The Week In Retail Issue 34

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

RATES RELIEF

TESCO TRIGGERS £2BN REPAYMENTS SUPERMARKETS FOLLOW THE LEADER

COKE BACKS CRISIS CHARITY WHOLESALE MARKET POLARISES THREE RULES FOR COFFEE SUCCESS

+

NATIONAL LOTTERY

LOTTERY AGE TO RISE TO 18

MINIMUM AGE HIKED NEXT YEAR

STORE PROFILE

IF YOU’RE NOT FAST...

FROM SHELL TO STORE IN 10 DAYS

VOTE FOR YOUR NPD OF THE YEAR Commercial Partner:

Brought to you by:

Issue 34 Wednesday 9th December 2020

THE NO.1 SCOTTISH GROCERY BRAND

BACK ON TV FROM 1ST DECEMBER Copyright © Snowman Enterprises Limited 2020 THE SNOWMAN (TM) Snowman Enterprises Limited

*Source: Kantar World Panel, Value Sales, Take Home Non-Alcohol Brands, MAT to 06.09.20, Total Scotland

THE WEEK IN RETAIL

EDITOR’S COMMENT SHARE YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS WITH ME AT ABEGLEY@55NORTH.COM

HATS OFF TO TESCO FOR LEADING FROM THE FRONT It’s easy to be cynical about these things, but whatever the reasons behind Tesco’s decision to repay its Business Rates Relief – all £585m of it – the move is unquestionably Good News.

Clearly Tesco had come under huge pressure after declaring massive profits and over £300m in dividends, all after having accepted the half billion pound Government handout in the first place.

However, you could argue, as they did themselves, that all they did was accept what was offered to them at a time when the world was in freefall and the future was unknown, the same way many other businesses did.

Tesco boss Ken Murphy hailed the Government’s decision to introduce the Relief in the first place as “hugely important” and not just for Tesco, but for delivering some much needed confidence into a retail sector that at the time was in panic mode.

But the decision to ultimately repay the relief was welcome for more than just the £585m that UK taxpayers will get back. Tesco knew full well that the decision would heap enormous pressure

on the other supermarkets to follow suit. And, to be fair, many others did likewise – some of them within hours of Tesco’s announcement.

You could get cynical about that too, but let’s just be thankful that over £2bn will be returned to public coffers from businesses that demonstrably don’t need it.

But it’s not quite as uplifting a story as it might be. While many supermarkets have already committed to repaying (including Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl and Whole Foods Market), several big retailers are still digging their heels in. Among them are Waitrose and Coop, which have traditionally taken their ethical credentials very seriously.

And very revealingly, there are extensive reports from insiders suggesting that in private conversations, many of the supermarkets felt like they had been ‘bounced’ into making the repayments by Tesco’s decision. It’s anyone’s guess whether that implies that they would have repaid anyway, but felt forced to do it quicker than planned, or whether they had no intentions to repay but now felt like they had no choice.

ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY

ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

6.50

RRP

£

**

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOR 20 POUCHES

*Source: IRI Market Place, Unit Share, Nicotine Pouch Category, Total UK, Aug 2020. To verify contact us via nordicspirit.co.uk/contact **RRP effective 16/11/2020.

You remain free to price as you choose.

NORDIC SPIRIT OF SWEDEN

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

10

6

14

THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

STORE PROFILE: NISA BURY ROAD, BOLTON

SLR PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The CMA investigates the sale of Asda while the minimum age to play the National Lottery will rise to 18.

A new Nisa Local in Bolton sees a full refit completed in just 10 days from receiving the keys.

Retailers, have your say and vote for your favourite new products that hit the shelves in 2020.

8 COVID-19 UPDATE

23 SLR REWARDS

28 RESEARCH: COFFEE-TO-GO

13 BREXIT

24 RESEARCH: WHOLESALE MARKET

31 PICKS OF THE WEEK

ANALYSIS SAYS FRUIT AND VEG PRICES WILL RISE IN THE EVENT OF A ‘NO-DEAL’.

MARKET POLARISATION DUE TO COVID-19

33 CHARITY: GROCERYAID DAY

SUBDUES GROWTH.

35 OUT THE BOX: PACKAGING

21 CHARITY: PERSONALISED COKE ZERO

26 WHOLESALE RESILIENCE FUND

COCA-COLA DONATES £2 TO CRISIS FOR

EVERY FREE CAN SHOPPERS ORDER.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT UNVEILS £5M SECTOR-SPECIFIC SUPPORT PACKAGE.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

WEETABIX AND MARS WRIGLEY REDUCE THEIR PLASTIC USAGE.

37 BEFORE YOU GO...

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

MFG ADDS SIX

ACQUISITIONS

AUK Investments business.

CMA INVESTIGATES ASDA SALE

The deals brings the total

THE PROPOSED £6.8BN TAKEOVER OF ASDA HAS HIT A SNAG AS

number of stations operated

CMA LAUNCHES AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEAL.

Motor Fuel Group has acquired six forecourts in the Lake District from the family-owned

by MFG to 911, maintaining its position as the UK’s largest independent forecourt operator.

B&M CLOSURE Discount retailer B&M will close its stores on New Year’s Day as a ‘thank you’ to staff for their hard work and commitment during an incredibly challenging year and to give staff a ‘well-deserved rest’. Retail union Usdaw has welcomed the news and, particularly in Scotland, is calling on all stores to close on 1 January.

REP WARNING

The proposed takeover of Asda by private equity firm TDR Capital and billionaire brothers that founded EG Group has run into problems with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s competition regulator, has launching an investigation into the £6.8bn acquisition.

The CMA is investigating whether the deal would lead to a “substantial lessening of competition within any

market or markets in the UK for goods or services” and has invited comments by 22 December.

The regulator launched the first phase of its investigation after the European Commission referred the deal. It echoes similar problems in the past when Asda’s proposed merger with Sainsbury’s fell through last year.

The CMA expects to issue its verdict in February 2021.

Following recent reports of someone impersonating a representative of Imperial Tobacco and asking to go behind the counter, the company has urged retailers to be vigilant and to ask for identification for any reps visiting their store that they do not recognise.

SCOTMID RAISES £300K FOR STROKE SURVIVORS Staff, customers and members of Scotmid Co-operative have raised a £300,000 to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, survive and thrive. A one year partnership, which was extended due to the Covid pandemic, raised funds for services provided by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and England’s Different Strokes.

Thanks to Scotmid’s support, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland can provide six months of support for 1,000 stroke survivors in Scotland’s communities, giving them the vital help and support that they need when they need it most.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

NEWS DIGEST

THIS WEEK’S NEWS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

DINNER BOX

NATIONAL LOTTERY

LOTTERY AGE TO RISE TO 18 IN 2021

Morrisons is giving selfisolating customers everything they need for Christmas dinner

THE MINIMUM AGE FOR BUYING NATIONAL LOTTERY PRODUCTS IS

for two, delivered to their door

SET TO RISE TO 18 FROM OCTOBER 2021.

for £18.36. The Christmas Dinner for Two Box contains

Following a consultation in 2019, the government has decided to increase the minimum age for buying National Lottery products from 16 to 18 as of October next year in response to concerns that the National Lottery’s growing portfolio of products, including online, could make it a gateway to gambling.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman welcomed the news. He said: “In our response to the government’s consultation, we urged consistency between scratchcards and online games so that retailers would have one clear policy on which to operate and train their colleagues on. We

are pleased the government has listened and implemented a single age restriction of 18 for all National Lottery products.

“We are now fully committed to helping retailers to implement this policy over the next 10 months.”

a British turkey breast joint, peeled potatoes, pigs in blankets, vegetables, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce.

It also includes a starter and dessert, as well as mince pies, Christmas crackers and wine.

DONATE A PLATE Waitrose and Deliveroo have launched a Christmas ‘Donate a Plate’ campaign to support charity FareShare. Waitrose customers can make a donation of £3 on the Deliveroo app and FareShare will then distribute food to community

BESTWAY TRIALS DRINKS-LED CONCEPT Bestway Wholesale is trialling a new premium-led drinks concept, an evolved version of its Wine Rack store model. Called Tippl, it offers premium drinks for take home, foodto-go and in-store eating and drinking.

The first Tippl store opened in Garforth in Leeds with the concept intended to extend and enhance the Wine Rack model in high

footfall areas. The stores will also make extensive use of strategic partnerships with specialist brands such as Tchibo and Country Choice.

groups who will turn it into meals and deliver them.

BREWDOG CBD BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie has launched HBHM, the UK’s first carbon-neutral CBD company. HBHM (Healthy Body Healthy Mind) produces a range of sustainably packaged CBD oils, containing a concentrate of CBD Isolate derived from organically grown hemp plants.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ALL THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

Aldi is extending its festive

HALF OF SCOTLAND MOVES DOWN A TIER

food donations programme

SCOTLAND’S FIRST MINISTER ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT

to include New Year’s Eve.

AROUND HALF OF ALL SCOTTISH LOCAL AUTHORITIES WILL MOVE

Since 2018, the discounter

DOWN A TIER ON FRIDAY.

ALDI EXTENDS DONATIONS

has donated unsold fresh and chilled food to charitable causes on Christmas Eve. For the first time, it will now invite charity partners to collect unsold food on New Year’s Eve as well.

BAKKAVOR SEES SENSE Trade union GMB has celebrated a “massive victory” as M&S supplier Bakkavor has agreed to full pay for staff off work due to coronavirus-

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that essentially half of all Scotland’s local authorities will move down a Covid-19 restrictions level from 6pm on Friday.

The move will see all 11 local authority areas currently in level 4 restrictions moving down to level 3 from 6pm on Friday. The local authority areas are: the City of Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.

Inverclyde, Falkirk and Angus will move down to level 2 although neither Edinburgh nor Midlothian will be moved down a level.

Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders will move from level 2 down to level 1 while all areas currently in level 1 will remain within this tier.

related absence and a rollout of mass testing at the Tilmanstone salads factory.

The company has also carried out a deep clean of the factory after two Covid-related deaths amongst workers.

PUB PLEA The British Beer & Pub Association has backed calls for the £2bn of business rates relief that supermarkets have repaid to be repurposed into a comprehensive relief package for Britain’s struggling pubs and brewers.

SPENDING ON ESSENTIALS CONTINUES TO GROW Despite another challenging month, there were some bright spots in November as consumers spent 4.9% more on essentials with sales in supermarkets increasing by 17.9%, according to the latest data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions.

Consumer spending declined 1.9% in total November as new restrictions took effect, yet festive shopping delivered a welcome boost for some sectors, particularly food and drink.

Food and drink specialist stores,

8 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

including local retailers, grew 54.3%, a 3.6% improvement on the previous month.

A third of shoppers (32%) say they will make an extra effort to support their community this festive season, with almost half (48%) of those planning to buy Christmas gifts and food specifically from small and local shops.

‘Circuit breaker’ restrictions drove a 23.8% decline in fuel spend and the move to online shopping continued with a 97.4% rise as Brits went online to start stocking up for Christmas.

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ALL THE LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS, HEAD TO WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/CATEGORY/NEWS/

TESCO TRIGGERS MASSIVE RELIEF REPAYMENT WAVE TESCO’S VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT TO REPAY THE £585M IT RECEIVED

T

IN BUSINESS RATES RELIEF SPARKS FLOOD OF REPAYMENTS FROM SUPERMARKETS.

esco’s decision to repay the £585m rates windfall it received during the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a domino effect with many of the supermarket’s competitors following suit and committing to repaying the relief they received, totalling a figure believed to be in excess of £2bn.

Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl and Whole Foods Market have

PAYPAL LAUNCHES TOUCH-FREE PAYMENTS WITH IZETTLE already confirmed that they will repay in full while others have yet to make a commitment.

Several insiders have commented however that in private conversations, Tesco’s competitors feel they have been “bounced” into the action.

PayPal has launched a new in-store touchfree payment solution using the iZettle PoS app. This is the first time UK retailers can accept PayPal QR code payments via PoS.

VACCINE DRIVES SPIKE IN SHOPPER CONFIDENCE TECH SOLUTIONS

The latest IGD Shopper Confidence Index has revealed that shopper confidence has hit the highest level since February as the new coronavirus vaccination programme begins to be rolled out across the UK. While still relatively low, November’s score of -6 has reversed the recent decline and is the highest recorded level since the beginning of the year. Despite the national lockdown in England and ongoing uncertainty over Brexit, confidence appears to have been boosted by news of the vaccine rollout and earlier than normal Christmas grocery shopping.

Nearly one in five (18%) of shoppers are becoming more focused on quality (+3% vs. Oct) rather than saving money (17%, down by 5% vs. Oct). Fewer expect to be worse off financially in the year ahead (31%, down from 34% last month).

However, only 17% expect to be better off.

Transactions will be available for iZettle merchants at a reduced rate of 1% until 31 May. “Small businesses need access to commerce tools that help them sell securely and meet their customers wherever they are – in-store, online and in-between.” says Jacob de Geer, Vice President of Small Business Products and iZettle, PayPal.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

COVER STORY

NISA BURY ROAD, BOLTON STORE PROFILE

IF YOU’RE NOT FAST...

S

A NEW NISA LOCAL IN BOLTON SAW A FULL REFIT COMPLETED IN JUST 10 DAYS FROM

peed is of the essence these days as the coronavirusfuelled boom in local retailing persists – and a new store that’s recently opened in Bolton took that to extremes by completing a full refit in just 10 days after being handed the keys.

The new Nisa Local on Bury Road in the city was transformed from a tired, traditional local shop into a contemporary and welcoming store with an extensive new food-to-go offer, an increased fresh produce range and a dining-in area.

RECEIVING THE KEYS.

The 3,000sq ft store sits on a main road in a built-up location and benefits from both regular foot traffic as well as a transient market which is helped by the 13 car parking spaces at the front of the premises.

Despite the fast turnaround, the refit wasn’t simply a cosmetic touchup. The store was stripped back to an

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

empty shell with only the flooring left in place. Ceilings, lighting, chillers and shelving were removed, and new fixtures and fittings installed to give the store a warm and modern look and feel.

Working with Jordan’s shop fitters and supported by the Nisa team, the refit was successfully completed in

COVER STORY

NISA BURY ROAD, BOLTON STORE PROFILE

time for a soft launch of the store just 10 days after work began.

The range was also given a complete overhaul with the space given to grocery, magazines and sweets significantly reduced to create room for the bank of new food-togo services including Tango Ice Blast, f ’real, Rollover hotdogs, Chicago Town pizzas and a fresh orange juicer.

Along with the machines, the store offers a solution for both hot breakfast and lunchtime meals with plans underway to add in an evening meal solution such as rice and curry; a sitin option will be available once Covid restrictions are removed.

Store manager Michael Atherden said: “It looks fantastic now and

the changes have made a massive difference. Our regular shoppers absolutely love it and are amazed when they first come in.

“All the new food-to-go options have been a real draw and we now have got a whole new set of customers, with schoolchildren coming in on their way home to buy the Tango Ice Blast and f ’real.”

Shoppers are also making the most of the improved range with many buying their full weekly shop and at least 70% using baskets on their visits.

“Weekly sales are strong, and we expect them to keep growing as we continue to tweak the range and respond to what our customers want,” added Michael.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 11

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BREXIT

PRICE INCREASES THE FOOD FOUNDATION / SHEFS

‘5 A DAY’ CHALLENGE TO GET EVEN STIFFER UNDER ‘NO DEAL BREXIT’

A

A NEW BRIEFING PAPER CLAIMS THAT NEW TRADE TARIFFS THAT WILL APPLY UNDER A “NO DEAL BREXIT” WILL INCREASE THE PRICE OF FRUIT AND VEG IN THE UK.

s Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to fly to Brussels for urgent talks on a postBrexit deal with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a new briefing paper claimed to show that new trade tariffs that will apply as a result of a “No Deal Brexit” will increase the price of fruit and veg in the UK by an average of 4% and make it even more expensive for families to purchase a healthy diet.

In the UK, fruit and veg consumption is already far below the recommended level of at least five portions a day needed to help prevent disease and promote health. The average adult eats just under four portions a day, and teenagers consume even less. There is also a big difference between income groups, with the highest income groups eating one and a half more portions per day than the lowest.

Preliminary analysis from the SHEFS consortium, a global research programme funded by the Wellcome Trust, also shows that some products will rise even more on 1 January, with tomatoes set to increase in price by 9%.

A No Deal scenario would mean imports from the EU would be automatically subject to the new higher UK general tariffs, with increased food prices impacting the more deprived groups of society the most.

The UK is highly reliant on fruit and vegetable imports, currently importing 65% of its total supply. The UK produced 3.1 million tonnes of fruit and veg last year – a quarter of what the UK population needs to meet Eatwell Guide recommendations. In the event of a No Deal Brexit,

imports from the EU would automatically be subject to new UK ‘Most-favoured Nation’ tariffs. In addition, imports from non-EU countries may also be subject to increased tariffs. As a member of the EU, the UK benefitted from around 40 free trade agreements signed by the EU. The UK has so far signed bilateral deals replicating just 22 of these agreements.

If tariff increases are passed directly on to UK citizens, the average British family would pay 4% more for their fruit and vegetables from 1 January 2021. For a family of four (two adults and two children), this would mean an increase of £25-28 a year to their fruit and vegetable bill. If families increased their consumption to the recommended five-a-day this would cost £65 per year more for a family of four under a No Deal scenario.

The report also warns of the potential for additional costs and significant delays at UK borders, a lack of cold storage capacity in the UK and the potential for shortages and concomitant food prices rises. These issues will particularly influence perishable food products, including fruit and vegetables.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 13

INNOVATION

SLR PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020 NPD

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE NPD OF 2020?

AS VOTED FOR BY RETAILERS HAVE YOUR SAY IN CHOOSING THE SLR PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020

BY VOTING FOR YOUR PICKS OF THE YEAR.

VOT HER E E!

T

he Week In Retail and SLR are recognising the invaluable role that brands play in generating excitement in-store and on social media with a constant stream of NPD in the new SLR Products of the Year Awards 2020.

Launched just last week, the Awards provide retailers with the chance to recognise the many new products launched this year that helped them drive excitement, footfall, sales and profits.

Every new product that wins will be chosen by the people that matter most: local retailers themselves. So have your say by voting now. It will only take you a couple of minutes at the most and will mean a great deal to the manufacturers

14 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

and brands on the shortlist that you will see over the next few pages.

Once the votes have been cast, the winners will be announced in a special supplement as part of the January 2021 issue of SLR and will also be featured in a special edition of The Week In Retail in January.

All winning and shortlisted products can carry the SLR Products of the Year Awards 2020 winner or shortlisted logo on-pack and in their marketing materials – thereby helping drive further sales in the future in local retailing outlets across the country.

So please do get involved and have your say by voting now!

INNOVATION

SLR PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020 NPD

BEER & LOW / NO ALCOHOL BEER Q Doom Bar Zero Q Grolsch Relaunch Q Tennent’s Zero BISCUITS Q Border Biscuits Dark Chocolate Gingers Bars Q Jammie Dodgers Vegan-Friendly recipe Q Maltesers Biscuits Q Maryland Choc Chip and Coconut Convenience Exclusive Q McVities VIB range BREAD AND HOME BAKING Q Warburtons Half White Half Wholemeal range Q Dr Oetker Spectacular Science Cake Mix CANDY Q Haribo’s Springtime Friends and Jelly Bunnies Easter range Q Mentos Xtra Strong Q Skittles Giants Q Swizzles Great British Puds range Q Tic Tac Coca-Cola Limited Edition Q Vimto Juicy Mixups

CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONERY Q Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo Treasures Space Q Cadbury Darkmilk Giant Buttons Q Cadbury Orange Twirl Q Mint Maltesers Buttons CIGARS & SMOKING ACCESSORIES Q Mr Wintermans Limited Edition UK theme Q Rizla Flavour Infusions range Q Zig-Zag lighters range CRISPS & SNACKS Q Bobby’s Strips range Q Doritos Stax Q Doritos Flamin’ Hot Tangy Cheese Q KP £1PMP range FOOD TO GO Q Batchelors Super Noodles 100g pots Q Chicago Town Pizza To Go Range Q Spar food-to-go range Q Wall’s Healthier Chicken Scotch Egg FREE-FROM Q Hellmann’s 100% recyclable Squeezy Vegan Mayo Q Quorn Vegan Pepperoni Slices Q Rustlers Moroccan Vegetarian Burger

VOTE AT WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/POTY

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

INNOVATION

SLR PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020 NPD

GUM Q Mars Wrigley Extra Refreshers Q Mentos Pure Fresh Fruity bottled range Q Mentos Pure Fresh Gum

PET FOOD Q Pedigree Dentastix Chewy Chunx Q Dreamies Christmas Box Q Pedigree Xmas Dinner

HARD SELTZERS Q Echo Falls Rose Seltzers Q Mikes Hard Seltzers Q Smirnoff No 21 Premier range Q White Claw range Q Bodega Bay range

RTDS Q Blossom Hill Gin Fizz range Q Cockspur Rum Punch Q Hoopers range Q Pink Hooch Q WKD Lemon

ICE CREAM / ICE LOLLY Q Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chunks Q Cornetto Mermaid Q New Calippo range

SOFT DRINKS Q Capri-Sun 330ml Blackcurrant Q Diet Coke Sublime Lime Q Drench PMPs Q J2O Spritz cans Q Levi Roots Tropical Punch Q Ribena Sparkling range Q 7 Up Sugar Free Cherry

NICOTINE POUCHES Q Nordic Spirit Elderflower Q Zyn Espressino Q Zyn Spearmint PERSONAL CARE Q Life Buoy Hand Sanitiser Gel Q Aquafresh Splash & Senses ranges toothpaste

VOTE AT WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/POTY

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

INNOVATION

SLR PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020 NPD

SPIRITS Q Beefeater PMPs Q Captain Morgan Tiki Q Dead Man’s Fingers Range Q Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon Q Havana Club Skepta Limited Edition Q Old Curiosity Alcohol-Free Gin SPORTS & ENERGY DRINKS Q Coca-Cola Energy Cherry range Q Lucozade Energy Citrus Chill Q Monster Pacific Punch Q Monster Ultra Paradise Q Red Bull Summer Edition Q Red Bull Zero Q Reign Total Body Fuel range Q Rockstar 25% more caffeine range SQUASH Q Ribena Raspberry & Rhubarb Q Robinsons Fruit Creations Blackberry & Blueberry Q Vimto Remix range Orange, Strawberry and Lime

TOBACCO Q Imperial Tobacco Green Filter ranges Q JPS Players Crushball Cigarillo Q Sterling Dual Capsule Leaf Wrapped Q Sterling 3-in-1 Q 3-in-1 Kensitas Club pouch VAPING Q Logic Compact Intense Berry Mint Q Logic Compact Nicsalts Range Q Logic Compact Polar Menthol Q JUUL Menthol pods Q JUUL Rich Tobacco pods WINE Q Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo PMP Q Echo Falls Botanicals Q Jam Shed Malbec Q Samuel Wynn range Q 19 Crimes Sauv Block OWN LABEL WINES Q Spar Malbec Rose Q Spar Orbis Organic range Q Spar Perlezza Rosé Spumante

VOTE AT WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK/POTY

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

DESTINATION RETAIL AN SLR GUIDE TO BECOMING A ‘DESTINATION STORE’ WHY IT MATTERS... AND HOW TO DO IT. CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW TO READ IT NOW

DESTINATIO RETAIL N

AN SLR GUID E TO ‘DESTINATIO BECOMING A N STORE’ W HY IT MAT TE

READ NOW

RS... AND HO

W TO DO IT .

OCTOBER 20 20 HOME DELIVE RY

/ FOOD-TO-G O / DIFFERENT LOCAL SOUR IATED RANGE CING / SUS / TAINABILITY / TECH

Destination

Retail.indd

1

06/10/2020

18:03:05

CHARITY

PERSONALISED CAN CHARITY COMMITMENT COCA-COLA

COKE GETS PERSONAL IN A CRISIS

F

COCA-COLA IS ALLOWING SHOPPERS TO CREATE PERSONALISED CANS THIS CHRISTMAS AND WILL MAKE A £2 DONATION TO HOMELESSNESS CHARITY CRISIS FOR EVERY ORDER.

or the first time ever, Coca-Cola will be giving consumers the chance to create their very own personalised Christmas can featuring a name and a festive image – and will donate £2 to homelessness charity Crisis for every order.

1,000

CANS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY

£2

DONATIONS TO CRISIS FOR VERY CAN

£50K

TOTAL DONATION TO CRISIS

Coca-Cola is giving people the chance to receive their own personalised festive cans of Coca-Cola zero sugar this Christmas.

The cans will be free to order, and for each can personalised Coca-Cola will make a £2 donation to homelessness charity Crisis.

The company is making 1,000 cans of Coca-Cola zero sugar available to order every day, absolutely free, to order as a personal memento or special gift for a friend or loved one.

The refreshing giveaway can be personalised and ordered by scanning a QR code on special Christmas packs of Coca-

Cola original taste, Coca-Cola zero sugar and Diet Coke or from a dedicated website.

Coca-Cola expects to raise a total of £50,000 for Crisis this Christmas season, helping the charity continue its fantastic work supporting people who are homeless at Christmas and throughout the year. Crisis will offer invaluable help to homeless people during one of the toughest times of the year with somewhere safe to stay, essential food and festive treats, phone and online support – as well as support with health, housing, employment and benefits to help people leave homelessness behind for good.

Kris Robbens, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “This year has been challenging for so many people and whilst Christmas is a moment of celebration, it’s also incredibly important to remember those that need support more than ever before and this year, we’re really pleased to continue our longstanding association with Crisis to support the charity with a donation for every can ordered.”

Ian Richards, Head of Crisis Christmas, said: “No one should be homeless and alone this Christmas. It’s been a difficult year for us all, but thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve been able to adapt our frontline services and be there for people without a safe and stable place to call home.

We’re extremely grateful to Coca-Cola for their ongoing support. With their help, we can give people a Crisis Christmas, so they can find a path out of homelessness for good.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE

INDUSTRY AWARDS

SLR REWARDS 2020 TO REGISTER, VISIT: WWW.SLRAWARDS.COM

THE VIRTUAL FESTIVAL OF EXCELLENCE IS ALMOST HERE! IT’S ONLY A COUPLE OF DAYS UNTIL THE SLR REWARDS 2020, SO MAKE SURE YOU REGISTER TO JOIN THIS CELEBRATION OF THE ENTIRE LOCAL RETAILING INDUSTRY IN SCOTLAND.

SLR REWARDS 2020 6PM, FRI 11 DEC

S

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE

LR’s Virtual Festival of Excellence, the SLR Rewards 2020, is only days away and we invite all of you to join in a fantastic celebration of a fantastic industry on Friday at 6pm.

It has been a year like no other with many highs, many lows and far too many challenges to mention – but in general, it’s been a landmark year for the sector. Not only have most retailers been enjoying significantly increased sales, but they

have also been thrust into the limelight and, after long last, the vital role that they play at the heart of communities everywhere has finally been recognised.

The SLR Rewards 2020 will provide the perfect platform to come together – virtually – and raise a glass to local retailers everywhere. Their efforts this year deserve recognition.

Whether you’re in your DJ or your PJs, grab a glass, get settled in and join us for an end-of-year virtual knees-up with your industry friends and colleagues.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

RESEARCH

WHOLESALE MARKET LUMINA INTELLIGENCE

WHOLESALE GROWTH ‘SUBDUED AS MARKET POLARISES’ NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS THE UK WHOLESALE MARKET HAS SEEN VERY SUBDUED GROWTH IN 2020 AS COVID-19 HAS LED TO MARKET POLARISATION.

RELIANCE ON DELIVERED WHOLESALE HAS GROWN.

D

espite double digit turnover growth for wholesalers predominantly serving the retail market, the huge declines seen in those servicing the foodservice market have resulted in very ‘subdued’ growth in the overall food and drink wholesaling sector.

That’s a key finding of the new UK Wholesale Report 2020 Update from Lumina Intelligence which found that the sector’s growth in 2020 was a modest 2.8% as

22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

CO-OP HAS GROWN ITS SHARE OF THE WHOLESALE MARKET.

coronavirus led to significant market polarisation. That’s down considerably on last year’s figure of 4.4% and is remarkable in light of the fact that retail wholesalers have seen record levels of demand. It’s those that serve the

RESEARCH

WHOLESALE MARKET LUMINA INTELLIGENCE

hospitality sector that have had a 2020 to forget, with huge turnover declines more or less across the board.

The report highlights several ways in which the industry has evolved due to the pandemic. Three examples of how the wholesale market is changing are:

JJ FOODSERVICE HAS BEEN AMONG THOSE LAUNCHING DTC OFFERS.

1. DEMAND FOR DELIVERY – RESULTING IN HIGHER BASKET VALUES Restricted mobility and nationwide lockdowns have led to surges in demand throughout 2020 and retailers have had to work hard to keep their shops stocked as consumers increased their use of the convenience channel. Consequently, reliance on wholesale delivery has been accelerated through the pandemic.

Delivery offers many benefits over the in-store, cash & carry experience for customers, including speed and ease. Retailers and foodservice operators are more likely to conduct main shops when using delivery services, resulting in bigger, higher value baskets

2. FOODSERVICE WHOLESALERS GO DIRECT TO CONSUMER To offset losses from hospitality closures during the coronavirus lockdown, several foodservice wholesalers diversified their operations and explored direct to consumer (DTC) as a new route to market. It is an indicator of their success that many of these ventures have since been made permanent. JJ Foodservice launched JJ Home in July 2020, signalling the permanent addition of its DTC service – initially introduced as a stop gap – to the wholesaler’s portfolio. JJ’s has also invested in smaller delivery vans to negotiate tighter London streets and most recently has launched a ‘Christmas at Home Essentials range’ for its consumer customers.

Similarly, Bidfood has formalised its DTC business ‘Bidfood at Home’ and has plans for a national roll out.

Meanwhile, Brakes has launched its ‘Food Shop’ venture which has been selling direct to consumer since March 2020.

3. ‘HYBRID DISRUPTERS’ GAIN SHARE Hybrid wholesalers – namely Co-op and Morrisons – grew share of the wholesale sector, from 6.5% in 2018 to 9.2% in 2020. These grocery multiples regard wholesale as a new route to market and a means of tapping into the growth of the convenience channel. Asda also made inroads into wholesale at the end of 2019 with the opening of its first cash & carry-style warehouse in Bristol.

The Co-op provides wholesale services to the 15 independent regional co-operative societies, as well as to Nisa and Costcutter – in addition to its own retail estate. Morrisons, meanwhile, supplies Amazon and McColls. Lumina Intelligence estimates that both operators will see wholesale turnover increase by around +15% in 2020.

Blonnie Walsh, Head of Insight at Lumina Intelligence, says, “The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the wholesale market becoming polarised.

Retail wholesalers have seen unprecedented demand surges, which, as well as causing supply chain pressures, has resulted in strong growth across the year. For hospitality, the picture is a lot bleaker, with the everchanging restrictions imposed since the start of the pandemic having a catastrophic impact on the industry, resulting in around a third of turnover being wiped out.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

WHOLESALE

£5M RESILIENCE FUND SCOTTISH WHOLESALE ASSOCIATION

£5M FUND UNVEILED FOR SCOTTISH WHOLESALERS

I

THE SCOTTISH WHOLESALE ASSOCIATION’S DOGGED PURSUIT OF MORE SUPPORT FROM THE

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE SECTOR HAS BEEN REWARDED WITH A NEW FIVE MILLION POUND SECTOR-SPECIFIC FUND.

t has taken a lengthy and sapping lobbying battle, but the sustained efforts of the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) on behalf of its members and the

“This support package will help secure many family businesses and SMEs across the length and breadth of the country - some having lost up to 95% of their income.” [ Colin Smith, SWA ]

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

wider wholesaling sector in Scotland have paid off with the creation of a new £5m resilience fund by the Scottish Government. The sector-specific fund will be made available

WHOLESALE

£5M RESILIENCE FUND SCOTTISH WHOLESALE ASSOCIATION

to food and drink wholesalers affected by Covid-19 and is a major coup for the SWA, whose Chief Executive Colin Smith has long been referring to wholesale as “the forgotten sector” during the pandemic.

The fund will help qualifying wholesalers affected by coronavirus restrictions and cover fixed costs for a six-month period from October 2020. Support will be targeted at food and drink wholesalers that sell to hospitality, on-trade or public sector clients who have seen sales fall by 20% or more since March. It is intended to cover the shortfall in revenue and fixed operating costs such as business rates, rent, loan repayments, utilities and insurance as well as specific costs such as the loss of stock.

Colin Smith, Chief Executive of the SWA, said: “The Scottish Wholesale Association is delighted that food and drink wholesalers, who are the ‘wheels to Scotland’s food and drink industry’, have been given this vital lifeline. This support package will help secure many family businesses and SMEs across the length and breadth of the country – some having lost up to 95% of their income.

“While the sector still faces significant challenges, as many of our hospitality and tourism customers remain closed or restricted, this funding will make a huge difference to the survival of many SWA members, protecting food supplies into our 5,000 local convenience stores but especially into our hospitals, care homes, prisons and schools.”

He added: “The Scottish Wholesale Association and our members are thankful and relieved that the Scottish Government has recognised the hardship felt by wholesale businesses as a result of coronavirus. The Scottish Government has done more than any other UK government by recognising the key role that food and drink wholesalers play in the supply chain and in delivering this wholesale sector-specific fund.”

While the sector still faces significant challenges, including Brexit, Smith says his funding will make a huge difference to the survival of many businesses – potentially giving security of employment to over 6,000 directly employed staff, and hope for public and private sector customers who rely on Scotland’s supply chain.

“We appreciate, however, that £5m won’t necessarily give the full support required by everyone and, given the complexities of the food and drink wholesale sector and the different types of wholesale businesses, SWA will be working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure our members get the financial and other business support they need,” added Smith.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “2020 has been an extremely difficult year across the entirety of the tourism and hospitality sector. But it’s not just businesses who have been forced to close that are suffering – there is often a complicated supply chain that suffers too. We recognise that many food and drink wholesalers have lost huge amounts of business almost overnight, in addition to suffering stock loss and other costs as a result of their customers closing.

This is affecting the long-term viability of these previously profitable businesses, so we’ve worked closely with the SWA to target this funding specifically at those that need it most and help them get through a tough winter.

“Many of the wholesalers serving the hospitality sector that have been particularly badly hit are the same wholesalers we rely on getting food to rural and remote areas as well as ensuring continuity of public sector food provision. It is paramount these businesses are able to continue operating and ready to support the hospitality sector as it recovers.”

“We’ve worked closely with the SWA to target this funding specifically at those that need it most and help them get through a tough winter.” [ Fergus Ewing, Rural Economy Secretary ]

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

RESEARCH

UNLOCKING COFFEE GROWTH NESCAFÉ

FRESHLY GROUND, BIG BRAND, UNDER £2 NEW RESEARCH FROM NESCAFÉ CLAIMS TO HAVE UNCOVERED THE KEYS TO UNLOCKING FURTHER

O

GROWTH IN THE WELL-ESTABLISHED BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MARKET.

BY ANTONY BEGLEY

nce the darling of the coffee category, back in the days before the likes of Starbucks and Costa turned coffee on its head, Nescafé is fighting back as it aims to secure a bigger footing in the vital bean-to-cup, freshly ground market in convenience.

The coffee giant’s latest move is commissioning new research conducted by Onepoll into the freshly ground coffee market among 1,000 regular coffee drinkers. The research claims to have pinpointed the key factors in unlocking further growth for local retailers. The report found that

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 34 / WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

almost two thirds of the respondents would buy coffee-to-go if it was freshly ground, from a well-known brand and under £2 a cup.

The last point is probably the most interesting to retailers and appears to be a direct challenge to the standard price points of well over £2 a cup for the established leaders in bean-to-cup coffee in convenience. Nescafé clearly has strong brand equity among consumers and is hailing its Mini Bean to Cup Coffee unit as the machine for the job.

Charlotte Smith, Category Manager – Coffee-to-go at Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland says: “As more people shop and work locally, small business and convenience store owners have the opportunity to satisfy consumers and drive loyalty through a quality fresh bean coffee offering. Our survey shows that a trusted brand and affordable price point are important, making the Nescafé Mini Bean to Cup Coffee Machine ideally placed to help local convenience stores compete with coffee shops and tap into a new consumption occasion as local shoppers look to take coffee-to-go back to their home working spaces.”

The company has produced a guide off the back of the research, called Brewing profits locally: One cup at a time, which highlights the trend towards supporting local retailers, with 70% of consumers using them for ‘top-up’ shops and more than half (51%) citing a visit to their local convenience store as a way to support local businesses.

The guide says that quality, price and speed of service

RESEARCH

UNLOCKING COFFEE GROWTH NESCAFÉ

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE IN FULL

FASTSTATS Key findings from the Nescafé research include: Q Almost two-thirds of the respondents would buy coffee-to-go if it was freshly ground, from a well-known brand and under £2 a cup.

Q 67% of people believe the quality of the coffee is the most important factor when it comes to purchasing coffee-to-go.

Q Almost a quarter (23%) of people would consider purchasing coffee-to-go to take away

are the three most important factors for consumers when it comes to deciding to purchase coffee-to-go.

Also highlighted in the guide is the shift to frictionless convenience as well as the option to personalise choices and the opportunity to increase profits by cross-merchandising, since the majority of consumers surveyed (60%) say they would buy food-to-go alongside a coffee.

Nescafé has also recently launched a new online coffee-togo hub. The hub features more about the latest coffee market trends, advice and tips for success, plus access to a ‘click n deliver’ online ordering service as well as POS materials.

from their local independent convenience store.

Q Almost a fifth (19%) of people would buy freshly ground coffee-to-go several days a week if their local independent convenience store sold it.

Q Nearly two-fifths (37%) would purchase freshly ground coffee-to-go once a week.

Q The majority of consumers surveyed (60%) would buy food-to-go alongside a coffee.

Q 53% would buy groceries and 45% would buy confectionery with a coffee-to-go.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27

STOCK UP NOW

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK TO GET YOUR PRODUCT LISTED PLEASE CONTACT RAITKEN@55NORTH.COM

BETTER THAN GOLD

FREE BEER!

HELLO PICCADILLY

Captain Morgan is launching a

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To celebrate Coca-Cola’s

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WooHa is offering retailers

100-year association with

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Christmas, the brand is

a TV ad and “an immersive

free beer samples. The core

handing over its space on

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the iconic Piccadilly Lights

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Rich’s is launching its ‘Baked’

Cheeky P’s has launched its

Aviko has launched three new

thaw-and-serve bakery range

rebranded range of flavoured

potato SKUs: Super Crunch

in 875 One Stop stores as the

crunchy chickpeas, ahead of

Julienne Fries, Bistro Garlic

company looks to increase

a new listing with Sainsbury’s.

& Herb Wedges and Mashed

its distribution within the

Kickin’ Curry flavour rolled out

Potato. The lines allow retailers

convenience channel. The

alongside new Lip-smackin’

to add some variety and

range is launching initially with

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premiumisation to their freezer

White Chocolate Cookies and

available in wholesale.

aisle.

Triple Chocolate Cookies.

RSP: £1

RSPs: £1.39 – £1.69

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29

SUPPORTING GROCERY COLLEAGUES The GroceryAid Covid-19 Fund is designed to help colleagues who need support now and throughout the full impact of the pandemic.

Grocery colleagues have access to:

“Amid the huge challenge of Covid-19 our trade has done a great job of keeping the nation fed. GroceryAid has raised a special Covid-19 fund to help our industry colleagues at this time of need. The 24/7 Helpline will deal with concerns and assist with financial stress caused by this terrible virus.”

- Charles Wilson, GroceryAid President

Mental Health Support Offering ‘in the moment’ emotional and practical support for colleagues dealing with shock, anxiety and stress through BACP trained counsellors, our Health and Wellbeing portal and Woebot, our AI Robot App. Bereavement Financial Assistance Providing financial assistance for the loss of a loved one through Covid-19. Available to colleagues who lose a partner or the immediate family of a colleague who has passed away as a result of Covid-19 whilst working in our industry.

Crisis Grants Non-repayable grants, designed to help with financial emergencies. This is available for colleagues experiencing unexpected financial difficulties due to Covid-19 with a year’s industry service.

GroceryAid Helpline: 08088 021 122 Visit: www.groceryaid.org.uk Follow us:

CHARITY

GROCERYAID DAY 2 MARCH 2021

GROCERYAID DAY RETURNS CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

THE ANNUAL GROCERYAID DAY RETURNS NEXT YEAR AND PROVIDES THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ENTIRE LOCAL RETAILING INDUSTRY TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS OF THE

G

SERVICES THE CHARITY CAN PROVIDE.

roceryAid Day returns on Tuesday 2 March 2021, and after the year we’ve all had it’s more important than ever that your colleagues know about the support available to them.

Whilst our industry has been resilient, statistics show that over six million households are currently financially fragile, with many falling into arrears with household bills. GroceryAid is here to support your colleagues with financial support including grants and debt advice through to emotional support, counselling, relationship advice and mental health services.

Our key workers throughout the grocery industry have done an amazing job going into work during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep the nation fed. When you’re busy with work and trying to cope with new, unusual or challenging circumstances, taking care of yourself can take a back seat. It is so important colleagues know they can turn to GroceryAid for support with the 24/7 Helpline (08088 021 122).

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED Last year 116 companies took part in GroceryAid Day. This year the industry charity needs you to let colleagues know about the services and the help available. It’s simple, all they want you to do is share.

For now, GroceryAid has three asks: Q Take a look at its services. [insert link: https://www. groceryaid.org.uk/get-help/] You will be surprised at how much it offers.

Q Follow it on LinkedIn and ask your colleagues to do the same.

Q Think about how you and your team can get involved and put the date into HR, CSR and Comms diaries.

In January the charity will share its GroceryAid Day Pack with everything you need to help raise awareness.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31

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*Source: Prime database, IPSOS fiscal YTD 2020 until end of Dec 2019 **Source: Nielsen Total Coverage, Value share % MAT 21.03.2020 †Source: Nielsen Total Coverage, Value Sales MAT 21.03.2020

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA...

OUT THE BOX WEETABIX / MARS WRIGLEY

WEETABIX AND MARS CUT 177 TONNES OF PLASTIC A YEAR FOOD GIANTS WEETABIX AND MARS WRIGLEY HAVE ANNOUNCED NEW SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS IN THE LAST WEEK, SAVING AT LEAST 177 TONNES OF PLASTIC PACKAGING A YEAR.

on Alpen Light bars save 24 tonnes of plastic per year, and removing 28% of plastic in its Weetabix wrappers saves 102 tonnes of plastic per year. The company is also on track to reduce the carbon footprint of its packaging by 20% in the next year. Earlier this year, the company also redesigned its Weetabix On The Go bottles to make them 100% recyclable and moved to a clear PET bottle made from 30% recycled plastic with scope to bring that up to 50% or higher in the future.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

WHAT IS WEETABIX SAYING?

The war on plastic ratchets up a notch or two.

Both Weetabix Food Company and Mars Wrigley unveiled new sustainability reports in the last week with their combined commitments to reducing their reliance on plastic packaging set to see a saving of around 177 tonnes of plastic a year, with further improvements expected in the future.

John Petre, Supply Chain and Technical Director, who leads the Weetabix Sustainability Steering Group said: “We’ve made great progress in the past year through challenging times. We’re committed to supporting our local community, our people and our customers, whether that’s sourcing all the wheat for Weetabix original from within a 50 mile radius of our factory in Burton Latimer or reducing the impact of our packaging and our carbon footprint.”

THAT’S A LOT OF PLASTIC...

AND MARS WRIGLEY?

To put it in some sort of context, Mars Wrigley helpfully points out that the 51 tonnes of plastic it will save a year by reducing the packaging on its pouch range by an average of 10% is the equivalent of taking 90 lorry loads off the road a year.

Nick Reade, Sales Director and Interim General Manager, Mars Wrigley UK, said: “As well as cutting back our plastic use, it means for some brands we can fit more packs into the boxes we ship, increasing our efficiency.

“Reducing our plastic use for some of our most popular items is our latest step in our ‘Sustainable in a Generation’ plan where we’re working towards a healthier planet and towards our goal of developing packaging that is 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable.”

HOW SO?

AND WEETABIX? Weetabix has reduced its plastic use by 6% in the last year, with 92% of its packaging now fully recyclable. Smaller wrappers

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 33

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BEFORE YOU GO...

RETAIL RANDOMS

KY REBRAND RUBS US UP THE WRONG WAY Marketers have got a lot to answer for, they really have. How else could you explain the bizarre decision by KY Jelly to rebrand its upstanding and iconic product with a new name that had to have been created by a marketer. Or, more likely, a committee of marketers – or whatever the collective noun is for marketers. Only a marketer would come up with one of those annoying modern brand names that sticks capital letters in the wrong place or replaces Cs with Ks for no apparent reason.

‘You don’t happen to have a wee skoosh of Kynect handy, do you?’ just doesn’t carry the same sense of excitement and foreboding, does it?

Your mother isn’t even going to raise an eyebrow at finding a tube of Kynect in the pocket of your jeans.

Thornton & Ross, the company that makes the brand, says the new name will “communicate intimacy and connection”. But let’s be frank here.

Nothing communicates intimacy and connection quite like the letters “KY”.

You hear a prospective partner utter the letters ‘KY’ and you know intimacy and connection are in the offing.

Most CEOs (the male ones at any rate) would give their left testicle for a brand that’s become a generic name for the category. What’s next? Is Hoover going to change its name to KleanZer?

Will Sellotape become Konnected?

(And if they do, remember you read it here first.)

HEADS UP FOR 2021...

We’ve seen the future – and it’s not looking good. As if it wasn’t bad enough trying to serve customers who insist on leaving their infernal Apple AirPods in, even when standing at the till and looking blankly at the cashier, an email dropped into our inbox this morning that gave us a terrifying insight into what 2021 is set to bring.

No doubt destined to be The Next Big Thing, Apple AirPods Max look like they should just about entirely ensure that the wearer won’t be able to hear a bloody word the cashier is saying, even when it’s important. “You haven’t given me enough money,” for instance, or “No, we don’t sell KY Jelly any more... but we do have Kynect.”

You have been warned.

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 34 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 35

500ml

EwW N e l b a l i a no av big can

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