The Week in Retail 99

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COVER STORY

NEW LEASE OF LIFE

JAMES HALL & CO’S INVESTS £3M IN FORECOURT

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT

EASTER EGGSPLOSION AF BLAKEMORE'S AUGMENTED REALITY GAME

● ILLEGAL TOBACCO

MARKET 'REMAINS RESILIENT'

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GUIDANCE ON HARD SELTZERS ISSUED WHOLESALE

STORE SUPPORT PARFETTS GROWS TEAM

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CORNISH RETAILER OPENS THIRD NISA STORE

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Issue 99 Wednesday 6th April 2022

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

EDITOR’S COMMENT

A gamble worth taking?

The competition for the fourth National Lottery licence took an unexpected turn this week as Camelot confirmed it has issued legal proceedings against the Gambling Commission in the High Court.

A week earlier it was announced that Camelot had lost the lottery licence after almost 30 years.

Instead, the Gambling Commission selected Allwyn Entertainment, which has Lord Sebastian Coe and Sir Keith Mills - both of whom sat on the London 2012 Olympics organising committee - on its board of directors.

The Gambling Commission’s chief executive, Andrew Rhodes, said he is confident the competition will lead to a highly successful fourth licence.

However, Camelot Chief Executive Nigel Railton said he firmly believes that the Gambling Commission has got this decision “badly wrong”. He went on to say that the company was shocked by aspects of the decision and that the Gambling Commission has failed to provide a satisfactory response despite lengthy correspondence.

The news has received a mixed reaction from retailers. Many don’t approve of the change because

of Allwyn’s plan is to make most of the play online, making more money for good causes.

The NFRN also expressed its disappointment at the news. National President, Narinder Randhawa said the trade body has always had a “great partnership” with Camelot and during its tenure, a huge amount of positive work has been done to help local communities and good causes.

However, many retailers believe the change will be a good thing because they’ll be able to use the front-of-counter space, currently taken up by the lottery terminal, for different products.

Let’s hope it’s not one of those court cases that drags on and on, because retailers need to know what they’re dealing with, and quite frankly the government could do with spending the money on more important things rather than on high-powered lawyers.

LIZ WELLS, DEPUTY EDITOR

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 3

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CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99

9

14

18

THIS WEEK’S NEWS

COVER STORY

INSIGHT

Camelot goes to court as it faces losing the licence to operate the National Lottery in the UK after three decades.

James Hall's multi-million pound investment gives Holmes Service Station in Rossendale Borough a new lease of life.

Confectionery and beers, wines and spirits are suffering big sales drops, according to the latest NielsenIQ research data.

8

9

Budgens 150th celebrations

17 Augmented Reality

22 Border refresh

Booker-owned symbol group celebrates a

AF Blakemore embraces new tech with

Border Biscuits unveils a full scale

century and a half.

launch of AR game.

packaging refresh, a fresh strategy and

Counting calories New calorie labelling legislation comes into force.

11 Perfetts grows team

19 Illicit tobacco Sales of illicit tobacco products remain 'resilient'.

20 Cornish king

Parfetts has strenghtened its team with a

Gary Batten opens third Nisa store in

new Head of Marketing.

Cornwall.

13 Covid-19 update 16 Spar Scotland targets indies

21 Seltzer stress Portman Group issues hard seltzer

Spar Scotland wholesaler targets indie

guidance to minimise confusion around the

growth with expanded team.

category.

three new products.

23 Picks of the week A look at the latest new products and marketing campaign.

36 Out the box: 'lift and learn' Unilever reveals a new tech-driven in-store product engagement platform.

39 Before you go...

The latest selection of Retail Randoms.

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 5

NEWS DIGEST

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

CO-OP TACKLES MENOPAUSE Co-op is enhancing its menopause policy with a series of new initiatives to help more women and their colleagues access support in the workplace.

The retailer has launched a menopause support guide for its managers and is making the guide publicly available to other employers for free.

ASDA FACES STRIKE ACTION Thousands of Asda workers have begun a consultative vote on industrial action today over proposed cuts to their sick pay and a real terms pay cut. The consultative ballot of

RESEARCH

Easter spending in the UK set to rise

Forecasts suggest that the average spend per person is set to be £26.85 this Easter.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of the UK are expected to spend money celebrating Easter this year, parting with a total of £892m on things like gifts and chocolates, new research reveals.

Personal finance comparison site, finder.com, forecasts that the average spend per person is set to be £26.85.

Separate research suggests that 80 million eggs are sold in the UK every year, so Finder estimates that over £415m could be spent on Easter Eggs alone this year, based on an average cost of £5.18 per egg.

These figures are all higher than last year, when 62% of Brits spent an average of £24.86 on each, meaning a total of £810m was spent on Easter in 2021. One

factor behind the increase in money spent is the rising cost of goods, with inflation (CPI) rising by 6.2% in the 12 months to February 2022.

Before the Covid-19 era, the average spend per person in 2019 was £30 - the highest performing year to date since Finder started carrying out the research in 2018.

nearly 8,000 GMB members working in driver, warehouse and clerical roles ends on 4 May.

TESCO GOES PEAT-FREE Tesco has reduced peat by

Budgens reveals 150th birthday plans Budgens has unveiled plans for its 150th birthday to be celebrated throughout 2022.

Budgens will support its independent retailers with anniversary hero promotions every four weeks, backed up by a strong promotional campaign that

95% across its UK bedding plant range and plans to go completely peat-free in its British bedding plants in 2023.

The supermarket says it will work seedling suppliers over the coming months, with the goal of eliminating any final traces of peat.

6 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 99 / WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022

xxxg

includes bespoke social media, specially designed point-of-sale, PR campaign, and 150th anniversary branded materials.

Stewart Fenn, Sales Director at BRP, said: “To reach the milestone of 150 years in convenience retailing is fantastic, and I am delighted to be supporting our independent Budgens stores with a strong package to celebrate the anniversary.

“We will be building on Budgens’ fantastic heritage and legacy throughout 2022, ensuring that our stores remain at the heart of local life and the communities they serve.”

NEWS DIGEST

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

LOTTERY LICENCE

Camelot goes to court over licence loss

The company believes the Gambling Commission has got the decision to award the licence to Allwyn Entertainment "badly wrong".

ICELAND OPENS NEW SWIFT Iceland’s Swift convenience stores roll-out has continued in London with an outlet

National Lottery operator Camelot has initiated proceedings in the High Court against the Gambling Commission in the wake of its decision to award the next licence to operate the lottery to Allwyn Entertainment.

Nigel Railton, Camelot Chief Executive, said: “We are launching a legal challenge today in our capacity as an applicant for the Fourth Licence because we firmly believe that the Gambling Commission has got this decision badly wrong. When we received the result, we were shocked by aspects of the decision.”

The Gambling Commission had previously said the naming of Allwyn followed a “fair, open and robust” competition.

Railton continued: “Despite lengthy correspondence, the Commission has failed to provide a satisfactory response.

We are therefore left with no choice but to

in Hounslow. Swift was launched as a single store pilot in Newcastle last year, but will extend to four more stores in London over the next few months.

ask the court to establish what happened.

“Irrespective of Camelot’s dual roles as current operator and applicant for the next National Lottery licence, the competition is one of the largest UK government-sponsored procurements and the process deserves independent scrutiny.

"Separately, more than 1,000 Camelot employees work tirelessly to successfully operate The National Lottery under the current licence and, at the very least, they are owed a proper explanation.”

Calorie labelling regulations come into force Regulations on calorie labelling, part of the government’s strategy to tackle obesity, came into force today (6 April).

The new rules, which primarily affect the out-of-home sector, require retailers in scope to add calorie and portion information to menus and displays of products like ready to eat pizzas, hot beverages, bakery items, and PPDS (prepacked for direct sale) foods.

Retailers are also required to clearly

display a notice highlighting the number of calories recommended for an adult in a day.

ACS is highlighting its guidance for retailers on calorie labelling requirements, which has been developed with Surrey and Bucks Trading Standards.

James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said: “We urge retailers to engage with the guidance, and come to us with any questions about the detail.”

TESCO GOES PEAT-FREE Tesco has reduced peat by 95% across its UK bedding plant range and plans to go completely peat-free in its British bedding plants in 2023. The supermarket says it will work seedling suppliers over the coming months, with the goal of eliminating any final traces of peat.

SOBRIETY TAG SUCCESS The government has revealed that 97% of offenders on sobriety tags have stayed off alcohol, a year after they were introduced in England following a successful pilot in Wales.

More than 3,100 criminals have been fitted with alcoholmonitoring tags in a year, the government said.

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 7

ER

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GOLDEN WONDER

75 WONDERFUL YEARS

Golden Wonder is celebrating… so get the crisps in!

This year, Golden Wonder is celebrating 75 years as a much-loved British snacking icon.

T

his year, Golden Wonder is celebrating 75 years as a much-loved British snacking icon. Founded by baker William Alexander in Stockbridge, Edinburgh in 1947, it’s been an unforgettable family favourite ever since.

Matt Smith, Marketing Director at Tayto Group (owners of Golden Wonder) says: “We really felt 75 years of delivering fully-flavoured crisps and snacks is a major milestone worth celebrating – particularly in Scotland where the brand was born. We wanted our devoted consumers to be part of the celebration by giving them just what they want – their favourite flavours in packs that bring back wonderful memories – as well as offering them the opportunity to create some new memories.”

Flavour is at the heart of this year’s anniversary celebrations. Loyal fans recently voted to bring back their all-time favourite flavours. Beef & Onion and Chip Shop Curry will return to the Golden Wonder range this month, initially on a limited edition run, in classic 1970s packs.

Cheese & Onion, Golden Wonder’s flagship flavour which launched in 1962, will also join this heritage range in impulse pack and six-pack multipack formats. Both formats

feature an on-pack promotion to win one of 75 experience vouchers. And there’s also 10% off at experiencedays.co.uk for every entrant.

The on-pack promotion is also running across Golden Wonder’s recently launched £1 crisps range which is performing ahead of expectations.

Golden Wonder’s big anniversary comes at a time of resurgence for the brand – particularly in Scotland. Over one-third of Golden Wonder’s total sales are in Scotland – where they over-trade in symbols and independents.

Matt shares the secret to 75 years of success for the much-loved brand: “Our fans say, ‘I buy Golden Wonder because it tastes better, the flavours are stronger, they are unique.’ The fact we’re still here 75 years after we started is a testament to us making brilliant products. It’s all about flavour for us – we won’t put our names to anything that doesn’t taste great!”

“And we have no plans of stopping! So here’s to another 75 years – or more – of fully-flavoured crisps and snacks with more punch per crunch!”

The promotional packs are available now and the campaign is being promoted across social, digital and trade channels throughout 2022.

Find out more here

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WHOLESALERS

PARFETTS

Parfetts strengthens team The wholesaler's new head of marketing will support the Go Local and The Local facias.

W

holesaler Parfetts has appointed Jamie Ferguson to the new role of head of marketing to support the Go Local and The Local facias.

Ferguson has experience in wholesale and retail from more than 26 years in some of the UK’s leading marketing agencies, spending the past decade working on a wide selection of the leading symbol brands.

Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, said: “Jamie is a talented marketer who brings a lot of experience to the role. He is already making an impact on our wide-ranging online and offline offering across B2B and B2C channels and supporting the rapid expansion of our own-label range.”

Jamie has a track record of delivering brand strategy, marketing and design and is aiming to doing the same for Parfetts to deliver business growth.

Ferguson added: “I look forward to supporting the business on the next phase of its growth plan and helping retailers across the country develop their businesses.”

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

£6m BRAND ON TV INVESTMENT FROM MARCH

NEWS SPECIAL

COVID-19 UPDATE

UK adds nine new Covid symptoms to official list

EAT<NOW AUTONOMOUS GROCERY STORES LAUNCHED

Campaign groups continue to argue that key signs of the virus remain omitted from the symptoms list.

TOWFIQU-BARBHUIYA

This spring, food services and facilities management company, Sodexo is launching its eat<NOW autonomous grocery stores - high-tech vending and virtual dining concepts delivered by robots - to campuses across the US. Initially to be introduced at the University of Denver,

one of the lead scientists working on the Zoe Covid-19 symptom tracker app, Tweeted: “NHS official main symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) have finally changed after two years of lobbying and Zoe app user input – hurrah. Pity they have the order wrong – but it’s a start and could help reduce infections.”

However, campaign groups argue key signs of the virus remain omitted from the list, such as rashes, joint pain, bloating, and abdominal pain.

The NHS website warns that symptoms are all similar to that of a cold or the flu. New stats the Office for National Statistics said almost 5 million people in the UK – including one in 13 people in England – were estimated to have Covid in the week ending 26 March.

with Yo Kai Express to offer over 80 ramen and udon bowl combinations using its Virtual Dining Concepts online platform to provide three delivery-only

TECH SOLUTIONS

T

he official list of Covid symptoms has been expanded to include another nine signs of a coronavirus infection.

The UK has listed three key symptoms of the virus since March 2020 fever, a new and persistent cough, and a loss or change in taste or smell - despite public health advice from the World Health Organisation and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention listing more disease symptoms.

The Health Security Agency has now updated its list of Covid symptoms to include: shortness of breath, feeling tired or exhausted, aching body, headache, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and feeling sick or being sick.

Professor Tim Spector, who has been

the company is partnering

options on its Bite App for Universities.

Virtual Dining Concepts deliver brands to students' dorm rooms. Kevin Rettle, at Sodexo, said: “We’re introducing campuses to the latest in innovative foodservice with eat>NOW autonomous grocery stores."

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13

C OV E R

JAMES HA

New lease of life The wholesaler's multi-million pound investment has given Holmes Service Station in Rossendale Borough a new lease of life after a long period of dilapidation.

J

ames Hall, Spar UK’s primary including Cheeky Coffee, F’Real milkwholesaler and distributor for the shakes and smoothies, and a Tango Ice North of England, has opened a Blast machine. new Spar and Shell-branded forecourt Hundreds of people from Bacup and Rossendale accepted an invitation in Bacup, Rossendale Borough in Lancashire, after a £3m investment and a to attend a family fun day at the newcomplete overhaul of the site.

The new 3,000sq ft Spar and Shell forecourt, which is open between 6am and 11pm seven days a week, has created 30 jobs for local people.

Holmes Service Station features six fuel pumps, a jet wash, an ATM machine, and customer parking. Inside FIONA DRUMMOND, JAMES HALL & CO the Spar store, there is a high-quality Graham Eyes butchers look site. The 2nd Rossendale Scout counter and Clayton Park deli.

Group and Brass Band performed live There is also a comprehensive music, and there was face painting, a raffle, the chance to meet the Spar range of fresh foods, food-to-go, and a range of refreshment options mascot, and goody bags for children

and adults.The new-look store is already winning praise from its local community. David France, one resident to visit on the opening day, said: “This new Spar store in Bacup is very convenient for us, and the fuel station is ideal as there are not many in the area. The butcher’s counter inside the new store is great, and my grandson will love the drinks machines.”

Karen Burgess, who also lives in Bacup, visited with her mum for the opening, added: “I live on the other side of town and I’ve been monitoring the progress when I have been travelling past on the bus. The waiting is over and it’s brilliant that the Spar is now here. I think it is what we needed.

“The prices are very good, and I think the voucher scheme has brought

“We’ve put a tremendous amount into developing this Spar store and forecourt, and we have added impetus to how we have launched the store in terms of community engagement too.”

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S T O RY

ALL & CO people in for the opening day. I really like the store, and I‘ll definitely be back. We would have walked home but we’ve done so much shopping that we’ve had to call a taxi.”

The funds raised at the opening day were donated to Bacup Family Centre, which offers individuals and families in need a helping hand. The M3 Project, a charity that can help with advice, support and accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, were also in attendance to raise awareness of their services. Both charities received a donation of Easter eggs from the store.

Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co, said: “Nurturing Our Neighbourhoods and Passionate About Local are two of Spar’s brand pillars, and we have wholeheartedly brought that to Bacup for this launch.

“We’ve put a tremendous amount into developing this Spar store and forecourt, and we have added impetus to how we have launched the store in terms of community engagement too.”

Drummond added: “We are more confident than ever that after a successful launch, it meets the needs of the local community here in Bacup, and it will be a real asset for people in the town.”

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 15

BUSINESS A WARDS

SPAR SCOTLAND

Spar Scotland launches internal awards programme Stores will be judged over three months this summer and the winners will be revealed at Spar Scotland’s 2022 tradeshow in September.

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par Scotland has launched a new awards programme to highlight individual store achievements, which have made a positive impact on cmmunities. The awards will have four categories: Company-owned Store of the Year, Independent Store of the Year, Company-owned Community Store of the Year, and Independent Community Store of the Year.

The criteria for these awards will cover excellence in-store exterior and interior, product display, POS on display, cleanliness, staff/team engagement, and interaction with our customers.

The Community Store of the Year category will specifically look at what a Spar store

16 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 99 / WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022

and retailer has done within their local community in terms of supporting local groups and charities, fundraising events, and how they work hand in hand with their community throughout the year.

Stores will be judged over three months this summer and the winners will be revealed at Spar Scotland’s 2022 tradeshow, being held in Aviemore, on 22 September.

Colin McLean, Chief Executive of Spar Scotland, said: “We know we have some great stores and great retailers, and we want to use our new awards programme to showcase what they do. This will be all about finding and crowning the best of the best in Spar around Scotland.”

More than 180 national and Scottish suppliers are set to attend the Spar Scotland tradeshow, in the heart of Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park, Supplier registration has been extended until 29 April 2022, but space is now extremely limited. For further details call 01382 512000 or email paula.middleton@cjlang.

C U S TO M E R E N G AG E M E N T

AF BLAKEMORE

AF Blakemore to launch Spar augmented reality game The game will be live in Blakemore Retail and participating independent stores across Spar’s Meridian & Welsh Guild over the Easter period.

A

F Blakemore is to launch an interactive augmented reality (AR) game app that offers customers the chance to win prizes at Spar stores.

The Spar Play & Win Trivia Game, aimed at shoppers aged 18 and over, will be live in Blakemore Retail and participating independent stores across Spar’s Meridian & Welsh Guild over the Easter period - from 7-27 April.

Thousands of prizes from top brands including Kellogg’s, Pringles, Tango, Pepsi, Lucozade and Yazoo - will be up for grabs daily. There will also be an opportunity to win tickets for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Paultons Park, and more.

Spar retailers have been offered the chance to sign their stores up to the game for free.

AF Blakemore Group Marketing Director, Sarah Ellis, said: “The Spar Play & Win Trivia Game is set to be one of our major in-store engagement campaigns of 2022.

“We intend to generate more excitement in-store than ever before, rewarding Spar customers with an engaging in-store

digital experience that extends into the home with fun games and great prizes.

The app is a big opportunity for retailers to attract new customers into their stores.”

Customers will be able to scan a QR code on a poster in-store to download the game app onto their Android or Apple device, or they will be able to find it on Google Play or the App Store from 7 April.

When a customer opens the app, they are given two options: an in-store Trivia game where they can interact with AR characters or catch AR rabbits to win prizes, or an Easter Eggsplosion tile game that they can play anywhere to win prizes. The Play & Win Trivia Game will be promoted in participating stores with point-of-sale materials and Spar Radio advertising, as well as on Facebook

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 17

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

NIELSENIQ

Confectionery and BWS suffer big sales drops Research reveals that sales of own-label products are gathering pace as the cost of living rises.

T

otal till grocery sales at UK supermarkets were down 4.1% over the four weeks ending 26 March, as inflation and cost of living concerns start to bite, new research reveals.

NielsenIQ's April Total Till study shows UK shoppers have been shifting spend towards supermarket own-label products, with those in the ambient category enjoying a 3.3% increase in the period.

Beers, wines and spirits saw a steep decline of 17.6%, with confectionery suffering the biggest year-on-year losses, down 21.9%.

Confectionery’s woes might be down to Easter having been two weeks earlier in 2021, according to Nielsen.

Mike Watkins, NielsenIQ UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, said:“As we leave behind the pandemic, it`s clear that shoppers are re-evaluating what they spend.

“Whilst some of the changes in grocery spend will be due to consumers simply having a different basket mix compared with last year, our data also shows that consumers are now increasingly shopping for private label products as part of their coping strategy.”

He added that three trends are expected to emerge, including shoppers spending more on own-label products,

18 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 99 / WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022

along with an increase in ‘trading down’, as shoppers look for further savings.

“Finally, we’d anticipate an overall shift of spend to retailers that are perceived to offer value for money,” he explained.

“This will not only be discounters like Aldi or Lidl or other value retailers such as Poundland, Home Bargains and B&M but any supermarket with a strong price message, for example retailers

offering differential price discounts for users of loyalty apps, reward threshold vouchers or fuel vouchers.”

Elsewhere, online sales fell 19% compared with the same period last year, while sales at brick-and-mortar stores fell by 0.6%.

However, the researcher noted the figures are in line with expectations given the lockdown comparatives last year, where online sales surged 92%.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

ILLEGAL TOBACCO

Illegal tobacco market 'remains resilient' Research from the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association reveals 71% of smokers surveyed claim to have bought illegal tobacco last year.

T

he illicit tobacco market in the UK remains 'resilient', a new industry report reveals. The Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association’s Anti-Illicit Trade Survey reveals 71% of smokers surveyed claim to have bought illegal tobacco last year, a reduction from 78% in 2019.

There were reductions across the UK, except for London, where the number of smokers purchasing illicit tobacco is unchanged at 85% from 2019.

The poll shows that 68% of respondents had no issue with buying tobacco that had not had UK tax paid on it from a friend, relative, or shops. If it is viewed as crime, it is viewed as a ‘victimless’ crime, although more smokers are aware that illicit tobacco is a source of funding for organised criminals.

In addition, the survey findings point to a spike in people buying illicit tobacco through social media and websites, with 19% of respondents claiming to have used platforms to purchase and trade illicit tobacco, compared to only 4% before the pandemic.

Rupert Lewis, Director of the TMA said: “There is positive news in this year’s survey findings, with more people reporting illicit tobacco when they were aware of it, and a decline in people purchasing illegal tobacco in every region across the UK with the exception

of London. “However, the 2021 findings still highlight the continued widespread availability of illicit tobacco, as well as the entrenched perception among many consumers that it is ‘acceptable’ to trade or buy illicit tobacco.”

He added: “I believe that government, law enforcement, industry and retail,

must double down on our efforts and take the fight to those who bring about such misery through trading and supplying illicit tobacco, and this is why the TMA supports the government in bringing forward new measures to increase sanctions on those who sell or distribute illicit tobacco.”

71%

of smokers claim to have bought illegal tobacco in 2021

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 19

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

NISA

Cornish retailer opens third store

The Pentewan-based store will provide a full food- and drinks-to-go offer, including serve over ice-cream and Co-op meal deals.

I

ndependent retailer Gary Batten has launched his third Nisa store in Cornwall just in time to make the most of the tourist trade as the season kicks off this Easter.

Batten’s new venture, located in the village of Pentewan, is closer to the coast than his other stores and is within walking distance of four holiday sites.

The 1,000sq ft former forecourt store features locally-sourced products alongside Co-op own label range.

Batten said: “This new store is a

totally different ball game for me with the seasonal business, but I am really looking forward to it.

“We have a fantastic range of local products with excellent baked goods, eggs, jams, which we think will sell well to the community as well as the holiday trade And we’ll also be having a full food- and drinks-to-go offer including serve over ice-cream and Co-op Meal Deals which we expect to land well with holidaymakers and day trippers.”

Batten was supported by Nisa’s team

who have a wealth of experience in supplying holiday site stores.

Range Implementation Manager at Nisa, Alan Carcary, said: “This store is an absolute gem and will be fantastic once everything is set up.

“Gary asked for our support, and we have provided a holiday range that we know works with a seasonal audience.

We will continue to monitor and tweak to get it right, making sure it works for the holidaymakers as well as the local community.”

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 20

ALCOHOL

HARD SELTZERS

Portman Group issues hard seltzer warning

Drinks watchdog issues new guidance on Hard Seltzers as survey exposes low consumer understanding.

D

rinks companies are being urged to improve on-pack messaging and consumer education for the fast-growing alcoholic Hard Seltzer category, after a new study by The Portman Group revealed that 65% of consumers do not understand the term.

The alcohol social responsibility body’s call comes as sales of Hard Seltzers continue to climb – with the UK market expected to hit £600m by 2025, according to Nielsen data.

In response to the findings, the Portman Group has published updated guidance for hard seltzers, recommending that ABV information is displayed on the front of packs, along with references to ‘alcohol’ or the word ‘alcoholic,’

in a bid “to reduce the risk of consumer confusion”.

Commenting on its survey findings, Portman Group CEO Matt Lambert said: “The UK is the leading European market for hard seltzers, but the phrase has yet to be anglicised and commonly understood.

“It is therefore incumbent on producers to ensure that UK consumers have additional cues to ensure that they understand that ‘hard’ products are alcoholic and are not alluding to a product’s

higher alcoholic strength.” In the US, where the category is well-established, Hard Seltzers are often marketed as a healthier, low-calorie option for drinkers.

In the UK, it is against the law to make any health claims on alcoholic drinks containing more than 1.2% ABV, and this is also stipulated in the Portman Group Code of Practice Naming, Packaging and Promotion.

“We would also remind producers not to make health or wellness claims,” Lambert added. Our free Advisory Service can offer advice on the marketing of hard seltzers and other products.” ● The updated guidance is available here.

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 21

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK – BORDERS BISCUITS

BORDER BISCUITS UNVEILS BRAND AND PACKAGING The new look aims to make the brand the UK’s most ‘accessible premium biscuit’.

Border Biscuits has unveiled a new branding

day”, the research said, mirrored in other catego-

strategy involving a fresh brand identity, packaging

ries, such as crisps, snacks, mixers and desserts.

formats and three new products.

The company is also adding three products

The new look aims to make the brand the UK’s

to its portfolio - a Dark Chocolate Orange biscuit

number one ‘accessible premium biscuit’, which

and bar, alongside a Dark Chocolate Raspberry

it described as an “untapped segment” within the

biscuit - as part of the re-brand.

biscuits category, according to consumer research and its own brand review.

“Many shoppers are looking to trade up from ‘everyday’ products to more premium options that they can enjoy across ‘moments’ throughout the

“We’ve identified a real opportunity for Border Biscuits to lead the accessible premium category,” Border Biscuits Managing Director Paul Parkins said.

“We understand what consumers want, and our trusted brand and track record in innovation mean we’re in the perfect position to deliver it. We’re already outperforming the market in a growing category , and the brand repositioning will help retailers benefit from increased sales in the accessible premium category.”

The new products will hit shelves from March, while the new packaging will roll out across the wider portfolio in April. The brand refresh will be supported with a £5m brand investment and “significant” capital investment.

22 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 99 / WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022

NPD AND MEDIA

PICKS OF THE WEEK

FLAVOUR KRAVERS

SILVER EDITION

COFFEE BOOST

KP Snacks has launched a new

Imperial Tobacco has launched

Boost has added Mocha to

range of peanuts called KP

Embassy Signature Silver

its ready-to-drink iced coffee

Flavour Kravers. The range is

Edition. The variant features

line-up. The brand says the new

available in three flavours: Flame

reduced smoke smell paper, a

flavour offers extended shelf life

Grilled Steak, Smokin’ Paprika,

modern shaped filter, and tex-

compared to other brands, while

and Fiery Caribbean Jerk Sauce.

tured tipping paper. The variant

the £1 PMP format provides

Flavour Kravers are available in

will be available to buy until the

strong cash margins for retailers.

140g sharing packs with an RRP

end of September with an MRRP

The new variant is available in

of £2.50.

of just 10.15 per pack of 20s.

12 x 250ml cases.

CRAZY CANDY

PIZZA PACKS

CLEAR BOTTLES

Confectionery wholesaler, Han-

Dr. Oetker Ristorante has embarked

Levi Roots is introducing fully

cocks has introduced a novelty

on a multimillion-pound refresh

recyclable clear plastic bottles

range from Crazy Candy Factory.

of its UK packaging and brand

for its Caribbean Crush variant

The Double Duo Dunker (rrp £1)

proposition, including ensuring its

– alongside updated labelling.

is a double-ended, fruit flavoured

core range is HFSS-compliant.

The bottles also signpost the

lollipop containing four flavours.

The updated packaging, which is

recyclability of the packaging.

Paint Splash Lollipops (rrp £1.20)

bespoke to the UK market, has

Rolling out first are 500ml bot-

include a tub filled with sherbet

been rolled out across Ristorante’s

tles, in April, followed by 2-litre

and a dipping lollipop paintbrush.

entire pizza range.

formats the month after.

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 23

NOW THAT’S A

OUT TH

Unilever embraces ‘lift and learn’ technology Unilever has partnered with retail marketing platform Perch to launch an in-store product engagement platform allowing shoppers to get more information about products with just a touch.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? The ‘lift and learn’ technology involves a digital screen that automatically senses what products shoppers touch to respond with videos and information about that very product.

It eliminates the need for scanning QR codes (so no fumbling with phone cameras while standing in the aisle), touching screens, downloading apps or any additional actions really.

With just one touch, shoppers are

24 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 99 / WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022

transferred to the product’s information page on-screen “seamlessly”, according to both companies.

ISN’T THAT A BIT INVASIVE? Everything is anonymously done. Perch’s platform uses computer vision to detect product behaviour on the shelf, anonymously detecting the presence of shoppers, what products they touch and what content they engage with to bring in videos, ratings, reviews, and product

information for every product on the shelf.The innovation is aiming to bring together the digital content shoppers crave with the physical products on retail shelves.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE RETAILER? Perch claims that its AI-powered approach drives ‘5x10 the engagement of traditional digital signage and 30-188% sales increase, according to case studies

A GOOD IDEA…

HE BOX

in beauty, CPG, accessories, department stores and grocery”.

“Our goal for this launch was to have a product and brand education platform that communicates Unilever’s positive beauty vision for people and planet, promoting inclusion and wellness with Dove being the appropriate brand for this partnership,” said Christina DiPietro, Unilever’s Team Lead for Ahold.

“With Perch’s smart shelf display, our

products can deliver the right product message at the right time, so the Dove brand can educate and connect more deeply with its customers.”

IS IT AVAILABLE IN THE UK? Unilever is currently rolling the technology out at Giant Food supermarkets in the Washington DC area, but the end goal is quite enticing for retailers.

If it delivers what it says it does, it

could be beneficial especially to older customers. Imagine they could receive all the information they needed without having to read tiny letters on the back of products, and of course without the need to have downloaded an app, or scan a QR code.

As far as technology solutions go, they often tend to over-complicate things when their primary goal is to simplify processes; this one sounds quite promising.

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 25

BEFORE YOU GO

RETAIL RANDOMS

Shoppers in the West Raynham area, Norfolk, got an electrifying surprise when they bumped into John Travolta in a Morrisons supermarket.

Local customers revealed that he was more than happy to take selfies with all fans who wanted their 15 minutes of fame. Staff at Fakenham Morrisons are now preparing to adorn the wall with their John Travolta portraits.

"I never thought that in a million years that somebody like John Travolta would be in Morrisons," after she “bumped into him in the biscuit aisle”, Sam Frary told the BBC. Apparently the movie star is in England shooting a short film, but also to celebrate his daughter’s 22nd birthday.

So, you’d better shape up, convenience stores around the country; Travolta might soon be lurking in a biscuit aisle where you are.

GARY MIDDLETON.

LOOK WHO’S SHOPPING

CH-EASY JET What’s been missing from lowcost airline flights? Bigger seats?

No. More leg-room? Nope. Separate cabins for children? You wish.

The correct answer is: cheese!

Rejoice, travellers of Europe.

Easyjet is now going to be offering Applewood Spreadable and Ilchester Cheddar Spreadable on all its budget flights.

“Everybody loves a snack to enjoy on a short-haul flight and the Ploughman's Snack Boxes

with our Applewood and Ilchester Cheddar Spreadables are the perfect fuel to satisfy travellers' appetites on a flight,” Lisa Harrison, Marketing Manager for Applewood and Ilchester said.

We’re certain the many hundreds of travellers who had their easyJet flights cancelled just before Easter will be delighted at the thought of the smoky cheese they never got to taste. Plus ça change!

WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 99 / SLRMAG.CO.UK I 27

BO OK NO W !

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