance of refinement, quality and indulgence.

Lindt Excellence Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (RRP: €2.79) combines luxurious, smooth milk chocolate with well-rounded notes of cocoa and hints of deep caramel. It’s an indulgent treat for those looking to introduce higher cocoa content into their chocolate choices.

Lindt Excellence Milk Chocolate 55% Cocoa (RRP: €2.79) brings a bolder, more distinct cocoa taste with subtle

High cocoa milk chocolate. cocoa, less sugar The latest addition to the Fulfil range, Chocolate Brownie, isMore now available nationwide. has launched its first ever brand campaign, entitled ‘Life’s Wonderfuel’ to promote its range of protein bars and introduce its new flavours.

Consumers and innovation remain at the heart of Fulfil. For their newest addition to the range, Chocolate Brownie, Fulfil recruited a Taste Team of online followers and fans of the brand to exclusively taste the product before it launched in market. With their seal of approval, this new flavour hit the shelves in August and is now available nationwide.

Lindt Consumers can discover a new chocolate experience with the latest additions to the Lindt Excellence range: three new milk chocolate variants, made

New to the Lindt Excellence range are three new milk chocolate variants, made with 45%, 55% and 65% cocoa content.

28|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Confectionery fruity tones, and teams it with elegant, decadent notes of honey and vanilla.

With a higher cocoa content, milk chocolate lovers will enjoy the ultimate, sophisticated balance of aromas.

Lindt Excellence Milk Chocolate 65% Cocoa (RRP: €2.79) is smooth, with profound roasted aromas, combined with light undertones of sweet vanilla. The most reminiscent of dark chocolate, this variant may suit the more daring milk chocolate lover looking for a refreshing change.

Ampersand Confectionery Sonas Sweets were developed and are distributed by Ampersand, who have been working within the confectionery area for the last few years. The word Sonas comes from the Irish word meaning happiness, and this confectionery range is sure to create smiles, with vibrant packaging that gives a nod to its Irish heritage.

The Sonas Sweets range includes a €2 mix up bag and €1 hanging bags, which has now been extended to 22 different varieties since its launch last year. The Sonas Sweets range has a host of favourites, including jellies, sour sweets, bonbons, and liquorice pencils.

The 100g hanging bags are a perfect

New to the Cleeve’s chocolate bar range: Classic Milk Chocolate, Classic Dark Chocolate and Honey Crisp.

treat sized portion, priced at €1. The 230g mix up bags are great for sharing and on-the-go convenience, ideal for school bags or car journeys and as the

The Sonas Sweets range includes a €2 mix up bag and €1 hanging bags, with a host of varieties to choose from.

bags can be resealed, it means they don’t have to be eaten in one sitting.

Ampersand’s popular Cleeve’s Chocolate bar range has also had some exciting new line extensions. Cleeve’s have added three new flavours to sell alongside their existing range which has become a huge favourite with Irish chocolate consumers. New to the range is Classic Milk Chocolate, Classic Dark Chocolate and Honey Crisp. The Cleeve’s chocolate bar selection is now made up of six luxurious and deliciously creamy Irish chocolate bars at an everyday low price of €1.

The packaging on the three new bars carries on the vintage feel of the Cleeve’s branding that was so iconic and formed an integral part of the Irish confectionery landscape throughout the 20th century. Each bar is also foil wrapped for freshness and as a nod to its vintage roots, offering a unique and memorable consumer experience. The chocolate used is of the finest quality and the range offers some unique propositions that fill gaps within the Irish confectionery market.

Cleeve’s range of chocolate brings something new to those consumers who want to try something a little different.

With a range of delicious favours and a retro look, it is a brand that appeals to all ages.

If you are interested in stocking Sonas Sweets or Cleeve’s please contact your Ampersand representative or call the sales line on (01) 4130100 or email info@ampersandsales.ie.

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|29

Confectionery

Quest Nutrition Launches in Ireland QUEST Nutrition is a market leading brand in the US, now producing directly in the EU for fresher product, increased supply chain sufficiency and happier consumers. The number one protein bar brand and growing five times faster than the category in the US (Source: IRI Total US MULO-C, latest periods ending 24/3/19), Quest bars are delicious soft bars bursting with inclusions driving incremental sales to the category and bringing in new shoppers traditionally put off by the ingredients and taste of other protein bars.

The number one protein bar brand in the US, Quest bars bring in new shoppers traditionally put off by the ingredients and taste of other protein bars.

Unlike other bars in the category, Quest only uses complete protein sources with all nine essential amino acids and never bulks up with gelatine or collagen. With 20-21g protein per bar and no added sugar, Quest is helping consumers enjoy the foods they crave without compromising on nutrition.

With unique flavours like blueberry muffin, mocha and white chocolate and raspberry, to drive additional sales, every bar is fully loaded with delicious inclusions, chocolate chips, cookie crumbles or real fruit, for an explosion of flavour in every bite, which has catapulted the brand to appeal to new shoppers outside of the traditional protein bar category. Every mouthful is an explosion of tastes and textures that has made the category more accessible to those looking to eat well and still enjoy a treat.

These mouthwatering bars help consumers to enjoy indulgent treats without compromising on nutrition.

With 20-21g protein per bar and no added sugar, Quest only uses complete protein sources with all nine essential amino acids and never bulks up with gelatine or collagen.

Every bar is high protein, low sugar, high fibre and soy and gluten free and, unlike other bars, never contains maltitol.

Quest sweetens with erythritol, which has no impact on blood sugars.

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

Food Works 2020

Make Food Works Work For You! Food & Drink start-ups are being encouraged to enter the Food Works accelerator programme, which offers supports valued at over €50,000.

FOOD Works is calling on food and drink entrepreneurs throughout the country to apply for its 2020 programme. The supports offered by the programme are valued at over €50,000 and include indepth consultancy and advice from Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, the three agencies behind the programme, as well as access to consumer and market research, feasibility funding and bespoke mentoring with industry experts.

The current participants of the 2019 Food Works programme exemplify the diversity of food and drink businesses that can benefit from the programme.

They range from early start-up, T4 Adventure’s trekking meals, to more established brands such as Silk Tree Botanics’ alcohol-free spirit and Clintons Crisps. Ireland’s first snail farm, Gaelic Escargot, is also participating in this year’s programme, along with an oatbased savoury snack start-up.

One-To-One Mentoring As part of the programme, participants will benefit from one-to-one mentoring with some of Ireland’s best food and drink business minds, including John Stapleton, co-founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish;

Joanna Walker, food retail expert and former buyer with Sainsbury’s and M&S; Eamonn Rice, business consultant and former Kerry Group Director; Matt Bentley, marketing consultant; Gavin Sherry, manufacturing specialist; Moira Creedon, food business financial planning expert; and Fiona Fitzpatrick, who specialises in driving transformation growth for brands in the food industry.

“Food Works is the only programme of its kind in Ireland, where three government agencies have come together to help develop innovative food and drink start-ups into commercially viable businesses with export potential,” noted Karen Tyner, Senior Manager at Bord Bia. “This year, we are looking for scalable and export driven Irish food products that satisfy a genuine market need. As the diversity of participants for the 2019 programme suggests, this is a programme that is open to many and varied start-ups, so we encourage food entrepreneurs at all levels to apply.”

Food Works is recruiting individuals and companies at the early stage of their development, who believe they have a cutting edge product which addresses a gap in the market. Interested companies can apply online at https://foodworksireland.ie/ to meet with the Food Works team.

Previous Participants Previous participants in Food Works can attest to its effectiveness. Food Works Alumnus, Shane Ryan, founder of Fiid, who produce plant-based ready meals, said: "The Food Works programme was transformative for my business. It gave me the resources, expertise and freedom to think bigger and more creatively about the problems I was trying to solve for my customers, which resulted in a whole new approach. A year on and we've achieved milestones beyond what I could have imagined for a small Irish start-up at this stage and I've gained a group of people, who are not only invaluable for brainstorming the inevitable problems that arise every day but have gone on

Shane Ryan, founder of plant-based ready meals Fiid, an alumnus of the Food Works programme. to become what I know will be lifelong friends. I can't stress enough the positive impact Food Works had on me as an entrepreneur as well as for Fiid. I would recommend it for anyone with ambitious goals to disrupt the food industry not just in Ireland but internationally.”

Eva Milka of Gaelic Escargot who is currently on the 2019 Food Works programme, added: “Thanks to the Food Works programme, we now have the tools to see the bigger picture in our business. It is an outstanding experience that equipped us with professional support, business skills and helped us to put them into action for better outcomes.

The close contact with Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland and the great team spirit within the group makes the Food Works programme a remarkable experience”.

The Food Works journey begins with an introductory meeting with Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, followed by a formal application. Applicants are then selected for the programme based on defined criteria including innovation, market insight, ability to scale and export, commercial potential and strength of team. The cost for entry to the programme is €3,000; however, the market value of the programme has been estimated at over €50,000.

For further information on Food Works, visit www.foodworksireland.ie.

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

Crossell

A Lively New Brand for Crossell THE past few months have been extremely busy for the team at Crossell.

For the first time in over 20 years, the business has undergone a total brand refresh, across both its field marketing and recruitment divisions.

Founder and MD of the business,

George Leahy explained how this rebrand builds upon the 22 years of successful trading and positions it for the future landscape. As one of the leading sales and merchandising support businesses in Ireland, Crossell provides field sales teams for leading household brands.

As George explained, the original branding no longer matched the diversity of sales and merchandising activity the company now undertakes. Having originally been focused upon the grocery channel, the business has evolved to operate across its core grocery sector, George Leahy, founder and MD, Crossell. with the addition

of electronics, DIY, pharma and finance channels.

Recruitment Crossell recruitment has also evolved from being purely an internal resource to being the partner of choice for an increasing number of external clients, seeking quality candidates. These are primarily within the Sales & Marketing arena, both in the B2B, B2C and inside sales channels.

An element of the rebranding for both divisions has been the redesign of their websites and these can be seen at www.crossell.ie and www.crossellrecruitment.ie.

With the busy Christmas season rapidly approaching, planning is well underway for the Crossell merchandising team, along with conversations around 2020 being had with both existing and new clients around future requirements. The next few years are looking bright for Crossell.

32|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Finance

What PSD2 Means For You The second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) will change the way shoppers purchase goods online, but it also has a raft of potential savings and opportunities for clever retailers, writes Aaron Dodd.

THE second Payment Services Directive, also known as PSD2, came into full force on the September 14, 2019 across the EU, including Ireland, introducing higher security standards for online payments and bringing the opportunity for retailers to reduce their banking costs.

The aims of PSD2 are to facilitate innovation, competition and efficiency, while giving consumers more and better choice in the EU retail payment market and giving them more confidence when buying online.

Objectives PSD2 can be said to have four central objectives:

Introduce open banking: PSD2 enables open banking by requiring that banks publish APIs that allow third parties access to customer account information and to make payments directly from their account.

Protect consumers: PSD2 introduces Strong Customer Authentication (CSA), designed to improve the security of transactions using two-factor authentication that will secure customer data, prevent fraud and mitigate data breaches.

Encourage innovation By providing open banking, there is scope for new players to innovate, which makes it likely that new ideas about payments will be created and the market will start to change.

Generate competition: Opening up access to payments to outsiders will generate opportunity and create competition in a market that was previously dominated by banks, who could still succeed after PSD2.

Opportunities The implementation of PSD2 will provide new opportunities for retailers who are up to date on the new regulation.

There could be an opportunity to remove or reduce PoS devices, as payments from bank accounts do not require the physical or security overhead of a PoS device or PSD2 will give consumers more confidence when PIN pad. Instead, buying online. retailers can use internet-connected devices throughout the store for PSD2 but to implement them. “acceptance”, where the consumer pays A spokesperson for the Central by using the staff or their own device to Bank has confirmed that although the log in to their bank account. deadline for compliance with the PSD2 Retailers may also avoid card Directive and its associated regulatory fees; companies like Facebook, PayPal technical standards was September 14, and Amazon have already started to 2019, the Central Bank recognises the encourage their customers to initiate difficulties with meeting this deadline PISP (Payment Initiation Service and has been engaging with industry to Provider) payments directly from their develop a migration plan to implement bank accounts rather than use payment strong customer authentication for cards. With PSD2 the option will be eCommerce transactions as soon as mandated, allowing retailers to avoid possible after this date. The European merchant card fees to acquirers entirely.

Banking Authority has allowed limited The return of the store card: PSD2 additional time, subject to national will create a new class of Payment authorities, such as the Central Bank, Service Provider (PSP) – an entity that agreeing on a migration plan to the new issues cards but does not hold accounts payments regime. The Central Bank will or funds. This allows retailers to create continue to engage with the EBA and an account with a companion ‘store card’ other national competent authorities in connected to actual bank accounts, relation to this issue, aiming to agree a where the consumer can manage how harmonised approach to the migration it is funded, like PayPal. When such times across the EU. “decoupled debit” offerings were tried Retailers who have concerns about before, they were popular with the this issue should contact their bank, merchants but not so much with the payment services provider or the BPFI banking sector; now they have no choice for more information.

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|33

Mackle Petfoods

The Natural Choice for Dogs MACKLE Petfoods are excited to announce the launch of Naturo Dry Dog Food to complement their ever-growing premium Naturo wet food range. The attraction of Naturo as a competitively priced, premium product, along with offering retailers incremental sales, has helped the brand achieve phenomenal growth this year throughout Ireland, the UK and across Europe.

Complete Meal Solution In response to consumer demand, Naturo now provides the complete meal solution for dogs. Made with 100% natural ingredients, Naturo dry food is Grain Free, with 50% high quality meat and 33% vegetables.

As a local, family owned company, Mackle Petfoods’ philosophy has always been to promote overall health and maintain a healthy digestive system for pets. Grain Free dog food has numerous health benefits for dogs, particularly those with an allergy to grain or sensitive digestion. Consumers are becoming more health conscious and this in turn is

reflected in their purchasing decisions.

All Naturo products are fully traceable from farm to bowl and use only quality, natural ingredients, supplemented with essential vitamins, minerals and oils.

There are no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives in the Naturo pet food range.

Feeding trials have confirmed that Naturo dry food is feeding extremely well. How a product feeds is always a concern for dog owners. The range is available to order now, in a 2kg resealable pack, in the following varieties: Chicken and Potato with Vegetables; Turkey and Potato with Vegetables.

Extensive Campaign Naturo have recently embarked upon an extensive advertising campaign across Ireland and the UK for 2019, including TV, online media and a calendar of consumer events and shows. The campaign, entitled ‘It’s only natural to care for each other’ illustrates the special bond we have with our pets: we

It’s only natural to care for each other: the new advertising campaign from Mackle Petfoods. care for them and they care for us. The campaign and its powerful, emotive message will resonate with a lot of pet owners.

For more information and to view Naturo’s Brand Film, visit ‘Naturo Pet Foods’ on You Tube.

EW

N

Dry Dog Food

Meat

100% Natural 100% FeelGood www.naturopetfoods.com Naturo Retail News 185 x 130 AW.indd 1

@naturopetfood 23/08/2019 11:31

34|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Traceability

Traceability Makes Commercial Sense

Traceability is not just important for legal compliance, it also makes sound business sense. New Irish research reveals the commercial benefits of sharing traceability information with consumers.

THE 2019 Shopper Intelligence study, which surveyed over 10,000 Irish grocery shoppers, revealed a number of insights into the business benefits for both brands and retailers from investing in and building consumer trust in traceability.

Starting at a Retail Brand level, consumer satisfaction scores for Traceability are reasonably tight amongst the “Big 5”, but two domestic Irish retailers score highest for trust in their traceability capabilities. The Convenience Channel as a whole gets the lowest satisfaction score.

“Best-In-Class” Categories for Traceability Led by Fresh Beef At a category level in store, when asked about Trust in Traceability, Irish

Consumer demand for data and transparency is a primary driver for traceability today.

Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie|35

Traceability Shopper Satisfacton with…

Grocery Retailer 1

Grocery Retailer 2

Discounter 1

Discounter 2

Grocery Retailer 3

n=

2155

2088

1472

1480

2367

Traceability

66%

66%

63%

60%

58%

Rank

1

1

3

4

5

Table 1: Retail brand shopper satisfaction scores for traceability. shoppers say the fresh beef category is the standout performer. Given that the beef sector was one of the first to adopt in-depth traceability processes following the BSE crisis over 25 years ago, it comes as no surprise that suppliers in this category lead the field in the traceability stakes. In the intervening decades, many other sectors have followed the best practice processes adopted by the beef sector.

In addition to beef, the other meat and fish categories dominate the Top 20 but interestingly we are seeing the fruit & veg, dairy and baby categories performing well on traceability capabilities.

Rank of 67 Categories

Category

Rank of 67 Categories

Category

1

Fish Counter Fish

11

Cooked Meats

2

Deli Meat/Savoury

12

Sausages

3

Fresh Chicken

13

Pre-packed Fish

4

Fresh Beef

14

Ready to Cook Prepared Meat

5

Eggs

15

Speciality Veg

6

Baby Milk/Food

16

Milk

7

Butcher Counter

17

Vegetarian Food

8

Frozen Chicken

18

Frozen Veg

9

Fresh Port

19

Sandwiches

10

Bacon

20

Fresh Fruit

Table 3: Top 20 categories for importance of traceability.

Rank of 67 Categories

Category

Satisfaction Score

Rank of 67 Categories

Category

Satisfaction Score

1

Fresh Beef

92%

11

Milk

77%

2

Fresh Pork

87%

12

Root Veg

77%

3

Fish Counter Fish

86%

13

Bananas

76%

4

Eggs

85%

14

Sausages

75%

5

Deli Meat / Savoury

85%

15

Cooked Meats

74%

6

Speciality Veg

84%

16

Prepacked Everyday Cheese

73%

7

Baby Milk/Food

82%

17

Prepacked Speciality Cheese

73%

8

Butcher Counter

82%

18

Bacon

72%

9

Pre-packed Fish

78%

19

Ready to Cook Prepared Meat

72%

10

Fresh Chicken

77%

20

Mushrooms

72%

Table 2: Irish shopper satisfaction with traceability – Top 20 categories.

Consumer Satisfaction vs Perceived Importance The research conducted by Shopper Intelligence also enabled us to compare the categories that performed best for traceability against those categories for which traceability was deemed ‘Important’ and where their expectations are highest (i.e. where shoppers are demanding excellence in traceability).

Fresh and cooked/prepared meats and the fish categories are deemed the most important when it comes to trust in traceability. However, there are a number of other interesting categories, including eggs, milk, baby, fruit & veg, vegetarian foods and prepared

sandwiches to keep a watchful eye on.

The good news for both suppliers and retailers is that there is good alignment between the categories where Irish shoppers expect strong traceability capabilities (Table 3) and the ones that are performing well on traceability (Table 2).

Opportunities for Improvement in Vegetarian, Food-to-Go and Frozen Categories The underperforming categories as regards satisfaction with traceability include vegetarian foods, sandwiches, fresh fruit, frozen chicken and frozen veg.

Delivering on Traceability nets High Value, Loyal Consumers The study also revealed some interesting behavioural metrics for Irish shoppers.

In analysing the cohort of shoppers that deem traceability to be important, the data revealed that those shoppers were also key for traffic driving, spend and in-store engagement metrics.

Retailers and brands that satisfy those shoppers who consider traceability as ‘Important’ don’t just tick the boxes for legal compliance, risk management and supply chain efficiency, but also win in the war to attract a more loyal shopper who will also drive larger baskets.

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

Traceability a) Traffic Driving Metrics: Those shoppers who deem traceability as more important are; more organised pre-store (‘main reason to shop’ and ‘don’t want to run out’); and more importantly, strong trust levels in traceability will drive ‘loyalty’;

following events such as the BSE and Pork Dioxin crises. Initially these were paper records, often manually recorded: logs of goods received, batch and lot numbers, and expiry dates. However, in today’s fast-paced commercial environment, being able to retrieve fine

Benchmark: All Categories

n=

Traceability NOT IMPORTANT to me

Neutral

Traceability IS IMPORTANT to me

9562

1456

2923

2422

Main Reason to Shop/ Organised List…

-28%

-46%

-24%

-7%

Greater Intentionality/ Don’t’ want to run out…

28%

19%

27%

35%

Pre-store promotions drive me inot the store..

16%

1%

17%

28%

Pre-store promotions drive me to the store..

53%

45%

53%

60%

Potential to drive loyalty to a retailer…

24%

8%

28%

45%

Traffic Driving Metrics (Pre-Store)

Table 4: Traffic driving metrics.

b) Spend Driving Metrics: • Shoppers who deem traceability as important are more likely to be younger (18-34) and shopping for the entire family – a key demographic for retailers to target with messages about traceability pre-store and in-store.

• Those who deem traceability as more important drive the basket as they will spend more by ‘trying new/different’ and ‘trading up to premium options’;

levels of data at the touch of a button, about a specific product or ingredient to batch level, is the daily reality; and for that, electronic traceability processes are required.

Traceability is about accurately and efficiently recording the identity of ingredients and products as they flow into, through and back out of your business. The next step in any business’ sustainability journey is translating

Benchmark: All Categories All Retailers n=

Traceability NOT IMPORTANT to me

Neutral

Traceability IS IMPORTANT to me

9562

1456

2923

2422

Promotions will encourage me to buy extra…

33%

17%

28%

41%

I will spend more on new and different ideas

41%

22%

40%

54%

Don’t mind paying more for premium/quality

47%

33%

51%

62%

I will buy because I feel like it…

29%

8%

27%

38%

Consumers Driving Traceability Agenda

“

Consumer demand for data and transparency is a primary driv today.

Risk management and regulatory compliance were the origina adoptionRetailers of traceability practices following events such as the and brands crises. Initially these were paper records, often manually reco received, batch lot numbers, and expiry dates. However, thatandsatisfy those commercial environment, being able to retrieve fine levels of d button, about a specific product or ingredient to batch level, is shoppers who consider for that, electronic traceability processes are required.

traceability as important Traceability is about accurately and efficiently recording the id and products as they flow into, through and back out of your b don’t just tick the boxes in any business’ sustainability journey is translating all of that that is meaningful for consumers. for legal compliance,

“Traceability is a complex metric and business driver to naviga O’Brien,risk GS1 Ireland.

“It comprises, on the one hand, a detaile management and inventory and production data and, on the other, sharing and c data insupply a way that chain is meaningful to consumers. That’s the real efficiency, most organisations that we deal with on a day-to-day basis”

but also win in the war

(IN Box) For advice on transforming your loyal production data to meet to attract a more for transparency and product data, contact GS1 Ireland to http://d36.co/13B98

shopper who will also drive larger baskets.

”

Spend Driving Metrics (in-Store)

Table 5: Spend driving metrics. c) In-store Browsing/Engagement: Those who deem traceability as more important are more likely to ‘browse’ when in-store, which means more opportunities to entice.

Consumers Driving Traceability Agenda Consumer demand for data and transparency is a primary driver for traceability today.

Risk management and regulatory compliance were the original drivers for the adoption of traceability practices

all of that data into a message that is meaningful for consumers.

“Traceability is a complex metric and business driver to navigate,” explains Denis O’Brien, GS1 Ireland.

“It comprises, on the one hand, a detailed amount of internal inventory and production data and, on the other, sharing and communicating that data in a way that is meaningful to consumers.

That’s the real data challenge for most organisations that we deal with on a dayto-day basis”

For advice on transforming your production data to meet consumer demands for transparency and product data, contact GS1 Ireland today: http://d36.co/13B98

A new era in cloud-based Traceability Capture, record and share batch level traceability information across your organisation, with trade customers and consumers with the innovative traceability platform fTRACE. Manufacturers and retailers alike can have full visibility of their value chains at the touch of a button, while consumers can view traceability, origin, allergen and recipe information.

fTRACE is available in Ireland through GS1. Contact us today to find out more about using fTRACE in partnership with your suppliers and customers.

GS1 Ireland T: +353 1 2080660 E: ftrace@gs1ie.org www.gs1ie.org/ftrace

Connect with us

Connect With Us

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

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update RETAIL SALES STEADY, BUT LACKING SPARKLE RETAIL Ireland recently published its latest Retail Monitor. The report details that sales values grew by 3.4% in the first half of 2019, while sales volumes grew by 5.3% in the same period, demonstrating steady, if unspectacular growth.

The major influencer of sales performance in this period was the relatively wet and cool summer weather, which is in stark contrast to summer 2018 when Ireland experienced hot and balmy conditions for most of the summer season. The other major trend emerging from the Monitor is the impact of Brexit related concerns on consumer sentiment and fears around economic overheating.

While, fortunately, there were no majorly disruptive weather events so far this year, it is the nonappearance of any meaningful warm spell of weather that has been the major influencer of retail sales so far this summer. As the country sizzled in the sustained spell of warm weather in 2018, retailers experienced a significant uptick in sales. This has not been matched in 2019 and many retail categories are struggling to replicate 2018’s performance as a result.

The report also reflects upon the impact Brexit related

concerns have had on retail sales in the first half of the year.

After a brief respite during late spring and early summer from almost saturation levels of Brexit coverage in the first quarter of the year, we are now again entering into a further period of intense Brexit debate ahead of the October 31 deadline.

The trajectory of consumer sentiment has matched this public concern, with an initial recovery over the late spring and summer period now subsiding as consumers begin to reflect once more on how Brexit might impact their personal finances. This has led to a softening in sales and is a cause for concern as the sector looks toward its busiest period of the year.

There is no doubt that choppy waters lie ahead for the retail sector. The type of Brexit we experience will likely shape our ambitions for growth in the sector for the remainder of 2019 and 2020. Our consumer is now hyper conscious of the negative impact a no deal Brexit could have on their personal finances and that means they are likely to react quickly to any sub-optimum outcome. We too must plan for the worst but hope for the best.

Retail Ireland Calls for Budget 2020 to be Business Friendly RETAIL Ireland recently submitted our thoughts on Budget 2020 to the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD. In this year's submission, Retail Ireland called on Government to introduce measures to address the continued erosion of the retail sector’s competitive position, by ensuring that no additional costs or tax burdens are placed on the Irish Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for retail sector in Budget Finance.

2020.

We have also called on the Government to make some key strategic investments in areas such as education, Brexit preparedness and retail crime, which will help the retail sector and the wider economy to remain robust during the period of uncertainty that lies ahead. Some of the key points from this year’s submission are as follows: • •

Introduce a new Training Tax Credit to allow employers to obtain a rebate on PRSI when an employee is off-site on an official industry led Apprenticeship.

Increase funding levels to An Garda Siochana to allow them to effectively deploy resources to reduce retail crime

• • • • •

levels and increase their overall visibility in the community.

Allocate sufficient funding to An Garda Siochana to expand the National Fraud Unit.

Allocate a specific funding stream to allow for the modernisation of customs procedures.

Publish a detailed cost analysis of the impact a no deal Brexit will have on cross border and east/west trade.

Support disposable income growth by increasing the entry point to the 40% rate of income tax by €1,000 to stay ahead of wage growth and inflation.

Address the cost base concerns of the retail sector in areas such as: local authority charges, energy, government services and other business input costs.

It is vital that Budget 2020 is a business budget, one that helps businesses and retailers to flourish in an economy that will experience many new challenges. Retail sales continue to underperform when compared to the wider economy and the increasing cost of doing business is undermining the growth we have seen in the sector in recent years.

Issues such as commercial rates, crippling insurance premiums and increased labour costs are some of the challenges that need to be addressed by Budget 2020 in order to keep retail competitive. Retailers are not looking for an unfair advantage in this budget, only a level playing field.

Retail Ireland fully supports the Government’s stated aim of delivering sustainable economic and social infrastructure across urban and rural Ireland. To achieve this, the Government must harness growth in the retail sector, which is at the heart of Irish communities and throughout the economy, by adopting the proposals outlined above.

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

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

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

Nivea Men

Nivea Men’s Ultimate Stubble Companion NIVEA Men, Ireland’s number one male facecare brand and the official men’s grooming supplier to Liverpool FC, are helping men to embrace their facial hair. Whether you are sporting a 5 o’clock shadow or few-day old stubble, we all know that with facial hair comes dryness and itchiness, not to mention the redness, burning and tightness when you inevitably do shave.

To combat this problem, the Nivea Men Sensitive range combines a unique formula to soothe and protect sensitive skin. With 0% ethyl alcohol, this product range relieves the five signs of shaving irritation: burning, redness, dryness, tightness and itchiness.

Strong on Sensitivity With 65% of men claiming to have sensitive skin, the new Nivea Men Sensitive Skin & Stubble Lotion is the perfect addition to any bathroom cabinet,

no matter what style of facial hair you choose. Specifically designed to leave skin feeling smooth and stubble soft, this lotion is perfect for men to use after a shave or in between shaving days.

Another fantastic product to soothe skin after shaving is the Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm. Its soothing formula, enriched with hamamelis, chamomile and vitamin E, instantly calms and nourishes the skin. Perfect for men on the go, this balm is quick absorbing and provides skin with intensive long-lasting hydration.

For those who favour the clean shaven look, Nivea Men Sensitive Shave Gel provides a flawless razor glide, allowing even the toughest stubble to be shaved with just one stroke.

When it comes to multitasking products, Nivea Men Sensitive Shower Gel is the perfect choice for those with busy lifestyles. This 3-in-1 product,

The Nivea Men Sensitive range relieves the five signs of shaving irritation: burning, redness, dryness, tightness and itchiness. with an invigorating masculine scent, is suitable for body, face and hair, providing skin with long-lasting freshness, nourishment and no dreaded dry skin feeling.

Nivea Men Sensitive range is available in pharmacies and grocery stores nationwide.

TACKLE THE

5 SIGNS OF SKIN IRRITATION

NEW

40|Retail News|September 2019|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Technology

Disruptive Tech & the Retail Sector old practices may no longer be appropriate. The retail space is not likely to escape these new developments, where staff, customers and other stakeholders will likely be affected by many of the emerging disruption forms.

Managing for disruption is not just about adapting to new technology, insists Dr Mathew Donald, management expert, academic and author, who highlights the importance of building trust in times of disruption.

THE term disruption once referred only to emerging new technology, yet today the term is broader and represents a new age that is beyond merely a new computer or software.

Since globalisation has emerged, there has been greater interconnectivity between all aspects of trade, business and society. This interconnectivity of trade and business has been aided by the internet, social media, faster communication and new technology.

Today’s disruption occurs with great pace, uncertainty and risk, where social media is now regularly used to announce changes in foreign policy, trade wars and tariffs, to name a few.

Disruption in this new age occurs swiftly, where announcements, new technology and change can be communicated almost instantly around the world, yet the additional information often may be associated with lack of filters, detailed analysis, confirmation or even facts.

The future of technology is no longer likely to replace millions of jobs in just one wave of change; rather it is more likely to replace elements of work in waves over time. The sheer length of ongoing technological change will likely stress and tire staff and create tense relations with their leaders. The erosion of work over to AI or robots will cause organisations to reconsider their past operations, processes and structures.

The new age of technology ahead is likely to be more than merely simple machines; the new technology ahead is likely to replace human thought, decision-making or even imagination and creativity over time.

Technological disruption is likely to occur simultaneously with other forms of disruption, be they Brexit, trade wars, climate change or others yet to be identified. This new business environment is one that will challenge and change organisational leadership and management practices, where the

Leadership and Organisational Direction Leadership is not about power and control; rather it is a position of influence, often overlapping with management responsibilities, yet is acknowledged as a distinctly separate function.

Organisational direction is usually set out in strategy, being a long-term document developed by leaders with the approval of investors or owners.

To assist the organisation to move in a set direction, leadership attempts to influence and gain the support of stakeholders towards the agreed ideas and plans, to achieve the required influence leaders often need to communicate, explain and negotiate. A close nexus between goal, or promise, and outcome success is required for leaders to establish trust.

Any degradation in leadership trust may result in messages not being heard or believed.

Historically, management is a function responsible for controlling resources, allocating work and setting goals and maintaining operations.

Managers also use the agreed organisational strategy or direction to set goals for the organisation, where the goals are achieved through the structures, processes and delegations designed by management, based on their perception of the business environment of the time.

Structures and processes in the past

Retail News|September2019|www.retailnews.ie|41

Retail Technology About the Author

DR Mathew (Mat) Donald is an academic with over 30 years of prior business experience, large and small. He strongly believes that organisations can be better run and that change in particular must be performed better in the future.

Dr Mat is the author of ‘Leading and Managing Change in the Age of Disruption and Artificial Intelligence’, published by Emerald Publishing, which is available through Amazon, Booktopia, Angus and Robertson and others. For more information, see www.drmat.online.

were generally fixed for shorter term and tended to change over time as markets or competition altered. Management support by investors, staff and other stakeholders is not guaranteed, where support only occurs if they can deliver goals or promises or at least satisfactorily explain any deviations. If organisational results are deemed as unsatisfactory, owners or investors may seek changes to management positions or practices.

Recent research indicates that organisational change is linked to leadership and management factors in an interconnected way, where other factors may also be interlinked. If change factors are linked in a multifaceted way, managers and leaders of the future will likely need to have more complex multipronged ways of influencing change. This issue may be particularly important for the future of organisations that are under constant change from this new age of disruption, where technological change may arise quickly, with great uncertainty and risk.

Technological Change & Retailing The retail sector has been already been affected by technological change, where items like computers, scanners, bar codes and auto replenishment have been adopted and have eroded elements of human work. As new AI, and even robots, emerge with human-like decision capability and location accuracy, it is likely that their improved capabilities will be useful in the retail sector. It is possible, in the near to medium term future, that robots may be used to serve customers, pack shelves and even make product stocking choices.

The retail sector may even extend into the customer’s home, where AI may one day link household fridges to automatic driverless or drone home delivery services. Once safety standards are achieved and AI, or robotic, benefits are confirmed, new uses of technology may quickly arise. It is possible that emerging AI could be useful at analysing vast volumes of customer data, especially useful if buying patterns change upon other disruptions like trade wars, Brexit or even climate change.

Issues arising from potential new technology in retail are not limited to merely the replacement of human with machine. Issues for management and leadership are likely to emerge from any technology change that is introduced in waves over time, where negotiations with staff and stakeholders will likely occur over extended periods of time.

In each iteration of technology change, existing processes, procedures, work allocations and responsibilities will likely also change. Jobs and tasks will likely need to be merged as robots or AI take over, where staff may dislike the reduced social interaction, or may tire from all the ongoing change, or staff may simply become stressed and concerned about the future of their employment.

New Sources of Disruption It may no longer be possible for management to remain or even appear to be in control of change in this new age as change will occur frequently, emerging without notice. New sources of disruption like presidential tweets, or competitor technology, may occur quickly, thereby making past conservative decision-making models redundant. Assurances of long-term staff tenure, or promises to stop change, may be inappropriate if emerging technology has compelling advantages, or if they are adopted by competitors. If stability is no longer possible, staff and customers may perceive their leaders as ineffective or irrelevant. Strategy and

Dr Mathew Donald is an academic with over 30 years of business experience. communication practices of the past may be too slow and inappropriate for this new age; where promises may easily be broken if new information emerges, this new age could lead to a dislocation between leaders and staff or customers.

To achieve good levels of trust and influence in a changing retail environment, leaders will likely need to operate differently, so perhaps should consider implementing the following seven tips: • • •

• • • •

Prepare for the new age by writing a disruption plan; Share disruption plans and the nature of the new age with staff and customers regularly; Understand that the communication requirements of stakeholders is not homogenous.

Write a detailed communication management plan to cater for a variety of staff preferences, including a wide variety of styles, forms, language preferences and time preferences; Communicate regularly, or almost constantly about the new age challenges; Allow and encourage staff to participate in management decision making; Build closer partnering type relations with staff, customers and investors; Reduce organisational barriers to change, so encourage faster adoption of new structures, processes and governance practices.

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

Retail Technology

Cash Dash: The Secret is Out! Cash Dash specialises in tailor-made EPOS solutions including card payment, custom loyalty & discount options, e-commerce and bookkeeping software integrations, tailored to your needs.

AFTER 15 years designing and building technologies such as Point of Sale, ATM, kiosk and card payment technologies for AIB, tech whiz Rory O’Síocháin founded Cash Dash to offer retail and hospitality businesses customisable systems which are built around their specific needs, no matter how large or small the business.

“Competing systems simply can’t match the same level of bespoke customisation and attention to detail,” O’Síocháin states.

Cash Dash drives innovation while keeping pace with technological advances as they continue to evolve, offering you a sure-fire way to futureproof your business. With technologies covering stock control, loyalty/discount programmes, e-commerce integration and customer accounts, accepting cash, card, Apple pay and Android pay has never been easier. In fact, your own custom designed and printed gift cards, account cards or loyalty cards are available for that extra personal touch.

Adaptable Features “Standard cash register and EPOS units

are standalone, non-integrated devices, using features from the 90s that simply don’t fit today’s needs,” O’Síocháin argues.

“You wouldn’t buy a laptop with Windows 95 today, so why limit your business by purchasing outdated software that hinders your possibilities?”

Cash Dash has many innovative features and solutions which ensure you and your business can continue to adapt.

Even better, your Cash Dash solution can continue to be tailored as your needs change and your business grows. For example, Cash Dash will support Facebook’s new Libra digital currency from launch next year.

Tablet-based systems are Cash Dash drives innovation while ‘one size fits all’ which require keeping pace with technological advances internet availability to access the as they continue to evolve. cloud. Can your business survive without its EPOS for a day, let alone a week, if your router needs to be category, sales, VAT and more. replaced or roadworks disconnect you?

The team at Cash Dash also offer Cash Dash doesn’t require an internet exceptional and reliable customer connection and operates 100% offline for support. Should an issue arise, the as long as required. support team dial-in remotely (via an encrypted connection for the utmost Fully Integrated Solution security), to immediately provide an Cash Dash technology works as hard as instant solution. you do and will provide a fully integrated Cash Dash has grown into one of solution. This drives efficiencies, saves Ireland’s most trusted, innovative and you time and money and provides your easy-to-use retail technology service customers with a convenient, rock solid providers. Based between Wicklow service. The software is quick to learn and Dublin, Cash Dash specialises in and easy to use, with complimentary tailor-made EPOS solutions including onsite installation and training enabling card payment, custom loyalty & discount your staff to get up and running quickly. options, e-commerce and book-keeping The intuitive system ensures the utmost software solutions that offer businesses accuracy by limiting potential for error. custom bespoke technology to suit With a number of very powerful their individual requirements at a features, the easy to use Back Office very competitive price. The success of software (which is included free of this approach shows: Cash Dash has charge with all purchases) will also save doubled its revenue every six months you, your staff and your book-keeper over the past five years. It’s hard to keep hours of time with accurate on-site or something this great a secret for long! cloud-based access to reports. These Contact the team at Cash Dash daily, weekly and monthly reports, today for a complimentary consultation. covering sales and inventory, can be Call 01 556 3315 or email easily exported to Excel. The end-ofinfo@CashDash.ie shift report feature breaks down sales www.CashDash.ie by operator, payment type, product

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

Retail Technology

CBE Offers SelfCheckout for Forecourts CBE self-checkout solutions can now process fuel transactions.

FORECOURTS are no longer just about pumping fuel: they now need to provide a full retail offering to their customers and offer an all-inclusive shopping experience. In order to achieve this, retailers need an IT solution that can manage all of their operations from one central hub and enable them to provide their customers with the best possible customer experience. CBE’s FutaTill Solution with Self-Checkout now facilitates this.

The CBE team has led the way in shaping EPoS solutions offered to the forecourt retail sector both in Ireland and the UK, by listening and responding to the ever more sophisticated needs

of retailers. For over 20 years, CBE has been working with leading Irish and UK forecourt and convenience retailers to help them drive their business forward, having installations across all the leading symbol groups and major oil companies and the company’s Research & Development Team continues to break ground through constant innovation and development.

Comprehensive Forecourt Solution FutaTill’s comprehensive forecourt solution is now offering retailers the ability to process fuel transactions using Self-Checkout solutions (SCO).

CBE, an Elite Solution Provider of NCR, has installed SCO in a number of forecourts in Ireland and the UK. Fuel on self-checkout is implemented using the ‘fractional model’; it allows consumers to pay for their shop items and their fuel in one transaction at the SelfCheckout, whilst being monitored/assisted by an existing cashier. This eliminates the need to have a dedicated staff member managing the SCO area, therefore providing an additional service for customers, faster throughput of transactions and with no extra labour costs.

The innovation is currently live in Centra Kilbeggan, enabling the County Westmeath retailer to stay ahead of CBE’s comprehensive forecourt solution is live in its competitors within Centra Kilbeggan, enabling the County Westmeath the Irish forecourt retailer to stay ahead of its competitors within the sector.

Irish forecourt sector.

Self Check-Out: The Advantages Niall Dooney, Marketing Executive of CBE, explains, “Self-service checkouts are well and truly part of retail culture now and there is almost an expectation from shoppers to have the option when checking out. While standing in line, customers usually feel like they are wasting time. A big benefit of SCO for both customers and retailers is it reduces the negative experience of standing in queues.”

From a retailer’s point of view, another advantage is reliability – a SCO will deliver the same level of service to every customer all day every day.

The usage of SCO is not limited to the number of free cashiers, but is instead down to the number of available machines. This also eliminates the impact of the human factor, such as staff absenteeism. “There is also the huge benefit to retailers of cash office savings, where there is less time used in balancing till drawers after shifts,” Dooney notes. “SCO also increases the transaction numbers in a store, while also helping to generate greater numbers of sales throughout peak periods. Having more staff present on the shop floor results in more security around the store.”

Despite being a regular feature in supermarkets, self-checkouts are not too common in the fuel sector.

“Since introducing the innovation to the Irish forecourt sector, we have had many retailers showing a keen interest in the technology,” Dooney reveals.

“Here at CBE, we always consider two stakeholders when developing a new software solution, the business and the end user: as the checkout experience is the last thing a customer remembers when exiting a store, a better shopping experience for a customer will nearly always result in repeat business”.

I n n ovato rs I n R eta il Te chnol o gy Award Winning Solutions for the Retail & Forecourt Sectors • • • • • • • •

EPoS Solutions Fuel on Self-Checkout Cloud-based Software Multi-branch Solutions Business Management Solutions Mobile Applications All leading Fuel Card Providers All Major Oil Companies

Ireland: 1890 373 000 www.cbe.ie info@cbe.ie UK: 0800 731 4591 www.cbesoftware.co.uk info@cbesoftware.co.uk @CBE_EPoS CBE Ltd CBE_Retail News_Ad.indd 1

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Fuels

Hot Stuff!

Now is the perfect time to stock up on home heating and fuel products, as the weather turns autumnal.

AS consumers bid to keep their central heating costs down, we have seen many consumers returning to the lighting of open fires, alongside increased demand for mobile heating appliances.

Spot heating the home is growing in popularity, as consumers can save money by heating specific areas, rather than running their central heating throughout the whole house.

Bord na Móna For over 80 years, Bord na Móna has brought the comfort and magic of a real fire into Irish homes and has led the way in designing an innovative and convenient range of solid fuel solutions for Irish consumers. Of course, it all started with the peat briquette, a traditional part of Irish heritage. Peat briquettes have consistently delivered quality performance and a real fire experience for generations. The original smokeless fuel, peat briquettes are easy to light, have a long burn time and are suitable for stoves and open fires.

This authentic product remains a firm favourite of Irish fireplaces today.

Bord na Móna confirms its commitment to the retail sector with continued innovation and development of a product range to meet the needs

peat briquette is growing in demand and popularity with consumers, perfect for a fast lighting, warm fire with a bright golden flame.

The Bord na Móna high quality Kiln

Convenient pack size Peat Nugget 10kg with easy to carry handle. of the consumer shopping in this channel. Following on the success of their new Peat Nugget product in a 20kg convenience size bag to the market last season, Bord na Móna are now launching an even more convenient Peat Nugget 10kg bag size with easy to carry handle. The peat nugget with all the great benefits of the original, iconic

Bord na Móna high quality Kiln Dried Hardwood logs are available in convenient carry home packs, which are easy to display, easy to store, and easy to stack.

Fuel Up Your Sales Stock up today

Call us on 1850 744 755 Or contact your local Business Development Executive

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

Fuels Bord na Móna provide their customers with a tailored after sales support service, including product specific signage and Point of Sale material to educate and support a great consumer shopping experience.

Further information and advice are available Bord na Móna Eco-Logs are 100% natural and available in from your packs of 8 and 16. local Business Development Dried Hardwood logs, Kindling and Air Executive or call their customer support Dried logs are available in convenient team at 1850 744 755. carry home packs, which are easy to display, easy to store, and easy to stack, Homestead all designed to meet the needs of the After the launch of the Homestead modern retail and convenience shopper. brand in 1986, the firelighter range Other high quality convenient quickly became a stable product within products readily available from Bord na the brand's portfolio, generating Móna’s range and showing an increase in demand from shoppers in the convenience category are Bord na Móna Firelogs, Firelighters and natural Eco logs.

Last season, Bord na Móna launched their new competitively priced Bord na Móna Quicklog. This extra fast lighting Quicklog was a great success with consumers, creating the perfect base to get a fire established conveniently, cleanly and quickly. It is suitable for use in both open fires and closed appliances and is approved for use in smokeless zones. As we know, price is a key purchase driver for consumers, and this product is very competitively priced, with an RRP flashed price of €1.49.

The business continues to offer more choice to the market place and with this in mind, the Bord na Móna Quicklog is now available for customers and shoppers to purchase in Homestead Firelighters, one of the a take home convenient box size of 10 star performers in the Homestead Quicklogs. portfolio.

Bord na Móna Quicklog is now available for consumers in a convenient take home box of 10.

New Zip Fire Bag Launched ZIP have launched a new Fire Bag. Produced in Ireland, this all-in-one fire in a bag is made with unique Zip lighting technology. Using smokeless coal that delivers a high heat output and is clean burning, along with the reliable power of Zip, the Fire Bag is fast lighting, gives minimal smoke and does not spark. Additionally, any residual ash at the end of the fire is fully compostable.

With more consumers being time poor, the Fire Bag offers both convenience and simplicity for those looking for a fire fast. It can be used in indoor fireplaces and wood burning stoves, and is also ideal for outdoor fires.

Users simply place the whole bag in the grate and light for a real fire in an instant that will burn for up to four hours, leaving you more time to sit back and relax. The New Fire Bag launches this month in Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu and Centra.

The new Zip Fire Bag is the quick and simple solution to lighting a fire.

considerable sales in this category.

It is estimated that Homestead Firelighter account for 53% of the total Firelighter sales within symbol groups and independent retailers, while rivalling the two leading brands in Ireland.

The Homestead fuels range consists of two skus of firelighters, 30’s and 60’s and a Firelog which was introduced to the range in early 2005.

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

Fuels

Homestead Firelog, a real favourite with Irish consumers.

Less than 70% of households now have open fires and this is impacting the ignition sector. In a market declining by 16% in value and 17% in volume year on year, private label, including Homestead, still dominates the market with 67% value and 77% volume share. Private label, while it is in decline, it is declining at a slower rate than the leading brands.

Flogas The Flogas Superser is the perfect solution for retailers to help their customers successfully manage heating costs in their homes. The contemporary Flogas Superser heaters are fitted with easy glide castors for hassle free movement from room to room.

“Flogas Superser heaters are the perfect solution for your cost conscious customers. They are an economic solution to instantly spot-heat a room, which many customers find far more economical than turning on the central heating,” revealed Eoin O’Flynn of Flogas Ireland, the exclusive Superser distributor in Ireland and the UK. For more information, see www.flogas.ie/

business/dealershop.

Flogas Gaslight cylinders are the smart choice for those camping, caravanning, boating, barbequing or using patio heaters. The innovative, lightweight Flogas Gaslight cylinder helps the customer avoid heavy lifting, and the semi-translucent exterior ensures they will not run out of gas. They are available in 5kg and 10kg cylinders.

For more information, see www.flogas.ie.

Flogas Gaslight cylinders are available in 5kg and 10kg cylinders.

It is estimated that Homestead Firelighters account for 53% of the total firelighter sales within symbol groups and independent retailers.

This shift in the market means competition is fierce and has seen a number of “other” brands entre the market at very competitive prices.

Homestead has remained loyal to its heritage and continues to “Bring Value Home” to the consumer with high quality product that is produced here in Ireland.

Flogas Superser heaters are the perfect solution for your cost conscious customers who want to instantly spot-heat a room.

Keep them snug nug with Superserr Exclusive distributor for Superser heaters in Ireland In this chilly current climate, your customers will be looking for new ways to heat their homes this Winter. So why not offer them a super snug alternative? Super economical, super-efficient and exclusive from Flogas. Superser is the simplest way to heat any room in an instant.

• The original mobile gas heater • Leading brand – highest quality

Superse r Exclusiv ely from Flo gas

• Modern Design with latest safety features

To order contact Flogas on T: 041 983 1041 | E: info@flogas.ie | W: flogas.ie/business/dealershop

Wherever you are

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

Drinks News Irish Distillers Donates Power Family Papers to Wexford County Archive IRISH Distillers recently donated the records from the Power family’s Oylegate estate to Wexford County Archive. The renowned Power family – of whiskey fame – chose to settle in Oylegate in 1838, building their family seat at Edermine House. They invested heavily in the community by building model houses in the village that are still inhabited to this day, while providing employment at their John’s Lane Distillery in Dublin to generations of fishermen working the River Slaney, easing harsh winters for them and their families. In 1966, the historic distillery of John Power & Son amalgamated with two others; John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distilleries Company, to form Irish Distillers. The Edermine Estate papers, comprised of rentals and land sales correspondence, were found among the records of whiskey production at John’s Lane during the cataloguing of the Irish Distillers archives, now preserved at Midleton Distillery. “We realised that these records weren’t telling the story of our whiskey but instead told a unique story about the lives of families, living and working in Wexford, for whom other records may not have survived. We felt strongly that they should be publicly accessible and open to family history researchers,” explains Carol Quinn, Archivist, Irish Distillers, pictured with Gráinne Doran, Archivist, Wexford County Archive.

Hop House 13 Celebrates Neighbourhoods

HOP House 13 recently celebrated the communities that make our cities tick, in collaboration with the creative thinkers and doers of Dublin’s Fade Street, with Neighbourhoods, a day-long celebration of the street.

Pictured on Fade Street in Dublin are Leah Burke, store manager, Hen'sTeeth, Dennis Cassidy, store manager, Rage; Cheung Chu Kin, master chef, Duck; and Kwanghi Chan, chef/owner, Chan Chan Sauces and Bowls Restaurant.

Pearse Lyons Distillery Wins Big at Irish Whiskey Masters PEARSE Lyons Distillery has taken home six medals in the Irish Whiskey Masters 2019.

All six whiskeys entered were awarded medals, two of which were awarded the top accolade of Master title. In all, Pearse Whiskey and the Ha’penny Whiskey range received two Masters, three Gold and one Silver Medal. Commenting on the result, Mark Lyons says, “We are delighted to have received these awards.

It is a great honour to my father’s legacy that the whiskeys from Pearse Lyons Distillery have performed so well alongside our peers in the Irish Whiskey industry.” Ha’penny Original Whiskey and Ha’Penny Four Cask won Masters, while Pearse 5 Year Original, Pearse Coopers Select and Pearse 12 Years Founders Choice won Gold, with silver going to Pearse 7 Years Distillers Choice.

The Irishman Vintage Cask 2019 Vintage Launches

WALSH Whiskey has released the 2019 vintage of The Irishman Vintage Cask, a rare cask strength Irish whiskey expression. This year’s vintage is limited to 2,346 bottles worldwide. Each bottle is uniquely numbered and signed by the company’s co-founder and Managing Director, Bernard Walsh. The Irishman Vintage Cask 2019 edition is the 11th release since 2008, when it was the first triple-distilled Cask Strength Irish whiskey released in over half a century. The Irishman Vintage Cask is a unique marriage of Single Pot Still & Single Malt, matured in first-fill bourbon casks, non chill-filtered and cut to 54% ABV. It was bottled in July 2019 and is presented in an elegant wooden cask, with a dated certificate personalised by Bernard Walsh (RRP €130).

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Drinks News Graham Norton Gets HandsOn with Wine-Making

THIS year sees the release of the sixth vintage of Graham Norton’s Own SauviGNon Blanc, and it’s the fifth vintage that the star has blended himself. Collaborators, New Zealand winery Invivo & Co again brought samples of Marlborough SauviGNon Blanc to Graham in London, for a three-hour session of sampling, blending, assessing and finally approving. Then Invivo & Co winemaker Rob Cameron took the final recipe back to New Zealand to create this year’s vintage. Cameron described the 2019 wine as “a beautifully bold statement of Sauvignon Blanc which I’m sure will be a hit with all GN fans.” Pictured are (l-r) Rob Cameron, Graham and Tim Lightbourne, Invivo Wines.

Beer is Ireland’s Favourite Drink

IRELAND’S beer sector will be toasting recent growth, with a new report showing that beer is Ireland’s favourite alcoholic drink, with a 45% market share. The Irish Beer Market Report, from the Irish Brewers Association (IBA), found that direct employment rose by 3.7%, from 1,064 people in 2017 to 1,103 in 2018. The sector paid €430m in excise duty in 2018, with 29% of the price of every pint going to the Government. Looking at specific types of beer, the report shows that lager remains Ireland’s favourite, accounting for a 63.8% market share, up from 60.8% in 2017.

Stout is Ireland’s second favourite, with a 29.3% share, followed by ale at 6.3%.

Non-alcoholic beer made a splash in the market last year, as health-conscious consumers, or those choosing not to drink, try out the growing number of options on the market. It held a 0.6% share in the beer market in 2018, up from 0.4% in 2017. This follows the trend in international markets, particularly in Europe, where low and non-alcoholic beer is growing in popularity. The off-trade market share of beer sales increased between 2017 and 2018, from 35.2% to 36.5%.

Redbreast Wins World Whisky Trophy REDBREAST 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, which is crafted at Midleton Distillery by Irish Distillers, has taken home the World Whisky Trophy at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition, one of the world’s most influential spirits competitions, now in its 50th year. The competition awarded Redbreast 12 Year Old with its highest honour across Irish, American and Japanese whiskeys after scoring an impressive 98 points, continuing its legacy as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world. The respected competition also honoured Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy and Jameson Cooper’s Croze with 98 points, which was underpinned by Irish Distillers winning the majority of Gold Outstanding honours within the Irish whiskey category.

Rye River Launches OOH Campaign

RYE River Brewing Company has become what they believe to be the first independent Irish craft beer brewery to launch an above the line campaign.

The fast growing, highly decorated brewery, has launched an out of home advertising campaign across Dublin for its flagship brand, McGargles, in recognition of its 99 award wins since 2013. The eye catching billboards were visible in in strategic locations over the summer, leading with tag line ‘Here we go banging on about our 99 awards’, featuring the Francis’s Big Bangin’ IPA, which is just one of the McGargles range of nine beers.

Molson Coors Launches ‘Life Leave’ for Employees MOLSON Coors, Ireland’s third largest beer company, has launched a new employee initiative in Ireland and the UK, which offers staff up to two weeks extra paid ‘life leave’ annually, which can be used for the significant moments in life. This could be anything from taking time to settle in a new puppy at home, moving house, studying for exams, or the days leading up to a wedding.

“There are often things going on in our lives which we would normally use annual leave to sort out, but this eats into actual downtime. We wanted to change that and give our people the ability to take care of what matters in their life without running down holiday days,” noted Ryan McFarland, General Manager for the Island of Ireland, at Molson Coors.

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On The Vine: Top Wine Brands

Fall Heroes Jean Smullen examines some wines set to soar this autumn.

TRADITIONALLY at this time of year, autumn wine styles would feature lots of robust red wines. The lighter styles of wines, consumed during the warmer summer days are, in theory, no longer in demand, but not anymore! As the world goes crazy, so too does consumer demand and in 2019, anything goes!

This autumn, retailers can expect to be asked for lighter style wines, with lower alcohol, preferably vegan and of course, under that magical €10 price point! Wine, like everything else in the world, has become generational specific. Millennials (born 1981-1991) and Generation Z (1991 onwards) are much more health and body conscious so they look for less alcohol and as they embrace vegan food, they also want vegan wine. As far as Generation X (1966-1981) are concerned, gin is the new white wine! The Baby Boomers (1946-1966) are still pretty traditional, but they are more prepared to try new grape varieties and new wine regions, particularly from France, Spain or Italy; think Verdejo from Spain, or Aglianico from Southern Italy or maybe perhaps a Malbec from South West France, but remember the Boomer mind-set: “I don’t know much about wine, but I know what I like”.

Chile is still the most popular country of origin by a country mile on this market, followed by Australia, France, Spain and Italy. So, the traditional grape varieties are still

very much in demand, as are the more traditional wine styles produced in the top three European wine producing countries.

The retailer, though, now has to fulfil a much broader brief when it comes to what they stock on their shelves; the tried and trusted, as well as the new and innovative. This means including new wine regions and grape varieties. Low alcohol wines are a global phenomenon, as are wines that complement the latest food styles: vegetarian, gluten free, vegan and foraged!

Low Alcohol Water?

This summer in the United States, the biggest drinks trend was for low alcohol water. White Claw, a canned low alcohol alcoholic sparkling water, was in huge demand and sold out everywhere. Not so much a drink as a lifestyle trend, it ticks all the boxes for the Millennial/ Gen Z consumer: low calorie, low carb, low alcohol (5% ABV), and is the beverage trend for 2019. There are of course, other brands produced in this category, but White Claw has captured the zeitgeist, so expect this brand and other similar alcoholic water products to walk off your shelves in summer 2020.

Autumn 2019 is no longer about Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo Valley or Australian Barossa Shiraz, or maybe an Italian red from Tuscany and of course a Rioja Crianza or Reserva or

something mid-priced from Gigondas or Châteauneuf du Pape; wine lists are now wide open and the key to keeping the customer interested, across a wide spectrum of age groups, is to marry tradition with innovation and include new styles, new regions, low alcohol and of course the obligatory natural wine.

Brilliant Wines from BWG BWG Wines & Spirits have added some interesting new wines to their exclusive range. I particularly liked their low alcohol Spanish wines from Viña Albali which includes a white and rosado Frizzante. The white is made from the Verdejo grape, produced in Castile-La Mancha.

At 5.5% ABV, this has everything the younger consumer wants: lower alcohol and a light sparkle. The lower

Viña Albali Rosado Frizzante, a stunning low alcohol wine, is available from BWG Wines & Spirits.

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On The Vine: Top Wine Brands alcohol wines pay lower duty so they are competitively priced at €4.99, offering great value.

The Rosado is made from Tempranillo and is off dry with a light fizz.

Viña Albali Gran Reserva Selection Privada €19.99 from Valdepenas is definitely a wine for the Boomers. Made from Tempranillo, Valdepenas is one of Spain’s emerging wine regions.

Situated south of Castilla-La Mancha, the region produces good quality wine at The wonderful a very competitive Viña Albali price point.

Gran Reserva Another new is exclusively wine in the BWG available from exclusive range is the Tino Pat (€9.99), BWG Wines & Spirits. a Sauvignon Blanc made from fruit sourced in Gascony and the Loire Valley (Vin de France). At this price point, this wine offers really good value and as the trend for Sauvignon Blanc shows no sign of abating, this too is a must stock.

McWilliam’s Wines Relaunch Ampersand Wines recently re-launched McWilliam’s Wines on the Irish market at a tasting lead by Scott McWilliam.

Scott is the sixth generation of his family to work in the business. Speaking at the launch, Ampersand’s Wine Manager, Willie Dardis, said they had originally distributed McWilliam’s wines 25 years ago and are delighted to once again be the exclusive distributor of McWilliam's wines in Ireland. McWilliam’s are another proud member of the Irish Wine Geese. The original founder, Samuel, emigrated to Australia from Co. Antrim and planted his first vines in 1877.

Since then, the family history has been closely intertwined with the history of the Australian wine industry and in particular New South Wales.

The McWilliam’s range available in Ireland includes the McWilliam’s Inheritance range, which features a Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet/Merlot, retailing at €10. A level up is the McWilliam’s JJ McWilliam range which includes a Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet/Merlot retailing at €15.

Ampersand will also distribute the premium Mount Pleasant range which is owned by the McWilliam family. These outstanding wines are a fine example of quality Australian wine. The 2014 Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz was voted Wine of the Year by the famous Australian wine critic James Halliday in 2017. The Mount Pleasant range comes from Australia’s Hunter Valley and includes the Lovedale Semillon, Elizabeth Semillon, Philip Shiraz and Maurice O’Shea Shiraz.

Hunter Valley Semillon, one of the world’s greatest white wine styles, is known not only as a premium wine style but also for a low ABV. The wines are usually 11.5% and will definitely appeal to the customer looking to trade up for a special occasion but who also wants lower alcohol.

at an RRP of €10.50.

Look out too for the Campo Viejo Reserva (RRP €11), another wine perfect for sharing with friends on a cold winter’s night.

Best of the Rest Babich Wines are another returnee to the Irish market.

100% family owned and in operation since 1916, this is one of New Zealand’s most experienced family owned wineries and has a new Irish distributor, Solera Wines. Solera will be distributing the Black Australia’s Top Wine Brand Label range from Staying in Australia, Barry & Fitzwilliam Campo Viejo Babich. will have Australia’s top wine brand on from Irish 10 International the Irish market on offer this autumn.

Distillers will be extending their With strong promotional activity, the Pernod Ricard Italian wine range, McGuigan Black Label Range will retail is hugely Camerino, adding a at €9-10 when on promotion in all the popular here Sangiovese & Pinot main retailers. The range includes more in Ireland.

Grigio Rosata with an robust red styles such as Malbec, Shiraz RRP of €8. Their Salice Salentino will be and Merlot as part of the offer, which is on offer at €9.99 and look out too for the bound to appeal to the more traditional Legio Octava Chianti at €10.99. consumer. Look out too for Villa Maria Cassidy Wines have some very Merlot Cabernet on offer at €11 with interesting new additions to their range SuperValu. on offer. The Garmon Continental Wines It is worth taking a re-look at sherry from Spain and Feudi Di San Gregorio from Italy, on promotion between October and December.

Look out for white wines from Italy’s Campania region made from grapes grown on volcanic soils.

They include The McGuigan Black Label range from Barry & Fitzwilliam Feudi di San will be on promotion over the autumn.

Gregorio Cutizzi this autumn. One of the most iconic reduced from €24.99 to €21.99; Feudi brands in the world, retro but modern di San Gregorio Falanghina del Sannio, and very much on trend, is Harvey’s reduced from €21.99 to €18.99; Feudi di Bristol Cream, a winter favourite, on San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino, reduced offer at €15. from €24.99 to €21.99; and for reds, Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi, reduced Campo Viejo from €32.99 to €28.99.

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard have From Spain, their Finca de Cata Campo Viejo on offer this autumn.

Garmon Prima 2016 is reduced from Founded in 1959 by José Ortigüela as €23.99 to €18.99, while the more a Rioja quality brand, Campo Viejo is premium Finca de Cata Garmon St hugely popular here in Ireland. Campo Romain 2015 is reduced from €45 to Viejo Garnacha is currently on promotion €40.

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Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards

Shortlist Announced for Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards

After a month-long judging process, the shortlist has been announced for the 2019 Irish Food and Drink Awards.

THE 2019 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards shortlist is now available, comprising the finest Irish food and drink products. Overall winners will be announced on October 24, 2019, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, in a night that will celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink.

Shortlisted products made it through the rigour of a month-long judging process Pictured during the judging process in the in July at the Limerick Institute IQFA kitchen are kitchen manager, Agnes of Technology. This was Bouchier-Hayes, with Jane Milton, Jane Milton conducted by 150 independent Ltd, and Drew McIvor, Invest Northern Ireland. judges, comprising experts from the food and drink industry in industry. We introduced a new vegetarian Ireland and the UK. Judges spanned and vegan category this year due to the chefs and nutritionists to packaging growing demand from consumers for experts and food technologists. They this type of food product.” debated and evaluated over 1,000 Another category to see real growth products from small producers, wholesalers, foodservice and retailers from all over Ireland.

Exceptional Quality “We had entries from the major supermarkets, including Tesco, Aldi, Lidl Ireland and Dunnes, as well as a large array of small and independent food producers across Ireland, including those who showcased their products in our highly successful Meet the Buyer event earlier in the year,” said Beckie Dart, Director of the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards.

“The quality of entries was exceptional, reflecting the growing confidence and creativity of the Irish food

was that of beef: “Our steak category has continued to grow over the years and this year we made the decision to split the category over several judging days,” Beckie noted.

Business Opportunities The Irish Quality Food and Drink Award is one of the most recognisable and powerful logos in the Irish food and drink industry, providing shoppers with a real sense of confidence in buying the products that carry its accreditation.

Success at the Awards also gives real business opportunities for winning producers.

One of the judges, Elke O Mahony, Bia Sásta, said “A lot of the products were really high quality and you can see the love and care that went into producing them. There were also a couple of surprises; we had great joy in trying these great products.”

Judges for the 2019 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. Standing: Vivek Tohani, Belfast Food Man; Trevis Gleason, Sapphire Solutions Consulting; James Burke, James Burke Associates; Beckie Dart, Irish Quality Food Awards; Drew McIvor, Invest NI; Jane Milton, Jane Milton Ltd; and Brigitta Curtin, Burren Smokehouse. (Sitting): Lisa McMahon, Irish Quality Food Awards; Liz Creegan, Irish Quality Food Awards; Elke O'Mahoney, Bia Sásta.

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Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Irish Quality Food Awards Shortlist 2019 Bacon Glensallagh Guajillo Smoked Streaky Rashers: Oakpark Foods O'Neills Dry Cured Back Rashers: O'Neills Dry Cure Bacon Co. Tesco Finest Beechwood Smoked Irish Bacon Medallions 240g: Tesco Bakery: Flatbreads Tesco Finest 4 Garlic And Herb Pitta: Tesco Tesco Finest Peshwari Naan Bread 2 Pack: Tesco Bakery: Large Loaves Ciabatta Grande: Tesco Multiseed Batch: Dunnes Stores Tesco Pane Rustica: Tesco Tesco Medium White Rustic Baguette: Tesco Tesco Sprouted Wholegrain: Tesco Bakery: Packaged Loaves Tesco Finest Oatmeal & Linseed Loaf: Tesco Tesco Wholegrain Sourdough: Tesco Bakery: Rolls Beetroot Roll: Tesco Black Olive Roll: Tesco Chia Seed and Sunflower Roll: Tesco Bakery: Speciality Loaves Tesco Finest Cranberry, Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed: Tesco Tesco Finest Sweet Tomato and Herb Sourdough: Tesco Tesco Finest Olive and Rosemary Lunga: Tesco Tesco Finest Sourdough: Tesco Bakery: Breakfast Baked Goods Tesco Mini Danish Selection 5 Pack: Tesco Dunnes Stores Deluxe Plain Scone 150g: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Super Fruited Oaty Slice: Dunnes Stores Bakery: Wheaten and Soda Breads Irish Brown Soda Bread: Mannings Bakery Jinny's Irish Stout Bread: Jinny's Bakery Beef Lidl Ireland Deluxe Chateaubriand: Liffey Meats Lidl Ireland Deluxe Irish Rib Roast on the Bone 28 days: Liffey Meats Lidl Ireland Deluxe Irish Striploin Roast with Pink Peppercorn Butter and Rosemary: Liffey Meats Exquisite Irish Black Angus Fillet Barrel With Red Wine Jus: Aldi Ireland James Whelan Butchers Cote de Boeuf Roast: James Whelan Butchers Specially Selected Irish Angus Rib Roast on the Bone: Aldi Ireland

Biscuits: Savoury Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Cracked Black Pepper Crackers: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Multi Seed Rye Crackers: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Beetroot and Seed crackers: Tesco Tesco Finest Seeded All Butter Cheese Straws: Tesco Biscuits: Sweet Dunnes Stores Simply Better Cantuccini Toscani PGI: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Crunchy Italian Amaretti Biscuits: Dunnes Stores S/S Quadruple Chocolate Cookies: Aldi Ireland Tesco Finest Granola Squares: Tesco Breakfast Products Dunnes Stores Fruit & Multi Seed Muesli with Red Berries: Dunnes Stores Maria Lucia Bakes OatFull: True Life Health Foods Rigney's Farm Granola: Rigney’s Farm Organic Chia Muesli with Cranberry, Spelt and Popped Grains: The Chia Collective Burgers and Meatballs Aldi Specially Selected Tipperary Dry Aged Rib Steak Burger with Mature Vintage Cheddar Cheese and Beechwood Smoked Streaky Bacon: Aldi Ireland Lidl Ireland Deluxe Irish Hereford Beef Burgers: Liffey Meats Dunnes Stores Irish Beef Chipotle Burgers: Dunnes Stores Irish Beef Quarter Pounder: Liffey Meats Premium Italian Style Irish Beef Meatballs with a Chunky Tomato Sauce and Gran Formaggio Cheese Specially Selected Irish Lamb Burgers: Aldi Ireland Tesco 12 Italian Style Certified Irish Angus Beef Meatballs: Tesco Butters and Spreads Judges’ Choice Cheeses: Continental Hard Cheese Deluxe Premium Extra Mature Gouda Continental: Lidl Ireland Deluxe Premium Reserve Gryuere: Lidl Ireland S/S Italian Parmigiano Reggiano Wedge: Aldi Ireland Tesco Finest Comte: Tesco

Lidl Ireland, Rathdaragh Irish Vintage Cheddar: Traditional Cheese S/S Vintage Irish Cheddar: Aldi Ireland Cheeses: Irish Soft Cheese Lidl Ireland, Deluxe Cooleeney Camembert: Traditional Cheese Lidl Ireland, Deluxe Deluxe Tipperary Blue: Traditional Cheese Dunnes Stores Creamy & Nutty Gubbeen Cheese: Dunnes Stores Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese Wicklow Bán Brie: Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese Cheeses: Speciality Cheese Dunnes Stores Simply Better Cropwell Bishop Blue Stilton: Dunnes Stores St Tola Ash Crottin: Inagh Farmhouse Cheese Tesco Finest Gorgonzola Piccante: Tesco Children's Food Dan & Monstro Homemade Curry Sauce: Dan & Monstro Pip & Pear Fishy Dishy: Pip & Pear Tesco Organic Apple and Mango Pouch: Tesco Dunnes Stores (kids) Offaly Made Strawberry Yogurt Tubes (Reduced Sugar 30%): Dunnes Stores Chilled: Dairy Dunnes Stores Simply Better Fresh Irish Madagascan Vanilla Bean Custard: Dunnes Stores Tesco Whipped Cream: Tesco Clonbawn Organic Milk 1Litre: Aldi Ireland Chocolate and Confectionery Chocolate Garden 70% Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels: The Chocolate Garden of Ireland Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Salted Caramel Fudge: Dunnes Stores Noo Chocolates Luxury Chocolates: Noo Chocolates Roisin's Billionaire's Shortbread: Aldi Ireland Tesco Classic Dark Chocolate: Tesco Tesco Dark Chocolate Mint Thins: Tesco Valencia Orange Dark Chocolate Bar: Aldi Ireland

Cheeses: Continental Soft Cheese Dunnes Stores Simply Better French Brie De Meaux Continental: Dunnes Stores S/S Irish Buffalo Salad Cubes: Aldi Ireland

Christmas Q: Cakes and Puddings Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hidden Centre Plum Liqueur Christmas Pudding: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Limited Edition Irish Gin Christmas Pudding: Dunnes Stores Wildberry Bakery Jewelled Christmas Cake: Wildberry Bakery

Cheeses: Irish Hard Cheese Bó Rua Farm Original Irish Farm Cheddar: Bó Rua Farm

Christmas Q: Cheese and Cheeseboards Finest Irish Cheese Collection: Tesco Dunnes Stores Sharing Irish Cheeseboard

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Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Selection with Apple & Plum Chutney: Dunnes Stores Tesco Truffle Brie: Tesco Christmas Q: Confectionery Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Belgian Chocolate & Hazelnut Truffles: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Belgian Chocolate Truffles: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Nougat Selection: Dunnes Stores Christmas Q: Desserts Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Bûche De Noël: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Hazelnut Praline Paris Brest: Dunnes Stores Christmas Q: Fish Dunnes Stores Organic Smoked Irish Salmon: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Irish Smoked Trout Pâté: Dunnes Stores Christmas Q: Other Meats Deluxe Applewood Smoked Split Horseshoe Gammon: Oakpark Foods Lidl Ireland Deluxe Dry Cured Irish Bacon Loin Joint with Acacia Honey and Mustard Glaze: Connolly Meats Ltd. Specially Selected Chicken with Christmas Style Stuffing and Dressed in Streaky Bacon Lattice: Aldi Ireland Tesco Finest Honeyed Irish Ham: Tesco Christmas Q: Savoury Lidl Ireland Deluxe Apple & Honey Ham Glaze: Follain Teoranta Dunnes Stores Simply Better Award Winning Orange & Honey Ham Glaze: Dunnes Stores Christmas Q: Sweet Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Brandy Butter: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Made Cranberry & Chocolate Mincemeat: Dunnes Stores Specially Selected Irish Brandy Butter: Aldi Ireland Christmas Q: Turkey Judges’ Choice Cold Beverages: Carbonates Finest Tonic Water: Tesco Holo Kombucha: Munster Brewery King of Kefir: Herbel Crest Pink Tonic Water with Elderflower and Quinine: Irish Hedgerow Cold Beverages: Juices and Smoothies Keelings Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Keeling F. Juices Tesco Breakfast Smoothie Mix: Tesco Tesco Spinach, Kiwi And Mango Superfood Smoothie: Tesco

Tesco Tropical Smoothie Mix: Tesco Cold Beverages: Presse and Cordials Lidl Ireland Deluxe Grape and Elderflower Presse: Glenpatrick Spring Water Co. Lidl Ireland Deluxe Rhubarb and Ginger Cordial: Glenpatrick Spring Water Co. Lidl Ireland Deluxe Sparkling Blood Orange & Cranberry Presse: Glenpatrick Spring Water Co. Finest Sicilian Lemon and Garden Mint Presse: Tesco Condiments Really Good Brown Sauce: Janet's Country Fayre Abra Garlic Sauce: Rich Sauces Abra Taco sauce: Rich Sauces Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Sweet Chilli Sauce Cooking Sauces Dunnes Stores Tomato, Ricotta and Regato Pasta Sauce: Dunnes Stores Szechuan Sauce: My Apricot Kitchen Tesco Finest Arrabbiata Sauce: Tesco Tesco Finest Pomodorini Sauce: Tesco Crisps Cassidy`s Share Bags Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar: Aldi Ireland Deluxe Aberdeen Angus Beef & Ale Crinkle Cut Chips: Lidl Ireland Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hand Cooked Clogherhead Sea Salt & White Wine Vinegar Crisps: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hand Cooked Sriracha Chilli Crisps: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Hand Cooked Vintage Irish Cheddar Cheese & Red Onion Crisps: Dunnes Stores Keogh's Crinkle Cut Flame Grilled Steak Potato Crisps: Keogh's Keogh's Mature Irish Cheese & Onion Crisps: Keogh's O’Donnells Mature Irish Cheese & Red Onion Crisps: Seskin Agriculture Holdings O'Donnells Ballymaloe Relish & Cheddar Cheese Crisps: Seskin Agriculture Holdings O'Donnells Hickory Barbeque Flavour Crisps: Seskin Agriculture Holdings O'Donnells Irish Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt Flavour Crisps: Seskin Agriculture Holdings Glens of Antrim Potatoes Shindigs Mature Irish Cheddar and Sweet Onion Delicatessen Goods: Antipasti Dunnes Stores Mediterranean Platter: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Sun Dried Tomatoes: Dunnes Stores Lidl Ireland Meadow Fresh Speciality Feta Stuffed Peppers: Lidl Ireland Aldi Specially Selected Oriental Side Salad: Aldi Ireland Delicatessen Goods: Continental Meats Dunnes Stores Simply Better 18 Month Matured Gran Reserva Serrano Ham: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian

Prosciutto Di Parma: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Spanish Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico:: Dunnes Stores Delicatessen Goods: Dips Aldi Basil Topped Houmous Topped with Pesto & Parmesan Cheese: Aldi Ireland Dunnes Stores Topped Lemon Houmous: Dunnes Stores Delicatessen Goods: Meat Based Items Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Irish Duck Rillette Pâté: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Irish Free Range Chicken Liver Pâté: Dunnes Stores Delicatessen Goods: Pre-Cooked Meats Brady Family 7 Day Dry Aged Delicatessen Ham: O'Brien Fine Foods Brady Family Thinly Sliced Crumbed Kildare Ham: O'Brien Fine Foods Lidl Ireland, Deluxe Irish Carved Roast Chicken Breast Slices: O'Brien Fine Foods O'Brien Fine Foods Deluxe Irish Carved Topside Beef: O'Brien Fine Foods O'Brien Fine Foods Homebird Roast Turkey Breast Slices: O'Brien Fine Foods Aldi Specially Selected Chorizo Spicy: Aldi Ireland Desserts and Puddings Deluxe Raspberry Hazelnut Roulade: Fusco Foods Lidl Ireland Deluxe Sticky Toffee Pudding: Lidl Ireland Dunnes Stores Luxurious Salted Caramel Cheesecake & Chocolate Ganache: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Mango & Passion Fruit Mousse Dessert: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Tarte Au Citron Tartlets: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Passion Fruit & Raspberry Cheesecake: Tesco Tesco Cream Cake Selection: Tesco Eggs Connolly's Organic Eggs Deluxe 6 Corn Fed Free Range Eggs, Omega 3 Enriched: Connolly's Aldi Specially Selected Corn Fed with Omega 3 Eggs: Aldi Tesco Finest 6 Corn Fed Omega 3 Eggs: Tesco Fillet Beef Steaks Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Fillet Steaks: Liffey Meats Lidl Ireland, Deluxe Irish Hereford Fillet Steaks 21 Days Matured: Liffey Meats Dunnes Stores Simply Better 14 Day Matured Irish Angus Fillet Steaks: Dunnes Stores Lidl Ireland Irish Beef Fillet: Lidl Ireland

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Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Fish: Fresh Carlingford Oyster Company Dunnes Stores Simply Better Fresh Organic Irish Salmon Darnes: Dunnes Stores Aldi Specially Selected Salmon Fillets with Cajun Crumb Topping: Aldi Ireland Fish: Frozen Donegal Catch 2 Craft Cider Battered Atlantic Haddock Fillets: Green Isle Foods Donegal Catch 2 Irish Pale Ale Battered Atlantic Cod Fillets: Green Isle Foods Tesco 4 Breaded Chunky Prime Cod Fillets: Tesco Fish: Prepared Judges' Choice Fish: Smoked Judges' Choice Flavoured Sausages Lidl Ireland Deluxe Premium Duck Sausages: Lidl Ireland Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Black Pudding Pork Sausages: Dunnes Stores Loughnane's Jerk Chicken Sausage Tesco Finest Chilli Sausages: Tesco Food To Go Boots Piri Piri Chicken Couscous and Feta Wrap: Deli Lites Duneen Dairy Yoghurt & Oats Bircher Muesli Blueberry: Aldi Ireland Dunnes Stores Miso & Black Rice Salad: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Pickled Slaw & Seed Mix Salad: Dunnes Stores Foodservice: Beef Steaks BWG Foodservice Day Dry Aged Tomahawk Steak: Heaney Meats Pallas Foods 10oz Hereford Prime Fillet Steak: ABP Cahirle Fresh Produce: Fruit Prepared Judges' Choice Fresh Produce: Fruit Unprepared Aldi Specially Selected Wexford Strawberry: Aldi Ireland Dunnes Stores King Strawberries: Dunnes Stores Tesco Supersweet Nectarines: Tesco

Game Deluxe Confit Duck Legs: Silver Hill Foods Deluxe Duck Breast with Garlic & Pepper Lidl Ireland Deluxe Irish Crispy Roast Half Duckling With Pancakes & Hoisin Sauce: Silver Hill Foods Dunnes Stores Simply Better West Cork Confit Duck Legs: Dunnes Stores Home Baking and Cakes Aldi Specially Selected Halloween Barmbrack: Aldi Ireland Jinny's Bakery Carrot Cake: Jinny’s Bakery Tesco Pink and White Meringue Drops: Tesco Tesco Pour and Bake Salted Caramel Cakes: Tesco Hot Beverages: Coffee Fusion Whole Bean Coffee Blend: Art Of Coffee Dunnes Stores Single Origin Ethiopian Espresso: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Ristretto Coffee Capsules: Tesco Kaffa Coffee Well Bean: Kaffa Tesco Finest Fair Trade Colombian Coffee: Tesco Tesco Finest Leggro Coffee Capsules: Tesco Hot Beverages: Tea Dunnes Stores Gold Blend Tea: Dunnes Stores The Busy Botanist Pick Me Up!: The Busy Botanist Ice Cream Lidl Ireland Deluxe Premium Praline Ice Cream: Lidl Ireland Dunnes Stores Simply Better Wexford Farmhouse Rum & Raisin Ice Cream: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Wexford Farmhouse Salted Caramel & Honeycomb Ice Cream: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Ice Cream Caffe Latte: Tesco Tesco Finest Pomegranate & Raspberry Lollies: Tesco Yomega 3 Raspberry Greek Style Frozen Yogurt: Ice Cream Treats

Fresh Produce: Vegetables Prepared Dunnes Stores Simply Better Soy Ginger & Chilli Asian Style Greens: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Mushroom Selection: Tesco Aldi Specially Selected Vibrant Butternut Squash Stir Fry: Aldi Ireland Aldi Vegetable Fajita Kit: Aldi Ireland

Jams, Sweet Spreads and Sauces Beeactiv Raw Ivy Honey Rhubarb and Hibiscus Jam Wexford Home Preserves Sicilian Lemon Marmalade : Wexford Home Preserves Wexford Home Preserves Wexford Blackcurrant Jam: Wexford Home Preserves Dunnes Stores Simply Better Limited Edition Pure Raw Irish Honey: Dunnes Stores

Fresh Produce: Vegetables Unprepared Meade Potato Company Deluxe Rooster Potatoes Irish Mixed Rainbow Tomato: Aldi Ireland Organic White Mushroom 200g: Aldi Ireland Aldi Specially Selected Piccolo Tomatoes: Aldi Ireland

Lamb Dunnes Stores Irish Lamb Rosemary & Garlic Tomahawks: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Rack of Lamb Lamb: Tesco Tesco Finest Whole Leg of Lamb: Tesco Tesco Marinated Irish Lamb Shoulder: Tesco

Meal Accompaniments Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Cheddar Cheese Garlic Potato Gratin: Dunnes Stores Meade Potato Company Fresh Chipped Potatoes: Meade Potato Co. Tesco Meals Made Easy Potato Gratin with Spinach, Tomato & Mozzarella: Tesco Tesco Meals Made Easy Sweet Potato Mash: Tesco Oils and Vinegars Amodeo Intense Balsamic Reduction Lidl Ireland Deluxe Irish Rapeseed Oil: Lidl Ireland Dunnes Stores Simply Better Balsamic Vinegar of Modena: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Sicilian DOP Val Di Mazara Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Balsamic Dressing: Tesco Tesco Finest Basil Dipping Oil: Tesco Other Cuts: Beef Steaks Lidl Ireland Deluxe Dry Aged Tomahawk Beef Steak: Lidl Ireland Liffey Meats Irish Cowboy Steak: Liffey Meats James Whelan Butchers Cote de Boeuf Steak: James Whelan Butchers James Whelan Butchers Sharing Steak: James Whelan Butchers Pasta, Rice & Grains Tesco Finest Porcini And Black Truffle Mezzelune: Tesco Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Burrata & Nduja Mezzelune: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Basil Pesto and Parmigiano Reggiano Girasoli: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Italian Fresh Egg Pappardelle: Dunnes Stores Pizzas Aldi Chicken Pesto with Grilled Mediterranean Veg Sourdough Pizza with a Lemon oil Drizzle: Aldi Ireland Dunnes Stores Italian Meat & Roasted Red Pepper Pizza: Dunnes Stores Lidl Ireland Deluxe Beetroot Base Napoli Salami, Picante Salami, Cooked Bacon, Red Onion, Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms & Sriracha Drizzle SD Oval Pizza: Lidl Ireland Lidl Ireland Deluxe Sourdough Oval Half & Half Goat’s Cheese, Carmelised Red Onion, Spinach & N’duja Sausage, Picante Salami, Roasted Red Peppers Pizza: Lidl Ireland Specially Selected Spicy Pepperoni and Chorizo Pizza: Aldi Ireland Tesco Finest Garlic King Prawn Pizza: Tesco Tesco Finest Wood Fired Spicy Meat Pizza: Tesco Pork Lidl Ireland Deluxe Unsmoked Horseshoe: Lidl Ireland Aldi Specially Selected Sweetcured Gammon with Gingerbread Glaze and Crumb: Aldi Tesco Finest Irish Stuffed Pork Fillet Wrapped in Dry Cured Streaky Bacon: Tesco

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Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Poultry Feighcullen Farm Free Range ChickenL Feighcullen Farm Lidl Ireland Deluxe Part Bone Corn Fed Chicken Breast With Wheaten Bread, Plum & Ginger Stuffing: Lidl Ireland Dunnes Stores Cook in the Bag Rotisserie Style Irish Chicken: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Bronze Butter Basted Turkey Breast Joint: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Fresh Irish Corn Fed Chicken Supremes: Dunnes Stores Puddings Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Black Pudding: Dunnes Stores Rudd's Chorizo White Pudding: Rudd’s Fine Foods Tesco Finest Mini Pudding Chubbs: Tesco Quiches, Pies and Pasties Sweet Mustard Premium Sausage Roll: BWG Foodservice Dunnes Stores 32 Ready to Bake Cocktail Sausage Rolls: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Barrel Aged Feta & Roasted Vegetable Quiche: Dunnes Stores Ready Meals Bombay Pantry Goan Vegan Curry: Bombay Pantry Meals Made Easy Beef Stroganoff Tesco Lamb Casserole: Tesco Relishes and Chutneys Moran's Mega Jam Beetroot Relish: Moran’s Mega Jam Aldi Specially Selected Tomato & Chilli Jam: Aldi Ireland Aldi Specially Selected Ploughman's Chutney: Aldi Ireland Rib Eye Beef Steaks Aldi Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Rib Eye Steak: Aldi Ireland Aldi Specially Selected Tipperary Dry Aged Irish Black Angus Rib Eye Steak: Aldi Ireland Pallas Foods 10oz Dry Aged Hereford Prime Rib Eye Steak: Pallas Foods Tesco Finest Irish Angus Ribeye Steak: Tesco Tesco Finest West Cork Dry Aged Ribeye: Tesco Seasonal Occasions: BBQ Tesco Fire Pit Halloumi Kebabs: Tesco Tesco Fire Pit Patatas Bravas: Tesco Tesco Fire Pit Kentucky Style Beef Brisket: Tesco Tesco Fire Pit Spicy Pork Chops Seasonal Occasions: Tesco Seasonal Occasions: Easter Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Single Origin Colombian Dark Chocolate Egg: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Handmade Single Origin Colombian Milk

Chocolate Egg: Dunnes Stores Sirloin Beef Steaks Inisvale Irish Sirloin Steak with Butter 28D with Pepper Butter: Lidl Ireland Lidl Ireland Irish Sirloin Steak with Garlic Butter: Lidl Ireland Lidl Ireland Deluxe 2 Irish Hereford Sirloin Steaks 30D: Lidl Ireland Snacks: Savoury Alesto Brazil Nuts: Lidl Ireland Dunnes Stores Protein Mix: Dunnes Stores Rucksnacks Original Beef Biltong: Rucksnacks Snacks: Sweet Lidl Ireland Deluxe Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Fruit & Nut Bar: Lidl Ireland Keogh's Honey and Sea Salt Popcorn: Keogh’s Aldi Specially Selected Extra Buttery Toffee: Aldi Ireland Supernature Chocolate Coated Hazelnuts: Supernature Tesco Chocolate and Salted Caramel Rice Cakes: Tesco The Lismore Food Company Dark Chocolate Apple Sticks: Lismore Food Company Soups Lidl Ireland Deluxe Sri Lankan Chicken Soup: Lidl Ireland Tesco Finest Sundried Tomato And Lentil Soup: Tesco Le Skinny Chef Leek & Nettle Soup (Concentrated): Le Skinny Chef Dunnes Stores Mushroom & Thyme Soup: Dunnes Stores Store Cupboard Items Dunnes Stores Italian Sundried Tomato Pesto: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Mustard & Maple Dressing: Dunnes Stores Tesco Finest Hot Smoked Mackerel Fillets with Chipotle and Red Pepper: Tesco Rich Sauces Vegetable Bouillon: Rich Sauces Striploin Beef Steaks James Whelan Butchers Salt Aged Striploin Steak: James Whelan Butchers Pallas Foods Dry Aged Irish 10oz Hereford Prime Striploin Steak: Pallas Foods Traditional Sausages Aldi Specially Selected Handtied Sausages: Aldi Ireland Tesco Finest Traditional Irish Pork Sausages: Tesco Value Q Dunnes Stores Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Dunne Stores Dunnes Stores My Family Favourites Caesar Salad: Dunnes Stores Vegetarian/Vegan Dunnes Stores Vegetable Curry: Dunnes Stores

Supernature Peanut Butter Cups: Supernature Tesco 12 Vegetable Masala Cones: Tesco BWG Foodservice Coconut & Lentil Falafel: BWG Foodservice Rich Sauces Vegan Mayonnaise: Rich Sauces Yogurts Lidl Ireland Irish Rhubarb Layered Yogurt: Coolree Selection Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Made Triple Berry Yogurt: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Made Tulameen Irish Raspberry Yogurt: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Made Wexford Blackcurrant Yogurt: Dunnes Stores Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Half Fat Creme Fraiche 250g: Irish Yogurts

Good Choice Awards: Good Choice – Dairy Lidl Ireland Irish Protein Milk: Coolree Creamery Tesco Fresh Organic Low Fat Milk: Tesco Dunnes Stores Irish Lactose Free Full Fat Milk Tetra Renewable Pack: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Low Fat Enriched Milk Tetra Renewable Pack: Dunnes Stores Dunnes Stores Mango & Passion Fruit 0% Fat Yogurt: Dunnes Stores Good Choice – Food To Go Deli Lites Vegan Sweet Potato Fritter and Spiced Hummus Wrap Aldi Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala on a 5 Seeded Slimbo: Aldi Good Choice Free From Allergens: Savoury Rosie & Jim Breaded Chicken Fillets: Rosie & Jim Trattoria Alfredo Vegan Verdura Pizza Wicked Kitchen Hot Cracked Corn Dip Good Choice Free From Allergens: Sweet Schull & Crossbones Coconut Treasure: Schull & Crossbones Supernature Hazelnut Clusters: Supernature Tesco Free From Assorted Fruit Splits: Tesco Tesco Free From Chocolate Sticks: Tesco Tesco Free From Strawberry & Vanilla Cones: Tesco Good Choice Free From Gluten: Biscuits and Cakes Lidl Ireland Deluxe Gluten Free Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookie: Lidl Ireland Tesco Finest Free From Triple Chocolate Cookies: Tesco Tesco Free From Dark Chocolate Ginger Cookies: Tesco Wildberry Bakery Chocolate and Raspberry Cake: Wildberry Bakery

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Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Good Choice Free From Gluten: Meats Rosie & Jim Garlic Chicken Kiev: Rosie & Jim Aldi Ireland Gluten Free Chicken Fillet Southern Fried: Aldi Ireland Good Choice Free From Gluten: Other Dan & Monstro Homemade Curry Sauce: Dan & Monstro Dunnes Stores Gluten Free Handmade Sage & Onion Stuffing: Dunnes Stores Roll It Pastry: Roll It Good Choice Grocery Ambient: Healthy and Alternative Janet's Just Delicious Original Pizza Sauce: Just Delicious Tesco Bran Flakes Dunnes Stores Wild Rice: Tesco Good Choice: Ready Meals Pickle Organic Succulent Slow Cooked Organic Irish Lamb Shoulder & Date Tagine: Pickle Organic Pickle Organic Slow Cooked Organic Irish Beef & Sweet Red Pepper Bolognese: Pickle Organic Dunnes Stores Crunchy Kale Stir Fry: Dunnes Stores Good Choice: Reduced Fat Meat Rosie & Jim Breaded Chicken Fillets: Rosie & Jim Lidl Ireland 2 Irish Reduced Fat Beef Burgers 5%: Inisvale Tesco Fire Pit Reduced Fat Irish Beef Burgers: Tesco Tesco Finest Reduced Fat Irish Pork Sausages: Tesco Dunnes Stores 12 Low Fat Irish Beef Meatballs: Dunnes Stores Good Choice: Reduced/Low Clotilde's Apple and Strawberry Compote: Clotilde’s Glensallagh Reduced Salt Back Bacon Wexford Home Preserves No Added Sugar Blackcurrant Jam: Wexford Home Preserves Wexford Home Preserves Three Fruit Marmalade: Wexford Home Preserves Dunnes Stores Reduced Fat Medium Cheese (Red) Block: Dunnes Stores Good Choice: Snacks Alesto Raw Cacao & Orange Fruit & Nut Bar: Lidl Ireland Tesco Finest Roasted Nut Selection: Tesco Dunnes Stores Superfood Mix: Dunnes Stores

Irish Quality Drink Awards Shortlist Beer Grafters Working Day IPA: Rye River Brewing Company Hop:On Session IPA: Hope Beer Solas Belgian Witbier: Tesco Ireland Solas Brown Porter: Tesco Ireland Solas Oatmeal Pale Ale: Tesco Ireland The Crafty Brewing Company Irish Craft American Style Pale Wheat Ale: Lidl Ireland Cider Armagh Craft Cider Dry: Aldi Ireland Norrsken Strawberry & Lime: Aldi Ireland Brandy & Cognac Tesco Finest Xo Brandy VS Cognac: Aldi Ireland Gin Boyle's Gin: Aldi Ireland Lidl Ireland Wild Burrow Slow Distilled Irish Gin: West Cork Distillers Lidl Ireland Wild Burrow Slow Distilled London Dry Gin: West Cork Distillers Listoke 1777 Small Batch Irish Gin: Listoke Distillery Liqueurs Lidl Ireland Deluxe Irish Chocolate Cream Liqueur: Terra Lidl Ireland Deluxe Irish Whiskey Liqueur: Terra Muldoon Irish Whiskey Liqueur: Anchor Spirits Ireland Tesco Finest Salted Caramel Cream Liqueur Vodka Korol Premium Vodka: Lidl Ireland Pota Cúig Irish Wheat Vodka: Lidl Ireland Tesco Finest French Vodka: Tesco Whiskey Ardfallen Irish Whiskey: Aldi Ireland Hyde Irish Whiskey: Hyde Whiskey Lidl Ireland Dundalgan 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey: West Cork Distillers Lidl Ireland Dundalgan 3 Year Old Irish Whiskey: West Cork Distillers Lidl Ireland Dundalgan Reserve Blend Charred Cask Irish Whiskey: West Cork Distillers

Champagne Comte de Senneval Champagne Brut: Lidl Ireland Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne Tesco Finest Rose Non Vintage Champagne Tesco Finest Vintage Champagne Red Wine Over €12 Dunnes Stores Simply Better Camboral Rioja Reserva Dunnes Stores Simply Better Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva Campomaggio Saint Emillion Grand Cru: Lidl Ireland Tesco Finest Chateauneuf Du Pape Tesco Finest Coonawarra Cabernet Red Wine Up to €12 Dunnes Stores : La Fabrique a vin Alicante Bouschet IGP Pays d'Oc 2018: LGI SAS Tesco Finest Faritrade South African Malbec Winemaker's Selection Australian Premium Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon: Lidl Ireland Winemaker's Selection Premium Fairtrade South African Shiraz: Lidl Ireland Rosé Wine Cimarosa Californian Zinfandel Rosé: Lidl Ireland Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT Rosé: Lidl Ireland Sparkling Wine Allini Prosecco Spumante Conegliano: Lidl Ireland Pianeta Organico Organic Prosecco: Aldi Ireland White Wine Over €12 Dunnes Stores Simply Better Tiki Grey Label Sauvignon Blanc Tesco Finest Sauternes White Wine up to €12 Pianeta Organico Organic Pinot Grigio: Aldi Ireland Rapaura Springs Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Tesco Finest Fairtrade South African Chenin Blanc Tesco Finest Gavi Tesco Finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Tesco Finest Vinas Del Rey Albarino Winemaker's Selection Australian Premium Chardonnay Coonawarra: Lidl Ireland

Pictured on the judging panel are Lisa McMahon, Irish Quality Food Awards; Elke O'Mahoney, Bia Sásta; and Vivek Tohani, Belfast Food Man.

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Forecourt Focus: News Circle K Brings High Speed EV Chargers to Ireland CIRCLE K has officially launched its new high-powered electric vehicle charging network in association with Ionity, one of Europe’s leading high-power charging providers. The Ionity high-powered charger has been installed in Circle K’s Gorey and Cashel sites, with four more Ionity high powered charging stations set to be introduced over the next few months at key strategic motorway locations at Circle K Athlone on the M6, Circle K Kill South on the M7, Circle K Kill North on the N7, Circle K City North on the M1. All charge stations will feature up to six high speed EV charge points, each with an exceptional 350kW of charging capacity.

“We are delighted to introduce Ireland’s very first highpowered high-speed electric vehicle chargers though our exclusive partnership with Ionity, and we are very proud to be able to offer Irish motorists exceptionally fast EV charging facilities at these stations,” noted Incoming Circle K Ireland Managing Director, Gordon Lawlor.

“As we all come together in a concerted effort to tackle climate change and reduce our carbon emissions, there will be an increased demand for access to convenient fast charging points across the country. In line with our ambition to make our customers' lives a little easier every day, Circle K has already started on its journey to meet this demand and we want to play our role in facilitating a smooth transition to electric vehicle usage. This has been a key area of focus for Circle K in recent years and will remain a key priority in the years ahead,

where we will continue to grow our EV charging network in line with our own expansion plans whilst also supporting the Government’s Climate Action Plan.”

Pictured are (l-r): Paul Entwistle, PR Director for Ionity; Judy Glover, Senior Market Director for Circle K Europe; Brian Connolly, Senior Fuels Pricing Manager at Circle K Ireland; and Dave Barry, Product Manager at Audi.

Juul Goes on Sale in Applegreen Stores

Pictured are Gareth Smyth, General Manager of Juul Labs Ireland, with Leigh Hewerdine, Head of Trading at Applegreen.

JUUL Labs, the leading start-up in vaping technology in the US, has continued its rapid growth in Ireland as it announced a new partnership with Applegreen plc, which saw Juul going on sale in 125 Applegreen stores across Ireland.

“We are delighted to be working with Applegreen as we continue our Irish expansion and this partnership is a prime example of how convenience retailers are embracing our mission to improve the lives of Ireland’s 830,000 smokers,” noted Gareth Smyth, General Manager of Juul Labs Ireland.

Leigh Hewerdine, Head of Trading at Applegreen, says: “At Applegreen, we are always striving to give our customers choice along with convenience, so we are pleased to add another innovative product to our offering. If as a business we can help adult smokers make the switch to a more positive lifestyle choice, then we are delighted to support our customers with this.

Applegreen is a responsible retailer and as such we allow our customers make informed choices about the purchases they make.”

Circle K's milesPlus Sponsors Cannonball Road Trip 2019 CIRCLE K’s next generation fuel, milesPlus, was the main sponsor of the 2019 Cannonball Road Trip, which took place from September 6-8.

The 2019 Cannonball Road Trip saw a convoy of 190 supercars and novelty cars blaze a trail around Ireland. Select Circle K sites along the route were transformed into milesPlus pitstops, where promotional staff gave away 7c/litre off fuel vouchers to all customers. A total of 7,000 vouchers were distributed across participating sites over the three days.

Pictured are (l-r): Selene Foley Kelly (5); Alan Bannon, founder of Cannonball Ireland; Zane Blouth Ronan (8); and Circle K’s Senior Director of Fuel, Jonathan Diver.

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What's New BIC LAUNCHES GEL-OCITY QUICK DRY PEN

BALLYGOWAN ACTIV+ IS OFFICIAL FITNESS PARTNER OF GAA/GPA

LEADING stationery manufacturer Bic has announced the launch of an ultra-fast drying gel pen in the stationery category. The Bic Gel-ocity Quick Dry range is expected to drive retailers’ sales and reinvigorate growth in the second largest writing instruments category. Bic has committed substantial advertising budget to supporting the new range’s Follow the Flow campaign, which will see Mac Lethal, a rapper who holds a world record for rapping 1,000 words in two minutes, going head-to-head with the Bic Gel-ocity. The bold shift in advertising style from the stationery leader will be complemented with extensive TV, Social Media, Digital, PR, influencer and sampling activity, which will see 35,000 pens distributed across the country throughout the 2019 Back to School Sales Period.

NEW fitness drink for active lives, Ballygowan Activ+ is now the official fitness partner of the GAA/GPA. As part of the partnership, a contribution from each bottle sold will be directed to GAA initiatives to fund grassroots GAA and GPA player development programmes. Developed

by Britvic in consultation with the GAA/GPA, based on the refreshment needs of both elite sports people and today’s everyday health conscious consumer, Ballygowan Activ+ has zero sugar and only 25 calories per 500ml bottle, with two tempting fruit flavours to choose from; Orange or Apple & Raspberry. Pictured in Croke park are (l-r): former Tipperary hurler and All-Ireland winner Brendan Cummins; former Kerry Footballer and All-Ireland winner Fionn Fitzgerald; Kevin Donnelly, Managing Director, Britvic Ireland; and former Kilkenny hurler and All-Ireland winner Michael Fennelly.

AMERICAN-INSPIRED TRAIL MIXES FROM FOREST FEAST

PINKFINCH SIGNS TESCO DEAL

HEALTHY snack brand, Forest Feast, has announced the launch of a specially crafted new range of Trail Mixes, inspired by the great taste of America, which is hand-crafted at Forest Feast’s headquarters, making the most of the company’s in-house roasting and flavouring capabilities. The range includes: Classic American Trail Mix, a combination of honey sesame and roasted and salted peanuts with roasted almonds, milk chocolate beans, dried cranberries and raisins; Mochaccino Trail Mix, with a mix of coffee vanilla cashews, dark chocolate espresso peanuts, roasted peanuts, dark chocolate coffee beans and white chocolate cranberries; and Buffalo Ranch Trail Mix, a fusion of spicy buffalo cashews, spicy buffalo peanuts, dry roasted peanuts and BBQ peanuts.

A SMALL Irish snack manufacturer is celebrating after his innovative fruit snack range has hit the big time. Pinkfinch, the Co. Down based posh snacks supplier, has secured a major contract with Tesco Ireland, which will see an estimated 100,000 bags sold annually.

From launching his business in his parents' spare bedroom five years ago, Pinkfinch founder Michael Heaslip has grown his innovative product line across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, with distribution warehouses in Ireland and the UK. Pinkfinch flavours selected by Tesco include Green Bean & Sugar Snap Pea, Banana, and Apple, all of which are unique to the European market, and contain real fruit that has undergone a vacuum-crisping process.

STARBUCKS BY NESPRESSO COMES TO IRELAND

ICELAND BRINGS BACK SLIMMING WORLD CHIPS

NESTLÉ has launched Starbucks

by Nespresso, uniting Starbucks' quality coffee with the Nespresso Original system to bring Starbucks at Home to millions of coffee connoisseurs in Ireland.

Starbucks by Nespresso will be available in Irish supermarkets, making it the first time Nestlé has made available Nespresso’s unique aluminium capsule technology outside of its Nespresso business. Eight iconic Starbucks by Nespresso blends are coming to supermarkets and online retailers, including Starbucks Blonde, Medium and Dark roast.

DUE to popular demand and following numerous requests on social media, Slimming World Chips are back! Iceland is delighting Slimming World members across the country with the reintroduction of Slimming World Chips (€2.50, 1kg) to its exclusive range, a huge hit with shoppers since launch. The recipe used is a favourite of the Slimming World community, as they’re made using the famous Slimming World method.

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Shelf Life NESTLÉ has launched three plant-based frothy coffees under its iconic Nescafé Gold brand. The almond, oat and coconut lattes are all certified by the Vegan Society as suitable for people following a vegan diet.

The premium Nescafé Gold non-dairy lattes are the world’s first plant-based soluble coffee mixes and are available exclusively from Tesco until February 2020, after which they will also be available in other retailers across Ireland. Blends of 100% Arabica coffee have been specially crafted to mix perfectly with the plant based ingredients to create smooth creamy tasting lattes.

JACOB’S has announced its broadcast sponsorship of Home & Away on RTÉ. Like Jacob’s, Home & Away brings family and friends together and is at the centre of storytelling, conversations and the odd bit of drama! To get involved in the action, Jacob’s has devised a series of of stings inspired

by Down Under that features their famed product range. Household favourites including Jacob’s Cream Crackers and Jacob’s Mikado will feature during perfectly timed snack breaks.

CORE, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company, is delighted to announce that Craig Farrell (pictured) is moving into a new role within the business as Head of Media Planning. Craig will have responsibility for developing strategic excellence in media planning across the business, as well as coordinating the standards and processes for Core’s Media Practice, which consists of Starcom, Zenith, Spark Foundry and Mediaworks. Craig previously held the role as Managing Director of Zenith, where he will be replaced by Chris Nolan.

Michael Doyle (right), owner of the Spar store in Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, celebrates after his store sold the winning ticket for the EuroMillions Plus top prize of €500k recently. So far this year, there have been an incredible 17 winners of the €500,000 EuroMillion Plus top prize in Ireland.

HB Ice Cream, Ireland’s favourite ice cream brand and devotees of not taking life too seriously, is celebrating the evolution of the exciting social language taking the nation by storm. Keyboard chatter is HUGE in Ireland with a whopping third of young Irish adults admitting to chatting through social channels over 20 times a day, resulting in a whopper selection of new terms born as a result. HB is encouraging the Irish public to prepare themselves for a flurry of mood, kween, YAAAAASSSSSSS, holibobs, this one, vibes, stun and #deserved tags taking over the grid as Ireland lives its best life through social.

FREDDY Fyffes bananas remain the top choice of parents when it comes to picking a baby and toddler snack food, according to the results of the National Parenting Product Awards competition.

Based in large part on a survey conducted by Millward Brown amongst parents and experts in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, Irish banana importer Fyffes’ popular pre-packed bananas emerged as the Gold Award winner in the Food and Feeding section of the competition for the fifth time in the competition’s six-year history.

Fyffes Marketing Manager Emma Hunt-Duffy is pictured receiving the award from John Mullins, CEO at Zahra Media Group.

WELL-KNOWN Italian chef, Gino D’Acampo, has created a range of Italian frozen meals, all made in Italy and free from artificial ingredients, colourings and flavourings, which are now available in Iceland supermarkets across Ireland. The real Italian food range builds on Gino’s extensive knowledge and his partnerships with specialist Italian producers to create a truly authentic range of Italian dishes, all inspired by his generations of family recipes. “I chose to launch my new frozen range of products in Iceland because I wanted as many people as possible to have the opportunity to try my range,” said Gino. “The range will be available in all 26 stores nationwide for everyone to try it out.”

CARBERY Group has once again achieved an array of honours at the world-renowned Nantwich International Cheese Awards, taking home 15 accolades. Carbery secured awards for a range of its cheeses, underlining its commitment to quality and innovation.

Carbery’s wins included three Gold Awards for its Dubliner Vintage Ploughman Slices, its Medium Cheddar and Half Fat Cheese; and six Silver Awards for Carbery Cracker Mature White Cheddar, Carbery Cracked Black Pepper, Lactose Free and Smokehouse variants; and its Half Fat and Italian Style Cheese; and a Bronze Award for its Red Cheddar with Chillies.

A NEW, Ireland-wide survey, conducted by Yakult UK and Ireland, reveals the extent to which the younger generation feel disillusioned, with the majority (87%) of 16-29-year-olds claiming their life lacks purpose or meaning. This is compared to an average of 83% across all ages, but just two thirds (65%) of the over 60s, signalling true contentment may simply come with age.

Overall, 38% of Irish people (of all ages) would love to re do their lives completely if they had the chance. Daisy Whitfield-Davis, Yakult PR Manager, said: “This research proves how many people are searching for their true objectives in life. As a Japanese company, we want to introduce the nation to Ikigai, a Japanese self-development concept, which is a framework for bringing satisfaction, happiness and meaning to your life. Ikigai is built around weighing up aspects of your life across your passions, your mission in life, your profession and your vocation and, it appears that it’s something we need in our lives, with 60% of us admitting we have no balance in our existence.”

IRELAND’S No.1 RYO. *

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

Outers must be removed before retail sale. Packs in this outer are Plain Packaging compliant. compliant *Nielsen Extended Scan Track, 68.4% RYO SOM latest 4 weeks 14th July 2019 . Correct at the time of printing.

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Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

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