The Week in Retail Issue 59

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

...MORE IF YOU PLEASE

KANE’S SIDE HUSTLE DRS ‘MUST BE COST NEUTRAL’ ‘FREEDOM DAY’ OPTIMISM GROWS

POST OFFICE

POSITION CLOSED

SPAR SCOTLAND TO CLOSE 31 POST OFFICE COUNTERS HARD SELTZERS

MOLSON BETS BIG ON THREE FOLD

BEER GIANT PLOUGHS £5M INTO LAUNCH

+

DARK KITCHENS

DARK DAYS AHEAD?

PANDEMIC FUELS DARK KITCHEN GROWTH

SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOD & DRINK WINNERS REVEALED Commercial Partner:

Brought to you by:

Issue 59 Wednesday 9th June 2021

Symbol Partner:

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT SHARE YOUR NEW S AND VIEW S W IT H M E AT ABEGLEY@ 55N ORT H .C OM

Time to call time on emotional blackmail?

He may have a mild mannered, softly spoken demeanour, but Spar Scotland boss Colin McLean has a bit of steel about him too. Having delisted The Telegraph last week, he and his team have followed it up this week with a far tougher decision: to remove 31 Post Office counters from their stores across Scotland.

Bumping The Telegraph was unlikely to put too many noses out of joint but removing Post Offices was always going to be a much bigger PR risk. Nothing gets a politician frothing quite like publicly lambasting companies “driven only by profit who couldn’t care less about people who use their services.” And politicians of all colours duly obliged, as you can see in The Courier.

Problem is, the issue isn’t nearly as black and white as these soundbites would have you believe.

The politicians are aware of this, of course, but there is no political capital to be gained from appearing to be even mildly understanding of the challenges facing heartless, money-grabbing businesses.

While many readers of The Courier may be easily whipped up into a frenzy of indignation over

communities being left “stranded with no access to vital services”, how many of those same readers would be prepared to work for nothing? Because that’s what this is really about.

All 31 counters being removed by Spar are loss-making. Do politicians and, indeed, communities really expect businesses to operate at a loss to ensure that their needs are met? The answer is complex, but it shouldn’t be left to the retailers at the sharp end of the supply chain to deal with the fallout.

McLean’s bravery in tackling issues that most retailers have complained about for years but have been reluctant to deal with should be welcomed.

A typical store’s total turnover will include well over 50% from services and products that deliver less than 10% margin. A big chunk will others earning only a couple of percent. There’s only so many ‘footfall drivers’ a store can swallow. What retailers really need is profit. This has been a bugbear of our industry for a long, long time – but we have seen very few moves to counter it quite as bold as McLean’s.

ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY ANTONYBEGLEY

ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 W W W.SLR M AG.C O.U K

6

11 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

Cross-party support for protection law ‘still not enough’ for Government and Nisa hits 500th rebates sign-up.

24 THE LAST POST?

EURO 2020

After delisting The Telegraph over retailer terms, Spar Scotland will axe loss-making Post Office services from 31 of its stores later this year.

England players Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Alex OxladeChamberlain reveal their side hustles in a new Coca-Cola campaign.

9 Covid-19 update

21 Community support: Spar Scotland

26 Picks of the week

12 Deposit Return Schemes

campaign saw over £30,000 given to

should be introduced in England, Wales

community groups and charities.

and Northern Ireland.

15 Industry awards: SRFDA

Spar Scotland’s Community Cashback

ACS details how a deposit return scheme

22 Symbol spotlight: Nisa

A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

33 Out the box: Dark kitchens

A new partner proposition and a fully

The growth of ‘dark kitchens’ and even ‘dark stores’ represents either a threat or

Winners of the inaugural Scottish Retail

updated rebate model offer two more

Food & Drink Awards have already started

reasons for retailers to align with the

35 Before you go...

gaining new listings.

symbol group.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

an opportunity for local retailers.

Our latest Retail Randoms.

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

RETAIL CRIME

Cross-party support for protection law ‘still not enough’ for Government Cross-party support for a new protection of shopworkers law has been welcomed by trade union Usdaw, but it’s still not enough to convince the Government.

MOFFAT MOVE A forecourt on the High Street in Moffat has joined the Spar family, after a full refurbishment by new owner Sai Elaprolu.

The 1,000sq ft licensed store and petrol station has been fully refurbished and re-ranged.

It now provides food-to-go options including Smokin’ Bean coffee, Rollover hotdogs and Tango Ice Blast, and services such as Lottery and PayPoint.

WAITROSE RETAIL DIRECTOR The John Lewis Partnership has named Tina Mitchell, currently divisional MD at

A petition launched by shopworkers’ trade union leader Paddy Lillis, which attracted 104,000 signatures and is backed by major retailers, was debated on Monday evening by MPs and received strong support from all sides of the House of Commons.

Despite overwhelming evidence from MPs, Home Office Parliamentary Under-Secretary Chris Philp declined to offer Government support for a change in the law to better protect shopworkers, as called for in the petition. Usdaw is now looking for the support of MPs for a Labour protection of shopworkers amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

Lillis said: “We thank Conservative backbencher Matt Vickers MP for introducing this debate and for his

wholehearted support for the aims of the petition. Unfortunately, as Labour frontbencher Anna McMorrin MP correctly predicted, we only heard ‘warm words and hollow platitudes’ from the Minister when he responded to the debate.

“It is frustrating to hear the Government yet again claim that existing offences and Sentencing Council guidelines are enough, when they clearly aren’t, as the problem continues to grow. The fact that it took him five minutes to explain the existing sanctions on assailants says it all.”

“Usdaw is looking for a simple standalone offence that is easily understood, not just by the legal profession, but by the criminals who are assaulting, threatening and terrifying shopworkers.”

the Co-op, as the new Retail Director for its Waitrose chain.

Mitchell will join in November.

TESCO PAY RISE Tesco is to increase pay for its hourly-paid staff in its stores and customer fulfilment centres by 2.7% from £9.30 to £9.55 in September. The deal will also see night premium payments rise from £2.21 to £2.30.

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STG launches new trade site Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK has launched of a new trade website to help retailers increase their knowledge of, and profits from, the cigar category. The company has also begun sending out a quarterly e-newsletter, with each issue containing latest news, category data, current trends and a suggested convenience planogram.

STG UK’s Brand Activation Manager, Clara Endresen, comments: “We have a clear ambition to get closer to independent retailers and support them via as many touchpoints as possible. The new trade website and email newsletter now offers two additional online platforms for us to get the key messages across.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

POST OFFICE SERVICES

Spar Scotland to withdraw 31 PO counters

WOOHA FINDS BUYER Wooha Brewing Company, which was in administration,

After recently delisting The Telegraph, Spar Scotland is now removing Post

has been sold to North Coast

Office services from 31 stores later this year.

Brewing Co for an undisclosed sum. The deal adds to the portfolio run by Kenny Webster which includes Isle of Skye Brewing Co and Black Wolf Brewery together with several artisan beer brands and links with key trade, wholesale and export markets.

JJ RECORD SALES Wholesaler JJ Foodservice

Spar Scotland has followed last week’s bold move on briefly delisting The Telegraph over retailer terms by announcing that it is to withdraw loss-making Post Office services from 31 stores across Scotland later this year.

The decision came after 18 months of negotiation and has been taken to “help ensure the stores continued to operate.”

An official company statement said: “This decision has been carefully considered and comes after 18 months of negotiations with Post Office Limited.

It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in the position of having to change the services we offer over the next six months.”

For the full story, click here.

has achieved record sales following a surge in demand, with sales up 13% in May 2021, compared with May 2019. Sales hit a record £21.3m while the total number of customers of the company were up 45% in May 2021 compared with May 2019.

Nisa hits 500th rebates sign-up

OCEAN SAVER

Nisa has announced that 500 partners have now officially signed up to its new,

packaging made from recycled

simplified Fresh Rewards rebates proposition available to all Nisa partners.

Set to go live on 28 June, the 500th partner has now signed up to the terms which gives them the potential to unlock up to 5.5% in rebates.

Retailers can earn additional rebates based on their weekly spend and embraces Co-op own brand products.

Aldi is set to to introduce plastic bound for the ocean.

The ‘Prevented Ocean Plastic’ will be used on the retailer’s own-label fishcake and crispbake ranges and will prevent around 76 tonnes of plastic from entering the ocean each year.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 7

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NEWS SPECIAL

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

Spending hits ‘highest level since restrictions’

OOMPH UNVEILS ‘BEAT THE KEEPER’

D

compared to the same period in 2019 – the highest growth recorded since coronavirus restrictions began.

were lifted, although bars and pubs still saw respective declines of 53.2% and 19.4% for the month. These were marked improvements however on the 74.4% and 67.2% contractions in April.

In fact, spending on bars and pubs saw a 1.4% growth among 16-24-year olds, as younger consumers returned to socialising at the earliest possible opportunity.

More holidaymakers either embarked on or booked staycations in May, with resorts and accommodation showing strong growth of 25.5%.

Optimism grows around ‘Freedom Day’ With 21 June, now dubbed ‘Freedom Day, just around the corner, optimism continues to grow around the prospect of all restrictions being lifted. While the government has repeatedly says that the date was not ‘set in stone’, continued progress on tackling Covid-19 across most of the UK bodes well.

The biggest threat remains new variants and the government has some important decisions to make, balancing the desire for a return to normality

against the risks of removing lockdown restrictions altogether.

A so-called ‘third wave’ is currently affecting the north west of England and Scotland and could have implications; Health Secretary Matt Hancock has only this week shared yet more concerns about the Delta, or Indian, variant which is 40% more transmissible.

More than half of adults, however, have now been given both vaccination doses and that number is rising daily.

TECH SOLUTIONS

ata from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, reveals that spending on essential items grew 11.4% compared to May 2019 – the sharpest increase since before the onset of the pandemic.

Spending on essentials was bolstered by a 69.3% increase in spending at local food and drink retailing outlets and 17.7% growth at supermarkets.

Hospitality outlets showed some signs of recovery as more restrictions

To coincide with the forthcoming Euros, Gulf Retail is launching a ‘beat the keeper’ penalty shoot-out game on its Oomph loyalty platform. Designed to encourage more Gulf customers to download the app as well as increasing engagements from existing Oomph participants, the game goes live today.

By scoring goals, participants win points for their local Gulf site’s nominated charity, increasing its chances of receiving a £1,000 donation. Gulf forecourts will receive posters and other POS materials to drive-up awareness and encourage interaction.

“Our goal is to further support our Gulf Dealers by introducing an eventfocussed game that adds some fun and increases engagement,” says Gerry Welsh, Marketing Manager, Certas Energy.

EUROOMPH SH

TOUT Beat the goalie and

WIN

100 points

for your local charity.

1. Download the Oomph App here: 2. Click on ‘Games’ button to play.

Games

Terms and conditions apply.

The latest Barclaycard data shows that consumer spending rose 7.6% in May

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 9

Choose the real Costa taste. In a can.

STAY CHILLED. NEW

NEW FOR 2021 VANILLA LATTE COSTA RTD COFFEE DOUBLED IN SIZE IN 2020*

THE RANGE ADDED £3.7M INCREMENTAL SALES TO THE CATEGORY IN 2020*

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2021 Costa Ltd. All rights reserved. Coffee from Rainforest Alliance farms. Find out more at ra.org Source: *Total Coverage MAT Value Nielsen Total GB Week Ending 26.12.2020.

C OV E R S T O RY

SPAR SCOTLAND POST OFFICE REMOVALS

C

Position closed at 31 Spar stores

After delisting The Telegraph last week over retailer terms, Spar Scotland is removing 31 loss-making Post Office services from a number of its stores later this year. By Antony Begley

olin McLean’s CJ Lang & Son, the Spar wholesaler and retailer for Scotland, has followed last week’s bold move on briefly delisting The Telegraph over retailer terms by announcing this week that Spar Scotland is to withdraw Post Office services from a number of stores across Scotland later this year.

The decision came after 18 months of negotiation between the company and Post Office and Spar Scotland says “the move to shut loss-making counters would help ensure the stores continued to operate.”

An official company statement said: “Following a further consultation period with Post Office it has been confirmed that Post Office services within several Spar stores across Scotland will close later this year. This decision has been carefully considered and comes after 18 months of negotiations with Post Office Limited. It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in the position of having to change the services we offer over the next six months.”

“As part of the Spar Scotland company-owned stores estate, we will continue to invest in our staff to ensure our stores serve the communities in which they are based. We are constantly reviewing the services within our stores and

COUNTERS CLOSING INCLUDE: Aberdeen – Kincorth, Torry, St Machar, Clifton

Road and Northfield.

Dundee – Menzieshill Fife – St Andrews, Newport on Tay, Balmullo, East

Wemyss, Ladybank and Thornton Perthshire – Luncarty and Stanley

the impact that Post Office counters have on our overall store operations. Unfortunately, in some instances it is not viable for us to continue to offer the service at our sites. We will however continue to operate Post Office counters at several Spar Scotland stores across our network. This is representative of the industry-wide pressures on retail outlets as we evolve to keep up with changing consumer habits.”

The Post Office has expressed its concern at elderly accessing its services and, unsurprisingly, a number of politicians have reportedly voiced strong objections, with Labour MSP Alex Rowley quoted in The Courier as saying “the retailer is driven purely by profit and could not care less about the people who use its services” although he then added that he promised to “speak to Post Office bosses in a bid to persuade them to open alternative services in affected communities. The Post Office has a duty to ensure people can get access to services.”

McLean and his team’s recent hardline approach reflects growing industry-wide resentment towards the position that many local retailers find themselves in, having to offer important services and products to their communities but making little or no money in doing so – or worse, as in this case, of actually losing money on providing services to the public.

These are complex, highly nuanced issues that are difficult for the trade to understand and resolve, let alone customers – but the blame should not be laid squarely at the door of retailers. Local retailers across the UK, including Spar Scotland, do a fantastic job of serving the needs of their communities, and never more so than over the last year. Spar Scotland has taken a very difficult but entirely understandable decision – and it will be no surprise if other retailers follow suit on what they see as low- or no-margin products and services in future.

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S U S TA I N

DEPOSIT RET

AC

DRS ‘must be cost neutral’ for local shops THE ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES HAS SET OUT THE DETAILS OF HOW A DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN ENGLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND TO ENSURE IT IS WORKABLE FOR LOCAL SHOPS AND DOES NOT LEAVE THEM OUT OF POCKET.

A

CS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has outlined its vision for how the forthcoming deposit return scheme (DRS) should be introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that it is both workable and cost-neutral for local shops.

A deposit return scheme is currently scheduled to be introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by late 2024, following the introduction of a scheme in Scotland in 2022.

DEFRA is currently consulting on the details of the scheme, including which containers are included in the scheme, which businesses should be required to take back containers, and whether different nations should have separate schemes.

In its submission to DEFRA’s latest consultation on the implementation of DRS, the ACS has called for the introduction of the following measures as part of the design of the scheme: Schemes across the UK should align as closely as possible to avoid the possibility of fraud and confusion from customers

12 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 59 / WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021

A strategically mapped set of return points, as opposed to forcing every location that sells drinks to also take back containers Where small stores have limited sales and storage space, they should be able to apply for an exemption from DRS For hygiene and safety reasons, no retailer should be forced to take back containers manually The scheme should be cost neutral for retailers through fair setting of the handling fee Glass should not be included within the scheme.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Local shops have an important role to play in the introduction of a deposit return scheme, which can be successful in driving recycling rates if it is introduced without adversely impacting retailers. For a scheme to be sustainable and supported by retailers, the handling fee must be fair and tailored to the size and operational requirements of the store, resulting in the scheme being cost neutral for retailers that take part.”

NABILITY

URN SCHEME

CS

CLARITY REQUIRED ON DISPOSABLE CUP TAKE-BACK ACS has also responded to the Government’s proposals on reform of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, calling for clarity on the impact on small stores of a take-back scheme for disposable cups.

In its submission to the consultation, ACS raised concerns over the time, space and resource pressures on retailers (especially those running the smallest stores) that are already going to be in place with the introduction of a DRS for other containers. ACS has urged the Government to provide additional clarity on how such a take-back scheme would work in practice, including detail on which stores would be included in the scheme.

As part of proposals for reform, packaging producers will be made responsible for the full cost of managing the packaging that they place on the market – this is expected to be around £2.7bn in the first year. The cost of managing packaging waste includes: The collecting, sorting and recycling of packaging waste from households and businesses The collecting and disposing of packaging in the residual waste stream from households only Litter and refuse management costs, including bin and ground litter ACS supports the proposal, set out in the consultation, for brand owners (packaging producers) to be the single point at which the costs of the scheme are applied, as they have the most influence on the design and recyclability of packaging and are best placed to respond to incentives through modulated fees (producers who have a higher proportion of recyclable packaging pay less into the scheme).

ACS has raised a number of concerns about the inclusion of glass, as it requires bigger and more expensive reverse vending machines (RVMs) and presents additional health and safety problems for retailers that are taking back containers manually.

ACS said the risk of crushed or broken glass being in close proximity of staff working around food-to-go concessions and hot food counters must be addressed.

Glass bottles will be collected under Scotland’s DRS. Lowman continued: “We support the introduction of DRS in 2024, with as much alignment between the nations of the UK as possible, but the inclusion of glass remains especially problematic. A well-designed scheme would not include glass, and would be built on the foundation of a network of reverse vending machines that minimise the impact on local shops.”

ACS is part of DEFRA’s working group on deposit return schemes, as well as working with the Scottish Government, Circularity Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland on the Scottish scheme.

The full submission is available here.

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I N D U S T RY A W A R D S

SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2021 WINNERS

Scottish Retail Food & Drink Award winners unveiled!

Created to help get more fantastic Scottish food and drink products onto more Scottish retail shelves, the winners of the inaugural Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards have already started gaining new listings!

W

ith interest in local sourcing arguably higher than ever, a new industry awards has recognised and rewarded some of Scotland’s finest food and drink products.

Created specifically to help get more of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink products onto more Scottish retail shelves, the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards have already seen winners gaining new listings, despite the winners of the inaugural awards only being announced very recently.

After almost three weeks of intensive judging involving hundreds of products and more than 60 expert judges from across the food and drink sector, the results include a selection of outstanding Scottish products targeting retail listings in Scotland.

Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards Director, Helen Lyons, said: “We were delighted to see so many fantastic Scottish food and drink producers take part in the awards which have one very simple goal: to get more of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink products onto more Scottish retail shelves.

“The Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards were created not only to help producers secure listings but to help retailers unearth fantastic Scottish products to stock in their stores.

“With interest in locally, regionally and nationally sourced products arguably higher than ever among Scottish retailers and consumers, this has been a fantastic time to win a Scottish Retail Food and Drink Award. I would like to congratulate all of the winners on their fantastic achievement.”

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 15

I N D U S T RY A W A R D S

SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOD & DRINK AWA WINNERS

PLATINUM WINNERS

Every category winner was eligible to be considered for the ultimate Platinum Awards. A further judging session allowing the judges to analyse these products once more and vote for their Platinum winners.

PLATINUM – FOOD Small Producer

Thule Ventus

Salt Cod Paté Large Producer

Mackie’s Of Scotland Traditional Real Dairy Ice Cream Own Label

Aldi, Specially Selected Steak & Porter Ale Pie

PLATINUM – DRINK Small Producer

Lunun Gin

Lunun Gin Large Producer

GM Spirits

Edinburgh Rum Own Label

Aldi

12 Year Old Speyside

Single Malt Whisky

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 59 / WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021

AWARDS SECURE NEW SPAR LISTINGS FOR MCGHEE’S

Glasgow-based McGhee’s Bakery has secured fantastic new listings in Spar Scotland as a direct result of winning Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards. Spar Scotland will be listing McGhee’s award-winning Hand Crafted Ginger & Marmalade Slice from next Monday.

The listing came as a direct result of the product winning a Scottish Retail Food & Drink Award and will see it go on sale in all of Spar Scotland’s 107 company-owned stores as well as being offered to over 300 independent Spar retailers in Scotland.

“When we first got involved with the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards it was because the Awards shared the same go and aims as we hold dear in Spar Scotland,” says Stephen Brown. “We are both committed to getting more fantastic quality Scottish products onto more Scottish shelves and we are delighted to be listing McGhee’s Hand Crafted Ginger & Marmalade Slice.”

Gordon McGhee says: “We were absolutely delighted to w a Scottish Retail Food & Drink Award and it’s a real testamen to our new product development team. Naturally, we’re also over the moon that winning an Award has led to this new listi with Spar Scotland. We absolutely look forward to sharing this delicious and award-winning product with a much wider audience across Scotland in over 100 Spar stores initially, an potentially hundreds more. This product really demonstrates skill and craftsmanship of our skilled bakers and I’m sure the product will be popular with shoppers, growing sales for Spa Scotland.”

And that wasn’t the only good news for McGhee’s. The discussions with Brown and Spar Scotland also led to an initiative which will see the bakery’s iconic Crispy Morning Ro

ARDS 2021

h

a

& oals

win nt

ing

spreading its wings beyond its Glasgow heartland. The product secured a Highly Commended prize at the recent Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards.

“We will be trialling the Crispy Morning Roll in regions like Fife and Dundee,” explains Brown. “In Glasgow, the product is an absolute institution – and for very good reason. It’s a perfect example of a simple product done really, really well – and we are aiming to establish whether customers outside of Glasgow will be similarly enchanted.”

McGhee is similarly excited: “Our Crusty Morning Roll is a phenomenal product in and around Glasgow and we feel it’s time that more customers further field got the chance to try it.

We’re really excited about working with Spar Scotland to spread the word!”

100 % Pure Scottish Sea Salt #Loch to Larder Multi Award Winning Made on the Isle of Skye Premium quality Great provenance Eco-friendly process, using only the sun and wind Unique flavour & ‘sweet’ finish enhances any dish Stylish, recyclable packaging makes an ideal gift

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nd the e ar

oll

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 17

Award-winning Teas

for

Four Generations Scottish Sales Manager James McFarlane james@punjana.com

I N D U S T RY A W A R D S

SCOTTISH RETAIL FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2021 WINNERS

FOOD PRODUCTS | BAKERY Large Producer McGhee’s Bakery, Hand Crafted Ginger Marmalade Slice Highly Commended McGhee’s Bakery, Crispy Morning Rolls BILTONG & JERKY Small Producer Big Beefys Biltong, Original Beef Biltong BISCUITS – SAVOURY Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Oatcake Bites Lockerbie Cheddar BISCUITS – SWEET Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Orkney Caramel Shortbread Commended Aldi, Specially Selected Shortbread Rounds - Lemon CHEESE Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Scottish Vintage Cheddar Highly Commended Lidl GB, Deluxe Orkney White Cheddar CHOCOLATE, CONFECTIONERY, TABLET & MINTS Own Label Lidl GB, Caulder’s Confectionery Scottish Macaroon Large Producer Tilly Confectionery, Malt Whisky Tablet Innovation Award Dr Heff’s, Dr Heff’s ‘Remarkable Mints’ DAIRY Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Jersey Milk Small Producer Mossgiel Organic Farm, Mossgiel Organic Whole Milk FISH Own Label Aldi, Ginger, Chilli & Lime Infused Scottish Salmon Fillets Small Producer Thule Ventus, Salt Cod Pate HOT BEVERAGES – TEA & TISANES Small Producer Wee Tea Company, Rhubarb Rooibos UK Producer Thompson’s Family Tea, Thompson’s Scottish Blend ICE CREAM Large Producer Mackie’s of Scotland, Traditional Real Dairy Ice Cream

MEATS – BURGERS & SAUSAGES Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Scotch Aberdeen Angus Dry Aged Steak Burger UK Producer Kin & Kind, Hellbent Chakalaka Small Producer Uradale Farm, Beef Sassermaet MEATS – HAGGIS, BLACK & WHITE PUDDING Small Producer The Farmer’s Son, Scottish Black Pudding Slices Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Black Pudding Highly Commended The Farmer’s Son, Scottish White Pudding Slices MEATS – STEAK Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Scotch Aberdeen Angus Ribeye Steak, 36 Days Matured PLANT BASED UK Producer The Russian Food Company, Galette Goodness - Wild Mushroom & Spinach QUICHES, PASTIES, PIES Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Steak & Porter Ale Pie UK Producer McColgan’s Quality Foods, Goats Cheese & Caramelised Red Onion Quiche READY MEALS & ACCOMPANIMENTS Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Chicken Balmoral UK Producer Wilson’s Country, You Say Potato Fresh Cut Chips SALT Small Producer Isle of Skye Sea Salt Co, Pure Sea salt Crystals SALT – FLAVOURED SALT Small Producer Hawkhead Whisky Smoked, Whisky Smoked Black Garlic Salt SNACKS Small Producer Growers Garden, Growers Garden Broccoli Chips – Cheese Large Producer Tilly Confectionery, Mrs Tilly’s Scottish Tablet Popcorn Highly Commended Highland Crackers, Seeded Cracker Mix Spice Mixes Small Producer Spice Pots, Korma Spice Pot Highly Commended Zepice, Coconut, Lemongrass & Kaffir Lime Gourmet Curry

STORE CUPBOARD PRODUCTS Small Producer Aye Pickled, Kimchi Hot Sauce Highly Commended Isle of Mull Seaweed, Seaweed Chutney Screaming Chimp, Mango & Papaya STORE CUPBOARD PRODUCTS – SOUPS Own Label Aldi, Specially Selected Sundried Tomato, Lentil & Smoked Paprika Soup STORE CUPBOARD PRODUCTS – SWEET SPREADS Small Producer Sarah Gray’s, Raspberry Jam DRINKS PRODUCTS Beer | Gold Small Producer Five Kingdoms Brewery, Dark Storm Stout Own Label Aldi, Anti Establishment IPA Aldi, Williams Brothers, Rubus Grapefruit IPA Silver | Small Producer Five Kingdoms Brewery, Captain Morrison’s IPA Bronze | Small Producer Lerwick Brewery, Azacca Amarillo IPA COLD BEVERAGES – COLD BREWS Small Producer Cushiedoos Drink Better, Cushiedoos GIN | Gold | Small Producer Bothy Trading, Gin Bothy Gunshot Infused Gin Lunun Gin, Lunun Gin Own Label Aldi, Eidyn Scottish Botanical Gin Silver | Small Producer Billingtons of Lenzie, Lenzie Gin Bronze | Small Producer Cairngorm Gin Company Ltd, Cairngorm Gin North Point Distillery, Crosskirk Bay Gin GIN – FLAVOURED GIN Gold | Own Label Aldi, Toradh Scottish Rhubarb and Ginger Gin LIQUEURS Gold | Small Producer Cairns Exclusive Drinks Company, Cairns Scotch Whisky Liqueur Hemisphere Brands, Magnum Cream Liqueur OTHER SPIRITS Gold | Small Producer Badachro Distillery, Dancing Puffin Vodka Large Producer GM Spirits, Edinburgh Rum Own Label Aldi, 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky Silver | Small Producer Bothy Trading, Rum Bothy Spiced Rum North Point Distillery, Skerra Spiced Rum

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

ENJOYED IN 7. 5 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS*

NEW

TASTE & LOOK £1.09 PMP

**

£1.75 PMP**

AA H H Best

A

H

H

ever?

59p

PMP**

Stock Up Now

Coca -Cola Ze ro S uga r 500ml P MP

Coca -Cola Ze ro S uga r 1.75L P MP

6 PLAIN AND PMP0 9 AVAILABLE0 IN

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

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 500ml PMP

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Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 1.75l PMP

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Coca -Cola Ze ro S uga r 330ml P MP

04 Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 330ml PMP

5 000112 592054

*Source: Kantar Panel Data, latest 52 weeks, w/e 27/12/20 **Recommended resale price is a recommendation only and you are free to set the price at whatever level you determine. ©2021 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. COCA-COLA and COCA-COLA ZERO are registered trade marks of The Coca-Cola Company.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

SPAR SCOTLAND COMMUNITY CASHBACK

Spar Scotland hands over £30k to communities

S

Spar Scotland’s second Community Cashback campaign saw over £30k handed over to community groups and charities.

par Scotland had handed over more than £30,000 to community groups and charities who provide a variety of worthwhile services to communities around the country. The donations were part of the group’s second Community Cashback campaign, with over 10,000 votes received from shoppers to nominate worthy recipients.

Customers, store staff and Spar Scotland employees could nominate a local charity or community group for the chance to win a share of the money.

The campaign took place in all 107 Spar Scotland company-owned stores and the 24 winning groups will now share the £30,000. Individual awards range from £750 to £2,000.

One charity to benefit was the Life Challenge Outreach project based in Buckie in the north east of Scotland, which received £2,000.

John Coppard from the charity said: “I want to thank all the Spar customers for the nomination and the wonderful donation of £2,000 to our charity Life Challenge Outreach.

This donation is very timely as our funds have dwindled to an all-time low. This injection of funds will allow us to get the bus out so we can reconnect with people with addictions.”

The funds helped the charity buy a bus which is used to host many people from the local community looking for help with addictions and other issues. It also acts as a drop-in service within a non-judgemental environment; people who need help can visit and speak to someone in confidence. The charity offers hope to a number of vulnerable people who have problems with substance abuse or mental health issues.

Colin McLean, CEO of Spar Scotland, said: “We are pleased to have received such a great response to our Community Cashback campaign. However, to have over 10,000 people

vote in areas all over Scotland to win a share of the £30,000 is overwhelming and demonstrates how important it is to continue to look after small charities in local areas.

“We set up the Community Cashback campaign to recognise the work many groups and charities are doing to support people in local communities around Scotland. During the pandemic we have seen how local community groups and charities have suffered and we hope the winners can benefit in some small way from the donation,” he added.

Four winners were chosen in each of the six areas from around Scotland. Winners were invited to a local Spar store to collect their cheque.

A full list of winners can be found on the Spar Scotland website.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

PROMOTED

NIS

SYMBOL S

Fresh Thinkin

N

Nisa’s new Fresh Thinking partner proposition and a fully update even more compelling reasons to join the r

isa is proud to work with multi award-winning stores including Pinkie Farm, Ardeer Services, and Greens of Markinch, to name a few, making Nisa the proven partner of choice for many market-leading, independently-minded retailers in Scotland.

And with a record number of retailers moving to Nisa Retail in 2020 and those investing in new and upgraded stores enjoying average sales uplifts of 11%, there has never been a better time to join us.

Retailers get access to best in class support through Nisa’s new partner proposition, Fresh Thinking, including retail expertise and thought leadership to help continually improve customer experience through instore solutions, category insights, store format innovation and expert account management teams.

In addition, Nisa’s new rebate model is set to launch on 28 June. Built on simplicity and fairness, Fresh Rewards gives independent retailers the opportunity to unlock up to 5.5.% rebate with additional benefits available for those with a Nisa fascia store. Retailers can see how much rebate they could earn by visiting the Nisa website.

Fresh Thinking also provides Nisa partners with access to convenience and symbol expertise through an in-house Insight team to help retailers truly understand their customers and their marketplace, access to planograms, marketing support, central helpdesks and expertise and the Co-op promotional plan. With recent industry recognition including

our Symbol/Franchise Group of the Year win at the Retail Industry Awards and the Grocer Gold Awards accolade for Symbol/Franchise Retailer of the Year, retailers can depend on award-winning support, access to an extensive product range comprising more than 13,000 SKUs and over 2,400 Co-op own brand products – all delivered by Nisa’s industry-leading supply chain.

Retailers have the option to operate under a symbol fascia: Nisa Local, Nisa Express or Nisa Extra; or dual branded, whereby a Nisa partner can maintain their own local identity whilst also benefiting from the strength of the Nisa brand. Alternatively, a retailer can choose to trade under their own independent fascia.

The latest format, Nisa Express, offers a dedicated fascia option for retailers operating in spaces up to 1,000sq ft. A choice of three format design options – food centric, forecourt and essentials – helps to accommodate the individual demographic and shopping missions of each store, with formats and ranges that are tailored for the specific market.

The Nisa format team works closely with partners and shop fitters to create the ideal solution for each individual location, and retailers can benefit from the bespoke service Nisa offers with an added incentive of a 10% saving on all new re-fits until the end of the year.

“Built on simplicity and fairness, Fresh Rewards gives independent retailers the opportunity to unlock up to 5.5.% rebate with additional benefits available for those with a Nisa fascia store.”

22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 59 / WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021

D F E AT U R E

SA

SPOTLIGHT

ng from Nisa

ed rebate model launching later this month offers independent retailers ecord number of retailers aligning with the group.

Nisa provides a complete retail support package which comprises a strong retail focused team, an enhanced category management system, a bespoke staff training facility and a comprehensive marketing package incorporating social media and PR support, leaflets, point of sale material, a personalised Nisa FM radio network and national advertising.

A comprehensive support structure is provided to ensure retailers continue to push their business forward. Support comes from a strong field team including retail development

managers, regional retail managers and fresh food development managers, as well as an induction team dedicated to supporting new partners during their first 90 days with Nisa.

Partners can also support local causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity, which has raised more than £12.5m for UK communities to date. ● To Join Nisa complete the form or contact our development team on 0800 542 7490.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

MED

THE E

NEW

COCA-

Kane and Co un their ‘side hustl

Footballers Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Alex Oxlade-Chambe

hustles in a new Coca-Cola campaign alongside The

TAKE A BITE OF OUR

E

ngland captain Harry Kane today revealed his new side business – ‘Harry Kane’s Canes’ – in Coca-Cola’s new ‘Open That Coca-Cola’ Euros ad.

Eagle-eyed viewers who spotted the ad-within-an-ad and called the number would have been greeted by a message from Harry apologising but informing them the business is not as it seems.

The light-hearted stunt from CocaCola celebrates the upcoming Euros tournament and features cameos from fellow England stars Marcus Rashford and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who also appear to be promoting their ‘side hustle’ businesses.

The three ads within the ad, show-up in a glitch on the on-screen television

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 59 / WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021

for a split second a the sharp-eyed view Harry Kane wants talk the talk but wa new cane-selling bu ford, after a big year ing marker pens, an unveils his new soc Those that dial th will be met by an ind from each player, co finding their ‘side h initiative to call the Harry Kane said actually have a can hope fans enjoyed C their advert and got Coca-Cola are a bi

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nveil les’

erlain reveal their side

e Euros.

and will be visible to wer. England Captain to help fans not just alk the walk with his usiness, Marcus Rashr, announces he’s sellnd fashion-proud Ox ck business. he numbers on-screen dividual voice message ongratulating them on hustle’ and taking the e number. d: “Whilst I might not ne selling business, I Coca-Cola’s fun take on t involved in the joke. ig player in football,

Side hustles If England fail to deliver over the next few weeks, here’s what you

TAKE A BITE OF OUR

can expect some of their stars to be doing in future: Harry Kane – selling canes Marcus Rashford – selling markers Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – selling socks

especially this summer with their Euro sponsorship, and I’m happy I was able to be a part of this before heading off for the tournament.”

Coca-Cola Great Britain has also announced two on-pack promos that will run this summer: Win A Ball, Give A Ball and Scan. Enter. Win. The promos will run in-store simultaneously and offer fans the chance to win thousands of prizes to celebrate and enjoy this year’s tournament.

‘Win A Ball, Give A Ball’ champions Coca-Cola’s ongoing partnership with StreetGames, and gives participants the chance to not only win a Euros football, but to choose a region to donate a ball to as well, ensuring more young people than ever can play along with every fixture.

‘Scan. Enter. Win.’ offers up thousands of prizes from Coca-Cola alongside other official UEFA sponsors, from the ultimate Coca-Cola Euros fan kit, to Hisense TVs, Just Eat vouchers and Konami PES access codes.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

NPD AND MEDIA

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

YOU’RE TWISTING MY WATERMELON, MAN Nothing says summer quite like Malibu – except perhaps two new watermelon variants of the popular brand.

Malibu is launching two new products offering a slice of summer to the brand’s 18-24 year-old target consumers. Malibu Watermelon and a new Malibu Watermelon Lemonade RTD tap into the increased demand for watermelon flavour alcoholic drinks, which has grown by 63% YoY [Mintel].

MALIBU WATERMELON Malibu’s latest tropical thirst quencher brings together Caribbean rum blended with the ripe, juicy and refreshing taste of Watermelon and a smooth and fruity finish.

Simply add lemonade for chilled moments with friends or stir things up with a Malibu Watermelon Mojito. Available in a 70cl bottle with a 21% ABV, Malibu Watermelon has an RSP of £15.

MALIBU WATERMELON LEMONADE

and with flavoured spirits on the rise, the brand’s latest innovations are sure to be a sizzling hit.

Refreshing taste is easier to access than ever

We’re delighted to be extending our current can

thanks to the launch of Malibu Watermelon’s

offering at a time when the RTD market is booming,

hero serve in a ready-to-drink format. Malibu

and Malibu’s RTD range has gone from strength

Watermelon Lemonade is a sparkling blend of

to strength over the last three years, helping to

Caribbean rum and watermelon, with lemon and

recruit younger shoppers into the brand. These

lime flavours for a burst of citrus sweetness.

two new additions to the Malibu family are primed

The pre-mixed drinks category is growing

to take this summer over by clearly answering

+26.8% YOY and the Malibu can range is grow-

consumer needs for great tasting drinks, suitable

ing +50.2%, over double the rate of the pre-mixed

for all daytime occasions.”

drinks can category (19.2%)[Nielsen, Mar 2021].

Malibu Watermelon Lemonade 250ml can is

Malibu Watermelon Lemonade 250ml cans have

available now in Tesco and Morrison’s, and Malibu

an ABV of 5% and an RSP of £1.80.

Watermelon 70cl is available in Tesco and Asda.

Chris Shead, Channel Director at Pernod Ricard UK, said: “Malibu is a true icon of summer

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 59 / WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021

Both SKUs are also available from wholesalers including Bestway, Booker and United.

NPD AND MEDIA

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

TIME TO GET UP AND ALPEN! Alpen is celebrating its 50th birthday with a full brand relaunch and a new TV ad.

Alpen, the UK’s number one muesli [Nielsen, Mar 2021], is celebrating its 50th birthday this month with a full brand relaunch. The £2m investment includes a new TV ad, a new pack design and a refreshed website as part of its biggest campaign in recent years: ‘Up & Alpen’.

Marking the brand’s return to TV for the first time in over four years, the new ad showcases the ‘Up & Alpen’ proposition thanks to the help of an energetic alpine ram, outlining how Alpen can give everyone the endurance to climb their own personal mountains.

The £50m brand, which can already be found in a fifth of UK households [Kantar, Jan 2021], also unveiled refreshed packaging last month celebrating its rich heritage. The pack features an eye-catching design, product shots and calls out its natural health credentials. A social media campaign will run across the brand’s Instagram and Facebook pages, encouraging the UK public to ‘get up, get out there and get to it’ with Alpen.

In addition, a refreshed consumer-facing website showcases Alpen’s Swiss roots and contains inspirational recipe ideas.

Helena Blincow, Head of Brand, Alpen says: “Here at Alpen, we’ve brought uplifting mornings to adventurous breakfast-loving Brits for 50 years with our

The Alpen Range

delicious portfolio. We have a 31%

550g box and 1.1kg bags

share of the muesli category and

Variants Original, No Added Sugar,

have grown by +4% year on year

Simply Berries and Chocolate

– that’s why we’re the UK’s original

RSPs: £2.49 box; £3.99 bags.

and number one branded muesli!”

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27

RETAIL TH E WE EK IN

GRA ZE DEBUTS ON TV RUS TLE RS UNV EILS ‘COO K IN BOX’ ALD I IN COP YCAT ERP ILLA R BAT TLE

...MO RE IF YOU PLEA SE

GROCERY

CO UL D AM AZ ON ST EA L CO-O P’S 6T H SP OT?

TWC SAYS AM AZ ON CO UL D BE CO ME SIX THLARGE ST GROC ER

COVID-19

SC OT LA ND ST EP S UP EA SIN G HO SPI

TAL ITY AND RETAIL TO RE-OPE N ON MO NDAY

SUSTAINABILITY

MO LS ON CO OR S RI NG S TH E CH AN GE S BRE WE R DUM PS RIN GS FOR CAR DBOARD

+ WIN FREE STOCK IN OUR READER COMPETITIONS! Brought to you by: Commercial Partner:

Issue 52 Wednesday 21st April 2021

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NPD AND MEDIA

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

GIANT, CRAZY AND SOUR Next month will see Mars Wrigley launch Skittles Giants Crazy Sours, three times the size of standard Skittles.

Following the successful launch of Skittles Giants,

Crazy Sours fit perfectly with the outdoor summer

Mars Wrigley is adding a sour variant next month

sharing occasion that shoppers are looking for,

with the launch of Skittles Giants Crazy Sours.

says the company.

Bigger on the outside and softer on the inside, the

Victoria Gell, Fruity Confections Brand Director,

new products are available in wholesale in a variety

says: “Our consumers have spoken and we lis-

of format packs catering for every consumption

tened. The creation of Skittles Giants Crazy Sours

occasion.

is a direct result of what our consumers have been

Like their counterpart, Skittles Giants Crazy

communicating to us following the launch of Skittles

Sours are three times the size of standard Skittles

Giants last year. We feel the Sours range satisfies

and have a soft chewy centre designed to strike the

shoppers’ desire for variety, whilst delivering true

taste buds with sourness, delivering an “intense,

innovation. With shoppers now being able to get

fruity, mouth-watering flavour” and are suitable for

together in social environments, we wanted to offer

a vegan or vegetarian diet.

a product that people could share and enjoy during

Available in a £1 PMP treat bag (125g), a 141g

those all-important moments together.”

value pouch and 170g grocery pouch, Skittles

The roll-out will be supported in-store with

Giants Crazy Sours will help consumers maximise

digital and traditional POS to maximise the impact

those all-important together moments that have

and excitement around the launch, as well as a

been missed out on in the past year. Skittles Giants

digital media campaign.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29

NPD AND MEDIA

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

MOLSON BETS BIG ON THREE FOLD HARD SELTZERS Molson Coors is ploughing £5m into launching its new Three Fold hard seltzer brand in the UK.

brewer anticipates adding more listings through the course of this year.

Three Fold comes in three fruity varieties – Red Berries, Tropical and Citrus – is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and each 330ml can contains 4% alcohol by volume and 93 calories.

It is sold as single cans and a variety six-pack.

The latest move follows the rapid growth of the hard seltzer category in the US, where retail sales reached $2.7bn in the 12 months to June last year [Nielsen]. The company has already seen strong success in the US market with hard seltzer brands Coors Seltzer, Vizzy Hard Seltzer and Proof Point Spirited Seltzer.

Charlotte Revill, Brand Manager at Molson Coors, says: “All the signs point to hard seltzers being the next drinks category to firmly establish itself in the UK. We expect its rapid growth in the US to be mirrored here and a major investment Molson Coors Beverage Company is investing

in our own product is to ensure that we, and our

around £5m in its new hard seltzer brand Three

customers, are at the forefront of this quickly

Fold – the biggest brand investment the company

emerging category.

has ever made into a new category in the UK.

“Three Fold was conceived with mainstream

Molson Coors was an early mover in the

adult appeal in mind, taking recognisable flavour

category last year with an exclusive distribution

combinations, evolved with the lighter, fresher

agreement with Bodega Bay, the first premium

profile that hard seltzers offer. Consumer taste

seltzer in the UK market.

tests have been resoundingly positive, with our

Three Fold, which launched at the end of last

range preferred to an extensive competitor set,

year through the brand’s own e-commerce site, is

and it’s incredibly exciting to see it on shelves at

now available in Morrisons, Bargain Booze and

some of the UK’s best-known retailers.”

Bestway, having secured new permanent listings

The investment in the brand includes a

in May. It is also now available through Molson

comprehensive digital, social and out-of-home

Coors’ direct-to-consumer website Revl and the

media campaign.

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 59 / WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

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

BURTS BACKS RNLI

BRING IT ON

CLEAR PROGRESS

A two year deal will see Royal

South African wine brand Kumala

7UP Regular, 7UP Free and

National Lifeboat Institution

has launched a new ‘Bring on the

7UP Free Cherry 375ml, 500ml

branding on Burts’ Sea Salt and

Braai’ competition with barbecue

& 600ml bottles are transitioning

Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar 150g

manufacturer Napoleon Grills,

from their existing green colour

and 40g crisp packs. These will

offering shoppers the chance to

to clear PET for the first time. The

also feature ‘Float To Live’ mes-

win a BBQ worth over £1,300.

move is part of a drive to ensure

saging and a QR code which

Five runners-up prizes are also

all PET bottles can be recycled

directs shoppers to a new RNLI

available. The competition will

into rPET material before becom-

section of the Burts website.

feature on multiple 75cl SKUs.

ing new bottles.

NEW LOOK HOEK

NICE TRY

FOODIE FOCUS

Accolade Wines is rebranding its

Britvic has signed a sponsor-

Lactalis UK & Ireland’s cheese

emerging wine brand Fish Hoek

ship deal with the Rugby League

brand Président’s latest cam-

with redesigned bottles due to hit

World Cup 2021 that will see

paign runs until October 2021

shelves in time for summer. The

Pepsi MAX and Gatorade posi-

and targets ABC1 foodies

redesign will be rolled out across

tioned respectively as the Official

aged 40 – 65. The campaign is

the range’s six SKUs, including

Soft Drink and Official Sports

designed to encourage consum-

the smooth, juicy, medium bod-

Drink of the tournament. The

ers “to take things at a slower

ied Fish Hoek Shiraz.

61-match tournament kicks-off

pace and make time to enjoy

RSP: £7.99

on 23 October.

the ‘Good Life’ with Président”.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 31

NEW AWARDS FOR NEW NEW NEW AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS FOR FOR FOR A NEW NORMAL A NEW A NEW A NEW NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL ENTRIES OPEN SOON ENTRIES ENTRIES OPEN ENTRIES OPEN SOON OPEN SOON SOON

Event: 27th October Event: Event: November Event: November November 2021 2021 2021 Winners celebration: November

Scottish Grocers’ Federation

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT EVENTS@55NORTH.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR FOR CONTACT MORE MOREEVENTS@55NORTH.COM INFORMATION INFORMATION CONTACT CONTACT EVENTS@55NORTH.COM EVENTS@55NORTH.COM

WWW.SLRAWARDS.COM @SLRMAG WWW.SLRAWARDS.COM WWW.SLRAWARDS.COM WWW.SLRAWARDS.COM WWW.SLRAWARDS.COM @SLRMAG@SLRMAG @SLRMAG @SLRMAG

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX DARK KITCHENS

‘Dark kitchens’ come into the light As consumers get more used to relying on home delivery, the growth of ‘dark kitchens’ and even ‘dark stores’ represents either a threat or an opportunity for local retailers - and one US firm is making no bones about the future of ‘ghost kitchens’.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Dark kitchens, or, as they’re called in the US, ghost kitchens.

WHICH ARE? Restaurants without a restaurant. Home delivery only. There are parallels in retail with dark stores where no physical store exists and shoppers can only order home delivery.

WHAT’S THE POINT? Huge cost savings. No physical store, fewer staff, lower rates, none of the grief of maintaining a customer-facing store or restaurant, no merchandising, easier ordering and storage. Shall we go on?

WHY’S IT IN THE NEWS? The US ‘ghost kitchen’ industry leader, Kitchen United, has partnered with international Asian food business Camile Food Group to launch Camile

Thai exclusively in US ghost kitchens.

Dark kitchens, it seems, are very much out in the open, and the trend could soon hit UK shores.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The concept is delivery and takeout-only with Kitchen United pitching it to consumers as the ideal way to order a range of food styles all from a single vendor, rather than having orders from three or four different takeaway outlets.

IS IT BIG YET? Well, Camile Thai only opened its first delivery-only restaurant in the UK and

Ireland in 2010 and now operates from 40 locations, serving over 10,000 meals every day and, it claims, “has quickly gained popularity as a tech-savvy leader in the food delivery space”. The latest move sees the company takes its offering to the US in partnership with Kitchen United. Further investment in drone deliveries and kitchen automation is planned to “highlight Camile Thai and their technology-centric strategy”.

SO IS IT SOMETHING TO WORRY ABOUT? Depends how you look at it. Dark kitchens and stores will almost certainly grow in the UK if the home delivery wave outlasts the pandemic-driven spike, so how bricks-and-mortar retailers respond is the key challenge. The attractions of the dark model are obvious, and the two options appear to be fighting back, or embracing it.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 33

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

Grocery colleagues have access to:

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

- Charles Wilson, GroceryAid President

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

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

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

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS ADAPTABILITY / BRAKES / CUSTOMERS

Vegan-friendly meat and greet With Covid restrictions and warmer weather encouraging more retailers to embrace outdoor dining solutions, here’s a great way of setting your outdoor seating area apart from the boring old continental cafe style that you see outside of most Costas. And what’s more, it’s vegan-friendly. You thought it was great slabs of meat, didn’t you? Go on, admit it. It’s actually rose quartz. Allegedly.

The billion dollar retail outage As the old cliche has it, you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone. A case in point was yesterday’s bizarre episode when the internet apparently broke.

You start to realise how reliant the world has become on the old information superhighway when you discover that, when chunks of the internet went down for just one hour, it is estimated that retailers in the UK, the US and Europe lost a cool billion dollars in sales.

Many of the world’s largest global online retailers including Amazon, eBay, Etsy and Boots were hit by the outage. When you learn that Amazon alone generates sales of $950,000 a minute – yes, every 60 seconds – it doesn’t take long to work out what the cost of an hour’s downtime might look like.

And that’s exactly that delivery specialist ParcelHero did.

Their conclusion was that lost revenues will be in excess of $1bn. Ouch.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 / ISSUE 59 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 35

More than meets the eye!

B awarrand eness Our delicious snowballs and teacakes have been family favourites for 90 years. Following 2019's TV campaign, awareness is at its highest level ever, with 76% of Scots surveyed saying they liked Lees Snowballs and 44% buying Lees products every month.

There’s never been a better time to stock up.

Scotland loves Lees 01236 441 600

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

76%

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of Scots like Lees Snowballs