Retail News E-Magazine 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents News

A new era!

I'm thrilled to introduce myself as the new Advertising and Marketing Director at Retail News, Ireland’s leading voice in the retail industry.

With a deep passion for advertising and marketing and a commitment to driving growth, I'm eager to collaborate with our talented team to elevate our brand and deliver exceptional value to our readers and partners.

Throughout my career, I've been dedicated to crafting compelling advertising strategies that resonate with audiences and generate measurable results. At Retail News, my mission is to harness the power of creative exposure and solutions to enhance our publication's reach and impact.

In today's dynamic retail landscape, staying ahead of trends and effectively engaging with our audience is more crucial than ever.

I believe in the transformative power of well-executed advertising campaigns and am excited to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our publication. Together, we'll explore new opportunities and build strong, lasting relationships with our clients.

I'm looking forward to this exciting journey and the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of Retail News. Let's make great things happen!

Best regards, Brian Clark Advertising Director Retail News

2

Surprising results in Government report into retail vaping restrictions.

3

New Managing Director at SuperValu and Centra.

4

Lidl Ireland appoint new CEO; DIGI calls for excise reduction.

5

Olympic victories fuel shopping bonanza; IGBF Sporting Legends lunch scores for charity.

6

7

Shortlist for National Organic Awards 2024 announced; National Lottery’s month of millionaires.

SuperValu and Centra dominate at the Great Taste Awards; Repak audits Ireland’s recycling knowledge.

Kerrygold

22 Kerrygold have just announced

the launch of the new Kerrygold Spreadable 200g tub.

GS1 Ireland

24 Maria Svejdar, Head of Marketing,

Communications and CX, GS1 Ireland, explains the benefits of upgrading to next generation barcodes and the transition process, which is already underway.

Yakult

26 New Yakult Plus Peach is the latest addition to the popular range of fermented milk drinks.

Biona

RGDATA Crime Survey 2024

38 Biona’s range of organic beans and

pulses are now listed in Tesco Ireland.

12 The results

of the 2024 RGDATA Crime Survey make sobering and shocking reading. Tara Buckley, Director General, calls for more support from the state in tackling what has become a crime epidemic.

12

Retail News Interview

16 Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, discusses the importance of Ireland’s agri-food

16

Retail News

Confectionery

41 One of the key trends across

confectionery is in better-for-you indulgence, with reduced sugar and plant based innovations on the rise.

Healthy Eating

55 Killian

Barry, Managing Director, Danone Ireland, examines how businesses can support Irish consumers to make healthier choices.

55

Regulars & Reports

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

facebook.com/RetailNews1 Managing Director:

Patrick Aylward

Editor: John Walshe

johnwalshe@tarapublications.ie

Advertising Director: Brian Clark

brian@retailnews.ie

Published by: Tara Publishing Ltd,

Sales: Aaron Stewart

aaron.stewart@retailnews.ie

14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.

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Pavel Barter

Tel: 00353 1 6785165

@RetailNews1

Web: www.retailnews.ie Email: info@retailnews.ie

Production:

industry to the economy, the impact of the Agri-Food Regulator on retail/ supplier relationships, and facing up to the sustainability challenge.

Milly Burke Cunningham

milly@tarapublications.ie

Subscription to Retail News: e95 plus VAT

Wine Correspondent:

Jean Smullen

Email: milly@tarapublications.ie

Graphics: Catherine Doyle

Printed by: W&G Baird

Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

8 28 31 50 52 57 58 60

Industry News Drinks News Vaping Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Breakfast Time What’s New Forecourt Focus: News Shelf Life

2|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

News

Surprising results in Government

A MAJORITY of respondents in a Government consultation have called for regulation on point of sale displays for vaping products. Almost 65% supported tougher retail regulations in the Department of Health’s public consultation.

However, only 32% wanted a full point of sale display ban and 63% were not in favour of regulating flavours in nicotine inhaling products.

Retailers are largely supportive of tighter restrictions on the sale of vaping products, as outlined in the Public Consultation on Further Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products - particularly around reducing the appeal of the product to children. “I have no problem with regulation [of vapes],” Benny Gilsenan of Retailers against Smuggling (RAS), told Retail News, “no problem whatsoever.”

Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), “would have no difficulty with suggesting that a limited range of flavours are permissible. I'd do away with certain flavours that are considered to be adolescent friendly.”

A recent report by Vape Business Ireland (VBI) concurred. The report recognised “the role of fruit and menthol flavours in helping Irish adults to quit smoking” but considered “introducing measures like a ban on packaging with youth-appealing images” and a ban on “flavours that

resemble candy, desserts, energy drinks or soft drinks”, alongside a retail licensing system for the sale of vapes.

Health organisations who responded to the survey were in favour of full point of sale restrictions but the majority of respondents did not want an outright removal of the product from retail displays.

Such a ban would, argued Jennings, “do a disservice to those people who are struggling but currently satisfied with a product that is allowing them to successfully transition away from tobacco.”

Vaping products are sold in over 3,200 retail stores nationwide, according to VBI statistics, with nearly 60% sold in local convenience stores: a €126 million annual market. They make up “a substantial portion of a convenience store’s income”, according to Jennings. “Retailers notice the difference that vape sales make to their bottom line. You're free to set your own price and you can do a deal on wholesale and retail, so you are able to chase a better margin. Tobacco products have a very small margin in comparison.

There are fewer stocking problems, fewer robbery problems [with vapes]. It's a more profitable category [than tobacco].”

There were 15,821 responses to the department’s public consultation. 90% of respondents described themselves as vapers. The report alleged complaints that a vaping company “was offering financial

incentives to customers in the form of online retail vouchers and discounts in-store in return for making a submission to the consultation”, which ran from November 2023 to January 2024. Could the results of the report have been unfairly skewed? We put this to the Department but received no direct response.

The report suggests “significant public opposition to the Government’s plans to ban flavours”, said Paul Malone, VBI’s national spokesperson. However, Stephen Donnelly TD, Ireland’s Minister for Health, is proceeding to change the laws. A spokesperson for the Department told Retail News the Minister “will take into account public health considerations,

Benny Gilsenan of Retailers Against Smuggling.

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News

report into retail vaping restrictions

evidence reviews, regulatory impact assessment and legal advice, as well as the results of the public consultation in developing law." The Minister has since received Cabinet approval to draft legislation banning the sale, manufacture or import of single-use or disposable vapes and limiting vape flavours to tobacco, with provisions for the list of allowed flavours to be amended pending new evidence.

As part of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, the sale of vapes are banned to under-18s. Minister Donnelly has now announced his intention to introduce legislation to regulate the display and advertisement of vapes in shops, the packaging and appearance of the products and the flavours of vape liquids. He has also pledged to ban single-use vapes.

Opinions are polarised around the merits of vapes. The European Parliament has described vaping as an effective smoking cessation aid, and “many thousands of people in the UK have already stopped smoking with the help of an e-cigarette,” according to the NHS website: “There’s evidence they can be effective.”

Action on Smoking & Health (ASH), an anti-tobacco charity in the UK, outlines “the value of vapes” having found that over half of people who quit tobacco in the past five years in the UK (2.7 million adults) used vaping products as an aid. Hazel

Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, told Retail News that, “As a UK org., I don’t think it would be appropriate for us to comment on Ireland.”

However, discrepancies of opinion are evident on either side of the Irish Sea: “The [anti-smoking] compatriots in the UK have been enthusiastic in endorsing e-cigarettes as the primary smoking cessation device,” stressed Vincent Jennings.

Tobacco is likely to take a further excise hit in Budget 2025. RAS predict a “minimum 50c” hike in the price of a packet of cigarettes “with the possibility of it going 75 or a euro”. Such a price hike comes in the face of unprecedented levels of smuggling.

An independent survey, published this year for Revenue and the HSE’s National Tobacco Control Office, found that 19% of cigarette packs in circulation in Ireland are classified as illegal. 15% are deemed legal but nonIrish duty paid. The Tax Strategy Group (TSG) has outlined a €422 million loss to the exchequer in 2023 from illicit cigarettes and non-Irish duty paid tobacco: almost half the Government’s €857 million tax income on tobacco during the same period.

In 2024, the situation appears to have worsened. In May, revenue officers seized tobacco with a value of €3,888,000 at Dublin Port. Benny Gilsenan of RAS described the situation as horrendous: “We have three months to go in 2024 and we have reached the same number of seizures as last year

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA. for the entire year.”

Retailers are taking the hit, said Jennings: “We have the most stringent of tobacco control laws and we're about to move onto licensing of retailers and further restrictions.

But there are no parallel restrictions being employed against the growing industry of duty free cigarettes. These are legitimate products but they don't have the same level of restrictions such as Irish tax stamps or health warnings, or plain packaging. Those things are absolute requisites for us.”

Vaping products are now in the firing line and tightened restrictions (such as a full point of sale ban) could have a devastating impact on convenience stores, fears Benny Gilsenan. “There's no doubt that once they start bringing in laws to deal with vapes and try to block, curtail and limit them, they will be fuelling a market for criminals.”

New Managing Director at SuperValu and Centra MUSGRAVE Group Plc have announced the appointment of Luke Hanlon as Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra, two of Ireland’s leading grocery retail and convenience brands. He takes up the role with immediate effect, following the conclusion of a comprehensive executive search process.

Luke, who has been leading the SuperValu and Centra business on an interim basis since March this year, transitions to his new position from his Executive role as Musgrave’s Chief Supply Chain Officer.

A Musgrave veteran of 21 years, Luke held senior operational roles with Kerry Group before joining the Company in 2003 as an Operations Manager.

“Luke’s appointment reflects the success he has had across multiple roles with Musgrave, ranging from supply chain, to transformation, and subsequently human

resources,” noted Noel Keeley, Musgrave CEO. “Having led the business on an interim basis for several months, Luke is strongly positioned to continue his leadership of SuperValu and Centra, working closely with our valued colleagues and committed retail partners across the country. Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership to this position, and I look forward to working with him to continue to develop world-class brands, offering outstanding customer focused food and beverage experiences.”

Newly appointed Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra, Luke Hanlon, said: “It is a great source of pride for me to lead SuperValu and Centra, two iconic Irish brands at what is an exciting time for the retail sector. What sets SuperValu and Centra apart is not just our rich heritage in food and brand innovation, but our unique network of independent retail partners

Luke Hanlon, Managing Director, SuperValu and Centra. across Ireland. I look forward to working with our dedicated retailers, and all my colleagues at Musgrave, to build on our reputation for quality fresh food, strong value, consistent support of local producers and unmatched expertise and customer service across our store networks.”

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News

Lidl Ireland appoint new CEO LIDL Ireland have announced that Robert Ryan is the retailer’s new CEO for the island of Ireland, as outgoing CEO, JP Scally, takes up a top position as Chief Executive Officer of Lidl France since August 1, 2024.

With a career spanning more than two decades with the retailer, JP Scally was previously Operations Director at Lidl France for three years before returning home to Ireland to take up his first CEO position, which he has held since 2015.

His successor is Robert Ryan, currently Chief Customer Officer and Board member, who will officially commence his new role as Chief Executive Officer for Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland from October 1, 2024.

Robert joined Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland in 2003 and has experience across a variety of roles, from Sales Operations Manager to Regional Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer and, most recently, Chief Customer Officer. He was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2018.

Commenting on the appointments, JP Scally said, “As I reflect on my nine years as CEO at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, I am extremely proud of the business’ development in that time - more than doubling our market share in both Ireland and Northern Ireland and bringing our value offering to dozens of new communities. Being recently voted Ireland‘s most reputable retailer and Northern Ireland‘s most sustainable retailer is a testament

Robert Ryan, CEO, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. to the hard work of our team in recent years in delivering for our customers and the communities we serve. I am proud to leave behind an exceptional team of 7,000 talented colleagues across our operations. I feel very lucky to have led the business in my home country for so long and I am delighted to pass over the reins to incoming CEO Robert Ryan. Robert has been an invaluable part of the Lidl team for the last 20 years and I am confident that he will drive the business to new heights. I wish him every success in his new role.”

DIGI calls for excise reduction

IRELAND has the second highest excise tax rate in all of Europe and the UK, behind only Finland, according to a new report published on comparative excise tax rates in Ireland, the EU and UK, commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) and authored by Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, Anthony Foley. The report shows that Ireland currently has the second highest excise tax on wine, the third highest on beer and the third highest on spirits. Ireland’s drinks and hospitality sector is urging the Government to use the upcoming budget to begin the process of reducing excise tax in Ireland and bring it in line with other EU countries. The industry says a reduction in excise duty of 15% over two years will go a long way to assist in ensuring the sustainability and future of these much used and much-loved hospitality venues. An excise cut will reduce businesses’ cost base overnight.

“The data once again clearly demonstrates the very high levels of alcohol excise in Ireland compared to our EU neighbours which, of course, places a relatively large tax on the Irish drinks industry and consumers compared to other EU members,” noted Anthony Foley, report author. “On the composite rate, we remain the second highest in the EU+UK behind Finland. The top four are Finland, Ireland, UK and Sweden and the gap between these four and the other 24 countries remains large.”

Chair of DIGI and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers, Kathryn D’Arcy, said, “The continued high cost of doing business in Ireland has profoundly impacted Irish businesses in recent years. The drinks and hospitality sector has been particularly affected by the lingering effects of the pandemic, coupled with inflation, an energy and cost-of-living crisis, and a cripplingly high-cost base.”

She argued that it is time for the government to reset their approach to taxation and engage in long-term policy planning in order to revitalise the sector: “A 15% cut in Ireland’s significantly high excise tax rate would deliver an immediate reduction in the costs for thousands of urban and rural drinks and hospitality businesses.”

Meanwhile, DIGI also revealed that Kathryn D’Arcy, Chair of DIGI and the average per adult Communications and Corporate alcohol consumption Affairs Director at Irish Distillers. has declined by 31% since the peak of 2001. A report by Anthony Foley, commissioned

by DIGI, to calculate the 2023 average level of consumption, shows that average per adult alcohol consumption decreased in 2023 by 1.5% (9.96 litres of pure alcohol vs 10.109 in 2022), a 31% decrease since 2001. Total consumption increased by 0.9% in 2023 in parallel with a 2.4% increase in the adult population for the same period.

The report also shows that beer is the most popular drink, making up 42.9% of all consumption in 2023, with wine in second place at 28.3% of all consumption, spirits claiming 22.6% and cider accounting for 6.2% of total consumption last year.

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News

Olympic victories fuel shopping bonanza TAKE-home grocery sales increased by 7% in the four weeks to August 4, 2024, according to the latest data from Kantar. During the thrilling weeks of sport leading up to early August, which included the Olympic Games in Paris and the All-Ireland finals, shopping frequency rose by 4.7%, along with an increase in average prices of 2.9%.

However, the number of packs per shopping trip fell by 2.4% compared to last year, as shoppers continue to shop little and often.

The latest 12-week period to August 4 saw another small rise in grocery inflation levels after 15 months of consistent decline, and now sits at 2.8%. However, this is still the lowest inflation level since March 2022, and down a massive 9.7% compared to August 2023.

“Although grocery inflation is lower now, shoppers are still looking for value in the market and spending on promotions rose by 10.8% compared to the same time last year, with 24.5% of all value sales going through on promotion,” comments Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar. “Shoppers will always look for the best value and make the most of the wide range of promotions offered by retailers to help manage household costs.”

Own label ranges are also encouraging Irish shoppers into supermarkets. Consumers spent an additional €59.2 million yearon-year on own label products, helping to grow the market by 4%.

Premium ranges performed strongly, up 9.4% compared to the same time last year, with shoppers spending an additional €13.5 million on these products. Brands grew ahead of the total market, up 7.7%, with shoppers spending an additional €111 million on branded products versus last year.

“Despite ongoing financial pressures on consumers, this month gave us a reason to celebrate,” Emer Healy reveals. “While we enjoyed some long-awaited good weather, we also cheered on our Olympic athletes. Bringing home four gold medals and with our best games ever, it gave us a reason to raise a glass or two and enjoy the sporting spectacle, with shoppers spending an additional €8 million on alcohol and €5 million on take-home confectionery and savouries combined.”

Irish shoppers also enjoyed their barbecues, spending an additional €367k on sausages and burgers and grills, €254k on ice cream and €416k on mineral water compared to July 2024. With

back-to-school looming, some lunchbox staples also saw growth over the last month, with cheese, bread and morning goods up 5.6%, 3.8% and 3.3% respectively.

Online sales were up 11.5% year-on-year, with shoppers spending an additional €18.9 million on the platform. With a boost in frequency and new shoppers, online saw an additional €14.4 million in spend.

Tesco hold 23.3% of the market, up 8.6% year-on-year. Tesco’s growth stems mainly from more frequent trips contributing an additional €36.3 million to overall performance year-on-year.

Dunnes claim 23.2% market share, with growth of 8.3% year-onyear. Dunnes’ growth stems mainly from more frequent trips, up 6.2% year-on-year, which contributed an additional €43.2 million to overall performance.

SuperValu maintain 20.2% of the market, with growth of 2.4%.

SuperValu shoppers make the most trips in store when compared to all retailers, an average of 21.9 trips a year.

Lidl hold 13.8% share, with growth of 5.4% year-on-year. More frequent trips contributed an additional €35.2 million to overall performance. Aldi claim 12% market share, growing 0.6% year on year, with more frequent trips contributing an additional €6.9 million to their overall performance.

IGBF Sporting Legends lunch scores for charity THE 10th annual Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Sporting Legends Lunch, which was held in the Aviva Stadium on Friday August 30, was a resounding success.

A packed house of the great and the good from the trade were treated to some hilarious and insightful stories from the sporting world by three top-class athletes: Olympic bronze medal-winning swimmer Mona McSharry, from Grange, Co. Sligo; recently retired Ireland and Leinster out-half, Johnny Sexton; and Liverpool striking sensation, the man the Anfield faithful call ‘god’, Robbie Fowler.

This was the 10th and final time the lunch was organised by Eoin Kellett, Managing Director of Mondelez Ireland, and it was a fitting finale to his time helming the lunch, as the trio of sporting greats treated attendees to a glimpse of life behind the headlines.

Pictured at the annual IGBF Charity Sports Legends Lunch in the Aviva are ex-Irish Rugby International, Johnny Sexton, former Liverpool football legend, Robbie Fowler, and fresh from her Olympic Success, 100m breaststroke bronze medallist, Mona McSharry.

6|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

News Shortlist for National Organic Awards 2024 announced BORD Bia have announced the shortlist of organic food and drink producers for the National Organic Awards 2024, held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The winners of the National Organic Awards will be revealed at an awards ceremony that takes place on October 17 in the Bord Bia Global Hub in Dublin. Judges included chef Clodagh McKenna, food writer Suzanne Campbell, chef Janine Kennedy, food consultant Annie Dunne, and retail expert John McDonagh.

“The National Organic Awards is an opportunity to shine a light on the quality of Ireland’s thriving organic sector and highlight some of the producers who continue to drive the sector from strength to strength,” noted Emmet Doyle, Organic Sector Manager in Bord Bia. “From speaking to our esteemed judges, the calibre of entries was excellent this year, which is reflected in the companies shortlisted. We would like to extend our congratulations to them and thank all who entered this year.”

The shortlisted companies were judged across seven categories, including a new award for 2024, The Organic Sector Champion. Competition was stiff, with over almost 100 entries submitted for consideration into the prestigious awards. The shortlisted producers in their nominated categories include:

• •

Best Irish Organic Product Award: • Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare • Waterford Distillers, Waterford town

Direct to Consumer Excellence Award: • Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare • Green Earth Organics, Corrandulla, Co.

•

The Merry Mill, Stradbally, Co. Laois Coghlan’s Artisan Bakers, Naas, Co. Kildare Carraig Rua Bakery, Carrick-onShannon, Co. Leitrim

Best Irish Organic Private Label Product Award: • Irish Country Meats, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford • All About Kombucha, Claregalway, Co. Galway • The Nest Box Egg Company, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan • Culinary Microherbs, Fingal, Co. Dublin Best Irish Organic Product Export Award: • Bantry Bay Premium Seafoods, Bantry, Co. Cork • Wild Irish Seaweeds, Quilty, Co. Clare • Waterford Distillers, Waterford town • The Nest Box Egg Company, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan • Flahavans, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford Best New and Innovative Irish Organic Product: • Nik’s Tea, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin • Nibbed Cacao, Athenry, Co. Galway • Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms, Portarlington, Co. Offaly • Culinary Microherbs, Fingal, Co. Dublin • Wild Irish Seaweeds, Quilty, Co. Clare

John Flahavan celebrates as Flahavans are shortlisted in the National Organic Awards 2024.

• • •

Galway Nibbed Cacao, Athenry, Co. Galway All About Kombucha, Claregalway, Co. Galway The Merry Mill, Stradbally, Co. Laois

Business in the Community Award: • Urban Co-Op, Limerick City • Townley Hall Walled Garden, Drogheda, Co. Louth • Oilean Glas Teoranta, Kilcar, Co. Donegal • All About Kombucha, Claregalway, Co. Galway • Burren Smokehouse based, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare Winners of the National Organic Awards 2024 will get a one-to-one session with Bord Bia’s Client Capability team, who will help develop a bespoke package of supports to meet individual company needs up to the value of €5,000.

National Lottery’s month of millionaires JULY 2024 saw Ireland hit the incredible milestone of 1,000 Lottery millionaires, and in September, the National Lottery are going to add four more millionaires to that enviable list, via a series of special EuroMillions ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ and Lotto Plus Raffle events which will guarantee to a make four brand new lottery millionaires.

“We’re so excited to launch this incredible promotion which will see four brand new Lottery Millionaires made this month,” said a National Lottery spokesperson. “It’s going to be a whirlwind of winners in Lottery HQ! “Not only will these special promotions see the creation of four instant millionaires in Ireland over the four weeks, but all EuroMillions and Lotto players in Ireland will also be in with a chance of winning the juicy Jackpots in their respective games.”

Every player in Ireland who buys a ticket for any Friday EuroMillions draw between September 6 and 20 was automatically entered into the ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ for that corresponding draw.

Marty Whelan celebrates the launch of the ‘4 More Millionaires’ promotion, which will see four National Lottery Millionaires made every weekend in September.

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News SuperValu and Centra dominate at the Great Taste Awards IRISH food and drink producers took home no fewer than 26 3 Star Great Taste Awards, while Northern Irish companies brought home another seven 3 Star Awards.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food in the UK, the annual awards see a highlyqualified panel of judges - made up of food buyers, chefs, restaurateurs, producers, critics, writers and journalists - invited to test a variety of products, each of which have been stripped of their packaging and branding.

This year, 3,938 products were awarded a Great Taste 1 Star Award, 1,386 were awarded a 2 Star Award, and 266 received the highly coveted 3 Star Award.

SuperValu and Centra were amongst the winners, taking home an impressive 116 awards - the highest number of award wins among Irish retailers. The wins mark a significant achievement for both brands, with SuperValu receiving 113 awards, while Centra earned 52. Of the 116 winning awards, 74 are proudly Irish, highlighting SuperValu and Centra’s continued commitment to promoting and celebrating local and Irish.

SuperValu’s exceptional quality and commitment to excellence is evident in the eight products that earned the highly sought after 3-star award, including: SuperValu Seeded Round Brown Soda Bread, SuperValu Signature Tastes Smoked Rack of Bacon, SuperValu Signature Tastes Taleggio Cheese, SuperValu Signature

SuperValu and Centra together won an impressive 116 Great Taste Awards.

Tastes Gorgonzola Cheese, SuperValu Signature Tastes Comte Cheese, SuperValu Signature Tastes Riojan Chorizo Cular, SuperValu Crème Fraiche and SuperValu Signature Tastes Applewood Smoked Salmon.

SuperValu and Centra have a longstanding tradition of supporting local Irish suppliers, including some of this year's

Great Taste Award winners like, dairy providers Clóna Dairy based in Clonakilty, West Cork, manufacturing prize-winning dairy for over 100 years; Ice-Cream Treats, passionately producing luxury, Irish dairy ice-cream by the lakes of County Cavan since 2013; Dunn’s of Dublin, Ireland’s oldest fish company established in 1822; and Oliver Carty meats, serving expertly hand trimmed and gently smoked bacon, exclusive to SuperValu in Ireland. The Happy Pear, also exclusively available at SuperValu and Centra, won a total of 10 awards, including The Happy Pear Lovely Basil Pesto, which won a 2 Star award for the second year in a row.

SuperValu’s premium Signature Tastes range picked up 60 awards, while the Inspired by Centra range garnered 17 awards.

“We are thrilled to have won 116 awards for SuperValu and Centra at this year’s Great Taste Awards,” noted Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with both brands, including our retailers and suppliers, who consistently strive to deliver quality food to our customers nationwide. This incredible result of 116 awards celebrates that dedication. A special thank you to our brilliant Irish producers, whose welldeserved recognition from these awards sets SuperValu and Centra apart as two of Ireland’s leading retailers.”

Repak audits Ireland’s recycling knowledge AS Ireland faces the ticking clock of EU recycling targets, new findings from Repak’s first-ever annual national Recycling Knowledge Audit have unearthed a startling truth: we think we’re recycling pros, but the reality is quite different. 88% of the Recycling Knowledge Audit respondents believe they are doing a great job with their recycling; the reality is far different. Only 53% can accurately identify what can actually be recycled. Repak's Clean, Dry and Loose Campaign is calling on everyone, from households to businesses, to step up and sort out their recycling habits.

The audit, which surveyed over 2,000 people, twice the size of a typical national survey, tested respondents on their knowledge of recycling rules and ability to segregate waste correctly. Although nearly 30% of participants rated themselves a perfect 10 out of 10 for recycling knowledge, the average national score was just 64%.

“Our Recycling Knowledge Audit has revealed a significant gap between perceived recycling knowledge and the reality of recycling practices across Ireland,” revealed Zoe Kavanagh, Repak CEO. “While many believe they’re doing the right thing, a

national average score of 64% shows that we are not where we need to be; recycling is a 100% game.

Repak CEO, Zoe Kavanagh (right), Education is crucial Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of to ensure the public State with responsibility for Public understands what Procurement, eGovernment and can and cannot be Circular Economy, and broadcaster recycled, but this is and sustainability influencer Fionnuala Moran (left) at the launch of only one part of the Repak's first-ever national Recycling solution.”

Knowledge Audit.

She stressed that commercial operators have their part to play, where the three-bin system needs greater adoption. 40% of respondents said their workplace lacks a threebin system or that they are unsure whether one is in place. With commercial recycling down by 12,892 tonnes in 2023, Repak calls for stricter enforcement and a nationwide commitment to proper waste segregation infrastructure.

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Industry News Mace retailers present €444,448 to Down Syndrome Ireland MACE Sales Director Keith Crawford recently presented a cheque for a whopping €444,448 to Down Syndrome Ireland’s Lauren McCarthy, Fundraising Manager, and Claire McManus, which closes out the official charity partnership relationship. As well as holding a number of fundraising events in their stores, over the lifetime of the Charity Partnership, monies were raised through collection boxes in stores and a donation on selected Mace Own Brand

Aldi announce contract extension worth €20 million with Irish water suppliers ALDI recently extended its contract with key Irish water suppliers, including Glenpatrick Spring and Classic Mineral Water, in a deal worth almost €20 million. Glenpatrick is one of Aldi’s longest standing Irish suppliers, having worked together for 20 years, while Ireland’s oldest water company, Classic Mineral Water, began working with Aldi four years ago. The deal supports the suppliers, who are each undergoing a period of expansion.

Classic Mineral Water will be installing new production lines, while Glenpatrick Spring will be investing in an additional warehouse and introducing a new warehouse management system. The year-long contract will also eliminate 146 tonnes of plastic per year through the removal of surplus packaging, while 30% recycled plastic will be added to the majority of water bottles by the end of 2024, and 100% will be added to all kids ranges.

products. “Mace is very proud of the funds we have raised over the lifetime of the Charity Partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland,” noted Keith Crawford. “The efforts of Mace retailers have helped fund a number of initiatives and programmes, such as providing meaningful opportunities to adults with Down Syndrome to engage, socialise and look for employment opportunities. It has been thoroughly wonderful experience for Mace and our nationwide network of independent retailers to work so closely with a great organisation like Down Syndrome Ireland.” Mace retailers choose a new Charity Partner every two years and will be supporting Debra through to 2026.

Moth available in Tesco Ireland IRISH consumers can now ‘take Moth with you’ as the UK’s number one premium canned cocktail brand (Source: Nielsen Data 2022), distributed by GM Marketing, is now available in Tesco stores across the Republic of Ireland.

“Moth is the perfect party starter as you sip and unwind with bar quality cocktails in a setting of your choice and in good

Meade Farm launch National Carrot Day

MEADE Farm, who grow and pack root vegetables, brassicas and potatoes in Lobinstown, County Meath, recently invited the public to join them in

Lidl splash LGFA stars across milk cartons LIDL Ireland recently unveiled their new range of milk packaging that spotlights Ladies Gaelic Football players and encourages the public to ‘Get Behind the Fight’ ahead of the TG4 All Ireland Championship Finals, which took place on August 4 in Croke Park. Four star LGFA players have been selected to feature on the packaging, which features a player image, statistics and their club crest:

company. And with Moth single serve cans, everyone can choose their own favourite tipple,” noted Kaitlyn Martin, Marketing Manager from GM Marketing. Moth is the UK’s fastest growing premium ready to drink (RTD) brand, holding 70% share of the super-premium category in the UK grocery, with a Moth being sold every 10 seconds, including Moth Margarita, Espresso Martini, Piña Colada and the refreshing, Mojito.

Kerry’s Síofra O’Shea, Galway’s Nicola Ward, Cavan’s Ally Cahill and Tipperary’s Aisling Moloney. “Lidl is committed to levelling the playing field for women’s sport and growing attendances at Ladies Gaelic Football fixtures across the country,” noted Eimear O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, pictured with Síofra O'Shea, Aisling Moloney and Nicola Ward.

celebrating a new National Carrot Day on August 16 by making their favourite carrot dish or trying a new recipe. “While everyone has gotten behind having our own National Potato Day, carrots haven't received as much attention,” explained Patrick Meade of Meade Farm, who wants everyone to “take a moment to appreciate the amazing nutritional content of the carrot”. Pictured are Carrot Manager Roy White and Meade Farm family members Eleanor, Emily, Sophie (mascot), Jake, Jamie (mascot), Charlie, Patrick, Harry, Dovile, Philip Sr and Philip Jr.

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|9

Industry News Tesco Ireland autumn Clubcards deliver over €17 million to shoppers ALMOST one million Tesco Clubcard customers are receiving a helping hand with Back-to-School costs as their seasonal statements arrive.

This year, in the region of over €17 million worth of vouchers and coupons savings have been returned to Irish customers and can be redeemed in store, on the website or through the app.

Tesco Clubcard is one of the longest running supermarket loyalty schemes in Ireland; and Irish customers have proven to be avid users. In the first 180 days of the year, on average, three Tesco Clubcards are scanned every second in Irish stores during trading hours.

SMA Nutrition incorporate NaviLens tech on packaging SMA Nutrition are supporting their visually impaired customers by putting NaviLens codes on all product packaging. Gone are the days of struggling to find products or decipher tiny labels. With the all-important NaviLens technology, visually impaired parents and caregivers can now easily make informed purchasing decisions and get answers to their

feeding queries, both in-store and at home. Scannable codes, similar to QR codes, have been integrated into all SMA packaging. When a visually impaired shopper points their device towards the SMA product, their smartphone can detect the on-pack code from up to three metres away.

This triggers their phone, and the customer can choose to access all product information, including the ingredients, allergen and recycling information read aloud in their phone's language, or view it on their device using accessibility tools.

Aldi customers save over 200k Surprise Bags with Too Good To Go OVER the past year, Aldi customers across Ireland have saved a total of 207,000 Surprise Bags from going to waste, through the retailer’s partnership with Too Good To Go, the world’s largest food surplus marketplace. This means that customers at Aldi’s 161 stores across

Ireland have saved more than €1.6 million in that time. Too Good To Go Surprise Bags contain a range of products that are approaching their sell-by or use-by dates at a fraction of the price. Each bags costs just €3.99 to purchase and contains products worth at least €12. Pictured are Joe Mooney, Sponsorship Manager, Aldi; Jamie Crummie, Too Good To Go co-founder; and Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy.

Aurivo raise €40,000 for Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland AURIVO Co-operative have raised a total of €40,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ASI) as part of their Charity of the Year Partnership Programme. Over the past year, Aurivo employees have taken part in numerous fundraising activities to raise much-needed funds and support for the charity, including the Aurivo Killygordon 5k race, Aurivo’s Annual Golf Tournament, and an ASI Memory Walk. In addition, a team of committed employees

completed The Sligo Camino and charity donation boxes were also placed across their network of Homeland stores, where customers donated generously to the ASI cause. Pictured are (l-r): Donal Tierney, CEO, Aurivo; Carol Molloy, Operations Manager, ASI Northwest and Midlands; Marilyn Phillips, Head of HR, Aurivo; Clair Culkin, Nurse Manager at Aughamore Day Care Centre; and James McCarrick, Aurivo Board.

M&S Food renew partnership with Munster Rugby Senior Women's Team MARKS & Spencer have announced the renewal of their partnership with the Munster Rugby Senior Women’s team, as part of their Eat Well, Play Well campaign, for a second year.

As part of the sponsorship, M&S will be providing players with nutritious produce pre-match and during training throughout the 2024/2025 season. The partnership will also involve a collaborative programme of educational online resources for people across Ireland to promote healthy eating to support a healthier lifestyle. “Over the past year, M&S has supported the Munster Rugby Senior women’s team with nutritious produce, promoting healthy eating and healthy choices every day,” said

Eddie Murphy, Country Director, M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“Committed to supporting women in sport, we will continue bringing M&S quality food to a quality team.” Munster Rugby players Abbie Salter Townsend, Aoibhe O'Flynn and Michelle O'Driscoll are pictured at the M&S Merchants Quay Store.

10|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News The Great Pink Bake Off 2024

JUST in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Ireland’s annual Great Pink Bake Off, kindly sponsored by Dr Oetker, is set to launch again this year, inviting bakers of all levels to whip up pink-themed treats to raise funds for Ireland’s leading breast cancer charity. This fundraising campaign kicks off on September 24 and aims to engage households, community groups and businesses all across Ireland in raising funds for critical education and outreach programmes, highlighting the eight signs and symptoms of the disease.

This year’s campaign has also evolved to include a special invitation to all schools to get involved, with a bespoke and free of charge School’s Bake-Off Kit being created for participating schools. Pictured are ambassadors, Louise Lennox, renowned chef and children's fussy eating expert, and FM104 and Virgin Media’s Zeinab Elguzouli.

Aldi open renovated Nutgrove store

ALDI’s Nutgrove, Rathfarnham “Project Fresh” store has reopened its doors to customers following an extensive renovation project investment of over €1 million, which has seen the store interior completely refurbished. The updated Nutgrove store now features the new layout that includes a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store, hi-spec fixtures and fittings throughout the store plus new product category signage that provides an effortless shopping experience. The customer-focused layout allows for the products customers know and love, to shop more easily, whilst browsing new ranges. Aldi has begun the installation of self-service checkouts at select stores, including the updated Nutgrove store.

Magical competition for Spar National Tree Day 2024 SPAR recently announced the fourth year of Spar National Tree Day sponsorship, in partnership with The Tree Council of Ireland. Spar National Tree Day, which takes place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, calls on children, teachers and parents to take the pledge and plant one of the 2,000 Native Irish Hawthorn tree saplings that are free to primary schools on www.treeday.ie. The theme for this year’s Spar National Tree Day is “Trees are Magic - Draíocht na gCrann” and to celebrate, Spar will be planting some magic under its trees in stores across the country. For the month of October, each Spar store will be home to a fairy who will be inviting local children to leave a wish at their door. Each fairy door will have a QR code for parents to scan, share their child’s wish and be in with the chance of seeing their child’s wish brought to life.

Pictured at the launch of Spar National Tree Day 2023 in the Botanic Gardens are: Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council Of Ireland; Brendan Fitzsimons, CEO of the Tree Council of Ireland; with Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director; and Helen Lalor, Spar Marketing Manager.

Daybreak commit to ’30 for 30’ in September DAYBREAK and long-term charity partner, the Irish Heart Foundation have teamed up once again for their annual active challenge!

The ’30 for 30’ campaign challenges Daybreak retailers and staff to commit to doing 30 minutes of daily exercise for the 30 days of September. Daybreakers are free to walk, run, swim or dance – there are no limitations on the form of exercise!

Over 160 Daybreak stores nationwide are taking part in the challenge over the month of September. Participants will commit to completing 30 consecutive days of daily exercise, asking customers, family, and friends to sponsor them to achieve the fundraising target. “We are thrilled to continue our support for the Irish Heart Foundation through our annual active challenge, an event we eagerly anticipate each year,” noted Molly Byrne, Assistant Brand Manager, Daybreak, pictured with Judith Gilsenan, Commercial Director, Irish Heart Foundation, and Mireya Gines, Senior Grants Officer, Irish Heart Foundation.

When you fill, support Jack and Jill CIRCLE K are delighted to announce the return of their ‘When you Fill, Support Jack and Jill’ fundraising initiative for a second year. To celebrate their sponsorship of Cannonball Ireland 2024, 1c from every litre of miles and milesPlus fuel sold is going directly to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, during the weekend of this year’s Cannonball Ireland event, September 6-8.

Cannonball, fuelled by milesPlus from Circle K, is the largest organised road trip in Europe and features the finest cars in the world, including cars by brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati. Pictured are (l-r): Stephen Quinn, Senior Fuel Manager, Circle K; Deirdre Walsh, CEO, Jack and Jill; Alan Bannon, Founder, Cannonball, beside a rare Maserati MC20.

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12|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

RGDATA Crime Survey 2024

Retail crime reaches epidemic levels The results of the 2024 RGDATA Crime Survey make sobering and shocking reading. Tara Buckley, Director General, calls for more support from the state in tackling what has become a crime epidemic.

IRELAND’S retailers and their staff are at the frontline in what has become an epidemic of crime, according to the results of the latest RGDATA Crime survey. The survey, comprising responses from over 250 retailers from across Ireland, highlights the scale of the loss and level of threat facing retailers, with alarming instances of increased violence and threats of violence against shop owners, their staff and families and customers.

The key findings of the survey reveal that: • Over 90% of retailers were victims of crime in the last 12 months.

• The most common types of crime reported were: Shoplifting (97%) Burglary/Robbery (16%) Fraudulent Activity/Counterfeit Goods (37%).

A variety of weapons were used against retailers, including meat cleavers, knives, firearms, iron bars, hatchets, syringes and crewdrivers, as well as physical assaults without weapons (punches, slaps, spitting and kicks).

Genuine safety concerns While the figures are no real surprise to anyone familiar with Ireland’s retail trade, they still make for shocking reading when you see them written down in black & white.

“When you talk to retailers at the moment, crime is one of the biggest stresses in their business,” explains Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General. “The vast majority of the customers coming to a local shop are perfectly pleasant and it’s a pleasure to do business with them. But a very small cohort are causing a huge amount of stress, frustration and concern.

Retailers are very concerned about their own safety, their staff’s safety, their family’s safety. We have members who've been threatened and who have had their homes threatened. And the perpetrators seem to be getting more aggressive, more violent.

There is a feeling that this is a crime that's not recognised, that it’s a victimless crime.”

While 43% of retailers were satisfied with the Garda response to the reporting of retail crime, the majority (57%) were dissatisfied, with common complaints including: • Poor response times – over 24 hours

Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA. • • • •

in a number of instances.

No follow up to a report of a crime.

No availability from local stations – calls being banked at a Call Centre.

Directed to an online portal to report the crime.

No indication that criminals are

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RGDATA Crime Survey 2024 •

•

• •

• •

Many retailers have installed and updated their CCTV in response to heightened crime levels. pursued despite reporting crimes and providing evidence (statements & CCTV footage).

A wake-up call for Government and Gardaí Tara Buckley believes that the results of the survey should be a real wake-up call for the Gardaí and the Government and called for a new effort and additional measures to address the scourge of retail crime: “This survey highlights the epidemic of crime against retailers, which is causing them financial loss, mental anguish and actual physical harm in some instances. Our members are doing their utmost to tackle these issues but we need both the Gardaí and the Government to up their game.

“The Gardaí need to improve their

Retail crime has reached epidemic proportions, with store owners worried for the safety of themselves, their families and staff.

response times and to dispel any sense among offenders that some crimes are regarded as inconsequential and will not be prosecuted. From the victims’ perspective there is no such thing as a petty crime.”

RGDATA have called upon the Government to introduce a targeted range of measures to tackle retail crime, including: •

•

A mandatory barring order for any person convicted of robbing from a shop – that person should be legally prohibited from going back into the shop for a defined period.

A new specific offence concerning the intimidation or harm of retailers and their staff – this is being introduced in

the UK. New Fixed Penalty Notices for a person accused of a retail crime, as an alternative to prosecutions.

A new mechanism for offenders to reimburse retailers for the cost of any goods that they have stolen and methods to enforce such repayments.

Mandatory stronger sentences for repeat offenders.

A portal to allow retailers to see the progress of any cases reported to the Gardaí.

A local retail crime hotline in each Garda Divisional area.

Rapid implementation of legal protections for retailers against the threat of defamation when seeking to preserve their stock or order in their stores”.

“We believe if someone is found guilty of shoplifting, the sentence should automatically include the application of a barring order from that shop for a specific period of time,” Buckley explains. “We have members who have been in court with their CCTV footage and staff, watching a person being convicted of robbing their shop, and later that afternoon the same person comes in and robs again. That's just soul destroying.”

Operation Táirge, the Gardaí’s operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime, which was launched in December 2023, is extremely welcome, but Buckley believes that this is “targeted at the serial offenders and the organised criminals involved in retail” and that we need a fundamental societal shift in how we treat this kind of retail crime.

“That's what we believe is required,” Buckley agrees.

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RGDATA Crime Survey 2024

97% of retailers have been victims of shoplifting.

Operation Táirge allows the Gardaí to collect data on cases and track serial offenders, according to Buckley, so that when they go to court, the Gardaí can point out that this is not a single, isolated incident and show a pattern of repeat offending.

“It's about trying to make the case so that the person gets a custodial sentence,” Buckley states. “That’s extremely important because if it feels like there's no punishment for this crime, it's going to continue.”

The impact of crime Some other relevant comments from respondents to the RGDATA Retail Crime survey include: • Crime levels are impacting on staff retention – people are increasingly afraid to work in shops.

• Shoplifting is not taken seriously by the Gardaí – they don’t feel it is worth pursuing a shoplifter.

• Criminals have become more volatile and aggressive with shop workers.

• Repeat offenders are a real problem – sometimes multiple times in a single day.

• Our judicial system is very cumbersome – and it can take years for a prosecution to proceed. And there is a real sense among retailers that even if the Gardaí do prosecute an offence, all too often the judges are too lenient on retail crime.

• Thieves are more mobile now – using the motorway network to hit stores in rural areas.

• There is a fear of being sued for

defamation if you approach someone you believe may be attempting to steal goods.

The Director General welcomes the fact that Ireland’s Defamation Act has been reformed so a member of staff cannot be accused of defamation if they make a polite enquiry of a customer suspected of shoplifting, for example. However, more needs to be done from a legislative point of view, according to RGDATA. In response to heightened crime levels, retailers have taken a number of measures, all of which add significantly to operating costs, including: • CCTV Installation/upgrades: 43% • Other Security Measures: 23% • Alarm Upgrades: 10% • Security Tags on High-Value Items: 7% • Security Personnel: 7% • External Shutters: 2% Calls for new legislation on intimidation RGDATA have met with various Ministers and politicians over recent months and lobbied hard on the issue of crime, amongst other challenges.

“Ministers are very sympathetic,” the Director General accepts, “especially if you bring a retailer in who has been a victim of an aggressive crime. But the frustration is that despite all the things that have changed, there seems to still be this very small group who believe they are untouchable.”

RGDATA have called for the introduction of a specific offense for the intimidation of retailers, mirroring similar legislation in

the UK. The Protection of Workers Bill was brought forward by Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne earlier this year, but because we are facing into a general election before it makes its way through the two houses of the Oireachtas, RGDATA are lobbying hard for a commitment from the various political parties to prioritise retail crime as part of their party manifesto.

Crime levels from juveniles are a major problem, especially children between 12 and 15, according to the RGDATA survey, which also found instances of children being coerced by adults to steal in shops.

“The other area of huge concern, particularly in the convenience sector, is the out of control youth, and we believe that that requires a cross-departmental approach, with the Departments of Education, Social Welfare, Enterprise, the Department of the Taoiseach etc., all coming together to try to address the issue,” Tara Buckley insists. “It probably requires investment in local communities, investment in youth activities, but also managing these people so that they understand that what they're doing is wrong.”

More Gardaí on the streets There have been repeated calls for more Gardaí on the street to deal with rising levels of retail crime and increased aggression against store owners and their staff, a move which Buckley agrees is needed.

“We're very sympathetic to the Gardaí because they deal with the same aggressive people that we deal with, but we believe that there needs to be more Gardaí on the street, and unfortunately, there needs to be more prison places, because we don't believe some of these people ever stop unless they see very serious consequences.

“A lot of retailers watch the 10 or 11 year-old robbing stuff in their shop. Then they become more aggressive as teenagers.

Then they arrive with a weapon. And then they move on to much more serious crime.

If we could nip it in the bud and put them on the right path, that would make such a difference.”

RGDATA will be monitoring responses to the survey very closely. “While the problems reported by retailers are deeply concerning, there are a range of solutions and measures that can be taken to address the challenges,” concluded Buckley.

“These need to be tackled as a matter of urgency and RGDATA will be seeking a swift response from the Gardaí and the Government in the coming weeks.”

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16|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail News Interview

Facing the challenges ahead Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, discusses the importance of Ireland’s agrifood industry to the economy, the impact of the Agri-Food Regulator on retail/supplier relationships, and facing up to the sustainability challenge, including the fight against food waste and the development of a National Biomethane Strategy.

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|17

Retail News Interview CHARLIE McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, reflects on what has been a difficult period for the Irish agri-food industry, particularly in terms of export performance, as macro events continue to impact on our profitability and performance.

“This last year has been difficult for farmers and the agri-food chain but despite that, the sector has continued to demonstrate its resilience in adapting to challenging conditions,” the Minister states. “Throughout recent years, amid ongoing uncertainty, the sector has adapted to Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and significant inflationary pressures. This period has made clear how critical the agrifood sector is to maintaining food supply chains, from farmers all the way through to retail. Farmers, fishers, processors and food businesses have all demonstrated how resilient the sector is when faced with these challenges.”

While agri-food exports decreased to €18.3 million in 2023, after reaching a record €19 billion the previous year, the Minister describes last year’s performance as “a significant achievement given that we are living through a period of huge flux, with climate change, inflation, geopolitical instability, and cost of living challenges all affecting the global economy and export performance”.

The Minister goes on to stress that “there would be no exports of Irish food and drink without the output of our farmers and fishers or the innovation of our food processors, who collectively make up this vital sector of the Irish economy”.

Agri-Food Regulator up and running The biggest change in recent years from a legislative perspective for the Irish retail and agri-food markets was the official launch of Ireland’s Agri-Food Regulator in December 2023.

“When the President signed the legislation required to establish An Rialálaí Agraibhia into law in July last year, I saw the realisation of an initiative I spearheaded from my time in opposition, to its inclusion in the programme for Government, and now into law,” the Minister explains.

“It was a source of great personal pride for me to see the formal establishment of An Rialálaí Agraibhia on December 13, marking the culmination of a constructive legislative process that saw the passing of the Agricultural and Food Supply Act 2023. Thanks to this work, Ireland now has an advocate for farmers, fishers, growers and other small and medium enterprises in our agri-food supply chain.”

One of the biggest concerns about the Regulator amongst primary producers was

that it would have “teeth”, which the Minister insists is the case.

“The Regulator’s governing act provides for very strong powers of enforcement with regards to Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs),” he states. “Primary producers and SMEs are protected against larger buyers with regard to 10 prohibited UTPs in all circumstances, including late payments, short notice cancellations, and unilateral contract changes.

There are also an additional six UTPs which are prohibited unless agreed beforehand between the buyer and supplier. Complaints against any of these can be made in confidence to the Regulator.

“In addition to its enforcement functions, the Regulator also provides a price/market analysis and reporting function to bring greater transparency all along the agricultural and food supply chain, providing regular reports on price and market information on all sectors in the agri-food supply chain.”

The first of these reports focused on the Irish table egg sector and was published on the Regulator’s website. However, the egg report as it stands is based on publicly available data, as “not all retail businesses have yet provided the data requested”, meaning that the Regulator was unable to produce the type of report that was envisaged at the beginning of this process.

“We will continue to engage with the businesses involved in the egg sector in the coming weeks and particularly with those which have not provided the requested data, with a view to supplementing the report being published as soon as possible,” noted Niamh Lenehan, CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator.

In its recent media update, the Regulator revealed that legal proceedings had started against one company who it believes has breached the legislation and also confirmed that it had carried out a number of on-site compliance inspections using the legislative powers available under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023. “These inspections will ensure that businesses are in compliance with the 2023 Act and associated Regulations. More of these inspections will be carried out under its Statement of Strategy and 2024 work programme, which are available on their website,” the Minister noted.

“Overall, I believe the Regulator has been working very well since establishment.

Engagement with stakeholders has been ongoing and I’m confident that through its work it will strengthen the position of our farmers, fishers, and growers, while shining a light on our agri-food supply chain and providing more transparency.”

The sustainability challenge Sustainability is a huge challenge for all of

18|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail News Interview society, not just the agri-food sector, but it is one which Irish agri-food is committed to meeting, the Minister maintains.

“It’s important to recognise the hard work of all stakeholders to create lasting improvements in Irish agri-food’s environmental footprint,” the Minister points out. “The positive attributes and massive contribution to society of our agri sector can sometimes be lost in negative sentiment and media headlines. We all know that the targets for agriculture are challenging. What these headlines often don’t recognise is that this mitigation work is being done by individual farmers every day. What is also often not recognised is the way that farmers are embracing this and making changes, including reducing their chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type. These stories might not command the headlines in the same way as a negative story does, but these actions are bringing forward results evidenced by the 4.6% reduction in emissions recorded in 2023.

“Continuing this progress will be key to the success of the sector going forward, as not only is it the right direction for the sector and the planet but it can also provide the basis for our competitive advantage. I am absolutely confident that

Pictured at the launch of the Agri-Food Regulator’s strategy statement are Niamh Lenehan, CEO, Agri-Food Regulator; Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine; and Joe Healy, Chair, Agri-Food Regulator.

Minister McConalogue speaking at the RGFI Biomethane Conference in Croke Park in June 2024.

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|19

Retail News Interview

Minister McConalogue on the suckler farm of Raymond Palmer, Castlefinn, Co. Donegal, at the launch of the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS).

we will continue to reduce emissions from our agri-food system without reducing our production.”

National Biomethane Strategy The Minister recently launched Ireland’s first National Biomethane Strategy, which Minister McConalogue maintains “is an important milestone in the development of an indigenous sector, as a developed Biomethane sector will help to decarbonise our agri-food industry”.

“Major agri-food and drinks companies are committed to developing an indigenous, renewable gas industry as a means of reducing their carbon footprint and I will continue to work with them to see this become a reality,” stressed the Minister, who noted strong demand from Irish industry for the Government’s €40 million launch scheme to kick-start the biomethane sector in Ireland: “I opened applications for this earlier this month and successful applicants are in line to receive a grant aid of 20% of investment up to a maximum of €5 million."

Facing up to food waste Food waste is another challenge, with estimates suggesting that we waste more than 25% of food globally, equating to 770,000 tonnes per year in Ireland.

“Food waste is a topic on which I feel very strongly,” insists the Minister. “When food is wasted, it is not just the food itself that

goes to waste: other losses include the time, energy and resources used to produce it, as well as the resources used to process, transport, store, sell and buy the food. Food waste also impacts on our carbon footprint.

My Department has overall responsibility for UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses, by 2030.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the lead on food waste and the Department of Agriculture works very closely with the EPA and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in this area on implementing the actions from the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 20232025.

One of the actions under this Roadmap was the launch of the revised Food Waste Charter in June 2023. “Businesses that sign up to the Food Waste Charter commit to monitoring and tracking their food waste, identifying and taking at least one targetbased action to reduce their food waste, and to report their food waste statistics annually,” the Minister explains. “My Department and its agencies - Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Teagasc - have all signed the charter to support the food and drink sector in reaching our targets.

I’d encourage any business in the agri-food supply chain to do the same.”

The EU Commission has also published a proposal on the Waste Framework Directive that seeks to set legally binding food waste reduction targets to be achieved

by Member States by 2030: to reduce the generation of food waste in processing and manufacturing by 10% in comparison to the amount generated in 2020 and reduce the generation of food waste per capita, jointly in retail and other distribution of food, in restaurants and foodservice and in households, by 30% in comparison to the amount generated in 2020.

PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef The Minister is proud of the fact that Irish Grass Fed Beef secured registration as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in December 2023. “This PGI means that Irish Grass Fed Beef will be recognised in key international markets for the unique quality product that it is,” noted Minister McConalogue. “The successful registration of Irish Grass Fed Beef as a PGI is a great achievement which provides an excellent point of differentiation for our quality beef products.”

The Minister described achieving PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef as “a recognition of our cattle-rearing heritage and the dedication of our beef farmers and processors, who are integral to rural communities. Our beef farmers have utilised Ireland’s temperate climate, resulting in our grass-based production

20|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail News Interview of beef gaining a strong reputation for its consistently high eating quality. The quality of our beef products set them aside from others on the global market and the PGI is an endorsement of that. A further benefit of this PGI is that our quality product is protected from imitation across the EU and may be included in future trade agreements with third countries.”

The fact that this was an all-island registration bodes well for future collaboration with our neighbours in Northern Ireland.

“The achievement of the PGI is a great example of the close cooperation on agricultural matters that is ongoing between my Department and our Northern Ireland and UK counterparts,” the Minister agrees. “Following the successful registration, my Ministerial colleague Minister Andrew Muir from Northern Ireland and I held a fantastic event in Co. Donegal to mark the occasion. I am very happy to see the PGI applying on an allisland basis, including farmers both here and in Northern Ireland.

“Of course, this is not the first all-island Geographical Indication that we have. All of our spirit drink GIs, Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín, apply on an allisland basis and are recognised as quality products around the globe. I look forward to Irish Grass Fed Beef continuing on this path to success, hopefully with further allisland GIs to follow in the future.”

The legislative challenge A raft of new labour legislation has come in a short period of time (increases in National Minimum Wage, sick pay scheme, additional bank holiday etc), creating something of a perfect storm for employers in labourintensive industries like retail and agrifood, with some operators estimating a 25% increase in labour costs as a result. What

“We have a strong foundation to grow from, toward our collective vision for the sector, even if because of external volatility there may be setbacks along the way.”

can the Government do to support these employers?

“Over the last number of years, Government has taken substantial action in supporting enterprise. In that time, we have also introduced or progressed several initiatives to improve working conditions in Ireland, including the transition to a Living Wage, Pension Auto-Enrolment, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, an Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working,” Minister McConalogue notes.

“Extensive public consultations have been held in respect of the introduction and phasing in of these measures, involving employers, trade unions and the public. It is important to note that these measures are being introduced by Government on a staggered basis, over a number of years.”

He stresses that the phasing-in of the Living Wage follows recommendations made in the Low Pay Commission’s Living Wage Report, which was informed by research and analysis from Maynooth University, and that the introduction of pension auto-enrolment has been a longstanding commitment, most recently set out in the Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023.

“For many sectors of the economy, these changes will have only a very minimal impact, albeit these measures will bring some additional costs for some businesses,” the Minister says. “They will also bring economic and societal benefits, by means of increasing disposable incomes and addressing in-work poverty, and they will bring Ireland in line with other advanced economies. These measures are intended to make Ireland

a better place to live and work. From the employee perspective, good conditions at work not only improve well-being, but can also improve staff motivation and, in turn, yield a potential benefit to employers by way of increased productivity and a reduction in the costs associated with staff turnover.

“In March 2024, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Department of Social Protection, published an assessment of the combined impact of proposed measures to improve working conditions in Ireland – including the transition to the Living Wage and increasing the number of days of Statutory Sick Leave. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, a range of measures were introduced to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs and to improve the cost competitiveness of firms more generally.”

Looking to the future Looking ahead, the Minister is confident that the agri-food sector “can reinforce its reputation for producing food of the highest quality on a sustainable basis. We have a strong foundation to grow from, toward our collective vision for the sector, even if because of external volatility there may be setbacks along the way.”

While acknowledging the challenge of achieving our environmental goals on climate and water, be believes that “through collaborative action as an industry, neither are insurmountable. I am confident that the resilience of this sector will see it steadily growing value over time, building on those strong foundations for the future.”

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22|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Kerrygold

Kerrygold have just announced the launch of the new Kerrygold Spreadable 200g tub.

consumers and the shift towards convenience and versatility, Kerrygold have focused on strengthening the variety in their range over the past number of years, while remaining committed to the quality, taste and provenance the brand is known for all around the world. Kerrygold has experienced year-on-year penetration growth of 40% in the 12 weeks to May 12, 2024 (Source: Kantar). This growth was driven by the continued success of the traditional block formats, the new Kerrygold 100g Butter Stick and Kerrygold Spreadable, which now comes in a handy tub size.

“Kerrygold has elevated everyday dining experiences in Irish households for over half a century. In that time, the needs, habits and preferences of the consumers who choose Kerrygold have evolved, and we are committed to responding to those changes, while preserving the qualities Kerrygold is known for,” explained Lynne Andrews, Senior Marketing Manager, Ornua Foods International. “As the Kerrygold brand continues to enjoy consistent growth here in the home-market, we are excited to introduce our latest product extension in the form of Kerrygold Spreadable 200g, which underpins our ambitions to meet consumer needs, further grow the brand and add value to the category for our retailer partners.”

KERRYGOLD have announced a new addition to their leading line-up of butter products available in Ireland, with the introduction of Kerrygold Spreadable 200g.

The further expansion of Kerrygold’s offering to Irish shoppers follows significant growth by the market-leader, driven by new consumer-focused product innovations. To cater to the changing needs and preferences of smaller and increasingly busy households, Kerrygold are now launching the new Kerrygold Spreadable 200g tub, ensuring butter-lovers who find The launch of the new Kerrygold Spreadable themselves constantly on-the-go 200g tub will be supported by a new multidon’t have to compromise on taste channel campaign, entitled 'Smooth Mornings or quality.

Together'.

Kerrygold Spreadable, first introduced in 2021 as a 454g tub, new 200g option strengthens Kerrygold’s has quickly become the ‘go-to’ choice for commitment to convenience and follows Irish shoppers seeking convenience while the introduction of the new Kerrygold 100g favouring elevated taste. Made from Irish Butter Stick last year. creamery butter blended with rapeseed oil, it offers a smooth, rich, buttery taste, Convenience & versatility with the added benefit of being spreadable Recognising the changing needs of straight from the fridge. The launch of the

‘Smooth Mornings Together’ The arrival of the new 200g tub will also be supported by a new multi-channel Kerrygold Spreadable campaign, entitled 'Smooth Mornings Together', produced by TBWA/Dublin in conjunction with Energy BBDO and shot locally in Bolt! Studio in Ireland. The campaign aims to showcase the convenience and reliability of Kerrygold Spreadable - the tasty breakfast option that gives you back a few precious minutes with your family on those busier mornings.

Owned by the Irish dairy co-operative Ornua, Kerrygold is made in Ireland from the milk of Irish grass-fed cows produced

by Irish dairy farming families.

The new Kerrygold Spreadable 200g tub is recyclable and made with portion control in mind, as Irish consumers grow increasingly conscious of their efforts to reduce food waste. The tub will also boast a fresh new brand look that will appear across the full Kerrygold product portfolio in the coming months and is the latest in a rich pipeline of new product innovations planned for the Irish market, including Kerrygold Cream Cheese and the new Garlic and Herb Stick, which will also launch this year.

New Kerrygold Spreadable 200g tub launches

Smooth mornings together

S I M P LY M A D E . S I M P LY S P R E A D. For more information on our products, visit kerrygold.com/irishgrassfed

24|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

GS1 Ireland

Unlocking the value of your brand with next gen. barcodes

Maria Svejdar, Head of Marketing, Communications and CX, GS1 Ireland, explains the benefits of upgrading to next generation barcodes and the transition process, which is already underway.

WHETHER you’re a brand owner, regulator, distributor, retailer or consumer, we all need more of the right product data in the right place. The standard barcode, the EAN or UPC, only holds basic product identification, and stakeholders and consumers need more.

Why change? The benefits of 2D barcodes.

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, including QR codes and Data Matrix, create endless possibilities. They hold more data and provide consumers and key stakeholders with more of the information they need, when they need it.

The EAN/UPC barcode, or onedimensional (1D) barcode, has offered

price lookup functionality for decades.

However, it’s no longer keeping up with today’s growing demands for greater product transparency, traceability and authentication.

In response, the global supply chain is moving toward two-dimensional (2D) barcodes that can carry more information.

Use cases for 2D barcodes Using 2D barcodes allow for a single standardised way to meet both supply chain needs and evolving consumer requirements.

The information carried by 2D barcodes can also help enable:

• • • • •

Improved inventory management; Enhanced recall readiness; Greater sustainability and ethical sourcing; Better product authentication; Greater brand trust.

With a single scan on a smartphone, consumers can get the information they need, like nutritional information, allergens, sustainability and sourcing data, as well as any other web engagement activities, all powered by GS1 Digital Link.

That same barcode can be scanned at point-of-sale for price lookup, at the patient bedside for medication administration, and

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|25

GS1 Ireland a variety of other supply chain processes related to inventory management and recall coordination.

Preparing for the transition: Sunrise 2027 Industry has set a goal to accept 2D barcodes at point-of-sale (POS) by 2027, referred to as Sunrise 2027.

During the transition programme GS1 Ireland is helping both supply- and demandside organisations and solution providers to get started with a migration path toward the next generation of barcodes.

Transitioning to 2D barcodes for retail point-of-sale scanning will be a multi-step process. The GS1 Ireland Global Migration to 2D Programme will help ensure 2D barcodes can be scanned and processed at any retail POS by the end of 2027.

Plan…. Test…. Go!

•

Retail readiness To prepare for Sunrise 2027, retail POS systems need to be updated to process 2D barcodes. At a minimum, price look-up systems need to be able to use the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) encoded in 2D barcodes.

A Barcode Capabilities Test Kit is available to evaluate baseline functionality and identify gaps in scanning and

Go:

• •

• •

• •

Connect with partners; Assess system readiness using the Barcode Capabilities Test Kit; Determine what you want to test.

•

Conduct a pilot; Refine based on learning; Develop an implementation roadmap.

processing 2D barcodes. This includes scenarios carrying only a GTIN and with GTIN plus additional attributes (e.g. batch or lot number) in a variety of barcodes approved for use in different applications.

The testing process provides an opportunity to empower brand owners, retailers and their solution providers to work together to enable a smooth industry transition towards Sunrise 2027.

Learnings from initial industry testing globally indicate that:

•

Transition steps Phase 1: Commence Dual-Marking Now Include the mandatory 1D barcode (EAN or UPC) and an optional 2D barcode (e.g. QR Code) Phase 2: Single-Carrier 2027 and beyond, depending on trading partner capabilities, a mandatory 1D barcode or a 2D barcode. Trading partner requirements will guide when dual marking is no longer needed for point-of-sale applications.

Test:

•

•

To prepare for Sunrise 2027, retail POS systems need to be updated to process 2D barcodes.

Plan:

•

•

Retailers may encounter issues processing GS1 Application Identifier (AI) data (e.g. expiration date).

Scanners and/or POS systems are not set up to process and store GS1 AI data.

For retailers who could process GTIN + GS1 AI data, system limitations prevented processing and storage of all encoded data; the only requirement for the Sunrise 2027 transition is to process the GTIN. Where retailers had image scanners installed, although they have the capability to read 2D barcodes, these settings were not turned on.

Scanners that did have 2D barcode settings enabled still required updates to process advanced syntaxes, including the GS1 Digital Link URI, in addition to GS1 AI data.

Barcode capabilities testing requires coordination among multiple parties, including retailer POS teams and POS hardware and software providers, and should all be involved to deliver interoperable solutions.

Connected packaging: engage with consumers today GS1 Ireland is calling for brands to be innovators and to future-proof their packaging, in line with any planned packaging and artwork changes scheduled for the coming months. A pilot

•

Implement roadmap; Grow the solution until the new barcode is the norm; Evaluate evolving needs and adjust.

programme is open to GS1 members to trial and test QR codes with Digital Link capabilities. The marketing and consumer engagement benefits of adopting QR codes can be realised from today, ahead of the date for retail point-of-sale scanning readiness.

Be an innovator. Join the GS1 Ireland Migration to 2D mailing list to keep up to date on developments and events. Contact GS1 Ireland today if you are a brand, producer or retailer that would like to commence a pilot.

GS1 Ireland recently held an introductory webinar on Sunrise 2027 and the global migration to 2D. The recording is available on-demand. Scan this QR code to register for access.

26|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Yakult

Yakult unveil new Yakult Plus Peach drink New Yakult Plus Peach is the latest addition to the popular range of fermented milk drinks.

YAKULT have announced a new addition to their range of fermented milk drinks, Yakult Plus Peach, on sale since September 1, 2024.

The new drink is bursting with a juicy peach flavour to tickle the taste buds. Each little bottle contains billions of friendly L.casei Shirota bacteria, scientifically proven to reach the gut alive and increase both the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the gut. It is rich in vitamin C, which supports immunity and helps lower fatigue. It also contains fibre that feeds the gut bacteria.

Yakult Plus Peach is fat-free, suitable for vegetarians, gluten free and contains fewer calories and less sugar (Yakult Plus contains 70% less sugar and 33% fewer calories than Yakult Original).

It is available in a fridge-friendly 8 x 65ml bottle pack format, standing out on-shelf in its new peachy recyclable cardboard packaging.

Yakult are supporting the launch of Yakult Plus Peach with BVOD, social, influencer and PR activity from August to engage and inspire consumers to look after their wellbeing.

“We invest in flavour exploration because we know that taste is an increasingly important driver of purchase in our category. Our commitment is reflected in exciting options like our new Yakult Plus Peach, designed to seamlessly fit into consumers' daily routines.”

Yakult Plus Peach is available since September 1 in Dunnes, SuperValu and independent retailers across Ireland, with an RRP of €4.17 (retail prices may vary).

About Yakult Yakult was developed over 85 years ago by the Japanese scientist Dr Investing in flavour exploration Shirota, who spent many years investigating the benefits of intestinal “At Yakult, we are dedicated to advancing the health and happiness bacteria. In the 1930, he selected and cultivated a unique strain of our customers through scientifically-backed products that taste of lactic acid bacteria - L. casei Shirota. This friendly bacteria is great,” reveals Hiroaki Yoshimura, MD for Yakult UK & Ireland. scientifically proven to reach the gut alive and increase the bacteria in the gut! In 1935, this powerful bacteria was used to create the iconic fermented skimmed milk drink, Yakult.

In the UK and Ireland, three Yakult products are available, all bursting with 20 billions of Yakult’s friendly bacteria. All are gluten free, fat free and suitable for vegetarians.

Yakult Original is the iconic fermented milk drink which has a hint of vanilla and lemon flavours. Yakult Balance contains fewer calories and less sugar and is rich in vitamin D, which supports immunity and muscle & bone health. Yakult Plus has a juicy peach flavour. It’s rich in vitamin C to support the immune system and help lower fatigue. It also contains fibre that feed the bacteria in the gut.

Today, more than 40 million Yakult products are consumed every day, in 40 countries and regions around the world.

Yakult Plus Peach is available in a fridge-friendly 8 x 65ml bottle pack format, For further information on Yakult, visit standing out on-shelf in its new peachy recyclable cardboard packaging. www.yakult.ie.

28|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Drinks News Heineken creates innovative campaign for International Beer Day FOR International Beer Day, which took place on August 2, Heineken created an emotive campaign with an unexpected message: that you don’t need to focus on the beer. Instead, the brewer wants consumers to focus on having a good time together.

With factors like digital overload and longer working hours increasingly affecting our social lives, making sure we come together for good times is now more important than ever. The ad campaign sets the scene with beers on the periphery of pub tables, parties, football matches and celebrations, demonstrating the good times are being had, and will be seen across Heineken Meta channels and Youtube.

Heineken Ireland also worked with Dublin-based poet Adam Mohamed (pictured), who created a poem for International Beer Day that doesn’t focus on the beer itself.

Adam created a beautiful piece of spoken word that celebrates the moments in Irish pubs and social settings.

Diageo launch Rockshore 0.0 ROCKSHORE, the refreshingly Irish homegrown lager, has announced the launch of Rockshore 0.0, a refreshingly new alcohol-free beer that delivers the same crisp taste and refreshment as Rockshore lager. “Rockshore 0.0 is a perfect example of our commitment to innovation and our dedication to providing a choice for consumers, as they continue to look to brands they know and trust to offer non-alcohol alternatives of their favourite beer,” says Hilary Quinn, Marketing Director at Diageo Ireland. "We saw in 2023, that the demand for non-alcoholic beer grew by 18% and in recent years Diageo has continued to invest in this category to meet the ever-growing needs of our consumers – Rockshore 0.0 is the next step in this journey.” Rockshore 0.0 is available in four-pack x 500ml cans in supermarkets, before rolling out to other retailers.

Guinness 0.0 celebrates storytelling on Inis Mór

GUINNESS 0.0 recently celebrated the fact that the brand arrived on draught in pubs across the Aran Islands with a special afternoon of storytelling on August 31. Tí Joe Watty on Inis Mór was one of the first pubs on the Aran Islands to offer Guinness 0.0 on draught, and to celebrate Seanchoíche also landed on the island for the first time ever, as Guinness 0.0 invited a mix of speakers from the Aran Islands and all over Ireland to share stories of togetherness, in both Irish and English, bringing the magic that has come to be expected from Seanchoíche. Ciarán Gaffney from Seanchoíche is pictured with a pint of Guinness 0.0.

Whispering Angel lands at The Curragh Racecourse

ONE of the world’s best known Provence rosé wines, Whispering Angel recently announced its debut racing partnership in Ireland with The Curragh Racecourse, the home of flat racing, as the venue’s exclusive rosé. The Whispering Angel Garden Bar is an exciting addition for racegoers during September, with the opportunity to enjoy the award winning rosé in the heart of the venue and amidst all the action. “Whispering Angel is proud to partner with The Curragh for the first time this year as their exclusive rosé and look forward to celebrating many more wins together this September,” said Elaine Cullen, Moët Hennessy Brand Director.

Heineken House debuts at Electric Picnic HEINEKEN brought its global stage, Heineken House, to Ireland for the first time ever at Electric Picnic, with its own unique and bespoke Irish build. This unique festival stage put attendees at the centre of the action, with elevated areas, an immersive DJ experience and raised dance platforms. Over the three days, there was a full lineup of local talent including Mango, Honey & Jams, Efa O’Neill, Bazza Ranks, and Volleyball, as well as crowd favourites like George Feely & Stevie G and new names like Ricky Chong & Becky. To further celebrate home-grown talent, Heineken ran an exclusive merch collab in partnership with Irish streetwear designers, Emporium, as Heineken x Emporium showcased a collection of limited edition tees taking nostalgic cues from Heineken's heritage, with a retro look and feel. Pictured are Irish designers and founders of streetwear and lifestyle brand Emporium, Robbie Fidgeon Kavanagh and Charlie ProctorQuigley.

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Vaping

Vaping suppliers oppose flavour ban Vaping suppliers and representative groups have called on the Government to listen to the results of the Public Consultation on vaping, without resorting to extreme bans on vaping, as Minister Stephen Donnelly brings his new Bill on vaping to cabinet.

VAPING suppliers have called on the Government to abandon plans to ban flavoured and disposable vapes, which was one of the measures put forward by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, as he launched the results of the Public Consultation on Further Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products.

“It is my intention to introduce legislation to regulate the display and advertisement of vapes in shops, the packaging and appearance of the products and the flavours of vape liquids. I will also ban single-use vapes, which are detrimental to the health of our young people and our environment,” noted the Minister at the launch.

However, Vape Business Ireland (VBI), the national trade association for vaping retailers, point out that in the Public Consultation, 62.8% of respondents were against the regulation of flavours. Just 27.8% indicated that flavours in nicotine inhaling products should be regulated, while 2.9% indicated that there is another way to regulate flavours.

BAT Ireland, one of Ireland’s leading vape companies, said that the results demonstrate the importance of protecting access to flavoured vapes if they are to continue to play a role in helping smokers

to switch.

“Thousands of vapers have spoken out to highlight the crucial role that flavoured vapes have played in helping them to switch from smoking,” said David Melinn, Country Manager of BAT Ireland. “While it’s important that the forthcoming vape Bill takes action to prevent vapes appealing to under 18s, we cannot lose sight of the public health win – which is that half (49%) of Ireland’s approximately 320,000 vapers have given up smoking completely.

“According to the Government’s own research, one-quarter of smokers who successfully quit have used vapes to do so and vapes are responsible for more successful quit attempts than any other tool in Ireland, including nicotine replacement therapies like gums and patches. If we’re to bring down smoking rates in Ireland, then smokers need access to the products that give them the best chance of switching.”

In its submission to the consultation last December, VBI expressed concerns about the impact the Government’s proposals would have on retailers. Vaping products are sold in over 3,200 retail stores nationwide (nearly 60% of which are local convenience stores) and make up 2.5% of overall turnover of local convenience stores, carrying a high margin compared to

other products.

“The vaping market in Ireland is well regulated, and as a responsible retailer, I agree that there are some further steps the Government could take to ensure vapes don’t wind up in the hands of under 18s,” said Paul Malone, VBI’s National Spokesperson. “The publishing of the public consultation report, however, points to significant public opposition to the Government’s plans to ban flavours as well as commentary in parallel from Minister Donnelly to ban single use vapes. There is little evidence that a ban on flavours would lead to positive public health outcomes but lots of evidence - from around Europe and elsewhere – that banning flavours could lead to an increase in the black market and drive people back to smoking.”

In terms of intervention on flavours, the most popular options chosen by respondents to the Public Consultation to prohibit were chocolate, dessert, sweet or candy flavours (19%), followed by energy drink or soft drinks flavours (14%) and fruit flavours (12%). The options that participants were least in favour of prohibiting were tobacco flavours (5%) and tobacco menthol flavours (5%).

In its response to the consultation, BAT Ireland agreed that a ban on confectionery,

32|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Vaping dessert and soft drink flavours should be introduced to prevent vapes from appealing to those underage, but called for fruit and menthol flavours to be preserved as they are the most popular flavours amongst smokers who are trying to switch.

Malone accepted that there are “understandable concerns about certain types of flavours with youth-appealing names and overtly youth-appealing packaging that feature cartoons”, but stressed the importance of some flavours, such as fruit and menthol flavours, remaining available to adult smokers: “Research has found that 95% of people use flavours and that 20% of former smokers would return to smoking if flavours were banned.”

BAT Ireland also warned that outright flavour bans risk creating a bigger market for illegal vapes. Denmark and Estonia banned non-tobacco vape flavours in 2020, but studies show that over 50% of vapers kept using flavours illegally or by mixing their own flavours after the ban was introduced. In 2022, California banned nontobacco flavours and it is reported that 90% of vapers still use illegal flavours.

“We are already seeing a situation whereby vapes with foreign health warnings and illegal nicotine levels are being sold in irresponsible shops,” stated David Melinn. “If all flavours are banned, we will see a massive influx of illegal vapes as has happened in Denmark and California.”

Participants in the Public Consultation were asked what they thought would be the most effective way to regulate the advertising and display of nicotine inhaling products in shops and given a series of options. Of those who responded, 32.2% indicated that nicotine inhaling products must be behind the counter and not be on display or advertised, like the current restrictions on tobacco products; 33.3% indicated that nicotine inhaling products must be kept behind the counter but can be on display; 6.8% thought that there is a different way to regulate the display of nicotine inhaling products; and 27.9% disagreed with any regulation of the display of nicotine inhaling products.

The majority (44%) of responses received from the ‘Commercial Interest’ group were in favour of nicotine inhaling products being kept behind the counter but on display, compared with 28% in favour of a full point of sale ban and 15% not in favour of any regulations. Respondents from the retail sector felt that some regulation of point of sale would be a positive step to restrict access to children and reduce the risk and

appeal of the product but could have an impact on consumers using the product as a smoking cessation aid. A small number of retailers raised concerns regarding the impact of introducing these measures on their business, including storage issues and the additional workload for staff to fulfil purchases.

The vape market continues to be an important one for consumers and retailers, and the suppliers of vaping products are continually innovating, with new technologies and new products gaining real traction with adult vapers.

Logic Why stick to one flavour, when you can enjoy them all? JTI Ireland’s new Logic vape is designed to switch it up, allowing customers to change the flavour in their device in seconds and swap them around as many times as they like. Just pop out a pod, and pop in a new one. It’s as simple as that!

JTI offer a premium range of 11 mouthwatering pods to choose from. Are your customers feeling cool and fresh? If so, they’d love Peppermint, Classic Menthol or Polar Menthol. Perhaps they want something a bit more traditional? How about they try Classic or American Tobacco.

If fun and fruity is what they’re after, they have the choice of Mango, Mixed Berries,

JTI Ireland’s new Logic vape allows customers to change the flavour in their device in seconds and swap them around as many times as they like.

VBI recommendations to Government A RECENT report published by VBI outlined key recommendations to the Irish Government for further regulation of the sector. “Supporting local retailers, helping smokers to quit: a blueprint for sensible vaping regulation in Ireland” called on the Irish Government to: 1. Recognise the reduced risk profile of vapes when creating further regulation and avoid extreme measures like a complete ban on point-of-sale display, which would falsely equate vapes with cigarettes and deter smokers from making the switch, while also hurting the livelihoods of small retailers.

2. Recognise the role of fruit and menthol flavours in helping Irish adults to quit smoking, but consider introducing measures like a ban on packaging with youth-appealing images like cartoons and toys, and ban flavours that resemble candy, desserts, energy drinks or soft drinks.

3. Roll out a retail licensing system for the sale of vapes, with penalties for those who sell vapes to under-18s. This would mean that there is a HSE-managed database of every retailer authorised to sell vapes and would provide much needed oversight of outlets like mobile phone accessory shops, to ensure they are compliant with the law.

4. Introduce a low excise on vaping products in Ireland, to improve the oversight and administration of vaping products and clamp down on unsafe product and black market activity.

Red Cherry, Apple or Berry Mint. And if they’re needing something richer, look no further than the creamy, caramelised Banoffee.

With a flavour for every mood or occasion, your customers have the freedom to change it up whenever they like.

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34|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Vaping between them, keeping their pre-filled pod kit device ready for use. This means they can recharge, reuse and enjoy a premium vaping experience with every puff. Your customers like their flavours, so now they’ve got even more to choose from with these easy-swap pods.

BAT have taken some of the most popular flavours among disposable vape users and given them an upgrade. Customers can choose from a range of different flavours like Blueberry Ice, Strawberry Ice, Mint Ice, Watermelon Ice, Blue Raspberry and

Creamy Tobacco.

Flavours are available in a nicotine strength of 20mg of nicotine, and the new ceramic heating technology provides a smoother delivery, with a more intense taste experience.

The new Logic vape gives customers the freedom to change flavour whenever they like. flavour to match. Logic consumers love it, and your customers will too. So, stock up on Logic and their portfolio of flavours today!

Vuse The Vuse Go Reload, from BAT Ireland, is set to make a significant impact in the vaping world, offering the perfect blend of convenience and quality (This product contains nicotine and is addictive. For adult nicotine users only - 18+). It combines the intense flavours you expect from disposable vapes with the convenience of a prefilled pod kit and easy-swap pods. This means better value and choice for your customers. The new pods are compatible with all Vuse rechargeable devices (Vuse ePod2, Vuse Pro and Vuse Go Reload 1000 devices).

The Vuse Go Reload combines sleek design with practicality, making it the ultimate choice for vapers on the go.

Compact and lightweight, this device is easy to carry and comes in two stylish colour options, allowing your customers to express their personal style. But there's more – this is a rechargeable, closedsystem device, offering a sustainable alternative without sacrificing the vaping experience.

One of the standout features of the Vuse Go Reload is its easy-swap pods.

With a variety of flavours to choose from, your customers can effortlessly switch

The hugely popular Vuse Mint Ice flavour from BAT Ireland.

Vuse Go Reload’s easy-swap pods come in a variety of flavours.

BAT have taken some of the most popular flavours, including Watermelon Ice, among disposable vape users and given them an upgrade for Vuse Go Reload.

Why Choose the Vuse Go Reload?

• Stylish & Ergonomic: The Vuse Go Reload’s sleek, compact design is not only visually appealing but also ergonomically crafted for comfort. It’s designed to slip easily into your pocket, ensuring it’s ready whenever you are.

• Rechargeable & Long-Lasting: Equipped with USB-C compatibility and a long-lasting battery, the Vuse Go Reload is built for convenience. The LED indicator helps you keep track of battery life and device status, so you’re always in control.

• Choice & Flexibility: With up to 1,000 puffs per pod, your customers can enjoy extended vaping - based on laboratory testing of newly manufactured pods in a Vuse Go Reload 1000 (including recharging) at a puff duration of one second and may vary depending on individual’ usage behaviour (www.vuse.ie/en/puffcount).

Plus, they have the freedom to choose from two vibrant colours, making the device as unique as their style.

Don’t miss out on offering your customers the latest in vaping technology.

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1000 PUFFS PER POD

*

These products contain nicotine and are addictive.

For trade use only. Not to be left in sight of consumers. *Based on laboratory testing of newly manufactured pods in a Vuse Go Reload 1000 (including recharging) at a puff duration of one second and may vary depending on individual’s usage behaviour.

36|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Vaping: Hale Vaping

The rise of the ‘Big Puff’ The vaping category is extremely fast moving, driven by innovation and consumer demands. 2024 shows a significant and apparent trend in ‘Big Puff’ disposables. These innovative devices such as IVG2400 and Elf Bar AF5000 offer value and convenience for consumers, and as a result now capture 7.41% of the market according to Nielsen IQ’s Scantrack data.

With a year-on-year increase of 6.7% in H1 2024 vs H1 2023, the data shows ‘Big Puff’ disposables not only signify a migration of consumers from traditional disposables and open systems, down -3.0% and -2.7% respectively, but also offer incremental sales increases within the category.

The Elf Bar AF5000 has a large rechargeable battery and a pioneering auto-filling system, offering all the best flavours from the Elf Bar disposable ranges.

‘Big Puff’ disposable vapes are driving consumer demand in the vaping category, according to Hale Vaping.

Cost-effective e-Cigarette options So why have they gained so much market share and favour with consumers in a short space of time? As typical disposable consumers began to seek out more costeffective e-Cigarette options, two brands saw this opportunity and positioned themselves as the solutions to this growing demand, tripling their market share from Q1 to Q2 2024.

The first brand to recognise and begin to capture this market was IVG. Their revolutionary IVG 2400 device offers something entirely novel, not seen in standard disposables, a device with four flavours in one, allowing consumers to switch up their flavour preferences with a simple twist and click. Flavour is an incredibly important factor to consumers, which is why only 5% of vaping products sold are tobacco flavoured.

The next competitor to the market, launching in recent weeks, was the Elf Bar AF5000. The brand that catapulted the vaping industry in 2020 continues to innovate, offering a device that boasts a longevity of up to eight times longer than standard disposables with 5,000 puffs, based on individual vaping behaviour.

With a large rechargeable battery and a pioneering auto-filling system, it has all the best flavours from the incredibly successful Elf Bar disposable ranges and has already cemented itself as a clear winner for consumers.

Vapers love flavours According to research conducted by the

Lost Mary’s BM6000 will launch in early November, offering up to 6,000 puffs per device.

Tholos Foundation, 20% of ex-smokers say they would return to smoking if flavours were removed from the market, while around 50% of vapers would seek out flavours online (Source: tholosfoundation. org: Vaping_ban_report_Slovenia_ FINAL_180320-Read-Only.pdf).

This product format within the category will continue to grow, with big launches planned before the end of the year and into 2025. In Hale, their focus is firmly set on Lost Mary’s introduction to the Big Puff sub-category, with their BM6000 due to launch at the start of November this year. With the same incredible auto-filling technology found in the AF5000, the BM6000 offers an increased capacity with up to 6,000 puffs per device. It also sports an OLED screen displaying the current power level, letting consumers know when to recharge so they're never left with a dead vape.

These ranges are here to stay, so make sure you're an early adopter and pick them up now! Contact your Hale rep today for more information.

LAUNCHING NOV. 2024 NOTE: This product’s notification period with the HSE ends 08/11/2024. Per the HSE, it can not be legally sold before this date.

Visible E-liquid Level

Mesh Coil

PUFFS

Detachable Battery Rechargeable

Power Display Screen

CONTACT YOUR SALES REP FOR MORE INFORMATION OR:

38|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Biona

Biona range now in Tesco Biona’s range of organic beans and pulses are now listed in Tesco Ireland.

BIONA, the leading organic food supplier to many Irish retailers, are pleased to announce the launch of their organic beans and pulses range in Tesco Ireland. This range includes Black Beans, Cannellini Beans, Red Kidney Beans, Butter Beans and Chickpeas and coincides with the growing interest and awareness among consumers regarding natural alternatives to meat.

Rapidly increasing demand The surge in demand for natural plantbased protein as a viable substitute for meat, has significantly propelled market growth, in part due to rising consumer concerns about ultra-processed foods. A recent survey revealed that whilst 61% of consumers are increasing their plant-based intake, 40% are reducing or cutting out artificial fake meat from their diets, with 36% citing artificial additives as the cause (Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ business-66438807#:~:text=Indeed%20 a%20new%20global%20survey,fake%20 meat%20from%20their%20diets). Beans and pulses have increasingly been recognised as the healthiest option, as they naturally contain a wealth of nutrients including fibre, protein and iron, while

The Biona range available in Tesco Ireland stores includes Red Kidney Beans, Black Beans, and Chickpeas, amongst others. having low levels of fat and calories.

Total Irish organic market sales are now worth €189 million, with the ambient organic category in particular worth just under €30 million. Biona’s own research, which was carried out in Ireland towards the end of last year, revealed that 86% of Irish consumers stated they have purchased organic food and drink products in the last 12 months, and 24% saying they shop organic on a weekly basis.

Natural alternatives to meat “We’re delighted to see this range land in Tesco Ireland, which will be well placed to meet the escalating demand for natural alternatives to meat,” said Carmen Ferguson, Brand Manager at Biona’s parent company Windmill Organic.

“Setting them apart from competitors, our Biona canned offering is certified organic, free from harmful pesticides,

The Biona range provides shoppers with a natural alternative to meat. and is not only convenient but is also naturally preserved using heat, with no added artificial preservatives, and comes with great sustainable benefits too, as it’s one of the most frequently recycled packaging formats and is BPA free, which is something many consumers are increasingly looking for.”

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Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|41

Confectionery

Sweet surrender Irish consumers’ collective sweet tooth is wellserved with a plethora of chocolate and sugar confectionery ranges.

IRISH consumers love their sweet treats.

They also increasingly love to eat healthily.

The result is that one of the key trends across confectionery is in better-for-you indulgence, with reduced sugar and plant based innovations on the rise.

The issue of sustainability is also a key consumer concern, with chocolate suppliers, in particular, keen to highlight that their cocoa is sourced sustainably.

Furthermore, the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR) is on the way, banning imports into the EU of cocoa, coffee, beef, soy and other commodities that contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide.

According to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International, chocolate confectionery will see solid retail current value sales in the coming years, while retail volume growth will be only slightly positive. Chocolate is considered a staple, and sales will remain driven by indulgence trends and the need for affordable gift-giving.

Health and wellness trends will continue to impact development in chocolate confectionery in Ireland, though taste will remain a more important factor in purchasing decisions for local consumers.

Some of the biggest players in the market have invested in plant-based chocolate products, for example.

Euromonitor predict that sugar confectionery will grow, albeit modestly, in retail volume sales in the coming years, as inflationary pressures continue to ease and consumer confidence improves, prompting more impulse purchases. However, rising health trends are impacting negatively on some sectors, discouraging purchase of high-sugar snacks, with Euromonitor predicting that liquorice and boiled sweets will be the worst-performing segments, with limited innovation not allowing any opportunities for growth. They expect manufacturers to increasingly focus

on expanding their ranges of healthier variants, investing more in reduced-calorie and sugar-free options.

Nestlé Confectionery Chocolate is the most delicious ingredient in Nestlé’s portfolio of well-loved chocolate bars which is why the company has been raising the bar on how they source cocoa.

In 2009, Nestlé launched their Cocoa Plan with a view to improving the lives and livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their families. This plan supports the company’s ambition to transform their global sourcing of cocoa and to work to achieve full traceability and segregation for their cocoa products. In Europe, 100% of Nestlé’s cocoa is sustainably sourced through this plan and Rainforest Alliance certified mass balanced cocoa.

Building further on the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, the company has launched an

KitKat Chunky Crunchy Double Chocolate: a chocolate crispy wafer coated in a perfect blend of smooth milk chocolate.

42|Retail Retail News| News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Confectionery

KitKat’s two-finger biscuit portfolio is set to grow further with the launch of the new Cookies & Cream variant. innovative new income accelerator programme to further address the challenges faced by cocoa-farming communities, with a clear focus on closing the living income gap through incentives for cocoa-farming families to enrol their children in school, implement good agricultural practices and engage in agroforestry activities. The Nestlé Cocoa Plan has worked, with nearly 180,000 west African cocoa-farming households. The income accelerator programme has, so far, supported more than 10,000 families in Côte d’Ivoire, and is currently expanding into Ghana to include a total of 30,000 families. By 2030, the programme aims to reach an estimated 160,000 cocoa-farming families across Nestlé’s cocoa supply chain.

The company is also collaborating with partners and suppliers to transform its global sourcing, to achieve full traceability as well as the physical segregation of the cocoa sourced from its income accelerator programme, allowing them to track the journey of cocoa beans from farm to factory, while keeping them physically separated from other cocoa sources.

KitKat bars made using the cocoa from this programme have been available in Ireland since May, with ‘Breaks for Good’ branded bars featuring a QR code to provide consumers with additional information about the programme and its positive impact. Nestlé have also been driving awareness amongst Irish consumers through their KitKat ‘Breaks for Good’ advertising campaign across print and social media, with POS support to highlight visibility in-store.

KitKat remains Nestlé’s number one confectionery brand within Ireland, with sales consistently strong across key formats. Within chocolate singles, KitKat value sales are up +19.2% YTD, driven by the core 4 Finger, Chunky and Duo formats (Value performance figures sourced from AC Nielsen, Total Market incl. Dunnes & Discounter estimate YTD, 11/08/24).

KitKat Chunky first launched in 1999 and since then has brought innovation to

the portfolio through a series of limited edition flavours, including the recent KitKat Chunky Biscoff White and KitKat Chunky Crunchy Double Chocolate, which consists of a chocolate crispy wafer coated in a perfect blend of smooth milk chocolate.

This new variant will be available in prefilled displays to support the launch, with additional POS material available to highlight it in-store.

KitKat’s two-finger biscuit portfolio continues to perform well with value sales up +11.7% YTD and is set to grow further with the launch of a Cookies & Cream variant.

In a busy world, breaks have become more important to support a mental lift or to recharge. KitKat has become synonymous with break times, with its ‘Have a Break, Have a KitKat’ tagline. This month, the brand will kick off a new breakthemed advertising campaign across TV and broadcast video on demand, digital channels such as YouTube, Meta platforms and out of home, with Spotify also being added to the mix. The campaign will run until the end of November, ensuring KitKat continues to remain top of mind with Irish consumers, while encouraging them to take time out in their day and enjoy a break.

Since its initial launch in 1935 as the first ever bubbly chocolate, Aero has been continuously innovating to provide new ways for consumers to enjoy its bubbly range. Core variants include milk chocolate and peppermint, while flavour variants add incremental sales opportunities. This year saw the launch of a new Aero Choco Hazelnut flavour sharing bar, bringing together the brand’s signature melt-inyour-mouth bubbles and the smooth, nutty flavour of hazelnut. Demand for this new variant has been strong since launch, contributing towards Aero’s value growth in sharing blocks of +14% YTD. Earlier this year, Nestlé launched a range of ice cream inspired chocolate sharing bags to include Neapolitan flavour Aero Melts, Raspberry Ripple flavour Milkybar Discs, Cookie Dough Ice Cream

flavour Munchies, and Ice Cream shaped Rowntree’s Randoms Foamies. Within chocolate sharing bags, the value growth of Aero’s range is +16.5% YTD. Advertising support for Aero during the year continued with campaigns across TV, broadcast video on demand and social channels.

Long synonymous with sugar confectionery, Rowntree’s continues to develop exciting products to cater to the sugar sharing bag market. Earlier this year, the brand launched Randoms Fizzy Cactuz, mouth-watering sweets in zesty fruit flavours, including raspberry, kiwi, passionfruit, and lime. The sweets feature two fun textures, with some being deliciously gummy, and others containing a juicy fruit filling that bursts with each bite. Fizzy Cactuz will join Rowntree’s growing Randoms range, currently made up of the original Randoms and Randoms Juicers. Rowntree’s sugar sharing bags are delivering value sales up +9.8% YTD, with the Randoms range of sugar sharing bags +39.6% YTD as the launch of Fizzy Cactuz

Randoms Fizzy Cactuz are mouthwatering sweets in zesty fruit flavours, including raspberry, kiwi, passionfruit, and lime. contributed incremental growth.

Rowntree’s also has an expansive vegan friendly offering to ensure as many Irish consumers as possible can enjoy its fruity chews. The vegan friendly range now includes Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles, Rowntree’s Jelly Tots, Rowntree’s Fruit Gums and Rowntree’s Pick & Mix. Other well-loved brands within the Nestlé portfolio include Milkybar, Smarties, Munchies, Rolo, Toffee Crisp, Lion, Quality Street, Black Magic, Dairy Box, and After Eight. With many Irish consumers having

44|Retail Retail News| News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Confectionery a repertoire of favourite brands, retailers should maximise the sales opportunity of each through ensuring unmissable visibility in-store of core formats, while adding new flavours to create excitement within the category.

Lindt Since 1845, the Lindt master chocolatiers have combined their expertise with the highest quality ingredients from around the world to produce the finest chocolates.

Lindt Lindor has strengthened its position as the number one boxed chocolate brand in the Irish market. €1 in every €5 spent on a box of chocolates in Ireland is spent on a Lindor box, proving that Lindt Lindor continues to be a must stock for retailers in 2024 (Source: Nielsen, Total Market, Ttl Scantrack ROI excluding discounters, data to June 2024).

This Christmas, consumers can gift effortlessly with Lindor Festive Edition truffles. The same iconic taste comes in sparkling, festive packaging, perfect for sharing. They can choose from a selection of Milk, White, Extra Dark, and Hazelnut chocolates, or enjoy the creamy bliss of classic Milk Chocolate.

Get into the festive spirit with limitededition Lindor Irish Cream 200g truffles.

Their creamy filling contains the finest milk chocolate with an irresistibly smooth melting Irish Cream filling, which provides the ultimate indulgence.

Lindt Lindor is thrilled to launch its new Dark Mint flavour in Ireland. This treat combines rich dark chocolate with

Limited-edition Lindor Irish Cream 200g truffles are sure to be a hit with consumers. refreshing mint, offering a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. Ideal for personal enjoyment or gifting, it's set to be a new favourite.

New Lindor Dark Mint combines rich dark chocolate with refreshing mint, offering a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.

Lindt Lindor has strengthened its position as the number one boxed chocolate brand in the Irish market.

As the market leader, Lindt are rolling out a massive national support plan for the Lindor brand this Christmas. Lindor TV ads will be back on screens from October, complemented by a strong in-store push, with premium point-of-sale displays.

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

Last Christmas, Lindt Teddy became the number one novelty in Ireland and this year, it will continue to grow, as Lindt plan to support it with an up-weighted national campaign for their The Lindt Teddy is Christmas back for Christmas range.

2024, with his unique This and magical heart Christmas, charm.

Lindt will continue to spread joy with the beloved Lindt Teddy with his unique and magical heart charm, as well as a wide selection of Advent Calendars and many other products crafted by master chocolatiers with the finest ingredients.

They are a must-have festive gift this season; spreading joy, creating memories, and of course, enjoying chocolate.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Cadbury Dairy Milk ‘8 Square’ has been made in Ireland since 1933 using fresh Irish milk, with eight deliciously creamy chocolate variants, five of which are in the Top 10 Best Selling Chocolate Bars. The total Dairy Milk brand is worth almost €94 million and the brand has over 23% share of the total chocolate category (Source: Nielsen, Total Scantrack, Total Chocolate, MAT data to 14/07/2024).

Cadbury have been making chocolate in Ireland since 1932, when the first Cadbury factory opened in Dublin, with Cadbury Dairy Milk production starting the following year in 1933. Cadbury Ireland factories are located in Coolock, Dublin, and Rathmore, Co. Kerry.

The jewel in the crown is the shopper favourite Cadbury Dairy Milk plain 53g bar, manufactured in Ireland, which is the number one best-selling impulse SKU in

46|Retail Retail News| News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Confectionery

Cadbury Dairy Milk ‘8 Square’, proudly made in Ireland since 1933: the country’s favourite impulse chocolate bar. the market and alone worth €9.6 million, which is more than €4.1 million more than the next best seller!

Consumer focused innovation has proven a recipe for success for Cadbury Dairy Milk and this, coupled with investment in exciting consumer communication and customer support, means the brand is sure to feature in the top lists well into the future.

Shelton Distributors Shelton Distributors have been operating as confectionery and snacking specialists in the Irish market since October 1974.

By way of celebrating this 50th birthday milestone, Shelton added new operations in Northern Ireland on August 5 to provide sales, marketing and distribution services for their customers and principals across the island of Ireland.

Look-O-Look is an award-winning brand innovator in the confectionery industry, with their unique Look-O-Look Candy Take-Away range, including Candy Pizzas, Candy Burgers, Candy Sushi, Candy Noodles, Candy French Fries and Candy

Doner Kebabs. Hanging bags featuring the distinctive Look-O-Look yellow header cards are regularly merchandised on metal and cardboard FSDU’s, and prominently positioned in-store across all retail channels.

Walker’s Non-such Toffees are glutenfree and made with only the finest ingredients, and are available in 100g slabs, 150g bags, and 2.5kg bulk. Walker’s Double-Dipped Chocolate Toffee is now the largest volume seller in the 10 assortment range, which includes Chocolate Eclairs, Creamy, Mint and Liquorice flavours.

Walker’s Hammer Gift-Pack includes 4 x 100g Assorted Toffee Bars, and is a unique and nostalgic Christmas gift.

Shelton Distributors’ sugar confectionery sales are now increasing at a significantly higher rate compared to chocolate sales.

Trolli’s range of 100g bags, 1kg bulk and novelties, including the quirky Trolli Big Burger, is growing distribution significantly, and Trolli’s message to their fans is “Let the Fun Begin” – watch this space for several new product developments in the coming months.

Walker’s Non-such Double-Dipped Chocolate Toffees are a real winner with Irish confectionery lovers.

The Trolli Big Burger from Shelton Distributors is proving increasingly popular.

Look-O-Look is an award-winning brand innovator in the confectionery industry, with their unique Look-O-Look Candy Take-Away range.

Pez is also a leader in fun licensed collectibles. The Pez selection of dextrose candies and collectible dispensers are iconic, and Pez dispensers have featured in many TV shows and movies in recent years. Some rare Pez dispensers have been known to change hands for several thousand dollars at auction! Licenced characters like Spiderman, Disney Princess, Frozen, Nintendo, Marvel Heroes and more

We We are are Confectionery Confectionery and and Snacking Snacking specialists specialists serving serving thousands of happy customers across the island of Ireland thousands of happy customers across the island of Ireland from from our warehouses in Dublin and Lisburn… our warehouses in Dublin and Lisburn…

We are Confectionery and Snacking specialists serving JOIN JOIN OUR OUR THOUSANDS THOUSANDS OF OF HAPPY HAPPY thousandsCUSTOMERS of happy customers across theTODAY island of Ireland AND ONLINE CUSTOMERS AND BOOK BOOK ONLINE TODAY TO UP! from our warehouses in Dublin TO STOCK STOCK UP! and Lisburn… w ww ww w..s sh he elltto on n..iie e

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48|Retail Retail News| News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Confectionery Spearmint, and unique Ginger, Cinnamon, and Liquorice mints.

Anthon Berg is the biggest global manufacturer of chocolate liqueurs, and feature in duty-free stores across the world. New for 2024 is Bailey’s Chocolate Marzipan Rounds to complement the gifting ranges of single malt and chocolate cocktail liqueurs.

Chocolate coins in nets are traditional Christmas stocking fillers. Shelton offer several versions for 2024, including Elf & Friends, Santa’s Reindeers, Christmas Party and Christmas Characters, all retailing at €1.50.

For more information email info@shelton.ie or call (01) 401 8455.

The iconic Pez range from Shelton Distributors is a leader in fun licensed collectibles. feature in the Pez range.

Shelton also offer several licensed Chocolate Surprise Eggs with collectibles manufactured by the award-winning Italian chocolate manufacturer, Zaini, including Cocomelon, Hello Kitty, Hot Wheels, LOL Surprise and Tom & Jerry.

Zaini manufactures premium quality chocolates, and Boule D’Or 154g bags of filled chocolate balls in Milk, Dark and Gianduja Chocolate are excellent value.

Belfine (short for ‘Belgium’s Finest’) are creators of the unique process of manufacturing sculpted chocolate lollipops, with several chocolate types and colours in a single piece. Chocolate Santa and Snowmen lollies are a wonderful fun treat for Christmas.

Fruit flavoured boiled Travel Tins sweets are available from Cavendish & Harvey in a wide selection of flavours, with dedicated merchandising fixtures available. Barkley’s manufacture mints with intense flavours in tins, including traditional Peppermint,

Sonas Sweets Ampersand, a leading distributor in the convenience sector, has seen remarkable success since rebranding Sonas Sweets early last year. The reintroduced hanging bags have revitalised the Sonas Sweets bagged jelly line, with vibrant, innovative and fully recyclable packaging that appeals to today’s environmentally conscious consumers. This successful rebrand underscores Ampersand's commitment to delivering quality and sustainability in the confectionery market.

The rebranding of Sonas Sweets encapsulates the essence of happiness, aptly reflected in its name, as ‘Sonas’ translates to ‘happiness’ in Irish. The refreshed logo, featuring a cheerful sun mascot, modern typography and vibrant rainbow hues, is designed to resonate with consumers, promising joy and colour with every purchase. This strategic design update not only enhances brand recognition but also aligns with the brand's mission to bring delight to every sweet lover.

Sonas Sweets also implemented a colour-coded system to simplify selection among its 24 flavours. ‘Jellies’ are in red packs, ‘Fizzy’ and ‘Sour’ sweets in yellow and orange bags, and ‘Nibbles’ in blue. The new design enhances the product's visual appeal for both consumers and retailers.

Committed to affordability and quality, Sonas Sweets Hanging Bags retail from €1. The popular "€2 Mix-up" continues to captivate with its variety of flavours in cheerful packaging. Ampersand support retailers with colourful stands, branded header boards and dump bins to attract and engage consumers, boosting sales and brand loyalty. Bulk deal promotions further incentivise purchases for retailers.

Ampersand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction is evident in the ongoing success of the Sonas Sweets

Sonas Sweets from Ampersand, bringing ‘happiness’ to your shoppers. brand. With vibrant packaging, an ecofriendly focus, and expanded product offerings, Sonas Sweets remains a beloved choice for sweet lovers everywhere.

For stocking inquiries, contact your local Ampersand representative or call the sales line at (01) 413 0150.

Cleeve’s A year after unveiling its comprehensive rebrand and recipe upgrade, Cleeve’s continues to enjoy the sweet taste of success. Cleeve’s is Ireland's oldest confectionery brand, founded in 1882 by the Cleeve brothers in Limerick.

The rebranding introduced modern packaging with a vintage-inspired visual identity and an enhanced chocolate formula, which has resonated strongly with both loyal customers and new fans alike.

The upgraded chocolate bars, now boasting a minimum of 30% cocoa solids and free from palm and vegetable oils, have been praised for their richer taste and commitment to quality. The vibrant, fully recyclable packaging has also been wellreceived, blending Cleeve’s storied heritage with a modern appeal that captures the attention of today’s consumers.

Over the past year, the rebrand has not only revitalised Cleeve’s position in the competitive confectionery market but has also introduced a new generation to the timeless charm and taste of Cleeve’s products. From classic flavours like Macaroon, Mint Crisp and Sea Salt Caramel Crisp to the new playful Popping Candy Chocolate Bar, Cleeve’s range continues to delight, proving that a blend of tradition

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|49

Confectionery Dark Orange, Triple Chocolate Shot and Spiced Latte.

Following on from the success of the Truffles range, Lily O’Brien’s are launching Assorted Chocolate Truffles 337g. This new

Cleeve’s, Ireland’s oldest confectionery brand, has enjoyed a resurgence in sales after a comprehensive rebrand and recipe upgrade last year. and innovation is the perfect recipe for enduring success.

Cleeve’s also offers a Classic Assortment Bag range, featuring Irish favourites like Original Iced Caramels, Chocolate Caramels, Original Toffee, Macaroon Bites and Golden Days, all crafted with traditional recipes and high-quality Irish dairy ingredients. Looking forward, Cleeve’s are excited to announce there are exciting new product developments in the pipeline that will further expand the beloved Cleeve’s collection.

To promote the brand, Cleeve’s actively engage with consumers on Instagram and Facebook, regularly running competitions and sharing brand information. In-store, the brand supports its refreshed look with a variety of point-of-sale materials, including acrylic countertop stands and branded hook stands for the hanging bag range, all designed to boost visibility and attract attention. Retailers can also avail of special deals across the range from Ampersand.

For more information visit cleevesirishconfectionery.ie or follow on Facebook and Instagram. To stock Cleeve’s products, contact your local Ampersand representative or call the Ampersand sales line directly on (01) 413 0150.

Lily O’Brien’s Delight your shoppers this Christmas season by stocking Lily O’Brien’s delicious premium chocolate collections. All crafted with Lily O’Brien’s signature chocolate recipe, this luxurious range is the perfect choice for all your shoppers' gifting needs.

Lily O’Brien’s is the largest of the Irish brands and the second largest brand overall in the premium box chocolate market in Ireland (Source: Nielsen MAT, December 2023). With the bestselling

Desserts Collection, the Ultimate Chocolate Collection, the Truffles range and some exciting new products, Lily O’Brien’s have the perfect product offering this festive season.

New products are a key driver of confectionery category growth and Lily O’Brien’s are launching three new products this year. The Luxury Collection

Lily O’Brien’s Luxury Collection is a beautifully designed large box with nine delicious recipes. is a beautifully designed large box with nine delicious recipes, which explore a world of sumptuous textures and flavours, and exudes luxury and indulgence. From Rapturous Raspberry to Caramelised Biscuit Bliss, Truffle Decadence and Coffee & Biscotti, this collection really is a feast for the senses.

The brand is also introducing a large, limited-edition box of Dessert Chocolates with a seasonal twist! With an impactful festive design, this collection includes four limited edition chocolates: Berry Eton Mess,

Lily O’Brien’s Dessert Chocolates come with a seasonal twist! larger variety box contains four delicious recipes - Milk Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Vanilla and a new Dark chocolate truffle with a milk chocolate centre. They are so delicious and perfect for sharing with friends and family over the festive season.

The Lily O’Brien’s brand will be supported with an ATL campaign, including radio, digital advertising, press, PR and

Lily O’Brien’s are launching Assorted Chocolate Truffles 337g, with four delicious recipes: Milk Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Vanilla and a Dark Chocolate Truffle with a milk chocolate centre. impactful POS for in-store display. For a successful Christmas season and to continue to grow your sales, make sure to stock Lily O’Brien’s this Christmas season.

All Lily O’Brien’s chocolate collections are made in Ireland and available to order through Tennant & Ruttle; contact your Sales Representative for more information.

See www.lilyobriens.ie.

50|Retail Retail News| News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

Budget must address spiralling labour costs and retail crime

AS we approach Budget Day on Tuesday, October 1, there are two priority issues that Retail Ireland has called for urgent action on. Firstly, new measures are needed to off-set spiralling labour market cost increases. Secondly, more needs to be done to address the concerning rise in retail crime and the harassment of retail workers.

At a series of meetings with senior Ministers in advance of the budget, Retail Ireland highlighted the deep concern at the cumulative cost of ongoing and planned labour market reforms, following a period of already unprecedented inflationary pressures.

These measures, taken together, have the potential to significantly undermine job creation and investment in the sector into the future.

In March, a Government report highlighted that over the next few years many retail and hospitality businesses are facing into employment cost increases of up to 37%. For many retail businesses, of all different sizes and across the full range of retail categories, this is simply too much to bear. So, what can be done on budget day to help?

Retail Ireland has called for the introduction of a PRSI rebate based on the number of lower earning workers on a company’s payroll. The PRSI support scheme would be based on a rebate for each worker below an agreed earnings threshold.

We have also said the entry point to the top rate of PRSI must remain above the minimum wage. A failure to increase the income threshold for the reduced employer PRSI rate of 8.8% in Budget 2024 was a mistake, particularly given the very large increase in the National Minimum Wage in January of this year. Recognition of

Tel: 01-6051558 |

this during 2024 was welcome. The threshold should be indexed above the minimum wage each year in the coming years.

At a time of major cost challenges, the Government should also confirm that sub-minimum National Minimum Wage rates will stay in place. The introduction of a Living Wage will deliver very significant increases in subminimum rates over the coming years. In addition, sub-minimum rates are an important incentive for the recruitment of those with limited workplace experience.

The removal of sub-minimum rates would have a negative impact on the ability for young people to access the labour market, as their employment would come at the same cost to employers as employing more experienced, older workers. It also ensures young people are given what may be their first opportunity to join the labour market, instead of losing out to more experienced counterparts.

The other key concern is the significant increase in retail crime, anti-social behaviour and the harassment of retail workers. This issue is a source of immense concern and frustration and is costing an ever-increasing amount of time and money to manage.

Businesses are doing what they can to support their staff, prevent crime and reduce incidents of harassment, but without additional support and high frequency patrols by An Garda Síochána there is little that individual retailers can do to alleviate this in the longer term.

The problem is seriously and negatively impacting retail workers, who have to manage issues as they arise, and it is ultimately making key town and city centre locations less attractive places in which to shop and trade.

Budget 2025 should increase funding levels to An Garda Síochána to allow them to effectively deploy resources to reduce retail crime levels. This must include an increased and highly visible Garda presence on the ground, improved response times to incidents and speedy follow-up to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators. Investment in better street lighting, improved outdoor areas, accessibility, and safe transit hubs is also required.

October’s Budget is an important chance to addresses some of the key challenges facing the sector. It vital that the opportunity isn’t missed.

www.retailireland.ie

Need more?

For more information about Retail Ireland and details of how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie.

Nivea launch serum-infused micellar water SHOPPERS can uncover the powerful effects of new serumNivea Regenerating Serum Infused infused cleansing with Nivea’s Micellar Water two innovative micellar water The deep cleanse formula removes formulas, to remove up to 100% up to 100% of waterproof make-up, of make-up without rubbing. impurities and dirt with just a few The brand new generation featherlight swipes, leaving no greasy of Nivea Micellar Waters help residue, preparing the skin for an optimal your skin reach its full potential, regeneration overnight. Infused with whether you wish to regenerate a 5% serum comprised of panthenol the skin’s barrier or boost its and squalane, the formula stimulates own glow. In fact, Nivea is skin’s own regeneration processes and so confident in the product’s strengthens its natural barrier overnight, benefits that the infamous pinkfor beautiful and rested looking skin lidded micellar water had better the next morning. 91% of users confirm watch out. that Nivea Regenerating Serum Infused The range includes new Nivea Micellar Water calms the skin (Source: Regenerating Serum Infused In-Use Test study with 107 participants Micellar Water, to strengthen over 1 week). your skin’s natural barrier overnight, and Nivea Skin Glow Nivea Skin Glow Serum Infused Micellar Serum Infused Micellar Water, to Water New from Nivea: Nivea Regenerating Serum help reveal your skin’s own glow.

Infused with a 5% serum with vitamin C Infused Micellar Water, to strengthen your skin’s Both combine the effectiveness and E, the bi-phase formulation is freshly natural barrier overnight, and Nivea Skin Glow of the existing no-rub micellar activated when shaken. It energises and Serum Infused Micellar Water, to help reveal your water formula with an Amino refuels skin cells with hydration, plus skin’s own glow.

Acid Complex, with a 5% serum the no-rub formula with Amino Acid concentration, for healthy Complex removes up to 100% of makelooking beautiful skin. A first for the Irish market, this innovation up, impurities and dirt with only a few featherlight swipes, leaving achieves the perfect balance of cleansing and elevating the skin’s no greasy residue. 90% of users confirm Nivea Skin Glow Serum complexion, a standout advancement for those that seek additional Infused Micellar Water invigorates the skin (Source: In-Use Test performance in their cleansing products. study with 107 participants over 1 week).

NEW IRELAND’S 1ST SERUM-INFUSED MICELLAR WATER

+5%

SERUM

52|Retail Retail News| News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Breakfast Time

A good start!

When it comes to the most important meal of the day, innovation is fuelling consumer demand.

LONG dubbed the most important meal of the day, breakfast remains a signifier of healthy lifestyles, with those who eat breakfast regularly generally considered far healthier than those who skip the morning meal.

A report from Délifrance into Irish breakfast habits found that weekday breakfasts have a strong focus on health, while at the weekends, consumers like to indulge. Out of home breakfast consumers tend to be less resolute, however, when it comes to healthy options - seeking greater indulgence or a treat to sweeten the commute. The OOH breakfast market is growing, driven by consumers in the 18-34 age bracket. More likely to have allergies or food intolerances, and to be looking for vegetarian and vegan options, these consumers seek inspiration and ideas on health and fitness apps and social media. Fuelling a desire for greater variety, this has no doubt accelerated

their interest in both healthy and indulgent breakfasts.

Meanwhile, Euromonitor International maintain that the breakfast cereals sector in Ireland is poised for significant growth, driven by several key factors. These include increasing demand for healthy and nutritious breakfast options, increased consumer purchasing power, growing awareness of the benefits of whole grains and fibre, and innovation and product diversification efforts by industry players.

Nestlé Cereals Ireland Nestlé Cereals Ireland are Official Breakfast Partner to Paralympics Ireland and were extremely active during the Paralympic Games in Paris recently, when they issued a rallying call to the nation to “Bring the Cheer” for Team Ireland as they put it all on the line in the pursuit of glory at one of the world’s biggest sports events.

New research released by Nestlé Cereals Ireland in the run-up to the event revealed that ‘Olé Olé’ remains the top tune for Irish sports fans, with over six in every 10 (66%) citing it as the go-to song when cheering on their favourite team or athlete. ‘The Fields of Athenry’ comes in a close second (59%) and the Tina Turner classic, ‘Simply the Best’ (55%), takes bronze in the line-up of the nation’s favourite sports anthems.

The unwavering love of Irish fans for their team or athlete knows no bounds, with over a quarter (26%) admitting to naming their pet and over one in 10 (16%) naming their child after a favourite team/athlete, while 7% have dyed their hair in honour of their sporting idols.

Demonstrating the importance of support, over half (51%) of survey respondents claimed it provided energy and momentum, while four in every ten (41%) attributed a sense of recognition to support. Women scored higher than their male counterparts, with five in every 10 (53%) citing the personal energy boost, in contrast to over four in 10 men (49%).

Interestingly, those aged 18-24 said that seeing an Irish athlete on the sporting stage had a hugely positive impact on their own sense of motivation (35%), while over a fifth

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|53

Breakfast Time

Pictured are Nestlé Cereals Ireland ambassadors, para-table tennis champion Colin Judge and para-cyclist Richael Timothy.

(21%) of people aged 55-64 claimed to feel inspired!

To celebrate the partnership, specially created cereal boxes, featuring Nestlé Cereals Ireland Ambassadors paratable tennis champion Colin Judge and para-cyclist Richael Timothy are in-store nationwide. In a first for the brand, the boxes also carry a message of support to the team ‘as Gaeilge’.

“Irish fans really do love to go that extra mile when it comes to supporting their team or athlete,” noted Jennifer Walsh, Country Category Manager, Nestlé Cereals.

“Whether it is belting out ‘Olé Olé’ from the stands or in front of the TV to naming

their pets and children, it demonstrates the sense of passion and excitement for our sports stars and the sense of anticipation that grips the nation when big sporting occasions come around.

“As the ‘Official Breakfast Partner to Paralympics Ireland’, we are delighted to play our part and pledge our support to Team Ireland for Paris 2024.”

Avonmore As Ireland’s number one dairy brand, Avonmore products are enjoyed on a daily basis in households across Ireland.

Avonmore’s continued success comes from its commitment to high quality

products, a deep understanding of the consumer and their needs, and continuous innovation.

Enjoyed by families nationwide for over 50 years, Avonmore’s expertise in dairy extends across milk, cream, soup and butter, with key growth products including Avonmore Super Milk, Avonmore Protein Milk and Avonmore Whipped Cream.

Avonmore’s range of fortified milks offers a wealth of nutritional benefits for every life-stage, enabling consumers to easily incorporate the benefits of important nutrients such as protein, vitamin D and folic acid into their everyday diet through fortified milks such as Avonmore Protein Milk and Avonmore Super Milk.

Avonmore Super Milk has a key role to play in the fresh milk sector. Enriched with vitamin D, which helps support our bone health and our immune system too, Avonmore Super Milk is also enriched with vitamins B & E, extra calcium and folic acid, making it a great choice for all the family.

Avonmore Oat Drinks complement the existing Avonmore portfolio by offering consumers a delicious oat drink using Irish organic oats traceable to Irish farms.

Available in both Original & Barista formats, Avonmore Oat Drink is an exciting addition to the Avonmore range.

Brennans Super Bread Brennans Bread and Folk VML have launched Brennans Super Bread, an exciting innovation from Ireland’s most chosen grocery brand (Source: Kantar 2024). The concept for a fortified bread designed to improve family health and wellbeing was born from Folk VML’s Collision, the agency’s innovation process

Avonmore’s continued success comes from its commitment to high quality products, a deep understanding of the consumer and their needs, and continuous innovation.

54|Retail Retail News| News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Breakfast Time New EU yogurt campaign

Brennans Super Bread is made with white and wholemeal flour, a good source of zinc, iron and calcium to support the immune system, gut and cognitive health. designed to unlock new growth.

Since then, Brennans bakers have been hard at work perfecting the product from concept to launch, while Folk VML, together with Mindshare and Invention, developed the launch campaign which will run on VOD, OOH and social media.

Brennans Super Bread is made with white and wholemeal flour, a good source of zinc, iron and calcium to support the immune system, gut and cognitive health.

Brennans Super Bread is ‘today’s bread, with extra goodness’.

The campaign, 'The Good Baker', introduces a new baker from the Brennans Bakery, whose dedication to the craft of baking great-tasting, fortified bread is only matched by her dedication to her family’s health and wellbeing.

“Brennans Super Bread is a great product, full of goodness for all the family,” noted Jonny Cullen, Creative Director, Folk VML. “We were keen to tell this story in an emotive way that connects with and reflects real family life in Ireland.”

Ivan Hammond, Head of Marketing, Brennans, said: “We are delighted to add Brennans Super Bread to our growing range of lifestyle breads. Brennans Super Bread is full of goodness for the whole family to enjoy. This great-tasting, innovative product is testament to the dedication and craft of the Brennans bakers.”

Müller Light Müller recently launched the newly reformulated Müller Light range with a new campaign, Get The Good Going, with Müller asking the Irish public to reveal the things we find uplifting on a daily basis.

When asked ‘What helps to make your day brighter?’, the majority 42% said a hug or chat with a loved one, followed by a cup

of tea or a coffee in peace (29%) and some kind of physical activity (20%).

Mornings can be chaotic at the best of times between work, school, kids and the never ending to-do list, but we still try to

The new Müller Light yogurt range includes added Vitamin B6, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and Vitamin D which helps support the normal function of the immune system. keep a few healthy habits to start the day off on the right foot. Searching for tips, Müller revealed that the one non-negotiable people have to ‘Get the Good Going’ is a healthy breakfast (34%) followed by getting some fresh air to get those endorphins going (28%), and one fifth of us make our beds first thing in the morning (21%) as “otherwise your whole day is thrown offkilter!” However, it seems we’re not quite so zen in the mornings, as only 11% wait until after breakfast to look at their phone notifications.

Available now nationwide, the new Müller Light yogurt range includes added Vitamin B6, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and Vitamin D which helps support the normal function of the

THE National Dairy Council is delighted to announce the launch of a new EUfunded campaign to promote yogurt.

The three-year campaign will be run across four markets - Belgium, Ireland, Germany and Denmark - and will promote the health and versatility of yogurt as a delicious everyday food.

The ‘Yogurt: It’s Great Inside’ marketing campaign features two Dublin cafés and two yogurt companies who serve and produce yogurt every day.

The two cafes included are Póg cafés in Dublin, featuring owner Rachel Keane, and Brother Hubbard, owned by Garrett Fitzgerald and James Boland.

Two of Ireland’s best known yogurt companies also feature in the campaign: Glenilen and Killowen.

Valerie and Alan Kingston make Glenilen yogurt at their farm in Drimoleague, Co. Cork, while Killowen Farm in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, has been in the Dunne family for 200 years across nine generations.

“We are delighted to be launching this new EU campaign and to celebrate the delicious versatility of natural yogurt,” said Cathy Curran, Head of Communications with the National Dairy Council. “Yogurt is a popular fermented milk product and a source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, vitamins B2 and B12. An incredibly versatile product in the kitchen for cooking or just to have as a healthy snack. The campaign strapline deliberately focuses on the added benefits of yogurt from the inside out so you can treat your gut to a delicious yogurt.”

Owner Rachel Keane pictured at Póg café, Clontarf, Dublin 3. immune system. The reformulated recipe is also thicker, high in protein, fat-free and has 0% added sugar, ensuring consumers can still have the delicious Müller Light taste they love in an even more enjoyable way.

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Healthy Eating

Making healthy eating easier Killian Barry, Managing Director, Danone Ireland, examines how businesses can support Irish consumers to make healthier choices.

WE know that adequate nutrition plays a crucial role in improving our overall health and wellbeing. Danone Ireland, a member of the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce (FICC), aims to bring health through food to as many people as possible. As a leading food and beverage company, we recognise the active role we play in improving the health choices of the nation. This means going beyond just meeting regulatory standards, but actively working to make healthier options the easy and accessible choice for consumers and providing clear, consistent guidance and information.

Looking at the current health of the nation, according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Obesity Report 2022, Ireland ranks ninth of 53 European countries for obesity in adults and 11th for overweight and obesity. More than three out of five (61%) adults are now overweight or obese, with experts predicting that, without intervention, more than four out of five (88%) people in Ireland will be obese by 2060 (Source: WOF-Economic-Impacts2-V2.pdf, worldobesity.org).

We are at a turning point when it comes to how we think about food and nutrition. The Healthy Ireland Framework 2013-2025 stresses the need for collective and consistent action to address this public health crisis and drive the adoption of healthier diets and lifestyles (Source: https://assets.gov.ie/7555/62842eef4b134 13494b13340fff9077d.pdf). As an industry, we have the power and resources to drive positive change.

How can we keep positive momentum moving forward?

Food manufacturers have a clear role to play in helping to tackle this issue. The industry can lend its support with a few simple steps: • Prioritising healthy products: With a plethora of choices on supermarket shelves, a commitment to providing healthy products is a crucial step the industry can take in enabling the public to make healthier choices.

In February 2023, we launched new health commitments across our dairy, plant-based and beverages portfolio, committing that at least 90% of our product portfolio by sales volume will not be high in sugar, salt or fat (HFSS). We are continually innovating to ensure our products are nutritious, while still tasting great, with more than 90% of products across our dairy, plant-based and water

categories being suitable for everyday consumption as part of a healthy balanced diet.

•

Providing transparent information: The Danone 2022-2023 Health Journey Report, sets out the promotion of healthier choices as a key part of our ambition to bring health through food to consumers and patients worldwide (Source: danone-health-journeyreport-2022-2023-edition.

Killian Barry, Managing Director, pdf).

We believe that industry Danone Ireland. should take an active stand in helping people understand what constitutes a healthy diet and the nutritional value of foods, so they can make healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking choices. This can be achieved by providing clear and transparent information on labels and company websites, to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed decisions about their food and drink. To see more concrete advancements and better assist consumers in their quest to live a healthier lifestyle, a streamlined labelling approach between countries would be needed.

• Engaging in knowledge sharing: Finally, a collective effort is required across the industry to drive meaningful change and empower consumers to make healthier food choices. Industry experts and business leaders need to work together with government entities to use our collective knowledge to guide future frameworks, while also engaging with current government guidelines regarding healthy eating and food classification.

By following frameworks such as the HSE’s Healthy Eating Guidelines, which set out the types of products that form part of a healthy balanced diet, food manufacturers can work towards creating foods that are lower in fat and sugar, create portfolios that drive consumers to purchase foods that are better suited to a balanced diet and provide more options to health-conscious shoppers.

We must support consumers to make healthy choices, and we have a responsibility to facilitate this by providing transparent nutritional information and prioritising healthy products within our portfolios. This is not a nice-to-do option, it’s a must-do, if we want to protect future generations from health challenges.

References: •

https://data.worldobesity.org/publications/WOF-Economic-Impacts-2-V2.pdf

•

https://assets.gov.ie/7555/62842eef4b13413494b13340fff9077d.pdf

•

Danone Ireland announces ambitious new health commitments

•

https://www.danone.com/content/dam/corp/global/danonecom/about-us-impact/policiesand-commitments/en/2024/danone-health-journey-report-2022-2023-edition.pdf

•

Healthy Eating Guidelines - HSE.ie

•

https://www.irishlife.ie/blog/health-of-the-nation-2023/#:~:text=Irish%20Life%20 Health%20of%20the,thinking%20their%20health%20is%20improving.

•

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c778a9-a-healthy-weight-for-ireland-obesity-policyand-action-plan-2016-202/

•

https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/353747

•

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e8f9b1-healthy-ireland-framework-2019-2025/

If you are buying a security service your provider must be licensed by the PSA even if their primary business is not security.

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

Using unlicensed providers puts your business at risk as you could: •Face Prosecution •Invalidate your insurance cover •Compromise the safety of your staff and customers To ensure that your security provider is licensed with the PSA visit www.psa-gov.ie

Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie|57

What’s New SILK CUT CELEBRATES 60 YEARS THIS year marks 60 years of Silk Cut, a brand defined by excellence without complication, allowing existing adult smokers to enjoy high-quality products with the smoothest and most refined smoking experience possible. Silk Cut products exemplify substance across all different types of formats, available in Purple, Blue and Silver, in both King Size and 100s, with a variety of pack sizes including 20s and 26s. Additionally, Silk Cut is available in Silk Cut Choice Green, Silk Cut Choice Super Line Green, and Silk Cut Red. Silk Cut’s extensive range continues to expand, now offering a larger pack with 32 sticks, all filled with the same highquality Silk Cut cigarettes that the brand has become renowned for. Stay a cut above the rest—stock up on Ireland’s number one cigarette brand (Correct at time of printing, NIQ Scan Track, RMC SOM 20.5%, YTD 14 July 2024).

FAVOURIT: PERFECT FOR THE AIR FRYER IRELAND’S oldest distributor of herbs and spices, Favourit, have created a range of their famous flavour packed pots, especially for the Air Fryer.

The Perfect for Air Fryer range, available in Tesco Ireland, features eight different seasonings. “With the ever-growing popularity of air fryers, we at Favourit are thrilled to introduce our specially crafted seasoning collection, designed to enhance every meal,” explains Ella Freeman, Brand Manager, Favourit. “We're excited to bring these flavours to kitchens across the country, ensuring that delicious, healthy cooking is accessible to all.” The new range includes Chicken, Fajita, Steak, Salt & Chilli, Piri Piri, Tandoori, Chip, and Fish seasonings.

“Our delicious range helps to elevate staple air fryer recipes,” notes Ella. “In fact, the possibilities are endless, limited only by the imagination of home cooks.”

KNORR UNVEIL NEW WINE STOCK POTS KNORR have launched their first ever Red and White Wine Stock Pots designed to bring depth and flavour to dishes, without consumers having to buy or open a bottle of wine. The red wine variant offers a ‘full bodied’ taste, whilst the white wine variant is ‘fresh and crisp’. With red and white wine stocks becoming the two fastest-growing variants in the category, this new launch is designed to offer shoppers a superior offering from a renowned brand. Each stock pot contains the equivalent of half a glass of wine and includes sustainably sourced herbs. Thanks to their portion sizes, the Knorr Wine Stock Pots take the guesswork out of how much wine to use in a recipe. The launch will be supported with a 360 degree advertising campaign across TV, video on demand, OOH, social and in-store.

GRATE NEWS FOR CHEEZY SNACK LOVERS DUE to popular demand, the iconic American favourite - Cheez-It - has finally crossed the pond, bringing the perfectly thin and crispy and totally cheesy snack to Ireland.

Guaranteed to hit the spot, they are baked with 100% real cheese, while their unique curved shape gives them the ultimate satisfying crunch. As they are baked, not fried, the flavour packs a powerful punch. Launching on to the Irish scene are Cheez-It Snap’d in two flavours, Double Cheese and Cheese & Chilli, these droolworthy snacks deliver a party for your palate with every crunch.

NEW FAMILY-FRIENDLY KETCHUP FROM MAMA BEAR MAMA Bear, the Irish producer of a range of family-friendly ketchup with ‘less sugar, more taste’, have refreshed their product offering with some tasty recipe additions and a fresh new look. The natural range of condiments are made using quality ingredients and feature a reduced sugar content and gut-friendly prebiotic fibre.

The Cork business, which was originally founded in 2018 by Loretta Kennedy, was acquired in 2022 by Ballymaloe Foods and it has just launched its latest product, Hidden Veggies Ketchup, which helps to support parents in getting extra veg into mealtimes and joins the existing range of Tomato Ketchup and Smoky BBQ Ketchup.

58|Retail News|September 2024|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: News

Applegreen’s Midway Service Area gets €3 million upgrade APPLEGREEN have reopened their Midway service area in Portlaoise, which is located at exit 17 on the M7, following a €3 million investment.

Midway, which is also accessible from the N77 and R423, will now feature an M&S Food store-within-a-store outlet as part of Applegreen’s exclusive partnership with the renowned retailer. The opening of the new Midway is the seventh new M&S Food outlet that Applegreen has delivered this year, and the 13th in total. This will be the first time that M&S Food products have been available in Co. Laois.

The newly revamped location will also have a new Braeburn Coffee Café, a Bakewell deli, as well as Burger King, Chopstix, and Subway restaurants.

Aside from an extensive food offer, Midway now features restaurant style seating, a newly enhanced public space, and upgraded toilet facilities. A new driver exercise zone will also be installed at the site.

Midway is the third Braeburn Coffee Café to be opened by Applegreen and features a new enhanced design concept.

This follows successful openings in Rathcoole in Dublin, and in Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

“We are delighted to reopen our Midway location, following a significant investment to enhance the facility’s customer offer,” noted Fiona Matthews, Applegreen Ireland Managing Director. “The new Midway boasts a wide range of food and drink options for our customers, including the welcome addition of an M&S Food offering as part of our successful partnership with M&S. The refreshed

Applegreen Midway Site Manager, Inga Gudaviciene, and Store Manager, Rasa Lasyte, pictured with Percy the Pig as Applegreen Midway reopens its doors to customers following a €3 million investment into the store. service area also offers an inclusive space to cater to all customer needs, whether it’s a quick pit-stop to pick up a dinner on the journey home, or a relaxing and enjoyable spot for customers to break their journey.

“With brand new state-of-the-art amenities, upgraded parking facilities and a driver exercise zone to come, this €3 million investment highlights Applegreen’s ongoing commitment to provide quality products and services to our customers on the go. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all corners of the country as they stop in to take a break and enjoy their journey with us.”

Maxol acquires seven service stations from Naas Fuels Limited THE Maxol Group has confirmed CCPC approval for the acquisition of seven forecourt and convenience retail stores, bringing to 252 Maxol’s nationwide network of sites across the island of Ireland.

The multi-million Euro investment announced by CEO, Brian Donaldson is part of Maxol’s €100 million 2023-2027 investment strategy for growth announced last year and will expand the retailer’s portfolio in the Leinster region.

The family-owned Irish company has acquired seven forecourt sites from Naas Fuels Limited trading under the Circle K brand, the convenience retail stores of which operate under the Gala brand.

The seven sites are located in: Ballylinan, Co. Laois; Gorey, Co. Wexford; Kiltale and Ratoath, Co. Meath; Maganey, Co. Carlow; Prosperous, Co. Kildare; and Wicklow Town.

The seven sites will be supported by a €3 million retrofitting programme that will include Maxol branding and signage, the introduction of the Maxol store concept and will feature the Maxol Deli, Rosa Coffee stations and Maxol car wash facilities.

“This acquisition is central to our long-term strategic plan to invest in retail sites that offer the potential for growth in the core areas of neighbourhood food convenience and top-up shopping,” said Brian Donaldson, who described the announcement as a “statement of our intent for the business”.

Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol Group.

“In the last ten years we have invested over €225 million in our retail network, comprising expenditure programmes and initiatives designed to future-proof the business and to meet the changing demands of our growing customer base,” Brian noted.

The locations of the sites acquired by Maxol support their long-established model of operating in and supporting local communities as well as the domestic economy. “All existing staff will be transferring as part of the deal and the new sites will be operated by independent retailers under licence from Maxol,” said Brian Donaldson.

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Forecourt Focus: News

Circle K Ireland announce new People Director CIRCLE K Ireland have announced the appointment of Cora Lyons as their new People Director. This strategic move underscores Circle K's commitment to promoting and investing in the development of their people, as well as enhancing their HR practices and fostering a positive work environment within Ireland.

Cora will drive the HR strategy, practices, and ways Cora Lyons, People Director, of working at Circle K Ireland, collaborating closely with senior Circle K Ireland. leadership across Irish and European operations. Since joining Circle K in 2004, working in various HR roles including Employee Relations Manager, Cora has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, most recently serving as Senior Human Resources Manager for Circle K Ireland. Áine Griallais, previously the People Director for Circle K Ireland, has been promoted to a Global HR Director position. Áine will provide strategic leadership at a global level, collaborating with

regional HR teams, and working closely with senior management to optimise HR practices across all countries and regions that Circle K operates in. Áine joined Circle K in 2002, working initially in operations and then in several HR roles including Retail Human Resources Manager. More recently, Áine worked as interim European Head of HR for Circle K. Her experience and leadership will now benefit Circle K's operations worldwide.

“We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Cora Lyons to People Director of Circle K Ireland and Áine Griallais as Director of Global HR Projects,” said Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland. “At Circle K, investing in the development of our people is a key priority for us and these are well-deserved promotions.

“Cora’s extensive experience and strategic vision will greatly benefit our local operations, ensuring we maintain a supportive and dynamic work environment in Ireland. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Áine for her exceptional leadership and contributions here in the Irish business. We wish her the very best in her new role and are confident she will achieve great success globally.

“Their leadership will drive our continued success, making Circle K an even more attractive place to work. We look forward to the significant contributions they will make in their new positions.”

Maxol licensee bids farewell after 55-year career

Maxol Lubricants launch new range

LEGENDARY forecourt retailer Millie Walsh, who has operated Maxol Dublin Bridge in Mullingar for almost 40 years, is retiring, marking the close of a monumental career. Millie has become a local legend, widely recognised for his cheerful and friendly customer service. He has been a dedicated presence in his local community, providing Millie Walsh is pictured with Brian Donaldson and fresh food, groceries, fuel and the new Maxol licensee in countless car washes to locals Mullingar, Eoghan Murray. with his catchphrase, “Drive in that car and we’ll give it an ‘aul wash for ya,” becoming a symbol of his welcoming and generous spirit.

Millie’s story captured national attention following a radio appearance on RTÉ’s Joe Duffy Liveline show, and he became the subject of the 2023 documentary film, Millie’s Maxol Magic.

Brian Donaldson, CEO of Maxol, praised Millie’s unwavering dedication to serving the community on behalf of Maxol, noting, "There was always a big welcome and a story for all who popped in to Maxol in Mullingar. For countless years, Millie’s warm demeanour and engaging tales made everyone’s visit to the service station a memorable and enjoyable experience. He has always epitomised Maxol’s community values and will be greatly missed by all. On behalf of all the team at Maxol, I wish to thank Millie for his years of loyal service and commitment to Maxol and wish both Millie and his family the very best for the future.”

As Millie steps down, he will be succeeded by new Maxol licensee Eoghan Murray.

MAXOL Lubricants, a division of The Maxol Group, have announced the launch of the new Maxol AgriMax Plus Grease range, a line of greases designed to meet the evolving needs of farmers today.

The newly launched Maxol Agri-Max Plus Grease range is a modern progression in lubricant technology. These products cater to the specific needs of various Owen O’Neill, General industries, including agriculture, Manager at Maxol Lubricants, with the new organic farming, marine, and Maxol Agri-Max Plus forestry.

The range includes Maxol Agri- Grease range.

Max-Plus Calcium Grease, offering superior water resistance and serves as an excellent alternative to traditional lithium-based greases, and Maxol Agri-Max-Plus EFS Grease, an NSF Food Grade H1 registered grease specifically designed for both the food processing and agricultural industry.

Maxol Lubricants’ updated packaging now includes at least 30% and up to 50% recycled plastic, in line with the company’s wider efforts to reduce its environmental footprint across the business.

“Our new packaging is not just a reflection of our commitment to sustainability, but also a testament to our drive to innovate, from the inside out,” said Owen O’Neill, General Manager at Maxol Lubricants. “This is one of a number of significant steps we are taking to evolve in line with market demands, providing the best performing, highest specification of product to our customers, meeting their rigorous demands and supporting their businesses.”

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Shelf Life DIET Coke has announced that Irish actor Jamie Dornan is taking on the role of ambassador for the brand.

Jamie will bring his own unique aesthetic, passions, style and personality and build on Diet Coke’s legacy of partnering with some of the world’s leading talent. Jamie will use Diet Coke as a platform to inspire generations, by bringing to life the new Diet Coke ‘This Is My Taste’ campaign, which shines a spotlight on Irish fans and encourages them to proudly take ownership of their unique tastes, personal interests and own their Diet Coke break moment, however they choose to take it. Celebrating the announcement of the new partnership, Jamie stars in a new TVC in October, which reveals his own love of coldwater swimming, with a cheeky Diet Coke twist.

YAZOO, the UK’s number one traditional flavoured milk brand, and its official distribution partner, GM Marketing, are inviting Northern Ireland students to ‘shake up the mundane’ and inject moments of fun into everyday life. Yazoo will visit University College Dublin on September 25 and Trinity College Dublin on October 1. Pictured at the launch are parkour expert and Britain’s Got Talent contestant, George McGowan, who helped to shake up the mundane by performing tricks, with student Anna Daly and Kaitlyn Martin, Marketing Manager, GM Marketing.

KEOGH’S Mature Irish Cheese & Red Onion crisps from Keogh’s Farm, North Dublin, which is stocked in Waitrose in the UK, came out top of a UK quest to find the best Cheese & Onion crisp. Leading UK consumer affairs, financial journalist, broadcaster and founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, Martin Lewis, announced the results on ITV’s this Morning show, where Keogh’s came out top of over 44 crisp brands.

CATHERINE Fulvio is encouraging Transition Year students across Ireland to get brewing and baking in support of one of Together for Hospice’s biggest fundraisers.

The celebrity chef was joined at Ballyknocken House and Cookery School in Co. Wicklow

by TY students, Grace Christie and James Ryder, as she threw her support behind Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice.

The event takes place in September and raises funds for hospice and homecare services across Ireland. And there is a real sweetener for students to organise one in their school - two free places are up for grabs on Catherine’s 13-week TY online cookery course, plus a cash prize of €250 for the winning school.See www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie for more information.

THE 2025 dates for the IGBF Tour de Grocer have been confirmed, with the charity cycle taking place on June 18 and 19 next year. The route will start from Carlow, via Wexford on to Waterford, returning on day two via a different route. The entry fee of €1,600 per cyclist remains the same as 2024. For more details, contact Hotel Solutions on (01) 6309211.

STORE owners Noel and Martina McGowan are pictured with Sarah Ruane, National Lottery, celebrating the news that McGowan’s Spar store in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim, sold the winning EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle ticket worth €1,005,000 for the draw on September 6. Noel McGowan was delighted to hear the news and admitted his store is no stranger to big wins: “We have had our fair share of big wins over the years and we never get sick of getting the call from the National Lottery to say that we’ve had another. Back in 2016, we sold a Lotto jackpot ticket worth over €11 million and we also had a top prize €1 million Dailly Million ticket back in 2019. We have even had two Lotto Plus 2 top prize wins and we also had two winners share in a Lotto jackpot as well, so our customers have been incredibly lucky.”

FOR more than 30 years, SuperValu’s Signature Tastes Raspberries have had a constant place in customers’ shopping trolleys and the retailer expects to have sold around one million punnets of the Signature Raspberries during the summer months. Pictured at the Keelings farm in Dublin are Brooke Stewart and Kayla Salvilla.

TONSTIX Honey Jelly Pops, the flagship product of innovative Dundalk-based healthcare company Soothing Solutions Ltd, has launched in 110 Tesco stores across Ireland to help soothe sore throats and dry coughs just in time for the Back to School period. This significant milestone marks the company’s first fullscale entry into grocery retail, making its child-friendly sore throat and cough relief solution more accessible to families nationwide. Pictured are co-founders Sinéad Crowther and Denise Lauaki with Gavin Doyle, store manager, and Marie Rooney and Carol Delaney of Tesco Balbriggan.

MARKS & Spencer have launched the final phase of their Farm to Foodhall campaign showcasing a 43-year-old family-run mushroom farm based in Tyholland, County Monaghan.

The campaign captures M&S Food Ambassador Mark Moriarty’s visit to the family business, which employs 820 people across Ireland and has been supplying M&S with top-quality mushrooms for over 25 years.

AB InBev and C&C Group plc (C&C) have announced an update to off trade operations in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and additional distribution changes across Great Britain (GB). Effective from January 1, 2025, AB InBev will distribute all owned products (including Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois) directly to off trade customers in the ROI. C&C Group will reassume control and distribution of its owned cider portfolio, including Magners, across the on and off trade in GB. AB InBev and C&C have an effective distribution partnership and remain committed to close collaboration to ensure a seamless transition for customers.

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