SLR April 2020 by 55 North

B awarrand eness

76%

of Scots like Lees Snowballs APRIL 2020 | ISSUE 204

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. .. n e e b r e v e n s a h s s e n e r a w a d Leesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bran

Scotland loves Lees 01236 441 600

sales@leesofscotland.co.uk

*Source: JLral. Post TV Campaign Evaluation- Sept 2019 **Refers to Scots who viewed the 2019 TV ad

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More than meets the eye!

B awarrand eness Our delicious snowballs and teacakes have been family favourites for almost 90 years. Following last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TV campaign, awareness is at its highest level ever, with 76% of Scots surveyed saying they liked Lees Snowballs and 44% buying Lees products every month. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a better time to stock up.

Scotland loves Lees

76%

of Scots like Lees Snowballs *

01236 441 600

sales@leesofscotland.co.uk *Source: JLral. Post TV Campaign Evaluation- Sept 2019 **Refers to Scots who viewed the 2019 TV ad

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STEPHEN MCGOWAN

Legal boss offers Covid-19 advice

APRIL 2020 | ISSUE 204

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LUCINDA BRUCEGARDYNE The woman with the Genius idea

SHINING IN ADVERSITY The local retailing sector’s response to Covid-19 has been both uplifting and remarkable

WIN WITH GIN Stand out with Scottish gins

FIND A FASCIA What’s your best option?

HEALTH MATTERS Healthier options dominate soft drinks

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S IE EN TR OP EN W NO

SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2020

The Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards

A unique new celebration of the very best food and drink available in all Scottish retail outlets with a single vision: to get more of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding food and drink onto more Scottish shelves.

MEDIA PARTNERS

SPONSORS

PARTNERS

Edinburgh, October 2020 www.scottishretailfoodanddrinkawards.com

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April 2020

Contents

Contents ISSUE 204

NEWS p6 p7 p8 p10 p11 p18 p20 p22

Crime SGF boss Pete Cheema urges MSPs to support the proposed Protection of Workers Bill. Deposit Return Scheme Regulations unveiled as start date is pushed back to 2022. Appointments SWA appoints John Farrell as Member Development and Liaison Officer. Awards Bestway celebrates its top performers at glittering London bash. News Extra Coronavirus Government unveils £2.2bn package to keep businesses afloat during outbreak. Product News Rustlers rustles up some new pack designs while Irn-Bru Xtra gets two new flavours. Off-Trade News Captain Morgan launches new Tiki variant and Blossom Hill unveils an RTD can. Newstrade Ferhan Ashiq becomes the NFRN’s youngest ever Scottish district president.

INSIDE BUSINESS p24 Research Digest New study suggests as many as one in four shoppers are now stockpiling staple goods. p26 The Big Interview Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne is the woman with the Genius idea. p29 SLR Rewards Find out who’s made the shortlist for the most Rewarding awards in convenience retail. p30 Local Heroes – Gin Support your local economy and local jobs by stocking a range of Scottish gins. p34 Hotlines A selection of the latest new products that suppliers would like you to stock. p62 Under The Counter The curmudgeon-in-chief is amazed at the lengths some retailers will go to drive up margins. FEATURES p36 Fascias Is now the time to seek the sanctuary of a symbol group? p45 Epos The world of Epos provision has undergone huge change in the last year or two. p48 Tobacco The forthcoming Menthol Ban in May is only the latest in a long line of major hurdles for retailers. p56 Soft Drinks The Covid-19 crisis is likely to encourage even more shoppers to opt for healthier choices.

ON THE COVER p14 Covid-19 The coronavirus pandemic has seen the local retailing sector rise to meet the challenge.

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News CRIME SGF boss tells Holyrood committee: “We’ve had enough!”

Contactless limit to rise The contactless limit for in-store card transactions is to increase from £30 to £45 in response to the coronavirus epidemic. The new limit – which will reduce the need for physical contact with PIN-entry devices – will be operational at some UK stores from 1 April but may take some time before it can be applied everywhere. To put the speed of the roll-out into context, the last contactless limit increase to £30 took two years to implement.

Amazon offers cashierless store tech to other retailers Amazon is offering the technology that powers its Amazon Go till-free stores to other retailers. The online giant stressed that this wasn’t a chance for retailers to open an Amazon Go branch but simply an opportunity to use the same technology. The first c-store

MSPs urged to support shopworkers against abuse SGF’s Chief Executive Pete Cheema has given evidence (3 March) to the Scottish Parliament on the proposed Protection of Workers Bill. The legislation is a member’s Bill proposed by Daniel Johnson MSP and seeks to give shop workers similar protection from assault and abuse as emergency workers now have. The Bill also proposes a new aggravated offence in relation to a shop worker carrying out a mandatory duty such as age verification or refusal of sale. In a powerful statement drawing on personal experience of over 30 years in retail, Cheema said the crucial long-term impact of racial equality legislation had been to successfully change the attitudes of both the police and the public towards hate crime and that the

Protection of Workers Bill would have the same long-term impact on retail crime. Urging MSPs to throw their full support behind the Bill, Cheema said: “We’ve had enough. I’ve been spat at! I’ve been called names! I’ve been threatened! I’ve been attacked! You legislate and we have to enforce that legislation in our stores and deal with the consequences. Now you

need to help create a safer retail environment.” The Bill is being scrutinised by the Economy and Fair Work Committee. The Committee also took evidence from The Law Society of Scotland; Police Scotland; Scottish Retail Consortium; The Scottish Beer and Pub Association; Co-operative Group; GMB; and Usdaw. Usdaw Scottish Divisional Officer Stewart Forrest commented: “It was disappointing to hear the Law Society of Scotland and Police Scotland repeatedly say that they don’t have the necessary statistics to understand where the system is letting down shopworkers.” Prior to the lockdown, the Committee was due to make its recommendations to Parliament in May.

in Scotland to give it a whirl is almost certain to win an SLR ThinkSmart innovation award.

Retailers and academics discuss sector’s future The inaugural Retail Futures Lecture was hosted by Stirling Management School’s Institute for Retail Studies on 3 March. The event, presciently titled ‘Armageddon or Reinvention?’, saw BRC boss Helen Dickinson explore the challenges and opportunities currently facing retailers. A panel that included SGF President-elect Dan Brown then answered questions from the audience.

LRS launches c-store sustainability project Lucozade Ribena Suntory has partnered with Energy Saving Trust to help convenience retailers discover how they can become more sustainable. The project sees Amit Patel’s 900sq ft store in Derbyshire undergo several sustainability-focused changes to build up a clear and understandable picture of how small shops can start their own

SYMBOL GROUPS New group helps boost colleague confidence

EPOS

Women in Nisa: new networking group launches

Booker EPoS link available with PayPoint One Pro

A networking group for women working at Nisa Retail has been launched to help raise awareness, improve the working environment and boost colleague confidence. Women in Nisa, known as WIN, was officially launched at the end of last year with an event hosted by Co-op food CEO Jo Whitfield at the company head office in Scunthorpe. Now, with almost 90 colleagues signed up to the network, including both men and women, the group aims to ensure gender issues are acknowledged within the business where women are under-represented at a senior level, as is the case across the sector as a whole. A string of events took place last month to offer networking opportunities and learning to colleagues with March being

particularly significant as it also the month of International Women’s Day – celebrated globally on Sunday 8 March. Lynne Hodson, National Account Manager at Nisa, and one of those involved in launching WIN, said: “A group of colleagues had been involved in events hosted by the Women in Wholesale organisation and were inspired by what was on offer in terms of networking opportunities, coaching and mentoring as well as simply raising awareness of equality for women in the workplace. “Launching WIN for our Nisa colleagues seemed a natural step for us to take and it has been really welcomed across the business. To date, the events we have hosted have been well received, attended by both men and women and have started lots of very interesting conversations around gender equality and why it’s important to build an inclusive culture at Nisa.”

After a successful national trial with over 50 participating retailers, PayPoint has announced that an EPoS link is now available to PayPoint One Pro retailers who are members of Premier, Family Shopper and Shop Locally. Retailers will benefit from daily price updates, monthly consumer promotions, the ability to place orders through the PayPoint One mobile app and receive electronic delivery notes to update stock. Lewis Alcraft, PayPoint’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “We’re delighted that Premier, Family Shopper and Shop Locally retailers are now able to benefit from an EPoS link which will help them run a more efficient business.” To find out more call 01707 537 014 or visit paypoint.one.

sustainability journey. KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SLRMAG

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News DRS Coronavirus delays implementation by over a year

Regulations for Deposit Return Scheme unveiled as start date is postponed

DRIVING IN-STORE SUSTAINABILITY We’ve teamed up with The Energy Saving Trust to make changes in Amit Patel’s 900sq ft. store in Sandiacre, Derbyshire. We’re going to share how and why we introduced the changes, and what impact they have over the next year.

STORE PROFILE RETAILER Amit Patel

STORE NAME Premier Town Street, Sandiacre

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BUSIEST TIME 5.30-7am, with passing tradesmen and drivers buying soft drinks and breakfast goods

It can be difficult to know where to start with sustainability. Which is why we are sharing with you how taking small steps and making small changes can yield big results, and how becoming more sustainable is good for business – saving money, increasing sales and enhancing your store’s reputation.

Rosanna Cunningham The regulations for the introduction of Scotland’s deposit return scheme have been published. A start date of 1 July 2022 for the scheme was also announced, a considerable push back from the April 2021 date that was originally mooted. Applications for stores to be excluded from the scheme can be made from 1 January 2021. This “will afford retailers sufficient time to seek any exemptions prior to the scheme becoming fully operational”, the regulations state. Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Rosanna Cunningham said that extending the “go live” date of the scheme will “give businesses more time to prepare their premises for the scheme and crucially, provides flexibility in the immediate term as the whole country prepares to deal with Covid-19 – the impact of which continues to be closely monitored”. SWA boss Colin Smith agreed that the postponement would give retailers more time to prepare but expressed disappointment that

STORE SIZE 900sq ft

CREATE A SUSTAINABILITY TEMPLATE

the Scottish Government had chosen this week to unveil the DRS regulations. “Our members and their customers are working around the clock to cope with the challenges presented by the most serious health and economic crisis since the Second World War,” he said. “At this critical time, when retailers and hospitality businesses are facing considerable uncertainty over the future viability of their businesses and trying to do their best for their customers and staff, it seems strange the Scottish Government would choose now to publish the regulations.” Family Shopper Blantyre retailer Mo Razzaq and NFRN’s national executive committee member welcomed the news. Mo said: “This is the latest stage in a process that the NFRN has been working toward for the last three years, including as members of the Scottish Government’s Implementation Advisory Group. “As the details of the scheme are finalised, the NFRN will continue to work to ensure that the scheme works for all retailers.”

The team recently met with Amit to look at key areas in his store that might benefit from some tweaks and changes, and to create a template for retailers looking to start their own sustainability journey.

WHAT ARE YOUR ENERGY DRAINS?

Walk your store from door-to-door and look from floor to ceiling. What are your big energy drains, and what can you improve? Look at your windows and doors – do you have double glazing; do they let heat out? When was your lighting last improved? Lighting isn’t just great for making your store look better – newer LEDs can reduce energy bills instantly. Could you add occupancy sensors or daylight sensors to reduce use?

REDUCE YOUR CHILLER ENERGY USE

Are your chillers and freezers the newest available? You might be surprised at how much energy older models use compared to other newer ones. Think about how you can moderate energy loss if you can’t yet fully replace the units. Can you add night blinds to keep energy in? What TV screens do you use for monitoring customer behaviour? There are 32” screens that use only 31W, which can bring down your costs significantly.

A YEAR OF SUSTAINABILITY

These are only the tip of the iceberg. Over the next 12 months we’re going to help Amit make some simple, affordable changes in his store, and prove how a focus on sustainability is good for business. Look out for our regular columns in this magazine and follow our updates on @LRSuntory. Hopefully they will inspire you to walk your own store and start your own sustainability journey. #GoodForBusiness #GrowingForGood

TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH AMIT’S JOURNEY, FOLLOW @LRSUNTORY ON TWITTER

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News APPOINTMENTS Former Landmark man Farrell to strengthen relationships between members and suppliers

Post Ofﬁce delays Horizon Shortfall Scheme The Post Office has postponed a scheme to independently investigate claims from postmasters who think its faulty Horizon IT software caused a shortfall in their branch. The PO said its immediate focus was to prioritise support for postmasters through the coronavirus crisis. The scheme should now open on 1 May. The Post Office previously agreed to pay out £58m to settle the issue.

GroceryAid Ball breaks fundraising record Colleagues from more than 160 companies from throughout the industry attended the GroceryAid Ball on 5 March 2020, raising over £712,000 – a record amount for the event. The funds will provide support for thousands of colleagues in need.

SWA appoints Member Development and Liaison Ofﬁcer A former Unitas Wholesale Business Development Manager has joined the Scottish Wholesale Association

(SWA) as Member Development and Liaison Officer. John Farrell , previously Retail Operations Manager (north) for Landmark before the merger of that group and Today’s to form Unitas Wholesale, is tasked with strengthening relationships with members and member suppliers, encouraging greater engagement and involvement with the work and activities of the SWA. In addition, he will be responsible for recruitment, and work with suppliers and other partners on joint business and strategy development opportunities within the SWA. Colin Smith, SWA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to have secured an industry professional of the calibre of John Farrell to help

strengthen our trade association for the benefit of members and the wider wholesale industry. “John brings with him a wealth of experience and contacts in the industry which will prove invaluable to the SWA as we navigate the many challenges – and opportunities – that we face in the future.” Farrell, who has also previously worked for Londis, commented: “Wholesale is an exciting industry and SWA members operate some of the most innovative businesses in the sector in the UK. “The SWA is ideally placed to help harness that innovation through collaboration, training and using its position as a robust and vocal trade association to raise the profile of the industry as a great place to work.”

Circumstances permitting, next year’s GroceryAid Ball will take

LEGISLATION Bill could limit tobacco sales to specialist stores

AWARDS

place on the 4 March 2021.

Dutch move to ban tobacco sales in c-stores and supermarkets

Costcutter wins at Foodbuy Supplier Awards

Mondelez pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions Mondelez has renewed its commitment to reduce its environmental impact by joining the Science Based Targets initiative and setting greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in line with keeping global warming well below 2° C. Already on track to reduce emissions by 15% by the end of 2020, this expanded commitment will result in a further 10% cut in emissions.

Yobs destroy delivery vans Mindless idiots burnt out two Iceland vans during disturbances in Bristol (23 March). Iceland boss Richard Walker said: “At a time when home delivery is literally a lifeline for some vulnerable people, this is sickening.”

If you think trying to keep a convenience store profitable is hard here, then spare a thought for your counterparts in the Netherlands: the Dutch House of Representatives has passed a bill (2 March) that aims to restrict sales of tobacco products to adults-only specialist stores that sell nothing else. The bill now moves to the Dutch Senate. If passed, the law would give other retailers until the end of 2022 to eliminate tobacco sales voluntarily, after which it will become mandatory. The Netherlands is a party to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and was due to host the biannual FCTC Conference of the Parties in November; the upcoming host country often passes strong antitobacco legislation in the run-up to the event. If the bill becomes law, the Netherlands will have among the strongest tobacco retail laws in the world. To date, only Bhutan has banned tobacco sales altogether. Two Californian cities – Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach – have passed laws phasing out tobacco sales by 1 January 2021. Closer to home, the Scottish Government aims to create a tobacco-free generation by 2034.

Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) is celebrating being named Overall Supplier of the Year at the Foodbuy Awards 2020. The award recognises the support CSG provides as wholesale supplier to 135 Compass Group convenience stores at military, healthcare, education and business sites. Over the past two and a half years, the number of stores CSG supplies has quadrupled. Last year likefor-like sales across the stores were up 12%, with many seeing a 40% sales bump. Ian Murphy, Managing Director, Foodbuy said: “We place enormous value in our partnership with Costcutter Supermarkets Group and their support over the last year makes them a truly deserved winner of this award. They have continually innovated their offer, most recently including the rollout of 80 self-service checkouts and a new loyalty app and wallet. A real focus and understanding of customers, combined with great account management, has been a recipe for success. Many congratulations to the entire team!”

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SLRMAG

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News AWARDS Trio of Scots among the winners at glittering bash

Nisa retailers warm to improved frozen range Sales of frozen goods in Nisa stores are up 3% year-on-year according to the symbol group, which puts the growth in part down to the addition of Co-op own label and branded products. In October last year Nisa retailers were given access to more than 70 additional frozen lines as the remainder of Co-op’s frozen category was released – including branded and own label.

Nickels gets seat on Henderson board Northern Ireland-based EPoS provider Henderson Technology has formally appointed Darren Nickels to the role of Retail Technology Operations Director. Ron Whitten, CFO of Henderson Group, said: “We anticipate this appointment will support our efforts in building further on the success and growth of our customer base across the UK and beyond.”

Bestway celebrates its top performers Bestway Wholesale announced the 16 winners of its performance awards at a ceremony in London’s Marriot Grosvenor Square hotel on 12 March. The event was attended by people from across the wholesale industry including suppliers, media and colleagues from the Bestway and Batleys depots and head office locations Taking home the award for ‘Head office colleague of the year’ was Senior Finance Manager Charlotte John, who has worked for Bestway for 25 years and was described as an “excellent people manager”. The annual Depot of the Year award was split into ‘Hub depot of the year’ and ‘Collect depot of the year’. Glenn Underwood, Operations Manager for Batleys Southampton and Robbie Reid, General Manager for Bestway Team Valley picked up the respective awards. The ‘Depot Manager of the Year’ accolade was awarded to Parvez Choudhary of Tottenham depot, who is said to have “focused on people development and exemplary store standards, resulting in a strong financial performance”. Depot awards winners included Aftab Mohammed, Operations Manager Sher, Chris Cox, Delivery Team Leader Darwen, Gaurav Brahmbhatt, Operations Manager Croydon, Sajja Amer, Operations Manager Oldbury and Selwyn Bruton, Delivery Driver Swansea. Prizes were also awarded to Unsung Hero Nadeem Azam, Operations Manager of Birmingham depot, and

to the sales team members Kevin McLelland, best-one Business Development Manager Scotland, Rob Walne, Catering Sales Manager Birmingham and Kevin Watts, Customer Sales Representative for Bestway Vans Direct in Barking. John Hepburn of best-one Scotland also received a runner up prize for Retail Salesperson of the Year. Three suppliers who partner with the Bestway Performance Awards scheme to receive quarterly feedback from Bestway’s depots, were awarded for their improvement, innovation and as overall winner. Recipients of these awards were Budweiser, Mondelez and Coca-Cola European Partners. All winners were presented with a certificate and trophy on stage and employee winners will receive a one-off bonus in recognition of their commitment and hard work.

Illegal tobacco is damaging your local community, funding organised crime and undermining local businesses We all have a role to play to combat the issue. Don’t be complicit in the illicit trade

Anyone with information about this type of crime should contact Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.jtiadvance.co.uk/DontBeComplicit

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Coronavirus

News Extra

NewsExtra TIME FOR A FRESH FASCIA? – P36 CORONAVIRUS Government unveils £2.2bn business aid package while grocery industry rises to the challenge

Convenience adapts to life with the coronavirus As Britain shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the entire grocery supply chain from producers to c-stores moved quickly to cope with ‘the new normal’ while the Government launched a raft of measures to support businesses. The first hint of just how abnormal ‘the new normal’ is came when Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop unveiled a £2.2bn package of measures to keep businesses aﬂoat during the Covid-19 pandemic. This included a full year’s 100% non-domestic rates relief for retailers; £10,000 grants for small businesses in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief; £25,000 grants for retail properties with a rateable value between £18,000 and £51,000; and 1.6% relief for all properties, effectively freezing the poundage rate for this financial year. Addressing the Scottish Parliament, Hyslop said: “This will have severe economic consequences and we are treating it as an economic emergency, triggered by the enormity of the health emergency.” The Scottish Grocers’ Federation welcomed the support measures but urged the Scottish Government to avoid placing any additional compliance or legislative burden on local retailers. Primary legislation to restrict food promotions is scheduled to be launched later this year, as are new food-to-go labelling requirements. Mandatory age restriction of energy drinks could also be implemented in 2020. Federation boss Pete Cheema said: “Even in the best-case scenario Covid-19 will have a major impact on convenience stores and it will take considerable time for business to return to normal. Retailers simply cannot be expected to deal with the additional burden of new legislation and compliance. SGF also asked the UK government to urgently consider the suspension of the ban on sales of menthol cigarettes. Scottish Enterprise set up a helpline which provides businesses with advice and guidance on Covid-19. The helpline is open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.30pm on 0300 303 0660. The convenience and wider grocery industries were quick to react to changing circumstances, with c-stores filling the breach as supermarket shelves were cleared by panic buyers. The NFRN launched a ‘Shop Local, Shop Little’ poster campaign which newspaper publishers got www.slrmag.co.uk

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behind, with adverts appearing in several tabloids. The British Frozen Food Federation set up a ‘dating’ service to match food manufacturers that specialise in supplying the hospitality sector and have seen trade fall off a cliff, with grocery retailers – who are experiencing a huge surge in demand. Several drinks producers, including Diageo and AB InBev, donated alcohol to be used to make hand sanitiser. The ongoing crisis thrust home delivery firmly into the spotlight and the Association of Convenience Stores published invaluable guidance for retailers who would like to offer the service. Links to this and other useful information can be found on slrmag.co.uk. Snappy Shopper offered free delivery to all customers over the age of 60 – a move backed by all its partner retailers. It also distributed hygiene packs to support its delivery drivers and customers. The home delivery app has seen a 115% uplift in platform sales and a 62% uplift in customer transactions since the Prime Minister’s initial measures were announced. Furthermore, all national newspapers are now offering between six to 12 weeks free home delivery, paid for by the publisher and News Media Association boss David Newell thanked retailers “for all you are doing for the country at this difficult time”. Several stores responded to calls for everyone to stay two metres apart by using warning tape to create grids on their ﬂoors, while a growing number – including Harris Aslam’s Greens chain – installed plastic screens between cashiers and customers. Edinburgh retailer Abdul Qadar had a novel solution to social distancing, using a wall made of cases of Irn Bru to double the depth of his counter. Meanwhile Unitas Wholesale Managing Director Darren Goldney called on Westminster to recognise the essential role played by wholesalers as a vital link in food distribution. While respecting that “everyone is asking for help” Goldney said the wholesale sector needs “clarity and prioritisation” from government with a special focus and additional support.

Convenience Matters with the SGF No one is in any doubt that we are currently in an unprecedented emergency which is on the verge of becoming an unprecedented national crisis. SGF is taking forward its leadership role and working with government at all levels to ensure retailers get the support they need. This at a time when the retail industry was already facing major challenges. Much of the attention has been on the big supermarkets, which have seen panic buying and empty shelves. In the midst of all of this it’s remarkable that convenience stores have continued to ensure that customers have access to essential groceries. But ensuring this availability has undoubtedly helped to avoid any real shortages of food and ensure that panic has not become truly widespread. Needless to say, c-stores have continued to provide the vital services communities rely on such as ATMs, post offices and bill payment services. Some retailers have responded with impactful initiatives such as testing kits and delivery services focused on vulnerable customers. So far, the government response has been welcome, with relief for business rates and grants to deal with business-critical challenges such as cashflow. We have also asked the Scottish government to delay any legislation scheduled for implementation in 2020 which will impact on retail. But amidst all the frenzy convenience stores are continuing to do what they do every day – supporting communities and treating customers as important people with individual needs. The wholesale and convenience sectors have a key role to play in dealing with this crisis. The message is shop local, stay healthy, stay safe.

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Comment

LET’S HOPE THERE’S AN UPSIDE TO COVID-19 As I write this (from home, obviously) the world as we know it seems to have collapsed. It’s astonishing, and very worrying, how quickly society has disintegrated. It’s also astonishing how quickly the retail supply chain has succumbed. All it’s taken is a matter of weeks to go from business as usual to distressingly empty shelves, panic buying and mass confusion. Coronavirus, it appears, is here to teach us all a few lessons about the fragility of a world that we all assumed was entirely robust. But, as with all natural disasters, there are some amazingly uplifting things going on among the general chaos. Desperately challenging times may bring out the worst in some but it seems to bring out the best in many. The local retailing sector in Scotland has without any shadow of a doubt covered itself in selfless, passionate and remarkable glory over the last few weeks. Not only have local retailers across Scotland been working every creative angle imaginable to keep their customers in staple goods, they’ve also just been there for shoppers that need them, particularly the most vulnerable elements of the local community. We’ve evidently gone from being unworthy, low-grade ‘unskilled workers’ to becoming ‘key workers’ discussed in the same breath as NHS staff in a matter of weeks. Isn’t it funny how major disasters help focus us on what really matters and what’s really important? And this may be the positive upside to the havoc wreaked by coronavirus. When all of this is over and done with and some semblance of normal life resumes, I have the strong feeling that we will all emerge from this as changed human beings, and for the better. The importance of deep human emotions like compassion and understanding and selflessness are having their moment in the sun, and not before time. The last two or three decades have been dominated by acquisition, wealth, greed and selfishness. Maybe Covid-19 is here to teach us all something. The question is, are we all prepared to learn? And will what we learn stick with us in the longer term? It’s my personal hope that this pandemic will leave a positive legacy long into the future. And as for convenience stores, shoppers have learned recently that their local retailer actually does care about them and sees them as more than just another sales opportunity. Local retailers have always been there for their customers of course but, to a certain extent, familiarity breeds contempt. Our sector often gets taken for granted – and not just by consumers. Witness the praise heaped on ‘supermarkets’ by the mainstream media and the government in recent weeks. Do they even know we exist? So let’s all hope that consumers finally realise the true value of the local retailing sector – and decide to support smaller local stores permanently. Let’s help each other through this. Stay safe.

EDITORIAL Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley 0141 222 5380 | abegley@55north.com Web Editor Findlay Stein 0141 222 5389 | fstein@55north.com Editorial Contributor Karen Peattie

ADVERTISING Advertising Manager Robert Aitken 0141 222 5302 | raitken@55north.com

DESIGN Design & Digital Manager Richard Chaudhry 0141 222 5388 | rchaudhry@55north.com

EVENTS Events & Operations Manager Kirsty McDowall 0141 222 5383 | kmcdowall@55north.com

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Scottish Local Retailer is distributed free to qualifying readers. For a registration card, call 0141 222 5381. Other readers can obtain copies by annual subscription at £50 (UK), £62 (Europe airmail), £99 (Worldwide airmail). 55 North Ltd, Waterloo Chambers, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6AY Tel: 0141 22 22 100 Fax: 0141 22 22 177 Website: www.55north.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/slrmag DISCLAIMER The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of 55 North Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endevoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. Scottish Local Retailer is produced monthly by 55 North Ltd.

ANTONY BEGLEY, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

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Cover Story

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Coronavirus

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Coronavirus

Cover Story

LOCAL RETAILERS, TAKE A BOW!

The coronavirus pandemic has seen the local retailing sector rise to meet the challenge with a passion, commitment and creativity that demonstrates more clearly than ever why this sector is so critically important to the Scottish economy, and to every community across the country. BY ANTONY BEGLEY

here to begin when trying to capture the last few weeks in Scotland? A society and economy we had all believed was staunchly robust and prepared for any eventualities has instead been shown to be painfully fragile with life as we know it coming to a grinding halt in a matter of weeks. Coronavirus has revealed a few home truths for us all and has helped many of us realise what really matters to us, what’s really important. And while crises like this can bring out the worst in some, they can also bring out the very best in many – and nowhere is that more evident than in the local retailing sector. Convenience stores have always been at the heart of the communities they serve, often taken for granted, but never failing in their efforts to keep local communities fed and watered, as well as just being there for shoppers from dawn till dusk, seven days a week. As the supermarkets have all but collapsed with mass out of stocks and huge supply chain and staffing issues, local retailers have found a way to keep their stores stocked, particularly with the everyday staples that most shoppers rely on. More than that, they’ve gone out of their way to accommodate the

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specific needs of their shopper base, offering to do home deliveries to elderly shoppers, going to great lengths to get specific items for shoppers and generally pulling out all the stops and working round the clock for their customers. There’s no other way of putting it: local retailers, you are awesome! We can only hope that when the dust settles on Covid-19 and something resembling normal life returns, shoppers will remember who was good to them when the chips were down, who bent over backwards to get them what they needed, and who truly had their interests as heart, as they always have and always will. Perhaps this catastrophe will result in something positive. Perhaps this pandemic will force us all to hit the reset button and take a fresh look at our priorities in life. Perhaps coronavirus will leave a lasting, positive legacy with tighter-knit communities, a little more compassion and a lot more respect for the local retailers that were there for us all when we, as consumers, really needed them. In the meantime, it seems appropriate to highlight just a few of the remarkable actions, deeds and words of some the outstanding retailers that make this sector so very special. APRIL 2020 | SLR

27/03/2020 17:31:54

Cover Story

Coronavirus

HOUSE OF COMMONS PRAISES LOCAL RETAILERS While supermarkets have been getting all the praise in recent weeks, Joanna Cherry QC MP has ensured that independent retailers have also received formal recognition for their outstanding response to coronavirus. The House of Commons has published an Early Day motion tabled by Cherry, with cross-party support, praising the work of convenience store owners and their staff during the current Covid-19 outbreak. MP for Edinburgh South West, Cherry said: “Shopworkers across Scotland have really stepped up during the Covid-19 outbreak in supermarkets and small shops across the country. However, in many ways, it has been our corner shops who have kept Scotland going. Convenience store owners are pillars of their communities and we have heard many heart-warming stories about how they are going above and beyond to support their local customers. “Corner shops have fantastic relationships with their customers and instinctively lookout for them. In my constituency of Edinburgh South West, Dennis and Linda Williams at Premier Broadway in Oxgangs have been doing really amazing work supporting folk with home deliveries of groceries and home-cooked meals and making multiple round trips to ensure vulnerable folk who have to isolate can still top up gas and electricity meters.” Pete Cheema, CEO of the Scottish Grocers Federation, added: “We are delighted that Joanna has tabled this motion and shown such tremendous support for our industry. At a time of national emergency convenience stores – backed up by our key wholesalers - are ensuring the supply of essential groceries and helping to reduce the impact of panic buying. Convenience stores are providing vital services such as ATMs, deliveries, bill payment facilities and Post Offices. They are treating customers as important people with individual needs and giving our communities the resilience they need to pull through these testing times.” EARLY DAY MOTION IN FULL: That this House recognises the hard work and dedication of convenience store owners and their staff during the covid-19 health crisis; recognises the vital role that those store owners and staff play in their local communities in ensuring the supply of food and essential household items; notes that such shops develop important relationships with their customers and help look after people in their communities; and commends the many shops that have been quick to respond to the crisis by helping their older and vulnerable customers by providing essential items and volunteering to deliver shopping to customers in high-risk groups and to people who are self-isolating.

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Coronavirus

Cover Story

CONVENIENCE RETAILERS ARE ‘KEY WORKERS IN BATTLE WITH COVID-19’ The current Coronavirus pandemic is creating fresh challenges daily, with the Government being forced to act quickly on a wide range of issues. The legal implications of how the retail sector responds to these challenges are not always clear, which is why we have asked specialist retail solicitors TLT to offer their most up to date advice on a number of key issues. BY TLT SOLICITORS

s the world gets to grips with an alternate normality, everyone appreciates the vital role that the retail trade is playing in making sure we all have access to what we need. Pragmatism is key as “needs must”. Here are our top tips for doing right by your communities whilst keeping your business within the law.

the day book and invoice order updated. If you are delivering because a household is self-isolating physical verification of ID at the door step will not be possible. Have processes in place to mitigate the risk such as having copy ID sent in advance matching the payment information. If in doubt, please seek specialist advice about due diligence options and risks that may arise.

ELDERLY AND VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS Q You can create exclusive shopping early morning for speciﬁc customers to access grocery and household goods but remember you cannot sell alcohol outwith licensed hours (normally 10am – 10pm). Q If they do have a requirement to buy alcohol then arrange for them to call and place an order for delivery. Take payment during licensed hours and then deliver the alcohol to their home address.

OPENING LATE FOR SHIFT WORKERS AND NHS STAFF

HOME DELIVERIES WHICH INCLUDE ALCOHOL In the present climate we can dispense with concerns around whether this needs to be specifically noted on your premises licence but you must still comply with certain rules:

Q You must keep delivery records (see below) on the premises and within the delivery vehicle Q No deliveries before 6am or after 12 midnight Q All orders payments must be processed during licensed hours (usually 10am to 10pm, but check your licence) Q Challenge 25 must be applied when delivering alcohol

There are set record keeping requirements, namely:

Q The quantity, description and price of alcohol Q The name and address of the person to whom it is being delivered

Delivering the alcohol to an address other than as per the order form is an offence, so it cannot be left with a neighbour and any re-direction would require www.slrmag.co.uk

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As above alcohol cannot be sold before or after licensed hours. Any food retailing etc between 11pm and 5am is subject to having a Late Hours Catering Licence. Should you need to respond to a local demand please speak to your existing lawyer or – if you don’t have one – TLT, about getting an exemption from the Council.

MERCHANDISING HIGH DEMAND ITEMS Everyday essentials are a priority and whilst usually only alcohol and soft drinks can be displayed in the alcohol display area we have approached a number of licensing boards and LSOs who confirm that no action will be taken if you reduce you alcohol displays to accommodate other high demand items.

PREMISES MANAGER AND/ OR STAFF ARE SELF-ISOLATING. Firstly, don’t worry about having to do a Designated Premises Manager (DPM) change application if the manager is off for 14 days. If you need additional staff short term remember they need two hours of alcohol training before they can sell alcohol. To forego staff training, advertise for hospitality staff (let go by bars etc.) who have a personal licence or evidence of their two hours’ training. If that fails, rota untrained staff to do merchandising whilst trained staff serve.

We are grateful to TLT Solicitors for producing this advice at short notice. Particular thanks must go to Stephen McGowan, Niall Hassard, Michael McDougall and Caroline Loudon for the speciﬁc advice detailed above. APRIL 2020 | SLR

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News

Products

JTI expands distribution of Nordic Spirit with Sainsbury’s listing

ProductNews

The market for nicotine pouches looks set to grow, with news that Sainsbury’s will stock JTI’s Nordic Spirit range.Nicotine pouches – which don’t contain tobacco – provide a convenient and discreet alternative to cigarettes and e-cigs that can be used in situations where smoking or vaping isn’t possible. Nordic Spirit is currently available in two flavours (Mint and Bergamot Wildberry) and two strengths (6mg and 9mg). A can of 20 pouches RSP’s at £6.50.

Pepsi acquires Rockstar PepsiCo is to buy Rockstar Energy for $3.85bn, as the soft drinks and snacking giant looks to cash in on rising demand for so-called functional beverages. Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo

BIG CHANGES IN THE EPOS WORLD – P45 SOFT DRINKS Public chooses two extra Xtra variants

Tropical and Ice Cream top Irn-Bru’s ﬂavour poll Soft drinks fans have voted for ‘Tropical’ and ‘Ice Cream’ to become two new limitededition Irn-Bru Xtra ﬂavours this summer. Almost 13,000 votes were cast in a Facebook public vote, with Tropical and Ice Cream declared winners. Both will now go into production and the new drinks will be available in Scotland from mid-May. Irn-Bru’s Facebook followers were urged to get behind their

favourite ﬂavour and 5,300 chose Tropical while 4,000 opted for Ice Cream, meaning Candy Floss (2,400 votes) and Marshmallow (1,000 votes) didn’t make the cut. Adrian Troy, Head of Marketing at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “We’re

always looking to give shoppers something Xtra and we can’t wait for these two new phenomenal ﬂavours to hit shop shelves.” The two limited editions will be available in 500ml (RSP 99p) and 1.5-ltr (RSP £1.29) bottles.

Chairman and CEO, said: “This highly strategic acquisition will

FROZEN Fresh look for Steamfresh

enable us to leverage PepsiCo’s

SNACKS

capabilities to both accelerate

Golden Wonder gives away takeaways

Rockstar’s performance and unlock our ability to expand in the category with existing brands such as Mountain Dew.” PepsiCo has had a distribution agreement with Rockstar in North America since 2009; its energy portfolio includes Mountain Dew’s Kickstart, GameFuel and AMP.

Highland Spring takes top bottled water spot Highland Spring has overtaken Evian as Britain’s number one plain bottled water brand, with a 17.3% category share. In

Golden Wonder’s latest on-pack promotion, ‘The Great Golden Wonder Takeaway Giveaway’, rolls out across over 25 million packs of crisps and snacks from 1 April to 31 July. It gives consumers the chance to win up to a year’s worth (£780) of free takeaways courtesy of Deliveroo, with one winner picked every day during the promotional period. The promo will feature on the best-selling packs from the Golden Wonder Crisps, Ringos, Transform A Snack and Saucers product ranges. It is supported across TV, cinema, online and social media. Matt Smith, Marketing Director at Golden Wonder, said: “Our customers absolutely loved our 2019 ‘I Wonder’ on-pack promotion. This year’s campaign is going to be even bigger and better! “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Deliveroo to present this fantastic prize offer, in what is their first on-pack partnership with a snack brand.”

Birds Eye revamps Steamfresh Birds Eye has given its Steamfresh range a makeover. The more distinctive look aims to attract new shoppers to the range, with contemporary styling helping to aid visibility in store. It applies to all vegetable and rice products in the range and is available now. It comes when the Steamfresh range is worth £29.5m while the frozen vegetable category is currently worth £398.8m.

addition, the brand’s 12.3% value growth year-on-year made Highland Spring the biggest contributor to the growth of the total soft drinks category in 2019. The brand put its success down to a sustained marketing investment, with its £1m Remarkabubble campaign, and a distribution partnership with Lucozade Ribena Suntory. KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SLRMAG

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Products

News

GROCERY

Tilda continues ﬁght against malnutrition FOOD-TO-GO Kepak bigs-up its burger brand

Rustlers rustles up new pack designs Kepak has unveiled a new look for its Rustlers brand, as part of a wider strategy to broaden the appeal

of the micro-snack among consumers. Rolling out from 6 April, the new packs will feature ‘ﬂame grilled’ and ‘100% British and Irish beef’ messaging to highlight Rustlers’ quality, provenance and genuine ﬂamegrilling process. The packaging change is backed by a marketing campaign that looks to “create excitement and a social buzz around the new look, while elevating the quality perceptions of Rustlers products”.

Kepak is providing free Rustlers branded POS kits (available via kepaktrade.co.uk) and has sunk £500,000 into a dedicated field sales team to support the convenience and wholesale channels during the transition. Adrian Lawlor, Marketing and Business Development Director at Kepak, commented: “Clear tiering of the range, a new design and protein led colour coding, will make the category easier and quicker to shop for today’s time pressed consumers, while offering obvious trade up options.”

SOFT DRINKS Rebrand targets the kids

Pepsi livens up Max Pepsi Max has given its Cherry, Raspberry and Ginger ﬂavours a packaging redesign in a bid to drive purchase intent and sales among younger consumers. The new packs are back on TV to drive awareness. The rebrand is also supported digitally and with in-store support. The Pepsi recycling message is also included on the caps of Pepsi Max Raspberry, and on the back of packs for the remaining ﬂavours, to ensure sustainability is at the front of shoppers’ minds. The new look sits at the heart of a convenience-only promotion, with 330ml cans at 2 for £1 and 500ml bottles at 2 for £1.70.

BREAKFAST

Weetabix unveils boxer as brand ambassador Weetabix has joined forces with Luke Campbell, the British professional lightweight boxer and former Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal winner. Campbell will lead the Weetabix Protein Youth Challenge, a new initiative to encourage children aged 7-14 years to be more active. The new activity is part of a wider campaign linked to Weetabix Protein’s partnership with Virgin Sport, to bring people of all ages and abilities together through movement. Further plans include influencer partnerships, social media advertising and in-store promotions. Anna Cheatley, Brand Manager for Weetabix Protein, said: “It’s fantastic to have such a well-respected athlete and dad like Luke on board as an ambassador to help us encourage more families to take part and get active.”

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Rice brand Tilda and the United Nations World Food Programme have brought back the ‘Helping Mums Together’ campaign for a sixth year, this time partnering with TV chef, author and sustainability champion Cyrus Todiwala. Every specially marked Tilda Pure Basmati Rice pack funds an equivalent of one nutrition-boosting meal for new and expectant mothers in Bangladesh to help them stay healthy and fight malnutrition. The meals come in the form of a Super Cereal for mothers and Super Cereal Plus for children, which are vitamin- and mineral-enriched porridges that help provide vital nourishment. Jonathan Calland, Head of External Affairs, at Tilda commented: “We understand the vital role that nutrition plays in proper cognitive and physical development, especially in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. For the past five years, we have helped provide the equivalent of almost six million nutritionboosting meals to expectant and nursing mothers and young children who are most vulnerable to malnutrition.” By providing vital nutritional support, the campaign works to tackle the life-altering effects of malnutrition. Each month, the World Food Programme provides specialised meals to more than 225,000 women and children in the refugee camps in the Bangladeshi city of Cox’s Bazar. The special packs of Tilda Pure Basmati Rice and Tilda Basmati Rice pouches are available now. For further information visit Tilda.com or call 01708 717777.

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News

Off-Trade

Discovery is calling for Asahi Japanese beer Asahi Super Dry has unveiled a new marketing campaign, ‘Discovery is

Off-TradeNews

Calling’. Kicking off in May, and expected to reach over 70% of target consumers, a 30-second video will appear across video-on-demand, out-of-home, digital and social platforms. The ad showcases Asahi Super Dry as “a beer

MAKE THE MOST OF THE MENTHOL BAN – P48 BEER Football might be on hold but the Liverpool boss is still smiling

Klopp teams up with Erdinger

brewed out of curiosity, for the curious, from a place that peaks audience curiosity”. Later in the year, Asahi Super Dry will also run on-pack promotions, giving consumers the chance to win a trip to Tokyo. The brand is also driving trial throughout 2020 with numerous pop-up sampling opportunities in major UK cities, including Glasgow (31 March – 5 April) and Edinburgh (29 September – 4 October). Titled ‘Karakuchi Nights’, the activity will reach an estimated 3.4 million target consumers. Asahi UK boss Tim Clay said: “Both Premium and World Beer categories continue to go from strength to strength and Asahi Super Dry is perfectly positioned to capitalise on these ongoing trends. The brand is growing at a phenomenal rate.”

RTDs

TWE puts Blossom Hill Gin Fizz in cans Treasury Wine Estates has launched an RTD can format for its Blossom Hill Gin Fizz sub-brand into the UK market. Blossom Hill Gin Fizz first launched into the UK last summer and has achieved over £2.5m in value sales in its first nine months of trading. The sparkling blend of crisp wine, botanical infused water, and a dash of gin is available in two flavours – Lemon & Rosemary, and Rhubarb at 8.5% ABV. The 200ml cans (ABV 8.5%) are available now with an RSP of £2.50. Ben Blake, Head of Marketing for Europe at Treasury Wine Estates, said: “The Gin Fizz concept was originally created as a response to the increasing consumer demand for new and exciting products in the wine space. “The new can means we can reach new consumers who don’t necessarily shop down in the wine aisle and we hope this will help to drive trial of the larger 750ml format.”

Bavarian brewery Erdinger Weissbräu has signed Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp as its new brand ambassador. “Together, we plan to launch a number of Erdinger campaigns in 2020 which will be fun for football fans and beer lovers as well as for those who don’t currently have a particular affiliation with either”, said the brewery’s owner Werner Brombach. Brombach’s plans for 2020 include an extensive campaign for Erdinger Weissbier, with TV commercials, a multimedia content hub, a high reach out-of-home campaign and print advertising which will support off-trade stockists to maximise their sales potential. Jürgen Klopp commented: “When we first got to know each other, I quickly realised that Erdinger’s owner Werner Brombach was an inspirational guy. We had an instant understanding and shared many of the same views on respecting and motivating those around us. We have a passion for quality and hard work, encouraging talent and singlemindedly pursuing our objectives whilst recognising the importance of a balanced lifestyle and enjoyment of our surroundings. Our mindset is positive and very similar, and I think we’re going to have a lot of fun working together here in the UK.” For stocking information please contact Marston’s on 01902 329 141.

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Off-Trade

News

Keep alcohol out of sport, say health groups Alcohol Focus Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems are calling for curbs on sponsorship of

SPIRIT DRINKS Diageo brand capitalises on surge in demand for lighter coloured mixers

Captain Morgan taps into lemonade trend

professional sport by alcohol

Diageo’s rum brand Captain Morgan has launched new Captain Morgan Tiki (25% ABV). A tropical rum-based spirit drink with pineapple and mango ﬂavours, it is available now in a 70cl bottle (RSP £16.50) that features a striking Tikistyle embossed design that oozes onshelf standout. The launch will be supported by a £1.5m marketing spend. Captain Morgan Tiki hopes to

is high frequency of alcohol

capitalise on the growing trend for lighter coloured mixers, such as lemonade, which has seen a 27% increase in growth over the last two years. Nick Payman, Head of Captain Morgan Europe, commented, “We know our customers are looking to experiment and try different spirit taste combinations. Captain Morgan Tiki offers something completely new to consumers.”

companies following new research into the extent, nature and frequency of the practice. The study says that where alcohol companies sponsor clubs and tournaments there references, and advertising is sophisticated and integrated into the club identity. Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “The current system of self-regulation is no regulation. It is failing to protect people. The Scottish Government needs to act.” Responding, Portman Group Chief Executive John Timothy said: “The Portman Group has

RTDs The power of pink is plain to see

Global launches pink drink with attitude RTD brand Hooch has launched new ﬂavour Pink Hooch, an alcoholic raspberry lemonade that still delivers the brand’s signature citrus kick. Pink Hooch (ABV 4%) is available in 275ml bottles, 440ml cans and 70cl bottles in both pricemarked and plain formats. A launch campaign titled #notprettyinpink focuses on the drink being “pink with attitude” and includes Youtube and other digital advertising, as well as social media and inﬂuencer work which is expected to reach over 20 million consumers. The launch has proved popular on social media: a Facebook post from Sahota Superstores near Wolverhampton shouting about stock has received over 26,000 comments to date. Closer to home, several Scottish stores have also seen a rise in Facebook traffic with similar posts.

The Pink variant joins Hooch Lemon Brew and its tropical counterpart Hoola Hooch – a blend of passion fruit and mango with hints of pineapple – in the brand’s line-up. Distributed by Global Brands, Pink Hooch has secured listings in Bestway, G101, JW Filshill, Nisa, UWG, UWS and others. Hooch Brand Controller Christian Sarginson said: “In the drinks industry the power of pink is plain to see, with pink RTS drinks growing 357% year-on-year in the UK off-trade. For more information call 01246 216000, email info@globalbrands.co.uk or visit globalbrands.co.uk. “Through the launch of an alcoholic raspberry lemonade with attitude such as Pink Hooch ... we are injecting into the market a bold, ﬂavour packed and degendered take on the trend.”

made extensive efforts over the years on sponsorship and just six years ago we worked with the Scottish Government and industry to create a Code of Practice. It is working.”

Hardys kicks-off new marketing campaign Accolade Wines has launched ‘Certainty in an Uncertain World’, a new six-month £2m campaign that champions its Hardys brand through in-store activity, digital advertising, social media and PR. Hardys has also unveiled a packaging update which is being rolled out across the range including Hardys VR, Hardys Crest and Hardys Stamp, and looks to herald the brand’s premium credentials.

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News

Newstrade

Daily Star prints coronavirus ‘toilet roll’ The Daily Star has invited a

News& Magazines

wave of predictable wisecracks following its decision to offer what it called a “cunning solution” to the toilet roll shortage issue. The daily included ‘cut-out’ loo roll within the newspaper last month. You might say the Daily Star has gone loo-ny in its pursuit of giving readers more than just bog standard news. The sheets of cut-out paper surrounded its coverage of coronavirus issues. Hailing itself as “number one for number twos”, the paper simply told readers it was following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s advice by proving a novel solution to the toilet roll crisis. It also suggested that the move was a response to retailers who had been attempting to cash in on the shortage by hiking prices, stating that the paper “always has your back (side)”.

SORT YOUR SOFT DRINKS OFFER – P56 TRADE ASSOCIATIONS New NFRN man unveils plans for Scotland

Ferhan Ashiq becomes NFRN’s youngest-ever Scottish President Prestonpans Day-Today retailer Ferhan Ashiq hopes to be “a champion” for members. Prestonpans Day-Today retailer Ferhan Ashiq has been elected as the NFRN’s Scottish district President. Multi award-winning East Lothian Day-Today retailer Ferhan was nominated by his fellow NFRN members as the Scottish district’s President during the recent Scottish annual general conference. The meeting took place last month in Glasgow and Ferhan takes over from Hussan Lal. The NFRN assigns a President to each of its districts every year. The President is responsible for chairing all district meetings and for the conduct of its district membership. District Presidents must also act as the senior member representatives in district negotiations. Ferhan said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to be given the opportunity to be the NFRN’s Scottish district President. I would like to give

thanks to all of the members that put my name forward and voted for me. “Throughout the next year, I plan to help our independent retailers in their diversification journey by helping them to find new ways to do business and survive within these extraordinarily tough times. “I hope to be a champion for our members that have had to deal with discriminatory practices from suppliers and wholesalers.” Ferhan also aims to fight against government red tape, and to “bring light to the below minimum wage pay that our service providers expect of us”.

AWARDS

SLR Newstrade Retailer of the Year catches up with Lewis Capaldi Proving once again that the SLR Rewards are the most rewarding awards in the industry, Aberdeenshire Premier retailer Ian Smith and his wife watched Scottish pop superstar Lewis Capaldi at the SSE Hydro last month from the comfort of News Scotland’s VIP box as part of his Reward for being named SLR Newstrade Retailer of the Year. The Turriff retailer told SLR: “We had an absolutely fabulous time and we couldn’t have been better looked after. The VIP box was superb and we had the best view in the house. I have to say too that Lewis Capaldi put on a great show. We thoroughly enjoyed it and thanks once again to both SLR and News Scotland.”

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Inside Business

Research Digest

RETAIL CRIME, AS WELL AS ITS COST, ROCKETS The British Retail Consortium has published its latest annual Retail Crime Survey which reveals the number of violent or abusive incidents – as well as the cost of crime to businesses – continues to rise. According to the survey, there were 424 incidents of violence or abuse each day, up 9%, with spending on crime prevention increasing to £1.2bn. The cost to retailers from crime has now reached a staggering £1bn, which includes over £770m from customer theft. Commenting on the findings, Scottish Retail Consortium Director David Lonsdale said: “Incidents of abuse or violence towards retail employees is a growing problem, often triggered by shopworkers delivering what the State increasingly asks of them: enforcing an expanding range of age-restriction policies, refusing to serve intoxicated customers, or dealing with shop thieves. This abuse and violence is utterly deplorable. These are not victimless crimes, they can have a huge impact on the skilled, passionate and determined individuals who make our industry such a vibrant place to work, and comes despite record spending by retailers on crime prevention. That’s why here in Scotland we are urging MSPs to respond positively and get behind Daniel Johnson MSP’s Protection of Shopworkers Bill, to bring sentencing law into line with the reality on the ground.”

A ‘quarter of shoppers’ stockpiling

The coronavirus situation is changing on a daily basis but very recent research suggests as many as a quarter of shoppers are stockpiling, making a difficult situation even worse.

hile there have been various estimates as to the scale of shopper stockpiling amid the coronoavirus pandemic, research from mid-March from a retail economics firm has found that a quarter (25%) of consumers are stockpiling goods and almost three quarters (72%) of shoppers are facing shortages of retail products. The research was conducted on 15 March 2020 for Squire Patton Boggs among 2,000 nationally representative households with consumers admitting to stockpiling staples such as tinned food, dry goods and frozen foods, as well as essentials including toilet roll, paracetamol and hand wash. The proportion stockpiling was up from just one in 10 consumers only two weeks before. The survey also found that some 15% of consumers simply cannot afford to stockpile

despite having fears of shortages. Consumers are also focusing on essentials and holding back on discretionary goods. Shoppers cited clothing, leisure and travel-related expenditure as the key areas they are looking to cut back on. Online is anticipated to benefit as more people stay at home, with two thirds (64%) of consumers saying that they would buy more products online in the future to avoid physical destinations. And in the future, those intending to avoid shopping locations could double to 49%. Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics, said “The industry was already under intense pressure before the breakout and it appears unavoidable that many retailers will be pushed to breaking point. The government has acted swiftly and decisively to try and ensure the wounds inﬂicted on the industry do not scar it indefinitely. Only time will tell if they have gone far enough.”

Forecourts ‘set to outperform convenience’

orecourt convenience will outperform the total convenience retail market in 2020, according to the HIM & MCA Insight UK Forecourt Market Report 2020. Sales within forecourt convenience stores are set to grow by 3.8% to £2.9bn in 2020, says the report. This represents both an outperformance vs. total forecourt retail sales, which are set to grow 1.2% in 2020, as well as being ahead of the 3.2% growth forecast for the overall convenience retail market. The report highlights that retail sales from forecourt shops (excluding fuel) are set to reach £4.6bn in 2020 and forecourt convenience stores are set to make up over three-fifths of this. Despite a modest overall decline in forecourt outlets (-0.2% vs. 2019), the number of forecourt outlets with a convenience store is forecast to grow by +1.5% in 2020, with

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multiples and symbol groups taking on an increasing number of c-stores on forecourts. The evolution of shopper behaviour has forced forecourt retailers and operators to invest in their stores in order to make their sites a destination for shoppers and not just a petrol station. Only 19% of forecourt shoppers cite fuel as their main reason for visiting and nearly a quarter (24%) of shoppers who visit a forecourt convenience store travel on foot rather than in a vehicle. Around 67% of forecourt dealers have listed increased food-to-go sales as one of the top three changes they had experienced in their business in the last 12 months. Polled before the coronavirus wreaked havoc, forecourt dealers highlighted uncertainty about the future of alternative fuels; rising staff costs; and staff retention as the three biggest challenges that their businesses are currently facing. www.slrmag.co.uk

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Inside Business

The Big Interview | Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne

THE WOMAN WITH THE GENIUS IDEA

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Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne | The Big Interview

Inside Business

As part of our campaign to encourage Scotland’s convenience retailers to stock more local products, we catch up with Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, the woman who started out baking gluten-free bread in her kitchen in Edinburgh and went on to create a global brand.

cotland is blessed with one of the most impressive natural larders on earth and is also renowned for producing creative, inventive and entrepreneurial people who have the both the imagination and the drive to bring new products to market and turn them into commercial successes. There are countless small producers across Scotland giving their all to build new brands and create new products and nowhere is this more evident than in the food and drink marketplace. Building a new product or brand from scratch is a daunting task with the odds very much stacked against you, but thankfully that isn’t putting off the next generation of small Scottish producers. And for that, Scotland’s local retailers should be very grateful. One woman who faced what looked like insurmountable odds was Lucinda BruceGardyne, the woman who created Genius Foods, now the UK’s leading gluten-free bread brand. Lucinda, a judge at the new Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards supported by SLR, faced every challenge in the book but demonstrated a resilience and a commitment that is an inspiration to all. After graduating with a Physiology degree, Lucinda had spent her entire career working with food. After training at Leiths School of Food and Wine and the Michelin-starred Bibendum Restaurant, she ran a successful catering company before returning to Leiths to teach. There, she co-authored the award winning Leiths Techniques Bible, focusing on the functionality of mainstream ingredients and cooking techniques. It was while working on a second recipe book, however, that Lucinda stumbled across one particular challenge that would change the course of her life. “My sons were diagnosed with a severe dairy allergy and gluten intolerance so I began working on a book called ‘How to Cook for Food Allergies’, developing recipes that replaced ingredients

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that frequently cause allergies.” she explains. “As a scientist and chef and author, I had a lot of experience with producing recipes so I it was a fairly straightforward task for me, with one notable exception: a gluten-free bread. It was the one recipe that I just couldn’t get right.” At the heart of this challenge is the fact that, broadly speaking, bread is composed of 50% wheat and 50% water. “If you remove the wheat, you’re left with a glass of water,” laughs Lucinda. “So I started experimenting in my kitchen at home with gluten-free ﬂours that I would buy in my local health food shops in Edinburgh. I tried blending them in all sorts of combinations, sometimes with as few as one or two and sometimes with up to 14 different ﬂours. It’s a really tricky challenge.” So tricky was it, in fact, that it took Lucinda around two gruelling years of trial and error – and using her sons as taste testers! – before she found a recipe that really and truly worked just as she wanted it to. It’s worth noting that this all occurred from around 2005 and gluten-free bread certainly wasn’t ‘a thing’ back then. You couldn’t just walk into Tesco and buy a gluten-free loaf. But all that was about to change. “After all that work, I knew that I had created a product that filled a gap in the market and I decided to take my idea to the next level,” she explains. “So I went to the largest glutenfree baker in the UK – who happened to be just along the road in Bathgate, and we then spent another year getting the product right at commercial-scale production levels. It’s one thing to bake a brilliant gluten-free loaf in your kitchen but it’s an entirely different thing to bake them in 200kg batches.” All the work eventually paid off, however, and Lucinda was finally able to take her product to market. One of her first visits was to Tesco. “They absolutely jumped at it,” recalls Lucinda. “And in no time we were supplying APRIL 2020 | SLR

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Inside Business

The Big Interview | Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne

700 Tesco stores across the UK! Scaling up that quickly was a massive challenge as we had never anticipated getting such a big order so soon – but we managed it!” And the rest, as they say, is history. Genius is now the UK’s biggest gluten-free bread brand and also sells its innovative products globally. Lucinda sits on the Genius Board and continues to pioneer mainstream, tasty gluten-free products. So, as someone who has been there and done that and bought the t-shirt, what advice does she offer to small food and drink producers keen to follow in her pioneering footsteps? “Firstly, you have be 100% sure that you have identified a genuine gap in the market,” she advises. “If you’re going to dedicate huge amounts of your time and energy to developing a product, you have to be absolutely sure people will want to buy it.” Secondly, Lucinda encourages small producers to get as many people as possible to try your product and give you feedback. “The more people that try your product and the more feedback you get the better,” she says. “And listen to them when they give you 28

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comments. Listen carefully. It’s one of the most effective ways of working out whether people will actually buy your product or not.” Also, be very careful with your creation. She comments: “If you’ve got a brilliant new product, keep it to yourself. Don’t be tempted to share the idea with anyone before you’ve got it finished and on the market. If you have to go to a manufacturer or retailer at some point, only give them the minimum of information on how your product is made. Give them the finished blend, not the ingredients list and recipe. Protect your creation as much as you possibly can – and don’t undervalue the time and energy and passion you’ve put into your new product.” Finally, give your product the ‘wow’ factor. Lucinda concludes: “You’ve put so much into it that it’s important you give your product the best possible chance of success by giving it a real ‘wow’ factor in whatever way you can. That will help you secure listings and sales.” Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne is a judge at the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards 2020, a unique new celebration of the very best Scottish food and drink. www.slrmag.co.uk

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SLR REWARDS 2020: THE FINALISTS The shortlist for this year’s SLR Rewards has been announced with some outstanding retailers and stores from across Scotland in the running to be crowned at the most rewarding event in the retail awards calendar.

he paper judging for the SLR Rewards 2020 was completed just in time for us to compile the shortlist for this year’s event before the current coronavirus began to overtake the lives of everyone in Scotland. With hundreds of entries to analyse and assess, the judging panel did a fantastic job of building shortlists in every category, decisions that often required every bit of experience, skill and retail expertise they could draw on. But the list was finally complete and highlighted below are the outstanding retailers and stores in the running for the SLR Rewards 2020, the most rewarding event in the UK retail awards calendar.

Beer, Cider, Wines & Spirits Retailer of the Year Q Premier Dundee University Q Premier Smeaton Stores, Kirkcaldy Q Spar Havannah Street, Glasgow Biscuits Retailer of the Year Q Eurogarages Spar Duncansfield Q Best-one Redding Supermarket Q Spar Dalrymple Confectionery Retailer of the Year Q David’s Kitchen Falkirk Q Eurogarages Spar Hamilton Q Londis Solo Convenience Store, Baillieston Q Spar Leuchars Crisps & Snacks Retailer of the Year Q David’s Kitchen Falkirk Q Eurogarages Spar Lomondgate Q Spar Camelon Food to Go Retailer of the Year Q Brysons Londis, Prestwick Q David’s Kitchen Falkirk Q Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, Musselburgh Q Spar Havannah Street, Glasgow

COVID-19 UPDATE

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Forecourt Retailer of the Year Q Brysons Londis, Prestwick Q Jet Nisa Ardeer, Stevenston Q Premier Racetrack Autoport Services, Glasgow Fresh, Chilled & Frozen Retailer of the Year Q Premier Dundee University Q Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, Musselburgh Q Spar Renfrew Newstrade Retailer of the Year Q Joes, Loanhead Q JR McKinnes, Dalry Q Premier Turriff

THE FINALISTS

In light of the current coronavirus pandemic, the on-the-road judging for this year’s SLR Rewards has been postponed. We consulted all shortlisted retailers before making the decision and received unanimous support that this was the right decision to make. We will continue to monitor the situation closely – alongside advice given by the UK and Scottish governments – and will communicate any developments with regards to the Rewards as they occur.

Soft Drinks Retailer of the Year Q Day-Today Barassie Q Eurogarages Spar West Highway, Clydebank Q News 24, Glasgow Q Spar Boswell Park, Ayr

Vaping Retailer of the Year Q Premier Racetrack Autoport Services, Glasgow Q Spar Havannah Street, Glasgow Q Wazs, Broxburn Community Involvement Retailer of the Year Q Day-Today Bourtreehill Q Londis Solo Convenience Store, Baillieston Q Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store, Musselburgh New Store of the Year Q David’s Kitchen Kirkcaldy Q Spar Freuchie Q Spar Havannah Street, Glasgow

Best Refit of the Year Q Highclere Food Store, Inverurie Q Premier Racetrack Autoport Services, Glasgow Q Nisa Bellshill Q Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store. Musselburgh Responsible Retailer of the Year Q Family Shopper Blantyre Q Londis Solo Convenience Store, Baillieston Q Premier Racetrack Autoport Services, Glasgow Scottish Brands Q Eurogarages Lomondgate Q Greens of Ellon Q Nisa Pinkie Farm Convenience Store. Musselburgh Sustainability Q Greens of Ellon Q Highclere Food Store, Inverurie Q Premier Dundee University Q Premier Watson’s Grocer, Moniaive Team of the Year Q Best-one Whitburn Post Office Q Day-Today Lochside Q Premier Smeaton Stores, Kirkcaldy ThinkSmart Innovation Award BP Mearnskirk Day-Today Redburn Road, Prestonpans Premier Racetrack Autoport Services, Glasgow

APRIL 2020 | SLR

27/03/2020 17:32:35

Inside Business

Local Heroes Campaign | Gin

EVERYONE WINS WITH SCOTTISH GINS! It’s never been more important to support your local economy and local jobs while also meeting the needs of shoppers. One fantastic way of achieving both of these goals is by stocking a range of Scottish gins. BY ANTONY BEGLEY

here are many lessons to be learned from the ongoing coronavirus situation and one clear learning is just how fragile our economy is and, in particular, how fragile small, remote economies can be. It seems likely that the we will all emerge from this episode changed as human beings, and hopefully for the better. The need for shoppers and retailers to play a far more active and conscious role in supporting their local economy has been thrown into sharp focus over the last few weeks. This only serves to demonstrate once more the vital importance of local, regional and national sourcing, particularly from small producers who rely on a steady ﬂow of sales simply to stay alive and continue producing the outstanding Scottish food and drink products that have rightly made Scotland famous. Of course, Scotland is known globally as the home of whisky and, indeed, whisky remains the jewel in Scotland’s drinks crown. But the category that has been making most waves in the last couple of years is gin. Scotland’s gin boom has seen the juniper-based spirit become Scotland’s second favourite tipple. At last count there were around 186 distilleries across the country, all the way from tiny independents making hand-crafted delicacies up to global distilling giants keen to get involved in the hottest drinks category in town. And somewhat astonishingly, Scotland produces around 70% of all UK gin sales! In fact, three of the world’s top-selling gins – Gordon’s, Hendrick’s

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and Tanqueray – are produced in Scotland. Perhaps less astonishingly, gin sales in the UK have hit an all-time high. In 2019 the total UK gin market, including domestic and export, was worth a whopping £3.2bn. In other words, consumers love their gin – and there’s no sign of that fading anytime soon. With such a diverse array of producers creating ever more innovative and striking gins in Scotland, this offers local retailers the chance to really get

hold of the gin category and perhaps even aim to be ‘famous for gin’ in their local area. Why not use gin as another way to become a destination store by stocking a good range of interesting, high quality gins? By buying Scottish gins you will be helping small, often rural economies across Scotland, you’ll be minimising food miles and you’ll be giving the great Scottish public what it so clearly wants. And if all that sounds like something you might fancy getting on board with, we’ve sourced a few Scottish gins that you might to consider.

www.slrmag.co.uk

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Gin | Local Heroes Campaign

STIRLING GIN

SHETLAND REEL GIN

Stirling Gin is a familyorientated business that brings something unique to the world of gin. Originally made in a 2.4 litre still in the family kitchen, the gin is now produced in Stirling’s first (legal) distillery. Six beautiful botanicals are poured into every bottle, the most unusual being Stirlingshire nettles.

The Shetland Distillery Company produces awardwinning gins (as well as a blended malt Scotch whisky) on the UK’s northernmost island, Unst, Shetland. The gins use key local botanicals such as bladderwrack seaweed and applemint to give a unique Shetland twist which reflects its northerly location.

STIRLINGGIN.CO.UK

CROFTERS TEARS GIN / CAITHNESS HIGHLAND GIN Ice & Fire Distillery was born of a family of Highland crofters who produce, distil and bottle artisan craft gins on their croft. Made from purple heather flowers in Crofters Tears and Salmonberries in Caithness Highland Gin, these are truly a taste of the Highlands.

ICEANDFIREDISTILLERY.COM

Colin and Jessica McLean Something Blue to commemorate their wedding in June of 2018. Touted as the ‘World’s First Wedding Gin’, Something Blue pairs the makers’ two favourite botanicals – tonka beans and buchu leaves – to create a gin truly like no other.

NÀDAR GIN

The Teasmith Spirit Company is dedicated to producing award-winning, exceptional Scottish gin distilled with handpicked tea leaves. The company sources the finest and rarest speciality tea and distils it with carefully selected botanicals that complement and match the unique flavours that the tea provides.

Arbikie Gin’s revolutionary climate positive gin is called Nàdar – Gaelic for ‘Nature’. Made in Arbroath, Nàdar Gin harnesses the power of nature and science to create this world first spirit. With a carbon footprint of -1.54 kg CO2e per 700ml bottle, Nàdar Gin is at the forefront of fighting climate change and biodiversity loss.

TEASMITHGIN.COM

GUNSHOT GIN

DROVERS GIN

Multi-award-winning Gunshot Gin came from the hills and it’s the same colour as bullets and gives you an inner glow, apparently! A full-strength sipping gin from Glamis, it’s infused with cinnamon, cloves, mixed spices and honey. Gunshot is great on the rocks, in your hipflask or with ginger ale.

The Wee Farm Distillery in Climpy produces Drovers Gin on their artisan farm. Wild ingredients that would be found near drovers’ trails – such as heather and thistles – give Drovers Gin an authentic Scottish taste. At 45% abv, Drovers is a smooth, crisp gin that can be enjoyed with the best Scotch beef.

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SHETLANDREEL.COM

MCLEAN’S GIN SOMETHING BLUE

THE TEASMITH

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Inside Business

GINBOTHY.CO.UK

FACEBOOK.COM/MCLEANSGIN

ARBIKIE.COM

THEWEEFARMDISTILLERY.CO.UK

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Inside Business

Local Heroes Campaign | Gin

ELLIS GINS

HILLS & HARBOUR GIN

Ellis is a premium range of coloured subtly flavoured small batch Scottish gins distilled in Glasgow. Handcrafted with love, Ellis is a delight to all senses. The company aims to bring fun to gin with two gins that change colour and a pink gin which shimmers – whilst still remaining authentic fullstrength gins.

Galloway is the home of Crafty Distillery and, surrounded by forests and unspoilt coastlines, is the perfect larder for the distillery’s ingredients. Noble fir needles and bladderwrack seaweed are distilled with their own spirit along with nine other botanicals to create the smooth and vibrant Hill & Harbour Gin.

ELLISGIN.COM

1881 GIN

CAIRNGORM GIN

Made in the Scottish Borders at Peebles Hydro using water from their very own natural spring water supply in the hills behind, 1881 gins offer a range of products including London Dry, Pink, Navy and a Subtly Smoked.

Experience the spirit of the Scottish Highlands in a bottle: small batch, handcrafted premium distilled Cairngorm Gin. Distilled in one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes by Jack Smith, Scotland’s youngest distiller, in batches of no more than 70 bottles.

PEEBLESHYDRO.CO.UK/1881-GIN

THE COLLECTOR

LUNAN GIN

The Collector is Stewart Brewing’s first gin and was inspired by plant hunter George Forrest, who over 28 years led seven expeditions to Yunnan, China, to discover and collect new plants. This gin pays homage to Forrest’s legacy combining seven locally grown botanicals with two of Forrest’s own discoveries.

Launched by MasterChef finalist Dean Banks, Lunun Gin is a premium Scottish gin with an Asian twist. Influenced by Dean’s travels and expertise in fusion cooking, Lunan is distilled in Arbroath and uses six botanicals including kaffir lime leaf, kombu kelp, Sichuan pepper, ginger, lemongrass and sea buckthorn.

STEWARTBREWING.CO.UK

BIGGAR GIN

SUTORS GIN

Biggar Gin is a family business based in rural South Lanarkshire. Their small batch gin has a ‘Biggar Mentality’, combining tradition and innovation. They produce an award-winning London Dry Gin and a Clyde Valley Plum Recipe as well as a new navy strength gin.

A wholly Scottish Gin produced by the Highlands’ newest grain to glass distillery, Sutors Gin is crafted from hand malted local barley and wheat. Deliciously smooth, the gin is distilled through five foraged botanicals including juniper. Sutors is clearly the Highlands. Distilled.

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BIGGARGIN.COM

CRAFTYDISTILLERY.COM

CAIRNGORMGIN.COM

LUNUNGIN.COM

SUTORSGIN.COM

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Gin | Local Heroes Campaign

THE GAEL SIGNATURE SCOTTISH GIN Inspired by the iconic Scottish fiddle tune, The Gael is five times distilled. Created from malted barley for a pure taste and premium quality using traditional botanicals and a hint of Scottish heather, its smooth creaminess from the malted barley makes it a perfect sipping gin over ice.

Inside Business

GOODWILL GIN

THEGAEL.CO.UK

Produced in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 100% community-owned, fully sustainable distillery, GoodWill Gin is a Highland premium craft gin made from nine botanicals, including exotic fruits and locally picked Hawthorn berries. The carefully measured juniper content yields a smooth taste that remains full-bodied.

GINSIGNIA

CROSSBILLDRY GIN

Luxuriously smooth, Ginsignia is a navy strength gin (57% abv) distilled using 14 selected botanicals. Initial floral notes from the rose and hibiscus petals give way to sweet citrus from the lemon verbena. This leads to soft warming notes of angelica and tonka bean, complemented with a vibrant dry finish of juniper.

A refined yet bold multi-awardwinning gin, bursting with the freshness of the Scottish Highlands, Crossbill contains only two botanicals: wild fresh Scottish juniper and rosehip, harvested by hand then slowly macerated in Glasgow before being distilled. Crossbill is a true celebration of dry gin tradition.

SOLWAYSPIRITS.CO.UK

GLENWYVIS.COM

CROSSBILLGIN.COM

KINTYRE GIN Voted Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second favourite gin for the second year running, Kintyre Gin has provenance and sustainability at its heart. Produced by Beinn an Tuirc Distillers using renewable energy, Kintyre Gin is a beautifully blended spirit reflecting its unique coastal, pasture and woodland location in the heart of Kintyre.

SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2020

The Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards 2020

KINTYREGIN.COM

A UNIQUE NEW CELEBRATION OF THE VERY BEST FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE IN SCOTTISH RETAIL OUTLETS

SLR is proud to be the trade media partner of the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards, a unique new celebration of the very best Scottish food and drink available in retail outlets across Scotland. The aim of the Awards is to get more fantastic Scottish food and drink products onto more shelves in Scotland. Visit scottishretailfoodanddrinkawards.com.

www.slrmag.co.uk

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17/01/2020 14:34:16

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Hotlines

Product News & Media Watch

belVita Soft Bakes Blueberry single serve Mondelez The healthier biscuit brand’s new launch targets on-the-go shoppers. It is available now in cases of 20 x 50g (RSP 60p). The launch is supported as part of a wider marketing campaign. Shelf strips are available to order from Mondelez via deliciousdisplay.co.uk. For further enquiries, telephone Mondelez on 0870 600 0699 or email retailer. services@mdlz.com.

Soreen Chocolate & Orange Mini Loaves Samworth Brothers The malt loaf brand’s latest limitededition is available from now until the Easter weekend from Booker, Nisa and CJ Lang in cases of eight multipacks of 5 x individually wrapped 30g bars. The RSP is £1. Each mini loaf contains 98 calories and is a good source of fibre. For more information, retailers can visit soreen.com, call 0161 874 4100 or email sales@soreen.com.

Capri-Sun 330ml Blackcurrant Coca-Cola European Partners The new variant is available now in shelf-ready packaging with an RSP of £1.09 and is made from real fruit juice, contains no preservatives or artificial flavouring and is Soft Drink Tax-exempt. The pouches feature easy to reseal twisty tops. The launch is backed by a wider £6m Capri-Sun marketing spend throughout 2020. To find out more, call 0808 1 000 000 or email connect@ ccep.com.

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Coke Energy debuts new

cherry ﬂavour

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has built on the launch of Coca-Cola Energy, which clocked up almost £4m worth of sales in 2019, by unveiling a new cherryflavoured variant to broaden the appeal of the range. Coca-Cola Energy and Coca-Cola Energy No Sugar now also have an extra Coca-Cola taste and the cans have an enhanced look and feel that draws greater distinction between the two variants. The can design of Coca-Cola Energy Cherry reflects the full range but comes in pink to deliver maximum on shelf stand out. All variants come with branded shipper trays that help deliver further stand-out in the chiller and bold new POS. The three-strong Coca-Cola Energy range will be supported by a multi-million-pound marketing campaign kicking off in April which includes out-of-home advertising and distribution of more than a million samples. Simon Harrison, Vice President, Commercial Development at CCEP, said: “With cherry flavoured colas worth £160m and taking the mantle as the most preferred cola flavour in GB, Coca-Cola Energy Cherry will help the range appeal to a broader audience of both cola and energy drinkers. This new flavour variant in combination with the extra Coca-Cola taste of the original variants and new look cans will no doubt help fuel sales for retailers this year and beyond.” For more information, retailers should telephone 0808 1 000 000 or email connect@ccep.com.

Skittles Giants Mars Wrigley Three times the size of a standard Skittle and softer on the inside, new Skittles Giants is available now in cases of 36 x 45g singles (RSP 49p), 12 x 125g treat bags (£1 PMP), 14 x 141g value pouches (RSP £1) and 14 x 170g grocery pouches (RSP £1.49). The launch is supported by a digital media campaign. A full range of in-store media and POS is also available.

7UP Free Cherry Britvic 7UP has boosted its sugar free range with the launch of new 7UP Free Cherry, which is available now in cases of 12 x 600ml bottles (RSP £1.45); multipacks of 6 x 330ml cans (RSP £3.49, cases of 4); multipacks of 8 x 330ml cans (RSP £4.49, cases of 3); and cases of 12 x 2-ltr bottles (RSP £1.99). The launch will be backed with digital, out-ofhome ads, media partnerships and a brand new 7UP Free TV ad from June 2020.

Yazoo Choco-Hazelicious FrieslandCampina The new drink is available now in cases of 10 x 400ml (plain/£1 PMP) and 6 x 1-ltr (plain/£1.69 PMP) formats from Bestway, Batleys and Booker. It has no allergen risk and is suitable for nut allergy sufferers. Previous limited-editions Choc-Mint and ChocCaramel generated £1m and £1.2m of sales respectively; the brand is confident Choco-Hazelicious will do even better. To find out more call 01403 273273 or visit frieslandcampina.com.

www.slrmag.co.uk

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Product News & Media Watch Levi Roots Tropical Punch Nichols

Jelly Bunnies Haribo

Available this month in cases of 12 x 500ml £1 price-marked bottles, the new variant has been developed specifically for the convenience and impulse channel. It joins Caribbean Crush and Jamaican Sunset flavours in the Levi Roots Soft Drinks range of carbonated drinks. Sales for the brand are currently up 3% year-onyear. For further information email info@nicholsplc. co.uk.

Hellmann’s Squeezy Vegan Mayo Unilever

Alongside Haribo’s other seasonal favourite Spring Time Friends, Jelly Bunnies has relaunched for Easter. Both are available in a variety of formats including £1 price-marked packs. Experiencing strong growth for Haribo last Easter, the self/ sharing category accounted for 53% of Easter sweets sales and grew at +7% in value terms compared to 2018. For stock enquiries, call Haribo on 01977 600266, email sales-uk@ haribo.com or visit haribo.com.

Extra Refreshers Mars Wrigley

Hellmann’s has added a 100% recyclable squeezy format to its Vegan Mayo range, which is available now in 430ml bottles at an RSP of £2.99. The new format taps into a growing trend for plant-based products, with the number of people following a vegan diet rising by 62% in 2019. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit unilever.com.

Mars Wrigley says Extra Refreshers – a combination of a thin shell and a soft chew – “taps into a new dimension in chewing gum”. It is available now in three flavours – Peppermint, Spearmint and Bubblemint – in single packs of seven pieces with an RSP of 59p. Pre-filled counter-top units are available. The launch is supported by comprehensive online activity and POS is available.

MEDIAwatch

Hotlines



Cop a load of Haribo’s new ad Haribo is back on TV screens with the latest instalment of its ‘Kids’ Voices’ campaign. The new 20-second advert features two cops relieving their boredom with a bag of Starmix. On air until October, Haribo Police also appears on video-on-demand. As usual for the campaign, the adult characters are voice by children.

Don’t tell the kids... Robinsons Fruit Shoot has launched a £1m media campaign to educate parents on the positive credentials the product boasts. It runs across out-of-home, digital and cinema advertising in addition to a targeted radio campaign. The activity will be stepped up during the second largest kids’ drinks trading period – the Easter school holidays.

Here’s to the Chase Wolf Blass is back on TV with the return of its ‘Here’s to the Chase’ advert. The ad airs across Sky TV and video-on-demand until 30 June, backed with social media activity. The £1m campaign seeks to recruit new consumers to the category by driving awareness of the brand’s more premium tiers – Yellow, Silver and Gold Label.

A sustainable step from Quorn Ben & Jerry’s Cone Together Unilever Ben & Jerry’s has launched “Cone Together”, a new flavour created to call for the rights of refugees to be advanced and protected. Inside the new tub, ice cream lovers will find Fairtrade vanilla ice cream, with chocolatey-covered waffle cone pieces and a salted caramel swirl. Cone Together is available now with an RSP of £5.49. For more information about Unilever and its brands, retailers should visit unilever. com.

Millionaires Wafﬂe St Pierre Group St Pierre has extended its on-thego range with the launch of new individually-wrapped Millionaires Waffle. The new product taps into two current consumer trends – the growth of the food-to-go sector and the increasing popularity of indulgence foods. Made to an authentic Dutch recipe, each 45g waffle is topped with caramel and is coated in real Belgian chocolate. St Pierre Group said it was “perfect for eating ‘on-the-go’ or enjoying while relaxing at home”.

Quorn is back on TV in April with ‘Step in the Right Direction’, a campaign highlighting how the brand is helping people make sustainable food choices as part of the fight against climate change. The new advert focuses on Quorn Wonder Grains and highlights “just how easy it is for people to prepare a meal that is healthier for them and the planet”.

Tyrrellbly tasty KP Snacks has launched a £2m campaign for its Tyrrells range. The ‘Tyrrellbly Tyrrellbly Tasty’ TV campaign runs until May. The advert takes old Pathé footage and overlays it with pops of colour and the brand’s typical humorous commentary. The ad is backed with print, radio and digital activity to continue to drive awareness amongst consumers.

for all the latest product news, head to www.slrmag.co.uk/category/product-news/ www.slrmag.co.uk

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Advertising Feature

Fascia Guide | Nisa

NISA: THE PARTNER OF CHOICE With access to over 2,000 Co-op own-brand lines, fantastic availability rates, a comprehensive retail support package and the option to trade under their own fascia, Nisa retailers have never had it so good.

Nisa is proud to work with multi award-winning stores including Pinkie Farm, Ardeer Services, Greens of Markinch, and David’s Kitchen to name a few, making us the proven partner of choice for many market-leading, independently minded retailers in Scotland. Since joining forces with the Co-op in 2018, Nisa’s wholesale operation has been providing an environment in which independent retailers can really flourish. The structure brings enhanced buying capability, allowing Nisa partners to trade their businesses in the way they choose, backed by competitive prices and promotions with access to a deeper range including more than 2,000 of Co-op’s award-winning, high quality own brand products. Retailers have the option to operate under a symbol fascia; Nisa Local or Nisa Extra, or dual branded, whereby a Nisa partner can maintain their own local identity whilst also benefiting from the strength of the Nisa brand. Alternatively, a retailer can choose to trade under their own independent fascia. Through its latest Evolution store format, Nisa offers flexibility to retailers with a more modular development format which accommodates the individual demographic and shopping missions of each store. The concept takes on board emerging trends in the marketplace to create a store design that demonstrates to retailers how best to capture additional footfall and spend while setting themselves apart from the competition. The Evolution format has seen great success, with retailers on average achieving a 12 per cent uplift in sales since conversion. Nisa provides a complete retail support package which comprises a strong retail focused team, an enhanced category management system, a bespoke staff training facility and a comprehensive marketing package incorporating social media and PR support, leaflets, point of sale material, a personalised Nisa FM radio network and national advertising.

Nisa’s ﬂexible model provides its retailers with an unbeatable breadth of range of more than 13,000 SKUs, to ensure they can provide a single destination shop for all their customers’ needs. This includes access to more than 2,000 Co-op own brand products across all categories, including the latest plant based Gro range, providing a recognised, quality brand for shoppers and good margins for retailers. This is all delivered by Nisa’s industry leading supply chain which retailers can trust with an impressive 99.9% of deliveries made on the day and 95% successfully made on time. Nisa’s independent retailers are also enjoying the best availability rates since 2014 with an average of 98% for 2019. A strong focus on availability for the past 12 months has given the best service to Nisa partners for more than five years, generating an additional £40million in annualised sales. With its own insight team Nisa helps retailers truly understand their customers and their marketplace, enabling them to modify their offer to match the ‘local’ demographic. Retailers can then use this in conjunction with Nisa’s category management service to create bespoke planograms, layouts and propositions within their individual sites. A comprehensive support structure is provided to ensure retailers continue to push their business forward. Support comes from a strong field team including retail development managers and regional retail managers as well as fresh food development managers, who encourage retailers to make the most of this important category, and store development managers who help partners to develop their stores and proposition. Finally, Nisa recognises the importance of community involvement, and as such its retailers can support good causes in their local area through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity, which has donated more than £9.2 million to charities and good causes throughout the UK since its formation in 2008.

TO JOIN NISA COMPLETE THE FORM ON WWW.JOIN-NISA.CO.UK/CONTACT-US OR CONTACT OUR DEVELOPMENT TEAM ON 0800 542 7490.

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O T S N REASO

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Advertising Feature

Fascia Guide | Premier

PREMIER: DELIVERING MORE PROFITS FOR RETAILERS With over 3,450 stores nationwide, Premier works hard to give its retailers the best choice of products and a host of other benefits that will help them grow their businesses.

Premier is the UK’s number one symbol group with over 3,450 stores nationwide. The group is committed to delivering more profits for retailers and a better shopping experience for consumers. Premier has seen 18 years of consecutive growth. Premier continues to advertise on TV. Premier is advertised every day which will be seen over 100 million times. The TV advert features Premier’s famous Mega Deal promotions along with retailers to emphasise the local aspect of Premier Store. As well as this, retailers also benefit from a full promotional programme covering all categories of fresh, frozen, grocery and impulse to ensure great value for shoppers to drive footfall into stores. This market leading promotional package, along with own-label and pricemark-packs, really drives the value message to help Premier retailers grow their business. Premier works hard to ensure that retailers have the best choice of products to suit their individual store. This includes both Euro Shopper, Booker’s entry level exclusive own-brand and Happy Shopper, the mid-tier option. This is complimented by working closely with branded suppliers to ensure the best 38

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choice of price marked packs so shoppers can clearly see the great value available. Backed by Booker, the UK’s leading food & drink wholesaler, Premier retailers can take advantage of delivery at cash & carry prices, as well as having the ease and convenience of shopping at any Booker branch. ‘Spend & Save,’ where retailers can save up to 4% on their non-tobacco purchases, is also popular with Premier members as this delivers real savings and adds to their bottom line. Premier does not operate any membership or joining fees and installs the fascia and imagery free of charge. A wide range of additional services such as recycling, energy savings, free Epos and drop shipment are also available that have been specifically created to add value and keep operating costs low for Premier members. The group continues to go from strength to strength and its relentless focus in increasing choice, lowering prices and improving service has helped Premier members deliver fantastic convenience stores. www.slrmag.co.uk

27/03/2020 17:33:35

Shoppers’ Favourite Convenience Retailer 2019 Shoppers’ Favourite Symbol Group 2019 Shoppers’ Favourite Small Format Retailer 2019

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• Free delivery at cash and carry prices • Free store layout plans & merchandising support • Earn up to 4% Spend & Save discount • Free fascia and window imagery • Free POS and personalised leaflets “Premier has transformed my business with their latest thinking which has grown footfall, sales and profits” Justin Whittaker, MJs Premier, Royton

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27/03/2020 17:33:36 13/06/2019 16:01

Advertising Feature

Fascia Guide | Londis

LONDIS: STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD With a focus on areas of growth – like food-to-go and a new Dessert Bar offer – Londis can help retailers rise head and shoulders above the competition.

Londis has over 2,000 members and works in partnership with its independent retailers to provide local communities with all they need in a convenience store. Backed by the buying power of a much larger group, Londis has delivered on a number of benefits and opportunities for their retailers such as lower prices, exclusive products and improved quality to help retailers drive footfall and make more cash profit.

THE BENEFITS OF THE LONDIS OFFER INCLUDE: Q Free Membership Q Competitive cost of goods benefiting from group power Q Market leading promotions every 4 weeks Q Free Promotion Leaflets and FREE store point of sale support Q Loyalty discounts of up to 4% Q Award winning Fresh range with over 2,000 lines. Q Award winning own brand ranges; Discover the Choice, Farm Fresh, Euro Shopper Q A best in class online web ordering system (Londis Webshop) Q Dedicated Merchandising and Store Development Teams Q Tri Temperature fleet delivering all your ambient, fresh and frozen together Q Free Membership of the ACS

There is a much greater focus on supporting new footfall driving categories such as; Chilled, Food-to-go (especially the eat now mission), meal solutions and also the latest trends like health and habit forming foods, protein, free from, premium spirits and American candy. Londis have also recently launched a Dessert Bar offer creating a destination store experience for customers as well as helping retailers to make more cash profit. It is the focus on areas of growth that help Londis stand out from the competition in today’s rapidly expanding convenience market. Londis operate a zero cost model and is a ﬂexible symbol partner that has a fully delivered service and support package to suit all. Londis also support with award winning ranges, an industry leading fresh offer with over 2,000 lines and a market leading promotional package. With smart planning, local area knowledge, range optimisation and the symbol groups top Merchandising, Range, Store Development and Supply Chain teams we are committed to helping our customers Make More and Save More to support them in growing their business.

TELEPHONE: 0808 1788644 WEB: WWW.JOINLONDIS.CO.UK 40

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Fascia Guide | Family Shopper

GROW WITH FAMILY SHOPPER

Advertising Feature

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Grab a slice of the discounters’ action with Family Shopper’s unique format that provides retailers with everything that shoppers need. Family Shopper is a discount format for independent retailers that brings together the strength of symbol retailing with the great value available in the discount channel. It has been specifically developed to help independent retailers capture the growing sales and profits from the discount sector. The unique discount format provides retailers with everything that shoppers would expect from a convenience store including chilled, alcohol, grocery and tobacco along with services such as Lotto and Paypoint. This is then combined with the best of the discounters covering a fantastic range of £1 non-food items such as stationery, kitchen utensils and party accessories, with a broad seasonal offering and a frozen section. All Family Shopper stores offer a simplified range that removes duplication. Also merchandising in full trays makes the format easy to operate while minimising back stock and easing cash ﬂow. Family Shopper retailers can take advantage of ‘Spend & Save’ where retailers can earn up to 5% discount on their non-tobacco purchases, along with delivery at cash & carry prices, ordering on line and having the ease and convenience of shopping at branches. This helps to maintain the exceptional availability which in turn offers better customer service. Family Shopper does not operate any membership or joining fees and installs the fascia and imagery free of charge. A wide range of additional services such as recycling, energy savings, free Epos and drop shipment are also available that have been specifically created to add value and keep costs low. The group continues to attract interest from independent retailers nationwide. By continuing to focus on choice, price and service, the group remains committed to helping Family Shopper retailers grow their sales and profits.

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Unique discount format Simple to run & operate High cash profit

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love the simplicity of operating a Family Shopper. It offers my shoppers the best of convenience in a discount format, where they really can get bargains everyday. Having a rationalised range, that still offers choice at low prices, means I run an efficient store and eases my cash flow. Plus the Booker team supports you every step of the way.â&#x20AC;? Mr Kumar, Glynneath.

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27/03/2020 17:33:45 15/05/2018 14:48

Feature

EPoS Systems

EPOS LANDSCAPE CONTINUES TO EVOLVE The competitive world of EPoS provision has undergone huge change in the last year or two with new entrants shaking up the industry and making big headway in recruiting local retailers.

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EPoS Systems

he world of selling Epos systems to local retailers has traditionally been a very competitive one, long dominated by a handful of big players and a slew of smaller, more tailored providers – but much of that has changed in recent years as a number of new entrants to the marketplace have aggressively targeted Scottish local retailers. A relative newcomer to the Epos market that’s making huge inroads is PayPoint whose PayPoint One platform is now live in over 16,000 stores across the UK, a remarkable achievement given that the system was only launched in 2017. The system combines Epos, card payments, parcel services and bill payments into one device and is available without any upfront cost and with only a monthly fee which varies depending on the package required. PayPoint recently launched an iOS app, which is also available on Android, to reﬂect modern working practices by allowing retailers to manage their stores remotely. Lewis Alcraft, Chief Commercial Officer for PayPoint, commented: “Reaching the 16,000 milestone highlights that PayPoint One continues to transform the convenience store. We’re delighted that both new and existing PayPoint retail partners are driving significant benefits from our market-leading platform that reﬂects the future of convenience.” PayPoint also reveled last month that, after a successful national trial with over 50 participating retailers, an Epos link is now available to PayPoint One Pro retailers who are members of Premier, Family Shopper and Shop Locally. Retailers will benefit from daily price updates, monthly consumer promotions, the ability to place orders through the PayPoint One mobile app and receive electronic delivery notes to update stock. The link will help retailers operate a more efficient business and free up time to run their store. Alcraft comments: “We’re delighted that Premier, Family Shopper and Shop Locally retailers are now able to benefit from an Epos link which will help them run a more efficient business. We’ve had great feedback from the trial, and we’re particularly pleased that our unique PayPoint One mobile app is helping retailers transform the way that they manage their stores.” Another such provider is Henderson Group, which only really appeared on the Scottish scene last year but has already made good ground in tempting retailers over to its EDGEPoS system. As part of the Henderson Group, which operates the Spar brand in Northern Ireland, Henderson Technology is very unusual in being both a retailer and an Epos supplier. The group decided in 2010 to develop its own Epos system to fulfil the demanding and innovative needs of retailers in Northern Ireland.

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Feature

Consequently, the business undertook a task that was markedly different to any other Epos company: it was creating an Epos system using its learnings from being a convenience retailer. Darren Nickels, Head of Henderson Technology, comments: “Over the past decade EDGEPoS has continued to develop by responding to specific retailer requests as well as market research to integrate a range of innovative third-party offerings. As a result, our award-winning Epos system can include Self-Checkout, ESELs, Scan & Go App, PreOrder and Pre-Pay Food-to-go and a Grocery app. It also includes the 2019 Mobile App of the Year, Gander, which communicates an individual store’s reduced items in real time to their community of shoppers in their area.” Henderson believes it is essential to provide a reliable Epos system to the convenience market which allows each retailer to be ﬂexible in the way they run their business. Nickels explains: “EDGEPoS offers three key sectors to retailers: operational efficiency, security and business development. We offer the complete system in a 60 months lease agreement, taking out any initial upfront payment. New hardware, EDGEPoS software, 24/7/365 software support and hardware maintenance are all included in the agreement, and retailers will never be charged for upgrades over the five-year period.” Some key features included on EDGEPoS are self-populating PLUs, customer loyalty integration, local accounts, advanced age checking, sales-based suggested ordering, automated report scheduling and password audit trail. “Fuel is fully integrated with full bunkering facilities,” adds Nickels. “And the upcoming selfcheckout launches for BP and Texaco sites will allow more fuel sites to offer a self-serve option in-store.” Andrew and Scott Aitken, owners of JET Rigg Service Station and JET Bypass Service Station in East Lothian have had very positive experiences since investing in new Epos systems for both sites. They say: “We first met Henderson Technology at an industry event and it was very evident from our research that EDGEPoS would offer everything we needed for the sites and a whole host of value-added fuel features. The system is directly linked to our wholesaler which offers a lot of benefits such as smoother ordering and better control over stock holding. It also gives us far superior accountability on occasions when customers have no means to pay because you can recall a sale from a day, a week or a month ago, giving you better control over the fuel. The whole operation is much slicker as it is quicker at processing cards, the scanner is much more efficient and we no longer have merchant copies of credit card receipts so we’re saving in till rolls.” Henderson Technology is now the fourth largest Epos company in the UK and celebrated its 600th UK install last month.

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Advertising Feature

EPoS Systems | Henderson Technology

HENDERSON TECHNOLOGY

CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF EDGEPOS AND ITS 600TH INSTALL

EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems are essential to running a good convenience store and retail forecourt sites.

hen the Henderson Group made the decision in 2010 to develop its own EPOS system to fulfil the demanding and innovative needs of retailers in Northern Ireland, the business undertook a task that was completely different to any other EPOS company. They designed the EDGEPoS system around a number of experiences within the retail environment. Over the past ten years EDGEPoS has continued to develop by responding to retailer requests and market research in order to integrate innovative third party offerings. This allows Henderson Technology to offer a cost effective way of supplying an award winning EPOS system which can include Self-Checkout, ESELs, Scan & Go App, Pre-Order and Pre-Pay Food to Go and Grocery App; and the 2019 Mobile App of the Year, Gander, which shows in real time an individual store’s reduced items to their community of shoppers in their area. It is essential to provide a reliable EPOS system to the convenience market, which allows each retailer to be ﬂexible in the way they run their business. EDGEPoS offers three key sectors to retailers – Operational Efficiency, Security and Business Development. Henderson Technology offers the complete system in a 60 months lease agreement, taking out any initial upfront payment. New Hardware, EDGEPoS Software, 24 / 7 / 365 Software Support and Hardware Maintenance are included in the agreement, and retailers will never be charged for upgrades over the five year period. Some key features included on EDGEPoS are Self Populating PLUs, Customer Loyalty integration, Local Accounts, Advanced Age Checking, Sales Based suggested Ordering, Automated Report Scheduling and Password Audit Trail to name a few. Fuel is fully integrated with full bunkering

facilities. The upcoming Self-Checkout launches for BP and Texaco sites will allow more fuel sites to offer a Self Serve option in-store. Andrew and Scott Aitken, owners of JET Rigg Service Station and JET Bypass Service Station in East Lothian talk about their decision to invest in new EPOS systems for both sites.

DID YOU UNDERTAKE RESEARCH INTO DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS? “Yes – we did a lot of research! We did more leg work for this till system than for any previous system. We really wanted to ensure it was the right fit for our business. We first met our chosen supplier, Henderson Technology, at an industry event. It was very evident from our research that Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS system would offer everything we needed for the sites and a whole host of value-added fuel features.”

WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO GO WITH HENDERSON TECHNOLOGY? “Henderson Technology’s EPOS system is directly linked to JW Filshill wholesaler, which offers a lot of benefits such as smoother ordering and better control over stock holding. It also gives us far superior accountability on occasions when customers have no means to pay because you can recall a sale from a day, a week or a month ago, giving you better control over the fuel. The whole operation is much slicker as it is quicker at processing cards, the scanner is much more efficient and we no longer have merchant copies of credit card receipts so we’re saving in till rolls.” Henderson Technology is in the top ten largest EPOS companies in the UK and celebrates ten years of EDGEPoS and the 600th install in March 2020.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT SALES@HENDERSON.TECHNOLOGY OR VISIT WWW.HENDERSON.TECHNOLOGY 46

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Tobacco

Feature

A FRESH CHALLENGE FOR TOBACCO In a category beset by challenges, the forthcoming Menthol Ban in May is only the latest in a long line of major hurdles for retailers, but careful planning and good customer communications should help minimise the confusion caused by the transition.

t’s a tired refrain, but the tobacco category has been under more or less constant assault for at least the last decade with manufacturers and retailers having to fight wave after wave of legislation. The latest challenge is the menthol ban which kicks in on 20 May and is set to add even more consumer confusion and tillpoint frustration to the omnishambles that is the coronavirus. So how can retailers prepare for the ban in these very trying times? The only possible answer is that they can only do their best. Mark Yexley, Head of Communications at JTI, says: “The Menthol and Capsule Ban is the next phase of the EUTPD2 legislation that first came into effect in May 2016. From 20 May, all Menthol and Capsule cigarettes will be banned from sale. “It is important for retailers to be prepared for the changes that the Menthol Ban will bring. As with the Retail Display Ban, Plain Packaging and Track & Trace, those who prepare well will experience the least disruption to their business.” As the menthol ban STG AIMS TO LIGHT UP TOBACCO is approaching, JTI’s CATEGORY advice is for retailers Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK (STG UK) has to ensure the basic launched Signature Dual Filter Cigarillos to further principles of category complement its number one selling cigar range. management are Launched in February, the new Signature Dual put into practice and cigarillos are not subject to the same EUTPD legislation as factory made cigarettes so are available in branded 10-packs with a low out-of-pocket RSP of £4.95. The key product feature of Signature Dual is an acetate filter containing a peppermint capsule under a lasered marker to give a smooth smoking experience. In addition to the capsule, it’s made with Virginia leaf tobacco and has a natural leaf wrapper. STG UK is supporting the launch throughout the year with a major campaign to raise awareness and interest as well as drive trial amongst existing adult smoking consumers. STG’s UK Country Director, Alastair Williams, says: “We are really excited to introduce Signature Dual. We’re confident it will prove a very welcome addition to the UK’s biggest cigar brand portfolio.”

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make certain that they and their staff are knowledgeable about the impending changes. “JTI are providing support and guidance through several channels in the build-up to the menthol ban, via sales reps, JTIAdvance.co.uk, and the trade media,” says Yexley. As for what is likely to happen after 20 May, JTI says it expects the vast majority of adult smokers will remain within the cigarette category and that they will remain brand loyal, switching to other alternatives based on their preference, including hand-rolling tobacco such as Sterling Rolling Tobacco or cigarillos in the form of Sterling Dual Capsule Leaf Wrapped. Duncan Cunningham, UK Corporate Affairs Director at Imperial Tobacco, also predicts that many adult smokers will remain brand loyal, even after their preferred menthol or capsule variant is no longer available. He says: “Many adult smokers are brand loyal, especially within factory made cigarettes. Shoppers that want to continue smoking are likely to keep buying the same cigarette brand and just change to the closest variant to it. “By monitoring tobacco sales and talking to customers about the ban, retailers can more effectively advise customers on the most suitable variant for them from their brand of choice. As well as offering great customer service, retailers can use this insight to help plan their range and stock requirements in the lead up to 20 May.” And it’s this shopper communication in the run up the ban that is key. It was always going to be a difficult task, but the coronavirus pandemic has just ramped the challenge up a notch or two. Cunningham advises: “The ban on menthol tobacco products will leave many existing adult smokers without their product of choice. Some may move into roll your own, others may opt for a different variant of the same cigarettes brand, while others may switch to vaping. For retailers who are prepared for the changes and who engage with shoppers ahead of the ban, the insight they gain from conversations with smoker customers can help them shape their range and ensure it’s fit for purpose post-ban.”

CATEGORY PERFORMANCE For a category under sustained and immense pressure, tobacco continues to perform resiliently. “The value of www.slrmag.co.uk

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£4.50

RRP

PACK OF 10 CIGARILLOS PEPPERMINT CAPSULE FILTER TOBACCO LEAF WRAPPED STICK * Recommended Retail Price effective from 11 March 2020. You are, of course, at all times free to sell JTI’s products at whatever price you choose.

20776_SDCLW_A4_poster.indd 1 SLR April 2020.indd 49

16/03/2020 13:00 27/03/2020 17:34:17

Feature

Tobacco

tobacco in the UK totalled £14.5bn in the last year, with the Ready-Made Cigarette (RMC) market accounting for £11bn [IRI, Oct 2019],” says Ross Hennessy, Head of Sales at JTI UK. “JTI is currently the number one tobacco manufacturer in the UK with a combined market share of 44% [IRI, Sep 2019]. Our share of the Ready Made Cigarette market stands at 42.3% [IRI, Sep 2019] and 46.3% for Roll Your Own [IRI, Sep 2019].” Hennessy advises that factory made cigarettes still represent a hugely important market and one that retailers should continue to focus on. The trend towards value and the growth of RYO is one that shows no sign of waning as consumers continue to seek out value for money products. “The value segment continues to grow and as a result, the RYO category has grown 6.5% year on year, now generating sales of £2.8bn [IRI, Dec 2019],” continues Hennessy. “With 6.5 million kilograms of rolling tobacco sold in the UK each year [IRI, Oct 2019], this category offers significant opportunity for retailers to maximise sales by stocking up on value RYO products, such as JTI’s Sterling Rolling Tobacco – which is now the UK’s fastest growing tobacco brand [IRI, Sep 2019]. Other brands to stock include Amber Leaf which is the number one tobacco brand in the UK with a 30.1% share of the RYO market [IRI, Sep 2019].

ILLICIT TOBACCO James Hall, Anti-Illicit Trade Manager, Imperial Tobacco UK, comments: “Law enforcement authorities and tobacco manufacturers alike continue to demonstrate that the illicit tobacco trade will not be tolerated. It harms honest retailers and damages communities.” Hall says Imperial continues to assist in the reporting and investigation of these reprehensible activities wherever possible. He explains: “Our dedicated anti-illicit trade app, SARA, launched in January 2018, has now received over 2100 reports of potential illegal trade activity which we have shared with law enforcement. We are aware that seizures have been made in premises reported in 176 of these and 126 social media posts have also been removed.” “With 82% of those surveyed in the recent TMA AIT Report saying they are aware of illicit tobacco being sold in the last 12 months but have not reported it, we urge everyone to contact appropriate authorities with concerns of illegal tobacco activity in their locality or 50

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speak to their Imperial rep about SARA or phone us directly on 0800-0495992.” For smokers that are keen to stick with their flavour preference, there are several innovative solutions available, including new Rizla Flavour Infusions. The Rizla Flavour Infusions range includes two variants of menthol flavour cards which you simply insert into a packet of cigarettes or roll-yourown tobacco and wait at least 60 minutes for the contents to mentholate. It’s also worth remembering that crushball filter tips, as a stand-alone smoking accessory product, remain unaffected by the menthol ban, so products such as Rizla Polar Blast Crushball filter tips present another great option for these shoppers. While some adult smokers may simply switch to other traditional tobacco alternatives, many menthol consumers may also use this as an opportunity to explore new ways to stick with their flavour preference and move into vaping. To prepare for this potential influx of exmenthol smokers into the vaping category, retailers should ensure they stock up on easy-to-use pod mod systems like myblu. Any devices on offer should be supported by a strong range of menthol e-liquids and Liquidpods, especially those including nicsalts like myblu Intense, to help heavier smokers switch. Regardless of the ban, the top-selling blu e-liquid flavour is menthol [Imperial Brands, EPOS 2018-2019], so these variants are already very popular within the vaping category and well worth stocking up on. JTI’s Yexley adds: “To help tackle illicit trade, JTI have a dedicated anti-illicit microsite – jtiadvance.co.uk/DontBeComplicit – which features an easy-to-use ‘report’ function which anyone can use to anonymously report instances of illicit trade activity, including flagging any illicit tobacco posts that they have seen. “Any retailer who is aware of anybody selling illicit tobacco should also contact the HM Revenue & Customs’ Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887, Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. “The key to tackling the issue of illicit tobacco is the ability to work together, from the local authorities and police to the manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers, right down to customers. Co-operation from all those involved in fighting illicit trade helps us be more effective in controlling it, both online and in stores.”

MENTHOL BAN SITE FROM JTI JTI has launched a new dedicated menthol ban microsite which includes a host of practical information and an educational trade video to support retailers through the change. Available at JTIAdvance.co.uk/MentholBan2020, the website also contains a consumer facing page, which existing adult smokers can visit to find out more about the upcoming ban. The site was launched in response to a survey conducted by JTI has revealed levels of retailer uncertainty ahead of the upcoming menthol and capsule cigarette ban, coming into force on 20 May. The survey of over 350 retailers highlighted the need for further education and additional support for retailers on the specifics of the legislation. Key findings include: Q 23% of those surveyed did not know that capsule cigarettes will be outlawed Q 50% were not aware of the penalties they could incur for non-compliance Q 34% incorrectly believed that mentholated smoking accessories will be banned Q 24% did not know that there will be no sell through period Q One in five believed that menthol e-liquids will be included in the ban Mark Yexley, JTI’s Communications Director, comments: “The Menthol and Capsule cigarette ban is one of the biggest changes the industry has faced in recent years, however we know from experience that the tobacco category is extremely resilient. We understand that retailers are concerned about the impact the ban will have on their business, but we are committed in supporting them to prepare for the changes ahead. We advise retailers to visit our new microsite to ensure they are fully prepared.”

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ePod

ePen 3

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME TO EXPERIMINT CHOOSE FROM OUR RANGE OF MINTY FLAVOURS For more information call 0808 169 5000 VYPE CHARGE BEYOND For existing adult smokers and vapers only. Vype e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive. 18+ only. Read leaflet in pack.

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WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED From 20th May 2020 you can’t sell menthol cigarettes, we’re here to offer you a satisfying vaping alternative.

JUST MINT

PEPPERMINT TOBACCO

Unmistakable blast of fresh peppermint

Fresh peppermint with authentic tobacco notes

CRUSHED MINT

CRISP MINT

Combination of refreshing mint and vanilla notes with a cooling finish

A well balanced, fresh, and cooling menthol vape

For existing adult smokers and vapers only. Vype e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive. 18+ only. Read leaflet in pack.

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Feature

Tobacco

ACCESSORIES CONTINUE TO SHINE High levels of demand for the quality, choice and value provided by rollyour-own accessories is contributing to strong growth of the sector, believes Republic Technologies. As the tobacco ban continues to impact on cigarette sales, accessories continue to outperform the total tobacco market, with better value for money than factory-made cigarettes remaining a key consideration for RYO smokers. The RYO accessories market is currently worth more than £29m, up 4.5% year-on-year, outperforming total tobacco, with filters leading the charge, showing value growth of 9.2% year-onyear [IRI, Dec 2019]. “As category specialists, we’re continuing to innovate with NPD and new merchandising solutions to ensure retailers can meet the needs of the growing number of RYO smokers,” says Gavin Anderson, General Sales Manager at Republic Technologies (UK). “This is helping to maintain the strong growth the category has seen in recent years.” The company has also invested heavily recently to ensure it has a very clear understanding about RYO smokers and their requirements. “Most of our customers have been smoking for some time and whilst value for money is a key consideration, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, many prefer the tactile aspect of roll-your-own which for some also provides the added benefit of reducing consumption as smoking becomes less instant,” explains Anderson. “There is quite a bit of overlap with pre-made cigarettes and vaping, but with RYO smokers this is occasionor influence-driven as most of our consumers prefer the RYO experience.” As environmental considerations are influencing smokers more than ever, with demand for more natural products, reduced packaging and removal of single-use plastics at record levels, Republic Technologies is accelerating its environmentally friendly NPD.

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This has led to the introduction of category-boosting products such as OCB Virgin Slim and Slim & Tips, both of which are available in a slim vertical box, enabling retailers to manage shelf space more efficiently. “We’re really optimistic about the future of the RYO accessories market,” adds Anderson. “The combination of rising cigarette prices and the higher margins offered by RYO products will continue to drive growth. Whilst the vaping sector continues to expand, it’s not inhibiting the sustained rise in demand for RYO accessories and with menthol cigarettes being discontinued from May 2020, accessories may well provide the solutions and options which consumers will be seeking.” Meanwhile, Republic Technologies has recently unveiled its biggest ever rollout of new products, with the introduction of six new filters from the market-leading Swan brand to the UK’s £292m category. The NPD comprises a carbon paper filter for enhanced filtration, a Swan Long Extra Slim Filter (50% longer than standard), the most environmentally friendly filter in the UK market and three menthol products, including two crushball filters. “As increasing numbers of smokers are turning to roll your own, we’re developing a wider range of products for improved customer choice, enabling retailers to capitalise on the strong performance of the accessories category and to take advantage of the margin opportunities offered by Swan, the UK’s best-selling filter brand,” says Anderson. “We’re confident that the introduction of six new filters from the iconic Swan brand will contribute to the sustained value growth of the tobacco accessories category in the future.” The full range comprises: Q Swan Graphite Filter: A 100% biodegradable filter, this extra slim product is made with carbon paper. RSP: £1.14 (120 per box).

Q Swan Long Extra Slim Filter: Developed to reduce the amount of tobacco required per cigarette (and more representative of a factorymade cigarette), this is the longest ever Swan filter (50% longer than the standard 14mm Extra Slim Filter). RSP £1.03 (80 per box). Q Swan Eco Loose Filter: 100% biodegradable and the most environmentally friendly filter on the UK market. Natural ‘ochre’ coloured, due to no bleaching of the paper. It degrades three times faster than standard cellulose acetate filters. RSP £1.39 (200 per box). Q Swan Cool Menthol Filter: A sister product to the current Swan Menthol Filter, it delivers a cool menthol sensation. RSP £1.09 (120 per box). Q Swan Cool Burst Crushball Filter: The embedded capsule can be activated at any time to release a cool menthol flavour sensation. These filters contain no animal products. RSP £1.29 (54 per pack). Q Swan Fresh Burst Crushball Filter: The strong peppermint flavour capsule can be crushed at any time, giving consumers full control of the taste experience. These filters contain no animal products. RSP £1.29 (54 per pack).

www.slrmag.co.uk

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*RRP: For the avoidance of doubt, retailers are free at all times to determine their selling price.

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Feature

Soft Drinks

HEALTHIER CHOICES TAKE CENTRE STAGE The Covid-19 crisis is likely to encourage even more shoppers to opt for healthier choices when it comes to soft drinks so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to review your range and make sure you have the right offer for the current climate.

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ai158393687771_COC1200_Capri-Sun_NEW RANGE Ad_A4_AW1 copy.pdf

11/03/2020

14:28

s e l a s r u o y watch h t i w ft-off

Li p o t y t s i new tw rAnt.

Blackcurrant is GB’s No.1 on-the-go juice drink ﬂavour* The entire Capri-Sun range contains NOTHING ARTIFICAL The Capri-Sun 330ml range is in consumer demand, growing by 37%**

stock up now!

Source: *Nielsen MAT wk 02.10.2019 IC Juice Drinks **Nielsen Value 24W Wk 02.10.2019 CAPRI-SUN© and the Pouch Shape™ are trade marks of the Capri-Sun group.

blackcur

Supported by a wider £6m Capri-Sun marketing campaign for 2020. Get in contact to ﬁnd out more at connect@ccep.com or call 0808 1 000 000. SLR April 2020.indd 57

the taste of fun 27/03/2020 17:34:41

Feature

Soft Drinks

DRAW ATTENTION TO LOW AND NO!

he world may have fallen to bits in recent weeks with the coronavirus pandemic wreaking unholy havoc with every aspect of life – but local retailers have nonetheless been spared (so far) from the enforced closures that have decimated the hospitality industry and the wider ‘non-essential’ retail industry. This means the sector has little choice but to do the best it can and cope as well as possible with the new world order we find ourselves living and working under. Staying as well stocked as possible in vital categories like soft drinks is critical at this point, but it’s also hugely likely that the current health crisis will once again focus the minds of consumers ever more keenly on health and healthier options. The shift towards healthier, often low- or no-sugar products has been accelerated by Covid-19, but it’s a trend that was well underway before we’d even heard of the term ‘social distancing’. 58

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“Some 65% of people agree that they are proactively trying to lead a healthy lifestyle [CGA, April 2019]”, says Phil Sanders, Out of Home Commercial Director at Britvic. “And that has led to an increase in the value of low-calorie drinks of around 3.7% [Nielsen, Jan 2020]. “As well as a move away from high sugar products, the want for healthier alternatives has caused shoppers to cut down on alcohol or avoid it altogether. This means the soft drinks category is becoming increasingly important as a means of helping retailers to drive drinks sales and plug the gap left by lost alcohol sales. “The latest figures reveal that around one in five Gen Z’s are now teetotal [ONS, May 2019], making health less of a ‘trend’ and instead a generational behaviour change.” With this shift in mind, SLR looks at some of the latest healthier options available to retailers to tempt shoppers into a purchase or two.

Britvic urges retailers to ensure they draw shoppers’ attention to their low and no sugar soft drinks offer in-store. Here are some top tips: Q Allocate a dedicated section of the chiller to this category, to highlight the healthier, low sugar and low-calorie options. This provides a distinction from traditional soft drinks and makes it easier for customers to identify the correct product for their needs. Q It’s also worth breaking the category down further into carbonated and still options to show customers some variety and make them aware of alternatives. Q Be sure to include a range of formats that are fit for a variety of shopper missions. Q For immediate refreshment, it is important to stock a broad range of single serve low- and no-sugar soft drinks, while the larger packs work well for those on a top-up visit.

www.slrmag.co.uk

27/03/2020 17:34:42

Soft Drinks

Feature

IRN-BRU XTRA SUMMER FLAVOURS REVEALED Irn-Bru fans have voted for ‘Tropical’ and ‘Ice Cream’ to become the two new limited edition Irn-Bru Xtra flavours this summer. Almost 13,000 votes were cast in a Facebook public vote, with Tropical and Ice Cream declared winners. Both flavours will now go into production at AG Barr’s factory in Cumbernauld and the new drinks will be available in Scotland from mid-May. Facebook followers of the iconic Scottish drink were urged to get behind their favourite flavour by using emojis to vote. 5,300 people chose Tropical and 4,000 fans opted for Ice Cream to beat Candy Floss (2,400 votes) and Marshmallow (1,000 votes). The two limited edition Xtra flavours will be available in 500ml (RRP 99p) and 1.5-ltr (RRP £1.29) bottles across Scotland.

NEW

It’s time for lime. • Flavoured Colas are worth £227m & up 11%*

COCA-COLA ENERGY DEBUTS CHERRY VARIANT

COLOURFUL NEW LOOK FOR PEPSI MAX FLAVOURS Pepsi Max is planning to invigorate the flavoured cola sector with a colourful new packaging redesign across its range: Cherry, Raspberry and Ginger. The bold new Pepsi Max rebranded packaging has been created to appeal to younger consumers with the quirky new design that brings the flavours to life, which will drive purchase intent and sales. The Pepsi Max flavours make up 53% of the total flavoured cola segment and Cherry is the number one flavoured cola in the category [Nielsen, Jan 2020]. Pepsi Max Raspberry was also the number one soft drink launch in 2019 [RMS, Jan 2020]. The new packs are appearing now on TV and the rebrand will also have digital and in-store support. The Pepsi recycling message will also be included on the caps of Pepsi Max Raspberry, and on the back of packs for the remaining flavours, to ensure sustainability is at the front of shopper’s minds. www.slrmag.co.uk

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Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) is building on the success of the launch of Coca-Cola Energy, which clocked up almost £4m worth of sales in 2019, by unveiling a new cherry-flavoured variant to broaden the appeal of the range. Available now, Coca-Cola Energy Cherry will help retailers to capitalise on the demand for flavour innovation in the energy sector by combining GB’s most popular cola flavour with naturally derived caffeine, B vitamins and guarana extracts, but with no taurine. Coca-Cola Energy and Coca-Cola Energy No Sugar now also have an extra Coca-Cola taste and the cans have an enhanced look and feel that draws greater distinction between the two variants. The can design of Coca-Cola Energy Cherry reflects the full range, but comes in striking pink which delivers maximum on shelf stand out. All variants come with branded shipper trays that help deliver further stand-out in the chiller and bold new POS to highlight to shoppers that the range provides an energy kick and the unique taste of Coke. The three-strong Coca-Cola Energy range will be supported by a multi-million-pound marketing campaign kicking off this month which includes out-of-home advertising.

• Multimillion pound marketing campaign to support the Diet Coke fruity flavours • Stock up now

To find out more visit www.cokecustomerhub.co.uk or call Customer Hub on 0808 1 000 000

*Nielsen Total GB Value w/e 28.12.19 ©2020 The Coca-Cola Company. Diet Coke, Diet Coca-Cola, the Dynamic Ribbon device and the design of the Coca-Cola Contour Bottle are registered trade marks of The Coca-Cola Company.

APRIL 2020 | SLR

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Feature

Soft Drinks

CAPRI-SUN’S NEW BLACKCURRANT FLAVOUR Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) is is expanding its juice drinks portfolio with the launch of Capri-Sun 330ml Blackcurrant which will join Capri-Sun Orange 330ml and Capri-Sun Cherry 330ml on-the-go pouches. Available now, the new variant will help retailers make the most of the consumer demand for on-the-go blackcurrant-flavoured juice drinks which are now worth £62m. The new variant is made from real fruit juice, contains no preservatives or artificial flavouring and is Soft Drink Tax-exempt. Ideal for on-the-go consumption, Capri-Sun Blackcurrant will be sold in 330ml pouches with easy to reseal twisty tops. The Capri-Sun 330ml range continues to be a popular choice among consumers and is in 37% value growth. Capri-Sun 330ml Blackcurrant comes in cardboard shelf-ready-packaging that displays key product messages to shoppers. It can also be easily stacked, providing an ambient secondary display solution. The launch of the new flavour will be supported by a wider £6m Capri-Sun marketing campaign throughout 2020. The campaign will feature above-the-line, social and digital, as well as in-store activity and highlight that the entire Capri-Sun range contains nothing artificial, as well as offering consumers a choice of low and no added sugar products.

RANGING AND MERCHANDISING ADVICE FROM PHIL SANDERS, OUT OF HOME COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR AT BRITVIC Q Offer ‘permissible’ options – Latest figures reveal that around one in five Gen Z’s are now teetotal , making health less of a “trend” and instead a generational behaviour change. With 65% of people agreeing that they are proactively trying to lead a healthy lifestyle , it has led to an increase in the value of lowcalorie drinks (+3.7% ). It’s therefore essential that permissible soft drink options are available to support customers looking to lead heathier lives. Offering low and no sugar options like Tango sugar free, 7UP Free and Pepsi MAX® will allow customers to enjoy their favourite drinks without compromising on health or taste. Q Showcase top products – Best sellers should be given extra shelf and chiller space. Consider double facing popular products and use additional POS to direct shoppers to their location in store. Include an additional fixture close to the till to capitalise on last minute impulse purchases. Q Pair with food – Linking your soft drinks range with your food to go offering is a great way to encourage cross-category sales. Customers are increasingly looking for food and drink on the go, so make the process as easy as possible for busy shoppers. Meal deals or drink and snack combos are ideal for customers looking for a quick, on the go solution.

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Soft Drinks

Feature

FRUIT SHOOT EDUCATION CAMPAIGN Robinsons Fruit Shoot has launched a £1m media campaign to educate parents and health conscious consumers alike on the positive credentials the product boasts. The campaign tackles misconceptions about of the quantity of sugar and artificial ingredients in children’s soft drinks and reveals the truth about Robinsons Fruit Shoot. The eye-catching creative will be visible across traditional channels including national out-of-home, digital and cinema advertising in addition to a targeted radio campaign. The activity will be upweighted during the second largest kids’ drinks trading period – the Easter school holidays – when the target audience will most likely engage with the messaging. With no added sugar and containing real fruit, Fruit Shoot believes that clearer communication around these statements will positively affect intent to purchase and the brand perception. Fruit Shoot continues to see growth within the market, seeing a +2.9% increase in sales in the last 12 weeks, vs. a -3.1% decline across the category [Nielsen, Jan 2020]. The brand hopes the campaign will positively influence shoppers and propel the growth of the category as a whole.

It’s time for twisted. Twisted Strawberry 500ml was the #1 Flavoured Cola NPD in 2019* Scan the barcodes to order price mark packs Sublime Lime

Twisted Strawberry

ROBINSONS FRUIT CREATIONS – BLACKBERRY AND BLUEBERRY Robinsons, the UK’s number one squash brand [Nielsen, Dec 2019], has introduced a blast of berry flavour to its Fruit Creations range – Blackberry and Blueberry. The new flavour delivers an intense and juicy burst of tangy blackberry, paired with rich blueberry, providing a premium taste designed to suit adult taste buds. It also delivers on people’s desire for healthier products, containing no added sugar and twice the fruit of the core range, making it a more permissible choice.

www.slrmag.co.uk

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7UP FREE EXTENDS ITS RANGE WITH NEW CHERRY FLAVOUR 7UP, the UK’s number one lemon and lime brand in impulse [Nielsen, Jan 2020], is boosting its sugar free range with the launch of a new cherry flavour, available now. 7UP Free is driving the growth of the lemon and lime soft drinks segment, growing at +26% [Nielsen, Jan 2020]. As cherry is one of the biggest flavours in carbonated soft drinks, worth £173m and growing at +4.4% [Nielsen, Jan 2020], the launch of the new flavour directly supports consumer needs, offering lemon & lime with a tasty twist of cherry. The launch will be backed with significant investment across digital, out-of-home, media partnerships and a brand new 7UP Free TV ad from June 2020.

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UTC

CORONAVIRUS PURCHASE LIMITS ANNOUNCED! In light of Coronavirus panic buying, several major supermarkets have been forced to impose strict buying limits in their stores: ASDA: 2 hand sanitisers and a 4 pack of toilet rolls. TESCO: 1 hand sanitiser, 500g of rice and a 4 pack of toilet rolls. WAITROSE: 1 lobster, 6 quails eggs and 100g of Foie Gras.

CLEANING UP WITH PRICEMARKED BOG ROLL

ALDI: a MIG welder, a pink sports bra, 2 trumpets and 1 wetsuit.

It never ceases to amaze UTC what you can do with a magic marker and a 4-pack of Euro Shopper bog roll. A creative genius has solved that perennial problem of how to drive up margins when all customers want are price-marked packs. The auld yin would like to pass his thanks onto Crossgates Premier retailer Robert Kirkwood for sharing this bit of inventive homegrown price marking. We’ve all got to make a living, you know... (And before we get any irate calls to SLR Towers, which is empty anyway as we’re all working from home, Robert wasn’t actually selling 89p bog roll for £4.89. It was just a wee joke. Are we still allowed wee jokes?)

STUFFED OWLS AND BLOOD-STAINED WEDDING DRESSES No, it’s not the title of the latest book from former Scottish Grocer editor and horror fiction writer John McNee, it’s actually the title of a press release that caught UTC’s eye as he pretended to work from home recently. The press release, for no obvious reason, was listing all the assorted crap that charity shops have apparently had handed in. (The release was from some business waste company called BusinessWaste.co.uk that was trying to sell its services but UTC didn’t bother to figure out what charity shop tat had to do with it). 62

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Anyway, aside from the expected million copies of Fifty Shades and Jaws books were some more, ahem, esoteric items. A taxidermied owl, clutching a taxidermied mouse for instance. Is that even legal? Or a blood-stained wedding dress? The mind boggles. Our how about UTC’s personal favourite: several tins of octopus. That’s got to be from Waitrose, surely. And it’s probably the only thing left on Waitrose’s shelves at the minute. www.slrmag.co.uk

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More than meets the eye!

Scotland loves Lees

76%

of Scots like Lees Snowballs *

01236 441 600

sales@leesofscotland.co.uk *Source: JLral. Post TV Campaign Evaluation- Sept 2019 **Refers to Scots who viewed the 2019 TV ad

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