Ulster Grocer August 2022 by Helen Wright

N O. 1 M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E LO C A L G R O C E R Y S E C TO R

AUGUST 2022

ULSTER

50 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

GROCER ULSTER

AUGUST 2022

N O. 1 M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E LO C A L G R O C E R Y S E C TO R

50 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

NI FAMILY SPENDING POWER PLUMMETS BY ALMOST A THIRD IN LAST YEAR

iscretionary spending power of the average Northern Ireland family has dropped below £100 for the first time since 2017. Asda’s latest Income Tracker report indicates discretionary income for local families of £93.50 per week in the second quarter of 2022, a decline of 32% or almost £45 per week less than the same period last year and £110 below the UK average of £204. Meanwhile, inflation continues to rise with the latest figures published by ONS on July 21 indicating the highest year-onyear inflation level for 40 years in June, reaching 9.4% on the CPI index and 11.8% on the RPI index. Food prices are said to be rising at a faster rate compared to other goods and services, while the Consumer Council said Northern Ireland consumers will have to find an extra £1,300 or more for bills in the year ahead just to cover the combined effect of heating, electricity and fuel price hikes. Asda’s Income Tracker report, independently compiled by Cebr, said NI is facing the largest contraction in spending power of any region across the UK. The latest NI figures reflect the overall UK trend, with household disposable incomes falling for an eighth consecutive month, by 18% in June, compared to the same period last year.

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TOP 50 NI GROCERY BRANDS: IRISH AND BRITISH BRANDS REMAIN A HIT WITH CONSUMERS, DOMINATING THE TOP FIVE IN OUR EXCLUSIVE ANNUAL LISTING COMPILED BY KANTAR

Soaring living costs, up 11% year-onyear in June, meant that UK families were on average £43.95 a week or £188.34 per month worse off compared to June 2021. As the UK’s worst performing region, the average family in NI has only £93.50 per week at its disposal once all taxes, essential items and bills have been paid; £33.50 less than in Q1 2022. Cebr attributes the sharp decline to income growth falling well short of spiralling inflation, with Northern Ireland also disproportionately affected by its high share of public sector workers facing lagging wage growth and a larger share of social security claimants suffering from the

withdrawal of the Universal Credit uplift. On a UK-wide level, the cost-of-living crisis hits particularly hard for low-income families with all of the bottom 20% of UK households having ‘negative disposable income’, resulting in a shortfall of £60 per week in June between what they earned and what they needed to spend on essentials such as mortgage, rent, utility bills and transport costs. Increasingly, those in the bottom 40% of households are also seeing negative discretionary income. * The Asda Income Tracker is a measure of ‘discretionary income’, reflecting the amount remaining after the average UK household has had taxes subtracted from their income and bought essential items such as: groceries, electricity, gas, transport costs and mortgage interest payments or rent.

FOOD INFLATION PUTS A DENT IN GROCERY SALES

orthern Ireland consumers are shopping less frequently, and buying less when they do, in response to rising food prices, according to the latest monthly report from Kantar. “The Northern Irish grocery market saw sales drop by 4.6% in the year to 10 July 2022,” said Emer Healy, senior retail analyst at Kantar. “Inflation now stands at 5% which is the highest on record. “Inflation remains a key challenge for retailers, manufacturers and shoppers alike as the average price per pack rose by 3.7% with everyday staples such as

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FRANCHISE & FASCIA: FIND OUT HOW SYMBOL GROUP RETAILERS ARE PERFORMING AGAINST THE MULTIPLES, INDEPENDENTS & EACH OTHER IN OUR ANNUAL FOCUS ON THE SECTOR

salt, margarine, pasta, cooking oil and milk seeing the steepest increases. “As a result, shoppers are picking up 7.7% less volume per trip and are making on average two less trips to the store which has contributed to the market’s decline. “Over the last 12 weeks, the picture has been more nuanced. Sales slowed by just 0.9%, whereas volume per trip declined by a massive 9.6%. However, visits to store were up 2.5% versus the same time period last year.” Categories welcoming a boost included crisps, salads and ice-cream.

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HALLOWEEN PREVIEW: OFFERING A LOOK AT THE LATEST PRODUCTS IN CONFECTIONERY & HEARTY AUTUMNAL FARE TARGETING ONE OF THE KEY TRADING PERIODS FOR THE GROCERY SECTOR

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YOUR FOOD! AFTER A TOUGH FEW YEARS FOR ITS CUSTOMERS, LYNAS FOODSERVICE HAS LAUNCHED A NEW MAGAZINE OFFERING INSPIRATION & ADDED VALUE OPPORTUNITIES

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 57 Number 8 AUGUST 2022 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Sam Butler, Brian McCalden Sales Executive: Judith Martin E: j.martin@mediahuis.co.uk Tel: 028 9055 4260 Art Editor: Helen Wright Ulster Grocer c/o Mediahuis UK Limited Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/ ulstergrocer/ @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

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2022: A BLUR OF CATASTROPHE

e hope you enjoyed a stroll down memory lane last month with our souvenir 50th anniversary edition of Ulster Grocer. Reminiscing about the past is certainly preferable to living in the present right now, as 2022 continues to pass by in a blur of catastrophe. The lockdowns are thankfully over, but Covid-19 is not gone. I am far from unique in having evaded the coronavirus for two and a half years only to test positive on deadline day of our souvenir edition in June. In addition to the persistent spectre of Covid-19, monkey pox is continuing to spread. Leading the horrors of 2022, however, is the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, now approaching six months. While not comparable to the trauma faced by the people of Ukraine, the war continues to exacerbate shortages and high pricing of energy and raw materials. Inflation is at a 40-year high, forecast to continue rising and – as our front-page news story highlights – Northern Ireland consumers are the worst hit in the UK in terms of declining discretionary income. And what is our government doing to support its populace during such challenging times? At time of writing, the Northern Ireland Assembly has yet to elect a speaker; a requirement to return as a fully functioning devolved government following the May election. The DUP has been refusing to enter the new power-sharing government, in which Sinn Fein holds a majority of seats, in protest over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

As July comes to a close, Conservative MP Simon Hoare – the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee chairman – has publicly challenged DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to make good on his pledge to re-enter power sharing if the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol Bill is passed in the House of Commons (which happened on July 20). Meanwhile, even greater chaos is prevailing at Westminster where the architect of misinformation and lies around Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol, Boris Johnson, announced his resignation (pending appointment of a new Tory Party leader) on July 7. At least consistent in falling on the wrong side of history, the DUP continues to back Johnson; a man who visited with local businesses including Tayto in November 2019, claiming the Irish Sea would not face barriers of any kind and customs forms could be put in the bin. Perhaps one day in the future we will have stable governments at Stormont and Westminster, and hear no more about viruses, Brexit or the Northern Ireland Protocol, but I doubt it. Perhaps at best right now we can hope for some form of functioning government to help the grocery sector, wider economy and population of Northern Ireland navigate the many ongoing challenges we are facing. It’s time to prioritise people over power and politics. It’s not an original sentiment, nor one likely to gain any traction in the blur of catastrophe that has been 2022 to date.

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NEWS

LACK OF SUBSTANCE IN NEW NATIONAL FOOD STRATEGY

gri-food stakeholders have welcomed the new National Food Strategy for recognising the importance of domestic food production, while criticising its failure to adequately address obesity and food poverty. The Strategy was launched in June by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in response to an independent review it commissioned by Henry Dimbleby, published last year. While focused on England, Dimbleby has expressed hope his recommendations will also be adopted by the devolved governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Strategy’s stated aim is to create a more prosperous agri-food sector delivering healthier, more sustainable and affordable diets for all. “The government’s new Food Strategy, which sets out an analysis of the challenges facing the food system, has broadly committed to maintaining the current level of domestic food production and to increase it in sectors where there are the biggest opportunities,” said David Brown, president, UFU. “It is encouraging and will help to boost the sustainable production of local, high-quality produce which our consumers value, across Northern Ireland. “However, despite mounting fears

that global shocks, especially how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left Britain’s food supply vulnerable, setting a minimum target for domestic food production has not been mentioned in the strategy which the UFU would have liked to see.” Anna Taylor, executive director of The Food Foundation, said: “The White Paper shows that no one in leadership in government appears to have really grasped the scale and urgency of the challenges posed to our health and our planet by the food system. “What’s more, these challenges are growing exponentially with the costof-living crisis. Despite its name, the whole document is lacking a strategy to transition the food system towards delivering good food which is accessible to everyone. And without a commitment to a new Food Bill, many of the commendable commitments made are in reality toothless.” Jake Shepherd, researcher at The Social Market Foundation, said: “The Government’s food strategy is yet another missed opportunity to alleviate the UK’s growing obesity challenge… there is little to be said in terms of concrete policy solutions. “There is also insufficient focus on food poverty and tackling food prices. With millions of children already going hungry and the cost-of-living crunch continuing to bite, more support is desperately needed.”

COHERENT UK FOOD POLICY NEEDED TO ADDRESS OBESITY EPIDEMIC

he dangerous impact of negative trends in the nation’s diet and the urgent need for a major overhaul of our food system are highlighted in a new report published by The Food Foundation. The 2022 Broken Plate report, published on July 19, attributes the UK’s spiralling obesity problem to poor nutrition and the absence of a coherent UK food policy. If current trends continue, The Food Foundation says its research suggests more than 80% of children born in 2022 who survive to the age of 65 will be overweight or obese, while one in 20 will already have died. Healthy nutritious food is nearly three times more expensive than unhealthy products, a disparity accelerating between 2021 and 2022. The Food Foundation calls for a change in the nation’s food policies to give everyone in the UK access to a healthy diet, while avoiding further damage to the global climate and environment.

TRADE BODIES DISCUSS CLEAN-UP OF CITY CENTRE WITH BELFAST LORD MAYOR

etail and hospitality representatives have met with Lord Mayor of Belfast Tina Black to discuss post-Covid support for City Centre trade. Retail NI and Hospitality Ulster met with the Lord Mayor and officials on July 19, as part of a solutions-based approach to address recent problems relating to cleanliness and safety in the City Centre. At a meeting at Belfast City Hall, both representatives welcomed actions already under way by the Council and a commitment from the Lord Mayor to join them on a walkabout in the City Centre every few weeks to chart progress. The engagement comes in response to recent concerns regarding cleanliness, dereliction, anti-social behaviour and

drug and alcohol addiction related issues reported widely in the media and on social media platforms. In a joint statement, Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster and Glyn Roberts, CEO, Retail NI said: ‘A clean, safe environment is paramount to ensuring that customers and shoppers continue to spend time in and enjoy the City Centre. We know that keeping a city clean and tidy is an intensive and constant process that takes resource and commitment. ‘This is not a time to be negative about the situation we are currently in, but about finding solutions about how we move forward. We now need to have focus and energy to resolve the issues - we do not underestimate the size of the challenge.

‘We welcome the fact that the Council is in the process of establishing a multiagency and departmental taskforce to tackle these problems.’ The Lord Mayor said: “We have a shared goal of making Belfast City Centre a better place to live, work and do business in. Council has committed to a number of initiatives aimed at tackling these problems. These include organising free family fun events and a number of pilot schemes aimed at tackling some of the more difficult issues. ‘I have called a meeting of party group leaders and relevant statutory bodies in economy, health, justice and communities to see how best we can make our city centre a better space for all.’ 7

NEWS

BREXIT IMPORT CONTROLS & RESOURCE PRESSURES IDENTIFIED AS CHALLENGES

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots; Maria Jennings, FSA NI director; and Dr Naresh Chada, deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health.

falling number of food inspections due to resourcing pressures, and delay in postBrexit UK imports controls for high-risk food and feed from the EU, are among concerns highlighted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in a new report. Our Food: An annual review of food standards across the UK is an inaugural report launched by FSA and Food

Standards Scotland. The first in a series of reports due to be published annually, it is part of an ongoing commitment to transparency, allowing parliamentarians, trading partners and consumers at home and abroad to remain aware of changes and challenges to the UK food system. The inaugural annual report comes after the food system has faced two years of major upheaval following the UK’s departure from the EU, the Covid-19 pandemic and, more recently, the disruption caused by the war in Ukraine. Despite these significant pressures, the report concludes with a degree of caution that food standards in the UK have largely been maintained. However, while there has been no evidence of a drop in standards, the report warns of challenges ahead.

Two of the main concerns identified include the fall in the number of inspections of food businesses as a consequence of the resourcing pressures faced by local authorities. Secondly, the delay in establishing full UK imports controls for high-risk food and feed from the EU has reduced the ability to prevent the entry of unsafe food into the UK market. “It is a very timely and important review which once again highlights the high standards of UK food while also recognising the challenges ahead, especially in relation to current cost-ofliving crisis,” said DAERA Minister Edwin Poots. “I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Food Standards Agency and industry partners to ensure the delivery of safe, heathy, nutritious and environmentally sustainable food.”

LOSES HIGH COURT ARMAGH FOOD & CIDER WEEKEND KELLOGG’S CHALLENGE TO HFSS REGS he Food Foundation has welcomed a RETURNS OVER SEPTEMBER 8-11 High Court judgement rejecting cereal T rmagh Food & Cider Weekend will

return in September, inviting visitors to experience the Orchard County’s finest food and drink experiences across a four-day harvest spectacular. From artisan markets, tasting menus, banquets and cider tours to fiery cooking demos and foraging, event organisers are promising an unrivalled gastronomic line-up for food and drink lovers. In historical locations amid the county’s lush apple-laden orchards and parklands, Northern Ireland’s official Food Heartland has more than 30 standout events planned over September 8-11, celebrating the food, history and culture of the Cathedral City and its surroundings at harvest time. Backed by award-winning local chefs, producers and food experts, this year’s Armagh Food and Cider Weekend will feature two unique, bespoke market events. “In a city and region famous for the quality of its food ingredients, its Bramley apples, its history, heritage and culture, this annual event is a weekend 8

worth celebrating and I’m delighted to mark its full return for 2022,” said Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Paul Greenfield. “Supporting and championing our outstanding and award-winning culinary prowess, we look forward to warmly welcoming everyone back to Northern Ireland’s official Food Heartland to enjoy an outstanding programme of activity and to enjoy the best food, culinary talent and warm atmosphere as the harvest gets under way.” For further information, visit https:// visitarmagh.com/foodandcider

manufacturer Kellogg’s challenge to new government regulations restricting the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS). “Kellogg’s took the government to court over how it defines foods which are high in fat, sugar and/or salt, trying to argue that sugary breakfast cereals aren’t sugary if they are served with milk,” said Anna Taylor, executive director, Food Foundation. “We are delighted good sense has prevailed and Kellogg’s lost on all counts. We need food companies who are prepared to show leadership on helping to tackle childhood obesity, and not act as a dead weight on policy intervention.” Delivering his verdict, Mr Justice Linden referred to obesity levels among children, the link to health issues and the subsequent cost impact on the NHS. “The root cause of the prevalence of obesity and excess weight in the population is excess calorie consumption,” he said. “Excess sugar consumption is associated with increased calorie consumption.” While expressing disappointment with the verdict, Kellogg’s said it would not launch an appeal.

NEWS

MUSGRAVE NI INVESTS £2.7M IN SUPERVALU & CENTRA SUSTAINABILITY FUND

usgrave NI has announced a £2.7m investment in its SuperValu and Centra stores across Northern Ireland as part of a new sustainability fund aimed at empowering retailers to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. The fund, which is part of Musgrave’s island-of-Ireland sustainability strategy, will result in an estimated 12% carbon reduction by the company over a two-year period. In Northern Ireland, the investment is equivalent to planting more than 31,000 trees or powering 426 homes every year as it will remove over 840 tonnes of carbon, according to Musgrave. Musgrave NI is committing £42,500 per SuperValu store and £21,250 per Centra store. Retailers can select suitable initiatives based on each store’s needs and set-up, including upgrading freezers and refrigeration units, an LED lighting retrofit, solar panels and electronic shelf edge labels. Musgrave’s new sustainability strategy aims to reduce its carbon emissions to reach net zero carbon by 2040, provide consumers with more sustainable shopping choices in-store and work with retailers to ensure their stores are sustainable. “The climate crisis is the biggest threat to humanity, and we all have a responsibility to act now to protect the planet for generations to come,” said Trevor Magill, managing director, Musgrave Northern Ireland. “Our SuperValu and Centra retailers are at the heart of local communities here; they’re invested in the future of those communities but also uniquely positioned to show leadership in

Cillian Quinn - year 6 (Clea Primary School), Trevor Magill, managing director at Musgrave NI, and Lara Donnelly - year 6 (St Francis of Assisi Primary School).

sustainability at a local level.” As part of its strategy, Musgrave NI has committed to: • Reducing or eliminating its own branding packaging where possible and, where packaging is necessary, 100% of it will be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Currently over 90% of SuperValu and Centra own-brand packaging in NI is recyclable, reusable or compostable. • 100% of instore packaging to be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. • By 2025, all stores will use LED lighting only.

LIDL NI OPENS NEW £4M STORE ON SHORE ROAD, BELFAST Christine McKeown, head of childcare & family support at Ashton Community Trust; Ashleigh Johnston, PIPs charity fundraising officer; and Ben Crawford, Lidl Shore Road store manager.

idl Northern Ireland has unveiled a dramatic transformation of its site on Belfast’s Shore Road, in a £4m investment adding 11 new positions to the 22 workers already employed at the store. Nine months of construction work have facilitated creation of the larger supermarket featuring glass-fronted glazing, landscaping and additional car parking and improvements. The store was officially opened on July 21 by representatives from social

enterprise and development trust the Ashton Centre and suicide prevention charity PIPs, which both received cheque donations from Lidl Northern Ireland to celebrate the new store launch. Occupying an entire site size of 10,250 square metres, including a retail sales floor of 1,420 square metres, the new store aligns with Lidl’s concept design prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency. Environmentally friendly features include an ISO 50001-certified

Energy Management System, solar panels and two EV car charging stations in its 126-space car park. “Lidl Northern Ireland has been a staple in the local community for nearly 20 years and Lidl’s investment into this site is yet another demonstration of how the company is committed to delivering for the local community,” said Ben Crawford, store manager, Lidl Shore Road. The opening marks completion of the third store delivered as part of a wider £32m investment promise announced in 2021 to create five new stores within the Belfast City Region. Last year, two new stores opened at Holywood Exchange and Hillview Retail Park, whilst two further stores are earmarked for completion at Castlereagh Road in east Belfast, along with the first ever Lidl store planned for south Belfast at Boucher Road, adjacent to the iconic National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. The string of new Belfast stores is just part of the retailer’s plan to dramatically enhance its service provision across Northern Ireland, with ambitions to expand its 41-strong store network to 50 by 2030. 9

STORE FOCUS

Grattan’s Family Greengrocers & Fine Food Store, Donaghadee A NEW PARTNERSHIP TURNING AN EXISTING GROCERY BUSINESS INTO A ‘MORE UNIQUELY NORTHERN IRELAND STORE’ DURING THE PANDEMIC HAS ALREADY PICKED UP BELFAST TELEGRAPH BUSINESS AWARDS 2022 RETAILER OF THE YEAR AND ATTRACTED YOTAM OTTOLENGHI AS A CUSTOMER, REPORTS BRIAN McCALDEN Gemma, who worked in Newell’s Harvest Fayre. Thomas was successful but finding it difficult to run his new outlet at the same time as the original; the solution was joked about, but in time came to fruition.

novel business, Grattan’s Family Greengrocers & Fine Food Store, opened in New Street in the seaside town of Donaghadee in

2020. It was indeed ‘new’, putting innovation and niche marketing very much to the fore and set out to be different from the previously thriving Harvest Fayre. The fact that partners Peter Wallace and Gemma Montgomery’s dream was not just to survive but prosper, despite the Covid pandemic bearing down on the world, is testimony to their hard work and business acumen. Recognition by the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2022 as Retailer of the Year was the icing on the cake. It was officially ‘doing the business’ despite its modest size of 600 square feet. Yet it only came about thanks to a half 10

joking, throw-away conversation between Thomas Newell – who had just expanded his existing grocery store with the addition of a hardware shop next door – and

ASSISTANT TO MANAGER Peter bought the grocery shop and Gemma went from shop assistant to manager in the new venture, Grattan’s Family Greengrocer. Peter, a local, whose family live on a farm in the vicinity, left a successful career in electrical testing to jointly develop Grattan’s, a name taken from his grandfather. Today, the award-winning specialist greengrocer with a love of Northern Ireland produce and artisan fine foods has made good on the initial vision of creating a ‘more uniquely Northern Ireland store’. Its ascent to popularity was quick and its beckoning accolades include the McKenna’s Guide Best in Ireland award for 2021 and 2022 as a result. The store’s goal is to support local artisan producers and promote sustainability. During lockdown it was a hub in the community and one of the only shops opened in the town. “The shop delivered to between 40 and 50 customers daily, at a time when just about everything was shuttered-up,” says Peter. “Our opening hours, 7.30am to 5.30pm meant the locals could continue to receive farm fresh quality produce. “As lockdown eased, that even spread to the producers of Hope Street, the highly successful BBC drama which has just finished filming a second series in the seaside town.” Gemma says: “Because of Covid, we quickly adapted to our new way of living by offering the delivery service,

STORE FOCUS

even picking up items in other shops for customers who were unable to leave their homes. “These great relationships with the community have been at the heart of our success, as too has our connection with other businesses in the area to which we also supply our produce.” “We are extremely lucky to have an excellent team here at Grattan’s. Our team consists of Heather Irwin, who has been working in the shop over the past 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge you just can’t beat; Daniel Gaw, who is my son and helps out on a Saturday; Myfanwy Thomas who lives locally; and Tori Cardwell, also a local girl who initially came to us on a work placement and was such an asset we couldn’t let her go. “Without a great team we wouldn’t have been able to make Grattan’s the business it is today.” Customers include celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi (who owns a string of successful restaurants and delis across London), The Bull & Claw, the Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Bridewell coffee shop, Saints & Sinners, Meadowbank Social Club, Bow Bells coffee shop and Copeland Distillery. FUTURE PLANS The store has big ideas on the horizon to elaborate on its existing services. It will launch a delicatessen at the back of the store later this year, expanding into

sliced meats as well as its own condiments including coleslaw. Gemma says: “We’re such a small business and we thought how in the world we could compete to win a major award, but here we are. “Peter took over the existing small greengrocers and we hit the ground running and expanded it. “We’ve had a lot of support and a lot of very loyal customers who keep coming back including many Londoners who are relocating to Donaghadee thanks to hybrid working. “We focus on Northern Ireland produce because at the time there were so many producers of all manner of things so we took that on and tried to keep the business as much Northern Ireland and Irish as we can.” Peter says: “We have been delighted with how well Grattan’s is doing. We named the store after my grandparents, so it means a lot to win an accolade such as Retailer of the Year.” Today, the average shopping basket spend is topping £30, in recognition of consumers willing to spend more to be assured of farm quality, field to fork. Own blend coffee, edible flowers (for the final touch to a dinner), dulse, whole leeks, fat, juicy strawberries, organic honey, hampers curated personally by the proprietors, olives (and olive oil) and a fastgrowing list of products – about 70/80 – at

last count, all add to the mix. Peter says: “We use both Comber and even more locally-grown potatoes – from just outside the town, for example and many more artisans of which there are too many to mention. “Marvellous Donaghadee honey is harvested on the Hogstown Road by our good friend Owen Wilson. Runny honey and cut comb are both available to buy.” HOLIDAYMAKERS Gemma says: “In addition, the customer base is growing. Summer visitors to the local caravan sites add to the numbers with one surprise. “Seasonal soup vegetables are the top selling produce, and we even see people from Belfast and beyond as repeat customers for the veg. It is particularly popular among caravan users, and many call in for a supply to take home too. “Others may come as day-trippers, perhaps encouraged by the success of the town’s BBC drama alter ego, Port Devine, where Donaghadee is the single filming location. “It’s all good for business and while we are just beginning to turn profitable after our initial investment, the future looks good.” Peter says: “We got through Covid and Brexit doesn’t impact on supply – as it is all local goods – so just like our edible flowers, the future is looking rosy.”

RETAIL NEWS - INDEPENDENTS

NORTHERN IRELAND ACHIEVES 100% FAIRTRADE COMMUNITY STATUS

orthern Ireland has achieved 100% Fairtrade Community status, recognising every city, major town and council area across the province. The Fairtrade status is an entire council-wide achievement with higher education institutions, schools, places of worship, workplaces and businesses all playing their vital part in the Fairtrade initiative. The local independent grocery sector is strongly represented and committed to stocking and expanding Fairtrade products for consumers. Northern Ireland has succeeded its 2016 targets to become a Fairtrade devolved region, surpassing Wales and Scotland in the UK Fairtrade

movement, accomplishing the feat without any public funding. Integral to the achievement has been the volunteer efforts of Fairtrade champion and regional co-ordinator Dr Christopher Stange, Consul General for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Secretariat of the All-Party Group on Fairtrade.

BEEF SPECIALIST CORRIES ACQUIRES KNOTTS BAKERY IN NEWTOWNARDS

amily farm-based butcher’s, Corries, has acquired Knotts Bakery in Newtownards and is developing an exciting new retail concept for shoppers in Belfast and North Down, offering opportunities for other local artisans and small food and drink producers. Knotts Bakery was established in 1979 and has won acclaim for the quality and outstanding taste of its wide range of baked goods. The Knotts Bakery brand will not disappear but is being wrapped into the new business identity alongside Corries Meats. Brothers William and Gareth Corrie, owners of the family business, had earlier acquired Four Seasons Greengrocers and Delicatessen in Cherryvalley, east Belfast. The modern food hall will feature a Corries meat counter, baked goods from Knotts Bakery and an extensive fresh fruit and vegetable section from the former deli. It will also have significant space for other local artisan producers, while Corries will be closing the existing butchery business in the same block at the Cherryvalley shopping centre. Corries, which has an existing seven shops in Belfast, Dundonald, Newtownards and Holywood, is retaining the three existing Knotts Bakery outlets in the same centres and a fully equipped bakery unit on the Crawfordsburn Road in Newtownards. Andrew and Sharon Getty, the previous owners of Knotts Bakery, are continuing to provide advice. Fayre by Corries will gradually be rolled out to other existing and suitable farm shops owned by the company. 12

“Fairtrade is achieving food security, gender equality, ethical and sustainable livelihoods, thriving communities, people first trade policies, decent working conditions, free from slave labour, environmental best practices, tackling climate change and inclusive economic growth,” said Dr Strange. “We thank all our partners in Northern Ireland, as the sales growth and promotion of Fairtrade, particularly around coffee, tea and bananas, contains significant inputs from Northern Ireland on a regional level to the income and social premium paid to the poorest farmers in the developing world.” For more information, visit www.northernirelandfairtrade.org.

BELFAST’S STIX & STONES RAISES THE ‘STEAKS’ WITH SPECIALIST BUTCHERY

elfast restaurant Stix & Stones has opened a specialist butchery at its Belfast site, offering a sustainable, traceable range of expertly butchered dry-aged beef. Paul Wilson, master butcher, Stix & The new purpose-built Stones Butchery, and Kerry Roper, head chef and development chef Stix & Stones Butchery, of Stix & Stones Restaurant. located on Wellington Place in Belfast City Centre, opened in June, creating four new full-time jobs. It includes a dry-aging facility and will employ two experienced master butchers, an apprentice butcher and customer service assistant. “The launch of the Stix & Stones Butchery is a major statement of intent as it provides us with full control and traceability of our dry-aged beef in terms of its origin, identity and freedom from disease, growth hormones and harmful bacteria,” said Kerry Roper, head chef and development chef of Stix & Stones Restaurant. “The Butchery allows us to provide an authentic farm-tofork commitment to customers that ensures the quality of beef we serve in our restaurants is unparalleled and allows our customers to take home that great depth of taste, flavour and quality when cooking our expertly dry aged steaks. “We are working closely with a locally based pedigree farmer who is internationally renowned for his world class methods. “This unique and innovative approach, the first of its kind in Belfast, will also drastically reduce the environmental impact of how we source our beef with the farmer less than 20 miles away from our Belfast restaurants and butcher shop.”

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

HENDERSON RETAIL TAKES HOME UK INDEPENDENT RETAIL CHAIN OF THE YEAR

enderson Retail has been named Independent Retail Chain of the Year at a top UK-wide industry awards gala in London. The Grocer Gold Awards took place on June 14, with Henderson Retail the only retailer from Northern Ireland to return with a trophy, taking home the title for the third time in just five years. The company was commended by judges for developing state-of-the-art warehousing facilities over the past three years, which judges said gave ‘the company a clear edge over competitors when it comes to availability’. Judges also noted Henderson Retail’s growth in logistics and supply business, while opening two greenfield sites, acquiring three competitor stores and launching the exclusive Nourish healthy food-to-go bar, all while maintaining its commitment to value for shoppers, including the Tesco Price Match initiative. “Through our development of strategic partnerships and acquisitions,

Martin Roberts, Group chief retail officer, Post Office, sponsor of the category; Mark McCammond, retail director at Henderson Group; and host of the 2022 Grocer Gold Awards, Sir Trevor McDonald OBE.

Henderson Retail has gained a hugely competitive edge over our competitors at home in Northern Ireland, while also gaining advantages against our UK-wide industry peers,” said Mark McCammond, retail director at Henderson Group. “The past few years have not been without its challenges, but it’s fantastic to see our hard work and commitment to community retailing rewarded on such a national level by The Grocer.”

MAXOL BREAKS GROUND ON £2M EXPANSION OF KINNEGAR SERVICE STATION

An artist’s impression of how the EV charging hub will look once completed.

ocal forecourt and convenience retailer Maxol has begun work to expand and develop its Kinnegar Service Station in Holywood, Co Down. The flagship development, which is part of a broader five-year investment programme, is trialling cutting-edge technology and innovation which will create the blueprint for forecourt developments across Maxol’s estate. From the design and construction through to the site’s ongoing

operations covering fuel, grocery and convenience, the guiding principle at Kinnegar is to use technology to create a measurably different service station reducing the site’s existing carbon footprint by up to 40%. Initiatives being implemented in the redevelopment include the introduction of photovoltaic (solar) panels to reduce the site’s electrical import requirements; low energy CO2 refrigeration systems; exhaust air-heat pump technology to reduce heating loads; and an energy management system to monitor and control the overall energy usage on the site. In a first for Northern Ireland, Maxol Kinnegar will deliver the first dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) hub complete with four high-speed chargers servicing up to six vehicles at any one time. The EV hub will provide up to 200 kW in power, the highest charge currently available to the public in NI. Construction of Maxol Kinnegar will conclude in time for a reopening in October. 13

RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES

AROUND NOON SECURES £3.5M SANDWICH DEAL WITH ALL-IRELAND M&S STORES

ood-to-go manufacturer Around Noon has secured a new £3.5m contract to supply sandwiches from its Twelve Handmade in County Down range to Marks & Spencer stores across the island of Ireland. Twelve sandwiches are produced in Co Down using ingredients from across the island of Ireland. The sandwiches on sale in M&S include Chicken & Handmade Irish Stuffing, Chicken & Bacon on Irish Malted Bread, Baked Irish Ham & Cheddar, BLT with Ballymaloe Relish, Chicken & Ham Club, and a Chicken Caesar Wrap. “We proposed supporting M&S’ current offering with products produced

Philip Morgan, sales director, Around Noon; Archie Norman, chairman, Marks & Spencer; and Eddie Murphy, trading director, Marks & Spencer, Island of Ireland.

on the island of Ireland, made with Irish ingredients,” said Philip Morgan, sales director, Around Noon. “We developed a small range of products that would exhibit provenance - as an

example the bread and the chicken are produced on the island of Ireland. “M&S have stores across the island and the ingredients come from both the north and south of Ireland as well. This is ever-more important for the M&S consumer here.” Eddie Murphy, trading director, Marks & Spencer, island of Ireland, said: “Working with Around Noon is helping us strengthen our supply chain and provide really highquality products for our customers across the island.” M&S currently has 26 sandwich lines for sale in all its 38 stores across the island of Ireland, and it has plans to expand its Twelve range with Around Noon.

EXTENDED PORTRUSH EUROSPAR AMONG BIGGEST IN NI

new look EUROSPAR supermarket has opened in the Hillcrest area of Portrush, following a significant investment from Henderson Retail. The supermarket has been extended by over 40%, undergone substantial renovations and now stands at over 7,000 square feet, making it one of the biggest EUROSPAR supermarkets in Northern Ireland. “We are bringing a full supermarket experience into the heart of the town, which means a huge amount of value driving initiatives, including Tesco Price Match on over 1,000 lines,” said Richard Parker, store manager, who has

been with Henderson Retail for 16 years. “Plus, we have local services such as the Post Office and our in-store awardwinning local butcher, Etherson’s and Barista Bar coffee and treats, all under one roof.” A Delish Hot Bar offers traditional breakfast and lunch items such as breakfast fries, snacks and pastries, chicken curry and lasagne, while a Delish Fresh Bar allows shoppers to build their own sandwiches and salads or choose from the pick and mix Chicken Bar. The shop also offers award-winning Italian frozen yogurt, sorbet and gelato fwip. An improved shopping experience also

Richard Parker, store manager; Hazel Lyons, Post Office manager; Alister Mcelhinney, team leader; and Ricky McDonnell, assistant store manager.

includes extra-wide aisles, a free ATM, 6-pump filling station, enhanced grocery and fresh food ranges and a new 83-space car park. EUROSPAR Hillcrest has created at least 10 new job opportunities.

POUNDLAND CREATES 25 JOBS WITH SECOND OMAGH STORE D iscount retailer Poundland has created up to 25 new jobs in Omagh with the recent opening of a second store in the town. The new opening is part of the company’s expansion and transformation programme and follows a series of store openings across Northern Ireland. A number of the positions have been filled by some of those who lost their jobs when other

businesses closed in Omagh recently. Poundland’s new 7,600-squarefoot store is located at the former Menary’s shop at the Showgrounds Retail Park. The new Omagh store includes one of the largest PEP&CO fashion and home departments in Northern Ireland covering well over half the sales floor. (Pictured is the official opening.)

My Life in the Grocery Trade NAME: WENDY DEMPSTER ROLE: JOINT OWNER COMPANY: THE LAMB VAN WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I live on a sheep farm in Co Antrim, am wife to Alan and proud mum of SummerRose. During lockdown I convinced my husband to convert our old horse box into a mobile kitchen. I then worked with CAFRE on a range of premium lamb dishes and we started selling our handmade Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured Lamb products, firstly at events and more recently have organically moved into the retail sector with our artisan lamb products such as sausage rolls and burgers. My role is now focused on marketing our lamb products to retailers such as delis and the hospitality sector. BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE? My background is in food marketing in Northern Ireland, expertise which I’ve brought to my current role with The Lamb Van, our farm business and packaged retail products. WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? My focus is on increasing our range of high-quality lamb products and would like to become a one-stop-shop for all lamb produce. I want to see Northern Irish lamb become a staple in the local diet. We are currently working with CAFRE on a

new product, which is completely out of our comfort zone - so watch this space. Also, in the near future we hope to increase our production space. WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST? I took up the post during the coronavirus lockdown as a diversification project for the farm business. WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? I love seeing the positive reaction from someone who says they don’t eat lamb and I convince them to try our lamb sausage roll. I love slowly converting them, one sausage roll at a time. The worst part is tying the links of our lamb sausages. I definitely need a masterclass! There is a fabulous support network in Northern Ireland for start-ups but there is little capital help available at the early stages. This is a huge stumbling block for many entrepreneurs to overcome. BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY My morning coffee is the only thing typical about my day. I could be working on accounts or, as everything is handmade in the trailer on the farm, I could be pressing burgers or making sausage rolls. I could be at a show, speaking with the Minister for Agriculture or doing a tasting session for our original products in a store. Every day is different.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? I’ve had many highlights throughout my career but two specifically jump to mind. Firstly, the day I saw my lamb sausage rolls sitting in a refrigerator in a shop between well established brands and secondly when I received my first repeat businessto-business order. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? Coming from a hospitality background with experience in retail, it is all about the people for me. I love meeting people and talking to them about our products. Over the years I have made many friends and have built strong working relationships which are important to me and probably the best part of being involved in retailing. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I love spending time with my family and walking my rescue basset hound. But nothing is better than barbecuing with family and friends, especially lamb, of course. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I would like to be better at public speaking. I am so passionate and enthusiastic about our lamb products that I tend to get excited and go completely off script.

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

COLLABORATION IN LOCAL FOOD INDUSTRY YIELDING BUSINESS BENEFITS FOR ALL BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

ollaboration has been at the heart of our approach since our foundation a decade or so ago. We are committed to working closely with every organisation here which shares our focus on enhancing the reputation of food and drink, our most important manufacturing industry… and one we are convinced continues to offer enormous potential in terms of sustainability, health, innovation, international standing and employment. Over the years, Food NI has collaborated with private and public bodies and a host of community bodies. These include the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (delivered with DAERA), Invest NI, Tourism NI and many councils here on the development of important initiatives for an industry which generates upwards of £5bn annually, employs around 100,000 people across a wide supply chain and exports to 70 markets worldwide, especially Great Britain and Ireland. We’ve encouraged major retailers and wholesalers to consider local produce and been delighted to see many of them listing our companies – we have around 450 member companies. We’ve found our endeavours on behalf of the industry generally welcomed, particularly by major retailers here. And we look forward to continuing to build our relationships with those retailers on behalf of our industry. We continue to campaign on behalf of smaller companies, in particular to help them develop listings with the leading buyers here, in Britain and Ireland. It was immensely encouraging then to hear of Scott’s Crispy Onions in Coleraine winning new business with Lidl in RoI. It already supplies Lidl across Northern Ireland. Forest Feast in Craigavon has also enjoyed considerable recent success for its luxury coated nuts and dried fruits with Tesco UK and Tesco Ireland. Shortcross Gin has also recently been successful in the international Gin Masters. Among our most important collaborations is our longstanding relationship with Aelia Duty Free and Belfast International Airport. Aelia and 16

the airport team have both been – and continue to be - immensely supportive and keen to see the local industry prosper. Aelia is a hugely important supporter of our distilleries and breweries and has introduced some to business opportunities across its network. It’s hard to believe that Aelia and the airport management encouraged us to set up a small shop in Departures eight years ago to showcase local food from artisan producers in particular. Dozens of products from around 10 local food producers, such as SD Bells, Ballylisk of Armagh cheese, Abernethy Butter, Melting Pot Fudge, Eric Grove preserves, Tayto Crisps, Kennedy Bacon and Irish Black Butter, have attracted the attention of travellers over the years. The shop has generated worthwhile sales and helped to increase awareness of our products among local and international travellers. We continue to operate the small shop on a pro bono basis for the industry and it is great to see Allster open

in Departures with a complementary local offering that includes local crafts as well as food. Another important collaboration for us is our work with Historic Royal Palaces at the Honey Fair in Hillsborough. We supported the launch of the fair by Hillsborough last year – the first year – and have renewed our engagement for the forthcoming fair on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August. It’s a marvellous event that offers tremendous opportunities for all the family to enjoy a day out in the historic castle grounds and to learn more about the importance of bees. They really are fundamental to our existence. Alongside cookery demos by our good friend Paula McIntyre, almost 50 of Northern Ireland’s local producers will sample their products, all tweaked to include local honey, which can also be brought home by discerning visitors. Local beekeepers, including Hillsborough Castle and Garden’s very own beekeeper, Gwen Earnshaw, will bring samples of their hives and honey to the Fair for visitors to get up close with, and learn more about these vital pollinators. Hillsborough’s expert gardeners who care for the Castle’s 100 acres of stunning grounds will also be on hand to share how we can nurture bees in our own back gardens. The weekend’s entertainment will all be set to a backdrop of live music from gospel to jazz and blues, plus a special Family Waggle Dance experience, inspired by worker bees, with Leonie Pony, all making a great family weekend. Food NI is thrilled to help bring the Hillsborough Honey Fair back to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and to create an event which continues to educate and inspire through our rich food heritage. Enabling our local food and drink companies to interact with a captive audience of thousands of people and showcase, sample and sell their products to the public is essential to the growth of our local food and drink industry which is what we’re all about. Put it in your diary. It’s a colourful and fun event that shouldn’t be missed.

ADVERTORIAL

A fresh new look for PRM COMPANY : PRM

Philip & Lynne Morrow.

his summer, PRM reveals its new brand identity —winking at its heritage while reinventing itself for today’s modern world. The Lisburn-based sales & distribution business was founded in 1988 by Philip & Lynne Morrow. Celebrating 35 years in business next year, the company now employs 250 people and has production facilities in Dromore and Derry. PRM offers a complete range of services that enable them to meet the diverse requirements of leading food brands, grocery retailers and their customers, thus making them the distribution partner of choice for many today. CEO & Founder Philip Morrow said: “We started the process of refreshing our brand with a very clear vision of where we wanted our company to be positioned and the key messages we wanted our new corporate identity to communicate in relation to our service offering, our customer service commitments and our values as an employer. This brand refresh signifies the beginning of the next chapter for PRM as we accelerate plans to futureproof and further grow the business as we respond to the continued demand for route-tomarket services. Part of our plans for growth include 18

“WE STARTED THE PROCESS OF REFRESHING OUR BRAND WITH A VERY CLEAR VISION OF WHERE WE WANTED OUR COMPANY TO BE POSITIONED AND THE KEY MESSAGES WE WANTED OUR NEW CORPORATE IDENTITY TO COMMUNICATE IN RELATION TO OUR SERVICE OFFERING, OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENTS AND OUR VALUES AS AN EMPLOYER.” an expansion of our physical capacity and warehousing capabilities with the construction of a new purpose-built facility adjacent to our current premises in Lisburn. Like all other local businesses, we have had to navigate the key challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit over the past two years. However, Brexit has presented us

with new opportunities to offer solutions to the supply challenges many brands and retailers now face across GB and Ireland. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved over the last 35 years, none of which would have been possible without the excellent people who have contributed to the continued growth of the business, some of whom have been with us from day one and are still here today leading the company forward within their various departments.” Detailing some of the upgrades to the company’s brand toolkit, Marketing Manager Emma Morrow highlights that “within this reset of our brand, our logo, color palette and typeface have all been given a style evolution. Our new identity conveys quality, freshness and the dynamic nature of our business — representing our continued commitment to providing solutions for our suppliers and customers alike.” Over the summer months, the company will launch its new website, staff uniforms and unveil new livery across a fleet of 30 multi-temperature-controlled vehicles.

TOP 50 BRANDS

IRISH & BRITISH BRANDS REMAIN A HIT WITH CONSUMERS EMER HEALY, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AT KANTAR, OUTLINES THE METHODOLOGY BEHIND KANTAR’S RANKING OF THE TOP 50 BRANDS OPERATING IN THE NORTHERN IRELAND GROCERY MARKET

LUNCH STAPLES CONTINUE TO DOMINATE THE TOP 10 RANKING Traditional lunch staples made up the top 10 most chosen brands in Northern Ireland in 2021 again. Two of the top five are bread brands, with Hovis coming out on top, being purchased by 82% of Northern Ireland households. Kingsmill comes in at third place with nearly 83% of households purchasing the brand over the course of 2021. Cookstown and Denny are listed in the top five, coming in at second and fourth place, respectively. While finally another staple lunch brand, Irwins, completes the top five ranking. Brennans jumps four places in the ranks, entering the top 20 for the first time. Brennans saw their CRP grow 20%, with 54% of NI households purchasing the brand over 2021.

WHAT THIS RESEARCH IS: • Data is sourced from 650 demographically representative households in Northern Ireland in which Kantar record their take-home groceries • Comprises over 200 FMCG categories which are recorded by Kantar Worldpanel on a continuous basis – including those in the beverages, food, health and beauty and home and care sectors • The data for this year’s ranking was collected in the 52 weeks to October 2021. • Kantar provided households with barcode scanners in order to scan the goods that they had purchased for athome consumption

CHANGING COVID BEHAVIOURS Shoppers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have looked for ways to treat themselves in home. The brands climbing the ranking are more indulgent, indicating that shoppers in Northern Ireland are looking for little at

WHAT THIS RESEARCH IS NOT: • It is not based on sales or EPOS data, measuring either value or volume sales • The data does not reflect food purchased and eaten out of the home • The following categories are not included in the Brand Footprint ranking: batteries, tobacco, nappies, spirits

FRESH PRODUCE

CRISPS & SNACKS

SOFT DRINKS

TOP50 BRANDS BY GROCERY CATEGORY

FROZEN

DAIRY

AMBIENT

MEAT & POULTRY

BISCUITS & CONFECTIONERY

BAKERY

NUMBER OF BRANDS FEATURED IN TOP50

KEY INSIGHTS IRISH AND BRITISH BRANDS ARE A HIT From examining the rankings, we can see that Irish and British brands are certainly a hit with consumers. Hovis led the ranking as Northern Ireland’s most chosen brand, followed by Cookstown and Kingsmill. In fact, of the top five brands, all were either Irish or British brands. For local brands to achieve this result

is a great success, given the consumer awareness and reach demonstrated by the brands of multinational FMCG giants.

HOUSEHOLD & PAPER

he Brand Footprint research, compiled by Kantar, provides valuable insight into Northern Ireland’s most chosen brands in take home grocery. The research, conducted across 650 demographically representative households in Northern Ireland, uses a metric called Consumer Reach Points to rank the top brands in FMCG. A brand’s Consumer Reach Points score is calculated based on the number of households that purchased a brand at least once during the year (penetration) multiplied by the average number of times households bought the brand (frequency).

home luxuries which has been a lasting impact of Covid-19. Cadburys Dairy Milk jumps one place to the seventh position, while Galaxy jumps seven places to 25th position. Lenor shows the biggest jump of any brand jumping 20 places to ranking 50. We also see many soft drinks scale the ranking showing that carbonated soft drinks still have a place in Northern Ireland shoppers’ baskets. Coca Cola is the 10th most chosen brand. With shoppers spending more time in home, they looked for ways to recreate out of home in the home. Nescafé has fallen four places in the ranks to hold 22nd position as shoppers return to work and take advantage of professional baristas.

TOP 50 BRANDS

2021 rank

Rank movement

Brand

2021 rank

Rank movement

Brand

Hovis

Mr Kipling

Cookstown

Bisto

Kingsmill

-3

Fox’s

-1

Denny

-3

Jacobs (inc TUC)

Irwin’s

-2

Robinsons

McVitie’s

-2

Pepsi

Cadbury’s Dairy Milk

-2

Colgate

-3

Heinz

Ambrosia

Dale Farm

-3

Yoplait

Coca-Cola

-8

Pringles

-1

Muller (Muller Dairy)

-1

Mash Direct

Tayto

Maltesers

-1

Batchelors

Cadbury’s Twirl

Birds Eye

Pot Noodle

Wilson’s Country

Hartley’s

Cadburys

-4

Jacob’s

-1

Walkers

Country Kitchen

Brennans

-4

Aero

Dromona

Tunnocks

McCain

Dairylea

-1

Kit Kat

Alpro

-4

Nescafé

-3

Quaker

Golden Cow (Kerry Foods)

Doritos

Fairy

Knorr

Galaxy

Lenor

ADVERTORIAL

HOVIS® IS ONCE AGAIN NORTHERN IRELAND’S KANTAR NO1 FOOD & DRINKS BRAND COMPANY : HOVIS

t has been announced that Hovis is once again Northern Ireland’s Kantar No 1 Food & Drinks brand for a third year running1. This represents an outstanding achievement for Hovis and demonstrates the strength and popularity of the brand with Northern Ireland consumers. Hovis has enjoyed ongoing success over the last few years and is Northern Ireland’s #1 pre packaged bread brand with a Nielsen MAT Unit share of 37%2. In addition Hovis Soft White is the #1 Pre Packaged White bread brand with a Nielsen MAT Unit share of 42%3. Hovis overall is the #1 Seeded Pre Packaged bread brand with a MAT unit share of 53%4. In September we will be launching Hovis Soft White Toastie, a delicious Extra Thick loaf that is ideal for toasting or creating that delicious ‘Super Sandwich’. The new bag design will call out the ‘Toastie‘

occasion. However the design will be in keeping with the Hovis Soft White range identity ensuring maximum impact on shelf. The launch will be supported by an impactful shopper campaign featuring outdoor, in store point of sale and trade press. In addition we will be introducing an updated Hovis Soft White pack design. This new ‘look & feel’ represents a natural evolution of the current bags, creating a more contemporary and relevant creative. Trevor McCrum, commercial director, comments: “We are delighted to announce that Hovis is once again Northern Ireland’s KANTAR No.1 Food and Drinks brand for the third year running 1. This brand accolade demonstrates the popularity of Hovis across Northern Ireland with our consumers.

“September 2022 will be an exciting month for Hovis Soft White with the launch of our NEW Toastie loaf, giving our consumers a great tasting Extra Thick slice option and also with the arrival of our new Hovis Soft White packaging it will be an exciting second half to the year.” Source: 1 The date for this year’s ranking was collected in the 52 weeks to October 2021. Data for 2021 ranking was collected in the 52 weeks to October 2020. Data for 2020 ranking was collected in 52 weeks to October 2019. Data is sourced from 650 demographically representative households in Northern Ireland in which Kantar record their take home groceries. It comprises of over 200 FMCG categories which are recorded by KANTAR Worldpanel on a continuous basis including those in the beverages, food, health and beauty and home and care sectors. Kantar provided households with barcode scanners in order to scan the goods that they had purchased for at home consumption 2 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS Total Northern Ireland Pre Packaged bakery MAT Unit Share to 21st May 2022 3 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS Total Northern Ireland Pre Packaged White Bread MAT Unit Share to 21st May 2022 4 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS Total Northern Ireland Pre Packaged Seeded Bread MAT Unit Share to 21st May 2022

ADVERTORIAL

Helping brands grow in CONVENIENCE & IMPULSE

COMPANY : GREEN FIELD MARKETING

reen Field Marketing’s range of services has grown through client demand over the past number of years, but our strengths still lie in traditional field marketing services like outsourced sales, merchandising, and market research in the convenience sector and impulse sector. Northern Ireland convenience and impulse stores have traditionally been ahead of the curve versus GB in terms of services and the retail experience. We continually see further advances in this channel with the main players in

NI introducing new concept stores and pushing the boundaries of a traditional neighbourhood store. At Green Field Marketing, this has given us the opportunity to drive sales for our FMCG clients through ensuring their core range is on shelf, maximising space on shelf, gaining secondary display and driving distribution of NPD; all of which are a major factor increasing their sales in C&I. Within Northern Ireland, we have a relatively small market so our tactical blitzes have proved increasingly popular with brands who struggle to drive return on investment from full-time dedicated sales and merchandising teams. We have had great success in driving NPD, distribution and rate of sale through short-term sales blitzes, covering the whole market in a matter of weeks with a specialist team, with clients availing of the benefits of increased distribution, space and in-store theatre for a period after our teams have blitzed the market. The data we pick up on both blitzes and our ongoing dedicated sales contracts, gives brands fantastic insight into the ‘whys’ of their performance, not just what their performance is. For example, EPOS data will simply tell you what you have sold, whereas our instore data will pinpoint that the spike in sales was due to specific in-store

factors such as distribution points, space on shelf, competitor activity or secondary display. This level of insight gives huge added value to our clients and helps them address issues and plan strategically for their brand’s growth. With promotions and sampling, we help our brands to bring theatre and consumer interaction to their market. From handling the logistics and installation of stands and stalls to providing and managing the promotional staff, we handle every aspect of this for our brands. Our staff are fully trained sales people and, as well as putting your product right into the hands of your consumers, we pride ourselves on the feedback we are able to provide from the market. We are constantly learning from our clients which allows us to bring best practice and learnings to every project we undertake. We believe our specialised training is the best the market has to offer, demonstrated by the number of ex-employees currently operating throughout the FMCG market in Ireland, many at the highest level. While the current market is proving challenging in terms of low unemployment levels, resulting in more challenges finding the right staff in both permanent and contract roles, it drives home the importance of finding the right recruitment partner for businesses. This helped embed our recruitment service into our existing clients and opened the door to many new clients throughout the year resulting in a strong first half performance. Choosing a partner to represent your

ADVERTORIAL products and brands out in the marketplace is possibly one of the most fundamentally critical decisions you’ll ever have to make at work. At Green Field Marketing, we work with our clients very much as a business partner rather than just a service facilitator and have a strong track record in building successful long-term partnerships with brands. We are passionate about the convenience and impulse sector and, because we have long-term relationships with a range of blue chip FMCG brands, we have a strong presence in all these channels with our multi-disciplined sales support personnel instore developing effective partnerships. We believe the service we offer is the best in the market with clients regularly commenting on how we make the process stress free for them while keeping communication firmly open. For any brands wanting to grow their sales in convenience and impulse, I would encourage them to get in contact with us and have a conversation about how we can help. Contact Martin.rice@ greenfieldmarketing.co.uk to find how we can help grow your brands.

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

DELI LITES LANDS £500K DEAL FOR MUSGRAVE HEAT AND EAT RANGE

Michelle McDonnell, Musgrave NI trading manager; Jonah Gardner, Centra Cathedral Quarter deli manager; and Barbara Hawkins, DELI LITES national account manager.

ocal food-to-go producer DELI LITES has landed a deal with Musgrave NI to supply its new Planet Café brand to Centra, SuperValu and Mace stores across Northern Ireland. With an expected deal value of £500,000, the range has been piloted at McGoveran’s Centra in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast and will be rolled out in stores across NI over the next six months.

Planet Café is a heat-and-go range designed to be cooked in its packaging, with products inspired by tastes of the world including tóstas, burritos and paninis with vegetarian and vegan options available. Delivered frozen directly to the retailers from the Musgrave warehouse, the products can be defrosted by staff as and when they need them, cutting down on waste. Once defrosted, the products have a four-day shelf life and can also be heated in store to be hot held for 90 minutes providing customers with a hot option on the move. The launch is part of Musgrave’s ongoing partnership with Warrenpoint-based DELI LITES. Since the partnership began in 2012, the DELI LITES range has sold more than £10m worth of products across Musgrave NI’s portfolio of stores. “Providing convenient and tasty food-to-go products for our busy customers is a priority for us and we are excited to launch the brand-new Planet Café range in our stores,” said Julie Cherry, trading director at Musgrave NI. “Our 10-year partnership with DELI LITES is a sign of Musgrave’s commitment to supporting local suppliers and stocking local, quality produce. As a family-owned company, we are continually on the lookout for new local high-quality food and drinks brands to add to our shelves to support our local economy.”

DALE FARM’S RHONDA GRANT CLAIMS HERO TITLE AT INDUSTRY AWARDS

ale Farm’s Rhonda Grant has been awarded the title of Cheese Hero of the Year at the 2022 Virtual Cheese Awards. The award was presented to Rhonda in recognition of her ongoing contribution to the cheese industry and her ability to inspire others and continual innovation at the highest level of her job. Based at Dale Farm’s Dunmanbridge plant in Cookstown, Grant has over 20 years’ experience in the dairy industry. She began her career with Dale Farm as a lab supervisor and from there, developed her skill in cheese grading.

Rhonda Grant, Dale Farm.

She has gone on to become the company’s expert cheese grader, meaning she assesses Dale Farm’s Dromona

cheddar cheese for texture, body and flavour. “This recognition of Rhonda’s talent is richly deserved,” said Karen Gaw, Group HR director. “Rhonda plays an integral role in the production of our cheddar cheese, which is enjoyed across the UK and Ireland and exported to over 40 other countries. “Her skill as well as her ability to inspire others in her team make Rhonda a true industry hero through and through – and this award celebrates that.” Meanwhile, Dale Farm scooped a total of 11 awards at the 2022 International Cheese and Dairy Awards, including two gold and three bronze awards, as well as the coveted International Cheese and Dairy Awards Trophy for Best Mature Cheddar.

BOOST LAUNCHES NEW ENERGY FLAVOUR WITH NIGHT FLIGHT PARTY

oost Drinks hosted a Night Flight party at Ireland’s largest waterpark, The Lake Kilrea, on July 1 to launch its new Energy flavour, Fruit Punch. The after-hours, adults-only party was attended by 200 thrill-seekers and Boost fans. The reinvigorated Fruit Punch flavour is made up of punchy flavours including peach, passionfruit and banana, and available in 250ml cans at local convenience stores now.

Boost Drinks representatives Abby Higgins, Gemma Patterson and Amy Devenny celebrated with partygoers.

FRANCHISE & FASCIA 303 (+3)

HENDERSON GROUP CONSOLIDATES LEAD WITH 10 NEW STORES

112 (+4)

102 (-2)

73 (+3)

98* (+30)

78 (+3) 37 (+1)

8 (=) HENDERSON GROUP (496) ■ SPAR ■ VIVO/VIVO ESSENTIALS ■ EUROSPAR ■ VIVOXTRA

62 (+42)

47 (+3)

MUSGRAVE NI (217)

30 (-42)

NISA (145*)

■ CENTRA ■ MACE ■ SUPERVALU

91 (=)

S&W WHOLESALE (92)

■ INDEPENDENTS ■ LOCAL & EXTRA

COSTCUTTER SUPERMARKETS GROUP (91)

■ TODAY’S ■ NEARBY

■ COSTCUTTER

SOURCE: ALL FIGURES SUPPLIED BY RETAIL GROUPS IN JULY 2022 (+/-) DENOTES GROWTH/DECLINE IN STORE NUMBERS SINCE AUGUST 2021 * FIGURE FOR INDEPENDENTS IS APPROXIMATE & NISA ALSO SUPPLIES STORES NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TOTAL THROUGH COSTCUTTER SUPERMARKETS GROUP & OTHER WHOLESALERS.

enderson Group has led new store openings in the last year, adding its brand fascia to 10 new outlets, with its portfolio fast approaching 500 retail partners or company-owned shops. Northern Ireland’s second biggest symbol retailer, Musgrave, now boasts 217 shops with the past year seeing a resurgence in its Mace brand. Nisa, meanwhile, is sitting in third place,

while S&W Wholesale has managed to overtake Costcutter in the last year, propelled by the success of its new symbol brand Nearby. The latest Kantar figures for the 52 weeks to July 10 indicate symbol groups encompass an 8% share of the Northern Ireland grocery market, maintaining a solid position if somewhat diminished from the boost enjoyed by the sector during the pandemic lockdowns.

Total sales in the Northern Ireland grocery market are down 4.6% year on year, and -0.6% against two years ago, while overall multiple retailer performance has declined by 4.4% year on year but is marginally up (+0.3%) on two years ago. All multiples are down year on year, with Tesco and Asda facing the biggest drops, while two-year figures indicate declines for all multiples with the exception of Lidl (+13.2%).

45 35

36.0 35.8

25 16.9 17.0

16.3 16.2

13.2

8.1 8.2

6.7 6.9

1.7

0 -5 -15

8.2 7.8

7.8 8.0

-0.2

-1.7

-5.9

Tesco

Sainsbury’s

Asda

■ 52 W/E 11 JULY 21

Lidl ■ 52 W/E 10 JULY 22

Other multiples

Total symbols

-5.0

Other outlets

■ % CHANGE (VS 2 YEARS AGO)

ESTIMATED RETAIL GROCERY MARKET SHARE IN NORTHERN IRELAND (%) SOURCE: KANTAR WORLDPANEL 27

ADVERTORIAL

Innovation, purpose and results: HENDERSON PARTNERSHIPS DRIVE RETAIL SUCCESS COMPANY : HENDERSON GROUP

s we move into the second half of the year, Henderson Group is right on track to implement and complete a series of projects, from renovations and extensions to new build stores. The Group entered 2022 strong, with retail sales exceeding £1.1bn in 2021 and retaining all existing retail partners, making it the leading symbol operator in Northern Ireland. Henderson Wholesale supplies over 500 SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVO Essentials and ViVOXTRA stores across Northern Ireland from their warehouses in Mallusk. 26 new stores came into the Group in 2021, including 14 new ViVO Essentials – a mark of the importance of community retailing, which Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director of Henderson Group, says is what is attracting independent retailers to their brands. “From our large format brands like EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA to smaller SPAR and ViVO formats, retailers are noticing the impact we’re making. EUROSPAR has become a real challenger to the multiples, with 73 now operating in local areas. “Lynch’s third EUROSPAR located in Greysteel has been an incredible addition for the local community. Seeing the benefit of the community supermarket offering, the Lynch Family now has plans to open a fourth EUROSPAR later this year. With our help, they have acquired another Centra store in the North West, and we worked with them on a plan to expand the outlet’s footprint to bring what the community really needs – a larger format supermarket offering fresh and local produce, convenience and unrivalled services, which should be completed by the end of the year. Henderson Retail has recently opened one of its biggest EUROSPARs in the Hillcrest area of Portrush, another concept store which aims to service both its neighbours and local community, alongside holiday makers. At over 7,000 sq. ft. it brings that full supermarket experience to the heart of the town plus 28

a substantial deli offering for those on the go, day trippers and holiday makers. Paddy continues: “The pandemic years accelerated the adoption of new and innovative store tech, and Henderson Technology has installed an increased number of self-service checkouts and handleless cash systems throughout stores, while also developing grocery and food-to-go delivery apps for retailers, keeping them competitive through challenging times.” Hendersons is also committed to delivering value for their retailers to remain even more competitive as the cost of living continues to rise. Paddy says: “We continue to invest heavily in value, and we have introduced Value on your Doorstep and Mega Deals as two new initiatives for SPAR and EUROSPAR this year. 12 Deals of Christmas will return in the final quarter

“WE CONTINUE TO INVEST HEAVILY IN VALUE, AND WE HAVE INTRODUCED VALUE ON YOUR DOORSTEP AND MEGA DEALS AS TWO NEW INITIATIVES FOR SPAR AND EUROSPAR THIS YEAR. 12 DEALS OF CHRISTMAS WILL RETURN IN THE FINAL QUARTER OF THE YEAR, WHILE SMART SHOPPER BRINGS EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS FOR LOWER PRICES, AND TESCO PRICE MATCH MATCHES THE PRICE OF OVER 1,000 BIG BRAND PRODUCTS.” of the year, while Smart Shopper brings everyday essentials for lower prices, and Tesco Price Match matches the price of

Paddy Doody, sales & marketing director, Henderson Group.

over 1,000 big brand products. “For our retailers, we are committed to the promotion of these campaigns, making sure they benefit from the multimillion-pound marketing investment that will drive footfall and raise brand awareness amongst shoppers who are seeing the value in their local stores and supermarkets.” Innovation expands beyond the bricks and mortar. Hendersons has thriving partnerships with hundreds of local suppliers and producers, helping to expand their own-brand offering through the SPAR Enjoy Local, The Kitchen and The CHEF ranges. Henderson Kitchen, which homes a team of cooks, headed up by Chef Carl Johannesson, is expanding to keep the Group’s Famous for Fresh credentials as standard for the industry. Complementing and ensuring the success of the own-brand development is Henderson’s recently announced partnership growth with Ulster University’s Consumer Insights Lab. Paddy explains: “We are the first company to implement a project with the lab, which is the first Virtual Reality grocery store facility on the island of Ireland for shopper resarch, which will help us understand the ‘why behind the buy’ even further, to help develop ranges, stores and campaigns for the future.”

HALLOWEEN PREVIEW

RISING PRICES & SUSTAINABILITY MAY AFFECT HALLOWEEN MARKET IN 2022

utumn is a key trading period for the grocery sector, and retail sales around Halloween products bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, according to the Mintel report, Seasonal shopping (Autumn/Winter) UK – 2022. However, the cost-of-living crisis could potentially have an impact on the market in 2022, says Mintel, recommending retailers take proactive measures such as offering flexible payment options or promoting and highlighting own-label ranges. Research by Mintel also highlights rising consumer interest in eco-friendly shopping with, for example, excess packaging likely to deter shoppers from making purchases. Brick-and-mortar shops are still the main source of Halloween shopping, while younger consumers are a key demographic in terms of purchasing around the occasion.

The report reads: ‘Consumers are more aware of how their seasonal shopping habits are affecting the environment, with 69% of Halloween/Bonfire Night buyers saying that these events produce too much waste. ‘Despite this, both events saw spending grow strongly in 2021, across all categories from gifts to costumes and seasonal food. ‘The friction between wanting to engage with these events while being more mindfully motivated by environmental concerns is a key area that retailers will need to address moving forward, particularly as the income squeeze will add an additional layer of pressure on spending in 2022. ‘The income squeeze increase will likely be a big downward pressure on the retail market in 2022. As such, we will see consumers cut back on spending on non-essential products, with many

FIRST VEGAN ARANCINI AVAILABLE IN TESCO

ward-winning plant-based cheese alternative, Sheese, is launching Sheesy Arancini Balls in Tesco from September 12. Soya free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the tomato and mozzarella-flavour rice balls are the first plant-based arancini on the market. The 200g packs of eight arancini balls will be found in the plant-based section of the chiller aisle. Made on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, Sheese’s range of dairy-free, vegan cheese products provide a versatile alternative for consumers on plant-based diets or with dietary restrictions. “We listen to what our customers want on their plates and, with more and more people wanting to try alternatives to dairy, as well as the growing number of people in the UK who follow a plant-based diet, we decided to bring a unique, truly delicious and exciting new product to UK shoppers,” said Nigel White of Bute Island Foods, makers of Sheese.

seasonal products and gifts falling into this bracket. ‘Food and drink is also a central part of seasonal celebrations with many opting to have a special meal, either in-home or out-of-home, with family and friends. So, any price rises could lead many to trade down, either in terms of products or retailer. ‘However, there will be opportunities in this area for grocery retailers, in helping customers to replicate special out-ofhome meals in-home. Consumers are also expected to turn to discounters and value retailers for cheaper items. ‘The current economic landscape in retail is expected to result in consumers pulling back on discretionary spending and being even more diligent about seeking value. In some cases, and as we have seen in previous recessionary periods, consumers have bought fewer gifts and products for these events. ‘While retailers cannot afford to stop promotions on products and gifts completely, they will have to create other ways to encourage spend beyond promotions that tap into shoppers’ perception of value, which are multifaceted, and go beyond price and convenience.’

MALTESERS LAUNCH NEW DARK CHOCOLATE TREAT

altesers has unveiled a new dark chocolate treat, marking its first innovation in almost a decade following previous orange and mint varieties of the popular Maltesers Buttons line. The new Dark Maltesers feature 65% more cocoa, and 30% less sugar. Dark chocolate continues to be on trend, with recent growth of 15% in the market*, while dark chocolate is the most requested new flavour*. “We are excited to be extending our Maltesers range to offer Maltesers fans a new twist on the chocolate malt confections which we all know and love,” said Leah Dyckes, brand director, Maltesers. Dark Maltesers are available now nationwide in four pack formats to enjoy as a single treat, or to share with family and friends: * (+15.1% Dark vs. 9.6% Milk) Scantrack Data: Q1 2021 = 12 we 27.03.21 * GD Shopper Vista, 2020. Where do shoppers stand with sugar in 2020?

PROFILE

Refocusing ON THE FOOD COMPANY : LYNAS FOODSERVICE

AFTER A TOUGH FEW YEARS FOR ITS CUSTOMERS IN THE COFFEE SHOP, RESTAURANT & WIDER FOODSERVICE SECTOR, LYNAS HAS LAUNCHED A NEW MAGAZINE OFFERING INSPIRATION & ADDED VALUE OPPORTUNITIES, GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR ANDREW LYNAS TELLS ALYSON MAGEE

difficult few years of pandemic restrictions, staffing and supply shortages, and rocketing energy and raw material costs have left the foodservice sector with little time to focus on new product development in food and drink. Recognising the challenges faced by its customers, Lynas Foodservice has just launched a new magazine showcasing appealing, on-trend options aimed at keeping consumers interested as the costof-living crisis continues to bite. Among enticing menu options featured in the first edition of Your Food! magazine, for Summer 2022, are Spiced Chicken & Black Bean Fajita, Butter Milk Chicken & Waffles with Hot Sauce, Pulled Pork Burger and Indian Summer Salad, alongside a wide array of traybakes, decadent desserts, and premium soft, smoothie and coffee drinks. The local family business is planning to publish in digital and print format, focusing on each season with an

Andrew Lynas.

additional bumper Christmas edition. “The pandemic hit and obviously our customers have had a really challenging time,” says Andrew Lynas, Group managing director. “We were just coming out the other end and then, last summer, supply chain issues were everywhere, and you couldn’t get stock. On top of Your Food! magazine.

that, then, were the energy and Ukraine crises, which resulted in drivers and staff difficulties. “For us as a business, we want to get back to focusing on food, which has been disrupted going through so many challenges. The magazine is our way of saying to our customers, here are ideas for summer with twists on old classics and favourites. “It’s just rekindling the fire again, and a good opportunity for us to showcase some of the newer products our customers maybe haven’t had a chance to see. “With most Lynas customers also busy tackling staffing, supply and cost issues, they might not have had the same opportunity to visit other foodie city destinations such as Dublin or Edinburgh for inspiration, where we operate daily.” Your Food! aims to offer such inspiration directly to the local foodservice sector, alongside creative suggestions aimed at minimising wastage and maximising consumer spend as the sector faces sharply rising input costs. A THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS Headquartered in Coleraine and now operated by a third generation of the family, Lynas services markets in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. Having opened around five new shops as the focus shifted from foodservice to retail during the pandemic, its Northern Ireland sites now total 10 across Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Cookstown, Derry, Newry and Strabane. New shops will open in Portadown and Antrim over the coming months. “The shops are an important part of the business now,” says Andrew. “The general public can come in and buy in bulk on a value proposition, while the shops also attract top-up caterers.”

PROFILE Lynas lorry by Dunluce Castle.

For example, food truck traders may not know how busy they will be on a regular basis, but wish to place a big order if they’ve got a show or festival coming up or a restaurant requiring additional evening stock after a busy day. Lynas sources globally but locally where it can, including meat through its Causeway Prime butchery brand and locally selected fruit & veg delivered daily. “Our customers are looking at value for money and they’re thinking about prep time,” says Andrew. “We have certain dishes that are not ready made, but preprepped so busy sous or commis chefs can add ingredients and they’re ready to go. With staffing pressures, often chefs just don’t have time for all the prep

“FOR US AS A BUSINESS, WE WANT TO GET BACK TO FOCUSING ON FOOD, WHICH HAS BEEN DISRUPTED GOING THROUGH SO MANY CHALLENGES.”

so we’re trying to respond to those issues.” After losing the foodservice side of the business during the lockdowns, Andrew says Lynas is again in growth. “We’re encouraged to see our customers bounce back, but we’re also acutely aware of the cost-of-living challenges around energy and rampant food inflation,” he says. “The real challenge, not just for us but for our customers, and part of what we’re trying to do with the magazine is how can we do more with less. “It’s very important to us to keep our customers at the centre of what we do and support them, as we progress through this period of inflation.”

Family photograph taken in the Brook Street Fish Shop. Norman Lynas, the boy in the middle, went on to turn one fish shop into Lynas Foodservice.

Your Food! magazine. 33

CSR NEWS

SPAR NI STORES LEAD UK-WIDE COASTAL CLEAN-UP INITIATIVE

ive local beaches and coastal destinations have been tidied and are ready to welcome visitors thanks to their neighbouring SPAR and EUROSPAR store teams, which have been taking part in SPAR UK’s Community Coastal Clean-ups as part of the Million Mile Clean Initiative. Collaborating with Surfers Against Sewage, an environmental marine company which organises coastal clean-ups, the Million Mile Clean is an initiative bringing communities together and cleaning several miles of the coast. Leading the charge for the UKwide initiative, nine local stores have made positive impacts on Ballycastle Beach, Kilkeel Beach, Newcastle Beach, Killyleagh and Kircubbin. Ballycastle Beach was cleaned up by

Team members from EUROSPAR Newcastle at Newcastle Beach on their Coastal Clean Up as part of the Million Mile Clean initiative.

store staff from EUROSPAR Ballycastle, SPAR Castle Street, SPAR Moyle Road and Boyles SPAR Ballycastle, while Kilkeel Beach was cleaned up by staff from EUROSPAR Greencastle Street and EUROSPAR Newcastle Road, both in Kilkeel. SPAR provides stores with the opportunity to participate in the Million

LIDL NI INVESTS £1.6M INTO STAFF, CHARITIES & LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS

idl Northern Ireland contributed more than £1.6m into its staff, local charities and community groups last year, according to its 2021 Impact Report. The report was launched last month to promote the positive economic and social Lidl Northern Ireland’s 2021 Impact Report indicates impacts made by the retailer the region’s fastest-growing supermarket retailer within communities across has invested more than £1.6m in its staff, local Northern Ireland. Over 1,000 charities and community groups last year. people are employed directly in Lidl Northern Ireland’s 41 stores and Regional Distribution Centre based in Nutts Corner, Antrim. Lidl NI’s community partnership with FoodCloud has seen staff and customers donate more than three million meals to its network of charities and community groups across the island of Ireland. In 2021, the partnership diverted over 53,470 kgs of food from being sent to landfill across Northern Ireland and saved over 170,000 units of CO2. Lidl NI has also established a Waste Not initiative across all 41 stores, reducing food waste by more than 137.5 tonnes annually. Since 2018, Lidl NI has continually achieved zero waste to landfill. In August last year, Lidl NI announced its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral business by 2025, reducing its operational emissions by 46% by 2030. In 2021, Lidl NI entered into the fourth year of partnership with NSPCC Northern Ireland. Last year, the retailer raised more than £107,000 for NSPCC Northern Ireland and donated 136,950 meals to over 60 charities all over Northern Ireland. And since 1999, Lidl NI has led the way in retail employment, consistently outperforming in the sector and offering staff a market-leading benefits package including award-winning learning, development and progression opportunities within in the business. 34

Mile Clean and organisers SAS provide all the tools and kits to conduct the initiative. The kits include rubble sacks, gloves and first aid kits for up to 30 volunteers. “As Northern Ireland is home to some of the most stunning beaches and coastlines in the UK, we’re delighted to see SPAR NI stores lead the way with this initiative,” said Suzanne Dover, SPAR UK brand and marketing director. “We have arranged with Surfers Against Sewage that SPAR stores can sign up to participate in the Million Mile Clean, an initiative that involves bringing our communities together as well helping the environment.” For more information on how to get involved visit https://beachcleans. org.uk/

ACTION CANCER AWARDED £93,234 FROM DORMANT ACCOUNT FUNDS

orthern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity, Action Cancer, has been awarded £93,234 from the Dormant Accounts Fund NI, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund in conjunction with the Department of Finance. The money was delivered after Action Cancer successfully bid for the funding with its Let’s Go Digital campaign, submitted in November 2021. The drive is focused on future-proofing the organisation through improved technology and a sustainable infrastructure. It also seeks to bring digital transformation to the whole organisation, positively impacting upon its services, fundraising and retail departments. Dormant accounts are UK bank and building society accounts that have been untouched for 15 or more years, and where banks and building societies are unable to trace the customer who owns the account.

Dougie King, head of fundraising and communications at Action Cancer, and Lesley Johnston, funding officer at The National Lottery Community Fund, are pictured outside the Action Cancer Something Different Shop on the Lisburn Road in Belfast.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY JOINS UK PROJECT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

ueen’s University Belfast has been named part of a highlevel, government-backed £5m research network designed to jumpstart the UK agrifood industry’s journey to carbon net zero. Professor Nigel Scollan, director of the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s, will be a co-investigator on the network, which will be funded by UK Research and Innovation for three years. It will bring together leading experts from a range of disciplines including natural, physical and social sciences, to explore the most effective ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agrifood, in consultation with government and industry stakeholders

Photo credit: Karsten Wurth

and members of the public. The group will also seek to improve environmental sustainability more broadly and enhance biodiversity, maintain healthy ecosystems, nurture livelihoods, support healthy consumer habits, and minimise the environmental impacts of overseas trade. The UK’s agrifood industry is responsible for almost a quarter of the

NORTHERN IRELAND PROVIDES BACKDROP FOR BBC’S MOUNTAIN VETS The six-part series will follow staff based in four veterinary practices in Northern Ireland, as they deal with farm, domestic and wild animals in need of medical help. All the practices are based in rural areas, offering viewers the chance to see our spectacular landscape and to learn more about our countryside, farmland and wildlife. Gleno Vets Helen Montgomery, Rosalind Woodside, Nigel Brodison and Michael Simpson This series of Mountain Vets was during filming for BBC’s Mountain Vets, produced by Rare TV, an independent supported by Tourism Ireland. production company, and is a comages of local countryside have been commission between BBC Two and BBC beamed into homes across Great Britain, Northern Ireland, with support from when the first episode of the latest series of Tourism Ireland. Mountain Vets aired on BBC Two on July 19. The vets and their teams from four

country’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest research. It can, however, also be part of the solution by changing the way things are done in relation to farming, food manufacturing, retail, consumption and waste management. The network will be led by a team of four researchers: Dr Angelina Sanderson Bellamy of the University of the West of England; Professor Tim Benton of the University of Leeds; Professor Sarah Bridle of the University of York; and Professor Neil Ward of the University of East Anglia. A further seven coinvestigators from around the UK will help steer the ambitious project, with support from specialist advisors and champions. different practices – Castle Vets in Castlewellan, Gleno Vets in the Glens of Antrim, Tullyraine Equine Clinic in Banbridge and the USPCA (Ulster Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Animals) – will be dealing with a busy calving season, wildlife creatures and even a bearded dragon in need of a serious operation. Stunning landscapes around the Mountains of Mourne and the Glens of Antrim will provide the backdrop to the various animal stories. “With a large audience right across Britain set to watch the series on BBC Two, it’s a great way to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland – highlighting our spectacular countryside, as well as our friendly and welcoming people,” said Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland head of Great Britain.

TB HERD INCIDENCE REACHES HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE 2019

erd incidence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) has now exceeded 9%, the highest level recorded since 2019, according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) which is urging DAERA to move ahead with implementing its TB Eradication Strategy for Northern Ireland. “TB herd incidence rates are still increasing much to the distress of our members, and we met with DAERA officials recently to ensure all parties are

continuing their efforts to implement the revised TB strategy,” said John McLenaghan, deputy president, UFU. “While it’s extremely positive that we have this once-in-a-generation opportunity to eradicate TB from Northern Ireland, farmers are and will continue to suffer emotionally and financially until the revised strategy is put in place. We have made such progress up until this point, but we need to keep

going to get this over the line.” “This plague of a disease is removing more than 280 cattle per week from our industry, before they even have the chance to reach their full production potential. “It’s essential that DAERA continue to move forward on the development of this and we continue to encourage DAERA to remove TB reactor cattle from herds as promptly as possible after testing.”

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

WILSON’S COUNTRY HOSTS WORLD “In turn, I hope the visit to Co Armagh provided the delegates with a learning POTATO CONGRESS DELEGATION opportunity, which they can avail of in their

Professor Amanda Gevins from Wisconsin; Josephine O’Keeffe, World Potato Council; Humphrey Mburu, Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture; and Angus Wilson, CEO, Wilson’s Country.

ilson’s Country in Co Armagh has hosted 30 delegates from countries around the world

attending the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC) in Ireland. The event provided guests with an opportunity to observe first-hand how Ireland’s largest potato packing and processing operation is managed. “The visit provided us with a tremendous networking opportunity,” said Angus Wilson, CEO and chairman, Wilson’s Country. “This is the first time that Ireland has hosted a WPC. “The global reach of potatoes continues to expand. New technologies are fast impacting on the sector. Wilson’s Country wants to be at the very heart of these developments. “The opportunity of meeting and interacting with so many people with real influence across so many aspects of potato breeding, production and processing was one that we could not turn down.

VETERINARY MEDICINES MUST REMAIN AVAILABLE AMID PROTOCOL DEBATE

ets and the farming lobby have jointly warned of the risk to animal health and welfare if arrangements are not made to ensure veterinary medicines remain freely available, whatever the outcome of the debate on the future of the Protocol. Concerns have been highlighted in a joint statement from the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA). Both say that the issue is not about the politics around the Protocol, but the pursuit of practical solutions to ensure livestock productivity and animal welfare do not suffer. The problem stems from what happens at the end of the Protocol grace period in December, when all veterinary products used in the EU, including Northern Ireland, must be licensed in the EU. Without a solution, this could see UK veterinary medicines destined for Northern Ireland having to be relicensed for Northern Ireland; an outcome some companies might deem not cost effective, given the limited size of the market here. A large range of everyday veterinary products would be affected, including anthelmintics, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins and vaccines. The goal, says UFU and NIVA, must be a common-sense solution maintaining these products for the farming industry. Under current legislation, medicines approved in other EC member states can be imported by use of a ‘special import licence’, but NIVA says the application process is cumbersome and does not represent a practical solution. David Brown, president, UFU.

own right for the future.” Wilson established his potato operation on the family dairy farm at Richhill back in 1986. The business now employs 130 fulland part-time staff members, and processes 850 tonnes of potatoes per week. Wilson’s Country currently supplies many of the largest supermarket groups throughout the UK and Ireland and invests an annual £1m in new technologies across its processing and storage systems. “New product development is a key focus for the business,” said Wilson. “In addition, the company’s management works closely with our growers to ensure that they have access to the latest agronomic advice they need in order to maximise crop yield and quality in the most sustainable manner.”

LMC HOSTS INTERACTIVE COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS FOR OPEN FARM WEEKEND

s a sponsor of Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) this year hosted interactive cookery demonstrations at three participating farms. Pictured at Millbank Farm are Sarah “It was great to see Toland, education and consumer promotions manager, and Hilary the event back on farms Stevenson, LMC demonstrator, pupils again this year and witness from Killinchy Primary School, and first-hand the positive Lauren Patterson, LMC marketing and communications manager. engagement that farm families were having with members of the public of all ages,” said Lauren Patterson, LMC marketing and communications manager. “LMC was delighted to provide live cookery demonstrations at D&D Holland, Articlave, Millbank Farm, Killinchy and Laurel View Farm, Templepatrick. Across the three days our team of cookery demonstrators showcased the flavour and versatility of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) Beef and Lamb. “In an era where much pertinence is placed on debate about food miles and food security, knowing exactly where the food on your plate comes from is of the utmost importance. Secondly, LMC is proud to champion NIFQA beef and lamb and boast its nutritional and environmental benefits. “Where better to reinforce its positive attributes than on real working farms? These farmers alongside our 12,000 NIFQA members are committed to upholding world-leading standards on a daily basis.”

MARKETING NEWS

MACKLE PETFOODS INVEST IN MAJOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY TRADE BOOST

ackle Petfoods is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year by investing a six-figure sum in direct trade support. “Our major business objective into the autumn is to drive footfall into local retailers with a marketing campaign directly targeting purchasing habits,” said Gail Cook, head of marketing. “We have conducted significant research which shows that more than two thirds of pet owners in Ireland will ‘absolutely not’ abandon their pets in the face of the current cost of living crisis. “Rather, they will actively invest in high quality, locally produced food

that they can trust and depend on to be available. Our customers know that Brandy Dog Food is made from 100% Irish meat, so they know they are giving their dogs the best local produce. At a time when many imports are in short supply, it is always good to know that buying local is also buying best. “In support of this we are printing limited edition cans with the names of customers’ pets and offering prizes for photographs of them with their cans. For those who cannot find their pets’ names on cans, they can enter a competition to have the name included in the promotion. “The survey also showed that our

PRIMARY PUPIL’S CREATIVE COMIC SCOOPS SUPER PRIZE FROM DALE FARM

airy brand Dale Farm recently called on creative young minds to create a superhero tale to celebrate the goodness of Dale Farm milk through a Northern Irelandwide comic book design competition. The Very Dairy Superhero Adventure competition gave primary school children the chance to win a class trip to Streamvale Open Farm and a special school visit from Cool FM’s Pete Snodden along with Dale Farm mascot SuperCow. Rachel Broomfield, a primary 7 pupil from Armagh’s Lisnadill Primary School, was named the overall lucky winner from over 1,000 entries. “Congratulations to Rachel who, thanks to her wonderful comic book story, brought SuperCow to life and celebrated the power of natural milk goodness through her exciting adventure,” said Rachel Martin, Dale Farm. “Dale Farm’s all new milking parlour at Streamvale Open Farm in Belfast is the perfect place to learn all about the goodness of milk, in a real farm setting, educating them on the journey from farm to fridge. “The kids from Lisnadill Primary School saw first-hand where SuperCow’s dairy powers come from and even had a go at milking. “Dale Farm is proud to supply milk to schools across Northern Ireland every day – this competition really celebrated the natural goodness of milk whilst encouraging imagination and creativity.” Supercow with Cool FM’s Pete Snodden.

Pat Geraghty receives a special 50th birthday Brandy dog food hamper for his dog Skippy, who at 26 years old is possibly Ireland’s oldest dog, from Gerry Concannon, territory sales manager for Mackle Petfoods.

favourite dogs are still Jack Russells, German Shepherds and Golden Labradors with specialist mixed breeds rising up the ranks, but what we name our pets is still one of our most important considerations.”

EUROSPAR CELEBRATES SUMMER WITH £7K GIVEAWAY TO SHOPPERS

UROSPAR has kicked off a sizzling summer of savings on fresh and local food with a £7,000 giveaway for its shoppers. Launched in June in over 70 Pictured launching EUROSPAR’s £7K EUROSPAR community giveaway are Ciara Campbell and Sarah Sweeney from Henderson supermarkets, shoppers Group, with Peter Nesbitt, assistant will find value deals manager at EUROSPAR Glenwell. across their summer food favourites and barbecue specials, alongside a chance to win one of 70 £100 vouchers to spend in store. “It seems like every day there is more financial pressure on homes across Northern Ireland as we experience price rises from every angle,” said Sara Murphy, marketing manager at Henderson Group. “Operating in the heart of local communities, our EUROSPAR community supermarkets offer a huge range of everyday essentials alongside fresh and locally sourced groceries for tonight’s tea and those special occasions. “We’re committed to ensuring our shoppers have access to choice, unrivalled value and nutritious food that has been produced locally. “There’s a lot to celebrate this summer, our communities will be looking forward to socialising and enjoying alfresco barbeques and picnics as we continue to enjoy our outdoor spaces across Northern Ireland.” To inspire shoppers even further, the team has created a free magazine packed full of ideas for summer eating and ways to make shoppers’ money go further this summer.

EXPORT NEWS

CLANDEBOYE YOGHURT OPENS £2M CREAMERY TO FACILITATE EXPANSION

landeboye Estate Yoghurt has opened a £2m creamery with capacity to quadruple production and grow sales, potentially moving into new markets. The new site on the Clandeboye Estate sees the company moving from its original incubator site at Ards Business Hub; having grown 30-40% a year since its inception in 2007. “When we first came to Ards Business Hub, we had two staff and processed 300 litres of milk each week,” said Bryan Boggs, general manager. “Now we employ 20 people and process 6,000 litres per day. It had always been our dream to build a sustainable business on the Clandeboye Estate, powered by green energy, using milk from our own herd.” The business was conceived by the late Lady Dufferin who hired Boggs, an

experienced food technician, to create an artisan yoghurt using milk from her herd of pedigree Holstein and Jersey cows. After developing the process at Loughry College, Boggs took a unit at Ards Business Hub to start production and prove there was a market for the locally made yogurt. “As a small start-up, we didn’t want to risk a long-term lease and the unit at Ards allowed us to trial the product,” said Boggs. “Plus, all the food production units are fully serviced so there was no additional investment in the site needed.” Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt started in a single unit with its first sales from a stall at St George’s Market. As it began to supply the Hastings Hotel Group and then all the major supermarkets in Northern Ireland and the Republic

Nichola Lockhart, CEO of Ards Business Hub, with Bryan Boggs, general manager, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, and Cookie the cow.

of Ireland, it took an additional three units. Now with the new creamery allowing for increased capacity, the company is looking into new markets, particularly in England, Scotland and Wales, which would require a massive increase in production.

NOISY SNACKS SECURES NATIONAL NI BUSINESSES MAY BENEFIT LISTING WITH WH SMITH FROM TRADE DEAL WITH orthern Ireland-based Noisy Snacks is Nsupplying its new range of sustainable, GULF NATIONS healthier snacks to WH Smith stores across the UK. “We are excited to be launching our full new 25g and 100g packs of Coated Chickpeas, Broad Bean and Peanut Snacks in WH Smith stores UK nationwide,” said Noel Allen, founder, Noisy Snacks. “The snacks are low in calories, high in protein and have all natural flavours. You can even hear the scrunch of our 100%

recyclable packaging. “Everyone has experienced tough challenges through Covid, and many consumers are buzzing to get back out travelling, enjoying the noisy, busy excitement of travel again for holidays, romantic breaks, family trips and business trips. “As a start-up brand that was created on my dining room table with a dream of making noise and bridging the gap between tastier and healthier snacks, we are super excited that we can now be found in WH Smith stores. “Our snacks deliver a real punch with our adventurous flavours keeping customers noisy and healthy throughout the day, offering a truly unique snacking experience.” The fully recyclable packs should be shaken before opening to awaken the flavour. The range is all natural, vegan friendly and a good source of protein, featuring clear labelling for allergies and recycling. The range includes Noisy Snacks 100g Beef Brisket Flavoured Broad Beans, 100g Chips Shop Curry Flavoured Coated Chickpeas, 150g Pickled Onion Flavoured Peanuts, 25g Pulled Pork Flavoured Broad Beans and 25g Piri Mango Flavoured Coated Chickpeas.

rade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan launched free trade negotiations in June between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, citing a potential boost for businesses across Northern Ireland. The Gulf is highly dependent on imported food, with UK food and drink exports to GCC countries worth £625m last year. A deal could significantly reduce or remove tariffs on UK food and drink exports. Tariffs that could be slashed include cereals, which currently face a tariff of up to 25%; chocolate, up to 15%; baking products, up to 12%; sweet biscuits, up to 10%; and smoked salmon, which has a 5% tariff at present. In a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Secretary of State met GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf and her counterparts from all six GCC countries to launch talks expected to culminate in a trade deal worth £1.6bn more a year to the UK economy. It is the fourth major set of free trade agreement negotiations launched by the Trade Secretary this year, following visits to begin talks in India in January, Canada in March and Mexico in May. Northern Ireland businesses exported goods worth £128.8m to GCC countries last year, with 42 businesses exporting goods from Northern Ireland to Kuwait alone in 2021. 39

BUSINESS NEWS

DALE FARM REPORTS ‘SOLID’ FINANCIAL RESULTS AMID UNPRECEDENTED INFLATION

airy cooperative Dale Farm has reported its highest turnover and profit to date for the financial year ending March

2022. Overall group turnover at the cooperative rose to £591m (previous year £524m), with profit reported at £25.6m (previous year £14m), group net profit before tax £22.1m (previous year £8.2m) and EBITDA £33.8m (previous year £20.8m). The milk price paid to producers for the financial year averaged 33.88p per litre – up 5.56p per litre year on year; the highest Dale Farm has ever paid to its farmers. “I am pleased to see this strong

Nick Whelan, Group chief executive, Dale Farm.

performance by our cooperative and the talented people within it,” said Nick Whelan, Group chief executive, Dale Farm. “Our focus is ensuring that our business is as efficient and profitable as possible so that we can pay the most competitive milk price – whilst also building a stable future for Dale

Farm and the farmers who own our cooperative. “In recent years, turnover has grown by 60% and profits have almost tripled. Achieving that means constantly adapting to change and taking difficult decisions, reviewing those areas that can no longer deliver for us and investing strongly in those that do. “As we move forward, this type of strategy is more appropriate than ever. The current level of unprecedented cost inflation will require focused management.” Dale Farm is owned by over 1,300 dairy farmers who supply the cooperative with milk.

HENDERSON FOODSERVICE UNVEILS CALL FOR HOLISTIC APPROACH FIRST OF NEW £1.9M DELIVERY FLEET

enderson Foodservice has invested £1.9m to bring 18 new fuelefficient delivery vehicles to the road as part of its 2022 Fleet Replacement Scheme. The first two vehicles of the new fleet have been unveiled as fully branded Barista Bar delivery trucks, which will help deliver greater volumes of product to SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded stores across NI. In total, the fleet will comprise of 18 new vehicles Gavin Hamill, logistics manager at of which four are 26-tonne Henderson Foodservice and Keavy and 14 are 18-tonne trucks O’Mahony-Truesdale, Barista Bar with greater capacity, brand manager. including two fully wrapped with the eye-catching Barista Bar brand while the others are Henderson Foodservice-branded. “Our new 18-strong fleet is a significant investment from Henderson Foodservice as we continue our post-pandemic recovery alongside the hospitality and tourism industries across the island of Ireland,” said Gavin Hamill, logistics manager at Henderson Foodservice. “We will continue to introduce the new lorries to the roads throughout the remainder of the year as we grow the level of services we offer to our customers across the island of Ireland, helping them meet their shopper and consumer demands.” Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale, Barista Bar brand manager, said: “We hope to increase member numbers in the loyalty card scheme with the easily accessible QR code on the side of the trucks and urge shoppers to sign up and enjoy rewards for purchasing our drinks.” 40

TO TACKLE RESIDUAL WASTE TREATMENT

o achieve the region’s demanding recycling and circularity targets, pre-treatment of recycling from Darragh McConville, ReCon; Adrian household residual Hopkins, Conference Managers waste should be Consulting; Debbie Nesbitt, WRAP; increased instead of Brett Ross RiverRidge; and Conor Walsh, Recycle NI. simply landfilling nearly 200,000 tonnes every year. So said RiverRidge CEO Brett Ross, addressing the inaugural Northern Ireland Waste and Resource Management Conference at Belfast ICC on June 23. Speaking to a 200-strong crowd at the first of its kind for the region, Brett Ross warned that over-reliance and excessive use of landfill was detrimental to Northern Ireland’s success in reaching its 2035 target of a 65% municipal recycling rate and its aspiration to become carbon neutral, and that a holistic approach to household residual waste treatment needed to be established. “The importance of change within the region’s waste sector cannot be understated and timelines are now critical,” he said. “We are at a crossroads and the existing indecisiveness is becoming costly in terms of both financial and carbon budgets. “The current trajectory relies heavily on waste incineration, which is a better alternative to landfill but one that isn’t a sustainable long-term solution for Northern Ireland. It is exposing us to inevitable carbon taxation and will not facilitate a growth in recycling, which means we will miss our current target of a 65% municipal recycling waste by 2035.”

APPOINTMENTS

SHS GROUP APPOINTS HONORARY PRESIDENT AND GROUP CHAIR

HS Group, which employs more than 1,200 people in the FMCG sector with a turnover of over £640m, has announced the appointment of Dr Joe Sloan as honorary president and Karen Salters as Group chair. “I had the privilege of guiding SHS Group, alongside my business partner the late Geoff Salters, from its inception as a traditional family-run sales and marketing company, to a multinational operation with an enviable range of owned and agency brands, alongside our private label offering,” said Dr Sloan. “I announced that I was stepping

Dr Joe Sloan

Karen Salters

down from the role of Group chairman and retiring from the Group Board. I have been appointed honorary president

JASON BIRKS ELECTED AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE FED Jason Birks with Muntazir Dipoti, vice president, and Shahid Razzaq, deputy vice president.

o Durham retailer Jason Birks has been elected as the new National President of the Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers). Birks took over the chains of office from immediate past president Narinder

Randhawa at the organisation’s annual conference, held in Birmingham, on June 21. He has lifelong experience in independent retail and has held a string of high-profile positions within the Fed, both at district and national level. Having represented the Durham branch in several roles, eventually becoming district president in 2012, he later became a national councillor for the Northern district and a member of various national committees. He has also served as national deputy vice president and national vice president over the last three years.

GEMMA BATESON ANNOUNCED AS NEW SALES DIRECTOR AT JTI UK

TI UK has appointed Gemma Bateson as the new sales director of its UK division. Bateson has more than 10 years of experience working at JTI, starting Gemma in 2010 managing one of Bateson JTI’s global key accounts. She continued her career as a general manager and director for JTI Worldwide Duty Free’s Middle East, Africa, and UK sectors,

transitioning into corporate affairs and communications director for Worldwide Duty Free at JTI in 2016, and finally her most recent role as head of reduced risk products at JTI UK. Before her career started at JTI, Bateson was a sales rep at BAT and then a national sales manager at Mondelez International (formally Kraft Foods).

of SHS Group which is a real privilege. I would like to thank the Group Board for their support and wish Karen well in her role as chair.” Karen Salters will take over as Group chair, working closely with SHS Group CEO Elaine Birchall to fulfil the Group’s Vision 25 ambitions. Salters has worked across the Group for over 27 years within the Drinks Division as marketing director and joint managing director. She has been a Group director and member of the board for over a decade, as well as representing the Group and SHS Drinks on trade body networks.

ELLEN WRIGHT APPOINTED SENIOR BRAND MARKETING MANAGER AT MOY PARK

llen Wright has been promoted to senior brand Ellen marketing Wright manager at Moy Park, responsible for promotion of the brand portfolio in UK and Irish markets. The role includes developing multichannel marketing campaigns to support the launch of products, as well as ensuring continued brand awareness and presence with key trade and consumer audiences. Wright is dedicated to driving growth, sales and increased product distribution, as well as pursuing new routes to market for the Moy Park brand across the UK and Ireland. She has seven years of extensive brand marketing experience across various sectors including agri-food, retail, tourism and transport. Wright joined Moy Park in March 2019, progressing from brand marketing executive to senior brand marketing manager.

SHELFLIFE To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Judith Martin at j.martin@mediahuis.co.uk or Tel: 07765 183176

ETHICAL TEA BRAND VAHDAM MAKES UK RETAIL DEBUT IN HOLLAND & BARRETT

ahdam India, an award-winning, climate and plastic-neutral premium global wellness brand, has launched a range of its best-selling teas in Holland & Barrett. A brand placing sustainability and social initiatives at the heart of its ethos, donating 1% of its revenue to educating its tea growers’ children in India, Vahdam has been endorsed by global icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey and Ellen DeGeneres.

Its range of over 100 garden-fresh, artisanal signature blends have been shipped to over three million people across 130 countries. Five certified organic and vegan turmeric teas from the brand will be placed in over 400 stores of Holland & Barrett and will also be available on the retailer’s online store. The teas blend premium-quality Indian turmeric with superfoods such as Ginger, Ashwagandha, Moring, and an array of spices which are 100% natural, pure and caffeine-free. “We are super excited to be making our UK retail debut at one of the world’s leading health & wellness retailers, Holland and Barrett,” said Bala Sarda, founder and CEO, VAHDAM India. “We have always strived to take the best of India to the world under a home-grown brand and this is a step forward in that direction.”

COCA-COLA ZERO SUGAR ZERO CAFFEINE OFFERS HEALTHIER OPTION

oca-Cola Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine is a refreshing take on Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, offering the option to chill and enjoy your favourite drink in the evening, post work or play. “For many of us, the pace of life has suddenly accelerated and we’re busier than ever,” said Aisling Wilde, Coca-Cola Company frontline activation lead for Ireland. “Juggling life, work and families, and it can be all consuming, so we wanted to create a product which celebrates that post-work feeling, when the evening becomes your own and you finally get to relax.” Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine is available across the Island of Ireland in 500ml, 1L and 2L PET bottles and in 4-pack and 12-pack 330ml can SKUs. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine bottles will retail at €1.60 in ROI and £1.40 in NI per 500ml bottle, €1.70 in ROI and £1.50 in NI per 1L bottle and €2.70 in ROI and £2.30 in NI per 2L bottle. The 330ml can 4-pack will retail at €3.80 in ROI and £3.05 in NI and 330ml 12-pack at €10.90 in ROI and £8.00 in NI. 42

KARNLEA EXTENDS ITS BONE BROTH RANGE WITH LAMB VARIANT

arnlea has extended its Bone Broth range with the introduction of a new flavour in July. Lamb has been launched as a high-collagen alterative to its beef flavour, the first ‘ambient’ liquid bone broth to hit UK shelves earlier this year. Karnlea Lamb Bone Broth is made from 100% natural ingredients and slow cooked for up to 14 hours to extract high levels of protein, collagen and minerals. It can be used as a supplement, treat or topper and is carton packed from fresh, maintaining high-levels of essential nutrients. Made using just three simple ingredients, lamb bones, water and apple cider vinegar to extract the best from the bones, it can be served as a liquid, straight from the carton, chilled for use as a jelly topper, frozen into treats/convenient portions, or used in home cooking and bakes. “Like beef, it has high collagen levels, is gentle on the stomach, easy to digest and highly palatable,” said Lara McCullough, founder, Karnlea. “It contains a large amount of amino acids essential to pet health, including lysine which helps boosts immunity and methionine to relieve allergies.”

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WANT YOUR COMPANY TO GET NOTICED?

ADVERTISE HERE...

CONTACT JUDITH MARTIN ON 07765 183176 OR EMAIL:

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GROCER ULSTER

50 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

CLASSIFIEDS

Q&A

IN THE

Hot Seat within the team. I will usually have one or two team member one-to-one meetings in the day as well as check ins with my commercial and NPD colleagues.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF As a daughter of a farmer and a cookery demonstrator, it was inevitable that I would end up working in the food industry. After studying Consumer Product Management (Food) at university, I completed a graduate training scheme with Grampian Country Food Group and then spent 16 years in manufacturing predominantly working in the red meat, chicken and fish industry before joining the M&S technical team, where I am now the trading area technical manager in protein, looking after red meat, fish, eggs, dairy, agriculture and fisheries. I love learning and developing my knowledge in the food industry and have recently completed a postgraduate diploma in Sustainable Aquaculture. Since Covid, I have moved from London back to my roots in central Scotland to be closer to my family and friends. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? I am responsible for the food safety, quality, integrity and legality for my area, so no two days are the same. The flexibility of my role means that I am typically in our supply base three days a week. This week I am visiting a dairy supplier in Italy learning how they make their product so I can understand what makes them safe, as well as the best quality on the market. Later this week I will be visiting a strategic fish supplier with my commercial and development colleagues to agree a longterm sustainable sourcing plan. A typical day in the office would start with working through my emails and diary to determine my priorities for the day, then we have a team check in at 8.45am where any key messages will be shared. When I am in the office, I try to ensure I have some free slots and not just be on Teams meetings, as I firmly believe faceto-face conversations, even if it is just to chat over a coffee, are incredibly important for building relations and also wellbeing 46

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? My career highlight to date was delivering a successful Christmas campaign for the protein team in the middle of the pandemic. Leading up to peak production we were unable to prepare in the usual way with team visits, regular on-site check ins and face-to-face product sampling, so we had to find new ways of collaborating. Team working and communication became more important than we had ever known. We worked collaboratively, supporting each other during the challenging time, whilst giving our customers a Christmas to remember. It was a peak period like no other, hard work but a lot of fun along the way and we definitely learned how much resilience we really had. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love that my job allows me to work with brilliant people in the food industry, from farmers to factory floor personnel and innovators who challenge our everyday way of thinking around process and product. I really enjoy developing people and seeing their successes, both my own team and within our supply base. WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? My role involves a lot of time on the road to visit suppliers which can be tricky to co-ordinate given the diverse locations – from shellfish in Orkney to sausages in Downpatrick – but is so absolutely worth it in terms of relationship-building. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Not everyone thinks the same as me. This phrase has made me really stop and think. When I am in a situation that is frustrating, I refer to it and somehow it makes the situation seem calmer and allows me to consider other people’s view.

NAME: MHAIRI FORBES ROLE: TRADING AREA TECHNICAL MANAGER COMPANY: MARKS & SPENCER

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? Negativity. We all have bad days, but I find dealing with people who consistently see the worst in everything and drain the mood challenging. It is important to understand your impact on the people around you. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? To play an instrument. I am in awe of anyone who can just pick up an instrument and play a tune. WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Jacinda Aderne is a great role model for women, demonstrating the importance of having a good work-life balance and not being afraid to show she is a mother. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? I have a soft spot for Italy which has been fuelled by working with some amazing continental meats and cheese suppliers and I love a beautiful beach, but my happy place is London. It may seem controversial to some but since my early twenties I found a solace in the city, a feeling of being me with no one judging me. Every corner has a different feel to it with so much to explore, a brilliant food culture and non-stop entertainment. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Fresh seafood or a good steak. HOW DO YOU RELAX? I love being outside whether it is walking, gardening or enjoying a glass of wine in the sun. My family and friends are such an important part of my life and I firmly believe spending quality time with them keeps me sane!