The Week in Retail 71

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

CONTACTLESS LIMIT RISES HIGHER FOOD PRICES LOOMING NISA UNVEILS LATEST CAMPAIGN FOOD LABELLING

GET READY FOR NATASHA’S LAW TRADE BODY URGES RETAILERS TO PREPARE FOR REGULATIONS

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

ACS MAKES NEW APPOINTMENT SPAR BOSS JOINS ACS BOARD

UK INTRODUCES E10

FUELLING A GREENER FUTURE NEW FUEL BAFFLES MOTORISTS

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Issue 71 Wednesday 1st September 2021

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

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Confusion reigns as E10 is introduced Today is the dawn of a new era for motorists and forecourt retailers with the start of the roll-out of E10 petrol in Great Britain.

E10 is a biofuel made up of 90% regular unleaded and 10% ethanol – hence the E10 name – which will help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with petrol vehicles and tackle climate change.

Standard unleaded fuel contains up to 5% ethanol and can be used in any petrol-engine car without problems or the need for modification. With E10, things aren’t quite so simple.

The move is a positive step as it will help cut emissions by the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road each year. However, the government says that only 95% of cars are compatible with the new fuel, and the RAC estimates there as many as 600,000 vehicles on our roads that can’t use it.

The government launched a publicity campaign for E10 in mid-June which promoted the benefits of the fuel and encouraged motorists to check their vehicle’s compatibility.

The campaign was on fuel pump labels – but how many people were travelling due to the pandemic – and in targeted digital, radio and social media advertising. I consume a lot of media, but I haven’t seen it advertised. Why was it not on TV too?

So it’s hardly surprising that new research by motoring organisation the RAC has revealed more

than a quarter of drivers are yet to check whether their car is compatible with E10 petrol and 24% are unaware that the new fuel is being introduced.

All this means forecourt retailers will be faced with a stream of quizzical-looking motorists, as E5 and E10 appear side-by-side at the pumps or E5 disappears completely at some forecourts, and will have to explain repeatedly instead of running their businesses.

Why is it always convenience store owners that are left to educate the public about government schemes, such as changes to tobacco and alcohol laws? Why can’t the government get its act together and stop placing the burden on small business owners?

The RAC has called on the DVLA to write owners of vehicles that are not compatible to let them know their options. Let’s hope the government takes up this suggestion quickly as the roll-out of E10 is set to continue at pace in coming weeks.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 3

CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 W W W.SLR M AG.C O.U K

6

10 THIS WEEK’S NEWS IN BRIEF

14

GREENER FORECOURTS

FOOD WASTE

Fuel pumps across Great Britain are now more environmentally friendly following the introduction of E10 as the new standard grade of petrol.

Booker partners with food redistribution charity FareShare and free sharing app OLIO to help tackle food waste.

Food businesses are unprepared for Natasha’s Law and Southern Co-op fights global warming with new tech.

9 Covid-19 update

18 Payments

24 Picks of the week

12 Food labelling

The SGF is urging retailers to prepare for

20 Business intelligence

new food labelling regulations.

£100 contactless limit on horizon.

A look at the latest new products and marketing campaigns.

Food prices fall for the fifth month in a row.

27 Out of the box: electric trikes

15 Sustainability

22 Symbol groups

Single-use plastic plates, cutlery and

polystyrene cups could banned in England.

23 Wholesalers

29 Before you go...

16 Appointments

ACS names Louise Hoste as its new chair.

TWITTER.COM/SLRMAG

Nisa’s new ‘One Week Deal’ campaign.

The Bestway Retail Development Programme returns.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SLRMAG

Cleverpod launches a smart, electric threewheeler for the express delivery market.

Asda unveils the ultimate in fusion cuisine as Pot Noodle looks on in envy.

WWW.SLRMAG.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS Starship Technologies, which is developing small self-driving robotic delivery vehicles, has appointed former Morrisons

LEGISLATION

Food businesses feel unprepared for Natasha’s Law Firms believe there should be more financial support from the government to help businesses with the transition.

boss Dalton Philips to its board. Philips was previously Chief Executive of Morrisons from March 2010 to February 2015 and has previously been COO at both Walmart Brazil and Walmart Germany.

VEGGIE GOOD Almost two-thirds (64%) of Brits say they have bought plant-based food items in the past year, new research reveals. The poll, carried out by global research platform Appinio, show the most popular purchases were plantbased meat substitutes and

Eight in 10 food business owners admit they feel unprepared for Natasha’s Law – which comes into effect from 1 October – despite 90% saying they have received plenty of information about the new law, recent research reveals.

Natasha’s Law will require all food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen information on foods pre-packaged for direct sale in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The research, commissioned by GS1 – a community of more than 50,000 members including retailers and foodservice firms – reveals just over half of small and medium-sized businesses have taken steps to be in a good position ahead of the new law.

The study shows only 48% of employees in small independent businesses have heard of Natasha’s Law, compared to the 79% of employees from chains and franchises who were aware.

Getting ready for new legislation takes time and money and two-thirds (67%) of those polled think that there should be more financial support from the government to help businesses with the transition.

James Bielby, Chief Executive of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, said: “The FWD is working hard to bring the industry together to collaborate on how to best provide information to food business operators ahead of Natasha’s Law.”

plant-based milk brands.

STICKY SITUATION Major chewing gum producers have signed up to a new government initiative to remove gum litter from high streets.

The scheme, including Mars Wrigley, GlaxoSmithKline and Perfetti Van Melle and managed by Keep Britain Tidy, will see gum makers invest up to £10m over the next five years to help clean pavements.

North-west’s first ultra-rapid EV Motor Fuel Group has opened the very first electric vehicle-only forecourt and valeting centre dedicated solely to ultrarapid chargers in the North-West of England, at its Stretford branch on the Chester Road, Manchester.

The site, placed on the A56, has eight dedicated ultrarapid 150kW EV charging bays, which can give 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

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William Bannister, Chief Executive of MFG, said: “We are investing heavily in ultra-rapid EV charging hubs alongside our existing fuel and convenience store network throughout the UK, including recent openings in Bristol and Birmingham and planned openings in Scotland and Wales this year. This is on top of a significant investment already by MFG in London.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

ASDA C-STORES SET TO OPEN

SUSTAINABILITY

Southern Co-op uses race car technology to fight global warming

The Issa brothers are planning to roll out Asda convenience stores across their EG Group

The EcoBlade technology is expected to reduce refrigeration energy consumption by up to 25%.

forecourts estate, according to The Sunday Times. Mohsin

Southern Co-op is using technology developed by motor racing engineers in its fridges as part of a drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The regional co-operative is rolling out the technology in 96 stores to improve refrigeration efficiency and reduce cold air being lost into the aisles.

The EcoBlade technology, developed by motor racing engineer Wirth Research, uses the same technique used to direct airflow efficiently around racing cars. It is expected to reduce refrigeration energy consumption by up to 25% by acting as an invisible air curtain, keeping warm air out and cool air in.

The twin-bladed shelf-edge strips were initially trialled in 2020 and will

and Zuber Issa want to introduce ‘Asda On the Move’ stores to about 300 of their 400 EG forecourts after trials at five sites that began last October.

now be rolled out to all Southern stores which have fridges without chiller doors.

Gemma Lacey, Director of Sustainability and Communications, said: “We have set ambitious targets aligned with the latest science showing what is required globally to limit global warming to 1.5°C, but we need to work collaboratively with others to achieve our goals.”

FT WEEKEND PRICE RISE The UK cover price of FT Weekend is increasing from £4 to £4.30 per copy from 4 September, with retail margins increasing pro rata.

The Monday to Friday price remains unchanged. Retailers have been advised to continue to accept existing vouchers as payment for copies.

ACS launches wellbeing guide The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has rolled out new guidance for retailers on how to support wellbeing for themselves and their staff.

The Wellbeing Guide, developed with the What Works Centre for Wellbeing, provides practical steps to take on the shop floor to improve staff retention and customer service.

The guide covers: working environment, relationships and connections, health, learning, work and life balance,

personal and purpose, colleague voice, and personal finance.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We’re encouraging retailers to take a proactive approach to workplace wellbeing and we have developed this guidance to provide our sector with actionable steps that can be implemented within stores to support staff and maintain a happy, healthy and productive workforce.”

Download the guide.

CARBON FOOTPRINT CUT BIRA is supporting a new online initiative aimed at small independent retailers by the UK’s Retail Sector Council (RSC). Green Street aims to helps SMEs cut their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly through an online hub packed with advice.

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / 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/

Pandemic drives households to increase spend on takeaways

WIRELESS VAN CHARGING TRIAL GOES LIVE

Report finds three-quarters of Brits ordering takeaways, doing so on average once a week.

A trial of wireless electric vans has started in Edinburgh, aiming to accelerate the decarbonisation of last mile deliveries and reduce the cost of those operations.

The £1.6m project – led by Flexible Power Systems (FPS) – will see four Vauxhall vans fitted with a slim charging

The reports shows that Chinese (55%) was cited as the most popular cuisine to be ordered among those surveyed, followed by pizza (52%), Indian (45%), and fish and chips (39%).

The study shows that 39% of people order takeaway by phone, marginally down from 43% in 2019, while the use of third-party apps increased from 34% in 2019 to 37% in 2021.

KPMG’s Will Hawkley said: “Our survey suggests that growth in takeaway consumption is here to stay, which will continue to bring more entrants into the market. Even though ultra-rapid grocery delivery companies are playing in a different market to meal delivery, there’s scope for them to eat into takeaway operators’ market share too.”

pad on their underside.

The vehicles park above electric pads and wirelessly charge up in under an hour.

TECH SOLUTIONS

The average spend per person on takeaways had risen to £641 during the pandemic, new research by KPMG reveals.

When the research was last conducted, in August 2019, the average spend per person on takeaways was £452.

KPMG’s Food for Thought report reveals that 76% of Brits say they order takeaways, on average once a week.

The report crowned Nottingham as the takeaway capital of the UK with average spend standing at £1,097 per person in 2021, up almost four times on the £299 average spend of a Nottingham consumer in 2019. Liverpudlians spent the least on takeaway food, with the average spend at £346 per person, while people in Belfast and Sheffield also spent below the £400 mark.

James Derby, Chief Engineer at Electrical Systems at FPS, said: “There has to be electrification of vehicles in future, we can’t go on burning fossil fuels.

Wireless is now part of the mix of advanced charging technologies we can offer fleets adopting EVs.”

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S U S TA I N

COVER

FOREC

F

Fuelling a gr

E10 petrol available at p

uel pumps across Great Britain are now more environmentally friendly following the introduction of E10 as the new standard grade of petrol.

E10 contains up to 10% bioethanol, replacing E5 which has up to 5%, and is being introduced to cut carbon dioxide emissions. It has been estimated that the switch to E10 will cut CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year, or the equivalent of taking 350,000 vehicles off the road, and is part of the government’s 2050 net zero carbon target.

All petrol vehicles built since 2011 are compatible with E10 (more than 95% of all petrol vehicles), but a small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, can still access E5 petrol in the ‘Super’ grade. Motorists need to use the government’s free online E10 checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.

ALMOST UNNOTICEABLE E10 is not expected to be more expensive at the pump than current standard petrol, as the higher cost of bioethanol has already been included in the wholesale price of the fuel for some time. Although it can marginally impact fuel economy – generally around 1% – this will be almost unnoticeable to most drivers when making every day journeys.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Every journey matters as we drive forward the green industrial revolution, which is why the rollout of E10 is so important. It’ll help us cut road greenhouse gas emissions and meet our ambitious net zero targets.

“Although more and more drivers are switching to electric, there are steps we can take today to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we accelerate towards a greener transport future.”

A public education campaign was launched in June ahead of the introduction of E10. At the time, Transport Minister

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NABILITY

STORY

COURTS

reener future

pumps from 1 September

Rachel Maclean, said: “This campaign will not only make drivers aware of the changes we’re making, but will also show millions of motorists how E10 introduction plays a part in helping reduce carbon emissionsl.”

ENDORSEMENT The campaign was endorsed by the Petrol Retailers Association.

Technical Director, Phil Monger, said at the time: “To ensure motorists are well-aware of the suitability of the new fuel for their vehicles by 1 September 2021, we have undertaken a publicity campaign using radio, social media and press results.

“This work highlighted the government portal and other vehicle checkers where the public could find out this information. The campaign will reduce the number of motorists that turn up at a forecourt unaware of the changes come the official launch of E10.”

However, on launch day RAC research revealed more than a quarter of drivers (27%) are yet to check whether their car is compatible with new E10 petrol, with a similar proportion (24%) unaware that the new fuel is being introduced to replace E5 as the standard grade of unleaded petrol.

In addition, the research found that drivers who know their main car is not compatible with the new E10 fuel, the impact of the cost of having to fill up with super unleaded instead – which can cost around 12p more per litre than standard unleaded – is the single biggest concern. Around half (53%) are worried about finding forecourts that sell E5 super unleaded, while 20% fear mistakenly filling up with E10 – something that may cause expensive damage to non-compliant vehicles.

Edmund King, AA President, advised: “Even if E10 is put in a non-compliant vehicle, drivers should not panic, and can simply put super unleaded in their tank at the next available opportunity.”

E10 is currently unavailable in Northern Ireland, but is due to arrive there in early 2022.

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LEGISL

FOOD LAB

SG

Get ready for N

The SGF is urging retailers to prepare for new food labelling regulations that will soon come into f

O

n 1 October new food labelling regulations will come into force across the UK. Food which is classified as prepacked for direct sale – salad bowls, pasta pots and sandwiches which are packaged and placed in a chiller for example – must list all ingredients and allergens. This might sound simple, but even a ham sandwich has a surprisingly long list of ingredients.

Food classified as prepacked for direct sale – including packaged chilled sandwiches – must list all ingredients and allergens.

A couple of years ago this may have had little or no impact on our sector but, given the massive increase in food-to-go in convenience, the overall impact will be significant. It’s easy to see this as just another cost and compliance burden thrown at the industry by government but given the tragic circumstances which led us here and the growing expectation from consumers that they are fully

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informed about what they are buying, these regulations have been almost impossible to argue against.

The reality is that retailers will have to install some kind of labelling software and work closely with food service companies and wholesalers to get accurate – and constantly updated – ingredients lists and product information.

Food prepared in front of the customer

L AT I O N

BELLING

GF

Natasha’s Law

force. By John Lee, Head of Public Affairs, SGF

and at their request isn’t covered by the regulations. However, retailers need to remember that they are legally obliged to have a list of allergens available if the customer asks for it.

As the national trade body for the Scottish convenience sector SGF had a responsibility to develop fit-for-purpose guidance for its members. One of the biggest challenges was the very tight timescales. The Scottish government had committed to go live on 1 October 2021 to synchronise with the rest of the UK, but it made this commitment before it had even started work on its own regulations and policy guidance.

From its inception Food Standards Scotland has become a key player in every aspect of food and nutrition policy. Commendably, it saw the need to ensure that convenience retailers were fully supported to comply with the new regulations. It was willing to develop a partnership with SGF to implement an

awareness-raising campaign targeted at SGF members.

This partnership has allowed SGF to produce a retailer guide to the regulations, launch a dedicated campaign website, place advertising in the trade press and have a strong focus on social media.

Food Standards Scotland will also deliver a breakout session at the SGF conference – something SGF encourages all its members to attend.

Given the very tight timescales and the time it can take to install and customise labelling software in practical terms this means that many retailers will have to develop some kind of ‘transition’ strategy.

Unfortunately, this might involve buying-in pre packed sandwiches etc rather than making your own for the time it takes to set up the software.

The harsh reality is that on 1 October everyone must be fully compliant with the new regulations. The impact will be significant, and we might come to see this as a major turning point for the sector. How retailers adapt to Natasha’s law might be a deciding factor in separating out those who are serious about food-to-go and see it as being a vital part of the future of convenience from those who do not. ● More SGF guidance can be found at the Get Labelled website.

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

FOOD WASTE BOOKER WHOLESALE

Booker tackles food waste and helps vulnerable people

B

The wholesaler is partnering with food redistribution charity FareShare and free sharing app OLIO.

ooker has teamed up with food redistribution charity FareShare and free sharing app OLIO to provide food to vulnerable people across the UK and to help reduce food waste.

The wholesaler will roll out the food redistribution scheme across its branches nationwide after a trial that launched in 11 depots and two distribution centres in January 2021.

Through the FareShare Go programme, Booker sites are matched with local charities and community groups that collect items and turn them into food parcels or hot meals for the people they support.

The programme is now live in more than 100 Booker branches and together the three organisations have redistributed more than 250,000 meals.

In addition, OLIO’s Food Waste Heroes will collect food directly from Booker, which will then be added to its app for people in the local area to collect.

Catherine Marston, Sustainability Manager at Booker, said: “Over the past year we have donated the equivalent of over six million meals to local charities and good causes and this will really help us build upon this success.”

FareShare organisations will make the majority of collections from Booker sites, typically five days out of the week, while OLIO Food Waste Heroes are lined up to collect on days when charities can’t.

“Demand for FareShare food has more than doubled since the pandemic,. We are delivering upwards of two million meals per week.”

Lindsay Boswell, Fareshare

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Lindsay Boswell, Chief Executive at FareShare, said: “Demand for FareShare food has more than doubled since the start of the pandemic, and we are delivering upwards of two million meals per week to those in need, so this food is needed now more than ever.”

Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder and Chief Executive at OLIO, commented: “Schemes like this are instrumental in helping tackle food wastage across our communities so we are very proud to be involved.”

L E G I S L AT I O N

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC UK GOVERNMENT

UK Government’s next steps to tackle plastic waste in England

S

Single-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups could banned in England.

ingle-use plastic plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups are among a raft of items that could be banned in England as part of a new consultation being launched by the government in the autumn.

It is estimated that each person uses 18 single-use plastic plates and 37 single-use plastic items of cutlery each year in England. The plans will form part of the government’s commitment to prevent all avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: “We have made progress to turn the tide on plastic, banning the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, while our carrier bag charge has cut sales by 95% in the main supermarkets.

“Now we are looking to go a step further as we build back greener. These plans will help us stamp out the unnecessary use of plastics that wreak havoc with our natural environment.”

Jo Morley, Head of Campaigns at environmental organisation City to Sea, added: “This is a much-needed move, that we as campaigners have been calling for, along with thousands of our supporters and members of the public.

Further details of the consultation, including the full list of single-use items under review, will be announced soon

“We need now to take a leading role in banning unnecessary single-use plastics to see real benefits for the nation’s and the world’s wildlife.”

Further details of the consultation, including the full list of single-use items “We have made progress to turn the tide on plastic and now we are looking to go a step further as we build back greener.” George Eustace, Environment Secretary

under review, will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Friends of the Earth’s Kierra Box said: “Further consultation on plastics is no bad thing, but a product-by-product approach won’t fix the plastic pollution crisis at the speed we need.”

Box concluded: “We can’t wait another 20 years to stop producing avoidable plastic waste typically derived from dirty, climate-wrecking oil, which chokes our seas, harms wildlife and enters our food chains.”

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TRADE B

APPOINT

ASSOCIATION OF CO

ACS names

Trade body to welcome Spar bo

T

he Association of Convenience Stores has appointed Spar UK boss Louise Hoste as its new chair from November.

Hoste will succeed Central England Co-operative Chief Executive Debbie Robinson as chair of the board. Robinson has served as chair since November 2019 and will remain on the ACS board.

In addition, the ACS has announced that independent retailer Ramesh Shingadia will be continuing in the role of vice-chair.

“I am delighted to be working with Louise as ACS chair.

She has been a key part of ACS activity since she joined in 2019. She was a unanimous and enthusiastic choice to become chair.

James Lowman, ACS

ACS boss James Lowman said: “Debbie has been a fantastic chair over the last two years, demonstrating incredible commitment to both ACS and the wider convenience sector during some of the most challenging times for retailers in living memory. Under Debbie’s inspirational leadership ACS significantly enhanced our support for both retailers

LOUISE HOSTE

and suppliers, and we look to the future in a stronger position than ever.

“I am delighted to be working with Louise as ACS chair. She has been a key part of ACS activity from the board since

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 71 / WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021

she joined in 2019, and she was a unanimous and enthusiastic choice.

“Ramesh is as highly-regarded as anyone in our industry and we are delighted he will continue to play a vital supporting

BODIES

TMENTS

ONVENIENCE STORES

s new chair

oss Louise Hoste later this year.

LOUISE HOSTE CAREER PATH

Louise Hoste worked for Walmart in the UK, Canada and Chile in varuous commercial, customer and general management roles.

After Walmart, she was Director of Category and Pricing at Brakes Foodservice, and then Director of the Customer Offer at the Co-op. In this role she relaunched the Co-op brand across its food range and worked on the ‘Closer To You’ strategy supporting the local and community agenda.

Hoste joined Spar in September 2019, coming to the business with a wealth of international retail experience.

role as vice-chair. Louise and Ramesh will lead ACS through the next phase of pandemic recovery and beyond.”

Hoste joined Spar during September 2019, coming to the business with a

wealth of international retail experience.

She has worked for Walmart in the UK, Canada and Chile in commercial, customer and general management roles.

After leaving Walmart Hoste was Director of Category and Pricing at Brakes Foodservice, followed by Director of the Customer Offer at the Co-op.

In this role she relaunched the Co-op brand across the food ranges and worked on the ‘Closer To You’ strategy supporting the local and community agenda.

She said: “It really is an honour to be Ramesh is as highly-regarded as anyone in our industry and we are delighted he will continue to play a vital supporting role as vice-chair.”

James Lowman, ACS

able to support and contribute to all the work that the ACS do, especially as we have seen over the last 18 months how vital the team have been to the sector.

“Local convenience stores have shown how important they are to the communities that we live in. They enhance and enable them to thrive. I want to ensure that we capture the momentum that now exists for local stores, and through using the latest innovations and listening to

customers we can provide a relevant and progressive offer for our membership.”

Ramesh has been a member of the ACS board since 2017 and was appointed to the role of vice-chair in February 2021.

His career in retailing spans 38 years and he has been the recipient of several industry awards. His store in Southwater, Sussex is a flagship Budgens store and has been recognised on several occasions as a store of excellence and has accredited Investors in People certification.

He also works extensively outside of the retailing sector and has held posts in pharmaceutical companies, non-executive directorships within the local NHS Primary Care Trust, and Central Sussex College.

Ramesh said: “I am absolutely delighted to be elected to serve on the ACS board as the Vice-Chair. It is a great honour and privilege. The ACS, in its various incarnations of lobbying, informing and networking and ethos of driving the convenience sector forward, is an organisation close to my heart, and of which I have been a part for several years.

“I look forward to working with Louise, James, the ACS team and fellow members in driving the ACS agenda over the coming term.”

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PAY M E N T S

CONTACTLESS HM TREASURY / FCA

Contactless limit to increase to £100 The contactless limit will rise in October following a public consultation.

T

he contactless card payment limit will rise to £100 from 15 October 2021.

The decision to raise the contactless limit from £45 to £100 was made by HM Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority following a public consultation and in discussion with both the retail and banking sectors. It follows on from the successful increase in the limit from £30 to £45 in April 2020.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Increasing the contactless limit will make it easier than ever to pay safely and securely – whether that’s at the local shops, or your favourite pub and restaurant. As people get back to the high street, millions of payments will made be simpler, providing a welcome boost for retailers and shoppers.”

has proved very popular with consumers and an increasing number of transactions are being made using contactless technology.

He said: “The increase in the limit to £100 will allow people to pay for higher value transactions like their weekly shop or filling up their car with fuel. The payments industry has worked hard to put in place the

infrastructure to enable retailers to update their payments systems so they can start to offer their customers this new higher limit.”

When contactless cards were first introduced in 2007, payments were capped at £10. This rose to £15 in 2010, £20 in 2012, £30 in 2015 and £45 in April last year in the early days of the pandemic.

“The payments industry has worked hard to put in place the infrastructure to enable retailers to update their payments systems.”

David Postings, UK Finance

David Postings, Chief Executive of UK Finance, said contactless payment

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The increase in the limit will allow people to pay for higher value transactions

PAY M E N T S

CASH WHICH?

There were 801 bank branch closures between March 2020 and July 2021

Crunch point for cash

T

The impact of the pandemic continues to heap pressure on banking services, research shows.

he majority of consumers have experienced a problem accessing cash or a bank branch in the past year, new research reveals.

A survey by consumer group Which?, of more than 2,000 people, found that 57% of consumers have experienced one or more issues with accessing cash or a bank branch in the past year.

Over the past 12 months, 25% of respondents had experienced at least one cashpoint issue, while 43% said they had experienced bank branch issues.

The findings came as new Which? analysis of Link data found the total number of ATMs in service down by almost 8,000 (or around 13%) over the past 18 months.

Most of this decline occurred in the period between March and May 2020,

during the early months of the Covid19 pandemic, but since May 2020 there has been relatively little further change in numbers – indicating that these closures will be a permanent reduction to the network.

Over the past 18 months the total number of ATMs in service has dropped by almost 8,000, equivalent to 13% of the total number of machines.

Which? analysis

Which? also found that from the first national lockdown in March 2020 until the end of restrictions in July 2021 there were 801 bank branch closures, with another 103 set to close their doors by the end of the year.

The analysis from the consumer champion also found that there are large variations in the proportion of cash machines that charge for withdrawals across the UK. The proportion of pay to use machines in the West Midlands (28%) is higher than that in the South East (19%), the data shows.

The research also estimates that 95% of the UK population are within 2km of a free cash access point, but this falls to 77% for those living in rural areas.

Gareth Shaw, Which? Head of Money, said: “While many people can now bank digitally, millions of people are not yet ready or able to do so. It is consumers who are looking to withdraw and spend cash in nearby shops or the high street who will be hardest hit if they are left without a way to access it locally.”

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 19

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

SHOP PRICES BRC / NIELSENIQ

Higher food prices looming Food prices fall for the fifth consecutive month, but mounting pressures mean this will not be sustainable for much longer.

F

ood deflation slowed to 0.2% in August from July’s deflation of 0.4%, the fifth consecutive month when food prices fell, new research reveals.

The BRC-NielsenIQ Shop Price Index for August shows fresh food prices fell for the ninth consecutive month in August, with deflation easing to 0.6% from a decline of 1.0% in July. This is in line with the 12-month average price growth rate of -0.6% and below the six-month average price growth of -0.9%.

In addition, ambient food inflation eased to 0.3% in August, down from 0.5% in July. This is below the 12- and six-month average price increases of 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively.

Meanwhile, non-food deflation slowed to 1.2% in August, compared to a fall of 1.8% in July.

“Food retailers are fighting to keep stable by absorbing as much of their prices down as far as possible. any increase in their supply chain Overall shop price deflation But mounting pressures – from rising eased to 0.8% year-on-year costs as possible.” commodity and shipping costs as well as Helen Dickinson, Chief Execin August compared to July’s decrease of 1.2%.

Brexit-related red tape, mean this will not utive of the British Retail ConsorMike Watkins, Head of be sustainable for much longer. tium, added: “Food retailers are Retailer and Business Insight Helen Dickinson fighting to keep their prices down at NielsenIQ, said: “The good as far as possible. But mounting news for shoppers is that shop price changes. With shoppers now returning pressures – from rising commodity and inflation remains below consumer price from their summer holidays many will shipping costs as well as Brexit-related inflation and any moderate increases in be reviewing their household budgets. So red tape, mean this will not be sustainaprices are being driven by wider eco- the next few months will be an impor- ble for much longer, and food price rises nomic conditions and seasonal supply tant time for retailers to keep prices are likely in the coming months.”

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 71 / WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

REGIONAL FOOD TRENDS MAXIMA / ONS

L

Regional shopping habits revealed

Research shows UK’s vegan, confectionery, tobacco and alcohol hotspots.

The research also shows that North- than London and Yorkshire on sweet ondon is the most vegan area in the UK, a new nationwide survey ern Ireland is the UK’s biggest sugar lover. drinks, chocolate, ice-cream, and other has found.

Households in the region spend 23% confectionery.

The research, by commercial kitchen more on sweet treats than London and Meanwhile, Scotland is the biggest specialist Maxima Kitchen Equipment Yorkshire on the Humber, the areas spender when it comes to alcohol and using Office for National Statistics data, which spend the least on sugary food tobacco, with residents devoting over a reveals that Londoners devote the small- and drink. fifth of their weekly food budget to the est proportion of their food shop to meat.

It appears that Scotland, the North- products – 50% more than London, the Londoners spend 20% less on meat than East and the West Midlands are also region, which buys the least alcohol and Northern Ireland, which is officially the sweet-obsessed, spending 15% more cigarettes. least vegan region in the UK. London reigns as king of Residents of Northern Ireland London spends more of its food shopping the carbs, spending more of spend 11% less on fruit and budget on fruit and vegetables than any region its food budget (10%) on items in the UK. Scotland, the North East and the veg and over 10% more on such as bread, pasta and rice meat than the national average West Midland are sweet obsessed but not as than any other UK area, the for all areas in the UK. much as Northern Ireland. research finds.

The research reveals LonScotland don also spends more of its is the biggest food shopping budget on spender when it comes to alcohol fruit and vegetables than and tobacco any region in the UK. Londoners spend 37.5% more on fruit and vegetables than households in Northern Ireland, where residents spend the least amount of their weekly shopping budget on fruit and veg.

The UK’s second most vegan region is the South East, where residents spend 31% more on fruit and veg than Northern Ireland. Households in the South East also spend 11% less on meat than the UK national average.

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 21

SYMBOL GROUPS

MARKETING CAMPAIGNS NISA

Nisa unveils ‘One Week Deal’ campaign The campaign focuses on the sales opportunities available in the latter part of the year.

N

isa has launched its ‘One away from the summer months, concustomers, and with the campaign sumers’ shopping habits change, shifting already an established signpost in stores, Week Deal’ campaign, which focuses on the sales to place more focus on value. We anticmany shoppers are likely to be aware of opportunities coming up during the ipate shoppers will be actively looking and on the lookout for the upcoming latter part of the year. deals.” to re-stock their cupboards with staple The campaign, previously known to lines in the lead up to the Christmas Each of the deals included in the shoppers as ‘The Big Countcampaign will feature on the Nisa down’, will provide retailers The one-week deals will cover a range of consumer leaflet, in national press with 15 one-week-only deals, categories, including household essentials, adverts, on Nisa FM, and across all running through to the first confectionery, chilled, and beers, wines & spirits. digital channels. The campaign will week of 2022. also be supported with dedicated The one-week deals will involve a period and the one week deals are perin-store point-of-sale. range of categories, including household “We are encouraging our partners fectly placed for those looking out for essentials, confectionery, chilled, and to utilise the dedicated POS for impacta bargain. beers, wines & spirits.

“The One Week Deal campaign ful displays to help draw attention to Hannah Goodwin, Seasonal Manforms an integral part of Nisa’s plan the deals and in turn, increase basket ager at Nisa, said: “As we start to move to better support partners and their spend,” added Goodwin.

22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 71 / WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021

WHOLESALERS

RETAILER EVENTS BESTWAY WHOLESALE

Independent retailers who attend the development seminars are also eligible to enter the annual Bestway Retailer Development Awards.

Bestway Retail Development Programme back in full force

T

Bestway Wholesale’s annual retailer development programme will take place in person this year.

he Bestway Retail Development Programme 2021, which is designed to help retailers accelerate growth within their businesses, will be held in three different locations.

The two-day event comprises a day of seminars and a day-long trade show, which offers an opportunity for Bestway’s retailers to meet suppliers and learn about emerging trends, new products and sample these first-hand.

This year’s dates are: ● Scottish Seminar and Trade Show, 12-14 October, Hilton Glasgow ● Southern Seminar and Trade Show, 2-4 November, Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4

● Northern Seminar and Trade Show, 7-9 December, Marriot Leeds.

Independent retailers who attend the development seminars are also eligible to enter the annual Bestway Retailer Development Awards. They will have six months to put into practice their learnings, helped by suppliers and their Bestway development managers.

The winning retailers are selected based on their professionalism, implementation of advice received, and sales figures that demonstrate the improvements they have made. Winners will be unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony held in London in May 2022, where the

lucky winners will receive a share of the £50,000 prize fund.

Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, said: “Further to the changing of regulations, we are pleased to be hosting this years’ programme in person as we know our retailers have missed the direct contact that this scheme affords them alongside the opportunity to connect with each other and our suppliers.

“Together, we talk about best practice and emerging trends, we share insights and suppliers present new products for the future. Learning from each other and collaborating together is a powerful force that delivers back great value, which in turn helps drive growth and upsell.”

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 23

NPD AND MEDIA

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

GET READY FOR... KURKURE Long-established in India, Pepsico’s Kurkure brand is set to take the UK savoury snacking market by storm.

Kurkure, one of the biggest snack brands in India

having Kurkure with my grandparents on my visits

and Pakistan, is launching in the UK.

to India, so I am extremely proud to be part of the

Kurkure is a brand of corn puffs with a masala twist, developed and produced by Pepsico India, and

team that was been able to bring these exciting authentic flavours to the wider UK market.”

is named after the Hindi word for crunchy. The snack,

The roll out of Kurkure in the UK began at the

which originally launched in 1999, is popular with adults

end of August. Both flavours will be available in

and children alike.

100g packs with an RSP of £1 and in 80g £1 price-

In the UK, the brand is launching in two flavours: Naughty Tomato and Masala Munch.

marked packs for the grocery and convenience channels.

Pepsico believes the brand will bring the rich her-

Josephine Taylor, Senior Brand Manager at

itage of Asian cuisine to tea-time savoury snacking,

Pepsio, added: “We are thrilled to be introducing

an occasion that will be more popular as the country

such a popular and authentic Asian brand to main-

comes out of lockdown and people invite guests round

stream British culture, an opportunity to celebrate

more readily.

a multicultural Britain. And we don’t want to stop

Dr Akash Beri, Research Senior Scientist within

here – we’re already developing an exciting inno-

Global Flavour at PepsiCo, said: “We have spent the

vation pipeline to continue the momentum beyond

last 18 months recreating the delicious fusion of rich

its UK debut. The launch comes at the perfect time

spices and fragrant herbs for the UK market. On a

with Diwali on the horizon, allowing UK shoppers

personal note, I have fantastic childhood memories of

to celebrate together.”

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 71 / WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021

NPD AND MEDIA

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

COOL JEWELS

SWEETSHOP TUBS

SOUR CHEWS

Smirnoff’s new campaign gives

Hancocks has added new items

Chewits has extended its stick

consumers the chance to win

to its growing Crazy Candy Fac-

pack range with four new fla-

one of 21 diamonds, worth

tory range of sweetshop tubs

vours: Blue Raspberry, Cherry,

£4,000 each, through a temper-

with the introduction of Fizzy

Sour Lemon Xtreme, and Sour

ature activated bottle or neck

Bubblegum Bottles, Fizzy Straw-

Cherry Xtreme. All the new fla-

collar. When frozen a unique

berries and Mini Frogs. The

vours are suitable for vegetarians

eight-digit code will be revealed,

£3.30 tubs contain an average

and available from wholesalers

which can be checked for prizes

of 600 sweets. All sweets are

nationwide.

on the Smirnoff website.

100% halal.

RSP 49p.

PROTEIN BAR

FULL ON FLAVOUR

CIDER FIRST

Mars Chocolate Drinks & Treats

Ridged crisp brand McCoy’s

KBE Drinks has added a new

is adding Hi Protein Crisp to its

has introduced a packaging

flavour to its Peacock cider

Snickers-branded protein bars

update across its core range in

brand. Peacock Lychee & Lime

range. The bar contains 20g

all formats. Available now, the

is the first lychee-flavoured cider

protein and 217 calories, and

new packs incorporate a ‘Full

to launch in the UK. KBE will

combines crispy pieces, nuts,

On Flavour’ tagline and feature

also donate 25p from the sale of

nougat and milk chocolate. It

more vibrant colours, as well as

every bottle to charities Hospital-

will be the fourth protein bar to

a patterned design to help catch

ity Health, Hospitality Action and

launch under the Snickers brand.

the attention of shoppers.

Only a Pavement Away.

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 25

NOW THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…

OUT THE BOX CLEVERPOD

Smart moped trike set to revolutionise food delivery Cleverpod has launched a smart, electric three-wheeler for the express delivery market.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? Delivery drivers face many issues in a typical urban environment, as their delivery methods may be slow, ineffective, or inefficient, leading to poor productivity and customer dissatisfaction.

Cleverpod has addressed these problems with a smart, electric three-wheeler for express delivery.

TELL ME MORE The CP01, Cleverpod’s first vehicle, is a certified three-wheel moped that’s up to 50% cheaper to buy or maintain than a typical car or van. It features a cabin that can protect vulnerable goods from moisture or shock and a climate control system to keep the operator happy. It has a range of sensors, a multimedia Interface, and an onboard virtual assistant.

The CP-1 can be remote-controlled or hooked up to a central logistics system.

WHAT FEATURES DOES IT HAVE?

● automated diagnostic functions for efficient daily management ● a 5G digital cockpit ● customisable cargo space

shaken up. In addition, the operator can do their work in climate-controlled comfort and is likely to remain more efficient throughout their working day.

WHAT IS CLEVERPOD SAYING? Boss Alexander Yuryev said: “Cleverpod believes that there should be a synergy between human beings and technolof up to 450L to suit a ogy. Our mission is to create a balanced, symbiotic relationrange of different The CP01, ship between operator and sectors is a three-wheel auto-robot in the delivery ● long-range battermoped up to 50% cheaper to buy and sector. We believe this will ies that can last maintain than a bring more harmony and for up to 300 km typical car or less anxiety to individual ● fast charging van. operators and fleet managers.” capability for quick He added: “These are specialised turnaround robotic vehicles. They’re augmented ● customisable exteriors for with sensors, cameras, projection and different sectors and marketbroadcasting equipment. The hardware/ ing purposes. software solutions and cloud computing WHAT’S WRONG WITH A ecosystems will help operators connect with their vehicle through mutually MOPED? The CP01 is easier to manoeuvre and adaptive learning.” more stable than a typical moped or bike, so food delivery firms will arrive HOW DO I FIND OUT at their customer on time with food that MORE? is still in perfect condition and never By visiting Cleverpod’s website.

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 27

IT

NEW

E L B A L I A V A

NOW

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

What would Colonel Sanders say? popular on social media, with the canny shoppers of the Money Saver Online Facebook group hailing it variously as “amazing”, “the best of both worlds” and “clucking delicious”.

However, we’ll leave the last word to group member Hannah Jane: “Looks good but bet it tastes like shite”.

Actually, we’ll leave the last word to anyone who knows what speculoos is, and didn’t have to look it up on to Google.

Anyone?

Pardon the con-fusion You can picture the brainstorming session in Asda’s development kitchen: “Kids love cake. Kids love fried chicken. Kids love birthdays. What about a birthday cake that looks like a bucket of fried chicken?”

And so, it came to pass. A snip at only 12 quid, the Asda Birthday Bucket Cake offers soft Madeira sponge layered with jam, covered with frosting, coated in a speculoos biscuit crumb and topped with ‘nuggets’.

Sadly, for ketchup fans, the ‘tomato sauce’ squirted all over the top of the brute is in fact a drizzle of raspberry jam.

The cake also has more red traffic lights than rush hour in downtown Tokyo, and a portion (there’s 20 per cake/bucket) will supply you with 14% of your daily energy requirements.

While it may not be underpinning the government’s anti-obesity strategy any time soon, the Birthday Bucket has proved

The Pot Noodle brand has trod a long and sometimes controversial path since Golden Wonder launched it on an unsuspecting British public way back in 1977.

In fact, it has travelled so far and weathered so many storms – take your pick from ‘Have you got the Pot Noodle horn?’, ‘The slag of all snacks’ or ‘Hurt me, you slag’ taglines – that it has apparently forgotten its Oriental roots.

That’s if the latest press release from current brand owner Unilever is to be believed.

It appears that three new flavours – Katsu Curry, Chili Chicken and Thai Green Curry – are rolling out in 100g packs with an RSP of £1.39, and all EVU vegan validated to boot.

All well and good, but to name the trio as ‘Pot Noodle Fusions’ is a marketing bridge too far.

Call us old-fashioned, but adding Asian flavours to instant ramen is not exactly what The Week In Retail would call fusion cuisine. Now if you were to pour chicken nuggets over a birthday cake...

WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 71 / SLRMAG.CO.UK / 29

£6 MILLION BRAND INVESTMENT BRAND INVESTMENT

ON TV FROM JULY