The Week in Retail 108

RETAIL THE WEEK IN

COMMUNITY

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES NISA RETAILERS SUPPORT JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS CELEBRATIONS

UNDE RAGE SALES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE COMMUNITY ALCOHOL PARTNERSHIPS TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING CERTIFICATION

FACE FACTS

POST OFFICE WINS GOVERNMENT APPROVAL

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● Food sales hit by

cost-of-living crisis

●

The world’s first water-based vape product

● ACS backs disability

charity Sense’s campaign

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Issue 108 Wednesday 8 June 2022

01.09.2022

George Bowie • DJ Cassi • Pretty Ugly Simon Cordiner • Rebecca Vasmant BOOK NOW

For tickets and information visit groceryaid.org.uk/events/checkout-scotland

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

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Jubilee jump Finally, after months and months of build-up, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are over, and it looks to have been a good one for pretty much everyone. Don’t worry, I’m not going to bore you with a tale about Harry and Meghan or the royal children.

Link, the UK’s main cash machine network, reports that across the UK, £1.7bn was withdrawn between Monday last week and Sunday as people celebrated.

Link said Wednesday was not only the busiest day of last week, but the busiest Wednesday it has seen since before the pandemic, with £322m withdrawn as people geared up to celebrate the bank holiday.

In contrast, Sunday was much quieter than expected with only £143m withdrawn, possibly down to drizzle and rain in large parts of the country.

With figures like that, it will come as no surprise that retail footfall increased by 6.9% on average for the weekend compared with the average for May, according to the BRC/Sensormatic figures. The data also shows footfall for the whole week was up by 17.1% on the previous four weeks.

The Jubilee saw some retailers coming up with some great ideas, for example rapid grocery delivery firm Getir launched a limited-edition Platinum Jubilee campaign, offering customers the chance to have a celebratory bottle of Tattinger Champagne personally delivered by Royal Guards, opera singers, and trumpeters. Each delivery included a

command performance, with availability in London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

In addition, it was also great to see some retailers feature in the Queen’s Birthday Honours released during the celebrations. Iceland Managing Director Richard Walker was awarded an OBE for services to Business and to the Environment, while Former Managing Director of Aberness Foods Stanley Morrice was awarded an MBE for services to the Food and Drink Sector in Scotland.

It’s just a shame more retailers weren’t recognised for the dedication they show to their local communities and the staggering amount of charity work they do for those communities. Like retailer Mukesh Patel, from Capel village in Surrey, who has been honoured with Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Certificate for his service to the village during Covid-19 pandemic.

All this news came as no surprise to me; my family’s Platinum Jubilee celebration looked a lot like Christmas, there were decorations, we ate a ridiculous amount, and there was plenty of alcohol around too. Let’s hope it isn’t too long before we can have another event which brings the whole country together in celebration.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE 2022 / ISSUE 108

6

10

15

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

BUSINESS SERVICES

Scotland becomes the first UK nation to ban single-use plastics, and the role of local shops in preventing underage sales is highlighted.

Nisa retailers supported their communities in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee last weekend, with festivities taking place all over the UK.

The Post Office, and its partner Yoti, are approved by the government as the UK’s first certified digital identity service providers.

9

17 Retail sales

Covid-19 update The latest coronavirus-related news.

12 Off-trade

Food sales remained in growth in May, with

ACS gets behind disability charity Sense’s

Platinum Jubilee celebrations helping sales

campaign to increase awareness of how

A new Public Health Scotland report finds

in the final week of the month, according to

that Minimum Unit Pricing has forced some

the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.

people who are dependent on alcohol to reduce spending on food and utilities.

13 Business awards The winners of this year’s Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards are revealed at a celebratory event in Glasgow.

14 Advertorial Retailer Nicole Ross Murray opens her second Spar store in the Highlands of Scotland.

16 Petcare

18 Footfall The BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor reveals ‘encouraging’ improvements in

vital our senses are to living life to the full.

22 Picks of the week A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

27 Out the box: ‘smart’ space

footfall for both high streets and shopping

A new autonomous vending machine from

centres last month.

tech start-up Sensei promises to bring

19 Consumer spending Supermarket spending is hit by the cost-

stores closer to customers.

29 Before you go...

of-living crisis, according to the latest

Our latest Retail Randoms see Aldi’s social

Barclaycard data.

media team go to town on M&S while the

20 Bike Bosnia 2022 Functional drinks manufacturer

Pet food deliveries have more than doubled

Medahuman sponsors the wholesale and

since 2018, according to independent

convenience retail charity bike ride that is

parcel carrier Yodel.

raising funds to clear landmines.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

21 Community

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

Welsh Italian Pizza Co’s web address leaves a lot be be desired.

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

DIY SET FOR £200M FALL GlobalData’s Monthly DIY Tracker shows that spending on home improvement is set for a £200m fall as the

LEGISLATION

Scotland becomes first UK nation to ban single-use plastics

The regulations banning single-use plastics came into force on 1 June following a six-month grace period.

cost of living rises, bars and restaurants re-open, and foreign holidays return. The UK DIY sector saw a £500m uplift during the pandemic.

IGD WARNS OVER SUSTAINABILITY IGD is predicting that as inflation rises shoppers will focus more on value for money over sustainability. CEO Susan Barratt told ShopTalk Europe: “It’s still early enough in the day for industry to really engage on the issue and take steps to show shoppers that sustainable shopping doesn’t have to come at a price

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to implement a ban single-use plastics, as legislation came into force on 1 June. The ban means it is an offence for businesses in Scotland to supply single-use plastics, which include plastic cutlery, plates, and stirrers.

The regulations came into force following a six-month grace period, during which Zero Waste Scotland ran a business campaign to raise awareness

on how to prepare. Around 700 million of these single-use items are currently used in Scotland every year.

The legislation, passed by the Scottish Parliament during COP26 last year, includes exemptions for single-use plastic straws to make sure that those who need them for independent living or medical purposes can still access them.

Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, said: “By banning some of the most problematic single-use plastic items in Scotland, we are turning our promises into action. Every year, hundreds of millions of single-use plastics are wasted, with many of them littering our beaches, waters and parks. This ban will encourage businesses to make the switch to reusable alternatives, helping to reduce litter and cut emissions.”

premium.”

TESCO CELEBRATES PRIDE Tesco will donate almost £100,000 to three LGBTQ+ charities to celebrate this year’s Pride festival and support the LGBTQ+ community. The supermarket is donating £33,000 to Switchboard, Terrence Higgins Trust, and Fighting With Pride.

The Sun launches weekly health section The Sun has launched a new weekly health section, which will offer expertled tips and advice. SunHealth, which will be five pages every Tuesday and two pages each Sunday, will cover diet, nutrition, exercise, and mental health.

Lizzie Parry, Head of Health at The Sun, said: “In this post-pandemic world, after too many years of lockdown and isolation, health is more important than ever before. With an NHS that’s

struggling to cope with record waiting lists and a huge backlog, it’s vital we all do what we can to live as healthy lives as possible.”

Sunhealth+ 28 ............... Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Welcome to our NEW section to help YOU live a healthy life THIS is our new Sun Health section.

With five pages on a Tuesday and more on Sunday, we aim to tackle health issues facing men, women and children.

From common ailments to mental wellbeing along with diet, nutrition and exercise, we want to help you and your family lead longer, healthier lives.

I come from three generations of medics.

Each week, with the help of a team of trusted experts including our resident GP, Dr Zoe

Williams, we want to break down the barriers that stop you seeking help.

We’ll bust myths, break taboos and share effective lifestyle tweaks.

Inspired by our columnist Dame Deborah James, above, we’ll give you all a healthy dose of Rebellious Hope, to shine a spotlight on research that will give you and your family the chance to live longer.

Also, tell us what matters to you – what do you want to know about? Email me at health@thesun.co.uk and if you have questions for Dr Zoe, send them over.

Lizzie Parry Head of Health, The Sun

Ask Dr Zoe Your burning

health questions answered

SEE PAGE 32

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 108 / WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022

IT costs the NHS more than

By CLARE O’REILLY £1.5million an hour.

Around 13.6million people are at include heart attack, stroke, risk of getting it, while a million have cancer and erectile dysfunction.

But what condition could be so no idea they already do. crippling? It’s one that is Ten-year survival rates for breast cancer are better than they are for preventable: Type 2 diabetes. With lifestyle tweaks you can stop this this killer – and the complications

stealth killer before it strikes. Boris Johnson has accelerated the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme to tackle the growing crisis. With Diabetes Awareness Week next week, we have a quiz to help you predict your risk and a guide to stop the condition in its tracks.

Are YOU at risk of type 2 diabetes?

Take our quiz 1m

people already have it but have yet to be diagnosed

+

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 ...............

Edited by Lizzie Parry

My team: Ella Walker, Nick McDermott, Terri-Ann Williams, Vanessa Chalmers, Sam Blanchard

+ FAMILY HEALTH + FITNESS + DIET & NUTRITION + SLEEP & WELLBEING + MENTAL HEALTH

Read more every day at thesun.co.uk/health, and email us at health@thesun.co.uk

SO WHAT IS YOUR RISK?

KEEP TRACK . . . monitoring blood glucose levels

1. How old are you? a. 49 or younger = 0 b. 50-59 = 5 c. 60-69 = 9 d. 70 or older = 13 2. Are you male or female? a. Female = 0 b. Male = 1 3. What is your ethnic background? a. White European = 0 b. South Asian = 6 c. Black = 6 d. Chinese = 6 e. Mixed ethnicity = 6 4. Do you have a father, mother, brother, sister and/ or child with type 1 or type 2 diabetes? a. Yes = 5 b. No = 0 5. Time to get the measure out! Make sure you feel for your bottom rib and top of your hip bone, then measure around your body directly between these points. What

range does yours fit into? a. Less than 90cm (35.3in) =0 b. 90–99.9cm (35.4–39.3in) =4 c. 100–109.9cm (39.4–42.9in) =6 d. 110cm (43in) or above =9 6. Next up, it’s your Body Mass Index.

You can use the NHS online tool to calculate this.

What’s your BMI? a. Less than 25 = 0 b. 25–29.9 = 3 c. 30–34.9 = 5 d. 35 or above = 8 7. Have you been given medicine for high blood pressure OR been told that you have high blood pressure by your doctor? a. Yes = 5 b. No = 0 WHY? High blood pressure can increase your risk.

...AND WHAT YOUR SCORE MEANS FOR YOU 0-6 points = Low risk

Your chances of having type 2 diabetes now = 1 in 200 Risk in 10 years = 1 in 20 What you need to do – Keep up the good work, and make lifestyle adjustments to further reduce your risk.

7-15 points = Increased risk

Chances of having type 2 diabetes now = 1 in 50 Risk in 10 years = 1 in 10 What you need to do – Make lifestyle changes.

16-24 points = Moderate risk

13.6m

Chances of having type 2 diabetes now = 1 in 33 Risk in 10 years = 1 in 7 What you need to do – See your GP to discuss your risk and how to reduce it.

25 or more points = High risk

people in the UK are in danger of getting type 2 diabetes

Chances of having type 2 diabetes now = 1 in 14 Risk in 10 years = 1 in 3 What you need to do – See your GP as soon as possible and get a blood test. lDeveloped by Diabetes UK. You can complete the survey online at riskscore.diabetes.org.uk to get further support.

‘I WAS IN DENIAL’

SUCCESS . . . Halle Berry and Tom Hanks have not let type 2 diabetes hold them back

STUB IT OUT

TABLE MANNERS

SEXUAL HEALINGS

TAKE A BREATH

GET GOOD KIP

CHEERS!

WE get it, it’s tough to quit. But what if you had a monetary incentive?

A pilot scheme being considered by Cheshire East Council could see smokers offered up to £400 to quit. Failing that, why not reward yourself and put the money you are saving into a “new me” fund and treat yourself? Scientists in Japan found smokers who had quit for a decade had the same type 2 diabetes risk as people who had never smoked.

WEIGHT loss and lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes go hand in hand.

Start with your food portion sizes and eat off a side plate instead of a dinner plate.

A study that was published in the Nutrition & Diabetes journal found overweight or obese people who cut their portion sizes lose weight, lower blood sugar levels and reduce the overall risk of type 2 diabetes.

THERE is no escaping it – exercise is good.

The NHS says aim for 150 minutes a week. Sex can burn up to 70 calories every 30 minutes, while housework can blast 100 to 150 in the same time.

Dance around for an hour and you could cut 300 to 800 calories.

The Norfolk Diabetes Prevention Study found exercise, diet and weight loss helped reduce a person’s risk of type 2 by between 40 and 47 per cent.

BREATHING better can help prevent diabetes.

Tamara Willner, nutritionist at NHSapproved diet plan Second Nature, says: “Stress management is important for reducing your risk of any chronic lifestyle diseases.

“Meditation might seem daunting, so practise two minutes of deep breathing with your eyes closed every day, at the same time. It will soon become a habit and you can move to five, eight or ten minutes over time.”

IT is the Holy Grail of health – getting a good night’s sleep.

Tamara Willner, says: “When we don’t sleep well, our body is less able to regulate our blood sugar levels.

“One of the best ways to ensure a restful night’s sleep is to have a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine.

“Try reducing your phone and TV screen time an hour before bed, lighting candles, having a bath or reading a book.”

WHAT you eat is important and so is what you wash it down with. A study found a glass of wine with your meal can help cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by 14 per cent compared with a glass on an empty stomach.

A study in the European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition found a daily coffee helped reduce type 2 diabetes risk by up to 54 per cent.

But fizzy drinks can increase risk, so opt for water instead.

TAKE A LOAF OFF

WHEN it comes to carbs, quality counts.

Tamara Willner says: “Reducing your intake of carbs will reduce the glucose entering your bloodstream.”

But that does not mean a blanket ban. Tamara says: “One of the easiest ways is to have one carbfree meal a day packed with protein, healthy fats and non-starchy veg.”

A straight switch from refined, white carbs to wholemeal brown options can also make a big difference.

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TINA NANDHA was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes this year.

The 37-year-old gift wrapper, above, from Borehamwood, Herts, said: “I was invited for a checkup on my insurance and it showed my blood sugar levels were high.

“I was booked for a full blood screen, but October was busy for me so it wasn’t a priority. I think I was in denial too.”

Tina, a keen runner, added: “Technically I was in the best shape of my life, I ate well – or so I thought.”

In February, Tina called the doctor after noticing she was dizzy when she

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3 MORE PAGES

missed lunch. Chatting through her family history, she discovered her nan had type 2 and her mum was pre-diabetic.

She said “This prompted some more blood tests.

The pre-diabetic range is 42 to 47, and I was 47.”

With her diagnosis came lifestyle changes and NHS group sessions. Tina aims to hit 10,000 steps a day.

She added: “Meals are more balanced and I eat better. No more TV snacking. Stress plays a huge part and I now take moments in the day where I can stop.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

REPORT

CAP highlights role of local shops in preventing underage sales

Community Alcohol Partnerships have made a “huge difference” to residents, young people, and retailers in more than 250 areas across Britain.

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: ● 62% reduction in weekly drinking for 13-16-year-olds. ● After CAP training, 98% of retailers passed a Challenge25 compliance test – from an average baseline of 50%. ● 42% reduction in anti-social behaviour. ● 68% reduction in residents reporting children and young people drinking in public places to be a very big or fairly big problem.

Caboodle, a digital platform to help reduce food waste, is being trialled by Co-op.

The platform, which connects retailers and hospitality businesses with community groups, is currently being trialled in in Northern Ireland, Milton Keynes and London. It goes live next month across a further 2,500 stores.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Community Alcohol Partnerships have made a huge difference to residents, young people, and retailers in over 250 areas across Britain. The core principles of CAP – to engage local partners, prevent underage access to alcohol, and educate young people – have been proven to be the most effective approach to tackling underage drinking and associated harm.

CAP’s annual report is available here.

Weights/measures review a ‘needless exercise’ The government’s plans to review weights and measures have been branded a “waste of time and money” by the NFRN. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has opened a consultation on the review of units of measurement for consumer transactions. This could see goods available in the old imperial measurements, as well as its metric equivalent.

CO-OP TACKLES FOOD WASTE

NFRN Deputy Vice-President, Shahid Razzaq, said: “This is a needless exercise.

The government should be more worried about the local shops which are hubs of the community closing down.

“The plight of our high streets is being ignored while the government plays needless games about imperial measures, and this is what we will stress in our response to the consultation.”

PLAN FOR PROFIT Unitas Wholesale has launched its 2022 Plan for Profit Licensed category guide, which highlights key ranges for independent retailers across wine, beer, spirits, and tobacco and reduced-risk products.

The guide is available from selected Unitas depots and the Plan for Profit website.

ACS CONFIRMS EVENT LINE-UP ACS has revealed more details about its Power, Mobility and Convenience Conference, which takes place online on 5 July from 10am. The event will explore how the UK’s forecourts can adapt and change on the road to Net Zero, as well as look at new and emerging store formats.

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

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Scottish Grocers’ Federation

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Households set to hoard £7k Covid savings

ASDA EXPANDS UBER EATS SERVICE Asda has expanded its Uber Eats grocery delivery partnership, adding another 88 stores to the app.

Office for National Statistics data reveals that households saved £195.9bn between the start of 2020 and the end of 2021 but are in no hurry to spend it as the cost-of-living soars.

The supermarket now offers delivery in as little as 30

F

mins from a total of 405 locations in the UK. Customers will also see developments in Asda’s delivery menus, with bundles that aim to make ordering easier for items regularly bought together, for example ‘vegan stock up’, ‘breakfast fry up’, and ‘build a sandwich’.

Uber Eats customers are now able to order more

spend heavily now to make up for lost time, as the cost-of-living soars, which is pushing consumers to cut back.

Sarah Coles, at Hargreaves Lansdown, told The Telegraph: “We haven’t been falling over ourselves to spend every penny. Part of our unwillingness to blow our lockdown savings is due to the fact that many of the things we didn’t manage to spend our cash on were experiences, so once we’d missed the chance to go on holiday or go out for dinner, the opportunity had passed.”

TECH SOLUTIONS

amilies have saved almost £7,000 since the pandemic struck, mostly because of lockdowns when they were unable to spend money in pubs, restaurants, non-essential shops, travel and holidays, according to new research.

Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that households put away £195.9bn between the start of 2020 and the end of 2021.

Before the pandemic, typically families saved around 6% of their income, but at the peak of the first lockdown in 2020 they were putting aside almost one-quarter of their incomes, as spending opportunities diminished.

Of these savings, which amounts to an average of almost £7,000 per household, the ONS estimates that three-quarters was “forced” as lockdown rules made it difficult to spend the money. This amounts to around 10% of the nation’s disposable income, which had raised hopes that consumers would return enthusiastically to high streets now the pandemic has diminished.

However, consumers are unwilling to

than 1,800 products on the app from seasonal items to everyday essentials.

Simon Gregg, Senior VP of Ecommerce at Asda, said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of customers shopping for tonight as well as for tomorrow through the wide range of delivery options now available.”

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P L AT I N U M C E L E B R AT I O N S

NISA COMMUNITY

Celebrating good times

Nisa retailers across the UK supported celebrations across their communities to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

N

isa retailers across the UK supported their communities in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee last weekend, from funding local events to holding festivities of their own outside their stores.

Retailers across the nation marked the occasion with events including street parties and family fun days, bringing their communities together to celebrate the historic milestone.

One such retailer was Harjit Singh of H & Jodie’s Nisa Local in Walsall, who, alongside his son Amrit, organised a Platinum Jubilee street party for local residents. Around 1,500 people attended the event, which received support from a number of brands and included music, activities, and food and drink.

“We decided to go all out to celebrate the Jubilee and invited the entire community to join us,” said Amrit.

The store also funded a number of local groups for their own jubilee celebrations, following nominations as part of the Heart of the Community Awards initiative set up by Nisa’s charity Making a Difference Locally (MADL). In total 22 local causes received funding of £11,000, including Sewa Kitchen in Walsall, which used the funding towards several celebrations in the local community.

‘Queen’s Tea Sewa Boxes’ were distributed to 151 service users and elderly people; a sponsored feed and sewa were provided at the local temple; and the group also supported parties at four schools by providing items for their menu.

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Amrit said: “We were over the moon to receive funding for so many local community groups. Twenty-two local causes were supported to help fund their parties, thousands of people were having fun, getting in the spirit and loving their local store for making it all happen.”

Another winning cause, nominated

by LA Foods on Adelaide Road in London, was St Paul’s CE Primary School.

Its £1,000 funding helped to provide an afternoon tea party with food and decorations for pupils and their families, and an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to meet and celebrate with other families following the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the school said: “MADL’s contribution has supported us to stage an event that I believe will have given many children and their parents and teachers memories for a lifetime.”

Other festivities supported by Nisa retailers included a four-day-long village event, a ‘picnic in the park’, garden parties for care home residents, street parties, afternoon teas, a community barbecue, and a carnival.

Kate Carroll, Nisa’s Head of Charity, said: “We received a phenomenal response to this round of Heart of the Community Awards and there was a clear appetite from communities to mark this historic occasion.”

In total, MADL supported 125 good causes with £100,000 in donations to help communities celebrate the jubilee as part of the charity’s Heart of the Community Awards initiative.

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L E G I S L AT I O N

MINIMUM UNIT PRICING

MUP forces drinkers to cut back on food, finds study Public Health Scotland has published its final report on the impact of MUP on people drinking at harmful levels, including those dependent on alcohol.

M

inimum 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 Universities of Sheffield and Newcastle (Australia), and Figure 8 Consultancy found there was little evidence found of other

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negative consequences in this population following the introduction of MUP, such as increased crime or a shift to the use of illicit substances.

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, added: “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.”

She added: “This research further develops our understanding of and insights into this important population and how they have responded to MUP across a broad range of areas. It’s crucial to build the evidence base in this area as part of our overall evaluation of MUP.”

BUSINESS A WARDS

THE SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOD & DRINK AWARDS

Food and drink stars shine

The winners of this year’s Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards have been revealed at a celebratory event in Glasgow.

H

e winners of this year’s Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards (SRFDAs) have been revealed at a celebratory lunch at The Corinthian in Glasgow. Hosted by former Deacon Blue drummer and Landward host Dougie Vipond, the event saw products from all four corners of Scotland collect awards.

The highlight of the event saw six products receive coveted Platinum Awards.

Created to help get more of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink products onto more Scottish retail shelves, the SRFDAs are now in their second year,

with entries up by more than 30% this year.

More than 50 expert judges from all disciplines judged hundreds of products over an intense month-long period.

Every product that received a Gold Award was then eligible to be considered for Platinum status. The Platinum Awards were judged in an extended full-day session, also held at The Corinthian.

Bruce Langlands, the former head of food and drink at both Harrods and

Selfridges, was chair of the Platinum judging panel. He said: “I’ve been in this industry for over 30 years, and I’ve seen a good few products cross my desk in that time, but I can honestly say the I’ve seen some of the most impressive products I’ve ever seen during the judging for this year’s SRFDAs. “The standards that are being set are quite phenomenal and Scotland’s food and drink sector is clearly in very good hands.”

Read the full list of winners.

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A DV E RTO R I A L

SPAR SCOTLAND

SPAR Dornoch

Retailer Nicole Ross Murray has opened her second SPAR store in the Highlands.

N

icole Ross Murray has been a SPAR retailer for more than twoand-a-half years.

Nicole took over her father’s store SPAR Benview Stores, in Golspie situated in the North Highlands of Scotland – one hour north of Inverness – in January 2022.

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In August 2021 following an extensive refurbishment, she opened another SPAR store in Dornoch, 10 miles south of the Golspie store.

On the store’s reopening day back in September, Murray said: “I am so excited to take over the store at Dornoch. It’s been a busy few months re-vamping the

store and we hope customers will like the few changes we’ve made.

“We’ve introduced a great food-to-go range with coffee and bacon rolls, as well as Capaldis ice-cream.”

The store also features lottery services, a news and magazine range, a slush machine, PayPoint, and ATM.

BUSINESS SERVICES

POST OFFICE

Post Office digital ID services win government approval The government certification demonstrates that the partners prioritise security and privacy.

T

he Post Office, and its partner Yoti, have been approved by the government as the UK’s first certified digital identity service providers.

The partners provide a free-to-use app that combines customers’ personal data and biometrics to create a secure, reusable ID on their phone, and in-branch services for those customers who do not have access to a smartphone or who prefer face-to-face contact when asked to confirm their identity.

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 access the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Elinor Hull, Post Office Identity Services Director, said: “At a time when the hospitality and retail sectors in particular are struggling to recruit and get staff onto the shop floor, the ability to digitally check candidates’ right to work speeds up the recruitment process, is more secure and could enable them to start sooner than if the candidate has to travel and then have their documents photocopied and physically checked.”

John Abbott, Chief Commercial Officer at Yoti, said: “Being one of the first identity companies to be certified shows our commitment to the market and is a testament to the quality of our

digital identity technology. Certification represents the gold standard of Digital Identity service provision with security and privacy prioritised, meaning clients should have no concerns about GDPR.” Hull added: “Post Office and Yoti in partnership are the one-stop shop for identity services – the only provider that offers digital identity services via web and app, but also provides in-branch verification services for people unable, or choose not to, do so online.”

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

PETCARE

Pet food subscriptions soar

The increase in pet ownership across the UK during the pandemic has been a driver in the growth of pet food deliveries.

P

et food deliveries have more than doubled since 2018, as UK consumers turn to online deliveries as a more convenient way to care for their pets, according to parcel carrier Yodel.

The increase in pet ownership across the UK during the pandemic has been a driver in the growth of pet food deliveries, with more than three million households taking on a new pet since lockdown began in 2020, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association.

With Covid-19 restrictions coming to an end and more people going back

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 108 / WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022

into offices, Yodel now handles more than six million pet food boxes every year.

Yodel reports that growth has been sharp across the UK, with the biggest rise coming from London, where pet food deliveries were up by 277% since 2018, closely followed by the West and Midlands regions, which both saw deliveries increase by 227%.

Carl Moore, Chief Operating Officer at Yodel, said: “With millions of new furry friends on the scene and Covid restrictions over, people are looking for the most convenient way to give

their companions the best nutrition and care. Online shopping, particularly with subscription services, gives people one less thing to worry about and means no more hauling big bags of pet food back from the shops.

“Growth in the pet food sector is representative of an overall shift in consumer behaviour towards online delivery, with many now using our services for products which they may not have in the past. This shift also demonstrates our ability to deliver parcels of different shapes and sizes, across a wide range of sectors.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

RETAIL SALES

Food sales continue to grow in the face of soaring inflation The data shows that food sales remained in growth in May, with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations helping sales in the final week of the month.

F

ood sales remained in decline over the past three months, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.

The data shows the performance of the Food category continued to improve in May though, with the three-month average year-on-year decline reaching 0.7%, compared with a decline of 1.3% in the period February to April.

On a like-for-like basis, sales were down 1.3% over the three months compared with the same period last year.

However, sales recorded annual growth for the second consecutive month in May, the researchers said, despite demand waning significantly.

It is very likely that rising inflation boosted the Food category performance.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations also helped sales in the final week of the month.

Susan Barratt, Chief Executive of the IGD, said: “Whilst the last four weeks show modest growth, we increasingly expect that value sales are being boosted by inflation this year and that underlying volume trends are weaker as shoppers economise to manage the cost-of-living challenges they face.

“Shoppers are finding it incredibly tough right now, and although the Chancellor’s announcement of a cost-ofliving support package may have offered

some respite, our Shopper Confidence Index data for May shows that shopper confidence is still incredibly low. Spending priorities are changing rapidly in reaction to continuous price rises, with shopper coping strategies differing by individual life circumstances.

“We anticipate the Jubilee may provide a welcome break and opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, with a third planning to celebrate over the Bank Holiday weekend. However, shoppers face a challenging few months

ahead as they look to contend with the rising cost of living.”

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, added: “It is clear the post-pandemic spending bubble has burst, with retailers facing tougher trading conditions, falling consumer confidence, and soaring inflation.

“Supply chain issues including rising commodity and transport costs, a tight labour market and higher energy bills are forcing retailers to increase their prices, contributing to wider inflation.”

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

RETAIL FOOTFALL

UK footfall sees ‘encouraging’ improvement

The BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor reveals that high streets and shopping centres both showed further recovery.

U

K footfall saw another “encouraging” improvement in May, although it was 12.5% lower than pre-pandemic figures, according to the BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor.

The data shows May footfall stayed above -22% throughout the month, with the first three weeks above -11%.

The figures reveal that high streets and shopping centres both showed an improvement in recovery on April’s figures. High street recovery improved by 3.6 percentage points compared to April, to a decline of 13.6% in May. This was the highest recovery point seen since March 2020 and was the best

18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 108 / WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022

month-on-month improvement for all shopping locations.

Shopping Centre recovery improved by 0.9 percentage points compared to a month earlier, to a decline of 26.7% in May. Again, this was the highest recovery point seen since March 2020.

The data shows that England saw the strongest recovery of all the UK’s nations in May, with a decline of 11.9%, and is the best-performing nation for two out of the past four months.

Scotland remained behind the rest of the UK for the tenth consecutive period, with a decline of 16.4% in May 2022 when compared to the same month in

2019. Northern Ireland and Wales saw a footfall decline of 12.9% and 16.0%, respectively, in May. For the second consecutive month, the best performing city was Manchester, with a decline of 5.3%. The worst performing city was Leeds, also for the second consecutive month, with a decline of 19.0%.

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant – EMEA at Sensormatic Solutions, added: “With households already starting to feel the pinch of the rising cost of living and growing inflationary pressures, retailers will be hoping that cracks don’t start to appear in the footfall recovery.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

CONSUMER SPENDING

Supermarket spending hit by cost-of-living crisis Barclaycard data also reveals a significant rise in public transport spending, reflecting the fact that more Brits are now commuting to offices.

O

verall consumer card spending grew 9.3% year-on-year in May, according to new data from Barclaycard.

Barclaycard sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions. Its data reveals 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 people cooking at home rather than eating and drinking out.

Another possible reason for these declines is that 41% of consumers now say they are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their weekly shop in the face of rising living costs.

Overall spending on essential items grew 4.8%, largely propped up by inflation, and a 24.8% surge in fuel spend as petrol and diesel prices continued to climb.

There was also a big rise (83.3%) in public transport spending, reflecting the fact that more Brits are now commuting to offices compared to the same period last year, when working-from-home guidance was still in place.

The cost-of-living squeeze is also leading Brits to rein in their spending on eating and drinking out, with restaurants (-5.9%) and bars, pubs and clubs (-1.2%) seeing slight declines when comparing spending in May with April.

José Carvalho, Head of Consumer Products at Barclaycard, said: “The costof-living squeeze is clearly influencing discretionary spending habits, with figures showing a decline in subscriptions, and a drop in spending at restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs.

“Despite this, there are some encouraging signs, particularly in

travel industry, as Brits’ appetite for going abroad continues to grow as we approach the summer holidays.

“While consumer confidence continues to fall, we hope to see at least a short-term boost thanks to the Jubilee Weekend, and the recently announced £400 energy bill discount coming in October.”

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

COMMUNITY

BIKE BOSNIA

MEDAHUMAN backs Bike Bosnia 2022 The event, which starts next week, will see more than 20 execs from wholesale and convenience retail cycle 300km from Croatia to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

F

unctional drinks manufacturer MEDAHUMAN has become a sponsor of Bike Bosnia 2022, the upcoming wholesale and convenience retail charity bike ride, which is aiming to raise almost £100,000 for the landmine clearance charity MAG (Mines Advisory Group).

The event, which starts next week, will see more than 20 execs from wholesale and convenience retail cycle from Dubrovnik (Croatia) to Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herzegovina) over mountainous terrain in hot conditions.

Adam Feldheim, Managing Director and founder of MEDAHUMAN, said: “I am delighted that MEDAHUMAN is sponsoring the ‘Bikes against Bombs’ charity bike ride this year. I am pleased

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 108 / WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022

that the cyclists will be able to drink our product throughout this arduous journey to help ensure that their bodies cope with the massive challenge.”

The charity bike ride was founded in 2014 by Tom Fender, Development Director at TWC, and Neil Turton, who holds Non-Executive Director roles with Ty Nant water and Alliance Stores. Since then, there have been six overseas industry bike rides which have raised more than £730,000 for MAG. Fender said: “Every day, 19 people are killed or injured by landmines and unexploded bombs. At least half of civilian casualties are children. The more people who become aware of the extent of the problem the more that can be done to rectify the situation.”

Sarah Tavener, Head of Philanthropy at MAG, added: “By taking on the challenge of cy cling the 300 hilly kilometres from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo those taking part and raising funds for MAG are making it possible for our expert teams to clear even more landmines and unexploded bombs and help conflict-affected communities to live free from fear.”

Tavener added that the conflict in Ukraine has also highlighted the issue of landmine clearance in Europe – already 300,000sq km of land in Ukraine has been contaminated with landmines and that figure is expected to increase significantly.

Support the team taking on the 2022 challenge.

COMMUNITY

ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES

Retailers encouraged to get involved in campaign to encourage inclusivity The trade body is backing disability charity Sense’s campaign which encourages people to host a bake sale or coffee morning with a sensory twist.

T

he Association of Convenience 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, especially for people with complex disabilities.

Throughout July, national disability charity Sense is encouraging people to host a Sensational Tea Party – a bake sale/coffee morning with a sensory twist. The aim of these tea parties is to help communities reconnect, create conversation and break down barriers, as well as raise vital funds to support people with complex disabilities.

When hosting a tea party, Sense is encouraging people to think about:

● Taste – contrasting, surprising tastes. ● Sight – exciting colours and showstopping creations. ● Smell – captivating scents to make your mouth water. ● Hearing – baking that snaps, crackles and pops. ● Touch – using interesting textures and tactile decorations.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Local shops operate at the heart of our communities and for many customers they act as a social hub where they can interact with colleagues and as a result feel less isolated.

“Recently we launched our Everyone Welcome Guide which has been positively received by retailers and

this campaign builds on the fantastic work that our sector has been doing to ensure that their stores are welcoming for everyone.”

Jenny Peat, Head of Community and Events at Sense, added: “We are delighted that the ACS is joining Sense to encourage as many people as possible to host a Sensational Tea Party this July.

“Local shops are at the heart of their communities, and we are excited for people to come together, share tea, cake and laughter, while raising vital funds to continue Sense’s work.”

For more information about the Sensational Tea Party campaign and to register for your free fundraising pack, click here.

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

THIS WEEK HÄAGEN-DAZS AQUIOS LABS RUBICON PICKS OF THE WEEK

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – HÄAGEN-DAZS

HÄAGEN-DAZS UNVEILS CAMPAIGN TO DRIVE CATEGORY The campaign will include TV and video-on-demand ads, supported by social media activity, and close collaboration with local influencers.

Luxury ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs has

aims to drive category growth across key markets

launched a global consumer campaign, which

including the UK. ‘The Ice Cream of Ice Creams’ campaign aims to drive excitement through a series of playful adverts, which demonstrate how the brand’s superior ice cream can bring consumers moments of joy. By dramatising Häagen-Dazs’ ‘Don’t Hold Back’ ethos, the light-hearted creative will encourage people to let go and be in the moment.

TV and video-on-demand ads will run across Sky, ITV, and Channel 4 supported by social media activity, attention-grabbing digital shorts, and close collaboration with local influencers.

Jose Alves, Marketing Manager at Häagen-Dazs UK, said: “Häagen-Dazs is the best of the best because of our sophisticated craftmanship and use of high-quality ingredients. This is reflected in the fact we’re the number one brand for superior taste experiences and our aim is to create special moments of indulgence that our customers can enjoy at home.

“Our new ‘The Ice Cream of Ice Creams’ campaign showcases the value of premium ice cream experiences in an over-the-top, playful way, which builds on our iconic brand identity. The series of ads includes an artist creating a life-size ice cream sculpture of herself – reinforcing our ethos as the go-to ice cream for those who don’t hold back.”

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – AQUIOS LABS

AQUIOS LABS SET TO TAKE UK VAPE MARKET BY STORM The technology innovator has unveiled the world’s first water-based vape product, which is being launched in 10 flavours.

Aquios Labs is set to take the

technology is the first on the

UK vape market by storm after

market to reduce the propylene

investing £3m in a water-based

glycol (PG) and vegetable glyc-

product – the first of its kind in

erin (VG) content in the e-liquid.

the world.

The goals are purer taste, less

The company is aiming to

throat irritation and dehydration,

establish a major presence in

and enhanced chemical stability

the convenience and special-

to maximise harm reduction.

ist retail vape market, as well

For the consumer, it means a

as on forecourts, and in cash

smoother vapour, faster satisfac-

& carrys.

tion, and cleaner flavour profiles,

Aquios Labs launched its Aquios Bar range at the UK

as well as a reduction in the sensation of dry mouth.

Vaper Expo in Birmingham. It

The novel design also

believes the range is ideally

addresses environmental con-

suited to help the UK’s seven

cerns linked to the vaping industry

million smokers kick the habit.

as it uses fewer carbon-intensive

Being focused on user experience, it addresses issues such as throat irritation that have tended to put

materials, and the component parts can be disassembled for recycling.

A spokesperson for

off smokers or have led to

Aquios said: “Vaping has

vapers return to smoking,

been one of the most

the company says.

disruptive markets this

Aquios Bar, which is

century, but it is still

being launched in 10

a young industry.

flavours, features an

Therefore, there is

innovative coil design

significant scope for

and specially formu-

continuous innova-

lated e-liquid making

tion as the category

water-based vaping

evolves, particularly

possible for the first

in consumer experi-

time.

ence, optimisation of

In

u sin g

30 %

harm reduction, and

water, Aquios Labs’

making vaping much

next-generation AQ30

more climate friendly.”

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – RUBICON

RUBICON UNVEILS BOLD NEW BRAND CAMPAIGN The brand says the campaign has been designed to remind its core demographic of 16- to 34-year-old soft drinks shoppers that Rubicon is the brand for them.

Barr Soft Drinks is launching a new campaign

email trademarketing@agbarr.co.uk with their

for its exotic juice drink brand Rubicon that will

request and store or depot details.

is expected to reach 78% of 16- to 34-year-old soft drinks shoppers this summer.

Adrian Troy, Marketing Director at Barr Soft Drinks, said: “We’re encouraging wholesalers and

The ‘Made of Different Stuff’ campaign will

retailers to stock up on Rubicon Still, Sparkling and

launch on video-on-demand from 16 June, high-

Spring in all pack formats and make the most of

lighting the brand’s affinity with Rubicon drinkers’

our in-depot and in-store activation tools to boost

desire to try new and exciting experiences.

category sales throughout the crucial summer

The campaign also includes out-of-home, social

period.

and digital advertising, sampling and shopper

“Our new ‘Made of Different Stuff’ campaign is

marketing activity, and activations will also take

designed to remind our core demographic of 16- to

place across national depots, including bespoke

34-year-old soft drinks shoppers that Rubicon is

display builds.

the brand for them.

Impactful POS and display units will be avail-

Brand awareness will be at an all-time high

able for retailers, alongside bespoke POS for

and we’ll be driving new and existing shoppers to

wholesalers to create in-depot theatre. Retailers

fixture with a programme of impactful advertising,

and wholesalers interested in ordering POS should

supported by eye-catching POS.”

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

SUMMER GARDEN

CINEMA SWEETS

MEDIA MIXERS

Dunnet Bay Distillers has

Swizzels has created a new limit-

Schweppes has launched a new,

launched its 2022 Rock Rose Gin

ed-edition Minions-themed range

multi-million-pound summer mar-

Summer Edition (41.5% ABV).

to coincide with the UK release

keting campaign that plays on

The spirit has been created using

of Minions: The Rise of Gru on

Schweppes’ ‘We’ve got the tonic,

ingredients from the distillery’s

1 July 2022. The sweets include

you’ve got the spirit’ tagline and

gardens and rockery to create a

Minions Banana and Blueberry

provides cocktail recipes using

citrus-style gin. It has an RSP of

Squashies, Minions Tropical

Schweppes mixers. It will feature

£39 for a 70cl bottle or £32 for a

Chew Bars, and Minions Tropical

on TV, VOD, OOH, social media,

recyclable refill pouch.

Fizz Individual Chew Bars.

and at festivals and events.

FAMILY FUN

COOL COFFEE

BOXED WINE

Toffifee has launched four fun,

Starbucks has launched a lim-

Treasury Wine Estates is adding

limited-edition pack designs,

ited-edition Frappuccino Toffee

19 Crimes Revolutionary Rosé

which focus on celebrating family

Honeycomb RTD. The drink is

in a 1.5l bag in box format. The

moments together this summer.

a chilled blend of Starbucks

wine keeps for up to six weeks

The brand says the new packs

signature espresso, milk, and

once opened. The launch is

will help drive sales in-store by

honey, finished with subtle notes

being supported by a market-

adding excitement and stand out

of toffee. It comes in a glass

ing campaign that will include

on shelf. The 100g boxes RSP

bottle and is available at Costco,

in-store activity over the summer

at £1.43.

RSP £2.10.

period.

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25

NPD AN

OUT TH

‘Smart’ space A new autonomous vending machine promises to bring stores closer to customers.

A new autonomous ‘cabinet’ is the latest tech innovation to hit the market, aiming to make shopping easier and less complicated for the consumer.

WHAT’S THE BIG CONCEPT? We all know vending machines. They have been around for decades, but lately they have been getting all sorts of revamps.The latest one from tech start-up Sensei aims to remove all the hassle: no fumbling for cash or contactless pay, no products getting stuck in the machine, no time wasted.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Shoppers download the Sensei app and use it to scan a code on the vending machine, which then opens the cabinet’s door. Shoppers take the items they want, which are automatically added to the app’s basket, and then pay on their phone.

“Vendors benefit from real-time stock management and consumers benefit from ultra-convenience,” the company said on social media.

“From offices to apartment block buildings and universities to gyms, people can choose the products they want

and be automatically charged for what they keep, without the hassle of traditional vending solutions.”

HOW WILL IT BENEFIT RETAIL? The start-up claims that the new solution allows retailers to reduce operational costs thanks to its ‘smart inventory management system,’ and increase sales by selling high-value products.

Sensei is not stopping there though; it is also providing an autonomous ‘smart store’ retail experience for petrol

“Vendors benefit from real-time stock management and consumers benefit from ultra-convenience.”

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stations following a tie-up with Portuguese energy company Galp.

The smart store works in the same way as the cabinet – no scanning product codes, no checkouts, and no physical payments. It offers food, snacks, and beverages, supported by a network of cameras mounted on the ceiling and sensors in shelves to detect the items people pick or leave.

“This new autonomous pod, which is mobile and street-facing, enables us to offer more for people walking by on the street or stopping at the station for food, enabling them to purchase grab-and-go meals, snacks, drinks and other products with the ease and speed that only autonomous technology provides, whilst avoiding the queues caused

ND MEDIA

HE BOX

by fuel purchasers,” Teresa Abecasis, Executive Board Member and Chief Operating Officer at Galp, said.

SHOULD RETAILERS BE WORRIED? According to Sensei’s own research, 70%

of the Brits questioned said they wanted an autonomous shopping experience.

One of the leading factors driving consumers towards autonomous retail is the convenience of queue-free shopping (60%), its research found. And almost half (47%) said they wanted

to be able to shop without checkouts in the future.

But smart stores are not suitable for every demographic and they are not the solution to every problem – including one of convenience. What if computer says no?

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 108 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27

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BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

IN KICK-OFF AGAIN

L O C D N A T R E B H CUT Their lawyers may have ground out a no-score draw in a fight about copycat caterpillar cakes, but Aldi’s social media team is currently wiping the floor with its M&S counterparts as the discounter’s redesigned Cuthbert The Caterpillar makes a triumphant return to shelves.

When January’s out-of-court confidential agreement was reached, M&S said: “We are very pleased with the outcome.”

Fast-forward to now and one can’t imagine the retailer is in any way pleased about Aldi’s latest Twitter campaign, which started with a tweet that could almost be read as an admission of guilt: “Cuthbert is back in store with a fresh new (totally legal) look. Get him while you can #CuthBack”.

This fairly innocuous kick-off soon turned into a full-on kicking however, as images were shared online of mobile billboards outside M&S branches taunting

the hapless retailer with headlines like “Colin all cake fans”, “Aisle be back”, and “Made by bakers. Approved by lawyers.”.

In case you’ve been in a coma since 1990, Colin is the name of Marks and Spencer’s original, and much-copied, caterpillar cake. A heap of other brands

was quick to join the Twitter pile-on, but M&S has remained silent.

In fact, its Twitter account has been dormant since 27 May. Let’s hope this is because Colin is busy tying his laces before he comes storming back online to put all 100 retaliatory boots into Aldi.

UMP H E H T E K A T T ’ N O D Every business needs a great website these days, and behind every great website sits a great web address. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by simply using the name of your business.

It’s straightforward, memorable, and good enough for internet behemoths Facebook, Google, and Amazon.

What if you’re called the Welsh Italian Pizza Company though?

As visitors to a recent wedding fair in Newport were quick

to take to social media to point out, welshitalianpizza.co.uk can be read in more than one way.

The company, which has been “delighting guests at weddings, parties and other events” since 2015, says most of its marketing materials use camel case for the avoidance of doubt. So that’ll be WelshItalianPizza then.

“But for the gazebo, which is mainly aimed at street food events and festivals, we thought it would be a fun thing to do.”

OfCourseYouDid.

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