Retail News November 2007

50 50

November 2007

CELEBRATING

SUCCESSFUL YEARS

With a tradition of quality and a reputation for innovation, it’s hardly surprising we’ve already carved out a big name for Denny Carved Ham. A new TV commercial is set to further whet your customers’ appetite for that great home-cooked Denny Carved Ham taste.

So now is the time to stock up.

Home is where you make it.

P20253 KY Denny Retail News 297H1 1

RN November07Contents ● www.ism-cologne.com

■ inside view International Sweets and Biscuits Fair

The Frantic Festive Season THE Festive Season is fast approaching and this year’s Yuletide is expected to be even busier than recent years, as Ireland’s cash rich, time poor consumers stock up on their favourite brands across the entire grocery spectrum.

To help make matters a little easier for retailers in this most hectic of seasons, RETAIL NEWS presents its annual guide to Christmas Stocking (Page 29-73), focusing on the brands and products guaranteed to fly off your shelves over the coming weeks, covering everything from ready-to-eat hams to selection boxes.

We also include our comprehensive Christmas Drinks Report, focusing in on the big seasonal winners in beer, wine, spirits, champagne, cider, soft drinks, juices and bottled water, to help you to ensure that Christmas 2007 is as profitable as it can be.

Also inside, Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail Services, discusses the continued growth of the Gala group (Page 22), and predicts a bumper year in 2008 as the group celebrates a decade in operation.

Carmel Linnane talks through Pensions in a language that everyone can understand (Page 14). We look at the big winners at this year’s Repak Recycling Awards (Page 24), and examine a new website that could revolutionise the way you order products for your store (Page 26).

Meanwhile, Duncan Millar, Regional Director for the Take Home Market, InBev, provides a fascinating insight into the Irish beer market (Page 74), while Retail Consultant Karen Meenan examines a new product that could make life in your deli kitchen a hell of a lot easier (Page 90).

ISM – THE FUTURE OF SWEETS The world’s leading trade fair for the confectionery industry

Cologne, 27 th – 30 th January 2008

The best thing about ISM ?

All of it !

All the confectionery – from all over the world.

All of the relevant exhibitors from all the sectors – cocoa, chocolate, chocolate products, biscuits, snack products, sugar confectionery, ice cream and marzipan products. All of the trends. All the new products. All organic – a special feature show.

All at ISM, the world’s largest and most important trade show for the confectionery industry.

All at Cologne from 27th to 30th January.

More information?

No problem!

“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

Financial Correspondent: Carmel Linnane

Advertising Manager: Aaron Stewart

Tel. +44 (0) 20 8681 8166 Fax +44 (0) 20 8681 8028 info@koelnmesse.co.uk The quickest way to ISM – our e-shop !

Save time when you arrive by buying your ticket on-line at www.ism-cologne.com

Advertising Executive: Caoimhe St. John, Rory O’Connor.

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

Tel: (01) 2413095. Fax: (01) 2413010. ISDN: 01 2413050 Web: www.retailnews.ie Email: retailnews@tarapublishingco.com Subscription to Retail News: €110 plus VAT Email: simone@tarapublishingco.com Origination by: Rooney Media Graphics

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RN November07Contents ●

Contents 50 50

November 2007

CELEBRATING

SUCCESSFUL YEARS

News 4 Calls for End to Misleading Food Labelling.

5 CEO Appointed at National Consumer Agency.

6 NOffLA Calls for Mandatory Training of Off Licence Staff.

7 UK Suppliers and Retailers “Failed” by Competition Commission; Mandatory Health Labelling on Alcoholic Drinks.

8 Irish Shoppers Go Green; New Dunnes Distribution Centre; Tesco Ireland Reports Strong Growth; Hew Health & Safety Legislation Introduced.

22 Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, benefits not just the image of Londis but most importantly the local people of the town and beyond.

The Retail News Interview 22 Gary Desmond, Gala CEO, reflects on the continued growth of the Gala brand, Ireland’s evolving retail landscape and Gala’s ambitious plans for its 10th anniversary next year.

9 Batchelors Announce Price Increases; BWG’s Investment Spree.

Repak Recycling Awards 24 The sixth annual Repak

Money Matters 16 Carmel Linnane advises

Recycling Awards took place recently, promoting and encouraging excellence in packaging prevention and recycling.

on the variety of pension options available to you.

Shop Profile 20 Michael and Brigid Quinn’s stunning Londis Plus store in

29

motions and new products, will never be the same again thanks to Retail Connections.

Online Ordering 26 For retailers, ordering core ranges, accessing pro-

Christmas Stocking Retail News’ indispensible guide to what’s hot for Christmas 2007.

Christmas with Cuisine de France 30 Christmas Stocking 32 Beers 40 Wine 46 Champagne 52 Spirits 56 Cider 62 Juice 66 Soft Drinks 69 Bottled Water 72

Beer Market 74 Duncan Millar, InBev’s Regional Director for the Take Home Market in Ireland, on the business of selling beer in Ireland.

Xpress Stop 80 Xpress Stop, which is owned and operated by Mangan’s Wholesale, recently celebrated their tenth anniversary with the opening of their 75th store nationwide.

Karen Meenan’s Top Tips 90 Many stores’ drainage and sink systems are not capable of handling the amount of waste needed, which can lead to massive expenses. Karen Meenan advises on how this needn’t be the case.

Shelf Life 96 All the latest news and gossip from the trade.

Regulars 10 Industry News 92 What’s New 94 Update Sectoral Reports 76 Poultry 82 Batteries 86 Tobacco Products 3

RN November07News ●

Calls for End to Misleading Food Labelling MISLEADING food labelling brings discredit to Ireland’s food and drink industry, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Dr John O’Brien, the FSAI’s Chief Executive, has cited a number of recent labelling breaches, which included a survey of the honey market where 25% of the honey was labelled Irish when in fact it was of foreign origin. Meanwhile, a study of 55 noodles for irradiation found that around 25% of products had irradiated ingredients that legally must be stated and were not declared on the label.

Further FSAI investigations revealed that some fish was sold as cod, when it was in fact pollock, and also found Cumbrian Chips that were made in Ireland. ‘Cheese Toppings’ on pizzas were revealed to consist of cheese substitute, while pizza made in Ireland featured pictures of Italy.

Michael Creed, the Cork North West Fine Gael TD, told R ETAIL NEWS that bad labelling is happening “across the

New Zealand lamb, Chilean pork or Thai chicken.”

The issue marks a failure of the Government to introduce comprehensive country of origin labelling in both the retail and catering sectors, he said.

Furthermore, foreign foodstuffs are labelled as Irish without penalty due to a labelling loophole. If a product imported to Ireland undergoes “substantial transformation” then it may be labelled

Dr John O’Brien, Chief Executive, Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

board”. Creed, Fine Gael’s agricultural spokesman, recently raised the issue in the Dáil, suggesting that “most shoppers and restaurant-goers are unaware that when they think they are purchasing Irish meat, they may actually be buying 4

Michael Creed TD, Fine Gael Spokesman on Agriculture and Food.

as Irish; however, this transformation might be as minimal as the addition of breadcrumbs or seasoning.

“Foreign products are masquerading as Irish because of this legal loophole, known as substantial transformation,” he told RETAIL NEWS. “You can import a side of beef from Brazil, vacuum pack it in Ireland, add a green, white and gold flag and, hey presto, it’s Irish beef. Well, actually, it is not. This is a particular problem in the beef sector, as well as with poultry and bacon.”

Misleading labelling is adversely affecting the agri-sector as a whole in Ireland, Creed continued. “The agricultural industry in Ireland operates within the highest environmental and welfare standards. It is capable of competing on a level playing pitch with any producer in any part of the globe, but when it is asked to compete against product that is produced to questionable animal welfare standards and questionable veterinary standards, with virtually no traceability whatsoever – and those are not my words, they are the words of the Minister for Agriculture – it is very difficult to compete.”

Does Creed believe that this sort of

RN November07News ●

labelling is not only misleading, but also potentially fraudulent?

“I do, but this term that is used therein – substantial transformation – facilitates that kind of fraudulent activity. I use the word fraudulent not in the legal sense, but it is pulling the wool over the consumer’s eyes,” he noted.

The FSAI’s report, ‘The Labelling of Food in Ireland 2007’, was recently published to bring attention to the importance of food product labelling, assisting food businesses to ensure correct labelling so that consumers might make informed decisions. The report is accompanied by a national radio and print campaign, highlighting the difference between ‘Use By’ and ‘Best Before’ dates, as well as stressing the onus on the industry for honesty and truth in labelling.

But according to Michael Creed, this call for transparency is not enough: “The real difficulty is that the responsibility falls to too many cooks. The Department of Agriculture have a role in labelling, as do the Department of Health, the Food Safety Authority, and the Consumer Associations. Between all these stools, the whole thing falls down.

There is need for better, stricter legislation, dealing with clear country of origin recognition, and proper enforcement being invested in a single agency.

“For example, about 80 additional environmental health officers were recruited to police the smoking regulations upon their introduction. [But when it comes to labelling] nobody knows how many people are involved in policing this activity, the level of prosecutions, or the level of inspections that take place. I suspect that a lot of retail outlets are unaware of their labelling obligations in the beef sector.”

Retailers can learn of their minimum responsibilities in the 140-page FSAI report, ‘The Labelling of Food in Ireland 2007’. The report brings together in detail all Irish and European law governing the labelling of food, alongside specific information and guidelines relating to the labelling of food with regard to ingredients, additives, storage instructions, nutritional labelling, novel foods and genetically modified foods.

Special sections cover organic food labelling, and the specific requirements of commodities such as beef, chocolate, fruit juices, milk and sugar products.

CEO Appointed at National Consumer Agency ANN Fitzgerald has been appointed Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency. Fitzgerald, who held the role of Acting Chief Executive since the NCA was established on a statutory basis in May 2007, was elected following an open competition that involved 24 candidates from Ireland and overseas. Her responsibilities, under the Consumer Protection Act 2007, remain the same, as do the NCA team around her.

Following her appointment, what is foremost on the NCA’s agenda?

“We operate on a number of different fronts,” she told RETAIL NEWS. “A large effort is being put into promoting consumer awareness and empowerment – we are doing that through various advertising campaigns. One such campaign is commencing in the run-up to Christmas via our website, www. consumerconnect.ie, and through our low call number 1890 432432.

“We are also working closely with the retail industry and we conducted our first retail industry seminar in September. The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs had never initiated a seminar for the industry in the past, something that I cannot understand, but we had a good turnout and built up very positive relationships.

Certain issues arose from that seminar, which we are taking forward.”

Previously, Ann Fitzgerald worked as Chief Executive of the Irish Association of Investment Managers. She then chaired the Consumer Strategy Group, established by the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment in March 2004, during which time she developed proposals for a national consumer strategy. She acted as Executive Chair of the NCA, following its establishment on an interim basis in 2005, on the recommendation of the Consumer Strategy Group.

What does she bring to the position of NCA Chief Executive?

Ann Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, National Consumer Agency.

“I have a lot of experience, both in the public and private sectors,” she said. “Because I have been involved [in the NCA] from the very beginning, I am extremely committed to ensuring that consumers in Ireland are put first. That is our mission statement.”

Stephen Costello, Chair of the National Consumer Agency, welcomed her appointment, saying, “The Board of the NCA is delighted to appoint Ann Fitzgerald to the post of Chief Executive. She has worked tirelessly over the past number of years as champion of the consumer through her work with the Consumer Strategy Group and subsequently at the helm of the NCA. Her vast experience and skills are a huge asset to the Agency and her appointment is an opportunity to build on the considerable achievements of the NCA to date and a further key step in advancing consumer rights in Ireland.”

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RN November07News ●

NOffLA Calls for Mandatory Training of Off Licence Staff OFF licence staff should receive mandatory training in liquor licensing laws, according to NOffLA Chairman Jim McCabe. McCabe reiterated the call at the recent Responsible Trading in the Community (RTC) seminar in Dublin, the Association's training programme for staff. Delegates at the RTC, which was established in 2004, discussed the routine problems encountered by off licence checkout and counter staff, and ways in which they might combat those problems.

Why was the RTC established? “We wanted to ensure that our members, under pressure from issues such as under-age drinking, could have the best possible training,” McCabe told R ETAIL NEWS. “We felt that off licences were all being tarred with the same brush and whenever anyone mentioned underage drinking, it was always the off licence that was mentioned. We decided to set up our own initiative to train our members into doing their job properly.”

McCabe noted that off licence staff are often confronted with problems that other retailers are not: threats from customers who are refused service; trying to ascertain the ages of customers; secondary purchasing; customer aggression from people who are intoxicated; impatience from other customers who are delayed while staff deal with refusals, etc. Furthermore, they often deal with issues that are beyond the auspices of other alcohol retailers.

“Most of our off licences, especially the independents, are an intrinsic part of the community,” said McCabe. “For example, a husband might ask his local off licence not to serve his wife, or someone might inform an off licence owner of a person that is buying alcohol for Under-18’s. We experience a lot of varied situations, whereas multiples, petrol station forecourts etc. do not have the same interaction.”

The RTC also teaches social responsibility. At the recent seminar, after hearing from a lawyer in regard to legal aspects of the profession, delegates listened to MEAS’ Dr Mark 6

NOffLA Chairman Jim McCabe.

Morgan discuss binge drinking problems. Then, a member of the Garda Síochána proposed methods whereby off licencees might develop teamwork with the police in combating underage drinking. The seminar included a workshop that featured interactive off licence situations.

“Everyone who attends the seminar is spot-checked by somebody who is over 18, but looks under 18,” said McCabe. “If the off licencee does not ask for ID, then they do not get accredited and they have to attend another seminar. This is perhaps the most important aspect of the whole event. It is our way of training up our members, so that they act in the best interests of themselves and the customer.”

McCabe told R ETAIL NEWS that although the RTC is a NOffLA initiative, the government are hoping to introduce mandatory training before issuing future licenses. Thus, the RTC might become a model of sorts, having already received positive feedback from the likes of the Department of Health. Furthermore, the seminar is likely to alleviate the spotlight of

‘shame and blame’ from off licences, pushing its training calibre beyond that of the multiples.

“The multiples and large symbol groups have their own training modules, but our training goes beyond defensive methods, such as protecting the shop from selling to someone under age,” concluded McCabe. “Our training and our seminars explore social aspects. We see the RTC as being a step beyond normal training in the area of alcohol retail.” He added that the RTC scheme, established with the support of the Cider Industry Council, is a readymade blueprint for a nationwide training project.

On the Mark MARKS & Spencer’s Irish expansion continues in style, as the retail chain recently opened its 16th store in the Republic of Ireland. The 17,000 square feet store at the new retail development, Athlone Towncentre, Co Westmeath, will shortly be followed by the group’s 17th store, in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

RN November07News ●

UK Suppliers and Retailers “Failed” by Competition Commission UK supermarket suppliers and smaller retailers have been severely let down by the Competition Commission, according to the UK’s Forum of Private Business (FPB). The Commission’s recent investigation into the groceries market said it was concerned about retailers being able to transfer unexpected costs to their suppliers. It said also that the Commission will consult retailers and suppliers about how best to deal with this problem. However, Campaigns Manager for the FPB, Matt Hardman, said that the investigation had not done enough to protect suppliers giving evidence and that only robust action would help reverse a trend of abuse.

“We saw no guarantee of anonymity for the suppliers of supermarkets in this investigation,” Hardman noted.

“The Commission said it would consider such requests, but that was not the cast iron guarantee that suppliers needed and was the fundamental flaw in this investigation.

“Suppliers of the supermarkets know that they are pushed too hard by the purchasing power of these giant retailers. Those unreasonable demands are not only damaging our suppliers but are then being passed down the supply chain. More must be done to make payment terms agreeable to both parties involved in contracts.”

The FPB, which represents 25,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, has further warned that the UK’s struggling high streets could be put at further risk from changes that

might create more out-of-town and edge-of-town supermarkets.

“Smaller retailers are already suffering as a result of increased competition from the supermarkets entering the convenience store market, so encouraging more sites away from the traditional high street, with all the advantages of free parking that they enjoy, would be a body blow for many small shops,” warned Hardman.

The UK’s Competition Commission argued that planning, and the manner in which the planning regime is applied

by Local Planning Authorities, acts as a barrier to entry or expansion by limiting construction of new, larger grocery stores on out-of-town or edge-of-town sites. It did, however, suggest introducing a competition test into the planning process that would allow the position of existing retailers to be taken into account.

Hardman warned that the damage to smaller, independent shops must be taken into account, too: “It is no good just looking at whether a new site will encourage competition between supermarkets locally, what about the independents in the area? What about the damage that could be done to them?”

One feature of the report which the FPB expressed satisfaction with, however, was the fact that it highlighted the problem of land being held by the big supermarkets, acting as a barrier to entry to competition. The FPB is calling for those land banks to be broken up.

Convenience Store Network Expands NEW convenience stores have popped up across the country throughout 2007, in what is becoming a prolific year for the Irish retail industry. Mace is on target to open 20 new stores this year, as part of a major expansion drive, com-

bining greenfield sites with independent retailers signing up to the franchise. Both Centra and ADM Londis are on track to open 40 stores each this year, while the Barry Group are opening a further 40 Costcutter stores.

Mandatory Health Labelling on Alcoholic Drinks

Rosemary Garth, Director of Drinks Manufacturers Ireland (DMI).

ALCOHOLIC drinks sold in Ireland are to receive new mandatory health labelling, after Drinks Manufacturers of Ireland (DMI) reached agreement with Government. The labels will include information on the amount of alcoholic units contained within the drink and advice for women on the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant.

According to Rosemary Garth, Director of DMI, “The initiative will help consumers make informed choices about their alcohol consumption. In particular, it will enable consumers to keep within the sensible drinking guidelines provided by the Department of Health (21 units of alcohol per week for men and 14 units for women)”. The government and DMI reached the agreement through a working group on labelling, established under the social partnership process.

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RN November07News ●

Irish Shoppers Go Green ENVIRONMENTAL issues are high on shopping lists across Ireland, according to a new Bord Bia report.

PERIscope (Purchasing and Eating in the Republic of Ireland) research reveals that 56% of consumers are conscious of environmental issues upon purchasing products, while 51% prefer to purchase food and drink from ecofriendly companies.

The research, presented at Bord Bia’s annual Food and Drink Industry Day, also revealed that convenience is crucial in consumer purchasing decisions.

75% of consumers prefer food that is quick and easy to prepare – a 20% increase in six years - while almost 50% of shoppers prefer ready-to-eat foods.

Only three out of ten consumers now prepare meals from scratch.

Health and wellness is also high on the consumer agenda. Consumers, plagued by demanding lifestyles, now believe that food is a key factor in their mental performance. 73% of consumers in Ireland said they ‘eat to enrich or enhance their mental alertness and spir-

DUNNES Stores are moving into Donabate. The retail giant has plans to open a new distribution centre in north Dublin, at a reported cost of €200m. According to a report in the Irish Independent, the site consists of a 66,629 square metre floor space with provisions for 595 car parking spaces, 252 truck/trailer parking spaces, and 61 loading docks.

Tesco Ireland Reports Strong Growth

itual well-being’ (compared with only 58% in Great Britain). 77% of consumers eat foods that are low in fat, while eight in ten try to limit the amount of fast food they consume.

PERIscope pinpointed organic food as an area of future growth and also predicted that environmental issues will increasingly rise to the fore. However, the research revealed that consumers have yet to fully embrace food terms such as “sustainability”, “carbon footprints” and “food miles”.

New Health & Safety Legislation Introduced NEW health and safety legislation in the workplace is intended to make regulations “more coherent, easier to use and relevant to the changed work environment”. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, introduced on November 1, take into account Ireland’s 10% to 15% of non-national workers as well as people that work from home. For example, safety signs must not contain text, unless it is on a supplementary board, and employers must take into consideration people working from home when undertaking a risk assessment.

Employers must now ensure that the working environment meets or exceeds the minimum working room temperatures, and employees must 8

New Dunnes Distribution Centre

now have the ability to access inspection records for work equipment. If the reports are not available, then they can refuse to use the equipment.

“The introduction of the General Application Regulations 2007 is to be welcomed by employers and employees alike,” says Julian Rafter, Managing Director of Olive Safety. “The language and structure of the new Regulations is designed to be user friendly and should make the reading and understanding of regulatory requirements easier for all concerned. This should help remove the mystery and fear that often surrounds health and safety legislation. It is critical that all employers understand their legal obligations to their employees and others affected by their business.”

TESCO’S position in Ireland remains buoyant, as Tesco Ireland has revealed “improved profits and another year of strong sales growth in existing stores” in its report for the six months to August 25, 2007.

Although Tesco does not issue midterm financial figures for its geographical regions, any profits for this period are likely to be constrained by the construction of a 740,000 square feet Tesco distribution centre located in Donabate, in north Dublin. During the financial year to February 2007, Tesco generated sales of €2.72 billion, a 9.7% hike from the previous year.

Tesco’s prospects in Ireland have been furthered by the launch of an extensive range of Tesco Mobile prepaid handsets, released to 48 Tesco stores in late October 2006. Tesco Mobile uses an 089 prefix and offers a single prepay pricing plan of 20c calls to any network at any time. Text messages cost 9c and Tesco Mobile customers will also be able to avail of unlimited calls, texts and picture messages to other Tesco Mobile customers via the In Touch 10 and In Touch 30 Bundles.

RN November07News ●

Planning Ahead ALDI have new plans for their Kingsmeadow site in Waterford City. Having received permission for a store, car showroom and café at the site in 2006, subject to conditions, the German food chain have now scrapped the car showroom idea in favour of more retail warehousing. Aldi has been planning on building in Kingsmeadow since 2003, but have met numerous obstacles since, including a local residents group.

Meanwhile, a new €70m shopping centre has opened in Sligo. The Johnston Court shopping centre features 28 retail shops, a coffee bar, a juice bar and restaurant.

However, plans for a large food store outside Sligo town centre are causing controversy. The developers are seeking permission to construct a licensed discount food store 1,660 square metres in size – but the proposal potentially clashes with Sligo and Environs Development Plan. Under the Plan, only non-food and non-clothing retail warehousing is allowed outside the centre.

C ORRECTION IN the October edition of R ETAIL NEWS, it was incorrectly published that Disprin is one of Bayer’s brands.

Disprin is in fact part of the Reckitt Benckiser portfolio of brands. RETAIL NEWS would like to apologise to all concerned.

Batchelors Announce Price Increases BATCHELORS have announced price increases on some of their product range, following a significant increase in global commodity prices.

Batchelors said that the effect of global commodity price increases had led to spiralling raw material and business costs, which meant it had no option but to increase the prices it charges to wholesalers and retailers for some of its products.

“Rising input costs in 2007 are being driven by the combination of heat-waves in Europe and the US, and wet weather and flash floods in Northeast Europe. In addition, the increase in the production of bio fuels has seen crop switching in response to surging international oil prices,” said Kieran Rumley, Marketing Director, Batchelors.

For example, the price of beans from the US increased by 19% in 2007. Other costs such as tomato puree and energy increased by 15% and 10% respectively during the year. As such, the price of the Batchelors Baked Beans range is set to increase by approximately 6%.

In the fruit juice market, the adverse weather in northern Europe forced the price of apple juice up by 31% this year on the back of orange juice prices being up 120% last year. Local

The price of the Batchelors Baked Beans range is set to increase by approximately 6%.

prices are set to increase by approximately 6%. The Batchelors fruit juice range includes the Sqeez and Amigo brands.

The poor availability of tuna resulting from La Nina and changing international regulations on fish catches has forced tuna prices up by 35% this year.

The price of Picnic canned tuna is likely to increase by 20%.

There is low availability of pineapple for canned fruit this year as crop yields fell dramatically resulting from heavy rains in Thailand - one of the principal sources of canned pineapple for the Irish market. Mediterranean soft fruit availability declined as a result of the heatwave that struck southern Europe this summer. The price of Lustre canned fruit could increase by 15% for pineapple and 7% for other fruits.

BWG’s Investment Spree BWG recently announced a €30m investment in its wholesale operation.

The group plans to renovate and expand its Cash & Carries in Kilkenny, Clonmel and Killarney, and construct a new 55,000 square feet distribution centre in north Dublin.

“The retail sector is changing quite quickly, and we are making sure that we are ahead of the game,” said John Moane, Managing Director of BWG Wholesale. “We are determined to expand our footprint throughout the country.”

BWG Wholesale operates 25 Value Centre Cash & Carries and supplies a network of 130 independent shops, trading under the XL Stop and Shop

brand name. According to Moane, BWG Wholesale will increase its turnover from €385m to between €400m and €500m within five years.

John Moane, Managing Director of BWG Wholesale.

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RN November07Industry News ●

Coffee Morning On Target to Raise €2.5m IRELAND’S Biggest Coffee Morning, in aid of Hospice and sponsored by Bewley’s, which took place on September 20, was a huge success and is on target to raise €2.5m this year for local hospice care services all over Ireland. The Irish Hospice Foundation and Bewley’s would like to say a sincere “Thank You” to members of the public who hosted coffee mornings in workplaces, homes and local organisations across Ireland on the day. Pictured are Patrick Bewley, Bewley’s Ltd; model Baiba Gaile, wearing a dress made from over 250 coffee cups; Sheana Keane, host of RTE’s The Afternoon Show; and Eugene Murray, Chief Executive, The Irish Hospice Foundation; serenaded by members of Manila Strings, a trio of musicians from the Philippines.

Corona Cork Film Festival Opens KATHLEEN and Michael Barry, Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, are pictured at the opening of the Corona Cork Film Festival at the Bodega, Cork. Film makers and revellers came from Italy, the US, the Big Smoke, and several far flung corners of the world for the Festival Opening Night, partying well into the late hours. Corona, from Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, are main sponsors of the Festival for the next three years, while Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium themselves are celebrating 25 years in business this month.

Flora Institute Nutrition Award

THE Flora Institute Nutrition Award for postgraduate study has been awarded to Yvonne Hickey from Knocklyon, Dublin 16, pictured (right), with Dr Patricia Heavey, Consultant Nutritionist for Flora. The Flora Institute Nutrition Award is presented annually to the final year student who achieves the highest results in the Trinity College/Dublin Institute of Technology BSc degree course in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. The award of €8,000 will allow Yvonne to pursue her studies at a higher level. The prize is sponsored by The Flora Institute - a heart health and cholesterol information centre for health professionals in Ireland.

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Lucozade Sport Sponsors Unique Marathon Attempt THE O’Donoghue family from Birr, Co. Offaly (pictured) ran their way into the Guinness Book of World Records by being the largest family to complete a marathon, when they took part in the Dublin Marathon recently.

Lucozade Sport sponsored the family as they broke the world record that stood at 12. The family, which consists of 15 siblings aged between 32 and 52, smashed that record, as well as raising awareness and much needed funds

for their nominated charity, Down Syndrome Ireland.

Volunteers Make A Difference To Áras Chrónáin MORE than 30 volunteers from Procter & Gamble’s Ireland Support Office in Ballymount Dublin laid down their marketing plans and brand portfolios to pick up garden shears, hoes, strimmers and other gardening equipment to assist Áras Chrónáin, the Irish Cultural Centre in Orchard Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, recently.

Pathways, parking areas, plant borders and the general environment were all targeted with gusto in an afternoon-long burst of activity that left the venerable institution looking

refreshed and free of unsightly weeds, debris and litter.

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Tobacco is top-selling product T

his year the Government continued its ever increasing regulatory powers to make the sale of tobacco products considerably more difficult. The ban on the sale of packets of less than 20 earlier this year was followed by an order prohibiting the sale of cigarettes at less than €6.79 for 20, which applies from 19th November. In addition, the Minister has begun a consultation process on the timing of the ban on tobacco displays and the introduction of Registration.

Both retailers and manufacturers need to work together to maximise the full potential of tobacco, growing overall business levels while adhering to the new regulatory environment. Gallaher is committed to working with retailers in order to manage the effect of this legislation on the tobacco category.

Cigarettes continue to be strong sellers, particularly in C-Stores where sales of tobacco in 2006 accounted for over 56% of the market. Cigarettes also continue to be the biggest footfall drivers of any category both in terms of brand value and brand volume.

The Gallaher Category Review published earlier this year highlighted the results of an independent research survey amongst the top C-Stores in 2006. Of the top 20 C-Store brands in terms of value, fifteen were tobacco products and, by volume, nine of the top 20 selling C-Store brands were tobacco products.

IMPACT OF SMUGGLING ON TOBACCO RETAIL MARKET Ireland has witnessed a phenomenon in the volume of non duty-paid cigarettes in the period since 2004.

Figures compiled by Irish Customs have shown that the number of cigarette seizures has increased by a massive 290%, from 3,969 in 2004 to 15,497 in December 2006 – a substantial 1,300 seizures a month.

It is believed that the 50 million cigarettes seized in 2006 had the potential to cost the Exchequer €15 million in lost revenue. Retailers also suffer from smuggling in terms of lost sales and revenues. While there are no statistics available on the total number of cigarettes smuggled into Ireland, Gallaher estimates that it is somewhere in the region of 500 million cigarettes. That is the equivalent to 25 million packs of 20 cigarettes per year and a loss of 68,000 shopper visits every day. In 2007, a cigarette smoker spent on average €12.00 on each store visit, so this loss of shopper visits equates to a loss of €816,000 in retail sales per day.

The Tobacco Industry continues to co-operate with Custom & Excise in detecting smuggled cigarettes. In the event that you are suspicious or become aware of any smuggling activity, please contact Customs & Excise @ 8277541 or e-mail kdillon@revenue.ie

NO ID NO SALE Important Guidelines that should be considered and implemented when selling tobacco products: Make sure your staff know not to sell to people under the age of 18 Ask for photographic ID for proof of age When in doubt, refuse the sale

Leader in Innovation Gallaher remains market leader with 50% share of the cigarette market.

Gallaher market strength continues to grow with innovative new product development including:

• Benson & Hedges Silver.

An impressive sell out of almost 1.5 million packs since launch.

• Silk Cut Graphite.

Its new distinctive flavour and dual carbon filter is mild and smooth in the classic Silk Cut tradition.

• Benson & Hedges Black.

For today’s adult smokers who appreciate stylish strength and confidence, it evokes a modern representation of the classic B&H offering.

• The introduction of the new Amber Leaf tin continues to drive demand with sales growth of a massive 63% YTD 2007 compared to YTD 2006.

RN November07Industry News ●

Gorey Shopping Centre Opens THE new Gorey Shopping Centre opened for business on October 10, 2007, anchored by a 7,896 square metre Dunnes Stores, the largest in the South East. Designed by Dublin-based James Toomey Architects, Gorey Shopping Centre comprises 24 mall units, together with 400 customer car parking spaces.

Superquinn Family Fun Days SUPERQUINN is organising a series of Family Fun Days in a selection of its stores including Clonmel, Blackrock, Rathborne and Sundrive, up to December 2007. Niamh White (aged 8) is pictured getting her face painted by Superquinn's Store Manager, Sam Richie, at Superquinn's Family Fun Day in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Lucozade Sport and ASJI Honour Rovers

THE famous Shamrock Rovers team of the 1960s, that won an unprecedented six FAI Cups in a row, between 1964 and 1969, are generally regarded by football fans as the best club side in the history of the domestic game in Ireland. The achievements of those teams, and the 31 players that made up the winning sides, were acknowledged recently at the Sporting Legends Lunch, hosted by the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland (ASJI) and Lucozade Sport.

Pictured are (l-r): Liam Tuohy; Ronnie Nolan; John Keogh; Ronan McClafferty, Lucozade Sport; Elizabeth Reynolds, Lucozade Sport; Frank O’Neill, Pat Courtney and Johnny Fullam.

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Topaz Energy announces Dual Fuel Card TOPAZ Energy, who own the licenses for Statoil and Shell in Ireland, have announced that their existing fuel card customers can now use their fuel cards in 345 garages throughout Ireland.

Topaz currently has 150,000 fuel card customers - equating to a 40% share of the market. Customers currently have one of two cards - a Topaz card or a Statoil card. From now on, all fuel card customers will have direct access to the Topaz network of 345 service stations at all Shell and

Statoil service stations throughout the country. Danny Murray, CEO of Topaz Energy, and Frank Gleeson, Retail Director of Topaz Energy, are pictured with the Topaz and Statoil Fuel Cards.

Market Street at Musgrave Cash & Carry Cork MUSGRAVE Wholesale Partners recently launched ‘Market Street’ at Musgrave Cash & Carry, Cork. Directed at the foodservice and retail professional, ‘Market Street’ includes a wide range of specially sourced and designed food and non-food solutions. These include over 1,000 new lines, ranging from ethnic cuisine and chilled specialty products to an expanded catering equipment range. The range has been specifically designed to provide solutions for the growing ‘food to go’ convenience market. Pictured are (l-r): Frank Coghlan, Managing Director of Musgrave Wholesale Partners, and Stuart Musgrave, Non Executive Director, Musgrave Group, at the launch of 'Market Street from Musgrave Cash & Carry', Cork.

Trade Xmas 07 Retail News

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It’s all good for

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Christmas.

There's more good news from McCain this Christmas! Ireland's brand leader in the frozen potato category provides a great range of products to meet all your customers' needs. From quick and easy meal accompaniments to ideas for parties or a treat for unexpected guests. And with our all-important delicious roast potatoes, we've got you covered right through the season and into the new year. As part of the 'It's All Good' campaign, these products will be supported with Instore Promotions and TV, Press, Radio advertising reinforcing McCain's reputation for making good, tasty, favourite food from simple natural ingredients.

Roast Potatoes Range Sales of Roast Potatoes are bigger at Christmas time than at any other time of year, and McCain’s range offers something for every occasion during this busy trading period. We use top quality potatoes, and that's why all our roasts are the simple way to get perfect roast potatoes anytime.

McCain’s Roast Potato range includes the following: McCain Home Roasts The No.1 and biggest selling Frozen Roast Potato in the market and great for all the family.

McCain Rustic Roasts A new edition to the range, offering a more wholesome and healthy option - Chunky Roast Potatoes with their skins left on.

McCain Roast Potatoes basted in Goose Fat Another new edition to the range, taking Frozen Roast Potatoes to a completely new level.

Premium and Delicious Roast Potatoes in a light crispy coating and basted in Goose Fat to guarantee roast potato perfection.

Potato Winners Wedges Range McCain Potato Winners Wedges is a range of simply prepared, naturally seasoned, wedge potatoes and is the biggest selling wedge range in the market.

Available in three delicious flavours Lightly Spiced, Sea Salt and Black Pepper and Winter Herb, McCain Potato Winners are guaranteed to inspire shoppers to create mouth-watering meals.

As party food or side-of-plate accompaniment, McCain Potato Winner Wedges are a great tasting idea for all sorts of occasions at Christmas.

RN November07Industry News ●

Sam’s Cookies Help Barretstown CHILDREN from Barretstown realised the dream of spending a day in a real life chocolate and cookie factory when they teamed up with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s Grandpa Joe (actor David Kelly).

The purpose of the tasty party was to urge people to indulge their love of chocolate and buy a Sam’s Cookies Chocolate Fudge Cake to help raise €1 million for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Actor David Kelly and the children were at the Sam’s Cookies factory in Bray to launch the exclusive chocolate party cake, specially made for Barretstown, with €1 from each cake donated to the charity, enabling more children to take part in their life-changing programmes.

Musgrave Group Launches Graduate Programme THE Musgrave Group launched its Graduate Programme for 2008 recently, which will provide over 35 graduates with the opportunity to work for the State’s second largest employer. The company partners with entrepreneurial food retailers and food service professionals serving more than 3,000 stores in Ireland, Great Britain and Spain. The company, which employs 24,000 people across Ireland, is recruiting to fill a number of positions in a variety of roles across the business, including purchasing, finance, information technology, human resources, marketing, logistics and project management.

The programme will provide graduates with an opportunity to experience Musgrave’s innovative retail model.

Through this model, its retail partners are equipped with the sales, marketing, IT, finance and logistical support that comes with the most advanced retail business practice. These entrepreneurial retail partners live and work in the communities in which they operate and over 600 communities in Ireland benefit from their commitment to excellence in service, fresh local produce, superb standards of hygiene and competitive prices.

Commenting on the programme, Chris Martin, CEO, Musgrave Group, said, “The Graduate Programme is an integral part of our continued success. We take in graduates of the highest calibre in order to develop a pipeline of senior managers and in return we provide them with excellent opportunities for career development and progression.”

Superquinn Launches Own label Food Range SUPERQUINN has launched an exciting new range of luxury food items under the brand name, ‘The SQ Collection’, offering shoppers the opportunity to buy products that it claims “are unbeatable among supermarkets for taste and quality”. ‘The SQ Collection’ is the result of an investment of over half a million euro by the company. Over 100 new lines are available, following collaboration between Superquinn’s Product Development Team and some of Ireland’s finest food companies and artisan food producers, including meat, seafood, cheeses, desserts, fruit and vegetables, bakery and treats. Pictured at the launch of ‘The SQ Collection’ are (l-r): Lorraine Keane, TV3; Bruce Langlands, Head of Product Development for Superquinn; and Simon Burke, Chairman of Superquinn.

Appointments at Gala PETER Flanagan has been appointed National Sales Manager for the Gala Retail Services Group. Peter will be responsible for the continued development of current and new business nationally for the Gala Retail Services Group.

Peter has over 15 years’ experience in retail and has previously held a number of senior management positions within the FMCG sector and with the Griffin Group. Peter will oversee a team of regional and fresh food managers working closely on developing and implementing strategic plans for the Gala Group.

John Ireland has been appointed Fresh Food Manager for Gala Retail Services. As a former consultant chef with 24 years’ experience, John has implemented hot and cold meal menu solutions across the symbol group market. John will play an active role in the development of fresh food innovation projects and the design of new food solutions for the Gala convenience trade.

Michael O’Shaughnessy has been appointed National Development Manager for Gala Retail Services. Michael will be responsible for developing new and existing stores within the Gala network and enhancing the Gala portfolio. Michael will be working closely on store infrastructure, concentrating on developing business opportunities nationally.

Michael has over 21 years’ experience in retail and has previously held positions with the BWG Group.

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Ireland’s best selling firelighters are about to get even better...

ZIP already has the highest consumer brand awareness which means the highest consumer demand and sales*. This winter’s heavyweight marketing campaign will drive sales even higher.

A €500k campaign will run throughout November and December which includes sponsorship of RTÉ’s hugely popular ‘The Afternoon Show’, television, press and online advertising, PLUS a stunning customer competition with one lucky family travelling to Canada to see the Northern Lights.

To support the campaign ZIP are launching a new brand website featuring classic Irish fireside tales told by renowned Seanchaì, Pat Speight. Visit www.zipfirelighters.ie Because ZIP is premium quality it commands premium prices - giving you the best cash profit per sale.

No firelighter burns longer To order stock, or to get free promotional leaflets and posters for your store, call the F.A. Wyatt sales line on 018606400

www.zipfirelighters.ie * Source AC Nielsen

Competition posters and leaflets

RN November07Money Matters ●

Safeguarding Your Future While pensions can seem like a minefield of technical terms, understanding the different options available to you is extremely important. Carmel Linnane wades through the acronyms and explains the differences between SSAPs and PRSAs in a language we can all understand.

“One of the main attractions of a pension is that contributions paid benefit from income tax relief at an individual’s highest rate of tax.

Contributions paid by an employee via payroll will benefit from automatic tax relief and relief will also be given from PRSI and the health levies.”

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A

man retiring at 65 can now expect to live to 83 and a woman to 87. With increasing longevity, it requires more money to fund those years after retirement. Despite these facts, some 40% of the adult Irish workforce between 45 and 54 years of age have no private pension coverage. Old age may be a less than salubrious experience if you are relying solely on the State pension for income. One could be optimistic and hope one’s offspring would be in a position to ease financial needs but the fact that they have been dubbed the ‘borrowing generation’ may not augur well for that hope.

It is totally understandable that people go blank when they hear the word pension. The very language of pensions is off-putting. There are myriad acronyms such as SSAPs, PRSAs, RACs, ARFs, AVCs and so on.

Don’t be put off. It is not as obscure as it sounds. Just focus on your personal situation and see what suits your specific circumstances.

Pensions do not suit everyone.

Some people prefer to control their money by investing in other assets such as property or stocks and shares or a business which hopefully can be sold on reaching retirement and will be sufficient to fund those years when you can finally enjoy life.

Personal Pensions For those who do want a pension, the government has tried over the last few years to make them more user-friendly. Employees, the selfemployed, homemakers, carers and the unemployed – in fact every adult under age 75 can take out a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA). Contributions can be paid to a PRSA by both an individual and by an employer: however, an employer does not have to contribute. The maximum contribution rate as a percentage of total pay on which you can receive tax relief is: Highest age during the tax year

Rate

Under 30 30-39 40-49 50-54 55-59 60 and over

15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Source: The Pensions Board One of the main attractions of a pension is that contributions paid benefit from income tax relief at an individual’s highest rate of tax. Contributions

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RN November07Money Matters ●

paid by an employee via payroll will benefit from automatic tax relief and relief will also be given from PRSI and the health levies. If you contribute directly to a PRSA, you will need to reclaim tax relief directly from the tax office. The annual earnings limit for employee pension contributions is €254,000 so the maximum annual contribution you can make is €76,200.

SSAP The self-administered pension scheme (SSAP) gives you greater control over your investments and the running costs can clearly be established. If you are an employee, your company can make significantly greater contributions to your pension fund on your behalf. The level of contribution that may be funded through the company is a function of your age, current salary, retirement age and historical funding patterns. These contributions are tax-deductible to the company and are not taxed as benefit in kind.

Company Pension Plans Company pension plans, or occupational pension plans as they are sometimes known, are set up by employers to provide retirement and death benefits for their employees. These plans are normally set up either under trust or on a statutory basis.

There are two types of company pension plan: • Defined benefit plans provide a set level of pension at retirement, the amount of which normally depends on your service and your final earnings level.

Some plans allow for the State Pension in their calculations.

Many plans that aim to provide two-thirds of a member’s basic salary after 40 years’ pensionable service calculate the pension entitlement on the member’s basic salary less 1.5 times the State Pension.

• The second option is the Defined Contribution plan. This is where your own contributions and your employer’s contributions are

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both invested and the proceeds used to buy a pension at retirement. The level of your pension will depend on the amount invested, the return on your investments and the cost of your pension at retirement.

Each company pension plan has eligibility rules. These rules set out who can join the plan, when they can join and the benefits available to them. Some companies make it a condition of employment that employees must join the plan when eligible. Many company plans automatically include employees for a lump sum death in service benefit immediately on joining the company, even if the employee cannot join for pension benefits or can only join for pension benefits at a later date.

Contributions Members are often asked to contribute toward the cost of a company pension plan. Contributions tend to be set as a percentage of salary.

In a defined contribution plan, the employer’s contribution is set out in the plan’s documents. In a defined benefit plan, the employer normally pays contributions at the level needed to fund the benefits promised.

In a business that operates a pension scheme, the employer will usually contribute 5-7% of the employee’s salary towards his work pension. Normally, it is a condition that the employee matches that amount. The employee can contribute more than this but some experts say there are advantages to putting the rest into a personal pension instead.

From the tax year 2006 onwards, the amount of the contributions on which you may claim tax relief are the same for employees and self-employed individuals. The regular annual contributions paid by the employer are deductible in computing his profits chargeable to tax (either corporation tax or income tax). The employer will only get a deduction for contributions actually paid and not for an amount

set aside to make a contribution at a later date. The deduction for regular annual contributions is given in the year the contribution is paid. If the employer makes a special contribution, relief may, in certain circumstances, be spread forward over a number of years.

AVCs Additional Voluntary Contributions are contributions that allow you to increase the size of your pension fund. If you are aged under 30 and contributing 5% of your salary as part of the normal pension scheme, you will be able to get tax relief on an extra 10% of your salary. AVCs are only permitted if the rules of the particular plan permit them. If the rules do not permit AVCs to be made, then a member has the right to pay AVCs to a Personal Savings Retirement Account.

Retirement Assuming you have a paid-up pension, what happens on retirement?

You can take 25% of your pension fund as a tax-free lump sum and transfer the balance to an approved retirement fund (ARF).

Alternatively, you could use the balance to purchase a retirement annuity.

Income and capital gains accrue tax-free in the ARF and withdrawals are taxed at your marginal tax rate. On death, the value of the ARF can be paid tax-free to an ARF owned by your spouse. Subsequent withdrawals from the ARF by your spouse are taxed at the marginal tax rate.

Transfers from the ARF after death to your children under 21 are free of income tax but are treated as taxable inheritances, with the normal adult-child threshold applying.

Transfers from the ARF after death to your children aged 21 or over are exempt from inheritance tax but suffer income tax at 20%. From December 7, 2005, the maximum allowable retirement fund for pension purposes was capped at €5m, or if higher, the value of the fund at that date.

BIC Tights Launch in Ireland WHY BIC TIGHTS? BIC has been selling tights for the past thirty years in three major European countries.

BIC is the tights market leader in Greece with a wide range of products and a real know how.

BIC is a known & reliable player on the Irish market.

BIC offers the right product range which is clearly in-line with consumers requirements.

PRODUCT LINE: A full range to target all consumers

FASHION RANGE: BIC follows the trends with a full fashionable line.

From net to design, everything exists.

Product with elastic.

ADDED VALUE RANGE: A complete range to cover all women’s needs.

Control Top, Low waist as well as the everyday high quality product.

Product with elastic.

MODERN RANGE: A comfortable & accessible product for everyday use.

Product with elastic.

Why BIC? As a full line supplier, BIC’s target is to simplify our customers’ life while offering a full product range.

The BIC expertise in sales & marketing as well as delivery and reactivity.

A dedicated sales force: deliver, merchandise, reorder. They do it all!

BIC offers the right product at the right price.

ONE INVOICE, ONE DELIVERY, ONE SUPPLIER. BIC Ireland (Ltd), PO Box 872, 3rd Floor, Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7.

Tel: 01-810 2800 Web: www.bicworld.com

RN November07Shop Profile ●

A Big Plus for Londis Michael and Brigid Quinn’s stunning Londis Plus store in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, utilises a variety of innovative techniques to showcase the future of grocery retailing in Ireland.

Cloughvalley

Stores, Michael and Brigid Quinn’s Londis Plus in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, is a superb example of just how high the standards in grocery retailing have become in this country. The couple have invested significantly in a large-scale development that will benefit not just the image of Londis but, most importantly, the local people of the town and beyond.

Michael and Brigid have worked in the retail sector since 1988. They operate shops in both Northern Ireland and in the Republic. In 1992, they developed Cloughvalley Stores, their forecourt site in Carrickmacross, from a small forecourt shop to a 3,500 square feet retail unit that traded as a fully independent store.

Significant Project Their latest endeavour has seen a complete transformation of the site in Carrickmacross and has seen the husband and wife team ally themselves with the Londis group. Michael tells RETAIL NEWS, ”This was a very significant project. We talked to a variety of symbol groups in the build-up to this project. Each group had its own particular attributes, some of which suited us and some of which did not. We chose to work with the Londis Group on this project as we found the Londis Plus image suited the style of supermarket we wanted to develop and because the group as a whole seemed to be a very fair organisation. From our interaction with the group, we knew that Londis was an organisation that’s very focused on keeping up to date with the latest trends and developments in the sector.”

From the outset, Michael and Brigid, with considerable retail experience of their own, had very specific ideas for the project. The development included complete demolition of the old site and forecourt, the replacement of everything from underground tanks to forecourt canopy, and the development of the old forecourt shop into a stunning 15,000 square feet Londis Plus supermarket with nine additional retail units – the leasing of which will ensure valuable extra income to maximise the return on their investment.

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RN November07Shop Profile ● Works on the massive development began with complete demolition of the old site on October 14, 2005. It is a testament to Michael’s project management skills (he personally oversaw the entire project) that substantive works were completed in a little over a year and the shop began trading on December 15, 2006. The couple continued to trade on the site from temporary accommodation throughout the project.

Innovative Techniques The development has utilised a variety of innovative techniques, such as the heating/cooling system from Cool Right Refrigeration Ltd. As retailers around the country are well aware, a major problem with chilled and frozen cabinets is the amount of heat they produce during the chilling process. The innovative system from Cool Right recycles that heat and uses it to heat the shop itself. In addition, the Quinns chose to include a large solar panel system, covering 50% of the roof space, which heats all of the supermarket’s water. Michael also chose to avoid a suspended ceiling and the entire roof of the interior is painted black, reflecting rising heat back down into the body of the shop to further reduce waste.

Thinking outside the box like that means large cost savings. The couple have also applied for planning permission for the construction of a wind turbine that will supply significant amounts of electricity to the shop, delivering further savings on running costs. All of their efforts will ensure that the store is as protected as any shop could possibly be from unpredictable future increases in utility charges and ably demonstrates Michael and Brigid’s commitment to achieving excellence in everything they do.

Commitment to Excellence Indeed, Michael and Brigid’s commitment to excellence is matched only by their determination to use their success to enable them to give something back. Both in their shop in Northern Ireland and in Londis Plus, Carrickmacross, the duo are raising €30,000 to provide fresh water to the Ndala community in Tanzania, giving life-giving water to people who are unlikely to ever spend so much as a cent in their shop.

The pair are equally committed to their local customers, as Michael explains: “There’s no such thing as ‘job done’ in retail, and if you sit back and say ‘we’ve got the latest image and don’t need to do any more’, you might as well close your shop. You have to give the customer what they want in order to succeed and the customer has to be treated, in any transaction, on a simple basis of fairness [be that in terms of value for money or impeccable customer service].”

Michael and Brigid have invested heavily, not only in this development, but throughout the local community.

Their dedication to success is tireless and working alongside Londis, the couple will continue to aggressively pursue success in a very competitive market.

An unlisted plc since 2004, ADM Londis plc is the only Irish symbol group where retailers can own the company through share holdings and realise the value in their shares at market price. The company recently announced that it is on track to break its target of recruiting 40 new stores to the network for 2007. They have signed over 70 new stores over the past 18 months, including 38 new stores in the 10 months to October 2007. The common thread is the appeal of ADM Londis’ offering of scale, expertise and autonomy.

Approximately FA C T F I L E 7,000 people are employed in retail, Owner: Michael and Brigid Quinn distribution and Location: Castleblaney Rd, Carrickmacross, support servicCo. Monaghan es through a Size: 15,000 square feet retail space network of over Number of 360 independStaff: 65 full time & part time ently owned Opening Londis stores hours: 07:00 – 22:30 Mon – Sun nationwide.

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RN November07Retail News Interview ●

With over 300 stores under the Gala umbrella – Gala, Gala Superstore, GalaXpress and Checkout – we’re continuing to attract retailers from across the country. In 2007, we set down an objective of opening 30 stores: this has been exceeded, and in 2008, we hope to open a further 35 Gala stores, with 400 retail positions being created.

How has it changed from when you first joined the sector?

A Gala Year for Convenience Group Gary Desmond, Gala CEO, reflects on the continued growth of the Gala brand, Ireland’s evolving retail landscape and Gala’s ambitious plans for its 10th anniversary next year.

Gary

Desmond was appointed Chief Executive of Gala Retail Services, in March 2007, having held the position of National Sales & Development Manager in Gala for the previous 18 months. He has spent the last nine years with Gala, Ireland’s fastest growing convenience retailer.

As Gary’s responsibilities include the overall development and implementation of business strategy for the group, he leads and co-ordinates the Group’s future expansion and is overseeing Gala’s progressive marketing activities. Gary also works with GRS group wholesalers and retailers in developing the Gala group brands and

22

ensuring existing member services are continually enhanced and developed. A graduate of UCC, Gary has held various positions within the convenience sector for the past 20 years.

How would you describe the Irish retailing landscape at the moment?

It’s certainly getting more and more competitive. The symbol groups are each growing at a steady pace and this can only be good for the consumer. Incredibly, Gala is 10 years old next year and for the last nine years, we have witnessed immense growth.

When Gala first joined the sector, the focus for convenience groups was acquisitions and expansion. This is still extremely important but equally valuable is building the brand. It’s essential to us that Gala relates to its communities and builds an emotional connection with its shoppers. In the past three years, the Gala Group has strategically moved forward with an intense and innovative marketing plan: e.g. Gala became the first-ever commercial sponsor of the Camogie Association in 2006. This year, we extended the sponsorship to incorporate the Junior Championships, in addition to our title sponsorship of the Senior Championship.

Do you feel the multiples wield too much power in Ireland or is the symbol group/independent retailer able to compete?

The introduction of the multiples in Ireland has, without doubt, increased competition in Ireland and been the major driver in discounted prices and reduced margins. Certainly, it’s important to compete on price, which can only be good for the consumer.

However, as convenience stores, it’s important to offer shoppers a customer-care-focused level of service.

Our shoppers are part of the communities that Gala operates in. Local business people own the stores and employ local staff to service local customers. Gala, although very competitively priced, is all encompassing, not solely price-driven.

How do you see the sector changing over the coming years?

Over the next few years, I would pre-

RN November07Retail News Interview ●

dict that it’ll be essential for symbol groups to build their brands, as differentiation will become increasingly important. This will lead to increased marketing spend in fields such as sponsorship and consumer promotion.

Consumers want more from their shopping experience so there will be a continuation of compartmentalisation in stores: e.g. deli counters, smoothie bars etc. Consumers are demanding more choice: therefore, it’s up to us to deliver.

How has the Gala brand managed to grow consistently throughout Ireland since its launch in 1998 and can it continue to do so?

In the past nine years, Gala has proved itself to be one of the main players in the symbol group sector. We have been consistent in delivery and growth, and plan to grow even further.

Our systems and support for our retailers are the backbone of our Group and it has been retailers’ confidence in our support network that has expanded the business. The introduction of new systems, such as the ‘Celerity invoicing service’, show a continuous investment in introducing the most up-to-date processes, which will in turn be more cost-effective for the Group. We will continue to grow “Over the Gala

next few years, I would predict that it’ll be essential for symbol groups to build their brands, as differentiation will become increasingly important. This will lead to

by demonstrating our commitment to the brand and our retailers. From my experience, this will translate into an increased number of Gala stores nationwide - results through delivery.

Are you on target to reach your goal of 30 new store openings this year?

We have surpassed the number set and have plans to open 35 new stores in 2008, with 400 fulltime and parttime Gala positions.

“After nine years, we’ve decided to build

How has the upon the brand identity, making it more sponsorship deal with the sophisticated and recognisable, to Senior and Junior Camogie reflect the growth of Gala. The Championships benefited the unveiling of the new Gala image at brand?

The title sponsorship and 2007 our annual conference has inspired extension have been extremely successful for Gala. By supportour retailers and will, no doubt, ing an intrinsically Irish female go some way in attracting new sport that our employees and shoppers play, we have built up an emoretailers to the Gala Group.” tional connection with our stakeholders. In terms of brand awareness, the Gala All-Ireland Camogie ers for their ongoing support, we’re Championships are now well-recogplanning some exciting initiatives. A nised by the media and the public major tenth birthday promotion for alike: e.g. in July, Gala was menconsumers will both drive footfall tioned 167 times in the Irish press in and thank shoppers for their continconjunction with Camogie. The Gala ued custom; a corporate social 2007 All-Ireland Championship in responsibility programme involving Croke Park witnessed a record attenall Group stores; new marketing inidance, 33,000 people, and together, I tiatives; the continuation of our title feel we’re building the profile of both sponsorship of the Gala All-Ireland Gala and the Camogie Association.

Camogie Championships; and a celeTo capitalise on the Camogie sponbratory annual conference with a difsorship, Gala was also able to leverage ference are all in the pipeline. One this sponsorship by launching a health thing’s for sure, 2008 is going to be and wellbeing campaign with consultan exciting year for Gala. ant dietician, Aveen Bannon. The ‘Get into Championship Form with Gala’ campaign highlighted Gala’s range of fresh produce and promoted health Gala’s New Team and fitness to our shoppers.

REFLECTING the growth of the

sponsorship and consumer

As Gala celebrates its 10th anniversary next year, what would be your birthday wish for the brand?

promotion.”

In 2008, we are confident that we will deliver another strong year in

increased marketing spend in fields such as

terms of store openings and increased turnover. After nine years, we’ve decided to build upon the brand identity, making it more sophisticated and recognisable, to reflect the growth of Gala. The unveiling of the new Gala image at our annual conference has inspired our retailers and will, no doubt, go some way in attracting new retailers to the Gala Group.

Lastly, it’s not a wish but more of a plan for 2008. To thank our retail-

brand, Gala has made some new appointments to its team. Peter Flanagan has been appointed National Sales Manager, Michael O’Shaughnessy is the new National Development Manager and John Ireland joins Gala as Fresh Food Manager.

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RN November07Repak Recycling Awards ●

Rewarding Recycling in Ireland The sixth annual Repak Recycling Awards took place recently, promoting and encouraging excellence in packaging prevention and recycling.

The

sixth annual Repak Recycling Awards took place in Dublin recently, rewarding excellence in packaging prevention and recycling.

Speaking at the event, Andrew Hetherington, Chief Executive of Repak, noted how “The Repak Recycling Awards are a great opportunity for us all to recognise and reward those members and organisations that have made a significant contribution to packaging prevention and recycling in Ireland.”

Hetherington congratulated guest of honour John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, on his “well deserved appointment”, noting how his agenda and that of Repak, are closely aligned. “We are both strongly committed to increas24

ing recycling in Ireland and building on the successful model which has seen Ireland grow from small beginnings to become the sixth best performer in packaging recycling among European countries,” he said, before going on to highlight the achievePictured receiving the inaugural Repak Excellence ments of Repak on its Award on behalf of Tesco Ireland are Emer Waring, Tesco Ireland, and Tony Keohane, CEO, Tesco Ireland, tenth anniversary. with Minister for the Environment, John Gormley TD ”When we started (left) and Andrew Hetherington, CEO, Repak (right). out in 1997, recycling was in its infancy – little was hapagreed to increase their contributions pening, infrastructure was poor, and by amounts well in excess of inflation there was no co-ordinated approach – of the order of 10-12% annually – at national level to dealing with recyover the next five years to fund addicling,” he stated. “The EU legislation tional recycling activity. That extra also set what were then very tough funding will allow for significant targets. Coming from a virtual zero increases in the subsidies paid to base, Ireland had to achieve a recylocal authorities, who represent one cling rate of 25% by 2001, doubling of the key platforms of Irish recycling then to 50% by 2005.” activity, particularly in relation to Hetherington highlighted the fact the collection of household recythat Repak has consistently achieved clables. or exceeded every national recycling The Chief Executive also target set for Ireland since its estabannounced a series of additional lishment, and is on course to achieve measures which Repak will underthe national recycling rate of 60% by take, as part of their commitment to 2011. However, in order to achieve the Government’s five year strategy this, Hetherington argued, Repak on recycling. These include: needs “all of the players in the game working off the same game-plan.

The provision of additional That includes business, Government, resources for the collection of local authorities, waste collectors, beverage containers such as schools and householders.” plastic bottles and drink cans in cases where the existing collection infrastructure is weak.

The Future The Government recently undertook Working closely with the drinks to introduce new Packaging industry to cut down on the Regulations, designed to bring more amount of beverage containers businesses into the scheme, and coming on the market, and how make it tougher for those who are they can collect and recycle more evading their responsibilities to containers. escape, which are expected to be signed into law soon.

Working with major producers of Repak member companies have

RN November07Repak Recycling Awards ●

thanks to the launch of three Packaging Prevention Initiatives.

Weights of plastic trays were reduced, corrugated The Awards cases were replaced with Re-useable packaging, compostable, shrink-wrap and plastic flexible food packaging, zero waste to drums were replaced landfill, fixed packaging reduction with returnable containtargets and geo thermal heating sysers. These initiatives tems are just some of the initiatives resulted in savings of 67 that were commended at this year’s tonnes of plastic and 42 Repak Recycling Awards.

O’Reilly’s Centra in Buncludy won the Repak Best Practice Award for the Independent Retail Sector. tonnes of cardboard. By Tesco were awarded Repak's Pictured are Minister for the Environment, John Gormley reducing this much newest honour, The Repak Excellence TD; Joe Guinan and Joe O’ Reilly, from O’Reilly’s Centra; waste, the company is Award, by virtue of their strong leadand Andrew Hetherington, CEO of Repak. not only helping the enviership in the protection of the environronment but also making ment through its strategy to minimise massive cost reductions. its carbon footprint and address cruAlcan Packaging cial environmental concerns through Dublin, specialists in the recycling, packaging reduction and printing of food flexible sustainable energy use. The Tesco packaging, took the environmental strategy, launched in Repak Best Practice 2007, sets a target of being the first Award. Alcan have examIrish retailer to reach 100% recycling ined all aspects of their of packaging and store waste by 2010.

Pictured accepting the Repak Member of the year production to ensure that The move will see more than 24,000 Award for Lakeland Dairies are Derek O’Connor, Rory no more packaging than tonnes of waste recycled each year.

Farrell and Padraig Smith of Lakeland Dairies, with necessary is used and The strategy also seeks to increase the John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, and that all packaging that recycability of their packaging, which Andrew Hetherington, CEO, Repak. can be recovered is segreincludes ideas like compostable packgated and sent for recycling. However, aging that would be available on a there are resounding benefits to recyit is the development of a compostable number of organic fresh products. cling and prevention/reduction of packflexible plastic food packaging for the Secondary cardboard and plastic aging. Not only is recycling beneficial breakfast cereal market that marked packaging will be replaced by refor the environment, it also greatly Alcan Packaging Dublin as leaders in usable green crates. Tesco already reduces costs and it improves the green best practice in packaging waste manhave 250,000 re-usable plastic crates reputation of the organisation.” agement. in circulation each week, preventing The winners in each category O’ Reilly’s Centra Foodmarket, nearly 20m cardboard boxes per received an award made from recovBunclody, Co. Wexford managed to annum. Packaging on own label ered/recycled materials, created by recycle 77% of its waste in 2006 reducbrand products will be reduced by Irish designer, Ronan Halpin. The ing its waste management bill by 42%, 25% by the target date of 2010. judges included Brian Meaney of the which made them worthy winners of HJ Heinz was presented with the EPA, Avine MacNally of the SFA, the Best Practice Award in the indeBest Prevention Initiative Award David Pearce, who represented pendent retail sector, while Chambers Ireland, and Hugh Lakeland Dairies won Repak Stephens of Enterprise Ireland.

Member of the Year by reducThe Awards were part of Repak ing its landfill from 717 tonnes Recycling Week, which this year had to 28 tonnes, a massive 97% the theme, ‘Keep Recycling – let’s get reduction.. it sorted’, featuring a series of nationwide educational and promotional campaigns. Repak also decided Benefits of to go cyber this year with a Bebo Recycling page (www.repakrecyclin.bebo.com), “The Repak Recycling Awards a YouTube site are imperative at highlighting (www.youtube.com/repakrecycling) the importance of recycling and Pictured at the presentation of the Repak Best and its very own blog site also the exemplar work in packPractice Award to Alcan Packaging are John (www.repakrecycling.blogspot.com) aging reduction, which does not Gormley TD, Minister for Environment; Gerry which give Repak a virtual presence Byrne, EPA; Niamh Cassidy and Allan Radford, always get highlighted,” noted Alcan Packaging; and Andrew Hetherington, and allow more interaction with a Andrew Hetherington. “What CEO Repak. larger audience. most people don’t realise is that packaging to come to collective agreements on national targets for packaging reduction.

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RN November07Online Ordering ●

Bridging the Gap

For retailers, ordering core ranges, accessing promotions and new products, will never be the same again thanks to Retail Connections.

A

new online ordering system is set to revolutionise the relationship between suppliers, buying groups and retailers, giving retailers more freedom regarding when they choose to order, while accessing supplier promotions, core ranges and new launches with the click of a button. Retail Connections is an online portal through which independent and symbol group retailers can order products and services, accessing information from suppliers under one banner. This one-stop shop is free to retailers and puts them in a 26

better position to compete with multiples by giving them better access to suppliers’ special offers. Most importantly, it is easy to use and quick to master, allowing retailers the ability to order stock over the Internet in much the same painless way that they would order airline tickets.

“We always intended Retail Connections to look like a business to consumer website,” explains Managing Director Paul Kelly. “When the retailer accesses the site, he or she is able to inspect a product with one click. The ability to include photographs is a huge advantage to everyone involved, since the look of the promotional pack alone can often sell the offer. The retailer thinks, ‘That looks strong’, and the order increases as a result. The site offers a list of products: an order form, clearly laid out, product description, and quantity. ‘I’ll have one of those, four of those, six of those’. Click. That’s it.”

Alongside Paul Kelly, the masterminds behind this one stop shop for retail purchasing include Tony Bateman, who liaises with the suppliers and buying groups, and Ken Allen, who liaises with the retailers. All three formerly worked in Nestlé and all have long experience of various areas of the grocery trade. Paul hails from a background in marketing, change management and IT implementation; Tony worked in numerous Nestlé businesses in Ireland, becoming Irish Manager for the Friskies pet food business. Ken, meanwhile, has 40 years experience, mostly in sales management in FMCG, spending 22 years working with Rowntrees and Nestlé.

Improved Service to Retailers In conceptualising Retail Connections, the trio recognised that there was an opportunity to improve the service to retailers in the market, particularly with regard to promotions and new product launches.

“We realised that getting promotions and new products off the ground, getting them listed, and making them effective in the trade could be frustrating,” says Paul. “The key was finding a solution that did not exist elsewhere.” Armed with the slogan ‘bridging the gap’, the team set about researching the possibility of online, one-stop-shop ordering.

Almost 200 retailers were consulted and the vast majority expressed interest in the system. After all, there is no other on-line one-stop shop where suppliers are collated under one

RN November07Online Ordering ●

Giant Leap Forward

rooftop. The fact that the retailer would be able to order from all the participating suppliers in the market within a single website proved to be a huge selling point during this research stage. Furthermore, the amount of web-savvy retailers is on the rise.

A Comreg report, published in May 2007 (07/23), said that by the second half of 2006, 78% of retailers had internet access in their businesses, and that of those, 70% had broadband access. Working from their database of 3,800 retailers, Retail Connections estimate that there are sufficient retailers with internet access to make the service worthwhile for suppliers: nearly 3,000 with internet access and over 2,000 with broadband access.

According to the same report, internet access among SMEs grew from 78% in the first half of 2005 to 88% a year later, so these figures are likely to be higher in late 2007.

Benefiting All Participants Ultimately, retailconnections.ie looks set to benefit all participants: suppliers, buying groups, and retailers. “It offers the retailer an easy way to inspect products, while suppliers can put products up on the site, so it becomes a communication between the two,” explains Tony. “The buying groups are an integral part of the operation because [the order] goes from the suppliers to the buying groups to the retailer. We have conducted two years of research to make it the refined system that it is now.”

Suppliers committed to the service include the Jacob Fruitfield Food Group, Jeyes, Nestlé Cereals, Robert Roberts and SHS Sales and Marketing. “Through Retail Connections, we are able to offer a better service to our existing customers, and to reach more customers very cost-effectively, giving them more opportunities to order products such as Jacob’s biscuits and Chef sauces,”

says Daragh Monahan, Sales Director of the Jacob Fruitfield Food Group.

The registration process is simple, taking only a couple of minutes. The retailer enters their details and password and gives their account numbers for participating suppliers and buying groups – without the account numbers, they will be unable to view or order products.

To order, a retailer logs on with their password, surveys the lists of core ranges, promotions, and new products, selects, and clicks. “The real benefit to the retailer is from a convenience point of view,” explains Ken. “There is up-to-the-minute information: promotions, special offers, and new product launches. The retailer can elect to be alerted whenever the site is updated - as soon as the supplier puts the product up on the system.”

The system is security and confidentiality conscious: only retailers and suppliers can access it.

Ultimately, Retail Connections is a giant leap in the process of ordering product. It will help to eliminate the practice of sending orders to buying groups on faxes; it can be integrated into suppliers’ order-processing systems, streamlining the process for everyone involved. Paul Kelly plans on bringing more suppliers on board, and eventually venturing into the €2.3 billion Pharmaceutical market and the €6 billion Wines and Spirits markets in Ireland. For now, retailers are afforded a method whereby they can conveniently order products at their own behest.

“Retailers may not be used to ordering their grocery lines on the Internet, but they bank online, they book flights and holidays online,” says Tony. “With this system, they can access suppliers’ core ranges, promotions and new products. Secondly, they can order whenever they want. Retailers can order in the evening, at the weekend, whenever.

Retail Connections is all about making a retailer’s life easier and more efficient.”

For more information: www.retailconnections.ie

Making the Connection How the three core players benefit from Retail Connections Benefits to Retailers: • Access to core ranges, 24/7.

• Ordering when it suits them.

• Instant access to new products and promotions.

• Better management of promotions and new product launches: • Order POS with products.

• Better access to information: price lists, planograms.

Benefits to Suppliers: • Reaching more retailers – new stockists, cost effectively.

• Ensuring continuity of supply for the core range for current stockists.

• Giving more opportunities to retailers to purchase special offers and promotions.

• Making new product launches

available to all retailers instantaneously.

• Displaying product images increases the likelihood of sale.

• A means of providing information – a communications tool.

• Quicker access to retailer uptake helps improve forecasting and customer service.

Benefits to Buying Groups: • More business through participating Buying Groups.

• Provide more flexibility to their retailers for ordering.

• Can promote their special offers to retailers.

• Improves efficiencies in order processing.

• Providing better service to affiliated retailers by giving greater access to promotions and new product launches.

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975 - Walkers Doritos & Sensations Trade:Layout 1

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s a m t s i r h C i me for t a is aring Sh

er gg s, Bi ck er Pa gg ts!

Bi ofi Pr

Stock Up on the Essential Party Packs this Christmas

‘Tis the Season to be Busy!

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to ensure your store is stocking up on all the big sellers for the Festive Season. To help you, RETAIL NEWS provides a mammoth 44-page guide to the products guaranteed to fly off your shelves this Yuletide, from snacks to spirits, selection boxes to soft drinks. In short, this is a handy and comprehensive one-stop-shop for all your Festive needs.

Contents C h r i s t m a s Wi t h C u i s i n e d e F r a n c e

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Christmas Stocking: Product Focus

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Christmas Drinks – Beers

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C h r i s t m a s D r i n k s – Wi n e s

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Christmas Drinks – Champagne

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Christmas Drinks – Spirits

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Christmas Drinks – Cider

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Christmas Drinks – Juice

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Christmas Drinks – Soft Drinks

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C h r i s t m a s D r i n k s – B o t t l e d Wa t e r

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RN November07Christmas Stocking ●

Christmas with Cuisine de France To celebrate Christmas 2007, Cuisine de France are proud to introduce a delicious new and exciting range of sumptuous seasonal treats.

Cuisine

de France have a new range of seasonal indulgent treats to complement their traditional favourites: shortcrust mince pies, delicious brandy puff mince pies and the irresistible cranberry & orange muffin… a truly tempting selection.

New to the range this year is the incredibly tempting Iced Christmas Pudding Muffin, a deliciously light and moist muffin with rich fruits, a hint of brandy and vanilla flavour, topped with white icing. The new shortcrust Mixed Berry & Apple Tartlet is made using the finest apples, blackcurrants, redcurrants and raspberries, in a light pastry case and topped with a novelty shortcrust star.

Also new to the range this year is the individually wrapped chocolatecoated star shaped biscuit – the perfect treat for kids this season! The

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tion of the seasonal treats range to create an eye-catching display and improve repeat purchase.

Taste of Christmas Also exclusive from Cuisine de France this year is the ‘Taste of Christmas’ seasonal range of Gourmet breads.

The range and recipes are designed to entice consumers to purchase by offer-

The new shortcrust Mixed Berry & Apple Tartlet.

Limited Edition range also has a premium treat on offer for the Christmas period: the Winter Chocolate and Hazelnut Parcel is a unique indulgent parcel, filled with premium chocolate praline and whole hazelnuts in a crisp golden pastry parcel and generously topped with crunchy hazelnut pieces a perfect product to invigorate your pastry offering!

An impactful point of sale suite and exciting new seasonal treats packaging has been designed to encourage impulse purchase. An attractive display unit has been designed to highlight the entire seasonal treats range in-store. The free standing display unit will be available to all stores and holds any combina-

Cuisine de France’s new Iced Christmas Pudding Muffin.

The individually wrapped chocolatecoated star shaped biscuit – the perfect treat for kids this season!

ing the well-loved flavours of the Christmas season. Take for example the ‘Taste of Christmas Sage & Onion Loaf ’, a delicious fusion of sage and onion flavours; this bread is a perfect accompaniment to any main meal or indeed as a sandwich carrier filled with moist white meat. Similarly, the ‘Taste of Christmas Cranberry & Rosemary Loaf ’, styled on traditional North American breads, is filled with juicy whole cranberries and subtly flavoured with rosemary.

The Cuisine de France ‘Taste of Christmas’ breads mix together a successful blend of juicy fruits and herbs to bring consumers mouth-watering breads with a crisp crust and smooth crumb. These delicious loaves are enhanced with attractive festive bread bands that will bring your bread stand to life this Christmas.

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Terry’s Chocolate Orange

Your One and Toblerone-ly

TO ensure Terry’s Chocolate Orange retains its position as a popular gifting and sharing confectionery product at Christmas, Kraft Foods is revamping the brand, introducing limited editions and investing in a new media campaign. Terry’s Chocolate Orange, which now has a more modern look to appeal to a wider range of consumers, is available in a 3-for-2 promotional pack for Christmas 2007. Kraft Foods are also launching two limited edition Chocolate Orange balls for Christmas 2007: Chocolate Orange Dazzling Dark Mint and Cosmic Toffee Crunch.

TOBLERONE enjoyed a fantastic Christmas last year and 2007 looks set to be even better, following media support and the launch of Toblerone Fruit and Nut earlier this year. Fruit and Nut comprises the usual Swiss milk chocolate, honey and almond but combined with succulent whole raisins. Also for Christmas 2007, Kraft Foods will be introducing new festive sleeve designs, to increase Christmas gifting appeal.

Toblerone 400g is available in packs of 10 for €5.99 (RRP) per bar with a “Save a €1” promotion running throughout the Festive Season.

Walkers Sensational Sharing

Seasonal Scents from Glade

THE sharing category of crisps and snacks is in strong growth and Walkers are contributing to this with their Sensations & Doritos brands claiming a 24.4% share of the sector (ACN MarketTrack Data 01 July 07). A new bigger pack format, new pack designs across both brands and heavyweight investment, such as the Sensations TV Now awards, on-pack promotions and sampling, have made these products must stock items.

Walkers have created impactful party units to support the range in-store over the Christmas period.

THE Glade range from Allegro is Ireland’s number one selling winter candle range. Look out for the Glade Winter ‘Spiced Apple’ Range, which includes Wisp (unit & refill), Circul’Air (unit & refill), Scented Oils (unit & refill) and Candle. Spiced Apple stands and display units are available to order. Glade is constantly innovating in this growing sector, including Glade Light n Scent and the new Glade Flameless Candle

by Wisp. The Glade range also includes instant air care, candles, scented oils and carpet fragrances.

Fiesta Kitchen Towels

Foxy Performance

FIESTA from Allegro provides high quality products at a value for money price and offers a real alternative to other brands. New Fiesta Ultra offers thicker, stretchier sheets with 30% more absorbency. These new improvements tackle the number one usage for kitchen towels, mess management!

Continuous improvements have enhanced the feel and texture of these thicker rolls. Look out for Fiesta Jumbo rolls with its unique multi purpose feature at great value for money, while Fiesta two-roll standard packs are available in white and green.

THE seasonal biscuit business is now in full swing and Fox’s are perfectly positioned to meet the premium needs of consumers with their Creations and Speciality brands. Both product ranges have been refreshed for 2007 with a new and improved look, with some new and exciting pawns added. Fox’s will be aggressive this year with their planned seasonal activity. Meanwhile, Fox’s premium Cookie range is being refreshed to emphasise its distinctive ‘chunki-ness’, along with the Creations and Viennese ranges. New too, is the introduction of the delicious new Fox’s Dunked Oat and Shortcake products.

Christmas Cracker CRACKER Barrel, from Kraft Foods, is a well loved medium mature natural cheese. With its unique shape, Cracker Barrel is a perfect accompaniment for crackers. Cracker Barrel is available in packs of 10 and has an RRP of €2.75. Also from Kraft Foods, The Philadelphia 225g “brick” pack is loved by Irish consumers and very popular at this time of year. With 85% of the Soft White Cheese sector, Philadelphia is a seasonal favourite with consumers as the essential cheesecake ingredient or enjoyed with crackers.

Ritz it Up

Seasonal Offers from KP

ACCORDING to recent research carried out by Kraft, Ritz Crackers is a brand consumers “like to have in their cupboards” at Christmas. In 2007, Ritz has been revamped with new packaging, giving the brand improved shelf stand-out. The relaunch is supported by a seasonal marketing campaign with advertising on key outdoor sites, print advertising and a radio promotion during the run-up to Christmas.

Ritz is available in Original and Cheese 200g variants all year round, with a special limited edition Snowflake shaped crackers pack joining the range this Christmas.

KP, from Robert Roberts, are offering both the retailer and the consumer the best choice in value and variety this Christmas.

Key brands all have tremendous consumer value offerings – Hula Hoops Original & Assorted 14-for7 , Frisps 12-for-6, Discos 12-for-6 , McCoys 12-for-6 , Rancheros 10+4 Free Popcorn , Skips 10+5 Free Meanies & Mini Cheddars 14-for-7.

KP has Christmas Covered

Keep Raytex On Hand

IN addition to its great extra value offering, which includes 12 packs of Discos for the price of six. KP also has the ever popular Party Box – the only mixed savoury snack box available. Two novel line complete the range: Santa’s Chilli Big Nuts 450g is sure to bring a smile and make a great stocking filler and Hula Hoops seven-pack Stars & Hoops seasonal shape edition will be a great hit with kids of all ages!

RAYTEX, from Georgia Pacific, has been on hand in Irish kitchens for over 30 years, helping generations of Irish people through their food preparations for Christmas and the New Year. Raytex foil, cling-film, parchment paper and greaseproof paper are perfect for all festive baking, roasting, wrapping and storing needs. The Raytex Christmas range also includes turkey-roasting bags, which help retain flavour, moisture and juices during cooking, and Raytex clingfilm in a handy dispenser.

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Tayto Christmas Packers!

Season’s Eatings!

AS it’s his favourite time of year, Mr Tayto is getting into the party atmosphere. Especially for Christmas, he’s put on his cheery red Christmas hat and jacket and he’s carrying a sack stuffed with delicious Cheese & Onion, Salt & Vinegar and Smokey Bacon flavoured Tayto.

Turkey, plum pudding and Tayto crisps – all part of the Irish Christmas tradition.

‘Nollaig Shona Duit’ from Mr Tayto.

SANTA has put his order in early for the ever-popular Tayto Christmas boxes! A sell-out every year, the tasty party boxes are available in traditional Tayto Cheese & Onion and Tayto Variety Pack (containing Cheese & Onion, Salt & Vinegar and Smokey Bacon flavours).

Tayto Popcorn Pleasures party box is also available again this year. Tayto Christmas Boxes have been a firm Christmas favourite with Irish families since their launch back in the early 1980s. The newly designed 2007 festive boxes are a must for every household this Yuletide season.

A Royal Christmas Treat!

Hunky Dorys Party Box

HAIL the King of party boxes. King are proud to announce the arrival of their little regal treasure chest, just in time for the merry-making. Packed full of delicious King crisps, the newly designed party box is truly fit for the King of Partytime. The party carton in Cheese & Onion flavour, which heralds a new era for King crisps, has just been launched in time for the Festive Season stock-up and is a Christmas essential that will bring a right royal delight to households (and retailers!) across the land this Yuletide.

GO on and get those party celebrations going with the Hunky Dorys Party Box!! The party box is sure to rock your party this festive season! They’re thick, they’re chunky and they’re smothered in a mature cheddar cheese and spring onion flavour. Every party is sure to be just Hunky Dory!!

Jacob Fruitfield Group gets Festive

Nestlé’s Sweet Selection

CHRISTMAS 2007 sees the introduction of some new lines for the Jacob Fruitfield Food Group, including the new Elite Luxury Chocolate Crumbles Tin. There are two tins, each containing two different flavours of luxuriously fully coated crumbles: Caramel and Cranberry Crumbles and Hazelnut Vanilla and Chocolate Chip Cookies. A further addition to the Jacob Fruitfield range is the Elite Chocolate Kimberly Jar, while long time favourites, ‘Afternoon Tea’ and ‘USA’, continue to be in great demand.

NESTLÉ have a great selection to tempt consumers’ taste buds this Christmas and drive sales instore, including the number one after dinner mint, After Eight , the perennially popular Quality Street and the Giant Tubes range, which make excellent stocking fillers and include top brands like Jelly Tots, Smarties, Fruit Pastilles, Milkybar Buttons and Little Rolo. Popular dark chocolate brand, Black Magic is getting a complete new look, with a new mouth-watering range. Dairy Box too is getting a new and contemporary look.

Spicing Up Christmas

Cadbury Selection Boxes

PHILEAS Fogg offers a mouth-watering range of premium tortilla chips and dips, the ideal snacking essential for every festive season. The tortilla range is made up of four delicious flavours and available in both 300g party bags and 175g sharing bags, catering for all snacking occasions. The Chunky Salsa and Sweet Chilli dips come in 300g jars, offering excellent value for money and go perfectly with any of the four flavours - Classic, Cheese, Cool and Hot!

SELECTION boxes are always a popular choice at Christmas and two new selection boxes have been added to the Cadbury range, the Large Lenticular Selection Box and Winter Collection Selection Box. The Lenticular Selection Box features an eye-catching 3D moving image on a large selection box. The Winter Collection Selection Box is an adult offer that includes a combination of indulgent Cadbury Dairy Milk and Flake products. All selection boxes and stockings in the 2007 Cadbury range have been given a new design this season.

Cadbury Snowman Within Christmas confectionery, the novelties sector grew by 14% in 2006 and is continuing to grow the market. New to the Cadbury novelty range for 2007 is the Cadbury Snowman. Made with delicious Cadbury Milk chocolate, it makes an ideal stocking filler or ‘top-up’ gift for young and old alike.

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McVitie’s Biscuit Range McVITIE’S comprehensive seasonal biscuits range includes new tempting Christmas products and reintroduced popular festive favourites, with striking new festive packaging and innovative merchandising material. Christmas 2007 news includes McVitie’s Victoria, a classic mid-range assortment of biscuits luxuriously coated in milk, plain and white chocolate.

Crawford’s Rover continues as a traditional assortment that continues to provide excellent value, while Carr’s offer a luxurious collection of its finest quality biscuits and McVitie’s Biscuits for Cheese 200g selection carton is a perfect complement for Christmas cheeseboards.

Shamrock’s Home Baking Range

Magic from Daelgate

AS Ireland’s leading home baking brand, Shamrock boasts an extensive range of premium quality products that is sure to meet the needs of any home baking enthusiast. The brand’s product portfolio ranges from dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas and currants to cherries and peel, flour and sugars, all of which are essential ingredients for this home baking season. The Shamrock range, which has undergone a significant design change in time for the 2007 Christmas season, will be supported by a host of instore promotional activity including recipe leaflets, extra fills and multi-buys.

MAGIC Turkey Bags, Roasting Bags and Cooking Sheet from Daelgate are so versatile that consumers can use them for cooking meat, poultry, fish and vegetables in a variety of ways. These self-basting Magic Turkey Bags are the perfect way to roast meat and poultry to a rich, succulent brown. The natural meat juices are locked inside the bag to seal in more flavour and ensure tender succulent results. Vegetables can be boiled in the Magic Turkey Bag without losing any of the goodness, unlike traditional boiling.

Magic Turkey Bags are also ideal for boiling ham and gammon joints.

Italian Delights GIOVANNI di Firenze, from Boyne Valley Group, offers a range of chilled Italian breads, pizzas and olives which are each ready to enjoy in minutes.

This range is perfect for Christmas entertaining.

Giovanni’s new range of fresh authentic Focaccia Breads are available in three varieties: Garlic Butter & Mozzarella, Tomato & Olives and Red Onion & Mozzarella. Giovanni di Firenze fresh olives are ideal appetisers or nibbles, including Spicy Olives, Garlic Olives, Olives with Cheese, Queen Olives and Black Olives.

Stock Up on Kelkin

Killeening Up

JUST Bouillon and Kallo Organic Stocks and Gravies, from Kelkin Ltd, offer a premium, traditional, homemade flavour. Just Bouillon is Kallo’s culinary brand of premium stocks and gravies. The range includes Just Bouillon Concentrated Stocks and Gravies and new Just Bouillon Gravy Granules. The Kallo range of Organic Stocks caters for consumers with dietetic needs (Low Salt and Yeast Free stock cubes). The range consists of organic vegetable, organic low salt vegetable, yeast free, French onion and chicken stock cubes.

KILLEEN, from Boyne Valley Group, is the number one player in the cleaning product and refuse sack market. The highly successful launch of Killeen ‘Aware’ Biodegradable Refuse Sacks in 2006 demonstrates Killeen’s commitment to meeting the everchanging needs of consumers. Killeen has a cloth and scourer to tackle any cleaning job around the house, including the ever-versatile ‘Kitchen Mate’ sponge scourer, Killeen ‘Easi Clean’, 4 Pack Micro Fibre Cloths, 6 Pack Mop Ups, Bathroom Cleaner and Polishing Sponges.

Lakeshore Seasonal Range

Harvest Fare Seasonal Selection

THE Lakeshore Seasonal range has been relaunched this year with a luxurious, premium new look and some exciting additions to the range. Perennial favourites, Ham Glaze, Brandy Butter, Cranberry Sauce and Mincemeat, are once again available.

Joining last years hugely successful ‘Goose Fat’ is the new ‘Duck Fat’, appealing to the home chef, alongside a gourmet selection of Christmas puddings. The larger ‘Brandy Christmas Pudding’ and ‘Rum and Double Cream Christmas Pudding’ are joined by the single serve ‘Cranberry and Orange Pudding’, ideal for today’s smaller household.

HARVEST Fare offers a range of luxury nuts that includes savoury nuts and mixes, sweet nuts and mixes and nut bars. The product range is available in family size, individual bags, tubs and bars. For the Christmas Season, Harvest Fare has the perfect range of products – including the Spiced Cocktail Selection and their Bucket range: Chilli Nut Bucket, Fruit & Nut Bucket, Salted Nut Bucket and Nut with Spiced Cranberry Bucket.

Harvest Fare will run press advertising campaigns alongside promotional activity, which includes an attractive 33% extra fill offer. Eye-catching Harvest Fare stands are also available.

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ParaPlus on TV THE Anadin range from Wyeth Consumer Healthcare is one of the longest established and most well-known brands in the Irish OTC market and as such is a ‘must stock’ range. In order to drive sales, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare is backing Anadin with major TV support.

ParaPlus Capsules has a new, Irish produced, TV ad which airs throughout the year. Based on the concept of being ‘rescued from pain’, the ad opens in a dramatic city scene with an ambulance racing through busy rush hour traffic. The ad can also be viewed on the Anadin web site at www.anadin.ie.

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Kühne’s Christmas Range

Brady Ham It Up

Synonymous with the festive season, the Kühne range offers consumers a wide variety of products to choose from. The range now includes delicious Kühne Salatfix Dressings (Herb, Italian, American Caesar, Thousand Island and Balsamico). Also included in the range are Kühne Sauerkraut, Gherkins, Pickled Onions, Beetroot, Mixed Pickles and a selection of traditional German Mustards. For Christmas 2007, BR Marketing will be supporting the Kühne brand with strong promotional activity, such as extra fills, multi-buys and coupons and display solutions.

BR Marketing also plans to educate consumers about the benefits of choosing the Kühne brand with recipe and information leaflets in-store.

BRADY Family has introduced a range of cooked ham joints for ready-to-eat/heat at home. The joints are Bord Bia quality assured Irish products. The new range includes a Baked Ham half joint, a handy 1.1kg Slipper of Glazed Ham and a full Glazed Ham on the bone. The new vibrant packaging ensures strong shelf presence and details serving suggestions. The Brady Family cooked ham joints are ready-to-eat, so can be served cold, or simply re-heated and are ideal Christmas dinner products.

Snack to the Future

BIC Lights Up Christmas

BR Marketing distributes Chio, Pom Bear and Truller snacks. Over the past year, the range has gone from strength to strength, with sales for 2007 tracking 50% ahead of 2006. With new product introductions and strong promotional plans for Christmas 2007, a strong finish to the year is expected. The Chio range has been extended to include Chio Taccos and Chio heartbreakers. The Truller range, which includes ‘Bacon Pep’, has also been extended for Christmas 2007 to include the delicious Pepper Mix, Mini Stick and Cocktail box.

BIC is urging retailers to stock up with the multi functional BIC MegaLighter, when most houses across Ireland will be adding that extra magic and sparkle, with the seasonal scent and festive glow of candles. Ideal for everyday use, the MegaLighter offers consumers a small, elegant and trendy multi-purpose lighter that features: push button for an easy and comfortable ignition; a curvier body shape for comfortable handling; a medium sized wand (6cm); visible level of gas; and a retractable hook for easy storage.

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Beers ●

No Fear for Beer Most of the big beer suppliers will be offering multi-packs and special offers to help retailers capitalise on this peak selling period.

Christmas

is a peak selling period for beers, with households across Ireland stocking up on their favourite products. It is also a time, however, when consumers trade up to premium products and multi-packs, with attendant profit opportunities for retailers.

This, coupled with the continued growth of the off trade, ensures that this Festive Season should prove an extremely busy one for beer sales.

Independent research shows that 75% of Guinness consumers plan to purchase the brand over Christmas.

will be followed with the hugely popular Christmas advert reappearing on TV screens.

Independent research shows that 75% of Guinness consumers plan to purchase the brand over Christmas.

To help retailers maximise the opportunity, the brand will offer two special multi-packs: 10 x 500ml can; and 24 x 500ml can.

Budweiser is the number one lager brand in the ROI Off trade (Source: ACNielsen 3 Mth Vol Aug 2007), and remains the biggest lager brand at Christmas in value and volume terms (Source:

Diageo Ireland The Guinness brand is the number one selling beer in Ireland and it accounts for a 12% share of the total off trade beer market’s value (Source: ACNielsen New Value Nov/Dec 2006).

In addition, between Christmas 2005 and Christmas 2006, Guinness can sales grew by 13%, so the Guinness brand is in a fantastic position to maximise retailers’ sales revenue over Christmas.

November sees the beginning of a massive TV advertising campaign promoting the Guinness can and delivering even greater awareness of the brand in the off trade. This campaign 40

Bud Light plans to grow the value of the light beer category even further with heavyweight marketing investment over the next year.

ACNielsen Christmas 2006).

This Christmas, Budweiser will be offering an extensive range of standard and promo packs to cater for all drinking occasions and help retailers maximize sales and revenue.

These include an 8 x 500ml Can Fridge Pack; 18 x 500ml Can Pack; 24 x 500ml Can Pack; 10 x 330ml Bottle Basket Pack; 24 x 300ml Bottle Pack; 24 x 330ml Bottle Pack.

Bud Light is the biggest selling beer brand in the world. The light beer category in Ireland is growing twice as fast as the lager category (Source: ACNielsen Vol Aug 2007), with lifestyle changes driving demand for lighter products.

Bud Light plans to grow the value of this category even further with heavyweight marketing investment over the next year. Bud Light has developed a number of special offer multi-packs for Christmas across the entire range, including a 6 x 500ml Can Pack; 24 x 500ml Can Multi-Buy; 6 x 330ml Bottle Basket; and a 20 x 330ml Bottle Pack.

Heineken Ireland Heineken is once again gearing itself up for the festive season, with special offers on the Heineken 24 pack x 50cl can and the 15 x 33cl bottle as part of the off trade Christmas campaign.

Heineken lager is demonstrating excellent performance in both the on and off trade, where Ireland’s number one lager brand is re-enforcing its position by continuing to further grow share of the beer market. Within the off trade, the brand is also growing and now lies 1.1% share points ahead of last year (Source: ACNielsen Beer Market Report July 2007 MAT). This strong brand performance is largely underpinned by its ongoing investment in rugby, music and the UEFA Champions League.

T:210 mm S:190 mm

Make room for Ireland’s

3

rd

largest selling can.

BAVARIA™ PREMIUM PILS 300 YEARS OF EXPERTISE IN EVERY DROP

T:297 mm

For more information about our full range of high quality products, visit us online at www.bavaria.ie

S:277 mm

Surprised?

After all, we’ve been brewing this great tasting beer since 1719 using the finest natural ingredients of malted barley, hops and the purest mineral water. And with this year’s forecast of selling 20 million cans, you’ll need to make more room to keep Bavaria Crown on the shelf.

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Beers ●

Heineken is gearing itself up for the festive season, with special offers on the Heineken 24 pack x 50cl can.

and The Goo Goo Dolls. The event was the highlight of the festival season, with 80,000 making their way to the festival.

The Heineken Green Energy Music Festival, Heineken’s flagship music sponsorship, took place in Dublin over the May Bank Holiday weekend. This year, big names such as Kasabian and Sinead O’Connor performed at the festival, which sold out very quickly. This event was supported by outdoor, print, online and TV advertising as well as PR activity.

Heineken Green Spheres continue to travel the country, bringing breaking acts to smaller, intimate venues.

The latest Green Sphere event took place in Carlow in September, headlined by Vitalic and there will be one more before the end of 2007.

Heineken Green Synergy music festival returned to Dublin this October with an exciting mix of established and emerging international artists performing in the capital’s finest music venues along Wexford Street, Camden Street and Harcourt Street over five days. Following its highly successful launch in 2006, Heineken Green Synergy had a cracking line up to match and surpass its debut, bringing acts such as Alabama 3, Asian Dub Foundation, Broken Social Scene and Turin Brakes to the Village Quarter.

Heineken Music continues to proudly sponsor Tom Dunne’s Pet Sounds on Today FM and Random Access on Phantom FM. Music fans who do not secure tickets for a Heineken Green Spheres event can now hear the gig on Pet Sounds.

Coors Light, which is available in bottle and can, remains a favourite among Irish consumers. In the off trade, Coors Light has performed

strongly in both bottle and can this year. The Coors Light can currently holds 3.4% of the canned market (MAT Aug 07), with the bottle accounting for 4.8% of the total off trade bottle market. Overall, the brand is continuing to grow faster than the off trade lager market year-on-year. 2007 has seen the brand enter to the bottle box market for the first time, with a great offering on its new 15 pack bottle pack. The brand will be competing in the bottle box market at Christmas time, with both 10 and 20 Pack Christmas offerings. Coors Light has developed striking Christmas-themed POS for the off trade for the busy Christmas period.

On top of all this, 2007 saw Coors Light developing a stunning new TV campaign – ‘Amazing Things Happen High in the Rockies’ – which has been on TV screens since May. Coors Light is investing almost €500,000 in advertising support this Christmas to keep the brand top of mind with consumers throughout the festive season.

In addition, 2007 has also seen the successful creation of Refresh by Coors Light, an exciting new series of free, funky and fresh parties in unexpected and surprising locations throughout Ireland, bringing live graffiti, DJ’s, break-dancing, great beer and more to consumers in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway. This initiative, together with the continued roll-out of Coors Light on draught throughout the country, has been extremely successful in placing the Coors Light brand top of mind with consumers in Ireland’s main towns and cities in 2007.

2007 saw the launch of a very successful advertising campaign, entitled ‘Memory Hotel’, which picked up 4 Shark Awards, including two Golds, at the 45th Annual International Advertising Festival in Kinsale. In addition, the Heineken ‘Music Speaker’ ad was awarded a Diploma.

Heineken’s ‘Memory Hotel’ campaign is the largest scale production ever commissioned by Heineken Ireland. The commercial was developed by McCann Erickson Dublin and directed by the award-winning Gary McHendry.

As Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007, Heineken rolled out a new advertising campaign entitled ‘Continental Shift’. The commercial centres on the creative concept of thousands of fans from all over the world demonstrating their passion for the game and for Heineken beer, and this is reflected in the campaign theme - ‘One World, One Cup, One Beer’. Heineken Ireland invested over €2m in a fully integrated campaign, including title sponsorship of all RWC coverage on TV3 and Setanta, along The Gleeson Group with TV, print, outdoor, radio, online Bavaria is now the third biggest selland cinema advertising. ing canned lager in Ireland. This is 2007 was another busy thanks to its combination of year with regard to the low price and high quality, extensive Heineken music according to distributors, The portfolio.

Gleeson Group. Bavaria is Now in its fourth year, the Available in a 500ml can (4highly successful Oxegen pack, 6-pack, 8-pack, 12-pack Festival took place at and 24-pack), and a 33cl bottle Punchestown Racecourse in (24-pack case and 2x10 pack July, with more than 100 of case). Furthermore, it is also the world’s most popular available in a range of alcohol bands artists and DJs taking strengths – Crown (4.3%), Coors Light has developed striking Christmas-themed POS part, including acts such as Premium (5%) and Super for the off trade for the busy Christmas period.

Snow Patrol, Scissor Sisters, (7.9%).

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Beers ●

an intensive radio TV and national press campaign, with the theme “a refreshing slice of life”. Corona is also the title sponsor of the Cork Film Festival for the next three years.

“Sales have risen threefold in the last three years and anecdotal evidence would suggest that Corona Extra is the biggest selling bottled beer in the on trade at the moment,” says Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium Richmond Marketing have developed a Bavaria, from The Gleeson Group, is now the new off trade promotional pack of 15 Managing Director, Michael third biggest selling canned lager in Ireland.

330ml bottles of Tiger Beer for the price of Barry. “Sales are up by 40% 12 on 330ml. year-on-year and we have authentic Asian rickshaws transrecently launched a 12 pack.

Bavaria is imported by The Gleeson porting people around Dublin.

“We feel that that era of bottled Group and is available through all Brand Manager, Adrian beer has really arrived and that the leading multiples, wholesalers and McGreevy comments “Christmas is consumer wants a repertoire of bottled independent off-licenses nationwide. To an exciting time for Tiger, with our beers from which to choose,” he contincelebrate the success of Bavaria in new 15-for-12 pack in the off trade, ues. “More and more off trade outlets 2007, they are launching a winter TV combined with the habits of conare stocking Kingfisher from India, campaign this December with a new sumers to trade-up to premiums bottled under licence in the UK.” Bavaria TV ad featuring on all major over the festive period. I would stations, as well as the launch of an encourage retailers to reflect this in interactive Bavaria.ie website.

Richmond Marketing their merchandising and avail of the Tiger Beer continues to outperform extensive POS suite to promote our the beer market in the off trade, Barry Fitzwilliam brand.” recording growth of 32% last year verMaxxium Clausthaler, Europe’s most popusus 6% in take-home as a whole. Both Corona Extra has grown dramatically lar non-alcoholic beer, has had a the 500ml bottle and 6-pack 330ml in both the on and the off trade over fantastic 91% sales growth this year have been performing well and the last few years and the trend in the off trade and is also set to Richmond Marketing have developed already this year is for more of the perform well over the festive season a new off trade promotional pack of 15 same. Corona is currently backed by with greater awareness of drink for the price of 12 on 330ml to drive driving laws. retailer sales and cash turnover. As Also new from Richmond well as providing regular Tiger Beer Marketing comes Carlton Cold, drinkers with extra value, this pack Australia’s best selling young adult will also appeal to the more discerning beer brand, which has been enjoyed slab buyers.

Tiger’s success story continues unabated, fuelled by an ever increasing demand for speciality beers and in particular a growing consumer interest in all things Asian.

Tiger’s alluring style is aggressively promoted by Richmond Marketing through edgy music sponsorships, urban PR initiaCarlton Cold Brand Manager Adrian McGreevy from tives like the DEAF Corona Extra has grown Richmond Marketing is pictured with Peter Bremner dramatically in both the on and the music festival and from SIRF charity and Martina from the Cold Crew at off trade over the last few years and unconventional marthe launch of Carlton Cold in Ireland. has recently been launched keting tactics like in a 12-pack.

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Beers ●

by many of the 250,000 young Irish adults who have travelled ‘Down Under’ in recent years. Supported by a €250,000 marketing campaign in Ireland, Carlton Cold has an ABV of 4.6 % and comes in a generous 375ml bottle. Targeted at students, young adults and surfers, boarding and surf culture is the brand’s soul and Cold will be the first beer brand in Ireland to promote the Irish surfing scene through national radio, webcasts and co-promotions with Hot Tuna surfgear.

Richmond Marketing is also launching Crown Lager, one of Australia's most iconic brands and the country's leading premium beer.

Brewed with only the choicest Australian barley and the Pride of Ringwood hops, Crown is a creamy, fruity, malty beer, delivering full flavour and a rich smooth finish.

Available in a classic and elegant 375 ml bottle, Crown has a premium lager ABV of 4.9 %.

Beamish & Crawford Beamish & Crawford’s brand portfolio includes Beamish Stout, Miller Genuine Draft, Foster’s Lager and Carling. Beamish & Crawford is a major beer supplier in the growing off trade market across these key brands as well as Miller Beer, Foster’s Ice, Kronenbourg 1664, and Scrumpy Jack Cider.

In 2006, Beamish & Crawford enjoyed strong trading performances in terms of output, sales and profitability, despite a decline in the overall Irish Beer market of 2.5% (Source: ACNielsen Liquor Report year end December 2006). Beamish & Crawford brands have enjoyed strong growth in the vibrant off trade sector as the overall growth of 21.6% was achieved in a market that grew by 18%.

Beamish Stout is the number two stout in Ireland, and the only stout brand that experienced growth in 2006, the company maintains.

Beamish Stout continues to perform

very well in the Irish off trade market, claiming 10.6% share of the canned stout market and growing by over 10% year on year (Source: ACNielsen Liquor Report, year end February 2007).

Miller Genuine Draft claims to be the fastest growing beer brand in the total market, with year-on-year growth of 24.6% (Source: ACNielsen Liquor Report, year end February 2007), claiming leadership in the off trade bottled lager market with 24.6% share.

Foster’s is enjoying an excellent performance, driven by a strong programme of promotional activity, while Carling’s sponsorship of football (including the shirt sponsorship of the ‘Old Firm’ and the League Cup) ensures that the brand remains top-ofmind with consumers.

Kronenbourg 1664 is the super premium lager (5% ABV) of Brasseries Kronenbourg, the No. 1 brewer in France and brewers of exceptional quality beer for over 300 years.

Noreast Set for Christmas As

the demand and awareness for Budejovicky Budvar continues to grow, Noreast are introducing Budejovicky Budvar Dark to the Irish market. In 2003, the brew masters Budejovicky Budvar brewery decided to experiment in producing a premium dark beer and the resulting brew was initially trialled in the UK on draught in 2004. By 2005, Budejovicky Budvar Dark had made a serious impact with critics and beer lovers alike and went on to be crowned “best imported beer” at CAMRA’s Beer and Cider festival that year.

Along with spring water from the brewery’s own wells, Budejovicky Budvar Dark is made from four different malts which yield a delicious nutty flavour with hints of chocolate and coffee. For the festive season, it’s important to stock non-alcoholic options for customers/drivers. Nonalcoholic beers have not always enjoyed a favourable reputation in Ireland and this is largely due to the fact that they are often compromised in terms of taste. One exception to 44

this rule is Erdinger Non-Alcoholic, available from Noreast, which through a unique brewing process is brewed to a very low alcohol level (0.4%) so that none of the flavour or surplus alcohol needs to be stripped out after production, as is the case with many other brands. In addition

Noreast are introducing Budejovicky Budvar Dark to the Irish market.

Erdinger Non-Alcoholic is a healthy alternative to most soft drinks

to this, Erdinger Non-Alcoholic is isotonic and packed with vitamins and minerals. With no added sugar and reduced calories, Erdinger NonAlcoholic is a healthy alternative to most soft drinks.

A relaxing slice of life

Drink

Sensibly

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Wine ●

The Vine Intervention Ireland’s love affair with wine continues, with more than eight million cases sold each year.

The

Irish wine market has experienced over a decade of sustained growth, and the good news for the retail trade is that this trend shows no signs of abating. Indeed, market penetration for wine is estimated at 54% - in other words, more than half of consumers of alcoholic beverages choose wine – up from just 28% in 1990. Today, 8.3m cases of wine are sold in Ireland each year, with per capita consumption increasing every year.

Perhaps, the best news for retailers, however, is the fact that a massive 71% of the Irish wine market is held by off licences, compared to 19% for hotels and restaurants and just 10% for the pub trade. In particular, wine sales in C-Stores are growing rapidly, as today’s cash rich, time poor consumers avail of longer opening hours and the rise in popularity of drinking at home as opposed to the pub.

New World wines account for a massive 74% of the market, but the Old World (European wine countries) is fighting back, with many producers adopting the ‘beat them at their own game’ strategy of creating modern wine blends and varietals, marketed in a similar fashion to the New World styles.

Australia leads the way in wine sales, followed by Chile, while sales of Argentinean wine are showing strong growth. However, sales of Spanish,

46

French and Italian wines are also growing, while South Africa is holding its own.

Christmas is a key selling period for wines, as consumers stock up both for their own use and for gifting.

Indeed, wine is, in many ways, the perfect present, as there are offerings to suit every price point. Most of the big players in the market recognise this and have a wealth of gift cartons available for the Festive Season.

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Jacob’s Creek and Jacob’s Creek Sparkling will be advertised on TV and in print in the run-up to Christmas. In the off trade, consumers can once again avail of the Jacob’s Creek gift pack and also a new Jacob’s Creek Sparkling gift pack.

This Christmas, consumers can avail of a new Jacob’s Creek Sparkling gift pack.

Febvre & Co. Ltd Febvre and Company Limited is committed to providing the discerning Irish palate with an unrivalled range of excellent wines. This is once again reflected in their Christmas range. Febvre have chosen a range of

The Two Oceans varietals are characterised by their concentrated fruit aromas on the nose and lively, mouth-filling flavours.

wines and gift ideas with great care and consideration to include an extensive range of fine wines, champagnes, and accessories for the 2007 festive season.

Warre’s Otima is a special port blend created by Warre’s, the oldest British port shipper, to bring out the best in a Ten Year Old Tawny. Both the packaging and the style of the wine itself have been designed to appeal to younger port drinkers, both men and women. Also available in gift carton this Christmas is Warre’s Warrior Special Reserve, a fine vintage character late bottled blend.

Warre’s Warrior has been given a new look this Christmas in the form of a stylish new gift carton.

The Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge near the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The climate is temperate and cool with prevailing breezes from the sea during the day, and chilly nights that refresh grapes in the summer. Two Oceans wines are a celebration of these unique coastal conditions. The Two Oceans varietals are characterised by their concentrat-

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Wine ●

ed fruit aromas on the nose and lively, mouth-filling flavours. These are wines with charm and character that allow them to be enjoyed young but with the necessary structure to develop in the bottle.

Cuadra, in a unique gravity flow winery, these wines reflect the excellent soils and climates of Chile’s finest vineyards.

Caliterra packaging has recently been given a stylish new look.

Caliterra Reservas are available in the full range of varietals in 75cl and the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are currently available in 187ml.

Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd Santa Inés varietals and reservas are available in a range of premium gift packs this Christmas.

Santa Inés wines have a strong orientation towards the future and a great respect for nature, expressed in the 100% organic management of its vineyards. The wines combine New World fruit with Old World elegance.

Santa Inés varietals and reserves express the highest commitment and respect for the fruit.

Natural and fresh, concentrated and expressive, they are the best reflection of each grape variety in Chilean soil.

Santa Inés varietals and reservas are available in a range of premium gift packs this Christmas.

From the Heart of the Colchagua Valley, the Caliterra Reserva range is the result of a great combination of soil, climate and a new yield reduction programme.

The Caliterra ‘Calidad’ and ‘tierra’ Reserva range – quality and land – is the result of form a beautiful a great combination of marriage in soil, climate Caliterra wines. and a new Gently crafted by yield reduction winemaker, Sergio programme.

Caliterra’s packaging has recently been given a stylish new look.

Hailing from Chile, Carmen wines are all about passion and dedication to quality. This passion and commitment is displayed in the delivery of consistent and fruit-driven wines of the Classic Carmen range. Featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere and Sauvignon Blanc, Edward Dillon & Company Limited have recently introduced Shiraz to the Classic range, giving consumers the option to try an alternative varietal with the confidence of the Carmen brand.

The award winning Carmen Reserve Range is created from hand picked grapes from the foothills of the Andes Mountains, which are handled with passion and care to produce the full and fruit driven quality so associated with the Reserve Range.

For 2007, Classic Carmen will be available in seasonal gift packs including single presentation boxes (RRP €9.69) and a twin-pack (RRP €19.38). For that extra special gift, Carmen Reserve is also available in a beautiful wooden case featuring the iconic Carmen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (RRP €29.99).

Nederburg is one of Ireland’s leading in South African premium wine brands. The winery dates back to 1791, making it one of the oldest wineries in South Africa’s Paarl region. With a large range of wines, including blends and single varietals, the ‘must haves’ for Christmas are the Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, two varieties which typify the excellent winemaking skills of the Nederburg team and showcase the grapes at their best.

For a festive treat, the range includes the Nederburg Manor House Collection, a select, smaller-edition alternative to the hugely popular Nederburg Classic Collection. The Manor House Range features a Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz.

Watch out in store for Nederburg seasonal packs this Christmas, including a twin-pack.

Watch out in store for Nederburg seasonal packs this Christmas including single presentation boxes, from €9.49, and the twin-pack (RRP €19.18).

Allied Drinks Ltd For 2007, Classic Carmen will be available in seasonal gift packs, including a stylish twin-pack.

One of Hardy’s most prominent labels, Nottage Hill, this year celebrates a grand milestone. The first vintage of 47

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Wine ●

this classic wine was 1967, with the shiraz coming from a small vineyard in the heart of South Australia’s famous McLaren Vale. The name of the vineyard was Nottage Hill, from which one of Australia’s most enduring wine brands of the same name was born.

The wine’s namesake, Thomas Hardy Nottage, was the nephew of Hardy Wine Company founder Thomas Hardy. Thomas began working for his uncle in 1884 and carefully tended the exceptional McLaren Vale vines for 66 years. When “Old Tom” retired in 1950, the Hardy family honoured the Nottages by re-naming the vineyard Nottage Hill. It seemed only appropriate, therefore, that in 1967 when Hardy Wines was looking to capitalise on the new popularity for red wine, it chose to release an outstanding claret from the Nottage Hill vineyard.

Demand continued to increase dramatically every year, and white Nottage Hill varieties were developed in the early 1980s. The Hardy philosophy of sourcing the best fruit from various regions and blending cool and warm climate fruit to deliver rounded, yet fully fruit driven wines was adopted.

The pride and commitment to quality that went into that first vintage four decades ago remains today, and that is why Hardys Nottage Hill has survived and prospered.

Nottage Hill is currently exported to over 45 countries. The evergrowing international appeal is directly attributed to the quality and consistency of Nottage Hill, coupled with its affordable price point, generous flavours and elegant packaging. The continued success of Hardys Nottage Hill wines over four decades of winemaking makes this 40th birthday a particularly celebratory occasion.

Kumala wines deliver the reassurance consumers require when approaching a country with such diverse levels of quality as South Africa.

The name Kumala comes from a combination of local tribal dialects and means ‘to do things differently’.

This is expressed in the regional distinctive flavours of the various styles of Kumala’s wines. Kumala delivers the reassurance consumers require when approaching a country with such diverse levels of quality as South Africa.

Gilbeys of Ireland

Dynamism and passion for wine has made Errazuriz an internationally respected producer of quality wines.

Nottage Hill, one of Hardy’s most prominent wine brands, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

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Errazuriz’s philosophy is best expressed by Don Maximiano who said, “From the best land, the best wine”. As an estate winery, Viña Errazuriz strives to produce the finest wines by controlling every stage of the winemaking process, from grape growing in the Aconcagua, Casablanca and Curico valleys, to winemaking with the most natural techniques. An emphasis is placed on the delicate handling of the wines, with the aim of producing wines with elegance and complexity. It is this dynamism and passion for wine that has made Errazuriz such an internationally respected producer of quality wines.

Gilbeys of Ireland are this year are celebrating 150 years in business. As well as leading wine brands such as Santa Rita, Blossom Hill and Faustino, the Gilbeys portfolio also includes all-time favourites such as Black Tower and Piat d’Or. Christmas time has long been associated in the industry with “trading up” to premium wines, and Gilbeys portfolio is very much worth a second glance, when you consider its extensive range of world-famous premium wines such as Louis Latour, Paul Jaboulet Aine, Trimbach and Laurent-Perrier.

Gilbeys continue to build on their reputation by adding even more top wine producers such as [yellow tail], Knappstein, Crosier and Hunter’s Estate to their range.

Gilbeys are offering exciting new gift packs for Christmas 2007, such as Faustino 1 canisters in 60-bottle ship-

Nottage Hill Retail News trade ad Trim: A4. Type area 180mm x 267mm - 3mm bleed

The best of Australia since 1853 It’s forty years since the grapes from a prime hilltop vineyard in the sun-drenched McLaren Vale yielded the first vintage of Nottage Hill.

And yet, we haven’t changed a bit. Naturally, over the years we’ve matured, mellowed and become nicely rounded. But just like Thomas Hardy Nottage, who devoted 66 years of his life to making the finest quality wine and for whom Nottage Hill is named, we’ve remained remarkably consistent. So here’s a toast to 40 wonderful years of winemaking … and lots more to come.

Enjoy

Sensibly

Distributed by Allied Drink Distributors Ltd. Tel: 01 6429500

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Wine ●

ing Ireland’s leading wine brands in floor display (shipper) units, and also ensuring that retailers optimise their floor space by filling the units with premium wines such as Faustino I Gran Reserva, which is almost iconic among consumers.“

Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium

Gilbeys are offering exciting new gift packs for Christmas 2007, such as Faustino I canisters in 60-bottle shipper units.

per units, Santa Rita Reserva 60-bottle shipper units, and Thomas Barton single bottle cartons.

Maureen O’Hara, Marketing Manager at Gilbeys, notes, “Floor space is always valuable, but especially so at Christmas time. We are offer-

Santa Rita Reserva is available in 60bottle shipper units, specially created for the Festive Season.

50

Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium (BFM) have a very strong line up in the Fortified Wine Sector for Christmas.

The company represents Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry, Croft Original Sherry, Tio Pepe Sherry, Cockburns and Taylor’s Port. It is not overstating it when Michael Barry, MD, BFM, says “that they are very much the category captains of this sector”.

Michael Barry claims that BFM now have probably the most successful prestigious French wines on the market, when you take account of the success of Michel Lynch, Michel Lynch Reserve and Guigals wine from the Cote du Rhone. Marcel Guigal was voted ‘Decanter Man of the Year 2006’, while Jean Michel Cazes of Michel Lynch was awarded ‘Decanter Man of the Year 2003’.

The Michel Lynch standard range will be available in wooden gift boxes for Christmas.

Faiveley Burgundy Wines and Jolivet Loire Wines complete what is now the most outstanding portfolio of French wine on the market.

From Germany, Blue Nun is still an old favourite for this time of year and will be heavily promoted by Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium.

Moving to Australia, and McGuigan wines continue to out-perform the market, according to Michael Barry. The Black Label range comprises a Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé as well as McGuigan Black Label Sparkling Chardonnay. A new addition to the range is a Cabernet/Merlot blend. The range will have strong above-the-line marketing support, particularly in national press and radio.

The Tyrrell’s Moores Creek range is gathering momentum and the Old Winery range performs extremely well in the premium category. A new addition to the range, Tyrrell’s White Label, offers an exceptional

Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium’s strong line-up in the Fortified Wine Sector includes the perennially popular Harvey’s Bristol Cream sherry.

price/quality ratio, according to BFM. Ducks Flat wines have done extremely well since the change to varietal stelvin closure wine and offer great value for money. Ducks Flat Shiraz Cabernet won the ‘Best New World Red Wine under €8’ at the NOffLA Awards recently and the white Ducks Flat is a Colombard/Chardonnay blend.

The Glen Ellen Winery was founded in 1980 in Sonoma County, one of California’s premier grape growing regions. Glen Ellen has been credited with inspiring consumers to embrace varietal wines throughout the 1980s and 1990s by consistently crafting

The massively popular Michel Lynch standard range will be available in wooden gift boxes for Christmas.

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Wine ●

premium quality wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot. Today, Glen Ellen is distributed in most of the world’s largest wine importing countries and the brand produces approximately three million cases annually.

BFM also handle Concannon and Bonny Doon Californian wines, which have an entry point around €13.

BFM have enjoyed great local press reviews for the Hutton Ridge range of South African wine, particularly the Hutton Ridge Merlot, which have led to fantastic interest from the trade, particularly because of its price-quality ratio.

They have also added Boschendale to their portfolio. “It is one of South Africa’s iconic wineries, established in 1685, which makes it one of the oldest wineries in the world,” notes Michael Barry.

“From New Zealand, Fernleaf Sauvignon Blanc has also done extremely well since its introduction during the summer,” continues Barry.

“It is produced by Nobilo and the quality speaks for itself. The price/quality ratio is fantastic.”

Mont Gras, a former ‘Chilean Producer of the Year’, continues to grow strongly. “We will be offering fantastic value with the blends range, which have an RRP of €6.99,” explains Michael Barry. “At the top end, the Mont Gras Reservas trade extremely

McGuigan wines, from Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, continue to outperform the market, and will enjoy strong above-the-line marketing support, particularly in national press and radio.

well, particularly during the Christmas period and this year we will have available the Mont Gras Cabernet Merlot Reserva 2006, which won gold at the International Wine Challenge 2007.”

The Mont Gras Varietal range will be available in Gift Boxes for Christmas and MontGras Reservas will be available in wooden boxes. The range will be heavily supported by radio and a national press campaign.

“We are expecting great things this Christmas from Altozano Tempranillo, which won the ‘Best Old World Red under €8’ at the recent NOffLA Awards,” Michael Barry boasts. The Altozano range also has a white, Verdejo, which was voted Best Old World White in the Best of Wine in Ireland 2006 under €10.

From Argentina, BFM have recently added the Santa Julia/Zuccardi range to their portfolio. They are a family owned winery who produce excellent wines at all ends of the spectrum, and have a fantastic price/quality ratio.

Boyne Valley Group

The popular MontGras Varietal range will be available in Gift Boxes for Christmas.

Boyne Valley Group have launched the first wines from their developing portfolio on the Irish market. The Boyne Valley wine portfolio now includes wines from both Spain and Chile. The coming months will see further expansion to the Boyne Valley Group wine range and they will be adding wines from New Zealand and

from Italy, as well as looking at wines from further afield.

Boyne Valley have worked closely with Santiago Ijalba Garcia, a well known producer from the Rioja Alto region, to create a range of interesting Rioja wines under the brand name Don Carlos Velazquez. All the grapes used in the Don Carlos range are sourced from a single estate.

The labels on the Don Carlos Velazquez wines are of the famous ‘Los Borrachos’ (The Drinkers) painting by Diego de Velazquez (15991660), one of Spain’s greatest painters.

Boyne Valley will be extending their range of Spanish wines under the Don Carloz range and will add other DO regions over time. Each addition to the Don Carlos range will focus on another Spanish region or DO, which will have its own Spanish artist on the label, ranging from the great masters to contemporary artists.

Boyne Valley have worked closely with Santiago Ijalba Garcia, a well known producer from the Rioja Alto region, to create a range of interesting Rioja wines under the brand name Don Carlos Velazquez.

As well as their range of Spanish wines, Boyne Valley now distribute their own Chilean wine brand, which was created especially for the group by the Chilean Wines Company. This specially selected range of wines, known as the Purple Ridge Estate, will be exclusive to Boyne Valley.

Mark McCloskey, Wine Manager for the Boyne Valley Group, notes, “We hope to develop a wine portfolio that delivers on quality and price and provides our country-wide customer base with a range of quality wines which will offer outstanding value.”

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Champagne ●

Seasonal Sellers

The massively popular Moet & Chandon Champagne, from Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd.

Jean Smullen looks at some of the big festive winners from Champagne

Three grape varieties are used in the blend, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier (both black grapes) and Chardonnay. Most Champagnes are made from a blend of either two or all three of these grape varieties.

Usually the label does not state ‘Appellation’ Champagne: it is the only area in the EU allowed to call its sparkling wines Champagne.

Charles Heidsieck (Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium)

ing the wines and they have won many awards since then. This is a fresher style of Champagne, where the black grapes (Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier) usually dominate.

Moet & Chandon (Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd) Ten years ago, winemaker Richard Geoffroy came to Dublin to conduct a Masterclass at the consumer wine fair organised in the RDS by the Wine Board and the antics of his sabre wielding colleague Monsieur Huc were showcased on ‘The Late Late Show’ to demonstrate a more traditional method of opening a champagne bottle. This is Ireland's best selling Champagne by a mile. The basic Brut Imperial is made up mainly of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a little Chardonnay (about 10%) added.

This is an award winning champagne.

The Mis en Cave concept was an innovative one which simply stated the date on which the wine was bottled but which created great awareness for this Champagne brand. Daniel Thibault created this innovative way of market-

The

hectic side of retailing wine is never more in evidence than in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays. Cash rich, time poor customers are valiantly trying to fill those stockings with luxury alcohol products which are always well received by those receiving them. Top of the purchase list at Christmas time is Champagne.

Champagne is a small region just north-east of Paris, situated around the towns of Rheims and Epernay in the valley of the Marne. It has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. In some years, the grapes struggle to ripen. The climate and soil contribute to the production of the high acidity in the grapes.

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Moet & Chandon is available in a special ‘Be Fabulous’ gift box this Christmas, from Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd.

The award-winning Charles Heidsieck Champagne, from Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, massively popular with Irish consumers.

The Cuvée Dom Perignon is the most famous wine brand, made by Moet & Chandon and is a great wine which is beautifully made. Dom Perignon is the ultimate gift and a stocking filler guaranteed to cheer up anyone's Christmas day but it doesn't come cheap! However, the basic Moet wine is also much sought after and highly recommended.

©2007 CHAMPAGNE MOËT & CHANDON

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Champagne ●

Pol Roger (Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium) The name Pol Roger is to honour the founder, Pol Roger who established the winery in 1849 when he was just 19.

The basic wine is made in equal parts of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Its finest cuvée is called Sir Winston Churchill and is an outstanding wine. The basic Pol Roger (known as White Foil) is elegant with a delicate finesse.

Regular drinkers of Veuve Clicquot know it simply as ‘The Widow’. This is full bodied in style, with rich creamy brioche nose: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir.

Ruinart (Taserra Wine Merchants) 40% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier. A chardonnay influenced house, the wine has more pure tasting fruit and an impressively lighter fresher easier drinking style.

Laurent Perrier (Gilbeys) These are light elegant, fruity sparkling wines. Chardonnay dominates in the non vintage wines, but the wine with most ‘cachet’ (pardon the pun) is the Cuvée Rose Brut, which is made from 100% Pinot Noir. This is dry and crisp in style, wonderfully elegant and very drinkable.

replied, “I only drink Champagne when I'm happy, and when I'm sad.

Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone.

When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I am not hungry and drink when I am. Otherwise I never touch it, unless I'm thirsty.”

Here is a list of some of the grand marques and their Irish distributors: Billecart Salmon (James Nicholson); Bollinger (Woodford Bourne); Deutz (Febvre & Co.); Gosset (Best Cellars); Charles Heidsieck (Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium); Krug (Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd); Laurent Perrier (Gilbeys Wines); Moet & Chandon (Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd); Mumm (Findlater Grants); Perrier

Bollinger (Woodford Bourne)

From Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, Pol Roger Champagne is elegant with a delicate finesse.

Veuve Clicquot (Edward Dillon & Co) Champagne's greatest dame was Nicole Barbe Clicquot Ponsardin whose husband died in 1805 after seven years of marriage, thus earning her the title Veuve Clicquot (‘The Widow Clicquot’).

A classic Pinot Noir dominated Champagne, very dry in style with a toasty character. This is La Grande Année 1999 from Bollinger: one of one of the best known and much the best known and much sought after sought after Champagnes. Long Champagnes, distributed by Woodford Bourne. associated with James Bond, it Jouet (Findlater/Grants); Piper more recently became hugely popular Heidsieck & Pol Roger (Barry because of the ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ TV Fitzwilliam Maxxium); Pommery (Irish series. This is a classy wine, well recDistillers Pernod Ricard); Roederer ommended.

(Searsons Wine Merchants); Ruinart The last word on Champagne rests (Taserra Wine Merchants); Tattinger with the famous Madame Lily Bollinger, (Febvre & Co.); Veuve Cliquot (Edward in 1861 when asked by a London Dillon & Co. Ltd). reporter if she drank Champagne, she

Krug Grand Cuvée

Veuve Clicquot, from Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd, is full bodied in style, with rich creamy brioche nose.

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KRUG Grand Cuvée, distributed by Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd, is the enduringly stylish signature of Krug, a bold, confident Champagne that effortlessly balances richness and power, freshness and finesse.

Blended from as many as 50 wines from three grape varieties, 20-25 small vineyards and 6-10 different vintages, Krug Grand Cuvée has an extravagantly expansive bouquet and an almost creamy texture, with a gleaming gold colour. No recipe can define its intricate harmony, according to Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd. Each year, the Krug family works from taste and memory alone to create this most complex Champagne.

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or by fax on (33) 2 41 93 40 50.

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Spirits ●

Festive Spirits The Festive Season sees a serious surge in spirits sales.

Don’t get left behind.

The

Christmas period traditionally sees a massive upsurge in sales of spirits as consumers trade up to premium brands, both for home entertaining and gifting. Vodka is growing in popularity all the time, with ACNielsen reporting that vodka sales have grown by a massive 20% over the course of 2007, replacing whiskey as the third most popular drink purchased in the off trade. Over the past couple of years there has been a consumer trend towards higher quality vodkas, leading to the development of the premium vodka segment.

Gin too is seeing a resurgence in popularity, particularly at Christmas, while brown spirits, and Irish whiskey in particular, are also showing strong sales growth, particularly amongst younger consumers.

Spirits offer higher cash margins than many other categories, as well as knock-on sales of soft drinks and snacks in the off-licence premises.

To maximise off licence sales, retailers can follows a couple of simple steps: • Offer a range that covers all spirits and wine segments, with leading brands at eye level.

• Allocate more space to leading spirits and wine brands. This will minimise the risk of empty shelves, which arise when the faster selling brands don’t have sufficient shelf space.

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• Ensure every product is priced and all manufacturers’ promotions should be passed onto the customer to compete with supermarkets and where possible, sales can be maximised using Point-of-Sale and off shelf displays.

• Stock, display and clearly price premium products that can be bought as a gift or to celebrate over the Christmas period.

Seasonal packs also offer increased sales opportunities and should be displayed off shelf to create interest and drive incremental sales.

Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd The legendary Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whisky continues to consolidate its position as Ireland’s number one imported whisky. Innovative integrated marketing campaigns, focused on consumer trends, have resulted in Jack Daniel’s becoming Ireland’s fastest growing major brown spirits brand, according to Edward Dillon & Co.

This Christmas, consumers can avail of a limited edition embossed leatherette box containing Jack Daniel’s 70cl.

This festive season, Southern Comfort’s 70cl bottle will be available in a new look gift tin, reflecting the recent new advertising campaigns.

This year saw the continuation of the hugely successful ‘Win a Harley Davidson’ on-trade programme, where 60 lucky consumers were invited to attend the Jack Daniel’s Birthday Party in The Village on September 26 and participate in a prize draw for a fantastic Harley Davidson.

From December 3, Jack Daniel’s ‘Gift Receipt’ advertising campaign will feature in both outdoor and press formats nationwide. Launched for the first time, the ‘Gift Receipt’ creative really evokes the best of Christmas.

It cheekily reminds consumers that Jack Daniel’s is the ideal Christmas present and that a gift receipt will not be necessary! The advertising will also be brought to life in the off trade with very impactful floorstands and counter display units. Consumers can also avail of a limited edition embossed leatherette box containing Jack Daniel’s 70cl available exclusively in leading retailers nationwide (RSP: €28.49).

Also from Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd, Southern Comfort continues to outperform the Irish young adult

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Spirits ●

Ireland’s fastest growing vodka brand, Finlandia Premium Vodka continues to go from strength to strength as it enjoys sustained growth and popularity in the Irish market. This Christmas will see a heavyweight nationwide outdoor campaign for Finlandia. The striking creative communicates the heritage and authenticity of the brand. It showcases that Finlandia Vodka is made in Finland with pure, untouched glacial spring water and so brings natural purity to the consumer’s vodka experience. For the 2007 festive season, Finlandia Vodka comes in a special premium embossed

For the 2007 festive season, Finlandia Vodka comes in a special premium embossed Metal Gift Tin containing a 70cl bottle of Finlandia Vodka.

spirits category, enjoying a strong performance which is supported by engaging brand experiences in the form of the Southern Comfort Crawdaddy Stage at Electric Picnic.

The brand has also been highly successful in extending brand experiences into the off trade environment.

This summer, Southern Comfort ran a hugely successful neck collar initiative in-store, offering consumers the opportunity to win tickets to the soldout Electric Picnic Festival on-line.

This activity was supported by a high visibility window campaign in key outlets.

Additional off trade activity throughout the year included a number of value-added initiatives, such as a complimentary hip flask offer and a try-me-buy-me offer across the smaller size ranges. This type of activity plays a hugely important role in driving trial of Southern Comfort in the off trade environment and there are plans for a new Mardi Gras themed value-added pack in the New Year.

This festive season, Southern Comfort 70cl bottle will be available in a new look gift tin, reflecting the recent new advertising campaigns, making it an ideal Christmas gift (RSP €24.99). The new gift tin will be supported in key stores by innovative floor stands.

This Christmas, consumers can avail of a new premium Jameson tin canister.

Finlandia Premium Vodka continues to go from strength to strength as it enjoys sustained growth and popularity in the Irish market.

Metal Gift Tin containing a 70cl bottle of Finlandia Vodka (RSP €22.79).

Alternatively, you can offer your customers a festive Finlandia Vodka 2 glass pack (RSP €22.79). This limited edition pack is available in leading retailers nationwide along with eyecatching floor-stands.

are promoting Jameson with their ‘Christmas Classic’ outdoor campaign, complemented in both the on and off trade with high visibility Point-ofSale. In the off trade, consumers can avail of the Jameson single bottle carton, a new premium Jameson tin canister and a new gift pack featuring a Jameson Hip Flask.

The new Powers advertising campaign ‘Powers Pure Gold’ went live in October on outdoor, national and regional press. Media spend is approximately €1m, with further bursts to follow in 2008. ‘Spangleys’

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Together, the Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard brands, Jameson, Powers and Paddy represent 87% of Irish whiskey sales at Christmas (Source: ACNielsen Multiples ROI 2006), with Jameson claiming to be the number one value spirit over the Festive Season.

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard have a high level of activity in the run-up to Christmas. The company

Powers is available this Christmas in a new gift pack featuring three premium Powers tumblers.

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Spirits ●

will be used to add further impact on selected outdoor sites.

“Powers Gold Label is widely regarded by consumers and critics alike as the Gold Standard of Irish whiskey,” noted Senior Brand Manager John Tolan. “This campaign brings to life in a very premium and impactful manner that Powers is the whiskey drinker’s whiskey. The outdoor is visually striking, while the print execution, with the quote from ‘Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible’, adds credibility to the ‘Pure Gold’ claim.”

The advertising will be supported

by Point-of-Sale material in key on trade and off trade outlets. In the off trade, consumers can avail of the Powers single bottle carton and a new gift pack featuring three premium Powers tumblers.

Consumers can avail of the Cork Dry Gin single bottle carton this Christmas.

Intangible Business May ‘07),commands top selling spirit status within the vodka category in Ireland and is distributed in 130 countries worldwide.

The Smirnoff brand remains one of the smoothest and purest vodkas on the market today. Its unique multicolumn charcoal filtration process was pioneered in 19th century Russia by founder, PA Smirnoff.

Smirnoff is key for retailers looking to maximise their revenue this festive season as the brand accounts for over 57% of total Off Trade vodka sales at Christmas (Source: ACNielsen Christmas 2006). This Christmas, Smirnoff is offering retailers a great range of gift packs, including a Smirnoff vodka 70cl gift pack and a Smirnoff vodka 70cl gift pack with two branded glasses.

Stolichnaya in a premium tube.

Huzzar will once again be promoted outdoor and in press.

Irish Distillers is also promoting Cork Dry Gin with the new advertising ‘The Gin’ in press and Point-ofSale. In the off trade, consumers can avail of the Cork Dry Gin single bottle carton.

Diageo Smirnoff vodka, the world’s leading alcoholic drinks brand (Source:

Irish Distillers is promoting Stolichnaya with ‘Choose Authenticity’ in press, outdoor and ambient, while consumers can avail of Stolichnaya in a premium tube.

Meanwhile, Paddy is available once again this year in single bottle carton and a new gift pack featuring two Paddy glasses.

In the vodka market, Irish Distillers is promoting Stolichnaya with ‘Choose Authenticity’ in press, outdoor and ambient. In the off trade, consumers can avail of 58

This Christmas season sees the launch of innovative new pack designs to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Bushmills.

This Christmas, Smirnoff is offering retailers a great range of gift packs, including a Smirnoff vodka 70cl gift pack with two branded glasses.

This Christmas will also see further investment in the Smirnoff brand with newly developed Christmas creative planned for digital and outdoor media.

Bushmills may be the latest addition to Diageo’s collection of world class brands but the Bushmills Irish whiskey heritage is centuries old. In fact, next year marks the 400th

Barry Fitzwilliam Season Greetings

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anniversary of the first license to distil being granted to the Bushmills area, in 1608.

Bushmills offers retailers real gifting opportunities and this Christmas season will see the launch of innovative new pack designs to commemorate the 400th anniversary for Bushmills Original, Black Bush and 10 Year Old Malt.

The celebrated ‘glass pack’ is also back for the Christmas period and continues the new 400-year themed packaging. The exciting new pack designs focus on the heritage of the brand and will be complemented with strong promotional pricing on Bushmills Original.

Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium distribute a wide range of premium spirits, including Teacher’s Scotch, Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium will be supporting the Teacher’s brand with Courvoisier Cognac, Absolut, Rémy strong Point-of-Sale material this Martin Cognac, The Famous Grouse Christmas.

Finest Scotch Whisky and Jim Beam fruit juices, thereby creating the Bourbon, as well as Cointreau, Bols, ideal platform for some of the best Sourz and Jagermeister. Courvoisier cocktails around. The selection of have recently launched a series of flavours available from Bols is vast very high end cognac with one and includes Bols Blue, Grenadine, Courvoisier l’Esprit expected to Advocaat, Crème de Cacao, Cherry retail for €5,000.

Brandy, Amaretto and many Absolut sales are performmore. Bols Vodka, which is a ing extremely well, particular leading player on the Polish marsince the launch of Absolut ket, is now available here.

Apeach and its ultra-premiSourz is proving to be a pheum vodka, Level. Indeed, nomenal success and growAbsolut is showing ing dramatically. It has a growth of 40% year on unique, dual sweet & sour year. flavour that is both refreshA recent addition to ing and tangy. Sourz apple the Barry Fitzwilliam is a low-strength (15%) Maxxium gin portfolio is shooter brand that is takPlymouth Gin, which has ing the clubs and style bars great success internaby storm. Look out for tionally and won a Silver Sourz Cherry, which is now Medal at the available.

International Wine & According to Barry Spirit Competition in Fitzwilliam Maxxium, After 2004.

Shock is the most exciting Cointreau is the perand innovative product in fect partner for cockthe Irish Shooter market. tails, and as such is This shooter phenomenon expected to perform The Absolut brand is has continued to take particularly well over showing growth of 40% Ireland by storm. It’s Christmas. Similarly, year on year, and has available in five flavours – the Absolut Mirror Ball many of the unique pack available this After Shock ‘Hot & Cool’ flavours of Bols Christmas. (red), Aftershock ‘Deep liqueurs are made with 60

Cool’ (blue) and After Shock ‘Thermal Bite’ (green), Aftershock Black and Aftershock Silver.

Jagermeister, the famous German schnapps, is a huge seller in the shooter market, particularly among student trend setters, and is growing internationally. It is a half-bitter German schnapps with a unique blend of 56 herbs and spices, and sales are up over 100% year on year.

Christmas is very much a time for Brown Spirits, notes Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium and they will be giving a lot of support to their range, which includes Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, Teacher’s, Famous Grouse, Whyte & Mackay and Jim Beam.

“We are having great success selling Cooley’s Irish Whiskeys,” said Michael Barry, “and we are now very excited at the prospect of building Connemara Malt and Tyrconnell Malt into serious brands.”

Cooley Distillery Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independent Irish owned Whiskey Distillery, had a lot to celebrate in 2007. Not only did the Kilbeggan Distillery reach 250 years in existence, but their whiskeys were

Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey is an Irish Whiskey that is not only a single malt, but also has a distinct peaty flavour.

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Spirits ●

Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007. This whiskey, widely available through Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, is the perfect entry to the exciting world of single malt whiskies.

Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey is in a category of its own. It has the unique qualities of being an Irish Whiskey that is not only a single malt, but also has a distinct peaty flavour. The quality of this whiskey is reflected with a gold medal and best in class award at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition 2007.

comprised Coole Swan, Gin, Midori and fresh lime.

The response has also been phenomenal in the off trade, with outlets looking forward to an extremely successful first Christmas season with this super premium offering. A series of stylish and elegant window displays have also been put in place and tastings will continue over the coming months.

Coole Swan is currently available in over 100 leading independent offlicences and fine food stores, and is launching this month in O’Brien’s Off Licences and Molloy’s Liquor Stores.

Coole Swan

The Tyrconnell Single Malt is the perfect entry to the exciting world of single malt whiskies.

awarded many international accolades during the year, including Irish Distillery of the Year.

The Tyrconnell Single Malt is approachable, with a smooth and delicate taste, and this was recognised with a gold medal at the San

Since launching in March, Coole Swan, Ireland’s Super Premium Dairy Cream Liqueur from Scion Spirits Company, is making quite a splash in the marketplace in both on and off trade.

In order to capitalise on this hugely positive response from within the trade, Coole Swan launched its inaugural cocktail competition. The winner, Kate Kovalchikova from the Westin Hotel, won the much sought after title of Coole Cocktail Champion 2007 with her delectable cocktail creation ‘Sexy Swan’, which

‘Tis the Season to be WKD! WKD has retained its number one PPS position in the off trade with 36.5% share (Source: ACNeilsen, August 2007), and the brand has the highest rate of sale of all premium packaged spirit brands.

WKD Blue 700ml is driving the brand’s off trade share, remaining the number one PPS product in the growing sector with 19.1% share (Source: ACNeilsen, August 2007). WKD’s success is the result of an extensive campaign of promotional activity over the past year. This encompassed an on-going ‘WKD Style’ outdoor campaign and a high level of impactful activity in the off trade.

With the festive season approaching, WKD is pumping up its promotional support with a heavyweight outdoor campaign and a number of promotions in the off trade, which will help the brand consolidate its market leading, must-stock status.

Coole Swan, Ireland’s Super Premium Dairy Cream Liqueur, is making quite a splash in the market place in both on and off trade since its launch earlier this year.

The brand participated in the Taste of Dublin, held in the Iveagh Gardens during the summer, as well as supporting a number of high profile events over recent months, such as the launch of the new look Thornton’s, Fight for Sight Charity Ball in the Shelbourne, PGA Corporate Masters Golf Day in Palmerstown House and the Khan Fashion Show in Mullingar Park Hotel. Moving forward, Coole Swan will continue to support an array of exciting and stylish events with a full calendar over the coming months.

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Cider ●

Cider Sales Soaring Cider sales continue to grow throughout the country, particularly over the Festive Season.

Bulmers continues its ‘Seasons’ advertising campaign over the winter period, celebrating the serene beauty of the orchard during the magical winter season.

Cider

continues to grow in popularity with Irish consumers throughout the year, and enjoys a traditional sales surge at Christmas, as consumers trade up to premium brands. Apple cider has become a much-loved brand with Irish consumers, thanks in the main to the Bulmers and Bulmers Light brands, who continue to drive category growth.

The last year has seen another entrant in the cider category, however, in the shape of Kopparberg Natural Swedish Cider, whose pear variant, in particular, has proved phenomenally successful in both the on and off trade.

Bulmers Maintaining the time-honoured tradition of cider making which has been continued for over seven decades in Annerville, Clonmel, Bulmers has spearheaded the phenomenal growth of cider in Ireland to become an all year round drink of choice for consumers, with peaks at key selling periods such as Christmas.

Bulmers will be continuing with its ‘Seasons’ advertising campaign over the winter period. The TV commercial celebrates the serene beauty of the orchard during the magical winter season.

This year, Bulmers Ltd introduced a 750ml bottle to the Bulmers product 62

portfolio. The new 750ml bottle is perfect for Christmas-time relaxation at home, allowing consumers who enjoy the pint bottle experience in pubs to re-create that experience in the comfort of their own home.

Now in its fourth year, the Bulmers International Comedy Festival is firmly established as one of the top five comedy festivals in the world. This year, the festival was bigger and better than ever and took place from September 3-23, featuring over 100 top Irish and international comedians, including Lenny Henry, Jimmy Carr, Ross Noble, Patrick Kielty and Ardal O’Hanlon.

Orlaith Fortune, Marketing Manager, Bulmers, said, “2007 was an outstanding year for comedy, with the cream of national talent appearing alongside the very best international acts, as part of the Bulmers International Comedy Festival. It continues to be a real privilege for us to be able to bring such a festival to Dublin – and on such a grand scale – with thousands of people taking the opportunity to enjoy the three weeks of great comedy acts.”

At the recent 11th annual HSMAI Sales and Marketing Awards, in the category of Best Marketing Campaign for a Festival, Bulmers picked up the

award for best marketing campaign for the Bulmers International Comedy Festival.

The view from Cork stretched clear to Cuba in June as Bulmers launched the Bulmers Original Artists Series at the Cork Opera House with a concert by the Buena Vista Social Club. The gig was the first in the 2007 Bulmers Original Artists Series, which brought an eclectic mix of the best world music to Cork Opera House, including world renowned American jazz pianist, Brad Mehldau, and legendary Peruvian singer Susana Baca performing a double bill with Cuban pianist, Roberto Fonseca.

Bulmers, together with TV3 and the Star, tested the sporting knowledge of the nation with Ireland’s biggest sporting table quiz ever. The Bulmers Sports Tonight Quiz roadshow, now in its third year, visited pubs in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and culminated in an intense grand finale in Cork, for the fantastic prize of a trip to see Ireland play in the European Championship Qualifiers.

This year’s Bulmers All Ireland Cups and Shields finals held at Shandon Park in Belfast were among the most successful in Bulmers’ 16year sponsorship of the competition.

Organised by the Golfing Union of

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Cider ●

grew five-fold over the previIreland, the tournament is ous year, with the off trade one of the most coveted accounting for 40% of overall championship tournaments volumes. Already the estabin the inter-club calendar lished leader in the fruit and is regarded as the cider category, Kopparberg biggest amateur golfing comexpects strong Christmas petition in Europe. sales as the consumer trades Meanwhile, Limerick up to premium brand names.

Racecourse’s picturesque Kopparberg offers a great location saw thousands of taste, easy enjoyment and horse racing fans turning out natural refreshment, thanks to enjoy the Bulmers A heavyweight Bulmers Light ad campaign, entitled ‘Dandelion’, effectively communicates the brand’s low calorie to its use of pristine soft Summer Sundays. proposition to consumers. water, sourced locally in Working with Celtic Kopparberg, Sweden, which allows Rugby, Bulmers uses its international tions. A 16% growth in sales from the fruit flavours to win through. brand name to sponsor the Magners March to September 2007 compared to Kopparberg is available to the off League, which has attracted unprecethe same period the previous year trade in a select range, including dented interest from the rugby fraterdemonstrates this phenomenal growth Pear, Apple and Mixed Fruit Ciders in nity. The sponsorship, now in its sec(Source: Bulmers Ltd Sales Data). A 500ml bottle and Pear and Apple ond year, has propelled the League to heavyweight Bulmers Light ad camCider in 500ml cans. new heights, accelerating both the paign, entitled ‘Dandelion’, has been The Kopparberg brand has been growth of, and interest in, the comperunning since May across TV, outdoor, busy courting new drinkers, with tition. ambient outdoor, radio and press and 250,000 people sampled across the Attendances at Magners League effectively communicates the low calolength of Ireland. Tastings were games have increased by 15.7% overrie proposition to consumers. backed by a huge national outdoor all, with the average gate for a game 2007 also saw more unusual forms advertising campaign. This Christmas, now over 6,000 and several fixtures of communication for the brand – with Kopparberg launches an exclusive 6selling out, including the record the Bulmers Light Balloon flying at for-5 can multi-pack, which is designed 48,000 that packed into Lansdowne festivals and sporting events. to trade-up consumers and drive increRoad on New Year’s Eve to watch This year also saw a new sponsormental margin for the off trade retailLeinster take on Ulster in the last ship for Bulmers Light, who teamed up er. Available in both Pear and Apple game at the famous old stadium. with the Limerick School of Art and Cider, the 6-for-5 pack Orlaith Fortune, Marketing Design for their graduate stocks are limited, due to Manager, Bulmers said, “We are fashion show. Showcasing phenomenal international delighted to be sponsoring the second some of Ireland’s most cutdemand for the season of the Magners League. ting edge future designers, Kopparberg brand, and Following the successful inaugural the Bulmers Light Most retailers are advised to season, the 2007/08 fixtures have lined Cutting Edge 4th Year avail early to guarantee up what promises to be another seaCollection Award, judged by supply. son of sell-out, exciting and competiDeidre McQuillan of the Barry Connolly, tive matches which will continue to Irish Times, was won by Managing Director of showcase the fantastic brand of rugby Aimee O’Beirne from Naas Richmond Marketing, is played in the Magners League – somefor her inspired collection. delighted with the success thing we very much look forward to.”

Also throughout the year, of the once little-known The kick-off of Magners League Bulmers Light had great sucSwedish Cider brand. “We Season 2007/08 also heralded a new cess with partnerships with are thrilled with the supTV advertising campaign. Shot on Weight Watchers and the port of the off-trade retaillocation in the magnificent Bulmers hugely successful Handbags ers who like us, see orchards in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and Gladrags Charity Ball.

Kopparberg as a premium ‘Orchard Charge’ shows just how seribrand delivering some ously Rugby is taken in the orchards Kopparberg real value in a heavily and stars real Bulmers employees and Natural Swedish traded category. We’ve players from the local Rugby Club, Cider been very actively promotwith appearances from rugby legends Kopparberg Natural Backed by a Gareth Edwards and Gavin Hastings. €1.5m marketing ing take home sales of Swedish Cider, marketed by campaign, sales of Kopparberg and will have a Richmond Marketing, is the Kopparberg grew complete range of in-store undisputed success story of Bulmers Light five-fold this year, POS to drive sales for prothe Irish drinks marketplace Since the launch of Bulmers Light with the off trade this year. Backed by a €1.5m onto the Irish marketplace four years accounting for 40% motional and standard of overall volumes. packs this Christmas.” marketing campaign, sales ago, sales have exceeded all expecta64

Retail News

11/13/07

12:23 PM

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Juice ●

Fruit Canal The juice category continues to show strong growth, with new flavours and healthy options fuelling demand.

Fruice Fruice is the premium juice offering from Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland. The core range comprises of 100% orange and apple juices, and a cranberry

The

market for fruit juices continues to perform strongly as more Irish consumers are switching to healthier choices. The leading fruit juice brands are looking to functional and light variants aimed at supplying the demands of the health conscious consumer.

The juices market consists of 100% fruit juice (from concentrate), 100% fruit juice (not from concentrate), Nectar (30%-99% juice), Fruit drink (0-29% juice) and Vegetable juice.

Carbonates, once the star performers of the soft drinks market, are slowing down in value and volume growth as consumers turn to healthier drinks such as juices, which should continue to experience strong growth, regarded as a more natural and ‘guilt-free’ option.

In recent years, cranberry has been the star performer in the juice category, proving particularly popular due to its high levels of vitamin C and general health properties. Now, other fruits are gaining the same ‘superfood’ status as cranberry, such as pomegranate and yumberry, which are expected to be the next big flavour trends.

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Fruice Vital Light Orange and Fruice Vital Light Apple have 30% less calories per 100ml than standard Orange and Apple.

juice drink available in a variety of take home and impulse packs.

As consumer tastes have changed over the years, so too has the Fruice range, keeping the brand at the forefront of innovation. The introduction of new Fruice offerings in line with health and wellness trends is available through the Fruice Vital range. This range has been designed with the more health conscious consumer in

mind. Fruice Vital Light Orange and Fruice Vital Light Apple have 30% less calories per 100ml than standard Orange and Apple.

Two new lines were added in May 2007 with added health benefits: Fruice Vital Orange with Omega 3, which helps to maintain a healthy heart and brain; and Fruice Vital Prebiotic, which stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Fruice is currently the only ambient juice in the market offering the functionality of these two lines.

The Fruice brand continues to be supported above the line with the ‘It’s a Natural Thing’ campaign. Regular promotional activity on the brand makes Fruice an extremely competitive choice for consumers, giving them added value while helping them to maintain a healthy and balanced diet through the inclusion of fruit juice in their weekly shop.

AdeZ AdeZ, from Unilever, is a delicious combination of fruit juices and Soya

AdeZ, the fruit juice and Soya drink. A daily source of strength. AdeZ contains 35% of your recommended daily intake of Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 &C along with soya protein. AdeZ comes in three delicious new varieties: Blackcurrant & Raspberry; Mango & Apricot; and Pineapple & Passionfruit.

Good sales

Great sales? difference

Fruice is a registered T/M of John Daly & company Ltd

Discover the

The healthy way to grow your bottom line

FR067 RetailNewsA4.indd 1

25/10/2007 17:13:36

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Juice ●

with 100% juice and available in Blueberry is proving hugely popular 250ml PET four-packs of resealable, with those looking for a tasty juice wide-mouth bottles, in both Orange that offers great health benefits. and Apple flavours. Sqeez 100% botBlueberries have been shown to protles contain no additives, no preservatect our bodies from harmful moletives and no added sugar. cules that we are exposed to every day Also from Batchelors, Amigo PET of our lives. Blueberries have a wide 250ml four-pack was introduced in range of health benefits including time for the back to school period this anti-ageing properties and year in two delicious flavours – Apple Sqeez brings consumers a & Blackcurrant and Orange & tasty convenient way to Tropical. Amigo juice drinks are a popenjoy this nutrient rich ular choice with Irish kids and their ‘Superfood’ every day. parents alike. Amigo is also available Sqeez ready-to-drink in a 250ml Tetra carton in a combina200ml juices are an ideal tion of sizes 3’s, 6’s and 9 packs. way for consumers to sneak New Sqeez ‘100% SuperJuice’ is goodness into their kids’ made with a blend of 100% lunchbox. The range juice that will tingle conincludes firm sumers’ taste buds and put a favourites such as spring in their step in the Orange Juice, Apple cold winter months.

Juice, Tropical Consisting of Yumberry, Juice, Orange with Pomegranate and Red Grape Calcium, and Sqeez – this combination is a sureMultivitamin Juice.

Sqeez, from Batchelors, claims fire winner and will pique Sqeez’s entry leadership of the ambient juice the interests of those on the into the Smoothie market in Ireland, with almost look-out for the next big category in 2006 30% value share (Source: The recently thing in juice. has certainly ACNielsen Sept 2007). The launched Sqeez Batchelors’ Linda caused a stir! It extensive range is sub-divid100% Apple Juice, available in 250ml Sheehan explains: “Red fruit has quickly led to ed into ‘Originals’ and PET four-packs of and their juices are now the brand gaining ‘Benefits’ so consumers can resealable, wideknown to play an important a 24.5% volume easily find their favourite mouth bottles. part in our body’s wellness. share of the marjuice.

This juice contains innovaket. The Smoothies category is The Originals range includes tive superfruits specifically worth €7.5m and growing by Orange, Apple, Tropical, Pressed chosen for their health propa massive 111% year on year Apple, Grapefruit, Pineapple, and erties. Yumberry is new fruit in value and 120% in volume Orange with Bits, while the Benefits of the moment in terms of terms (Source: ACNielsen range includes MultiVitamin, superfruits – it is rich in Sept 2007).

Cranberry & Orange, Orange Juice New Sqeez ‘100% antioxidants that protect The Sqeez Smoothie with Calcium and Prebiotic, SuperJuice’ is made the body against cardiorange includes Strawberry & Cranberry, and Wild Blueberry. with a blend of vascular disease, high choBanana; Peach, Pineapple & In particular, Sqeez Wild Yumberry, Pomegranate and lesterol & eyesight degraPassionfruit; Mango & Red Grape. dation.”

Orange; and Redberry The Sqeez brand & Pomegranate. Each returned to TV screens this year with 200ml glass contains two of conits ‘Angel and Devil’ TV campaign, sumers’ ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegfeaturing the tagline ‘Wickedly Good etable requirements.

Fruit Juices from Sqeez’. Sqeez have Following the huge success also recently re-launched their webof the 1L Smoothie range, Sqeez site (www.sqeez.ie), which now incorlaunched handy size packs of porates the look and feel of this adversmoothies. A definite winner for tising under the tagline ‘Wickedly consumers looking for a healthiGood’. The site features a ‘5 a day’ er lunch alternative, these are club, which allows consumers to track available in Strawberry & how much fruit and vegetable they Banana and Peach, Pineapple The Sqeez Benefits range is available in eat per week to see if they hit the recMultiVitamin, Cranberry & Orange, Orange & Passionfruit flavours.

Juice with Calcium and Prebiotic, Cranberry, ommended 5 portions recommended Recently launched are the and Wild Blueberry flavours. per day. new Sqeez 100% juices - made with vitamins and minerals, which help maintain a strong body. Each glass (250ml) of AdeZ contains soya protein and 35% of your recommended daily allowance of Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C and B6.

Adez comes in three varieties: Blackcurrant & Raspberry; Mango & Apricot; and Pineapple & Passionfruit.

AdeZ makes healthy choices easier for consumers by delivering a product that has good nutritional balance through a great tasting fruit juice. AdeZ has been heavily supported throughout the year both through media and in-store campaigns. The brand was also endorsed by Peter Stringer, the Irish and Munster scrum-half.

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Soft Drinks ●

Soft Sells Christmas is a bumper time for soft drinks sales as consumers traditionally trade up to big brands, bigger bottle sizes and multi-packs.

This

the course of the last few years, but the Christmas period traditionally sees consumers trading up to bigger bottle sizes and multi-packs.

Growth in the soft drinks market is driven primarily by brand investment from the big players in the market, who invest large amounts of money in advertising, PR and POS material, focusing on strong in-store visibility.

7UP/7UP Free Add a little fizz and sparkle into the festive season with 7UP, Ireland’s number one lemon and lime drink. A sure favourite with consumers this Christmas, the brand continues its 2007 success with celebrations right through the party season!

The presents won’t be the only thing beautifully wrapped this season, as 7UP launches its exciting new ‘Refresh’ design on all packs of 7UP and 7UP Free.

Representing the pure refreshment and natural lemon and lime flavours of 7UP, the new labels designs, ‘Ice Cubes’, ‘Wave’, ‘Plunge’, and ‘Frost’, are sure to make 7UP shine brightly this season.

Meanwhile, pouring 7UP at the Christmas dinner table has never been easier with the newly designed curvygrip 2-litre bottle.

Festive Season should prove a bumper selling period for the Irish soft drinks sector, as consumers around the country stock up on their favourite brands, either as mixers or to enjoy on their own. Indeed, Irish people drink more carbonated soft drinks than any of our European counterparts, with per capita consumption standing at a massive 122 litres per person every year.

The soft drinks market continues to show strong annual growth. It is estimated that the market grew by 3.7% in volume terms over 2006.

This was primarily driven by the growth in bottled water, sport and energy drinks.

Carbonated sales may have remained largely flat but still account for the lion’s share of the sector, with cola, lemon Pouring 7UP and & lime and orange drinks 7UP Free at the the star performers.

Christmas dinner table has never been The portable one-shot bottle has been held respon- easier with the newly designed curvy-grip sible for market growth over 2-litre bottle.

Pepsi To celebrate Christmas 2007 in style, Pepsi gets in the decorating mood as it unveils its new ‘Pepsi Choreography’, a series of new eye-catching designs created to reflect consumer lifestyle trends.

Spread across the three Pepsi brands, consumers can choose from a variety

of designs such as ‘DJs & Cds’, ‘Global Festival’, ‘Emoticons’ and ‘Global Travel’ for Pepsi; ‘Flame’, ‘Bling’, ‘Poker’ and ‘Tattoo’ for Pepsi Max; and ‘Digital Music’, ‘Zodiac’, ‘Groove’ and ‘Yoga’ for Pepsi Diet.

Choosing from such an array of great tasting Pepsi will definitely add more fun to the aisles this holiday season.

Club ‘Pepsi As a top grocery Choreography’ is a brand in series of new eyeIreland, C&C’s catching designs Club brand is a created to reflect consumer lifestyle leader and contrends. tinues to invest strongly in the soft drinks category.

The secret to Club’s success is its great taste and quality – “with Club, it’s all in the bits!”

Club uses over 11% fruit juice and contains real orange bits, making it a premium and great tasting product. Club is also all about The Club brand has dressed up with a new Christmas label to capture the Festive cheer.

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RN November07Christmas Drinks - Soft Drinks ●

variety – the range includes Club Orange, Club Lemon, Club Rock Shandy, Club Pomegranate and Cranberry and Club Apple.

Club is a must stock favourite at Christmas, and this year, Club has dressed up with a new Christmas label to capture the Christmas cheer.

Cidona Cidona, Ireland’s favourite sparkling apple drink, rebranded this year with a new logo and eye-catching metallic label on all packs, bringing the design right into the 21st century. Cidona is a firm Christmas favourite when consumers trade up to the big brands.

Cidona has always performed consistently well with Irish consumers and 2008 is set to be yet another successful year for Ireland’s favourite sparkling apple drink.

According to Sian Price, Brand Manager, Cidona, “Britvic Ireland has invested substantially in the brand and has succeeded in building on the popularity of Cidona, thus bringing it to a whole new generation of discerning drinkers. The ability for the brand to constantly re-invent itself ensures that Cidona will continue to be a serious competitor to the leading names in the soft drinks sector.”

This year also saw Cidona sponsor the Future Sounds Festival which took place in Tullamore in July – a one day music festival organised by young people for young people.

“The Future Sounds Festival was a great opportunity for young people to demonstrate that they are both capable and responsible. It is also a fantastic showcase for the next generation of musicians and singers; for many this was their first public Cidona performance and rebranded this year with a Cidona is delighted to new logo and be associated with eye-catching the Festival,” said metallic label Sian Price. on all packs.

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Lucozade Unleashes Seasonal Energy LUCOZADE Energy is Ireland’s number one energy drink (Source: ACNielsen ROI Market Track, Energy, Value Share MAT 10 WE 09 Sept 07) and is set to remain the essential energy source for busy consumers onthe-go this Christmas. The brand will be supported by a superb range of promotional activity, ensuring a strong seasonal boost in sales is predicted.

A dedicated Christmas themed consumer promotion will set the pace in this sector, running in stores from November.

This exciting initiative offers consumers the chance to pick up a free disposable camera with every purchase of 2 bottles of Lucozade Energy Original 500ml – perfect for capturing those Consumers can pick up a free disposable memorable seasonal moments. camera with every purchase of 2 bottles of Furthermore, an added valLucozade Energy Original 500ml. ue 6-for-4 offer for the brand’s ever popular Lucozade Energy Original 380ml multi-pack will encourage stocking up with a Christmas energy supply for in-home consumption.

Spotlighting the brand in stores, eye-catching Christmas Point of Sale material is now available, featuring the now familiar Lucozade Energy Teddy Bears.

Furthermore, high profile advertising support will complement in-store activity and put the brand well and truly on the map during this key sales period.

The brand’s natural energy proposition also perfectly matches consumer demands for an extra boost to help them through the rigours of the festive season.

In addition, Lucozade Energy’s range of formats and products will meet the spectrum of consumer energy need states and requirements this Christmas.

Launched late this summer, Lucozade Alert will prove a winner with those wishing to ‘sharpen’ their mental performance, be it whilst driving home for Christmas or when an early morning start at work follows on from a late night Christmas party.

The Lucozade Energy Charger 250ml can is also sure to be snapped up, with its streamlined format and convenient serving size proving ideal for drinking in one go, whilst hunting for last minute presents or heading out to yet another party in the packed calendar.

The range also offers both large and multi-pack formats, certain An added value 6-for-4 offer for the to remain popular choices for Lucozade Energy Original 380ml multikeeping energy levels high at pack should prove extremely popular this Christmas. home throughout the holidays.

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Soft Drinks ●

Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland

The Gleeson Group

Coca-Cola is still the number one selling grocery brand in Ireland and 2007 saw a step-up in advertising, promotional and in-store activity for Coke. Coca-Cola has gained strong momentum in 2007, and this will be further consolidated with consistent investment and activity over the Christmas period. CCBI will continue to invest in compelling consumer communication/activation, including the new exciting Christmas packaging and in-store activity at this key period.

Meanwhile, Diet Coke continues to outperform other carbonates on the Irish soft drinks market, Sprite remains the number one lemon and lime brand worldwide, and the Fanta brand continues to be one of the most innovative and strongest performing flavour brands of the last three years.

The Gleeson Group is a fully Irish owned private company with an extensive product portfolio. The range of products is quite varied with many key players in the soft drinks/water sector.

Brands include Finches, Country Spring, Score and Cadet Minerals, Boost Energy Drink, Tipperary Natural Mineral Water, Crystal Springs Pure Spring Water and Clearly Tipperary Flavoured Waters.

The Finches Range of soft drinks continues to flourish in a highly competitive market. The Finches convenience range has undergone considerable changes in the last 18 months.

Following the successful rebranding of the 2-litre and 500ml soft drinks range, along with the 1.5-litre mixer range, the Finches brand has grown from strength to strength. The positive consumer response to the Finches terrific product range has shown in

sales uplift throughout the year. This Christmas, The Gleeson Group plan to thank their loyal customers and allow others to try the premium taste of Finches, with a great value price: Finches 2 litre for €1. This is a must stock item and has proven to be a clear winner over the holiday season.

This Christmas, The Gleeson Group are offering customers the premium taste of Finches at a great value price: 2 litres for €1.

DISCOVER THE NEW BLACK MAGIC COLLECTION Nestlé Ireland’s Black Magic, the ultimate in dark chocolate indulgence, today unveiled a new collection. Ireland’s favourite dark chocolate since 1933, Black Magic, is getting a complete makeover this autumn/winter with revamped recipe, packaging, and mouth-watering additions to the range. Worth over €8,200,000 million, the dark chocolate market caters for chocolate enthusiasts with a more sophisticated palette.

THE NEW PRODUCT RANGE CONSISTS OF: The Dark Chocolate Collection contains six deliciously indulgent new recipes including Mocha Truffle and Amaretto Crunch in a stylish three layered box. 27 chocolates – RRP €7.99 The Dark Discovery range provides a perfect introduction to the indulgent experience of Black Magic with one of each of the six recipes from the Dark Chocolate Collection. including Hazelnut Praline and Orange Zest – RRP €1.99 Black Magic Dark Chocolate Thins are small, delicate pieces of dark chocolate for a decadent taste explosion. 127g – RRP €3.99 The Black Magic Tablet Bars range are made from a unique blend of rich and creamy dark chocolate and available in three distinctive flavours Mellow Dark Chocolate; Mellow Dark Chocolate with Almonds and Mellow Dark Chocolate with raisins and almonds. 100g – RRP €1.99 The entire collection is available in stylish new packaging that is simple and elegant, inspired by the Art Deco movement with an intriguing and distinctive look.

DISCOVER WHAT NEW BLACK MAGIC CAN DO FOR YOUR SALES 71

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Bottled Water ●

Pure Class spills, no mess and a re-sealable, convenient sports cap. It is in an easy grip bottle designed for little hands, helping to contribute to a child’s daily RDA of water and contains essential minerEvian als such as calcium, magneA partnership between sium and potassium.

Evian and Christian Deep RiverRock is an Lacroix, that great name in iconic brand with its ‘Purer French and international Than You’ positioning (‘pure couture, has produced an not pious’). The brand recentexceptional creation to grace ly won an award of excellence festive tables throughout at the global the New Year celebrations.

‘Bottledwaterworld’ awards Christian Lacroix's Prêt-àfor its new refreshed Porter bottle comes decoratflavoured water packaging – ed with glittering snowy the bottle and label are now crystals that charmingly clear, with beautiful lush real symbolise the purity of this bottled water market in fruit illustrations reinforcing natural mineral water.

Ireland is enjoying sustained growth, purity, clarity, coolness and with a range of social and economic facnatural cues. tors driving the market forward, Deep RiverRock A partnership Thanks to its iconic including the increase in disposable Deep RiverRock once again between Evian and advertising campaigns, income, the move towards healthy continues to drive the Christian Lacroix has Deep RiverRock claims to products etc. More recently, water category in resulted in the be the choice of younger the introduction of premiboth volume and Christian Lacroix Prêt-à-Porter bottle, people among 18-35 year um, flavoured waters has value, with which comes olds, it is a cool, hip, helped to grow the category increases of 16.9% decorated with trendy water, a very fasheven further. and 19.3% respecglittering snowy ionable brand that is growtively (Source: crystals that ACNielsen 10 W/E charmingly symbolise ing in popularity (Source: Volvic the purity of this Research Solutions 2007).

July 2007). Its Volvic continues to make natural mineral Deep RiverRock is sup750ml bottle has a an impressive impact on water. ported with a range of probetter rate of sale the Irish bottled water in units than any market with its flavoured other sports cap range Volvic Touch of water in Ireland.

Fruit, which is available in The brand meets three flavours: Lemon and ongoing consumer Lime, Strawberry and demands by conOrange and Peach. Indeed, stantly innovating Volvic Touch of Fruit now most recently claims leadership of the launching a Kids flavoured water market Still Water 8x330ml with a 29.5% value share multi-pack. Deep (Source: ACNielsen, Total RiverRock 330ml is Enhanced Scantrack, Sales an ideal size for Value MAT w/c Oct 08/07). school children, as Volvic Natural Mineral Deep RiverRock’s most recent launch is a Kids Volvic: performing its portable on-theWater provides a unique Still Water 8x330ml multi-pack, with an easyextremely well in grip bottle designed for little hands. go pack ensures no selling point to Volvic Ireland.

Sales of bottled water continue to grow, with further expansion expected over the festive season.

The

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Touch of Fruit as it has the unique benefit of being the only natural mineral water to be filtered through layers of volcanic rock.

RN November07Christmas Drinks - Bottled Water ●

snapped up in stores before the first ad even appeared.

A sugar-free lightly sparkling water, refreshed with a hint of fruitiness from 7UP, H2OH! has all the benefits of a water and the fun of a CSD, and the handy 1.5L bottle is sure to have a place on Christmas tables across Ireland this year. Placed within Ireland’s fastest growing beverage category, H2OH!’s potential for growth in 2008 is beyond doubt.

Tipperary Natural Mineral Water Ballygowan’s flavoured water range will add a little spice to festivities this year.

Deep RiverRock: an iconic bottled water brand.

motional offers, such as the 2Ltr Still and Sparkling ‘Buy-One-Get-OneFree’ offer and the 6x2ltr Half Price, which are available in participating outlets nationwide.

Ballygowan Ballygowan’s Christmas ‘presence’ goes from strength to strength each year and, following a winning year in 2007, the holiday season will certainly be a time for celebration.

Ireland’s number one bottled water picked up three awards for the outstanding creative work on its highprofile and hugely engaging TV ad Bodies Never Lie (Let’s Dance).

“Never before have we received such positive feedback for an advertising campaign, which featured the soundtrack to David Bowie’s legendary ‘Let’s Dance’ and the voice of rising star, Paula Flynn,” said Jane Fortune, Marketing Manager, Ballygowan. “The appeal of the ad, coupled with our strategic sporting sponsorships, helped to propel the success of the brand in 2007, despite the inclement summer.”

A ‘hat-trick in terms of Ballygowan’s association with

Munster Rugby; a debut at the Adidas Dublin City Marathon in October, together with a long-term relationship with the FAI, Ballygowan is firmly embedded in the sports, health and vitality arena.

The brand is gearing up for a winning Christmas period as shoppers stock-pile for the seasonal rush. And, for those seeking something with a little more punch, the Ballygowan flavoured water range will add a little spice to festivities this year.

H2OH! H2OH! launched onto the dynamic water market this year was an undeniable success, with bottles being

A sugar-free lightly sparkling water, refreshed with a hint of fruitiness from 7UP, H2OH! has all the benefits of a water and the fun of a CSD.

The rebranding of Tipperary Natural Mineral Water is almost complete. The rebrand, which incorporates all of the brand’s convenience and grocery sizes, along with on trade glass bottles, has been hugely successful. This change has been quite significant, with a new bottle shape and new labels on the 500ml, 750ml, 1 litre and 2 litre bottle formats.

Since the introduction of the new bottle and labels, distributors The Gleeson Group have seen a significant uplift in sales as consumers respond to the change.

“We believe that our status as a Natural Mineral Water, along with our contemporary and relevant presentation positions us perfectly in a competitive market,” notes Keith O’Haire, Marketing Manager. “All of this, coupled with the unparalleled success of our ‘Tipperary Kidz’ product, which is now a clear market leader in this category, has meant that Tipperary Water has performed The rebranding of very well in the entire 2007. We Tipperary Natural believe we can Mineral Water continue this range is almost complete. into 2008.”

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RN November07Beer Market ●

There is nowhere else where stout takes up a third of the total market.

But in terms of its similarity to other markets, lager continues to take an ever-increasing share. Although stout is big, it is moving in a negative direction.”

The Irish Market

A ‘Stella’ Performance Duncan Millar, InBev’s Regional Director for the Take Home Market in Ireland, on the business of selling beer in Ireland.

Global

beer would not be the same without InBev, the company behind brands such as Stella Artois and Becks. InBev operates in around 130 countries worldwide – it is the number 1 or 2 brewer in over 20 key markets and employs around 88,000 people across the globe. It is also a heavy hitter in the 3.4m barrel beer market in Ireland.

“The Irish market is very important to our business,” says InBev’s Duncan Millar, Regional Director for the Take Home Market in Ireland.

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“The Irish are the second highest per capita consumers of beer in global terms. In that respect, the market is important and it represents a huge growth opportunity for us.”

As Regional Director for InBev’s Irish take-home business, Millar manages a team of key account managers - three in the Republic and one in Northern Ireland – and he offers a fascinating insight into Irish market forces. “The indigenous market varies in a couple of respects,” he says. “The biggest difference is in terms of category mix.

Ireland’s trade channels also require special consideration. Here, the market is roughly a 70/30 split – on trade to off trade – whereas in the UK, it is closer to 50/50. Forecasts suggest that by 2009, this 70/30 split will shift to 60/40 and there is likely to be further convergence, according to Millar. This is due to the smoking ban, poor summer weather, demographic changes, people spending more time at home and more time with friends. “Almost every week, you hear that eating at home is the new going out. There is always that need to replicate an on trade experience,” he says.

In Ireland, InBev are attempting to replicate the on trade experience through glassware campaigns. At the moment, the company is running a special promotion – a Chalice Glass alongside a 10-pack of Stella Artois - in 500 outlets across Ireland, replicating quality cues from the on trade into the off-trade.

As for InBev’s main brands, the company will support Stella Artois with a new above-the-line execution in 2008. “We will maintain continued sponsorship in film and the Artois Tennis Tournament,” says Millar. “In the on trade, we will be introducing a new Brasserie Artois font, serving Stella Artois in a continental style that plays on heritage and quality cues. We are also introducing a new pint glass to the on trade – a chalice with a stem that keeps the beer about 28% colder than normal glasses, due to its shape and the way the user holds it.” Because the Irish market spends disproportionate amounts on beer advertising per capita versus other European markets, with some dominant players spending extremely heavily above the line, InBev tries to ensure that its advertising spend is effective. “We have to try to punch above our weight,” notes Millar.

RN November07Beer Market ●

Becks, meanwhile, has been in the Irish marketplace for some time.

Amongst the brand’s fortes is Becks Non-alcoholic, a brand leader with over 70% share in some channels.

InBev is keen to widen the distribution and the availability of this brand and, because it is non-alcoholic, the company is afforded the opportunity to roll it out into nonlicensed stores. Future PR campaigns are likely to focus on the lowcalorie, as well as the non-alcoholic properties of this drink. In the on trade, Becks Vier is now served in around 550 pubs in the greater Dublin area and InBev hopes to roll that out to over 1,000 pubs by the end of January 2008.

“We will repeat a strong abovethe-line outdoor campaign for Becks Vier twice during the course of next year. Becks Vier is an imported product, brewed to 4.3% in order to suit the Irish marketplace and consists of only four ingredients: water, hops, yeast and barley. Potentially, during the early part of next year, we will look at rolling that out into the offtrade, supporting it with a glassware message, and linking it to music.”

Alcohol Abuse Duncan Millar is outspoken on the subject of alcohol abuse and binge drinking – InBev, alongside other brewers, sit on the board of MEAS and are highly active in the self-regulation community. “We understand the

“The Irish are the second highest per capita consumers of beer in global terms. In that respect, the market is important and it represents a huge growth opportunity for us.”

impact of alcohol abuse and take a trade, certainly in the Benelux very responsible line in that region, you buy your beer in a respect,” he remarks. “New debates returnable crate. Maybe that could focus around matters such as be on a future agenda. In Benelux at labelling – should we label alcohol the moment, we are trying somein a similar way to tobacco?” thing called Perfect Draft: a keg of InBev are also against the princibeer, dispensing chilled beer and ple of below cost selling. Millar replicating the on trade experience points out that, on occasion in 2007, at home. It is like having a mini celbeer has been cheaper than water or lar on top of your kitchen worktop. soft drinks.

“For the first time, we are starting to “For the first time, we are starting to see see people driving from Newry to people driving from Newry to Dundalk Dundalk to get their beer,” he says. to get their beer. This has been a “This has been a massive turnaround. massive turnaround. Although it Although it drives footfall into retail outlets, it drives footfall into retail outlets, it has a longer-term negative impact in terms of taking has a longer-term negative value out of the marketplace.

We are coming up to Christmas impact in terms of taking value – one of those times when we know we are going to sell beer out of the marketplace.” but in many instances, it will almost end up being given away.

That is not a good thing for the market going forward.” Perhaps the time has come for the legislators to This is quite green because it is step forward. In Scotland, for examrefillable, although we have a way to ple, the Executive is considering go before we can introduce anything banning alcohol discount packs. like that in Ireland or the UK.” Millar suggests that the Irish marWhen it comes to inspiration for ket may have to start looking at the the future, InBev are unlikely to size of single transactions. Over the ever be at a loss, since the company last 18 to 36 months, a vast part of has over 200 beer brands produced the off sales business is being focused and sold throughout the world. But on shifting cases, rather than a few how do they go about choosing what bottles, of beer. Value is being driven is right for each market? out of the marketplace, and drink “You look for opportunities,” driving remains an issue, but there says Millar. “There are beers on the are other matters to contend with, as market in the continent – Becks far as InBev is concerned. For examsub-brands, for example – that we ple, 2007’s poor summer weather would potentially think about undoubtedly affected sales (“I only bringing across to Ireland for a hot had my barbeque out once,” notes summer. Because of the footfall Millar), while alcohol’s advertising driving issues, retailers are experilinkages to sport is likely to become encing deflationary pressure, so we an increasingly hot potato over the need to find areas where we can years ahead. add value back. Some areas of speciality beers can put value and margin back into the business. But, The Environment at the moment, we need to consoliThen there is the subject of environdate the main brands. We plan on mentalism: “There is more emphasis bringing our product range to new on returnable bottles in continental heights in 2008.”

Europe than in Ireland. In the off75

RN November07Poultry & Eggs ●

Fowl is Fair The Festive Season sees a massive upsurge in poultry sales, and not just turkey.

Poultry

production in 2006 may have decreased by 2.6% from the previous year, thanks in the main to the drop in demand from the Avian Influenza scare in Spring 2006, but demand for poultry products among Irish consumers remains high. Indeed, following the bird flu scare, the situation stabilised and demand then returned to normal for the rest of the year.

However, according to the Irish Poultry Processors Association, a 15% increase on the price of chicken will affect consumers’ grocery bills. There are a number of reasons for these increases but the fact that they are all coinciding is the fundamental driver.

Irish chickens are fed primarily on a diet of wheat and with Irish Poultry Processors alone producing 1.5m chickens every week, the supply of wheat is crucial. However, the combination of internationally increasing demand and significantly decreased supply have resulted in dramatic rises in the wholesale cost of wheat.

Droughts and consequent poor harvests in parts of Europe and throughout Australia have not helped the poor wheat supply.

Wheat is supplemented with other raw materials to increase the protein content in order to match the nutrient requirements of the chicken, including soya beans, peas, rapeseed, minerals

76

Pictured at the launch of the Irish Poultry Industry and Bord Bia’s Chicken Quality Campaign is Tom Murray, Dublin. The campaign reassures consumers of traceability from Farm to Fork.

and vitamins. The growth in protein consumption is being driven by rising global GDP and recognition of the health benefits of protein in diets. Soy protein, in particular, is being chosen by more consumers to help in weight management and to reduce the risk of heart disease, which is also putting

pressure on domestic food prices.

However, compounding the problem is the rapidly expanding demand for bioethanol, which will prove to be a residing issue in the future.

Consumers are also being hit across the board as a result of the volatility in the international com-

SuperValu Set for €1.5m Turkey Sales SUPERVALU will account for fresh turkey retail sales of over €1.5m for Christmas this year, with over 100,000 birds sold in the run-up to December 25th. All of the fresh turkey is Irish and is supplied by Monaghan based producer Grove. Indeed, the four week trading period to year-end normally accounts for over 10% of a supermarket’s annual trade.

The range of Christmas turkey available continues to grow, driving overall market growth. Variations in the turkey category include freerange and organic meats and various prepared birds that may be boned, rolled, stuffed and generally “dressed” by the butcher for added convenience.

While turkeys remain the most popular choice by far for the main Christmas meal, Pictured are (l-r): Donal Horgan, Managing there is also demand for alterDirector, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, natives including duckling, with Sharon Buckley, Head of Trading, fresh goose and beef.

Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland.

RN November07Poultry & Eggs ●

modities markets. According to Irish Poultry Processors, increases in packaging are also adding to the problem and although regrettable, current chicken prices are unsustainable, and so the chicken industry has no option but to pass on these cost increases that it has incurred for a number of months.

Peak Selling Period The cost increases are coming at a time of year traditionally associated with poultry, primarily turkey, with producers estimating that up to 70% of their annual business is conducted during the month of December.

However, this figure is far lower than it was a decade ago, reflecting the growth of turkey as a year-round product. It’s not just turkey sales that soar at this time of year, however,

Egg Market Growing BORD Bia recently launched a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of the fact that ‘an egg a day is ok‘ as part of a healthy balanced diet. “Bord Bia want to inform consumers that a healthy individual can enjoy seven eggs a week or ‘an egg a day’ as part of a healthy balanced diet,” said Teresa Brophy, Ireland Market Manager, Bord Bia. “Eggs are simple to cook, healthy, versatile and also very cost effective. Results from a recent tracking study undertaken by Milward Brown IMS with 1,200 grocery shoppers nationwide indicate that 91% of consumers are eating eggs. However, with the majority of these (51%) eating eggs 2-3 times per week, there is potential for shoppers to increase their egg consumption. Bord Bia has a wide range of recipe booklets providing quick and easy meal ideas for eggs that are available free of charge.”

Figures released by TNS Worldpanel Ireland in September 2007 estimate annual Irish retail sales of eggs at €63m. This represents an annual market value growth of over 11% and a volume growth of over 3%. Market growth is driven by a combination of more households buying eggs more frequently.

Green Farm Foods GREEN Farm Foods have been producing quality cooked poultry since 1991, when the company was established by Kenneth Greene. Kenneth has built the company to its current strong position in the Irish market and still retains 100% ownership of Green Farm Foods, co-ordinating the management team on a day-to-day basis, as well as developing the brand and product range.

Green Farm Foods’ current retail range brings this famous product to the shelves in convenient pre-sliced packs. Using 100% pure breast meat and the finest marinades, the meat is steam cooked and roasted, allowing it to retain its great flavour and texture. Their extensive product range includes Roast Chicken & Turkey Breast, Cajun, Tikka & Lemon and Pepper Chicken, and Peppered Turkey. See www.greenfarmfoods.com for more details. with other poultry products such as duck and chicken experiencing a seasonal upsurge in sales. No matter what the time of year, though, poultry is big business.

For example, the Irish consumer, on average will eat 29kg of chicken a year. Approximately 65% of all chicken is purchased at retail level, with the remaining 35% consumed in the foodservice sector. Data available from TNS shows that in the year ending June 2006, retail sales of fresh chicken amounted to 38,000 tonnes cwe. This represents 34% of total chicken consumption. The remaining 66% is consumed through

foodservice or goes through further processing before being sold as a prepared product at either retail or foodservice level.

Bord Bia Campaign The Irish Poultry Industry, along with Bord Bia, recently launched a campaign to encourage consumers to look for the Bord Bia Quality Mark when buying chicken. 400 retail outlets took part in the nationwide promotion, which included TV and radio advertising.

Results from a recent Bord Bia tracking study undertaken by Milward Brown IMS with 1,200 gro-

DISTRIBUTION OF IRISH CHICKEN CONSUMPTION, 2006

Source: Bord Bia Estimates

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RN November07Poultry & Eggs ●

cery shoppers nationwide cite origin as a major influence when it comes to buying chicken, with eight out of ten shoppers citing a preference for chicken with the Bord Bia Quality Mark.

This is the first time that Bord Bia has collaborated with the poultry industry to implement a nationwide campaign. Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia, explained, “Bord Bia welcomes this initiative from the poultry industry to position Quality Assured chicken as a premium product with full traceability in outlets throughout the country.”

Chairman of the Irish Poultry Processors Association, Vincent Carton noted, “We are delighted to work with Bord Bia on this inaugural campaign. There are currently over 450 producers and six major processors participating in the Bord Bia Poultry Quality Assurance Scheme.

This Scheme provides reassurance to the consumer that the product has been produced to the highest stan-

dards and can be traced right the way back from farm to fork.”

Bord Bia Chicken Quality Assurance Scheme The Bord Bia Chicken Quality Assurance Scheme is an integrated food quality and food safety management system involving the primary producer and the factory processor working in partnership to provide the customer with Quality Assured Product. The Scheme was developed by an expert group representing Bord Bia, Teagasc, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), chicken producers and processors, industry advisors and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF).

The Scheme describes the essential quality assurance and food safety requirements, from primary production through factory processing, to final despatch, which are necessary to meet customer needs. It also incorpo-

rates recognised international quality management system principles, addresses HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and includes relevant EU derived food legislation.

The main objective of the Scheme is to underpin the marketing of Quality Assured chickens and derived products through identification of approved product with a Quality Assured Mark.

The purpose of the producer requirements is to ensure that the highest commercially applicable standards are achieved in chicken production, particularly in relation to food safety, flock welfare and environmental protection. The purpose of the processor requirements is to ensure that optimum levels of food safety and food quality are obtained and maintained from receipt of raw materials, through processing, to despatch of finished product.

Silver Hill Foods’ Innovative Duck Products THE resurgence of duck on consumers’ dinner plates across the country is undeniable. A lot of this is thanks to Silver Hill Foods, Europe’s only hand produced premium quality duck company, whose range of innovative duck products have helped to drive growth throughout the country. Indeed, the company is currently experiencing high double digit growth year-on-year across their comprehensive range of cooked and fresh products.

The company recently passed the Bord Bia Duck Quality Assurance Scheme with flying colours, sailing through the audits and training, and living up to the company’s ‘Guaranteed Irish’ tagline.

“Duck is an ideal product for Christmas,” explains Fergal Mahon, Retail Sales Manager, Silver Hill Foods. “A lot of people are moving away from the more traditional turkey or are looking for something a little bit different, either for Christmas or New Year: our product range offers them something different, while also being extremely convenient.”

Mahon estimates that 25% of Silver Hill’s annual sales occur during the month of December, as consumers try out their catalogue of innovative duck products, everything from Chinese Roast Duckling to Gourmet Duck Sausages. He recommends that retailers promote Silver Hill products via in-store demonstrations, discounted prices, and informative leaflets that convey the family-owned company history. The Silver Hill farm is home to the unique breed of Silver Hill ducks, which the Steele family has evolved through a selective breeding process combined with modern technology and over forty years of breeding experience.

Silver Hill Foods recently featured on BBC2’s ‘In Search of Perfection’ programme with Michelin star UK Chef Heson Blumenthal, while the company also celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. The premium duck producers were recently awarded the Bord Bia Duck Quality Assurance Scheme and a British Frozen Food Award, further adding to the success of the company which was established in 1962 by Ronnie and Lyla Steele and is now run by their son Stuart Steele. For more information, see www.silverhillfoods.com 78

Repak_Thank You ad 2007

22/10/2007

14:46

Page 1

Thank you & Congratulations.

Keep recycling - let’s get it sorted.

Repak would like to thank all of its members & stakeholders for helping to make Repak Recycling Week such a great success. In particular, we would like to thank and congratulate the winners of this years Repak Recycling Awards companies, bodies and individuals who are leading the way in packaging recycling.

WINNERS OF THE REPAK RECYCLING AWARDS 2007: Repak Member of the Year Sponsored by Arthur Cox Winner: Lakeland Dairies Co-Op Society Repak Best Packaging Waste Prevention Initiative Sponsored by The EPA Winner: H. J. Heinz Co. Ltd Repak Excellence Award Winner: Tesco Ireland Repak Best Practice Award – Hospitality Sector Sponsored by Rehab Winner: Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick Repak Best Practice Award – Independent Retail Sector Winner: O’Reilly’s Centra, Bunclody, Co. Wexford Repak Best Practice Award Sponsored by The EPA Winner: Alcan Packaging Dublin

Repak Local Authority Initiative of the Year Sponsored by RPS Group Winner: Cork County Council - Bandon Recycling Centre Repak Recovery Operator of the Year – Large Company Sponsored by Bank of Ireland Winner: Panda Waste Services Repak Recovery Operator Of the Year – Small/Medium Company Sponsored by Tetra Pak Winner: Clean Ireland Recycling Young Recyclers of the Year – Snr In Association with ECO UNESCO Winner: Scoil Mhuire, Athy, Co. Kildare Repak Young Recyclers of the Year – Jnr In Association with ECO UNESCO Winner: St. Catherines College, Armagh Repak Recycling School of the Year In Association with An Taisce Winner: Aglish National School, Waterford

Repak Local Authority of the Year Sponsored by Rehab Winner: Louth County Council

MEMBERS FUNDING PACKAGING RECYCLING

RN November07Xpress Stop ●

Xpress Stop Opens 75th Store Xpress Stop recently celebrated their tenth anniversary with the opening of their 75th store nationwide.

Xpress

Stop, the modern customer-focused retail concept, which is owned and managed by Mangan’s Wholesale, is now ten years old. The brand recently celebrated with the opening of the 75th store nationwide in Bishopstown, Co. Cork, coinciding with Mangan’s 75th celebrations.

The opening of the 75th store was celebrated by donating €1,000 to the Hope Foundation. Store owner Jim Coakley said that he was delighted to help the Hope Foundation, a preferred charity of his. Commenting further on his new store, Jim was delighted with his decision to be the first new format Xpress Stop, further aligning the store with Mangan’s Wholesale. His customer base of residents and students has the opportunity to avail of the new store with its excellent range and service.

The Country Deli, incorporating Mangan’s exclusive Intenso Coffee offering, makes the store convenient for customers with fast, efficient, friendly service and easy access.

The family run store is open from 7am to 10pm daily. Local service from Mangan’s Wholesale ensures the store runs smoothly.

Pictured at the opening of the 75th Xpress Stop in Bishopstown Cork are (l-r): Niall Mangan, Mangan’s Wholesale; Maureen Forrest, Director, Hope Foundation, and Jim Coakley, owner, Xpress Stop, Bishopstown.

Flexible Package A Brief History 1997 heralded the launch of the Xpress Stop symbol by Mangan’s Wholesale Ltd in response to changing market trends and evolving retail needs, continuing the company’s tradition of growth and development into the 21st century.

Xpress Stop strives to provide retailers with a support package and advice on quality, correct product range and value. Stores are independently owned and operated by local people and are central to many local communities throughout Ireland. A bright, colourful image ensures maximum exposure while maintaining the local warmth and ambience, making customers feel welcome.

Retailers within the group avail of a professional and comprehensive package. This includes access to many central billing suppliers, marketing support, IT support, and retail advice from a dedicated local team.

“Increasingly, areas like Health & Safety, HACCP, Category Management in sectors like wine, are vital and the advice and guidance I receive from Mangan’s personnel is invaluable”, commented Jim Coakley, owner of the 75th Xpress Stop store in Bishopstown.

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Peter Foley, CEO, Mangan’s Wholesale, noted, “The Xpress Stop concept is ideal for many retailers as a first step to a fully fledged symbol offering. We believe we have developed a flexible package that allows the retailer to maintain con-

RN November07Xpress Stop ●

Pictured at the opening of the 75th Xpress Stop in Bishopstown Cork are staff and family of Xpress Stop, Bishopstown.

trol whilst being part of a team. We encourage suppliers to continue to support the vibrant independent retail sector as it continues to meet the needs of the busy consumer. After all, there is a trend away from the recent phenomenon of the ‘breakfast roll’ as consumers are looking for healthier and more nutritious food solutions.”

Speaking at the opening of the 75th Xpress Stop store in Bishopstown, Niall Mangan, Mangan’s Wholesale, said: “Mangans Wholesale is in business 75 years this year and we could not have chosen a better store to coincide with our 75th store as this one in Bishopstown.

“Within the 10 years since the launch of Xpress Stop, we have significantly increased our offer,” he continues.

“Increased sales support, sharper promotions, more focused categories in-store such as wine, deli and coffee, ensure constant application to key drivers of our stores. Overall, the future augurs well for XpressStop as we are pushing out nationally with the addition of five new format stores by the end of 2008.”

Continued Growth Mangan’s are running a heavyweight trade loyalty promotion this autumn as well as a variety of other promotional campaigns throughout their network of eight Cash & Carry’s. Other highlights include the continued success of the ‘Country Deli’ concept - there are now 35 stores operat-

ing a Country Deli, with a target of 50 by the end of the year.

Furthermore, Mangan’s plan to open 10 new Mace stores, 10 new Vivo stores, eight Xpress Stop stores and complete eight major revamps by the end of 2007, an investment which will total over €10m.

About Mangan’s Wholesale ESTABLISHED in 1932 in Kilmihil, Co. Clare, Mangan’s Wholesale enjoys national food distribution, with expertise in serving the independent retail and catering trades. Mangans is celebrating its 75th year in business this and this is supported by a full programme of marketing activities. It pioneered the growth of symbol store development as far back as 1967, with the launch of the Mace brand, and over time introduced the Xpress Stop and Vivo brands. Today, over 250 staff are employed throughout the country.

The company’s goal is to create value for independent retailers and foodservice professionals through strong centralised buying, marketing and extensive promotional activities. Mangan’s continually invest in business systems to ensure accurate, timely and relevant information in order to optimise management and team performance.

Peter Foley, the group’s CEO, said, “The business has evolved from a local food distributor to a business with national distribution capability, including a network of eight strategically located Cash & Carrys.

Mangans Wholesale is now one of the largest businesses based in the West of Ireland and has an annual turnover approaching €200 million per annum.?

The company is committed to further growth and development. Mangans is currently investing in new strategically located distribution hub /Cash & Carry in Tullamore, adjacent to the motorway network, as well as committing significant funds to technology to support its Mace, Vivo and Xpress Stop brands, along with its continued support of progressive independent retailers.

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RN November07Batteries ●

Market Powers Ahead The Irish battery market continues to grow, driven by consumers trading up to premium batteries for high drain devices, with up to 40% of battery sales made in the run-up to Christmas.

No

other time of year is more important for battery sales than the Christmas period. In fact, more batteries are sold between September and December than the first half of the year.

Consumer thirst for new technology is having a profound effect on the battery category. Devices are increasingly considered critical to our lifestyles, but they’re also immensely power-hungry. This means consumers are engaging with the battery category like never before. Rechargeable and specialist products are driving steady growth across the category. Alkaline sales continue to be driven by need for traditional key Energizer’s Ultimate Lithium provides amazing devices, such as toys and performance in high drain devices like digital cameras and MP3 players. smoke alarms, while AAA size batteries are benefiting from retailers who’ve already adopted the growth in smaller devices like these principals have seen an averMP3 players or Bluetooth headsets. age 30% sales uplift.

According to Energizer, shoppers spend, on average, one minute at the fixture – longer than in other grocery Energizer categories and this suggests buying The battery market is growing fast batteries is not done automatically. and demand has never been so high.

Batteries should be blocked by brand To meet demand, Energizer produces vertically and by size horizontally – more than 6 billion battery cells making life easier for shoppers to annually and claims market leaderfind the battery they need. ship in many key category segments, Secondary sitings, such as at checkincluding rechargeables, lithium, elecouts, toy and photographic and electronic (inc. specialist, coin & hearing tronic areas, encourage impulse puraid batts), impulse channel, SP alkachasing. Customers buy batteries on line on high street, and torches. impulse: 75% of purchases are Indeed, Energizer claims the numunplanned. According to Energizer, ber two position in the overall battery

Merchandising Tips Clear Merchandising: A good product range ensures that lost sales and ‘out of stocks’ are minimised. Within batteries, multi-siting is essential to drive sales. Place merchandiser units in key impulse areas, ideally near to the till point. Also consider placing the units alongside electrical devices or other related products.

Range Clarity: 30% of any category range will account for 70% of the sales. Therefore, it is recommended that 70% of your space is dedicated to best sellers. Shoppers can get confused with too much choice. Best sellers are AAA and AA. However, a basic type 5 offering should be available to maximise sales potential, covering AA/AAA/C/D and 9V. Rate of Sale: Different battery sizes sell at different rates, with the AA alone accounting for up to 70% of all sales. This size should, therefore, be given the greater proportion of any display to reflect consumer demand. AAA is the next biggest seller, with around a 15-16% sales share.

Fixture Clarity: Group products together by sub-category. For example, standard versus premium batteries.

Signposts: Shoppers look for signpost brands within any category. Ensure they have the most prominent position.

Shelf Edge Labels: Get all of the price and product labels on the fixture under the relevant products. Ensure special offer cards are up to date.

Reflect Customer Profile: For example, in smaller retail outlets where trip spend is lower, consumers are more likely to buy standard packs than multipacks.

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powering your business For more info call our Customer Careline 01478 2161

Energizer Advert For Irish Magaz1 1

14/11/07 10:38:21

RN November07Batteries ●

sumer’ has created an increase in - Eveready Super in the rechargeable sales, whereby it is now Economy segment; one of the fastest growing segments in - Energizer rechargeable the battery market, because shoppers batteries also offer a range see rechargeable batteries as more for Value (AA 1300 mAh), environmentally friendly and better Premium (AA 1700mAh) value for money. and Super Premium (AA 2500 mAh).

Energizer recently Duracell introduced a new modern “With substantial market share, it identity and positioning for remains clear that Duracell is the Energizer rechargeable batteries also offer a range its range. The new packaging consumer’s preferred choice of battery for Value (AA 1300 mAh), Premium (AA 1700mAh) is designed to make its batand should remain front-of-mind for and Super Premium (AA 2500 mAh). teries more appealing to retailers,” notes Martin Gormley, today’s high tech families and is Brand Manager, Duracell UK & market, and claims to be the only expected to help fuel growth in the Ireland. “Duracell is the brand conmajor battery brand in growth. market. sumers know and, most importantly, Energizer is continually innovat“To help consumers clearly differtrust. Who doesn’t picture the signaing to meet consumers’ changing entiate between our batteries, we ture copper and black battery and our needs and now offers an extensive have split the range into Everyday trademark bunny when thinking range of batteries with different propand Premium and introduced modern about batteries? We invest millions of erties and benefits. This includes: new pack designs designed to appeal euro in multi-media marketing camto high tech families. This has made it paigns each year to grow the category - Energizer Ultimate Lithium & easier for consumers to identify the and drive consumers in-store.”

Energizer Ultimate in the Super right batteries for their Premium segment; devices and this in turn will - Energizer Ultra Plus in the help drive sales in-store,” Premium segment; says Sarah Richardson, - Eveready Gold and Silver in the Energizer Marketing Value segment; Manager.

Energizer’s Ultimate Lithium provides amazing performance in high drain devices like digital cameras and MP3 players.

Energizer’s super premium alkaline battery, Energizer Ultimate, is also benefiting Duracell Ultra M3: performing extremely well on from a more high tech posithe Irish market. tioning, as well as improved power and effectiveness in high-tech A recent initiative from Duracell devices, such as wireless mice, was the launch of Duracell PowerPix, Bluetooth headsets and toys. a revolutionary battery developed for Energizer Ultra+ is Energizer’s great performance in digital cameras premium alkaline battery which proat an affordable price. vides dependable, long lasting power “New products are key to guaranand is suitable for everyday household tee on-shelf stand-out and sales uplift. products such as remote controls, With Duracell PowerPix we have a clocks and smoke alarms. truly innovative product, which lasts In the past, consumers were put up to three times longer in digital off rechargeables by slow recharging cameras than ordinary alkaline battimes and poor memory effects, both teries,” states Martin Gormley. of which made them perceive these “Duracell PowerPix is a great exambatteries as poor value for money. But ple, demonstrating that we constantly technology has really moved on and anticipate the latest consumer the latest generation of Nickel Metaldemands and help retailers drive Hydride chargers and batteries offer incremental sales and boost profits.” faster charging, no memory effect and Further to the PowerPix initiative, Energizer’s Portable Mobile Phone Charger has proved extremely are kinder to the environment.

Duracell has also joined forces with popular with today’s consumers.

Indeed, the rise of the ‘ethical conwizard superstar Harry Potter to 84

RN November07Batteries ●

spend this year, featuring the family favourite Duracell Bunny, which will increase category awareness, and a promotional tag that will drive consumers into stores.

Panasonic

more traditional battery requirements.”

To prove the power of Panasonic’s Digital Xtreme Power, on July 16, 2007, Panasonic Batteries achieved a world premiere by successfully flying a manned airplane, powered only by 160 of the Panasonic AA-sized Digital Xtreme Power batteries. The one-seat airplane, weighing 107 kg with a wingspan of 31 meters, was in the air for 59 seconds and flew a distance of 391.4 metres at an altitude of 5.2 metres.

Following the 2005 launch of the Panasonic Digital Xtreme Power battery, Panasonic Batteries enhanced the Oxyride technoloFor Christmas, Duracell offers consumers even gy even further, with the greater value for money with the fantastic 4+4 Christmas promotion, whereby consumers will improved Digital Xtreme Power receive four free cells when purchasing special battery, ideal for use in power packs of AA and AAA Duracell Plus and hungry devices such as digital Duracell Ultra M3. cameras and MP3 players.

Independent tests have shown that digital cameras powdevelop a magical limited edition chilered by Panasonic’s Digital dren’s torch. Launched in July 2007, Xtreme Power batteries perform the launch of the torch coincided with up to 24% better than those powthe release of the fifth film in the ered by previous series, ‘Harry Potter Oxyride technoland the Order of the ogy (Source: Phoenix’.

Catella Duracell also Panasonic Xtreme Power alkaline batteries Generics, June joined forces with are currently on special offer, with ‘Buy 4, Get 2006). The same music giant iTunes to 4 Free’ blister packs available. results have provide consumers Further demonstrating the power of been demonstrated with a free iTunes Digital Xtreme Power, on August 4,

by MP3 players download with every Panasonic set a new Guinness World where figures of purchase of special Record for the maximum speed of vehi25% more listening packs of AA, AAA, C cles powered by dry cell AA-sized battime were recorded and D packs of teries. The car, powered by 192 versus previous Duracell Ultra M3 and Panasonic AA-sized Digital Xtreme Oxyride batteries.

Duracell Plus batterPower batteries, reached an impressive Tim Clark, ies, while ‘The average speed of 65.8 mph: 3.3m long Marketing Manager, Duracell Powerhouse’ and 0.78m high with a maximum speed comments: “Our appeared at a number of 75mph, the car is now listed as the of European music fes- Panasonic’s Digital Xtreme Power research shows that battery is ideal for use in power the majority of battery fastest car powered by dry cell batteries tivals over the sumhungry devices such as digital sales in independent in the Guinness Book of World Records. mer, allowing concameras and MP3 players.

To achieve maximum standout on retailers are distress sumers to swap their the shelf, the special Digital Xtreme purchases. With the old batteries for free Power packs, like the entire significant growth in digital products Duracell Ultra M3s.

Panasonic range, feature clear comsuch as MP3 players, it is important For Christmas, Duracell offers munication of the size, type of battery that all retailers offer a core range of consumers even greater value for and product usage icons to help shopbatteries that satisfy this high value money with the fantastic 4+4 pers quickly identify the right battery segment of the market, as well as the Christmas promotion this year, for their power needs. whereby consumers will receive four Xtreme Power alkaline batteries free cells when purchasing special are currently on special offer. The spepacks of AA and AAA Duracell Plus cial ‘Buy 4, Get 4 Free’ blister packs of and Duracell Ultra M3. In-store since AA and AAA Xtreme Power batteries October, this promotion will increase have been introduced to give extra uplift in the battery category for value to consumers and increase rotaretailers over the busy Christmas seation by appealing to the impulse son: similar activity during Christmas This year, Panasonic set a new nature of battery purchases. These 2006 boosted sales by 69%.

Guinness World Record for the special blister packs are available in a The special promotional packs are maximum speed of vehicles powered range of floor and counter displays. being supported by a significant TV by dry cell AA-sized batteries.

85

RN November07Cigarettes & Tobacco ●

Boxing Clever Cigarette sales in Ireland are worth approximately €1.9 billion per annum, despite the ban on the sale of 10-packs, which was introduced earlier this year.

Ireland’s

cigarette market is valued at €1.9 billion per annum, but the value of the cigarette and tobacco market to retailers is far higher, bringing increased footfall into stores.

“The value of the tobacco category to retailers,and in particular to CStores, a sector where cigarettes generated approx 555,000 shopper visits every day, is well proven,” says Paul Williams, Gallaher Managing Director.

“Cigarettes are the top product when it comes to pre-planned visits with 90% of smokers,” he says. “And according to research carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes, for every euro spent on cigarettes a second euro is spent on another product. The impact of cigarette smokers is also born out by the fact that 90% of cigarettes are pre-planned purchases and that 68% of smokers also purchased other goods.”

In terms of the distribution channel, Williams says that tobacco sales 86

in the convenience sector continue to grow and now account for 56.1% of volume. Petrol forecourt sales account for 8.9%, multiples 4.6% and other outlets make up the balance.

One of the challenges to the category, according to Williams, is ‘ant smuggling’. This is the frequent trafficking of relatively small quantities of contraband and it has emerged as a new phenomenon. “It is cause for concern as these cigarettes are clearly intended for sale in the Irish market, reducing legitimate consumer retail purchases and adversely affecting retailer profitability.” Williams says.

“Ireland has witnessed an explosion in the volume of non duty paid cigarettes in the period since 2004,” he continues. “Figures compiled by Irish Customs have shown that the number of cigarette seizures has increased by a massive 290% from 3,969 in 2004 to 15,497 in December 2006 – a substantial 1,300 seizures a month. It is believed that the 50 million cigarettes seized in 2006 had the potential to cost the Exchequer €15m in lost revenue.”

Indeed, the prevalence of non-duty paid cigarettes is increasing, not least because of duty increases.

“The last nine months have been difficult, with the 50c duty increase driving more sales into the non duty paid market,” notes Paul Nugent, John Player & Sons Ltd. “It is estimated that up to 20% of the market is not from the Irish market, with large volumes brought in from Eastern Europe and also with our very bad summer, Irish holiday makers bringing in large quantities.”

Whilst there are no definitive figures available to show the impact of smuggling cigarettes and non duty paid purchases on legitimate Irish tobacco retailers in terms of lost sales and revenues in your stores, Gallaher estimates that it is somewhere in the region of 500 million cigarettes, equiv-

alent to 25 million packs of 20 cigarettes per year.

“That’s a loss of 68,000 shopper visits every day and as a cigarette smoker spends on average €12 on each store visit, that is equivalent to a loss of €816,000 in retail sales per day,” according to Paul Williams.

John Player & Sons The John Player & Sons portfolio includes Ireland’s number one tobacco brand, John Player King Size, John Player Bright Blue, the Superkings range and the world famous Marlboro brand. In Ireland’s €1.9 billion cigarette market, JPS market share has grown to 37% (Source: ACNielsen Convenience/Multiple/Forecourt Scantrack (Vol) Sept 9th 07). JPS share of groups stands at 40.2%, Multiples 33.3% & Forecourts at 33.6%.

John Player King Size is the company’s flagship brand and has been Ireland’s top selling cigarette for many years and continues to retain this

The John Player Blue brand recently saw the launch of a Twin Pack: this pack of 20 has two 10-packs to offer the consumer more convenience and an aid to help them control consumption.

RN November07Cigarettes & Tobacco ●

Menthol is a big favourite of Eastern Europeans.

The value segment of the Irish cigarette market is growing but small, accounting for 4% MAT to Sept 9.

JPS has two brands in Richmond and L&B. L&B was re-launched recently into a modern more dynamic pack. As market leader in Northern Golden Virginia‘s convenient 12.5g pouch should see Ireland, L&B is a key sellthe brand continue to grow ahead of the market. er in outlets in the northern half of the country, and also in outlets who attract UK position with a market share of 19.2%, tourists, as it is the number one brand growing at 5.2% (Source: ACNielsen in the UK. Convenience/Multiple/Forecourt John Player & Sons dominate the Scantrack (Vol) Sept 9th 07). roll-your-own sector with over 66.5% The brand family also includes market share and growing at 7.4% John Player Bright Blue, offering the (Source: ACNielsen consumer greater choice and John Convenience/Multiple/Forecourt Player 100’s, extending the John Scantrack (Vol) Sept 9th 07). Drum is Player family into the growing longer the number one brand at 35.5%, growlength sector. ‘Blue’ has consistently ing at 6.7%, while Golden Virginia is a shown its strength as a brand strong number two at 31%, growing at favourite since it was launched over 8.6%. Currently Golden Virginia has 1 30 years ago in 1976, becoming one of in 4 of all RYO consumers with only those rare brands that have become one variant, so now with the convenan Irish icon. ient 12.5g pouch and the new resealThe brand was added to in able ziplock pack keeping the product September with the launch of a Twin fresh, sales of Golden Virginia should Pack. This pack of 20 has two 10continue to grow ahead of the market. packs to offer the consumer more conJohn Player & Sons sells 1 in 3 venience and an aid to help them concigars sold in the Irish market last trol consumption. The product is year. In a cigar market under presunique to the Irish market with non sure, the Henri Wintermans range is crushable hard packs of 10 and is up 5.1% vs. last year (Source: proving a real winner with consumers.

ACNielsen Launched in Ireland in 1984, Convenience/Multiple/Forecourt Superkings continues to dominate Scantrack (Vol) Sept 9th 07). The the longer length sector with over range includes Henri Wintermans 60% share, or 6% of the overall cigaHalf Corona and the Café Crème rette market (Source: ACNielsen range. Classic cigars complete the Convenience/Multiple/Forecourt company’s cigar portfolio. This mild Scantrack (Vol) Sept 9th 07). The cigar continues to offer consumers family includes Superkings Blue and Superkings Menthol, which is growMinimum Price ing at 20% year on year with a share Increase for of the Menthol sector of 35%, making Cigarettes it the number one in the menthol sector.

THE minimum retail price for cigaMarlboro, another high profile rettes has increased to €6.79 for 20 brand in the John Player range, is the cigarettes, as and from November biggest selling cigarette in the world.

19, 2007. From November 19, all It is growing at 10% and currently flashed €6 packs of cigarettes must accounts for 10.5% of the Irish market. be removed from shelves and Gold is particularly strong with 8.9% stored for processing as returns. share and growing at 20% year-onThis follows on from the ban on the year. In April, Marlboro Menthol was sale of 10-packs, which was introlaunched and has been a big success. duced in May. 88

excellent value for money at €3.35 for five cigars.

Currently, Rizla has a market share of nearly 70% for 52 weeks (Source: ACNielsen Convenience/Multiple/Forecourt Scantrack (Vol) Sept 9th 07). Rizla Green with Cut corners is the number one SKU with 31.7% of the market, with Rizla Red at number two with 24%. A share of almost 60% for these two lines alone demonstrates the massive appeal of this international brand, which is the number one brand for papers around the world. Rizla will sell over 35 billion leaves of paper in 2007 worldwide. JPS will be consistently supporting this brand in the trade through dealer loaders, significantly boosting already high trade margins. There will be support with trade gifts and full POS support.

Gallaher Tobacco continues to be a major driver of footfall into, and cash revenue for, the retail sector, according to Gallaher, who now account for almost 50% of the cigarette market.

“Cigarettes are the biggest footfall driver of any category and the Benson & Hedges House is the highest earning and most popular cigarette brand in the category,” says Gallaher Managing Director, Paul Williams.

Gallaher says that tobacco generated €1.8 billion in retail turnover last year with €1.4 billion made up of Excise Duty and VAT, 3.1% of total Exchequer results.

The company says that the decline in the cigarette market witnessed in the immediate aftermath of the smoking ban appears to have levelled out.

Volume is up by 2% since 2004.

“Our share of the cigarette market continues to strengthen, underpinned by key product extensions to our major cigarettes houses, most notably Benson & Hedges Silver in 2006 and Silk Cut Graphite and Benson & Hedges Black this year,” says Williams.

“In addition, the Gallaher RYO brand portfolio of Samson, Amber Leaf and Old Holborn Blue and Yellow is driving demand in this category,” he continues. “The Amber Leaf brand with its unique value proposition grew by over 40% between 2005 and 2006

RN November07Cigarettes & Tobacco ●

and following the budget increase on cigarettes.”

PJ Carroll & Co. PJ Carroll & Company Ltd has been enjoying one of their most exciting and rewarding years to date. The company has observed considerable growth in a number of key areas. As Ireland’s longest established tobacco company, producing tobacco products since 1824 and with its association with British American Tobacco, PJ Carroll & Company Ltd has the means to provide adult consumers with a wide range of premium quality international cigarette brands.

Their international portfolio includes the prestigious Dunhill Button range, Lucky Strike, Vogue and Winfield, the country's first Value for Money brand.

The Dunhill Button Range is the only 100% additive-free tobacco product on the market. It is a Virginia blend of exceptional standards that now comes with a fresh seal that preserves the tobacco for longer. 100% additive free with fresh seal is available in two variants: Dunhill Button Red 10mg (Full Flavour), Dunhill Button Blue 7mg.

Lucky Strike is a premium international brand, which has grown significantly in market share throughout 2006 and into 2007. As one of the oldest trademarks in the world (regis-

tered in 1871), Lucky Strike’s success is due to the brand’s ‘Original Recipe’ which is made of the finest American, Turkish and other choice tobaccos which are ‘toasted’ to create the unique Luckies flavour. It comes in two variants: Lucky Strike Red 10mg and Lucky Strike Silver 7mg.

Vogue is the most successful cigarette brand launch in Ireland in recent memory. Throughout 2006 and into 2007, Vogue has continued to increase its volume and market share, exceeding all expectations.

Vogue was the first Super Premium Superslim cigarette to be launched in Ireland. Vogue is a stylish and sophisticated brand that allows its adult consumers to ‘indulge their senses’ with its delicate fragrance and exquisite taste. The world’s leading Super Premium Superslim cigarette is available in three variants: Vogue Bleue, Vogue Arome L’adoration and Vogue Menthe.

Winfield is a premium global brand and when launched in Ireland in 1997, it was the country’s first quality tobacco at a Value for Money (VFM) price.

To offer its adult consumers a wider range of choice, Winfield Red 100s was launched in 2005.

Carroll’s Number 1 is P.J. Carroll’s biggest selling brand. Launched in 1958, Carroll’s Number 1 is one of the top selling brands in the country. It has a strong Irish heritage, a loyal consumer base and is a premium brand of the highest quality.

Ampersand

The Dunhill Button Range is the only 100% additive-free tobacco product on the market.

Agio Filter Tip Blue is the biggest name in the Irish Tip market. The Agio range also includes Clair Tip, Sweet Tip and Half Corona. Agio Cigars is now one of the leading cigar manufacturers in Europe, offering brands such as Mehari’s, Panther, and Balmoral and exporting to over 100 countries outside Europe. More than 100 years old, Royal Agio Cigars has grown to become such a prominent player as a result of their consumer-oriented policy, advanced technology developments and their dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards.

Ampersand and Agio together have developed another special trade promotion after the success of their

Ampersand and Agio have developed a great trade promotion whereby customers will receive a free Swiss knife when they buy an outer of Agio Filter Tip or Agio Clair Tip, while stocks last.

previous value-added trade offers.

Customers will receive a free Swiss knife when they buy an outer of Agio Filter Tip or Agio Clair Tip while stocks last.

Cigarette Display Ban on the Way THE Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD announced plans to extend the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 and 2004. The new legislation proposes to include: 1. A ban on all in-store/point-ofsale advertising of tobacco products; 2. A ban on the display of tobacco products in retail premises; 3. The introduction of a closed container/dispenser provision; 4. Tighter controls on the location and operation of tobacco vending machines; 5. The introduction of a retail register.

The introduction of these measures will have practical implications for retailers, distributors and manufacturers, and so the Minister announced a consultation period in relation to the timescale for the commencement of these provisions, which closed on Friday, November 16.

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RN November07Karen Meenan’s Top Tips ●

How to Reduce Hidden Costs Many stores’ drainage and sink systems are not capable of handling the amount of waste needed, which can lead to massive expenses.

Karen Meenan advises on how this needn’t be the case.

When

you think about your store, what do you think about?

Turnover? Wage Costs? Gross Profit?

Or more likely, ‘why am I working harder now than I was five years ago and making less money?’ So maybe it is a good time to focus on net profit and turn your attention to reducing costs.

So let’s start at the Deli – the most profitable part of your store… or is it?

The margins on the deli are higher than in other departments – typically between 35% and 40%. But does that margin truly reflect your costs in this department? In order to provide a food-to-go range of products, you need at the very least a cold serve-over, a 90

hot food serve-over, an oven, a microwave, perhaps a Panini sandwich maker, a cold room and a walk-in freezer. You also need utensils, display bowls, storage containers, knives, chopping boards, not to mention packaging, uniforms, cleaning equipment and at least three fully trained deli staff to handle all your customers’ deli needs… and that is just the start. You need to fill out a daily HACCP manual, log temperatures with a probe and ensure that the food you provide is safe so that you won’t be hit with legal costs in the future should something go wrong.

So what could go wrong? Well, if your staff members are not properly trained in food handling, then you risk cross contamination if raw and cooked foods are stored together. If they do not even have basic hygiene, such as hand washing between customers or changing gloves, or worse handling money with a gloved hand – then the food you provide could carry a health warning!

Small Pipes = Big Problems What else could happen to cost money? All too often, deli departments are built with the best of equipment but the drainage and sink systems frequently are not capable of handling waste of restaurant proportions. When I opened my store in Swords, North Co. Dublin, I recall being a frequent customer of Dyno Rod – my delicatessen had been fitted with pipes which were not much wider than a penny piece. Though these narrow pipes (which had been tiled over), grease, bits of coleslaw and other deli waste was supposed to travel – they didn’t! After eventually finding out why my sink was getting so regularly

clogged, I had to undergo a complete underground re-fit of new pipes and a Grease Trap was installed. Now, that was a decade ago and grease traps and larger pipes are now fitted as standard in many convenience stores… but the memory of paying for those Dyno Rod and never-ending plumber call-outs lingers on…

When I met Jim O Neill at the SHOP Exhibition in September this year, I fleetingly wished I had a shop again – if only to try out first hand his Grease Shield: who said women were only interested in fashion? I asked him why there are such problems with blocked pipes and drains and he quoted Murphys Law: “anything that can be put down the sink will be!” He has come across plasters, cleaning cloths, nuts, bolts, not to mention vegetable peelings and food waste: small wonder he has built a solid business finding an environmentally sound solution to this commonplace problem.

Fats, Grease and Oils He explained to me that FOGs (Fats, Oils and Grease) are the by-products of deli departments and that if these are not managed efficiently, they can clog the pipes (regardless of the size) just like fats can build up in your body and cause a blockage in your arteries.

In order to remove these FOGs, a retailer has two basic choices – to use enzymes to “digest” the fats, oils and grease or to capture these FOGs in a Grease Trap. Some shops use both systems and both have advantages and disadvantages. The Grease Trap is efficient but it needs to be emptied regularly – at least once a month without fail – and cleaned thoroughly for it to retain its effectiveness. This is a messy, smelly and difficult job – usually done by one of your workers

RN November07Karen Meenan’s Top Tips ●

who can be heard muttering under their breath, “I’m not being paid enough to do this!”

Symptoms such as malodours, blockages and back flooding of effluent are not always observed at the contamination source. Bad smells, back seeping of sewage effluent, and localised flooding are the result of grease blockages in the arterial pipework. The problems manifest after grease dissolved in hot water from the kitchen solidifies or “rafts” downstream, following contact with cold water from the rest of the drainage system.

Enzymes Enzymes are used in many convenience stores and fast food outlets, but the net effect of the enzymes is that the problem is transferred downstream (maybe into a local river or stream) where the FOGs reform – the problem has merely been moved along – not solved. Enzymes are also expensive: another cost to add to the growing list of deli overheads.

Section 18.1.1 of the 2006 Regional Code of Practice for Drainage Works states: “In general, the use of degreasing agents and enzymes for the breakdown of grease is not permitted”. With the advancement of the food-to-go offering in shops and supermarkets, it has been well recognised that the removal of FOGs is a real problem in many stores.

There is a Code of Practice, however.

The 2006 Regional Code of Practice for Drainage Works Section 18.1 specifies the requirement for Grease Recovery Units (GRU):“A Grease Recovery Unit (GRU)

must be fitted on the outlet from all kitchen sinks within Food Services Establishments (FSE) and apartment buildings Greater Dublin Regional Code of Practice V6.0 subject to the requirements of the Local Sanitary Authority. They must also be fitted on any commercial scale food preparation locations.”

Compliance

The GreaseShield has been described as the

world’s only self-cleaning grease Jim O Neill tells me that trap – it “dewaters” food waste and captures Municipal Authorities are that waste in an easy to remove introducing applications in and empty container. respect of the discharge of Trade Effluent. “No one knows how many Not alone that, but it does what it says businesses will be affected. The on the tin! It does not have to be guestimates for Dublin alone range pumped monthly, it does not smell and from 2,000 to 4,000 Food Service it has a wiper blade which cleans the Establishments.” grease and oils from the sides of the So given that there are legislative waste container. More than 1,000 drivers with attendant financial costs, GreaseShield products have already outlays, fines for non compliance and been installed in shops and fast food picking the wrong equipment (because outlets throughout Ireland and are the enforcing bodies will not say, “Buy fast becoming the preferred choice for this or that”), it is the responsibility of multiples. the retailer to come into compliance or The GreaseShield has been pay the price! described as the world’s only selfcleaning grease trap – it “dewaters” food waste and captures that waste in Food Grinders are an easy to remove and empty Prohibited container. After the solids are removed, This code of practice also refers to the effluent is passed into a chamber Macerators (Food Grinders). where a rotating drum removes FOGs Section18.4. of the Regional Code of components and deposits them into a Practice for Drainage Works states, waste tank. Cleaned water is then “The use of under sink food passed under a baffle and discharged macerators/food grinders for to the sewer. FOGs and solids are processing and discharging waste food removed, and placed in separate to the drainage system are prohibited.” cartridges for easy disposal - the wiper blade is easily accessible for cleaning.

GreaseShield GreaseShields do not have heating The GreaseShield is the first elements, thereby having significantly greasetrap to be described as “sexy”. lower energy costs than other grease traps or waste disposal systems.

This can be used alongside a filter About the Author shield (which will capture errant RETAIL consultant Karen Meenan runs plasters, cloths and other items which her own consultancy business, Results shouldn’t have gone down the plug Training & Marketing, focusing on net hole) and an integrated under the sink profit and how to maximise profit for the solution. And it is that really that retailer. For more information, contact simple!

Karen on 086 6027711 or by email It has been a long time sine I was kmeenan@eircom.net. so impressed by such a simple, efficient and environmentally sound system, which saves on money, energy Results Training & Marketing and time. If only I had installed one in When Results Really Matter my own shop, my local plumber might not have been on speed dial!

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RN November07What’s New ●

Handy Bale Peat Briquettes BORD Na Móna are planning to set the market blazing with their new easy-to-carry ‘Handy Bale’ peat briquettes.

The Handy Bale contains 10 peat briquettes in an easy to carry bag, which can be displayed on-shelf. The product is clean and conveniently wrapped and its introduction is a direct response to consumers’ need for a smaller, easyto-carry bale of briquettes, which can be put into their shopping trolley.

Vicks First Defence VICKS Cold Defence Solutions is a unique subrange range from Vicks designed to help reduce the chances of your cold taking hold. Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray is a unique Micro-Gel that significantly reduces the chances of developing a full-blown cold when used at the first signs of a cold. The launch of Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray was one of the most successful product launches in recent years in the UK OTC Healthcare market, and so far it has proven just as popular in Ireland.

92

KP Backpacks to Success KP Snacks consistently deliver innovative consumer promotions and this year’s county backpack promotion, featured on packs of Skips and Rancheros, continued that tradition.

The promotion, which saw 3,000 lucky entrants each winning a backpack in their county's colours, drew over 70,000 entries from June to August this year. The promotion coincided with the GAA championships, with the Dublin and Cork backpacks being the most requested. The text-based promotion was managed by award-winning agency Direction@JWT and was supported by a nationwide outdoor campaign.

New Look Aquafresh AQUAFRESH is enjoying a contemporary new look, which incorporates fresh and impactful graphics and will also reinforce the three stripe promise which is synonymous with the brand. The brand also comes with a new health claim, to strengthen teeth from the inside out. Core variants Aquafresh Fresh & Minty and Aquafresh Mild & Minty not only promote healthy gums and fresh breath, but also offer the assurance of strengthening teeth from the inside out. The new look pack incorporates a new Aquafresh logo in a sensational burst and highlights the enamel strengthening claim.

Panadol Cold and ‘Flu Tablets SET to further develop the success to date of the Panadol Cold & Fu range, this month marks the launch of new Panadol Cold & Flu Relief 500mg/65mg film-coated Tablets which contains paracetamol and caffeine. Available in a pack of 12 tablets, the new product is indicated for fast relief from symptoms of cold and ‘flu including fever, headache, sore throat, shivers and body aches and pains. The entire Panadol Cold and ‘Flu range will remain the focus of a major multi-media marketing programme during the peak cold and ‘flu season, including TV and outdoor advertising.

New Soups from Cully & Sully CULLY & Sully have added two new delicious soups to their range: Mediterranean Vegetable Soup and Chicken Vegetable Soup. Cully and Sully Mediterranean Vegetable soup is made from tomatoes, onions, root fennel and olive oil, and contains zero fat. The Cully and Sully Chicken Vegetable soup is a much heartier affair, offering unadulterated comfort when consumers need some warming up on a cold day. The chickens are Irish and it’s Cully and Sully’s only nonvegetarian soup, but is still gluten free, with organic stock.

RN November07What’s New ●

Heinz Big Eat

Kilmeaden Grated Mature Cheddar

HEINZ Big Eat is a range of hearty snack meal options specially created for today’s busy, ‘on the go’ lifestyles. There are three varieties in the range: Tomato & Roasted Vegetable Penne; Chicken & Vegetable Curry; and Spicy Chicken Tortellini, each in a generous 350g single serve pot that is ready from the microwave in 2.5 minutes. Heinz Big Eat is the perfect convenient light meal, lunch or snack solution and contains no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours.

MULTI-AWARD winning Kilmeaden Cheese has unveiled its new Grated Mature Cheddar, offering the superior quality and unique taste for which Kilmeaden is renowned, as well as new Hand Cut Slices. Available in red and white, Kilmeaden Grated Cheddar has a firm texture with aromatic, rich flavours, and comes in an innovative tub format, allowing for shelf standout and greater freshness. Kilmeaden Hand Cut Slices, available in red and white cheddar varieties, are cut straight from the block and are ideal for sandwiches, as part of a cheese board or on their own with a favourite wine.

New Cheeses from Avonmore NEW Avonmore Super Cheese is enriched with Calcium, Folic Acid and Vitamins A, B, D & F, making it perfect for shoppers concerned with health and nutrition.

Super Cheese is offered in both slice format and also a new innovative tub format for greater stand-out, and increased convenience and freshness. Also new, Avonmore Slimline Cheese allows Irish customers to enjoy natural, delicious, convenient cheese full of dietary goodness, containing 25% of the fat of standard cheddar cheese. It is available in sliced and grated varieties.

Heinz Snap Pots HEINZ is adding a new super-convenient ‘Snap Pots’ format to its iconic Beanz and Pasta ranges to cater for consumers who want an even quicker way to prepare a light snack.

Heinz Baked Beanz and Heinz Spaghetti Hoops are both now available in the new Snap Pot format, with each pack offering four individual 200g portions that are ready from the microwave in just one minute, making them ideal for lunch and snack occasions both at home and at work.

Improved Airwaves THE Wrigley Company has launched new improved Airwaves, with a long lasting flavour and new eye-catching packaging. Airwaves is a unique, sugar free, chewing gum range and is the second fastest selling chewing gum brand in Ireland, after Wrigley’s Extra sugarfree gum (Source: ACNielsen 52 w.e. 16.06.07). The new improved Airwaves benefits from flavour beads in the gum centre which provide chewers with a long lasting intense flavour, whilst the new vibrant, modern packaging ensures greater visibility and stand out on-shelf.

Aussie Beer Brand Hits Ireland CARLTON Cold, Australia’s best selling young adult beer brand, is being primed for success on the Irish market

by Richmond Marketing, the company behind Red Bull and Kopparberg Cider. ‘Cold’, as it’s called by those in the know, has an ABV of 4.6 % and comes in a generous 375ml bottle. Targeted at students, young adults and surfers, boarding and surf culture is the brand’s soul and Cold will be the first beer brand in Ireland to promote the Irish surfing scene through national radio, webcasts and co-promotions with Hot Tuna surfgear.

Richmond Marketing is also launching Crown Lager, one of Australia's most iconic brands and the country's leading premium beer.

93

RN November07Update ●

30 Years of the Guinness Jazz Festival ONE of Ireland’s most talented hurlers, Sean Óg O’ hAilpín and the popular RTE television presenter, Kathryn Thomas, took to the streets of Cork in search of the best bits from the Guinness Jazz Festival! Over the weekend, the pair joined Ruth Scott on 2FM’s Saturday Show, to bring the best bits live on air. The Guinness Jazz Festival, Cork ran from October 26-29, when over 1,000 musicians from 30 countries performed in concerts, clubs and pubs around the city. This year, Guinness celebrated 30 years of this hugely successful festival.

Cork Store Scoops Top Award RYAN’S SuperValu, Glanmire, Co. Cork, has taken the title of National Hygiene and Food Safety Winner for the second year in a row at the annual National Quality and Excellence Awards, organised by the Excellence Ireland Quality Association. This is first time a retailer has won the overall Hygiene Award two years in a row. The supermarket topped the list of more than 3,000 organisations nationwide and also managed to scoop the EIQA Emerald Retail Award for the store’s commitment towards providing excellence in food safety. Paul O’Grady, MD, Excellence Ireland Quality Association, and model Cathy Coyle are pictured congratulating Liam Ryan, SuperValu, Glanmire, Cork on winning the Award.

Appointment at M&S MARKS & Spencer have announced the appointment of Sandra McKay as manager of its new store in the Athlone Town Centre, which opened on November 1, 2007. Sandra has worked in Marks & Spencer since 2006, starting in the business as a commercial manager for Home and Childrenswear in the Liffey Valley store. Sandra joined M&S from Asda, where she was a manager for 18 months. Sandra will be responsible for an 85-strong team at the new Athlone store.

Appointments at Kelkin KELKIN has announced a number of new arrivals to its marketing department.

Elaine Doran (top left) has been appointed Marketing Manager with responsibility for the development of the already successful Kelkin brand. In 2008, Elaine, along with her new team, will implement and oversee a comprehensive New Product Development programme. Linda McGrath (top right) is with Kelkin since 2006 and her brand portfolio includes: Filippo Berio, HiPP Organic, St. Dalfour, Kallo & Nairns. Marie Lyons (front right) will have responsibility for Baxters, Alpro, Jordans, Phileas Fogg & Orville Redenbacher brands, while Lynda Magee (front left) joined Kelkin in October and she will have responsibility for Cardini, Sula, Fry Light and Green & Blacks home use products.

IFEX 2008 Announced PICTURED at the launch of IFEX 2008 are (l-r): Caroline McGuiness, Sales Manager, Expo Events, with Damien Barrett, Managing Director, Henderson Foodservice.

IFEX 2008, Ireland’s largest International Food, Drink, Hospitality and Retail Exhibition, will run from April 29 to May 1, 2008, at the King’s Hall, Belfast, and includes the New Product of the Show Awards, Seminar Programme, Chef Skill’ 08, the wonderful Pub and Club Pavilion and over 200 exhibitors.

94

RN November07Update ●

SuperValu Snuggles Up SUPERVALU has once again teamed up with world renowned Irish designer Stephen Pearce to create an exclusive, luxury bedspread which is available only in SuperValu stores nationwide.

Following the unprecedented success of 2006’s luxury collection, this is the designer’s second venture from pottery to bed linen, to create a one-off design for SuperValu, an opulent 100% luxury cotton bedspread. The bedspread will cost only €49.99 with 75 tokens, one of which is offered with every €10 spent in SuperValu.

Zip Celebrates 50 years in Ireland ZIP, Ireland’s largest firelighter manufacturer, has launched a powerful integrated marketing campaign and competition to mark its 50th anniversary. As market leader in the ignitions category (ACNeilsen) and one of Ireland’s longest and favourite brands, Zip is already synonymous with traditional home fires. This campaign re-launches the Zip brand and underlines its superiority with a new tagline ‘No firelighter burns longer’, and includes TV advertising, the sponsorship of RTE’s flagship daytime television programme, ‘The Afternoon Show’, and a national competition offering the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Canada’s Yukon Valley, where they will stay in a luxury log cabin, experience dog sledding and tobogganing by day and see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights at night, as well as the launch of a new Zip website, www.zipfirelighters.ie.

Food Marketing Programme SOUTH Cork Enterprise Board recently held an Awards Ceremony in the Maryborough Hotel, Cork, for the first eight food companies to successfully complete its inaugural Advanced Food Marketing Programme. The Board employed the expert services of leading brand marketing consultancy Bullseye Food Marketing to run the programme, which helped small to medium sized food companies in the region to improve their sales and marketing techniques. Pictured are (lr): Maurice McNulty, Sales Director of Horgans Delicatessen Supplies Ltd; Sean O’Sullivan, CEO of South Cork Enterprise Board; and Miah Buckley, Trading Manager, Musgrave Group.

Jacob’s Juniors Colouring Competition JACOB’S Juniors colouring competition winners Ciara Smith from Westmeath, Alanna Loughnane from Kerry and Louis Phelan from Kildare, are pictured with Gareth Sheehan, Brand Manager, Jacob Fruitfield Food Group, at the kids museum Imaginosity. To celebrate the launch of Jacob’s Juniors, a new range of biscuits specifically designed to cater to the needs and tastes of children, Jacob Fruitfield held a nationwide colouring competition where participants could win some fantastic bikes. The ‘Juniors’ range contains three different types of biscuits: Minis (which are available in both Strawberry and Apple flavours), Raspberry Rolls and Strawberry & Yogurt Creams.

First-Ever Cognac Mathusalem THE world’s first ever Cognac Mathusalem from Hennessy X0 raised a record €20,000 at the Outreach Moldova auction at Roberto De Niros NOBU restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin, recently. The Hennessy X0 Mathusalem was one of the items that went under the hammer and Robbie and Julianne Collins were thrilled to become the proud owners of one of just 300 that exist worldwide, forking out a record €20,000 for the honour. Marc Boissonnet from Hennessy Cognac congratulates Robbie and Julianne Collins, the proud new owners of Hennessy X0 Mathusalem.

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