Ulster Grocer December 2020 by Helen Wright

GROCER ULSTER

DECEMBER 2020

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

Over 45 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

VOUCHER SCHEME TO BOOST RETAIL SPEND IN QUIET MONTHS OF 2021

orthern Ireland households are to receive vouchers for spending in local brick and mortar stores during the quieter early months of the New Year. The £95m scheme, included in a £300m Covid-19 business support package announced by Finance Minister Conor Murphy last month, is expected to involve pre-paid cards of up to £100 awarded to around 1.1 million locals. Online purchases will not be permitted via the scheme and, while consumers will be able to use cards in major supermarkets and out-of-town retail parks, the NI Executive is hopeful the cards will be used to support independent retailers. Set to launch in early 2021, the cards will be valid for a limited period; possibly expiring by the end of March. “This package is very welcome, and we look forward to working with the Executive on refining the detail and its speedy implementation to assist businesses that are hardest hit by Covid-19,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI. “Retail NI had been lobbying ministers for some time on a high street voucher scheme based upon the Jersey government initiative and we are pleased

8-9

STORE FOCUS: FRENCH VILLAGE FOOD STORE IN BELFAST IS ATTRACTING MILLENNIALS WITH ITS CHILLED VIBE AND FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE AND LOCAL ARTISAN FOOD AND DRINK

that they listened and acted on our proposals.” Roberts urged support for independent retailers through the scheme, highlighting 70p in every pound spend at independent retailers is recycled around the economy, helping local suppliers, producers and farmers. Aodhan Connolly, director of the NI Retail Consortium, said: “The £95m that will be given to households to spend on the high street is particularly welcome as it creates a virtuous circle of spending that will support retailers in the leaner months of January and February as well as being of huge benefit to those households whose budgets are already squeezed. This will make a tangible difference to the high street, to livelihoods and to lives.” Frank McAllister, owner of Woodvale Costcutter in North Belfast and a Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) member, said: “I think it’s a good thing and it will help us out. The area I’m in is a deprived area, so people will be in need of it.” Gwen Patterson, membership services manager at NFRN, said: “Details are still to be finalised, but this will be

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TOP 50 FOOD & DRINKS BRANDS: KANTAR USES ITS BRAND FOOTPRINT RESEARCH TO RANK THE TOP BRANDS OPERATING IN THE NI GROCERY MARKET, LED BY HOVIS AT NUMBER ONE

an incentive for consumers to spend the money in local independent retail businesses. It aims to increase consumer confidence and help revitalise the high street.” Retail NI also welcomed a decision by the NI Executive to allow non-essential retailers, subject to a two-week lockdown from November 27, to continue trading through appointment-based Click and Collect services. “Increasing numbers of independent retailers are now offering a click and collect service and we urge shoppers to make a special effort to support them in these challenging few weeks,” said Roberts, who had earlier branded the two-week closure as “Christmas has come early for Amazon”. Back in October, the NI departments for Communities, Infrastructure and Agriculture allocated an additional £11.6m support package for town centres to address the impact of Covid-19. Springboard’s latest report indicated Northern Ireland has the highest retail footfall drop in the UK, with a return to lockdown for the hospitality sector on October 16 exacerbating the situation.

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FURRY FRIENDS: LOOKING AT MACKLE PETFOODS’ PORTFOLIO OF BRANDY, CAT CLUB, NATURO & NORSH, AS OWNERS SPEND MORE TIME WITH THEIR PETS DURING THE PANDEMIC

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A TIME FOR GIVING: WHAT BETTER TIME THAN CHRISTMAS TO LOOK AT CSR ACROSS THE GROCERY SECTOR INCLUDING SUPERVALU & CENTRA’S FACE MASKS IN AID OF ACTION CANCER

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 55 Number 8 DECEMBER 2020 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Sam Butler Sales Manager: Chris Keenan E: c.keenan@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4266 Art Editor: Helen Wright Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Ulster Grocer c/o Independent News & Media Ltd, Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG www.ulstergrocer.com @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer Subscriptions: £27.50 per annum £37.50 per annum (outside UK) Designed & Produced by: Independent News & Media Ltd Tel: 028 9026 4000 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911

EDITORIAL COMMENT

www.ulstergrocer.com

GLAD TO SEE THE BACK OF 2020

rather strange year is coming to an end, and many will be glad to see the back of 2020. To highlight the positives since last month’s magazine, three Covid-19 vaccines are nearing readiness. And new US President Elect Joe Biden has pledged to throw his weight behind preventing a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. At time of writing, trade talks between the UK and EU were due to resume over the weekend in an attempt to reach a deal before December 31. Brexit is of great concern to the Northern Ireland grocery trade. With one month to go, retailers and their suppliers bringing produce from GB to NI still have no clarity around whether tariffs will apply to some products including meat and poultry. A number of supermarket bosses and food manufacturers have spoken out over their fears of cost hikes or product shortages, while a further issue surrounds the post-Brexit legality of premium labelling claims such as organic. Also of concern is whether NI companies are prepared for application of EU customs rules to imports of produce and ingredients at local ports from January 1. Only one thing is clear; by the end of the year, the UK will have exited the EU in one form or another. With little end in sight for Covid-19, hopes are hinged on a vaccine becoming widely available at some point in 2021. Encouragingly, reports suggest health workers may be in line to receive it as early as this month. As our December edition goes to print, NI is entering another two weeks of restrictions closing non-essential retail shops, bar click-and-collect services, during the key festive trading period. At least the NI Executive’s new

voucher scheme will go some way towards alleviating the frustration of business owners and will likely provide a boost for grocery (and other) retailers in the quieter post-Christmas months of the New Year. Our thoughts are with shop workers over the coming month, with stores likely to see the crowded and challenging conditions of the festive season heightened by the current restrictions closing hospitality and other shops, leisure facilities and attractions. As a number of our news stories highlight, frontline workers in grocery stores are under a lot of stress and, in some cases, even facing abuse from shoppers. The importance of maintaining the safety and mental health of the trade cannot be overestimated at this point, and resources are available for anyone feeling the strain. See bottom left of this page for the GroceryAid helpline number. It’s not all doom and gloom in the grocery trade, however, with this edition showcasing new openings and investment from Henderson Group’s first ViVOXTRA supermarket to Lidl’s planned £32m spend on five new stores. And our store focus this month is the French Village Food Store opened back in June after the Belfast caterer and coffee shop operator rapidly responded to the first hospitality lockdown by transforming one of its sites into a thriving artisan food hall. Features include Meat & Poultry and Petcare, while we are also proud to unveil the Top 50 Food & Drink Brands operating in the Northern Ireland market, as determined by Kantar’s Brand Footprint. Enjoy.

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NEWS

FASTEST-GROWING NI GROCER INVESTING £32M IN FIVE NEW BELFAST STORES

idl Northern Ireland has announced plans to invest more than £32m in five new state-of-the-art stores across Belfast as the discount retailer continues to cement its position as Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing grocery retailer. Latest Kantar data for the 52 weeks to November 1 indicate value growth year-on-year of 14.8% for Lidl in the NI grocery market, ahead of 10.7%, 10.2% and 5.4% for, respectively, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda. Lidl continues to grow its market share to 6.3%, still well behind Tesco at 35.4%, Sainsbury’s at 17% and Asda at 15.9%, while symbol retailers have collectively boosted their value sales by 20.9% to a 8.7% share of the market. “Significantly larger trips, with volumes up 18.3%, contributed an additional £35m to Lidl’s overall growth,” said Emer Healy, retail analyst at Kantar. “Lidl was also the only retailer to welcome new shoppers through its doors this period, which added £1.9m to its total sales.” Lidl NI’s £32m investment will create 100 permanent jobs, while supporting up to 1,000 jobs in the locality during the development and construction phases. The investment is part of a long-term plan to grow Lidl’s network to 50 stores in Northern Ireland. The retailer directly employs more than

From left, Drew McIvor, food business development manager at Invest Northern Ireland; Alan Barry, executive director and director of property & construction at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland; and Conor Boyle, regional director of Lidl Northern Ireland.

1,000 people across its operations in Northern Ireland, including more than 200 in its regional distribution centre in Nutt’s Corner. An Oxford Economics review published last year indicated contribution of around £180m annually to the local economy, sustaining more than 3,500 jobs. The line-up of new stores will include locations in Castlereagh Road, Hillview Retail Park on Crumlin Road, Boucher Road, Holywood Exchange and Shore Road. The stores will each be around 2,100 square meters in size and are designed in line with Lidl Northern Ireland’s new ‘concept’ approach featuring a larger,

modern and spacious fit-out with a significant emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. All of Lidl’s new stores are expected to open before the end of 2022, with the first opening last month at Holywood Exchange, bringing its region-wide store tally to 40. Lidl Northern Ireland opened its first store in Cookstown in 1999. “With more than 20 years of growth behind us, we are delighted to renew our commitment for growth into a new decade with a significant additional investment and new jobs created,” said Alan Barry, director of property & construction for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.

FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH AMID ABUSE CONCERNS

Ahead of the busy Christmas period, Retail NI has produced a fivepoint plan for shoppers to follow to keep retailers safe.

afety and mental health of retail workers has come to the fore as the grocery sector enters its peak Christmas trading period against a backdrop of rising local Covid-19 cases and related restrictions. Following discussions with Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn

Roberts, Interim Mental Health Champion Professor Siobhan O’Neill has vowed to do everything she can to help retail staff providing a frontline service to the public, as well as encouraging the public to play their part by wearing a mask, using sanitiser and respecting retail guidelines. Retail NI has said increasing numbers of retail workers are struggling to do their job properly due to rising instances of verbal and physical abuse. “Retail workers are a key part of our human frontline right now too, and they are keeping shops open, shelves stocked and helping us all get what we need safely, and it’s important that we recognise that this is a really difficult for the retail industry,” said Prof O’Neill. “Often small gestures make the biggest difference, so a smile behind a mask, or just a thank you can go a long way to saying we appreciate you are doing all you can to help us today.” Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said: “Retail NI wants to the see improved levels of mental health and wellbeing as key economic indicators for our wider economy and we look forward to working with the Mental Health Champion to achieve this.” 5

NEWS

QUEEN’S PARTNERS WITH GBBO STAR & JAMIE OLIVER TEAM FOR FESTIVAL BID

Professor Chris Elliott OBE.

he Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast has joined forces with homegrown Great British Bake Off star Andrew Smyth

and Jamie Oliver’s team to bid for a place in Festival UK* 2022. The IGFS-led consortium has been shortlisted for the next stage of the competition, as one of just 30 successful bids whittled down from almost 300 competing for presence at the showcase of arts and science creativity set to take place across the UK in 2022. Getting through to the research and development stage now gives the team the opportunity to develop concepts and ideas to manifest in a celebration of food, food science and all things culinary. The 30 shortlisted teams are made up of 22 UK-wide collaborations, with two each from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Independently run and led by Chief Creative Officer Martin Green, Festival UK* 2022 is backed by the four governments of the UK with £120m of new investment. It’s been designed to stimulate hard-hit economies and the arts

GROCERYAID IMPACT REPORT REVEALS INCREASED SUPPORT FOR COLLEAGUES

roceryAid’s 2019/20 Impact Report highlights the charity, which has been providing emotional, practical and financial support to grocery colleagues since 1857, helped out 17,000 colleagues over the last year. It assisted colleagues from manufacturers, convenience stores, wholesalers, supermarkets, distribution, sales and support functions; 73% of whom were of working age. GroceryAid distributed £4.25m

in financial assistance, helping 3,183 colleagues, as well as providing emotional and practical support through the 24/7 Helpline services. Last year, 13,871 colleagues contacted the 24/7 Helpline, a 12% increase in colleagues needing practical and emotional support across a broad range of topics. “The last year saw GroceryAid support more colleagues than ever before and we take great pride in that achievement,”

sector with a series of 10 exciting publicengagement projects running throughout 2022. They may be live or digital, but probably both, as the project as a whole seeks to reach 66 million people worldwide. The final 10 pitches will be selected after each creative team presents to a panel in February 2021 with the full festival programme announced later next year. In the meantime, all 30 shortlisted groups have been awarded £100,000 each to develop their bids. said Charles Wilson, president, GroceryAid. “As we look forward, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the nation and on our trade. We expect rising demand for our services, and we are geared up to help colleagues who need assistance from GroceryAid.” The GroceryAid Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year: 08088 021 122. GroceryAid has produced a Grocery feeds the Nation film featuring contributions from across the trade to thank the industry for its contribution during the first wave of Covid-19. The film can be viewed at: https://www. groceryaid.org.uk/our-industry/

NFRN COVID-19 HARDSHIP FUND OFFERS HELP TO STRUGGLING INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

he Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) is reminding its members that financial assistance is still available through the NFRN Covid-19 Hardship Fund. The Covid-19 Hardship Fund was created to alleviate some of the financial pressures that independent retailers may be facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since its launch in April, the Hardship Fund has helped 95 independent retailers 6

and paid out nearly £120,000. Thanks to generous donations from the Federation’s districts, branches and from individual members, as well as from suppliers and publishers, the fund reached an impressive total of £241,621. “The impact of Covid-19 on the lives and businesses of some independent retailers has been unprecedented,” said Stuart Reddish, national president, NFRN. “We are acutely aware that some members are facing severe financial

difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic and that further restrictions may completely decimate footfall within certain stores, due to their location. “If your store has to close or is struggling to survive due to Covid-19, apply for a grant today via the NFRN’s website, TheFedOnline.” Recipients have used the money to pay outstanding bills, restock their stores or to buy essential shop equipment.

NEWS

HENDERSON GROUP BOOSTS TURNOVER TO £918M IN 2019 From left, Ron Whitten, chief financial officer, Henderson Group and Patrick Doody, sales and marketing director, Henderson Group.

urnover has grown by 7.6% to £918.1m with like-for-like sales climbing by 3.9% for the Henderson Group in 2019, boosted by gains in footfall and basket spend across its network of stores. Henderson Retail grew significantly in 2019, acquiring six new stores during the year, and now operates 96 companyowned shops. An additional 11 new stores were opened under the EUROSPAR, SPAR and ViVO brands by independent

retailers in 2019. Henderson Foodservice posted growth of 10.3% on 2018, performing strongly across all key channels, particularly food-to-go, contracts and independent accounts. “Since 2017, we have focused on delivering excellence in customer service, investing in our people, developing our information systems, maximising our operational efficiency, enhancing our fresh food ranges and improving our

in-store proposition,” said Ron Whitten, chief financial officer at the Malluskbased Henderson Group. “We have had a challenging trading year in 2020, with our Foodservice company having to make redundancies due to the effect of the Pandemic, alongside a negative impact on fuel sales, as a result of fewer cars on the road due to lockdowns and restrictions,” he said. “However, shoppers have appreciated the measures taken to provide a safe shopping experience which has been witnessed in increased basket spend and overall growth in retail grocery sales, offsetting the foodservice and fuel declines.” Patrick Doody, sales and marketing director at the Henderson Group, said: “Thanks to a growth in group sales in 2019 and 2020 to date, we have been able to negotiate this challenging and unprecedented year with confidence, to ensure our retailers and shoppers are safe and secure. We will have invested over £3m in reducing retail prices by the end of 2020, as well as spending over £1m in store safety measures such as directional signage, sanitiser stations, screens and door control measures. “We remain cautiously optimistic as we negotiate Covid and Brexit. It is absolutely imperative we avoid a nodeal Brexit and the ensuing disruption to the supply chain and potential increase in food prices due to new tariffs.”

CALL FOR FLEXIBLE DEVOLUTION IN BREXIT FARM-SUPPORT TRANSITION Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU.

ransition from the EU Common Agriculture Policy subsidy programme offers an opportunity for local government and farmers to work together to create a productive, profitable and progressive farming sector, says Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). “We are now in a time of unprecedented change which presents

a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of NI agriculture and we want to work with government and other industry partners to realise this,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “We need flexible devolution to adapt a policy to suit the differing regional needs of farming. Work has begun within UFU and the wider industry to feed into this process. “At the very least, the existing level of support and investment in NI farming needs to be maintained and a sufficient delivery implementation transition is required. This is vital to give individual farm businesses the necessary time to adapt and support being targeted at those who actively take risks in primary food production.

“The agriculture industry is a major contributor to the NI economy and delivers for the environment but the reality is, if we have a policy that doesn’t support NI agriculture we could end up with a farming and food system that functions poorly. Local food security and the price of food for consumers would be hit and basic living costs in NI could increase as a result.” UFU has also welcomed clarification by the DAERA Minister to revise and improve the governing rules intended for direct support in 2021. “The inspection regime system needs to be reevaluated to create a more effective, risk-based inspection system that is more efficient and better suited to NI,” said Chestnutt. 7

STORE FOCUS

FRENCH VILLAGE FOOD STORE, BELFAST A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS ITS WIDE RANGE OF LOCAL ARTISAN FOOD AND DRINK AND A CHILLED VIBE IN THE LISBURN ROAD STORE ARE PROVING A HIT WITH MILLENNIALS, MANAGING DIRECTOR ASHLEY FRENCH TELLS UG

Ashley French, managing director of French Village Bakery in Belfast.

f any silver lining is to be found amid the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic, it may well be the creativity inspired among small business owners. French Village Food Store, on the popular shopping destination of Belfast’s Lisburn Road, was conceived in direct response to the hospitality lockdown during the first local wave of the pandemic. The business is of course best known as an acclaimed baker, operating a buoyant catering division from its Montgomery Road production site, as well as busy coffee shops on Botanic Avenue and the Lisburn Road. Having started out in 1981 from a bakery in Stranmillis, Managing Director Ashley French took over the reins from 8

his father in 2005 and had built it into a business employing close to 300 people. In 2008, £850,000 was invested in the business and 10 new jobs created as French Village ramped up its foodservice element to cater for larger corporate events. With hospitality in freefall in March, however, Ashley had to take a hard look at the business. “The Food Store was a business decision to diversify our French Village Brassiere during the current global pandemic,” he says. “It’s the outcome of the lockdown, which halted our catering business and especially from the growth in home cooking. “We noticed this important trend from the success of the call and collect and

delivery services we introduced when our restaurants in the city were shuttered.” French Village Food Store was officially launched in the former French Village Brassiere on the Lisburn Road in June. The stylish interior embraces a traditional general store ambience, featuring exposed wood, brick and industrial shelving elements against a neutral colour scheme with slate accents, chic tiling and natural foliage continuing into an outdoor patio seating area. “We have a very modern décor with a chilled vibe to suit a lot of the clientele that come into our store,” says Ashley. “We are based in the heart of BT9 on the Lisburn Road, and a high proportion of our shoppers are in their late 20s and 30s. “We are in a unique position as we offer a range of artisan grocery products for sale with the luxury of having a deli counter offering fresh salads, pressed sandwiches, filled bagels, sweet treats,

STORE FOCUS teas and coffees to sit in or takeaway. We can seat 30 guests at present inside and a further 26 outside on our terrace. This gives us an edge on our competitors.” Open from 8am-6pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sundays, the Food Store is staffed by a weekly team of five front-of-house workers and two chefs with three front of house and one chef typically on site each day. “Instagram and Facebook are currently great platforms for marketing,” says Ashley. “We push as much as we can onto our page to show people what we are all about at the store, as well as what we offer in store.” SUSTAINABILITY Beyond the lockdown, a further motivating factor in reimagining the Lisburn Road restaurant was Ashley identifying a gap in the market for an artisan food store focused on sustainable produce. “We have noticed our younger consumers, in particular, are increasingly buying artisan produce from local suppliers because of the quality, low carbon footprint and traceability,” he says. “The food is fresh, nutritious, wholesome and safe. “Our commitment to sustainability has been a core value throughout the years in an effort to improve and decrease the environmental impact which we leave on our planet. “Our packaging is always ethically sourced, biodegradable and compostable. In a bid to minimise our waste, we have always promoted the use of reusable cups. “All our products are made using locally sourced ingredients. We are also committed to offering healthy alternatives to our customers, which is why we offer a range of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan products within our range here in store. “We are proud to say that our coffee is 100% Fairtrade certified and sourced from Fairtrade producers. Fairtrade works with sustainable coffee farmers to improve their livelihoods and the health and wellbeing of their communities. “These farms are regularly audited to meet a rigorous standard with regards to their environmental impact and to ensure that they are benefiting economically from their efforts. This aids in protecting the earth’s biodiversity and ensures that farmers are benefiting both financially and culturally from their coffee harvest. “We love and appreciate nature and are avid supporters of biodiversity.” French Village Food Store’s wide range

of artisan produce includes its own ever-expanding range of bakery goods, complemented on the deli counter by fresh sandwiches, bagels and salads. “We stock fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, fresh fish, meats, cakes, desserts and pizza kits,” says Ashley. “We promote local produce and support seasonality as and where possible. “We source our products from a range of suppliers and directly from producers where possible using websites like Food NI to try and support local companies to help showcase Northern Ireland’s artisan community. “I’ve been watching the development of this important sector for a couple of years. There’s a vast variety of highquality food being produced locally now; products which I believe deserved even greater support and recognition. “We have introduced a retail offering of our own French Village artisan bakery items, sweet and savoury, which has been hugely successful with none other than our Famous Baker Street Sourdough flying off our shelves. “In addition, they can purchase convenient meals prepared by our team of chefs on-site to enjoy at home. And there are hot snacks and pastries they can eat at a small number of tables in the store or on the patio outside. It’s very busy all the time now.” Freshly cooked food-to-go options, updated regularly, include such dishes as Soup of the Day with Wheaten Bread;

Smoked Haddock & Salmon Chowder; Goan Chicken Curry; and Roast Butternut Squash, Chestnut Mushroom & Kale on Chargrilled Flatbread. Pizza has proved to be “an outstanding success and is still available for delivery and now can be purchased in the food hall,” he says. Ashley intends to continue the delivery service launched during the lockdown to ensure the long-term future of the business. “The food hall is so successful that I can’t see it returning to its previous role as a restaurant,” he says. “I fear it will be many years before the restaurant scene here fully recovers because of the lockdown and social distancing requirements. “There’s a big fear that further outbreaks of coronavirus and lockdowns could again impact the sector. There will always be a role for food retailing.” Ever the innovator, Ashley will continue to evolve the business as he spots opportunities and responds to the market. “We are currently working on a small brunch/lunch menu operating a few hours a day on set days to help expand our offerings,” he says. “We are also creating the menu around using the products we sell instore to showcase our local artisan producers. “In addition to this, we have developed our website which will include a selection of artisan products available for home delivery at Frenchvillage.com.” 9

RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS

NFRN HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED FOR ACCESS TO CASH

overnment must ensure free access to cash for everyone, despite a continued increase in the use of other payment methods, says the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN). In the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced that “government will bring forward legislation to protect access to cash and ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term.” HM Treasury has issued a call for evidence on the subject of access to cash, including ATMs and the possibility of introducing cashback without purchase in stores. In response, the NFRN has urged the government to ensure free ATMs are readily available in rural as well as urban areas, and that providing no-purchase cashback would be made viable for store owners through new legislation. Whilst card payments and other payment services are becoming increasingly popular, evidence from HM Treasury shows that a significant

Stuart Reddish, national president, NFRN.

CAMELOT REPORTS STRONG SIX-MONTH PERFORMANCE C amelot UK Lotteries has announced its second best ever National Lottery ticket sales for the first six months of the 2020/21 financial year (April 1 to September 26), despite an 18% hit to sales at the start of the pandemic. The company achieved sales of £3,854.1m, a small decrease on the first half of 2019/20. Key to the half-year performance was a series of urgent interventions made by Camelot to minimise the effects of Covid-19 on National Lottery sales as much as possible. The company updated all of its advertising to prioritise the ability to play online or on mobile and there was a marked increase in traffic to the National Lottery’s well-established digital channels, leading Camelot to invest in additional resources to accommodate this. The company also postponed a series of special jackpot draws that had originally been planned for April and

proportion of the UK population continues to rely on cash in their day-today lives. “It is important that the regulators have sufficient powers to ensure community interest is a major factor in the maintaining of the ATM network, even with ATMs that have low usage,” said Stuart Reddish, national president, NFRN. “It remains important to customers, particularly the more vulnerable, that they can have free access to their cash without having to travel large distances. “For cashback without purchase to become a viable option for retailers, there needs to be change in the legislative framework governing payment services. “Independent retailers are focused on serving their local communities. As such, they will want to continue accepting cash for as long as their customers wish to continue paying with it.” Meanwhile, NFRN welcomed a decision by the Daily Record to maintain retail terms at 20% alongside an increase in prices for its Monday-Friday and Saturday editions.

May, as it felt it was inappropriate to encourage people into retail during that time. In addition, Camelot adapted its plans over the period to support retailers – particularly small, independent shops – making their safety a priority. Although its Retail Sales Team had to come off the road during lockdown, Camelot’s local sales reps continued to support retailers via phone and video technology. Camelot also moved its popular Site, Stock, Sell in-store retailer standards and rewards programme online. All of these measures helped to generate £863.7m (excluding investment returns) for National Lottery Good Causes, an average of £34m every week. Thanks to National Lottery players, over £800m has been distributed to date across the UK to help tackle the impact of coronavirus.

PAYZONE ANNOUNCES GIFT CARD OFFERING WITH BLACKHAWK NETWORK

ayzone has signed a new contract with Blackhawk Network to supply Payzone stores with the One4All and Choice gift cards. The range at Payzone outlets initially includes six variations of the gift card, including One4All Classic, Birthday and Christmas gift cards along with Gamers’ Choice, Fashion Choice and Restaurant Choice gift cards. The gift cards were available to Payzone retailers from November 25, with Digital Top Up products and an extended range introduced early next year. Retailers earn on average £1 for every gift card sold and benefit from the opportunity to increase basket spend when consumers come in store to purchase cards. As Christmas approaches and shoppers are on the lookout for an easy gift, it is anticipated that the enhanced proposition will draw in new customers to Payzone outlets, bringing in shoppers outside of the traditional convenience customer base.

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

HENDERSON ADDS FIRST VIVOXTRA SUPERMARKET TO RETAIL NETWORK

enderson Retail has added its first VIVOXTRA community supermarket to its retail network, a £4m build creating 40 local jobs on Newry Road, Banbridge. The group now owns and operates 97 SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA stores in Northern Ireland. John Fox will manage the supermarket which will also be home to a new Quail’s Butchery counter and prominent Windsor Bakery display; both well-known businesses in the Banbridge area. The 6,000 square-foot store has been built in line with all Covid-19 measures, which is paramount to providing a safe shopping experience for its local customers. “The build of the store took almost a year, and that was because we were slightly delayed by Covid lockdowns,” said Fox. “This meant revising some of our plans for the build, in line with new safety measures, which means we have a destination where our shoppers can not

only get all they need, but they can do it safely.” Mark McCammond, retail director at Henderson Group, said: “The store will have three self-scan checkouts, but we know shoppers don’t always want to do this themselves so we have installed the Glory Cash Infinity hardware where shoppers can insert their cash at our traditional checkouts, and receive their change, without having to physically hand cash to our staff. It works seamlessly with the Henderson Technology EDGE-POS software. “Not only does this keep a vital personal service for our shoppers, but it will keep

queues to a minimum and footfall flowing, which is really important for safe operations at the moment.” The site also has a six-pump Maxol forecourt and 72-space car park, providing even more convenience to the area. Other amenities and services include many of Henderson’s own-brand products including The Chef range of restaurant quality pre-prepared mains and sides, an instore bakery, Occasions cards, flowers and cakes, and F’real milkshakes and smoothies. There are two Barista Bar coffee machines installed, both offering the latest additions to the menu, flat white coffees and hot chocolate.

McBRIDE’S MAXOL SCAFFOG REOPENS AFTER £350,000 INVESTMENT

Peter McBride reopens the new-look McBride’s MAXOL SPAR Scaffog on the Sligo Road with his children Ava and Ben, and wife Julie.

he McBride family has officially reopened their MAXOL SPAR Scaffog store on the Sligo Road after a major investment, which has brought five new jobs to the local area. The new-look store boasts enhanced services for local shoppers including an improved Relish Deli serving breakfast, sandwiches, salads and hot food to go, and a new, socially distanced seating area where customers can enjoy their Barista Bar coffee and a catch up when cafes are allowed to reopen. Alongside a new ice cream parlour, Nice Cream, serving up tasty treats with all the toppings, the services have provided five new

full-time job opportunities which Peter McBride, owner of the store, says is important in the current climate. “This has been a challenging year for many, and we’re really delighted to be able to offer job prospects in our local community,” he said. “The past nine months have shown us just how important community is, and local retailers and our teams have been on the frontline ensuring the essentials are at our shoppers’ doorsteps so they don’t need to travel too far. “We’re delighted to officially reopen after the renovations, bringing even more services for our local shoppers and we thank them for supporting us this year.” 11

RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

ASDA CEO APPLAUDS NI SUPPLIERS FOR RESILIENCE

sda Chief Executive Roger Burnley has issued a personal thank you to Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector for the key role it has played in feeding the nation throughout the Covid-19 lockdown. Speaking at the annual dinner of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), held virtually for the first time in its 24-year history, Burnley highlighted the pace of change which the retail sector has faced over the last seven months and its impact on key sectors. He also reiterated how the entire food chain continued to demonstrate resilience and agility in response to the issues it faced. By way of example, he referred to the early stage of the lockdown and how the closure of food service markets unbalanced the beef market. “Surplus volumes of steak cuts were depressing the whole of the beef market at a time when confidence needed to be supported,” he said. “Discussions with our suppliers and farming organisations led to a successful steak promotion campaign, which customers responded to, and the cattle price stabilised.” Burnley reinforced his ongoing commitment to Asda’s NI supply base. “We will continue to support you wherever we can, whether from our local sourcing hub in Antrim or from here at Asda House, so we can serve our

From left, Michael Bell, executive director of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, and Roger Burnley, chief executive of Asda.

customers together,” he said. Addressing Asda’s new majority shareholders, Burnley outlined the background to the Issa Brothers and TDR Capital and highlighted the growth potential this offers suppliers, particularly in respect of accessing the convenience market. “Community convenience is an area in which Asda has traditionally been underrepresented, but we have now opened our first Asda on the Move, a convenience offering on an EG Group forecourt,” he said. “The Issa Brothers and TDR Capital recognise these opportunities and are bought into our

ig Pot Co, a family-run business established in 2009 and making award-winning, nutritious soups using local ingredients, has become an Asda supplier for the first time. The new deal with Cookstown company will see Big Pot Co’s Chicken & Vegetable, Potato and Leek and Cream of Tomato soups available to purchase in selected Asda stores across Northern Ireland. “The Big Pot Co is delighted to supply our core product range to Asda stores for the first time,” said Alison Seaney, director at Big Pot Co. “We take great pride in making our products in small batches to ensure they taste great and give people traditional, homely soups in a convenient 500g pot format. We hope Asda customers will enjoy our three hero varieties this winter.” Emma Swan, Asda buying manager, said: “It’s great to bring three more

strategy. They see Asda as a growth story and accessing their experience of convenience is an exciting prospect.” Burnley also highlighted his concerns regarding Brexit and the future challenges the retail sector will face without an agreement in place. “We are used to dealing with uncertainty in our industry, but this year has tested us like no other,” he said. “We simply need a negotiated outcome which keeps friction on the Irish Sea to the absolute minimum and enables us to continue giving our customers great products, at great prices, conveniently, however they wish to shop.”

BIG POT SOUPS GAINS LISTING WITH ASDA NI

From left, Alison Seaney, director at Big Pot Co, and Emma Swan, Asda buying manager.

locally produced lines to our shelves, especially given our customers are such strong advocates of Northern Irish products. “As the nights get darker and the days get colder, our customers will

reach for warm comfort food that brings them timeless and much loved flavours – and the Chicken & Vegetable, Potato and Leek and Cream of Tomato soups will do exactly that.”

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE JUDY MERCER, LOCAL SHOP OWNER & NFRN NI DISTRICT PRESIDENT WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? Owner/partner with my father Ray Hamilton in four businesses, all located in East Belfast. BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR BACKGROUND I first started in 1981 in a shop in York Street Station, Belfast after leaving university. It was a real day-to-day start to this new venture, where the first day’s takings bought the next day’s stock, until I was able to establish credit accounts with suppliers. We had a news bill and that’s what really got us going. We moved to our current location on the Cregagh Road in East Belfast in 1985 and, in 1990, purchased Cregagh Post Office, moving it to the current location in our SPAR in 1995. WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? The day-to-day running of four busy businesses. I have a very hands-on approach in the business; ordering, serving the customers, doing rotas and all the other things that busy retailers have to cope with today. WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The best parts are the staff and customers. Over the last 35 years we

have become like a family and, especially during these troubled times, we have all helped each other to get through. Many of our staff have been here from the beginning and I really would be lost without them. No day is ever the same and I will never get bored in this job. The worst parts are the early morning starts and also that you are really never off the job, as many problems can happen even when you aren’t in work. Family life really suffers sometimes, as in this business you never know what problems will delay you in getting home. Retail is always challenging, but over the years we have learnt to evolve and have grown so that we are still in business today. BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY Start at 5.15am and open the newsagents, with the great help of my poor unpaid husband, Bill. At 6.15am help open our SPAR and get ready for the busy day ahead. The rest of the day is spent preparing delivery rounds for our extensive newspaper delivery service; sorting magazine orders for customers; ordering stock; sorting staffing issues and rotas; setting up offers and seasonal displays; the usual paperwork and, at the minute, trying to keep staff and

customers as safe as we can. PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? The opening and refit of our SPAR shop and being asked to become district president of the NFRN in Northern Ireland. My father was elected to that same position in 1993. BEST THING ABOUT THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? We have a great relationship with all of our suppliers - especially during the pandemic, they have been great. Within the Federation we have set up a ‘better together’ WhatsApp group, with about 15 members to date, who regularly keep in touch regarding problems in the trade or if they just need any information. We find that together we can help each other and never feel on our own. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I played wing defence for the Northern Ireland hockey squad, and now play wing defence or centre for my local club on a Saturday and cycle with my husband on a Sunday. I also like a good movie to relax and the odd glass of wine. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I played netball for Northern Ireland until I went to university.

TOP 50 BRANDS

TOP 50 FOOD & DRINK BRANDS EVE COLEMAN, CATEGORY ANALYST AT THE IRELAND WORLDPANEL DIVISION, OUTLINES THE METHODOLOGY BEHIND KANTAR’S RANKING OF THE TOP 50 BRANDS OPERATING IN THE NORTHERN IRELAND GROCERY MARKET

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).

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 four 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. LUNCH STAPLES CONTINUE TO DOMINATE THE TOP 10 RANKING Traditional lunch staples made up the top 10 most chosen brands in Northern Ireland in 2018 and again in 2019. Two of the top five are bread brands, with Hovis coming out on top, being purchased by 80.5% of Northern Ireland households. Kingsmill comes in at third place. Cookstown and Denny complete the top four, coming in at second and fourth place respectively. While finally another staple lunch brand, Heinz, completes the top five ranking. SHOPPERS STILL HAVE ROOM FOR INDULGENCE Despite health remaining a major macro trend, it is indulgent brands that are climbing the ranking, indicating that shoppers in Northern Ireland still want to treat themselves. Cadburys jumps three places to the 25th position, while Kit

TOP 50 BRANDS BY GROCERY CATEGORY

CEREALS

HOUSEHOLD & PAPER

FRESH PRODUCE

FROZEN

CRISPS & SNACKS

SOFT DRINKS

DAIRY

AMBIENT

MEAT & POULTRY

BISCUITS & CONFECTIOMERY

0 14

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 2019. • Kantar provided households with barcode scanners in order to scan the goods that they had purchased for at home consumption 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.

BAKERY

CATEGORIES AS PROPORTION OF THE TOP 50

Kat jumps four places to 19th position. Galaxy remains high on the ranking coming in as the 21st most chosen brand. We also see many carbonated soft drinks in the Top 50 showing that they still have a place in shoppers’ baskets. Coca Cola is the 10th most chosen brand. Lucozade shows the biggest jump of any brand jumping 17 places to ranking 41. Fanta jumps 13 places to ranking number 38 while Pepsi comes in as the 26th most chosen brand in Northern Ireland.

TOP 50 BRANDS

2019 RANK

BRAND

2019 RANK

BRAND

Hovis

Pepsi

Cookstown

Fairy

Kingsmill

Yoplait

Denny

Mash Direct

Heinz

Colgate

Mc Vitie’s

Bisto

Irwin’s

Maltesers

Muller

Jacobs (inc TUC)

Cadbury’s Dairy Milk

Fox’s

Coca-Cola

Mr. Kipling

Dale Farm

Pringles

Batchelors

Uncle Ben’s

Tayto

Fanta

Birds Eye

Country Kitchen

Cadbury’s

Youngs

Walkers

Lucozade

Brennans

Burtons

Wilson’s Country

Andrex

Kit Kat

Pot Noodle

Dromona

Ambrosia

Galaxy

Haribo

Nescafé

Quaker

Mc Cain

Comfort

Golden Cow

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies

Robinsons

Knorr

TOP 50 BRANDS

MASHING THROUGH THE SNOW, STOCK UP ON OUR FESTIVE RANGE

ocal vegetable accompaniments producer Mash Direct has launched their seasonal range for the festive season. Mash Direct’s diverse Christmas range is sure to bring plenty of variety to the festive chiller, whilst still focusing on traditional tastes. Ranging from Red Cabbage and Beetroot to Honey Glazed Parsnips as well as Stuffing Bites, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy this festive period. This Christmas range offers the convenience of little preparation and quick cooking times with added

Christmas flavours, set to be a hit for all festive occasions. Mash Direct, the innovative farming enterprise, run by the Hamilton family at their family farm close to the shores of Strangford Lough, grow and produce quality, convenient ‘field to fork’ vegetable and potato side-dishes. They now boast 23 Great Taste awards, ranging from Mashed Potato to seasonal Bites. All products are 100% gluten-free and free from artificial colourings and flavourings. Mash Direct’s seasonal range is available to all retailers, convenience

stores and independents throughout NI. Lance Hamilton, sales director at Mash Direct, said: “Our award-winning vegetable accompaniments take the hassle out of Christmas due to their convenience and versatility, meaning consumers can spend more time with family and enjoy the festive period.” Website: www.mashdirect.com www.mashdirect.com/shop Facebook: www.facebook.com/ MashDirect Instagram: @mashdirect

TOP 50 BRANDS

COCA-COLA : NORTHERN IRELAND’S FAVOURITE SOFT DRINK BRAND

oca-Cola is immensely proud to be Northern Ireland’s number one soft drink. Love for the brand among Northern Irish consumers continues to go from strength to strength thanks to its creative and relevant marketing platforms, support for the communities it serves, growth of its zero sugar variants and increased investment in sustainable packaging. The Coca-Cola System in Northern Ireland was proud to play its part for the Covid-19 relief effort. In addition to donating over 900,000 drinks to frontline workers and those in need, financial support was given to FoodCloud, which enabled the charity to deliver

the equivalent of 100,000 meals to communities across the island. Coca-Cola continues to respond to consumer needs for lower sugar options. Thanks to the brand’s ‘hero zero’ marketing strategy, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is now the third most popular soft drink, after Coca-Cola and Diet Coke and, today, more than half of all Coca-Cola sold now has no sugar. The brand also understands that its consumers care about the environment and is playing a proactive role in creating a world without waste. All primary packaging used by Coca-Cola is 100% recyclable and 45% of the

plastic used across its entire portfolio is recycled plastic, helping to create a true circular economy for plastic. The brand continues to innovate in its mission to design more sustainable packaging. It recently launched KeelClip, an innovative cardboard packaging solution that is now in use across all 4, 6 and 8 can multi-packs from the Coca-Cola portfolio. The introduction of this new packaging will eliminate the use of more than 200 tonnes of shrink wrap plastic across the island of Ireland annually.

For more information, visit ie.Coca-ColaHellenic.com

COCA-COLA CONTINUES TO RESPOND TO CONSUMER NEEDS FOR LOWER SUGAR OPTIONS. THANKS TO THE BRAND’S ‘HERO ZERO’ MARKETING STRATEGY, COCACOLA ZERO SUGAR IS NOW THE THIRD MOST POPULAR SOFT DRINK, AFTER COCA-COLA AND DIET COKE AND, TODAY, MORE THAN HALF OF ALL COCA-COLA SOLD NOW HAS NO SUGAR.

MEAT & POULTRY

FINNEBROGUE CHIEF NAMED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2020

innebrogue Artisan Chairman Denis Lynn has been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 in The Grocer Gold Awards. Lynn is the driving force in market-leading innovations such as Finnebrogue’s nitrite-free bacon, ham and pork sausages and the development of plant-based foods. The Grocer Gold Awards have recognised quality and excellence in the FMCG sector for 16 years, covering 20 categories this year across key business areas such as innovation and customer satisfaction. Two other Food NI companies, Mash Direct in Comber and Henderson Group in Mallusk, were shortlisted in the awards. Finnebrogue Artisan, based in a state-of-the-art production site near

KE NAKO BILTONG SWEEPS THE BOARD AT CHARCUTERIE AWARDS

From left, Ilse van Staden and Alanagh Chipperfield.

e Nako Biltong secured the number one spot with its biltong, with three of its other products taking second, third and fourth place, at a Summer of Charcuterie top 10 competition run by Exeter-based sector association The Charcuterie Board. Created by Ilse van Staden and Alanagh Chipperfield in 2012, Ke Nako has picked up a string of accolades including Top of the Shop on Tom Kerridge’s UK-wide BBC series in 2018, alongside multiple Great Taste and Blas na hEireann awards. Produced from 100% Irish beef on Ballylagan Organic Farm in Straid, the product range is inspired by van Staden’s South African heritage. Alongside its classic Biltong taking the number one spot, Ke Nako’s award-winning entries in the Summer of Charcuterie included Chilli Biltong, Droewors and Garlic Biltong.

Denis Lynn

Downpatrick, is part of Lynn’s Country Foods, formed in 1985. The business employs around 500 people and has become a UK leader in sausages for supermarkets including Marks and Spencer and is also a leader in flexitarian foods. A customer-focused business, it’s geared to respond quickly and effectively to the requirements of retailers and the wider marketplace and works closely with leading retailers on the creation of innovative foods for customers in the UK and Ireland. It was also recently recognised in the UK Quality Food Awards, winning the Bacon category with its Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon, and picked up both Best Brand for Naked Bacon and Best Sustainability Initiative at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2020.

LATEST REPORT SHOWS SIGNIFICANT DROP IN USE OF ANTIBIOTICS

continued reduction in the use of antibiotics in Northern Ireland’s food-producing animal sectors is apparent in the Veterinary Antibiotic Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARSS) report 2019, says the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). The most notable statistic was use of highest priority critically important antibiotics, which dropped by 22% from 2018, with sales now 72% lower than 2015 levels. “The figures in the VARSS report are testament to the ongoing focus that farmers are putting on animal health,” said William Irvine, deputy president, UFU. “They are doing their bit in the fight against anti-microbial resistance which occurs when micro-organisms that cause infection alter over time, resulting in animals becoming irresponsive to medicines. “This makes infections harder to treat, putting the animal’s health at risk and increasing the chance of disease spread among the herd which can have a knock-on-effect on the entire industry. “The majority of farm businesses in NI have livestock at its core. In order to produce high-quality produce and have a sustainable and profitable farm business, keeping animals in prime condition is vital. “With the wellbeing of livestock being a major priority, NI farmers are embracing animal health plans which include vaccination strategies as well as husbandry improvements. Farmers are moving towards a ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach and this is backed up by the latest figures. “The poultry and pig sectors have shown tremendous gains in the last five years in reducing antibiotic usage, and ruminant livestock farmers have also demonstrated great commitment to preventing anti-microbial resistance. We were pleased to see that, as part of assurance schemes, hundreds of livestock farmers have attended training on antimicrobial resistance and using antimicrobials responsibly.”

MEAT & POULTRY

SECTOR UNITES IN CALL FOR IRISH GRASS FED BEEF PGI TO INCLUDE NI

rganisations representing the Northern Ireland beef industry are calling for an application to register Irish Grass Fed Beef as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) to include the geographic area of Northern Ireland from the outset before it is submitted to the European Commission for registration. The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC), the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA) and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) are united in the call. The application has been prepared by the Irish Food Board (Bord Bia) and, following completion of a recent National Opposition procedure in the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) has indicated it is getting ready to submit the application and would support Northern Ireland’s participation in the PGI at a ‘later date’. “There has been much coverage of this issue in the agricultural media on both sides of the border,” said Ian Stevenson, chief executive of LMC. “Our farming and processing stakeholders in Northern Ireland are united in wanting to see this PGI registration succeed. “It will be seen as welcome recognition and protection for the excellent

Ian Stevenson, chief executive of LMC.

credentials and quality of our grassfed beef which is widely known in the marketplace whether it’s from Limavady or Letterkenny. “Where our industry has a very real concern and legitimate interest about this particular application going forward without Northern Ireland inclusion at the outset, is what guarantees and comfort can the industry take from joining the PGI at a later date when the right opportunity to join is now.” Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU, said: “Our members have made it very clear from the outset that they want to be part of the Irish Grass Fed Beef PGI. We were shocked to see reports in the RoI asking if NI had a genuine interest in being part of it.

OMEGA-3 ENRICHED CHICKEN CAN LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE F indings from a study delivered by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, on behalf of sustainable food specialist Devenish, suggest eating chicken and eggs naturally enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can help lower blood pressure. Recently published in Scientific Reports (one of Nature’s research journals), the study indicates omega-3 status is improved by eating naturally enriched omega-3 chicken meat and eggs, while blood pressure is also lowered. Both of these effects are strongly associated with protection from heart attacks, strokes, dementia and depression. “These findings reinforce our

understanding that chicken and eggs naturally enriched with omega-3 DHA and EPA may provide the same numerous health benefits as eating oily fish,” said Professor Alice Stanton of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and

“Not only has NI repeatedly expressed its desire to be included from the start, submitting an all-Ireland application is the only logical way to move forward with the process and we were very disappointed that DAFM and Bord Bia continued to draft the submission without our involvement. “The gaps in our verification systems are not vast and are being currently worked upon. Therefore, we urge DAFM and Bord Bia to include NI from the getgo to prevent setbacks and help ensure a simple and straight forward process. The last thing we want is to have to object to the RoI’s application which would be in no one’s best interests. “However, we are working on behalf of our NI beef producers and our priority is to ensure that they can remain on a level playing field with those in the RoI and can receive a fair economical return for the high-quality product they produce.” Conall Donnelly, chief executive, NIMEA, said: “Grass-fed beef production on the island of Ireland is renowned and the industry North and South benefit from, and rely upon this reputation, particularly in European and global markets. The protection of NI industry in its use of its Irish grass-fed identity is essential.” Professor Alice Stanton.

director of Human Health at Devenish. The chicken and eggs used in the research study came from birds fed with OmegaPro, a sustainable, algae-based source of omega-3 PUFAs developed by Devenish. 25

ADVERTORIAL

HFM: THE ONE-STOP SHOP OFFERING A COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR ALL YOUR FOOD MACHINERY APPLICATION

nother year has passed at HFM and we are now looking forward to 2021. It has been some year with Covid-19, but hopefully a vaccine is on its way as we go to press and the world tries to get back to some normality. At Henderson Food Machinery we have changed our marketing strategy, structure and expanded the team due to our business growing year by year. Led by Managing Director David Henderson, the business will be going into its sixth year of operation. Team HFM includes our sales team consisting of Julie Bell, sales director, who is based in our Northern Ireland office, along with new addition Drew Hamilton, UK sales manager, who is based in Scotland. In our office, we also have a supportive team ready to take all your enquiries and direct them to the appropriate member of staff. However, 26

they deal with much more. Shauna Killen is readily available to deal with transport and managing all the incoming and outgoing deliveries. Working alongside Shauna is Jessica McGuicken, the latest addition to the team. Jessica takes control of our social media platforms to ensure we keep everyone up to date with what we are doing at HFM. Olivia Douglas oversees the day-to-day running

of the office as office manager to make sure our new processes run smoothly, whilst also working alongside Managing Director David Henderson as his personal assistant. On hand for your engineering needs is our Engineering Director Chris Crawford, as well as our mainland UK Engineer Dave Sidlow. The engineering service we now offer is a great addition as it allows us to deal with our customers from the outset to the final install. David Henderson stated that this was a shortfall within the business. However, with the growth of our team and since Chris has come onboard, we have been able to offer the best engineering support for installs, breakdowns, refurbishment and design. Lately Chris has installed several frying lines, a complete burger and freezing line, vacuum tumbling system with glycol cooling, also two

ADVERTORIAL

GOING THROUGH 2021 WILL SEE MORE STRATEGIC USES OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONTINUE TO GET THE HENDERSON FOOD MACHINERY BRAND OUT WITHIN THE MARKETPLACE.

ready meal lines from cooking, depositing and packing, and a complete teflon belt cooker refurbishment which was very challenging. During the next few months, we will be expanding our engineering team to accommodate the growth of Henderson Food Machinery. So far this year, despite Covid-19, we have been fortunate enough to still be busy. When lockdown initially came about in March, David and Debra continued to work from home and keep the business going and supply our customers with many machines. Now, going forward, we will have to deal with Brexit which does present some uncertainty. However, we will manage and adapt to overcome the obstacles that we may face, especially as a lot of our manufacturers are based in Europe. Our marketing strategy has altered

slightly due to travel restrictions, with more emphasis being placed on social media, mailing leaflets, sending out email shots as our method of advertising. Recently we have been a lot more active on these sites. LinkedIn and YouTube were always primary platforms for our business, especially as videos of machines in use are a vital aspect in selling a machine. Both these sites work in our favour, but we have since decided to branch out even more and focus on Instagram and Facebook as well. This way we can share machinery photos, videos.

Going through 2021 will see more strategic uses of social media to continue to get the Henderson Food Machinery brand out within the marketplace. We will again sponsor the Best Brand award at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards and of course Irish Food Awards and hopefully we will get to Dingle and meet up with present and new customers. During these strange times, we welcome customers to come and have a look round at our impressive factory unit and see for themselves the high quality equipment we can supply within the food processing and packaging Iidustry. We have an extensive range of equipment from cooking equipment, frying lines, depositors, meat and poultry processing equipment and sleeve printers to box cartoners. Also, we can source many machines with our contacts around the world. At HFM we want to be your first point of contact for all your food machinery enquiries and become a one-stop shop for this and also engineering and servicing requirements. Exciting times ahead with HFM

TOBACCO & DRINKS NEWS

EMBASSY TARGETS SALES SURGE WITH NEW SIGNATURE LAUNCH

mperial Tobacco has announced a new launch under its Embassy brand, designed to unlock sales amongst shoppers seeking out top brands. The new Embassy Signature range offers all the features associated with premium factory-made cigarettes (FMC) without the premium price tag and promises to deliver increased sales and profit margins for retailers. The Embassy Signature range, launched at the end of November, comprises Gold and Silver variants. Both Embassy Signature variants will be available to buy with an MRRP of just £9.50* per pack of 20s. Embassy Signature Gold is also available in packs of 100 at an MRRP of £47.50*.

The Embassy Signature range features a modern blend using the finest Virginia tobaccos that live up to the high-quality standard consumers have come to expect from the brand, wrapped in premium paper to give smokers a satisfying experience. Embassy Signature Silver also benefits from the addition of special Reduced Smoke Smell paper, designed to reduce the linger of smoke smell on clothes or fingers. The Embassy Signature outer promotes the brand’s new modern look with an eye-catching design that will grab the attention of retailers. “Through our new Embassy Signature range, we have created a superior modern tobacco blend using our finest materials to give the best smoking experiences for consumers looking for exceptional quality but at a decent price point,” said Chris Street, market manager UK at Imperial Tobacco. “The Embassy brand has enjoyed continuous growth over the last 12 months (i) and with the sub economy sector worth almost 60% of the total

FMC market (ii), we’re confident the launch of our new Signature range will drive further sales momentum in the months to come. Not only does the range benefit from all the characteristics of a premium FMC product and the familiarity of the Embassy brand name, but it also offers exceptional value for modern shoppers and, importantly, increased profits for our trade customers.” * Retailers are free at all times to determine the selling prices of their products. (i) Based on ITUK Estimates and EPOS Data October 2020 (ii) ITUK Report on Trade, October 2020

JTI UK PLEDGES TO GO CARBON NET ZERO BY 2030

TI UK, the UK’s leading tobacco manufacturer (i), has announced its commitment to achieving net zero emissions within the next decade – 20 years ahead of the government’s current deadline (2050). JTI UK’s new Environmental Plan focuses on five key areas: emissions, energy, waste, water and stakeholder engagement, and forms part of JTI’s global sustainability strategy. “Our UK Environmental Plan sits alongside JTI’s global commitments and will focus on identifying key actions locally to help us achieve our ambitious 2030 targets,” said Ruth Forbes, head of Responsible Business Projects, JTI UK. “We will be working closely with all our employees, suppliers, and retail and wholesale customers across 2021 and beyond to make this a reality.”

Emissions – reducing JTI’s impact on climate change: Having analysed the impact of its operations across the UK, JTI UK has committed to reducing emissions by 80% and becoming carbon net zero, all by 2030. Energy – reducing and decarbonising JTI’s energy use: JTI UK will be harnessing the power of the future by using 100% renewable energy by 2025 - saving 675 tonnes of CO2e per year. It also aims to reduce energy consumption by 20% by 2030. Waste – contribute to the transition to a more circular economy: Within the next three years, 100% of JTI’s on-site waste will be diverted from landfill helping to avoid 37.1 tonnes of landfill waste each year. JTI UK will also work with its direct suppliers to source more sustainable, recyclable and reused materials. Water – reduce water usage at JTI sites. JTI UK is investing in water efficiency measures to reduce water usage across its UK sites, including its headquarters in Weybridge, Surrey, and distribution centre in Crewe. Engagement – To help employees drive its environmental agenda forward, JTI has created a new UK Task Force comprising of leaders from every part of the company. JTI UK will also work with suppliers to source goods and services with increased sustainability credentials. (i) IRi Market Place, Volume Share, Total Tobacco Category, Total UK, Aug 2020

TOBACCO & DRINKS NEWS

GUINNESS 0.0 LAUNCHED WITH EVERYTHING EXCEPT ALCOHOL

uinness 0.0, a new non-alcoholic beer from the brewers at St James’s Gate boasting the same smooth taste, balanced flavour and unique dark colour of Guinness but without the alcohol, was launched last month. To create Guinness 0.0, the St James’s Gate brewers start by brewing Guinness exactly as they always have, using the same natural ingredients of water, barley, hops and yeast, before gently removing the alcohol through a cold filtration method. The cold filtration process allows the alcohol to be filtered out without presenting thermal stress to the beer, protecting the integrity of its taste and character. The brewers then carefully blend and balance the flavours to ensure the distinctive flavour profile and taste

characteristics of Guinness. The resulting product is a stout that is unmistakably Guinness, just without the alcohol, featuring the same dark, ruby red liquid and creamy head, hints of chocolate and coffee, smoothly balanced with bitter, sweet and roasted notes. In taste tests by an independent panel, they found that Guinness 0.0 ‘exceeded expectations’ with its taste lauded as ‘outstanding’*. “The launch of Guinness 0.0 highlights our long-held commitment to innovation, experimentation, and bravery in brewing, harnessing the power of our brewers and our ingredients,” said Gráinne Wafer, global brand director, Guinness. Guinness 0.0 is also a low-calorie option for those choosing to moderate, with only 16 calories per 100ml. This means a standard can of alcohol-free

Guinness 0.0 contains just 80 calories. Guinness 0.0 will be available in 500 ml can format in off-licences and supermarkets from November 2020 at an RRP of £4.50 for a four-pack and will be available in pubs across the UK and Republic of Ireland from Spring 2021 and in more markets throughout the world later in 2021. *SOURCE: Nielsen Product Advisor

MAC IVORS LAUNCHES NEW CIDER IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CANS

ortadown-based cider producer Mac Ivors has launched the first local cider in a can, Juicy Session Cider (abv4.2%). The cider has been developed specifically for cans and has already won business with Tesco Ireland and SPAR, as well as many independent off licences in the Republic of Ireland. Customers in Northern Ireland include Tesco, SuperValu and leading off licences.

KILLOWEN DISTILLERY LAUNCHES A UNIQUE DARK RUM

illowen Distillery in Northern Ireland has launched a unique Solera Dark Rum, the outcome of extensive research and product development. The rum is the first to be produced by the small batch distillery located in the Mourne Mountains and known for its series of distinctive cask-finished Irish whiskey blends. The distillery, run

“We have created this cider to deliver real apple refreshment in an environmentally friendly can,” said Greg Mac Neice, director, Mac Ivors. “Early feedback has been excellent and cider fans are dying to get their hands on this one.” He said the new cider is a response to consumer tastes “gradually moving away from potent brews with high alcohol content to lower calorie drinks. We believe this new cider ticks all the right boxes and is a true taste of Irish cider. “It is a delicious, thirst-quenching medium dry cider with a simple and refreshing flavour profile. It is made exclusively from hand-picked, Irish-

grown dessert apples such as Falstaff, Elstar, Allington Pippin and Golden delicious. Consumers will now have the option of an Irish cider with real apple taste, provenance, on trend packaging and low-calorie count. “Feedback from cider lovers is excellent. The cans, in addition, feature a brand-new cider blend so even those established customers have something new to taste.” Each can contains just 129 calories, and the cider is both gluten free and vegan friendly. The packaging is environmentally friendly, with the four-pack box made from paper board and fully recyclable with the added convenience of a carry slot.

by master distiller Brendan Carty, also produces gin and poitin. “Unlike many other Irish rums, Killowen dark rum is Irish born and bred,” said Carty. “It is not a spiced rum or a boughtin liquid. Instead, it is fermented on-site at Killowen from 50% blackstrap molasses and 50% sugar only. “The Solera method cask ageing was chosen for this

dark rum using a range of casks. The distillate was first laid down in a series of six ex-bourbon 50-liter firkins, then a PX Sherry Cask, and finally in heavily charred Cabernet Sauvignon casks.” Killowen has pledged a charity donation of £1 for every bottle of the new dark rum sold to the Joint Council for The Welfare of Immigrants’ Windrush Justice Fund. 29

CSR NEWS

SPAR NI SUPPORTS KEEP HEALTHY, STAYING SAFE INITIATIVE

PAR NI is one of the lead partners supporting a scheme with Business in the Community, launched by the Urban Villages Initiative. The Keeping Healthy, Staying Safe initiative is a collaboration between local communities, government and businesses to deliver activities for young people and the wider community to improve wellbeing, learn new skills, promote good relations and have fun. Operating under the constraints and impacts of Covid-19, five projects from the five Urban Village areas have received funding of up to £10,000. The aim is to give families and communities in these areas some extra, much-needed support at a time when they are coping with both financial pressures and the effects of the pandemic. Some of the projects that will benefit include Footprints Women’s Centre in West Belfast which will supply nutritious,

weekend meals to families over a twomonth period. These food packs will also contain ingredients and recipes for families to cook together. Another example in East Belfast is a project to address food insecurity for families of school-aged children and elderly, vulnerable and infirm people during the winter months by supporting and developing knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, removing barriers to home cooking and supporting people with financial management. “Community is at the heart of everything we do at SPAR NI, so we’re proud to be part of this very important initiative,” said Bronagh Luke, head of corporate marketing at Henderson Group. “Now more than ever, we are committed to supporting the development of our communities and providing opportunities to address key social issues, especially

From left, John Healy, Allstate Northern Ireland; First Minister Arlene Foster; Linsey Farrell, Urban Villages Initiative; Benny Miskelly, PwC; Bronagh Luke, SPAR NI; Roz Small, Ballymacarrett Friendship Centre; Simon Campbell, Portview; Kieran Harding, Business in the Community; Martin Connelly, Poleglass Community Centre; Allison Dowling, Belfast Harbour; and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.

at this very uncertain time. We’re really looking forward to seeing how the project develops for those who need it most.” For more information, email info@ urbanvillagesni.org

SPAR, EUROSPAR AND VIVO DOUBLE SPAR UNVEILS ITS FUNDRAISING CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR TEARFUND

PAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO brands in Northern Ireland will double donations made instore and online for Tearfund this winter in its latest appeal. Tearfund’s Seeds of Hope campaign launched with Henderson’s on November 16, and will seek to raise £200,000, which will be doubled to £400,000 to support Tearfund’s work around the world. For example, From left, Bronagh Luke, head of corporate £400,000 could provide over 5,000 marketing at Henderson Group and Glen households, in some of the world’s Mitchell, Tearfund’s NI director. poorest communities, with the vital training needed to overcome hunger and lift themselves out of poverty. For every £1 donated in store, SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO will match it – including any donations made online. “I visited Uganda in 2018 with Tearfund, and the families we visited don’t want handouts, they just want the opportunity to be able to learn new skills and provide for their families,” said Bronagh Luke, head of corporate marketing at Henderson Group. “We appreciate that this year has been exceptionally difficult for all, more so those countries who are living in poverty, so we will be ensuring our shoppers know how they can help us give the gift of life this Christmas so those families don’t go hungry; £4 doubled could provide enough weather-proof seeds to grow crops and help feed a family.” Shoppers can donate via the canisters in store, or online right up until December 31. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.tearfund.org/seedsofhope

SANDWICH RANGE

PAR and EUROSPAR NI have revealed their Christmas sandwiches for 2020, with a new wrap featuring in the festive line up with a charitable filling. The new turkey, bacon and stuffing wrap will join the turkey, sausage and stuffing and roasted sweet potato and cranberry sandwiches in store this year, with 10p from the purchase of each sandwich or wrap being donated to Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children. Last year, when the initiative launched, it raised over £1,400 for the local charities that partner with SPAR and EUROSPAR to raise much needed funds throughout the year. Newry producer Around Noon supplies Henderson Wholesale with the dailyDeli range of sandwiches, including the festive additions.

CSR NEWS

LIDL RUNS TROLLEY DASH PROMOTION IN AID OF NSPCC NORTHERN IRELAND

idl Northern Ireland is hoping to brighten spirits (and budgets) by giving shoppers the chance to win their entire Christmas shop for just £1 by purchasing a ticket to the retailer’s annual Trolley Dash in aid of charity partner, NSPCC Northern Ireland. Tickets went on sale in November across all 40 stores nationwide for two weeks only. Winners will be challenged to a Supermarket Sweep-style dash around their local Lidl store to grab as much of their Christmas shopping as possible in just two minutes. 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to Lidl Northern Ireland’s charity partner, NSPCC, which has a mission to fight for every childhood.

From left, Joanne McMaster, supporter fundraising manager at NSPCC Northern Ireland, and Gordon Cruikshanks, head of sales operations at Lidl Northern Ireland.

MAXOL LAUNCHES ANNUAL FESTIVE FUNDRAISER FOR AWARE NI

Pictured at the Northern Ireland launch are Jacob Stockdale, professional rugby player and Maxol brand ambassador; Clare Galbraith, interim fundraising manager for AWARE; and Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group.

axol, Northern Ireland’s leading family-owned forecourt and

convenience retailer, is planning to raise thousands of pounds with its annual festive fundraiser launched last month at selected service stations throughout Northern Ireland. Maxol will donate 10p to AWARE for every hot drink bought at participating Maxol service stations across Northern Ireland until December 31, with the aim of raising £20,000 for the charity. The launch comes as AWARE revealed that during March to September of this year, it experienced a 46% increase in demand for its support services via WhatsApp, Zoom and face to face. During the same period, the number of people reached by AWARE’s services via Facebook

INCREASING SUPPORT FOR EXPANSION OF HEALTHY START SCHEME

ore than 50 public health directors, sector experts and healthcare professionals have sent a letter to Rishi Sunak and Matt Hancock calling on Government to allocate additional funding to the Healthy Start scheme supporting low-income families. The letter urges government to increase the value of the voucher to £4.25 a week. The value of Healthy Start vouchers has not increased since 2009. The request is one of three key

recommendations from the National Food Strategy and footballer Marcus Rashford’s #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign, alongside expansion of Free School Meals and holiday food provision. It is also part of Marcus Rashford’s petition, which more than one million people have signed to date. The Healthy Start scheme provides

Now in its sixth year, the successful initiative is one of the most important local fundraising activities of the year. “Trolley Dash is Lidl Northern Ireland’s flagship event to raise vital funds for our charity partner, NSPCC Northern Ireland, and our customers look forward to it every year,” said Gordon Cruikshanks, head of sales operations, Lidl Northern Ireland. “Over the past three years, Lidl has raised over £420,000 for NSPCC Northern Ireland with £97,678 raised through Lidl’s Trolley Dash last year alone.” The Lidl Trolley Dash will take place in all 40 stores across Northern Ireland on Saturday, December 12 at 7.45am, before store opening times to allow winners an uninterrupted dash through the aisles.

rose by 306% and on Twitter by 119% while the traffic to their website also increased by nearly a fifth when compared to the same period last year. “This has been and continues to be for so many a very difficult and challenging year,” said Brian Donaldson, chief executive officer, The Maxol Group. “We know that AWARE has seen nearly a 50% increase in demand for its support service this year, so it makes our support and our annual Christmas Coffee Cup fundraiser more important than ever before.” The money raised by the campaign will go towards AWARE providing support, education, and information for people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions which have been severely impacted by Covid-19 in Northern Ireland. pregnant women and lowincome families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with children under four with free vitamins and food vouchers to purchase vegetables, fruit, pulses and milk. The letter was sent on November 1, just days after Tesco announced a pledge to top up Healthy Start vouchers by £1 over winter, following Iceland’s announcement in September to add £1 of frozen veg to each voucher redeemed instore. The letter urges the government to act as well as businesses. 31

ADVERTORIAL

PICK UP A MASK AND PUT FUEL IN THE TANK FOR ACTION CANCER

uperValu and Centra stores across Northern Ireland are asking customers to ‘mask up’ to not only stay safe while shopping but also raise vital funds for their long-standing charity partner, Action Cancer. Following a successful pumpkin initiative at Halloween raising almost £5,000, the retail brands are calling on their customers once again to get behind their latest fundraising drive and purchase a limited-edition face mask in store. All profits from the sale of the charity face masks will support Action Cancer’s mobile clinic, The Big Bus, with its onboard breast screening service for women aged 40-49 and 70+ (outside of NHS screening age range) and health checks for men and women aged 16+. Discussing the latest charity fundraising drive, Desi Derby, marketing director at Musgrave NI, said: “This year, our charity partner needs our support more than ever and we are delighted to be launching our face masks at a time when we are working hard to keep our colleagues and customers safe. “We hope that with the help of our customers purchasing a face mask in store, we will raise some much-needed funds to keep the Big Bus on the road providing a vital breast screening service to many women across Northern Ireland. “With normal fundraising activities put on hold due the pandemic, our stores have had to look at different ways to

SuperValu ambassadors Tara and Kerry of Sisters & Sons and Centra Ambassador Pete Snodden are pictured with Lucy McCusker of Action Cancer.

fundraise. In October, we donated 50p from every pumpkin sale which resulted in almost £5,000 for Action Cancer - our customers are fantastic at getting behind our initiatives and I’m sure this one will be no different.” Thanking SuperValu and Centra and

SUPERVALU AND CENTRA PLEDGE CRACKER CHRISTMAS FOR TWO LUCKY FAMILIES

wo lucky families will walk away with £1,000 each, just in time for Christmas courtesy of SuperValu and Centra. The retail brands’ Christmas Cracker Competition will run until Tuesday, December 15. Desi Derby, marketing director with SuperValu and Centra in Northern Ireland, said: “After a very difficult year, we want to bring a little bit of

their customers for their ongoing support Gareth Kirk, CEO of Action Cancer, said: “Like many other charities operating in the healthcare sector, we have put in place new procedures and changed how our services are delivered as a result of Covid-19. However, what hasn’t changed is the impact and difference our services continue to make in terms of saving lives and supporting people living with cancer in Northern Ireland. “We’re committed to helping those who need help and we’re extremely grateful for the support of SuperValu and Centra and their customers, all of whom are raising vital funds to allow us to continue to deliver our life saving services.”

SuperValu ambassadors Tara and Kerry of Sisters & Sons and Centra Ambassador Pete Snodden join forces to launch Christmas Cracker Competition.

joy to our customers with the chance to win these great prizes. While we don’t know what restrictions will be in place in December, we can assure our customers that we will be delivering a Christmas experience across both brands, as we approach a Christmas like no other. “Making Christmas affordable has

been a key focus as we are acutely aware of the financial impact of Covid-19 on many people. One thing we can guarantee is that our stores will continue to offer the best service to our customers, keeping our stores well stocked and safe, at a time when they need us most.”

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

UNCERTAINTY REIGNS FOR KEY INDUSTRY AS NEW YEAR LOOMS BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

he reports that food supplies to Northern Ireland from Great Britain could be adversely impacted due to Brexit from the start of 2021 are deeply worrying. There have been warnings too from major food wholesalers and supermarkets about potential shortages. And there have even been suggestions that major national supermarkets could either pull out of Northern Ireland altogether or reduce products on their shelves. I hope these fears prove to be unfounded and that trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, our biggest single market, continues unfettered, as the UK government has long promised. The EU Commission has said it takes warnings from supermarkets about Northern Ireland’s food supplies due to Brexit ‘very seriously’. As I write this column, the trade talks between the UK and EU have reached a vitally important stage… again. I hope that an acceptable resolution will have been found by the time this magazine appears. The brinkmanship has been very stressful for everyone in the local food industry. The Commission’s statement came after our first and deputy first ministers wrote to the EU to urge flexibility in the operation of the new Irish Sea border. The Government in London, of course, has long denied that there will be anything likely to inhibit trade. It’s quite clear, however, that there will be additional bureaucracy involved. As we all have long known, Northern Ireland will stay in the EU single market for goods but the rest of the UK will leave in a few weeks, which means some food products arriving here from Great Britain will need to be checked due to the EU’s strict rules on products of animal origin meat, milk, fish and eggs. These products must enter the single market through a border control post where paperwork is checked and a proportion of goods are physically inspected – hence the Port of Belfast’s work on a substantial new ‘border’ post. But who really knows what will happen when 2021 dawns? Supermarkets make a major contribution to the local food industry 34

and, of course, to the wider economy. Our bigger processors have long enjoyed very good business with major retailers here and especially in Great Britain. And dozens of smaller companies are helped on their journey to success in external markets by achieving initial listing here. Invest NI has done and continues to do a tremendous job in promoting our food to supermarket buyers here, in Britain and the Republic of Ireland. A great many local companies have benefited enormously from this support from Invest NI Food and Drink marketing teams here, in London and in the Republic. The key role played by the bigger retailers was showcased last month in the UK Quality Food Awards which saw local companies Finnebrogue Artisan from Downpatrick, Dunbia, Dungannon and Comber’s Mash Direct winning awards for products supplied to the supermarkets including Lidl, the leading German discounter.

Furthermore, Denis Lynn, chairman of Finnebrogue, a leading supplier of innovative nitrite-free bacon and ham to the likes of Marks and Spencer, Morrison’s, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda, was named Entrepreneur or the Year 2020 by The Grocer magazine. Processors which provide meat and some dairy products to deli counters in supermarkets here are likely to be concerned by suggestions that many supermarkets may be set to axe meat, fish and deli counters. Sainsbury’s has already announced plans to do so and shed over 3,000 jobs across the UK. The retailer has said the closure of the specialist counters is part of efforts to ‘better reflect customer demand’ and will save the business around £60m. It reflected customer trends towards on-line shopping. Waitrose, on the other hand, has announced plans to expand its deli counters across Britain. Sadly, Waitrose isn’t represented here. The supermarket, however, does buy from our suppliers. We’d hope to see this retailer purchasing much more from local suppliers over the short and long terms. Any reduction in services by supermarkets could also accelerate the trend among shoppers towards traditional stores such as butchers, fruit and vegetable outlets, delis and smaller grocers that became apparent during the first lockdown. More people than ever before here are now shopping regularly at such stores for convenience and because of the provenance and knowledge they offer. This trend was backed up recently in a study by Barclays. This also showed a growing demand for locally sourced foods among consumers. Those interviewed said that shopping from local specialist stores helped them better understand where the foods they are eating come from and are much better for the environment. We’ve seen growth in this sector with delis in particular opening in parts of Belfast and many local towns. These are crucially important in terms of the opportunities they offer to very many of our artisan and smaller producers. And it’s an encouraging growth set to continue in the year ahead.

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

LOCAL PRODUCERS RECOGNISED AT GREAT BRITISH FOOD AWARDS

ood NI members Mash Direct and Burren Balsamics are among top prize winners at the Great British Food Awards. Burren Balsamics’ Irish Peat Smoked White Condiment won Best New Product, with award sponsor John Gills from Booths Grocers describing the product as “a wonderfully unique tasting condiment, quite unlike anything I have tasted before”. “White Italian pale balsamic with rich smoky flavours of peat,” he said. “Not as acidic as the average balsamic, this wonderful product could easily complement many a dish without overpowering. Also wonderful to dip a chunk of sourdough into.” Created by Susie Hamilton Stubber and Bob McDonald, Burren Balsamics make a range of infused white and black balsamic vinegars and condiments as well as preserves, jams and seasonings in Richhill, Co Armagh. “We are delighted with this award for the Peat Smoked White Condiment. Our

Tom Gilbert of Ballylagan Organic Farm in Straid, named Best Farm Shop & Deli: Northern Ireland at the Great British Food Awards.

thanks must go to the judges and also to Jonathan Buchanan who does the smoking for us,” said Hamilton Stubber. Mash Direct, based in Comber, Co Down was voted Best Producer in

SAGE FOUND TO BE HEAVILY ADULTERATED IN QUEEN’S STUDY

esearchers at the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast studying the popular herb sage have found more than a quarter of samples were adulterated, some by as much as 58%. The team carrying out the research, led by IGFS founder Professor Chris Elliott OBE, previously uncovered a high extent of fraud in oregano supplies. That 2015 research, undertaken in partnership with consumer organisation Which?, found that around one in four samples contained ingredients that were not oregano. The findings were followed up by a number of foodstandards agencies around the world, resulting in at least one prosecution. In this latest study, 19 samples of sage were examined between August and September 2020 at IGFS in Belfast. The samples were bought from major online retailers; all the wellknown UK supermarkets; and smaller, independent shops such as ethnic grocery stores. None of the brands sold by big UK supermarket chains were found to be fraudulent. Only some Sage sold by online retailers and smaller independents was found to have been bulked out with olive leaves and/or leaves from other trees. While the leaves detected are not believed to be harmful, food fraud always carries the potential for food-safety and public-health hazards. Adulteration in oregano has apparently reduced significantly since 2015. A total of 20 oregano samples were tested alongside the sage at IGFS in summer 2020, as a follow-up to the 2015 research. The 2020 survey found only one instance of oregano adulteration, a fivefold drop.

Northern Ireland and also won the Gluten Free section for its Beer Battered Chips. “We are delighted to win the Great British Food Award,” said Jack Hamilton from Mash Direct. “For one of the judges to say that our Beer Battered Chips are the best oven chips they have ever eaten is incredible. In a year of fakeaways, it is humbling to hear that the food experts have named our chips as the nation’s favourite.” Best Farm Shop & Deli: Northern Ireland was Ballylagan Organic Farm, Ballyclare, with highly commended going to O’Malley’s Farm Shop, Newry and Pheasants Hill Farm, Downpatrick. Ewing’s Seafoods from Belfast was, meanwhile, highly commended in the Best Fishmonger category. Judges for the Awards included The Hairy Bikers, Michel Roux Jr, chef Jack Stein, Monica Galleti and Booths Supermarket.

PETCARE

PETS REDUCING FEELING OF ISOLATION DURING PANDEMIC OWNERS ARE SPENDING MORE TIME WITH THEIR PETS DURING THE PANDEMIC, WHICH MAY WELL LEAD TO MORE PROLIFIC SPENDING ON PETS IN THE NEAR FUTURE, SAYS BRIAN O’CONNOR, SENIOR CONSUMER ANALYST, IN THE MINTEL REPORT PETS - IRELAND OCTOBER 2020 PET FOOD SALES GROW REGARDLESS OF COVID-19 Consumers are spending more time at home, and in turn more time in the company of their pets. • 2020 is likely to see total island of Ireland (IoI) sales of pet food hit €344.2m, increasing from €336.4m in 2019; as stockpiling behaviour at the outset of the lockdown helped to drive sales forward. • However, with many consumers cutting back on non-essential spending due to Covid (Dynata – Mintel’s Covid-19 Tracker) and a generally weak consumer outlook on the economy and personal finances, growth within the pet food sector could slow as consumers opt for cheaper types of food. • Dog food is the most valuable sector, with an estimated value of €182.4m in RoI and £56.2m in NI for 2020, compared to €74.5m in RoI cat food sales and £20.8m in NI. DOGS MOST COMMON PET, AND LOCKDOWN INCREASING PET NUMBERS • According to FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Industry), there are an estimated 455,000 dogs living in Irish households and over 325,000 cats in 2019. • Toluna data for this Report supports this, with dogs the most common pet type in Ireland; half of NI and 46% of RoI consumers have a dog – compared to just over a quarter of Irish consumers who own a cat. • Evidence points to the lockdown increasing pet numbers among Irish households in 2020, with both the Dog Trust (RoI) and the Blue Cross (RoI-based animal charity) reporting an upsurge in people buying pets throughout the pandemic. HOME ISOLATION EASED BY PET COMPANIONS • With around half of consumers currently working at home due to Covid-19, this has allowed pet owners to

spend more time with their pets, while a similarly high level of pet owners report that time spent with their pets has helped to reduce feelings of isolation. • This will only help to boost spending on pets as owners seek to keep their pets engaged and spend time with their pets for leisure purposes. TOYS MOST POPULAR ACCESSORIES • Over half of consumers bought toys for their pets in the last 12 months – with women and those in younger age groups the most likely demographics to do so. • Marketing pets’ toys as a method of getting both pets and owners physically active might increase their appeal among more mature consumers who may be looking for ways to stay active and fit. • A fifth of pet owners noted buying Christmas stockings for their pets, while 70% of NI and 61% of RoI consumers claimed to buy their pets gifts for special occasions, highlighting the opportunity to boost accessory sales during the festive season. DRY FOOD USAGE ECLIPSES WET FOOD USAGE • Over four-fifths of dog owners typically buy dry food for their dogs, compared to just over half of dog owners buying wet foods. • In terms of cat owners, usage of dry and wet foods is somewhat more on par, suggesting cats enjoy a more varied diet. • Overall, dry foods offer both value and greater health functionality to pet owners – with many dry foods having added nutrients and health benefits for animals. NI PETS MORE LIKELY TO BE INSURED • Over half of NI pet owners currently have insurance on their pets, compared to just a third of RoI pet owners. • Of those with insurance cover, highlevel cover is the most common choice with RoI and NI consumers. Cover levels are likely to be under threat as Covid-19 sees consumers needing to cut back on

unnecessary spending. • However, more pet owners could be encouraged to adopt insurance policies, highlighting that, in times of financial uncertainty, an unexpected vet bill could seriously upset their finances; thus even basic pet cover could aid them in the long run. PETS ARE FAMILY TO MOST OWNERS • In both NI and RoI, a majority of pet owners noted that they treat their pets like members of the family – with agreement high across all demographics, and Covid-19 likely to only strengthen this sentiment. • This deeper connection with pets can help create more premium spending opportunities, including pet-friendly hotels when travelling or indeed grooming services or cosmetic products. PETS VIEWED AS EXPENSIVE • Seven in 10 Irish pet owners feel that looking after a pet can be very expensive, with 16-24-year-old pet owners in NI in particular feeling as such – with their more vulnerable status in the workforce being a potential threat to their spending on pets as the economic impact of Covid-19 continues to impact unemployment. • Seven in 10 consumers also agree they need more guidance on what constitutes a healthy diet for their pets – with obesity levels increasing among household pets. This may help to drive demand for customised meal plans or specially formulated foods for individual pets. • Sustainability issues are also influencing pet owners, with almost two thirds noting interest in pet foods made with sustainable ingredients. 37

ADVERTORIAL

2020 AT MACKLE PETFOODS I n an uncertain year, Mackle Petfoods have been fortunate enough to continue growth locally and internationally with their brands. Now, more than ever, the crucial service our local retailers and suppliers play in our communities has been brought to the forefront. Mackle Petfoods are very grateful to have continued developing relationships with wonderful businesses in the grocer sector across Ulster. The start of 2020 saw the addition of new raw, freeze-dried pet treats brand Norsh to the Mackle Petfood brand portfolio. A short-lived tour to introduce the brand at the start of the year saw Norsh visit Pet Expo in Florida and Crufts in Birmingham – a staple in the Mackle Petfood family diary. Since then, Norsh has continued to build its fan base online, with many impressed dogs and cats gobbling up their natural treats. Premium brand Naturo Natural Pet Food experienced significant growth and is now available in 20 countries worldwide. This year saw the 100% natural wet and dry foods launch in Canada, with further international expansion on the horizon in 2021. Extension of product lines included Naturo Grain Free Dry Food and 12 pack formats of customer favourites, totalling 29 product varieties. In Summer, Mackle Petfoods announced a £5.7m investment into the Naturo brand, which would allow for 31 new jobs to be created locally. This was supported by Invest NI, who backed expansion with £599,000 towards new jobs and equipment. The jobs being created are expected to bring £700,000 in additional annual salaries to our economy. Family favourites Brandy and Cat Club continue to thrive, with customer favourites experiencing 28% and 14% growth for the Brandy 6 packs and Cat Club 12 packs respectively. As Brandy gears up to celebrate its 50th Birthday, Cat Club is looking forward to some

Global Pet Expo 2020

THE START OF 2020 SAW THE ADDITION OF NEW RAW, FREEZEDRIED PET TREATS BRAND NORSH TO THE MACKLE PETFOOD BRAND PORTFOLIO exciting digital activity in 2021. Keep your eyes peeled! Wrapping up on a year of extreme change and adjustment for everyone, Mackle Petfoods look forward to continuing success in 2021, and sharing exciting projects that are in store with our colleagues in the industry and valued customers.

Crufts 2020

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

GRANT EXTENSION AVAILABLE FOR FARMS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY COVID

he Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant has been extended to help mitigate ongoing market disruptions caused by Covid-19 including adversely-affected farm businesses. The extension opens to applications on November 20, offering two further grants for three-month periods covering November 2020 to January 2021 and February to April 2021. “Covid-19 has created a lot of challenges for the agriculture industry and the extension to the SEISS will provide essential support for farm businesses whose incomes continue to be hit by Covid-19,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “To be eligible for the next phase from November to January, farmers will have to confirm they have been adversely affected by the crisis. This will help to ensure that farm families who need support receive it as soon as possible. “The grant extension will ensure that members who are experiencing an ongoing decrease in farm revenue due to fallen market returns, increased input costs, reduced demand or stalled trading

Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU.

activities are supported over the winter months. “Members who have evidence to show that their farm business continues to be negatively affected by Covid-19 and can meet the criteria of the Government scheme, can apply. It will provide them with the support needed to help sustain their businesses as the pandemic continues and if farmers did not apply for previous stages, they are not necessarily excluded from this third stage.”

NEW RED TRACTOR CHAIR URGED TO CHAMPION UK PRODUCTION STANDARDS

lster Farmers’ Union has written to Red Tractor Chief Executive Jim Moseley to express its optimism the next Red Tractor chairman will champion the world-leading production standards upheld by Northern Ireland farmers. The letter was authored after current chairman, Baroness NevilleRolfe, announced she will leave the organisation at the end of her three-year term on November 12 and will not be seeking re-appointment. “The UFU supports the course of action that must now be taken to fulfil the position of Red Tractor chair,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “It is essential that the individual assigned to the position will champion our high standards, promote the integrity of the food supply chain and will understand the competitive pressures on our farmers and growers. Particularly, the ongoing threat of low-cost imports produced to significantly lower standards gaining

access into the country. “We were horrified when Baroness Neville-Rolfe voted against Lord Curry’s amendment to the UK Agriculture Bill. It would have strengthened the role of the new Trade and Agriculture Commission enabling them to submit reports on international trade agreements outlining the impact they would have on UK food and farming for parliamentary scrutiny. “The UFU along with the other UK farming unions and the Red Tractor CEO, have been labouring tirelessly through the Trade and Agriculture Commission to ensure that imported agri-food products would have to meet the same high standards required from our farmers and growers. “We now look forward to working with the newly appointed Red Tractor chair as we continue to lobby for official policy that will protect UK food production and farming in all trade deals.”

SEISS grants are calculated over three months, based on a percentage of past trading profits. The grant will cover up to 80% of average monthly profits subject to a maximum grant of £7,500 for the period November to January. “This must be declared as income as the grants are taxable and subject to National Insurance contributions. The eligibility criteria remains the same as the first and second grants. The online service for the grant will be available from 30 November 2020.”

HEIGHTENED BIOSECURITY URGED AFTER BIRD FLU CASE

oultry farmers and backyard keepers have been urged to be vigilant and ensure heightened biosecurity protocols are in place, following confirmation that a wild bird in Co Derry tested positive for avian flu. “We are monitoring the situation,” said William Irvine, deputy president, UFU. “It is a reminder that poultry and backyard keepers should be vigilant at all times. I urge them to review their biosecurity measures and business continuity plans immediately to protect their own flock and help safeguard the NI poultry industry.” The UFU would like to issue a reminder that anyone who keeps poultry, even if it is only one bird, is required by law to register their flock with DAERA. A text alert service is available, offering immediate notifications of disease outbreaks. To subscribe, text BIRDS to 67300.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

UFU WELCOMES STRENGTHENING OF TRADE AND AGRICULTURE COMMISSION

ews of a strengthened remit for the Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC), announced by Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss last month, has been welcomed as a major breakthrough by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). “This is a landmark moment in the Brexit process that has been long awaited by our members and Northern Ireland consumers,” said Victor Chestnutt, president, UFU. “Alongside the other UK farming unions, the UFU lobbied intensively in a bid to amend the UK Agriculture Bill to ensure that our world-leading animal welfare, environmental and food production standards would be protected in

future trade deals. “We received tremendous public backing in support of food imports being required to meet UK production standards including over one million people signing the NFU’s petition. Not of all whom were from farming origins stressing that regardless of their personal backgrounds, all consumers expect only the highest quality food to be made available within the UK. “They do not want the market flooded with lower standard imports with no knowledge of how they were farmed and produced. The Government’s decision to put the TAC on statutory footing will help ensure that the food needs

TONY ABBOTT AND MINETTE BATTERS BATTLE OVER FUTURE UK TRADE DEALS

ormer Australian Prime Minister and UK Trade Adviser Tony Abbott joined Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union, in a heavyweight debate about the future of UK agriculture and trade last month during an Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Bitesize webinar. OFC has hosted a series of webinars throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and the annual conference will mark its 75th anniversary with a one-day digital event on January 7, 2021. “Back in the 1990s when Farmers in Competition was the topic of the Conference, discussion was all about

the EU Common Agricultural Policy and how it can best support farmers and help them to compete in often complicated supply chains,” said Marion Regan, OFC Director and webinar chair. “This is all about to change for UK farmers as we leave the EU, possibly without a deal, and we will be attempting to make new trade deals with nations around the world who produce food under very different circumstances to us in the UK.” “I’m all in favour for global cooperation for standards, but if we try to do this through trade deals, there won’t be any trade deals,” said Abbott.

and expectations of our consumers will continue to be met and gives farmers and growers a stronger voice in UK trade policy. “The new strengthened role of the Commission means it will produce a report on every new free trade agreement outing the impact it would have on UK food and farming after the end of the transition period (January 1, 2021). “This will be done in line with the start of a 21-day parliamentary scrutiny process. It will create transparency in the negotiation process as MPs, stakeholders and the public with be able to view the independent expert advice from the TAC on any proposed future trade deals before they are approved.”

With the recent announcement of a Trade and Agriculture Commission to safeguard UK interests, Batters noted that the public want any future trade to be fair and transparent. “We formed the most extraordinary coalition of groups and people led by Jamie Oliver which led to one million people signing our food standards petition,” she said. “What it says is that people want our trade to ultimately be fair and not undermine our farmers. “Politically, we have been disconnected from our food systems and we have been focused on evercheaper food, rather than the values that need to drive food production. It’s about changing the conversation, being radical and aiming up.”

UFU WELCOMES NEW FIBRUS CONTRACT TO IMPROVE RURAL BROADBAND

conomy Minister Diane Dodds’ announcement of a new £165m contract awarded to Fibrus to improve rural internet access has been welcomed by Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). “The UFU have lobbied continuously to gain better broadband on behalf of our members as a large proportion live in rural areas and are seriously disadvantaged by a poor or non-existent broadband service,” said David Brown, deputy president, UFU. “This became more evident during lockdown as the need for a strong and

reliable broadband connection increased with many becoming dependent on it to stay connected with others, for work and educational purposes, and to complete necessary application processes that were transferred to a digital format. Not to mention the daily running of farm businesses as more essential agriculture activities went online including livestock marts. “The rural broadband project, which has been named Project Stratum, has the potential to improve daily life for thousands of rural residents across the

David Brown, deputy president, UFU.

country providing them with access to full-fibre broadband.” 41

EXPORT NEWS

CRUST AND CRUMB INVESTS £5.8M TO DRIVE SALES IN NEW MARKETS

conomy Minister Diane Dodds has announced a £5.8m investment by Fermanagh-based bakery Crust and Crumb. This investment will allow the company to create 88 jobs and purchase new equipment to increase production of its chilled, frozen and gluten free dough-based products supplied to supermarkets and foodservice customers in Northern Ireland, RoI and GB. “In the last number of years, we have experienced exceptional growth and, throughout Covid-19, our sales have remained steady in our key markets of RoI and GB,” said Clive Gilpin, Crust and Crumb. “This investment will help us strengthen our competitive position,

From left, Clive Gilpin, Crust and Crumb; Kevin Holland, CEO, Invest NI; Mark McCaffrey, Crust and Crumb; and Economy Minister Diane Dodds.

scale our business, improve efficiencies, expand our current pizza portfolio and drive sales in new markets including Europe and Australia. “We initially used Invest NI’s R&D support to develop our gluten free and protein pizza ranges. This support has been key in ensuring that we are

NOISY SNACKS FOUNDER HIGHLIGHTS LOOMING BREXIT CHALLENGES Noel Allen, founder of Noisy Snacks.

ack of clarity around food and drink import and export regulations applying to Northern Ireland producers alongside Brexit on January 1 is creating pressure on SMEs, says Noisy Snacks Founder Noel Allen. The fast-growing Belfast business

has secured listings in Tesco Northern Ireland, SPAR stores in Scotland, and various shops, pubs and restaurants around the UK and the Netherlands. “Right now, we are preparing for all eventualities,” said Allen. “With no clear roadmap for legislation and the possibility that there may be further changes, we’ve had to dedicate a huge amount of resource, which as a small business operating during lockdown we don’t have. “We desperately need clarity so that we can be ready for Brexit. We have a great product which has flourished during 2020. We have developed a unique point of difference in that our

constantly at the forefront of new trends and has helped us to secure major deals with leading retailers. Going forward, we remain focused on growing our share of the RoI and European pizza markets and the expansion of our team will help us to do this and create new pizza flavours that will appeal to a wider market.” Invest NI has offered the company £502,600 of support towards 88 jobs, new equipment and marketing development activities. The roles, which will be recruited over the next three years, include general operatives with other roles in the areas of health & safety and management. snacks deliver a real punch and have been developed to trigger an audio sensory meridian response to engage all of the senses to deliver a truly unique snacking experience.” Recent listings for the business, which supplies a range of flavour variants across Noisy Nuts, Noisy Bean Chips, Noisy Corn and Noisy Chickpeas, include healthy snacking distributor Epicurium. James Christie, trading manager, Epicurium, said: “Noisy Snacks are pushing the boundaries of a bold new trend in experiential snacking. Not only are they healthy, 100% recyclable and flexitarian with vegan options – they are also providing a stimulating sensory experience for consumers. We love that they appeal to the senses and think this makes them a stand-out on-trend snack for 2021.”

HINCH DISTILLERY STRIKES DEAL WITH GERMAN DISTRIBUTOR

rish whiskey brand Hinch, which launched its £15m distillery and visitor experience last month, has ramped up its global exporting activity through a new partnership with German distributor Schlumberger GMBH & Co KG, based in Meckenheim. Schlumberger is one of Germany’s longstanding, top wine and spirits companies, representing a leading range of international spirits brands. The business collaboration will see Hinch launched to the German market, 42

the fourth largest Irish whiskey market in Europe, in January 2021. Hinch also plans to introduce its Celticinspired Ninth Wave Irish Gin brand into the very significant German gin market in 2021. Pinot Wines & Spirits, a leading independent importer of premium international spirits, based in Lodz, Poland has meanwhile been appointed as a distributor for the award-winning range of Hinch Irish whiskeys and Ninth Wave Irish Gin.

Hinch Distillery Chairman Dr Terry Cross OBE pictured with the team.

This distribution agreement will see Hinch Whiskey and Ninth Wave Irish Gin further extend their presence in the Polish market, the sixth largest Irish whiskey market in Europe, in December 2020.

MARKETING NEWS

WHITE’S OATS HIGHLIGHTS PROVENANCE IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN

ocal porridge and oat cereal producer White’s Oats has launched a new TV and digital advertising campaign highlighting its provenance, with the brand sourced from 35 growers in Northern Ireland, and its expertise in milling quality oats over 180 years. The new campaign spans TV and social media and is the first time White’s has advertised across on-demand channels. White’s heavy weight campaign will run until March 2021 and will appear on demand channels including ITV Hub and All4, with the supporting creative assets landing on multiple digital channels including social, google display advertising and You Tube. “We have invested heavily in our branded communications to drive greater awareness of White’s as Northern Ireland’s only local porridge oats producer, offering a

range of quality products from traditional oats, organic oats, granolas and mueslis,” said Danielle McBride, brand manager at White’s Oats. “We are passionate about our provenance, commitment to quality and local supply, and want to encourage people to try our award-winning creamy oats produced right here on their doorstep. “Our new ad campaign falls under the

strapline of You Don’t Know Oats Until You’ve Tried White’s, which we really believe to be the case. The campaign will see our TV ad and a series of short videos land on a range of channels including on-demand channels which is a first for White’s.” Through effective segmentation and online consumer profiling, the campaign will reach new audiences across Northern Ireland and further afield.

NEW TV CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON KEY TARGET AUDIENCE FOR MUCHOS

BOOST LAUNCHES £5,000 PRIZE FUND FOR LOCALS PURSUING THEIR DREAM

new TV campaign has been launched by KP Snacks to support its McCoy’s Muchos range, running across Channel 4 and Dave until the end of November and also featuring during the ad breaks of Channel 4’s The Last Leg co-hosted by Alex Booker. Using stock footage, the ad depicts a Mexican wrestling match with running commentary on who is winning, with the McCoy’s Muchos folder tortilla snack clearly taking the lead. It has been animated to show the McCoy’s Muchos tortilla snack and a standard triangular tortilla chip as the wrestler’s heads. With this new campaign, KP Snacks aims to increase awareness of the McCoy’s Muchos range by creating engaging content with a trusted media partner such as Channel 4, appealing to a key target audience for Muchos. “When looking to target a young affluent audience, Channel 4 provides the perfect environment as a young and upmarket channel,” said Ilan Arkin, marketing controller McCoy’s, Butterkist and Heritage Brands at KP Snacks. “Partnering with Channel 4 and the right programming will help drive McCoy’s Muchos to front of mind awareness whilst maintaining a maverick McCoy’s style and cleverly pulling out Muchos’ personality.” Since its launch in 2019, McCoy’s Muchos has been well received and is already worth £11.8m RSV (Nielsen Scantrack – 03.10.20).

oost recently carried out a survey* as part of its Choose Now campaign, which launched in September and is aimed at inspiring local people to fulfil their dreams and follow their passion. 84% of those polled in the From left, Marty McNally, a Boost survey stated that they graphic designer and DJ, and Katharine Walker, a nurse, would love to pursue a side hustle presenter and model. and know exactly what they would need to do to achieve their dreams. 64% of those polled described themselves as ‘gogetters’ with becoming an author, qualifying as a football coach, and starting a podcast being some of the interesting aspirations among respondents. “We know that life can be hectic, with people often leading a very busy lifestyle whilst striving to accomplish their dreams and make time for a hobby or side hustle that they love,” said Francine Matthews, brand manager for Boost Drinks. “That is why we’re thrilled to bring the Choose Now campaign to the people of Northern Ireland where we are giving all local go-getters the chance to boost their passions and hobbies with a prize fund of £5,000.” The share of £5,000 is up for grabs for up to five winners (£500 - £2,000 per successful claimant) who need a boost to scale up a hobby or side hustle to help make their dreams a reality. For a chance to win, entrants should visit www.ChooseNowNI. com and simply state in no more than 500 words why they deserve a grant.

*Survey based on 50 respondents – November 2020 43

BUSINESS NEWS

SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF CONCERN VOICED ABOUT YEAR AHEAD

Ulster and was conducted new survey conducted in September 2020, prior by Duff & Phelps in to the latest Covid-19 partnership with Trade NI restrictions imposed across indicates over one third of the province. businesses across the retail, When asked by how much hospitality and manufacturing their employee headcount sectors in Northern Ireland will change by this time believe their trading and next year, one quarter of profitability levels will not businesses predicted that it return to pre-Covid-19 levels Davy Elliott, would be ‘up to 25% lower’, until 2022 or beyond. Duff & Phelps with 17% saying ‘up to 50% Furthermore, over 50% of lower’ and 6% saying ‘more respondents indicated they are than 50%’ lower. ‘concerned’ or ‘very concerned’ about Just 12% of respondents predicted their performance in the year ahead, with a further 29% saying they are ‘uncertain’. that their turnover would be higher this time next year; meanwhile, almost one The survey included members of Retail quarter estimated that it would remain NI, Manufacturing NI and Hospitality

BT & BELFAST HARBOUR BUILDING FIRST 5G PORT NETWORK IN UK & IRELAND

and Belfast Harbour have announced a landmark partnership to build a state-of-the-art 5G ecosystem within the Port. The partnership will deliver a series of 5G-led innovations to accelerate Belfast Harbour’s digital transformation and help deliver its smart port strategic ambitions. In a UK and Ireland-first, BT will build and manage a live 5G Private Network designed specifically to achieve the highest levels of ultrafast mobile connectivity, coverage, reliability and security across the port’s main operational areas. The partnership will examine how 5G and other emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and Connected Autonomous Vehicles can be used together to enhance public safety, physical security and address climate change across the Port and wider region. “Our UK and Ireland-first 5G trial with Belfast Harbour last year was a powerful illustration of how 5G-led technology can transform the port’s operations, propel the success of local businesses and drive economic growth,” said Paul Murnaghan, regional director for BT’s Enterprise division in Northern Ireland. “Today’s deal with Belfast Harbour

From left, Paul Murnaghan, regional director for BT’s Enterprise division in Northern Ireland and Joe O‚Neill, chief executive of Belfast Harbour, with 5G remote controlled inspection technology.

will make these benefits a reality, with the creation of a sophisticated digital ecosystem comprising of 5G as well as other emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and Connected Vehicles. This will act as a springboard for Belfast Harbour to achieve its ambition to be the world’s best regional smart port and an innovation hub for the region.”

‘similar’. Of those suggesting that their turnover would reduce over the coming year, 26% said it would be ‘up to 25% lower’, whilst 25% said it would be ‘up to 50%’ lower and 12% claimed it would be ‘more than 50% lower’. “It is clear that significant challenges will lie ahead for these businesses across what are among the sectors worsthit by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Davy Elliott from Duff & Phelps, a leading provider of governance, risk and transparency solutions. “Whilst these results are concerning, it is encouraging to note that respondents are proactively taking steps to protect their businesses and boost recovery efforts in the coming year and beyond.”

NI EXECUTIVE URGED TO ENGAGE ON PROTECTING LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS

our local business organisations, among a coalition of 23 business groups, trade bodies and local chambers of commerce previously writing to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister with a threepoint plan aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods, have called for urgent engagement with the NI Executive. Belfast Chamber, Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing NI and Retail NI want to discuss what efforts the Executive is making to develop a different strategy to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and how business and government can work better together to successfully supress the spread of Covid-19 across the community and ensure people’s jobs are saved. A joint statement by the chief executives of Belfast Chamber (Simon Hamilton), Manufacturing NI (Stephen Kelly), Hospitality Ulster (Colin Neill) and Retail NI (Glyn Roberts), reads: ‘We proposed a comprehensive three-point plan making reasonable, sensible suggestions aimed at improving communication, compliance and compensation. ‘We believe there is much to be gained by engaging with business in the development of an alternative approach given that our firms are impacted by restrictions, will be delivering any new safety interventions and our experience in leading staff and dealing with the general public.’

APPOINTMENTS

PLADIS APPOINTS JENNIFER MOSS AS GLOBAL CHIEF R&D OFFICER Jennifer Moss.

lobal snacking company pladis has appointed Jennifer Moss as global chief research and development (R&D) officer, commencing her new role in November 2020.

Moss joins the pladis leadership team to focus on a cutting-edge approach to innovation and building a pipeline of new and exciting products to meet the needs of consumers. She will lead a team developing unique and superior tastes and flavours through a mastery of flavour science and technologies. Moss’ extensive background in FMCG and R&D spans nearly three decades, having worked for well-known companies including Procter & Gamble, Unilever and, most recently, Campbell Arnott’s. She joins pladis, home to a baking and confectionery heritage, with strong credentials in both. During her time at Arnott’s, Moss led innovation for the portfolio across Australia and Asia, built effective

technology strategies across multiple geographies, and rejuvenated brands such as Shapes, Via-Weat and Tim Tams. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer to lead our R&D team,” said Salman Amin, CEO of pladis. “Innovation sits at the heart of our business and Jennifer’s vast experience and proven track record in innovation across product, packaging, sensory, culinary, and nutrition will help us further our ambitions. I’m confident that Jennifer is the perfect addition to our team as we focus on growing our star brands globally.” Moss said: “pladis is home to some of the most iconic brands with an incredible heritage and I’m excited to be part of their future. I look forward to bringing my experience and my ambition to create innovation that lasts.”

OXFORD FARMING CONFERENCE STRENGTHENS ITS BOARD THE NEW DIRECTORS ARE:

• Will Evans, a farmer, Rock & Roll Farming podcast host, EatFarmNow co-founder and columnist.

• Dr Jenna Ross, a scientist and Nuffield Scholar who works for Crop Health and Protection (CHAP).

• Ben TaylorDavies a farmer, Nuffield Scholar and Regenerative bioagricology advisor.

• Christopher Price, chief executive of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

The Oxford Farming Conference has appointed four new directors for a threeyear term running from the 2022 to the 2024 conference. The appointments bring a breadth of experience across the public, private, voluntary and nongovernmental sectors, and skills ranging from communications, applied science and governance to policy.

SHELFLIFE

To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Chris Keenan at c.keenan@independentmagazinesni.co.uk or Tel: 028 9026 4267

COFFEE WITH CHARACTER

D Bell & Co, Ireland’s oldest independent tea merchant and coffee roaster, has added a beautifully designed Christmas coffee to their massive portfolio. “A great deal of thought has gone into the sourcing of this specially selected organic coffee from Honduras.” said Robert Bell, managing director, who represents the fourth generation of this long-established Belfast roaster. “The taste profile had to cover so many bases. We needed to be sure that our customers could buy this as a gift, confident in the knowledge that it would be enjoyed by the lucky recipient. Perfect on its own or with sweet or fruity foods, it can be enjoyed equally by those who seek coffees with rich character, and who appreciate subtle nuances of flavour.” “Our designers really pulled out all this stops this time. It is so hard to design something fresh and new, while preserving a heritage brand,” said William Johnston, operations director. “And we also like to show amid all that heritage that we still have a sense of humour. See if you can find a busy Santa Claus hidden on the pack.” As part of a programme to redesign all their packaging, the Bells have introduced this smart Easy Open ® & ReSealable

Zipper pouch, with a one-way valve to allow the coffee to breathe. SD Bell’s fine Teas and freshest Coffees are supplied to quality independent food shops countrywide and through Musgrave and Henderson’s Central Billing. sales@sdbellstreacoffee.com (028)90471774

TYRRELLS INVESTS £1.5M IN MULTIMEDIA CAMPAIGN K

P Snacks is supporting its Tyrrells range with a £1.5m marketing investment ahead of the Christmas period. Tyrrells will be back on TV, again featuring its Hand Cooked English crisps, but also for the first time ever, its Tyrrells Vegetable Crisps and new Tyrrells Nut Medley range. The campaign will also feature in print and digital to drive momentum and awareness amongst consumers looking for a premium, great tasting snack this Christmas. As the first Christmas campaign for the Tyrrells brand, the investment looks to increase awareness of the range as the perfect option for those special sharing occasions. “The Tyrrellbly Tyrrellbly Tasty Christmas campaign is designed to drive awareness of Tyrrells while highlighting how it’s the perfect snack for you to treat yourself, family and friends to over the festive period,” said Kevin McNair, marketing director, KP Snacks.

PLADIS SUSTAINABLY REWRAPS VICTORIA SELECTION G

lobal snacking company pladis is improving its sustainability credentials by rewrapping its classic McVitie’s Victoria selection in sustainable packaging in time for Christmas. The repackaged version of the number one Christmas biscuit assortment will include a downsized card outer – helping to save 129 tonnes worth of card every year – and an updated cloudy plastic, fully recyclable tray. By swapping the traditional black tray for a recyclable alternative, pladis will help save 60.5 tonnes of plastic from landfill annually. “Shoppers are increasingly concerned about how their food choices impact the planet and as Britain’s biggest biscuit brand, we recognise that we have a crucial role to play in making sustainable options widely available,” said Jonathan Bull, head of McVitie’s Commercial & Seasonal Brands at pladis UK&I. “While many of our products are already recyclable through our partnership with TerraCycle, we’re continually taking steps to improve our credentials.”

CLASSIFIEDS

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GROCER ULSTER

Over 45 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

CLASSIFIEDS

Q&A TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m a postgraduate with an MSc in Digital Marketing from Northumbria University, and moved back to Belfast in 2017 to explore career opportunities within the marketing industry. I am the digital media manager at MXB, based in Belfast and I have been with the agency for over two years now, working on a roster of clients within the FMCG, Retail, Tech and Property sectors. I’m a book lover, wine enthusiast, sushi addict and a 4.9 star uber passenger. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? My day starts at 7am, first things first I make an iced coffee (it doesn’t matter the season, always iced) and listen to a podcast. I’ve recently really got into podcasts, I find that they’re a great way to start my day; recently I’ve been listening to The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. I then hop onto my emails at around 8.30am; in agency life, no two days are ever the same so depending on the day, I could be in an ideation meeting, a new business pitch or working on digital strategies for my clients. I aim to finish around 6pm and I try and take a screen detox in the evenings. I usually finish off the evening making dinner and spending time with my family. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? I’m pretty early in my marketing career but I have had some great experiences both in Belfast and Newcastle upon Tyne; a key highlight to date would be getting shortlisted for The IDM National Competition in 2017 where I placed as a finalist and had the opportunity to pitch towards The Economist in London. I’m a great believer in the best is yet to come and I still look forward to extending my experience within the industry, with hopefully a lot more highlights to come. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people. I really enjoy working within a team and I’ve been lucky enough to make some really great friends within the agency. I’ve also learnt so much working with industry experts and networking over the last few years. WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Switching off. I love what I do and it makes it difficult to say that’s enough for today. 50

IN THE HOT SEAT ELLA THACKRAY, DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER, MXB

Ella was named Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer of the Year at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2020.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? One of my previous lecturers always told me ‘the only constant is change’ and it’s been something that has stuck with me over the years, and most importantly my mum has always told me to ‘be kind’. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? Negative people. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? Throughout lockdown I took up knitting (my first time learning). I definitely haven’t mastered it yet but it’s safe to say everyone will be getting a scarf for Christmas. I would also love to be bilingual. I’m trying my best to learn how to speak Spanish… but it’s a lot tougher than I thought. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? Personally, to become a homeowner. Professionally, I would love to delve into web development. WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?

My Granda; his sheer work ethic has been something I’ve admired for as long as I can remember. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? Cambodia and Vietnam have a really special place in my heart. I spent a lot of time in South East Asia a few years ago and I cannot recommend it enough. I also recently spent some time in Canada, a favourite would have to be Banff again another amazing place. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Hot sauce of any kind. Anyone who knows me will tell you I eat it with every meal. HOW DO YOU RELAX? Pre-Covid: I love hanging out with friends and trying new places. DuringCovid: I love taking my dog for a walk and heading to the beach (no matter the weather). I love having a chilled-out night with some good food, family and did I mention I’m a mean margarita maker in my house? So, it’s taken full advantage of on most weekends.