Retail News Jan Feb 09

January/February 2009

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January/February09Contents

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Looking to the Future You can’t turn on a television set, switch on the radio or open a newspaper without hearing ‘recession’, ‘credit crunch’ and general predictions of economic doom and gloom. However, some experts feel that the grocery sector is the most resilient to recession, as people will always need groceries, no matter what the economic climate. It is up to the retailer to capitalise on this unique position by offering value for money to consumers. Our Chief News Reporter, Pavel Barter, examines some sectors that are bucking the trend and beating the recession (Page 6), asking what can retailers do to ensure their stores continue to serve the needs of their customer base, while a leading UK research group predicts that food will be one of the fastest growing retail sectors this year (Page 7).

Elsewhere, retail consultant Karen Meenan looks at how to cut your overheads during this difficult trading period (Page 14), focusing on your staff roster and your energy costs; motoring correspondent Padraic Deane provides the annual Retail News Commercial Transport Supplement (Page 2128); while Jean Smullen reports from the NOffLA Off Licence Awards 2009 (Page 30).

We also speak to one of the FMCG sector’s leading entrepreneurs, Largo Foods’ founder, Raymond Coyle, about the continued development of the Irish crisp and snack market and his plans to open the Hunky Dorys Visitors Centre by summer 2010 (Page 18). Largo have also provided our readers with a real pick-me-up, the chance to win two tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night, featuing the WBA World Title fight between Bernard Dunne and Ricardo Cordoba, in the O2 on March 21. For your chance to win two tickets to this not-to-be-missed event, see our great competition on Page 2.

“Celebrating 50 Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.

years serving the Irish grocery trade.”

Managing Director: Fergus Farrell Editorial & Marketing Director: Kathleen Belton, email: kathleenbelton@tarapublishingco.com Editor: John Walshe

johnwalshe@tarapublishingco.com

Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter

Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

Advertising Manager: Aaron Stewart

Advertising Executive: David Kelly

T A R A Published by: Tara Publishing Co. Ltd., Poolbeg House, 1/2 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 2413095. Fax: (01) 2413010.

Web: www.retailnews.ie Email: retailnews@tarapublishingco.com Subscription to Retail News: €110 plus VAT Email: tracy@tarapublishingco.com Origination by: Rooney Media Graphics

Printed by: Graham & Heslip

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W Fight Night Competition

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WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE HUNKY DORYS WBA WORLD TITLE FIGHT NIGHT BERNARD

RICARDO

DUNNE v CORDOBA ON MARCH 21ST AT THE 02.

Saturday, March 21, sees the Hunky Dorys WBA World Title Fight Night taking place in The O2, as Bernard Dunne takes on world champion, Ricardo “El Maestrito” Cordoba for the WBA Super Bantamweight title.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted since I first put on a pair of boxing gloves,” said Dunne. “It’s every boxers dream to be a world champion and I’m no different.

This is what I’ve worked my whole life for and now that the chance is here, I want to grab it with both hands.”

Promoter Brian Peters had promised his charge a world title fight in 2009 and he’s duly delivered, with Dunne admitting that having home advantage is the icing on the cake.

“It’s a huge coup to get the fight here, there’s no doubt about that,” said the former European Champ. “Every boxer wants to fight for a world title but to have it in your hometown is special. It’s going to be an incredible experience and I know I’ll thrive on that atmosphere. Cordoba’s fought all around the world but he won’t ever have experienced anything like the atmosphere in the O2, it’s going to be very special. It’s a fantastic venue and March 21 can’t come soon enough.”

To be in with a chance to win this great competition for tickets to the Hunky Dorys WBA World Title Fight answer the following question

Q: Hunky Dorys recently launched two new flavours to its 45g range, can you name both flavours?

W

IN

Answers on a postcard, together with your name, address, telephone number and email to Hunky Dorys Fight Night Competition, Tara Publishing, Poolbeg House, 1-2 Poolbeg St., Dublin 2 or email retailnews@tarapublishingco.com.

Closing date for entries is March 11th 2009. Terms and conditions apply.

Judges’s decision is final.

January/February09Contents

Contents January/February 2009

News 4 RGDATA Calls for

14

Investigation into Price Differences; Suppliers Feeling the Heat.

4 Karen Meenan’s Top Tips 14 If wage and other costs have increased over the last 10 years, how are retailers going to survive during the next 12 months? The main focus has to be on cloth cutting.

18 5 Fine Gael Propose to

7 Shoppers to Spend More on Quality Food; Superquinn Embraces Change.

8 Newspaper Margin Cuts

The Retail News Interview 18 Raymond Coyle,

21

Confectionery 29 The Wrigley Company is launching two new products, guaranteed to shake up the confectionery sector.

from the NOffLA Off Licence Awards 2009, where Gibney’s of Malahide was named Off Licence of the

14

owner and founder of Largo Foods, talks about the continued development of the Irish snack market and Largo’s upcoming product launches.

year 2009, and examines the performance of Burgundy on the Irish market.

Padraic Deane provides the annual RETAIL NEWS Commercial Transport Supplement, focusing on the movers and shakers in the Irish commercial vehicle sector.

On The Vine 30 Jean Smullen reports on

Strengthen Consumer Rights; ABFI Calls on Government to Protect Alcohol Sales.

6 Is Food Recession Proof?

Commercial Transport 21 Motoring correspondent

30

32 Healthy Options 32 With many consumers actively concerned about nutrition and diet, manufacturers are responding to consumer demand with a wealth of new better-foryou products across all food sectors.

Shelf Life 48 All the latest news and gossip from the trade.

Regulars 10 Industry News 17 Update 47 What’s New Sectoral Reports 38 Pasta & Sauce 41 Dairy Products – Cheese 44 Dairy Products – Milk & Cream

Here To Stay.

3

January/February09News

RGDATA Calls for Investigation into Price Differences RGDATA has called for an investigation into why the prices independent retailers pay for international brands is so much higher in Ireland than in the UK or Northern Ireland.

Addressing the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, RGDATA President John Foy told the Committee that the issue of high prices for goods bought from Irish based suppliers and agents had to be addressed as a matter of urgency. He said it was time to stop blaming retailers who were desperately trying to hold onto their business, serve their customers and keep their staff in jobs.

RGDATA Director Jim Marshall listed the price differences for goods bought directly from manufacturers and agents in Ireland compared to the prices he could buy the same goods for in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the UK. Gerry Claffey of Nolan's in Clontarf said they had had to break relations after 40 years with their Irish based suppliers of branded grocery goods and find new sources of supply in the UK because the price differences were so incredible.

Meanwhile, RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley argued that the biggest players in the Irish retail market should be made to disclose their profits in Ireland, as well as highlighting the issue of business costs for family owned businesses.

“Independent shops and family owned businesses are being strangled by the high cost of doing business here,” noted Tara Buckley. “These are the businesses that will get this country off its knees - the Minister and the Government must tackle the high cost of doing business as a matter of urgency.”

Addressing the same Committee, Torlach Denihan, Director of Retail Ireland, noted that there are currently 30,000 former retail workers on the live register. “Retail Ireland estimates that at least 25,000 more retail employees will be made redundant in 2009. This trend will continue into 2010… Put simply, the worst is yet to come.”

He also noted how “retailers have to 4

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley.

contend with very heavy costs imposed by the State, such as waste disposal, electricity, commercial rates, compliance costs and so on,” going on to highlight the higher costs of doing business here compared with Northern Ireland, including the differences in VAT and excise rates – “Excise and spirits here are 40% higher than in the UK, and there is 23% more on wine. The 6.5% difference between the Irish and UK VAT rates is also significant”.

Retail Ireland estimates that cross-

Border shopping trips currently drain 2% to 3% of total consumer spending north of the Border. “Alcohol is the single biggest common factor in crossBorder shopping,” he noted. “Shoppers travel to buy alcohol, and end up buying other items too.”

He called on the Government to control and reduce costs and charges that it imposes on the retail sector.

“Landlords must do their bit by cutting rents and service charges,” Denihan stated. “We need an urgent review of the impact of higher VAT and excise duties, leading to a targeted reduction in these duties.”

Other interested parties to address the Committee included Musgrave Group, Tesco Ireland, Aldi and Food and Drink Industry Ireland, who called for the establishment of “an effective legal framework to ensure the existence of responsible trading practices between grocery retailers and their suppliers; the establishment of an ombudsman to investigate complaints of irregular activity or the abuse of power; that suppliers are not forced to pay for advertising and the display of goods or pay ‘hello money’ unless there is a clear benefit to both parties”.

Suppliers Feeling the Heat RETAILERS are putting undue pressure on manufacturers, according to Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII). The group, which represents the food sector in Ireland, recently called for a legal framework to create “responsible trading practices” between grocery retailers and suppliers.

“There is always going to be commercial tension, there is always going to be pressure, but the view of our members is that it has gone beyond this,” Paul Kelly, FDII Director, told RETAIL NEWS. “They are finding hugely inflated levels of costs, passed back to suppliers for merchandising, distribution, and so on.”

Food or drink promotions are particularly gruelling on suppliers, he continued. “Generally the accepted principle is that both [retailer and supplier] share an element of risk on promotions, and share an element of benefit. But our members are finding that there are increasing demands for larger sums of money for promo- FDII Director Paul Kelly. tions and the benefits are questionable.”

January/February09News

Fine Gael Propose to Strengthen Consumer Rights NEW proposals to tackle the high cost of living and strengthen consumer rights have been published by Fine Gael Enterprise Spokesman Leo Varadkar TD. They include an immediate review of electricity and gas prices, a ban on surcharges for all payments by 'plastic', and a freeze on Government charges.

Fine Gael Enterprise Spokesman Leo Varadkar TD.

Fine Gael have called for a reversal of measures introduced in Budget 2009 which are driving up prices, including the VAT increase to 21.5%, as well as freezing Government charges and local authority rates and levies in order to reduce business costs, alongside an immediate review of electricity and gas prices.

They further called for the abolition of surcharges for payments by credit card, debit card and direct debit, and called for a law whereby utility regulators will have to publish a detailed case for every proposed price increase, and hold public hearings.

One of the most interesting moves was the call by Fine Gael to merge the National Consumer Agency and Competition Authority into an Irish Fair Trading Authority (IFTA), whose powers would include “monitoring tax and excise, and ensuring that currency fluctuations are passed on to consumers”.

ABFI Calls On Government to Protect Alcohol Sales THE Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) has called on the Government to consider a range of measures, including lowering VAT and excise, to stop the “haemorrhaging of alcohol sales to the North”.

Director of ABFI, Rosemary Garth, said that new statistics showing a major increase in alcohol sales in Northern Ireland demonstrate the extent of the cross-border shopping phenomenon that has significantly impacted on alcohol off-sales in the Republic.

“Statistics made available to me from Nielsen NI Scantrack Data show that the volume of alcohol off-sales throughout the island of Ireland increased by 3.4% in 2008,” she noted.

“However, while the volume of offsales decreased by 0.8% in the south in 2008, Northern Ireland recorded a staggering 25% increase in volume sales during the same period. In December alone, off-sales were down 16% in the south.

“Further, we estimate that 6% of the off-trade in the south has directly gone north. We estimate that additional sales of about 800,000 litres of spirits and 10m litres of beer have been made to shoppers from the Republic in the North in 2008. This is on top of the estimated 10% of the spirits market which is already purchased out of state on an annual basis.”

Describing this trend as “extremely worrying” for producers and retailers in the south, she predicted that “loss of trade on this scale will lead to

Director of ABFI, Rosemary Garth.

further redundancies and closures”.

“The Government must wake-up to the fact that while alcohol is still being purchased by southern consumers, our high alcohol taxes and high costs of doing business are encouraging people to travel North with a resultant loss of revenue to the State," Garth noted.

"They must begin to consider a range of measures to address this – including a cut in VAT and excise – as they are losing vital revenues that are instead accruing to the British exchequer.

“These figures are nothing short of alarming. The drinks industry employs 100,000 people in Ireland, but cross-border trade has grown to such an extent that without immediate action, many of these jobs are at risk.”

Packaging Law Scrapped A LAW that prescribes the size and weight of pre-packed food products is to be revoked. The law, implemented in Ireland in 1973, clashes with a recent EU directive that deregulates package sizes. Mary Coughlan TD, Tánaiste and

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said the Orders - known as Merchandise Marks Act, 1970 - will be revoked from April 11, 2009. From this date, mandated sizes will apply solely to wines and spirits.

New Rules on Sick Pay A new EU ruling allows workers on long term sick leave to retain holiday benefits.

“This ruling will have far reaching consequences and risks hitting retail firms

hard,” the UK employment law firm Mace & Jones announced. According to the firm, the ruling will allow employees the right to paid annual leave for long term illness.

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January/February09News

Is Food Recession Proof?

DESPITE wall-to-wall credit crunch gloom, much of it perpetuated by the media, there are considerable retail opportunities for profit over the year ahead, RETAIL NEWS can reveal. In 2008, for example, the €1.1 billion milk, butter and cheese markets in Ireland grew in value and volume terms, and this trend is expected to continue across 2009.

“Some parts of the dairy category have relatively mature product areas, such as milk,” said Helen Brophy, Chief Executive of the National Dairy Council (NDC).

“But we have also seen strong growth in fortified milk over the last 12 months, a 13.2% increase in retail sales, and an increase in low-fat milk.

Both low-fat and fortified milk account now for about 29% of retail sales of milk, and they're growing. We're definitely seeing consumption increasing and a shift to new product areas. As we promote the health benefits of milk, so it grows in popularity.”

Food and drink are the building blocks of retail: since consumers need these substances to survive, retailers have sales opportunities, whatever state the economy might be in. Even organics, traditionally considered luxury items, can experience growth in the midst of recession. According to a new report on the sector, the organic retail market hit over €100m last year, and has grown by 82% over the last two years.

“There are many reasons why people buy organics,” John O'Neill, spokesperson for the Irish Organic Farmers & Growers Association (IOFGA), told RETAIL NEWS. “A lot of consumers feel strongly about the principle. It's impossible to predict, but I would say the market will continue to grow slowly over the next year, although I don't think you're going to see anything like the rate of growth over the last years.”

In times of recession, there is a reversal to home cooking and in-home entertainment, which gives retailers 6

numerous growth opportunities.

Combine this with the desire to eat healthily and certain products, organics included, can prosper.

“We've all got more and more used to processed foods, but if you prepare a meal at home, you can save a good bit,” said O'Neill. “Something like a stew, especially in this weather, with cheaper cuts of meat, is extremely nutritious. Processed foods use a lot of sugar or salt, but if you're home cooking, you are in control of your food's content.”

This trend is more than just a theory, it is already in practice, said Brophy.

“People's purchasing patterns have changed dramatically over the last 12 months. People are spending less time eating out, so there is more reliance on stocking the fridge up.

In that context, dairy products will succeed people need more staple products than before. Breakfast, for example, is a key usage location for dairy products - people are spending less money for breakfast on-the-go, but more on dairy products for the home. The figures show that, if anything, the takehome market for dairy products is on the increase and should grow this year.”

One way of profiting from areas like organic, suggests O'Neill, is to think seasonally. We have become accustomed to buying whatever we want, at

January/February09News

all times of the year. But in a time of financial hardship, consumers are unlikely to spend €5 on a few strawberries during the winter months.

Instead, focusing on seasonal produce, and pricing goods accordingly, will offer more value for money. Now may also be a time for retailers to differentiate themselves by buying locally offering a product unique and individual to its location.

Meanwhile, some retailers are making big business out of credit crunch promotions. Marks & Spencers' regular ‘M&S Dine In For €12.50’, which consists of a meal for two and a bottle of wine, has proved a massive success. The group did not advertise this offer in Ireland, according to Lorraine Dwyer, PR for the supermarket, but “customers' positive word of mouth generated awareness of the offer”. M&S repeated this success with the ‘M&S Love In’ over Valentine's weekend: a main course, side dish and dessert as well as a choice of prosecco or wine, and are planning a similar to promotion to run around Mother's Day. The Aldi story proves that retailers can profit in a time of recession. The German discounter announced a 21% increase in sales profit last year, growing the company's market share.

“This has been helped by the current economic climate where shoppers are more conscious of their grocery spend,” said Donald Mackay, Managing Director of Aldi Stores Ireland. The company is now planning a €350m expansion, opening a further 32 stores in Ireland, over the year ahead. If they can laugh in the face of credit crunch, why shouldn't their competitors?

“It's important, in the recession, to look at your strategies,” notes IDB’s Helen Brophy. “There are obviously different types of strategies employed at the moment: you see a lot more promotion, a lot more discounts. Though the recession, Irish dairies will continue to invest in their brands and innovate. Eight brands of cheese in Ireland are produced by Irish Dairy, so I don't think the concept of brand development is going to change.”

Viewing the market through the prism of a glass half full, retailers will not only survive the turbulent times ahead: they will also profit.

Shoppers to Spend More on “Quality Food” WHILE many consumers are examining where they spend their money during the current economic climate, a new UK survey suggests that 40% of shoppers intend to spend more money on quality food this year, while 76% anticipate enjoying more home cooked meals in place of eating out at restaurants, all good news for retailers.

The insight survey was conducted among 4,380 shoppers by MealSavers.co.uk, an independent money saving website.

“People are planning more home cooking, more dinner parties and pro-

ducing their own food rather than spending it in a restaurant,” noted Simon Morgan from MealSavers.co.uk.

“The widely held belief that food retailing and alcohol production will thrive in this recession seem to be correct.”

Food Provides Fuel for Growth A LEADING London-based research group predicts that food will be one of the fastest growing retail sectors in 2009. Verdict Research believes that food and grocery is proving much more resilient to the recession than other retail sectors. Indeed, the robustness of the sector is set to provide grocery retailers with the opportunity to buck the trend of the deteriorating wider

market and continue to grow through the downturn.

“Inflation driving higher prices, the fact that food is an essential purchase and more consumers eating at home, have all boded well for the market,” says Matthew Piner, Analyst at Verdict. “Moreover, food is the one area in which shoppers are likely to continue permitting themselves the occasional, more expensive ‘treat’.”

Superquinn Embraces Change FOLLOWING on from the closure of their Dundalk store, Superquinn have launched the Programme for Competitiveness and Change, designed to strengthen operations and reduce costs. ”This programme is necessary to secure the future of our business and to protect almost 90% of the jobs in Superquinn,” said Superquinn Chairman Simon Burke. “We are hoping to reach agreement with regards to the wide ranging measures with the Colleagues Representatives over the coming weeks. These measures should position us with a competitive trading base and avoids putting all of the jobs in Superquinn at risk. It breaks any retailer’s heart to close a store, but

Superquinn Chairman Simon Burke

recent developments in cross-border shopping have left us with no alternative. It is our hope to avoid any other closures as part of the programme.”

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January/February09News

Newspaper Margin Cuts Here To Stay A CUT in profit margins for newspaper sales is unlikely to be reversed, after discussions between newsagents and Independent News & Media (IN&M), the largest newspaper publisher in Ireland, reached an end. Newsagents were recently informed that their margin was being cut by 4% on the Irish Independent, the national version of the Evening Herald, and the Sunday Independent. Sunday World followed suit, with a commission cut of 5.25%.

The representative body for newsagents in Ireland, Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), were threatened with legal action after calling to attention the cut.

It subsequently issued a release: “... the CSNA cannot and does not endorse or encourage collective action by its members in response to any actions of Newspread. In this regard, we would note that it is a matter for each individual member to make its own decision as to how it may react, if at all.”

So the margin cut remains, as does the sense of mistreatment. Vincent Jennings, CSNA CEO, told RETAIL NEWS the legal threat was uncalled for.

“We asked the question, but were not given an answer, as to whether or not Newspread and their lawyers were acting on behalf of Independent Newspapers or Sunday World, or whether it was solely a Newspread matter. In some respects, I would suggest this was an act of foolishness - attempting to stifle a representative association from communicating with its members is counterproductive.”

Although the loss in sales revenue for the specific newspapers is significant, retailers are concerned that other publishers may now follow suit.

“This is how the Vodafone matter began,” said Jennings. “One wholesaler chose to increase the wholesale price, drop the margin and others followed suit. If Independent get away with this, other publishers my start introducing entirely new rates.”

The CSNA claim to have written to every magazine and newspaper pub8

lisher for reassurance, but none have responded with a guarantee that margins will not be cut. In the past, this was considered an absolute term and condition, as part of a retailer/distributor relationship. Now, however, all bets are off.

But surely everyone is feeling the pinch? IN&M has predicted a 10% fall in operating profit to between €240-270m in 2008. Surely retailers must also carry some of that burden?

Jennings is not buying it.

“What you're suggesting is that not only do we take a drop in circulation, but we Vincent Jennings, CSNA CEO take a drop in the margin as es of that level? The only place a retailwell. Are we not already suffering? Not er can buy a national title is from only should we accept the drop in sales, Newspread - surely they are entitled to but we also take less for the sales we are a better and fairer level of service.” making?”

At the time of going to press, the Some publications are making CSNA notified the National Newspapers efforts to ingratiate themselves with of Ireland of their intention to withdraw retailers. The Irish Daily Mail, for examfrom the process of developing a Code of ple, recently reduced an issue price to Practice and Environmental Standards 50c, while retaining the full retail marfor the Irish newspaper and magazine gin. While this manner of loss-leader is industry. appreciated, the CSNA contend another “Our shops are the doorway for pubserious cost base is also affecting lishers to access their readers, our cusnewsagents: delivery charges. IN&M tomers; we will not be treated as doorcharges can now amount to as much as mats,” Jennings argued, noting how €20 extra a week, according to “attempts by INML to force retailers to Jennings. stock and display their products, despite “They have obviously not sufficientthe retailer cancelling them, and threatly funded Newspread, so they've had to ening to refuse to credit “unsolds” go to the retailer and pick up the differreturned, have exacerbated an already ential, which for some people is as much difficult situation. What is at issue here as €1,000 extra in the course of a year. is who has the right to determine what That is a very significant additional we stock in our shops – the owner or the expense at a time when inflation is runpublisher?” ning at 1.1%. How can you have increas-

Planning Ahead DESPITE complains from both RGDATA and local residents, Tesco are to proceed with a new store in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. Arguments against the development suggest its location will have an adverse affect on business in the town centre. Planning permission, however, has been granted, and the store will feature 2,587 square metres of space, with a licensed sales area, toilet facilities, an ATM, and 168 car parking spaces.

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January/February09Industry News

Dairygold Soft Real Butter Sponsors Today FM Weather DAIRYGOLD Soft Real Butter is the new six-month sponsor of Today FM Weather, which commenced on January 5, 2009. Recent JNLR figures show 549,000 listeners tune in daily to the national station, with over 1m tuning in weekly. The agreement runs for six months and is valued in excess of €200,000. The Today FM Weather reports run daily from 6am until midnight and offer great exposure to key demographic of 20-44 year olds. It provides Dairygold Soft Real Butter with the type of reach and frequency that will create a very high awareness nationally. Pictured are (l-r): Ruth Hayes, Marketing Manager, Dairygold Soft Real Butter; Gill Waters, Sponsorship and Promotions, Today FM; and Ray D'Arcy, presenter, Today FM.

Musgrave Triathlon Raises €350,000 for Charity THIS year, thousands of sick children and adults with cancer will see further improvements in their care, thanks to the generosity and dedication of the hundreds of people who participated in the annual Musgrave Triathlon, which raised €350,000 for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and The Irish Cancer Society. Pictured are (l-r): Billy Joe Conners (Waterford); David Doran, CEO, Children’s Medical & Research Foundation; Donal Horgan, Managing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland; and John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society. The Musgrave Triathlon has raised over €2.5m for these charities since its inception in 2002.

Massive Campaign for Special K KELLOGG’S has launched a multi-faceted media campaign to support its annual Special K Slimmer Jeans Challenge. Kellogg’s has invested over €2m in the campaign, which includes TV and outdoor advertisements, on-line activity, in-store promotion, as well as sponsorship of both the American and British versions of the hit reality TV series ‘Next Top Model’. The TV ads encourage women to see if they can get their ‘WOW’ Factor back by taking the Kellogg’s Special K Slimmer Jeans Challenge. Each of the three ads focus on helping women to ‘look and feel’ fabulous, finishing with a shot of a giant 3-D ‘WOW’.

Silver Hill Search for Top Duck Dishes SILVER Hill Foods, Europe’s premium hand prepared duck company, are searching for Ireland’s Greatest Duck Dishes. The company, based in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan, has launched the Silver Hill National Duck Dish Competition 2009, a nationwide competition for professional chefs, inviting them to create a starter and main course featuring the multi award-winning Silver Hill Duck. The winning chef will claim the ultimate prize of a week’s work experience at the world renowned Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck Experimental Kitchen in Berkshire, under the tutelage of Kyle Connaghton, the Fat Duck’s Head Development Chef. In addition, the winner will have the chance to oversee their winning dishes being prepared at a dinner for the Irish Food Writers Guild later in the year.

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HB Hazelbrook Farm Puts Celebrities on Ice FOUR celebrities performed live on a recent Late Late Show in order to raise funds for charity, as part of The Late Late Show / 7Up Christmas on Ice ‘Celebs on Ice Special’. The four celebrities performed a routine live from the ice rink in the RDS, with a live link to Pat Kenny in studio, where none other than Boyzone were on-hand for some expert commentary.

Model and beauty columnist Lisa Murphy, sponsored by HB Hazelbrook Farm, took part in the challenge and raised much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. Each sponsor committed €15,000 to each of the celebrity’s charities, with 7Up giving €15,000 to the winning celebrity, meaning that a minimum total amount of €75,000 was raised for charity.

Pictured on the ice are: Sophie Governey, HB; Padraic Delaney, Down Syndrome Ireland; and Lisa Murphy.

Milk can make up to 80% of your cappuccino.

To make the best cappuccino, you

need the best milk.

That’s the view of Stephen Morrissey, reigning World Barista Champion.

Stephen insists on using Avonmore milk. Why? Because not all milk is the

same.

At Avonmore, we take our milk from a select group of farms that supply only our dairies and we have the strictest quality control system of any milk producer in Ireland. On average Avonmore milk is tested thirty-five times before it reaches the shelf.

Result? - milk that is fresh,

creamy and frothy every time.

After all, great coffee needs great milk!

“Quality coffee requires skill at a number of levels, from the farming, roasting and brewing of the coffee to the equipment I use and the ingredients I choose, such as milk. For that reason, I only use Avonmore Milk as they have a quality programme in place to ensure the freshest, premium tasting milk is available, all year round.”

Stephen Morrissey, World Barista Champion 2008.

January/February09Industry News

Cadbury Back on TV A GLASS and Half Full Productions has launched, ‘Eyebrows’, its third original production supporting Cadbury Dairy Milk, following on from the hugely successful ‘Gorilla’ and ‘Airport Trucks’. ‘Eyebrows’ brings to life the story of a brother and sister’s moment of mischief when backs are turned and they are left to their own devices, cranking out a range of eyebrow dance moves for 60 seconds to the sound of 'Don't Stop The Rock' by electrofunk superstar, Freestyle. With the production airing until the end of March, Cadbury Dairy Milk is paying its dues to some of the finest eyebrows ever sported, with a poll to reveal the top ten eyebrows in history, with Sean Connery and Brooke Shields topping the poll.

McGuigan Wines’ Australia Promotion LEADING Australian wine producer McGuigan has teamed up with Australian airline Qantas to offer Irish consumers the trip of a lifetime to Sydney and beyond.

The promotion, which runs in-store until May, offers Irish and UK consumers the chance to win one of six all expenses paid holidays per month to Australia for two people. Entry to the competition is through a dedicated promotional portal – www.mcguigan-wines.co.uk. The competition, to be communicated via bottle collars, will run across the recently launched McGuigan Classic Silver Label range as well as the brand’s iconic Black Label tier, including the new-to-market Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Merlot.

Walkers ‘Do Us A Flavour’ Finalists WALKERS’ Marketing Manager, Nicola Wells, is pictured at the announcement of the six finalists of the brand’s groundbreaking ‘Do Us A Flavour’ campaign with Gary Lineker and chef Heston Blumental, who was chief judge for the campaign.

The star-studded event, which took place in central London recently, unveiled the six final flavours as; Fish & Chips, Onion Bhaji, Chilli & Chocolate, Crispy Duck & Hoi Sin, Builder’s Breakfast and Cajun Squirrel. The six flavours will now face the public vote to decide which one stays on sale permanently. These six flavours are on sale since January 26 and retailers are encouraged to stock up on all six to meet the expected huge demand. The winning flavour will be announced in May 2009 and will join the Walkers flavours ‘Hall of Fame’.

Renobuild Paves the Way for Musgrave Cash & Carry MUSGRAVE Cash & Carry has chosen Ferns-based Renobuild to install Epoxy resin floors in its Cash & Carry outlets in Belfast and Cork. Musgrave Wholesale Partners is currently introducing a new customer-focused layout to its Cash & Carry outlets across the country. Renobuild installed new Epoxy resin floors in the Cork and Belfast stores as part of this project. “We have recently redesigned our Cash & Carry layout, introducing a new range of chilled and frozen foods along with ambient and non-food catering ranges. This new layout required the use of different colours for the floor to make the new fresh foods area stand out and to give the new display area a distinctive and unique feel,” states Owen McFeely, General Manager Musgrave Cash & Carry.

Gala Partners with Food Safety Specialist THE Gala Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Belfast-based Kelsius, a leading provider of automated HACCP compliance systems. This initiative will see the roll-out of the Kelsius wireless food monitoring solution across the Gala Group’s 260 retail stores in the Republic of Ireland. The agreement follows the successful installation and trial of the Kelsius system at four Gala locations in 2008. The Kelsius HACCP solution is a fully automated, paperless system, which ensures full compliance with statutory food safety requirements. The Kelsius wireless temperature sensors monitor and record air and product temperatures in all refrigerated areas. If a measured temperature rises above a set limit, an alert is triggered, which can be transmitted as a text message, email or via local visual and audible alarms. In addition to continuous temperature recording, the Kelsius system also provides time and task management by recording key activities, such as goods received, cleaning tasks and hot food probing. All records are securely stored on the Kelsius website and each retailer can access their records at any time from any web-enabled PC or laptop. HACCP reports can also be automatically emailed or faxed, as required.

12

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January/February09Karen

Meenan’s Top Tips

Cloth Cutting a Necessity If wage and other costs have increased over the last 10 years, how are retailers going to survive during the next 12 months? The main focus has to be on cloth cutting.

Ten

years ago in 1999, on the eve of the millennium, what was life like in a typical convenience store?

Getting staff was the priority for most retailers and keeping them was even harder. Workers were coming from South Africa, Eastern Europe and from Poland in particular to experience the economic boom and new competitor stores were opening on every corner.

Average gross margin was around 26%, overheads were around 8% and wage costs hovered between 7 and 8% - happy days for most retailers (except for the constant headache of recruitment and training of course).

10 years later, we face a very different picture: stores are closing – some economists predict that one third of all retail stores will be closed or in extreme financial difficulty by Easter 2009. Average gross margins have decreased to offer more value to consumers as the lure to discounters and shops north of the border continues to attract euros that are 14

worth almost as much as sterling.

But what has happened to wage costs and other overheads in the last decade? The introduction of the minimum wage in April 2000 was the kick-start to a spiral of wage costs in stores, which average between 12-14% in most convenience stores in 2009.

When the minimum wage was introduced at IR£4.40 (€5.59), it was compared with the UK minimum wage of UK£3.62: in those days, IR£1 = Stg£0.74.

Our minimum wage rates have risen steadily since 2000 and the last increase was given on July 1, 2007: the rate is now €8.65, an increase of 66% since it was first implemented.

The comparable rate now is UK£4.77 (employee aged 18-22) or UK£5.73 (employee aged 22 or over) – and the rate of sterling versus the euro has almost reached parity.

So what does that mean in real terms for retailers – particularly those in border counties? Simply put, customers are shopping for their weekly goods where they can buy more with their euro and retailers in towns north of the border can afford extra staff (particularly if those staff are aged under 22) to cope with the extra demand in customer numbers.

How To Survive So if wage and other costs have increased over the last 10 years, how are retailers going to survive during the next 12 months? The main focus has to be on cloth cutting. Take out your last set of accounts and study what areas need to be addressed: the roster is the obvious place to start.

Make sure you have enough staff to cope with the business of 2009 – not the same roster as before if your circumstances have changed utterly in the last six months. Aim for wage costs of 12% if you are a convenience store or 10% if you are a larger SuperValu or EUROSPAR store.

When you achieve that – aim for a further saving of 1%, just to be sure that your roster is as lean as possible.

Some costs, like insurance, have actually decreased slightly over the last decade but in the main, costs have risen – energy costs in particular have spiralled.

Since the electricity market deregulated in 2001, significant changes have taken place. Most notably, electricity costs have soared and the choice of supplier has increased from just ESB in 2001 to ESBIE, Energia, Bord Gais and Airtricity today.

Well, the good news first - energy

January/February09Karen

costs are not fixed overheads, rather controllable production costs that can be reduced almost instantly. Most retailers are aware that energy costs are rising, but are less sure what to do about it.

I wrote a piece for RETAIL NEWS in 2007 which introduced Energy Services Administration Limited and detailed a few case studies and helpful tips for reducing energy bills. Some stores contacted Susan Cromey after reading the article and have reaped big savings – some as high as €6k per annum – since then.

Soaring Energy Costs So what has happened in the last two years? A lot! Electricity prices increased by 12.5% in 2007 and 17.5% in 2008 – that is a whopping 30% increase in your electricity bills without increasing your usage. And that 30% increase is on top of the 100% increase from 2001 to 2007!

During the last two years, there have been supplier deals whereby energy costs were fixed for three years until 2009 – retailers who signed up with Energy Services Administration in 2007 are still paying for electricity at 2007 prices, while your prices went up by 30%. If you are paying 2007 prices now, take a bow.

In the past, your electricity supplier was your only point of contact to make changes to your tariff, your MIC (Maximum Import Capacity), and the installation of a Nightsaver meter. This has changed, so that now you have to deal with ESB Networks, MRSO and your electricity supplier to make changes to your account – more hassle.

How To Reduce Energy Costs So what are the ways you can actually reduce your electricity costs? Firstly, to understand how to reduce your costs, you must first understand what affects electricity prices. There are a number of key factors involved: for example, finding out the price per kwhr (kilowatt-hour) which involve little or no capital investment.

• Tariffs: There is a range of different tariff structures available to retailers and this is one of the

main areas for saving. As a result of the price increases, a large number of businesses are no longer on the correct tariff. One tariff in particular, which most businesses would be on, the low voltage maximum demand tariff, has been hit the hardest with price increases over the last few years.

Tariffs need to be reviewed each year as new tariff prices come into effect. For example, going back six years, the Maximum Demand tariff was the most appropriate tariff for most retailers. This is no longer the case.

• MIC (Maximum Import Capacity): Each business signs up to a level of power with ESB Networks.

Most businesses are not set at the correct power level and as a result, are either paying for a power level they don’t use or need or they are paying penalty charges because the MIC is set too low. For example, if your store is set for 50 MIC and you actually require 30 MIC you are paying for 20 MIC which you do not use. Similarly, if you are using 70 MIC and you are set for 50 MIC then you are paying a penalty for going over your MIC setting.

• Wattless Charges: These are charges that may appear on the electricity bill if there is low power factor. These unnecessary charges can be eliminated immediately by having a power factor correction capacitor installed. There are different sizes of capacitor, depending on how poor the power factor is, but generally speaking, the payback on such a unit is less than a year.

• Electricity Supplier Offers: There are a number of electricity

Meenan’s Top Tips

suppliers operating in the Irish electricity market, namely ESB, ESBIE, Energia, Bord Gais and Airtricity. Electricity suppliers have different systems for pricing and contracts, which makes it difficult for the retailer to choose the most competitive supplier for their business.

• Energy Efficiency: Apart from the above four factors that affect the electricity price per kwhr, there are a number of measures which can be used to improve energy efficiency. These include: Refrigeration: • Ensuring seals on cold/freezer rooms are not torn or worn.

• Ensuring that two defrosts occur during the daytime electricity rate and two during the cheaper nighttime electricity rate.

• Using covering panels on island freezers when the store is closed.

Lighting: • For new sites, it is important to have the lighting zoned so that separate parts of the store can be switched off independently. This is cheaper than retrofitting at a later stage.

• Display lighting (e.g. in dairy walls etc) should not be switched on until soon before the store opens and immediately after the store closes to the public.

Air Conditioning: • Control panels should ideally be positioned in the manager’s office or another location where staff cannot turn on air conditioning.

• The units should be dusted out every month and at least three times a year, they should be physically removed and cleaned.

Benefits of an Energy Audit Every business, small and large, needs to have their energy costs audited and reviewed, just like any other business overhead.

Energy Administration Services Ltd was established in 1985 as an energy consultancy company. They

15

January/February09Karen

Meenan’s Top Tips

TOP 5 ENERGY CRIMES There are lots of ways to reduce your electricity bills, but there are a few that have no excuses not to be implemented. If you are not doing the following correctly, you are wasting lots of money on your electricity bills: - All retailers should be availing of a nightsaver rate.

Night time electricity is over 50% cheaper than daytime.

- A tariff friendly defrost schedule cycle should be in place. There should be two defrosts on night rate and two on the day rate. Major defrosts should be staggered and not happening concurrently.

- Your choice of electricity supplier is crucial to your costs. If you are with the ESB, there is an automatic saving by switching to an independent electricity supplier. Some have fixed rates, price freezes, affinity deals etc. it is important to be able to choose the correct rate with the correct supplier for your electricity profile.

- If your MIC (Maximum Import Capacity) is too high or too low, it will cost you. This should be set at the correct level according to your Maximum Demand over the last 12 months.

- Invoice checking – there are increasingly more and more billing errors occurring on electricity invoices.

Most retailers don’t check their bills for errors, price changes, and discounts not being applied. provide energy management and auditing services in commercial and retail markets in Ireland. They examine and audit a business’ energy costs and suggest ways to reduce costs to ensure retailers are paying the lowest possible price for their energy purchases. In short, they achieve energy cost savings through simple, low or no cost investment methods.

The normal fee for an energy audit is a once off 50% of the first year’s savings. There is a special deal if you are a member of CSNA (Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association) which is a once off payment of 40% of the first year’s savings. A savings report will be sent each quarter for the first year to keep you informed of the savings being achieved as a result of price change recommendations.

It’s easy to have an energy audit undertaken. Some retailers are put off having an energy audit of their store carried out as they think it will involve a lot of their time, paperwork, digging out electricity invoices, turning off lights at certain times etc. This is certainly not the case.

To have an energy audit undertaken: - Make contact with the energy auditor.

About the Author RETAIL consultant Karen Meenan runs her own consultancy business, Results Training & Marketing, focusing on net profit and how to maximise profit for the retailer. For more information, contact Karen on 086 6027711 or by email kmeenan@eircom.net.

Results Training & Marketing When Results Really Matter

16

-

-

If the electricity account is with Energia, the account number will suffice. Otherwise, a copy of a recent electricity bill can be faxed to the auditor.

The auditor undertakes the review of the account, and presents the report to the retailer.

The retailer just needs to sign some energy documentation and that is it. The auditor takes responsibility from there to implement the savings.

Energy Administration Services Ltd have offices in Dublin and Cork which carry out energy audits throughout the country. Contact Susan Cromey on 087 2218714 / 01 4990792 or email energyservices@eircom.net or visit web site www.energyadmin.net.

Energy Administration Services Ltd REDUCE ELECTRICITY COSTS IN YOUR BUSINESS Established in 1985, we are an energy consultancy company providing a structured review of how a business’s energy is purchased, managed and used with the sole aim of identifying opportunities for cost savings and energy usage reduction. We have undertaken several hundred energy audits in SuperValu, Centra, Eurospar, Spar, Mace and Londis retail stores nationwide.

CSNA members qualify for a 20% fee discount.

• Procurement: Negotiation of lower prices with the electricity suppliers, tariff analysis, Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) correction and wattless charge correction.

• Energy Efficiency Audits: Identification of areas of energy wastage with no/low cost recommendations on ways to reduce energy usage in your store.

• Energy Management Services: Monitoring and analysis of your electricity bills for errors, recovering of over-payments on bills and liaising with your electricity supplier on changes to or problems with your electricity account.

Contact us below for a free initial consultation and see how we can help to reduce the electricity costs in your business.

Dublin office

Cork office

10 Mayfield Road Terenure Dublin 6

12 Melbourn Road Bishopstown Cork

Tel: 01 4990792 Fax: 01 4990774 Mobile: 087 2218714

Tel: 021 4542952 Fax: 021 4346822 Mobile: 087 2534286

Email: energyservices@eircom.net

January/February09Update

Centra Seals Alcohol Sales!

THE Centra store in Dublin’s Temple Bar has come up with a novel way of doing its bit to continue the improvement of the image of the area by placing all alcohol purchased in the store in sealed bags. The move to introduce the sealed bags for an initial trial period of three months will ensure that customers of Centra in Temple Bar understand that it is illegal to drink alcohol in public areas in Dublin City and encourage greater responsibility among those who purchase alcohol in the store. This new store policy introduced by Centra in Temple Bar will be communicated to customers via an impactful poster design in the store’s off licence. Pictured are Des O'Mahony, Centra; Keith Doyle, General Manager, Centra Temple Bar; and Enda Martin, store owner.

New Operations Director at Superquinn SUPERQUINN has announced the appointment of Sheena Forde to Operations Director, with responsibility for the operational running of the company’s 23 stores and all new store developments. Her responsibilities will be to continue to bring Superquinn stores up to the highest store standards and deliver excellent customer focus and service, while maintaining control of costs.

Bord Bia Targets €10 billion Food and Drink Exports by 2011 “THE Irish food, drink and horticulture industry has the potential to boost annual export returns by more than 20% to reach €10 billion by 2011,” according to Bord Bia’s Chairman, Dan Browne. Speaking at the launch of Bord Bia’s Statement of Strategy 2009-2011, Browne noted how “the relative stability of food markets during the downturn, combined with the relentless rise in the world’s population, growing at the rate of almost 80m people a year, and shifting dietary habits, will continue to underpin global demand for food.” Pictured at the launch of Bord Bia’s Statement of Strategy 2009-2011 are Dan Browne, Chairman, Bord Bia and Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive.

Irish Rugby’s Cereal Thrillers!

Heineken to Distribute Polish Beers

KELLOGG’S Nutri-Grain, the official snack of the Irish rugby team, has launched an extensive integrated campaign during the Six Nations tournament. Kellogg’s has invested over €800,000 in the campaign, which includes TV, radio, press and outdoor advertising. Below-the-line activity will include in-store promotions and match-day sampling. Rugby fans are being given the chance to win tickets to Ireland’s Six Nations game against England through an RTÉ 2fm Breakfast Show competition, while a free mobile phone-text-based competition offers consumers the chance to win weekend trips to see Ireland’s away-games against Wales and Scotland. Pictured at the Irish team camp in Limerick at the launch of the Kellogg’s NutriGrain Golden Ticket Competition are Irish International rugby players Peter Stringer, John Hayes and Gordon D’Arcy, with model Jenny Lee Masterson.

HEINEKEN Ireland has obtained the franchise to market and distribute the Polish beers Zywiec and Strong in the Irish marketplace, effective immediately. Zywiec, Poland’s number one premium lager, and Grupa Zywiec’s flagship brand, has enjoyed success in the Irish market since its introduction in 2005. Strong, a 7% ABV Polish beer, will form part of the new agreement and will become part of the Heineken Ireland International Beers Portfolio.

Global Jelly Bean Lawsuit Settled JELLY Belly Candy Company, makers of Jelly Belly jelly beans, have reached an out-of-court settlement with Ireland’s Aran Candy, which ends trademark infringement lawsuits in three countries. The settlement requires Aran Candy to desist from using a similar Jelly Belly logo, their unique menu design, certain proprietary flavour names, and Jelly Belly’s humanised jelly bean character, Mr Jelly Belly. Aran has also agreed not to use worldwide a similar mark to the Jelly Belly registered Chinese mark. The lawsuits were filed in the US, Canada and United Kingdom and were settled by the parties before the cases went to trial.

17

News Interview

Crisp Performance Raymond Coyle, owner and founder of Largo Foods, talks about the continued development of the Irish snack market and Largo’s upcoming product launches. “

The

biggest single change in the crisp and snack market in the last decade was the entry of Walkers into the Irish market in 2000. That certainly galvanised people into looking at things differently.”

Such is the view of Raymond Coyle, owner and founder of Largo Foods, who own the Tayto, King, Hunky Dorys and Perri brands.

Formed by Coyle, previously a potato grower for Tayto, in 1983, Largo has grown to become Ireland’s largest indigenous producer of crisps and snack foods, with a market-leading share of 47.6% (Source: ACNielsen, 12 months to December 28, 2008) and a turnover approaching €100m per annum.

Coyle is an old-school entrepreneur but with a succinct market savvy and business nous to ensure that his company continues to thrive, despite the increasingly competitive nature of the sector in which he operates, an area where his competitors are, for the most part, huge multinationals.

18

“These are very well managed and well funded companies, so you’ve got to be on top of your game to compete with them,” he admits.

He’s disarmingly honest about what Walkers entry into the market meant for Largo, who then owned the Perri and Hunky Dorys brands (they subsequently purchased Tayto in 2006): “It was a real challenge for us because it meant that there was a new, serious competitor in the market. At the time, we had Perri and Hunky Dorys, so I suppose it was a bigger challenge for Tayto: they were the ones who were going to lose most

by Walkers’ entry. The entry of Walkers grew the market, but Tayto lost market share each year until 2007.”

Since Largo Foods purchased Tayto from C&C in June 2006, including the Tayto and King brands, their stewardship of these quintessentially Irish brands has been about maintaining market share in an ever-more competitive market sector.

“We want to hold what we have in

terms of market share,” Coyle declares. “If we can increase it, we will, but our primary concern is to halt any decline and hold onto the business we have.”

Targeted Marketing Campaigns To that end, the company have been successful, maintaining their share of the crisp and snack sector in 2007 and 2008, thanks to a combination of highly targeted marketing and new product development.

“Our research found that consumers felt the Tayto brand was a bit pedantic and old-fashioned and we wanted to change that,” Coyle confesses.” We came up with some campaigns to re-invigorate the brand to define Tayto as an Irish brand and to make it fun.”

The resulting ‘Vote For Mr Tayto’ campaign was massively successful, tapping into the public’s interest in the 2007 General Election to great effect, as Mr Tayto and his spokesperson, actor Frank Kelly,

Raymond Coyle photographed by Mark Condren, Sunday Tribune.

January/February09Retail

January/February09Retail

News Interview

that if you do introduce a product that tastes well, people will buy it.”

Coyle believes that demand for indulgence products will remain high, despite the recession, as consumers view these products as an affordable luxury.

“We feel there will be a growth in Pictured are Rita Kirwan, Marketing Director and Nicola Weldon, Senior Brand Manager photographed alongside the snack foods marRicardo Cordoba, Bernard Dunne and promoter Brian Peters ket this year,” he at the launch of the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night. notes. “Due to the recession and the general lack of money, people will eat important to Coyle, a potato grower more comfort food. Last year saw a himself before he entered the snack 6% growth in snack foods and we feel food business. that will continue across “We are unashamedly saying that the whole category. We we are an Irish brand, because that New Product hope to hold our share of makes us different,” he enthuses. “We Development that. use all Irish products in the manufacNew product development “We have a range of ture of our crisps, except for the cookwas also a key component new products on the way. ing oil, which is not grown in Ireland. in Largo’s recent success.

Unfortunately, most new It has always been important for us High profile launches like products don’t work but one to be an Irish brand and to use Irish Tayto Velvet Crunch, a or two really work, so we suppliers. Tayto and King have been reduced fat snack, and the will continue to introduce brands that have always been made indulgent Tayto Bistro have new products to the market.” here, for over 50 years, and I think proved tremendously sucWhile the company we would lose a lot of the emphasis of cessful, and Coyle promisindulges in vigorous marthe brand if they were to be manufaces more new products on ket research and product tured somewhere else.” the way. testing before launching a Largo Foods employ 624 people “As people travelled new product, Coyle feels across Ireland, at their processing more, consumers were that “the easiest way to plants in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, and looking for products New product development, test the market is to bring Donegal and through their countrythat were new and difsuch as the launch of out a small run of a new wide sales force. A number of staff at ferent and they were Tayto Occasions, has been a crucial part of Largo product. You can be forevLargo have been with the company willing to try different Foods’ success in Ireland. er testing the market and for over 30 years, and Coyle pays products and flavours,” spend a lot of money with research tribute to his workforce for the comhe explains. “Consumers have also groups, but if you can bring out a pany’s success in Ireland. been looking for products with health small batch of a benefits or with indulgence propernew product, you ties. In the last few months, however, won’t be long in consumers are looking for value: they knowing whether it are more cautious about what way will sell or not.” they spend their money.

“The trend towards healthy products is here to stay, as long as they Supporting also deliver on taste. A lot of products Irish Suppliers that are good for you don’t taste parLargo is very proud of ticularly nice, so we need to make being an Irish comsure that our products deliver on pany, and to that flavour and health benefits, in order end, supporting to encourage repeat purchase. Velvet Irish suppliers is Crunch really delivered on both something that has those counts and proves the point always been travelled the country electioneering on behalf of the famous brand icon.

“That was a very tough election and Mr Tayto brought some fun and craic to it,” recalls Coyle. “It was a high profile campaign, involving TV and radio advertising, 48-sheet outdoor advertising and a nationwide tour.”

A year later, they followed it up with the ‘Mr Tayto Is Looking for Love’ campaign, which is still attracting huge numbers of hits on its dedicated website (www.mrtayto.ie) and there is a third campaign planned for later in the year. While he’s not giving anything away, Coyle insists that “it will be great fun and very Irish.

With the times we live in, there is enough doom and gloom, so Mr Tayto is going to come out and have some fun.”

Tayto and King: two of Ireland’s best loved crisp brands.

19

“I originally grew potatoes for Tayto and never envisaged that I’d be able to buy the brand, but you never know what’s going to happen and what opportunities are going to come your way. There will be more opportunities this year and next year: you

which we wouldn’t otherwise have. The second reason was monetary, to reduce our debt and introduce extra working capital into the company.”

Largo Foods’ product range enjoys approximately 97% store penetration throughout the country, including multiples, symbol groups and independents.

The Future

And so to the future. As Coyle notes, “This is a business in which you can’t stand still.

You’ve got to be innovative and you’ve got to generate profit to keep the banks happy and keep confidence high.”

To that end, Largo are already making plans for the year ahead. The entire Tayto snacks range is being refreshed with new packaging, which will be followed by the Perri range later in the year. Hunky Dorys are engaging in a heavyweight promotional campaign, sponsoring boxer Bernard Dunne’s world title fight in Dublin this March. Exports, too, are high on the agenda.

“We would like to develop our business in the UK, but it is difficult now with the currency exchange rates: we’re looking at a 24% differential since November 1 and that is a huge change in just three months,” he sighs ruefully. “We’re looking at aggressively taking costs out of our business to keep us competitive in the UK, and I think that’s going to take further investment in terms of automated machinery.”

just have to be a little bit more choosy about what you do.”

They have also expanded outside Ireland, running a factory in the Czech Republic for a number of years, as well as Moldova, and have also began crisp manufacture in Libya, in a joint venture with a local entrepreneur.

Last year saw Coyle selling 15% of Largo Foods to Intersnack, a panEuropean snack giant, for €15m. “The reasons we sold a share were twofold,” Coyle explains. “Firstly, for the technical link-up with this company, who are the second biggest in Europe in the snack food business, so we have access to a lot of technical information

Hunky Dorys Visitors Centre

Tayto Toobz: part of Largo Foods’ successful product portfolio.

20

Raymond Coyle’s plans don’t begin and end with snack food manufacture, however. Summer 2010 will see the opening of the Hunky Dorys Visitors Centre adjacent to the company’s manufacturing facility in Ashbourne. It will encompass a wild animal park, with 18 species of animals, including white leopards, buffalo (Coyle already owns a 250-strong herd of buffalo in Ashbourne), black bears, American eagles, as well as an Indian village, a restaurant, coffee shop and chil-

dren’s playing area, and a tour of the crisp-making facilities at the site, including the history of Tayto crisps.

“It will take up most of our energy and money for a year and a half and will open up in May/June 2010,” Coyle notes. “We have the landscaping done and we’re just waiting for planning permission for the main building.” When finished, the visitors centre will employ 70 people and will be open year-round.

When Largo Foods first opened its doors, 26 years ago, Coyle had no idea how far they would come, but he’s far from sitting on his laurels just yet.

“When I started making crisps, there were nine people employed here,” he says. “We felt if we could grow the business to sales of seven or eight thousand a year, wouldn’t that be marvellous. But life moves on and never stops. I originally grew potatoes for Tayto and never envisaged that I’d be able to buy the brand, but you never know what’s going to happen and what opportunities are going to come your way.

There will be more opportunities this year and next year: you just have to be a little bit more choosy about what you do.”

The Tayto Acquisition BUYING the Tayto brand was the single biggest change to Largo Foods, since their inception in 1983. It was quite an audacious move for Raymond Coyle, who had previously been a potato grower for Tayto, then owned by C&C. “I knew the brand was going to come up for sale eventually,” he recalls. “We had invested a lot of capital in our plant to accommodate the manufacture of Tayto crisps, which was one of the reasons for wanting to buy the company, but there was also nowhere else to go in Ireland: it was a case of buy Tayto and King or we were capped out.

“We integrated both companies, removing a lot of costs from the operation and we continue to do that,” he continues. “We are a better company now, with better synergies and greater buying power, so it was a good move for us.”

RN January/February09Commercial Transport ●

Commercial Transport Supplement Berlingo and Partner Share Irish Van of the Year

The

Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner were jointly voted Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2009 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA). The Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner finished ahead of the Fiat Fiorino and the Citroen Nemo / Peugeot Bipper, followed by the Hyundai H1, the Smith Electric Edison and the Piaggio Porter.

All nine voting members of the Irish Motoring Writers Association van jury took part in the vote. Valuefor-money, reliability, versatility and lasting residual value were among the attributes assessed by the judging panel.

Presenting the award to Paul Cregan, Managing Director of Citroen Gallic Distributors, and Michael Dwan, Managing Director of Gowan Distributors, Paddy Murphy of sponsors Semperit Ireland, said: “The Berlingo and Partner have won the valuable endorsement of the Irish Motoring Writers’ van jury and I am

sure that in these tougher times in the commercial vehicle sector and wider economy, that endorsement will be a huge boost to the success of the vans in the Irish market.”

Dave McConnell, Managing Director of Gowan Distributors This is a big (Peugeot) and Paul Cregan, Managing Director Gallic double for the Distributors (Citroen) with the 2009 Semperit Irish Van of the Berlingo, following Year award, won jointly by the Peugeot Partner and Citroen the capture of this Berlingo. title for the original Peugeot 4007 were voted joint model. It is justified that it is now Category Winners in the SUV accompanied by a brother model from Commercials sector of the Semperit sister company, the Peugeot Partner.

Irish Van of the Year 2009 by the The Fiat Fiorino came a very worthy IMWA Van Jury. The awards were second and also represents excellent presented to representatives of Gallic value. The Berlingo and Partner sucDistributors (Citroen)/ Gowan ceed the Fiat Scudo, which won the Distributors (Peugeot) at the 2008 Semperit Irish Van of the Year Semperit Irish Car and Van of the title.

Year awards event.

Meanwhile, the Citroen Crosser /

Ford Focus is Irish Car-Derived Van of the Year 2009 THE Ford Focus Van was voted Category Winner in the Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2009 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) Van Jury. In deciding on these category winners, the jury members took into account such attributes as: load capacity, reliability, overall versatility, cost of ownership and drive comfort.

The award was presented to Eddie Murphy, managing Director of Ford Ireland at the Semperit Irish Car and Van of the Year awards event.

Paddy Murphy of Semperit, award sponsor, commented: “As with the rest of the motor industry, the van market is suffering during this

current downturn. Van users need guidance through the myriad of choices that are available on the Irish market and that is the valuable

service that the IMWA’s Van category awards can provide. Prospective buyers would do well to heed the choice of the IMWA van jury.”

21

RN January/February09Commercial Transport ●

Three Share International Van of the Year Award THE sister van models by Citroen, Fiat and Peugeot were jointly awarded the ‘International Van of the Year 2009’ award. This is a unique double, as the three brands also won the 2008 honours with their Dispatch, Scudo and Expert models.

The Citroen Nemo, Fiat Fiorino and Peugeot Bipper were jointly presented with the trophy at the 62nd International Commercial Vehicles Show in Germany. The new trio are aimed at the entry level of the European small van market and scored 112 points out of a possible 140. Together, they are redefining the standards of the 1B segment and play a leading role in the light commercial vehicles market. The jury of the International Van of the Year particularly liked the fact that these three new models are creating a new market segment. Over the last few decades, light commercial vehicles have evolved in their load capacity, leaving a gap at the lower end of the range.

Born out of the industrial collaboration between Fiat Group Automobiles and PSA, the Bipper, Fiorino and Nemo are manufactured at the Tofas factory in Bursa (Turkey) and are being sold around the world.

A Citroen spokesman said, “This award really highlights the Nemo’s unique operational, economic and environmental benefits. As the instigator of the compact high cube van sector, the Nemo is the ideal van for a wide range of businesses, which accounts for its significant early success across a growing customer base.”

Citroen tells us that it is the first manufacturer in the awards’ 16-year history to gain both first and second places in the same year - and only the second manufacturer to pick up successive International Van of the Year awards.

A spokesperson for Peugeot noted how “the LCV’s compact size, optimised load volume (up to 2.8 m3), payload (up to 610 kg), practicality and superb handling were also recognised. The low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (62.7 mpg and 119g/km in the combined cycle with the 1.4 litre HDi engine) also helped it win the title.”

Fiat’s spokesperson was also quoted: “Safe and reliable, the Fiorino offers excellent dynamic behaviour, whatever the use or type of journey. This is achieved by the two power units – the 73 bhp 1.4 petrol and the 75 bhp 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel (also available with particulate filter) – which are a pleasure to drive, reliable and environmentally friendly, and also offer very low running costs (consumption and maintenance). In particular, the 1.3 MultiJet permits a range of 600 miles on a full tank of diesel (62.7 mpg for the combined cycle), and has CO2 emissions of only 119 g/km, the best-in-class value in the The winners of the International Van of the Year Awards (from segment. The oil change frequencies for both engines are top): Citroen Nemo, Fiat Fiorino and Peugeot Bipper.

18,000 miles (or 24 months). The layout of the individual engine components has been designed to significantly The winning trio are most practical and environmenreduce the time required for maintenance or repair.” tally responsible vans on the market today, coupled Fiat also revealed that the Fiorino will subsequently with their compact size, agile handling and tight turnalso be available either with electric power or a compressed ing circle. natural gas (CNG) engine.

22

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RN January/February09Commercial Transport ●

Ford Unveils €10m Van Package FORD Ireland is introducing a unique sales and marketing initiative, worth up to €10m, to help small and medium-sized businesses weather the difficult economic climate.

The move, which involves a repayment holiday until Summer 2010 on all new Ford vans purchased, comes as commercial vehicle sales have been falling sharply in tandem with a slowdown in economic activity.

“Commercial vehicles are essential to the functioning of thousands of businesses around Ireland, and Ford has long been the main supplier of these vehicles,” explains Eddie Murphy, Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “That need does not necessarily lessen in today’s climate, but the cash flow implications of acquiring a new van can be an obstacle.

“The ‘Let’s Keep Ireland Moving’ programme will allow operators the comfort of a break in monthly repayments until summer 2010 - by which time we all hope the economy is back on track. We know this can mean the difference between make or break for

profitable but cashstrapped businesses.”

Ford explains the 18month payment holiday is based on a business trading in a commercial vehicle, or paying a deposit, to the value of 50% of the new van price. The programme, in conjunction with Ford Credit, will feature a dedicated website with a guide for small businesses on how to keep transport costs in Eddie Murphy, Managing Director of Ford Ireland, check in difficult times, as pictured at the announcement of the 'Lets Keep well as details on the Ireland Moving' programme. finance offer and the entire ness customers, large and small, from range of Ford vans. a myriad of sectors, have chosen the There is no disputing that for over vehicle to power their businesses.

40 years, the Ford Transit has been “The Ford commercial vehicle has an ever-present in the evolution of the been part of the industrial landscape Irish economy, clocking up millions of in Ireland for half a century,” conmiles through the infrastructural tends Eddie Murphy. “Its sales have progress of the late ‘60s, the export mirrored the fortunes of our economy. drive of the ‘70s, the recessionary ‘80s Now, more than ever, we need to keep and the Celtic Tiger of the late ‘90s. the country moving, and this initiaWith sales of more than 60,000 units tive is Ford’s input to that challenge.” over those decades, thousands of busi-

Good News for VW Commercials THE Volkswagen Caddy and its new, larger sibling, the Caddy Maxi, received some good news at the UKbased What Van? Vans of the Year Awards 2008. This comes on top of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrating the Transporter winning the Best Medium Van award at the inaugural Fleet Van Awards.

The What Van? Awards 2008 gave the new Caddy Maxi the prestigious Editor’s Choice award, while the Caddy was Highly Commended in the Light Van of the Year category against the trio of new small vans from the PSA group.

The Caddy Maxi was launched earlier this year and joined the Volkswagen van range between the Caddy and Transporter models, offering a load volume of 4.2 m3, and a payload of up to 800 kg. By comparison, the compact Caddy offers 3.2 m3 of load-space and up to 724 kg of payload.

24

Commenting on the award for the Caddy Maxi, What Van? said: “Volkswagen’s solidly constructed Caddy Maxi van offers fans of the standard Caddy who need a bit more cargo space exactly what they are

looking for. Out on the road, the 2.0litre TDI PD engine Caddy, in particular, packs plenty of punch, but whatever engine you pick, you’ll get a van with VW’s usual precise gearchange.”

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi.

LOADING POWER DRIVING PLEASURE

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Test drive one today.

FROM PROFESSIONALS TO PROFESSIONALS *Price excluding VAT and dealer delivery charges.Valid for a 1.6HDi 75bhp 625kg level 1 **Model Dependant

RN January/February09Commercial Transport ●

Green is the Theme at Van Show FROM the lightest vans to the heaviest trucks and buses, ‘green’ thinking was, inevitably, one of the main themes of just about every manufacturer’s display at the Hanover CV Show.

“We face the question of how we can meet the growing demand for transport services while at the same time lowering emissions,” said Wilfried Porth, head of vans at Daimler.

The company’s solution is a crossbrand initiative called ‘Shaping Future Transportation’, featuring hybrid vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid Sprinter van, and a high-efficiency concept diesel van, the Vito BlueEfficiency. This features an economical six-speed transmission, stopstart function, and a comprehensive package of aerodynamic improvements, which means it uses 1.5 litres less fuel per 100km than a standard Vito, while cutting 40g/km off the vehicle’s CO2 emissions.

Volkswagen is also incorporating its fuel-efficient diesels into its van range. The Crafter BlueMotion Studie is a 3.5-tonne van with VW’s latest Euro 5-compliant diesel engines, giving fuel economy of 31.04mpg. This uses an SCR catalyst with AdBlue technology to make significant reductions in NOx emissions.

Mercedes Vito Blue Efficiency has a comprehensive package of aerodynamic improvements.

Nissan is also working on improving fuel economy of its vans. “We’ll be launching two mass-market hybrid light commercial vehicles by 2012,” said Andy Palmer, Nissan’s Corporate vice-president of marketing, LCV business unit.

A hybrid version of the Cabstar light truck was unveiled at the show, which offers a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel economy compared to a conventional diesel equivalent.

The hybrid system has been developed in collaboration with transmission specialist ZF. “It is designed for

urban areas where stop-start driving is the norm,” said Palmer.

Meanwhile, Iveco CEO, Paolo Monferino said his company was well on the way to meeting Euro 6 standards, expected around 2014. This level is already almost achieved by natural gas-powered vehicles, he said.

“Iveco is the European leader in this category, with more than 10,000 vehicles in circulation.” Iveco also has diesel electric hybrid vans and buses in operation, while a zero-emissions battery electric version of the Daily panel van is now available as well.

Fiat Ducato Van Reaches Major Milestone THE Fiat Ducato achieved a major milestone as its production total has risen to two million units since the launch of the first version in 1981. The Ducato has been a much-loved vehicle for more than 25 years: it is popular with self-employed workers such as trades-people, shopkeepers and farmers. It is also a favourite of big companies and special clients such as local authorities, the police, government departments and health authorities. It is much appreciated by bodyshops-converters specialising in the leisure sector (campers, caravans, motorhomes) or special public transport (minibuses, school buses, ambulances, disabled vehicles) and goods (box 26

trucks, insulated trucks, armoured vehicles for transporting valuables, mobile shops).

RN January/February09Commercial Transport ●

New Nissan NV200 Offers Best in Class Cargo Efficiency JUST before Christmas, Nissan announced that its all-new NV200 compact van will offer best in class cargo efficiency when it goes on sale later in 2009. Nissan’s engineers have made it possible to combine large cargo space (with the possibility to load up to 4.1 m3) with the exterior dimensions of a compact segment van. The NV200 will also offer the possibility to maximise cargo space utility. The smart cargo floor layout allows accommodation of a standard Europallet between the rear wheel arches.

“The NV200 is a key product for the future success of the Nissan LCV business,” said Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President of Nissan’s LCV Business Unit. “It will allow us to enter key markets with an innovative proposition based on customers’ unmet needs. The NV200 creates a new segment in the small van sector.”

The NV200 will be launched in Japan in the first half of 2009 and in

Europe in the second half of the year.

To ensure a successful launch of the NV200 and other future products, Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicle Business Unit (LCV BU) has reinforced its sales, service and after-sales operations. Under its Pro-Shop strategy, Nissan has created centres across its global network that offer LCV customers a full range of sales and after-sales services.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinters Deliver for DHL MERCEDEZ-BENZ has completed delivery of 50 Sprinter vans to international express and logistics specialists DHL. Fitted out in accordance with DHL specifications in terms of interior shelving, partitioning and driver walk-through access from cab to cargo area, the vans were manufactured and delivered to Ireland in DHL's distinctive yellow livery.

Subsequently, DHL's unique red logo and branding was applied by Mercedes-Benz prior to the vehi28

cles entering service. Picture shows part of the 50 unit Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fleet ready for dispatch to the 10 DHL depots around Ireland from which they will operate.

In Japan, Nissan has prepared over 230 outlets for the sales and service of light commercial vehicles. In Europe, the light commercial vehicle network now includes over 570 outlets. A Pro-Shop includes specialised sales persons and dedicated workshop and after-sales personnel that understand the unique needs of professional vehicle owners and operators.

About the Author PADRAIC Deane, one of Ireland’s top motoring journalists, has been writing the annual RETAIL NEWS commercial transport report for over 10 years. He is managing editor/ publisher at Automotive Publications, which includes titles such as the Motorshow Car Buyers Guide Annual and the Auto Trade Journal. He also writes weekly a consumer motoring column in many regional newspapers. Padraic is the Irish juror for the International Engine of the Year award and he is the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) Secretary. He also served as Chairman of the IMWA between 2004 and 2006. In his on-going role, he is a juror for the Irish Car of the Year, Irish Van of the Year and Irish Commercial SUV of the Year awards.

RN January/February09Confectionery ●

New Innovations from Wrigley The Wrigley Company is launching two new products, guaranteed to shake up the confectionery sector.

The

Wrigley Company is launching two innovative new products onto the Irish market. New Extra Ice Mints are available in a premium packaging format; a sleek and stylish tin, while new Airwaves Menthol and Eucalyptus are available in a handy plastic tubular ‘Go Pack’.

Extra Ice Mints Extra Ice Mints are the latest innovation from the Extra brand, and are available in two flavours, Peppermint and Spearmint, aimed at delivering excitement to the premium segment of the mint category. New Extra Ice Mints will have an RRP of €1.35 and contain 33 delicious and freshening sugar free mints.

This premium mint product will offer consumers ultimate freshness and will deliver incremental sales to the category. Research also shows that younger consumers who do not traditionally buy mints love this new product (Source: ACNielsen Bases Research).

A steady growth in mints over recent years has been driven by innovation. Premium mints are growing slower than other mints as innovation has not been strong: however, other areas of confectionery respond well to premium products. Extra Mints are already the No. 1 sugarfree mint brand, with 75% value share (Source: ACNielsen, 52 we 2/11/08).

Bringing in younger consumers is

New Extra Ice Mints, available in two flavours, Peppermint and Spearmint, are aimed at delivering excitement to the premium segment of the mint category.

essential for long term category growth. Extra Mints appeal to younger consumers: 66% of Extra Mint users are under 35 compared to just 32% of all mint users. Extra Mints in a Tin have a proven record, and are already the best selling mint in Australia.

Heavyweight Support Package

tube containing 20 pellets, with an RRP of €1.50. The new format will look to further grow the brand, which is now worth €6.3m (Source: ACNielsen: 52 weeks, w.e. 02/11/08).

Gum is growing much faster than total confectionery and over twice as fast as chocolate (Source: Euromonitor). The Go Pack has performed brilliantly in France, where the company have already achieved a 1.8% value share from this SKU alone.

“We are very much looking forward to the launch of the Airwaves Go Pack in Ireland,” notes Alexandra

The launch will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign that includes TV advertising, sponsorship of Channel 4’s ‘Hollyoaks’, the UK’s number one teen drama, consumer PR, in-store promotions at launch, POS support and extensive sampling.

Alexandra MacHutchon, Corporate Communications at Wrigley, comments: “We are extremely excited about the much anticipated launch of Extra Ice Mints in a Tin. New Airwaves Go Pack is a robust and The Extra brand has a proven track stylish tube containing 20 pellets, enabling record of delivering category growth consumers to stay in stock of their favourite gum wherever they are. and we see the latest offering as a great way to capitalise on the conMacHutchon. “Our pre-launch research sumer demand for premium confectells us that 77% of the Airwaves chewtionery products and ultimate freshers we questioned would buy the new ness. We would advise retailers to Go Pack (Source: TNS online Bus stock these new mint lines to take full Study March 2008), so with this in advantage of the additional sales and mind, we are confident that consumers profit opportunities.” will share our excitement about the new convenient format.”

Airwaves Go Pack The launch of Airwaves Go Pack will Gum Facts have dedicated outdoor media • Wrigley has a 97.3% gum share in Ireland support, in addition to the ongoing (Source: ACNielsen, 52 w.e. 02/11/08). sponsorship of the Airwaves World • Wrigley has a 7.7% share of Total Mints Rally Championship. The launch will in Ireland and a 74.5% share of also be supported by high impact Sugarfree Mints (Source: ACNielsen, 52 displays in major retailers. w.e. 02/11/08).

The first packaging innovation • Wrigley share of total confectionery is from Airwaves since its launch, the 7% (Source: Euromonitor 2007). new Go Pack is a robust and stylish 29

RN

January/February09On

The Vine

Gibneys Named Off Licence of the Year Jean Smullen reports from the NOffLA Off Licence Awards 2009, where Gibney’s of Malahide was named Off Licence of the Year 2009.

So

far, 2009 has been a year of relentless bad news and bad feeling.

However, for me, the National Off Licence 2009 Awards ceremony changed all that, with NOffLA announcing the winners at a gala celebrating held in the King’s Inn. Hats off to Reggie Walsh, the driving force behind NOffLA and the PR team at Grayling for putting some fun back into life again!

The Awards, now in their 13th year, were the brainchild of the Executive Committee at NOffLA and were designed to help develop best practice within the independent off licence sector and to encourage off licences to raise their game. Evelyn Jones, owner of The Vintry in Rathgar, and winner of the 2008 Off Licence of the Year, has been one of the driving forces behind these developments in recent years, a fact duly acknowledged by NOffLA's Chairman, Jim McCabe, while Master of Cermonies John Creedon raised everyone's spirits and dispelled some of the winter gloom.

Who’s Who in Irish Wine The event was sponsored by a range of companies, including Wyndham Estate, Hennessy, Smirnoff, Faustino, Budweiser and Chilean winery, Montes. The guest-list read like a who's who of the Irish wine trade and press. The top 50 independent wine retailers were out in force, accompanied by their families, while most of the senior management of the key importing companies

30

were also there, including Maureen O'Hara, Terry Pennington and Julia Kennedy of Gilbeys; Noel Tymlin of Findlater/Grants, who was joined by Eduardo Stark of Montes Wines, who travelled from Chile to be at the event; Charles Searson and Alan O'Toole of Searsons Wine Merchants; Willie Dardis of Ampersand; Richard Brickley of Irish Distillers; John Pearson of Edward Dillon; Ciaran Lynch Siobhan Gibney and Ann Morgan, Gibneys of and Des King of Gleeson Group; Malahide, are pictured accepting their National Conal Cassidy of Coman's Off Licence of the Year Award 2009, from Jim Wines; and Robert and McCabe, Chairman of NOffLA. Christine Smith of Mackenway.

Jim McCabe to much applause. It was Indeed, these were just a few of the deemed to be a well deserved win and key figures of the importing trade to this is the second time that Gibneys attend the awards party. have won the award, the last time The overall winner of the 2009 being back in 2005.

Award was deservedly Gibney’s Off Licence of Malahide. Siobhan Gibney and Ann Moran are the most dynamic Government Criticism team in the off licence industry today Speaking at the launch, Jim McCabe, and they both accepted the award from Chairman of NOffLA, commented, “To say the last year has been difficult is a serious understatement but where Government has introduced measures throughout industry to tackle the economic crisis, it seems intent on making the situation as difficult as possible for independent retailers when sales figures are already under serious threat.

“The Government has failed our members on numerous levels, especially with regards to new alcohol licensPictured at the NOffLA Off Licence Awards ing legislation which should have been 2009 are Noel Tymlin, FindlaterGrants; introduced last July to come into effect Eduardo Stark, Montes Wines; and Jim in December. The introduction of the McCabe, NOffLA Chairman.

January/February09On

The Vine

Wines of Burgundy

Bouchard's Premier & Grand Cru wines from the Cote d'Or, the village wines from the same area, and a range of Bourchard wines from Maconnais, Beaujolais and the AS wine regions go, from the perspective of grapes, regional appellations (www.tindalwine.com).

Burgundy is easy enough to understand, with three key Other well known negotiant houses include Domaine grape varieties. Burgundy is the home of one white Gilbert Picq & Fils, whose Chablis has been described by grape, Chardonnay, and two red grapes, Pinot Noir and wine-writer Rosemary George as being “a classic Chablis Gamay. However, the marketing structure of Burgundy with perfect balance of fruit and acidity”. The Picq wines is far more complex as it consists of three main forms are distributed by Allied Drinks/Constellation Ireland. of producer: negociant, co-operative and domaine.

Findlater/Grants, who recently merged with Burgundy today is a 26,000 hectare puzzle, repreWoodford Bourne, distribute one of the most iconic senting only 0.5% of the world vine production, but producers from Burgundy, Maison Louis Jadot. Jadot which still adds up to 204m bottles. No other French wines come from some of the finest appellations in region so neatly sums up one word, “terroir”, which Burgundy and are very much sought after. has all the potential for great quality wines.

Febvre & Company also have a slew of some of the The Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) is a profestop Burgundian wine houses on their list, including sional organisation which brings together all wineAlain Geoffroy from Chablis, Antonin Rodet, who also growers and wine-merchants of Burgundy. In 2008, make wines for Domain Jacques Prieur, one of the most the BIVB appointed Fleishmann Hillard to promote sought after Burgundy estates. Febvre also work with their wines on the Irish market and plans are in The house of place for a number of promotions in 2009. Contact: Louis Latour: Domain Roux Pere et Fils; Domaine RossignonNicola Meyer at (01) 660 2123 or email: arguably the best Trapet; Domaine Bernard Bachelet; Pierre Ferraud & known Fils and Domaine Lucien Muzard, to name but a few. nicola.meyer@fleishmaneurope.com for more inforBurgundian Finally to Gilbeys Wines, who distribute permation. wine currently haps the best known Burgundian wine currently Let us now look at some of the key negociant available in available on the Irish market, the 200-year-old famhouses currently selling their wines on the Irish Ireland. ily owed house of Louis Latour. Latour is the largest market. One of the best known is Bouchard Pere & single owner of grand cru vineyards in Burgundy. Gilbeys Fils who own 130 hectares (320 acres) of vineyards in the also distribute the house of Joseph Drouhin, one of heart of the Cote d'Or. Their holdings consist of 74 Premier Bugundy's leading negociant houses, which was originally Cru sites and 12 Grand Cru vineyards. The wines of Bouchard Pere & Fils have been available on the Irish mar- founded in 1880. The house of Joseph Drouhin also owns one of the most substantial domains in Burgundy, with a ket for many years. They are currently distributed in Ireland by Tindal Wine Merchants, whose portfolio includes reputation for quality and consistency.

Claire Brady, World Wide Wines, winner of the Munster Off-Licence of The Year 2009, is pictured with John Pearson, Chief Executive, Edward Dillon & Co.

legislation has been a complete failure and the serious issues it should have addressed have fallen by the wayside.

“It is imperative that the selling of alcohol is done in a socially responsible manner and we had hoped Government would bring more pressure to bear on alcohol retailers such

as giant multiples, discount stores and petrol retailers, but it has not.”

He raised the issue of cross-border trading, which is having a serious impact on alcohol retailers in the Republic of Ireland and called for Government to consider the threat to jobs within the off licence sector. He also called for a review of new off licence opening hours. It seems absurd, he said, that consumers are not able to buy alcohol after 10pm, which in the past has been a key trading period for the off licence industry.

The winners of the 2009 National Off Licence Awards were: Best First Time Entrant: Barry's Off Licence, Ballinacurra, Co. Cork.

Food Retailing Off Licence of the Year: Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4.

Specialist Off Licence Group of the Year: O'Donovan’s, Cork.

Spirit Specialist of the Year: Devenney's, Dundrum, Dublin 14.

Beers Specialist of the Year: McHugh’s, Malahide Road, Dublin 3.

Wine Specialist of the Year: Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.

Munster Off Licence of the Year: World Wide Wines, Waterford.

Connaght/Ulster Off Licence of the Year: Dicey Reilly’s, Ballyshannon.

Leinster Off Licence of the Year: Hollands Fine Wines, Bray, Co Wicklow.

Dublin Off Licence of the Year: The Vintry, Rathgar.

National Off Licence of the Year: Gibney’s of Malahide

31

January/February09Healthy

Options

Healthy Figures With many consumers actively concerned about nutrition and diet, manufacturers are responding to consumer demand with a wealth of new better-for-you products across all food sectors.

A

major concern in the Irish diet is the over-consumption of foods high in fats and sugar, such as oils, butter, cakes and biscuits. According to a subreport from the 2007 Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLÁN) entitled “Dietary Habits of the Irish Population”, on average, respondents consumed 7.3 daily servings of these types of food, which according to the food pyramid should be ‘used sparingly’ (i.e. less than three servings daily).

Central obesity (as defined by a large waist measurement) is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and 60% of those surveyed had a waist measurement that would be defined as centrally obese, with a gender breakdown of 47% men and 70% women.

32

“Poor dietary habits are a major threat to the health and well-being of the population. The message from this new report to eat healthy foods and to reduce our consumption of high fat and sugary foods could not be any clearer,” noted Mary Wallace TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for Health Promotion and Food Safety, at the report’s publication late last year.

The Report also shows that dietary salt intake among respondents was excessive, with 71% of all respondents exceeding the upper recommended intake limit of 6g of salt per day. “This highlights the importance of the ongoing work with the food sector to reduce the salt content of processed foods. Indeed, the food sector has a clear responsibility to work with the health sector to make the healthier food choices the easier choices to make,” said UCC professor, Ivan Perry.

The Department of Health and Children is currently finalising a National Nutrition Policy which will identify the actions required across various sectors to address the nutritional needs of the population. The policy will have a particular focus on the 0-18 year age group. The

Department is also coordinating a national salt reduction programme as part of an EU framework to reduce salt in breads, meat products, cheeses and ready meals by 16% over the next four years.

The Department recently published a National Men’s Health Policy, whose aim is to promote optimum health and well-being for all men in Ireland while integrating a health promotion and preventative approach in the delivery of services.

Meanwhile, the new Broadcasting Bill proposes some new approaches in relation to codes and rules for broadcasting in Ireland, in particular in relation to food advertising aimed at children. The Bill “may prohibit the advertising in a broadcasting service of a particular class or classes of foods and beverages considered by the Authority to be the subject of public concern in respect of the general public health interests of children, in particular those which contain fat, transfatty acids, salts or sugars”.

Many Irish consumers are taking an active role in altering their diets and lifestyles and those of their children. These consumers have been helped further by manufacturers who, through innovation, are able to offer more and varied healthy food and

Ireland’s No 1 Porridge Oat Brand Fresh Off the Presses - New Bulmers Pear March 1st will herald an exciting new product launch to the Irish Drinks Sector as Bulmers Ltd., introduces new Bulmers Pear to Irish consumers. With more than seventy years of heritage producing and marketing ciders, Ireland’s only cider manufacturer is confident that the quality and taste of Bulmers Pear is a truly unique offering, which will expand the cider category. Bulmers Pear has a refreshingly light pear taste - crisp with plenty of fruity character.

Available in 568ml Pint Bottle, 330ml long neck bottle and 500ml can, Bulmers Pear will be available throughout the Licensed and Grocery trade.

Managing Director, Michael Merrins said, “We are absolutely thrilled about this new product launch and firmly believe that Bulmers Pear will be the most successful brand extension in the history of our company. Pear is a natural and exciting progression for Bulmers Ltd., and this new move is indicative of our commitment to develop and grow the cider category in Ireland in this difficult market climate. This launch demonstrates the brand’s leadership in terms of responding to consumer needs and revitalising the drinks market.

“We have spent considerable time developing a first class pear product and it is the refreshing, light pear taste that appeals most to Irish consumers. Our research revealed that these consumers are ready for a new fruit-based alternative from a credible, quality brand and Bulmers Pear will match that need perfectly.”

The launch of Bulmers Pear will be supported by a heavy-weight marketing campaign with extensive sampling opportunities for consumers; a comprehensive communications campaign, which will include TV, Outdoor, Radio, Press & Online communication and a dedicated PR programme.

January/February09Healthy

drink products in the market. The big question, however, is if healthy choices can be incorporated into today’s budget-conscious market and the focus for manufacturers, and indeed retailers, should be on ensuring that the Irish consumer is not forced to compromise health issues over cost concerns.

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campaign focuses on the product’s exotic origins and its delicate but surprisingly crunchy bite. The poster campaign focuses on the delicate and exotic art of Origami and depicts creatures such as dragons, which are renowned for their bite.

Weight Watchers from Heinz

Tayto Velvet Crunch

Weight Watchers from Heinz is the undisputed leading brand in the frozen ready meal sector, claiming 76.6% value share of healthy frozen ready meals and 23.5% value share of the total ready meals market valued at €17.2m (Source: TNS, September 2008).

Manufactured in Dundalk, County Louth, the Weight Watchers from Heinz range of frozen ready meals continues to drive the frozen ready meal category with Tayto Velvet Crunch sales have topped the €4m mark, and convenient meal the brand now claims 3% of the snack category. solutions in both tra-

Tayto Velvet Crunch has been arguably the most successful entrant into the savoury snacks category over

the past few years. With sales having topped the €4m mark, the brand now claims 3% of the snack category and its success has been recognised with a host of awards, the most recent being the Gold Medal in the Irish Food Awards (Blás na hÉireann) for the Best New Healthy Product.

To celebrate the phenomenal success of Velvet Crunch, Tayto recently launched its first nationwide campaign to support the brand during the key healthy snacking season. The

Tayto Velvet Crunch won a Gold Medal in the Irish Food Awards (Blás na hÉireann) for the Best New Healthy Product.

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Basil Chicken. Forthcoming additions to the range will further establish the Weight Watchers from Heinz brand as the number one brand in the frozen ready meals category.

Weight Watchers from Heinz also offers a delicious range of frozen desserts, including delectable recipes such as Belgian Eclairs and Double Chocolate Brownie.

Weight Watchers from Heinz Pizza in popular varieties such as Chicken Italiano and Ham & Pineapple further meet consumers’ demand for healthier versions of the foods they love that they can enjoy every day.

All products within the Weight Watchers from Heinz range exclusively feature the Weight Watchers points classification for each serving on pack.

Glanbia Yoplait Mixed Seeds is a wholesome, tasty natural yogurt that helps to balance the diet and aid digestion, gently and naturally.

Available in all trade outlets, Yoplait Mixed Seeds offers a boost to consumers’ digestion the natural way. The launch of Yoplait Mixed Seeds was inspired by a growing consumer demand for nutritious and convenient foods which can contribute to the maintenance of a balanced diet.

In 2009, Glanbia will invest more than €1m in a heavyweight marketing campaign for Yoplait Mixed Seeds across television, press advertising and an extensive sampling campaign.

As lifestyles become busier and more frenetic, Yoplait Mixed Seeds

All products within the Weight Watchers from Heinz range exclusively feature the Weight Watchers points classification for each serving on pack.

ditional and ethnic varieties.

The range has everything to offer consumers who are seeking to lead a healthy lifestyle but who expect not to compromise on taste.

The Weight Watchers from Heinz frozen ready meal range offers an extensive range of popular recipes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Ocean Pie and Tomato &

Yoplait Mixed Seeds is a wholesome, tasty natural yogurt that helps to balance the diet and aid digestion, gently and naturally.

January/February09Healthy

is the perfect product for people who are looking for simple and holistic foods that make it easier to have a healthy lifestyle. Yoplait Mixed Seeds are available nationwide in a handy four-pack format (4 x125g) RSP €2.69 and Single 125g pots RSP €0.70.

Danone

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Lime, Strawberry and Orange and Peach.

Evian claims to be the top-selling natural mineral water in the world. Evian is purified through a natural filtration process that spans over 15 years, deep within the French Alps. Evian is available in many different formats such as 50cl, 75cl & 1.5L so there is a bottle size to suit every consumer and every occasion.

Volvic Natural Mineral Water claims second spot in the bottled water category.

Volvic Natural Boyne Valley Mineral Water Honey has the Boyne Valley Honey has Boyne Valley Manuka Active 10+ unique benefit been available to Irish Honey, is available in 350g jars. of being the consumers for almost Volvic continues to Valley Honey are a range of varietal only natural 50 years and is the make an impressive honeys in 350g squeezy including mineral water most popular brand of impact on the Irish Organic Acacia, Wildflower, Orange to be filtered honey in Ireland, bottled water Blossom and Eucalyptus. through layers according to Boyne market with its flavoured range of volcanic Valley Group.

Boyne Volvic Natural Volvic Touch of Valley Honey is 100% Lifeforce Mineral Water has rock. The Fruit. the unique benefit ‘Volvic pure and natural. It is Lifeforce, from Boyne Valley Group, of being the only Regenerates’ camavailable in a range of formats, from take great care to ensure that all their natural mineral paign continues the 250g kids squeezy right up to the products are free from artificial water to be the “bringing to 907g jar.

The 250g squeezy has been colours, preservatives, flavourings filtered through life” of Volvic’s specifically developed with young conand additives. Lifeforce is a range of layers of volcanic rock. volcanic origin sumers in mind and features the healthy, well balanced, pure products, ‘Bizzy Bee’ character. provided in convenient pack sizes. and its unique volThe latest exciting launch, Boyne Lifeforce grains are packed with canic mineral compoValley Manuka Active 10+ Honey, is vitamins and minerals, vital for body sition. Volvic 1L, comavailable in 350g jars. Manuka and brain function. They can be used plete with a sports Honey is one of the key drivers of as a convenient healthy snack or as a cap, has proven growth in the honey category, with nutritious addition to recipes. The itself as the ideal consumers recognising the various range includes Organic Linseed, convenience health benefits.

Organic Wholemeal CousCous and product for “peoAlso new to launch from Boyne Organic Quinoa, as well as Bulgar, ple on the go” and delivering high value sales for retailers.

Volvic continues to make an impressive impact on the Irish bottled water market with its flavoured range Volvic Touch of Evian is purified through a natural Fruit, which is filtration process available in that spans over 15 three flavours: years, deep within Lifeforce has a full range of beans and pulses which are essential to a healthy Lemon and the French Alps. diet as they are rich in nutrients.

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January/February09Healthy

Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds.

Lifeforce has a full range of beans and pulses which are essential to a healthy diet as they are rich in nutrients. They are versatile and easy to use – and include delicious recipes on-pack. The range includes Green Lentils, Chick Peas, Butter Beans, Red Split Lentils and Mung Beans – each of which is a whole food, contributing to a healthy system.

Wasa Crispbread Wasa Crispbread, distributed by Flanagans Sales & Marketing, the healthy whole grain alternative to bread, forms the foundation of a nutritious diet. Low in fat and calories, their delicious crunch is full of fibre and has no sugar. Consumers can combine Wasa with savoury spreads, meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, soups or salads for endless delicious options.

Wasa Fibre is a crunchy and tasty wholegrain crispbread which is as good for the stomach as the flavour would suggest, with added wheatbran and wheat fibre to the 100% wholegrain rye flour, to make the bread particularly good for your body.

Three slices of Wasa Fibre gives consumers almost 30% of their daily dietary fibre requirement, as well as important B- vitamins and minerals.

Wasa Original is a slightly thinner and finer crispbread, with a genuine taste of rye. A bread for all occasions: for breakfast or lunch, as a snack during a busy day, or as an evening sandwich before going to bed.

Wasa Sesam is a thin and delicate crispbread made from wheat flour and covered in toasted sesame seeds.

The flavour comes into its own on the

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breakfast table or as a snack, accompanied by a slice of cheese, or some marmalade or jam

Capilano The Capilano range of Australian honey is available nationwide from BR Foods. It contains no fat or additives, is 100% natural, pure Australian honey. For Pancake Tuesday 2009, Capilano have introduced two new varieties of Bee Vital Manuka honey, 10+ and 15+.

The Capilano range now comprises Premium Australian, Organic,

The Capilano range of Australian honey contains no fat or additives, is 100% natural, pure Australian honey.

Bee Vital claims leadership of the manuka honey sector in Ireland.

Flora Buttery

New from Capilano: Bee Vital Manuka honey 15+: natural manuka honey, which has been used for centuries by many cultures as a natural source of vitality and to aid digestion, treat oral infections and promote general well-being.

Coastal and Outback honey and the Bee Vital range of Manuka 6+, 10+ and 15+. Bee Vital is 100% natural manuka honey and has been used for centuries by many cultures as a natural source of vitality and to aid digestion, treat oral infections and promote general well-being. Capilano

Wasa Crispbread, distributed by Flanagans Sales & Marketing, the healthy whole grain alternative to bread, forms the foundation of a nutritious diet.

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Flora has just launched Flora Buttery, an exciting spread which offers a great buttery taste but with 70% less saturated fat than butter.

Good fats, or unsaturated fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, are important for helping maintain a healthy heart as part of a balanced diet.

Polyunsaturated fats are found in oily fish, seed oils including sunflower, some nuts, seeds and vegetables as well as spreads like Flora Buttery. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil, rapeseed oil, some nuts and avocados. Whilst butter is high in saturated fat, Flora Buttery is rich in healthier

New Flora Buttery, an exciting spread which offers a great buttery taste but with 70% less saturated fat than butter.

January/February09Healthy

polyunsaturated fat. The saturated fat content per 10g of butter is 5.4g whilst the same amount of Flora Buttery contains just 1.6g of saturated fat.

Made using buttermilk, Flora Buttery has a rich buttery taste and as it also contains natural seed oils, it is high in good polyunsaturated Omega 3 and 6. Delicious as a spread, Flora Buttery is also perfect for cooking, baking and frying.

Michelin starred chef Gary Rhodes has produced a series of mouth watering recipes using Flora Buttery. These delicious dishes demonstrate the versatility of the product, from baking with bread and buttery pudding to stylish suppers including Flora Buttery grilled chicken escalopes and a silky chestnut mushroom risotto.

Available in the spreads section of all major retailers, Flora Buttery is available in 500g packs with an RRP of €2.29.

Lyons Green Tea Drinking Lyons Green Tea is a simple and easy way for everyone to take a small step towards a healthier lifestyle. Green Tea is a great source of antioxidants and new research suggests that it may play a protective role in certain conditions such as heart disease, stroke and some cancers such as prostate cancer.

Lyons Green Tea is now also available with Lemon and with Mint. Lyons Green Tea with Lemon is made from Green Tea which has a lemon flavour, giving it a roasted and citrus aroma and taste. The refreshing flavour of Lyons Green Tea with Mint provides an invigorating addition to the delicate flavour of green tea that is uniquely different and delicious. A relaxing blend, mint is one of the most widely used herbs with celebrated digestive qualities.

The Lyons Green Tea range now includes Green Tea with Lemon and with Mint.

Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness ROSEMARY Conley Diet & Fitness recently launched a high-profile TV campaign to support its biggest-selling issue of the year. A lively 20-second commercial was viewed by over 3m people across Ireland and the UK. The magazine is packed with Rosemary Conley's diets, exercises and recipes to help women achieve the figure of their dreams. It also includes amazing success stories and celebrity interviews plus expert columnists and great giveaways. The magazine also includes a free 36-page ‘Time to Slim’ recipe book collection.

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THE SLÁN SURVEY THE third national Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLÁN) was conducted in 2007, following previous surveys in 1998 and 2002. The 2007 SLÁN survey involved a nationally representative sample of 10,364 respondents (62% response rate), of whom 9,223 (89%) completed a standard Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire adapted for use in the Irish population. The survey included additional anthropometric and other physical examination data from two sub-samples: 967 younger adults aged 18-44 years and 1,207 older adults aged 45 years and over.

Without sufficient physical activity to balance caloric intake, excess daily food energy intake will result in weight gain. An under-expenditure of approximately 500kcal/day is equivalent to a weight increase of approximately 0.45kg (about 1lb) per week.

For overall food energy intake, it is recommended that 55% of energy derives from carbohydrates, 10%15% from protein and less than 35% from fat.

Among all respondents surveyed in SLÁN 2007, mean daily carbohydrate intake contributed to 47% of food energy, which is lower than recommended. Both mean energy contribution from protein (17%) and food energy from fat (36%) exceeded the recommendations. Overall, 13% of respondents had a protein intake contributing between 10%-15% of food energy, while the majority (87%) had a protein intake contributing to greater than 15% of food energy.

One-quarter of respondents (24%) had a fat intake contributing between 30%-35% of food energy, while more than half (58%) had a fat intake contributing to more than 35% of food energy.

The absolute daily intake in grams per day (g/day) of carbohydrates and fat has decreased modestly since 1998, while protein intake had increased. However, between 1998 and 2007, the percentage contribution to food energy from protein has remained stable; similarly for fat and carbohydrates.

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January/February09Pasta

& Sauce

From Italy With Love Ireland’s love affair with pasta and sauce continues unabated, with growth predicted during 2009, as pasta forms the basis of a good value meal.

Pasta

is increasingly becoming a staple of eating habits around the world. The global market for pasta and noodles continues to grow, averaging growth rates of 5.3% between 2001 and 2006. The quest for health and wellness has impacted on product innovation, with a 20% global rise in demand for wholegrain pasta, according to Euromonitor.

Here in Ireland, pasta grew continuously from in the eight years to 2007, at an average annual rate of 3%, while pasta sauces grew by 4.4% each year over the same period, and the market is estimated to be worth €62m by 2010.

Pasta has reaped the rewards of Irish consumers’ demand for convenient and healthy foods, with more than 94% of Irish households buying Italian food in general, of which pasta and sauce makes up the lion’s share. The good news for retailers is that it also forms the basis of a good value meal, according to Linda Cullen, Small Business Division, Bord Bia, who feels that “The credit crunch and the associated slowdown in expenditure in eating out of home are providing sales opportunities for the pasta market.”

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“The emerging trend of ‘hometainment’, where consumers choose to cook at home rather than dine out at a restaurant, is also benefiting the pasta market,” she continues. “Brands that can offer easy to cook restaurant-quality products look set to be the main beneficiaries of this trend.”

Other trends include the introduction of white pasta, containing the goodness of whole wheat, in addition to the development of convenient microwavable packs, organic and low-carbohydrate varieties and ranges designed for the children’s market. New product development, particularly the development of more “authentic” ranges, more convenient products and pasta snack products, will see continued growth in the pasta and sauce sector, along with the move towards value-for-money products.

satas, puree and antipastos. The brand’s focus on providing these quality, affordable Italian food ingredients and meal solutions has been central to its success to date. This success is most evident in the dried pasta category, where Roma claims a 48% market share.

Roma’s pasta sauce range has enjoyed great success since its launch in 2006 and appeals directly to consumers, who want a complete pasta meal solution, but don’t have the time. Their sauces are made with the finest Italian tomatoes, herbs and vegetables, in order to

Roma Established in 1958, Roma is one of Ireland’s leading food brands.

With over 80 different products, the Roma portfolio includes Roma’s pasta sauce range is made with the finest Italian tomatoes, olive oils, tomatoes, herbs and vegetables, in order to deliver the pasta sauces, rice, pastrue taste of Italy direct to Irish consumers.

January/February09Pasta

deliver the true taste of Italy direct to Irish consumers.

Dolmio Dolmio, from Mars, claims leadership of Ireland’s pasta sauce sector, with a wide range of pasta sauces that are tailored to consumer needs, enabling them to prepare nutritious and tasty meals with minimal fuss.

Bolognese sauces are at the core of the Dolmio brand, and last year saw the brand relaunch its Bolognese sauce range, which now contain only 100% good, honest ingredients and still have no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

The premium segment of the Italian sauce market has grown significantly over the past number of years and Dolmio has responded to consumer needs and changing trends by intro-

range also includes an innovative range of microwaveable pasta and pasta sauces for kids.

All of these innovative new developments, as well as Dolmio’s full range of products, including lasagne, pasta bakes and stir-ins, the brand's memorable advertising, in-store programme of activity and PR, ensure the brand will stay one Ireland's most loved brands for years to come.

& Sauce

Buitoni Fresh pasta and fresh sauces are growing categories, as consumers con-

Knorr Ragu

Knorr Ragu stands out on the shelf with its iconic jar, which is both modern and eye-catching. There are seven The Buitoni range of pastas and sauces are made with only the finest and freshest ingredients, delicious flavours to choose giving a rich appearance, texture and taste. from and all Knorr Ragu sauces are so thick and chunky that they are great with mince or on their own with pasta, making them increditinue to search for convenience, nutribly versatile. tion and quality, to savour an excelBetter still is lent meal at home. Buitoni is the that Knorr Ragu is expert in providing authentic Italian crammed full of fresh pasta and sauces in Ireland. tomatoes, and more Claiming market leadership of both tomatoes means fresh pasta (48.5%, MAT Nov 08) and more lycopene. fresh sauces (53.7%, MAT Nov 08), Lycopene is a natuBuitoni is determined to accelerate its Dolmio has a wide range of pasta sauces that are tailored to consumer needs. rally occurring antigrowth while continuing to drive the oxidant, which helps category through more support on the to protect the body’s cells. What’s ducing Dolmio’s Tastes of Italy, its point of purchase in 2009, with a key more is that Knorr Ragu is completely range of premium, ready-made pasta focus on trial and education. free from artificial flavours, colours sauces. The Taste of Italy range conThe Buitoni premium quality and preservatives, so consumers can sists of four delicious pasta sauces that fresh pasta and sauces range is the rest assured that they are eating a capture the authentic flavours and ideal solution for the modern and high quality and healthy product. tastes of the four Italian regions from active lifestyle as it takes only 4-5 which the recipes originate; minutes to prepare. The Calabria, Tuscany, Sorrento Buitoni range of pastas and and Rome. sauces are made with only the Offering a complete meal finest and freshest ingredisolution in a matter of minents, giving a rich appearutes, Dolmio Express is perance, texture and taste. fect for those occasions when There is a wide variety of consumers want a quick and fresh pastas in the Buitoni easy to prepare meal, withrange, including Cappelletti out having to compromise on Prosciutto Crudo, Ravioli 4 taste or nutrition. The Formaggi and Tortelloni Dolmio Express range conRicotta e Spinaci. Buitoni also sists of a wide choice of delioffers fantastic fresh sauces cious pasta sauces and pasta Knorr Ragu stands out on the shelf with its iconic jar, which such as the very popular and as well as catering to Pesto Genovese or 4 is both modern and eye-catching, with seven flavours to choose from. adult needs, the Dolmio Formaggi.

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January/February09Pasta

Real Irish Food Company

& Sauce

cept through to final approval. He wants to bring a little spirit of Italy to our The Real Irish Food Company has a table in a way that is pure range of premium pasta sauces, reland enjoyable. The range ishes, dressings, preserves and salsas. includes delicious pasta The company is 100% Irish owned sauces, pestos, posh bread and all of the products in the range spreads, meal kits and are produced at their manufacturing grinders that are ready to facility in Drogheda, Co. Louth, and go, together with on-pack distributed by the Jacob Fruitfield recipe ideas on how to use Food Group. each one, encouraging conOnly the finest ingredients are sumers to get in the kitchen used to make the Real Irish Food and get stuck in.

Company products and there are New to the range is absolutely no artificial colours, Loyd Grossman pasta sauces offer Irish consumers Jamie Oliver convenience without compromising on quality. pasta, including spaghetti, meals that bring out the fullest penne, lasagne and flavour in food. fusilli, manufactured The gourmet Italian range boasts using a bronze die 11 flavours of sauces, of which technique which Tomato & Chilli, Tomato & Basil ensures greater porosiand Bolognese are the most popular. ty and allows the sauce Their distinctive tastes and unrito stick. Using 100% valled depth of flavour guarantee an durum wheat semoliauthentic meal every time. The na, the range aims to brand claims 8.1% of the Irish The Real Irish Food Company’s premium pasta sauce be the highest qualiItalian sauces market in value range includes: Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Sauce, Vine ty pasta available in terms (Source: ACNielsen, Tomato & Jalapeno and Tomato & Fresh Basil. mainstream retail.

December 2008), making it the numBR Marketing distribute the ber one premium brand in the flavours or preservatives. All products Jamie Oliver range in Ireland which Italian sauces market, according to are made in small batches, ensuring is available nationwide.

Premier Foods. that the full flavour and texture of the February 2009 sees Loyd ingredients are maintained, giving Grossman launching three the best flavour. new Italian products, There are three which are inspired by the sauces to choose from in traditional recipes of the pasta sauce range: Italian islands, such as Roasted Red Pepper & Sicily and Sardinia. Loyd Garlic Sauce, Vine has recreated recipes to Tomato & Jalapeno (for capture the true taste of that extra kick) and local Island cuisine in a Tomato & Fresh Basil range of flavour-filled (the classic Italian). All sauces. Island sauces are extremely The Jamie Oliver Italian range, distributed by BR Marketing, includes a Inspiration sauces convenient, allowing selection of top-quality Italian ingredients designed to inspire bring the fresh ingrediconsumers to prepare everyday meals. ents of Italian islands tasty meals in minto your table. Flavours from this new utes. Other products in the range range include: Sicilian Style Tomato include tasty relishes and salsas, ideLoyd Grossman Italian & Chilli Sauce with Pine Nuts & al for dips and starters.

Sauces Raisins; Sardinian Style Tomato, Using the best ingredients and the Spicy Salami and Sage; Sicilian Style most authentic recipes, Loyd Jamie Oliver Italian Sun-dried Tomato, Garlic and Basil Grossman pasta sauces, from Range Sauce with Toasted Almond Flakes.

Premier Foods Ireland, offer Irish The Jamie Oliver Italian range, disLoyd Grossman will be supported consumers convenience without tributed by BR Marketing, includes a

by Premier Foods Ireland throughcomprising on quality. The sauces selection of top-quality Italian ingreout 2009 with TV advertising, in are so versatile that they can be dients designed to inspire everyday store demonstrations and promomeals. Jamie himself has been used with a whole host of different tions and PR activity. involved in every product from conrecipes, to create fabulous easy 40

January/February09Dairy

Products - Cheese

Cheesy Ideas now claims the number two position in the Irish cheese market and is valued at €30m.

LowLow offers a unique proposition in cheese, providing low fat products and convenient formats. What’s more, LowLow also solves the dilemma of having great taste while still being lower in fat.

Cheese is a longtime favourite across the country, enjoying over 96% household penetration.

Ireland

remains one of Europe’s top cheese producers, with a wealth of brands fighting for market share at home and abroad. The Irish cheese market consists of both natural and processed cheese, with cheddar accounting for the lion’s share of the Irish market (approximately 80%).

However, recent years have seen Irish consumers actively seeking out lower fat or healthier cheeses, with manufacturers responding to consumer demand with a wealth of new products impacting on the market.

Cheese enjoys household penetration of over 96%, and the market continues to grow, thanks to development of lower fat products, cheese snacks (for both adults and children), stronger flavours and speciality and farmhouse cheeses, with Cáis, the Irish Farmhouse Cheese-makers Association, proving particularly strong at promoting Irish speciality cheeses at home and abroad since its inception in 1983.

Charleville Charleville, from Kerry Foods, which claims leadership of the Irish cheese market, has been given a new look.

The fresh new look, on shelves now, was the first part of a repositioning project for the brand to strengthen its leading position within the market.

The confident new packaging fea-

Charleville has a fresh new look, featuring Ziplock formats across the block range for added freshness and convenience for consumers.

tures Charleville’s new Ziplock formats across the block range for added freshness and convenience for consumers. In addition to its new look, Charleville is bringing even more choice and convenience to Irish families with a new Extra Mature line and bigger size family packs.

The launch of new Charleville commercial in January marked the second stage of the brand’s repositioning. Craft and history are values which surround many traditional foods like Cheddar, and this commercial communicates these values, strengthening the emotional connection with consumers.

Charleville claims leadership of the natural cheese sector with 21% value share and growing at 9.5% (Source: ACNielsen, Nov 2, 2008). The brand is committed to driving ongoing growth in the category and there is a strong support plan in place to achieve this.

The LowLow brand is constantly modernising and expanding its range, and includes a sliced range, for added convenience.

LowLow Also from Kerry Foods, the LowLow Cheese brand and product range has extended rapidly since its first venture into cheese category in 2005 and

The LowLow grated range has proved extremely popular with Irish consumers.

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January/February09Dairy

Products - Cheese

The brand is constantly modernising and expanding its range. It operates in the natural cheese category with numerous block, sliced and grated varieties, all of which come in the handy, modern formats which LowLow prides itself upon.

LowLow also operates in the ready to eat cheese category with product offerings such as individually wrapped cheese slices, cheese spreads and cheese triangles. The LowLow range has also seen inclusions such as European favourites Emmental and Brie and occasion driven grated varieties such as Just add…Pasta and Just add…Salad.

2009 promises to be an action packed and exciting year for the LowLow cheese brand. Kerry Foods are investing in an extensive marketing campaign for the dairy brand this year, which will include TV, radio, press and in-store & POS promotions.

artificial ingredients. Cheestrings are 100% cheese, just gently heated and stretched like mozzarella.

The new look Cheestrings range includes Original, Twisted, White and New Minis – all the fun of original, just smaller!

The brand will be supported by a new and exciting TV campaign on air from February and throughout 2009, with a series of creatives that inject fun into the brand whilst delivering the key message of cheese goodness to parents. A new digital campaign for kids is also set to go live in February, an interactive site for kids to create characters and explore the world of Mr Strings.

EasiSingles claims leadership of the individually wrapped slices market.

special relationship between a mother and her son. In 2008, since launch, the creative has been supported with heavy media bursts, with strong support scheduled into 2009

EasiSingles EasiSingles, loved by families throughout Ireland for its unique taste, texture and convenience, claims leadership of the individually wrapped slices market. Valued at €6m and growing at 12%, Kerry Foods’ EasiSingles is committed to driving growth in this category (Source: ACNielsen, November 2, 2008).

A key part of this growth has been realised through new and exciting NPD offerings in 2008, which are changing the face of the category.

EasiSingles has launched successfully into the grated cheese category as well as the block category with its tasty Chunky Block offering. It has also launched a new delicious range of IWS, focussing on different cheese types and flavours for specific occasions, bringing inspirational new ideas to IWS consumers. These new additions to the range offer the same great taste and convenience of EasiSingles, while adding more interest, choice and satisfaction for consumers.

Since September, EasiSingles has also been on air with a brand new creative. Through Easisingles’ iconic cheese melt occasion, for which the brand is loved, the creative shows the warmth and comfort of home, and the 42

Cheestrings

Brunchettas Brunchettas snack size packs can be enjoyed at anytime, anywhere. They are perfect for elevenses, in the office, on-the-go or as a late night snack.

They hit just the right spot for those looking for a real food snack with a healthier side. Brunchettas are avail-

Cheestrings, the kids’ favourite cheese snacks, have a fresh new look to reflect their all natural cheese credentials and introduce a new look ‘Mr Strings’.

Cheestrings are a naturally good source of calcium for healthy bones and teeth because each one is made with a full glass of fresh milk (200ml).

Parents can be assured that Cheestrings are all natural, with no

Brunchettas hit just the right spot for those looking for a real food snack with a healthier side, and the new Ploughman’s Relish variety should increase sales for the brand.

able in three delicious varieties; Ploughman’s Relish, Soft Cheese & Cranberry, and Red Pepper and Onion.

Kilmeaden

Cheestrings have a fresh new look to reflect their all natural cheese credentials and introduce a new look ‘Mr Strings’ character on-pack.

Multi-award winning Kilmeaden Cheese, from Glanbia, has further solidified its reputation as the ‘fillet of cheddar’ by providing discerning Irish cheese lovers with even more options, all while maintaining the

January/February09Dairy

- Cheese

CHEESY DOES IT CHEESE can be made from whole, 2% low fat, 1% low fat or fat-free milk, or combinations of these milks. Different ingredients and processes employed during the making and aging of cheese result in a wide variety of available cheeses, each with its own distinct texture and flavour profile.

Cheeses are categorised in several ways: natural versus process cheeses, unripened versus ripened and soft versus hard.

Natural Cheeses

Kilmeaden Hand Cut Slices and Grated Mature Cheddar are available in red and white cheddar and are both cut straight from the block to provide consumers with added convenience, with no taste compromise.

superior quality and unique taste, The Laughing Cow which Kilmeaden is renowned for.

The Laughing Cow cheese porKilmeaden Hand Cut Slices and tions, from Horgan’s, are conGrated Mature Cheddar are availvenient and fun, with a able in red & white cheddar and are superbly smooth, creamy taste. both cut straight from the block to The cheese is also a natural provide consumers with added consource of calcium, which is good venience, with no taste compromise.

Kilmeaden Grated Cheddar has a firm texture with aromatic rich and distinctive flavour, making it ideal for enhancing pasta dishes, freshly baked potatoes The Laughing Cow cheese portions, from Horgan’s, are convenient and fun, with a superbly smooth, creamy and everyday taste. dishes.

Kilmeaden Hand Cut Slices are cut news for teeth and bones. The straight from the block and are ideal Laughing Cow Light has long for sandwiches, as part of a cheese been popular with slimmers board or on their own as a wonderful it's only 7% fat and yet it tastes complement to wine. fantastic, while the range is also Guided by a love of producing the available in a great tasting finest Irish cheese, Kilmeaden truly Extra Light format with only deserves its reputation as the ‘fillet of 3% fat. The Laughing Cow cheddar’ – a favourite with consumers claims leadership of the Irish looking for a cheese with superior processed cheese portions marquality, award winning taste and conket, with a 71% value share venience.

(Source: ACNielsen, MAT Nov Kilmeaden claims to be the 30, 2008). The brand has ongonation’s favourite natural cheddar ing support above the line with block and is currently ranked number TV advertising, as well as ongoone in the grocery market. ing trade promotions.

Natural cheese is a general classification for cheese that is made directly from milk. In fresh, un-ripened cheese, the curd, separated from the whey, can be formed into cheese immediately, whereas in matured or ripened cheese, the curd may be further treated by the addition of select strains of bacteria, mould, yeast or a combination of these ripening agents. The bacteria, mould and yeast continue to ripen the cheese over time, changing the cheese’s flavour and texture as it ages.

When choosing natural cheese as an ingredient, it’s important to understand how a cheese will perform in a finished product based on its age and storage conditions.

Natural cheeses are often categorized according to their moisture or degree of softness or hardness. Soft cheeses include Brie, Camembert, ricotta and cottage cheese. Semisoft cheeses include blue, brick, feta, Havarti, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and provolone. Hard cheeses include Cheddar, Colby, Edam, Gouda and Swiss. Very hard cheese varieties include Parmesan and Romano.

Processed Cheeses These cheeses are made by blending one or more natural cheeses into a homogenous mass, heating the mix and adding emulsifying salts, which modify the appearance, texture and flavour of the cheese. Processed cheeses contain more moisture than natural cheeses. Pasteurised processed cheeses include cheese spreads and cheese foods. Cold-pack cheese is a blend of natural cheeses processed without heat. Flavourings and seasonings are often added.

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January/February09Dairy

Products - Milk & Cream

Dairy Liquid Milk and cream is one of the most valuable categories instore, with 70% of shopper visits including a milk purchase.

Ireland’s

liquid milk and cream market is worth over €500m per year. The milk market consists of concentrated milk, fresh liquid milk, longlife liquid milk and powdered milk, while the cream sector includes whipped cream, as well as single cream, double cream etc. While the sector enjoys practically 100% household penetrating, growth is coming from value added products, specifically milks which are fortified with vitamins and minerals, which are helping to drive value up in a market that consumes over 500m litres of milk each year, with 70% of all shoppers purchasing milk on every shopping trip.

The Irish Dairy Board estimate that we have enjoyed strong growth in fortified milk over the last 12 months, a 13.2% increase in retail sales, as well as increasing sales of low-fat milk. Together, low-fat and fortified milk now account for about 29% of retail sales of milk, and they're growing.

Glanbia The Avonmore milk brand has gone from strength to strength in 2008 with Avonmore Fresh Milk retaining its title as the third largest FMCG brand in Ireland, reinforcing Avonmore Milk’s 44

track record of driving value and growth within the milk category.

The success of the total Avonmore milk range is spread across all variants within the portfolio, most notably Avonmore Super Milk, market leader in the fortified milk sector, claiming a 91% volume share and continuing to drive strong growth of the category. The range also includes Avonmore Fresh and Low-fat milk as well as Avonmore Slimline Milk.

With taste as Avonmore Fresh Milk’s top priority, the consistent high quality of the product has led to the ultimate endorsement from the specialist coffee industry. Using only Avonmore Fresh Milk, Stephen Morrissey took the coffee world by storm as he clenched both the Irish and World Barista Championships in 2008.

Avonmore is also the cream category market leader, claiming 58.5% market share (MAT December 28, 2008) and continuously drives strong growth in the category. Pre-whipped cream is the sector with the strongest growth in the category. 42.9% value growth MAT is attributable to the range of Avonmore Freshly Whipped cream products solely.

New Freshly Whipped Baileys Cream from Avonmore, a blend of Ireland’s favourite freshly whipped cream and the luxurious taste of Bailey’s Original Irish Cream Liqueur.

New to the cream category is Freshly Whipped Baileys Cream from Avonmore, a blend of Ireland’s favourite freshly whipped cream and the luxurious taste of Bailey’s Original Irish Cream Liqueur. The product launched prior to Christmas and was an instant hit with consumers. Conveniently whipped and packed in a re-closable 585ml tub, this indulgent cream is perfect for spooning over cakes, pastries, cheesecakes and all consumers’ favourite desserts.

Baileys Freshly Whipped Cream can also be enjoyed in a coffee, hot The success of the total Avonmore milk range is chocolate or even a Bailey’s coffee. spread across all variants within the portfolio.

January/February09Dairy

Connacht Gold Connacht Gold milk and cream products claim leadership in the West of Ireland and also claims to be the number five milk brand nationally (Source: ACNielsen).

Connacht Gold has invested strongly in its products through on-pack and above-the-line activity.

Connacht Gold has a very strong distribution fleet in the West of Ireland, boasting seven days per week delivery to all key accounts, servicing both retail, foodservice and hospitality markets.

Connacht Gold successfully launched its new cream bottle in 2008 and has seen increasing sales through this packaging concept, while maintaining existing cream sales.

obesity resulting from poor dietary and lifestyle habits has led to more consumers turning to the ‘White Stuff ’. Naturally high in calcium and other essential vitamins, it is an ideal way to ensure consumers and their children get the best start.

Dale Farm place huge emphasis on supporting consumer health and wellbeing, particularly through new product development, with recent launches including The One, a 1% fat milk which has all the taste of low fat milk, but with only 1% fat, and the recent launch of Megamilk, a fresh milk containing Omega 3, a Connacht Gold will nutrient linked to continue to invest in its improving concentration branded offerings in 2009 and deliver best in and productivity levels, as well as extra vitamins class in product and service. and folic acid.

Dale Farm is a leading dairy processor with operations across and Ireland the UK and a pedigree of over 50 years of producing quality dairy products. Part of the United Dairy Farmers Group, a dairy farmer co-operative, Dale Farm is owned by over 2,000 dairy farmers who supply the company with its milk. From collecting 1 billion litres of milk per year from farm, to producing a wide range of quality dairy products, they ensure only the freshest, locally sourced milk is used.

Products - Milk & Cream

Milking the Market -

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Ireland’s liquid milk market is worth over €500m per annum.

Irish consumers drink more than 500m litres of milk each year.

Milk is purchased on 70% of shopper visits.

A standard 8-oz. serving of milk provides good to excellent sources of nine essential nutrients, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods.

Each serving of milk provides 10% or more of the recommended daily intake for calcium, vitamin D (if fortified), protein, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin and phosphorus.

Strathroy Dairy Strathroy Dairy, based in Omagh, County Tyrone, is Ireland’s largest privately owned milk processor.

With their modern processing plant and a number of strategically located distribution centres around Ireland, Strathroy is a leading choice for all dairy requirements, offering a full range of whole milk; low fat; skimmed and vitamin enriched milk in a variety of pack sizes to the retail, catering and manufacturing sectors. Their fresh cream is available in 250ml for the retailer and in 2 litre and 4 litres for catering use.

Connacht Gold successfully launched its new cream bottle in 2008 and has seen increasing sales through this packaging concept.

Connacht Gold will continue to invest in its branded offerings in 2009 and deliver best in class in product and service.

Dale Farm Growing concerns about children’s dental health and the wider issue of

The Dale Farm milk range includes The One, a 1% fat milk which has all the taste of low fat milk, but with only 1% fat, and the recent launch of Megamilk, a fresh milk containing Omega 3, as well as extra vitamins and folic acid.

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Over 50 years in the business, working hand in hand with our retailers.

ADM Londis plc is the only symbol group to offer retailers ownership and profit sharing through shareholding in the group. So the more we grow, the more your profits grow.

Working together with Londis, you will gain a partner that listens to your needs and understands today’s competitive marketplace.

You can benefit from our tailored range of services including logistics, unique store design, marketing, retail information systems and quality retail management support systems in addition to extremely competitive terms.

If you would like to learn more about our unique approach to retailing, please contact Jerry McDonnell, Sales Manager on 1890 333 373 or email jerry.mcdonnell@londis.ie for further details.

Close to you, because it belongs to you.

January/February09What’s

New look Shaws Premium Carvery Range SHAWS, from Breeo Foods, have just unveiled their new look Premium Carvery range and have also added a new edition, Shaws Prime Cut Carved Beef.

Shaws Carvery is slowly cooked in the traditional way to ensure each slice is tender and succulent. After slowly cooking prime cuts of meat, each slice of Shaws is thickly carved and deboned by hand to ensure a superior gourmet product. The premium carvery range includes Shaws Prime Cut Crumbed Ham (140g), Carved Ham (140g), Turkey Breast (140g), Chicken Breast (140g) and new Prime Cut Carved Beef (100g).

Brady Family’s Artisan Range BRADY Family Connemara Air Dried Ham is an exceptional, hand made product created by James Mc Geough, master butcher. Winner of an internationally renowned Great Taste Gold Award in 2008, Brady Family Connemara Air Dried Ham is guaranteed to delight customers.

The ham is slow cured for five weeks, using local herbs, and then hung for nine months to dry. It is smoked over beach chips for one day to give the distinctive, yet delicate flavour.

Available in cases of 10 (10x 60g), this is a natural, non-processed product.

New

Pedigree Adoption Drive IN the first three months of 2009, Pedigree is hoping to give thousands of homeless dogs new “leashes” of life through the second Pedigree Adoption Drive, a national programme designed to raise awareness of the plight of homeless and abandoned dogs by encouraging people in Ireland to adopt a dog from a rescue organisation.

Pedigree will donate 2 cents for every Pedigree pack purchased to a third-party fund that will then aid rescue organisations nationwide. With a goal of raising €100,000, Pedigree aims to help place as many dogs in happy homes as possible. Irish rugby star and dog lover Gordon D’Arcy is pictured at the launch of the Drive.

Flahavan’s On TV and Radio FLAHAVAN’S has returned to the airwaves this week with a series of TV ads and a national radio campaign featuring the well-known Flahavan’s oat-based breakfast range. The two animation-style TV ads titled ‘Cold Mornings’ and ‘Whatever Time You Have’ are set in a contemporary busy early morning household setting and feature Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets, and the highly successful Microwaveable Quick Oats Range in a drum, sachet and portable porridge tub.

Kit Kash in On-Pack Promotion KIT KAT has launched an exciting on-pack promotion offering Irish consumers the chance to win €20. There are 100,000 chances to win in this massive promotion. Consumers win by texting unique codes found inside promotional wrappers. The Win €20 promotion will be supported with a heavyweight Kit Kat media campaign including TV, outdoor, online and ambient advertising. A full range of POS solutions are also available to drive incremental sales in-store.

McVitie’s Reduces Saturated Fat ONE of Ireland’s leading biscuit brands, McVitie’s, has halved the saturated fat content of three of its most popular products - McVitie’s Digestives, McVitie’s Hob Nobs and McVitie’s Rich Tea, as a result of a €6.6m investment and three years of research and development with no compromise in taste.

To ensure the taste and texture of the biscuits remain as great as ever, thorough sensory testing and consumer taste tests were carried out.

McVitie’s is the first biscuit manufacturer to make such significant changes to its key brands.

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January/February09Shelf

Life

Shelf Life BEAMISH & Crawford is no longer to produce Miller Genuine Draft, following a decision

by SABMiller to end its contract with the Cork brewer. Sales and distribution rights will transfer to Richmond Marketing, while it is thought that the brewing could move to the Netherlands.

FLOGAS has announced plans to roll out a natural gas service for commercial customers throughout Ireland, following a successful pilot launch in the North-East. Nature’s Best in Drogheda was its first customer and in the past six months, the company has saved 35% on its natural gas bills. “Like all companies in today’s environment, the control of overheads is very important and we were delighted to have saved on our natural gas bills by over a third since changing to Flogas Natural Gas. It has made a real difference to our running costs”, noted Declan Tolan, Financial Reporting Manager at Nature’s Best, who is pictured with Michael Keogh, commercial sales, Flogas Natural Gas and Jennie Dockrell, team leader, Flogas Natural Gas. BALTI House is a new delicious range of Indian ready meals, which is produced in Ireland

by Kohinoor, a premium quality ready meals company. The Balti House range of authentic Punjabi cuisine is prepared in the same traditional manner used in the Indian sub continent’s Punjab region for centuries, using time-tested traditional recipes to prepare all meals and sauces. All meals are prepared using high quality herbs and spices, with all sauces made from scratch using only the finest ingredients. The range includes Chicken Jalfrezi, Chicken Korma, Chicken Biryani, Chicken Balti, Chicken Tikka Masala and Pilau Rice.

PICTURED are Munster legends Doug Howlett and Anthony Foley at the recent Munster Rugby Supporters Q&A session, hosted by Guinness at Rearden’s Bar, Cork.

PICTURED are Dublin children Leah Cleer (7), Kaitlin Dunne (8) and James Hegarty (9) who were on hand to help launch the HB Let’s Sail Competition, as part of the Volvo Ocean Race Galway Stopover 2009.

Primary and Secondary school students throughout the country are being invited to design and build a boat, made using HB ice-cream sticks, by the closing date of April 27. The overall winner will receive a family trip to the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in Stockholm and all finalists will meet the Green Dragon crew during their stopover in Galway from May 23 to June 6, this year.

See www.hbicecream.ie for more information

SALESPERSON REQUIRED Due to continuing expansion, we now wish to recruit a Sales Person for the Dublin and Leinster region. An ability to communicate with our customers at all levels and work on one’s own initative are your key to a successful career with one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of dairy products to the retail and catering sectors. For further information, please send your CV in the first instance to our sales director, phelim@strathroydairy.ie or by mail to Phelim Mc Carron, Strathroy Dairy, Unit 6b, Stadium Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11.

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THE culinary special exhibition, entitled ‘Wine’s Best Friends’, promises to be one of the highlights of the ProWein 2009 show, which takes place from March 2931 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

‘Wine’s Best Friends’ is all about matching your delicatessen to your wine display. See www.prowein.de for more details.

CONGRATULATIONS to Gus O’Hara from Clontarf, who won a fantastic weekend for two at the Wyatt Hotel, Westport.

THE National Organic Training Skillnet have organised ‘Marketing in the Organic Sector: Opportunities and Challenges’, a one-day organic conference taking place in the County Arms Hotel in Birr, Co. Offaly on Tuesday, March 3, 2009.

Full details of the programme are available on www.nots.ie.

TOREX Retail Holdings’ new queue-busting mobile POS product will enable retailers to engage customers through one-on-one interaction on the sales floor, enabling staff to scan goods, communicate promotions, take stock enquiries and complete sales transactions. Torex have also launched their new Torex Loyalty system, allowing retailers to achieve unrivalled insight into customers’ spending behaviour and transform this into revenue growth.

Replacing coupon-based systems, Torex Loyalty can also communicate offers using methods better suited to the lifestyles of today’s consumers, including text, email and bluetooth.

Reap the rewards of a trusted brand Real Food, Real People. That’s what we do and the essence of who we are. At SuperValu, we don’t just sell; we inspire our customers to share our passion for great food by providing a level of service, quality of product and a unique shopping experience simply not found amongst our competitors.

Join the SuperValu brand and you will benefit from a state of the art distribution system, Musgrave Group purchasing power and the full support of our expert Sales, Marketing, IT, Finance and Store Design teams.

If you are an entrepreneurial retailer and you’ve got what it takes to add to our character then take a step forward today and give us a call.

For more information Contact Willie Lyons, Business Development Director on 021 480 3000.

Display Hotline 01866 7900 *Source: ACNielsen MAT 02.11.08 total coverage