SLR July 2022 Edition

ROBIN BAWA

Kilmarnock retailer shares EPoS insights

JULY 2022 | ISSUE 231

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COLIN MCLEAN

Spar Scotland boss talks local sourcing

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DRS: THE SHOPPER’S VIEW

ALCOHOL GOING DARK?

Alcohol Focus Scotland demands drastic restrictions on alcohol display.

SLR Awards 2022 shortlist unveiled! p22

Suntory research takes a deep dive

CHECKOUT SCOTLAND

Charity Festival selling out fast

SUMMER DRINKS

Cash in on summer occasion

Let’s create a great recycling experience.

The deposit return scheme (DRS) is coming to Scotland.

Make it easy with TOMRA.

The global leader in reverse vending technology tomra.com/uk | Get in touch to find out more: tcs.uk@tomra.com

July 2022

Contents

Contents ISSUE 231

NEWS p4

Legislation Minimum Unit Pricing has forced some alcoholics to reduce spending on food, a study finds. p5 Sales The grocery market is set for double-digit growth over the next five years. p6 Supermarkets Grocery sales at UK supermarkets continue to improve, with sales up 1.5% from mid-May to mid-June. p8 Community Jawad and Asiyah Javed are overall winners of the NFRN’s Shop Local, Shop Little Heroes Awards. p9 Online Shopping More than half of consumers now buy at least some of their groceries online, survey reveals. p10 News Extra Food Standards A new report warns of significant challenges ahead for food standards. p16 Product News It’s a summer of sponsorship as PepsiCo supports the Women’s Euros while CCEP and Lucozade Sport get behind the Commonwealth Games. p18 Off-Trade News Blossom Hill turns 30 and Absolut unveils a new Passionfruit Martini RTD.

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INSIDE BUSINESS p13 Competition Rubicon Raw A £1,200 prize bundle is up for grabs to celebrate the brand’s Boardmasters partnership. p20 Two Minutes Of Your Time Colin McLean The Spar Scotland CEO discusses the importance of local sourcing. p25 Research Deposit Return Schemes A new surveys reveals how consumers view DRS and how they see it impacting upon their lives. p29 Checkout Scotland GroceryAid Scotland’s inaugural musical celebration is selling out fast. p30 EPoS Case Study Premier Burnpark Services in Kilmarnock installed Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS system last year and its owner has found the solution a revelation. p32 Hotlines The latest new products and media campaigns. p54 Under The Counter The Auld Boy tells Aldi where to stick its new novelty dog toy.

FEATURES p34 Crisps & Snacks The latest launches in Crisp & Snacks to help you get the most out of the category this summer. p38 Lunch-to-go The key lunch-to-go opportunity is back with a bang this summer. p40 Bottled Water Still, sparkling, plain or fruity, the water category offers a deep pool of opportunities for local stores. p44 Tobacco Tobacco continues to offer bright opportunities for local retailers, despite the challenging times. p46 Coffee The in-home coffee market offers an array of hot opportunities for local stores to profit from. p48 Confectionery The Confectionery category stands strong against a backdrop of tighter household budgets, as brands aim to offer value. p50 Summer Drinks Come rain or shine, summer offers a great opportunity to boost sales of soft and alcoholic drinks.

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ON THE COVER p14 New proposals last month from Alcohol Focus Scotland on the restriction of the display of alcohol could have enormous practical implications for local retailers.

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News LEGISLATION Study finds alcoholics would rather go hungry than not drink

Post Office ID services approved The Post Office, and its partner Yoti, have been approved by the government as the UK’s first certified digital identity service providers. Using the free Post Office Easy ID app or Yoti ID app, people can complete their identity checks digitally to prove their Right to Work, as well as their Right to Rent, and can use the apps for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Consumer confidence sinks Consumer confidence decreased one point to -41 in June, setting a new record low, according to GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index. The research shows that four measures of consumer confidence were down in comparison to the 20 May announcement, while the major purchase index was flat. The index is based on a survey of a nationally representative sample

Minimum Unit Pricing forces drinkers to ‘cut back’ on food Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) has forced some people who are dependent on alcohol to reduce other expenditure, such as food and utilities, according to a report from Public Health Scotland.

Research carried out by the University of Sheffield, the University of Newcastle (Australia), and Figure 8 Consultancy Services found there was little evidence of other negative consequences in this population following the introduction of MUP, such as increased crime, a shift to the use of illicit substances or acute withdrawal.

In addition, the report reveals that people with alcohol dependence were also found to have limited

awareness and understanding of MUP and reported receiving little information or support before its introduction.

Professor John Holmes, Professor of Alcohol Policy and Director of the Sheffield Alcohol Research Group at the University of Sheffield, said: “We know from previous studies that MUP reduced alcohol sales, including among those who bought the most alcohol before the policy. Our study shows that people with alcohol dependence responded to MUP in very different ways. Some reduced their spending on other things, but others switched to lower strength drinks or simply bought less alcohol.

“It is important that alcohol treatment services and other organisations find ways to support those who do have financial problems, particularly as inflation rises.”

Helen Chung Patterson, Public Health Intelligence Adviser at Public Health Scotland, said: “People who drink at harmful levels, and particularly those with alcohol dependence, are a diverse group with complex needs who often experience multiple interacting health and social problems. They are therefore unlikely to respond to MUP in one single or simple way.

“It’s crucial to build the evidence base in this area as part of our overall evaluation of MUP.”

of 2,002 individuals aged 16 or older carried out between 1 June and 14 June 2022.

Fed’s new President County Durham retailer Jason

SUSTAINABILITY The move will significantly reduce single-use waste

Scotmid introduces reusable Costa Coffee travel cups

Birks has been elected as the new National President of the NFRN. Birks took over from Narinder Randhawa at the organisation’s annual conference in Birmingham. He joined the NFRN in 2005 when he took over ownership of Mosci’s Convenience Store in Horden.

Birks has held a string of highprofile positions within the trade body, both at district and national level.

School grants return The GroceryAid School Essentials Grant is returning to help reduce the financial impact on low-income families when children go back to school.

Grocery workers could receive a grant of £150 per school-age child, for up to a maximum of three children per household.

Colleagues are urged to apply for the grant early, as once the fund has been spent GroceryAid will close applications.

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Scotmid has become the first Costa Express partner in the UK to introduce reusable Costa Coffee travel cups across its full portfolio of stores.

The move will significantly reduce single-use coffee cups at Costa Express machines located in its stores.

The stainless-steel reusable Costa Coffee Waffle Travel cup will be available to buy from at

all Scotmid tills and fit both a Regular and Large Costa Express drink. Customers will receive two coupons for two free Hot Filled Breakfast Rolls of their choice with every purchase of the reusable cup.

The Breakfast Rolls are worth £3.70 and can be redeemed at any point this year.

Laurence Webb, UK&I Sustainability Lead at Costa Coffee, said: “Our customers believe passionately in being able to make choices that help them do their bit to protect the environment and we are excited to partner with Scotmid, selling Costa Coffee reusable cups, designed to fit within our Costa Express machines.

“In addition to the sale of the reusable travel cups, the digital screens on all Costa Express machines look to encourage customers to think more sustainably and opt for a reusable cup when it comes to purchasing their favourite coffee.”

ILLICIT TRADE

Edinburgh City Council seizes £26k of illegal tobacco Almost £26,000 worth of illegal tobacco has been taken off the shelves by Edinburgh City Council’s Trading Standards team and Police Scotland.

The operation resulted in the seizure of almost £26,000 worth of stock from a number of premises in the Leith Walk area of the city. It included 22,600 cigarettes and 10kg of hand-rolling tobacco, which represented evaded duty of more than £10,600 defrauded from public funds.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “We are committed to tackling the supply of illicit tobacco, and will work with our partners in Police Scotland and HMRC wherever possible to disrupt its supply.”

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News SALES The grocery market is set for double-digit growth over the next five years

IGD predicts growth across all retail channels The UK grocery market is set to grow by 11.3% – from £216.8bn to £241.3bn – between 2022 and 2027, according to new figures from insight provider IGD. In addition, the research predicts that total UK sales in convenience stores are expected to rise by 13% to £50.9bn between 2022 and 2027.

IGD forecasts that 2022 will see a return to more buoyant growth for the convenience channel as shopping behaviour normalises and events provide a boost. Thereafter, the channel will continue to modestly outperform the market, sustained by ongoing investment from retailers in new and improved stores bringing enhanced capability to the channel.

The research also shows that war in Ukraine is impacting the UK supply chain and food prices are expected to increase by 8.9% in 2022. IGD anticipates shoppers will respond to this and the spike in general inflation by making cuts in food expenditure.

Caroline Myers, Director of Retail Analysis at IGD, said: “Many shoppers on tight budgets will adopt a more for less mentality – managing their spend closely by trading down to cheaper ranges and pack sizes, switching brands for private label and seeking out the best promotions. Shopping will also be more planned, with many switching to more overtly valuefocused retailers.

“Retailers’ sales will however be supported by shoppers eating out less often, building demand for athome entertaining and premium meal solutions.”

Patrick Mitchell-Fox, Senior Business Analyst at IGD and convenience channel expert, added: “2022 will be boosted by a number of big event opportunities – including the football World Cup in November. A hoped-for good summer would create additional opportunities, helping cement the recovery of city centres and travel, both domestic and in-bound tourism. However, it is clear that inflation will be an important factor in driving value sales during the year.”

Jisp reaches milestone Jisp’s Scan & Save solution is now being used by 150 stores across the UK, including those in the Nisa, Londis, Budgens, Premier, and Family Shopper symbol groups. Scan & Save has achieved 260,000 scans, 142,000 vouchers issued, and 122,000 redemptions since its launch in September 2021. The company says the average shopper redemption per visit is 2.2 items and the average saving per visit is £4.72.

Track and Trace reminder ACS is reminding retailers about July’s changes to the tobacco track and trace system. Retailers may have already received an email about a switch from previous IT provider De La Rue over to Dentsu. Retailers will receive a second email by 1 July 2022 which they should keep, as

LOTTERY Camelot sales down on last year

‘Another record year’ for National Lottery Camelot generated sales of £8.1bn for the 2021/22 financial year, a decrease of £283.2m on last year’s record sales.

The lottery operator said draw-based game sales stood at £4.6bn for the year, a slight dip of £43.2m, with the majority of the decline attributable to a decrease in sales of National Lottery Instants. Scratchcard sales remain below pre-pandemic levels “in line with people’s changing shopping habits”, while sales of online Instant Win Games were further affected by lower play and wallet load limits for potentially at-risk players. However, there were 1.8 million new online registrations, Camelot said.

The lottery operator reported in-store sales of £4.7bn in 2021/22 – down from £4.9bn in 2020/21 – and National Lottery retailers earned £265.4m in commission, the equivalent of around £6,000 per store.

Camelot Chief Executive, Nigel Railton, said: “Achieving National Lottery sales of over £8bn two years in a row while maintaining very high levels of public participation proves that our strategy of offering great consumer choice in a safe and convenient way continues to be hugely successful. It’s also testament to the resilient, innovative and responsive business model that we’ve put in place over the last few years.”

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RESTRICTED SALES

CAP highlights role of local shops in preventing underage sales Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP), which brings together local stakeholders to tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour, is reporting “significant reductions” of the issue in areas where its schemes operate.

CAP’s 2021/2 annual report reveals that over the past six years show the scheme’s areas have achieved: Q 62% reduction in weekly drinking for 13-16-year-olds.

Q After CAP training, 98% of retailers passed a Challenge25 compliance test – from an average baseline of 50%.

Q 42% reduction in anti-social behaviour.

Q 68% reduction in residents reporting children and young people drinking in public places to be a very big or fairly big problem.

it registers businesses on the live system.

New sales boss for JTI JTI has named Gemma Bateson as the new Sales Director of its UK division, replacing Ross Hennessy. Bateson has more than 10 years of experience working at JTI, starting in 2010 managing one of JTI’s Global Key Accounts. Prior to JTI, Bateson was a Sales Rep at BAT and then a National Sales Manager at Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods). She now has over 15 years of sales and category management experience.

Scottish FA partners with M&S Food The SFA and M&S Food have teamed up to help families make healthier eating choices as part of the retailer’s ‘Eat Well, Play Well’ campaign. The multi-year deal sees M&S Food, the SFA, and the Scotland National Teams highlighting what players eat to help inspire families eat healthier.

The partners also aim to show that healthy and balanced food “can be fun and tasty”.

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News SUPERMARKETS Sales uplift offset by inflation-induced fall in volume

EG Group saves one million bags of food EG Group has prevented more than one million bags of food from going to waste in the UK, through its partnership with food waste app Too Good To Go. Since the partnership launched in September 2018, nearly 1,400 EG stores and concessions have gone live on the platform across the UK and Europe. Globally, more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions have been saved via the partnership.

Supermarket spending hit Overall consumer card spending grew 9.3% year-on-year in May, according to data from Barclaycard. The figures reveal shopping at supermarkets and specialist food and drink stores saw slight declines (-2.0% and -0.9%, respectively) compared to May 2021, when Covid restrictions meant more were people cooking at home rather than eating and drinking out.

Overall spending on essential

Grocery sales continue to improve Grocery sales at UK supermarkets have continued to improve, with sales up 1.5% for the four weeks ending 18 June 2022, according to new data from NielsenIQ. However, despite this uplift, volume sales are declining by 5.5%, as shoppers seek to manage their basket spend because of inflation and the rising cost of living.

The uplift in sales was boosted

by The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the UK’s first sustained spell of hot sunny weather this year.

The data shows rising prices are leading shoppers to consider cheaper meal alternatives, with sales increasing for frozen poultry (+12%), rice and grains (+11%), canned beans and pasta (+10%), gravy/stock (+9%), and canned meat (+9%). Notably, sales of dry

pasta increased by 31%, while sales of beers, wines and spirits fell by 9.7%.

The figures also show that in the four weeks, visits to stores grew 7% – which is over 31m extra visits than this time last year. However, online sales fell 12% compared with last year, with almost half a million fewer online shoppers than in June 2021.

Mike Watkins, NielsenIQ’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, said: “It is no surprise that with budgets squeezed some households are less willing or less able to spend on a large online shop.

Moreover, with no restrictions on visiting stores, this is encouraging shoppers to shop around for the best prices as well as shopping little and more often to help manage the weekly food budget.”

Watkins added: “The outlook for the next four weeks is for further pressure on shopper spend and whilst there are some major sporting events over the next few weeks, such as Wimbledon, the F1 and the Women’s Euros, incremental volume growths to the end of July will probably remain subject to the vagaries of the weather.”

items grew 4.8%.

FORECOURTS Fuel supplier ‘impressed’ with EDGEPoS platform

Hancocks marks 60th anniversary Hancocks marked its 60th anniversary with its biggest store event so far this year. Its depot in Blochairn, Glasgow welcomed 247 customers who were able to take advantage of hundreds of offers, and could also meet the team and suppliers. There was also a number of prize draws and giveaways. Anniversary celebrations will be taking place across the Hancocks stores throughout this year.

Scotmid launches menopause café Scotmid is launching a Menopause Café for staff to drive more open conversations around menopause. The employeeled initiative will provide a safe and inclusive environment to share experiences and discuss challenges. The first online café was held during Coop Fortnight.

Scotmid recently sponsored the world’s only menopause festival – #FlushFest2022.

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Certas Energy appoints Henderson as approved EPoS supplier Certas Energy, the largest fuel supplier to the UK’s independent forecourts, has appointed Henderson Technology as an approved EPoS supplier to its Gulf and Pace forecourt sites.

The partnership enables Henderson Technology to supply EDGEPoS to retailer stores branded Gulf and Pace across Scotland, England, and Wales.

The deal starts immediately and means sites can be supplied over a 60-month lease agreement with no upfront costs.

Darren Nickels, Retail Technology Operations Director for Henderson Technology, said: “We are delighted to have been installing our awardwinning EDGEPoS system with Gulf forecourts since 2019. It has been a successful couple of years, and we look forward to building our network through this partnership.”

Alex Friendship, Head of Business Development Roadside Services at Certas Energy, added: “We work with several forward-thinking forecourt retailers who are looking to invest in an innovative EPOS system. When we looked at Henderson Technology and the EDGEPoS system, we saw these same progressive ideas from the company and the software it provides.

“We undertook a rigorous tender process and were impressed with Henderson Technology’s technical expertise, market knowledge and support. We are delighted to announce EDGEPoS as an approved EPoS supplier for fuel forecourts across our dealer network and I look forward to working alongside the team at Henderson Technology.”

COMMUNITY

Budgens celebrates 150 years with new ‘Hero Awards’ launch Budgens is marking its 150th birthday with the launch of the Hero Awards, as it seeks to “give back” to the local communities who shop in its 350 UK store locations.

The Budgens Hero Awards will reward local charities, good causes and community “heroes” with special grants to help improve the communities that each store serves.

Each store will be eligible to nominate for a share of the £50,000 fund, and the first recipient will be presented with their grant in July.

BRP Sales Director Stewart Fenn said: “It is our pleasure to give something back to the communities that these stores serve with our Hero Awards.”

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News COMMUNITY Congratulations to Jawad and Asiyah Javed

Nancy Dewar passes away Nancy Dewar, the wife of former SGF president and CEO Lawrie Dewar, has passed away aged 87. SGF Chief Executive Pete Cheema said: “The old saying of ‘behind every great man is a great woman’ was never truer than for Nancy. Always in service to others, an eternal carer, kind, renowned for her warm hospitality, a great listener, liked everyone and liked by everyone and a joy to spend time with.”

Net Zero grants Businesses in Renfrewshire can apply for a new grant that will bring them big benefits and also help the council area hit its climate change targets. Small and medium-sized companies can apply for grants up to 50% funding to a maximum of £10,000 to make carbon-reducing changes to their premises and operations. The £500,000 Net Zero Business Fund is now open for online applications.

Inclusivity campaign The Association of Convenience

Forth Valley store wins national heroes award A national award for going above and beyond for vulnerable customers during the pandemic has been won by a convenience store in Stenhousemuir.

Jawad and Asiyah Javed, owners of the Day Today store in Alloa Road, have been named as the overall winners of the Shop Local, Shop Little Heroes Awards, created by the NFRN. The trade body launched the awards to recognise the work that was done by its members to help and support their local communities during the pandemic.

The couple tracked the needs of their customers and found that hand wash, gel sanitiser, and baby food supplies were running low.

They managed to source these products and gave them away for free to those that needed them.

They also gave out more than 3,000 Covid-19 hand care packages to elderly and infirm customers and

delivered them free of charge to those who couldn’t collect.

As the pandemic progressed, people started to need face masks and food packages; again, the retailers established a supplier for these products and quickly got them to where they were needed most, at no cost.

The couple was presented with the award by the NFRN’s then National President Narinder Randhawa, during the gala dinner at the organisation’s annual

conference, which was held in Birmingham.

The prize included a store makeover from Mondelez, a fully stocked fridge from Boost Drinks, and £1,000 in cash from Booker.

Asiyah Javed said: “We are very happy and shocked to win the overall award. We were very surprised when our names were called out. We didn’t expect it because other members had done such great work. I was up all night with excitement.”

Stores is encouraging retailers to get involved with a campaign that aims to increase awareness of how vital our senses are to living life to the full. Throughout

COMMUNITY Hunger charity redistributes over three million meals in West of Scotland

Fareshare data reveals ‘dramatic’ impact of cost-of-living crisis on families

One-O-One raises over £50k for Cash for Kids

FareShare, the charity fighting hunger and food waste, has published new figures which show the devastating impact the pandemic has had on communities and families across Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

FareShare’s annual statistics confirm that between April 2021 and March 2022, it redistributed 1,466 tonnes of food to people at risk of hunger across Glasgow and the West of Scotland. That’s the equivalent of 3,489,843 meals.

Across the UK, in 2021/22, FareShare redistributed four meals per second of every second of the year, or 128,321,002 meals.

Lindsay Boswell, FareShare’s Chief Executive, said: “These figures show the scale of just how many people have been struggling to get enough to eat, during the last year across Glasgow and the West of Scotland and all across the UK. “Our warehouses, staff, volunteers and our network of charities have been working flat out, to support the millions of people and families who are going hungry. But just because the lockdown is easing, doesn’t mean people won’t still be struggling. Our charities tell us need is still high, and our work continues.”

One-O-One Convenience has donated more than £51,000 to its charity partner, Radio Clyde Cash for Kids, as part of ongoing efforts to support the communities it trades in.

The partnership has seen funds raised by One O One colleagues, with additional fundraising driven from the retailer’s sponsorship of the CFK 5k a day campaign on Clyde 1, which raised an additional £43,000 in May. Paul Stirling, Group Retail Director at One-O-One, said: “We are delighted that our customers and store teams continue to support this great charity initiative helping children in the areas we trade in during these difficult times.”

July, national disability charity Sense is encouraging people to host a Sensational Tea Party – a bake sale/coffee morning with a sensory twist – and break down barriers. To hoast a Sensational Tea Party visit bit.ly/3y0VGqi.

Packaging key concern for supermarket shoppers Plastic-free and recyclable packaging is the number one demand coming from supermarket shoppers in the UK, according to a survey from consumer app Impact Score. The survey reveals that almost 90% of people surveyed indicated that accessing products with plasticfree or recyclable packaging was a priority for them, with 71% saying they ‘really cared’ about the issue and one in five saying that sustainable packaging was the most important factor.

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COMMUNITY

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News ONLINE SHOPPING Still room for growth in £200bn sector

More than half of shoppers buy groceries online More than half (60%) of consumers buy at least some of their groceries online, with 16% now ordering all or most of their groceries via the internet, according to research conducted by digital commerce platform Spryker.

The company’s UK Online Grocery Report 2022, which spoke to 2,500 UK consumers, finds that, while the UK has a mature and robust online grocery market, there are still opportunities for expansion in a sector valued at £200bn.

The research reveals that 80% of UK consumers say they would do more food shopping online if the experience was improved and 28% plan to shop mostly online within the next two years. Home delivery is further cited as the preferred channel (23%) over pick-up instore (6.6%).

When it comes to brand recognition, 77% of those surveyed recognised Uber Eats, putting it

on an equal footing with Just Eat; Deliveroo followed in third place with 74%. However, Amazon was only identified by 63% as an online grocery provider.

The research underlined further growth opportunities for online grocery providers in rural locations. Online shoppers were more likely to live in cities with access to numerous local grocery stores, whereas those in rural locations were less likely to buy online – despite being further from a supermarket.

However, this can’t necessarily be put down to a lack of demand – there are simply fewer online grocery services available in smaller towns and rural areas. In fact, despite a lack of availability there is a strong desire for e-food services in these areas, with 17% of respondents from rural locations already doing most of their shopping online.

FORECOURTS Are pump prices too high?

Review into forecourt prices launched The Competitions Markets Authority (CMA) is launching a “short and focused” review of the competition in the retail fuel prices.

It follows allegations that pump prices are higher than they need to be, which prompted Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) ask Dr Andrew Coscelli, Chief Executive of the CMA, for an “urgent” review of the fuel market.

Dr Coscelli wrote: “As you note, global factors, including the war in Ukraine, have been the principal driver of recent trends. But if competition is not working well in the retail fuel market, pump prices will be even higher than they need to be.

“With that in mind, the CMA will, as you request, carry out a short and focused review of the market, and provide advice to government on steps that might be taken to improve outcomes for consumers across the UK.”

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PROGRESSION NOT PERFECTION

Helping the convenience channel become more sustainable

Last year, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) worked with Derbyshire retailer Amit Patel to help him improve the sustainability of his store.

Amit himself told his story to a group of convenience retailers and revealed how he had already saved more than £600 a year thanks to the changes he made.

With energy costs rising rapidly, the need to save money wherever possible has never been greater. Cutting energy bills is necessary for cashflow as well as the environment.

We asked those retailers who heard Amit speak to make their own pledges. First up, we spoke with Coventry retailer Aman Uppal.

“One big thing we have been looking at is refrigeration.

We worked out that less than 20% of our alcohol sales happen before 2pm; the majority of our sales are from 5pm onwards. So, we’re not turning on the fridge until 2pm now, for a temporary period, to assess sales. There have been no complaints from customers, there hasn’t been a dip in sales, and it’s massively reducing the amount of energy we use. So it’s good from a sustainability point of view and also our own costs”.

However small, we want to hear how you are starting your sustainability journey. Share your ideas with us via @SuntoryBF_GBI on Twitter, and together we can help the channel grow for good.

JULY 2022 | SLR

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News Extra

Food Standards

NewsExtra MAKE THE MOST OF CRISPS & SNACKS – P34 FOOD STANDARDS Standards are robust but face attacks on two fronts

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

Convenience Matters with the SGF The Scottish government has just launched the first in a series of papers which aim to ‘refresh’ the case for independence. The launch was followed by a strong statement from the Scottish government’s Constitution Secretary that an independence referendum will be held by October of 2023.

So far, the UK government has shown absolutely no inclination to give permission for another referendum, raising the prospect of some kind of unilateral or ‘wildcat’ poll.

These big constitutional issues always attract controversy, and trade bodies such as SGF must approach them very carefully. Scotland is a bit of a village and its politics tends to be a bit tribal.

Depending on what you say, it’s very easy to be painted into either a pro-independence or pro-unionist corner. However, we have been here before.

During the last referendum we managed to maintain neutrality while effectively raising the concerns of our members. Generally, retailers aren’t ideological – they are usually not even very political – but they will always be concerned by anything which brings risk, increases business uncertainty and is potentially disruptive to cross-border trade. The big issues, such as currency, which dominated the last independence debate will undoubtedly rear their ugly heads again.

Whatever we think of independence, the new move comes at a time when retailers and consumers are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis – this is unlikely to have gone away by 2023. Additionally, a vote in October of next year would mean that the campaign would be in full swing at exactly the same time as retailers and the public are having to prepare for the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme.

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Food standards face ‘significant’ challenges A new report from Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency warns of significant challenges ahead for food standards.

BY LIZ WELLS

Food standards in the UK have largely been maintained despite Brexit, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, but face ‘significant’ challenges, according to a new report from Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency.

In Scotland, 93.8% of food businesses achieved satisfactory or better ratings for food hygiene, as of 31 December 2021, the same as a year earlier, the report reveals.

In addition, the latest reported rates of compliance for Scottish food business operators were 96.9%, up 0.9% on a year earlier.

However, the report warns of significant challenges ahead. Two of the main concerns identified are firstly the fall in the level of local authority inspections of food businesses, which are being hampered by resourcing pressures faced by local authorities, despite some progress in getting inspections back on track.

Secondly, the delay in establishing full UK imports controls for highrisk food and feed from the EU continues to reduce our ability to prevent the entry of unsafe food into the UK market.

Food Standards Scotland Chair, Heather Kelman, said: “This joint report comes at what we believe is a make-or-break juncture for food quality and safety, as we transition into a post-pandemic landscape and take on new responsibilities following our departure from the EU. “It is really encouraging that this evidence-led report has found that our high food standards we strive

for in Scotland and the rest of the UK have been upheld during a particularly challenging period.

However, the full effects of these momentous events are still being felt, and will continue to have an impact on our food systems for years to come.”

Kelman added: “We are under no illusions there are major challenges ahead. As the report points out, there is a significant issue in relation to local authority resourcing, which could have a dramatic effect on the ability to carry out inspections, food law delivery and, at the very core, it could cause a risk to public health. Establishing full UK import controls is also an issue

which has the potential to not only damage consumer confidence, but ultimately affect the high standards of foods being placed on the market in Scotland and the rest of UK. “It is our collective responsibility to make sure that these current challenges in the food system are mitigated in a way that puts us on course for a safe, healthier and more sustainable future food system.”

The report – Our Food 2021: An annual review of food standards across the UK – was laid across all four UK Parliaments/Assemblies on 27 June. It is the first of what will be an annual report on how food standards are changing over time. www.slrmag.co.uk

Introducing New Attached Caps We’re proud to be leading the industry in Great Britain, introducing attached caps across our entire portfolio making it easier to collect and recycle the whole package and ensure no cap gets left behind.

Production has begun at our site in East Kilbride meaning that consumers in Scotland are seeing new caps attached to 1.5L bottles of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke first.

The change is another step on Coca-Cola’s journey towards a World Without Waste, helping to reduce waste, prevent litter and support the creation of a circular economy for our PET packaging.

To find out more email connect@ccep.com, call 0808 1 000 000 or visit my.ccep.com

©2022 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. All rights reserved.

COCA-COLA, COCA-COLA ZERO SUGAR, DIET COKE are registered trade marks.

Comment

IT WOULD DRIVE YOU TO DRINK Let’s face it, Scotland has always had a challenging relationship with alcohol and it’s an extremely complex issue that doesn’t have easy answers. It took generations and generations to get us to where we are today, and I suspect it will take generations and generations for us to rebuild and reframe the relationship that many Scots have with alcohol. But there are very deep-seated and complicated reasons why Scots love a drink. For my money, most of them are societal.

Drink is the only escape that many people have from often very difficult lives and it’s a thing that’s handed down through the generations. But one thing is absolutely clear, to me at least: the way to rebalance that relationship with alcohol is through tackling the causes, not the symptoms.

Excessive drinking is a symptom. What we actually need to understand is the reason why people drink excessively. I don’t pretend to know why people drink more than is good for them, but I suspect it’s to do with dissatisfaction, unhappiness and other negative emotions. If we really want to help, we need to understand why they feel this way and then find ways of fixing those root causes, rather than just focusing on the symptoms.

Alcohol Focus Scotland’s latest broadside on increasing restrictions on sales of alcohol is another classic example of tackling the symptoms and not the root causes, a bit like MUP. When MUP came in, we still had the Woodlands Local shop and I can categorically say that none of our problem drinker customers saw the light and decided that they should abandon their alcoholism because it was getting more expensive.

I’m not entirely sure the headline-grabbing set of proposals is likely to make it out of the starting blocks (although you never know with the Scottish Government), but if we ever did end up having to have ‘store within a store’ alcohol sections, like the tobacco rooms you get in airports, there would be carnage in the local retailing sector. How many people reading this could realistically fit a new ‘concealed’ store into the one they already have?

The point here, yet again, is that these proposed measures are highly unlikely to actually achieve the goals set for them, while causing untold harm and cost to local retailers. People will not stop drinking because the alcohol is in a sectioned-off room. These proposals focus once more on symptoms and not root causes.

EDITORIAL Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley abegley@55north.com News Editor Liz Wells lwells@55north.com Features Editor Gaelle Walker gwalker@55north.com Web Editor Findlay Stein fstein@55north.com

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EVENTS & OPERATIONS Events & Circulation Manager Cara Begley cbegley@55north.com 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.

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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.

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© 55 North Ltd. 2022 ISSN 1740-2409.

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WIN

RUBICON RAW PRIZE BUNDLE WORTH £1200 TO CELEBRATE THE BRAND’S BOARDMASTERS FESTIVAL PARTNERSHIP

The prize £500 CASH COUNTER TOP FRIDGE 1 CASE OF EACH RUBICON RAW FLAVOUR (4 cases)

PREMIUM ADVENTURE BUNDLE

To celebrate Barr Soft Drinks biggest ever investment in an energy campaign for Rubicon RAW, the brand is giving one lucky retailer the chance to win a prize bundle worth £1200!

Rubicon RAW’s £2m million marketing strategy for Rubicon RAW includes sponsorship of this year’s Boardmasters Festival, and will reach over 11 million energy shoppers.

“Rubicon RAW has quickly established itself as an important part of the category. 60% of the brand’s sales have been incremental by recruiting new and lapsed energy consumers*1 and current consumers are also buying Rubicon

RAW more frequently than other brands in the market,” says Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks.

“We’ve planned an epic year of activity to build on this success where we will engage a broad range of consumers and drive shoppers to fixture to increase category sales.

“We’re really excited to be the Official Partner of Boardmasters, as the exclusive Energy Drink sponsor. The 5-day event in August is packed with live music from global headline acts and world-class surfers, creating an opportunity for us to build Rubicon RAW into the hearts and minds of core energy consumers,” concludes Adrian.

Rubicon RAW will have huge visibility at Boardmasters Festival and will be the Exclusive Energy drink poured at all event bars.

The sponsorship will be supported with an always-on marketing campaign, to continue driving brand awareness and loyalty with new and existing energy shoppers.

This will include impactul POS materials to create in-store theatre and drive retailer sales.

Launched just 18 months ago, Rubicon RAW quickly made an impact on the energy drinks category, becoming the fourth largest flavoured big can energy brand in the market*2 and selling over 11 million cans.*3

*1:IRI Total Outlets to 27/11/21 & Tesco Dunnhumby to 12/12/2021 *2: AG Barr Sales data *3: IRI Marketplace, Value Growth % and Value Growth Actual, MAT 25.12.21, Total Coveragew

To enter, fill out the form below and send to Freepost 55 North. Entries close on Friday 29 July 2022.

RUBICON RAW POS KIT

Name: Store name: Address: Email: Date: Tick here to continue to receive your free monthly copy SLR magazine each month

Cover Story

Alcohol Display Restrictions

“AFS argues that the display of alcohol on shelves in shops is triggering to persons with harmful consumption patterns and they want alcohol removed from all public spaces.” spaces. ” 14

SLR | JULY 2022

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Alcohol Display Restrictions

Cover Story

ALCOHOL DISPLAY PROPOSALS PRESENT ‘MAJOR’ CONSEQUENCES FOR RETAILERS

New proposals last month from Alcohol Focus Scotland on the restriction of the display of alcohol could have enormous practical implications for local retailers.

BY STEPHEN MCGOWAN

A

lcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) launched a new paper on 28 June 2022 called “Realising our Rights”.

AFS argues that the presence of alcohol advertising such as posters in bus shelters, as well as the actual display of alcohol on shelves in shops, is triggering to persons with harmful consumption patterns or in recovery, and such persons have the right not to see it. They do, in fact, want alcohol removed from all public spaces.

In relation to shops and convenience stores, they have proposed the well-versed “shop within a shop” concept where alcohol is only allowed in a separate, restricted area with a set of premises.

This is something they have argued for since before the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 came into force in 2009.

This article is an exploration of the licensing challenges of introducing the “shop within a shop” system.

According to the Scottish Government Liquor Licensing Statistics which were issued in March 2022, there are 5,053 “pure” off sale licences in Scotland, meaning licences which only allow off-sales. This includes supermarkets, shops, convenience stores, as well as specialist off sales retailers. The actual number of premises which may offer off-sales is much higher because many on-sales licences also have an off-sale facility, and those are not caught within the 5,053.

AFS recommends as follows: “…limiting the display and promotion of alcoholic drinks in mixed retail environments to a designated area separated from the rest of the store by an appropriate physical barrier; concealing alcohol products located behind checkout points in a similar way to that with tobacco; and ensuring that alcohol display areas are not visible from outside the shop.”

The proposed changes on restrictions on alcohol advertising and displays will impact premises across Scotland with off-sale licences in a number of ways. The proposal would mean premises with an off-sale licence would need to consider a change to their physical layout in order to move the alcohol into an area which is restricted, or to reconfigure the layout of the shop so that the restriction is given effect.

There are significant practical implications for this, but in licensing terms what it would mean is the licence holder needing to lodge a variation application to update the layout of their premises.

In some cases, this might require the retailer to downsize. It might also mean them seeking a larger display due to the specific layouts of their individual premises. Submitting a variation application to the licensing board is not a tick box exercise. The retailer would have to instruct an architect to draw a new licensing layout plan showing the proposed new layout. Let us assume

the layout change keeps the same or less amount of alcohol on display in the new restricted space. This would mean approximately 5,000 applications being submitted by a deadline.

The cost implications to achieve this for those businesses is significant.

In addition, the restrictions would have an impact on licensing authorities in terms of resource, as well as all the other licensing applications which have to be dealt with by those teams (whether alcohol or other licences).

Glasgow and Edinburgh would be looking at around 500 applications each, Aberdeen perhaps 200, and South Lanarkshire around 250. These numbers only capture shops and supermarkets – I have not factored in premises such as bars which have a separate off-sale alcohol display.

A minor variation for layout change would also typically be assessed by a building standards officer to (a) make sure the plan is correct and the measurements add up and (b) confirm that it is a minor variation and not a major variation.

Some of these applications might have to proceed as major variations in any event – where there is even a tiny increase in display. Such applications can take many months, require a hearing and full public consultation, and are far more expensive. The “shop within a shop” proposal has significant licensing consequences.

No doubt the Scottish Government will reflect on these.

STEPHEN MCGOWAN IS PARTNER AND HEAD OF LICENSING (SCOTLAND) AT TLT. www.slrmag.co.uk

JULY 2022 | SLR

15

News

Products

Costa Express blows hot and cold with upgrade Costa Express has launched an upgraded self-serve machine that delivers both hot and iced drinks. Customers will now be able to choose from a large variety of barista-quality drinks that range from hot or cold lattes and cappuccinos, to iced fruit cordials and milk coolers. The launch follows a successful trial in Bristol last summer, alongside testing dairy alternative milks in a small number of machines.

Saputo first to market with side-opening packs Saputo Dairy has unveiled new resealable side-opening packaging for its Cathedral City brand. The brand said it is the first in the UK to introduce sideopening block cheese packaging which is resealable. The new packs are available now across the entire Cathedral City block range. The redesign means

Product News FALL IN LOVE WITH LUNCH-TO-GO – P38 SNACKS/SOFT DRINKS On-pack promos run across Doritos, Walkers Max and Pepsi Max brands

PepsiCo sponsors Women’s Euros PepsiCo has marked its long-term commitment to women’s football by sponsoring the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament (6 to 31 July) as part of a five-year partnership with UEFA. The sponsorship is supported by a heavyweight marketing campaign, running across digital, social, PR, POS, out-of-home and in-store.

An on-pack promotion across Doritos, Walkers Max and Pepsi Max calls on consumers to ‘get match ready’ and gives fans the chance to win 750 pairs of tickets, including sold-out matches.

PepsiCo is also giving away cash prizes.

As part of the partnership, Doritos will launch its biggest campaign of the year and its firstever brand-led football campaign in the UK. The campaign will span the duration of the tournament and will include TV, digital, PR and shopper marketing activities.

A Pepsi Max integrated media campaign will run across digital, out-of-home, shopper marketing and POS. The UEFA Women’s Euro final show at Wembley will also be sponsored by Pepsi Max, with some of UK’s best female artists performing.

“The sponsorship of the UEFA Women’s Euro

2022 and activating through our brands Walkers, Doritos and Pepsi Max demonstrates our long-term commitment to the women’s game,” said Karina Carrico, Marketing Manager at PepsiCo. “This year’s tournament is being hosted in England, and so we’re expecting to witness an incredible atmosphere, with fans generating huge excitement across the country.

“Our campaign will be about harnessing the nation’s passion and excitement during the UEFA Women’s Euro and elevating women’s football to the iconic status it deserves.”

consumers can slide the cheese in and out of the pack without touching it.

Jacob’s tweaks Twiglets Pladis has updated the recipe for Jacob’s Twiglets. As well as showcasing a high in fibre claim, the updated Jacob’s Twiglets recipe contains 60% less salt, meaning it sits outside English restrictions on HFSS products. The reformulation comes alongside a fresh new look across the entire Jacob’s Twiglets portfolio. The redesign puts greater emphasis on the benefits the snack can offer shoppers.

Geek Bar launches upgraded disposable vape Geek Bar has revamped one of its most popular ranges as part of plans to increase its market share in the UK specialist and convenience retail sectors. The S600 has been modernised to include a new rectangular shape to enhance the ergonomics of the device. The upgraded vapes are lightweight and compact, and prefilled with 20mg of nicotine as well as up to 2ml of e-liquid.

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PETCARE

Dreamies marks Pride month for second year Cat treat brand Dreamies has renewed its partnership with LGBT Foundation for a second year, featuring the charity’s helpline number on seven million packs during Pride month, as well as the LGBT Foundation logo and Pride rainbow.

Mars Petcare is supporting the partnership with in-store and PR activities, along with digital advertising.

LGBT Foundation has delivered advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities for over 45 years. In 2021, the charity saw a 32% increase in the total number of emails and phone calls received by its helpline during the campaign, against the same period in 2019.

The renewed partnership comes at a time when independent research has found that 52% of LGBTQ+ adults said that talking openly to their pet without fear of judgement would help their mental health.

Kay Brown, European Brand Director at Mars Petcare, commented: “We are proud to be continuing our partnership with LGBT Foundation for a second year running. Together, we hope to provide the LGBTQ+ community with a source of vital care and support to help protect the mental health of those struggling.”

FROZEN Shoppers can win trips to the Windy City

Chicago Town ‘goes to town’ with new campaign Chicago Town has launched a £1.5m multimedia campaign to showcase how the frozen pizza brand “goes to town” on getting pizza inspiration from Chicago.

The brand appears across an array of national out-of-home media, including bus stops, railway stations and the London Underground in ads that tell the story of why it goes to Chicago for inspiration. These feature the brand’s Takeaway, Tiger Crust and Deep Dish pizzas.

The campaign is supported by an on-pack competition that gives consumers the chance to win one of 11 trips to the Windy City. Running until the end of July, the competition will see winners stay at the Chicago Townhouse, where they will be treated to a three-night stay, a pizza bus tour, a pizza making class, a boat tour and a £300 spending allowance.

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Products

News

Big cheese Devon-based Millbrook Dairy Company has won the Creamery Vintage Cheddar class at this year’s Virtual Cheese Awards with its 1057 Scottish Cheddar.

SOFT DRINKS Brands help bid to make event carbon-neutral

Lucozade Sport and CCEP to quench Commonwealth thirst

Kevin Beer, Co-Founder and

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games due to take place between 28 July and 8 August, two soft drinks giants are helping ensure both athletes and fans don’t go thirsty.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) GB has been named as the games’ Official Soft Drinks Provider and, in a bid to help support Birmingham 2022’s ambition to be the first Commonwealth Games with a carbon-neutral legacy, all CCEP bottles sold will be 100% recyclable and made from 100% recycled plastic.

made. It is aged for at least 14

CCEP will also be working with the event’s waste management and recycling providers to ensure plastics collected from all Games sites are processed and recycled.

Low carbon transport options, such as electric vehicles, will also be used by CCEP, where possible.

Coca-Cola is also partnering with the Canal & River Trust ahead of Birmingham 2022, on a project to improve three key areas of Birmingham’s canal network.

Meanwhile Lucozade Sport, as Official Sports Drink, will provide thousands of athletes with isotonic

drinks, over 102,000 litres expected to be distributed.

Every Lucozade Sport bottle at the Games will be made from recycled plastic excluding the cap and label, and – like CCEP – the brand is working with the event’s waste management providers to promote sustainability ambitions.

The Games will be held at venues across Birmingham, featuring around 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories. For the first time in Games history, there will be more medal events for women than men.

Director at Millbrook, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this win. Our 1057 is a characterful Scottish Cheddar, rich because of where it is from and how it is months to create the delicious flavour and texture.”

Elf Bar exclusive for Aquavape Bolton-based Aquavape has been named as exclusive UK distributor of Elf Bar’s rechargeable disposable pod kit Elfa. The device is Elf Bar’s answer to the issue of singleuse plastic waste produced by disposable vapes and comprises a reusable, rechargeable main vape pen with replaceable pods.

Retailers should call 08081 687

SOFT DRINKS £1.5m campaign offers more than 90,000 prizes

Robinsons on AR fruit lookout

In its biggest summer activity to date, squash brand Robinsons has launched ‘Big Fruit Hunt’.

The £1.5m campaign centres around a digital augmented reality (AR) fruit hunt, created to encourage families to flavour their water bottles with Robinsons.

Running until 2 September across Robinsons squash promotional packs, a QR Code features on-pack, which shoppers can scan and be taken to an interactive map to find virtual fruit to fill a water bottle and collect prizes. More than 90,000 prizes are up for grabs, including bespoke Robinsons water bottles and outdoor activity kits.

The campaign also includes in-store, out-ofhome, POS, digital and social activations.

Ben Parker, GB Retail Commercial Director at Britvic, commented: “This summer, we want to bring families together and get outdoors by taking part in the ‘Big Fruit Hunt’. Robinsons remains the number one squash brand in convenience with nearly 50% share of the category.”

SOFT DRINKS

Vimto launches a-peeling new bottle Nichols is introducing a new bottle design across its Vimto squash range.

Currently rolling out into market, distribution is planned to be fully integrated by mid-summer. The launch will also be supported by the return of the ‘Find Your Different’ multichannel marketing campaign.

The new distinctive bottle features a contemporary design with fruit peel texture, which serves to highlight the ‘healthy hydration’ messaging the brand is passionate about by mirroring the real fruit contained within every Vimto squash bottle. The newly designed bottles remain widely recycled and made from 51% rPET. The brand is striving to achieve 100% rPET by 2025.

This summer will also see the return of Vimto’s Find Your Different campaign. Building on last year’s activity, the campaign includes advertising across TV and videoon-demand, airing from 20 June and in cinemas from 17 June, along with summer-long social and digital activity.

The campaign is expected to be seen by around six million consumers.

551 or email sales@aquavape. co.uk for stock enquiries.

Seabrook expands popular two-for-one promo Seabrook Crisps has continued its partnership with Alton Towers Resort for a fifth year and expanded the two-for-one entry offer to include Thorpe Park Resort. The on-pack promo runs through to September across a selection of Crisps Crinkle Cut Multipacks and 70g £1 PMP bags. It is backed with TV advertising, digital and social media ads, and trade and consumer PR campaigns.

You cannot pee serious Highland Spring has partnered with a host of wellbeing advocates, to challenge the nation to drink 10 glasses of water a day for 10 days and see how they feel. The campaign follows research showing almost half of Brits have no idea how much water they should be drinking. It encourages people to pick up healthy hydration habits, including checking the colour of their urine.

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JULY 2022 | SLR

17

News

Off-Trade

NZ wine bounces back New Zealand grape growers and wineries are breathing a sigh of relief following an improved vintage in 2022 that will help the industry rebuild stocks and sales. Strong demand and smaller than expected crops in recent years have led to significant shortages, causing

Off-TradeNews SOAK UP SERIOUS SALES WITH BOTTLED WATER – P40 WINE TWE brand teams up with Love Island presenter to mark big birthday

Blossom Hill turns 30 Treasury Wine Estates’ Blossom Hill brand has partnered with TV and radio personality Laura Whitmore on a consumer campaign to celebrate its 30th birthday.

The campaign is supported across in-store, PR, and social media. It seeks to quash anxieties people may have around achieving various goals in life by a particular age. It has been informed by consumer research that found 77% of Brits aged 25-35 feel pressured to reach certain life milestones by the time they turn 30.

Laura Whitmore commented: “When Blossom Hill told me they wanted to help smash the stigma and pressures that come with reaching milestone birthdays, I was all in. I’ve been there, done that, and got more than a few t-shirts. I know being in my thirties now, that life certainly doesn’t end here and in fact, it just keeps getting better. Now I think we can all raise a glass to that, cheers to 30 Blossom Hill!”

To support the campaign, TWE will launch Blossom Hill 30th limited-edition labels from August until end of 2022. These will appear across the brand’s Soft and Fruity Red Wine; Crisp and Fruity White Wine; and White Zinfandel varietals.

Ben Blake, Head of Marketing, EMEA at TWE, said: “Laura speaks so well to our target audience and is one of the most loved TV personalities in the UK.”

total New Zealand wine sales to fall 14% from the peak achieved in January 2021. The 2022 harvest produced 532,000 tonnes of grapes.

Haarsma is Heineken’s new UK boss Boudewijn Haarsma has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Heineken UK. He will join the UK business on 8 August from his previous role as MD for Heineken Russia, which he has held since 2018. Haarsma joined the brewer in 1995 and moved to Nigeria in 2010 before assuming the role of MD for East & West Africa in 2015. He will report to Heineken’s President Europe Soren Hagh.

Drumshanbo Galánta launches Speciality Brands has brought Drumshanbo Single Malt Irish Whiskey 2021 Galánta (RSP £95) to the UK. Bottled at 46% ABV in 2021, the whiskey is a limited edition of 6,000 and the first single malt to be distilled in the province of Connacht in 107 years. Made from 100% Irish malted barley, the liquid has no colour added and is non-chill filtered.

Fountain doubles hard seltzer range

CIDER Limited-edition packs will help protect the Amazon

Old Mout launches biggest-ever campaign Old Mout has launched its biggest-ever campaign, along with limited-edition designs for its range of 10-packs, as the cider brand enters its fourth year in partnership with WWF. The multi-million-pound campaign runs until 31 July, across TV and social channels. With every limitededition pack sold, the Heineken brand will donate 50p to WWF to protect the Amazon and support the wildlife charity’s wider conservation work.

Alongside its partnership with WWF, Old Mout is 100% recyclable, vegan friendly, gluten free and made with natural flavours. These credentials particularly appeal to younger shoppers who look to make a positive impact through their lifestyle choices.

Fountain Hard Seltzer has launched two new flavours.

Watermelon Fountain Hard Seltzer and Raspberry Fountain Hard Seltzer (both ABV 5%) RSP at £14 for a pack of six and £25 for a 12-pack. A Live Nation partnership will see the brand reach a potential audience of over three million festival goers across a total of 28 UK music events this summer. Visit bit. ly/3mQbNSl to stock.

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VODKA

Smirnoff adds a burst of berries Smirnoff is adding a Berry Burst variant to its growing flavoured vodka portfolio.

The latest launch from the brand will be available exclusively at Morrisons from 20 June and nationwide across the off- and on-trades from September 2022.

Smirnoff will support the launch alongside its flavour portfolio with marketing investment worth over £2m in the first launch year. It seeks to capitalise on the increasing popularity of flavoured vodka which is growing at 73% in the off-trade.

Smirnoff Berry Burst (70cl, ABV 37.5%) will be available to convenience retailers from September 2022 with an RSP of £16.50 (£14 promotional price). Packs price-marked at £15.99 will also be available.

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Off-Trade

News

Taste of summer Dunnet Bay Distillers has launched its 2022 Rock Rose Gin Summer Edition (41.5% ABV).

The light, bright citrus-style gin is made with no peels and instead

RTDs Launch taps into the growing popularity of vodka cocktails

Absolut unveils Passionfruit Martini RTD

is distilled using ingredients from

Absolut has launched its take on the nation’s favourite cocktail – the Passionfruit Martini – in a ready-to-drink format.

Absolut Passionfruit Martini RTD (5% ABV) is presented in a stylish 250ml can that features a gold silhouette of the brand’s iconic 18th century medicine bottle. It combines the brand’s premium vodka with the flavours of zesty passionfruit and sweet vanilla for “a sophisticated taste experience”.

Absolut is supporting the launch through mass-reaching media throughout early summer, presence at festivals, and PR and influencer gifting to drive awareness and excitement around the new cocktail proposition.

Marnie Corrigan, Brand Director at Pernod Ricard UK, commented: “The popularity of vodka cocktails has accelerated and, with two-fifths of consumers making cocktails at home, we’re confident that our new Absolut Passionfruit Martini RTD will exceed expectations for producing the perfect sparkling serve, every time.

“Absolut has become synonymous with the much-loved cocktail and it’s only natural that we’re launching a bar quality pre-mixed format.”

Absolut Passionfruit Martini RTDs are available in cases of 12 x 250ml, with an RSP of £2.20 per can.

lemon balm, clover, lemon

RTDs Sponsorship deal enters second year

RTDs

WKD recouples with Love Island

Dead Man’s cans

ITV’s popular reality show Love Island is back on screens for its eighth season, and RTD brand WKD has also returned as the programme’s Official Alcohol Partner.

Plans to maximise the tie-in include broadcast media, co-branded pack designs, on-pack promotions, in-depot activation, and a huge social, digital and influencer campaign, including exclusive WKD-themed content featuring Islanders.

An on-trade Love Island promotion features for the first time this year as an additional strand of the campaign, to further increase awareness amongst convenience shoppers.

The 2022 association marks the second consecutive year that WKD has partnered with Love Island. Last year’s series was 2021’s mostwatched commercial programme for WKD’s core target audience of 18- to 25-year-olds.

A co-branded design will appear on limitededition WKD Pink 700ml bottles and all WKD 10-packs will offer chances to win Love Island merch.

Dead Man’s Fingers is expanding into the ready-to-drink category with three new launches: Spiced Rum & Cola, Spiced Rum & Ginger Beer and Passion Fruit Rum & Lemonade.

All three new variants are available to order now in 330ml cans (RSP £1.99) with an ABV of 5%.

Rachel Adams, Global Marketing Manager for Dead Man’s Fingers Rum, commented: “The launch of our new RTD format is a natural next step for our brand, particularly as we enter into the summer months when convenience is key, so we’re excited to be able to offer that delicious Dead Man’s Fingers taste in a handy new format.

“For retailers, it’s also a great opportunity to introduce new shoppers to the rum category, and ultimately upsell to the larger 70cl bottle format for increased basket spend.”

the gardens and rockery of the eco-friendly distillery including thyme, pineapple sage, meadowsweet, and elderflowers. It is priced at £39 for a 70cl bottle or £32 for a fully recyclable refill pouch.

Coors plays it cool with new packaging Molson Coors has launched new limited-edition packaging to “highlight the ice-cold refreshment of Coors”. New packs feature a word hidden behind a pair of sunglasses that is revealed when bottles and cans are chilled. To back the launch, an out-of-home and social media campaign runs throughout the summer alongside in-store activity.

Find a compass, win a campervan adventure Sharp’s is giving consumers the chance to win a campervan adventure as part of a new on-pack promotion, with 16 golden compasses hidden inside promotional four- and 10-can multipacks of Doom Bar for consumers to find. Thousands of other prizes are up for grabs, including electric mountain bikes, rucksacks, ceramic grills, Rick Stein food boxes and more than 12,000 gift cards.

Edrington and TWE join Portman Group Edrington UK and Treasury Wine Estates have joined alcohol marketing watchdog the Portman Group. The addition of the whisky supplier and the wine producer brings the total number of Council Members to 17. Their inclusion underlines that the Portman Group represents and has the full support of all parts of the alcohol sector including beer, wine, spirits, cider and ready-todrink products.

www.slrmag.co.uk

JULY 2022 | SLR

19

Inside Business

2 Minutes | Colin McLean, Spar Scotland

COLIN MCLEAN Spar Scotland CEO Colin McLean discusses the importance of local sourcing to his business and why the strategy is good for shoppers, Scottish producers and Spar Scotland.

SPAR SCOTLAND HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. CAN YOU GIVE US AN OVERVIEW? Spar is the largest symbol group in Scotland servicing over 300 convenience stores. We are a family-owned business based in Dundee. We own over 100 Spar stores and have an outstanding on-site distribution centre and a fleet of 55 vehicles. We employ 1,700 people.

We continue to advertise on STV with market-leading deals highlighting the great value available in Spar stores. We extended our partnership with the Scottish FA until 2023 supporting the Scotland Women’s National Team and relaunched our grassroots tournament for girls. We’ve expanded our food-to-go offering by implementing our CJ’s brand in our companyowned stores and we have had record breaking food-to-go sales. We recently signed-off one of the biggest investment programmes in the company’s history with £6m due to spend on our estate over the next few years. That programme is already well underway.

We’ve also strengthened our relationship with our independent retailers through the recent launch of a new website, a new-look sales team and we continue to work hard to grow our independent base through recruitment but first and foremost through retention of our existing retailers.

We’ve also picked up a few notable awards along the way too, including the prestigious SLR Symbol Group of the Year award.

HOW IMPORTANT IS SCOTTISH FOOD AND DRINK TO CJ LANG? We understand just how important it is to support the country’s many fantastic small local producers and currently work with over 150 local suppliers across Scotland. During the pandemic we saw how shopper interest in local products grew and we are keen to play our part in building on that momentum.

Small producers are invaluable to local communities. The benefits of a strong network of local food and drink producers are far reaching. Their investment into a diverse range of products creates local jobs and make it possible for the food and drink industry to thrive. It also means shoppers have access to more options to choose from, all produced close to home.

Now is a good opportunity too to thank Scottish producers for going above and beyond during the last couple of years. We could not be more grateful for the support family firms and producers have shown us.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SOURCING? There are so many benefits. Supporting small, local producers helps sustain local economies across Scotland, it helps safeguard jobs and it helps minimise our impact on the planet thanks to significantly reduced 20

SLR | JULY 2022

road miles. Small-scale production is better for the planet. By supporting local Scottish business, we are buying local produce that is very fresh.

These products are grown by local people with a real passion for giving quality food and drink to consumers.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE LOCAL SOURCING TREND EVOLVING? We can only see the local sourcing trend growing stronger in the next year or two. The customer of today and tomorrow is clearly very in tune with supporting local producers and suppliers. We will continue to play our part in ensuring we embrace and support local sourcing both now and in the future years to come.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WHEN LISTING NEW SCOTTISH PRODUCTS? When selecting the products, it comes down to three aspects: Q First is always what customers want – demand generally drives supply unless you are sat on a load of sunflower oil right now!

Q Second is a point of difference – why should a customer pick your brand over another? Award-winning quality, a story that resonates, an exclusive product/blend, engaging marketing?

Q Finally, commercials – does it work for the customer, ourselves, independent retailers and the supplier.

We support and actively coach our suppliers that need it; we want to champion our suppliers and fly the flag for Scotland. So, we will work with them on capacity, scale, margin and retail expectations, with forecasts to ensure this works for all parties at the forefront. For some of our suppliers without their own trucks we will offer backhaul capabilities to offer discounted market-leading rates to remove any haulier concerns in the current market.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS TO SCOTTISH PRODUCERS OF WORKING WITH SPAR SCOTLAND? Being based in Scotland with a full distribution network and a full Scotland-based buying team means Spar Scotland is in a great place to work with more small local suppliers and help them get their products out to more shoppers.

For over 100 years we have been supplying food to the convenience sector. We are investing significantly in our stores and within that we are looking at our ranges which will bring out the best local food producers Scotland has to offer. This is a great opportunity to help Scotland’s local suppliers grow and thrive. www.slrmag.co.uk

Judging Panel | SLR Awards

Inside Business

MEET THE JUDGING PANEL The SLR Awards prides itself on the robustness and transparency of its judging process. In the first stage of judging, every entry is carefully scrutinised by an independent panel of retailers, representatives of trade associations and other industry experts chaired by SLR Publishing Director Antony Begley, who doesn’t vote.

So, here are the judges who have drawn up this year’s shortlist of stores…

www.slrmag.co.uk

CHAIRMAN (NON-VOTING) ANTONY BEGLEY PUBLISHING DIRECTOR, SLR

JOHN MURRAY FOUNDER AND CVO, HIGHLAND FOOD AND DRINK CLUB

JAMIE BUCHANAN GO LOCAL PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, SGF

KATHRYN NEIL DIRECTOR, SGF HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMME

WALTER BRYSON RETAILER, BRYSONS LONDIS PRESTWICK

CHRIS NOICE COMMS DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES

SAM COLDBECK RETAILER, WHARFEDALE PREMIER, HULL

KAREN PEATTIE CONVENIENCE RETAIL JOURNALIST

LUKE MCGARTY POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, SGF

PETER STEEL JOINT CHAIRMAN, GROCERYAID SCOTLAND

JULY 2022 | SLR

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SLR Awards 22 - Ticket Sales.pdf 6 21/06/2022 13:32:58

Inside Business

SLR Awards | Shortlist

SLR AWARDS 2022:

THE SHORTLIST The official shortlist for the SLR Awards 2022 has now been concluded as we reveal the stores and retailers in the running for this, our 20th anniversary edition of the Awards.

BO O K NO W!

THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!

T

TICK ETS AVAILABLE NOW

LIVE EV ENThe : first stage of the judging for the SLR Awards 2022 is now

complete and the judges have drawn their conclusions. The 7 S EPT result 2022 is the shortlist that you see on these pages.

Th is R ADIS SON,is a very special year for us, given that 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the SLR Awards so it was enormously GLASGOW encouraging to see such a high standard of entries.

One judge, Samantha Coldbeck is a multi-award-winning retailer herself at Premier Wharfedale in Hull. She commented: “I know how hard the least year has been, so it was just so heartwarming to see what local retailers in Scotland have achieved in the last 12 months. Despite all the challenges thrown at them, they’ve achieved some unbelievable things in the last year and the general standard of entry was really pretty staggering.”

SLR Publisher Antony Begley added: “I know I probably say it every year, but I think this is probably the highest standard of entries we’ve seen

in 20 years of running the SLR Awards. In one of the toughest years in history, local retailers have more than risen to the challenge. Covid has been an incredibly tough battle, but it has at least allowed many retailers to grow revenues and reinvest in their businesses. That strategy was really evident during the paper judging and it will undoubtedly serve the sector well in years to come.”

With the paper judging phase now complete, the judges will now begin the on-the-road judging which, as the name suggests, entails travelling the length and breadth of Scotland visiting every store on the shortlist over the next month.

“Once again, local retailing has proven how vital it is to communities all across Scotland – and I can’t wait to hit the road and start seeing all the shortlisted stores in person,” said Begley. “Good luck to every store on the shortlist.”

TAB LE OF 10 £ 125 0 EX VAT TICK ET £ 14 0 EX VAT

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

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Shortlist | SLR Awards

Inside Business

IN STORE CATEGORIES

IN ACTION CATEGORIES

BREAD & BAKERY RETAILER OF THE YEAR

COMMUNITY RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Q Q Q

PREMIER LOSSIEMOUTH SPAR LADYBANK SCOTMID LAURENCEKIRK

CONFECTIONERY RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

COSTCUTTER FRESH IN FALKIRK DAY-TODAY STENHOUSEMUIR PREMIER ONE STOP SHOP PREMIER GIRVAN

FRESH & CHILLED RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

NISA MACLENNAN’S SUPERMARKET SPAR GATEHOUSE OF FLEET SCOTMID LAURENCEKIRK NISA DAVID’S KITCHEN GLENROTHES

FOOD-TO-GO RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q Q

NISA DAVID’S KITCHEN KIRKCALDY NISA GREEN’S OF KINROSS SPAR RENFREW PREMIER GIRISH’S OF BARMULLOCH SCOTMID UDDINGSTON

NEWSTRADE RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

PREMIER TURRIFF BROWN NEWSAGENT KELSO JAMES BORTHWICK, EDINBURGH POZZI ABERDEEN

OFF-TRADE RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

COSTCUTTER FRESH IN FALKIRK DAY-TODAY COYLTON NISA GREEN’S OF MARKINCH PREMIER LINKTOWN LOCAL

SCOTTISH BRANDS RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

SCOTMID UDDINGSTON COSTCUTTER FRESH IN FALKIRK NISA GREEN’S OF ELLON SPAR PRESTWICK

SOFT DRINKS RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

Q Q Q

DAY-TODAY STENHOUSEMUIR PREMIER WATSON’S GROCER SPAR HALBEATH

FORECOURT RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q

PREMIER RACETRACK PITSTOP AUTOPORT PREMIER RACETRACK PITSTOP – BEARSDEN CERTAS AIKENHEAD ROAD

HOME DELIVERY RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q Q

DAY-TODAY BARRASSIE LONDIS SOLO CONVENIENCE PREMIER NEWS FOOD WINE PLUS NISA LOCAL MOTHERWELL ROAD PREMIER STORES WESTWOOD

NEW STORE OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

DAY-TODAY SALAMANDER PLACE PREMIER LOSSIEMOUTH PREMIER RACETRACK PITSTOP – STRATHCLYDE PREMIER RACETRACK PITSTOP – BEARSDEN

REFIT OF THE YEAR Q Q Q

NISA THE BROUGHTON MARKET SCOTMID BARLANARK NISA GREEN’S OF PETERHEAD

SUSTAINABILITY RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q

SCOTMID BALERNO PREMIER@DUSA PREMIER RACETRACK PITSTOP – BEARSDEN

TEAM OF THE YEAR Q Q Q Q

MO’S @ BLANTYRE PREMIER GIRISH’S AT BARMULLOCH SPAR ABRONHILL SPAR GARTHAMLOCK

#THINKSMART INNOVATION Q Q Q

NISA MACLENNAN’S SUPERMARKET PREMIER RACETRACK PITSTOP – BEARSDEN SCOTMID DEANS

SCOTMID BARLANARK PREMIER@DUSA SPAR GARTHAMLOCK PREMIER RACETRACK PITSTOP – STRATHCLYDE

TOBACCO RETAILER OF THE YEAR Q Q Q

NISA GREEN’S OF KIRKCALDY PREMIER FAIRWAYS SPAR ST GEORGE’S CROSS

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JULY 2022 | SLR

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BO O K NO W! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!

LIVE EV ENT :

7 S EPT 2022 R ADIS SON, GLASGOW

TICK ETS AVAILABLE NOW TAB LE OF 10 £ 125 0 EX VAT TICK ET £ 14 0 EX VAT

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

DRS | Research

Inside Business

WHAT DO SHOPPERS ACTUALLY THINK ABOUT DRS? Suntory Beverage & Food has unveiled the initial findings of one of the most comprehensive surveys of how consumers view DRS and how they see it impacting upon their lives.

BY ANTONY BEGLEY

W

“The research included placing over 5,500 people in a VR shopping environment to see how they would react when a theoretical DRS was introduced.” www.slrmag.co.uk

ith many of the key pieces of the DRS jigsaw in Scotland now falling into place like the start date and the retailer handling fee, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF), has conducted some fascinating new deep-dive research into exactly how consumers view DRS, how they think it will impact on their lives and how well they understand it.

The ‘What’s in Store’ studies into consumer behaviours and attitudes found that it takes just seven weeks for most shoppers to rethink their relationship with plastic bottles (88%) and to appreciate their value after “living with” the scheme.

The white paper study involved four distinct behavioural studies involving almost 8,000 people across the UK. The research included placing over 5,500 people in a virtual reality shopping environment to see how they would react when a theoretical DRS was introduced.

Further studies with another group were focused on understanding how consumers lived with DRS over an eight-week period.

Interestingly, the research revealed that shoppers experience “a three-stage mental shift” when required to pay a deposit on drinks, which SBF has categorised as Surprise, Review and Reset.

SURPRISE In this phase, shoppers simply experience surprise at being asked to pay more for soft

drinks and return them for a fee, currently set at 20p per item in Scotland.

The questions that specifically need addressing – and that were raised by consumers during the research – centre around: Q How exactly is the fee applied to the drinks that I buy (especially for multipacks)?

Q How do I transport the empty bottles/cans and where will they go?

Q When do I redeem and how long will this take (fear of slow or faulty machines)?

Q How do I encourage collection by the whole household (housemates, kids etc)?

Q How do I manage the integrity of the containers and where to store them?

Q How do I get my deposit back into my ‘wallet’ and in what form?

Q Can I still use my kerbside service?

Q What happens to my deposit if I don’t redeem the fee?

REVIEW In the second stage, consumers begin to review their relationship with materials like plastic bottles and learn how to adjust to the new scheme rules after having to re-evaluate the value of their drinks packaging.

The report found that, for those retailers that have primed their customers and made their store into a “destination” for DRS, the ‘Review’ phase will be much simpler to navigate. Driving a dialogue in advance can help prime shoppers, helping navigate them towards potential solutions. The research showed that new JULY 2022 | SLR

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Inside Business

Research | DRS

“It takes just seven weeks for most shoppers to rethink their relationship with plastic bottles and to appreciate their value after living with the [DRS] scheme.”

HOW DID IT WORK?

RESET

This research engaged a total of almost 8,000 people and had four elements: Q First Response: A small representative community of 25 people looked indepth at how consumers reacted to a DRS over a two-week period.

Q In-store Behaviours: The second used VR technology to analyse how people shopped the soft drinks category with the addition of a 20p charge on drinks. A total of 5,534 people were tracked.

Q Household Habits: A community of 104 people were brought together to form a qualitative Mini Public study in a ‘DRS world’. The eight-week long project combined the learnings from the shopper behaviour with consumption and household habits and introduced socialising with DRS ‘rules’ in place. This fed into, and refined, an overall model to help predict consumer and shopper behaviour over time.

Q Product Preferences: A study of 2,267 people to look at whether there were preferences for different types of packaging and products.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Sy mbo l G ro up of t h e Yea r WI N N ER

S ymbo l G ro up o f t h e Ye ar

• • • •

routines will emerge quickly, so the window of opportunity will be short.

Some potential outcomes in this stage might be behavioural shifts, such as: Q Some will buy more cordial, squash and other dilutes.

Q Some will think about refillable options, using no ‘disposable’ packs at all.

Q Some will buy less plastic.

Q Some will buy less bottled water.

In the final phase, shoppers actually reset and begin to change their behaviour towards materials like plastic bottles, resulting in new routines and different choices being made.

The research indicates that the key to these new routines is disruption, excitement and the optimisation of ranges, as well as a focus on pack sizes that will see less impact as the return fee is more “hidden”.

SBF advises retailers that they should expect to see new product development and new packaging innovations from manufacturers timed to land around this period, which will help drive shopper interest and ultimately keep them buying from the category.

with

Up to 6% rebate Delivery to your store – anywhere in Scotland A smooth onboarding process including market leading aftercare support Dedicated Business Development Manager contact to support your ongoing business needs

WINN ER To find out more and join our award winning team email Recruitment Manager, Craig Lynn: craig.lynn@cjlang.co.uk SparScotlandOfficial

@SparScotland

www.cjlang.co.uk

@SparScotland

CJ Lang & Son Limited

www.sparscotland.co.uk

CJ Lang & Son Ltd, Longtown Distribution Centre, 78 Longtown Road, Dundee, DD4 8JU

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SLR | JULY 2022

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Inside Business

DRS | Research

If the ‘Surprise’ phase (and the lead up to it) is all about education of shoppers and marketing stores as a DRS destination, the ‘Review’ and ‘Reset’ phases are real opportunities to capitalise on changing behaviours commercially.

From a retailer’s point of view, there is one aim they should bear in mind to keep their shoppers coming back to store: it is about making consumers “happy” about the new systems that are in place.

Almost two-thirds (65%) of shoppers surveyed said they were not happy with their personal sustainability efforts, suggesting there is a majority desire to become more sustainable.

stage, they can make DRS work for them, as well Liz Nieboer, Head of Sustainability and as the planet.”

External Affairs at SBF, added: “As part of our Matthew Deane, Head of Customer Marketing ‘Growing for Good’ vision, we are designing at SBF, said: “DRS will bring about one of the our products for circularity by making sure that biggest changes in shopper behaviour in a 100% of our packaging is recyclable by 2025 generation. Many people purchase on autopilot and using more sustainable materials like rPET. and will be surprised that they will have to pay Deposit return schemes will ensure that these more up front and then retain the items in good materials are reused more effectively and for condition to get their deposit back. their intended purpose.”

“Lots of retailers selling any bottle or can in the schemes will have to offer a collection service. This will positively transform the shopper relationship with plastic and cans.

However, it’s important retailers understand HOW THE LAND LIES this shift so they are in the best place to adapt CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Deposit return schemes are being to these forthcoming changes. We’re on hand to DRS is set to change consumer perceptions and help them on this journey.” introduced throughout the UK at various points over the next couple of years. local retailers are ideally placed to help shoppers Keith Allen, Director for Commercial Sorry, said westore have so can change line to thank Scotland is duethat to introduce a DRS in you feel happyJulie aboutjust using their as already a DRS announced Sustainability atkey SBFsponsors GB&I said: “We we are please August 2023, and details of schemes being location. passionately committed to DRS schemes to to our key sponsors? rolled out in England, Wales and Northern The report states: “We discovered that ensure that the right conditions exist for a truly Ireland are expected to be published later people changed their relationship with drinks circular economy so that our bottles and cans Can we also add SPAR Scotland Tradeshow and the date above the thank youthis sentence then remove the date year. containers in just seven weeks. Shoppers are used again and again. They work brilliantly from underneath thetheir logo’s andand just have to action there.

SBF is a founding member of Circularity were incentivised to return empties abroadcall but we need them to be as simple and Scotland, the body set up to administer the redemption rates hit 88% in this time. similar as possible across the UK to avoid deposit return scheme in Scotland.

“If retailers can get their shopper story, their complexity and confusion for retailers and range and their DRS messaging right at every shoppers.”

DRS:

Aviemore ‘22

E ar xhi SO ea bit LD is noion O w

! k c a B e We’r

UT !

Tradeshow

Thursday 22nd September 2022 Thank you to our key sponsors!

To find out more contact the SPAR Scotland Tradeshow Team on 01382 512000. www.slrmag.co.uk

JULY 2022 | SLR

27

01.09.2022

Live music EVENT A musical celebration for grocery and convenience colleagues

TICKETS £

60+ VAT

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE For more information visit groceryaid.org.uk/events/checkout-scotland or contact peter.steel@groceryaid.org.uk

BOOK NOW

Money raised from this event will go to GroceryAid, the grocery industry charity A Registered Charity Reg No. 1095897 (England & Wales) & SC039255 (Scotland). A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales No 04620683

Checkout Scotland event

Inside Business

CHECKOUT SCOTLAND SELLING OUT FAST!

GroceryAid Scotland’s inaugural musical celebration, Checkout Scotland, is selling out fast with almost all sponsorship slots taken and the majority of tickets now sold too.

HEADLINE SPONSOR Q Irn-Bru

INCLUDING...

GOLD SPONSORS Q Aston Manor Q Bobby’s Foods Q Brewdog Q Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Q Edinburgh Gin Q Mars Wrigley Q Rockstar Energy Drink Q Tennent’s SILVER SPONSORS Q CJ Lang / Spar Scotland Q Diageo Q Eldorado Q Finsbury Food Group Q Highland Spring Q Pernod Ricard UK Q Sainsbury’s Q Snappy Shopper Q Whyte & Mackay

Sophie Ellis-Bextor The Feeling George Bowie DJ Cassi

1 September BAaD, Glasgow

Pretty Ugly Simon Cordiner

Sponsorships are available via peter.steel@groceryaid.org.uk

G

Scouting For Girls

roceryAid Scotland’s inaugural musical celebration of the Scottish retailing industry – Checkout Scotland – is fast approaching selling out with months remaining until the event takes place on 1 September at Barras Art & Design (BAaD) in Glasgow.

On course to be the largest event in the Scottish local retailing sector this year, Checkout Scotland will be a unique opportunity for the trade to gather and recognise their colleagues’ efforts during the Covid crisis, while also supporting GroceryAid, our industry charity.

The event will see upwards of 700 convenience and grocery industry colleagues gather for a day of live music, DJs, food and fun.

Rebecca Vasmant

Tickets only £60

OUTSTANDING SUPPORT The last month has seen most remaining sponsorship slots sold, with a huge array of big-hitting brands now backing the event, including headline sponsor and Scottish iconic brand Irn-Bru. Similarly, ticket sales are fast approaching sell-out – so if you want to make sure you will be involved in this unmissable event, book your tickets now by visiting the web address below.

Checkout Scotland will celebrate an industry that has shone during the pandemic, serving communities across the country with passion and energy. Critically, the event will also help raise awareness of the GroceryAid charity and the life-changing work it does for industry colleagues in need of a little help.

BOOK TICKETS AT: GROCERYAID.ORG.UK/EVENTS/CHECKOUT-SCOTLAND www.slrmag.co.uk

JULY 2022 | SLR

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Inside Business

Epos Case Study | Burnpark Services

EDGING AHEAD WITH EDGEPOS Robin Bawa installed Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS system in his Premier Burnpark Services in Kilmarnock last year and has found the solution a revelation, as he told SLR.

“I think I made a very good decision last year to adopt EDGEPoS and I hope many of you can join me on this journey because it’s one of the most amazing systems in the market for forecourts.”

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SLR | JULY 2022

“You phone them at 6am on a Sunday morning and someone always answers, straight away.

They answer immediately, are straight onto the system, then boom!

Job done. No down time.” www.slrmag.co.uk

Burnpark Services | Epos Case Study

FIRST OF ALL, CAN TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS? My name is Robin Bawa from Burnpark Service Station in Kilmarnock on the Ayr Road. We started using EDGEPoS from Henderson Technology last year and we are very, very happy with it. We came into the forecourt business in 2016 when we inherited this unaffiliated petrol station at the time. We then joined Certas Energy, originally with Pace branding and now with Gulf branding.

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING AND HOW ARE YOU TACKLING THEM? Business is getting a little bit harder because of the price of fuel continually rising so it’s critical to us that we maximise efficiency. When we took over the store it had an EPoS system but we found it horrendous to work with.

We quickly changed to a different system but, again, it just wasn’t right for us, so we changed again. In total we trialled four systems and none of them did what needed them to do.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? We eventually moved to EDGEPoS and we have been absolutely delighted it with it. It has some brilliant features that I haven’t seen in any other system.

SUCH AS? Well, if a cashier puts a sale of fuel through as cash instead of credit card, in most systems you can’t bring it back. If a customer wants to pay by fuel card, it is an issue because they only go through if it’s a fuel sale, you cannot do any other product like grocery or soft drinks. So, when you do a refund for that fuel sale on Henderson POS, which was put through as cash, the fuel drops straight onto the pump. That’s great! I’ve never seen that before.

So you can bring that sale back up and put it through as a fuel card, which has saved us a lot of hassle over the years. We used to have to phone the fuel card company to ask them to manually process the transaction and then have to wait another week or two weeks for it to come through before double-checking the stock, which is a lot of hassle.

WHAT OTHER FEATURES DO YOU BENEFIT FROM? We do manual dips, we don’t have electronic dipping just yet. Over the years we found it really hard to find a system which can very easily do our wetstock management, instead of having to pay an outside company to do it. Henderson Technology has reduced the cost when it comes to wet stock management. We used to have to do it every day. Now we do it once or twice a week and the fuel stock is always perfect to within a litre. www.slrmag.co.uk

Inside Business

WHAT HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HENDERSON BEEN LIKE? Ever since I first spoke to Christine, our sales rep, she has been phenomenal.

She was so helpful. I did my homework, and I was going forward and backward with her for nearly two-and-a-half months to make sure it was the right system for us. Everything she promised, she delivered on. We even asked for things that were not available at the time, but they went away and fixed them and made them available to us. Henderson just keeps working with the retailer to make sure all their needs are getting looked at.

HOW WAS THE INSTALLATION PROCESS? The customer support was exceptional. We were initially advised that down time would be eight hours and they eventually did it in just one hour and twelve minutes, to be precise, which was phenomenal. Even after that, you can give them a call any time. With many companies, all you get is voicemail when you call them out of hours – but not with EDGEPoS. You phone them at 6am on a Sunday morning and someone always answers, straight away. There’s no down time on the system with support like that.

We haven’t had any problems at all with down time, but if we had any hiccups over the past year, if it’s a Saturday morning – and it mostly always is! – the guys are brilliant. They answer immediately, are straight onto the system then boom! Job done.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU USE EDGEPOS FOR? We have an integration through EDGEPoS with our Navarra cigarette vending machine. I don’t know if many retailers are looking at the Navarra link but it’s brilliant and very secure. Before I started using Navarra, I asked Henderson for advice and they told me they have great links with them, and it worked seamlessly. I had heard horror stories about other EPoS companies when the installation goes ahead then cigarettes aren’t dispensing, the stock’s not right, the wrong cigarettes dispense and so on.

I had no down time with Navarra and EDGEPoS. We’ve been using it for nine months and I haven’t had one issue. Everything ran very smoothly.

The links are brilliant. They deliver on what they say, which is very good.

FINAL THOUGHTS? EDGEPoS is a very robust system and easy to use, they have delivered everything they promised on. From day one the customer service has been brilliant, whether it’s out of hours or during the day. They have cut my costs when it comes to stock management. What I was paying before was a little bit more every month. Then there’s the no-headache element and the customer service. I think I made a very good decision last year to adopt EDGEPoS and I hope many of you can join me on this journey because it’s one of the most amazing systems in the market for forecourts.

JULY 2022 | SLR

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Hotlines

Product News & Media Watch

Eat Natural Raw Ferrero Aimed at consumers looking for alternative snacking options, Eat Natural’s new gluten-free Raw range comes in three varieties: Hazelnut, Dates & Peanut; Peanut, Almond & Cocoa; and Almond, Cranberries & Pomegranate. White packaging with large transparent windows lets consumers see the product. Compliant with England’s forthcoming HFSS regulations, Eat Natural Raw is available as 45g single bars (RSP £1.25).

L’Or Flavours Collection Jacobs Douwe Egberts New L’Or Flavours Collection Nespresso Compatible Capsules consists of a range of rich espresso with a hint of natural flavour packed into aluminium capsules and available in three flavours: Chocolate, Caramel and Vanilla.

It is available in cases of 10, with an RSP of £3.59 per pack of 10 capsules. L’Or is a member of the Podback, recycling scheme. At the same time, the brand also introduced new instant glass jar and coffee tin ranges.

Barr launches fruity lemonades Barr Soft Drinks has launched a new subrange, Barr Fruity Lemonades, created to meet the needs of Gen Z shoppers, which the Cumbernauld-based manufacturers said are the heaviest soft drinks consumers.

Two variants – Barr Fruity Lemonade Cherry and Fruity Lemonade Blue – are available now in outers of 12 x 500ml PET bottles (RSP 89p).

Point of sale material is available to retailers to encourage impulse purchases during the soft drinks category’s key summer sales period.

The company said that in consumer research with 12-24-year-olds, both new flavours performed extremely well, with more than 85% saying they would buy it again and 77% of non-Barr drinkers confirming intent to purchase.

Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “With flavoured carbonates acting as the perfect entry point into the soft drinks category, new product innovation is key for retailers looking to drive incremental sales.

“Barr Fruity Lemonades offers shoppers something really quite different, blending big, full-on fruit flavours with a refreshing lemonade finish.

“Retailers should stock up on both flavours and make use of the eye-catching POS to grab shoppers’ attention.”

Ritter Sport Taste The World Alfred Ritter

Three Robins Oat Drink Three Robins

Ritter Sport has brought back its limited-edition Taste The World range for summer. A new Salted Caramel variant headlines the three-strong range and is joined by Cherry & Almond Milk Chocolate, which borrows flavours and design from Japanese culture. The range is completed with Costa Rican-inspired White Mango and Passionfruit, which returns by popular demand. All three block chocolate bars have an RSP of £1 and are available until September.

Thought to be the UK’s first oat drink brand created especially for families, Three Robins is the brainchild of Scottish entrepreneur and busy mum of three, Karen Robinson. It available in 1-ltr ‘family-sized’, easy-pour cartons with an RSP of £12.60 for a case of six. All packaging is FSCcertified and fully recyclable. Retailers should email sales@ threerobins.co.uk for stock enquiries.

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Ginsters Meatball Marinara Bake Samworth Brothers A twist on an Italian classic, the Meatball Marinara Bake (117g, RSP £1) offers 100% British pork and beef meatballs, melted mozzarella and a rich tomato-based sauce wrapped in light puff pastry. Also available is a limited-edition Four Cheese & Chive Slice (170g, RSP £1.30), part of a rotation to bring new flavours to the fixture over the year.

Fibre One 90 Calorie Doughnuts General Mills The new range (RSP £2.89) launches in two variants – Chocolate and Strawberry & Cream – and is available from Tesco now, with a wider roll-out over the summer. The doughnuts are coated in a rich, topping and finished with sweet sprinkles. They are also high in fibre and come individually wrapped in packs of four. The launch is backed by a £1.5m campaign including OOH, social, VOD and PR activity.

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Product News & Media Watch Dark Maltesers Mars Wrigley

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Baked by Rich’s, Made with...

Rich’s

Amazingly, Dark Maltesers is the first new variant for the Mars Wrigley brand in almost a decade. On-trend dark chocolate is the new flavour most requested by consumers and also currently in 15% growth.

Dark Maltesers offers 65% more cocoa, as well as 30% less sugar. It is available nationwide now in four pack formats: Single pack 32g – RSP 66p; Treat bag 59g – RSP £1.19; Pouch 88g – RSP £2.09; More to Share 163g – RSP £2.79.

Aquios Bar Aquios Labs

Baked by Rich’s has joined forces with Nestlé Professional to launch three new cookie flavours for the convenience channel: Matchmakers Zingy Orange, Aero Peppermint and Little Rolo. All are available in a thaw and serve format from August at an RSP from £2.29 for a bag of four cookies. Recent Rich’s trials showed a x2.5 increased rate of sale when cookies are placed near an in-store express coffee machine. Retailers should contact nestle@rich.com to stock.

Jacob’s Mini Cheddars pladis

The result of a £3m investment, this new disposable vape launches in 10 flavours and features a new coil design and specially formulated e-liquid that the manufacturer said makes water-based vaping possible for the first time. Using 30% water reduces the propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) content in the e-liquid which, for the consumer, should mean a smoother vapour, faster satisfaction, and cleaner flavour profiles, as well as a reduction in the sensation of dry mouth.

Pladis has launched a new duo of limited-edition Jacob’s Mini Cheddars flavours – Classic Cheese Pizza and Bangin’ Cheese Burger – to attract younger shoppers. Baked with real cheese, both are available now in 6x23g multipacks with an RSP of £1.50. The launch marks the fifth annual flavour rotation for Mini Cheddars.

The previous four ranges have welcomed 2.8 million new shoppers to the brand.

Hotlines

Lu are you?

French biscuit brand Lu has partnered with TV presenter Fred Sirieix for its first UK marketing campaign, ‘Taste the Love’. A 30-second TV ad sees Sirieix encourage the nation to taste the love baked into every Lu biscuit. The TV campaign is supported by a dedicated influencer programme, radio, out-of-home, digital, social, and partnership activations.

Ice Cream of Ice Creams Häagen-Dazs has launched ‘The Ice Cream of Ice Creams,’ a global consumer campaign which aims to drive category growth across key markets including the UK. TV and videoon-demand ads will run across Sky, ITV, and Channel 4 supported by social media activity, digital shorts, and close collaboration with local influencers.

Stuff it Barr Soft Drinks expects to reach 78% of 16 to 34-year-old soft drinks shoppers this summer with ‘Made of Different Stuff,’ a new video-ondemand campaign for its Rubicon brand. The campaign also includes out-of-home, social and digital advertising, sampling and shopper marketing activity. Activations will also take place across national depots.

Ribena repositions Minions I Swizzels

Minions II Hancocks

A new limited-edition range of confectionery coincides with the UK release of Minions: The Rise of Gru. The range includes Minions Banana and Blueberry Squashies (cases of 12x120g hanging bags, £1 PMP); Minions Tropical Chew Bars (cases of 12x120g hanging bags, £1 PMP); and Minions Tropical Fizz Individual Chew Bar (SRPs of 60x18g, RSP 15p). The launch will be supported across all media platforms throughout the summer.

Three different types of fruitflavoured Minion-shaped jelly sweets are available in 200g share bags: Minions Original; Positive Vibes Only, which are suitable for vegetarians; and Minions Peace, which are fully vegan. The Original and Minions Peace variants also come in 3kg bulk bags. There is also a selection of four different Minion characters in Pez candy and dispenser packs with bananaflavoured refills.

Ribena has unveiled a new brand positioning to drive further relevancy across its range of drinks. A new £7m summer campaign, with the tagline ‘Chin Up,’ is rooted in awkward moments that make you want the ground to swallow you up but appear funny in hindsight.

Activity includes a TV ad, online video, out-ofhome, social media, and in-store marketing.

Land of M*lk Believe Alpro has launched a multi-million-pound campaign to mark the launch of its new oat-based drink This Is Not M*lk. Primetime television spots on Channel Four are bolstered by digital, shopper marketing, PR, sampling and social media activities, alongside a month-long sampling campaign via plantbased brand’s ‘This is Not a M*lk Float’.

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

JULY 2022 | SLR

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Feature

Crisps & Snacks

CRISPY TASTE SLR has pulled together the latest launches in Crisp & Snacks to help retailers get the most out of the category this summer.

NON-HFSS TYRRELLS LIGHTLY SEA SALTED AND HULA HOOPS PUFT The newly reformulated non-HFSS Tyrrells Lightly Sea Salted and non-HFSS Hula Hoops Puft range from KP Snacks aim to support retailers ahead of the introduction of new legislation in England in October.

The new Hula Hoops Puft range includes tasty Salt & Vinegar, Salted and Grilled Beef flavours, while the Tyrrells reformulation has targeted the brand’s number one SKU. Both the reformulated Tyrrells flavour and the non-HFSS Hula Hoops Puft range are rolling out into stores this month, with Tyrrells available as non-HFSS in sharing, multipack and single bag formats.

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Crisps & Snacks

HEALTHIER CHOICE Pladis sees plenty of opportunity in the healthier snacking category, which is why it has added to the Jacob’s range.

Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Nibblies have just launched, boasting 30% less fat than other baked cheese snacks and biscuits – and at 75kcals per individual portion.

“We’ve made this nibbly new treat available in both multipacks and sharing bags, so that shoppers can enjoy a moment of cheesy pleasure during even more eating occasions,” says Scott Snell, Vice President of Customer at pladis UK & Ireland.

“Not forgetting our iconic Jacob’s Twiglets – the recipe for which we’ve just updated to include 60% less salt.”

ALTERNATIVE SNACKING Eat Natural is to roll out a new snack bar range in the UK this month, aimed at consumers looking for alternative snacking options. The new gluten-free Raw range will sit alongside the wider Eat Natural portfolio and comes in three varieties: Hazelnut, Dates & Peanut; Peanut, Almond & Cocoa and Almond, Cranberries & Pomegranate.

MINION-THEMED HIPPEAS

WALKERS MAX COMPLIANCE Walkers Max will be adding two new flavours to its Max Strong range: Fiery Prawn Cocktail and Hot Sauce Blaze. Both are non-HFSS. The launches form part of Walkers’ ambition for 50% of its snacks sales to come from products classified as non-HFSS or from products sold in portions of 100 calories or less by 2025. The launch will follow Walkers non-HFSS range 45% Less Salt, already in stores, to further encourage consumers towards healthier choices.

Hippeas has launched its Minions-themed snacks for the summer, in time for the new movie, Minions: The Rise of Gru (in cinemas 1 July). The new product will be available in limited-edition packs of Hippeas Chickpea Puffs in three flavours and a variety of sizes. Flavour offerings include Take it Cheesy, Salt & Vinegar Vibes and Sweet and Smokin’, with pack sizes comprising a 78g bag and multipacks containing five 15g packs.

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Feature

Lunch-to-go

GRAB AND GO S

“Across the juice drinks category we have seen sales of on-the-go formats return to growth, up 29% over the past 12 months.”

MARTIN ATTOCK VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT CCEP

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chool’s almost out for the summer and a fridge-load of cool opportunities lie in wait for local retailers as the holiday season kicks in and shoppers continue to get out and about.

Offering a strong range of on-trend lunch-to-go solutions, supported by a quality soft drinks offer, is of course key for those retailers looking to capitalise – especially given that one-in-four shoppers are currently consuming more soft drinks than last year, according to Suntory Beverage & Food GB & I (SBF).

So what do those busy on-the-go shoppers want from stores when it comes to soft drinks? Well, with the focus on health and wellbeing continuing at pace, SBF Wholesale Channel Director Matt Gouldsmith expects demand for sugar-free variants to remain high.

Demand for new and innovative flavours will also continue to fuel sales he says – especially within the energy category where the Lucozade Alert brand recently brought a brand-new flavour to shelves in the form of Lucozade Alert Original.

Also helping retailers to maximise lunch-to-go sales this summer is Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ (CCEP) Oasis brand, which is rolling out new marketing activity targeting the key young adult market.

A newly launched campaign focuses on young adults in urban centres looking for refreshment whilst on the go and to accompany their lunch.

Martin Attock, Vice President, Commercial Development at CCEP GB, comments: “Across the juice drinks category we have seen sales of on-the-go formats return to growth, up 29% over the past 12 months, with Oasis on-the-go formats up over 42%.

“We expect this trajectory to continue, particularly throughout the summer, and this new campaign will help keep Oasis front of mind with consumers on their lunchtime shopping mission.”

And with inflation soaring and price front of mind for shoppers at the moment, the need for strong Meal Deal solutions encompassing soft drinks, snacks and main meal options will also help retailers to capitalise, KP Snacks Trading Director Matt Collins adds.

“Weekday lunchtimes are the most popular time for eating on the go, with 62% of consumers saying they enjoy picking meal deal combos,” he says.

“53% of shoppers look for meal deals when buying food to go and 34% of shoppers say they would pay more than £5 for meal deals if the products were high quality.

“KP Snacks’ portfolio delivers the top-three-selling meal deal SKUs, with Hula Hoops Big Hoops BBQ Beef the top selling PMP in the convenience channel.

“McCoy’s Salt & Vinegar and Flame Grilled Steak are the Number 2 and Number 3 best-selling meal deal choices, perfect for livening up lunch.” www.slrmag.co.uk

Lunch-to-go

Also helping to sweeten lunch-to-go occasions are of course chocolate confectionery singles, which according to Mondelēz International are once again enjoying growth.

Susan Nash, Trade Communications Manager at Mondelez International says: “We’ve seen the impulse occasion return across single format confectionery with latest MAT and 12-week data showing singles in growth.

“In fact, in a recent survey we asked independent retailers how their singles sales

Feature

HIT THE MARK Price-marked packs have seen significant growth in the last number of years, with the format expected to continue increasing in both relevance and popularity according to KP Snacks.

Trading Director Matt Collins explains: “We’ve seen a recent increase in grab bag and £1PMP sales as people are tempted by the bigger packs.

“Not only do PMPs offer consumers great value for money, the clear pricing also gives them assurance that they are not being over charged.

“PMPs are a hugely versatile format that caters for multiple missions and occasions, whether that be hunger fill or sharing. 70% of shoppers purchase items on impulse and PMPs drive these sales through clear messaging and displays,” he adds.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT WHAT’S NEW? Rustlers has expanded its Cook in Box range with the launch of a new ‘Peri Peri Chicken Tenders Burger.’

WHAT’S THE DEAL? The new burger features Southern Fried Chicken tenders and a Peri Peri sauce and taps into “on-trend flavour profiles” made popular by restaurants.

WHAT’S THE FORMAT? Like the other variants in the Rustlers Cook in Box range, the Peri Peri Chicken Tenders Burger has an RSP of £2.75 and comes in case sizes of four.

WHAT DOES KEPAK SAY? Elaine Rothballer Head of Marketing Consumer Brands at Kepak says: “As food-to-go missions return, shoppers are looking to brands and retailers who can provide them with variety, inspiration and value for money.

“From cold sandwiches and salads to wraps and pasta, chicken has long been the dominant protein in the food-to-go fixture. However, there is an opportunity for a different product proposition that is more aligned to Quick Service Restaurants.

“Thanks to the patented dual-purpose packaging of Cook in Box, eliminating any messy preparation whilst also acting as a product carrier to enable easy consumption on the go, the product is not only convenient for consumers, but ideal for convenience retailers looking to offer a hot food-to-go option.”

changed during 2021, and 43% said they’d increased.

“Looking at chocolate confectionery, Cadbury Twirl Orange single bar was the topselling NPD in the market and Cadbury Caramilk single bar was the 9th best-selling NPD, with four of the top 10 being singles.

“Single chocolate bars as well as smaller packs of sugar confectionery and mints remain crucial to a retailer’s range to help them meet the demands of impulse shoppers looking for treats on the go during the day.”

Earlier this summer Cadbury expanded its Twirl range with the launch of an all-new, limitededition Caramel flavour in a move which Mondelez said would bring will bring the #1 bestselling chocolate flavour (Nielsen) to one of the nation’s favourite confectionery bars.”

Squeeze More Out of Summer Sales

VITAMIN B3 HELPS TO REDUCE TIREDNESS.

LUCOZADE AND THE ARC DEVICE ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY LTD. ©LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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JULY 2022 | SLR

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Feature

Bottled Water

THE SOURCE OF

SUCCESS

Still, sparkling, plain or fruity, the water category offers a deep pool of opportunities for local stores.

BY GAELLE WALKER

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S

ummer’s here and with the return of long hot days and sociable occasions, the next few months look set to offer a wealth of refreshing opportunities for the water category.

Bottled water in the convenience sector is seeing positive growth across the UK, with a 39% increase in value sales in the four weeks to 21 May, while Scotland saw a 26% increase within the same four-week period, according to The Highland Spring Group.

Sales of still Highland Spring water through Scottish convenience stores were up 25% in

value terms over the 12 weeks to 21 May, while plain sparkling water bubbled up by 38% as shoppers increasingly turned to it for healthy on-the-go refreshment.

Mike Buckland, Marketing Controller of the Highland Spring Group explains: “A key trend this year is health and wellbeing. Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier alternatives to traditional soft drinks, opting for low sugar or lighter calorie options.

“Plain sparkling water is experiencing a rise in popularity and is often enjoyed as an everyday treat or pick me up. www.slrmag.co.uk

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Bottled Water

RUBICON BOOSTS SUMMER SALES WITH BOLD NEW BRAND CAMPAIGN Barr Soft Drinks has launched a new campaign for the No. 1 Exotic Juice drink brand*1, Rubicon, that will reach 78% of 16-34 year old soft drinks shoppers this summer. ‘’Made of Different Stuff’’ launched on broadcast on demand and highlights the brand’s affinity with Rubicon drinkers’ desire to try new and exciting experiences.

The campaign also includes out of home, social and digital advertising, sampling and shopper marketing activity, and activations will be taking place across national depots, including bespoke display builds.

Impactful POS and display units is available for retailers, alongside bespoke POS for wholesalers to create in-depot theatre and drive incremental soft drinks sales.

Rubicon is one of the fastest growing soft drinks brands, +43% in the last year*2 and selling an additional 14m units since last year*3, providing a huge opportunity to maximise summer soft drinks sales.

“Retailers should keep an eye out for new and exciting products that focus on supporting consumers to meet their wellbeing goals, setting themselves apart from the bigger traders,” he adds.

And while shoppers’ growing appetite for plain water formats is clear to see, flavoured varieties are also proving popular with thirsty consumers.

In line with the general consumer trend towards fruity and tropical flavours, Danone recently added a Peach and Raspberry variant to its sugar-free Volvic Touch of Fruit range after research conducted by the brand revealed that peach and raspberry drinks grew by 17% within the soft drinks category over 2021.

Demand for innovative new flavours within the water category is also driving NPD within

sparkling water where Highland Spring is also reporting growing demand for its 100% natural fruit flavour sparkling cans. Available in Blackberry, Plum & Hibiscus and Pear & Elderflower, the cans saw an increase in value sales of 30% in the four weeks to 21 May in the Scottish convenience sector.

A third flavour: Rhubarb and Ginger is also in the offing for later this year.

“Highland Spring’s sparkling cans are perfect for those looking for a healthier fizzy drink option to enjoy, whilst keeping hydrated,” Buckland continues.

“At under 35 calories per can, they are also a fantastic choice for those looking stick to healthy products whilst satisfying a fizzy drink craving and enjoying a refreshing, fruity flavour,” he adds.

Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “We’re encouraging wholesalers and retailers to stock up on Rubicon Still, Sparkling and Spring in all pack formats and make the most of our in-depot and in-store

REFRESH YOUR BOTTLED WATER SALES WITH THESE TOP TIPS Q

activation tools to boost category sales throughout the crucial summer period.

“Our new “Made of Different Stuff” campaign

Q

is designed to remind our core demographic of 16-34 year old soft drinks shoppers

Q

that Rubicon is the brand for them. Brand awareness will be at an all time high and we’ll be driving new and existing shoppers to fixture with a programme of impactful advertising, supported by eye-catching POS.” SOURCE: *1: IRI Total Market 52 w/e 29.11.20 Exotic flavour fruit drinks *2: IRI Total Market 52 w/e 19.3.22 Value Sales Total Rubicon (Stills, Sparkling, Spring, RAW) *3: IRi All Outlets 52 w/e 14.05.22

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Q Q Q Q Q Q

Make sure to include a range of sizes to cater for all needs, including single-serve bottles and drink-later formats, especially when it comes to sparkling.

Aim to include a range of bottle tops such as traditional caps and sports caps, great for on the go.

Stock a strong range of plain, sparkling and flavoured water to encourage healthy hydration.

Position fast sellers on the bottom shelf in the chiller.

Keep bottled water to the left/right depending on traffic flow.

Give at least two facings to maximise visibility for shoppers.

Restock after breakfast and lunch times.

Have top-selling lines at till points to encourage impulse purchases.

Include a small range of large bottles and multipacks in the ambient fixture where space allows.

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Bottled Water

NEWS FLASH WHAT’S NEW? Actiph launches “Charge up. Be Actiph” campaign and limited-edition bottles.

WHAT’S THE DEAL? The UK’s first alkaline ionised water brand, Actiph Water has teamed up with Marvel Studios to celebrate the release of the “Thor: Love and Thunder” film on 7 July.

WHAT’S THE FORMAT? As part of the campaign, Actiph is launching three limited edition 600ml bottle designs featuring three of the film’s main characters on-pack: Thor, Mighty Thor and Korg.

Bottles have an RSP of £1.39 and can be bought via Brakes, CLF, Tree of Life, Health Store, Epicurium, Aqua Amore, Muscle Finesse or direct from ActiphWater.com.

WHY IS IT HOT? With each SKU dedicated to one of the film’s characters, Actiph says that Marvel fans will be keen to collect the trio of designs. To maximise sales and visibility in store retailers are able to create a powerful display using dedicated Actiph x Thor FSDUs which can be requested by contacting sales@actiphwater.com.

To support the launch, Actiph Water will also be running a consumer competition where fans can win a selection of movie-themed prizes and healthy drinks from Actiph and sister brand, Acti-Vit (sugar-free sparkling, flavoured vitamin waters). The competition is hosted on Actiph’s website and Instagram until August 5. Headline prizes include “Thor: Love and Thunder” action figures and Mjolnir and Stormbreaker replicas, all of which are official Hasbro products.

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PLANET-FRIENDLY PACKAGING When it comes to water, packaging also remains a hot topic and one that is of growing concern for shoppers.

Recent years have seen the Highland Spring brand enhance its offering with an array of sustainably-focused developments as it seeks to reach its goal of 100% recycled content (excluding cap and label) across its entire product range by 2025.

To further reduce its environmental impact, Highland Spring is also introducing a rail freight facility later this summer, which will see more than 40% of Highland Spring’s goods arriving to customers via rail, removing 8,000 HGVs from the road.

And Highland Spring is certainly not alone when it comes to the quest for sustainability.

The Buxton Natural Mineral Water brand is accelerating its journey to become fully carbon neutral by 2023 thanks to a raft of initiatives including fully recyclable packaging that even includes caps.

All Buxton bottles are also now entirely made from 100% recycled plastic and the brand has plans to collect as many bottles as it produces by 2023 thanks to initiatives including its On The Go Recycling scheme which has already led to a 20% improvement in recycling rates in the brand’s home town of Buxton.

JULY 2022 | SLR

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Tobacco

SMOKE SIGNALS NEW PRODUCT ALERT WHAT’S NEW? Gold Leaf Limited Edition Papers

Tobacco continues to offer bright opportunities for local retailers despite the challenging times.

WHAT’S THE DEAL? Imperial Tobacco has announced the launch of a new range of limited-edition papers in Gold Leaf pouches for 2022.

Four designs themed around individuality, diversity and creative experiences will be rotated throughout the launch period. The Gold Leaf trade outer will also feature a new look including an on-pack flash.

WHAT’S THE FORMAT? Launching in July, the new collection of limited-edition papers will be available in Gold Leaf 30g and 50g pouches until the end of September, and priced at £14.60 and £24 respectively.

WHAT DOES IMPERIAL SAY? Tom Gully, Head of Consumer Marketing UK&I at Imperial Tobacco comments: “Through this latest launch, we’re providing the same great value and high quality Gold Leaf blend, with the addition of these engaging new limited edition designs.

“In recent years, we’ve found these limited-edition papers have become highly sought after as collectables by RYO customers, so we’d recommend retailers stock up on the new limited-edition Gold Leaf pouches as soon as they launch.”

T

he UK’s £14bn tobacco category is certainly no stranger to challenges.

And given the current cost-of-living crisis and continued illicit trade pressures, 2022 certainly has its fair share of problems.

New Khan Review proposals to raise the minimum age of sale by one year every year in England could also lead to wider consequences for Scottish stores.

However, despite these hurdles, there’s no getting away from the fact that tobacco remains a key category for local stores, driving valuable footfall and sales.

Fortunately for retailers, recent months have also witnessed the birth of an array of new and exciting products to help sales shine, despite the financial squeeze and other pressures, as Imperial Tobacco’s Head of Consumer Marketing Tom Gully explains.

“From an FMC perspective, as demand for value tobacco continues to grow, many consumers are looking for a familiar brand that they know will deliver satisfaction at a low price.

“With this in mind, we recently announced an exciting new launch for our Embassy Signature range to help retailers unlock summer sales amongst adult smokers seeking out top brands,” he says.

Available to buy now until the end of September, Embassy Signature Silver Edition features an RSP of £10.15 per pack of 20s – providing the same value as the original product, but “with an elevated experience”.

Premium product benefits include special reduced-smoke-smell paper, a more modern shaped filter and textured tipping paper.

The pack has also been designed with a resealable ‘fresh protect’ foil feature to maintain product freshness, while the branded trade outer promotes the brand’s modern design with a new luxury embossed sleeve to further enhance the product’s premium positioning.

THE LOWDOWN The tobacco market is seeing a continued movement towards low-priced propositions as consumer demand for value continues to drive tobacco purchasing patterns.

As part of this shift, the lower price tiers now account for the majority of sales, with the sub-economy segment making up 63% share of Factory Made Cigarettes, and the economy segment accounting for 56% of Roll Your Own tobacco, with these value segments growing at 3% and 5% according to Imperial.

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THEY WORK HARD Time for a proper break

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1 5 £10 RRP

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Our lowest price

you've

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*Based on ITUK RRPs as at March 2022.

RRP: For the avoidance of doubt, retailers are free at all times to determine the selling price of their products. **Based on ITUK estimates as at March 2022.

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Coffee

GET WITH THE GRIND

The in-home coffee market offers an array of hot opportunities for local stores to profit from.

BY GAELLE WALKER

NEW PRODUCT ALERT WHAT’S NEW? JDE has launched new L’OR Flavours Collection Aluminium Capsules WHAT’S THE DEAL? The new L’OR Flavours Collection consists of a range of rich espresso with a hint of natural flavour packed into aluminium capsules that are compatible with Nespresso Original Machines.

Thy are available in three indulgent flavours, L’OR Chocolate, L’OR Caramel and L’OR Vanilla, to offer shoppers “indulgent pleasure at home”.

WHAT’S THE FORMAT? Each pack of 10 capsules features an RSP of £3.59.

S

hoppers are back on the go-go-go again, with coffee shop footfall on the up and local retailers with in-store coffee to go solutions also reporting strong sales as shoppers reclaim the

streets.

However, despite the buoyant coffee to go market, the in-home market still represents a steaming hot opportunity for local stores, with many shoppers now engaged in hybrid work from home situations.

Many of those shoppers have developed a taste for more indulgent in-home solutions as they seek to replicate ‘coffee shop’ experiences from their comfort of their kitchens – searching for quality brands that offer elevated experiences in the process.

In particular, products that give shoppers new and more advanced ways to personalise their in-home coffee experiences are driving growth within the category – products such as Jacobs Douwe Egbert’s (JDE).

Kenco Iced/Hot Lattes can be served iced or hot and come in an array of flavours, for example.

JDE has also been busy innovating its L’OR brand with a new premium and unique proposition for in-home indulgence: L’OR Artiste – a high-quality instant coffee with thick crema and microground coffee.

The two new variants, which are available to local retailers now, include Vigoroso, with notes of cooked caramel and cocoa, and Delicato with a subtle almond and cookie-like aroma.

Commenting on the developments, JDE Marketing Director Roberto de Felice says: “This marks a significant year for L’OR as we continue to create quality product experiences to support our retail partners as the coffee market continues to grow and remain relevant to consumers.

“Best quality coffee, indulgence and, of course, sustainability, are all at the forefront of consumers’ minds when it comes to the brands they choose to purchase in store.”

CLIMATE-CONSCIOUS COFFEE JDE’s L’OR brand has introduced new recyclable packaging across its Tin and Jar ranges.

In a move which takes L’OR away from its legacy ‘lipstick’ jar, JDE has introducing refreshed packaging with a new recyclable glass jar.

The optimised range is now fully recyclable through household waste collection in the UK as a result of removing black plastic and offering a more premium and sustainable jar, with a 6% carbon footprint reduction.

The range includes three variants in two different sizes: L’OR Classique, an aromatic coffee with smooth, round notes; L’OR Intense, a deep roasted flavour with a hint of zest, and L’OR Decafeine, a delicately balanced, yet intriguingly aromatic flavour.

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FLAVOUR SAVIOURS Flavours also continue to play a key role, especially within the speciality coffee segment, as Jacobs Douwe Egbert (JDE) explains.

“The top three flavours amongst consumers are caramel, vanilla and gingerbread with 43.9% of coffee drinkers deciding caramel was their favourite coffee flavour,” JDE Category Team Leader Melvir Singh Nijjar says.

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Confectionery

SWEET TREAT Confectionery stands strong against the backdrop of tighter household budgets, as brands aim to offer value in the category.

BY ELENA DIMAMA

N

egative headlines regarding health worries and the cost-of-living crisis mean retailers might have to think twice about which offers to push for, but brands still have a strong appetite for innovation and NPD, making the job a lot easier for them.

The arrival of the Minions sequel movie, Minions 2, has prompted Hancocks to launch a range of Minionsbranded sweets ahead of its release on 1 July. The company is rolling out five Minions-branded sweet treats, including Minion-shaped jelly sweets in 200g share bags, the Minions Peace Veggie and Original jelly sweets, alongside a selection of four different Minion characters in Pez candy and dispenser packs with banana-flavoured refills. The firm is also launching Millions tiny chewy candies in a Minions bananaflavoured edition.

The Minions craze is also shared by Swizzels, which is launching a limited-edition Minions-themed range of confectionery to coincide with the movie’s UK release. The range includes Minions Banana & Blueberry Squashies, Minions Tropical Chew Bars, and Minions Tropical Fizz Individual Chew Bar. Staying with movie launches, a new Buzz Lightyearbranded Pez will be flying into stores ahead of the launch of the new Lightyear movie. The character

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dispenser is being added to the selection of Pez products, comprising three character options – two are of Buzz Lightyear and the third is Sox, a robotic cat and Buzz’s personal companion. Other new additions to the Pez range include Pez Pezimals.

Looking at chocolate, 63% of consumers have recently purchased block chocolate, versus 54% in the same period, the previous year, according to Mintel, while large block chocolate purchases at 63% are second only to single-serve bars at 65% (down from 67% the previous year).

Ritter Sport is aiming to take advantage of chocolate trends by bringing back its limited-edition Taste The World range for summer, with two new flavours launching alongside the return of the bestselling bar from the past two years. A new Salted Caramel variant headlines the three-strong range. The southwest America-inspired bar is joined by Cherry & Almond Milk Chocolate, which borrows flavours and design from Japanese culture.

The range is completed with Costa Rican-inspired White Mango and Passionfruit, which is back by popular demand and topped Ritter’s sales charts in both 2020 and 2021. Ritter Sport Taste The World block chocolate bars have an RSP of £1 and are available until September. www.slrmag.co.uk

Feature

Summer Drinks

DRINK TO THAT

Come rain or shine, summer offers a great opportunity to boost sales of soft and alcoholic drinks. SLR offers a round-up of some of the latest NPD and activity.

COORS KEEPS IT COOL Molson Coors has launched new limited-edition packaging to highlight the ice-cold refreshment of Coors this summer.

The packaging features thermochromic ink which turns the mountain peaks on all Coors bottles and cans blue when the beer is cold enough to drink.

This summer the brand is launching seven new limited-edition chill-to-reveal designs that put this unique characteristic front and centre – a hidden word will be revealed behind a pair of sunglasses across the full length of every bottle and can when the packs are chilled to the perfect temperature for a mountain cold refreshing beer.

A nationwide out-of-home and social media campaign with a range of influencer partnerships will run throughout the summer alongside exciting in-store activation.

The limited-edition bottles and cans follow on from a multi-million pound rebrand of the product, which saw it renamed to Coors last year.

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BACK ON THE THRONES Treasury Wine Estates is to launch a limitededition Wolf Blass ‘House of the Dragon’ wine next month as part of a tie-in with the hotly anticipated prequel to one of the most-watched TV series in history – Game of Thrones.

Available in three limited-edition labels, fans can step back into the world of Westeros with the Wolf Blass’ Fire & Blood Cabernet Shiraz, a fiery, classic Australian red blend wine.

RSP is £13-£15 with House of the Dragon to air globally on 22 August 2022 on Sky Atlantic. www.slrmag.co.uk

WE COMPARED

THE TASTE NOW YOU COMPARE THE PRICE In independent testing, Emerge tasted as good as the UK market leader*

GRAB A CASE OF BIG VALUE ENERGY email: info.uk@refresco.com | tel: 01509 674915 *Independent survey by MMR, January 2022. CLT survey with 203 consumers. https://emergestimulation.com/independent-testing/

Feature

Summer Drinks

NEW OASIS CAMPAIGN

SMOKED ORANGE

Number one juice drinks brand Oasis [Nielsen, March 2022] is helping retailers maximise lunchtime sales this summer with a campaign focusing on urban centres with out-of-home, social media and digital advertising.

The light-hearted campaign aims to tap into the lunchtime occasion and is expected to reach 81% of young adults multiple times. Quirky headlines include ‘Oasis won’t change your life, Just your lunch hour. Be your own Oasis’.

The range is fully HFSS-compliant, with all natural flavours and no artificial colours.

Variants include Summer Fruits, Citrus Punch and Blackcurrant Apple.

Scottish distillery Dunnet Bay Distillers has launched a new gin expression: Rock Rose Gin Smoked Orange. This is a gin with a difference, not just because of the flavour profile, but because of its creator – a graduate trainee, Craig Chambers, aged just 23.

The gin is made in the UK’s most northerly mainland distillery by a family-owned company that has environmental sustainability at the heart of its business.

Chambers, a recent Brewing & Distilling graduate, has worked with Dunnet Bay on and off since he was a teenager. A local resident from Thurso, he returned to the company where he was invited by co-founder Martin Murray to come up with an entirely new gin expression.

Chambers said: “I have a passion for smoky, peaty whiskies and so it was a natural development to consider a smoky gin. I opted for Lapsang Souchong tea, providing the perfect finishing touch.”

The gin is bottled in the signature Rock Rose Gin ceramic bottles.

BARR GETS FRUITY Barr Soft Drinks is set to add incremental summer sales to the soft drinks category with the launch of its latest innovation, Barr Fruity Lemonades.

The new sub-range, Barr Fruity Lemonades, has been created to meet the needs of Gen Z shoppers. Barr Fruity Lemonade Cherry and Fruity Lemonade Blue are now available across all channels.

“With flavoured carbonates acting as the perfect entry point into the soft drinks category, new product innovation is key for retailers looking to drive incremental sales,” said Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks.

“Barr Fruity Lemonades offers shoppers something really quite different, blending big, full on fruit flavours with a refreshing lemonade finish.”

CÎROC SUMMER Cîroc has relaunched its bestselling Summer Citrus flavour following the success of its initial launch in 2021 and is set to become a permanent fixture within the no.1 super-premium vodka’s portfolio.

Demonstrating its relevance within the flavoured vodka category, which is currently the fastestgrowing segment in vodka at +51.9% [Nielsen, Jan 2022], Cîroc Summer Citrus sold out when it launched as a limited-edition flavour last summer.

With 50% of those that buy Cîroc in convenience saying they would only ever consider purchasing the premium-vodka brand [Incite, Apr 2020], Summer Citrus is set to capitalise on the brand’s popularity and help to drive sales this summer and beyond.

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www.slrmag.co.uk

UTC

STICK YOUR DOG TOY...

Under The Counter is not overly fond of dogs. His more than passing resemblance to a walking bag of bones means he can never feel entirely comfortable in their presence for one thing.

If he did have a four-legged friend, he wouldn’t be rushing to Aldi to stock up on canine essentials though.

The discounter has found itself has yet again found itself at the centre of a social media storm after one of its SpecialBuys – a £2.99 dog toy – went viral for all the wrong reasons.

The said toy, a plastic corn on the cob that can be stuck to the floor by means of a suction cup, soon had some of the more filthy-minded members of the public channelling their inner Sid James with comments like: “What in the name of Ann Summers is this?” and “Ribbed for extra pleasure.”

One wag suggested that “absolutely no one is purchasing that for their dogs,” which our picture of Wee Jock the West Highland Terrier clearly disproves.

UTC quipped that it wasn’t like Aldi to be the butt of the joke and, true enough, the discounter put the matter firmly behind it with a terse: “What you buy for your pet is none of our business.”

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INDECENT PROPOSAL

BAGS OF SCREENTIME

Under The Counter isn’t romantically inclined. Mrs UTC gave up any notions of coming home to scented candles and a bed strewn with rose petals long ago; the last time the Auld Boy lit a candle was during a power cut in 1972.

But even he was appalled by news of a recent marriage proposal from Italy.

When you live somewhere like Venice – as Pitbull lookalike Salvatore Costarelli does – you’re not short of romantic places to propose: St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, Harry’s Bar. You could even (carefully) get down on one knee in a gondola.

Not the bold Salvatore though. He popped into a supermarket to pop the question, using a microphone at the checkout to let Tiziana Famao know he had a special question for her.

“I love you, you’re my life, and I want to ask you, will you marry me?” he said (in Italian, obviously) before intercepting his bemused trolley-pushing sweetheart in the freezer aisle with a ring at the ready.

Tiziana said “sì” of course – how could she not? A quick kiss and cuddle later, the lovestruck couple got back to finishing the big shop, or “il grande negozio” as UTC now insists on calling it.

Under The Counter has been watching Coronation Street since the soap’s aging lothario Ken Barlow was a fresh-faced angry young man. Interestingly – with his sullen demeanour, flat cap and milk-bottle specs – UTC also looks a bit like Ken’s dear departed uncle, Albert Tatlock.

But, according to the Auld Boy, there’s a new star gracing the Weatherfield cobbles: the Co-op shopper.

Since product placement has been around since 2011, one imagines ITV would have mastered the art of doing it in a subtle and nuanced manner by now.

It appears not. According to UTC’s breathless recollection of a recent gripping episode in which a wet cement fight featured prominently, he clocked a Co-op bag on four separate occasions. And that was before Mrs UTC had talked him into making a cup of tea during the ad break.

This included one shopper inexplicably hung on a glass-panelled door and beautifully backlit. UTC scoffed that the producers must have thought the bag’s partial obscuration by a kitsch apron would transform what was practically a neon sign into a subliminal message.

Scoff he might, but it goes some way to explaining why the Auld Boy always seems to be picking up two pizzas and a four-pack of beer for a fiver these days.

SLR | JULY 2022

www.slrmag.co.uk

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