The Week in Retail 97

RETAIL

THE WEEK IN

STORE OPENINGS

● Easter spending to rise in 2022

●

Spar Scotland rolls out free fruit free initiative

●

KP Snacks unveils HFFS strategy

ONE STOP FRANCHISEE OPENS 14TH STORE

WILSON BROTHERS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO DERELICT PUB

SUSTAINABILITY VAPING

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

AF BLAKEMORE TRIALS ELECTRIC TRUCK VEHICLE COULD SAVE OVER 30 TONNES OF CO2 EMISSIONS

RETAILERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S VAPING PLANS

+

INSTACART AND PARTNERS TO INTRODUCE SHOPPABLE RECIPES

Brought to you by:

Commercial Partner:

Issue 97 Wednesday 23th March 2022

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Spring support

As The Week in Retail went to press Chancellor Rishi Sunak this afternoon delivered his Spring Statement. Thankfully he included a new tax plan to ease the rising cost of living and also gave businesses a little to smile at.

Sunak revealed he will reduce fuel duty on petrol and diesel by 5p per litre from 6pm tonight (23 March) to help drivers across the UK with rising costs. This is the biggest cut ever on all fuel duty rates and means a one-car family will now save on average £100.

The Chancellor also announced a tax cut for nearly 30 million UK workers through a rise in National Insurance thresholds – saving the typical employee more than £330 in the year from July. In addition, National Insurance starting thresholds will increase to £12,570 from July, meaning people across the UK will keep more of what they earn before they start paying personal taxes.

The basic rate of income tax will also be cut by 1p in the pound in 2024 – the first cut to the basic rate in 16 years.

Thankfully the Chancellor also unveiled measures to help businesses boost investment, innovation, and growth.

In addition, Sunak increased the Employment Allowance – a relief which allows smaller businesses to reduce their employer's National Insurance contributions bills each year – from £4,000 to £5,000.

Sunak also revealed that two new business rates reliefs will be brought forward by a year to come into effect in April 2022 and there will be no business rates due on a range of green technology used to decarbonise buildings, including solar panels and batteries. The ACS welcomed the government’s focus on supporting energy-efficient investment with a zero VAT rate.

However, property agents Colliers International said it was disappointing that the “elephant in the room” – business rates – was largely ignored, despite the impact that ultra-high rates bills have had on businesses in recent years.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97

6

10

26

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

SYMBOL GROUPS

SGF hits back at DRS judicial review reports and the UK government launches a compensation scheme for Horizon victims.

Prominent retailers speak out against Scottish Government proposals to ban displays of vaping products in the nation’s shops.

Five independent Spar Scotland stores distribute free fruit to schoolchildren as part of SGF’s Healthy Living Programme.

9

Covid-19 update

14 Click and collect

18 Promotional feature

28 Sustainability

We bring local retailers some of the finest

FareShare redistributes the equivalent of

A new partnership lets online retailers offer

spirits, mixers and RTDs Northern Ireland

250 million meals and AF Blakemore trials

a click-and-collect service without going

has to offer.

through a lengthy development process.

15 Store openings

23 Business intelligence UK Easter spend is forecast to rise by

Retailing brothers Daniel and Craig

4.2% this year to reach £1.7bn, exceeding

Wilson open their 14th One Stop store in

pre-pandemic levels, according to new

Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees.

GlobalData research.

17 Retailer support

27 Charity

CCEP and Monster Energy kick-off the

Nisa retailers help raise more than

next phase of their Sales Supercharged

£750,000 for clean water projects around

convenience retailer support initiative.

the globe.

a 19-tonne electric truck.

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

34 Out the box: shoppable recipes Online grocery platform Instacart teams up with TikTok and Hearst food magazines to introduce shoppable recipes.

37 Before you go...

Our latest Retail Randoms.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

MORRISONS’ PEAT-FREE MOVE Morrisons will phase out peat-based compost at its stores by the end of the year, to help customers to garden more sustainably. The mult is introducing a variety of sustainable replacements, including coir compost, made using the waste husks and fibres of coconuts.

ASDA PROMISE TO UKRAINIAN REFUGEES Asda will offer Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK a guaranteed job interview and will provide wellbeing support services to those who are recruited.

The supermarket is also producing Ukrainianlanguage welcome packs.

HOMEBASE AND TESCO TEAM-UP Tesco has opened its first Homebase concession in Boreham, Hertfordshire, after the two retailers formed a partnership. The 4,500sq ft concession, the first of four planned, will sell home and garden products. Two further concessions are expected to open next month.

DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME

SGF denies reports it wants judicial review of DRS implementation

Federation's legal team sends formal letter to the Scottish Government, but says at present it has not raised judicial review proceedings.

The SGF has denied reports it is seeking a judicial review into the way the Scottish government has embarked on implementing a Deposit Return Scheme.

Media reports had suggested the legal challenge would threaten to further push back the DRS rollout, which has already been delayed until August 2023.

In response, the SGF said: “Our retail members have grown increasingly concerned about key challenges with the scheme design. We are also increasingly concerned about the approach taken by the Scottish government in developing the business case for DRS, concerned about the data and evidence used by the Scottish government to support the business case, and concerned about the parliamentary process in relation to the approval of the DRS regulations.

“As their trade body we must respond to the concerns of our retail members.

The Federation has instructed our legal team to send a formal letter to the Scottish Government. This letter lists our concerns in a very detailed, accurate and carefully considered way. At present we have not raised judicial review proceedings. When we receive answers from the Scottish Government, we will, in consultation with our retail members, consider our response."

Locker holds groceries and parcels Parcel locker company Cleveron has launched a locker for groceries that can be used for grocery and regular parcel pick-up.

The Cleveron 503, which is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, keeps groceries fresh by having three different temperature-controlled modules. Retailers can combine the units with the main module according to their needs, and can add extra units if required.

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Arti Kütt, Chief Operating Officer at Cleveron, said: “Our customers can go even closer to their customers as the locker’s footprint is small, and retailers can easily place it in densely-built spaces such as residential areas or near office buildings.”

He added: “I see that in the future, grocery lockers are located everywhere in residential areas’ – people can conveniently collect their food orders on their way home.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

EGGS RELABELLED

POST OFFICE

Government launches compensation scheme for Horizon victims

Free-range eggs are no longer available in stores because

The scheme will "fully and fairly" compensate the postmasters who were the first to take legal action over the Horizon IT computer system.

The government has launched a new funding scheme to ensure the postmasters who were the first to take legal action against the Post Office over the failings of its Horizon IT computer system will be compensated “fully and fairly”.

Despite winning nearly £43m in compensation in 2019, the group was left financially disadvantaged after having to pay significant legal costs based on a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement with the company that funded its litigation. Each postmaster received a small fraction of the settlement – equating to around £20,000 each – because of the terms of the agreement.

Their action meant they were also ineligible to apply to the Historical Shortfall Scheme that was set up by the Post Office to compensate postmasters

across the UK, which started in November. The eggs have been reclassed as ‘barn eggs’ since British hens have spent the past four weeks indoors so they don’t catch the disease.

TESCO'S FRUIT & VEG PLEDGE who had to personally cover shortfalls in their branch’s accounts caused by Horizon.

Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said: “Without the efforts of these postmasters, this terrible injustice may have never been uncovered so it is only right that they are compensated fully and fairly.”

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy will set out further details of the scheme in due course.

ACS launches age restricted sales guidance ACS has launched new guidance for delivery drivers on how to approach the delivery and refusal of age-restricted products like alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and lottery products.

The guidance, which has been designed as a quick reference guide for drivers to view on their mobile devices, details the steps that delivery drivers should go through to ensure that they are only

of an avian flu outbreak

Tesco customers buying fruit or vegetables in their local store or online will be helping to support thousands of children living in food insecurity. From 21 March to 3 April, Tesco will give a donation to its food redistribution charity partner FareShare to help thousands of children’s charities.

PUMPED-UP ASDA STORE OPENS Asda has opened its largest

delivering to customers that are 18 and over. This includes establishing whether the products in a delivery include anything that is age restricted, the importance of using the Challenge25 policy for deliveries, and when a delivery should be refused.

The guidance has been assured by Surrey and Buckinghamshire Trading Standards as part of ACS’ Assured Advice scheme.

store on an EG Group petrol filling station to date in Nottinghamshire. The 5,000sq ft Asda On the Move store ‒ located on EG’s London Road forecourt in Retford ‒ offers more than 2,500 Asda ownbrand and branded items, alongside EG-operated food service brands LEON and KFC.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

Wilko apologises after telling staff to come to work if tested positive

‘SPIN THE BOUQUET’ IN ONE STOP One Stop has launched a new interactive online

Retailer was forced to apologise for its staff guidance after the government lifted the legal obligation to self-isolate after testing positive in England.

game that gives shoppers the chance to win gifts for Mother’s Day. Spin the Bouquet, a twist on the ‘Spin the Bottle’ game, will see customers be able to play online at onestop.co.uk for their chance to win one of five £60 bouquets of flowers, or one of five Thornton’s boxes of chocolates.

work to correct the situation,” the public apology read.

“Our advice to team members that have Covid symptoms/test positive is that while they’re no longer required by law to self-isolate, they should still stay at home and avoid contact with others.

“This will help reduce the chance of spreading Covid-19.”

He also clarified that the retailer operates an “enhanced company sick pay policy and support those team members most in need, including those with Covid-19”.

The earlier guidance was criticised

by GMB, who called it “reckless” that could set a precedent.

week leading up to Mother’s Day, allows each player to have one turn unless they land an extra spin. All

TECH SOLUTIONS

W

ilko has taken back earlier guidance to staff noting they should come into work if tested positive, apologising for “getting it wrong”. The confusion followed the government’s decision to lift the legal obligation to self-isolate after testing positive in England.

In a Twitter statement, Wilko’s Chief Executive, Jerome Saint-Marc, admitted the retailer's guidance was wrong and clarified that the new guidance was that if staff have Covid symptoms or test positive, they should stay at home and avoid contact with others.

“When we get something wrong, we hold our hands up, admit it, and

The game, available for the

winners will be entered into the draw for the chance to win one of the prizes.

Previous One Stop games include ‘Eddy the Elf’, which saw shoppers hunt for elves in-store, and ‘Rule the Roost’ that required customers to choose a chicken onscreen that they thought would lay an egg.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 9

C OV E R

VAP

P

rominent Scottish retailers have this week been speaking out against Scottish Government proposals to ban displays of vaping products in the nation’s shops. A consultation, currently underway on tightening rules around the advertising and promotion of vaping products, includes a move to outlaw in-store promotional displays.

Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) President Dan Brown is among those who fear that any potential new policy will not just hit retailers’ businesses, but also hamper the drive to make the country smoke-free by 2034.

Brown, owner of Pinkie Farm convenience store in Musselburgh, East Lothian, is supporting SGF’s stance that any such ban risks setting back the health agenda by essentially hiding a proven route for smokers to quit by switching to a less harmful alternative.

He said: “From both business and public health

points of view, restricting vaping produc lutely no sense. These need to be visible retailers can help customers to find th product. The marketing and the displ together to help raise awareness of the “If we are serious about achieving generation then we must recognise the vaping can play.”

In addition, former SGF President A leading store owner in Bellshill, North L also urging a rethink.

He said: “Retailers are fully comm vaping products in a responsible way. able to offer and display a wide variety that customers can move away from t want to. Customers need to know and what’s available so they can find the pr suits them.

Restricting vaping will mean that Scotland never makes the big leap away from tobacco.”

SGF PRESIDENT, DAN BROWN

10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

S T O RY

PING

Scottish government proposals on tightening rules around the advertising and promotion of vaping products include a move to outlaw in-store promotional displays.

cts makes absoe in-store so that he right kind of lay of vapes go ese products. a tobacco-free e important role

Abdul Majid – a Lanarkshire – is

mitted to selling We need to be y of products so tobacco if they d be able to see roduct that best

“Restricting vaping will mean that Scotland never makes the big leap away from tobacco.”

Prominent Glasgow c-store owner, Mohammed Rajak, added: “Sales of tobacco are falling and increasing numbers of customers see vaping as an option to quit. Our sales of vapes have grown exponentially in recent years, so if we had to remove in-store promotions it would have a negative effect – on the business and in showing an alternative to smoking.

“People are realising that vapes are less harmful than cigarettes and are using them as a way to quit. We can see that from our customers who were smokers and are now vapers. I don’t think the evidence is there for a ban from a health perspective. We have a strong reputation in the community and are committed to selling vapes responsibly.”

SGF argues that any in-store promotional displays ban flies in the face of expert views – shared in the

government’s own consultation – that “it would be a good thing if smokers used them instead of tobacco”.

The trade body is urging retailers across the country to make their views known to the government by responding to its consultation, which closes on 28 April.

John Lee, SGF’s Head of Public Affairs, said: “The proposal to ban the in-store promotion of vaping products is bad news for the drive to make Scotland smoke-free by 2034, as well as for businesses. We do not believe there’s evidence for the measures proposed.

“Our members are clear in their opposition to this, for good reasons – and we are encouraging them to share their views directly with the Scottish Government.”

The trade body is advocating the responsible use of vapes as a tool to help smokers kick their habit, flagging the benefits that they believe they can have in the document Vape To Quit.

"If we had to remove in-store promotions (for vaping) it would have a negative effect on business."

GLASGOW BUSINESS OWNER MOHAMMED RAJAK

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 11

BUSINESS SERVICES

CLICK-AND-COLLECT

DPD teams up with HubBox The partnership enables online retailers to offer a click-and-collect service without going through a lengthy bespoke development process.

P

arcel firm DPD has partnered with retail tech company HubBox to let retailers offer the option of a delivery straight to a customer's nearest DPD Pickup shop at checkout.

The new initiative means retailers can easily integrate HubBox's plug-and-play software into their ecommerce website, giving their customers the option to search for and select a convenient DPD Pickup location that suits them.

Elaine Kerr, Chief Executive at DPD UK, said: "We talk to online shoppers all the time and we know they like our Pickup network with bigger name stores and greater accessibility. As a result, we've seen a growth in the number of parcels going into our shops and this is a really smart way of helping retailers meet that growing demand for click-and-collect."

Sam Jarvis, Chief Executive and Founder of HubBox, added: "By using our software, retailers can get up and running in a matter of hours rather than going through a lengthy bespoke development process."

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

ONE STOP

Franchisee opens 14th store Wilson brothers breath new life into the Jolly Farmers pub in North Yorkshire.

R

etailing brothers Daniel and Craig Wilson have opened their 14th One Stop store in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees.

The Wilsons have breathed new life into the Jolly Farmers, a much-loved community pub, which had fallen into disrepair in recent years.

The brothers have opened at least one store every year since they joined One Stop in 2015. Daniel said: “If I see an interesting site, I’ll go and visit it, or even just use Google maps to get an idea.

If it looks good, then One Stop will run a demographic report for us. This enables us to look at various things from how

much housing there is in the area to if there are workers close by.”

The Wilsons believe they have developed a good model with One Stop, which lends itself well to running lots of different sites, with automatic ordering that allows staff to focus on managing the stores and serving customers.

Daniel added: “We have some local produce, a reasonable but not over-complicated food-to-go range, and a similar model for all our sites.

I’ve put in an experienced manager who helps us oversee the stores and looks through the automatically generated orders. She will check them to

see if we have seasonal products, and make sure that everything looks right, it’s all very straightforward.

“The promotions in-store are great.

We don’t price adjust anything; we’re happy with how One Stop run the pricing and we’re comfortable with the margins we get, and we still remain competitive in the market.”

The brothers now plan to open another two stores in quick succession.

“We’ve got three stores opening up and lots of refits going on. We’re also moving one or two stores to double their size and then we’ve got a busy tourist season to look forward to,” Daniel said.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

ENT ER NO W! THE SLR AWARDS ARE BACK AND THEY’RE LIVE FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!

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R E TA I L E R S U P P O R T

CCEP / MONSTER ENERGY

Next phase of Monster Sales Supercharged retailer support scheme launched Phase two of the campaign includes trade media advertising, PR, social media activity, anf new video case studies from retailers.

C

oca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Monster Energy have kicked off the next phase of their Sales Supercharged convenience retailer support initiative.

The online platform and communications campaign will continue to provide details on the latest trends and key segments in energy drinks, alongside tips and advice around ranging and execution in-store.

The initiative will also feature three convenience retailers, Amrit Singh from H & Jodie’s in Walsall, Stephen Spilsted from Westbourne Village Shop in Emsworth, and Lucy Costello from Daniel House Supermarket in Bootle, who have taken advantage of the scheme’s resources and have seen strong in-store growth.

Phase two of the campaign has launched with trade media advertising, PR, social media activity, as well as new video case studies from the three retailers covering Total Energy, Zero Sugar Energy and the importance of NPD. The campaign will also link to Monster’s 20th birthday celebrations giving retailers the chance to win a VIP weekend for two to the Valencia MotoGP.

CCEP GB Associate Director of Commercial Development, Pippa Collins, said: ““The return of the on-the-go mission alongside the enduring homebased occasions that arose in lockdown – combined with consumer demand for zero sugar, innovative new flavours and drinks with added functionality – means the growth of energy drinks is set to continue.

“Coupled with strong brands and activation plans, the Sales Supercharged initiative is one of the ways we are supporting convenience retailers make their energy fixture work even harder. It was encouraging to hear the success stories from Amrit, Lucy and Stephen and we’d like to thank them for being part of the campaign, sharing business benefiting advice with their retailing peers.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

PROMOTIONAL F

INVES

RAISE A GLASS TO NORTHERN IRELAND

R

The Week in Retail has partnered with the Scottish Retail Food and Drinks Awards and Invest NI to bring local retailers some of the finest spirits, mixers and RTDs Northern Ireland has to offer.

etail experts are always banging on about the importance of having a unique selling point and giving customers a reason to walk past another store to get to yours. One way of achieving this is through a differentiated spirits range, one that offers your shoppers an alternative to the usual selection of mainstream tipples.

And if you’re looking for something a bit different, you don’t have to look very far. What’s more, it’s home to a number of small independent distilleries and other

drink producers who are keen to get their products into your store.

Irish Whiskey is in the midst of a vibrant renaissance at the moment and

18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

Northern Ireland’s distilleries remain integral to this growth. The category continues to be one of the fastest-growing drinks categories and the value of the global Irish Whiskey market is expected to increase by nearly £1bn over the next five years.

So, to help you get a piece of that action, The Week in Retail has partnered with the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards and Northern Ireland’s economic development agency, Invest NI, to bring you this outstanding selection of drinks.

F E AT U R E

ST NI

BELFAST DISTILLERY COMPANY

TROUGHTONS PREMIUM

McConnell’s Irish Whisky 5-Year-Old

Troughtons Raising Spirits range

McConnell’s is an award-winning blend of fine Irish malt and grain whiskies. We mature our Whisky for five years in first fill ex-bourbon casks, and bottle at 42% ABV.

Troughtons Premium is an extension of Armagh Cider Company, run by the Troughton family, which has been growing and nurturing apples for five generations and has produced award-winning craft cider since 2006.

How does it taste? Expect vanilla. Butterscotch. Hints of citrus and spice, with a soft, sweet, lingering finish.

First established in 1776, McConnell’s is one of the oldest Irish whiskies. And, we still spell it the way we did back then… without the ‘e’.

Now the new McConnell’s distillery – the first in our home city of Belfast for nearly 90 years – is bringing back a proud whisky-making tradition. One robust, silky-smooth bottle at a time.

More recently the company has created a new suite of lemonades, tonics and mixers using spring water from its estate at Ballinteggart. The range is available in several delicious flavours including an award-winning Premium Indian tonic.

Troughtons Premium Indian Tonic is a refreshing, crisp and clean tonic water, blended with the finest African quinine to create a great tasting tonic to invigorate your spirits. It also has subtle tea notes to represent how popular tea is here in Northern Ireland.

 mcconnellsirishwhisky.com  troughtonspremium.com  info@belfastdistillery.com  info@armaghcider.com  0782 747 8310  028 3833 4268

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

PROMOTIONAL F

INVEST NORTH

SYMPHONIA SPIRITS We take white rum from the sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean and infuse it with local Jonagold apples grown in the orchard of Ireland, which nestles on the border of Co. Armagh and Co. Tyrone.

To this heavenly mixture we add the essence of a local botanical that imparts the spicy flavours of nutmeg and cloves to the apple, making this golden spirit taste like apple pie in a glass.

RADEMON ESTATE DISTILLERY Shortcross Cocktails Each of our premixed 200ml cocktail bottles contain two serves and consumers just shake or stir over ice for 30 seconds – no extras are needed to create premium cocktails at home.

 steven@woodlabdistillery.com

The range includes Elderflower Negroni (27% ABV), a twist on a traditional negroni made with Shortcross gin, vermouth, Campari and elderflower tea; Modern Martinez (30% ABV), a modern twist on the classic Martinez that uses Shortcross gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur and curacao; Gin Old Fashioned (30% ABV), a dry and rich spin on the classic whiskey cocktail made with Shortcross gin, sugar syrup and bitters; Bramble (21% ABV), one of Rademon’s most serves that combines Shortcross gin, crème de mure, lemon juice and sugar syrup; and Classic Aviation (29% ABV), a blend of Shortcross gin , Crème de violette, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice.

 0785 895 5785 or 0288 765 8408

 shortcrossgin.com

Doing this we perfectly capture our vision: to remain true to the purity of science and nature by capturing flavours and fragrances of botanicals to make the best-tasting spirits in the most eco-efficient way.

 symphoniaspirits.com

hello@shortcrossgin.com  0284 483 0001

20 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

F E AT U R E

HERN IRELAND

MOURNE DEW DISTILLERY

SUKI TEA MAKERS Black Bush Blend

Pooka Hazelnut Poitín Liqueur

With a mutual pursuit of quality and flavour, the team at Suki has collaborated with Bushmills Irish Whiskey to introduce Black Bush Blend. Each has its beginnings in a single ingredient: a grain of malt, the leaf of a tea plant.

Both, through time-honoured craft, express themselves in endless ways.

Mourne Dew Distillery is part of the renaissance in Irish distilling. It is a fusion of ancient and modern in that old recipes have been updated using modern technology. Tried and tested techniques are augmented with cutting-edge distillation and flavour-development processes to produce outstanding award-winning liqueurs.

“We are proud to be working with the oldest distillery in the world to create a unique hand-blended Black Bush-inspired tea blend. Taking influence from the rich, smooth notes of Black Bush, Suki has created a blend bursting with aromatic, warm spices and a finishing flavour of sweet, dried fruit, mirroring the big robust flavours and velvety smooth character of Black Bush. Packed into biodegradable pyramids.” – Oscar Woolley, co-founder, Suki Tea

Alongside its portfolio of award-winning whiskeys, gins and poitins, Mourne now also offers a new vodka range.

Its hazelnut poitin liqueur is infused and distilled with roast hazelnuts to give a strong, rich nutty flavour which complements the flavour of the poitin spirit and the oaky notes arising from the storage of the spirit. Sweetened and blended to 35% ABV, it can be enjoyed as a shot, over crushed ice, in coffee, with a dash of fresh cream or in cocktails.

 suki-tea.com  mournedew.com 

queries@suki-tea.com



neil@mournedew.com

 07891427590  07858 523946

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

EASTER SPENDING

Easter spending forecast to rise 4% in 2022

Research by GlobalData shows that 40.1% of shoppers are planning to seek out healthier alternatives this year.

U

K Easter spend is forecast to rise by 4.2% this year to reach £1.7bn, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, GlobalData forecasts.

The figures show the main driver of growth for the occasion will be seasonal food & drink owing to high inflation in the food & grocery sector in 2022.

Indeed, 38.0% of UK consumers stated that they expected to spend more on Easter this year compared to 2019.

Zoe Mills, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData, said: “While Easter 2021 did

bounce back after the Covid-impaired prior year, 2022 marks the first opportunity for friends and family to celebrate Easter without restrictions limiting activities, and 30.8% of UK consumers stated that they intend to spend time with family over the event, according to GlobalData Retail’s Easter Intentions survey. This will drive engagement in the occasion this year with opportunity to entertain, and retailers should focus on complementary categories such as decorations and tableware.

“Despite strong growth prospects for this occasion, consumers remain mindful about their health and what they consume. The continued shift in dietary habits has seen a number of consumers turn away from dairy and gluten, encouraging retailers and brands to improve the level of choice in vegan and free-from Easter eggs, as well as dark chocolate options.

"While chocolate Easter eggs are a staple of the event, 40.1% of shoppers are planning to seek out healthier alternatives this year.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

Our Bread. Our Brand. Our Story.

Here at Hovis we have been baking bread from the finest ingredients for more than 130 years. Our range may have changed and evolved over the years, but our exceptionally high standards of care and expertise never will.

Since 1886...

® Established back in 1886, have had a long presence in Scotland, first starting on Paton Street then moving to Duke Street, Glasgow in 1983.

We employ approx. 350 colleagues locally, all who show fantastic commitment in baking and delivering excellent quality bread every week. The Glasgow team have an average service of over 20 years across the site; this is testament to the family spirit everyone ® brings with them every day to bake our best and Mothers Pride® bread.

We were proud to launch the Hovis Bakers Since 1886® range in April 2021. Since the launch, new loaves, rolls, burger buns and hot cross buns were created using our extensive baking experience to deliver products with great quality and taste.

Hovis has the #1 unit share across three types of bread in the impulse channel #1

#1

IN LARGE WHITE

IN LARGE WHOLEMEAL

30.5% Unit Share1

36.2% Unit Share3

#1

IN LARGE SEEDED & GRAINS 29.9% Unit Share2

White:

Half & Half:

Wholemeal / Brown:

Bread with Bits:

Other Bakery:

1. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged white bread loaves category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

Regional:

2. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged bread loaves with seeds and grains category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

3. Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, unit sales for the pre-packaged brown/ wholemeal bread loaves category, loaves 600g and over, for the 12-month period ending 04/12/21, for the total GB impulse channel (Copyright © 2021 NielsenIQ)

SYMBOL GROUPS

SPAR SCOTLAND

Retailer rolls out free fruit initiative to independents The joint initiative between Spar Scotland and the Healthy Living Programme highlights the importance of providing children with healthy options.

S

par is supporting the Healthy Living Programme (HLP) with the roll-out of the free fruit scheme to children from five independent stores.

Taking part will be Spar Blantyre, Spar Inchture, Spar Motherwell, Spar Scone, and Spar Kinmylies.

A team from HLP will be at every store event between 2pm and 4pm when stores will give free apples, pears, and bananas to visiting children.

The campaign, in partnership with HLP, encourages children to eat more fruit and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

The joint initiative between Spar Scotland and HLP highlights the importance

on providing children with healthy options.

Paula Middleton, Spar Scotland Marketing Manager, said: “We are delighted to roll this campaign out to our independent network for the first time. The trial has proved very popular, and we are grateful to get such great support from our Spar retailers taking part.

“We know how important it is to encourage healthier snacking choices and consumers want to eat more produce. We have great quality fresh fruit and vegetables available in our stores and promoting this campaign remains a great way to persuade consumers to

26 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

change their habits. It’s another step in connecting with our local communities.”

Kathryn Neil, HLP Programme Director, added: “After the successful free fruit campaigns that Spar Scotland have trialled throughout selected company-owned stores, it is encouraging that Spar Scotland are now supporting their independent stores to also provide free fruit for children.

“The importance of introducing fruit to children’s diets at a young age is vital but unfortunately not all children have access to this simple food product. Spar Scotland are assisting in taking away the barriers for children."

CHARITY

NISA

Nisa retailers support global water initiative The symbol group's retailers have helped raised more than £750,000 for clean water projects around the globe.

N

isa’s independent retailers have raised £751,000 for The One Foundation, which invests in clean water, sanitation and hygiene around the world, since becoming part of the Co-op Group in 2018.

For every litre of any still, sparkling, or flavoured Co-op own brand water sold, 3p goes to The One Foundation, with Nisa partners supporting the initiative every time they order Co-op ownbrand water.

Nisa is raising awareness of the role shoppers are playing through a mini campaign on social media, with a video outlining the work of The One Foundation, and how by purchasing Co-op water, consumers are playing a part.

David Mathieson, Nisa’s Wholesale Category Controller said: “Nisa partners are making a valuable contribution to this brilliant charity just by buying Co-op branded water through Nisa. And likewise, their shoppers are doing their bit too when they buy the water in their local store. It’s a great opportunity for independent retailers to demonstrate how they and their customers are making a difference.

“Buying Co-op water can help change millions of lives and we’re proud that Nisa partners are supporting this through their purchasing.”

Scott Sandford, Head of Retail for Nisa partner Amacor Capital, stocks Co-op water in the 17 Nisa stores operated by the group.

He said: “We sell large quantities of Co-op own-label water across all our

estate and so it is brilliant that we and our shoppers are supporting such a good cause and helping to make a difference.”

Overall, Co-op water sales have raised £15m to date for clean water projects around the world.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27

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

FOOD WASTE

FareShare distributes 250m meals during pandemic The charity says the rising cost of living may be a factor behind the continuing high demand for its food.

F

areShare, the charity fighting hunger and food waste, has redistributed the equivalent of 250 million meals throughout the pandemic.

Between 23 March 2020 and 24 February 2022 FareShare provided 105,000 tonnes of food to people going hungry across the UK. The charity takes delivery of surplus good-to-eat food, which is unsold or unwanted by the food industry, sorts it in one of its 30 regional warehouses, and passes it onto a network of nearly 10,500 charities and charity groups.

These organisations then turn this food into meals for vulnerable families and individuals.

Lindsay Boswell, FareShare Chief Executive, said: “This milestone was achieved in partnership with the UK voluntary sector, and support from the food industry, as well as the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments.

"The charities and community groups who receive our food kept their vital community work on the Covid frontline going, despite facing considerable difficulties and health risks.

28 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

“I would like to thank every single individual, food business, funder, volunteer and staff member who helped to support the FareShare network face into the pandemic, when the vulnerable communities who rely on charitable support across the country needed it most. But despite the end of Covid restrictions, the demand for our food remains as high as during the pandemic, with that demand exceeding supply.”

Rises in the cost of living are thought to be one of the main factors in the continuing high demand for surplus food.

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

AF BLAKEMORE

AF Blakemore trials electric truck

The wholesaler could save more than 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the course of a year by replacing one of its diesel rigids with an electric vehicle.

A

F Blakemore has been trialling an electric truck at its Willenhall distribution centre in the West Midlands.

The week-long trial involved a 19-tonne Electra e-Cargo refrigerated rigid vehicle, which can travel up to 130 miles on a full charge.

The lorry made deliveries to Spar retail stores within a 100-mile round trip of AF Blakemore's West Midlands depot.

The vehicle then took up to 10 hours to charge at the company’s Willenhall lorry park.

Blakemore said replacing one of its standard diesel rigids with this type of electric vehicle could save the company more than 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the course of a year.

AF Blakemore Logistics Compliance Manager, Dave Higgs, said: “This trial will move AFB a step to introducing its first electric HGV, and we are excited to be involved in the drive towards a more sustainable future.

“If the test week is successful, the business will be looking at more suppliers of electric vehicles.

"We are hoping to do a number of trials over the next five years to understand the potential of electric HGVs and how they could be incorporated into our fleet.”

AF Blakemore has already begun to roll out electric home delivery vans to its Spar stores.

The company’s commitment to reducing its transport emissions is part of a wider focus on sustainability, and in January AF Blakemore added a new environmental sustainability manager to its Responsible Business team.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 29

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – LILY'S KITCHEN

LAUNCH OF NEW RANGE TO FEED DOGS ON THE GO

Premium natural pet food brand Lily's Kitchen has launched new On the Go Bars and Protein Bites.

Premium natural pet food brand Lily's Kitchen is

a bit tricky keeping to regular feeding routines.

launching On the Go Bars to enable dog owners

We’re so excited to share our new On the Go Bars

to feed their four-legged friends anytime and

which take the pain out of ‘mobile mealtimes’. With

anywhere, without the need for a bowl.

these new additions to our menu, pet parents can

The pocket-sized On the Go Bars provide

be confident their dogs are enjoying a nutritionally

a nutritionally balanced meal

complete, balanced meal even

in a portable pack, perfect for

when not at home.”

road trips, long walks, or even playing in the park.

Lily’s Kitchen has also added Protein Bites, which

The On the Go Bars are

are made with lean proteins

available in two grain-free rec-

and healthy ingredients, to

ipes. The first is made with

its range. These are initially

chicken, coconut and turmeric,

available to purchase in two

and is available in single pack

recipes – Chicken or Turkey &

or multipack. The second is

Whitefish.

made with mouth-watering

Crossley added: “These

beef, spinach and cinnamon.

handy dome-shaped snacks

Both recipes are vet- and nutri-

are the perfect pick-me-up for

tionist-approved, ensuring pets’

your dog, giving a protein boost

nutritional requirements are

throughout the day. From long

being met.

walks to road trips, or just sup-

Sam Crossley, Marketing

porting you during your busy

Director at Lily’s Kitchen, said:

schedule, our new On-The-Go

“Just like other pet parents, our dogs often come

Bars and Protein Bites are a great way to refuel

with us when we get out and about, but it can be

and energise your dogs.”

30 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – KP SNACKS

KP SNACKS UNVEILS HFFS REFORMULATION STRATEGY More 100 SKUs and a quarter of the KP Snacks portfolio will be non-HFSS by the time the new legislation is introduced.

KP Snacks has revealed that it is to reformulate

Andy Riddle, Sales Director at KP Snacks,

Tyrrells, popchips, Hula Hoops Puft, and Penn

said: “At KP Snacks, we are here to help retailers

State ahead of the introduction of government

navigate and adjust to the new legislation. We

HFSS legislation in October.

are ready to embrace the changes that the HFSS

The Tyrrells Lightly Sea Salted flavour, which is

legislation will bring and will ensure that we work

the number one SKU in the range, is being refor-

in partnership with our retailers to continue driving

mulated and will be available as non-HFSS in both

category growth.

sharing, multipack and singles formats from May.

“With an extensive programme of reformulation

In addition, popchips will be reformulated across

across our market leading portfolio and a focus on

the entire range. This will be a phased roll-out with

driving nuts growth, we are confident that our port-

the full range reformulated ahead of October.

folio will continue to delight and excite consumers

The non-HFSS Hula Hoops Puft range, con-

as well as driving retailer sales. At KP Snacks, we

sisting of Beef, Salt and Salt & Vinegar flavours,

are passionate about doing the right thing by our

will be rolled out by the end of June.

consumers, by providing people with healthier

Popular Penn State flavour Sour Cream & Chive

options to enjoy as part of a balanced and healthy

Pretzels will be non-HFSS by May, joining a new

lifestyle. However, we are equally committed to

non-HFSS Roasted Chilli Pretzels variant, which

driving our taste brands which our consumers

launches this month. By the time the new legislation

know and love, so will continue to offer shoppers

is introduced, more 100 SKUs and a quarter of the

choice with our leading brands such as McCoy’s

KP Snacks portfolio will be non-HFSS.

and our Hula Hoops core range.”

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 31

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – REAL ENGLISH DRINKS DISTILLERY

LIQUEUR RANGE INSPIRED BY PUB DESSERTS UNVEILED

Six-strong range, which include Sticky Toffee and Vanilla Cheesecake, will be available from 1 April.

The Real English Drinks Distillery has launched

insight, we set out to not only create a ‘specials

Pud, a range of vodka liqueurs inspired by desserts

board’ range of shots to choose from, but to also

sold in its red.h pub-restaurant chain.

make them available for retailers to buy and offer

The six-strong range includes Lemon Meringue,

to their customers dining at home.”

Sticky Toffee, Apple Crumble, Chocolate Brownie,

The company’s Senior Commercial Manager,

Salted Caramel, and Vanilla Cheesecake flavours.

Kate Harding, added: “Pud is the perfect post-

Pud (ABV 28%) is available from 1 April in 70cl

meal ‘sweet sign-off’ and could be incremental

bottles with an RSP of £24.99.

to the flavoured vodka category. We look for-

Real English Drinks’ Group Chairman and Mas-

ward to having a bit of fun with this brand and

ter Distiller, Neil Patterson, said: “Our house Toffee

are excited to present the proposition to buyers

Vodka outsells the best-selling vodka 20-1 in our

and retailers.”

red.h group of pub restaurants. It is often enjoyed by people who don’t want to eat a dessert but still

● For more information contact kate.harding@

fancy something sweet. Having stumbled upon this

reddistillery.co.uk

32 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

NEW EDITION

MINI SAUSAGES

PROTEIN ADDITION

Red Bull has unveiled its latest

Richmond is to introduce a

Kind is launching a new hazel-

seasonal edition with the launch

ready-to-eat line of its mini sau-

nut dark chocolate flavour to

of 2022’s Red Bull Summer Edi-

sages, as it enters the snack

its range of protein bars. The

tion in an Apricot-Strawberry

market. Richmond Minis will be

new bar contains 12g of plant-

flavour, available in 250ml

offered to c-stores from May. The

based protein per 50g bar, with

orange cans in both plain and

range launches in three formats,

a recommended price of £2. It

price-marked packs. A sugar-free

including a 225g Grazing Tray, a

will be available from March in

variant will be available from 28

90g Grab Bag and a 63g format

various retailers, including Nisa

March.

as part of a meal deal.

and Costcutter.

BLOOD ORANGE BOOST

FRUITY GUM

HYDRATION LIFT

Mars Wrigley’s Extra gum is

Highland Spring has introduced

Rekorderlig has added Blood

rolling out two new fruit flavours

a 5-litre Fridge Pack (RSP £3),

Orange Cider to its line-up. The

– apple and blueberry. Both are

a first for the category which

new variant, which is availa-

available now. The brand says

keeps fresh for up to four weeks

ble now from Booker in 500ml

fruity gums now make up more

once opened. Highland Spring

bottles, blends cider with blood

than 25% of gum sales by value

advised retailers to merchan-

oranges and pure Swedish

in the UK, while nearly half of all

dise the packs alongside its other

spring water. It is gluten-free and

gum consumption comes from

multi-pack formats, mid-shelf for

vegan-friendly.

under 25-year-olds.

ease of handling.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 33

NOW THAT’S A

OUT TH

Food shopping and TikTok-ing

Online grocery platform Instacart is with working with TikTok and Hearst food magazines to introduce shoppable recipes.

North American online grocery platform Instacart has teamed up with TikTok, as well as food blog Tasty and Hearst Magazines’ food portfolio, to allow food creators to make their recipes available to shop instantly.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? To sum it up, as the company already did: ‘See it, cart it, and eat it’ while

browsing online recipes. Instacart is a grocery delivery service, which is already paired with most American supermarkets, local speciality shops and even pharmacies.

It allows customers to shop at local grocery stores via either a mobile app or on its website, creating a virtual shopping cart that is later fulfilled on a designated day. It also offers same-day delivery within a five-hour window.

34 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022

Now, the platform is introducing ‘Shoppable Recipes’, in partnership with big names in the content creator world – including TikTok, Tasty, and Hearst Magazines such as Delish and Good Housekeeping amongst others.

The new feature will allow shoppers find in-stock items and have them delivered quickly to their homes, while allowing video creators to share content in new ways.

A GOOD IDEA…

HE BOX

On TikTok, the dedicated hashtag #FoodTikTok receives nearly 60 billion views, according to TikTok Head of Global Distribution & Product Partnerships Isaac Bess.

On the magazine front, Delish’s recipe content attracts close to 56 million page views per month, showcasing just how big the recipe-finding segment is.

“Partnering with Instacart on Shoppable Recipes will allow our audiences to make recipes inspired by our content with the ingredients arriving at their door in a few taps,” Hearst Magazine Chief Business Officer Kristen O’Hara added.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Instacart is introducing a new ‘See Recipe’ button featured on recipe videos on TikTok, as well as a ‘Shop with Instacart’ button on recipes on Hearst Magazines’ food culture portfolio, adding all the ingredients in the Instacart account in a few taps.

TikTok creators will also earn payouts based on engagements and Instacart orders placed.

What’s more, creators will be able to choose from recipes available on Tasty. co and other selected sites.

when food inspiration strikes and they want to discover new meals and cooking experiences.”

HOW LIKELY IS IT TO CATCH ON? TikTok is quite big especially among the youngsters, while for the older gens, Hearst-owned magazines such as Delish. com, ThePioneerWoman.com, GoodHousekeeping.com, and CountryLiving. com, are sometimes go-to destinations for finding recipes.

IS IT AVAILABLE IN THE UK? Not just yet, but the platform’s focus on marrying local shopping with global content creators is promising.

Covid lockdowns caused a boom in home cooking, and local stores played a pivotal role in keeping nations fed.

This latest investment by Instacart demonstrates its “ambition to make every recipe and food item on the internet shoppable,” the company noted, “capitalising on a growing trend of entertainment-based shopping”.

WHAT’S INSTACART SAYING? “By making popular recipes from destinations like TikTok and Hearst Magazines’ Delish easily shoppable in a few taps, we’re helping people put that passion into action by picking up a few items from their favourite local store so they can create exciting new meals,” Instacart COO Asha Sharma said.

“We’re expanding our touchpoints beyond the weekly grocery shop or late-night cravings, and meeting people

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 35

£6m BRAND ON TV INVESTMENT FROM MARCH

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

ROULETTE N IA RUSS There was a time when some vodka brands couldn’t shout loud enough about how Russian they were.

Given that brands are now retreating from Moscow faster than Napoleon in 1812, it’s hard to believe Russian Standard once sued “the mother of all vodkas from the motherland of vodka” Stolichnaya for false advertising over its provenance. At the time, Stolichnaya said it was truly Russian, was made in Russia, and was made from Russian ingredients.

What a difference a “special military operation” makes. Now Stolichnaya (produced in Latvia these days) has rebranded as the less Russian-sounding Stoli and its website is decked out in blue and yellow in an act of solidarity with Ukraine.

Don’t expect to see Russian Standard, which is more Russian than a bear in a Cossack hat, following suit. Its

homepage could easily be mistaken for the Russian Tourist Board’s.

However, the company will probably ride out all the sanctions and boycotts, like the one imposed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

When the board blocked the sale of Russian spirits across the state, the only brands affected were Russian Standard and Ustianochka.

Never heard of Ustianochka?

That’s because its exclusively sold in Pennsylvania.

So, spare a thought for Pennsylvanian resident Margaret Bayuk, a 74-year-old Slovakian immigrant and sole proprietor of Ustianochka. She’s been left with 30,000 bottles of vodka she can’t offload. And the mother of all headaches.

NATIONAL FLOCKDOWN FLOCKDOWN

break, free range eggs have been

If you’re wandering the supermarket

temporarily reclassified as barn

aisles wondering if free range eggs

eggs until hens are allowed back

have become the latest product to

outside.

So, because of the current out-

fall victim to the supply chain crisis,

And it’s not just poultry that's

then don’t worry, they haven’t.

affected by the so-called ‘flock-

Worry instead about Britain’s

down’. The UK-wide Avian Influenza

biggest-ever outbreak of bird flu,

Prevention Zone makes it a legal

which has led to nation’s hens lit-

requirement for all bird keepers

erally getting cooped-up to prevent the disease spreading.

– not just farmers – to keep them as the result of a global pandemic

indoors and follow strict biosecurity

Back in 2008, a bird flu outbreak

leading to “massive disruption” and

measures.

killed 243 people, mostly in Asia,

caused by a flu virus jumping from

Which explains why you hav-

and a House of Lords report warned

animals to people. Yeah right, as if

en’t seen many people taking their

that up to 75,000 Britons could die

that could ever happen.

budgie for a walk recently.

WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022 / ISSUE 97 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 37

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