Retail News June 2020

Retail News JUNE 2020

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

Thank You for Supporting Local

Jobs. Communities. Provenance.

#AllTogetherBetter

www.guaranteedirish.ie

Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents News

Supporting Local THIS month in Retail News, the focus is on buying and stocking locally produced goods, the ‘Homegrown Heroes’ who have traded through the Covid-19 pandemic, and who deserve our support. It’s well documented that supporting local companies, products and brands has a huge impact on the local economy – one report found that every €100 euro spent in a locally owned shop results in an injection of €250 into the local economy – so by stocking and selling Irish goods on your shelves, you are helping the country to get back on its feet after the collective shock of Covid-19.

We talk to Guaranteed Irish Chief Executive, Brid O’Connell about their newest member, Centra, and why supporting Irish brands makes good business sense (Page 12); we report on initiatives from some of the country’s leading retailers, SuperValu (Page 16) and Aldi (Page 18); we find out why Irish dairy is the envy of the world (Page 17); and Love Irish Food’s Kieran Rumley explains why the current pandemic has put locally produced food and drink brands top-of-mind with consumers (Page 19).

We also examine the area of sustainability, with advice from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on how to save money through online training and financial supports (Page 41), as well as looking at how some well-known Irish suppliers and retailers have progressed on their sustainability journey (Page 43-45).

Stay safe,

Groups join forces to call for state agency for SMEs.

3

New report shows food industry adapting to Covid-19 pandemic.

4

Grocery sales soar as shoppers adapt to life at home.

5

Bord Bia predicts foodservice decline of up to 60%.

6

Retail Ireland welcomes move to accelerate reopening; NFRN launches Covid-19 booklet; Aldi unveils plans to open new Clonakilty store in 2022.

12

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In-Store Efficiency 30

Simon Hedaux, founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, examines why high stock levels are damaging your

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Artem Bielozorov, PhD student at the School of Business at Maynooth University, identifies five practices that he believes will become the new normal in the retail grocery sector.

Hygiene 38

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Effective hygiene practices can play a huge part in the successful reopening of our economy. We look at some of the innovative tech retailers are using to ensure the safety of customers and staff, and reveal the advice of one of Ireland’s leading hygiene experts for businesses amid the current pandemic.

Sustainability 41

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland can help you to identify energy saving opportunities, implement changes, and lead your organisation’s shift to energy efficiency. We also look at some concrete examples of sustainability in operation from Aurivo, Aldi and Tesco Ireland.

Sponsorship 48

The Onside Sponsorship Market Monitor reveals that Irish consumers believe sponsorship of sporting and music events is more important than ever.

Tobacco 49

Peter Nixon, Managing Director at Philip Morris Limited in the United Kingdom and Ireland, stresses that Philip Morris no longer produces menthol cigarettes and clears up a mistake over a recent advert.

Regulars & Reports

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

Graphics: John Sheridan Printed by: W&G Baird

36

As Guaranteed Irish announces a new partnership with Centra, Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, welcomes the association’s newest member and reveals why supporting Irish businesses is more important now than ever. Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council, explains why Irish dairy products are revered all over the world. Love Irish Food’s Executive Director, Kieran Rumley, argues that there is a greater consciousness of local producers and the trust placed in them than ever before. We report on the latest graduates from the SuperValu Food Academy and Grow with Aldi programmes, and look at some of the ‘Homegrown Hero’ brands making waves at home and abroad.

Retail News

Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

Covid-19 Pandemic

Homegrown Heroes

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director

Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter

business and advises on how to fix this.

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Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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Industry News

11

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

26

Snack Food

33

Pet Food

46

Drinks News

50

Forecourt Focus: News

52

Shelf Life

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News

Groups join forces to call for state agency for SMEs

REPRESENTATIVES for the grocery industry and other small and medium businesses are joining forces to try and create a state agency that will specifically cater for the SME sector. Under the new recommendations, the proposed policy platform will operate at the heart of government and be directly involved in the creation of economic and business policy.

The proposals are outlined in a new report by economist Jim Power, which was commissioned by the Local Jobs Alliance, a group that includes grocery representatives RGDATA (The Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trades Association) and CSNA (Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association).

Power cited IDA Ireland, a semi-state

Jim Power, economist and report author.

agency with specific responsibility for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, which focuses on helping Irish businesses increase export sales, as models for the new SME agency.

“Both organisations are very successful,” Power told Retail News. “The IDA has done a good job in attracting foreign direct investment into Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland has succeeded in building the export capability of indigenous Irish firms. But there are many businesses that do not export. That segment of our business community is not represented. In fact, it’s ignored.”

A single agency, operated from a dedicated office, could help tailor “new policies, grants, and other supports, for SMEs,” said RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley.

“Collectively, we have a greater voice than we have individually,” remarked Vincent Jennings, CSNA Chief Executive. “Many of us have similar business difficulties. But our staff issues, for example, differ from large corporations. The cost of labour in servicebased businesses is very different to manufacturing and other businesses.”

The Local Jobs Alliance, formed 10 years ago during the recession, includes ISME (Irish SME Association), LVA (Licensed Vintners Association), VFI (Vintners Federation of Ireland), IHF (Irish Hotels Federation) and the RAI (Restaurants Association of Ireland).

While the alliance has worked together to frame responses to topics such as workplace pension schemes and banded contracts, they have few forums to present

their case at policy level. SMEs employ over one million people and account for nearly 70% of total employment in the private business economy. Yet they remain excluded from the key government structures for engagement with business and unions.

“Why not have an agency specifically geared to looking after our needs?” questioned Jennings. “Ibec does not necessarily deal with small and medium enterprises very well. It’s a necessary criticism. Large employers generally look after themselves.”

Part of the problem is the dislocated nature of SMEs, Power explained. “[As an economist] I run a two-person SME. A garage down the road that employs 100 people is an SME. A restaurant with 80 people is an SME. They are spread across the whole economy and not unique to any one sector. As a consequence, they are not taken seriously because they don’t have a joint voice. Their voices are lost when it comes to policy making.”

In drafting the proposals for a new state agency, Power consulted closely with the Local Jobs Alliance and researched SMEs’ impact on the economy.

“I wanted to show the contribution SMEs made to Ireland’s recovery after the last recession,” said the economist.

“SMEs are tough businesses; margins are tight. Cash flow issues are close to the surface. But over the last 12 years, the government’s focus on SMEs has not

Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA.

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News increased.”

Retailers, and other SMEs, helped lift the country from the deepest of recessions to a country with a less than 5% unemployment rate. “After the last recession, SMEs were left to their own devices,” said Buckley. “There was a huge focus on the solvency of the banks. We felt this time the focus needed to be on the SME sector.”

Within his report, Power included specific measures to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. These include liquidity and solvency supports, fiscal grants, lower VAT rates, reduced excise duties, a commercial rates holiday for 12 months, a commercial rent scheme and insurance cost alleviation measures. Earlier this month, RGDATA made their own submission to the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response, highlighting concerns.

“As independent grocers, we bring a huge learning from the pandemic,” said Buckley. “We were the businesses that had to stay open and deliver safe working and shopping environments.”

RGDATA’s recommendations include the proposal to establish a national taskforce on town centre regeneration, a request to keep business costs low, and a request to keep banking and insurance sectors under constant scrutiny.

The area of banking costs - particularly around contactless payments and card payments, and loan and overdraft commitments - is a specific area of concern.

The Local Jobs Alliance’s proposed state agency is a permanent rather than temporary strategy, suggested Power: “SMEs rarely have the resources to market properly, engage in innovation, research, development, staff training - all the skills that are required to take a business from small to large in scale.”

It is no coincidence that these proposals coincide with efforts to form a new government. “You strike while the iron is hot,” said

Jennings. “We want to make Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, the Green Party, everyone, aware that you cannot cast us aside.”

Buckley added: “The Local Jobs Alliance and the individual associations are working hard on getting this message into the parties negotiating for government, and other TDs and policy makers. We’re hopeful the new programme for government will include some of these measures and Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA. a new way of going about policy making that puts the SME sector at the top.”

According to Jennings, the Local Jobs Alliance will also be making submissions through the Covid committee. Ultimately, the new policy platform could give grocers, and other SMEs, enough strength in numbers to have a say in government decisions.

While organisations such as CSNA and RGDATA plan to continue representing their members on an individual basis, a single voice may be necessary for the preservation of small businesses around Ireland.

“I do think we need to come together to collaborate if we are going to rebuild communities and towns and villages,” said Buckley. “We shouldn’t be competing against each other. We should be working together.”

New report shows food industry adapting to Covid-19 pandemic ONE in three food Irish businesses have sought to alter their route to market, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new survey conducted

by Grant Thornton’s Agri-Food team in May 2020. 35% of businesses have leveraged new technologies and 30% have sought new service providers or customers, Padraig Ryan, Director in while almost half of all Grant Thornton’s Business businesses surveyed have Consulting Team. examined their business strategy and nearly one quarter have already pivoted their business model.

“The food industry has shown great resilience to recover from initial Covid-19 shockwaves,” noted Padraig Ryan, Director in Grant Thornton’s Business Consulting team.

“Almost instantaneously, customer demands and business operations changed to meet global and national market changes.

Unsurprisingly, the industry has placed a real focus on curtailing costs and driving increased revenues, and where possible, increased margins.

“Logistics and supply chain costs have risen significantly during this period,” he continued. “The industry has sought to offset new additional expenses by reviewing financial and commercial arrangements and implementing cost cutting and lean measures within their businesses. These practices

are coinciding with a focus on capitalising on new consumer behaviours and market opportunities to grow revenue.”

The food industry has been pushed into a ‘sink or swim’ scenario. The pandemic has generated many challenges, from protecting human health, to adjusting and adapting to the shift in the marketplace from food service to retail. However, opportunities have also arisen across the sector, according to the report.

The overarching positive impact of Covid-19 on the food industry has related to the adoption of technology across all stakeholders. Over a third of respondents identified the increased use of technology as a positive impact from the pandemic. While the short-term benefits of this are already being realised, it is also felt that businesses will continue to benefit in the medium and long term.

For almost 20% of survey respondents, the market outlook has improved as a result of Covid-19. Interestingly, of the 20% who indicated more market optimism, 70% had forecast a decline in revenue for 2020. For these businesses, although revenue is declining, they still feel that Covid-19 will have a positive impact. There may be many factors contributing to this viewpoint.

Renegotiated terms of business may provide a greater longterm opportunity, changing consumer behaviours may result in increased product demand, business model agility may create new customers and leveraging technology may yield efficiencies for some businesses.

Managing the transition back to business as usual will bring a new set of challenges but encouragement can be taken from the resilience the industry has shown, according to the report.

The findings indicate that while for many, there are challenging times ahead, the industry is well equipped to navigate these challenges.

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News

Grocery sales soar as shoppers adapt to life at home IRISH take-home grocery sales rose by 25.4% during the 12 weeks to May 17, the fastest rate of growth recorded in the past 15 years, according to the latest figures from Kantar.

“The jump in grocery sales over the most recent three months in large part reflects the fact that it includes both the pre-lockdown surge in shopper spend and the eight weeks of stay-at-home advice from Government, bringing almost all meals into the home,” revealed Emer Healy, Retail Analyst at Kantar. “While the growth of take-home grocery sales is strong, the overall picture for some supermarkets will be less positive, as these gains are offset by falling spend on on-the-go meals, drinks and snacks.

“As lockdown continues, households with more mouths to feed at home have made their way through supplies and are now starting to top-up depleted store cupboards. In accordance with Government guidelines, we’ve seen shoppers limiting their time spent out of home by making fewer store visits, visiting grocers two fewer times over the past 12 weeks than they did in this period last year. Families with children

under 16 pushed up their spend by 30% on average.”

Ireland’s fastest-growing retailer, SuperValu claimed the largest market share for the second month in a row and saw sales rise by 32.7%. SuperValu’s locally-focused store estate helped it to benefit from people shopping closer to home and it welcomed 64,000 additional shoppers through its doors this period.

“While the rise in sales can be attributed to people spending more time at home, this would not have been possible without the efforts of our independent retail partners who operate our stores and our colleagues across the SuperValu network, who have been going above and beyond for customers over the past couple of months,” noted Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu. “Our independent retail partners have invested substantially to ensure that we offer the best in-store experience, ensuring the health and safety of colleagues and customers thanks to the early introduction of social distancing and in-store safety measures such as plexiglass at tills and increasing the contactless payment threshold.

Additionally, our retailers have been

Emer Healy, Retail Analyst, Kantar. working hard to support the vulnerable in their communities by partnering with groups and charities across the country.”

Kelleher revealed that the sales increase has seen shoppers change their behaviour, with a shift from fresh food to other categories like baking and

MARKET SHARE - TOTAL GROCERY

Includes expenditure across Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Household and Health & Beauty categories Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend 12 Weeks to 19/05/19

12 Weeks to 17/05/20

% Change in value sales

%*

%*

%

100.0%

100.0%

25.4%

Total Multiples

89.3%

88.9%

24.9%

Dunnes

22.3%

21.0%

18.0%

Tesco

22.1%

21.8%

23.7%

SuperValu

21.2%

22.4%

32.7%

Aldi

12.1%

11.7%

20.8%

Lidl

11.5%

12.0%

30.5%

Other Outlets**

10.7%

11.1%

29.3%

Total Outlets

* = Percentage Share of Total Grocers ** = Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers and Cross Border shops Source: Worldpanel FMCG

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News personal care. “In terms of the baking category, sales of flour alone have risen 200% and we have also seen a rise in demand for related products such as toppings, mini marshmallows and core baking ingredients like raising agents, flavourings and food colourings. Similarly in terms of personal care, we have seen soap sales soar by 400% and over the course of the past number of months, our stores have sold enough toilet paper to go around the world eight times.”

Tesco also recorded formidable sales growth this month. Its typically larger stores allowed it to capitalise on the increase in trolley shops and the grocer grew by 23.7% to hold 21.8% of the market.

Dunnes also gained from shoppers spending more in-store, spending an extra €10.39 per trip compared with last year, and it recorded healthy growth of 18%. This was slightly behind the market, linked partly to Dunnes not having a direct online grocery offer.

Lidl benefited from its Dublin stronghold to boost sales by 30.5% and held its market share at 12%, while Aldi performed strongest in the south of the country, growing overall sales by 20.8%

to hold an 11.7% share.

Lockdown has continued to drive up online grocery shopping, with sales through digital platforms increasing by 76% year on year. “Demand for online groceries has soared over the past few months and 15% of Irish households received at least one online delivery over the latest 12 weeks, a significant increase from 9% last year,” revealed Emer Healy. “This sudden surge in demand meant that the retailers had to act quickly to increase their online capacity, and have been rightly praised for extending their services to those who need them most. That includes reaching groups who are more vulnerable in the current crisis, with an additional 26,000 retired households ordering an online delivery over the 12 weeks to May 17 and over-65s spending an extra €8.9m online.”

Martin Kelleher also referred to the “spike” in online shopping, resulting in the group scaling up its service by hiring more drivers and in-store colleagues to meet demand. “The growth we have seen in home deliveries is the equivalent to opening 12 new SuperValu stores,” revealed the SuperValu Managing

Director.

Shoppers aren’t limiting themselves to food and drink essentials and it seems that some are preparing to look their best as lockdown eases. Emer Healy continues: “With hair salons closed, shoppers took matters into their own hands and sales of haircare products and hair colourants were up 25% and 73% as they prepared to see friends and family in phase two of the lockdown following the loosening of restrictions on May 18.”

Despite the circumstances, people have sought to buoy spirits and enjoy themselves in the sunny spring weather.

“Friday May 1, the day before the early May bank holiday weekend, was worth €52.8m, as consumers prepared for a weekend of sunshine. The holiday, coupled with a month of warm temperatures, meant that alcohol sales grew by a staggering 93% over the latest four weeks. It seems many of us enjoyed the barbecue weather as shoppers spent an additional €3.8m on sausages and burgers. Ice cream sales were worth an extra €5.9m.”

Grocery market inflation stands at 2.3% for the 12-week period ending May 17, 2020.

Bord Bia predicts foodservice decline of up to 60% BORD Bia has published a White Paper charting three possible scenarios for the Irish foodservice industry for the rest of 2020, as the industry moves to a phased reopening in a transformed operating environment following the huge impact of Covid-19.

Based on a ‘best case scenario’ and taking into account the impact of falling tourism figures, the out-of-home market in Ireland is predicted to fall in value from €8.5 billion at the beginning of 2020 to €4.7 billion by the end of this year, while their ‘worst case scenario’ would see the market decline by almost 60% to €3.7 billion.

Taking market values as published by Bord Bia to the end of 2019, the White Paper, co-authored by global foodservice research specialists Technomic, outlines recommendations and supports available to business as they forward plan and adapt their positioning, products and services.

“While acknowledging the clear and ongoing damage to the Irish foodservice market, it is also important to begin thinking about how the industry re-starts and what permanent changes may ultimately “stick” into the future,” stressed Maureen Gahan, Foodservice Specialist, Bord Bia. “We understand from listening to food and drink suppliers servicing this market that access to timely data and insights is crucial for them as they look to revise their plans and activities for the second half of 2020.

“The out-of-home channel was one of the most severely impacted by Covid-19, not just in Ireland, but world-wide, experiencing a near total collapse due to the temporary shutdown of the hospitality sector. However, we also know that it is a hugely resilient industry and we have already seen a number of outlets transitioning their businesses to take-away and home delivery. Similarly, we have seen examples from our food and beverage producers that are pivoting their businesses to meet the new needs of their foodservice customers.”

White Paper Co-author, David Henkes, Technomic, said, “Foodservice will certainly see contractions in 2020, erasing years of growth and share gain from the retail sector. However, we remain bullish on the longer-term viability and resurgence of the industry, as the economy recovers and as consumers grow more confident living in the age of Covid-19.”

The full report is available on bordbia.ie.

Maureen Gahan, Foodservice Specialist, Bord Bia.

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News

Retail Ireland welcomes move to accelerate reopening

Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland.

RETAIL Ireland has welcomed the Government’s accelerated reopening of all small and large retailers, along with shopping centres, after getting the green light from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

“Retailers have clearly demonstrated their commitment to transforming how they operate to protect the health of customers and staff. The reopening of larger retailers earlier than planned is a welcome acknowledgement of this, along with the urgent need to protect the thousands of vulnerable retail businesses and jobs right across the country,” said Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon.

When it comes to shopping centres, the Retail Ireland Director said the need for social distancing will result in a very different shopping experience, but customers have already adapted and are supportive of the new rules: “Many shopping centres remained open during the crisis to allow essential retail to trade, even if many of the shops were closed. They have put in place comprehensive plans to ensure the safety of staff and customers, including new queuing systems, tightly controlling the numbers entering the centres and additional hygiene measures.

The reopening will be done in a way that safeguards public health, while also protecting jobs and businesses.”

Aldi unveils plans to NFRN launches Covid-19 open new Clonakilty booklet THE National Federation of store in 2022 Independent Retailers (NFRN) has

ALDI has revealed plans to open a new store Clonakilty, West Cork, by the end of 2022. The new store will be located in Clonakilty’s town centre The Waterfront. Aldi received planning permission for a store in April 2017 and recently lodged an application to alter its roof specifications to match Aldi’s new standard store design.

The 1,315 square metre store will be constructed in Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh design and feature 109 car parking spaces.

Powered by 100% green electricity, it will also include two free-to-use electric vehicle charging points outside the store.

“We are very excited to be coming to Clonakilty. This is fantastic news for shoppers and employment in the town. Every new Aldi store that opens brings greater choice, quality and value to shoppers,” noted Adam Ward, Managing Director, Aldi Mitchelstown Region. “Aldi has a strong commitment to Cork, with our first store opening in Ballincollig over 20 years ago. We now operate 23 stores in the county, along with our Regional Distribution Centre in Mitchelstown. Our new Clonakilty store will bring great value to the doorsteps of locals who previously had to travel to shop at Aldi.”

produced a new digital guide to remind members of the financial support available to them during the coronavirus crisis. The booklet, entitled Coronavirus and Support Available for Business in the RoI, explains the details behind the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme, Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Covid-19 and the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

It also contains advice on applying for these support schemes and links to useful websites.

Commenting on the guide, NFRN National President Stuart Reddish said: “Over recent months the NFRN has produced a series of tools to help retailers trade safely during the coronavirus pandemic. There is also a wealth of support available to businesses from the government and to help members access this we have produced a new digital guide which can be downloaded from the NFRN’s website, www.nfrnonline.com.”

PLMA president passes away BRIAN Sharoff, President of the Private Label Manufacturers Association, one of the industry’s most successful trade organisations, passed away on Saturday, May 23, after a brief illness. President of PLMA since 1981, shortly after the association was founded, Sharoff was praised for his “tremendous focus and dedication”, which helped the PLMA grow to “become a vital and essential resource for suppliers and retailers around the globe”. Our sympathies go to his wife Judith, daughter Alexandra, son Peter, five grandchildren, and sister Shirley Sharoff.

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Industry News BWG Foods reports €1m in sales of gardening products BWG Foods has reported significant demand for gardening products during the lockdown period, with sales surpassing €1m over an eight-week period. With garden centres and DIY stores closed to the public up until May 18, BWG Foods began supplying flowering and bedding plants, compost and other key gardening products to its store network, resulting in a new stream of business for many retailers. In total, over 200,000 plants have been sold across Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores nationwide since March 23. The sale of gardening products through Ireland’s grocery retail sector has continued to provide a critical sales channel for Irish growers and nurseries during what would normally be their busiest trading period of the year in supplying seasonal summer produce. “We have a network of over 1,000 community-based stores across the country, meaning we had the ability to cater to a very significant proportion of the population’s gardening needs, while they respect the Covid-19 travel restrictions,” noted Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods. “This is evident from the €1m sales registered during the period and is another terrific example of how our local retailers have been adapting to serve communities in these uncertain times.”

Celebrating strawberry season in style

NOTHING quite says summer like strawberry season in Ireland, and this year’s Celebrate Strawberry Season campaign, organised by the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association, in partnership with Bord Bia and the IFA, is encouraging people to choose locally grown strawberries right throughout the strawberry season (May to November). The campaign urges consumers to replace refined sugars with strawberries as a natural and healthy alternative. “Strawberries are nutritional powerhouses, bursting with nutrients, deliciously sweet, yet low in calories,” revealed Orla Walsh (pictured), registered dietitian. “One portion of strawberries, which is about seven berries, gives you all the vitamin C you require for the day, helping us to look and feel at our best.”

Lotto dough in Kinlough McGOWAN’S Spar shop in the north Leitrim village of Kinlough, with a history of selling winning National Lottery tickets, has continued its winning streak after it sold a ticket worth €96,007 for the Lotto draw on May 23. McGowan’s Spar previously sold a Lotto jackpot winning ticket worth €11,179,627 back in August 2016, which was claimed by a Leitrim syndicate, while last September, a Daily Million ticket worth €1m was purchased at the lucky Leitrim store.

PayPal rolls out QR code payments in Ireland PAYPAL has rolled out the ability to use QR Codes to buy and sell goods in Ireland and 27 other markets around the globe. From local takeaway coffee shops to selling secondhand goods, the rollout of the QR code functionality in the PayPal app allows customers to buy or sell in in-person, safely and securely, and touch-free. “Covid-19 has changed the shopping experience in Ireland as we know it,” admitted Maeve Dorman, Vice President of Global Merchant Services, PayPal (pictured). “Not only do people need security and convenience, as always, they now need to be able to sell and buy in a way that is quick, safe and involves limited social contact. Digital payments, and this QR code functionality, allow for this and could be the means through which small Irish businesses survive during the crisis and potentially thrive in the future.”

Aldi to open new Shannon store ALDI revealed its plans to open a new store in Shannon, Co. Clare, as part of its €160m Irish store network investment programme. Expected to open in Quarter 1 2023, the new store will be located close to the town centre at Airport Road. A planning application for the 1,315 square metre store, along with an additional retail unit, has been submitted to Clare County Council.

The store will be constructed in Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh design and will be powered by 100% green electricity. There will be 106 car parking spaces available for customers, along with bike parking facilities and two free-to-use electric vehicle-charging points outside the store.

Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie|9

Industry News Tesco Ireland introduces new customer counter technology TESCO Ireland recently announced plans for a technology-based customer number and queue management system to be rolled out across its stores nationwide as it continues to respond to Covid-19. Following a successful trial at its Greystones store (pictured), the company will now introduce the monitor-based 3D imaging system nationwide, which will count customer numbers entering and exiting stores, to ensure an accurate steady flow of people throughout the day. The new screen technology is rolling roll out across the majority of stores, starting with its 60 largest Superstore and Extra outlets, in the coming weeks, with a tailored version for its Express stores in due course. This technology indicates the number of people in store at any one time, highlighting for customers when it is safe to enter, with directional arrows permitting entry, or a stop sign to advise them to wait. “This new technology is a simple, accurate way of reducing queue times and allows our colleagues spend more time helping customers,” noted Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland.

Aldi shoppers raise €20k for Our Hospital Heroes charity

ALDI Ireland has donated €20,000 to Our Hospital Heroes charity from funds raised within a week of its fundraising ‘Irish Nurses Thank You’ bouquets going on sale across all 142 Aldi stores in Ireland.

Such was the response from the public to the initiative, marking International Nurses’ Day on May 12, that all bouquets sold out, with 100% of the proceeds presented to the charity. Aldi also announced a combined donation of 100,000 medical grade facemasks to Our Hospital Heroes and Age Action, the national charity working to protect older people in Ireland. Pictured are Vyautaus Antulis and John Kavanagh from Aldi Parnell Street, Dublin, with Mary Moorhead, Our Hospital Heroes.

SuperValu to sell €16.5m of Irish lamb SUPERVALU forecasts sales of €16.5m of Irish lamb in its stores across Ireland this year, as consumer demand for new season fresh Irish lamb surges. All of SuperValu’s lamb is 100% Irish-born and bred and sourced from Bord Bia quality-assured farmers. The rise in demand for lamb comes as increasingly, consumers turn to homecooked meals. One of SuperValu’s lamb suppliers is Willie Fox, a fourth-generation lamb farmer based in Co. Westmeath, and his nephew Hugh (pictured). The Fox family have been supplying SuperValu for 30 years now. “We use traditional techniques, which have been passed on for generations, as well as the latest advanced techniques.

This combination of the traditional and the modern mean that we supply SuperValu with the highest quality of meat,” said Hugh.

News Ireland donates €28,000 to Alone NEWS Ireland publications The Sunday Times, The Irish Sun, The Times Ireland (online) and Wireless Ireland radio stations recently donated €28,000 to Alone, helping to fund its vital work with older people facing social, health and isolation problems. The generous donation is part of the News Corp Giving programme that donates £100,000 (€111,980) to UK and Irish charities each year. As in previous years, staff were invited to vote from a list of worthy charities, with a focus this year on organisations that are providing essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lidl Ireland partners with West Cork supplier to produce hand sanitiser LIDL Ireland has joined forces with their Cork-based spirits supplier, West Cork Distillers, to produce alcoholbased hand sanitiser in response to the coronavirus pandemic shortage. The 100ml bottles have been available in-store since May 21. “This initiative exemplifies the agility, innovation and strength of our long standing partnership with West Cork Distillers,” said Kevin Haverty, Buying Director, Lidl Ireland, “and we’re extremely proud to rise to the challenge of producing and distributing much needed hand sanitiser for our employees, and now our customers in the communities we serve across the island during these challenging times.”

10|Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Tesco Ireland donates €120k to Covid-19 projects from Community Fund TESCO Ireland is dedicating the fourth round of its Community Fund in 2020 to support those most in need due to Covid-19. The company is donating €120,000 to hundreds of local causes based in communities throughout Ireland. 453 community-based projects who provide mental health support services, supports for victims of domestic abuse, the homeless, and people experiencing food poverty are among those who will benefit.

“As the impact of Covid-19 runs deep into our communities, we want to continue to support those most impacted,” explained Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland. “At a time when charitable revenues are experiencing a downturn we hope that dedicating a second round of our €120,000 Community Fund will help these good causes to continue to provide their invaluable services to those who need it most in our communities.”

Aoife Dilworth, Tesco Ballincollig, is pictured updating the Community Fund boards during Covid-19.

Aldi plants 15,000

Danone Ireland launches new yogurt range

native trees along the

BUSY mum and TV and radio presenter Lucy Kennedy and her children, Holly (8), Jess (3) and Jack (10), helped to launch Danone Dairy Ireland’s new yogurt range, called simply Danone. The range has been created to better support families looking to improve their eating habits and the planet with simple, recognisable ingredients, like milk, live yogurt cultures and fruit and veg combinations, with no added sugar or replacement sweeteners, in 100% recyclable pots, a first for Danone in the yogurt category. The new range includes options for the whole family, including single pots, family sharing pots, multipacks and kids’ pouches. Flavour combinations include: Strawberry & Blood Orange, Peach & Ginger, Peach & Raspberry, Mango Carrot & Banana, Strawberry and plain Natural Yogurt.

‘Kerry Way’

AS part of Aldi’s commitment to planting 100,000 native hardwood trees over the next five years, Aldi recently planted 15,000 trees on a site in Muingaphuca in the heart of County Kerry. This is in addition to the 16,000 trees that were planted on a site in Rockfield, Limerick, in December 2019. The initiative is the latest step in Aldi’s Carbon Reduction Pledge, which saw Aldi achieve Carbon Neutral status at the beginning of 2019. The new plantation of native Irish woodland will help to encourage local flora and fauna, while aligning with the Government’s aim to plant 22m trees a year until 2040.

Pictured are (l-r): Ruairí Foley, Deputy Store Manager at Aldi Killorglin, John Lynch, landowner, and Gerard Moroney, Southern Regional Manager with Green Belt, at Muingaphuca, Killorglin, Co Kerry.

AsIAm and SuperValu launch webinar to

support students THE online seminar ‘Educational Support Seminar for Secondary School Students’, from AsIAm, sponsored by SuperValu, is now live on their website, part of an ongoing series which offer support and useful information to the Autism community. The ‘Educational Support Seminar for Secondary School Students’ online seminar is given by education expert Billy Redmond. The seminar is targeted towards secondary students going back to school in September, as well as those moving on to further education. Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director, said, “As sponsors of the community support seminars, we are delighted these seminars are now online to support the autism community. Now more than ever we need to continue to support the autism community.”

One4all rewards consumers for socially

distant celebrations SPENDING our birthdays at home has now become a reality for at least a fifth of the Irish public (23%) who have had a birthday since the restrictions were first implemented and a likely prospect for a further 31% who will mark their birthday between now and the end of next month, according to new research from One4all. To celebrate the creativity that people across Ireland have been demonstrating when it comes to making a key occasion unforgettable, One4all has once again teamed up with social media star and creative personality James Kavanagh (pictured) for a competition, called Celebration Inspiration, which saw three people who demonstrated how they have been creatively celebrating key occasions while social distancing, each win a €150 One4all Digital Gift Card.

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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

COVID REOPENING WILL BE A CHALLENGE FOR RETAIL five billion SEK (approximately €453m) for the rent rebate scheme.

The most recent announcement from the Government on further liquidity for business and action on commercial rent and rates are a welcome further step in addressing the cashflow crisis affecting so many retailers. However, as we move through this crisis, significant additional interventions will be needed to safeguard retail businesses and jobs. This must include measures to address the issue of commercial rent liabilities accrued during the shutdown, which many businesses will simply be unable to pay.

IN May, Ibec set out a range of far-reaching new proposals to address the next phase of the Covid-19 crisis, the reopening of the Irish economy. Contained in this document is a significant tranche of measures that will help the retail sector come out of this crisis somewhat intact. Importantly, highlighted are the difficulties retailers will face with rents once they reopen.

Can we learn from Sweden?

Recently, the Swedish Government introduced measures in this space that have been green-lighted by the European Commission as lawful state aid, which we in Retail Ireland believe can be used as a blueprint to an Irish model around rent.

The Swedish Government’s scheme includes provisions that if a landlord and a tenant agree on a rebate on the rent for the period between April 1 and June 30, the Swedish state will cover a part of the rebate. Compensation may be paid up to 50% of the rebate; however, not more than 25% of the ordinary rent amount. Tenants cannot obtain an advantage of more than €800,000 and the scheme expires on December 31, 2020. In an amended budget, the Government has allocated

Ibec calls for a €15 billion investment Those businesses that survive will open up into a dramatically altered economic and public health environment. In Ibec’s Reopening policy document, there is a call for a significant amount of investment of up to €15 billion to allow business to thrive in any post-Covid economy. This is not a figure that was picked lightly but was deemed necessary and fully costed.

The need for a reboot is obvious to all business leaders, especially the liquidity supports for small and medium businesses, but crucially it is also about the mechanism and channels of transmission to get the right finance, in the right way at the right time.

It is also important that focus moves beyond the survival phase and that business leads on what is an opportunity to reset the relationship between business and society and address the clear challenges that existed before the pandemic and recent general election. We need a blueprint for the future, one that creates a better Ireland and it is Retail Ireland’s and Ibec’s hope that Government takes on board the points that we have made over the past weeks to enable retail to remain on its feet and to continue to be a crucial employer in many communities across the State.

The Reboot Reimagine document is available to download from Ibec.ie/influencing-for-business.

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.

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Homegrown Heroes: Guaranteed Irish

Centra joins Guaranteed Irish Guaranteed Irish announces a new partnership with Centra, as Ireland’s leading convenience retailer backs Irish based businesses in a campaign to support local this summer. Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, reveals why supporting Irish businesses is more important now than ever.

GUARANTEED Irish, the business membership network championing indigenous and multinational businesses operating in Ireland, has announced a new partnership with Ireland’s leading convenience retail group, Centra. The partnership comes as the nation prepares for a different kind of summer this year with barbecues, picnics and fresh food-to-go high on the agenda of Irish consumers this season.

“I’m delighted to welcome Centra on board,” says Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish. “As Ireland’s leading convenience retailer, Centra embraces our core values of building sustainable communities through enterprise, backing local jobs, and supporting homegrown Irish produce. These values are showcased through the retailer’s commitment to food producers based in Ireland, in turn benefiting our local economy and supporting Irish jobs, particularly in rural communities throughout the country. Centra’s track record of supporting jobs in Irish communities and supporting Irish produce ties in with our core value of building enterprise in the communities, so it’s a perfect fit.”

Guaranteed Irish has always enjoyed “a very good relationship” with Musgrave Group, according to the CEO [SuperValu are long-term members] and it is “fantastic that Centra are joining Guaranteed Irish.” Centra supports over 11,000 jobs at 473 locations throughout Ireland, with an annual Irish turnover of €1.7 billion. “It has been a wonderful success story and we are delighted to welcome Centra to the Guaranteed Irish business network,” says Brid.

The timing of the announcement couldn’t have

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Homegrown Heroes: Guaranteed Irish been better, according to the CEO: “Summer 2020 is going to be very different for many Irish people; we are not going to be travelling abroad. We are going to be staying at home barbecuing, going for picnics, organising family events or small, low-key events in small groups. I think the whole idea of convenience foods will present a real opportunity, and I believe that is why Centra is a really good match for Guaranteed Irish and for Irish shoppers this summer, as people navigate their way through the summer and look for new local opportunities in terms of food, entertainment and healthy living.”

Substantial marketing commitment Centra has committed to investing up to €300,000 to promote its official retail partnership with Guaranteed Irish to highlight and raise awareness of the benefits of purchasing Guaranteed Irish brands. This will be invested in a range of marketing activations, which began on June 10, 2020, to include: • Digital activation, including a website landing page, social media takeover and the promotion of Irish products across digital; • Centra compostable bags to display the Guaranteed Irish symbol; • Centra customer handbills to include the Guaranteed Irish symbol circulated to near 5m Irish homes over the course of any year.

“When shoppers are really looking to support Irish, it will make it easy for them to do so in-store as well as supporting jobs in the local community,” Brid notes.

With over 75% of the produce stocked on the shelves of Centra sourced in Ireland, the new official partnership will allow Guaranteed Irish to further nurture and grown its network of indigenous Irish businesses, as well as reach a new audience of health-conscious consumers, further building brand awareness amongst Irish shoppers of the importance of supporting local.

Commenting on the partnership, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director at Centra, says, “As Ireland’s leading convenience retailer, with stores serving towns and villages across the country, Centra is delighted to partner with Guaranteed Irish.

It has never been more important to support local and Irish, and when you shop with Centra, you can rest assured that you are providing a vital boost to the local economy. Summer is a crucial time for Irish businesses, with people looking for the best quality, local food when they celebrate the good weather over the coming months. We are playing our part to make sure that Irish produce is front and centre at our stores, with highlights including our ‘Inspired By’ Centra Irish meats, which are 100% Irish and Bord Bia-approved, such as delicious Sirloin and Striploin Steaks, Angus Burgers, Sausages and Rotisserie Chicken.”

Evolution of the iconic brand Guaranteed Irish has been championing businesses based in Ireland since 1974. “It is the only mark of provenance for Ireland but, more importantly, the longest established symbol associated with trusted business in Ireland,” says Brid proudly.

Originally only representing completely indigenous businesses, 2016 saw the organisation broaden its remit to include businesses with a presence in Ireland, even if they are part of multinational companies.

“We support all businesses in Ireland that back sustainable jobs, contribute to the communities in which they are based and support provenance,” Brid avows. “Our strapline is ‘All Together Better’, and it has never more been more apt than

Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish: “We support all businesses in Ireland that back sustainable jobs, contribute to the communities in which they are based and support provenance.” right now in terms of all businesses needing to pull together.”

Brid believes that broadening its bases has been good for all of the organisation’s members: “A lot of smaller, indigenous companies have benefited because they are supported by multinationals, many of whom go so far out of their way to support businesses based here and are contributing significantly to the economy, even if their HQ is outside of Ireland. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship and we are the only organisation that offers that, as well as the only membership organisation that allows businesses at the highest level, Managing Directors and CEOs, to come together and discuss opportunities to network and do business with each other, to work as a collective.”

National iconic symbol One of the most recognised symbols in Ireland, Guaranteed Irish really resonates with consumers, which the CEO attributes to the fact that it has become ingrained in our collective consciousness: “So many of us have childhood memories associated with the big G on the copybook, at a time when there was little or no other media clamouring for our attention.

“Guaranteed Irish symbolises all that is good about Ireland,” continues Brid. “When I ask some of our members why they joined, it’s really because they want to do the right thing. It is about supporting jobs, supporting the economy and supporting enterprise in the community. If you have enterprise in the community, whether that is rural or urban, there is a

14|Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Homegrown Heroes: Guaranteed Irish

“

Pictured are Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish, and Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Centra.

Food, hospitality and tourism are all

interlinked and have always been a big

source of jobs and an important part of the

Irish economy; if we want to keep that part of the Irish economy alive, it is really important that the Government and its agencies put

in place additional supports to help those companies to survive and to grow.

vibrancy in that community where people can work together and live together.”

Working together through the pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic means that it is more important now than ever for Irish

”

businesses to work together and for Irish consumers to support local enterprise: “In times like the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen companies in the same geographical territory working hand-inglove because they are all trying to trade

their way out of the situation we find ourselves in.”

Guaranteed Irish plays its part by creating platforms for its members to continue to network, albeit remotely, which has proved very successful.

Since restrictions were introduced in March, Guaranteed Irish has seamlessly moved its physical events to the virtual space, in the form of webinars, which have been hugely successful in terms of attendance but also in terms of the ability of expert speakers to advise in real time as the Covid-19 pandemic has progressed. One recent webinar saw Aidan Murphy, Business Development Director at Innovate Solutions, discuss how consumers’ product choices have been impacted since mid-March 2020, asking if food trends experienced during the current crisis will influence future trends.

Guaranteed Irish also runs a weekly business podcast, sponsored by Blacknight, dedicated to Irish business, sector trends and current affairs,

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Homegrown Heroes: Guaranteed Irish pharma and the tech sector.”

The lockdown has given people the time to reflect on their lifestyle and their work-life balance, the Guaranteed Irish chief believes, with people investing time in staying healthy and perhaps unwilling to go back to their ways of working and living pre-pandemic: “I believe there has been a reset button pressed and there is a desire to get the work-life balance back in order, in terms of health and wellbeing.

I think that is here to stay. There are some companies who will never go back to full capacity in their offices. Twitter announced that their employees can Resetting the work-life balance continue to work from home even after Covid-19 has probably refocused the pandemic and I can see a lot of consumers’ minds on Irish brands businesses changing, maybe not to fully and the importance of supporting working from home but certainly, where local companies, which has been “a possible, to working from home two or positive side effect of the pandemic.” three days per week. When people do go Guaranteed Irish has witnessed “a huge into the office, they may do so at off-peak spike in membership applications since traffic times.”

March. We are keen to support as many Brid also believes that the fact that businesses as we can, and some sectors are doing really well, like the food sector, so many people were laid off could see a resurgence of Ireland’s entrepreneurial spirit. “Many food companies started at home at the kitchen table during the last recession, and I think that could happen again, with a huge surge in home baking and in people cooking food from scratch. It is an opportunity for people who have a passion for food and have the time to invest in that passion to maybe pursue a dream they have, an opportunity for innovation.

“Some of the businesses we are celebrating during our focus on food in June are businesses that were born One of the most recognised symbols in Ireland, out of the last Guaranteed Irish really resonates with consumers, recession, so which the CEO attributes to the fact that it has become we hope that is ingrained in our collective consciousness. a good omen featuring top entrepreneurs, executives, and industry experts. “Our podcast has proved really successful, and like the webinars, the secrets of its success are the strength of the speakers, who deliver on topics that every business needs,” Brid explains.

The organisation’s social media pages, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, have been really strong: “We have staff working on them all day, every day, making sure that we keep on top of things and stay relevant.”

for the current situation, that there will be new companies coming through.”

Of course, Guaranteed Irish represents far more than new SMEs, supporting almost 1,200 business members, employing 90,000+ people across Ireland, generating an annual combined Irish turnover of €12.9 billion.

Advice for retailers The retail sector has a big part to play in the country’s economic future, and the organisation has some advice for the trade: “Retailers, whether supermarkets or independent stores, when they are buying Irish need to make sure that what they are buying is genuinely Irish and not just packaged to look like Irish. They need to ensure they are sourcing product from a business that is producing food here and supporting jobs here.”

Brid cites the example of three Irish companies who continue to make an outstanding contribution, not just in terms of quality products but also to their staff and their communities: Clonakilty Blackpudding Co., Flahavan’s, and Ballymaloe Foods.

“These companies are not just producing great food but are supporting entire communities, and maybe exporting their success overseas, becoming food ambassadors for our country,” Brid insists.

Ballymaloe Foods has recently announced a distribution deal with Cole’s of Australia, which Brid describes as “a complete game changer” for the East Cork company, while Clonakilty Blackpudding Co. also has a franchise operator in Australia. Flahavan’s, meanwhile, has “reinvented itself many times over: who can imagine a world without their delicious oat bars, and they didn’t exist just a few years ago.”

Looking to the future, the Guaranteed Irish CEO has a clear message: “I’d like to make sure that people realise there is a value in supporting Irish businesses, that we remember that we are all in it together and are ‘All Together Better’. I would also like to see new entrepreneurs coming through, because many of us have the ability to become our own bosses and masters of our own destiny. It is also vital that the Government makes additional funds available for SMEs in the food sector. Food, hospitality and tourism are all interlinked and have always been a big source of jobs and an important part of the Irish economy; if we want to keep that part of the Irish economy alive, it is really important that the Government and its agencies put in place additional supports to help those companies to survive and to grow.”

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Homegrown Heroes: SuperValu Food Academy

SuperValu supports new local suppliers 15 new Irish products have gone on sale in SuperValu stores as part of the Food Academy programme.

PRODUCTS from 15 new Irish food producers have gone on sale in SuperValu stores. All the suppliers involved have successfully completed the Food Academy programme.

Now in its seventh year, SuperValu Food Academy is a unique food business development programme between SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).

Participants in the programme receive training in market research and branding, food safety, marketing, finance and business development.

For the 15 food start-ups, this marks the culmination of a journey that began back in October 2019 when they started the SuperValu Food Academy training programme and completed a series of training and mentoring courses.

This support for local is all made possible by SuperValu’s independent retail model, whereby retailers can give SuperValu Food Academy members access to one or a small group of stores, allowing them to manage demand as they grow their operations.

One of the food start-ups to list in SuperValu is Thanks Plants, a 100% plant-based, handmade vegan sausages brand.

Produced locally in Ireland, Thanks Plants is a delicious and wholesome option for vegans and anyone trying to reduce their meat intake and is available in a number of varieties, including apple and sage, sundried tomato and herb and a frankfurter option.

Aisling Cullen, who set up Thanks Plants, said: “Over the last six months, with the help of Supervalu’s Food Academy,

Una Wycherley of Larkin’s Hill Farm, one of the successful participants in the SuperValu Food Academy programme.

Aisling Cullen of Thanks Plants, with her children Aida, aged five, and Sebastian, aged three.

I’ve been working steadily to develop a unique product. Without the help of Food Academy, I would not be where I am now. It has given huge support to all the producers involved, and I recommend it for any new producer starting out.”

Some of the other suppliers include Larkin’s Hill Farm, Muckross Creamery and Loch Measc. These new suppliers reflect a shift in thinking towards sustainable, local food production and comprise healthy, plant-based and gluten-free offerings, underpinned by values of provenance, transparency, and authenticity.

Supporting local for 40 years Food Academy producers have sold a combined €140m of produce in SuperValu since 2014, supporting 1,500 jobs in the economy. To date, 620 producers have come through the programme, with 272 producers currently enrolled in the programme.

“We have been supporters of local for 40 years and it’s part of our DNA,” explained Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu. “We started SuperValu Food Academy to support local food start-ups and the programme is more important than ever as we see consumers swing back to support our local food producers.

“SuperValu’s network of independently owned and operated stores across Ireland means that we are best placed to support local food start-ups through SuperValu Food Academy. Our independent retailers can provide local producers with their all-important first supermarket listing, helping them to create employment in local communities, We believe in local business and Food Academy is great way for us to help new businesses to grow and get the support they need.”

The SuperValu Food Academy programme is open for applications until June 26, 2020. To apply, contact your Local Enterprise Office for an application form on www.localenterprise.ie.

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Homegrown Heroes: NDC

The dairy best from Ireland Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council, explains why Irish dairy products are revered all over the world.

THE National Dairy Council (NDC) champions the role of quality pasture-based dairy and its nutrition benefits in supporting healthier, more active living. The private farmer-funded marketing agency works to promote and protect Ireland’s dairy reputation at home and abroad and believes in a future in which Irish dairy is recognised and trusted as a vital part of people’s diet and general health across the life stages, indispensable to Ireland’s social and economic wellbeing.

CEO Zoë Kavanagh explains why consumers both at home and abroad can feel assured that they are getting the best quality possible from Irish dairy products.

“Ireland is revered all over the world for its high-quality dairy produce, with the unique taste which comes from our pasture-based dairy farming,” she says. “In September 2009, the NDC introduced a packaging mark, giving consumers in the Republic of Ireland the reassurance of knowing that if they buy milk or cream with the NDC Guarantee, it is both farmed and processed locally. This guarantee gives consumers the opportunity to show their support for local jobs on dairy farms and in the dairy sector in an active way, when deciding what milk or cream to buy.”

78% of Irish consumers perceived Ireland’s grass fed dairy as being superior to that of other countries.

Supporting Irish jobs The economic multiplier effect associated with the agri-food sector means that consumers who choose milk and cream with the NDC mark are supporting 12,415 jobs in our economy.

The NDC Guarantee appears on 350 milk and cream products across the country, ranging from brand leaders to ‘private label’ or ‘own label’ products. This amounts to hundreds of pack types and sizes across many products.

“Origin and quality are top of mind for consumers when it comes to food safety and in the context of the heightened awareness of the need to support our local economy, more than ever right now,” says Kavanagh. “There is also a growing appreciation for the superb pasture basis for dairy farming, which is a very natural environment for cows. Local dairy farming represents a style of sustainable dairy farming that consumers are also increasingly interested in.”

Strong consumer support New research reveals that nearly all [88%] of consumers believe that Irish dairy is superior to dairy produced elsewhere in the world. Country of origin is an important factor for nine in 10 [92%] of consumers buying dairy products, while eight in 10 [82%] want the dairy industry to be protected and supported for future generations. This data and research comes from the European Milk Forum survey, based on a representative sample of more than 2,038 respondents between the age of 18-65 years in Ireland as part of “Sustainable Dairy in Europe”, a three-year campaign by the European Milk Forum and funded by the EU to gain a better understanding of consumers’ perceptions of sustainability, climate change and the challenges they pose in relation to the dairy sector.

In general, dairy is perceived very positively by the Irish population as a whole as in a recent survey, 78% of Irish consumers perceived Ireland’s grass fed dairy as being superior to that of other countries. Despite the recent interest in dairy alternatives, the NDC believes that the future is bright for the industry.

“The average Irish household consumes 6.5 litres of milk a week, with milk, yogurt and cheese seeing a 2% annual growth,” Kavanagh concludes. “Three out of four consumers see Irish dairy farming as positive due to our grass-based system. We have identified that 2% of the Irish population are Vegan but 50% of this group trust Irish dairy farming and Ireland is the second biggest in Europe for milk consumption, with 99% penetration.”

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Homegrown Heroes: Grow with Aldi

Irish suppliers ‘Grow with Aldi’ Aldi recently listed over 75 new Irish made products as part of the Grow with Aldi supplier development programme.

Mix and Salt & Chilli Mix), Walls Honest Chips, Cork (Chips), Ballyvourney Pudding, Cork (Black and White Pudding), Pizzado Pizza, Co. Down (Fresh Pizza Bases) and Mama Bear Ketchup, Cork (Low Sugar Ketchup) all won a core listing in all 142 stores nationwide.

Mohammed Rashid of Safco Fine Foods in Dublin, whose Fresh Falafel and Falafel Burger were part of Grow with Aldi 2020.

45 of Ireland’s most innovative Irish food and drink producers recently won a new contract to supply Aldi’s 142 stores through its Grow with Aldi Supplier Development Programme. Over 75 exciting Irish-made products went on sale nationwide as part of the Aldi Specialbuys event, kicking off on May 31 for two weeks.

Aldi is investing €500,000 in the Grow with Aldi programme this year, and to date, has invested over €1.5m with small and medium Irish suppliers since it began in 2018.

A diverse range of products were selected for 2020, including cordials, artisan chocolate, baking mixes, Piedmontese beef sausages, Irish farmhouse cheeses and frozen pizzas. The new artisan additions complemented Aldi’s existing portfolio of Irish products. Aldi already works with over 200 Irish suppliers and will sell over €750m worth of Irish goods this year.

Tailored mentoring workshops Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi supports small and medium Irish suppliers in listing with a national retailer. Suppliers receive tailored mentoring, workshops from the Aldi Buying Team and Bord Bia technical experts, teaching them the skills to help grow and develop their product, brand and business.

Five of the Grow with Aldi suppliers will be given a further opportunity, winning a contract for their product to be sold in Aldi’s Irish stores year-round. In 2019, All About Kombucha, Galway (Kombucha), Funky Monkey Foods, Dublin (Curry

The best of Irish food “Now in its third year, Grow with Aldi has consistently delivered for everyone involved,” explained John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director. “Small and medium sized Irish suppliers get the opportunity to have their product sold nationally, shoppers get to enjoy the best Irish-made products being created and Aldi gets to work with even more Irish suppliers. With everything that has happened worldwide over the past few months, we couldn’t think of a better time to be supporting Irish suppliers more. These fantastic products represent the very best of Ireland’s food industry.”

Irish Piedmontese Meat Company Gourmet Beef Sausages from Tipperary’s Blackcastle Farm, one of the products from Grow with Aldi 2020.

Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO, said, “As a nation, we love to purchase locally sourced products; recent research from Bord Bia showed that 76% of people use Irish produce where possible and over two thirds of those surveyed agreed that food of Irish origin was worth paying a little more for. Now more than ever, this is hugely important, and Grow with Aldi not only helps meet consumer demand for Irish products, but also supports small and medium Irish suppliers as they develop the skills and capabilities their businesses need in the current climate.”

For more information, see www.aldi.ie/grow.

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Homegrown Heroes: Love Irish Food

Loving local Kieran Rumley, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, explains why locally produced food and drink brands will be top of mind with consumers in the coming months. is that the product must be produced here in Ireland and with local ingredients, where available. It’s a high ask but the result creates a trustworthy mark in a brand with a recognition factor of 88% (B&A, 2020). Whether for a small scale or large scale producer, its a logo that local food In the absence of Bloom and other food festivals this producers know has year, Love Irish Food ran a digital activity in mid-May real value when talking to highlight 40 of its member brands over an eightto shoppers. day period.

In the sad absence AS we reach a turning point with the of Bloom and other food produce, all of these combine to help the Covid-19 pandemic, food and drink festivals this year, Love shopper know and trust the origin of the producers are under pressure to adhere Irish Food ran a digital food they buy. to demanding protocols in production, activity in mid-May logistics and overall staff care. It has to highlight 40 of its The Brexit factor been a very demanding 10-12 weeks member brands over an There is a looming deadline of July 1 for and still the battle is not over. Local eight-day period. This the UK to decide on seeking an extension producers have played an enormous organic campaign reached to the Brexit deadline. Will they? Won’t role in providing a continuity of supply over 720,00 people and they? Who knows? Either way, there will to the market. There is a greater most importantly, be little opportunity on this occasion for consciousness of local actively engaged UK producers to build up Brexit stock producers and the trust with over 75,000 levels as they have done previously. placed in them, at a time people, showing Given the current Covid-19 challenge, of significant distrust. the in-depth and the typically high demand in the runsupport that is up to Christmas, the January 2021 Brexit Food safety and trust there for Love date will create a very significant supply Over the coming issue to the trade from food producers Irish Food and months, shoppers in the UK to the Irish market. Local its producer in grocery will producers will play a big part at this time members. continue to look in maintaining continuity of supply to If we take for safety in what the trade and keeping the supermarket the shopper is purchased; they shelves stocked. interest that is will increasingly Being part of Love Irish Food and there in locally want to know using the highly recognised logo on-pack produced food where product will help the shopper answer some of and drink, the comes from; there will the questions that they have on trust as genuine interest be a growing need to trust to where the product comes from and to in Love Irish where it is produced and create a lasting relationship between the Food and the how it is produced. ‘Local’, local brand and the shopper. uncertainty and ‘careful’, ‘experienced’ and If you have any questions on Love certain distrust ‘authentic’ will become the Irish Food, or would like to learn more, in knowing bywords over this period.

Kieran Rumley, Executive please contact me directly at the origin of In answer to this, the Love kieran.rumley@loveirishfood.ie. some imported Irish Food member criteria Director, Love Irish Food.

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Homegrown Heroes: Irish Brands

Standing up for Irish brands

It has never been more important for Irish consumers and retailers to support domestic brands.

THE Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on every aspect of Irish society over recent months, with SMEs particularly badly affected. It has never been as important for Irish consumers and, of course, Irish retailers to support homegrown brands, as they bid to get through these unprecedented times.

Words like ‘local’ and ‘authentic’ are top of mind with shoppers, as the provenance of food and drink brands has taken on a new level of importance in consumers’ minds in recent months.

83% of Irish consumers believe that they can help the local economy by buying Guaranteed Irish brands, according to new research conducted by Red C. Additionally, 63% of consumers surveyed declared a preference to buy Guaranteed Irish brands from Irish business/retailers when shopping during Covid-19.

The research was conducted by Red C on a nationwide sample of 1,019 Irish consumers in the period between January 2020 and March 2020.

The research comes at a time when a large number of Irish businesses are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and buying Irish is seen by consumers as a tangible way of supporting trusted local businesses.

Gem Pack Foods Gem Pack Foods has been producing and packing product in Ireland for over 50 years. The company operates from a purpose-built factory in Damastown, Dublin 15, where its full range of products are all packed in the most upto-date packaging formats.

In most of the product areas in which Gem operates, it is the only remaining company packing in Ireland. Currently employing 110 people, Gem Pack Foods aims to be the most cost-efficient producer in the Irish food packaging business.

This year, Gem Pack Foods is the official sponsor of The Great Irish Bake. “Together, we are baking a difference for Temple Street Children’s

Gem Pack Foods is the official sponsor of The Great Irish Bake for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

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Homegrown Heroes: Irish Brands Lidl Ireland launches artisan cheese promotion LIDL Ireland recently ran an artisan cheese promotion in stores nationwide, featuring 11 luxury handmade cheeses locally sourced from across Ireland.

With primary markets such as restaurants and hotels closed throughout Ireland due to Covid-19, local cheese suppliers have been feeling the impact. Hoping to alleviate some of this pressure, Lidl have been working with five Irish artisan cheese suppliers - Cooleeney Farm in Tipperary, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese in Wicklow, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese in Waterford and Bluebell Falls and Carrigaline in Cork - to ramp up supply for this dedicated artisan cheese promotion.

The debut cheese promotion was designed in a matter of weeks by Lidl Ireland’s expert buyers and planners in support of five of the retailer’s local artisan cheese suppliers and all for just €2.99 each, including Wicklow Gold Nettle & Chive Cheddar, a perfect combination of sweet cheddar and peppery greens. For those who love the creaminess and distinct flavours of goat’s cheese, Gortnamona Handmade Irish Goat's Cheese and Bluebell Falls Goats Cheese are the perfect choice. For a sharp cheddar, try Carrigaline Natural Farmhouse or Smoked Cheddar.

“Through our work with Bord Bia, we became aware that many artisan cheese suppliers were impacted hugely as a result of the closure of restaurants and farmers markets. At Lidl, we were keen to show our support for local suppliers impacted, and quickly mobilised to plan a dedicated promotion that showcased some fantastic new producers on Lidl shelves nationwide,” said Kevin Haverty, Buying Director, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.

University Hospital. Gem has already sprinkled hundreds and thousands on the cause in a pledge to raise significant funds for Temple Street Hospital. We are encouraging everyone to join in the fun and help raise much needed funds for Temple Street Hospital by hosting a Great Irish Bake, virtual bake!” notes Bobby Mulligan, Managing Director, Gem Pack Foods.

Gem Pack Foods is a proud and active member of Guaranteed Irish, promoting Irish excellence and jobs and supporting the local community.

Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery, from Ampersand, is the longest established surviving Irish confectionery brand manufacturing today in Ireland. All of Cleeve’s products are produced in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and carry the Guaranteed Irish logo to reflect that they are manufactured in Ireland.

Cleeve’s are best known for slab toffee, which was originally produced in Limerick from the late 1800s and exported all over the world.

Indeed, Cleeve’s slab toffee is fondly remembered as being an integral part of

Ireland’s confectionery industry for most of the 20th century. Original Slab Toffee is available on the market again through Ampersand after they relaunched the Cleeve’s range in 2018.

Today, Cleeve’s 2,000 square metre factory in Newbridge employs 22 people directly and supports Irish jobs right throughout the supply chain. The new confectionery line distributed by

Ampersand relaunched the Cleeve’s Irish Confectionery range in 2018, with a host of top quality Irish confectionery products.

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Homegrown Heroes: Irish Brands Davy Group sponsors Guaranteed Irish Business Webinar Series DAVY Group, a recent recipient of the Guaranteed Irish mark, has been announced as the sponsor of the Guaranteed Irish Business Webinar Series 2020. The series is designed to facilitate business-to-business, networking in an online format at a time of increased remote working.

The series will feature experts from Guaranteed Irish businesses, such as Davy, KPMG, Matheson and CBRE and will focus on issues of importance to Irish businesses including developing roadmaps for the return to work.

Launched on a pilot basis when Covid-19 infection control measures were introduced in March this year, the series now has a weekly reach of over 13,500 listeners. Businesses can access the webinars by visiting guaranteedirish.ie.

“Irish consumers value and actively support trusted Irish brands and like us they view Guaranteed Irish as a badge of distinction and pride,” noted Pat Cooney, Group Head of Private Clients at Davy. “Through the Davy Guaranteed Irish Business Webinar Series 2020, we want to support and learn from exceptional Irish businesses and to assist one another during this challenging period and beyond.”

Commenting, Bríd O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, said, “ Davy’s insights, shared values and deep connection with Irish businesses make them a natural fit for this and future collaborations.”

Ampersand features a quality range of delicious milk chocolate confectionery, bars, toffee and caramels products, which continue the Cleeve’s tradition of using the finest Irish dairy ingredients, a tradition dating back to 1882 when the Cleeve’s brothers first established the business in Limerick.

Cleeve’s is a brand that is steeped in Irish heritage and gives consumers the opportunity to relive nostalgic memories with the older generations and create new memories with the younger ones, while also supporting Irish brands and jobs in the process.

For more information on Cleeve’s, please call the Ampersand sales line on (01) 4130150 or email info@ampersandsales.ie.

Ballymaloe Foods from one generation to the next: pictured are Yasmin Hyde, founder of Ballymaloe Foods, with her daughter Maxine Hyde, General Manager, and granddaughter, Cara.

Ballymaloe Foods In 1990, Yasmin Hyde began producing Ballymaloe Relish in her kitchen, using her mother, Myrtle Allen’s, recipe.

Since then, the family-run business has been on the exciting journey of bringing delicious tasting products to kitchens

all over the world. It continues to grow and now produces a range of relishes, sauces, and pickles in their purposebuilt kitchens located in Little Island, County Cork. Ballymaloe Foods has always been a progressive company in the areas of lean manufacturing, low

Aldi supports artisan cheeses OVER the last numbers of weeks Aldi has offered a helping hand to small Irish suppliers and businesses who have been affected

by Covid-19 restrictions. From protein balls and craft beers, to baked good and flowers, Aldi has supported all industries within the retail sector.

From June 13, Aldi has stocked a range of Irish cheeses from suppliers in collaboration with Irish Cheese Direct (ICD), a group of seven top Irish farmhouse cheesemakers who work together to directly supply the Irish retail sector with artisanal, local products. This new partnership with Aldi involves three of the seven Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers: Cashel Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers, Co. Tipperary; St. Tola, Co. Clare; and The Little Milk Company, Co. Waterford.

“We are very happy during these challenging times to be participating in this Irish Farmhouse Cheese promotion with Aldi, and are happy that more consumers will get to enjoy Irish Farmhouse cheeses made from speciality milk from cows, goat and sheep,” said Siobhán Ní Gháirbhith from Inagh Farmhouse Cheese.

Sarah Furno from Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers noted how “Aldi Ireland are contributing towards the future sustainability of the diversity of Irish agriculture through this special release, limited period, speciality Irish cheese offering.”

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Homegrown Heroes: Irish Brands water usage, recycling, community support, and renewable energy.

Today Ballymaloe Foods is run by Yasmin’s daughter, Maxine. The company has 33 staff and 14 products and exports into Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and the US.

Flahavan’s Flahavan’s Overnight Oats is a convenient combination of delicious Flahavan’s Irish wholegrain oats, dried fruit and seeds, which can be prepared in advance and enjoyed straight from the fridge. Available in two variants, Raspberry & Apple and Cranberry & Chia Seeds, Flahavan’s Overnight Oats contain over 65% wholegrain oats, providing a natural source of fibre and the slow release energy that’s great for keeping you going until lunchtime.

With taste and nutrition at the heart of this vegan friendly range, Flahavan’s Overnight Oats were developed primarily to appeal to younger audiences, seeking healthy convenient breakfast solutions for busy lives. Overnight Oats in general have gained traction in recent years among sports stars and nutritionists, who emphasise the convenience and health benefits of preparing nutritious oat-based breakfasts in advance and consuming them on-the-go to work or before your workout.

Flahavan’s Overnight Oats range is available in retailers nationwide.

Flahavan’s Overnight Oats is a convenient combination of delicious Flahavan’s Irish wholegrain oats, dried fruit and seeds, in two variants: Raspberry & Apple and Cranberry & Chia Seeds.

SuperValu to sell €2.5m of new potatoes in 2020 SUPERVALU forecasts that it will sell €2.5m worth of new Irish potatoes this year, with overall potato sales across its store network set to reach €37m.

Demand for locally produced and sourced variants like Queens and Homeguards is growing and SuperValu forecasts that there will be a 10% rise in new potato sales compared to 2019 figures, which is reflective of consumers increasingly turning to homecooked meals.

SuperValu is expected to source approximately 150 tonnes of new season Irish potatoes during the summer season, and one of SuperValu’s main potato suppliers is K&K Produce, based in St. Margaret’s, Co. Dublin.

Founded by Tommy and Deirdre Kennedy, K&K Produce is a second-generation operation, with five family members working across different areas of the business. K&K Produce has been supplying potatoes to SuperValu stores since the 1980s and currently Tommy Kennedy Senior from K&K Produce, which has been supplies its delicious, locally-grown produce to supplying potatoes to SuperValu stores since the 1980s.

SuperValu’s own brand new potato range.

“Working with SuperValu has allowed us to expand our company and we now employ 80 staff,” said Tommy Kennedy. “We pride ourselves on sourcing homegrown Irish produce and our partnership with SuperValu is a perfect match, as they are real supporters of local producers and businesses.

“We have also been quick to respond to evolving consumer trends and we were one of the first growers to introduce Baby Potatoes to Irish shelves. They have become a firm favourite with Irish shoppers and are now one of our most popular products. This is all thanks to our relationship with SuperValu, who have always supported healthy, nutritious and locallygrown food.”

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “As the number one supporter of the Irish food industry, we are delighted to be bringing the best of Irish food to shoppers at a time when people are cooking at home more than ever before.

By supporting suppliers like K&K Produce, customers can also take heart from the fact they are providing a boost to the local economy during these uncertain times.

“The Kennedys are longstanding suppliers to SuperValu, and we will continue to work with them and other growers to deliver that great Irish staple, the new potato, to our customers. To provide that additional bit of inspiration to show all the different types of meals that can be prepared with the humble spud, we are posting new recipes on a daily basis on SuperValu.ie.”

5 Reasons to Choose An Post Retailer Services as your Card Payment provider Part of the An Post Group Because An Post Retailer Services is part of An Post, you can trust that your payments will be processed safely, securely, and effectively.

An Post has been named the most reputable organisation in Ireland, according to the annual Ireland RepTrak® 2017 study.

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

Reduce your card payment fees In switching to An Post Retailer Services, some of our retailers have saved up to 30% on their Card Payment charges.

Contactless payments available Customers can touch their payment card on your An Post Retailer Services terminal and quickly pay for items that cost €30 or less.

Shorter term contracts available An Post Retailer Services offer a range of different card payment bundles and contract lengths. While some providers may tie you in to contracts lasting up to 3 years, we offer 6 and 12 month contracts.

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An Post Business Deposits

Our aim is to offer you a flexible and convenient business Deposit service, which fits around your schedule, and which helps lower your current cash lodgement charges.

Your local Post Office You can choose to lodge your cash in most of the 950 Post Offices nationwide. Most of our customers choose their local Post Office.

Longer opening hours An Post Post Offices offer longer opening hours than most banks.

Saturday lodgements Many of our current customer’s avail of Saturday lodgements in their local Post Office.

Next day settlement Importantly for SME’s, all cash lodged before close of business in your chosen Post Office will be available in your account the next working day.

Fast track lodgements The process for lodging cash is quick and straightforward. Many of our clients avail of our additional Fast Track lodgement service which speeds up the process even further.

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Low cost fees We offer our cash lodgement customers some of the lowest rates in the market.

The particular fee you will be charged depends on the number and value of lodgements you intend to present at your Post Office each week.

Freecall: 1800 300 150 Email: retailerservices@anpost.ie Postal Products

PostPoint stores can offer a range of postal products and services, including National and International Stamps, and Christmas Stamp Booklets.

National and International stamps are in high demand all year round, with the average PostPoint retailer selling almost 9,000 stamps per year.

Bill Payments

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

Transactions are quick and convenient for you and your staff.

You simply scan a customer’s bill and accept payment over the counter in a matter of seconds.

Top Up Products

Through PostPoint, you can offer customers a range of convenient Top Up products, including Mobile Phone Credit, Park Magic, TollTag.ie and paysafecard.

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

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Snack Food

Return of the snack Snack foods are big business as Irish consumers continue to indulge in their favourite salty treats, with premium and health the main drivers of NPD. THE Irish snack food market is split pretty evenly between the multiple and convenience sector, as consumers enjoy their favourite snacks both at home and on-the-go.

The crisps/potato chips sector is the most important category within savoury snacks and is significant within snacks as a whole in Ireland. Much-loved Irish brand Tayto is second only to Cadbury Dairy Milk in terms of value sales and in 2019 it narrowed the gap with the leading snacks brand, according to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International.

Premium, shared bags of crisps are selling well, as the trend towards staying at home with friends continues, even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Irish brands perform well in this area as consumers are keen to purchase brands that are produced locally with locally sourced ingredients.

Health and consumers’ expectation of new products are important trends in savoury snacks and frequently combined in new product developments, according to Euromonitor. For example, new exotic flavours (particularly in tortilla chips) may be launched in combination with labelling such as gluten-free to attract the health-conscious consumer.

Unlike chocolate confectionery in Ireland which is characterised by multinational players, Irish brands

dominate sales of savoury snacks, according to the Euromonitor report, with Tayto being the biggest. The original Tayto brand is still the largest brand in savoury snacks in Ireland.

While many consumers have good intentions when it comes to eating habits, indulgent treats such as crisps are still among their favourite snacks.

The Tayto Bistro range is getting a name change to Tayto Bistro Occasions, along with an updated packaging design and a new and improved Sweet Chilli flavour.

Tayto shoppers who were intrigued to try these Tayto continues to be Ireland’s favourite new flavours. crisps and snacks brand, holding a Tayto Muchos was the best-selling leading market position with 25.2% value crisps and snacks NPD of 2019 and market share (Source: Nielsen MAT April 2020 saw the brand back with a full ATL 2020, Value Market Share, Crisps and campaign. For the month of March, their Snacks). bespoke TV advert reached 57% of adults 2020 got off to a strong start for Tayto aged 18-34, while outdoor interrupted with the launch of two Limited Edition shoppers on their path to purchase. In flavours. This year, Tayto’s Limited stores, activations included HODs, inEdition flavours were all about original store samplings, price point promotions and retailer exclusive competitions.

Irish favourites: Bacon and Cabbage Tayto has also worked with the Feed and Beef Stew. The in-store launch was the Heroes group to extend its thanks to supported with PR, influencer marketing some of the frontline HSE staff for their and a national 30-second radio ad, work throughout the Covid-19 outbreak. which all led to a very strong pick-up by

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Snack Food The Tayto Field Sales Team added hospital drop-offs to their already busy routes to distribute over 20,000 packets of Tayto Cheese & Onion to the teams at hospitals all over Ireland.

Upcoming, the Tayto Bistro range, which is Tayto’s Gluten Free Hand cooked crisp offering, will have a name change to Tayto Bistro Occasions. The name change will feature an updated design to the packaging and a new and improved Sweet Chilli flavour, which is sure to get consumers’ taste buds tingling. The new Tayto Bistro Occasions design will be on shelves from the end of June.

Post the summer, keep your eye’s peeled for Tayto’s new campaigns which are sure to drive sales in the market.

Hunky Dorys Hunky Dorys is the nation’s favourite crinkle cut crisp and Ireland’s second most popular crisp. The robust brand performance continues year on year, with Hunky Dorys currently holding 8% value share and 6.1% volume share of the total crisps and snacks market (Source: Nielsen, Scantrack,

The O’Donnells range consists of six delicious flavours, all of which are gluten free, and the brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020. celebrate its 10th anniversary. To mark this historic milestone, the brand will be updated with a fresh new look during the summer. O’Donnells premium new packaging designs will be available in-store in August.

As part of the 10-year celebrations of Ireland’s favourite hand cooked crisps, O’Donnells will also launch two new promotional packs. These new promotional packs will be available in September for a limited period only and are sure to sell out quickly.

Popchips Naturally delicious and popped to perfection; Popchips recently launched in the Irish market. Popped not fried, Popchips offer a healthier alternative to a standard crisp:

The Hunky Dorys range is Ireland’s favourite crinkle cut crisp range.

Total Crisps and Snacks MAT March 2020).

Hunky Dorys is the ultimate ‘Hunger Buster’, the most satisfying alternative to a standard crisp. Each flavour in the range offers consumers full-on flavour in every bite: Cheese and Onion, Salt and Vinegar, Sour Cream and Onion and Buffalo. Each bag is packed full of flavour and attitude; the ultimate ‘Stampede of Flavour’.

Earlier this year, Hunky Dorys activated online and partnered with Balls Media to giving consumers the chance to win three weekends of Rugby (Dublin, London and Edinburgh), redeemable in 2021. This campaign was activated on digital and social media with exceptional engagement rates. Also during this period, Hunky Dorys partnered with multiple retailers, giving away bespoke competition prizes via in-store activations.

O’Donnells Hand Cooked Crisps O’Donnells Hand Cooked Crisps are the leading hand cooked crisp brand in Ireland (Source: Nielsen MAT Value Sales March 2020, Crisps & Snacks). Over the last 10 years, Ireland has fallen in love with the taste of O’Donnells crisps, which were founded in 2010, by Ed O’Donnell.

Since the 1700s, Ed’s family have farmed at Seskin Farm, Co. Tipperary. His passion for food and his desire to create an authentic premium crisp, working with local Irish food suppliers, led to the development of O’Donnells premium hand cooked crisps. Today, the O’Donnells range consists of six delicious flavours, all of which are gluten free and each flavour has won many awards throughout the years for their great taste profile.

In 2020, O’Donnells hand cooked crisps will

• • • • •

Less than 100 kcals per pack; Half the fat of fried crisps; Gluten free; Suitable for vegetarians; No artificial anything.

The range comes in Impulse (23g) and Multipack (6x17g) formats with two delicious flavours, Barbeque and Sour Cream and Onion.

Who needs backyard smoke and sizzle to enjoy a lipsmacking barbeque? With Barbeque flavour Popchips, consumers will taste tangy sauce and a hint of smoke on every chip. So, pull up to the picnic table and savour the flavour, guilt free!

Sour Cream and Onion: Some things just go together; slip

Recently launched Popchips are popped not fried and come in two delicious flavours, Barbeque and Sour Cream and Onion.

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Snack Food and slide, cut and paste, selfies and sticks, and sour cream and onion. On their own, sour cream is tangy and onion is savoury and slightly sweet but together, they’re a power couple, a taste sensation of delicious togetherness!

Pringles Two iconic brands are coming together this summer to encourage people to get snacking and snapping. The new Pringles summer campaign gives snackers the chance to win a brand-new red Polaroid Now camera along with exclusive Polaroid film.

Launched on May 25, this exciting on-pack promotion will be available across Europe throughout the summer.

The distinctive Pringles cans will feature the newly designed Polaroid Now camera along with the iconic Polaroid frame and will encourage shoppers to ‘Pop & Win’ during the promotional period.

The new Polaroid Now instant camera comes with all you need to catch life as you live it. With autofocus, double exposure, self-timer, and a more human-friendly flash, it’s simple to capture those spontaneous summer moments in that iconic Polaroid frame.

For a

chance Pringles is giving snackers the chance to win a brand new red Polaroid Now camera and film this summer. to win, shoppers can simply enter the 19-digit batch code found on Pringles cans into Pringles.com to see if they’re a lucky winner. The #PringlesSummer campaign will be supported by a fun TVC, eye-catching POS and impactful social media posts across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. “Working with Polaroid has simply been ‘picture perfect’ in delivering such an exciting campaign and we can’t wait to bring this promotion to shelves across Europe,” said Miranda Prins, Pringles VP. “It might not be the summer we all wanted but it’s the perfect time to have

Keoghs Farm campaigns to thank frontline heroes

For a chance to win the Polaroid Now camera, shoppers simply enter the 19-digit batch code found on Pringles cans into Pringles.com to see if they’re a lucky winner. some fun capturing those spontaneous summer moments whilst enjoying your favourite snack.”

To find out more information, visit pringles.com or search #PringlesSummer on social media.

Keogh’s Crisps Keogh’s Crisps have been up to tricks with the launch of their new WTF flavour! The new packs are designed to tease the taste buds, as consumers have to guess what the flavour is. Packs of the ‘mystery flavour’ are being rolled out to stores over the summer months and already Keogh’s have been inundated by crisp fans guessing what the secret ingredients are. Popular guesses include ‘Bacon’ ‘Chicken & Thyme’ ‘Beef & Stout’ and even ‘Spice Bag’; who knows but consumers are loving giving it a shot to be in with a chance of winning a trip to the home of the secret ingredient supplier. The new flavour will be revealed later this summer. For more information, visit www.keoghs.ie/competition.

THE Keogh family have been busy over the last few months, not just keeping production lines going, so shelves are stocked, but campaigning to say a much needed ‘Thank You’ to Ireland’s healthcare workers.

April saw Tom Keogh create a public fundraiser initiative www.IrelandThanksYou.ie which aims to get a personal thank you into the hands of Ireland’s frontline healthcare staff right across the sector.

So far, he has raised €100K, meaning 1,000 people will receive a special edition Ireland Thanks You One4All gift card to the value of €100 each.

“Like many, I have close family and friends who suddenly found themselves on our frontlines, fighting for us in this invisible war against Covid-19,” said Tom Keogh. “I just felt those working in healthcare really deserve a personal thank you from the people of Ireland, so we put a campaign together to enable people to do this. All the thank you’s will go to people right across the healthcare sector. They may be a nurse, a doctor, a speech therapist, physio or support staff, anyone in the frontline in our ICUs and Covid wards – they deserve to be thanked.”

Those looking to support can still donate and support on www.IrelandThanksYou.ie.

Frontline health worker Elaine Curran was one of the recipients of a special Ireland Thanks You One4All gift card thanks to Tom Keogh’s public fundraiser initiative.

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In-Store Efficiency

Taking stock of your profits!

Simon Hedaux, founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, examines why high stock levels are damaging your business and advises on how to fix this.

SHREWD business owners have always understood that positive cashflow is the life blood of their business. Reports in the UK and US suggest that between 80% and 90% of small business failures are due to cashflow problems.

Stock levels matter because they tie up assets and can be a major contributor to cashflow challenges.

Most operators understand the impact of stock holding on their finances. What is less obvious is the impact on the efficiency of the operation. These are the top issues created by high stock levels.

1. Delivery and fill up workload When stores receive more stock than they can fit on their shop floor, it creates work to sort the stock into items to go straight to shelf and those that should be diverted to the stockroom for storage. Or everything is moved to the shop floor, causing congestion for customers and any excess moved again to storage areas. Whichever way it happens, the team handle stock more than is strictly necessary, creating more work.

This inefficiency can be further compounded when stores don’t have the best equipment for moving stock and poor access to stock storage areas. We’ve seen excess stock shipped to the stockroom by multiple journeys with a customer shopping basket or trolley. A roll cage or fit-for-purpose stock trolley would reduce trips and time taken. Back shop areas are not always set up for peak efficiency, as anyone who has had to carry stock upstairs will tell you. And perhaps worst of all is when stores incur the hire costs for a container to store their

overflow stock. Not only are they notorious targets for thieves, it is so easy for out-of-sight stock to become out of mind too, only to be rediscovered at a future date.

2. Stock counts and on-shelf availability The more stock you have, the more there is to count so, stock counts take longer. And, the impact of high stock levels goes further. Retail tests tend to show that as more stock counts are completed, stock file accuracy falls, and the more stock there is, the more inaccurate they are. When lines are stored in multiple locations, counts become more inaccurate and when there is so much stock, lines get hidden behind other stock.

Either all the stock must be moved every time a count is done, or items are likely to be missed. Stock count problems are the root cause of the phenomenon where stores have both high stock levels and poor on-shelf availability. As counts become more inaccurate, there is a tendency for the faster selling lines, those that really matter for your customers, to be out of stock.

Most stores with a stock system will have stock counts generated for negative stock file lines and undertake gap counts. High stock levels and inaccurate counts combine to create a vicious cycle of more counts and more errors in the counts, creating extra workload for the team and poorer onshelf availability for the customer.

Most retail business have a small core of higher selling lines and a longer tail of slow selling lines – and it is these slower selling lines that tend to be the part of a high stock problem.

The fastest growing retailers in grocery include Lidl and Aldi, whose model is to minimise choice for customers, creating a simple and lower stock model for the store teams to run. They focus on shelf availability as it really matters if a line

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In-Store Efficiency

About the author: is missing, yet it is much easier to get stock levels right when there is only one variety of baked beans to manage.

3. Stock sell-through For date-marked lines, stock levels really matter as too much stock creates write-downs that can wipe out the profit from selling them. For fresh lines, the task of checking dates and mark-downs can become a significant part of the workload. In studies of a small supermarket chain, it was found that up to 10% of total time was spent checking dates and actioning markdowns. When the end-to-end workload was considered, the sales generated had heavy costs attached.

If too much stock causes problems,

what is the most efficient stock model?

Just in time delivery of singles that fit directly to shelf creates the least wasted efforts in-store and optimises stock holding. Combine this with stock counts for gaps and nearly gaps only.

Negative stock lines can be auto reset to zero and all routine inventory stock counts can be abandoned in the best stock model. Many retailers are initially alarmed at the recommendation to stop regular line counts and to auto zero negatives. The reality is we have got used to being busy with stock, and counting becomes a security blanket. If you stop counting and minimise stock handling time, how much time could you free up?

A retailer had a service offer in some

Simon Hedaux is founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, a world leading productivity partner which helps businesses to drive efficiency, boost productivity and optimise budgets. For more information see rethinkproductivity.co.uk.

of their stores and believed they couldn’t roll it out further as there was no team capacity to provide it. Measuring time spent on stock showed them that they could direct work away from stock management to provide a service that would benefit the local community and the business. A win-win that they hadn’t realised was there.

And as a last thought, if you have stores with more stock than they really need, is it driven by the company’s buying and stock management policies? For example, buying volume deals for big discounts and underperforming promotions that pushes stock into stores? Or is it poor process compliance and inaccurate stock files that are the root cause?

Both need different approaches to solve them and, in our experience, there is often a mix of both happening at the same time.

For peak efficiency, free up your teams from the burden of high stock levels and use the freedup resources to drive additional value for your business.

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Nivea

Get your game face on with Nivea Men NIVEA Men, Ireland’s number one male facecare brand (Source: Neilsen ROI Extended Scantrack 52-week data to June 17, 2018) and the official men’s grooming supplier to Liverpool FC, is helping men to embrace their sensitive side.

With 65% of men claiming to have sensitive skin (Source: TNS Sensitive Usage & Attitude report 2015, Russia & Germany), the Nivea Men Sensitive Range protects against the five signs of irritation: burning, redness, dryness, tightness, and itchiness.

Fresh & invigorated Specially developed to immediately alleviate dry and tight skin, the Nivea Men Sensitive Range will have you feeling fresh and invigorated all day long. The unique formula, which contains 0% alcohol, Chamomile and Almond Oil, moisturises and calms the skin as well as softens stubble as it grows.

The facecare range includes a Nivea

Men Sensitive Face Wash, Shave Gel, and Post Shave Balm, alongside its much loved cleansing and bodycare products, including a Nivea Men Sensitive Shower Gel and Nivea Men Sensitive AntiPerspirant.

All Nivea Men Sensitive products can be used together to prevent skin irritation and ensure a comfortable, groomed and fresh feeling for longer. The Nivea Men Sensitive Range is available in grocery stores and pharmacies nationwide.

The Nivea Men Sensitive Range has been specially developed to immediately alleviate dry and tight skin.

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Pet Food

The Pet Set! Premiumisation is driving growth in the pet food sector, as we treat our four-legged friends to the finest products available on the market.

DESPITE contracting volume sales of pet food, pet care in Ireland is maintaining steady value growth in 2020, according to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International.

Consumers, especially millennials, are willing to spend more on pet care as pet humanisation and the premiumisation of products accelerate.

Human trends, such as positive nutrition, natural ingredients, clean label (no artificial colourings or preservatives), free from and paleo foods, have crossed over into pet food. Other key trends include high protein and high meat content, which is related to pet owners’ search for higherquality pet food products.

Euromonitor predict that the value growth of pet care in current terms is expected to be higher in over the coming years, due to the continued premiumisation of pet care as consumers seek the best for their beloved pets.

Dog food Increasing urbanisation in Ireland continued to lead to a growing number of owners choosing smaller or specialist breeds, as dogs continue to be regarded more as companions rather than working animals. This resulted in a wider range of products aimed at particular breeds/sizes, such as adult/ senior/puppy, as well as large/small dogs in 2020, according to Euromonitor.

In addition to the positive nutrition trend, whereby dog owners seek natural ingredients or clean label, free from, paleo or high-protein products, consumers are also looking for environmentally-friendly or organic dog food, Euromonitor reveal. Authenticity and the local sourcing of ingredients are

also becoming crucial, influenced by the humanisation and premiumisation trends.

Although dry dog food recorded slightly lower retail volume sales than wet dog food in 2020, retail value sales remained higher. Irish dog owners are increasingly prepared to purchase premium dry dog food in order to provide high-quality nourishment for their dogs. The trend towards veganism also crossed over into dog food with the launch of the first vegan dog food on the Irish market.

Cat food Wet cat food remained the most popular variant in Ireland, with strong value growth in 2020 as both manufacturers and customers focused on this product type, due to the convenience of single-portion pouches. Cat food packaging is shifting away from metal food cans towards pouches, according to Euromonitor, who also reveal that continued urbanisation is leading to steady growth of the cat population.

The Cat treats category is expected to record the strongest retail volume growth within the overall Irish pet care market over the coming years, according to Euromonitor, with an excellent retail value performance also anticipated. Cat treats are more expensive than dog treats, while dog treats are much more developed than cat treats, resulting in strong opportunities for growth of cat treats going forward.

Manufacturers continue to respond to Irish cat owners’ preference for high-quality nutrition for their pets, investing in more premium products with extra added value, not only in the premium but also the mid-priced segment, according to Euromonitor.

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Pet Food Naturo Since launching in 2013, the Naturo brand presence from Mackle Petfoods has grown exponentially, with the Dungannon based business, now generating multi-million euro sales each year.

This growth is reflective of the changing attitudes to maintaining the health and wellbeing of pets, with many pet parents now switching from other brands to a natural pet food offering.

Humanisation and natural are terms which are helping to drive the dog food category as dogs are now often seen as a member of the family and should be treated as such in all manners and respects, especially when it comes to what we’re putting in their tummies - we want our pets to eat as healthily and have as

Naturo launched a Grain Free Naturo Dry food to the market in late 2019, with both a chicken and a turkey flavour offering. much choice and variation in their diet as we do!

In recent years, the Naturo range has increased from four varieties to over 30, as a result of constant innovation and new product development in response to these customer desires and market trends. One of these desires is an undeniable demand for a Naturo Dry product to complement the popular wet food range. Customers asked and Naturo answered by launching Grain Free Naturo Dry food to the market in late 2019, with both a chicken and a turkey flavour offering.

At Naturo, everything starts with the health and wellbeing of pets and so ensuring they have access to a well-balanced, nutritious diet is key.

Feeding dogs a mixture of both wet and dry food can help achieve this, as dogs

will be able to avail of the advantages that both diets offer; for example, wet food may aid them when it comes to hydration, whereas dry food may help aid in the dental hygiene of dogs.

With the Naturo wet food brand having built such trust and reliability with its customers and consumers, it was only natural to add a dry food offering to the portfolio to complement the wet!

Naturo Grain Free dry food is a complete pet food for dogs which is 100% natural, omitting artificial colours, flavourings and preservatives and with no dairy, no soya and no wheat. Both the chicken and turkey variants have 50% meat content with 33% vegetables and the essential vitamins and minerals to help keep dogs in a healthy condition.

With even more innovation currently in the Naturo pipeline across both wet and dry variants, this is definitely a brand to watch in the upcoming months.

For more information, visit www.naturopetfoods.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram (@naturopetfoods) for all of the latest news!

Naturo Grain Free dry food is a complete pet food for dogs which is 100% natural, omitting artificial colours, flavourings and preservatives and with no dairy, no soya and no wheat.

High quality natural pet food for a truly healthy diet Minim

50%

um

High Q ual Meat ity

STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM

STRONG BONES & JOINTS

GOOD SKIN AND COAT

HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

www.naturopetfoods.com

@naturopetfood

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Covid-19 Pandemic

Are you ready for the ‘new normal’?

Artem Bielozorov, PhD student at the School of Business at Maynooth University, identifies five practices that he believes will become the new normal in the retail grocery sector.

MANY grocery retailers have experienced severe challenges in recent months, coping with a surge of traffic at both physical and online stores as customers stockpiled and panic bought at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis. Scaling up operations quickly to serve that demand proved particularly difficult for some.

The potential threat of transmitting or contracting the virus at each interaction with other people has transformed the customer journey in physical stores. Retailers of all types, but grocery stores in particular, must be prepared to act quickly to respond to these changes, while also learning from the experience of their counterparts in other countries.

Even if retail managers have come up with plans to overcome short-term disruptions, they need to begin medium- and long-term planning to help their business recover and adapt to the new, post-Covid-19 retail landscape.

Here are five practices which will heavily impact the grocery retail sector after the Covid-19 pandemic has passed.

1. E-grocery shopping will grow Online grocery shopping adoption has been relatively slow worldwide, but the current coronavirus pandemic will

accelerate this dramatically. According to a recent survey

by CivicScience in the US, 47% of customers said they were shopping for online groceries during the week of March 22, 2020, compared to 11% just three weeks before. A separate survey in the United States found 41% of those who ordered food online during the previous week were first-time online grocery customers (Source: Source: Gordon Haskett Research Advisors Survey, March 13, 2020).

Among the major challenges with e-grocery for customers is getting used to selecting and ordering a large number of various items, which many previously found to be too much of an effort, sticking to traditional in-store shopping. The forced quarantine, however, has significantly accelerated that process and the convenience inherent in ordering online for either home delivery may be too much for some consumers to ignore after the pandemic is over.

2. BOPIS (buy online pick up in-store) / Click & Collect Conventional definitions of “store” have begun to change. The current crisis has demonstrated that the most important job retailers do is simply helping the customers acquire products without them having to step foot inside the premises.

Similar to e-grocery, buy online pick-up in-store (BOPIS) has seen a sharp increase. In the US, Kroger announced its first pickup-only store for click-and-collect orders, Starbucks announced plans to make all of its stores to-go only for the foreseeable future, and Walgreens announced that it too would convert its 7,300 pharmacy drive-thru windows for grocery pick-up.

For retailers, this comes with both pros and cons. In-store foot traffic drives planned and impulse purchases and helps

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Covid-19 Pandemic them utilise the square footage they are already paying for, which increases profitability. On the other hand, retailers will save on labour and shipping costs.

Furthermore, pick-up services drive sales from time- and convenienceminded customers who want to acquire products not just when they want them but where they most want them and with the peace of mind that human interaction is no longer the only available option.

3. Checkout-free retail as a new norm Today, everyone is aware that keeping social distancing and staying out of potentially contaminated areas is of utmost importance and grocery retailers are putting huge effort into preventing the coronavirus from spreading in stores through active use of technologies.

Checkout-free retail has already been in place in many shapes and sizes.

It can come by way of mobile scan-andgo setups, like what one finds in Zippin, or it can come by way of an Amazon Go-like experience, where people scan a barcode to get into a store and then just take everything they want off the shelves and walk out. Both options have their pros and cons in different situations, but both settings mean consumers don’t have to interact with human beings at all.

Amazon is planning to open 3,000 cashierless stores by 2021 and it is not saving this technology for itself. Since March, a Just Walk Out technology used in Amazon Go stores and accompanying software has been offered to other retailers, enabling them to provide the

same fast and convenient self-checkout experience to their own customers.

4. Contactless payments as a must The trend towards contactless payments is at full speed these days. Health experts say the bacterium density on notes and coins is similar to that on grab bars in public transport and door handles in public toilets. So paying without touching any surface seems more reasonable than ever due to the coronavirus’ ability to survive on coins and notes passed between people and store staff.

Walmart has already announced that, along with its new practice for customers to pay in-store and pick up their order deliveries contact-free, people can now simply use Walmart Pay on the Walmart app to initiate payment by way of a barcode scan as opposed to touching screens or anything else.

Although this practice doesn’t seem brand new, Walmart’s announcement means the idea has now gone mainstream and that it will likely grow across the entire retail industry.

Even in cash-loving Germany, the amount of contactless bank card transactions has increased from 35% to 50% since the start of the year, the Association of German Banks says.

After the Covid-19 crisis is over, it makes no sense that consumers will return to the old cash-based payments when better, safer, and more convenient contactless options, whether they be retailers’ own apps or inventions like Apple Pay or Google Pay, are available.

Retailers need to think hard of what a

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen huge growth in online grocery shopping.

ARTEM Bielozorov is a PhD student at the School of Business at Maynooth University, Ireland, and Lero, the SFI Research Centre for Software. He is also a part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Network ‘PERFORM’ funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Programme.

Artem has a Master’s Degree in International Management and Leadership from Lauder Business School, Vienna, Austria.

Artem investigates organisational capabilities and key success factors required for implementation and re-use of cross-channel delivery processes in the digital retail context. point-of-sale terminal will look like in the long run.

5. Growing automation The Brookings Institute recently published its view that a recession is likely to bring about a sharp increase in labour-replacing automation, with employers cutting down on less-skilled workers. They argue that automation grows fast during recessions and could bring fundamental changes to the labour force in the near future.

Today, warehouse, grocery, and delivery workers are the positions increasingly subject to automation.

In parallel, AI solutions to improve automation in retail continue to advance, making a completely automated retail supply chain from warehouse to grocery or restaurant to home increasingly likely.

However, it is not only blue-collar work that will be affected by new automation practices. Gartner predicts that technologies such as virtual personal assistants and chatbots will replace up to 70% of managerial duties.

While there are many uncertainties, one thing is for sure, consumer shopping habits are changing and retailers need to find reliable ways to embrace these changes while remaining financially viable.

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Hygiene

When health = wealth Effective hygiene practices can play a huge part in the successful reopening of our economy.

THERE was a time when in-store hygiene primarily meant checking best before dates on stock, ensuring fridges were maintained at the right temperature and that staff wore gloves while working on the deli counter. I’m being a little facetious but there is no denying that our concept of the whole area of hygiene has changed utterly in recent months.

We are all far more aware of the need for effective and regular hand washing; we’re learning about the different grades of face masks available; we’re also becoming more germ aware than ever before. Did you ever believe you’d be checking bottles of hand sanitiser to check which had the highest alcohol levels?

Initial Hygiene, a leading expert in commercial hygiene, has issued advice to businesses that will be reopening as the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed in the coming months in response to the Government’s phased approach. While most grocery stores have remained open the entire time, as an essential service, it makes interesting reading nonetheless.

First and foremost, the company advises all organisations to continue to adhere to all relevant guidance from the Government and the HSE with regards to health and safety.

Additionally, Initial’s hygiene tips for businesses include: • Install hand sanitiser dispensers at key areas around your premises, including at entrances, outside lift doors, in reception areas, kitchens, and washrooms;

• Disinfect your premises, in particular the most commonly contaminated ‘touch-point’ areas. These include lift buttons, desks, computers, and door handles; • Ensure that the hygiene facilities in your washrooms are operational and up to a high standard; • Encourage employees to employ proper handwashing and hand hygiene practices. This includes washing their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds; • Ensure there is adequate signage in your office to promote proper hand washing practises; • Ensure there is adequate signage and floor markings to note the 2 metre distance; • For businesses that utilise fleet vehicles, ensure to sanitise common touch-points such as vehicle door handles, steering wheels, dashboards, and gear sticks; • Personal equipment such as hand-held phone devices should not be put on any surface in a common area.

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Hygiene Adopting robust hygiene protocols The company is advising that washrooms in particular are the most high risk area for spreading pathogens. Initial Hygiene recommends that companies’ washrooms should be regularly cleaned and maintained, and that they are outfitted with the necessary equipment to ensure top hygiene standards.

Dr Colm Moore, Area Technical Manager for Initial Hygiene, said: “As companies begin reopening around the country in the coming months, it is vitally important that they adapt to our new reality by introducing robust hygiene protocols. This will help to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers.

While proper hygiene measures have always been important, now more than ever it is something which businesses need to be mindful of.”

Initial Hygiene recently launched a ‘Back To Work Hygiene Kit’ for companies to issue to their employees, with each kit containing hand sanitiser, hygienic wipes, and a face mask.

The company has also prepared a free guide for businesses, to help them to reopen in a safe manner, which contains free, downloadable posters and literature regarding proper hand hygiene practices, as well as a list of ‘hygiene hotspots’ for different types of businesses. For more information, see initial.ie.

Training for the new normal Meanwhile a Kildare company which specialises in health and safety training advises that every employer must ensure they select a Lead Worker Representative and that their teams are trained in Covid-19 awareness according to the Returning to Work Safely Protocol.

Orlagh Deegan, owner of www.choicetraining.ie, was first to market with Covid-19 Compliance Officer training courses for the construction industry and was delivering training for the hospitality and retail industries well before the launch of the Return to Work Safely Protocol. Orlagh and her team can assist companies with Covid-19 specific risk assessments, policies and procedure documentation. Orlagh’s experience in food safety and infection control has been of great benefit to her and enabled her to develop a suite of Covid-19 specific training courses.

Technology plays its part New technology too will play a part in combating the virus and ensuring that the phased reopening remains on-track. Tesco Ireland is rolling out a technology-based customer number and queue management system across its stores nationwide; the monitor-based 3D imaging system counts customer numbers entering and exiting stores, to ensure an accurate steady flow of people throughout the day.

Tesco Ireland’s monitor-based 3D imaging system counts customer numbers entering and exiting stores, to ensure an accurate steady flow of people throughout the day.

As well as selling reusable face masks from June 4, Aldi Ireland has installed a traffic light system at store entrances in order to further help with social distancing. The new technology was successfully trialled at Aldi’s Naas store and is being rolled out to all 142 Aldi stores nationwide by the end of June. The system works by continuously counting the number of customers entering and exiting the store, showing a green light for capacity and a red light when capacity has been reached. Once the light goes red, the doors to enter the store automatically close and will only re-open again when the next customer leaves the store.

Davis Virtual Events Agency recently announced a nationwide deal with An Post for HanSan, a simple mobile hand cleansing unit that effectively delivers hand sanitiser

Aisling Rowe is pictured demonstrating the HanSan with Conor Nott, Project Lead, An Post, and Paul Davis, CEO, Davis Events, in the GPO.

Orlagh Deegan has developed Covid-19 specific health & safety training courses.

without the need to touch anything with your hands. With no requirement for water, power or waste, HanSan simply operates by foot pump. The unit is mobile, independent, robust, easy and safe to install anywhere, indoors and outdoors, such as retail spaces, public buildings, in parks, on streets and

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Hygiene inside venues. The unit comes in a range of sizes to suit all needs and the messages on the units can be fully branded or altered over time as new information becomes available.

English design and manufacturing business, Regency Design, has launched an automatic hand sanitiser dispensing station with a built-in AI Infrared Face Recognition Thermometer, available in Ireland through Clenz (clenzireland.com). The new station is equipped with a fast, non-contact body temperature reading camera with AI face recognition that can measure temperatures within 100 milliseconds and at a distance of one metre, while someone sanitises their hands. The infrared temperature sensor provides alerts when a person has a high temperature. The system is calculated with an algorithm for object heat and fast detection temperature accuracy, with a temperature sensing range of 30 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius and an accuracy of plus or minus 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Regency Design has launched a new hand sanitising unit with built-in temperature monitorings to help retail stores re-open.

Dettol donates 40,000 products to support HSE in Covid battle

DETTOL, Ireland’s leading disinfectant brand (Source: Nielsen MAT value, February 2020, Total Disinfectants), has pledged its support to the HSE in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland with a donation of 40,000 Dettol antibacterial products.

The Dettol antibacterial products will be distributed to hospitals and health service facilities and sites around the country with the aim of helping to keep these environments hygienically clean.

“We are grateful to Reckitt Benckiser and Dettol for their significant donation to the HSE and the Irish public,” noted Paul Reid, CEO, HSE. “The HSE has had massive support from business, communities, social groups and individuals since the start of this crisis and for this we are hugely thankful.”

William O’Brien, Country Manager Ireland at RB, said; “We want to extend our warmest and heartfelt thanks to all of those who have been working extremely hard, for exceptionally long hours, under extremely challenging circumstances to protect the nation against this virus and save lives. We are delighted to provide extra support to the HSE at this time and hope that this will help the HSE in fighting the pandemic in Ireland. I know everyone at RB feels privileged and indeed proud to work for a company that is playing its part, however small, in this fight.”

New trolley and basket sanitiser from AIR ANGLO Irish Refrigeration (AIR) has just launched a new automated sanitiser for trolleys and baskets. When trolleys or baskets are pushed through the machine, it sprays them with a disinfectant sanitiser for four seconds.

The trolley/basket is covered with a small coating of sanitiser after it is pushed through the machine, which also has an automatic hand sanitiser, so it can cater for the needs of all customers/ staff entering the store. The 25-litre sanitiser drum attached to the machine

ensures that it will clean approximately 1,750 trolleys.

Multiple benefits The benefits include: • No building works required; • No labour costs for cleaning and sanitising trolleys and baskets; • It’s suitable for both internal and external use; • Environmentally friendly; • Controlled use of sanitiser (less waste); • No blue roll/paper required.

“This machine is environmentally friendly and will eliminate the need for staff to be sanitising trolleys/baskets,” explains Niall Jones, Director, Anglo Irish Refrigeration. “It can be installed internally within a shop entrance area or externally beside a trolley bay, for example. The labour savings, along with not having to use blue roll/paper, mean that the sanitisation station will pay for itself in a few weeks.”

For more information, contact Niall Jones on 087 1653801, email sales@anglo-Irish.com or visit www.anglo-irish.com.

Sanitisation Station Trolley / Basket / Hand Sanitiser Full automated sanitisation station all in one unit

Automated hand sanitiser

Sensor action spray system • NO BUILDING WORKS REQUIRED • NO LABOUR COSTS FOR CLEANING TROLLEYS /BASKETS • SUITABLE FOR EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL USE • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY • CONTROLLED USAGE OF SANITISER • NO BLUE ROLL /PAPER REQUIRED

Call Today Niall Jones 087-1653801 Email – sales@anglo-irish.com

Visit our website at www.anglo-irish.com

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Sustainability: Energy Efficiency

Saving money through good energy management

Take a step towards energy efficiency with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, helping you save money through online training and financial supports.

OVER the coming years, Ireland must use less energy, move to clean energy, and innovate to create new solutions to meet our energy needs. Small and medium sized businesses spend over €2 billion annually on energy, of which 10% can be saved through good energy management practices. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is there to help you start on your energy efficiency journey by helping you identify energy saving opportunities, implement energy saving changes, and

lead your organisation’s shift to energy efficiency.

In deciding what work to do, SEAI recommends that you first focus on implementing good energy management practices. They have a great range of online and classroom based training options to support your business.

Free Online Learning with SEAI’s Energy Academy Free online training courses on a variety of energy and climate related topics are now available to the public since April 1, 2020, through SEAI’s Energy Academy.

Modules are accessible in mobile and desktop format, and are quick and easy to complete. They are designed to teach you and your staff about reducing energy use and in turn saving money.

For learners in the retail sector, a retail specific syllabus is available. It takes less than two hours to complete, and provides students with a Certificate of Completion for the SEAI’s Energy Academy offers free online training courses on a variety of energy and course. This certificate climate related topics.

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Sustainability: Energy Efficiency demonstrates your company’s commitment to educating staff about energy and can be displayed at your premises. These courses are also a great way of engaging, upskilling and retaining staff.

SEAI are adding more modules all the time. For example, you can now access training on the following topics: • • • • • • • • • • •

Energy and Climate Change Business Energy Efficiency Lighting: The Basics Lighting: Design Home Energy Efficiency Heating Energy Efficiency Refrigeration Energy Efficiency Electric Vehicles Electricity Bill Analysis Office Energy Efficiency Behavioural Change

Details on how to access the courses are available on their website: www.seai.ie/energyacademy.

Musgrave embarked on an energy efficient upgrade programme, which was supported by SEAI’s Community Grant Scheme: pictured are the solar panels installed at SuperValu Fermoy, Co. Cork.

Introduction to Energy Management SEAI also offers practical stepby-step energy training tailored to your business. This more indepth energy efficiency training helps you to understand your energy consumption and reduce your energy use. Their ‘Introduction to Energy Management’ is a one-day training course that is specifically developed for small and medium sized businesses.

At this course, you will learn how to analyse your current energy bills to help you understand and save energy. Attendees will finish up the day with a register of energy-

“

SuperValu and Centra have achieved savings in the region of €31m over six years, since they embarked on an energy efficient upgrade programme, supported by SEAI’s Community Grant Scheme.

”

saving opportunities specific to your organisation that can reduce your carbon impact and start saving.

The course akes place regularly throughout the country. However, if you have a group of c.15 businesses interested in such training, SEAI can arrange for a customised one-day course.

Registration is free of charge; however, spaces are limited.

Other supports for businesses Once you have implemented good energy management practices, you can start considering energy efficiency upgrades and renewable sources of energy. SEAI’s financial supports can assist with these upgrades, with grants available for small and large-scale projects.

The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat is designed to assist businesses in replacing fossil fuel heating with renewable heating sources.

The Project Assistance Grant provides funding for feasibility studies and project energy audits to help businesses decide if an energy saving project is suitable for them.

The Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme allows a sole trader, farmer or company that pays corporation tax in Ireland to deduct the full cost of energy saving equipment listed on the Triple E Register from their profits in the year of purchase. This scheme is administered

by Revenue; SEAI maintains the Triple E Register.

The Community Grant is for

businesses, homeowners, and community facilities of all sizes in a community that come together and apply as a group for funding for upgrades. A central Project Coordinator assists with the group’s application.

The EXEED (Excellence in Energy Efficient Design) grant is for companies that are planning a major investment in facility upgrades and that are committed to achieving EXEED standard through the upgrades.

Daniel Murphy, Musgrave’s Cost and Sustainability Manager, shares the benefits of their energy efficient upgrades which were supported by SEAI’s Community Grant Scheme: “We set ourselves the ambitious target of reducing the energy consumption of our SuperValu and Centra estate by 20% by the year 2020. The results the team has achieved are staggering. Over 50,000 light fittings and 1,300 refrigeration cabinets have been replaced. We’ve installed Solar PV to five stores and plan on installing Solar PV to 30 stores over the next two years. Total savings of about €31m have been achieved in the last six years.”

Application deadlines and requirements for each grant may vary.

Please check the SEAI website for the most up-to-date information.

For more information on the above supports and grants and how SEAI can assist your business in becoming more energy efficient, visit www.seai.ie or contact the Business Team on business@seai.ie.

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Sustainability: Aurivo

Aurivo highlights its approach to a sustainable future A new video highlights the significant steps taken by Aurivo co-operative towards a sustainable future.

IN a new video, Aurivo co-operative has announced that measures taken over the past five years, underpinned by significant capital investment of €37m over three years, have put the business of Aurivo on a stronger sustainable footing.

“In the process of achieving positive and ambitious targets, we aim to do so in a sustainable way, ensuring operational excellence and long-term growth for the co-operative into the future,” explained Donal Tierney, CEO of Aurivo. “As a key stakeholder within the dairy sector, we are integrating more sustainable processes within the co-operative. Sustainability is embedded in Aurivo’s mission and we are continuing to make operational improvements to ensure a sustainable future for the co-op.”

Sustainability achievements Aurivo’s sustainability achievements to date include:

Reducing its carbon footprint • Aurivo is reducing road miles on approaching 500m litres of milk delivered every year across a transport network in 14 counties. Aurivo replaced oil with woodchip to produce half of its heat energy to process milk and reduced carbon emissions by 50%.

Each year, from using woodchip and gas, carbon emissions are reduced by 25,000 tonnes.

Aurivo will move to bio-based cartons for

• At its liquid milk plant, all its milk and is working with suppliers Aurivo invested in heat pump and partners to reduce plastic packaging. technology to reduce on-site fossil fuel consumption by 80%.

Pioneering a sustainable future A new packing machine produces fully • Aurivo’s farmer members operate high renewable milk cartons, manufactured standards of animal welfare. Through from sugarcane and paperboard. its farm programmes, Aurivo works with The company will move to bio-based farmers to reach targets for grasscartons for all its milk and work with based dairy. Aurivo’s annual Milk Quality suppliers and partners to reduce Awards recognise these champions. plastic packaging.

“We strive to pay the highest milk price to our milk suppliers to ensure Improving its processes their business is sustainable,” Tierney • Clean energy light technology across explained. “As a member of Bord Bia’s Aurivo has delivered significant energy Origin Green, we are committed to savings. As production increases, improving dairy production.” water and electrical efficiencies come

from operational excellence and new Aurivo’s focus continues to be on growing a technologies. “We strive to reduce sustainable business that will not our carbon footprint only create value for its members through improvement but will ensure a certain future and innovation,” Donal for its farms and communities for Tierney noted. “Aurivo generations to come.

supports farmers to ensure our environment Aurivo’s sustainability videos can be found here: and rural communities www.aurivo.ie/sustainability. thrive for future generations.”

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Sustainability: Renewable Packaging

Aldi milk moves to plant-based packaging Aldi’s 1-litre fresh Irish milk has moved to fully renewable and plant-based packaging, which will affect 13.7m cartons of milk each year.

ALDI Ireland recently announced that all its 1-litre fresh Irish milk cartons are moving to fully renewable and plantbased packaging, a change which will affect more than 13.7m cartons of milk annually.

The move to renewable packaging, which sees cartons being made from natural materials such as sugar cane derivatives, has already been implemented across some of Aldi’s Clonbawn fresh Irish milk range, including 1-litre organic, skimmed, protein and buttermilk, as well as 500ml full fat milk. The remaining milk cartons will move to renewable packaging by August 2020, and all cartons will be fully recyclable.

Using less CO2 The new cartons cost between 25.5% and 31% less CO2 to produce, meaning more than 113 tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) will be saved annually once changes are fully implemented.

Aldi has been working with two of its Irish suppliers, Arrabawn and Lee Strand, over the past 12 months to bring the changes into effect. To ensure customers are aware of these

changes, Aldi has introduced a new ‘Fully renewable’ logo which customers can look out for in stores, making it easier to identify products with the new packaging.

Lowering environmental impact “Moving our 1-litre Irish milk range to fully renewable and plant-based packaging is our latest step towards a more environmentally-friendly future,” explained John Curtin, Aldi’s Group Buying Director. “The new design means cartons cost less CO2 to produce, lowering their environmental impact.

While materials such as sugar cane derivatives are being used in the making of these new cartons, customers can rest assured that our fresh milk still has the same great taste as always. We understand customers are looking for more sustainable options when they shop, and at Aldi we are committed to moving towards a more sustainable future.”

To date, Aldi has implemented a series of changes in stores such as introducing compostable and recyclable packaging in its fresh herb range, replacing black plastic trays

John Curtin, Aldi’s Group Buying Director. with cardboard trays in its S/S Tomato range and introducing three new environmentally friendly bag options in its stores, saving the use of 12.5m plastic bags annually.

Much of Aldi’s Clonbawn fresh Irish milk range now comes in renewable packaging, including 1-litre fresh, organic, skimmed, protein and buttermilk, as well as 500ml full fat milk.

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Sustainability: Tesco Ireland

Tesco’s renewable gas initiative Tesco Ireland is partnering with Kildare-based Green Generation to reduce its carbon emissions through sustainability innovation, by purchasing renewable gas made from its own surplus food to power stores.

TESCO Ireland will reduce its carbon emissions by 1,200 tonnes per annum through its partnership with Green Generation on a renewable gas initiative facilitated by Gas Networks Ireland.

The move, involving changes to its food management process at retail store level, will see enough renewable gas created from Tesco’s food surplus to power six of its stores in Ireland.

As the first, and only, retailer in Ireland to publish independently assured food waste data, Tesco has successfully achieved zero food waste to landfill since 2009. As part of the new initiative, Green Generation will process Tesco’s remaining food surplus, which has not been donated to FoodCloud, Tesco’s surplus food charity partner since 2014, or given free of charge to colleagues, at its anaerobicdigestion plant in Nurney, significantly reducing the retailer’s operational carbon emissions.

Fed into the gas network at nearby Cush, Co. Kildare, Tesco will now purchase the renewable gas outputs from the

facility via Naturgy, the energy supplier, taking a circular economy approach to minimising its carbon footprint.

“This new partnership with Green Generation aligns with our Little Helps Sustainability plan, which guides us in tackling climate change and food waste and allows us to support indigenous and creative solutions to the increasing challenges faced by society as a result,” explained Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland. “This new initiative will help us in our ambition to become a zero-carbon retailer by 2050, as we work together to support national and international climate action.”

Clean, renewable and carbon neutral Renewable gas, sometimes referred to as biomethane, is a clean, renewable and carbon neutral fuel.

Its potential as a renewable fuel for transport, heat and electricity as part of the transition to a low carbon economy, is well-recognised.

The dedicated renewable gas entry point in Cush became fully operational in May and joined Corrib and Kinsale as the three indigenous gas sources on Ireland’s network. Once flowing at maximum capacity, Cush can supply renewable gas to approximately 11,000 homes.

Green Generation, the company producing the carbon neutral gas, invested €2.5m in the Nurney facility.

Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland.

A sustainability milestone Green Generation’s Billy Costello said he was proud to be working with Tesco and a host of other Irish companies, including Diageo, to deliver renewable gas to Ireland’s gas network: “We are proud to be at the forefront of developing a new green energy in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland and are delighted to reach this milestone and see renewable gas flowing on Ireland’s gas network.

“We have been generating energy from waste for a number of years and know that renewable gas can not only solve our energy issues, but it can also help deliver a truly sustainable circular economy, by harnessing food and animal waste to deliver clean energy.”

Gas Networks Ireland invested €1.7m in the Cush injection point and is planning to develop larger renewable gas entry points across Ireland in the coming years.

“Substituting renewable gas for natural gas is seamless,” explained Gas Networks Ireland Managing Director, Denis O’Sullivan, who said Ireland’s challenge is to decarbonise in the most efficient way possible and that renewable gas facilities like that in Cush and partnerships with companies of the calibre of Tesco and Diageo are key to delivering on a cleaner energy future: “Renewable gas is a key pillar in our vision to fully decarbonise the gas network by 2050, along with hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. We are delighted to facilitate Tesco and Diageo in embracing this technology, both as a supplier of waste and a user of clean energy.”

46|Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Drinks News Cider sector needs urgent investment to cope with Covid-19 pandemic GOVERNMENT supports are required in the coming months to assist the Irish cider industry in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and to ensure it continues delivering for the Irish economy, according to a new report released on World Cider Day (June 3) by Drinks Ireland - Cider. The value of cider exports rose significantly last year, by 32%, to over €64m, primarily driven by UK exports, while total cider sales in Ireland decreased by 1.7% between 2018 and 2019, with around 63m litres of cider sold last year. Per capita consumption of cider also declined by 0.47%, in line with an overall decline in alcohol consumption. Drinks Ireland - Cider has called for urgent cashflow supports for cider producers, including the deferral of all further excise and VAT payments until the crisis has passed, as well as a reduction of the commercial rate charge, in line with the reduction in turnover, for the period of the pandemic. It also urged the Government to allow for direct online selling to support the Irish craft drinks sector. Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks Ireland – Cider, said: “While the Covid-19 pandemic has hit the cider industry like many other sectors hard, with adequate supports it can bounce back.”

Irish Distillers wins prestigious award

IRISH Distillers has been named Importer of the Year at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020. The Importer of the Year honour recognises the achievement of the distiller who attains the greatest number and level of medals. This year the award highlights Irish Distillers’ consistent commitment to producing whiskeys of outstanding quality to deliver exceptional experiences for discerning whiskey drinkers around the globe. In addition to honouring Irish Distillers with one of its top awards, the judges of the annual tasting competition awarded its portfolio of Irish whiskeys with six Double Gold medals, including an exceptional performance from its celebrated and historic Spot range as Red Spot, Green Spot and Yellow Spot all collected a Double Gold medal, along with Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength and Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest.

Irish Cider Market Report 2019

drinksireland.ie/cider

Barry & Fitzwilliam to distribute White Claw Hard Seltzer BARRY & Fitzwilliam has been appointed by Mark Anthony Brands International as its distribution partner for the White Claw Hard Seltzer brand in the Republic of Ireland. Known for its strong track record in alcohol beverage innovation, Ireland-based Mark Anthony Brands International developed the White Claw Hard Seltzer brand for launch in the USA in 2016, and the brand dominates the US seltzer category with close to 60% market share. White Claw Hard Seltzer is made from the finest natural ingredients; a blend of sparkling water, gluten-free triple distilled spirit, and a hint of natural fruit flavour. At only 95 calories, 4.5% ABV and just 2g carbs, White Claw Hard Seltzer is available in three refreshing flavours: Raspberry, Black Cherry and Natural Lime in 330ml sleek cans with an RRP of €3.50. “We see a tremendous opportunity to build the Hard Seltzer market here and we are looking forward to bringing the biggest seltzer brand in the world to these shores,” said Michael Barry, Managing Director, Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Walsh Whiskey joins Hotaling in USA IRELAND’S Walsh Whiskey’s brands, including The Irishman and Writer’s Tears, have joined the esteemed portfolio of Hotaling & Co. in the USA, who now become the sole US importer, assuming all marketing and sales responsibilities. “We were immediately drawn to Walsh Whiskey’s passion and innovative style of blending triple-distilled, Irish single malt and single pot still whiskeys to create a unique flavour profile,” says Dan Leese, President and CEO of Hotaling & Co. “The premium and above Irish whiskey categories have seen tremendous growth in the US over the past five years, and as one of the most highly awarded Irish whiskey portfolios, we are excited to be the exclusive importer of eight expressions of The Irishman and Writers’ Tears to the US market.”

Bubble Brothers introduce innovative sustainable wine packaging BUBBLE Brothers Wine Merchants, based in The English Market, Cork, has made the environmentally conscious decision to ‘Go Green’ with its new wine delivery packaging.

Sourced from the UK, the new sustainable packaging called ‘Pulpsafe’, is made from 100% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable and reusable. “Since the advent of Covid-19, there has been a surge in orders from our website for home delivery, and we were delighted to find a robust, sustainable solution for shipping by courier,” explained Billy Forrester, Managing Director of Bubble Brothers Wine Merchants.

Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie|47

Drinks News Teeling Whiskey launches Barry & Fitzwilliam distribute Kylie Minogue two new single malt whiskeys Rosé BARRY & Fitzwilliam is the Irish distributor for new Kylie Minogue Rosé. To coincide with her birthday on May 28, pop icon Kylie Minogue launched her signature French rosé in collaboration with Benchmark Drinks. An elegant, bespoke blend made from Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the sun-drenched southern French Coast, the wine is beautifully presented in a long-neck curved bottle with an engraved label featuring Kylie’s signature, finished off with a bespoke pearlescent capsule.

Aldi renews partnership with Irish craft beer breweries OVER the past two months, Aldi has reached out to a number of its current small suppliers, as well as some new ones, in order to support their businesses during the current pandemic.

Rascals Brewing Company, Black Donkey Brewing and Brehon Brewhouse are three Irish suppliers that Aldi has partnered with, enabling these three small Irish craft breweries to supply all 142 Aldi stores nationwide, a lifeline during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each supplier had Specialbuy Craft Beers on sale in Aldi for a number of weeks. Lough Gill Brewery came on board with Aldi to launch their Native IPA beer as part of the summer seasonal range. In support of current suppliers during the pandemic, Aldi has extended this contract into the autumn season and given additional support to help Lough Gill Brewery meet the supply required for Aldi stores nationwide.

TEELING Whiskey launched two new expressions of its award-winning range of Single Malt whiskeys to honour this year’s World Whiskey Day on May 16.

Teeling Brabazon Series 3 - 14-Year-Old PX Sherry Finished saw Teeling working with a unique and high quality, family owned winery dating back to 1729 in the famous Jerez area of Spain. Teeling 28-YearOld Vintage Reserve Single Malt was first distilled in 1991 and matured in Bourbon casks, then allowed marry in Sauternes wine casks, producing a wholly unique taste experience. Jack Teeling, founder and Managing Director of Teeling Whiskey, commented, “We are extremely proud to be able to release these unique and high quality bottlings of Irish Single Malt during a very challenging time for our industry and more importantly, humanity.”

Molson Coors launches Bodega Bay hard seltzers MOLSON Coors Beverage Company has secured an exclusive distribution partnership for the Bodega Bay hard seltzer range across Ireland and the UK. The move follows Molson Coors rebranding as Molson Coors Beverage Company at the end of last year, signalling its intention to continue expanding its portfolio beyond beer. The Bodega Bay range of low-calorie sparkling alcoholic drinks at 4% ABV includes two distinctive, premium flavours: the flora and fauna-inspired Elderflower, Lemon & Mint, and superfoodinfused Apple, Ginger & Acai Berry. The drinks are available in 250ml cans with a Californian-inspired design, and Bodega Bay has also recently partnered with The Thirst Project, pledging to invest at least 1% of its sales to bring clean drinking water to people in need across 13 countries worldwide.

Seaweed-inspired finish for Writer’s Tears WALSH Whiskey has released the second in a series of collaborative experiments with the legendary Dick Mack’s Pub & Brewhouse in Dingle, Co. Kerry. Writers’ Tears Seaweed IPA Cask Finish is a truly exceptional creation that brings together an old Irish whiskey recipe of Single Pot Still and Single Malt whiskeys, finished in a unique cask infused with the flavour of an 8% IPA beer laced with a seaweed harvest from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. “This time around, we wanted to capture the unique flavours and influence of the harvested kelp seaweed, lashings of which were used in the creation of Dick Mac’s Seaweed IPA,” explained Walsh Whiskey founder, Bernard Walsh. “Writers’ Tears is known for pushing the boundaries of creativity, and how better to showcase that than with the first Seaweed Finish that Irish Whiskey has ever seen.”

The single cask has now yielded 306 individually numbered bottles of Cask Strength (56.3%) super-premium whiskey (RRP €82).

48|Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Sponsorship

Sports fans want return to action The Onside Sponsorship Market Monitor reveals that Irish consumers believe sponsorship of sporting and music events is more important than ever. far,” Trainor noted, “with high interest and viewership gains won for many.

Over six million viewers tuned in across Germany for Sky’s coverage of the return to football between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke, which represents a doubling of what would have been expected for the game under normal circumstances. Similarly, the return of Nascar’s North American stock car racing series on May 17 delivered an average audience of 6.32m viewers for US broadcast network Fox, up nearly 40% compared to the last race to take place before the series was paused due to the current pandemic.”

Trainor noted that: “Among the 17% in favour of events going ahead in Ireland with live attendees later this year, 50% capacity is the preferred option, with close to one in 10 generally open to the major sports events tested in our research being played in half-filled sports stadia.”

John Trainor, Founder and CEO of Onside.

THE majority of sports and music/ arts fans in Ireland believe that in today’s economy, it is more important than ever for companies to invest in sponsorship. The latest wave of the Onside Sponsorship Market Monitor found that 53% of sports fans and 60% of music and arts event goers feel that sponsorship is more vital than ever before. Indeed, 56% of avid Irish sports fans went on to say that they would be more inclined to support companies or brands who in turn continue to support their favourite sports events and teams through sponsorship.

One in five Irish adults support the idea of playing landmark Irish sporting events, including the GAA Senior Football & Hurling Championships, Guinness 6 Nations & Autumn Series Rugby and FAI League of Ireland, behind closed doors and viewable digitally in the second half of 2020, with a further 17% in favour of reduced capacity crowds being allowed to attend such games,

according to Onside.

The survey also revealed that 44% of Irish adults claim that they will only attend live sports events or concerts when a vaccine is available for Covid-19, with the varying sports fan bases of GAA, rugby and Irish soccer largely aligned on their return-to-play preferences.

Four in 10 Irish adults also believe the remaining Republic of Ireland Senior Men’s International Team qualifiers for the postponed UEFA European Championships in 2021 at the Aviva Stadium should be played out later this year. According to John Trainor, Founder and CEO of Onside, “Age is a definite factor in Irish adults’ return-toplay preferences. While three in 10 young Irish adults aged 18-24 are against these games being played out this year, this grows to 52% of adults aged 45-64.”

Early movers reap viewership rewards “The return to sports on the global stage has been a success for early movers so

A cautious approach to arts The Onside survey also uncovered a more cautious approach by the Irish public to returning to live music, arts and theatre performances at major indoor venues in 2020, with one in four in favour of reduced capacity or digitally streamed music concerts, while close to six in 10 would rather see such events in major indoor entertainment venues hold off on a return until 2021.

Striking a somewhat positive note for income streams of sports, music and theatre rights holders in Ireland, 30% of Irish adults would be ready to buy a ticket now to a major sports, music or theatre event that is due to take place in the first half of next year. Trainor notes that: “Encouragingly for the indoor music and theatre sector, their ‘regular fans’ in particular are more likely to be ready to buy into 2021 shows now, with 48% of regular goers to venues like the 3 Arena and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre ready to buy tickets now for 2021 shows at such venues.”

Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie|49

Tobacco

Let’s be clear: menthol cigarettes are banned Peter Nixon, Managing Director at Philip Morris Limited in the United Kingdom and Ireland, stresses that Philip Morris no longer produces menthol cigarettes and clears up a mistake over a recent advert.

MENTHOL cigarettes were banned across the EU on May 20. Despite the fact that we’ve all known about the ban for quite some time, the last couple of weeks has seen a great deal of confusion – amongst consumers, within the trade and now in the press. As makers and sellers of tobacco products, we are serious in our responsibility to clear up the confusion surrounding our products

and to demonstrate our compliance with the law.

At Philip Morris, we have discontinued all our menthol cigarettes.

Just as importantly, we stayed away from introducing accessories, such as menthol flavour cards or filter tips. This was a deliberate decision.

There is, however, one area in which we should have done better.

Confusion We placed an advert in this publication designed to introduce you, our retail partners, to a new variant called Marlboro Bright. As most of you know, Marlboro Bright is a traditional cigarette that has no menthol in it and is sold in standardised packaging.

However, our advert described Marlboro Bright as the “the Marlboro menthol blend – without methylation”, a poor choice of words open to misinterpretation. And yes, “methylation” is a typo. It was meant to say “without menthol”.

The ad was a mistake. It should not have run. And I am writing to you now to make it completely clear that Philip Morris cigarettes are compliant with the law.

Adding to the confusion, on May 30, The Irish Times claimed that we justified Marlboro Bright’s compliance because “the cigarette doesn’t taste of menthol when it is smoked”. We never said this. Marlboro Bright tastes just like a traditional non-menthol cigarette because that is precisely what it is.

Retailers have responsibility too It is also important to note that The Irish Times was able to purchase a pack of Marlboro Green, a discontinued menthol brand, after the ban took effect. Make no mistake: the law is clear and this sale was illegal. Just as we have stopped making menthol cigarettes, retailers have a responsibility not to sell menthol cigarettes. This is why we introduced, and are continuing to run, a buy-back scheme for our discontinued menthol cigarettes – and we are here to help if you need any more details about this.

The ban on menthol cigarettes is now in place. Every manufacturer and retailer has a responsibility to adhere to the law with the products they make and sell. Please know that I take this responsibility very seriously – just let us know if you have any outstanding questions about our products’ compliance with the law, or how you can take part in our buy-back scheme.

50|Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: News

Circle K opens new Dungarvan service station CIRCLE K has opened the newest station in its nationwide company owned network, Circle K Dungarvan. A total of €2.5m was invested in the redevelopment of the new site, which is located on the N25 road at Gallows Hill, Kilrush Roundabout, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, and will serve an estimated 18,000 customers daily.

The new site is a full redevelopment of the local service station and a significant addition to Circle K’s network of service stations in the south east of Ireland. The opening of Circle K Dungarvan brings the total of Circle K’s company owned stores to 159 nationwide. Circle K has retained employment from all staff who worked at the service station prior to the redevelopment, resulting in the creation of 13 jobs in the locality.

Like all service stations in Circle K Ireland’s network, a range of protective measures has been implemented at the new site in Dungarvan to ensure appropriate levels of hygiene, social distancing as well as staff and customer health and safety at this time.

Circle K Dungarvan boasts a wide range of superb offerings, including Circle K’s high-quality fresh deli food range, signature Real Hot Dog offering, Circle K’s own Simply Great Coffee, a wide selection of pastries, as well as its signature flavour range of Froster frozen soft drinks, and soft serve ice-cream.

“At this time, it is important that we do all we can to support local communities in Ireland more than ever, so I am delighted

Paul Dixon, Senior Director of Retail Sales and Operations, Circle K Ireland, pictured at the new Dungarvan service station. that this new site is opening as we continue to journey through the crisis together,” said Paul Dixon, Senior Director of Retail Sales and Operations, Circle K Ireland. “At Circle K, the health and safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority and our new service station opens with a range of protective measures in place.”

Maxol supports fundraiser for Aware DEMAND on mental health services is expected to remain high for a long time due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Dominic Layden, CEO of leading mental health charity Aware, who was speaking ahead of the launch of the charity’s latest fundraiser, supported by Maxol.

Aware provides free support services to people impacted by anxiety, depression, stress and other mood-related disorders, and is currently seeking to bring up to 200 additional trained volunteers on board in anticipation of the huge increase in demand for its services arising from the pandemic. The charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising events to support its services. However, with most of its planned activities cancelled, Aware urgently needs funding. Together with its charity partner Maxol, Aware is now calling on the public to do two things: Maxol brand ambassador, Irish and Ulster rugby star, Jacob Stockdale launches the Phone A Friend fundraising campaign for mental health charity, Aware.

1. Phone a friend, neighbour or colleague because sometimes a friendly call can be a lifeline; 2. Text PHONEAFRIEND to 50300 to donate €4 to Aware.

Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie|51

Forecourt Focus: News

Maxol moves into the renewable energy sector

Pictured are bright co-founders Ciaran (left) and Stephen Devine (right), with Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group.

MAXOL is moving into the renewable energy sector with bright, a new, technology-based energy supplier, which has vowed to disrupt the Irish energy market. Using a unique software platform and specially designed app, it will offer just one simple tariff and provide customers with affordable green electricity at a fair and transparent price.

Bright was founded by entrepreneurs, Ciaran and Stephen Devine, who have been operating in the renewable energy sector for many years, in partnership with Maxol.

“This is a significant move for Maxol as we look to diversify our business by making a move into the renewable energy sector,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group. “Such a move was an intrinsic part of our growth and diversification strategy, but it was crucial that we partnered with the right people with the experience, technical know-how, entrepreneurial spirit and vision to make it happen. This is great news for Irish consumers and the Irish energy market and is a fitting way for The Maxol Group to mark its centenary year, as we celebrate the past, while looking to the future.”

“The electricity market in Ireland is overly complicated and it doesn’t need to be” says Ciaran Devine, who co-founded bright alongside his brother Stephen.

“Bright’s beauty is in its simplicity. We are offering one simple variable rate tariff to everyone – that’s it. So, when prices fall, savings can be passed on to bright’s customers, the way it should be.”

Bright has created 15 new jobs at its Belfast HQ where it will manage its island-wide operations, with the company planning to double its workforce in the coming months.

At its core, bright is utilising modern technology to provide

100% green electricity to homes across Ireland, something that is central to the company’s ethos. Its unique software will also lead to even greater benefits when smart electricity meters are rolled out across the country.

“The world is evolving faster than ever, and we want to be at the heart of that change, so bright’s technology platform isn’t just for the here and now. It is designed to help our customers save money and become more efficient as the technology in their homes evolves, and that’s something we’re really excited about showing over the next 12 months,” said Ciaran Devine. “We’re also looking forward to bringing bright’s tech-driven, transparent approach to the gas supply market later this year. That will allow our customers to easily manage their gas and electricity using our app. So, they’ll no longer need to deal with different suppliers and dozens of confusing tariffs.”

Bright will be available to domestic electricity consumers across Ireland from the end of June 2020 and will launch in Northern Ireland in late summer. A further announcement regarding its gas supply offering will follow later in 2020. For more information, see www.brightenergy.com.

Lucky Cork Lotto ticketholder scoops €250,000 Lotto Plus Prize RAY’S Centra/Applegreen service station on the Limerick Road in Charleville, Co. Cork, sold a winning Lotto Plus 2 ticket worth €250,000 over the June bank holiday weekend. “My brother, Brendan and I set up this store over 15 years ago and this is our first big Lotto win so we’re absolutely over the moon for one of our customers,” sad co-owner Ray Lee, pictured (right) celebrating the win with his brother Brendan (left), and staff members Zara White and Emily Flynn.

52|Retail News|June 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Shelf Life CIRCLE K has revealed that sales of its range of Froster drinks almost doubled in recent weeks, with over 100,000 cups of Froster sold nationwide during the June bank holiday weekend alone. Currently available in 135 sites nationwide and with a further rollout planned in the coming months, Circle K’s range of Froster ice cold beverages, which include flavours such as Coca Cola, Fanta Blue Raspberry and Orange Freeze, have taken the nation by storm.

Sales of Froster increased by 46% over the week of the Bank Holiday in comparison to the week before. Sales of Circle K’s soft serve ice cream have risen by over a third (35%) over recent weeks in comparison to sales for the same timeframe last year.

AWARD winning seafood producer, Carr & Sons Seafood Ltd, from Killala, Co. Mayo, has acquired HJ Nolan Seafood, Dublin.

Both Carr & Sons Seafood and the HJ Nolan Brand will be part of the esteemed Mondi Group. Erling Charleson, owner and founder of Mondi, is thrilled for this opportunity to continue the legacy of this historic brand into the future. Going forward, Nolans Products will be produced at the Grade A accreditation facility in Killala, Co Mayo. For more information, visit www.carrandsons.ie.

BARILLA, the largest producer of pasta in the world, has announced the roll-out of its new 100% recyclable packaging. This packaging will be implemented across the brand’s bestselling products, including Penne, Fusilli, Spaghetti, Lasagne, Linguine, Tortiglioni and Mezze Penne Tricolore, and is constructed with a combination of paper-based materials and 100% virgin fibres, all of which are sourced responsibly from certified sources. To ensure ease of disposal for consumers, Barilla’s new packaging features instructions and visual aids that correspond to the appropriate recycling measures. This not only benefits the customer in terms of convenience and peace of mind, but also contributes to the brand’s ethos of ‘Changing our World, One Pack at a Time’.

POPULAR health food company, Linwoods, which supplies its range of tasty Superfoods across Ireland, has unveiled a new visual identity, including a new brand logo and pack design, following a major customer research project and a €560,000 investment. The rebrand champions the health qualities of the Linwoods product range and encourages customers to take care of themselves by adding nutrients and vitamins to their diet. As part of the rebrand, the company has also launched a new Immunity Campaign to educate consumers on the healthrelated benefits the products provide.

John Woods, founder and owner of Linwoods Health Foods, is pictured with some of the new look products.

WEXFORD based craft brewery YellowBelly Beer has announced a partnership with craft beer specialists Alpha Beer & Cider Distribution. From June, ABCD will commence national distribution of YellowBelly’s craft can range. This coincides with a new addition to its flagship range, Pirate Bay Session IPA, which joins an already stellar line-up including award winning beers Citra Pale Ale, Castaway Passion Fruit Sour, and Kellerbier Unfiltered Lager. Pirate Bay is a juicy, tropical, hazy session IPA with a bitter kick, at a reasonable ABV of 4.5%. The can boasts the now familiar artwork from YellowBelly’s resident artistic director Paul Reck.

BERNARD and Rosemary Walsh, the founders of Walsh Whiskey (Writers’ Tears & The Irishman), have declared the company’s commitment to raise €16,000 to fund 1,000 hours of homecare for seriously ill children under five years of age. The Covid-19 pandemic is creating serious financial trouble for many charities, including the renowned Jack & Jill Foundation, www.jackandjill.ie. Walsh Whiskey will undertake a range of initiatives during 2020, beginning with the Facebook Livestream raffling of Bernard & Rosemary Walsh’s personal collection of a complete set of Writers’ Tears Vintage Cask Strength, superpremium, triple-distilled whiskeys on July 9. The complete collection is worth up to €2k but participants in the raffle will have the chance to win it and support the Jack & Jill Foundation for just €16 per ticket. Each ticket sold will buy one hour of special home nursing care and respite for a child and family supported by The Jack & Jill Foundation.

GRENADE has added a new limited-edition fruity flavour to its Carb Killa range, the Strawberry Ice Cream Carb Killa bar.

Featuring a natural strawberry flavour, combined with a thick white chocolate coating, and filled with the renowned Carb Killa crispies, this on-the-go nutritious summer snack is packed with 21g of high-quality protein and less than 2g of sugar, staying true to Grenade’s high protein, low sugar credentials. With no spoon or freezer required, this healthier alternative treat is the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious consumers looking for something a little lighter to curb their cravings – without compromising on taste.

SINCE June 10, Keelings are supporting their partner charity, ISPCC Childline, with their special ISPCC Childline donation packs. Over four weeks, Keelings are donating 10c from every pack of berries sold to this very deserving charity. “Keelings is an Irish-owned, family-run business, and as such, family values are hugely important to us,” said David Keeling, MD, Keelings.

“We are in unprecedented times, which are affecting everyone differently, especially children who have no experience with factoring a pandemic into their lives. We are delighted to continue our partnership with ISPCC Childline, whose services and support are invaluable now more than ever.”

It’s your Call‌ You

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

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

To Donate: ww.igbf.

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

Registered Charity No: 6577 Registered Friendly Society No: 1775

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