Retail News November 2020

Retail News NOVEMBER 2020

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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NO. 1

AWARD

WINNING RETAILER

2020

PRODUCER: BALLYHUBBOCK FARM, CO. WICKLOW

2020

2020

SUPPLIER: SHAMROCK FOODS LTD.

233 AWARDS

FROM SUPERVALU & FOOD ACADEMY PRODUCERS & SUPPLIERS AT GREAT TASTE & BLÁS NA HÉIREANN AWARDS 2020

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

Contents News 2

Retail outlets found to have low Covid infection rates among staff.

3

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards cancels product awards for 2020.

Christmas cheer?

IT is hard to believe we are heading into the Christmas period already in this strangest of years. With the country in the midst of a sixweek Level 5 lockdown, retailers and consumers alike are praying that December brings an easing of restrictions, allowing us to celebrate the festive season in some way, although we all know it’s still going to be a Christmas like no other.

Still, shoppers across the country are eager to try to celebrate and to treat themselves as much as restrictions will allow, which should bring opportunity for retailers over the coming weeks. So inside, you will find the annual Retail News focus on Christmas Stocking, where we highlight some of the ‘must stock’ brands across spirits, wine, beer and other categories (Page 39-60).

Also inside, we take to CPM Ireland’s Managing Director, Lorraine Butler, about why the company’s new *Shopt app is a win-win for brand owners and retailers (Page 24). We keep our focus on retail technology with a fascinating report from Fujitsu Ireland’s Kenneth Keogh on how the pandemic has sped up the adoption of innovative tech (Page 28). Elsewhere, we report on the ECR Community’s global review of Category Management practices throughout the retail sector (Page 32) and reveal the winners of the National Organic Awards (Page 34).

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director

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Retail Technology 28

Dublin grocery sales set the scene as restrictions tighten nationwide; Aldi announces winners of €200,000 primary school competition.

Tesco Ireland Community Fund donates over €118k to Covid-hit communities; Bord Bia launches 2021 Talent Academy.

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update 30

Surge in demand for food support at Barnardos; Tesco Ireland retains Free From Product Range of the Year accolade.

National Organic Awards

Daybreak offers a fresh approach to retailing, with all the advantages of partnership with Musgrave.

18

Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund 22

The IGBF is set to host its first virtual Christmas event, Jingle & Mingle, on December 4, raising much-needed funds in this strangest of years.

32

34

Described as a virtual sales rep, *Shopt is a new app which rewards retailers for performing certain tasks by putting money directly into their bank

ECR Community has released a major publication on category management.

The winners of the National Organic Awards have been revealed, as Bord Bia research shows 25% of consumers have purchased more organic produce since the arrival of Covid-19.

Online Purchasing 36

One in four Irish people purchased online services for the first time during the pandemic, according to a new PayPal study.

SuperValu 37

SuperValu scooped 119 awards at the 13th annual Blas na hÉireann Awards.

Christmas Stocking

39

The Retail News Interview 24

Retailers anxious as country moves to Level 5 and Brexit on the horizon.

Category Management

Daybreak 18

The impact of Covid-19 on the grocery sector has sped up the adoption of digitisation and new technology in the sector, writes Kenneth Keogh, Director of Business Development, Fujitsu Ireland.

Green shoots in Covid-19 business recovery; 84% of Irish businesses consider themselves environmentally friendly.

The annual Retail News guide to Christmas Stocking highlights the brands guaranteed to prove popular with shoppers this festive season.

Retail Efficiency

68

24

Simon Hedaux, founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, examines five ways that data analytics can help to improve productivity.

Regulars & Reports

Retail News

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Monthly Update

39 Christmas Stocking

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61 Tobacco Products 67 What’s New 70 Forecourt Focus: News 72 Shelf Life

2|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

News

Retail outlets found to have low Covid infection rates among staff

LAST March, on the day lockdown began, Niall Roche, an environmental health consultant, visited his local supermarket in west Dublin. Panic buyers had turned up en masse to purchase toilet roll and other products and what he saw surprised him.

“It was worse than Christmas,” said Roche. “I was a bit shocked by the overcrowding. A few days later I went back into the supermarket and didn’t see much else going on [in terms of safety].

At that stage, we were in full lockdown.

The only places we could go indoors for gatherings were supermarkets and pharmacies. I thought this was a potential route of infection and that we as shoppers needed to take control of our own behaviours.”

This experience prompted Roche to contact other environmental health professionals and draft a document titled A Quick Guide to Safe Shopping during the Coronavirus Pandemic, which was published by the Irish Global Health Network, where he sits on the board, in late March. The guide was in response “to the lack of consistent hygiene standards in supermarkets across Ireland”.

Despite concerns that retail outlets would become hotbeds of infection, however, retailers ultimately led the way for safety measures during the pandemic. According to the HPSC’s Epidemiology of Covid-19 Outbreaks/ Clusters in Ireland, there were only two outbreaks in retail premises in the week ending October 31, compared to 320 in

private houses.

Retail workers, meanwhile, are not being infected at a higher rate than the general population. Despite remaining open throughout the pandemic, retailers are reporting their infection rates among staff as being below the 1% national rate.

According to a spokesperson for Tesco, “the safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority and we continue to follow all appropriate public health advice. Since the emergence of the pandemic, less than 1% of our colleagues have had confirmed cases of Covid-19; with extensive safety measures in place in stores and distribution sites to protect our colleagues.”

Musgrave echoed this approach: “We have worked closely with health authorities, since Covid-19 emerged, to ensure that we go above and beyond the highest standards in terms of the measures we have in-store and how we respond in the event of a positive test. As a result, less than 1% of colleagues have tested positive for Covid-19 to date.”

Retail isn’t a significant source of Covid transmission, noted Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland. A lot of that is due to the far-reaching measures the sector has taken to protect customers and staff, he told Retail News.

Roche is impressed and surprised that retailers managed to keep infection rates to a minimum among their staff.

“I would have thought that in a work environment, where people are in close contact with each other for extended

periods of time, you would expect to see some super-spreader events,” he said. “The statistics indicate that supermarkets have done very well.

Their staff would have been working in a potentially infectious environment.”

Retailers were forced to adapt as knowledge about the virus changed among health professional. In February, Luke O’Neill, the renowned Irish immunologist, announced on The Late Late Show: “There’s no need to wear a face mask at all... Wearing the face mask might make you feel a bit better, but there’s no evidence it will stop you catching the virus.”

Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland.

Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie|3

News A Quick Guide to Safe Shopping during the Coronavirus also has no mention of face coverings. The WHO later changed their advice, and recommendations in Ireland changed with them, but history illustrates how retail was often operating in an information vacuum.

So how did Irish retailers protect their staff and customers? Firstly, there was a huge investment in PPE, which Dillon estimates ran into millions of euros.

“In many instances, it was done almost overnight,” he said. “It demonstrated the agility of the sector to respond to changing customer needs and public health objectives.”

Purchased PPE included plastic screens, signage and hand sanitiser.

Musgrave introduced plexi-glass, as well as implementing “robust santisation and social distancing measures across all our sites”. The increase in the upper limit for contactless payments from €30 to €50 also helped.

Tesco’s measures included “plexiglass screens at checkouts, hand sanitising stations in-store, increased cleaning of trolleys, baskets and customer touchpoints, providing face coverings for our colleagues and clearly identified physical distancing signage.

We have also installed a technologybased customer number and queue management system across all our stores nationwide, which will reduce queue times for customers.”

Dillon added: “There has been a massive investment around staff training

to make sure the whole workforce is fully up to speed with guidelines.”

Some retailers introduced allocated shopping times for customers. Tesco now opens its doors for over-65s, family carers, and medically vulnerable customers, in the hours to 9am during the week. “We also continue to support our healthcare workers and emergency services personnel, by providing them with priority access at all other times,” said a Tesco spokesperson.

Retailers have not been immune to outbreaks, but supermarket chains have protocols in place to tackle them should they occur. When a staff member tests positive for Covid-19 in Tesco or Musgrave for example, the retailer immediately engages with the HSE. “All cases are closely logged and individually assessed to establish whether any other colleagues need to self-isolate, whether additional testing is required and whether further measures at a store are required,” said Musgrave’s spokesperson.

Retail Ireland’s health and safety team guides its members through protocols and active cases. “It’s important for the retailer to work closely with local authorities to identify close contacts,” said Dillon. “Depending on the nature of the case, there may be a range of particular steps taken to ensure the safety of staff and customers.”

Even now, retailers are having to adapt to advice around safety measures and PPE. Use of visors rather than face coverings, for example, is not encouraged. Ventilation is also thought to be an effective way of stalling the spread

Niall Roche, environmental health consultant. of the virus indoors. “You have particles being suspended in the air if somebody is coughing or sneezing,” said Roche, who advised retail outlets to invest in air purifiers and ventilators.

Ultimately, Irish retailers will continue to adapt to prevent contamination of their premises. “It’s testimony to the responsiveness and the dynamism of the sector,” said Dillon.

“Retail introduced far reaching measures and massively transformed how their operations function to safeguard their staff and their customers.”

Roche’s concerns in the early days of the pandemic have now been allayed.

“I think the retail sector has stepped up to the mark,” he said. “But I would urge them to remain vigilant.”

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards cancels product awards for 2020 WITH the recent Irish Government announcement to further extend Covid-19 restrictions throughout the country, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards team has made the difficult but necessary to decision to cancel the product award categories for 2020.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. We would have loved to have been able to celebrate the best of Irish produce with you all once again, but ultimately the safety of our entrants, judges and team members is our top priority,” noted an IQFA spokesperson. “We fully support the efforts of the Irish Government to stop the spread of the virus throughout our community.”

The Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards team remains committed to celebrating excellence in Irish food and drink wherever possible, and will proceed with rewarding outstanding people and projects in 2020 via the performance awards. Categories include; Best Initiative by a Foodservice Provider, Own Label Range of the Year, Rising Star Award and Supplier of the Year. For 2020, they have also included

two Covid-19 specific categories to highlight the excellent work which has taken place during this difficult time.

There is no fee to enter these awards and anyone can nominate, including the company themselves, with entries closing on November 20. For more information, visit https://irish.qualityfoodawards.com/IQFA20/en/page/ performance-awards.

4|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

News

Dublin grocery sales set the scene as restrictions tighten nationwide MARKET SHARE - TOTAL GROCERY THE latest figures from Kantar show takeIncludes expenditure across Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Household and Health & Beauty categories home grocery sales growth in Ireland slowed to 11.9% year-on-year during the 12 weeks Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend to October 4, 2020. However, stronger growth 12 Weeks to 06/10/19 12 Weeks to 04/10/20 % Change in value sales of 12.2% over the latest four weeks points to shoppers preparing to spend more time at %* %* % home in the coming months.

Total Outlets 100.0% 100.0% 11.9% “While growth over the past three months 89.5% 90.0% 12.5% has slowed compared with the dizzying heights Total Multiples Dunnes 22.6% 21.9% 8.7% of lockdown, we still spent over €100m more on groceries in the past four weeks versus this SuperValu 21.2% 21.9% 15.6% time last year,” revealed Emer Healy, Retail Tesco 21.1% 20.9% 10.7% Analyst at Kantar. “We expect to see a further Aldi 12.6% 12.6% 11.0% boost in spend as restrictions tighten.”

Lidl 11.9% 12.7% 19.1% Dublin saw the strongest regional growth this period, increasing sales by 19.4% and Other Outlets** 10.5% 10.0% 6.2% contributing an additional €48.2m to the * = Percentage Share of Total Grocers total market year-on-year, as Level Three ** = Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers and Cross Border shops restrictions were imposed on the capital weeks Source: Worldpanel FMCG before the entire country went into Level Five, pointing to a potential future trend as higher an additional €63m to Dunnes’ overall spend, while shoppers restrictions were imposed later in October. “Restrictions on pubs picking up 13.3% more items in-store in SuperValu helped it to and restaurants meant sales of alcohol soared by over 53% in grow ahead of the market at 15.6%. the past month,” Healy noted. “Shoppers returned to lockdown

Tesco holds a 20.9% market share this period. Growth was pastimes including recreating restaurant and holiday favourites driven by shoppers adding extra items to their baskets, with at home, with sales of international ingredients rising by 25%. volumes up 21%, and the percentage increase in average spend at Unsurprisingly, hygiene was at the forefront of Dubliners’ minds, Tesco was the highest among all the retailers. and antiseptics and disinfectants sales were up by 67%.”

Lidl’s strong store footprint in Dublin helped it achieve With just a few months to go until Christmas, retailers have the fastest growth of all the retailers this period at 19.1%, as been introducing deals on products like seasonal chocolates and shoppers in the capital spent an additional €57.3m in store. Aldi advent calendars, but while the grocers are feeling festive, it is a grew sales by 11%, largely driven by customers buying more and different story for Irish shoppers, Healy revealed: “There is a lot of spending an average of €36.46 more per shopper in the latest 12 uncertainty around what Christmas will look like this year and as weeks. a result, people’s behaviour is very different from what we would Following the record-breaking growth seen last period, online normally expect. In the latest three months, consumers spent grocery sales remain high, increasing by over 75% in the four €1.8m less on tubs and tins of chocolate than this time last year. weeks to October 4. “Though a climbdown from the record jump “But that’s not to say we have lost our sweet tooth. The trend of 128% that we witnessed in September, shoppers are continuing of seeking out little luxuries while we’re all spending more time to make use of delivery services and online orders were worth at home has continued,” she added. “Nine in 10 Irish households an additional €18.7m this period compared with last year,” Healy purchased chocolate almost every week over the past three explained. months.”

Dunnes has significantly expanded its online capabilities in Grocery market inflation stands at 1.8% for the 12-week October and now joins SuperValu at the top of the table, with both period ending October 4, 2020. retailers claiming a 21.9% market share. Larger trips contributed

Aldi announces winners of €200,000 primary school competition ALDI and the IRFU announced the two winning primary schools of the hugely successful Aldi Play Rugby sticker competition, which ran earlier this year. The competition, now in its third year, gave every primary school in the country the opportunity of winning one of two €50,000 sports facility makeovers by collecting Aldi Play Rugby stickers. The two winners of the €50,000 prizes are: Tara Hill National School, Gorey, Co. Wexford; and Scoil Naomh Bríd, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow.

As well as the winners of the two €50,000 sports facility upgrades, 10 primary schools around the country will receive a €10,000 donation to sports equipment or facilities, while each primary school that submitted a valid poster Pictured are Patricia Sadlier, Principal, and Aoife will receive an Aldi Play Rugby kit bag which includes rugby balls, water bottles and water bottle holders per completed poster! Due to the phenomenal success Sunderland, PE Co-ordinator, with pupils from of the campaign, Aldi will be sending out thousands of kit bags to primary Tara Hill National School, Wexford, one of the winning primary schools in the Aldi Play Rugby schools across the country. sticker competition.

“We are so proud of the success of Aldi Play Rugby,” noted John Curtin, Aldi Ireland Group Buying Director. “Every year, more and more boys and girls have taken up the rugby ball, learnt new non-contact skills and enjoyed sport – something that I don’t think we will ever take for granted again.”

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6|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

News

Tesco Ireland Community Fund donates over €118k to Covid-hit communities TESCO Ireland has announced that it will dedicate the sixth round of its 2020 Community Fund Programme to Covid-19 impacted community-based projects around the country. Tesco believes that support for local causes is more vital now than ever, with causes including local support groups such as community centres, youth projects and men’s sheds benefiting from donations. The causes across Ireland receiving funding include local groups of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, Age Action, first responders, GAA clubs, national schools and St Vincent de Paul services.

Every eight weeks, each Tesco store donates up to €1,000 shared between three local causes in its community. In this latest round of funding, Tesco stores across Ireland are donating €118,500 to local causes.

“We are pleased to be able to support the groups and organisations across Ireland that have continued to help their communities,” noted Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland. “As the impact of Covid-19 deepens, the funding of charitable organisations and community groups remains a challenge and we hope that the latest round of our Community Fund will help these causes as we approach the autumn and Christmas seasons.”

Tesco Ireland has donated over €478,000 through its Community Fund programme to local causes affected by the pandemic earlier this year; in March, the company also donated €150,000 split among three national charities - Alone, Age Action and Family Carers Ireland - to support their efforts in helping the

elderly, family carers and the most vulnerable members of our communities across the country.

The retailer recently reassured customers that it continues to be wellplaced to respond to the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, reinforcing its efforts at its stores nationwide.

The extensive safety measures in place include: • External queue management technology which has been rolled out to all stores nationwide. This is a simple, accurate way of reducing queue times, supporting social distancing in-store, and allowing colleagues to spend more time helping customers; • Wet weather solutions will be rolled out to protect customers against the elements in the coming months; • New and improved hand sanitising stations and trolley/ basket cleaning stations are now in place. Tesco expects to use 13,500 litres of hand sanitiser in the six weeks of Level 5; • Further roll out of Scan as you Shop technology to help customers have an even more efficient shop and manage their budget as they go; • Graphic and audio reminders that colleagues and customers need to wear a face covering unless they have a reasonable excuse not to per the Regulations; • Added further Plexi-glass screens at checkout areas - now at all available manned and self-service checkouts, which helps protect colleagues and

Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland. customers, so they feel more secure when checking out; • Continue to work with suppliers to enhance stock levels of key products to ensure that everyone can get what they need.

“Customers have responded very well to changes in stores to date and would anticipate they will continue to do so as we move into the winter months,” stressed Kari Daniels. “We have a strong and resilient supply chain, with very good availability, so there is no need for customers to alter their normal shopping habits.”

Bord Bia launches 2021 Talent Academy BORD Bia has launched its 2021 postgraduate programme, with up to 80 fully-funded places on offer at its Talent Academy, which includes a fully funded masters at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, a tax-free bursary (€25,000 - €30,000) and a guaranteed work placement through the agency’s domestic and global network.

The Bord Bia Talent Academy was established to help identify and develop future executive talent for Ireland’s food and Michael Murphy, drink industry, as it looks to grow Organisation & Industry and diversify into new markets.

Talent Director, Bord Bia. Export market diversification has been ranked by the industry as its second-biggest focus as companies actively seek to expand into new markets in response to Brexit (Bord Bia Readiness Radar).

The Bord Bia Talent Academy offers five individual programmes through corporate and academic partnerships in the areas of sales, marketing, sustainability, consumer insights, innovation, supply chain and procurement. Applications are currently open for the Marketing Fellowship and International Graduate Programmes run in partnership with UCD Smurfit School. The Marketing Fellowship is intended for graduates with a few years’ work experience, while the International Graduate Programme is open to new graduates with limited or no experience.

According to Michael Murphy, Organisation & Industry Talent Director, Bord Bia, the “combination of academic learning and on-the-job international experience provides an invaluable opportunity for anyone ambitious to be part of the next generation of Ireland’s food and drink industry leaders. From an industry perspective, Bord Bia’s Talent Academy assures the future talent for the industry as well as providing practical on the ground support to companies now”.

Applications are now open and can be made at https://www.bordbia.ie/about/talent-academy.

8|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

News

Green shoots in Covid-19 business recovery?

IRISH start-up figures are showing positive signs of Covid-19 recovery, according to latest figures from credit risk analyst, CRIFVision-net.

The quarterly figures reveal a 37% (+1,487) quarter-on-quarter increase in company start-ups for Q3 this year compared to Q2, when Ireland experienced a significant decline in new start-up registrations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In total, 5,482 new companies were registered in Q3, representing a 3% yearon-year increase, compared to the same period in 2019. However, overall start-up figures for year to date are down 12% when compared to 2019, demonstrating the wider impact of the pandemic on the startup community.

The wholesale and retail trade experienced the biggest growth in new start-ups in the third quarter of this year, with 682 new start-up registrations, compared to 460 in 2019. This represents an increase of 48% on this time last year.

“As Minister Donohoe outlined in his recent budgetary speech, the SME sector in Ireland has a crucial role to play in facilitating the recovery of the economy in a post Covid world,” said Christine Cullen, Managing Director of CRIFVisionnet. “For this reason, it is particularly encouraging to see the start-up sector in Ireland begin to rebound following a very difficult start to the year – where new company start-up registrations reached a five-year low. The growth in start-ups this quarter is a clear indication of the prospects and opportunities in an economy that is beginning to find its feet again.”

The advent of Level 5 lockdown restrictions in October/November, however, means many SMEs face further challenges and setbacks, Cullen argued: “As a result, maintaining an environment that provides supports and promotes growth for the sector needs to be the priority.”

“The ever-changing landscape of Covid-19 will continue to be unpredictable

Christine Cullen, Managing Director of CRIFVision-net. and the key to mitigating damage in the coming months will rely on an agile and adaptable approach by businesses and Government,” she said.

84% of Irish businesses consider themselves environmentally friendly

A MASSIVE 84% of Irish businesses consider themselves to be environmentally friendly, but almost half (49%) don’t know if their energy is renewable, according to the latest findings from the Green Business Sentiment Index from SSE Airtricity.

The research, carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of SSE

Airtricity, highlights an urgent need for education around green energy and energy efficiency measures among Irish business owners.

Other key findings from the research include: • 73% still consider the issue of climate change to be important while in the

midst of the Covid-19 pandemic; • 60% say sustainability and climate change have an impact on their decision making; • Just 22% claim to avail of renewable energy; • 46% still see cost as the main hurdle in reducing their carbon footprint; • At least 29% are not using renewable energy; • 37% believe that being a greener business attracts more customers; • 77% of businesses feel Government supports would help influence them in considering retro-fitting; • 37% of businesses have incorporated retro-fitting into their premises.

“The Index highlights that key decision makers need to be continually informed on the sustainable business solutions that are available in the market,” noted Klair Neenan, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity. “For example, this research shows that 77% of businesses feel Government supports would help influence them in considering retro-fitting. It’s clear that a targeted Government scheme for SMEs could be successful in driving take up of energy efficiency solutions amongst businesses.”

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

News Surge in demand for food support at Barnardos A RECENT survey carried out into Barnardos services shows a huge increase in demand for food support for families since the onset of Covid-19, with Barnardos anticipating a 57% increase in need from families seeking help with food supports for their children in the coming months. This comes as Barnardos announced a new two-year partnership with Aldi Ireland to raise €1m for vulnerable young children across Ireland.

“Barnardos is a very important partnership for Aldi, and the work they do to support vulnerable families and children reflects our values,” noted Niall O’Connor, Aldi Ireland’s Group Managing Director. “As a family retailer, Aldi has always championed equal access to affordable and nutritious food through initiatives such as Super 6 to give families on a budget quality, fresh ingredients at the lowest prices. However, some families need extra help and support, and that is where Barnardos and Aldi come in.

Our partnership will deliver €1m for the charity over two years, helping to provide 10,000 warm meals to vulnerable children at their centres and a range of other essential supports.

We’re looking forward to getting started, and we know that our Aldi’s Group Managing Director Niall customers will be fully O’Connor and Barnardos CEO Suzanne behind us on such an Connolly announce Aldi’s new two-year important issue in partnership with Barnardos to raise €1m. modern society.”

Tesco Ireland retains Free From Product Range of the Year accolade TESCO Ireland has been crowned Free From Product Range of the Year at the annual Free From Food Awards, which were held virtually this year. This is the fourth year Tesco has achieved the coveted title for its commitment to innovation and the breadth of range available in stores across the country. As well as the Product Range award, Tesco took home 36 awards, including nine gold, 11 silver, eight bronze and eight merit for a wide range of individual products.

“We are delighted to have retained our Product Range of the Year title yet again this year,” enthused Joe Manning, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland.

“It’s an honour to be recognised at that level by the Free From Food Awards judges and to be awarded an additional 36 awards. Our teams are hugely passionate about what they do and Wicked Kitchen Pink continuously strive to offer Beetroot Pesto, one the best range and quality of of the Free From Gold Free From products to our Award winners from customers.”

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

Industry News Ray Kelly joins Guaranteed Irish board GUARANTEED Irish has appointed Ray Kelly, Interim Managing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners, to its Board of Directors, representing the retail and food sector. “Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in ensuring that Guaranteed Irish remains the symbol of trust and provenance for businesses operating in Ireland today,” noted Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish. “Ray brings with him a wealth of professional and personal experiences of working with a variety of Irish-based brands and we are delighted to welcome him to Guaranteed Irish. Ray’s extensive knowledge of the retail and food sector in Ireland will prove to be a valuable asset to our Board of Directors, as we look to expand further into this sector and uphold the high level of integrity associated with the Guaranteed Irish brand.”

New book explores Ireland’s dairy best “IRISH milk is a Grand Cru ingredient and Ireland produces the best milk in the world,” according to John and Sally McKenna, authors of a new book, Milk, which explores the complete food chain that brings milk from the pasture to our kitchens. “In Ireland, we have the perfect circumstances for making the best milk,” noted John McKenna.

“Clean rain, green fresh grass, small farms, and hands-on farmers with small herds.”

Research presented by Teagasc has shown that grass-fed dairy is higher in beneficial fats, protein and nutrients than other milk, but currently only a small percentage of global milk production uses a grass-fed system. John believes the milk produced in Ireland is like a magic elixir; chock-full of health benefits for people of all ages.

The book, published by Estragon Press, also introduces the best dairy farmers in Ireland, the family-farm winners of the annual NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, while the Milk cookbook features recipes from 60 Irish chefs, using Irish dairy as a main ingredient.

Aldi unveils new Rathnew store ALDI’S nationwide expansion continues with the opening of a new flagship store in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, creating 15 new jobs, with 13 staff members having been recruited from the local area. Located at Village Centre, Rathnew, the new store will be Aldi’s fifth store to open in Co. Wicklow, and 144th countrywide. Featuring Aldi’s exciting award-winning Project Fresh layout and design, the new store boasts a large shop floor spanning 1,140m², wide aisles and hi-spec fixtures and fittings. There are also 70 free car parking spaces available for customers, and the store is powered by 100% green electricity.

Store manager Jan Brchl is pictured cutting the ribbon at the new Rathnew store.

One4all raises €46,310 for CHI at Crumlin ONE4ALL’S annual Shop4Crumlin campaign has raised a fantastic €46,310 for the CMRF Giggle Fund. Each year at least 150,000 children attend CHI at Crumlin for critical care and support. The CMRF Giggle Fund aims to bring some much-needed light relief to patients in CHI at Crumlin during what can be a stressful time for both the children and their families. The CMRF Giggle Fund is used to organise birthday parties, pizza nights, new toys and books, to make life a little easier for those spending extended periods of time in hospital. CMRF Crumlin, now known as Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin, raises vital funds to support sick children and their families in CHI at Crumlin. From September 19-27, One4All donated 50c of every transaction made using a One4All gift card to the charity, while Penneys, Life Style Sports, Argos, Marks & Spencer and Diesel donated an additional 50c for all transactions, bringing the donation to €1 per transaction.

New OOH campaign for Yop YOPLAIT recently partnered with Kinetic, the specialists in innovative Out of Home (OOH) communications for brands, and media agency Wavemaker to bring a colourful OOH campaign promoting its range of drinkable yogurts, Yop. The campaign, which utilised a range of OOH formats, was strategically located in close proximity to schools and colleges to reach both students and parents, reminding them of the fun drinkable snack product.

An innovative and eye-catching UV wall mural, located on Baggot Street in Dublin 4, drove engagement for the brand as passers-by viewed the glowing artwork. In line with the target audience, the campaign used the tagline ‘No limits’, echoing the energetic brand identity.

12|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Tesco tests drone delivery for groceries TESCO recently launched its first grocery home shopping drone delivery trials, in partnership with Manna, the world’s first aviation-grade business-to-business drone delivery platform. The trial, which will run for several months initially, is taking place around Tesco’s Oranmore store in County Galway. Customers can order a delivery from Tesco by drone through a dedicated website, where an initial range of 700 products will be available. The order is picked by a Tesco colleague in-store and delivery is managed by a Manna drone supervisor. Customers can track their order in real-time and have their purchases within 30 minutes to one hour of ordering, Manna has a three-minute delivery promise from once the items are loaded into the drone and users will be alerted when it is one minute away. “We’re continually looking for new ways to serve our customers a little better and this trial is an opportunity to look at meeting demand for small basket shops and quick delivery.

We’re looking forward to seeing how our customers in the Oranmore area respond to the service,” noted Catherine Swift, Store Manager, Tesco Oranmore, who is pictured with colleagues Kamil Kukla, Ronan Joyce, Mary O’Shea, and Keelin Hawkins.

Lidl opens new Aungier Street store in Dublin DUBLIN LGFA star, Sinéad Goldrick was on site to officially open the new state-of-the-art Lidl store at Aungier Street in Dublin city centre. The fourth Lidl store to serve the community of Dublin city centre, Lidl Aungier Street has brought 24 new jobs as well as an investment of more than €3m to the locality. Not your ‘standard’ Lidl, the store features several significant archaeological finds that can be seen as customers shop. Lidl has invested in protecting these unique historical remains, including the 18th century Aungier Theatre staircase, 11th century sunken-floored structure and the 18th century Longford Street Arches. Where ancient history meets modern design, Lidl Aungier Street has been built with sustainability in mind. The modern building is fully equipped with an ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System as well as a spacious interior layout, high ceilings and wide aisles, creating a comfortable shopping experience for customers.

Sinead Goldrick is pictured with store manager Konrad Dudek cutting the opening ribbon.

Dublin football star teams up with Spar AS part of Spar’s continued efforts to help keep families fit and healthy, a new Spar Better Choices campaign was announced today in association with Dublin footballer Ciarán Kilkenny (pictured). The campaign looks to support families in choosing healthy active lifestyles, with Ciarán Kilkenny setting a fun challenge for children to undertake with their family members. Throughout the month of November, Ciarán will release three different skills videos, which will show children how to improve their parents’ or other family members’ sporting abilities. Ciarán will be on the look-out for effort and enthusiasm from each family, with the winning child receiving a training session for their class with Ciarán Kilkenny (in accordance with Government restrictions), while runners-up, as selected

by Ciarán, will receive sporting goods vouchers courtesy of Spar. For further information, visit www.Spar.ie.

SuperValu launches compostable grass trays for organic apples SUPERVALU has announced that organic apples will now be sold in compostable grass trays, which will divert one tonne of plastic from landfill. The new compostable grass trays are pulp-based and composed of grass and wood or recycled paper fibre; they can be composted easily at home in the brown compost bin found in most homes. The retailer also revealed that organic apple bags will move to compostable bags in November, made of made of sugar cane, thistle and sunflower seed oil.

Over 340,000 organic apples are sold in SuperValu every year and this is another significant move in SuperValu’s commitment to making 100% of its own-brand, fresh produce and in-store packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.

Moy Park launches Home Chef Challenge MOY Park is on the lookout for ‘home cook heroes’ with the launch of its Home Chef Challenge. The competition is open to all residents on the island of Ireland and will be judged by Moy Park’s very own culinary team. All entrants must do is prepare their favourite chicken dish, record a short video detailing the recipe and upload to Moy Park’s social media channels. The winning dish will be awarded a prize of up to €5,000. “We want households to come together, have some fun and share delicious dishes prepared in your very own kitchen,” explained Moira Mills, Moy Park Senior Brand Marketing Manager. “Whether it’s the perfect roast, a fiery curry or a family favourite that has been passed down for generations – let’s get cooking!” Pictured are Moy Park’s Senior Customer Development Chef, Richard Harding, with Aaron Dixon, Head of Culinary.

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

Industry News Aldi Ireland announces new €1.2m contract with Glorious Sushi

ALDI Ireland has agreed a new 12-month contract worth €1.2m with Waterford-based Glorious Sushi.

Aldi began working with Glorious Sushi five years ago and currently stocks its branded Fresh Sushi Selection nationwide. The new contract will see Glorious Sushi increase the volume of handmade Irish sushi supplied to Aldi by 20% year-on-year as it creates and produces a new own-label sushi range for Aldi. From February 2021, customers will be able to pick up Aldi’s own-label Tasty to Go sushi across all 144 Aldi stores nationwide. Glorious Sushi has hired four new employees to fulfil the contract, adding to its team of 13 staff. Pictured is Tetyana Zhemerdyey, founder of Glorious Sushi.

Lidl opens two Dublin stores LIDL Ireland has offered a welcome economic boost to the capital with two new stores, on Balcurris Road in Ballymun and Shackleton Drive in west Dublin.

The new stores have supported more than 550 jobs through the construction phase and will create an additional 59 new permanent jobs with the retailer.

The developments have also seen an investment of more than €21m. A welcome feature of these modern new builds is a large bakery section, as well as a Lidl to Go coffee machine. The new buildings are bright and airy, with a spacious interior layout, high ceilings and wide aisles, creating a comfortable shopping experience for customers. The stores will feature convenient car park spaces on-site, including reserved spaces for families and disabled shoppers.

Ballymun Lidl Store Manager, Darren Molloy, is pictured with former Dublin and Ballymun Kickhams star, Paddy Christie, at the opening of Lidl’s brand new state-of-the-art Ballymun store.

NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards winner announced ORNUA and the National Dairy Council (NDC) have announced the Starrett family (pictured), supplying Aurivo Co-op, as the overall winner of the 2020 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Now in their 11th year, the awards acknowledge and celebrate the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming. Winner Richard Starrett will receive €5,000 in prize money and take home the coveted NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards perpetual cup. His farm in Lifford, Co. Donegal, is a true family operation, where he resides with his parents, his wife Wendy and children David, Holly and John. Richard believes sustainability is the biggest and most important aspect of farming and is focused on improving the sustainability of his farm.

New General Manager at Kellogg’s KELLOGG’S Irish business is set for change, with Sarah Ferguson being named as General Manager, after 16 years with the cereal and snacks giant.

Sarah started her career with the business in 2004, when she became part of Kellogg’s Field Sales team in Southampton, England. She has since progressed through a number of commercial roles within Kellogg’s UK Sales organisation, followed by a stint as European Sales Capability Director in Manchester, before moving to Geneva to support the commercial functions of the company’s Pringles business. Most recently, Sarah relocated to Dublin where she has headed up the Revenue Growth Management team for the business’ European arm for the last year.

“Kellogg’s products have been sold in Ireland for almost 100 years and more cereal is eaten per head in Ireland than anywhere else in the world,” Sarah noted. “With that in mind, I am looking forward to working with a first-class team of talented and diverse individuals to deliver for our retail partners, shoppers and consumers.”

Tesco customers raise €214,565 for Temple Street TESCO Ireland stores across the country raised €214,565 as part of Trick or Treat for Temple Street which ran from October 26 to November 1. Tesco colleagues throughout the country dressed up to keep spirits high for shoppers and to encourage support for the annual Trick or Treat for Temple Street fundraiser. Tesco customers would normally see facepainting, cake sales and more on this week every year, but due to the pandemic, it looked a little different this year. Tesco colleagues were still eager to dress up and get involved to put smiles on customers faces and help raise funds that will go towards purchasing a new CT scanner for the hospital. Pictured is Tesco Ballincollig’s Kevin Dennehy.

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18|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Daybreak

Daybreak: a new dawn for convenience retail Daybreak offers a fresh approach to retailing, with all the advantages of partnership with Musgrave.

DAYBREAK is driving a fresh approach to convenience retailing thanks to listening to what consumers want from a convenience store and delivering that and more.

“We designed a completely new shopping experience,” explains Thomas Morrison, Head of Retail, Musgrave MarketPlace. “Our exciting new stores are surprising and delighting shoppers with a fresher, healthier, on-trend offer, and delivering above average returns to retailers.”

Daybreak stores have continued to go above and beyond through the Covid-19 pandemic, with many offering home delivery services for elderly or at-risk customers in their communities.

For retailers, Daybreak brings all the advantages of partnership with Musgrave, the largest retail and foodservice operator on the island of Ireland, including access to a world class supply chain solution. For example, Daybreak offers the widest ambient, chilled and frozen product range, covering your entire business needs, all delivered on one truck to save you time and reduce your labour and administration costs.

Being part of Musgrave also

includes access to unmatched retail and foodservice expertise, including ongoing business development support that is proven to drive retailer profitability.

Exceptional experiences At the heart of Daybreak’s approach is a passion for delivering exceptional experiences to consumers, from traditional convenience product categories to an excellent fresh food offer, combined with a fast and local service that offers real convenience.

Store design also greatly impacts the consumer experience, which is why Daybreak has invested in creating a distinctive new look and introduced modern layouts that drive shopper convenience.

The group’s new store formats feature a number of exciting brands that are available exclusively from Daybreak. These concepts have been developed by Musgrave to create a genuinely differentiating consumer offer and to guarantee greater retailer profitability.

They include: • Munch & Co: the deli brand features a delicious signature menu, healthier options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, brought together with impactful signage that creates standout in-store.

Thomas Morrison, Head of Retail, Musgrave MarketPlace.

Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie|19

Daybreak staffing challenges and are proven to drive profitable sales.”

The 9 Grams gourmet coffee brand from Daybreak.

• 9 Grams: an exclusive gourmet coffee brand allowing Daybreak retailers to offer shoppers seriously good coffee.

• Lickety Split: an ice-cream brand, with fun flavours and a distinctive design that is proving popular with kids and grown-ups alike.

• Dizzy Rotisserie offers succulent rotisserie-spun chicken, served in delicious signature sandwiches and

healthy salad bowls.

“Our food concepts deliver on our brand promise ‘Real Fresh, Real Fast’,” explains Thomas Morrison. “Shoppers love our on-trend and highly convenient options that are freshly prepared daily with quality ingredients. Retailers love that they are low capital cost, easy to implement solutions that minimise

The Munch & Co deli brand is a real winner with Irish shoppers.

Developing your business The cornerstone of Daybreak’s success is its highly experienced team, which is dedicated to developing your business.

This is led by Daybreak’s Business Development Managers (BDMs), all of whom come from a retail background and use their extensive retail and foodservice knowledge to offer practical business support. Your BDM will work with you to build an annual business plan tailored to your store that will focus on benchmarking your sales, costs and profit against real budgets and KPIs. They will meet you every month to review progress on implementing this plan.

They will also drive store standards through engagement workshops, the Store of the Year programme and EIQA. “That is just the start,” insists Thomas. “We have a dedicated store development team who manage store refurbishment projects and the roll-out of new concepts. We have a team of fresh food advisors to support with staff training, legal compliance, achieving the highest food standards and driving foodto-go profits. Retailers also have access to the wider Musgrave team, including

20|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Daybreak

The Lickety Split ice-cream brand: popular with kids and grown-ups alike.

HR, marketing, trading and IT.” Investing in marketing Daybreak also invests heavily in ongoing marketing and brand development to engage consumers and drive sales, including regular consumer offers that drive strong value perceptions, supported with POS material and advertising activity. “We recognise that consumer expectations vary by store type, so our promotions plan is also tailored, with different offers flyers for Hi-C and Neighbourhood stores,” Thomas notes.

This activity is upweighted at key periods to capitalise on seasonal opportunities, while the group also provides comprehensive support for ongoing food-to-go new product development.

The Daybreak brand also enjoys strong online presence. “We are very active on social media, investing in strong content and advertising that is focused on the catchment area of stores,” Thomas stresses. “Similarly, our ongoing digital display advertising targets your local shoppers to maximise its impact.” Daybreak also supports retailers to implement effective local marketing plans, and its marketing team is always on hand to provide advice and design support.

Lowering costs Being part of Ireland’s largest buying group means Daybreak retailers can access excellent everyday pricing across all the product categories important to your business, as well as regular deep cut offers, including monthly promotions, Daybreak exclusives and WOW sales

days. “Offering value isn’t just about promotions,” adds Thomas. “We value engineer store fitouts to guarantee highly competitive development costs.

We offer affinity deals that deliver real savings on operational costs like insurance. We also work closely with retailers to drive efficiencies in your business and reduce waste. All of this supports Daybreak retailers achieving above industry average profit levels.”

Musgrave’s world class supply chain brings added advantages to Daybreak retailers, with customers able to choose from nearly 16,000 lines across ambient, fresh and chilled categories. The food offer is constantly evolving, with new concepts and seasonal items responding to the latest trends.

Technology also plays a big part in the service offering. “Whether it is enhancing consumer convenience through online ordering and selfcheckout or driving retail efficiencies through digital SELs and store management software, Daybreak retailers get access to the latest technology that allows them to stay ahead of the competition,” Thomas reveals.

Daybreak operates a tri-temp delivery service, meaning you enjoy the convenience of getting your full order on one truck. Customers can receive a delivery three times per week and can top-up from Musgrave’s seven state-ofthe-art cash and carry branches.

A genuine partnership The Daybreak group is a genuine partnership, Thomas insists: “As a family owned business, we are committed to supporting other family businesses to

be successful. We actively and regularly engage retailers and that drives everything we do. Our engagement calendar includes meetings every month with your Business Development Manager, as well as retailer cluster meetings held regionally. We work closely with a retailer council throughout the year, who are elected by retailers and guide the Daybreak brand development plans. We also run regular food safaris and training sessions to share ideas and get feedback from retailers.”

Daybreak retailers speak extremely highly of their relationship with the group. Teresa Cunniffe, owner of Daybreak Cloonboo, Co. Galway, is delighted at the reassurance of having the experience of Musgrave behind her store: “They have been behind me 100%. It’s always nice to have someone at the end of the phone. Our Fresh Food Advisor has been with us from day one and we have learned a lot and gained a huge amount of experience.”

Rory Hannon, owner of Daybreak Greenhills, Dublin 24, praises the “world class support and an absolutely vast array of knowledge about the Irish grocery retail sector”, as well as the family of innovative and exclusive brands available.

His views are echoed by Eoin Crosbie, the owner of Daybreak Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, who is delighted at the reaction the new store concepts have had amongst shoppers: “They absolutely love the 9 Grams coffee offering. The Munch & Co deli has been a revelation; its mix of traditional deli favourites along with healthier food concepts, all using fresh ingredients, is exactly where the market wants a deli to be right now.”

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22|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund

Grocer’s Lunch goes virtual for 2020 The IGBF is set to host its first virtual Christmas event, Jingle & Mingle, on December 4, raising much-needed funds in this strangest of years.

NORMALLY on the first Friday in December every year, over 1,200 people from Ireland’s grocery industry gather at the Clayton Burlington Hotel for the annual Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Christmas Lunch. 2020 would have been the 57th such event, bringing together suppliers, retailers and support companies to raise valuable funds for the charity.

Due to Covid-19, it won’t be possible to meet in our usual way on December 4 for the Grocers Christmas Lunch. But rather than miss the opportunity to kick off Christmas, the IGBF will be hosting a ‘Virtual Get Together’ that day. Themed ‘Jingle & Mingle’

(#igbfjingle), the event encourages people within the grocery industry to take part in the IGBF’s first virtual Christmas event to help raise funds and connect socially with industry colleagues. It is simple. The IGBF is encouraging the trade to invite some friends or colleagues within their grocery network to make a date that day to ‘Jingle & Mingle’ virtually with them.

It’s virtually Christmas Then at 3pm that day, the IGBF will host a virtual session which participants can log into, which will encompass a short address by the current President of Appeals Sharon Buckley, and Leonard Hegarty, Chair of the IGBF. Participants will then be treated to an intimate gig with a special headline Irish artist. The aim is create an opportunity within the grocery industry to ‘Jingle & Mingle’ together but safely apart!

Tickets cost €50 each, with a corporate package also available, and everyone who registers for the event will also be entered into a special Christmas Raffle draw for a host of prizes. The top prize will be a much sought after luxurious two-night Bed & Breakfast stay in the 5* Adare Manor, Co. Limerick, with dinner in the Michelin star Oak Room Restaurant, a round of golf and an Aromatherapy Massage for two people. There are also weekend breaks, discount vouchers and hampers galore to be won!

Any amount, great or small, goes a long way to improve the lives of the people struggling within the FMCG sector, and your help is so badly needed, this year more than most, when many of the IGBF’s traditional fund raising events had to be postponed.

Thanks to sponsors and hosts This year’s virtual event is hosted by Hotel Solutions and kindly sponsored by The National Lottery, Diageo and Mondalez. The ‘Jingle & Mingle’ theme was developed by Tap Creations, who also designed the festive look and feel. The IGBF would like to thank the TWIG committee for creating the concept and making it all come together.

Full details of the event on Friday, December 4, 2020, including corporate packages and timings will be available on www.IGBF/Christmaslunch.

You can register directly to purchase your tickets through the IGBF website, you can email Hotel Solutions DMC at info@hotel-solutions.ie, or phone Michelle Thornton on 087 9297057 or Stuart Thornton on 086 0681701.

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The Retail News Interview

CPM Ireland rewards retailers via virtual sales rep *Shopt is a new app which rewards retailers for performing certain tasks by putting money directly into their bank account. Lorraine Butler, Managing Director, CPM Ireland, explains why the new app is a win-win for brand owners and retailers alike.

AS reported in last month’s Retail News, CPM Ireland has launched a hugely innovative new product called *Shopt, described as a “virtual sales rep”. *Shopt is a digital app that allows brand owners to reward retailers for carrying out work, such as stocking their shelves with a particular brand, expanding their brand range, answering surveys and acting on brand content.

Four years in development, *Shopt launched in Great Britain two and half years ago, followed by a Northern Ireland launch six months later. Both have proven very successful.

“Our customers always want us to do more with less,” explains Lorraine Butler, MD of CPM Ireland. “Everybody is under pressure budget-wise and the only way to do more with less is to utilise technology and automation. The feedback to date in Northern Ireland and the UK is really encouraging and we are very confident that is going to be the case throughout the Republic of Ireland.”

CPM could have launched *Shopt here in Ireland before now, but they deliberately delayed its introduction here, and for a very good reason: “People were afraid to take the salesperson out of the sales process in Ireland; we are such a land of relationships, where people do business with people, and I completely agree with that. We delayed launching *Shopt in Ireland because we wanted to customise the technology for the Irish market. We built a lot of customisation into the app, so we can amend the retail offerings by geography, by store type and by store dynamic; the app needed to be able to have a customised, personalised virtual conversation with retailers, wherever they are located.”

What each retailer wants could be very different, so CPM’s team customise the offers available on the app for each retailer, as Lorraine explains. “We can have different offers for retailers in Galway versus retailers in Dublin, versus retailers in Kerry”.

For brand owners, *Shopt not only offers them a route to

more retailers with targeted offers, but also delivers a real benefit in terms of the speed at which a brand can get sales data. “Often today, a brand launches an offer to the market and doesn’t get the EPoS data until a month or so later; with *Shopt, the brand can look at how its offer is performing every single day and can change their offer if it is not working well in a particular area, for example. It helps brands to tailor offers dynamically, optimising brands’ return on their investment,” Lorraine says proudly.

Utilising technology effectively Lorraine’s own background is in the technology sector. Before joining CPM in 2015, she managed eir’s enterprise division, and her college background is in computer science. “Technology has always been key to how I operate,” she explains. “I have worked in the sales business for 20 years but for me, the best way to sell solutions to customers was through people, supported by technology.”

Lorraine brought that technology experience to her role in CPM, who “saw that the world was moving towards a situation whereby people were using technology much more to buy and sell.” Indeed, CPM has its own technology division, which won Best Implementation of Sales Technology at the Irish National Sales Champion Awards in 2018 and 2019. “We are constantly

Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie|25

The Retail News Interview developing new technology, and *Shopt is the latest development,” she notes.

For CPM themselves, *Shopt’s attraction is obvious: “It allows us to do more for brands for their budget,” Lorraine notes. “For example, if a brand came with a topline budget of €1m, up to now that would be seen as the capital to put eight to nine salespeople on the road. The average rep makes 10 faceto-face calls daily, meaning you can only cover a certain amount of stores.

Normally the penetration of retailers across the country for a typical sales team is around 40% as it is impossible to contact every retailer in the country face-to-face. The average sales rep’s cost per year is about €70,000, including wages, commission, car, fuel etc., Taking the budget normally used for one sales rep and putting it into *Shopt allows the budget to stretch further and increases retail penetration from 40% up to 100% of stores. So brands are getting more value for their money by mixing physical and digital sales calls.”

What it means for retailers CPM estimates that the cost of each call by a salesperson to a retailer is €30-50, whereas the cost of targeting that retailer using *Shopt is c.€0.60.

Obviously, if the retailer engages with the app, you are paying them a subsequent cash sum, but as Lorraine stresses “you are only paying a reward to a retailer if they have carried out sales activity for your brand”.

The retailer opens the *Shopt app to see what offers are available.

There could be a new product launch, and if the retailer stocks the product and takes a photo of it on-shelf, and subsequently uploads that photo to *Shopt, they could get a reward of €10, for example. Retailers can also be rewarded for building an in-store display or for sending through a photo of

“

*Shopt offers retailers multiple offers and brands within a single app. their fridge or shelf, for example, which then gives brands insight into shareof-shelf.”Instead of the brand paying €30-50 for a face-to-face sales call with no guarantee of making a sale, they are paying the retailer to generate a sale.

For the retailer, the benefit is an extra €10+ in their bank account in addition to having brand presence in their store.

“Retailers are telling us they love *Shopt,” Lorraine stresses. “They are rewarded for supporting brands. *Shopt is very practical. While some retailers may have individual apps from individual brands communicating brand offers, retailers don’t have time to open

*Shopt allows the budget to stretch further and increases retail penetration from 40% up to 100% of stores. So brands are getting more value for their money by mixing physical and digital sales calls.

”

multiple apps to see what is available per brand. *Shopt has multiple offers and brands within a single app.”

At the time of our conversation, *Shopt had only been available for three days and already 52 retailers had signed up, 48 of whom had claimed an offer on the app. “That means those 48 retailers got money straight into their bank account for driving sales activity for brands within the first three days of the app being launched,” Lorraine notes.

The arrival of the new app does not mean CPM will be cutting the amount of reps on the road, rather it will leverage *Shopt to allow its salespeople to engage more fully with retailers.

“Our reps are very active in retail outlets across the country and generate great sales results for our clients.

However, in evaluating their time instore, many steps of the call are more tactical than revenue-generating,” explains Lorraine. “Retailers tell us that they want a rep who understands their business; someonewho can help that retailer to grow their business.

At the moment, reps are being asked to do so many things as part of their calls that they don’t have enough time to have that valuable conversation with the retailer. *Shopt takes on some of the tactical tasks in a call, to give our reps more time to have those value-

26|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

The Retail News Interview added conversations with retailers. We want to use the *Shopt platform to support the salesperson to have more time to have really proper conversations with retailers, to drive that relationship, business understanding and revenue growth.”

Good news amid the pandemic Covid-19 has had a huge impact on every aspect of Irish society, and Lorraine stresses that *Shopt is good news for retailers amid the pandemic, as it means less worry about additional salespeople physically entering a premises. “Retailers can talk to brands and see what offers are available without taking any health risks,” Lorraine notes, stressing that uptake of the app amongst UK retailers increased by 100% since the pandemic hit. *Shopt also scores when it comes to sustainability, according to Lorraine. She points out that the average driver generates approximately 8.5 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, while the average sales rep in Ireland generates 15.5 tonnes of carbon emissions. If we hope to be carbon neutral, every person should only generate 0.6 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. “*Shopt generates 0 tonnes of carbon emissions. *Shopt helps brands to get their message out there to drive sales, without putting more people on the road.

It reduces a brand’s carbon footprint, which is great news for brands where sustainability is high on all agendas,” Lorraine reveals.

It is very rare to find something that seems to be a genuine win-win for everyone, but Lorraine is convinced that *Shopt is just that: “We had some concern from our field teams that *Shopt would put their jobs at risk , but we were quick to explain that *Shopt will never replace physical sales reps, rather will complement field sales. We delayed its launch in

*Shopt has been described as Ireland’s first virtual sales rep.

Ireland for two years because we wanted to ensure that the *Shopt app supported people, not replaced people.”

The app’s in-built financial system is robust enough to be utilised by brands for different things, not just for brand messaging and sales rewards, Lorraine predicts. *Shopt has the ability to safely and compliantly carry out cash transfer transactions between brand and retailers “A lot of brands have a retailer loyalty programme, for example, and they could manage that through *Shopt.”.

In the UK, some big brand names donated sizeable amounts of money to retailers to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic, and CPM processed a huge amount of that money, allocating it to retailers through the *Shopt platform.

Before the pandemic, CPM was enjoying really strong growth. Indeed since Lorraine took over at the helm of Ireland’s longest established and largest field marketing agency in late 2015, turnover has grown by 28% including a multi-million euro contract with Diageo Ireland signed in 2019. Like every other business, however, Covid has had a big impact in 2020.

“We’ve had a really tough year but we are still growing versus last year,” Lorraine insists. “We put really strong foundations in place over the last couple of years that have seen us through this time. We build a lot of flexibility into our contracts with clients, which allows them to ramp up or ramp down as their business needs change, so we were able to respond to the pandemic instantly and well. Retail has been our saviour, and on the grocery side, we have had more work than ever.”

The MD is thankful that CPM has had no instances of Covid-19 across its team of more than 700 people. “So we have kept our people safe and well and working well.”

CPM’s biggest challenges this year include its B2B and

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The Retail News Interview B2C direct sales teams, many of whom have been put on hold until 2021. In addition, the closure of the on-trade has been a significant challenge, although the CPM technical services team is very active supporting Diageo, cleaning beer lines in licensed premises across the island of Ireland throughout the pandemic, ensuring publicans can serve the highest quality beer when the on-trade reopens.

Leading on diversity Lorraine’s role isn’t just about guiding CPM Ireland on profits and technology, however, but she is also driving real change when it comes to the issue of equality in the workplace. In her previous role with eir, Lorraine signed the European Diversity Charity, and in 2016 she made CPM the first and only sales outsourcing agency in Ireland to sign up to the charter, celebrating gender, ability, nationality and religious neutrality.

CPM has hired a Chief People Officer and will shortly be installing a diversity officer in every team across the country over the course of 2021. “We are very serious about diversity and we live it in everything we do,” Lorraine notes. “We have 18 different nationalities working for our business in Ireland and we are all the better for that because it brings different thinking and different cultures to our business, which makes us richer as a result.”

Lorraine is one of the founders of TWIG, Today’s Women in Grocery, part of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF). The aim of TWIG is to allow women in the retail industry to come together, network and support each other in business and personally, while raising much needed funds for the IGBF. In 2016, 62% of retail staff were female, yet less than 6% were in boardroom positions. It is a subject that is really important to the MD. “When I came into CPM, there was only one woman on the management team, and now we have a 50/50 split,” she says proudly. “I’m not looking for a disproportionate number of women; I think it is important to have a gender balance for any workplace. But women haven’t had the same opportunity to rise through the ranks because of family situations in Ireland, where traditionally it was women who raised the children, and I don’t think organisations really supported women to come back to work as much as they should. We have focused on that, supporting women through a mentoring partnership.”

Through TWIG, the CPM-sponsored mentoring partnership has so far helped all 28 women who signed up to achieve career progression over the course of the last 18 months. “It’s a very practical way to address this issue,” Lorraine avows. “We did workshops about what mentoring is, how a mentor wasn’t there to get you your next job but to help you develop yourself and your capabilities to realise your potential, and we followed people’s support journey on the way.”

She believes that Ireland has made progress on the issue of diversity, and gender diversity in particular, but she also warns that achieving real equality has a financial cost, but the rewards are worth it.

“It costs money to have maternity leave built into contracts, as does paternity leave and parental leave,” Lorraine insists, “but if we are really serious as a country about equality, as leaders, we have to step up and make it happen. It is one of my key considerations when negotiating contracts and budgets with clients, because if organisations keep cutting peoplebased budgets, the first thing to go is always parental leave or maternity leave, and ultimately, that hinders brand growth, in my opinion. Having women as part of a company and a sales team helps that company to grow. By cutting out those benefits that encourage women to stay in the workforce, I believe it is hindering companies’ growth.”

Lorraine Butler, Managing Director of CPM Ireland: “It costs money to have maternity leave built into contracts, as does paternity leave and parental leave, but if we are really serious as a country about equality, as leaders, we have to step up and make it happen.”

Looking after the team Looking after her 700-strong team, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or anything else, is the main priority for Lorraine, as without them, CPM wouldn’t be able to keep posting the kind of growth figures it has enjoyed during her five years at the helm.

“Our people deliver our numbers and looking after people through a pandemic is the most important thing for any organisation. That has been my biggest focus this year, and it has weighed heavily on my shoulders, having so many people out there and worrying about their wellbeing and ensuring they have financial support. It is great that our team are getting the recognition they deserve by being classed as essential workers but they support the country while being further exposed to the pandemic,” she concludes.

“With the launch of *Shopt, it’s great to have some good news to share with retailers, brands and employees; a sales platform that helps minimise the risk to people during the pandemic, using technology to support not replace people, while also helping brands sell more for less.” *Shopt is now available for convenience retailers to download via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

28|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Technology

Pandemic speeds up digital revolution The impact of Covid-19 on the grocery sector has sped up the adoption of digitisation and new technology in the sector, writes Kenneth Keogh, Director of Business Development, Fujitsu Ireland.

THE current global Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all our lives in many different ways, depending on your age, profession, physical vulnerability and financial integrity.

However, the one way it’s changed us all in a uniformed way, is how we think and behave. Consciously or not, we aim to limit our exposure to others and so lessen the risk of catching and spreading the disease, and that means our social behaviour patterns have changed, maybe for the long term.

This change in behaviour is supported by survey data which informs us that occasional top-up shopping, for several years the preferred grocery shopping format, is now being reversed in favour of the big weekly shop, as we seek to limit our human contact.

That means gone are the days of cheek by jowl queuing, micro speculative trips to the shops and impulse purchases.

These days we like to plan, we like to be fully informed of what to expect before our arrival, and we want and expect that process to be as smooth as possible.

The knock-on effects of these changes for retail, and in particular grocery retail, are wholesale. Against the backdrop of increased consumer demand, the change in buying patterns and behaviour has meant retailers are constantly having to assess and tweak supply chains, staffing levels and what the customer is coming to expect of their consumer experience.

The boom in online shopping Very predictably, online shopping has boomed. The ease with which it can be completed, allied to the remote nature of the buying process, makes it the perfect solution in these challenging times…almost too perfect. Online grocery shopping is up 76% compared to 2019, and whilst that might seem like great news for grocery retailers, the truth is many have been overwhelmed by the surge in demand. To compound the situation, this is not something retailers can simply get through and cope with until things return to normal. The length of lockdowns and the mist of uncertainty that hangs heavily over every facet of life points to these behavioural changes being permanent.

So how does technology begin to serve this change in the customer’s demands? Some sectors of retail are already using online booking and queuing systems that will allow consumers to book slots if they wish to attend a shop in person. This eliminates any physical queuing in the harsher winter months, and also provides the retailer with a more committed stream of customers.

When online and physical retailing meet Of course, this isn’t possible for large scale grocery retail; however, the combination of technology and the centuries-old

Kenneth Keogh, Director of Business Development, Fujitsu Ireland. physical connection to shopping may hold the answer. Clickand-collect has formed part of grocery retailers’ sales process for some years, and the increase in demand for both online purchasing and grocery retail means scaling that model is a very real and pressing challenge. To put this into perspective, we recently surveyed 200 ICT leaders from nine countries about their thoughts and projections for the role of technology in the industry. Nearly two thirds (64.2%) said they believed online retail and physical retail are moving closer together.

The challenge is not just about the scale of the demand, it’s

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Retail Technology also working out in what form that demand comes; in other words, how do consumers want to shop? With the very deepest pockets, Amazon has led the way in progressing consumers’ expectations of what the online shopping experience should look like. Effortless purchasing processes harnessed to a world class, same-day logistics service, have elevated its online experience to almost the perfect ‘see-want-have’ scenario.

There’s little latency, unbelievable choice and super smooth delivery.

Whilst very few can compete with this example, everyone can learn from it, and adapt their offerings accordingly.

Unfortunately, some retailers will have spectated for far too long, and as the leaders are at least five to 10 years into their journey, for others it will be a game of catch-up they may never win. These effective ‘online retail meets physical retail’ solutions require significant third-party support to elicit incremental changes that will bring about an eventual wholesale adaptation as to how the organisation sells its products. If you’re only beginning that voyage of discovery, then you’re almost certainly discovering the painful effects of being behind the curve.

The holy grail of click-and-collect Purchasing online and then receiving a delivery to the boot of your car could be the holy grail for retailers and consumers alike. You purchase when you arrive at the office for work, and by lunchtime, courtesy of a third-party lock-key, your purchase is safely stowed in your car, in a remote and painless process. Whilst this may prove trickier for grocery retail, for other sectors, such as fashion, it could prove a great success.

However, as with all solutions, it’s the technology that holds the key to meeting those ideal scenarios.

To truly compete with what the consumer has come to expect, retailers need back-end technology that seamlessly integrates product inventories, customer loyalty databases, point-of-sale systems, mobile technology and eCommerce platforms. And these will need to work in perfect concert, mapping customer workflow, from the user interface to the back-end processing.

Just as the impact of the pandemic is all too obvious, so too is the benefit and impact that AI can bring to a world that’s being turned upside down. AI and machine learning algorithms can not only personalise shopping experiences by optimising product searches and enhancing virtual assistants, they can also lead to reduced shipping costs, improved supply chain efficiency, and improved inventory management. As the systems and processes ‘learn’, that increased understanding of the consumer is passed across all elements of the business and so efficiency, costs and consumer experience all improve.

AI tackles retail fraud It can also help to tackle the considerable issue of retail fraud.

Thanks in part to most major grocery retailers deploying selfservice checkouts, it’s a criminal enterprise in Europe that’s collectively costing the industry €80 billion every single year.

Fujitsu has been working with some of the largest European retailers to fit inexpensive cameras to these checkouts, whose multiple photos of each scanned item are then compared to an extensive dataset in milliseconds, using AI and machine learning algorithms to identify the product based on weight, colour, size and brand. This means the very basic criminal tactic of swapping bar codes is rendered useless.

This AI and machine learning algorithms technology is also being extrapolated to the warehouse to increase efficiencies across the supply chain. With more detailed information stored on bar codes, and more efficient ways of extracting that

Fujitsu has been working with some of the largest European retailers to fit inexpensive cameras to selfservice checkouts in a bid to combat retail fraud. information and analysing it, grocery retailers can more easily track goods, understand patterns in demand, and increase supply chain efficiency, resulting in less spoilt produce.

The bottom line for nearly all retailers is that the days of the physical retail outlet being the mothership of sales is well and truly over, and the pandemic has simply increased the pace at which we’re arriving at that conclusion. Today’s consumers are expecting a perfect blend of online and physical retail that suits their lifestyle and personal demands, and with the right mix of technologies, it should ensure that this global change benefits consumers and retailers alike.

About the author:

KENNETH Keogh is a Retail Strategist who partners with CEOs and executives to grow their professional brands.

He is responsible for the development of Fujitsu’s retail business, partnering with a global high street retailer over the past six years. Before joining Fujitsu, Kenneth was a Territory Manager for IBM Ireland, working extensively in the USA. Kenneth has had numerous articles published and led research in retail analytics, customer profiling - loyalty and corporate cultures/attitudes in relation to accountability. A native of Tipperary, Kenneth lives in Glasthule, South County Dublin, with his wife Gráinne and their two children. When time allows, his hobbies include golf, skiing and riding his Triumph.

30|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

RETAILERS ANXIOUS AS COUNTRY MOVES TO LEVEL 5 ONCE again, in place of the nine o’clock news, we sat down to watch a Taoiseach address the nation. What was at one time a once-in-a-generation event has almost become a regular fixture on the must watch schedule. The move to Level 5 is a serious blow to the many “non-essential” retailers that have had to close. Many of these businesses were relying on the run-up to Christmas to make up for the significant losses incurred earlier in the year. There is very real concern that many vulnerable retail businesses will not survive Covid. We in Retail Ireland have consistently called for a clear and comprehensive strategy for the unwinding of these restrictions.

Uncertain Christmas trading period ahead Many retailers are facing into a deeply uncertain Christmas trading period. Many thousands of businesses will have to close and tens of thousands of retail workers will be out of work. It is important that customers support affected businesses through online and click-and-collect services where possible. While important Government supports are in place, those retailers without a developed online offering are particularly exposed. The restoration of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will provide important support to many and is very welcome. It is crucial that these measures work and we are in a place to reopen retail in advance of Christmas. We simply cannot contemplate serious rolling restrictions into the future.

While we recognise the public health advice given to Government and we are cognisant that all our efforts are needed in order to once again supress this virus, there needs to be transparency around a strategy for long-term living with Covid.

Brexit still a major concern It is right that a great deal of Government’s efforts are being driven towards Covid-related issues, but Brexit is looming on the horizon and will pose one of the greatest threats to doing business on this island.

In recent meetings with members of Government, Retail Ireland has been raising the need for all state agencies to carry out detailed simulations and trials of import procedures.

In recent days, we have seen the ebb and flow between Brussels and London, with negotiations taking a tumble and re-establishing as Michel Barnier visited London. Whatever happens at high level negotiations, it is vital that Irish business is as prepared as it can be for any eventuality that arises, be that a full free trade deal between the United Kingdom and the EU or a no deal scenario.

In a no deal or skinny trade deal scenario, there will be snag points to trade and none more so than the United Kingdom land-bridge. With €21 billion of exports transiting through the land-bridge, it is vital that Government invest in direct ferry links with mainland Europe. Recent investment in our ports and in high capacity ferries are welcome but this needs to be greatly expanded in the weeks and months ahead to ensure that high quality goods and just-in-time supply chains remain robust.

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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32|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Category Management

Putting category management front and centre

ECR Community has released a global review of category management practices throughout the retail and CPG sector, equipping readers to deal with the massive speed of change in the grocery marketplace today.

ECR Community has released a major publication on category management, entitled Category Management Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow – An ECR Community Review of current practices in Category Management 2020.

The 200-page review, supported by dunnhumby & Hoffrogge, includes 14 global case studies, three ECR Community Reports and major insights articles on category management, shopper marketing and relevant technology.

This global ECR Community Category Management publication has a clear objective: to build a community platform to help the practitioner and the manager to deal with the massive speed of change that is impacting the marketplace today.

The publication gives both a historic and a future view on the methodology for how to go-to-market as a retailer or a product manufacturer and is food for thought to all who have an interest in the business of value creation with the consumer and the shopper.

The review brings together a truly representative mix of companies of all different sizes, from SMEs to international corporations, as well as companies from Asia, Europe, and North & South America.

Category Management Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow – An ECR Community Review of current practices in Category Management 2020 is available to download from www.ecr-community.org.

Case studies from around the world Central to this review are the case studies from these retailers and manufacturers, highlighting the role of category management at each step of the consumer/shopper journey and representing real examples of how category management is currently being used to drive growth around the world.

All these case studies are presented according to a common

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Category Management change significantly,” explains Declan Carolan, Co-Chair of ECR Community & General Manager, ECR Ireland.

This is the fourth major publication on Category Management from ECR Community. It follows the ‘ECR Europe Category Management Best Practices Report’ 1997, ‘Day to Day Category Management’ 2000 and ‘The Consumer and Shopper Journey Framework’ 2011.

Declan Carolan, Co-Chair of ECR Community & General Manager, ECR Ireland. template and include background information to allow the reader to put into context the scale and complexity of each initiative from the outset. Included are submissions from retailers such as Rewe, Musgrave, Metro, Rainbow Department Store and Raia Drogasil, and suppliers including Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Peroni, Barilla, Lactalis and Mars.

Some of the leading experts in category management and shopper behaviour have contributed insight articles, including Dr Brian Harris, Luc Demeulenaere, David Ciancio and Claudio Czapski.

There are three Irish contributions in the review, from from Paul Corcoran, Range & Space Planning Manager, Musgrave, Lauren Cussen, Shopper Activations Manager, Heineken, and Ken Hughes, Consumer & Shopper Behaviouralist and CEO of Glacier Consulting.

Ground-breaking reports from ECR Community associations in France, Germany and Italy illustrate the collaborative role ECR can play domestically.

Stimulating ideas and understanding “From the student who has a career ambition to the practitioner, to higher management, this publication will stimulate new ideas and build greater understanding of why businesses win or lose because of changing market dynamics and not in the least, recently in situations of economic crisis, when consumer and shopper behaviour

category’ for Barilla means to first add value, starting from the responsible purchasing of raw material up to helping people making the right food choices in the omnichannel. This is what we have done in our projects with Carrefour.”

Clear lessons from Covid-19 According to David Ciancio, Global Head of Grocery for dunnhumby, brands and retailers need to understand a clear lesson from the pandemic: “We are standing at the portal of the future, and we’re never going back to the way it used to be. Fortunately, we have guiding frameworks, especially that of category management, to help us navigate and remain fit for the future and relevant to consumers. This report shares current best practices of vital, essential, and future-proof category management.”

Wilhelm Hoffrogge, MD of Hoffrogge, says, “We believe in the power of the ECR and expect that the numerous international best practices will be an excellent inspiration for the current and future execution of the process.

It has been our pleasure and honour to contribute to this comprehensive publication of the ECR community, together with our partners.”

ECR Community is a not-for-profit group representing the network of ECR national initiatives throughout the world which promote better working together between trading partners to fulfil consumer wishes better, faster, at less cost and in a more sustainable way.

A roadmap to competitive advantage For over 30 years, category management has provided the business principles and methodology to ensure that retailers and manufacturers focus their marketing decisions on the consumer and shopper, according to Brian Harris and Luc Demeulenaere, authors of the original seminal ECR publications on category management. “Its ability to adapt to the dynamic changes that are continually shaping the industry has been a hallmark of its success,” they explain.

“This report provides the roadmap and specific actions that retailers and manufacturers need to take to ensure that their category management capabilities continue to deliver maximum competitive advantage. It is a ‘must read’ for all senior managers, category management professionals and students interested in a career in consumer goods marketing.”

Paolo Zazzi, Customer and Shopper Marketing Global Director from Barilla, says: “In the ‘Shopper Power’ era, inspiring people along the consumer and shopper journey is crucial for any category strategy.

Our purpose in Barilla is ‘Good for You, Good for the Planet’ and it has driven our category management projects, as well as driving all our operation, initiatives, investment and The new report provides both a historic and a future view communication on the methodology for how to go-to-market as a retailer plans. ‘Grow the or a product manufacturer.

You can download ‘Category Management Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow – An ECR Community Review of current practices in Category Management 2020’ free of charge from www.ecr-community.org.

A free-to-join webinar was held on November 24 to discuss the Review and highlight the next steps: details at www.ecr-community.org.

34|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

National Organic Awards

National Organic Awards winners announced The winners of the National Organic Awards have been revealed, as Bord Bia research shows 25% of consumers have purchased more organic produce since the arrival of Covid-19.

BORD Bia, in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has recognised the achievements of six Irish organic food and drink companies. The biennial National Organic Awards celebrate the quality and excellence across the Irish organic sector with seven categories judged by a panel of industry experts.

To coincide with the Awards, Bord Bia has released research on consumer attitudes to organic food. The findings show that a quarter of consumers have purchased more organic produce since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 27% buying organic food weekly or more.

Health was the key reason for choosing organic food (73%), followed by taste (65%) and environmental concerns (55%). The study also found that people under the age of 35 are more likely to pay more for organic food. The research was carried out on behalf of Bord Bia by B&A, who surveyed over 1,000 consumers on their attitudes towards organic produce.

Award winners Waterford Distillery won the Retail Award for their organic Gaia 1.1 whiskey, the first Irish organic whiskey launched in October 2020. The New and Innovative Award went to baby food producer Pipin Pear for the development of a new organic chilled baby food product, Baby Beef Ragu. The new product uses 100%

Glenisk lifted the Marketing Campaign Award for its partnership with Self Help Africa on the One Million Trees campaign. TV presenter Kathryn Thomas is pictured with Self Help Africa CEO Ray Jordan and Vincent Cleary, MD of Glenisk, at the launch of One Million Trees, a local-to-global initiative that aims to plant 100,000 native trees in Ireland and one million trees in sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to tackle climate change. The multi-touchpoint campaign included an exclusive retail partnership with SuperValu, an onpack promotion, in-store activations and a national radio campaign. recyclable packaging and a bowl format, making it convenient for on-the-go consumption. Begley’s Leeks won the Private Label Award for their work with SuperValu to create fully compostable packaging for their organic leeks.

Monaghan-based The Nest Box Egg Company, who are stocked in over 105 stores worldwide, won the Export Award for their Golden Irish 10 Organic Egg Box, which was specifically designed for the export market.

Burren Smokehouse won two awards; the company was awarded the E-Commerce Award for the use of digital marketing to drive sales of their organic salmon range and the Business in the Community Award for their initiative ‘Taste the Atlantic – The Salmon Experience’, an interactive and educational visitor attraction that tells the story of Irish salmon.

Yogurt company Glenisk was

Waterford Distillery took home the Retail Award for organic Gaia 1.1 whiskey, the first Irish organic whiskey.

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National Organic Awards of entries to the Awards, Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia, said, “The range of organic products coming out of Ireland right now is exceptional, and the dedication to producing world class organic produce was evident amongst the entire shortlist for the Awards.

“Significant shifts in consumer preference to healthy, sustainable food choices endorses our confidence for the

Pictured is Birgitta Hedin-Curtin, founder of The Burren Smokehouse, who won two awards, the E-Commerce Award for the use of digital marketing to drive sales of their organic salmon range and the Business in the Community Award for their initiative “Taste the Atlantic – The Salmon Experience”, an interactive and educational visitor attraction. awarded the Marketing Campaign Award for its partnership with Self Help Africa to plant over ‘One Million Trees’ in Africa and Ireland. The multi-touchpoint campaign included an exclusive retail partnership with SuperValu, as well as an on-pack promotion, in-store activations and a national radio campaign.

World class organic produce “These National Organic Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise excellence, so I want first of all to congratulate all of today’s winners,” noted Minister of State, Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett TD. “Seeing their innovation and creativity, I know we can be confident the organic sector will continue to thrive. It is a vital sector of the Irish food and drink industry, and one for which this Government is committed to developing domestic and Brian Eivers, Sales Director, The Nest international Box Egg Company, winners of the markets.”

Export Award for their Golden Irish Commenting on 10 Organic Egg Box. the high standard

Irene Queally, MD, Pipin Pear, winner of the New and Innovative Award for the development of a new organic chilled baby food product, Baby Beef Ragu. sector. Specifically, there are growing opportunities for Irish producers and exporters in the German and French organic markets, where Ireland enjoys a strong image as a food producer and we look forward to working with companies and growers, including many of those shortlisted, to explore these in the future. Congratulations to all the nominated companies, and the very deserving winners.”

Digital marketing package for the winners Winners of the National Organic Awards were announced on Bord Bia social media channels, with successful companies winning a digital marketing package to the value of €5,000.

Submissions were adjudicated by an independent judging panel with extensive experience in business, media and retail.

The panel included Joe Hyland, Former Managing Director, Irish Country Meats; Janine Kennedy, Acting Food and Consumer Editor, Irish Country Living; Martyn Lee, Executive Chef & Manager Product Development, Waitrose; Gillian Nelis, Managing Editor, Business Post Media Group & Editor, Food & Wine Ireland; and Donald Williamson, Former General Manager Birds Eye Ireland.

For more information on each category, visit BordBia.ie/Organics.

36|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Online Purchasing

Online growth in pandemic sparks warning for Irish retailers One in four Irish people purchased online services for the first time during the pandemic, according to a new PayPal study. Irish retail businesses need to ensure their online offering is up to standard to attract consumers.

A STUDY from PayPal reveals that one in four Irish consumers used or bought online services for the first time during the pandemic. Furthermore, some 76% bought products online during this period.

The study, conducted by Ipsos and involving 2,000 consumers in Ireland, found that a third (33%) of people plan to buy more products or services online going forward, compared to before Covid-19. Over half (51%) said they can buy everything online without any issues.

Some 86% of Irish consumers found benefits to buying online during the Covid-19 crisis. Home delivery availability was cited as the biggest advantage, with almost two thirds (64%) of respondents selecting it. More than half (59%) cited no queues as a main benefit.

Access to shops and products from home and online being the only option to get the desired products were also among the top benefits, each being cited by 39% of people. Meanwhile, 21% of respondents said payment security was a main advantage.

Online: a permanent change?

“Understandably, there has been a huge shift toward online purchasing in recent months, and our research shows that this will be a permanent change for a lot of people in Ireland,” explained Maeve Dorman, VP Merchant Operations, PayPal EMEA. “Digital has become the new normal for buying both goods

Statistics are drawn from a nationally representative survey of 2,000 members of the general Irish population, conducted by IPSOS on behalf of PayPal from May 8-15, 2020. All statistics are taken from this source, unless listed otherwise.

Maeve Dorman, VP Merchant Operations, PayPal EMEA. and, increasingly, services. As well as many consumers buying online for the first time, there are those who have completely changed their behaviours when it comes to purchasing as a result of the pandemic.

“Covid-19 has clearly accelerated the evolution of commerce in Ireland, with people turning to online shopping and digital payments rather than the traditional cash and in-store experience.”

Can Irish retailers compete online?

The PayPal survey found that a 59% of Irish consumers purchased something from abroad since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As a result of this growing preference for the convenience

associated with online purchasing, many are also buying from international sellers,” Dorman said, and added a stark warning for Irish retailers: “Irish businesses need to step up and ensure that they are able to deliver an online offering equipped with a simple checkout process and secure payment options; otherwise, they will fail to capitalise on the opportunity during what is already an extremely challenging time. Having a digital platform is more important than ever in order to meet the growing domestic need for online access to products and services, and future-proof businesses by attracting building trust among existing and new customers. It also opens up a huge global opportunity for Irish businesses to grow at this time.”

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SuperValu

SuperValu wins big at Blas na hÉireann Awards SuperValu scooped 119 awards at the 13th annual Blas na hÉireann Awards.

SUPERVALU took home a massive 119 Blas na hÉireann Awards at this year’s virtual awards ceremony. SuperValu Own Brand and its exclusive brand producers picked up 53 awards, winning 14 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze awards. SuperValu Signature Tastes won 27 top-tier awards, the highest number of top tier awards won by any supermarket. Some of the gold winners included SuperValu Signature Tastes Raspberry Conserve, SuperValu Signature Tastes Goats Cheese Bruschetta, SuperValu Signature Tastes Wholegrain Mustard, SuperValu Signature Tastes Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, SuperValu Signature Tastes Black Pudding, and SuperValu Signature Tastes Blood Orange & Vodka Pudding.

In addition, SuperValu’s Food Academy producers picked up 66 awards, 21 gold, 23 silver and 22 bronze, including two Chef’s Larder Awards for Fancy Fungi Mushrooms – Grey Oyster Mushrooms and Skeaghanore Duck – Duck Fat. The prestigious awards recognise and celebrate the very best in Irish food and drink and SuperValu’s continued success at the awards, with over 573 accolades in the last five years alone, shows the commitment SuperValu has to the very best quality Irish food.

SuperValu Signature Tastes Raspberry Conserve took home a gold Blas na hÉireann award. committed to supporting more Irish food producers than any other retailer and in delivering the best quality products for our customers; over 75% of products on SuperValu shelves are sourced or produced in Ireland. It’s been another great year for our local producers and at a time when we are encouraging the country to shop local, it is great to support and stock these award-winning brands and see them receive the recognition they deserve.”

SuperValu Signature Tastes Goats Cheese Bruschetta, a gold winner at the Blas na hÉireann Awards.

An excellent year for SuperValu Now in their 13th year, the Blas na hÉireann awards are the biggest annual competition for quality Irish produce across the island of Ireland, with thousands of products entered hoping to win gold, silver or bronze awards across 100 food and drink categories.

“2020 has been another excellent year for SuperValu at the Blas na hÉireann awards, with a total of 119 awards; including 66 awards for our Food Academy producers,” noted Ray Kelly, Interim Managing Director, SuperValu. “At SuperValu, we are

Commitment to quality Irish products The award wins are proof of SuperValu’s commitment to supplying customers with unrivalled, quality Irish products across its award-winning Own Brand range and through the Food Academy programme. The SuperValu Own Brand award winners this year included: SuperValu Hazelnut Praline Éclair, SuperValu 48 Hour Marinated Irish Rotisserie Chicken, SuperValu Gourmet Sausage Roll with Honey & Mustard, SuperValu Cowboy Steak from the Butcher Counter, and SuperValu Hi-Protein Bread, which all took home gold awards.

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. 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.

38|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Nivea

Complete cleansing care with Nivea – no compromise

CREATED to offer easy make-up removal, skin cleansing and care, the Nivea cleansing range delivers the most complete cleansing experience. The innovative collection of products from Ireland’s number one face brand helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin, while gently caring and protecting its delicate moisture balance. The Nivea cleansing line comprises various formats to suit all cleansing preferences with dermatologically and ophthalmologically approved products.

• Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes Gently but effectively cleansing the skin while maintaining its natural balance, these wipes thoroughly remove face and eye make-up, while providing the skin with refreshing moisture. These soft and gentle wipes are made with 100% renewable plant fibres, are biodegradable, and are enriched wth specially selected Organic Argan Oil and Organic Aloe Vera, esuring they are suitable for even sensitive skin.

•

•

Daily Essentials Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water This award-winning product has an innovative formula which cleanses and removes makeup, while moisturising the skin in one simple step. It respects the skin’s natural balance, requires no rinsing and is free of perfumes, colourants and parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover This wonder product benefits from a gentle bi-phase formula which effectively dissolves eye make-up, while caring for eyelashes and the delicate skin around eyes. The ‘oil phase’ is designed to remove waterproof mascara and eye make-up without irritation.

The ‘aqueous phase’ is formulated to protect

and care for lashes without leaving any oily residue. The highly effective yet caring formula is also enriched with cornflower extract, which is known for its antiinflammatory and soothing properties.

The Nivea cleansing range helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin, while gently caring and protecting its delicate moisture balance.

STEP UP YOUR

CLEANSING

ROUTINE

Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie|39

Christmas Stocking: Essentials

Festive fever After the strangest year in a century, consumers will treat themselves to a little luxury this festive season.

16% of Irish consumers plan to spend more on their Christmas shopping than in previous years, according to new research carried out by Kinetic Insight, the specialists in Out of Home (OOH) communications for brands, and Spark Market Research.

The research examined the trends and changes in Irish shopping habits as a result of Covid-19, with a specific focus on consumer habits in the lead-up to Christmas and was carried out online in September 2020 with 250 respondents.

The results highlighted that there is strong spending power amongst Irish consumers, despite the economic uncertainty of the current environment. 36% of respondents said that they plan on spending the same this year as previous years, with 16% planning on spending more. Of those planning to increase their spending, 45% cited a ‘difficult few months’ as the main reason.

The survey has identified a number of respondents who made significant savings since March. 38% of respondents plan on spending some of these savings for the festive season. This trend is most prevalent amongst the younger age cohort, aged 16-24, as 51% of this demographic plan to use savings for their Christmas shopping this year.

Interestingly, almost half of respondents also planned on starting their Christmas shopping early this year, which is consistent across all demographic groups. 22% started their shopping in September, with almost half (49%) staring in October, followed by 27% in November. A mere 2% of respondents plan on doing their Christmas shopping in December.

“Christmas shopping requires planning every year and this year is no different. But given that 2020 is the year of the pandemic, retailers and brands will need to be more strategic in planning how they can reach consumers,” warned Caroline DeCourcy, Insights Director at Kinetic Insight. “Consumer shopping habits have been altered in so many ways and brands need to be creative to reach their audiences in an efficient and effective ways.”

16% of respondents plan on shopping mainly in-store, but e-commerce will also play a significant role in this year’s gifting season. 41% plan on shopping using a mix of online and instore, which represents a 6% increase on last year.

55% stated that they will do most of their in-store shopping in a shopping centre, with a further 34% stating they will do their shopping in high street stores. This is significant for brands, as it highlights the continued importance of retail and on-street presence for targeting this year’s Christmas shoppers.

With the increase of Digital Out of Home formats in premium locations, such as billboards and transport formats, advertisers can reach consumers in transit, as well as within the retail environment.

40|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking: Essentials This offers an opportunity for brands and highlights the importance of OOH advertising as ‘a reminder medium’.

Research carried out by Kinetic showed that 30% of people reported visiting a brand’s website after seeing an OOH advert and that OOH is one of the most effective mediums in terms of driving search. 57% of people reported using their phones to store photos of products to look up more information later. By using OOH during the gifting season, brands can become part of their audiences’ scrapbook of gift ideas.

“At Kinetic, we have invested significant time to understand how consumer behaviour has changed and how we can support our clients with fit for purpose campaigns to reach their target audiences,” noted Caroline DeCourcy.

“This research will inform our OOH planning for the remainder of 2020 and enable us to target campaigns in locations with steady footfall, such as shopping centres and other retail formats.”

Lindt Lindor Maintaining its position as the number one boxed chocolate brand, Lindt Lindor continues to outperform the market, growing double digit +13.4% and a holding a market share of 15.9% (Source: AC Nielsen 52 weeks; Market Pralines - Data to October 4, 2020, MAT). Lindor’s success comes not only from the much-loved classic Lindor milk recipe but also through the brand’s continual innovations that are guaranteed to excite and delight shoppers.

Lindt Lindor: the boxed chocolate brand is a must-stock for the festive season.

New Lindor Salted Caramel looks certain to be a massive hit this with shoppers this Christmas.

This Christmas welcomes the launch of the latest edition to the Lindor cornet range. Experience bliss with Lindt Lindor smooth melting salted

caramel chocolate truffles. The Lindt Master Chocolatiers combine expertise and the finest ingredients to produce the perfectly round milk chocolate shell with salt crystals, filled with an irresistibly smooth melting caramel centre. With a unique recipe and taste profile that only Lindor can deliver, Salted Caramel looks certain to be a massive hit this Christmas.

For Christmas 2020, Lindor Salted Caramel will join the exciting Lindor line-up of flavours and formats. From the classic milk cornet in a variety of sizes to the wow impact gift of Lindor Maxi Ball 550g, the new Lindor 400g Assorted Tin to the prewrapped understated elegance of the Lindor Gift Box 287g, Lindt have Christmas gifting covered.

As market leaders, Lindt will deliver a massively up-weighted national support plan this Christmas behind the Lindor brand, with Lindor TV advertising returning to screens from October and a strong push instore with premium point of sale and display. Lindt Lindor 200g retails at €6.99 and the Lindor Gift Box 287g retails at €12.

Circle K launches ‘Scratch and Win’ game DUE to popular demand, Circle K has reintroduced its exciting free game in a brand new format, with more prizes to be won than ever before. First, we spun, then we flipped, and now it’s time to scratch!

Circle K’s Scratch and Win is a new free game that will see over 250,000 daily prizes awarded to players across Ireland – as well as some exciting high-value prizes up for grabs each weekend.

Anyone who plays Scratch and Win, via the Circle K app or online at scratch.circlek.one/ie, is in with a chance to win anything from coffee, fuel vouchers, Froster iced drinks, free car washes and a selection of Circle K’s delicious in-store food range. The Scratch and Win format will see amazing, high-value prizes up for grabs every Saturday through the duration of the promotion period, with prizes including iPads, Circle K hampers, Christmas vouchers and a year’s worth of free Simply Great Coffee up for grabs.

Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie|41

Christmas Stocking: Essentials Avonmore Cream A must for everyone’s shopping list this Christmas is Avonmore Cream.

Ireland’s favourite cream has a wide range of creams to suit every occasion over the festive season, including: Avonmore Freshly Whipped Cream, which is already whipped for added convenience; delicious Avonmore Sour Cream for party dips and appetisers; indulgent Double Cream for cakes, sauces or soups; and Avonmore Fresh Dessert Cream, a luxuriously thick cream, perfect for Christmas pudding, mince pies and all consumers’ favourite Christmas treats.

Already whipped and ready to serve, Avonmore Freshly Whipped Cream is the perfect accompaniment to Christmas puddings, mince pies, Irish coffees and Christmas desserts. Avonmore also has a great range of festive creams, including Baileys Whipped Cream 585ml, Brandy Whipped Cream 585ml

Millionaire Raffle is back!

THERE’S one cracking gift for the aspiring millionaire this Christmas, a golden ticket for the National Lottery’s popular Christmas Millionaire Raffle draw! The Christmas Millionaire Raffle gives a unique and life-changing chance to live the dream and win a cool €1m. Each ticket is presented in a festive gifting wallet and envelope, making it the perfect seasonal gift.

The ever-popular Christmas Millionaire Raffle has over 6,000 cash prizes, including the top prize of €1m, three prizes of €100,000, ten prizes of €10,000, 30 prizes of €5,000, 165 prizes of €1,000 and 5,800 prizes of €500. Tickets for the draw, which are limited to 500,000 and cost €25 each, are on sale at National Lottery agents nationwide.

The draw is automated and takes place on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2020, in National Lottery headquarters. stocking filler for the ethically minded, as Tony’s is on a mission to make all chocolate 100% slave free; there are currently 2.1m children working illegally and at least 30,000 instances of modern slavery on cocoa farms in Ghana and Ivory Coast, where 60% of the world’s cocoa comes from.

The products are free from palm oil and plastic and come in fully recyclable packaging. Bars are available in stores around the country now, RRP €3.98, and Irish retailers stocking the new flavours include SuperValu and Fresh.

Avonmore Cream will have a heavyweight support plan in place this Christmas, comprising of TV, digital, PR and instore support.

and Caramel Whipped Cream 350ml, to add some festive flavour to all your Christmas Desserts.

Avonmore Cream will have a heavyweight support plan in place this Christmas, comprising of TV, digital, PR and in-store support.

Tony’s Chocolonely Tony’s Chocolonely has brought out some tasty new flavours for chocolate lovers with a conscience: Dark Mint Candy Cane 51% (vegan) & Milk Chocolate Gingerbread 32%.

The two new bars come in bright festive wrappers and are made with Belgian Fairtrade chocolate. The Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Bar is packed

with spiced gingerbread cookie pieces and the Dark Candy Cane Bar is decked out with minty candy pieces and is dairy-free for vegan Tony’s fans. Both bars have a decorative Christmas tree shape that pops out, so shoppers can even hang it on their Christmas Tree as a decoration. The New from Tony’s Chocolonely: Dark Mint Candy Cane 51% & bars are an ideal Milk Chocolate Gingerbread 32%.

42|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking: Essentials including delivery to Irish mainland addresses.

The webshop is not the only innovation from Quality Street in 2020. Earlier this year, Quality Street Intrigue, a range of indulgent truffles inspired by classic flavours from the brand, hit stores nationwide. Available in two delicious flavours: Salted Caramel Truffles and Praline Truffles, Intrigue comes beautifully packaged in 200g boxes, each containing 20 individually wrapped sweets and are now available at most major supermarkets.

The 2020 Quality Street launch is being backed by an integrated marketing campaign, including the first new TV advertisement in five years.

“This year’s marketing campaign is all about how Quality Street can make moments more memorable and build togetherness with friends and family, whatever your chosen definition of family is. This is reflected in our television ad, which features real-life groups of family, friends and couples,” noted Maria McKenna. “2020 will be a Christmas unlike any other, when familiar traditions become more important than ever.”

New from Nestlé Ireland, the KitKat Santa.

KitKat Santa Nestlé Ireland has introduced the KitKat Santa, brand new for Christmas 2020 and available now. The novelty-shaped bar with a rich chocolatey centre and crunchy wafer pieces, is sure to be a stocking filler favourite this year! The delicious milk chocolate shapes are gluten-free and come in a variety of different formats, including singles, a mini chocolate Santa sharing bag and multipacks for those who want to give themselves plenty of breaks this Christmas.

“Irish chocolate fans are always keen to try out different variations of their favourite break, so we hope that this brand new addition will be an exciting treat in the lead-up to Christmas this year,” noted Maria McKenna, Marketing Manager - Confectionery, Nestlé Ireland. “We are delighted to introduce another gluten free addition to the KitKat collection; the whole KitKat Santa range is totally suitable for a gluten-free and coeliac diet, so we are excited for all KitKat fans to get a chance to try this fun new addition to our growing Christmas product selection.”

The range includes the KitKat Santa bar, KitKat Santa 6 x Mini Santa sharing bag and a KitKat Santa x 5 multipack.

Quality Street Irish Quality Street fans can buy personalised tins of Quality Street all year round from the brand’s new webshop, www.qualitystreet.co.uk. Visitors to the site can select up to six different sweets or opt for the classic Quality Street mix.

They can personalise their tin with a name of their choice and have it delivered straight to their door. The site also makes gifting easy, offering a free personalised card with every order.

“Last year, we had an overwhelming response to our Quality Street pop-up activation, so we already know how much people love to personalise their Quality Street tins,” revealed Maria McKenna, Manager - Confectionery, Nestlé Ireland.“We are now taking that one step further by offering them the chance to also choose the perfect mix of their favourite sweets for that personalised tin. Even more exciting is the news that with our new Quality Street web shop, they can now do all this in a matter of clicks, from the comfort of their own home.”

The site will offer 1kg tins of Quality Street costing €20

Irish Quality Street fans can buy personalised tins of their favourite sweets.

Aldi giving families the chance to chat with Santa online

SANTA dropped into Aldi in Terenure to announce that, while we may not be able to visit him in person this year, during the month of November, Aldi is giving 100 lucky families the opportunity to win a virtual chat with the man himself in the run up to Christmas via SantaOnline.ie. Santa will chat to up to five children per family and will even send a gift to spread the Christmas magic to as many children as he can.

To enter, consumers email their best Christmas cracker joke to santa@aldi.ie!

o to w n - S tro o d le s P a s ta S tra w s 44|Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Christmas Stocking: Essentials inspiring small sustainable changes ‘one Stroodle at a time’.

The Bewley’s Luxury Hamper is filled with the finest delights from across the Bewley’s range.

Bewley’s Bewley’s has revealed a host of perfect gifts for the coffee and tea lovers in your life.

The Bewley’s Luxury Hamper (€69.99) is filled with the finest delights from across the Bewley’s range, including 15 of Bewley’s most popular coffee and tea blends, like Bewley’s Irish Afternoon Teabag 80’s, Bewley’s Fairtrade Gold Roast Fresh Coffee, Bewley’s Peppermint Tea, Bewley’s Rich Roast Instant Coffee and Bewley’s Fairtrade Indulgent Hot Chocolate.

The Cafetiere Home Grind Set (€69.79) allows the budding barista to grind their beans freshly at home using their favorite Bewley’s coffees. The Bewley’s Kinto Cup (€35) is the perfect gift for those who love a coffee on the go. The foil layer covering the inner wall reflects heat back inside, contributing to excellent heat and cold retention. The range also includes the Sage Precesion Brewer (€299.99) and Sage Barista Pro (€799.99), for all lockdown baristas.

The Santa Stroodle Christmas pack of 40 pasta straws: biodegradable, durable and edible after use.

straw company, have just released their new asta (Drinking) Straws that are the perfect The award-winning Christmas pudding from Avoca.

Avoca launches Christmas feast to order

AVOCA has revealed that its Christmas Feast to Order service has returned and is a celebration of the hearty traditional favourites, while maintaining the ritual of enjoying your main meal. New bite-sized sweet and savoury options take centre stage and smaller portions of the festive feast are on offer to those preparing a re-scaled sumptuous meal. New dishes include a festive sausage roll wreath, a mini assortment of quiches in a variety of flavours, and mini spiced apple tartlets as well as chocolate and orange mince pies. Avoca has also launched a personal shopping service that allows customers to order retail products via phone and arrange for collection in store at a designated point or for delivery. The new personal shopping service is available across all their main stores, including Kilmacanogue, Ballsbridge, Monkstown, Rathcoole, Dunboyne, Powerscourt and the Malahide store. Brimming with lovingly prepared festive goodies and a showstopping selection of hampers, Avoca’s festive food range is filled with delicacies from Ireland’s finest producers, as well as tasty treats made by hand in Avoca kitchens and bakeries. Or more information, see www.avoca.com.

d quirky gift idea this festive season. They are will definitely be a present that will put a mbered.

Santa Stroodle Stroodles, a pasta straw company, has just released its new Santa Stroodle Christmas pack of 40 pasta (drinking) straws, the perfect sustainable gift this Christmas. Stroodles are 100% biodegradable, provide durability of one hour+ in cold drinks, are flavourless, vegan, and edible raw or cooked after use. A unique stocking filler and quirky gift idea this festive season, Stroodles are guaranteed to spark conversation, which reflects the company’s mission of

ith a message, which reflects the company’s

Retail News|November 2020|www.retailnews.ie|45

Christmas Stocking: Essentials Mr Crumb Multi-award-winning artisan food producer Mr Crumb’s convenient Sage & Onion stuffing trays have been available in many Irish retailers for several years. The company is now ready to give the dried stuffing market a run for its money, with new flavoursome Ambient Dried Sage & Onion Stuffing!

“Our unique selling point is that our new Ambient Sage & Onion product is hand-made with sautéed red onions and real Irish butter,” says Jason Coyle, Director, Mr Crumb.

“We are on a fantastic journey, building the Mr Crumb Brand in Ireland, the UK and internationally. We have recently been awarded a Business All-Star Award from the All Ireland Business Foundation, a testament to the innovative product development, hard work and dedication of our team over the last 24 years.

It also validates our commitment to provide the best quality products and customer service.”

The family-run business, located in the small rural village of Finea, Co. Westmeath, was founded in 1996 and is famous for its international award-winning stuffing, and also makes breadcrumbs, flavoured butters and New flavoursome Ambient Dried Sage & food-to-go products. Onion Stuffing from Mr Crumb.

Sell Christmas Stamps in your store

Plenty Household Towel launches new Christmas advert

THIS year, Plenty Household Towel will run a strong TV and VOD campaign around its Plenty Xmess communication platform. Christmas can be a busy time at home with lots of cleaning on the runup to the big day, and Plenty Household Towel is on hand to help clean up lots of Christmas messes!

Plenty is one of Ireland’s leading household towel brands with value sales of over €6.5m. The brand is in the fastest growing brand in the market, with sales up by 28.9% versus the previous 12 months (Source: Kantar Worldpanel MAT Data to September 6, 2020). For more information, visit www.essity.com.

Christmas Stamps Christmas Stamps 2020 Stampaí náisiúnta 20 National stamps

Stampaí idirnáisiúnta 5 International stamps

One4all and Gift Boxes & Bags also available from PostPoint.

One4all Gift cards

s Christma ll are One4a Stamps & in PostPoint rs huge selle er y year. stores ev e to stock uld lik If you wo d apply to these an ostPoint P become a ase call agent ple il. or ema

aprs.sales@anpost.ie

1800 300 150 XMAS_STAMPS_TRADE_AD (180x132).indd 1

Christmas Stamp Booklets

2020

Customers can buy and post in your store.

Gift Box & Bag

Stamp Booklets available • International Stamps x5 • National Stamps x5 • National Stamps x20*

Gift Boxes & Bags • Gift Box E9 • Gift Bag E6

* (one FREE stamp included)

10/11/2020 12:09

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

Christmas Stocking: Spirits

The Christmas spirits C

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Irish spirits sales had been soaring pre-Covid. Christmas should provide an opportunity for them to regain some ground.

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THE Irish spirits market was flying until the impact of Covid-19, with Irish whiskey on the crest of a wave, and Irish gin products also enjoying unprecedented success at home and abroad.

January 2020 saw Irish whiskey sales globally exceed 12m cases, which was the estimated historic high point for Irish whiskey sales in the early 20th century before prohibition, world wars and trade wars decimated its global market.

It is not just Irish whiskey that has enjoyed massive growth, however. The last decade has seen an explosion in the popularity of Irish spirits, with domestic gins and vodkas joining Irish whiskey as leaders in their categories.

Indeed, spirits in general had been performing extremely well in Ireland, as consumers across the country embraced cocktail culture, both in the on-trade and the offtrade, where they recreated their favourite cocktails at home.

The pandemic has hit orders and sales across the world, but the spirits industry will bounce back, and Christmas 2020 is a good time for savvy retailers to capitalise on strong consumer demand for creating their favourite cocktails and long drinks at home over the festive season.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky Maker’s Mark bourbon, from Beam Suntory, is all about great taste; the product uses red winter Maker’s Mark, a gift for the whiskey enthusiast or cocktail aficionado.

wheat to create a flavour that finishes in the front of the palate where the sweet taste buds are located.

Every barrel of Maker’s Mark is aged to taste, not time. It’s left to the team’s tasting panel in Kentucky, USA, including their Master Distiller, to determine when the bourbon is fully matured. It usually takes between six and seven years for the whisky to be ready. After the bottles are filled, each is hand-dipped in its signature red wax. Every hand-dipped bottle creates a different drip. Every delicious drop of bourbon is the same. The hand-dipped red wax bottle is every bit as recognisable as the Maker’s Mark name. Every bottle of Maker’s Mark is still made the same way as its founders intended over 65 years ago, making each bottle as special as the bourbon inside.

Maker’s Mark is adored by bartenders across the globe due to its character and depth of flavour neat or in cocktails.

If shoppers are looking for a gift for the whisky enthusiast or cocktail experimenter in their life, Maker’s Mark is one to add to the shopping list. Maker’s Mark is available across all grocery stores and off licenses nationwide (RRP: €45.24).

Jim Beam Bourbon Jim Beam Bourbon, from Beam Suntory, is a clean, crisp bourbon with a sweet taste. It has light caramel & vanilla aromas, a slightly woody char and a clean finish. Since 1795, Jim Beam has been crafted by the Beam family and distilled with a strong sense of family values. Seven generations later, it’s still made with those same values and aged twice as long as the law requires. It’s elegant, smooth & refined as a result of four years of ageing in newly charred American white oak barrels.

Jim Beam is the perfect whisky to enjoy ‘Any damn way you please’. These are the words of the current Jim Beam Master

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

Christmas Stocking: Spirits White Claw Hard Seltzer available in four-packs WHITE Claw Hard Seltzer has just launched in four-pack format and is available in each of the three flavours, Black Cherry, Natural Lime and Raspberry. The fourpacks are now available in all major retailers, distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

White Claw Hard Seltzer has pioneered the Hard Seltzer category in the US and is the number one brand in a category worth over $3.4 Billion YTD, with White Claw commanding over 50% market share. Putting it in perspective, in the US off-trade, White Claw Hard Seltzer is now bigger than both Budweiser and Corona in dollar sales. It also has a higher household penetration than most of the biggest beer brands in the US. The success of the brand has been led by a clear understanding that consumers are demanding products that complement their active and more balanced lifestyles. 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.

Each 330ml can contains 95 calories, 4.5% ABV and 2g carbs. For more information, visit www.whiteclaw.com.

Jim Beam has been crafted by the Beam family since 1795.

Distiller and seventh generation Beam, Fred Noe. It’s his reply to anyone who asks him how to drink his bourbon. But, just in case your customers need a suggestion, a Jim Beam & Ginger Highball is one part Jim Beam Bourbon, three parts ginger ale and garnished with a lemon wedge.

Jim Beam is available across all grocery stores and off licenses nationwide, (RRP: €28.52).

Connemara Irish Whiskey possesses a distinct peaty flavour and aroma, instilling a delicate smokiness and smooth, sweet taste.

White Claw Hard Seltzer is now available in four-packs in Black Cherry, Natural Lime and Raspberry flavours.

Connemara Irish Whiskey Unique among Irish whiskeys, Connemara, from Beam Suntory, is the only Irish peated single malt whiskey widely available today. Inspired by the 18th century art of drying malting barley over peat fires, Connemara possesses a distinct peaty flavour and aroma, instilling a delicate smokiness and smooth, sweet taste. Its complex peat flavours and smooth, sweet malt taste make it a truly unique Irish whiskey.

Connemara is a highly decorated Irish whiskey, having received over 20 medals in major spirits competitions since 2012, and it recently picked up a silver medal at the 2020 International Spirits Competition.

Connemara makes the perfect gift for the whiskey explorer in your life, particularly if they are looking for a different perspective on Irish whiskey.

Connemara is available across all grocery stores and off licenses nationwide (RRP: €41.32).

Roku Japanese Gin Roku Gin, the first premium Japanese craft gin in the Beam Suntory portfolio, translates to ‘six’. Roku incorporates six traditional Japanese botanicals, which are infused, distilled and blended by the

Japanese artisans of Suntory Spirits in Osaka, Japan.

This unique liquid was born out of a vision to create a truly authentic Japanese product to meet demand for a crafted, premium gin with a distinctive and balanced flavour. In a process unique to Roku, the six Japanese botanicals are distilled using a selection of different pot stills, each chosen to ensure the

Roku Gin: a complex yet harmonious gin with a smooth and silky texture.

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

Christmas Stocking: Spirits best flavour is extracted from each botanical. The result is a complex yet harmonious gin with a smooth and silky texture.

Meticulous attention to detail, the signature of Japanese craftsmanship, also extends to the bottle. Roku is available to purchase in Ireland in SuperValu, O’Brien’s and all good off licenses (RRP: €44.27).

Graham Norton Gins The award-winning Graham Norton wines and spirits are widely available in Ireland, distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

The latest additions to the Graham Norton range have been Graham’s own Irish gins, including an award-winning clear gin and a pink gin.

These gins are made in West Cork Distillery, close to Graham’s home-town. Distilled and produced using 100% Irish grain, both gins draw their flavours from a combination of 12 botanicals, including angelica, fuchsia flowers, orris roots, rose hip, basil and liquorice root - all of which contribute to a gin as unique as the man himself!

Graham has even created his own Cocktail Ginsecco, a glass of prosecco, topped up with a dash of his own pink gin. For those who rather a G&T, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin is best enjoyed with Indian Tonic Water, lashings of ice and fresh lime to garnish, while Graham Norton’s Own Irish Pink Gin is best enjoyed with Indian Tonic Water, lashings of ice and red berries to garnish.

been a favourite for coffee cocktail lovers the world over and it was even used in the very first Espresso Martini recipe over 40 years ago.

Tia Maria is a sweet liqueur with a strong coffee character and a complex aromatic structure.

There are three significant elements: Tia Maria coffee provides the distinctive roasted, fullbodied rich taste; Madagascan vanilla provides a pronounced but delicate, fragrant back note; and Jamaican Rum gives body, depth and structure.

2020 saw Tia Maria receive an aesthetic makeover, starting from the bottle. The harmonious shape with soft, clean lines makes a perfect match with the new graphic label, where bold red strokes capture the brand’s dynamic energy. Ever true to its message, One of a Kind, Tia Maria highlights its uniqueness also through the label, opting to express the authentic character. Same great taste, new look!

The Espresso Martini is just one of many cocktails that can be made using Tia Maria. Other favourites include the Tia Mint Americano, the Tia Iced Popcorn Frappe, the Tia Cappuccino, or The Jaffacake, a 50:50 split of Tia Maria and Cointreau. Tia Maria can also be enjoyed over ice with tonic water and a slice of citrus (lemon or grapefruit).

See TiaMaria.com for more cocktail inspiration.

Tia Maria enjoyed a new look in 2020, but still has the same great taste.

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Irish Distillers has created a stunning whiskey gift guide, featuring top tipples to truly turn heads this festive season.

Whether shoppers are searching for a gift for the whiskey aficionado in their life, seeking a new flavour for a spirits lover or simply need a fail-safe crowd pleaser to add to their home bar, these bottles will make the festive period that bit merrier.

Jameson Black Barrel is matured in a combination of

Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin and Graham Norton’s Own Irish Pink Gin, two award-winning gins available from Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Tia Maria Tia Maria, from Barry & Fitzwilliam, dates back to the mid17th century when a young Spanish aristocrat fled the colonial war on Jamaica. Her maid saved one family treasure, a small jewellery box with black pearl earrings and an ancient manuscript with the recipe for a mysterious liqueur. The recipe lay dormant for many years before being rediscovered in the 1940s by Dr Kenneth Leigh Evans, who began to produce and market it and Tia Maria was born. Since then, Tia Maria has

Jameson Cold Brew marries triple distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey with natural cold brew coffee derived from 100% Arabica beans from Brazil and Colombia.

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Christmas Stocking: Spirits

Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin was inspired by historic gin recipes dating back to 1798.

American oak, sherry casks and double charred bourbon barrels, and is the ultimate gift for Jameson fans looking for something more special this year.

The charring method lends this whiskey intensified notes of vanilla sweetness and caramel, alongside toasted wood, fruit and spice (RRP: €50).

Redbreast 12 Year Old is a quintessential Single Pot Still Irish whiskey with a harmonious balance of spicy, fruity and toasted notes. Dressed to impress in an extra special gift box, this is an ultimate crowd pleaser that will take pride of place on Christmas tables this year (RRP: €60).

Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin was inspired by historic gin recipes dating back to 1798. This awardwinning gin is packed with an eclectic fusion of 16 botanicals, led by black lemon and Irish gorse flower (RRP: €50).

Powers John’s Lane is an alltime favourite amongst Irish whiskey collectors around the world: this Single Pot Still classic is matured for a minimum of 12 years (RRP: €66).

Green Spot Irish Whiskey is a historic single pot still whiskey which was originally produced for the Mitchell family of Dublin whiskey bonders in 1805 and has spread across the world to huge acclaim (RRP: €60).

Midleton Very Rare 2020 could be described as the pinnacle of Irish Whiskey. Chosen from the most exceptional quality single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys laid down over the past four decades, Midleton Very

Rare 2020 showcases an expression of whiskeys aged from 13 to 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels. This expression is the last from Irish Distillers’ former Master Distiller Brian Nation (RRP: €180).

The classic combination of Irish whiskey and coffee is enjoying an ice

Midleton Very Rare 2020 is the last expression from Irish Distillers’ former Master Distiller Brian Nation.

The Lixir range of premium tonics and mixers, available from Molson Coors.

The perfect mixer from Lixir

Green Spot Irish Whiskey is a historic single pot still whiskey which has spread across the world to huge acclaim.

MOLSON Coors Beverage Company and Lixir Drinks have agreed a new partnership, which will see Molson Coors become the exclusive route-to-market partner of Lixir’s range of premium tonics and mixers on the island of Ireland.

Lixir Drinks is a London-based premium tonic water and mixer brand, founded in 2018 following a crowdfunding campaign by bartenders Matt Mahatme and Jordan Palmer. Currently available in 13 countries, Lixir uses natural ingredients to create its exciting range of eight drinks, which are low in calories and contain no artificial ingredients.

The line-up of Lixir Drinks’ tonics being brought to the Island of Ireland by Molson Coors includes Rhubarb & Ginger, Elderflower & Lemon, and Blood Orange & Cinnamon tonic waters, as well as Classic Indian, and Refreshingly Light tonic water. It also includes Ginger Beer, Ginger Ale and Soda Water.

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Christmas Stocking: Spirits cool revival in the form of Jameson Cold Brew. Produced in Ireland, Jameson Cold Brew marries triple distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey with natural cold brew coffee derived from 100% Arabica beans from Brazil and Colombia. The result is a smooth and distinctive beverage with intense coffee aromatics, complemented by the vanilla nuttiness of Jameson, with notes of toasted oak and dark chocolate (RRP: €30.50).

The Causeway Collection has been expertly crafted by Bushmills Master Blender, Helen Mulholland, who described it as “a bold new step for Bushmills, one that not only honours the giants and generations before us but also the incomparable natural landscape in which it’s forged. We are excited to reintroduce cask strength Bushmills single malt whiskeys to our loyal fans across the island of Ireland. With these two new exclusive releases, we celebrate our passion for single malt, showcase our rare and unique casks, and honour our 400-year north coast provenance.”

Only 1,454 bottles of the 2008 Muscatel Cask are available, bottled at 56.4% ABV, non chill-filtered and priced at €100 for 700ml. Only 2,491 bottles of the 1995 Malaga Cask are available, bottled at 53.5% ABV, non chill-filtered and priced at €400 for 700ml. For more information visit bushmills.com/causeway-collection.

The Irishman Founder’s Reserve Walsh Whiskey has announced the timely release of an exclusive, limited-edition release of The Irishman Founder’s Reserve - Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish. It is the first time The Irishman Founder’s Reserve, a rare blend of Single Malt & Single Pot Still premium whiskeys, has been finished in Oloroso sherry casks. Previous limited-edition finishes have seen Florio Marsala and Chairman’s Reserve Rum cask finishes.

The Causeway Collection from The Old Bushmills Distillery includes two cask strength releases that will be exclusively available for the island of Ireland: the 2008 Muscatel Cask and the 1995 Malaga Cask.

Bushmills Bushmills Irish Whiskey has announced the release of The Causeway Collection, a new series of extremely rare and unique cask finished single malt whiskeys from The Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Leading the highly anticipated line-up are two cask strength releases that will be exclusively available for the island of Ireland: the 2008 Muscatel Cask and the 1995 Malaga Cask. The two exclusive Irish releases are the first cask strength Irish single malt whiskeys to be introduced by The Old Bushmills Distillery in over 15 years.

The 2008 Muscatel Cask, first aged for eight years in oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels, is then matured in rare muscatel casks for a further four years. Permeated with wine made from the aromatic muscat grape, the muscatel cask imparts deep waves of flavour, with luscious ripe fruit notes and a smooth sweetness.

The 1995 Malaga Cask is a rare single malt, aged quietly for over 10 years in oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels, before further maturation for an extraordinary 14 years in Malaga casks. After almost 25 years resting in oak, the triple wood maturation bestows notes of sweet spiced plum, toasted vanilla and pinches of coffee grounds on this golden spirit.

Available for Christmas 2020: The Irishman Founder’s Reserve - Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish.

The Irishman Founder’s Reserve - Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish is triple-distilled entirely in copper pots and aged in American oak bourbon barrels, before being finished in Oloroso casks for an additional 12 months and bottled at 46% ABV. The release is limited to just nine sherry butts, which will yield just over 8,000 bottles (RRP: €75).

Waterford Distillery Waterford Distillery, the barley-forward, terroir-driven Irish distiller, has released Ireland’s very first organic whiskey in the modern age. Organic: Gaia 1.1 was distilled in 2016 from organic Irish barley grown by a small, dedicated band of organic

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Christmas Stocking: Spirits farmers. The single malt whiskey is certified by the Organic Trust, and was a big winner in the recently held National Organic Awards.

Organic: Gaia 1.1 is matured in a spectrum of fresh, super-premium oak: 42% first-fill US oak, 17% virgin US oak,

The Fercullen Irish Whiskey portfolio from Powerscourt Distillery.

Organic Gaia 1.1: the awardwinning organic whiskey from Waterford Distillery.

23% premium French oak and 18% Vin Doux Naturel – sweet fortified wine casks. It is bottled at 50% ABV without colouring, chill-filtration or any additives whatsoever.

18,000 bottles will be released throughout Europe and Asia, with a further 6,000 bottles in the USA (RRP: €80-86).

Powerscourt Distillery The Fercullen Irish Whiskey portfolio from Powerscourt Distillery has received widespread acclaim. The company

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits launch in Ireland

THE no and low alcohol trend has started to pick up real momentum in Ireland, particularly throughout 2020, and consumer demand for a quality no alcohol cocktail experience is rapidly growing. Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits, the world’s most comprehensive range of alcoholfree spirits and liqueurs, has arrived to truly rampup and enhance the category, distributed in Ireland by Richmond Marketing.

Lyre’s offers an alternative to alcohol with no compromise on the taste, quality, or experience.

“Lyre’s ambition is not to create original, new flavours, but to get as close as possible to those

recently announced an age statement of 8 years for the Fercullen Premium Blend, a move which highlights the exceptional age quality of the Blend.

According to Powerscourt distillery’s Master Distiller Noel Sweeney, “Our Premium blend has always been distilled with 8-year-old aged whiskey; following very positive feedback from consumers and trade partners, we feel the time is right to call out the age statement and acknowledge the quality of our liquid.”

time tested and universally loved flavours of original spirits and pay them homage,” explains Mark Livings, CEO of Lyre’s Spirits.

The portfolio boasts 13 different spirits and liqueurs, including gin, whiskey, rum, Campari, dry and sweet Vermouth, absinthe, triple sec, amaretto and coffee liqueur, with more products in the pipeline.

Lyre’s has been crafted using allnatural essences, extracts and distillates so as to match the aroma, taste, and appearance of the traditional spirit, without using alcohol as a base. The Lyre’s range has won numerous awards, most recently being recognised as the creators of the best and highest-scoring nonalcoholic spirit in the world at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

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Chrismas Stocking: Beers

Christmas cheers

Christmas is traditionally a peak selling period for beers, and 2020 should prove no different, despite the pandemic.

COVID-19 has had a massive effect on the Irish beer market, with many on-trade outlets closed for a sizeable part of the year – indeed, so-called ‘wet pubs’ in the capital have been unable to open since March. This has driven shoppers to the off-trade, as consumers across the country stocked up on their favourite drinks for at-home consumption.

Irish consumers still have an unprecedented selection of beer available to them, particularly in off-trade outlets, and consumption habits have evolved in recent years. The Brusselbased lobby group, the Brewers of Europe, commissioned research into Irish consumers, conducted by the RepTrak Company in late 2019. The research found that Irish customers want to increase their knowledge of different varieties of beer, with 58% saying they want to learn more about appropriate pairing of beer with certain foods, compared to 45% in 2017.

The research also found that 48% of Irish consumers are likely to change the beers they buy, depending on the season or time of the year, an increase of 8% since 2017. The brewing sector is already adapting to changing consumer demands in recent years by offering an expanded range of products, including the rise in popularity of craft beers and the wider availability of non-alcoholic beers.

BrewDog BrewDog is now almost 13 years old as a company, and now has 2,000 team members, four world class breweries, 100 outstanding craft beer bars and a community of over 130,000 equity punks all over the planet. Distributed in Ireland by Barry & Fitzwilliam, BrewDog has shaken up the beer business and crafted a community-owned business that is 100% powered by the people.

The brand has unveiled a new visual identity along with a renewed purpose for the next chapter in its story. “We believe in the power of independence, community and the positive power of a people-based business being a force for good in the world,” enthuses a company spokesperson. “Welcome to the new BrewDog.” As well as new packaging and a new visual identity,

BrewDog is also launching some great new beers and introducing more individuality across its breweries, bars and beer ranges.

With BrewDog Tomorrow, the company is building on its strong sense of purpose and building on some fantastic initiatives already in place; from The Unicorn Fund to the BrewDog Foundation, and from being a Living Wage employer to its community ownership model and its B-corp journey.

“BrewDog Tomorrow outlines our commitment to do far

The hugely successful BrewDog range, distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, has a new visual identity.

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Chrismas Stocking: Beers more from a sustainability perspective,” the company proclaims. “BrewDog Tomorrow is our commitment to combine brave thinking and bold action to help ensure we have a planet to make beer on for future generations.”

Coors Heineken Ireland has revealed an exciting rebrand for Coors Light. From March 2021, Coors Light will be known as Coors in a leadership move designed to drive ongoing growth in the dynamic Americanstyle light tasting beer category.

Coors is renowned for its ‘Peak of Refreshment’ and this brand promise will be brought to life through a refreshing new look that will aim to take the lager to new heights in Ireland.

The brand refresh will build on the success of the ‘Keep it Fresh’ campaign, which celebrates the brand’s Rocky Mountain heritage. Consumer research shows that with its new design, Coors has increased stand-out, distinctiveness and overall brand appeal. The transition will underline the brand’s mountain cold, refreshing taste and see an extensive programme of investment to support continued growth with new packaging and point-of-sale material to help drive sales.

A full-strength, 4.3% ABV, American style lager with a refreshing crisp flavour, Coors is one of Ireland’s best-selling and fastest growing lagers, having grown by 50% in the five years to 2019. As well as its commitment to offering customers top quality and great tasting refreshment, Heineken Ireland is always innovating across categories to offer consumers excellent choice for all occasions.

“Coors has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years and is now Ireland’s second largest lager brand, known for being a great tasting beer that always delivers on refreshment,” noted Wojciech Bogusz, Marketing Director of Heineken Ireland. “The rebrand will bring clarity to consumers as to what Coors stands for and comes as part of an ambitious plan, which sees us amplify the brand’s ‘Keep It Fresh’ positioning, which is a clear point of difference for consumers.”

From March 2021, Coors Light will be rebranded as Coors in a move designed to drive ongoing growth in the dynamic American-style light tasting beer category.

Fransiscan Well Chieftain, Rebel Red and Pilgrims are available in retail stores and off licences nationwide in packs of 4x 330ml.

Chieftain is a true Irish twist on a classic beer that mixes authenticity with individualism to create a modern Irish IPA. Franciscan Well Established in 1998 in Co. Cork, The Franciscan Well brewery was born out of a passion and love for craft beer. They have a range of delicious beers to match all tastes this festive period.

Chieftain: Powerful yet sessionable, Chieftain is big on citrus notes balanced with malts. A true Irish twist on a classic beer that mixes authenticity with individualism to create a modern Irish IPA, Chieftain was launched in 2013. Did you know that 43% of all craft IPA sold in Ireland is Chieftain IPA? Rebel Red: A true son of Cork, “The Rebel County”, Rebel Red is proud to be different, to its own unique taste.

An award-winning red ale, it offers the drinker a caramel and biscuit finish, together with a balanced hop/malt profile and a full mouthfeel. It is perfect for sharing with friends and pairing with food.

The newest addition to the Franciscan Well family, Pilgrims is a 4% Session Pale Ale. Brennan’s Brewery Brennan’s Brewery Original Beer, from Wexford, has been getting great reviews since its launch in November 2019, including being listed in Today FM’s “Best Beers For Christmas” show, where presenter Matt Cooper loved the beer, as well as scooping the Best Innovation Award at the Gorey Business Awards in February 2020.

Brennan’s are continuing to extend their range with new, fun and exciting products using Brennan’s Original Beer, including Brennan’s Original Chilli Sauce, a unique partnership with Welsh company Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, and Brennan’s Chocolate Truffles, made by artisan recipe creator Kate O’Driscoll from Kildare Town, who created the delicious truffles using the Brennan’s Original beer - available in gift boxes for Christmas.

Rebel Red is an award-winning red ale from The Franciscan Well Brewery.

Pilgrims: The newest addition to the Franciscan Well family, launched in 2019, Pilgrims is a 4% Session Pale Ale. Legend has it the waters of the Franciscan Well brewery have drawn the curious since the Middle Ages for its ‘miraculous and curative’ properties. Like the Pilgrims of the day, the brewers have gone against the grain of convention to create the perfect Pale Ale that is full of flavour and character.

Brennan’s Brewery Original Beer has been a great success for the Wexford brewery.

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Christmas Stocking: Wine

The vine knowledge

Jean Smullen looks at some must-stock wines for the Christmas period.

AS we approach the busy Christmas trading period during the most unsettling and bizarre year ever, it seems unsurprising to report that the harvest in Champagne was the earliest on record. The authorized date was set for August 17, but picking began to the south of the region on August 13. To date during the 21st century, there have been six August harvests in Champagne: 2020, 2018, 2015, 2011, 2007 and 2003.

There was no August harvest during the 20th century. Prior to that, you have to go back to 1822 when picking last began in August, a pattern that clearly confirms the impact global warming is having on the northerly vineyards. The 2020 Champagne harvest is also one of the lowest-yielding of the 21st century, 25% smaller than the 2019 vintage. As for the quality? 2020 is a good vintage, the summer was hot and dry, resulting in good quality, concentrated base wines.

So, what of sparkling wine sales on this market? Jonathan McDaid of Drinks Ireland - Wine told Retail News that in 2019, sparkling wine accounted for 2.3% of the 9m case market in Ireland, which is approximately 400,000 cases.

I suspect the vast majority of that is

for sales of Prosecco. Drinks Ireland - Wine said that in 2018 the wine market in Ireland was 8.9m cases and of that, sparkling wine accounted for 2.7% of the market, approximately 330,000 cases.

So overall, it appears that in the last two years, sales of sparkling wine have been steadily increasing. I have also heard anecdotally via a trade contact that Champagne sales were up in the first half of 2020, which would reflect the Irish consumer trading up during spring lockdown when wine sales were very strong. With everything around us falling apart, it is heartening to know that people decided to enjoy a good glass of Champagne to lift their spirits during these difficult times.

A Wine Intelligence report, called ‘Wine Consumer Trends in the Covid-19 Era’, published recently in the UK, utilises data about wine drinkers in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Sweden, the UK and the US, highlighting a mini-boom for wine since the pandemic struck. The report notes the move to at-home consumption was a direct result of the global lockdown. The report also found that online sales have become the new way to shop for wine.

The growth in global wine sales is mainly coming from those already familiar with wine and the core customers are Millennial and Generation X females.

Although Ireland was not part of the survey, from talking to importers and retailers in our market, it would appear this trend is consistent with what is happening here.

So, what can the retailer expect this Christmas? My feeling is that the consumer will continue to buy online and will trade-up this Christmas as it is very unlikely that they will be able to dine out. With disposable income to spend at a time of year when people like to treat themselves, I suspect consumers will spend that bit extra when purchasing wine and will trade up from entry level to premium and even super premium as a way to celebrate the 2020 festive season. Online will continue to be hugely important but as nearly all the independent off licenses and wine retailers now have facilities in place to accommodate this, that shouldn’t be a problem. Supermarkets will do well; however, if their on-line delivery times get booked out as they did during the spring lockdown, then the independents

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Christmas Stocking: Wine will benefit even more.

Corporate gifts are another strong part of Christmas trade, especially for independent retailers. I have heard speculation that wine may not benefit from the corporate market this year.

With wellness and “self-care” the new mantra, it may be that corporate gifts for clients will contain cookery books, candles, spa vouchers, cosmetic and beauty products, rather than wine.

It will be interesting to see the figures for mid-priced and premium wines for December 2020 next year.

Retail News has spoken to a number of key importing companies about their premium Christmas offers and some of the highlights are listed below.

The Kylie Minogue range from Barry & Fitzwilliam will be available for the Christmas market in a three-pack that includes the Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé & Merlot.

Irish connection in the shape of Michel Lynch at €12.49, while the popular Harveys Tio Pepe sherry will be on offer at €14

Graham Norton wines will be available in a twin-pack this festive season.

Barry & Fitzwilliam Barry & Fitzwilliam will have some of their best-selling wines on offer this Christmas. Look out for the Villa Maria Private Bin Range on offer at €11-12. The McGuigan Black Label range will be available at €9.

From Bordeaux comes a very popular Christmas gift with an

The brand new and very successful Sarah Jessica Parker NZ Sauvignon Blanc & South of France Rosé will be in a twin-pack on offer for €40 for Christmas.

Villa Maria: the best of New Zealand

VILLA Maria has been New Zealand’s leading wine award winner, both nationally and internationally, since the early 1980s. Villa Maria is now the number one New Zealand wine brand in the Irish market. Founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria employs more Villa Maria: the number one than 250 permanent New Zealand wine on the Irish staff and exports wine market. to over 50 countries worldwide. Villa Maria is known for making bold, industrychanging moves; back in 2001, Villa Maria moved to become a cork-free zone, switching to 100% screwcaps. In 2020, Vintage was launched, a feature-length documentary following the all-consuming harvest period of 2019. Villa Maria offers a range of skus from Private Bin, Cellar Select and Reserve. Coming in 2021, Villa Maria will be launching a new varietal to the Irish market – Sauvignon Blush. Villa Maria wines are distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

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Christmas Stocking: Wine during November & December.

Look out too for Barry & Fitzwilliam’s range of gift pack offers this Christmas.

The Villa Maria twin-pack features a Cellar Selection Pinot Noir & Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc in SuperValu & Carry Out with an RRP of €33. They will also have a McGuigan Black Label pack featuring a Red & White varietal from the Black Label range with an RRP of €20. The hugely popular Graham Norton will be available in a twin-pack, which includes the Shiraz & Sauvignon Blanc (RRP: €30), while the brand new and very successful Sarah Jessica Parker NZ Sauvignon Blanc & South of France Rosé will be in a twin-pack on offer for €40, and the Kylie Minogue wines, launched this summer, will be available for the Christmas market in a three-pack that includes the Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé & Merlot, all produced in the South of France, with a retail price of €39.

Ampersand Wines Ampersand Wines are all set for the Christmas sell-in with a range of awardwinning wines on special offer. Rioja Vega’s award-winning Crianza has been adorned with a beautiful holly wreath on its label for the Christmas dinner table and festivities this Christmas season. Rioja Vega Crianza won the Best Old World Red Wine Under €15 at the 2018 Irish Wine Show Awards and is a firm favourite with Irish wine lovers.

Retailing at €14.95, it is sure to be a popular choice again with both retailers

Ampersand Wines have a range of award-winning wines on special offer this festive season.

The brand new McGuigan Zero range from Barry & Fitzwilliam: unrivalled taste, zero alcohol.

McGuigan launches new zero alcohol range

MCGUIGAN wines continue to outperform the market; according to a recent report, McGuigan is now the number one Australian wine brand in the off trade.

Neil McGuigan, their chief winemaker, has been named Best Winemaker in the World by the International Wine & Spirits Competition an unprecedented four times.

The Black Label range comprises a Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rose and Malbec. McGuigan Frizzante is a light style of sparkling wine, full of lively yet delicate bubbles that give a crisp and refreshing sparkle. The latest addition to the McGuigan Portfolio is McGuigan Zero, offering unrivalled taste, zero alcohol. McGuigan Zero offers an unparalleled alcohol-free experience both on the nose and palate. Launching with Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling, McGuigan Zero is created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product.

McGuigan wines are distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

and those consumers who wish to spend a little more this Christmas.

Ampersand have added new Lolo Garnacha to the range in time for the festive season, made in a fresh rich style with unbeatable flavour. Some years ago, a treasure was discovered at the Nekeas Valley: 60 year-old Garnacha vines in small plots on top of the hills. Both bunches and berries were very small and well ventilated, which captured the very essence of the Garnacha varietal. The best vines adapted to the most extreme conditions were selected and re-grafted in order to keep the best DNA. This wine is made from those vines by Paco & Lola, one of Galica’s best known producers.

Ampersand Wines also have the wonderful Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. produced exclusively in the hills of the ConeglianoValdobbiadene zone between Verona and Venice. This is a highest-quality expression of Prosecco and is made from the Glera grape. This Prosecco is fruit forward, with notes of honey, pineapple and hints of citrus. Cecilia Beretta is the single estate of the leading producer in Verona, Pasqua.

Bibendum Ireland This year, Bibendum Ireland have some great Christmas Trade Offers for the specialist and off-trade sector. Look out for 2015 Hunter’s Pinot Noir, a great recommendation as an accompaniment for turkey, on offer at €150 per case of 12 (list price €170) with an RRP of €21.99. One of Ireland’s best loved Champagnes, Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Gold in a gift pack is on offer at €184 for six bottles, (list price €240), with an RRP of €49.99. The iconic Lauren Perrier

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Christmas Stocking: Wine Trimbach Riesling from AOP Alsace is on offer at €136 for 12 bottles (list price €160), with an RRP of €18.99. I also love the 2018 Ladoucette Comte Lanford Sancerre on offer at €220 for 12 bottles (list price €260), with an RRP of €31.99 a definite crowd pleaser. Finally, the Irish love good Bordeaux at Christmas, so make sure you have this well-regarded Medoc wine on your shelves: 2012 Chateau Loudenne, offer price €99 for six bottles (list price €130), with an RRP of €27.99.

From Bibendum Ireland, the Bottega Gift Pack is on special offer this Christmas, and Prosecco DOC Rosé is a brand new category which is sure to make a big impact.

DOC Rosé is on offer at €320 (list price €380) and has an RRP of €89.99.

With English wine growing in popularity and becoming recognised for their premium sparkling wines, Nyetimber Classic Cuvee is a must stock, with an offer price of €175 for six (list price €220), the RRP is €47.99.

Look out too for the new Bottega Prosecco Gold Rosé, a blend of Glera (85%) and Pinot Noir (15%). The Bottega Gift Pack has an offer price of €119 (list price €145) and an RRP €33.99. Prosecco DOC Rosé is a brand-new category,

the production of which was formally authorized by Italian authorities from August 1, 2020. It was officially released on November 1 so we can expect to see a lot more of this new Rosé style Prosecco on our shelves in the next year.

Magnums are another big seller during the Christmas trading period, and Bibendum Ireland have the 2016 Ramon Bilbao Crianza DOCa Rioja on offer in magnums at €100 for six, (list price €130) and RSP is €28.99.

Chablis is a Christmas ‘must stock’ and a perfect match for wild Irish salmon and Bibendum Ireland have the 2018 Drouhin Vaudon Chablis, offer price €170 for 12 bottles (list price €200), with an RRP of €23.99. The 2018

Cassidy Wines Cassidy Wines have the Paco & Lola Albariño from the top Spanish producer on promotion at €14.99, down from the normal RRP of €16.99. This wine was awarded 97 Points by Decanter. This region and wine style have become extremely popular with the Irish consumer in recent years, Albariño has become the “new” Sauvignon Blanc and fans of its peachy flavours and high acidity love this wine.

Venturing into the premium and super-premium category is the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Chile on promotion at €19.99, down from €21.99. This wine was awarded 93 Points by Decanter.

This joint venture with the Bordeaux House of Baron Philippe de Rothschild has resulted in a range of premium wines. Phonetically in Spanish, Escudo Rojo translates literally into “red shield” a play on the name Rothschild.

The Escudo Rojo wine is the result of a Franco-Chilean venture in Puente Alto, a southern suburb of Santiago.

The first vines were planted in 1978. In January 1997, a joint venture agreement between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha y Toro has resulted in a

The Graham effect!

Graham Norton wines have proved just as popular as the TV presenter himself.

THE award-winning Graham Norton wines and spirits are widely available in Ireland, distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam. Graham controls every aspect of the blending process of his wines, combining Southern Hemisphere grapes with ‘Norton Hemisphere’ brilliance, creating a range of superb wines.

The number one selling product from the Graham Norton portfolio is the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region. The Rosé, also from New Zealand, has also proved a great success: it’s light and fruity, slightly sweet and best served chilled, offering flavours and aromas of raspberries and strawberries. It’s pink from top to bottom, with a cheeky light blush.

The Shiraz is from Australia, with a blend of different regions offering a complex, concentrated wine with a deep ruby colour. It’s a bold, juicy wine full of character, just like the man himself!

The range also has a Prosecco from Italy, which is light and refreshing, offering aromas and flavours of citrus notes, lemon and lime.

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Christmas Stocking: Wine

Cassidy Wines have the Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne & Glass Gift Pack on offer for €100 this Christmas. partnership which results in wines which are most definitely Chilean in character but show an obvious French style of winemaking.

Cassidy Wines are also offering the Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne & Glass Gift Pack on offer for €100.

NV Brut Premier is a non-vintage Brut that has garnered consistently high scores for its strength, complexity, and potential for maturing.

Comans Beverages Cava is another unsung hero of the sparkling wine category, one whose time has come. The wines are bottle fermented in the traditional way in the Penedes region of Spain. This is a very affordable premium sparkling wine style that can be genuinely recommended to customers at Christmas. Comans Beverages have the Perelada Brut Reserva for RRP €20.

This well-known Cava is made from Macabeu (30%), Xarel-lo

Dada is one of Argentina’s most popular wines on the Irish market, with strong sales during 2020.

(45%) and Parellada (25%), the region’s indigenous grapes.

Bottle fermented and with an ABV of 11.5%, this well-regarded producer is highly rated by Spain’s Guia de Vins. Look out as well for the Perelada Brut Rosé (RRP €20), ABV11.5%, made from a blend of Garnatxa (69%), Pinot Noir (17%) and Trepat (14%). With Rosé wines so in demand these days, this is bound to perform well during the Christmas season.

Brand new to the Comans list is Lacheteau Crémant de Loire Brut (RRP €21); this sparkling wine style from the heartland of the Loire region is a bottle fermented sparkling wine made from the Chenin Blanc grape, one of the region’s top-quality white varietals. Chenin Blanc has high levels of

natural acidity, which make it the ideal grape for sparkling wine. The acidity is evident in the final wine and gives it an edge. This is a good quality Loire Crémant, another good alternative to Champagne as a customer offer. They also have a Lacheteau Brut Rosé at the same price.

Comans Beverages will be offering a number of Christmas twin-packs that have great sales appeal. Look out for the Dada in a single gift box, on promotion for €10, down from its usual RRP of €13. Dada is one of Argentina’s most popular wines on the Irish market at the moment. During 2020, sales for this brand have been very strong. Dada is made from a blend of Malbec and Bonarda and is a huge hit with the Irish consumer, so make sure you stock the gift pack. They also have another Argentine wine called Love, which is made from the Malbec grape, in a single gift box on promotion during the Christmas period for €12, down from €15. Look out too for the Trapiche twin gift-pack, which includes Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

From Chile, Comans Beverages are offering the McKenna twin gift-pack of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon for €18, down from €22. One of the Irish wine geese, General Juan McKenna was born in Ireland in 1771 and went on to become a Chilean hero during their War of Independence.

His descendants, the McKennas founded the Chilean winery, Undurraga, and were among the pioneers of the Chile wine industry. This wine collection was created as a tribute to Juan McKenna.

Finally, Comans Beverages will be offering wooden gift boxes from Navarra’s famous winery Ochoa (RRP: €100) and from Chile’s Undurraga winery (RRP: €120), with each box containing six bottles of wine.

Liberty Wines Look out for some great Christmas promotions available from Liberty Wines including their Champagne Piper-Heidsieck offer, order six 6x75cl cases of Cuvée Brut NV and receive a seventh case free of charge. The Piper-Heidsieck, Cuvée Brut NV was the winner of the Gold Star Award in the Sparkling/ Champagne Under €60 category at the NOffLA Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2020-21.

They also have a fantastic offer on Famille Perrin, one of the most recognisable names in the Southern Rhône, with a 20% discount on a mixed 60-bottle order of any of the following wines: Famille Perrin Nature Organic Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc 2019, Famille Perrin Nature Organic Côtes-du-Rhône 2018, Famille Perrin Les Crus Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Les Sinards 2019, Famille Perrin Les Crus Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards 2017, and Famille Perrin Les Crus Vacqueyras Les Christins 2018.

Finally, nothing says Christmas quite like sherry, port & Madeira. Liberty Wines have a 20% discount on a mixed 60-bottle order of any of the following wines: Offley 20-Year-Old Tawny Port NV, Valdespino Fino Inocente Pago de Macharnudo NV, Justino’s Madeira 10-Year-Old Boal NV. Other wines included in the Iberian Offer from Portugal are the Azevedo Alvarinho Reserva 2019, Quinta dos Carvalhais Dão Encruzado 2018, Herdade do Peso Trinca Bolotas Alentejo Tinto 2019 and Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande Douro Tinto 2017.

From Spain, Liberty Wines have Bodegas LAN, Rioja Reserva, a complex wine that balances bright red fruit flavours with a delicious spiciness. Head winemaker María Barúa and her young and energetic team focus on using the latest advances in winemaking to ‘express the virtues of the land’.

The Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes for the Rioja Reserva are sourced from vines with an average age of 3040 years from selected vineyards within Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.

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Tobacco Products

Retailers concerned over cigarette smuggling

Excise duties will push more tobacco shoppers to the black market, warn Retailers Against Smuggling.

THE excise increase on tobacco announced in October’s Budget will lead to further increased rates of tobacco smuggling, which will directly impact legitimate registered retailers, according to Retailers Against Smuggling. The 50c increase brings the cost of an average packet of 20 cigarettes to €14.

“It is very disappointing to see honest retailers take yet another blow with today’s excise increase, which will inevitably make it even harder to compete with a growing black market,” argued Benny Gilsenan, national spokesperson for Retailers Against Smuggling. “We have some of the highest rates of duty on tobacco products in the EU and it is no wonder that Ireland continues to be a target for tobacco smugglers, even while there are Covid-19 restrictions on travel in place.”

In Revenue’s 2019 Annual Report, its Illegal Tobacco Products Research Surveys revealed that 15% of cigarette packs held by smokers surveyed were classified as illegal. Also, in the Department of Finance’s own Tax Strategy Group paper, it was noted that Revenue Commissioners have previously indicated that further increases in excise duties may not lead to increased revenue yields.

Retailers Against Smuggling expect that the percentage of smuggled tobacco on the Irish market will continue to rise

because of the increase, voiding any potential gains to the exchequer. “As consumers turn towards the black market, ultimately it is the retailer who suffers through the loss of not only the legal purchase of cigarettes but also any potential additional purchases that person might make when they are in the store,” Gilsenan stressed.

“With Covid-19 restrictions set to be a reality of life for months to come and the looming uncertainty of Brexit, the detection and seizure of illegal tobacco products must remain a priority for Irish authorities, with increased awareness of the elaborate means criminal gangs are utilising to transport these huge volumes,” he continued, calling for Revenue and An Garda Siochana to be given the correct resources “to ensure that criminals don’t continue to reap the benefits of the high cost of tobacco products.”

It was recently revealed that Revenue officials seized 31.2m cigarettes during the first six months of 2020, almost five times more than the 6.6m seized in the same period last year, indicating that Ireland continues to be a target for tobacco smugglers in spite of restrictions on travel.

“The fact that over 31m illegal cigarettes have been confiscated by Revenue during the first half of this year alone

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Tobacco Products demonstrates that criminals continue to target Ireland and are adapting their methods in response to restrictions on personal travel by focusing their efforts on large consignments of smuggled products,” Gilsenan highlighted. “It is just another indicator as to why it is becoming increasingly hard for legitimate retailers to compete with the black market. It demonstrates that while current travel restrictions due to Covid-19 have resulted in low levels of Non-Irish Duty Paid (NIDP) entering the market, it is clear that criminal enterprises are continuing to seek out ways of ensuring smuggled products enter the country.”

Tobacco products remain an important and legal category for many retailers; indeed, the legal cigarette trade can account for 20-30% of business in some stores.

adult smokers in Ireland.

With the largest cigarette portfolio on the market, consisting of 13 SKU’s in total, Silk Cut is widely recognised not only for its distinctive taste and superior quality but also for its market leading innovations. From Flavour on Demand to FirmTech Filter, Silk Cut continues to adapt its portfolio to meet the changing preferences of existing adult smokers in Ireland.

On May 20, the Characterising Flavour Ban was introduced in Ireland.

From that date, all flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavoured capsules were banned. As a result, Silk Cut saw its ‘Choice’ portfolio transition to Silk Cut Choice Green and Silk Cut Choice Super Line Green. These EUTPD2 compliant products have been created with an innovative blend, fresh taste but with the same great Silk Cut quality.

Benson & Hedges From JTI Ireland, Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s is Ireland’s leading Cigarette product with 9.8% share of the Irish cigarette market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOM 9.8%, October 4, 2020). Leveraging its rich heritage and superior quality, Benson & Hedges Gold remains at the forefront of the tobacco category, diversifying and innovating to remain the number one cigarette product in Ireland.

Silk Cut is Ireland’s number one cigarette brand. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

Silk Cut As Ireland’s number one cigarette brand, with over 21% share of the ready-made cigarette market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOM 21.6%, October 4, 2020), Silk Cut Purple, Blue and Silver from JTI Ireland remain some of the most recognised cigarette products amongst existing

Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s is Ireland’s leading cigarette product. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

Mayfair offers market-leading quality, which is chosen by over one in every three existing value smokers. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

Mayfair As Ireland’s number one value brand, Mayfair, from JTI Ireland, offers marketleading quality, which is chosen by over one in every three existing value smokers (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOS 41.3%, October 4, 2020).

On May 20, the Characterising Flavour Ban was introduced in Ireland.

From that date, all flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavoured capsules were banned. As a result, Mayfair saw see its ‘Green’ portfolio transition to Mayfair Sea Green and Mayfair Superkings Sea Green. These EUTPD2 compliant products have been created with an innovative blend, fresh taste but with the same great Mayfair quality.

Mayfair continues to deliver on its brand promise of leading the way in innovation within the value segment with the launch of Mayfair Choice Red & Green Capsule, Ireland’s first double capsule cigarillo with four flavours on demand. This product is compliant under EUTPD2 and has an RRP of €12.50 (correct at the time of printing).

Amber Leaf With over 70% of the Roll Your Own market, Amber Leaf from JTI Ireland is the clear leader within the market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack,

S IRELANDLU’ E BEST VA E* CIGARETT *Based on individual stick pricing within big box category (27s – 35s) as of October 2020 **Visit www.johnplayer-ignite.ie to find out more and for full terms & conditions

For Tobacco Traders Only. 18+. www.showmeid.ie

Toradh caithimh tobac - bás.

Smoking kills.

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Tobacco Products

Imperial Tobacco John Player are delighted to announce the launch of their biggest pack yet, JPS Blue 35s, available to order from November 16, 2020.

Amber Leaf has pioneered the development of some of the key innovations within the Irish RYO category. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products. latest 4 weeks RYO SOM 70.7%, October 4, 2020). As market leader, Amber Leaf has pioneered the development of some of the key innovations within the Irish RYO category. Amber Leaf was the first to launch the Crush Proof Box (CPB) format and the first to include filters!

Amber Leaf, favoured by existing adult Irish RYO smokers, is made from the finest Virginia tobacco, which is expertly blended to deliver its distinctive market leading taste! Amber Leaf Original & Blonde are available in two formats: 30g Pouch with papers & 30g Box with papers & filters.

Imperial Tobacco John Player Imperial Tobacco John Player provide their customers with both quality and value when it comes to their range of tobacco products. As adult consumer tastes and preferences evolve, they strive to adapt and ensure they meet these demands.

From John Player Blue, their premium Irish brand with over 40 years in the market, to Superkings, their full flavoured 100s, L&B, Regal and Players Navy Cut, their cigarette portfolio is varied in terms of blends, formats and value offerings. Providing choice is and

will always remain hugely important to the company.

However, the jewel in the Imperial Tobacco John Player crown is the JPS range. Since 1970, JPS has provided an expansive range of blends and pack sizes for all adult consumers. From its relaunch in 2015 to its brand redesign earlier this year, JPS has evolved with the times, proving its popularity and resilience, with current market share sitting at 11.99% (Source: John Player estimates based on EPOS data,

September 20, 2020).

Innovation remains at the core of the JPS range; each product is unique in terms of blend and feature technologies. From the premium filters of Blue and Red, to the smooth offering of Silverstream and advanced technologies of JPS Bright, JPS caters to the preferred and diverse tastes of all adult tobacco consumers, ensuring the highest quality product and smoke. The range includes:

The JPS range is the jewel in the Imperial Tobacco John Player crown.

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Tobacco Products • JPS Blue: a firmer filter is a consumer hallmark of high quality, keeping the perfect shape to enhance the smoking experience throughout; • JPS Red: high quality American tobacco at a value price; • JPS Silver Stream: its smooth filter has unique flow channels, giving consumers an exceptionally smooth taste.

• JPS Bright: a smooth Virginia blend, unique stream filter and less smoke smell paper.

In today’s climate, adult consumers seek convenience and value in every category of their shopping experience and tobacco is no different. Similarly, Imperial Tobacco internal consumer research has revealed that both quality and value remain as top priorities when it comes to purchasing tobacco products, which is something JPS caters to with ease (Source: Imperial Tobacco internal research 2020).

At present 16.74% of all cigarette sales sit within the big box sector (Source: John Player estimates based on EPOS data, September 20, 2020).

Competition within the category is strong, with increased choice, offering even more value. With that, Imperial Tobacco John Player are delighted to announce the launch of their biggest pack yet, JPS Blue 35s. Competitively priced at €20, JPS Blue 35s are available to order from November 16, 2020.

John Player’s innovation and value translate across both fine cut tobacco and cigarette ranges; from JPS’s premium filters and value packs to Ireland’s first combi pouch with Riverstone, they are always striving to satisfy the changing tastes and needs of adult tobacco consumers.

Visit www.johnplayer-ignite. ie or contact the John Player Trade Sales Team on (01) 2434900 now to place your order for JPS Blue 35s.

Tobacco Products Family.

Pall Mall Flow & Pall Mall Shift PJ Carroll & Company have introduced the latest premium smooth flow tube filter technology into the Flow and Shift ranges, which gives Pall Mall a firm quality filter, a premium modern look and a smooth, well-rounded smoking experience for its adult consumers.

Pall Mall Flow incorporates a specially tailored blend to the needs of its adult menthol smokers, perfected by the new premium tube filter. Despite these changes, Pall Mall Flow continues to be available in King Size and Superking formats.

The popular Pall Mall Double Capsule has transitioned to Pall Mall Shift, capsule free, retaining its smooth blend with the introduction of tube filter technology.

The popular Pall Mall Double Capsule has Pall Mall XL 30’s transitioned to Pall Mall Shift, capsule free, Finally, their Pall Mall XL 30’s retaining its smooth blend with the introduction of remains unchanged, capsule tube filter technology. free and with its legacy nontube filter. your PJ Carroll Sales Representative or For more information on the Pall contact the company’s Telemarketing Mall Family changes, please contact Department on 1800 604500.

Pall Mall Before the Menthol Ban, which came into effect on May 20, Pall Mall was the only capsulated family brand on the market, combining superior quality and innovation at a competitive low price. After the Menthol Ban, PJ Carroll & Company have made Pall Mall Flow incorporates a specially tailored blend to the needs of its adult menthol some key changes to the Pall Mall smokers, perfected by the new premium tube filter.

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What's New IRISH APPLES WORTH PICKING FROM KEELINGS KEELINGS has announced the availability of Irish eating apples across Tesco stores nationwide. Keelings have been growing Irish Apples since 1940, and their apples are grown locally on the Keelings farm in north Co. Dublin. Keelings Irish Apple orchards are nurtured all year round to ensure the best tasting quality fruit and apple season starts in October every year. The apples are ready to be picked when their colour deepens or if they come freely from the tree when given a gentle twist, resulting in crisp and juicy apples.

KITKAT 2-FINGER LAUNCHES BRAND NEW FLAVOURS

NESTLÉ REVEALS NEW AT-HOME WORKOUT PARTNER

A MUST for any keep-fit enthusiast, Nestlé Lindahls Kvarg, the great tasting, high protein dairy product from Sweden, delivers diverse and wholesome flavours and ingredients that provide the perfect boost of energy to your day. Available now in six great flavours – Raspberry, Vanilla, Peach & Passion Fruit, Blueberry & Vanilla, Coconut and Stracciatella – this exciting range has a delicious creamy texture and comes in 150g pots, containing 17g of protein per pot.

RIBENA ENSURES BOTTLES CAN BE RECYCLED MORE THAN ONCE RIBENA has unveiled a major packaging update to continue its sustainability journey. The redesign, which has been welcomed by Repak, features a radically reduced sleeve, which enables a greater chance of Ribena bottles being turned back into bottles within the current Irish recycling infrastructure and also reduces the amount of plastic used to make each bottle, saving 202 tonnes of plastic annually in Great Britain and Ireland. From January 2021, all 500ml bottles rolled out in Ireland will feature the new design, and Lucozade Energy and Lucozade Sport will have a similar redesign in the next 18 months.

THERE are now even more reasons to love KitKat, with the launch of two exciting new varieties. The KitKat 2-finger Honeycomb and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread bars feature delicious flavours that enhance the brand’s classic milk chocolate. “We’ve experienced huge demand for our 2-finger KitKats this year and we know that fans love to try new flavours from the brand,” said Maria McKenna, Marketing Manager - Confectionery, Nestlé Ireland. “We think our Honeycomb and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread varieties really hit the spot, and we’re sure they’ll become popular new additions to the range.”

LEADING PREMIUM TEA NOW AVAILABLE AT DUNNES TEAPIGS, the leading UK super premium tea, is now available in Ireland in Dunnes Stores. teapigs was set up by Nick and Louise in 2006 with a mission to get the nation drinking real tea and is now the UK’s leading super premium tea company with a presence in over 35 countries. Trained tea taster and co-founder, Louise, selects only the very best quality whole leaf teas, which come in plastic-free tea “temples”, what they like to call bags! teapigs is excited to announce that four of its bestselling blends are now available at 20 Dunnes Stores across Ireland. The range includes everyday brew, chamomile, mao feng green tea, and peppermint.

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Retail Efficiency

Using data to power productivity Simon Hedaux examines five ways that data analytics can help to improve productivity.

PRODUCTIVITY has been booming in Ireland. Last year, the Central Statistics Office reported that labour productivity had grown at three times the EU rate since 2000. However, the picture is mixed, and the productivity growth figure is significantly lower when multinational businesses that have brought so much growth to Ireland are stripped out.

Retail is facing efficiency challenges due to the structural shift of online growth that has been accelerated by Covid 19, so there has never been a better time to get to grips with your productivity opportunities.

These are my top data analytics tips to power your productivity.

1. What shall I measure?

We all know that having the right KPI is essential to understanding your business.

d Many retailers use a sales intensity measure, such as euros per square metre, as their top line productivity measure. It is a great output measure and important as part of the set, but it doesn’t help you to know if your inputs are right. For example, are you spending more salary than needed to achieve the sales?

Is your operation efficient?

Yet, moving to a salary to sales percentage is a blunt tool that doesn’t consider the variation that often exists between different stores.

What’s the right productivity measure for you? Find the right suite of measures that link to your operating model and how it supports delivery of your strategy. If you are differentiated on service, find measures that pin down how well you are delivering great service; customer experience measures, for example. If you are a low-cost operator, look at labour invested by volume of items sold, or the case rate of colleagues handling stock.

Always look at your efficiency measures in the context of quality measures, such as stock availability and colleague satisfaction.

It’s long been accepted that a dashboard of relevant measures keeps the best handle on your operational productivity day-to-day. What do you do if you want to make a step-change in your productivity? Work-study can help.

2. How long does it take?

What is commonly known as a time-and-motion study can help you deep dive into your processes. After timing multiple instances of a task being completed, the data can be analysed to create a detailed process breakdown. This is useful as you create an evidence base of the parts of your process to focus improvement efforts on, or even better, to eliminate.

Data analytics also shows up wasted time in the process; for example, where a colleague has to wait for a system to catch up

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Retail Efficiency with them or where walk times within tasks are higher than needed.

An activity study creates a timed baseline for your processes. You can make operational process changes and then measure the differences.

Sometimes changes don’t deliver the process reduction that is expected, and we’ve seen automation introduced that made no time difference at all. For example, our analytics showed that the team had not changed their ways of working when a coffee shop automated the grinding of the coffee beans. Instead of the barista using the freed-up time to get a cup or prepare hot milk, they stood and watched the machine at work.

Without the detailed measurement, I doubt the business would have known that they weren’t getting the benefit from their investment in technology.

3. How do the team spend their time?

A useful technique called efficiency study looks at the whole operation, capturing data on what colleagues and customers are doing. These data analytics create a detailed picture of how much time is spent with customers rather than on processes, and how well the available colleague resource matches the customer flow and demand.

Insights from this study help retailers remove wasted time from their operation and release time from tasks to increase time with customers and deliver an enhanced experience.

One retailer with over 500 stores across Ireland and the UK has used its efficiency analysis to reduce time on essential tasks and eliminate significant wasted time. Over a period of seven years, they’ve increased the proportion of time they spend with customers by almost 40%. They are growing revenues and improving productivity measures.

Efficiency studies help retailers

spot where they are not keeping up with customer demand and identify colleague time that can be shifted to drive sales and increase productivity.

4. How do your leaders spend their time?

A trend within retail has been to simplify in-store leadership structures and remove layers of expensive management. A work-study technique called ‘day in the life role study’ produces a data set that can be analysed to highlight how leaders spend their time and show whether there is a clear differentiation between the leadership levels. We’ve seen data that shows supervisors spending over 80% of their time on general tasks and middle manager layers where there is significant overlap between the roles above and below them; both are situations you’d want to change to drive productivity. The data analytics give you a robust basis to identify opportunities to right size leadership teams and create the role clarity that is needed for effective leadership.

5. How are we doing versus our competitors?

Data analysis really comes in to its own when you compare your own productivity measures to others. It helps retailers gain a powerful understanding of how their productivity measures stack up. There is nothing like seeing data analytics that show your business is off the pace to focus senior leaders on powering productivity, or knowing that you are currently best in class and others are close behind you.

Data analytics can create insights that power your business or leave you drowning in a mass of inconsequential numbers. Businesses that are thriving, however, choose the right internal productivity measures, use work-study to give a wider perspective and look at comparator benchmarks to give that all important context.

About the author:

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.

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Forecourt Focus: News

Circle K launches new gourmet deli range

The Katsu Chicken Fillet Roll, part of Circle K’s new gourmet deli range.

WHEN it comes to buying food while on-the-go, arguably there’s not a more familiar sight than the deli counter.

According to research of 1,000 adults by iReach Insights on behalf of Circle K, in August 2020, more than a fifth (22%) rank the chicken fillet roll as their deli food of choice, while at least a quarter (25%) would travel between 2-5km for their favourite deli item - with a further 19% willing to travel over 5km, when Government restrictions are eased.

As a part of its brand-new gourmet deli range, Circle K wanted to push the envelope of the Irish public’s perceptions of on-the-go dining – developing its own delicious and unique take on the humble classic with the launch of its Katsu Chicken Fillet Roll.

With a succulent warm breaded chicken fillet on a bed of greens and coleslaw in a fresh, crispy roll, smothered in an Asian-style sweet and salty Katsu sauce, the Katsu Chicken

Roll is set to become a firm customer favourite, and is just one of the exciting new additions on Circle K’s new Deli menu, which is now available in all stores with a deli offering across its company owned network.

Delis at Circle K sites nationwide will still offer all the familiar food choices, but joining the menu are a range of delicious hot lunches, such as the classic Fish and Chips, a scrumptious Chicken Spice Box, tasty Loaded Chips and a gourmet Rustic Italian Pizza.

Also joining Circle K’s menu are new items to its hugely popular Mexican and burger ranges. Mexican food favourites such as Crunchy nachos, a deliciously filling burrito and a tasty burrito bowl are available now in all deli sites nationwide. Burger options such as a Chicken Burger, Double Burger and Grilled Beef Burger will satisfy the public’s food cravings for a meaty meal, regardless of their food preferences.

The saying goes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Circle K’s breakfast deli range will make sure everyone can find a morning meal of their choice at a forecourt. The menu includes a Mexican Breakfast Burrito and Vegetarian Burrito, a mouth-watering Breakfast Plate and a traditional Breakfast Blaa, garnished with Ballymaloe Relish.

“When many of us approach the familiar deli counter, we’re presented with an abundance of choice. Many people on the move are looking for convenient meal solutions that they can grab in a matter of minutes. In response to this, we’ve developed a new menu that makes deli counter decisions easier and quicker than before,” noted Judy Glover, Senior Market Director, Circle K Ireland.

“Research shows that while Ireland’s infamous chicken fillet roll remains a deli food staple, consumers are savvier than ever when it comes to their food and demand quality, originality and choice on a plate. Our new Deli menu is a refreshing approach to forecourt food that offers consumers all that they could ever want from a fresh food selection.”

Judy Glover, Senior Market Director, Circle K Ireland.

Maxol Clareclaste wins global pandemic challenge CELEBRATIONS were underway in Clare recently as the Aramark-operated Maxol in Clarecastle saw off stiff competition from forecourt retailers across four continents to take first prize in a new global challenge. The Global Forecourt Experience Challenge was a two-month challenge which recognises teams for their cleanliness and safety efforts on-site during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Delighted with the global acknowledgement, Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, congratulated the Clarecaste team, describing the victory as “a phenomenal achievement considering the scale, size, and calibre of their opponents”.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers and employees,” added Shane Flynn, Managing Director, Pictured are (l-r): Mark Cribbin, Operations Food Services and Facilities Management, Aramark Ireland. “This award Manager, Aramark; Laura E. Murphy, Maxol underlines the incredibly high standards provided by the Aramark team at Clarecastle General Manager, and John Hadnett, Maxol Clarecastle.”

Maxol Regional Manager.

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Forecourt Focus: News

Maxol launches carbon offsetting programme for premium fuel range

Pictured are Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol; Kausalya Gibson, The Conservation Volunteers, and young volunteers, Casey (8) and Freya (3) Turnbull, with Sophie Quinn (6).

THE Maxol Group has announced a carbon emissions offsetting programme that aims to support a number of green initiatives both at home and globally, including the planting of 10,000 trees across the island of Ireland, local community projects and global projects designed to offset carbon emissions, including fuel emissions.

The programme is being launched to help balance out the environmental impact of Maxol’s new premium fuel range that is being rolled out across its network. Maxol Premium is a better fuel option for the environment, with fewer pollutants, and contains a deposit control additive that reduces build-up in the engine, while improving power and acceleration.

Launched in conjunction with international sustainability company GreenPrint, the programme is the next step in the forecourt retailer’s journey towards reducing its carbon footprint.

For every litre of Premium fuel bought at Maxol, they calculate the carbon emissions and offset them at 100%, through investments in certified carbon offset projects around the world and local environmental initiatives across the island of Ireland. In addition, 10,000 trees will be planted in Ireland

over the next two years in collaboration with the Trees on the Land Initiative.

“Environmental issues have never been so pertinent and all of our green initiatives, including the recent launch of bright energy, are part of our group’s journey towards a more environmentally sustainable company. The transition will not happen overnight, but we are taking important steps to get there,” noted Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group.

“Maxol Premium is currently our best fuel option in terms of sustainability. We’re not saying that the greener option is carbon free, but it is more environmentally friendly, offers better fuel economy and has fewer pollutants.

“In addition, the green projects we are supporting help to negate, or balance out, the carbon emissions from your tailpipe. Some of the projects such as the wind farm projects will have an immediate impact. Others, such as the treeplanting, are more long-term, but they are all focused on reducing our collective carbon footprint.”

This initiative is the next step in Maxol’s long-term environmental strategy. Already the company has introduced 100% recyclable deli packaging, 100% compostable singleuse cups and lids, it harvests rainwater for its carwashes, has invested significantly in installing compostable and recyclable bins, and encourages customers to reuse keep cups by offering a 25c discount on hot drinks.

Pete Davis, CEO of GreenPrint, commented, “Sustainability is a journey where small positive actions over time lead to great impact. We are proud to partner with Maxol to bring their Carbon Neutral Programme to the island of Ireland and help them build a bridge to a more sustainable future.”

Maxol’s Premium fuel range is being rolled out across the Maxol network and is currently available in 15 forecourts with plans to roll out to 40 forecourts by the first quarter of 2021.

For more information, visit www.maxolcarbonneutral.ie.

Eat, drink and be scary!

CIRCLE K recently made a new addition to its in-store food menu ahead of the scariest day of the year. The Black Jack Burger was available up to Halloween, a succulent beef burger served in a delicious charcoal-coloured bun and on a bed of greens with a crunchy tomato, mouth-watering cheese and tasty ketchup.

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Shelf Life CELEBRATIONS kicked off recently in Tramore, Co. Waterford, after the National Lottery revealed that a winning Lotto ticket worth €1m was sold at the Applegreen service station on the Waterford Road in the seaside town. “It was such a shock to find out that we sold this ticket and it’s great to think that one of our customers is now a millionaire,” noted Rebecca O’Connell, Assistant Manager, pictured with Gary Healy, supervisor, outside the Tramore store.

FRANK and Honest Coffee has been awarded the Guaranteed Irish symbol in recognition for its role in supporting Irish jobs and communities nationwide. Guaranteed Irish CEO Brid O’Connell said: “We only award the symbol to companies which provide quality jobs, support local communities and are committed to Irish provenance. We recognise Frank and Honest’s commitment to the local community and look forward to working with them to further build brand awareness amongst consumers of the benefits of supporting local.” Frank and Honest’s Marketing Manager, Rosemary Walsh, explained: “We want people to be aware that by purchasing Frank and Honest, they are buying an Irish brand and supporting Irish jobs. Sustainability is at the core of what Frank and Honest do and in light of the pandemic, the meaning of sustainability and protecting our environment has moved closer to home.”

SUPERVALU expects to sell 135,000 Irish-grown poinsettias in the run-up to Christmas. The festive plants are on sale in all SuperValu stores across the country in five different formats, a range of colours including red, white and glitter variety, with prices ranging from €3 to €13. All poinsettias sold

by SuperValu are Bord Bia-approved and carry the Bord Bia Quality Mark. This year marks the 24th year that North Dublin based grower Uniplumo has worked with SuperValu to supply the popular plant. Pictured at Uniplumo Dublin is eight-yearold Ana Smith.

FILIPPO Berio’s Irish TV campaign, which featured heavily in last month’s Retail News, has proven extremely successful at reaching its target audience. Up to and including October 27, the campaign has so far delivered 419.4 ABC1 Housekeeper TVRs, equating to 66% 1+ coverage (438k) at an average frequency of 6.4 views.

ALDI Ireland has agreed a contract extension worth €5.4m with Tipperary-based Glenpatrick Irish Spring Water to continue supplying Aldi with its own-label Comeragh Water range. As part of this contract, Aldi will be introducing new water bottles made from 100% recycled material (rPET) in January 2021 across six Comeragh Water products produced by Glenpatrick Irish Spring Water. Pictured are (l-r): Peter Bough, Buying Director, Aldi; Nicola O’Halloran, National Account Manager, Glenpatrick Irish Spring Water; and Michael Cairns, Commercial Manager, Glenpatrick Irish Spring Water.

THE Love Irish Food - ‘Have a Heart’ digital campaign launched on November 15. This is a huge direct engagement with member brands and shoppers in the key preChristmas shopping period.

Over 40 Love Irish Food brands are participating and it forms part of the #shoplocal campaign from Love Irish Food. The campaign was launched as part of the Love Irish Food national advertising initiative on RTE, Today FM and Newstalk throughout October and November. Love Irish Food is highlighting Irish produced food brands with this campaign and calling on a national support to #shoplocal and to sustain great food and drink brands produced in communities throughout the country.

THE scheduled 4th annual Grocers Fun Run in aid of the IGBF had to be cancelled earlier this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Not to be beaten by the pandemic, the Grocers Fun Run committee looked to reinvent the fundraiser and together with huge support from Pop Up Races transformed this year’s event into a virtual challenge by asking participants to help us ‘Run a Lap of Ireland’ to support the IGBF. Key sponsors Keeling’s, National Lottery, and Tayto got behind the initiative with their support to make the event happen over the week of October 24-31, when over 500 participants logged their daily distance, all run within their 5k permitted radius. “I was thrilled to see so many from the grocery industry and their families involved in this year’s virtual run,” said President of Appeals, Sharon Buckley, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland. “The event raised significant funds which I know will go a long way to provide much needed support for families and individuals who need our help. A very big thank you to the sponsors, corporate partners and the team behind the event; well done to all.”

CASEY Etherton (pictured), a Leaving Certificate student at Coláiste na Sceilge in Caherciveen, has been chosen as overall winner of this year’s 66th Texaco Children’s Art Competition, taking first prize in the senior 16-18 years age category. His winning work, for which he receives a prize of €1,500, is entitled ‘Kevin In The Pink’ and is a detailed and carefully executed study in oils of a neighbour who lives near to his home in Caherdaniel. The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longestrunning sponsorship in the history of arts sponsorship in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955.

Why are Centra, SuperValu and Tesco so big on locally sourced and packaged milk with the NDC trademark?

It’s a question of commitment.

With the NDC trademark – proof of locally sourced milk from farm to fridge – you can ensure you’re getting fresh, locally farmed and packaged milk.

To show your support for local Irish communities, jobs and fresh produce, you know where to go and what to look out for on pack – the NDC Trademark.

www.ndc.ie

Millionaire Raffle Over in prizes will be won on New Year’s Eve.

The Perfect Christmas Gift Tickets €25