The Week in Retail 109

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LEGISLATION

TACKLING TOBACCO

ENGLAND TO MISS SMOKE-FREE TARGETS UNLESS GOVERNMENT ACTS STORE SALES

SIX PACK

RETAILER SNAPS UP EAST RIDING STORES

● Forecourt crime rises during first quarter

● Nottingham to welcome new Nisa store

● South Wales store

LEGISLATION

OBESITY ACTION

WELSH GOVERNMENT SETS OUT HFSS PROPOSALS

attracts new owner

+

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Issue 109 Wednesday 15 June 2022

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T H E W E E K I N R E TA I L

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Smoke and mirrors Probably the biggest news story of the week was the release of the Khan Review, the independent review into tobacco control in England.

The review makes 15 recommendations for government to achieve a smoke-free society.

One of the main recommendations made is to introduce a New Zealand-style system that would see the age of sale raised from its current level of 18 by one year, every year, with the intention that eventually no one will be able to buy tobacco in England.

Also included in the review are proposals for more funding to tackle the illicit tobacco market, introducing a tobacco licence for retailers, and raising the cost of tobacco duties.

However, the review also recommends offering vaping as a substitute for smoking, alongside accurate information on the benefits of switching, including to healthcare professionals.

In addition, the Khan Review mentions the “need to invest in a well-designed mass media campaign to help create a smoke-free culture, while encouraging smokers to quit” and “to support and dismantle myths about smoking and vaping”.

The review has received a mixed response, but with around 78,000 people in the UK dying every year from smoking-related illnesses, with many

more living with debilitating smoking-related illnesses, you can’t fault its aims.

My dad was one of those, he smoked for more than 30 years, got throat cancer and it killed him.

I wish this review had been done a lot earlier and it might have saved him, but hopefully, it will help save my twin brother who has been smoking for a long time too.

Hopefully, if and when all the detail is sorted out, the measures to tighten the sale of tobacco will be outweighed by the increased support for vaping. You can read more about the review on pages 10-11.

On a more positive note, this weekend sees the marking of Father’s Day. Let’s just hope the current cost of living crisis doesn’t stop people spoiling their dad. I will be remembering my old man by eating obscene amounts of Liquorice Allsorts, which he loved, so I hope my local stores have stocked up!

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 2022 / ISSUE 109

6

8

9

10

20

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

PLATINUM JUBILEE

EG Group saves million bags of food from going to waste, and the competition watchdog launches a review into forecourt prices.

England will miss its smoke-free targets by at least seven years unless the government takes urgent action, warns the Khan Review.

Supermarket sales saw a 10% spike as the nation celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, according to new data from NeilsenIQ.

Advertorial

16 Grocery sales

An independent @SPARScotland store

Convenience retailers are well placed

and service station opens in the small

to build on growth achieved during the

village of #Mosstlodoch, Moray.

pandemic, IGD predicts.

Covid-19 update The latest coronavirus-related news.

12 Store openings A new Nisa Local store is set to launch in Nottingham next month.

13 Store sales One experienced retailer buys six stores in Yorkshire, with plans to renovate them under the Nisa fascia, while another snaps up a Premier store in Merthyr Tydfil.

15 Legislation The Welsh government sets out proposals

17 Platinum Jubilee Brits turned to their local c-stores for street party essentials throughout the Platinum Jubilee weekend, says PayPoint.

A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

26 Out the box: petcare The first supermarket-sold ice cream for dogs is now a reality – courtesy of Aldi.

29 Before you go...

Our latest Retail Randoms.

18 Home delivery More than half of consumers buy at least some of their groceries online, according to digital commerce platform Spryker.

19 Post Office Post Offices handled a record £3.23bn in cash in May, according to new figures.

21 Forecourt crime

to restrict HFSS products in stores and to

As the cost of petrol and diesel soars,

introduce a minimum age of sale of 16 for

unpaid fuel incidents increase 22% month-

energy drinks.

on-month.

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23 Picks of the week

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WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

JTI APPOINTS SALES DIRECTOR JTI has named Gemma Bateson as its new UK Sales Director, replacing Ross Hennessy. Bateson has more

SUSTAINABILITY

EG Group saves one million bags of food from going to waste

The company says it has seen a spike in the number of users in recent months, as more and more people monitor household spending closely.

than 10 years of experience working at JTI, and has previously worked for BAT and Mondelez (formerly Kraft Foods). She has over 15 years of sales and category management experience.

SCHOOL GRANTS

Bags’ across Europe from EG Group’s extensive network. Globally, more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions have been saved via the partnership.

Amina Batool, Head of ESG & Sustainability at EG Group, said: “We have seen a spike in the number of users in recent months, as more and more people monitor household spending closely, and hope that this partnership goes some way in supporting families who are looking for ways to combat the increasing cost of living.”

Sophie Trueman, Managing Director of Too Good To Go UK & Ireland, added: “EG Group’s commitment to fighting food waste has made them the perfect partner for us, and it’s amazing to see the significant impact we are driving together.”

children per household.

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 Too Good To Go platform across the UK and Europe. Customers have also picked up more than 260,000 ‘Magic

GOOD TO GIVE

Retailers ‘play vital role’ in reducing loneliness

The GroceryAid School Essentials Grant is returning to help reduce the financial impact on low-income families when children go back to school in September. Grocery workers could receive a grant of £150 per school-age child, for up to a maximum of three

Lidl GB has launched a ‘Good to Give’ trustmark, to diversify and increase food bank donations. Shoppers looking to donate food can find the Good to Give trustmark on carefully selected long-life items that offer a greater variety of nutritional benefits, and which can be dropped at in-store donation points.

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The Association of Convenience Stores is encouraging retailers to get involved in this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week, which takes place from 13-17 June. The campaign aims to reduce the stigma around loneliness and encourage people to talk more openly about it.

The ACS’ Community Barometer Report 2021 showed that consumers believe that convenience stores, alongside pubs and coffee shops, have a

positive role in alleviating loneliness through their role as a social hub.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are encouraging retailers to get involved in this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week and to engage with their colleagues and customers to help them feel more included and connected.”

Get involved in the conversation by using #EveryMindMatters and #LonelinessAwarenessWeek on social media.

NEWS DIGEST

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

COST OF LIVING

Review into forecourt prices launched

The Competitions Markets Authority review comes after a request by BEIS Secretary of State Kwasi Kwarteng.

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.

Kwarteng noted in his letter that despite cutting fuel duty on petrol and diesel, there remains “widespread concern” that prices may not fall as fast as they rise.

“High road fuel prices are causing significant concern for the millions of consumers and businesses who rely on being able to afford to fill up their vehicles,” Dr Coscelli wrote.

Morrisons is set to pay its store staff a minimum of £10.20 an hour, a minimum 2% increase on their base rate. Morrisons will also pay a London location supplement of 85p per hour to store staff within the M25 – taking the minimum rate of pay to £11.05. The new deal is planned to start in October.

SWEET DATA “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.”

Government scraps EV grant for cars The UK government has announced it is scrapping the plug-in subsidy scheme with immediate effect, with funding now re-focused towards improving electric vehicle charging.

The refocusing will see the government offer £300m in grant funding to boost sales of electric vans, taxis, motorbikes, and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

MORRISONS INCREASES PAY

It is also going to target expanding the public chargepoint network, in a bid to eradicate so-called “range anxiety”.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Having successfully kickstarted the electric car market, we now want to use plug-in grants to match that success across other vehicle types, from taxis to delivery vans and everything in between.”

Confectionery maker Swizzels Matlow is working with digital consultancy TWC to develop a data-led sales strategy to drive incremental growth within the wholesale channel. TWC has cleansed Swizzels’ data and organised it, providing clarity on performance for the total channel and highlighting key opportunities for the business.

ASDA CONFIRMS CHANGE Asda’s Chief Customer Officer Meg Farren will leave the business this summer to take up the role of General Manager of KFC, UK and Ireland. Farren joined Asda from KFC last year, where she had spent 10 years. She developed Asda’s new brand vision and led a number of campaigns.

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A DV E RTO R I A L

SPAR SCOTLAND

SPAR Mosstlodoch Service Station The forecourt store offers a Post Office, car care section, a wide selection of news and magazines, and a large food-to-go area.

“We are very excited to be able to offer a fantastic new SPAR store and forecourt to the local residents of Mosstlodoch.” - Suraj Thapa

A

SPAR store and service station owned by independent retailer Suraj Thapa opened 30 October 2021 in the small village of Mosstlodoch, Moray in Scotland.

The JET-branded forecourt has six lanes and car parking for 20 cars. The site also provides a car wash, vacuum, and air. The large convenience store employs 10 people who all live locally.

Inside it provides a Post Office, car care section, and a wide selection of news

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and magazines. A large foodto-go area including Costa Coffee, Rollover Hot Dogs, Tango Ice Blast and Fwip Ice Cream is available, as well as a hot food-to-go counter.

The store has a huge off-licence section providing an extensive range of spirits and malt whiskies. Paypoint and an ATM are also available for customers to use.

Owner Suraj Thapa said: “We have owned the store for over two years, and

we are delighted to have transformed it into a fantastic SPAR store.

As well as our huge range of malt whiskies, we are stocking a large range of food-to-go, a larger chill range and also local suppliers like Baxters, Sinclair’s and Murdoch’s. We are very excited to be able to offer a fantastic new SPAR store and forecourt to the local residents of Mosstlodoch and to those driving through this northerly area of Scotland.”

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Covid cases on the rise

ASDA TAPS INTO SALESFORCE CLOUD POWER

The Office for National Statistics reports that all four nations have seen a rise in infections.

Asda is to use Salesforce technology to ‘revolutionise’ the consumer grocery experience by creating a cloud-first environment.

The new system promises to create new online shopping experiences for customers that are “connected and consistent” across every channel and device.

The technology will also enable Asda to separate their front-end and back-end ecommerce applications, full control over the web

The UK Health Security Agency said that the North-East has the highest amount of hospital admissions this week, in its new Covid19 surveillance report. Hospital admissions are highest among people aged 85 and over.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist for immunisations and countermeasures, said: “Recent data has shown a small rise in positivity rates and hospitalisations with Covid.

“These small increases should be interpreted with caution as data may be subject to delays due to the Jubilee bank holiday.”

experience of its customers.

“Salesforce will help to

TECH SOLUTIONS

C

ovid cases have risen for the first time in two months, with almost 990,000 people having tested positive in the past week.

The figure was up from around 954,000 last week, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The rise is likely caused by increases in Omicron-compatible cases and the newer BA.4 and BA.5 variants, it said.

All four nations have seen a rise in infections, with the ONS saying that infections increased in those aged 35- to 49-years-old and there were early signs of an increase in school year 12 to those aged 24 years in the week ending 2 June.

with the retailer having

transform the customer experience as we seek new world-class systems that will be cloud-first,” Simon Gregg, Asda Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, said.

Rob Garf, Vice President and General Manager Retail at Salesforce, added: “Together we will showcase the future of retail.”

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C OV E R

KHAN R

England to miss smoke-free ta

The Khan Review says the government must implement four “

T

he government’s Independent Review into Tobacco Control, otherwise known as the Khan Review, has warned that without further action England will miss its smoke-free targets by at least seven years and that the government must implement four “critical recommendations” including the promotion of vaping.

The government had tasked former Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan with carrying out a root and branch review of current tobacco control policies as part of its levelling-up agenda.

Key recommendations made in the Khan Review include: ● Introducing a New Zealand-style system that would see the age of sale raised from its current level of 18 by one year, every year, so that eventually no-one will be able to buy tobacco; ● Introducing a tobacco licence for retailers to limit where tobacco is available; ● Dedicating an additional £125m per year of funding to local Trading Standards to boost enforcement; ● Raising the cost of tobacco duties by at least 30% across all tobacco products; ● Offering vaping as a substitute for smoking alongside information on the benefits of switching.

Khan said: “A smoke-free society should be a social norm – but to achieve this,

we must do more to stop people taking up smoking, help those who already smoke and support those who are disproportionately impacted by smoking.

My holistic set of recommendations for government will deliver this, whilst sav-

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ing lives, saving money, and addressing the health disparities associated with smoking.

“My proposals are not just a plan for this government, but successive governments too. To truly achieve a smoke-free

S T O RY

REVIEW

argets unless government acts

“critical recommendations”, including the promotion of vaping.

I look forward to seeing the government’s response.”

The review has been welcomed by the UK Vaping Industry Association.

Director General John Dunne said: “As an association, we couldn’t agree more with this report’s stark message for the government which is that, without

would be trying to achieve. Licensing restrictions that stop new entrants from entering the market damage investment and the provision of all the products and services we sell. Ultimately, those who are selling tobacco illegally now without being caught would just continue to do so without seeking a licence.

“A smoke-free society should be a social norm – but to achieve this, we must do more to stop people taking up smoking, help those who already smoke and support those who are disproportionately impacted by smoking.” – Javed Khan

society in our great country, we need to commit to making smoking obsolete, once and for all. It was a privilege to work on this review and get the opportunity to improve the health of people across the country, and

immediate action, it will miss its smokefree targets by seven years.”

He added: “The fact that Mr Khan’s review recommends that vaping promotion should be one of the critical policies to eradicate smoking is a truly great day for vaping advocates and marks another huge step forward for the tobacco harm reduction movement.”

In addition, the Association of Convenience Stores has welcomed the proposals for more funding to tackle the illicit tobacco market.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The proposals for licensing tobacco retailers need to be fleshed out, with clarity over what this measure

He added: “The proposed additional funding for local authorities to enforce against those selling illicit tobacco products is welcome, and is something that we’ve highlighted as a necessary priority for government for a long time, but we need to see this implemented and we need more than £15m investment to close the £2.3bn tax gap caused by illegal tobacco sales. Unless we tackle the black market, the recommendations to further regulate the sale of tobacco through legitimate businesses will not be effective.”

The findings of the independent review will be considered and a response published as part of the government’s Health Disparities White Paper.

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S TO R E O P E N I N G S

NISA

Nottingham set to welcome new Nisa store The Gedling Road Co-op will close its doors in early July and the new owner will re-open under a Nisa Local fascia days later.

A

new Nisa Local store is soon set to launch in Nottingham offering shoppers a brilliant extended product range along with some exciting new lines. The Gedling Road Co-op will close its doors in early July and the new owner will re-open under a Nisa Local fascia days later.

Dharsan Premkumar, of independent convenience store operator The Highbury Vale, which runs stores in Nottingham and Hull, said the Nisa Local will offer a wide selection of

Co-op own brand products including all the best sellers and there will be more choice for shoppers.

He said: “We are very community-based and so we make sure our range responds to what our shoppers want. We will still be offering our customers the best of Co-op through a bigger Co-op own-brand range than is currently available, and overall there will be more choice in the store from across all brands.”

Premkumar, who took on a former Co-op in Hull in March 2020 and converted it to a Nisa Local, said he plans to make the most of the Nisa promotions and deals alongside the Co-op own label range. New additions to the store will include a coffee machine and Payzone, with the current Evri service continuing to operate.

Existing Co-op store colleagues will remain, ensuring a continued friendly service from familiar faces in the shop.

“We are looking forward to opening the store with a fresh look and offering even more choice to local people in the community,” Premkumar added.

The current store is set to cease trading on 12 July, with the Nisa Local due to open its doors less than a week later on 18 July.

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S TO R E S A L E S

NISA

Experienced retailer buys six stores across East Riding The new owner plans to renovate and rebrand the stores under the Nisa symbol group and enhance the offering that each shop provides.

R

etailer Naeem Ahmad, a growing multi-site operator based in the North of England, has bought six high-turnover leasehold convenience stores in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

The stores – in the affluent villages of Cherry Burton, Leven, Skirlaugh, South Cave, Brandesburton and Walkington – were sold by D&S Retail group.

Naeem plans to renovate and rebrand the stores from Costcutter to Nisa and ensure they continue to be a large part of the local communities, by enhancing the offering that each shop provides.

James Moore-Martin, Christie & Co’s Regional Director – Retail North and Scotland, said: “After multiple rounds of bids for the stores individually and as a group from a mixture of independent and corporate applicants, we eventually agreed a deal above our client’s expectations, which is testament to the quality of our marketing, the competitive tension we created amongst prospective purchasers within our database, as well as the buoyancy of the convenience retail sector market nationally.”

Funding for the purchase was secured by Lawrence Roberts, Associate Director at Christie & Co’s sister company, Christie Finance. He said: “I

am so pleased for Naeem as this is a fantastic portfolio of well-trading stores, which also offers plenty of potential to grow and introduce new lines for the local community to benefit from.

“The funding package that I was able to secure for Naeem is very unique in its nature, but also a sign to the market that having a broker support you on a purchase is key.”

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S TO R E S A L E S

PREMIER

Experienced retailer snaps up South Wales store Business property advisor Christie & Co says the quick sale demonstrates the “incredible demand” it is currently seeing from buyers.

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etailer Kandasamy Chandrarajan has bought the Premier-branded convenience store Bedlinog Stores in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.

The family-run village store has been owned and operated by Gareth Roberts since 2004 and came to the market through Christie & Co’s retail team, as he was looking to retire.

Chandrarajan (Rajan), an experienced operator based in London, currently operates another store near Bedlinog. He also secured the funding for his purchase through Christie Finance.

Jamie Williams, Retail Associate Director at Christie & Co, said: “The

store was under offer within just one week of coming to the market, following six viewings and four offers – a clear indication of the incredible demand that we are currently seeing from buyers.

“Working with our sister companies, Christie Finance and Christie Insurance, the sale demonstrates our ability to achieve quick results and cover all aspects of a deal, meaning total visibility for the buyer and seller.”

Roberts, the store’s previous owner, said: “We’ve been fortunate enough to have served the community of Bedlinog for the past 18 years, where we were welcomed with open arms. We are

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reluctantly leaving with so many happy memories, not to mention so many new friends. However, the time is right for a change in work-life balance.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to wish the new owners, Rajan and his family, all the very best for the future and many thanks to Jamie at Christie & Co for helping us to achieve an efficient, quick sale.”

Jimmy Johns, Director at Christie Finance who secured the funding for Rajan’s purchase, said: “Rajan and his family were great to work with and I wish them all the best with this great addition to their established retail unit.”

L E G I S L AT I O N

HFSS

Welsh Government consults on plans to tackle obesity The consultations set out proposals to restrict HFSS products in stores and introduce a minimum age of sale of 16 for energy drinks.

T

he Welsh government has launched two consultations as part of its ambition to tackle obesity, setting out proposals to restrict HFSS products in stores and introduce a minimum age of sale of 16 for energy drinks. The ‘Healthy Food Environment’ consultation includes proposals similar to those being introduced in England on HFSS products, but with some key differences: ● The Welsh Government is proposing to restrict ‘temporary price reductions’ of HFSS products in addition to multi-buys and other promotions. ● The Welsh Government is proposing to restrict the siting of HFSS products on free-standing display units in addition to at store entrances, at the tills, and at the end of aisles. ● The Welsh Government is proposing two possible options for the categories that are considered to be HFSS. One option would include products like cooking sauces, pasta with added ingredients, egg products, and table sauces. ● There are currently no set timescales for the introduction of the proposals after the consultation period, but Wales’ overall health strategy states that measures will be in place “by 2030”.

ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “We are very concerned about the prospect of slightly different and even more confusing rules on restricting HFSS products and promotional activity in Wales compared to England, and will be responding to the consultations in due course to outline the problems that differing HFSS rules will have on our members.”

The second consultation aims to use existing powers to end the sale of energy drinks to children and young people under 16. It covers whether:

● The ban of energy drinks should apply to children under 16. ● The ban should be widened to consider other drinks typically high in caffeine, such as tea and coffee. ● The ban should cover all shops, including online environments.

Lowman added: “We will play a full part in the consultation considering an age restriction on energy drinks and if this concludes that a ban should be introduced, we will work with the Welsh government to implement this.”

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BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

UK GROCERY MARKET

IGD forecasts growth across all retail channels Convenience retailers are well placed to build on the growth achieved during the pandemic, the IGD predicts.

T

he 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.

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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 real terms 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 value-focused retailers.

“Retailers’ sales will however be supported by shoppers eating out less often, building demand for at-home 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 Platinum Jubilee in early June and 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.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

PLATINUM JUBILEE

Jubilee essentials boost convenience retailers

Paypoint data shows ice cubes, fireworks, and disposable barbecues were among top bank holiday sellers.

P

eople across the UK relied on their local convenience stores for street party essentials throughout the Platinum Jubilee weekend, according to new PayPoint data.

Sales data comparing the same fourday period throughout May, show significant spikes over the Jubilee dates in sales of items that are deemed essential for a weekend of celebration.

The figures show the ten top-selling product categories over the course of the weekend were: ice cubes (+36%), fireworks (+30%), disposable barbecues (+30%), disposable crockery (+25%), cold food-to-go (+23%), bacon (+18%), preserves and spreads (+16%), readyto-drink alcohols (+15%), medicines (+10%), and chilled meat & poultry (+7%).

Anthony Sappor, Head of Retail Partnerships at PayPoint, said: “The Platinum Jubilee celebrations are bound to be remembered for a generation as one of the most uplifting and community-spirited moments we have enjoyed as a nation, since the Olympic Games in 2012. Our retailer partners always do a fantastic job at catering to the needs of their local communities and

it’s no surprise that they delivered last weekend. I only hope that they were also able to join the celebrations too.

“In addition to being an essential port of call for a multitude of services, from everyday essentials to bill payments, cash access and so much

more, independent retailers are more reliant than ever on their local customers amidst the challenging economic environment. I “t’s fantastic to see the support that was clearly shown for them over this busy trading period and I would urge the public to continue championing them as essential hubs within their communities.”

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BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

HOME DELIVERY

More than half of shoppers buy groceries online

Research also reveals that 80% of UK consumers would do more food shopping online if the experience was improved.

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ore 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 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 in-store (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. Meanwhile, Gorillas and Getir were recognised by 17% and 21%, respectively, while other on-demand providers – Zapp, GoPuff, Jiffy, and Weezy – fell between 5% and 15%.

The research underlined further growth opportunities for online

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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 isn’t necessarily due 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.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

CASH

Post offices handle £3.23bn in cash in May

Figures show May was the third successive month where more than £3bn was deposited and withdrawn.

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ost Offices handled a record £3.23bn in cash in May, according to new figures.

May was the third successive month where more than £3bn was deposited and withdrawn in a single month.

Personal cash deposits totalled £1.35bn in May, up more than 7% month-onmonth and the highest amount recorded in a single month. In Northern Ireland, personal cash deposits exceeded £100m in a single month for the first time, with £100.2m deposited – up almost 8% month-on-month. Personal cash deposits were far higher in Northern Ireland than in Scotland (£91.4m) or Wales (£70m).

Business cash deposits totalled £1.13bn in May, up almost 2% month-on-month and the highest recorded in a single month.

This was the second month in a row business cash deposits had exceeded £1.1bn in a single month.

Personal cash withdrawals totalled £770m in May, up 2.7% month-onmonth. Personal cash withdrawals were up a third year-on-year when the UK was exiting Covid-19-related restrictions.

Martin Kearsley, Banking Director at Post Office, said: “Postmasters handling a record £3.23bn in cash, in a single month, demonstrates just how vital being able to deposit and withdraw

cash, securely and conveniently, is for millions of people. Millions continue to struggle during the cost-of-living crisis and need to be able to withdraw cash to the penny. We have welcomed government’s recent announcement about forthcoming legislation to protect cash.

Now we need to see the details to ensure those who rely on cash can continue to do so for many years to come.”

Many Post Offices were open during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and they handled more than £156m in cash over the four-day Bank Holiday weekend. In addition, deposits increased from £20m on 3 June to £66m on 4 June.

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

PLATINUM JUBILEE

Jubilee celebrations drive grocery sales

NielsenIQ data shows sales of teatime treats and fizz increased as Brits marked the Jubilee bank holiday weekend.

S

ales at UK supermarkets topped £2.7bn in the week ending 4 June 2022, 10% above the year-to-date average, according to new data from NielsenIQ. The data reveals sales at the multiples during the week improved 3.5% yearon-year and 5.8% week-on-week.

In terms of category performance, ambient grocery was up +11.6%, followed by household and pet products

(+7.7%), with beers, wines and spirits returning to growth (+7.0%). Excluding Christmas and Easter, this is the first time this category has seen sales improve since the week ending 11 September 2021.

Over the Jubilee weekend, sales increased for disposable tableware (+56%), cream and custard (+48%), champagne (+47%), dough and pastry (+46%), dry pasta (+41%), sparkling wine (+40%), preserves

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 109 / WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022

(+39%) and frozen savoury products (+37%). There was also a significant uplift in sales for baking sundries (+32%), chilled soup (+31%), and noodles (+30%).

NielsenIQ data also shows that impulse sales improved by 6.2%, led by items such as biscuits (+15.9%), confectionery (+11.2%), crisps (+11.2%) and nuts and seeds (+9.1%). However, against last year’s hot temperatures, soft drinks sales declined by 1.3%.

In addition, health and beauty sales grew by 5.5% and fresh food was up 4.4%.

Within the fresh food category, there was a particular improvement in sales for bakery (+15.7%), dairy (+10.6%), and convenience foods (+6.6%).

Frozen food sales fell -3.8% against last year’s tougher comparatives. There was also a decline in sales for weather-related seasonal categories such as suncare, firelighters, ice-cream, squashes, and cordials. Tobacco sales also declined by -7.8% and non-food fell by 8.9%, the data shows. NielsenIQ also noticed a boost in on-premise sales during Jubilee celebrations, which were 5% higher than average.

Mike Watkins, NielsenIQ’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, said: “It has been a successful week for grocery retailers though we expect that sales next week are likely to be back in the region of £2.5bn.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

FORECOURT CRIME

Fuel theft increase by 22% during first week in June The British Oil Security Syndicate is urging operators and staff to be extra vigilant during peak periods.

I

ncidents of unpaid fuel increased by 22% month-on-month during the first week of June 2022, according to the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS).

BOSS is urging forecourt operators to encourage staff to look out for unusual behaviour and be extra vigilant during peak periods. It said operators should also ensure that they retain accurate information about vehicles involved in driving away from a forecourt without paying for fuel or motorists claiming to have no means of payment for fuel.

Claire Nichol, Executive Director of BOSS, said: “We have received a 22% increase in reports of motorists

not paying for fuel during the first full week of June. Reported incidents have been rising steadily by around 5% each month, but this month there has been a noticeable increase.

“Motorists claiming to have no means of payment account for 70% of incidents which re-emphasises a shift away from drive-off incidents.

“Average fuel prices have risen by 19% since January 2022 and there is no doubt that there is a link between rising fuel prices and increased incidents of forecourt fuel crime.”

BOSS collates reports of No Means of Payment and Drive Off incidents from

information supplied to BOSS Payment Watch, a specialist forecourt fuel loss recovery service.

During the first quarter of 2022, the Forecourt Crime Index from BOSS revealed that incidents of unpaid fuel had shot up by 14.6%. Over the same period, the cost of fuel increased by 10.5%.

Motorists claiming to have No Means of Payment is the biggest challenge facing forecourt operators and accounts for two-thirds of all forecourt fuel crime.

Fuel crime can cost an average forecourt outlet more than £10,000 in lost revenue every year.

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

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NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – MULTIBRANDS

THIS WEEK MULTIBRANDS COORS PICKS OF THE WEEK

MULTIBRANDS LAUNCHES ‘GAME-CHANGING’ DISPOSABLE VAPES

The company’s researchers have developed a 600-puff disposable vape, which promises the 600th puff to be as strong as the first, at a very low cost to retailers.

Multibrands has launched a new disposable vape that looks set to make a real dent in the market. The Bradford-based company, manufacturer of the long-life Supacell

Hussain says that it’s not just the added bat-

battery range, says it has made a major

tery life that promises to keep punters returning

breakthrough in vape technology with its new

to Tech-Bar stockists in shops and forecourts up

Tech-Bar vape range.

and down the country.

The company’s researchers have developed

“Tech-Bar is available with 25 flavours that will

a 600-puff disposable vape, which promises the

remain full and strong from the first hit to the last.”

600th puff to be as strong as the first, at a very

Hussain says the added good news for retailers

low cost to retailers.

is the profitability of Tech-Bar.

Multibrands Chief Executive, Imran Hussain,

“It’s perfect. A retailer could sell a Tech-Bar

said: “We’re very excited by the Tech-Bar offer.

disposable vape for £5.95 and make a decent

We did a huge amount of research into learning

profit,” he added.

what vapers like and dislike, and Tech-Bar is a direct result of that.

Some disposable vape brands have recently struggled with piracy and counterfeiting, but Tech-

“We learned that many disposable vape users are

Bar has a built-in defence against any brand

disappointed when a vape loses power in the last

corruption. Each device comes with its own indi-

stages of the vape experience, so we engineered

vidual QR code so a user can immediately scan it

Tech-Bar so it keeps on giving right until the last puff.”

with their phone and check it’s genuine.

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – COORS

COORS KEEPS COOL WITH NEW PACKAGING

The launch will be supported by a nationwide out-of-home and social media campaign, with a range of influencer partnerships, which will run throughout the summer alongside in-store activity.

Molson Coors has launched new limited-edition

refreshment that underpins our lager, and the crisp

packaging to “highlight the ice-cold refreshment

and light flavour profile that people know and love.

of Coors this summer”.

These limited-edition designs, which are available

The brand’s packaging already makes use of

just this summer, bring this to life even more.

thermochromic ink, which turns the mountain peaks

“Backed by a dedicated advertising campaign

on all Coors bottles and cans blue when the beer

these new chill-to-reveal Coors packs are per-

is cold enough to drink. The seven new packs

fectly timed as we enter the sunniest months of

feature a word hidden behind a pair of sunglasses

the year. Using sunglasses and words like ‘cool’

that will be revealed across the full length of every

and ‘mates’ in the design echoes the refreshing

bottle and can when they are sufficiently chilled.

taste of Coors and those social occasions we all

To support the launch, a nationwide out-of-

enjoy over the summer months – a mountain-cold

home and social media campaign with a range

beer in the warm sunshine with friends is one of

of influencer partnerships will run throughout the

those great simple pleasures and no lager is more

summer alongside in-store activity.

readily associated with that level of refreshment

Lee Willett, Brand Director at Molson Coors,

than Coors.”

said: “The label that shows you when your beer

The limited-edition bottles and cans follow on

is cold enough to drink is an iconic feature of the

from a multi-million pound rebrand of the product,

Coors brand, accentuating the mountain cold

which saw it renamed to Coors in 2021.

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 109 / WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

‘PERMISSIBLE’ DOUGHNUTS

BROWNIE MILK Mars Chocolate Drinks & Treats

SPECIALITY LAUNCH

Fibre One 90 Calorie has

has launched M&M’s Brownie

Speciality Brands has launched

launched new Fibre One 90

Milk drink, which comes in a

Drumshanbo Single Malt Irish

Calorie Doughnuts (RSP £2.89).

350ml £1.49 PMP. The new

Whiskey 2021 Galánta (RSP

The range will be available from

product combines the flavours of

£95). The whiskey is a limited

Tesco from 27 June, with a wider

chocolate brownies in an M&M’s

edition of 6,000 bottles and the

roll-out over the summer. The

shell with creamy milk. The drink

first single malt to be distilled in

launch will be supported by a

is suitable for vegetarians and

the province of Connacht in 107

£1.5m marketing campaign.

has no added sugar.

years.

MORE COCOA

ORANGE DEMAND

COFFEE BOOST

Mars Wrigley has launched a

Hooch is to extend its RTD range

Jacobs Douwe Egberts is

dark chocolate version of Mal-

with a new orange variant. The

launching three new L’OR ranges

tesers, the first innovation in the

move follows customer demand

in both Instant Coffee and Nes-

classic range for more than 10

and aims to appeal to Hooch’s

presso Compatible Capsules.

years. The new product boasts

original 90s consumer base, as

All launch this month across

65% more cocoa and 30% less

well as Millennials and Gen-Z.

grocery, convenience and DTC.

sugar. Dark Maltesers are avail-

The RSP for Orange Hooch is

The brand says the ranges

able nationwide from 20 June in

£3.59 per 70cl and it is available

“strengthen existing consump-

four different pack formats.

as a PMP and non-PMP.

tion occasions”.

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25

NOW THAT’S A

OUT TH

A new feature from Farmstead reminds you wh

Cooling woofs The first supermarket-sold ice cream for dogs is now a reality – courtesy of Aldi.

Aldi has become the first major retailer to roll out ice cream for dogs and is marking the occasion by teaming up with ice cream vans across the UK.

WHAT’S THE NOVEL CONCEPT? Doggy ice cream is not in itself an innovation – ice cream manufacturer Marshfield Farm recently extended its dog-friendly range for example – but it’s the first time that a supermarket has launched a line. Aldi is rolling out two flavours: Pea & Vanilla and Apple & Carrot.

The new Beechdean Doggy Ice Cream range is available in stores nationwide from 16 June for £2.99 for a pack of four.

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 109 / WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022

“With more of our customers now owning dogs, we’re delighted to launch a nutritious and tasty treat that will help keep dogs cool in the heat.

Being the first UK supermarket to launch a dog-friendly ice cream comes just in time for summer as we look forward to the warm weather,” said Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK. An additional new concept for the launch is that the ice cream will be available in the freezer aisle, next to Aldi’s full ice cream range.

A GOOD IDEA…

HE BOX

hat’s in your refrigerator to reduce food waste.

As part of the rollout, Aldi has partnered with local ice cream vendors across Brighton, Essex and Scotland to promote the new product. The supermarket has even equipped dogs with special vests to help with the promotion.

“Teaming up with ice cream vans across the country gives us the chance to get the product straight into owner’s hands, so they can share a special moment alongside a tasty treat outside with their furry friend – we’re confident they won’t be able to keep their paws off it,” Ashfield added.

WHAT TOOK IT SO LONG? Following the pandemic, pet ownership is at an all-time high, with the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association saying that an estimated 17 million households have pets – or 59%. Of them, 33% own dogs, bringing the total dog population at 12 million.Earlier in May, TWIR reported that Asda is now dedicating a full aisle just for dogs, signifying the importance of the category.

IS IT LIKELY TO BE COPIED

BY OTHER RETAILERS?

It certainly seems like a very plausible scenario, in TWIR’s opinion.

Dog ownership is not only on the rise, but households are now viewing dogs as family members, not just pets.

The desire to pamper them is strong amongst dog parents and new treats are constantly being launched by pet food manufacturers.

It could also be a very profitable category for the convenience channel, although popping in with the dog so it can choose its favourite treat is not on the table, at least for now.

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27

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RETAIL RANDOMS

NIPPED IN THE Famed for its palm-lined beaches and coral reefs, the tropical paradise of Fiji is not without its share of retail crime.

On Saturday, for example, police were called to a supermarket in the town of Nasinu, after reports of a man prowling around inside it and helping himself to stock.

They’d received a call from the store’s manager, who was inexplicably watching the villain’s progress on a live CCTV feed at the ungodly hour of 5am.

Hip to the likelihood of in-store surveillance, the burglar had taken the somewhat unconventional countermeasure of concealing his identity with a rather fetching yellow-and-blue golf umbrella.

Given Fiji’s high humidity, he likely thought this preferable to sweating buckets under a Ronald Reagan rubber

LIDL

POT. LIDL. BLACK. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Tell that to Lidl, which is taking Tesco to court for ripping off its logo, claiming Tesco’s ‘Clubcard Prices’ graphic infringes its trademark.

BUDD

mask like Patrick Swayze’s bank-robbing character in Point Break. It probably explains his lack of footwear too.

However, unlike 1980s middle-distance athlete Zola Budd, who could cover 800m in two minutes sans trainers,

TESCO

This from the knock-off master that brought us ‘Danpak’ butter, ‘Neo’ cookies and Wholegrain Wheat ‘Bixies’.

If only Lidl made an own-brand metal polish, it could it use to shine up its extremely brass neck.

Given that blue and yellow are complementary colours (they’d

the hapless burglar could only run into the arms of waiting cops.

A police spokesperson said the case against the shoeless umbrella bandit was “open and shut”. They didn’t – that was a barefoot lie.

NICE DAY

probably make for a rather fetching golf umbrella), and a circle is the oldest geometric shape in the universe, it’s a more than a bit cheeky to claim exclusive dibs on chucking them all together.

No doubt Lidl will try to sue the weather the next time the sun comes out.

WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2022/ ISSUE 109 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29

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).

A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England & Wales No 04620683

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