Ulster Grocer February 2021 by Helen Wright

GROCER ULSTER

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

FEBRUARY 2021

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

GROCER ULSTER

FEBRUARY 2021

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

BREXIT BRINGS EMPTY SHELVES TO MANY LOCAL SHOPS

As parent company of wholesalers Tree of Life and The Health Store, the Group ships ocal retailers sourcing significant an annual £12m in products to the island of volumes of produce from Great Britain Ireland including organic produce totalling are bearing the brunt of Brexit, facing £1.5m to Northern Ireland and £4.5m to cancelled or delayed shipments as their sup- the Republic of Ireland. pliers struggle to comply with new customs Moody said COI compliance for the declarations under the Northern Ireland Group would entail manually entering Protocol. 7.5 million data fields on 10,000 Produce transported under groupage, annual consignments, at an estimated gathering smaller orders of multiple administrative cost of £750,000. Customs lines into one lorry shipment, has proved declarations are expected to add an problematic with some suppliers temporarily additional annual expense of £200,000 for withdrawing from the NI market. New the Group. A derogation of six months or Government guidance addressing the issue more would at least give businesses time to was expected in late January. automate the process, he said. One sector facing even greater complexity Ballylagan Organic Farm in Straid, named from January 1 is organic retailers. Best Farm Shop in NI at the Great British In addition to the standard customs Food Awards 2020, is among businesses declaration, organic suppliers in GB are experiencing a dramatic impact from Brexit. required to obtain a Certificate of Inspection “Up to now, we have been very reliant (COI) for each shipment sent to NI. on our GB wholesalers for about 70% of All lines in each shipment must be our shop sales, everything except meat uploaded to the EU TRACES website for and homegrown vegetables,” said Patricia approval by a certification body such as Gilbert, co-owner with husband Tom. the Soil Association, while receipt of goods “Since the beginning of January, the only must then be logged on TRACES by a regular GB supply we have received is a certified NI importer. weekly pallet of fresh fruit and vegetables Following talks with local MPs, from Phoenix Organics. These guys have including Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Stephen really worked hard to get this to us.” Farry and Mike Nesbitt, Ken Moody The cost of a pallet increased by about from Staffordshire-based Health Made 33% last month, said Gilbert, attributed to Easy Group is hopeful “significant additional costs associated with customs derogations on organic certification will be clearance as well as the impact of bad forthcoming”. weather in continental Europe.

BY ALYSON MAGEE

8-9

STORE FOCUS: WARKE’S DELI IN PORTSTEWART HAS USED LOCKDOWN TO CLEAR FLOORSPACE FOR AN EXPANDED RANGE OF LOCAL SUPPLIERS & FOCUS ON ITS FOOD-TO-GO OFFER

14-15

NEW DATE, NEW DEADLINE: THE ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS WILL NOW BE HELD ON OCTOBER 1, WITH ENTRY TO THE 33RD ANNUAL AWARDS EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 4

Prior to shipment every week, Phoenix Organics must upload a spreadsheet listing all lines with country of origin, commodity code, gross and net weight of boxes and value of goods, with the pallets then inspected by Defra before it issues a phytosanitary certificate. Pallets are transported from Herefordshire to Liverpool and collated with other fruit and veg shipments into one lorry for shipping to Dublin and onto Morgan McLernon Transport’s Lurgan depot. Prior to shipping, Phoenix Organics must also supply Morgan McLernon with the relevant information for customs clearance. Each COI currently costs £25. Ballylagan, already certified by the Soil Association as an organic farm, has been able to extend its existing cover to become a certified importer but for uncertified businesses, the cost could be around £700 plus yearly membership and inspection fees. “TRACES was set up by the EU to control and certify the importation of bulk organic goods such as a shipment of organic coffee beans from South America, and not a mixed pallet with 100-200 lines,” said Gilbert. “Our main GB supplier SUMA Wholefoods is still not supplying us, and they say that even when they do, there will be no product of animal origin so no dairy and this is the only GB supplier that sends chilled/frozen as well as ambient.” Ballylagan has sourced some alternative products from Pallas Foods in the Republic of Ireland, but from a significantly smaller organic range than the 1,000 lines typically stocked by the farm shop.

30-31

BREXIT BLOCKAGE: STRATEGIC PLANNING & STOCKPILING HAVE HELPED BUT MANY NORTHERN IRELAND RETAILERS ARE STILL FACING SHORTAGES FROM DELAYED OR CANCELLED SHIPMENTS

IN THE HOT SEAT: BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY BRAND AMBASSADOR LAUREN MCMULLAN SHARES HER LOVE FOR THE BRAND, HISTORY, PRODUCTION PROCESS, PEOPLE & THE WHISKEY

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 56 Number 2 FEBRUARY 2021 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Sam Butler, Jason Winstanley 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

BREXIT BRINGS GROUPAGE PAINS

h January… that quiet month to peacefully reflect and plan before the year really gets going… Fat chance of that this year. The kids didn’t go back to school, the lockdown restrictions tightened, and the locals got restless with fights even breaking out among pro- and anti-maskers in supermarkets. January 1 also of course brought Brexit and, while lorries seemed to flow freely through the Port of Dover, the ports of Belfast and Larne proved more problematic. In the first few weeks, reports emerged of lorries being turned away from GB ports without the proper paperwork to ships goods to Northern Ireland. Yet there were no vast queues of lorries eagerly waiting to cross the Irish Sea because some were held up at distribution centres awaiting paperwork and many others had simply decided not to bother servicing the Northern Ireland market for the time being. And who could blame them, with groupage shipments potentially requiring hundreds of customs declarations per shipment. The impact was immediate and widespread from many food and alcohol products no longer available to Amazon customers in Northern Ireland to empty shelves in our local Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda stores. While M&S hopes to restore most lines once the groupage issues are resolved, around 5% of the 6,500 lines stocked by its Northern Ireland stores disappeared. Thankfully the Brexit red tape issue around Percy Pigs only related to supplies into the Republic of Ireland… A lower impact was reported by local retailers such Musgrave NI and the Henderson Group, reaping the benefits of their focus on local sourcing and strategic stockpiling ahead of January 1. Shoppers were surprised to find SPARbranded produce on sale in Sainsbury’s,

when the Henderson Group stepped in to fill a gap in the multiple retailer’s supply chain. Another winner is Deli Lites, now supplying sandwiches to Boots stores across Northern Ireland previously sourced from GB. While the groupage issue is to be addressed by the UK government, further trouble lies with the grace period for products of animal origin ending and all shipments from GB to NI requiring Export Health Certificates from April 1. Many have said the three-month grace period is too short for the sector to prepare and merely serves to kick the can down the road. Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has warned of Sunday dinners without gravy or jelly once the NI Protocol is fully enacted. NI Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, on the other hand, appears to be an Irish Sea border-denier, blaming the empty shelves on the pandemic. Whatever the issues, retail and logistics sector bodies are working hard with government to pinpoint problems and provide workable solutions. It hasn’t been a great start to Brexit but hopefully as the year progresses, it will feel less as if Northern Ireland has been marooned. Looking at the content of our February edition, however, maybe it’s not that bad of a place in which to be marooned. Featured are another few shining examples of retailers pivoting to meet evolving consumer needs in the pandemic, Warke’s Deli in Portstewart and Yellow Door in Portadown. The latest soft drinks activity is highlighted in our annual feature but, if you’ve had enough of Dry January, Bushmills Brand Ambassador Lauren McMullan takes the Hot Seat. Enjoy…

Ulster Grocer is a part of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). If you believe you have been unfairly treated, you can contact IPSO in writing via its website for guidance on what to do. The service is free. IPSO can then advise on whether it’s likely you have grounds for a complaint and what to do about it. The normal procedure is for the complainant to then contact the publication’s editor directly. If no agreement is reached, the complainant can go back to IPSO to look for an adjudication, or for it to take over the complaint. Full details are available at www.ipso.co.uk. Alternatively, email complaints@ipso. co.uk, or inquiries@ipso.co.uk, or telephone 0300 123 2220, or the out-of-hours emergency number: 07659 152 656. Or write to: IPSO, c/o Halton House, 20-23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD.

NEWS

SYMBOLS & LIDL LEAD NI GROCERY SECTOR GROWTH IN 2020

ymbol group retailers led growth in the Northern Ireland grocery sector in 2020 with value sales up 24% year on year, outperforming an increase of 5.5% for multiple retailers and 12.9% for the total sector. Other retailers such as butchers and greengrocers also posted impressive growth, up 19.4% year on year in the Kantar data for the 52 weeks to December 27, backing reports of greater support for independent shops during the pandemic. While losing 1.2% of their market share in 2020, multiples remain dominant with 82.7% of the total grocery market against 8.8% for symbols and 8.6% for other grocery retailers. Leading value growth among the multiples was Lidl, up 19.7% year on year. Kantar Retail Analyst Emer Healy said growth of 12.9% for the total sector represents a “remarkable uplift from last Christmas, when growth was just 0.4% year on year. Sales were stronger again over the most recent 12-week period, rising by 14.8% in the lead up to Christmas. “Looking back over the course of an

extraordinary year, national restrictions and various lockdowns saw shoppers visit supermarkets 18.5 fewer times while average basket sizes jumped by 17% in 2020. “Tesco maintained its position as Northern Ireland’s biggest grocer with 35.2% of the market this period. More than nine in 10 Northern Irish households visited the store in 2020 to help it grow sales by 11.7%. “Sainsbury’s saw the second highest growth of the top four retailers, with sales up by 12.8%. Sainsbury’s shoppers bucked a wider trend of declining footfall and only made one fewer trip than this time last year, aiding growth for the retailer. “Meanwhile, Asda sales rose by 8.3% this period. The retailer achieved growth through consumers making bigger trips, with basket sizes up 25.6%. “Lidl, which increased sales by 19.7%, was the only retailer to grow ahead of the market this period. The grocer successfully recruited more shoppers and over three quarters of the population visited the supermarket at least once in 2020.”

Leading value sales growth in the Northern Ireland grocery sector last year, Lidl NI has kicked off 2021 by announcing plans to recruit 170 new employees and share a Covid Employee Bonus worth £300,000 with its workers. Maeve McCleane, director of human resources at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, is pictured receiving a Top Employer 2021 award from the Top Employers Institute in January.

With Christmas celebrated by smaller groups in the pandemic, Healy said sales declined year on year for turkey, lamb, roast beef, cheese, cakes, seasonal biscuits and smoked fish. However, sales of ice cream, crisps, chocolate, sweets and nuts all grew, while alcohol sales climbed by 36.7%, adding £100m to the total market.

CALL TO INCLUDE INDEPENDENT FOOD RETAILERS IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT SCHEME I

ndependent food retailers losing trade and footfall due to the closure of other non-essential businesses in town and city centres should be included in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Covid-19 financial support scheme, according to Retail NI. Chief Executive Glyn Roberts has called for support of the struggling sector after the Executive announced extension of the current lockdown until at least March 5. “This decision is not unexpected but will come at a heavy cost to the local economy,” said Roberts. “There will be many independent retailers who will be unable to survive this, particularly if it lasts until Easter. “The Executive needs to step up and provide further support to independent retailers if they are to stand any chance of survival. Many of these businesses are trying to trade in town and city centres which are virtual ghost towns, with most of their neighbouring businesses closed.” Roberts also highlighted disparity in the prohibition of local independent retailers selling books, toys, clothes and homeware from operating a click-and-collect service, while

large supermarkets remain open and free to sell the same products. Retail NI last month welcomed proposals to freeze business rates and extend further relief to businesses affected by Covid-19 in Finance Minister Conor Murphy’s draft Executive Budget, as well as a Supreme Court ruling that insurance companies must pay out to small traders impacted by the pandemic.

NEWS

NIFDA ISSUES URGENT CALL FOR CREATION OF FOOD MANUFACTURING CAPITAL GRANT

orthern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) has repeated its call for the Department of Economy to set up a processor capital grant for the food manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland as a matter of urgency. The call follows the announcement of a €100m capital investment scheme by the Republic of Ireland government with a 30% support rate for RoI food manufacturing companies. Wales, Scotland and England already have similar schemes in place with support rates in the 20-40% range. The fact that Northern Ireland companies cannot avail of such funding puts them at a significant disadvantage, according to NIFDA Executive Director

Michael Bell. “We have spent three years lobbying for this grant and despite our best efforts the process was halted last summer following the rejection of a proposal submitted to the Assembly,” said Bell. “There were 15 or more business cases submitted to Invest Northern Ireland. “Most of these cases were delayed while our competitors are marching on with the backing of their respective governments and repositioning themselves with our customers. “Our closest competitors also benefit from significant funding for food export marketing, which again we do not have. This is competitive disadvantage

in the starkest sense. This weakness is obviously further magnified with Covid-19 and Brexit. “A capital grant scheme will drive innovation, productivity and enable the Northern Ireland food and drink industry to win value-added business. “This is a priority that is also understood by our farming community and the UFU have been steadfast with NIFDA in highlighting this weakness to the Department of the Economy here in Northern Ireland. “This is our most urgent and clear ask. We therefore call on Minister Dodds to urgently address this strategic weakness our industry has been subject to here in Northern Ireland.”

PIG SECTOR TO RECEIVE £2.2M COVID-19 SUPPORT PACKAGE

Covid-19 support package allocated to the Northern Ireland pig sector will provide vital support for farmers enduring financial loss from the temporary closure of Cranswick Country Foods in August 2020, says the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots announced the £2.2m support package on January 21, with applications opening this month.

“Our pig producers suffered significant losses when Cranswick Country Foods was shut down with immediate affect following a Covid-19 outbreak among staff,” said William Irvine, deputy president, UFU. “Alongside the tireless efforts of our stakeholders, the UFU lobbied immensely to gain support for the pig sector. “This funding will provide essential

NATURO SUPERDOG AWARDS TO CELEBRATE NATION’S EXCEPTIONAL CANINES

o Armagh-based Mackle Petfoods has formed a partnership with Touchpoint Live Media to launch new awards celebrating the UK’s most inspiring canines, 6

the Naturo SuperDog Awards. With dog ownership rising dramatically during the pandemic lockdown, including 2.2 million dogs brought between March

support to our pig producers and will help sustain farm businesses. It is expected to compensate for a large proportion of the losses incurred by producers while the process plant remained closed. “This includes the temporary loss of the Chinese export market, additional penalties on overweight and overfat pigs, and the impact on other pig market avenues.” and September 2020 alone, the new awards aim to recognise the positive impact dogs have on our lives as well as promoting responsible dog ownership. Nominations open on March 15, with entrants invited to share extraordinary stories of dogs and their owners until July 31, followed by a judging process with winners picked across seven categories. The Naturo SuperDog Awards will take place at a celebrity-hosted evening in London in November 2021, with shortlisted nominees and their owners invited to the red-carpet event. “Here at Naturo, pets and their health and wellbeing are at the forefront of everything that we do,” said John Mackle, managing director, Mackle Petfoods. “We are really excited to be part of this fantastic initiative and hope to continue to acknowledge and reward deserving dogs for many years to come.” For more information, visit www.superdogawards.co.uk.

NEWS

GCA INVITES FEEDBACK ON TRADING AMID COVID-19 & BREXIT

Mark White.

roceries Code Adjudicator Mark White has launched an annual survey conducted under the regulatory role and is keen to receive early information about how the sector is operating in such challenging times. The survey is a valuable opportunity for suppliers to tell the GCA about any Code issues they are facing and whether the regulated retailers are treating them fairly and lawfully. For the first time, the survey will also ask suppliers to provide positive feedback about their retailers as well as highlighting problem areas. This will be the eighth year the survey has been conducted and, as in previous years, it will be carried out by the independent polling company YouGov.

From the beginning, the survey has played an important role in helping the GCA to achieve progress for suppliers, demonstrating where retailers’ efforts have improved Code compliance and identifying areas for them to make improvements. “This survey will be immensely valuable in helping me identify the issues the groceries sector is facing as well as guiding my future work,” said White. “I have decided to include two innovations this year. First, I would like to hear from suppliers who think the retailers are doing a good job so I can highlight success and share good practice. “Second, after the main survey has closed, I will be asking YouGov to carry out some detailed interviews with suppliers on particular issues arising from the findings. As with survey responses, any information gathered from follow-up interviews will be treated with complete confidence.” The survey closes on February 21 and the GCA will publish the results later in the spring/summer on the website – www.gov.uk/gca - as well as in a special edition of News from the Adjudicator – register at https://form.jotform. co/51902443179860.

BOOJUM LAUNCHES NEW READY MEAL RANGE WITH HENDERSON GROUP

ocal Mexican burrito bar chain Boojum has partnered with the Henderson Group to launch a new range of retail ready meals. The new range was launched last month in select SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO and ViVOXTRA stores across Northern Ireland. Prepared fresh daily by Boojum chefs using the same high-quality ingredients, seasonings and spices used in Boojum’s restaurants, the new range will offer a choice of a rich, spicy beef chilli made with 100% Northern Irish beef or a smoky, saucy threebean chilli ideal for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians; both served with a side of basmati rice. “We know the brand very well and know the draw the brand has, especially to a younger shopper demographic, those looking for convenience but equally quality and value at the same time,” said Steven Kennedy, fresh trading manager, Henderson Group. “This range ticks all those boxes so we’re delighted to be bringing these products to our shelves, providing further growth opportunities thanks to our distribution network.”

AWARDS CELEBRATE INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR GROCERYAID GroceryAid has recognised the backing it receives from organisations across the industry with its annual awards, presented to 271 companies for their support of the charity throughout 2020. Fifty-nine organisations secured gold, 35 silver, and 35 bronze awards, while a total of 142 organisations including Ulster Grocer were acknowledged as Recognised Supporters. “Without the backing of these amazing organisations, we would not have been able to help more than 17,000 colleagues who found themselves in need of our emotional, financial and practical help when times got tough last year,” said Steve Barnes, chief executive at GroceryAid. In 2020, GroceryAid saw increases of 55% in applications for financial support, 87% in allocated crisis grants and 74% in calls to its helpline, while the number of Relate counselling sessions delivered also doubled. The GroceryAid Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year: 08088 021122.

NFRN HARDSHIP FUND PAYS OUT £125,000 TO MEMBERS IN NEED The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) has to date paid out nearly £125,000 to cash-strapped members from its Covid-19 Hardship Fund. Created last April, the Hardship Fund helps alleviate some of the financial pressures that independent retailers are facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Covid-19 has impacted the livelihoods and businesses of independent retailers across the UK and Ireland, and the NFRN will continue to help members that are in dire need of financial assistance,” said Stuart Reddish, national president, NFRN. “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.”

STORE FOCUS

WARKE’S DELI, PORTSTEWART CREATING MORE FLOORSPACE TO INCREASE ITS RANGE OF LOCAL PRODUCERS & LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR AN EXPANSION OF ITS FOODTO-GO OFFER HAVE BEEN A FOCUS DURING LOCKDOWN, OWNER JACQUI WARKE TELLS ALYSON MAGEE

or Jacqui Warke, owner of Warke’s Deli on The Promenade in Portstewart, one positive outcome of the pandemic has been an opportunity to restore her original vision for the business. When she first opened the shop a decade ago, Jacqui had spotted a market gap for a deli showcasing local producers. However, it would be a few years yet before Northern Ireland’s artisan sector came into its own and, in the meantime, a burgeoning coffee shop side of the business increasingly took over space initially planned for the deli. Fast forward to 2021 and, with the café having been closed to sit-in customers for much of the previous year due to lockdown restrictions, Jacqui has taken the opportunity to convert floorspace back from seating to retail shelving. Previously a medical secretary, she had no background in retail when first launching the business. “This was a bit of a mid-life crisis,” she says. “I wanted a change. I think maybe when we first started out people weren’t quite ready for a deli in Portstewart but, over the last three or four years, local produce has taken off and people are really looking at the provenance of their food.” Joining established local producers such as Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil and

Abernethy Butter stocked by the deli from the start are, to name a few, Corndale Charcuterie, Tamnagh and Ballylisk cheeses, Burren Balsamics and Taste Joy Artisan Peanut Butter. A particular customer favourite is Causeway Coffee. “We just can’t keep it on the shelves,” says Jacqui. “People are coming in and buying maybe three or four bags.” Other key suppliers include Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Sydney B Scotts Fruit & Veg and McAtamneys Butchers, alongside niche organic producers from time to time. “In the first lockdown, we did deliveries and that kept us on the map and kept people supplied with the goods they were used to getting and then, once the lockdown opened, they came back to the store which was good,” says Jacqui. “We still do some deliveries, but not as many now people are out and about. “We’ve been lucky that people have been very supportive and want to support local businesses, especially at the minute.” A focus on local suppliers has largely shielded the business from the impact of Brexit to date, although Jacqui has received notification from GB suppliers of potential disruption to smaller orders

of cheese and ambient goods previously using groupage transport. BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENUS “We bake all our own goods instore, including cakes, and have a full breakfast and lunch menu,” says Jacqui. “I wouldn’t say it’s health food, but we go more towards the healthier end of things with tasty salads and a few vegetarian and vegan options. “We do a couple of soups every day, always something slightly different like pear, parsnip and blue cheese. We try to use as much local produce as we can when we’re cooking.” Jacqui shares cooking with a chef, while a third member of staff assists with cooking and baking, and five additional employees work front of house. Social media is the main outlet for marketing the latest menus and stock additions to locals and visitors, with the shop open daily from 9am to 5.30pm. Floorspace totals around 1,100 square feet, with the bright, airy corner shop featuring large windows to make the most of the sea views. “We have a very pared-back store with a beachy look,” says Jacqui. “It’s mainly white and wood with packing crates. We’ve tried to keep it very plain to let the

STORE FOCUS

food and the view sell themselves.” Around three years ago, the shop was restructured to make better use of the space. “We had the deli produce scattered around the store before and found a lot of people didn’t want to look at it if there was anyone sitting near it because they didn’t want to disturb people eating,” says Jacqui. “We changed it to have all the deli end at one side and the café at the other, so you can come in and shop for your grocery items without having to get in the way of people who are eating. “We have very few walls because of all this glass and changed it to be a little bit more freestanding and easier for shopping and the flow of traffic as well.” Just before Christmas, Taste Causeway supplied a bespoke display for regional producers which takes pride of place in the front of the shop, and further new shelving was added in January to accommodate an increased range of stock. “We will still have some sit-in seats because people just like it, and it’s an important part of our business,” she says. “But this has been a chance to extend the deli again and make it what we really wanted at the beginning.”

people are enjoying an outdoor lifestyle now and food to go is going to be our way forward for the summer,” says Jacqui. All takeaway packaging is compostable, and Jacqui plans to order in branded tote bags for the summer. “We’re hoping people will use those rather than having to get a bag every time they come in for bread and that sort of thing,” she says. “We’re going to give those away to our regular customers.”

WE’VE BEEN LUCKY THAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE AND WANT TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES, ESPECIALLY AT THE MINUTE.

FOOD-TO-GO FOCUS Moving forward, takeaway will be a bigger focus for the shop. “So many

shop’s deli offer, Jacqui also hopes to “get as many more local producers as possible on board, and maybe go a little bit further afield and bring in all of Ireland. “I think it will give us a lot more scope to really push the takeaway produce, and we do some outside catering so we could probably push that a little bit more. “We have a lot of people who rent holiday homes and would ask us to cater for the week they’re here and we do the usual weddings, christenings and birthday parties. I wouldn’t say it’s a big part, but it would be a valuable part of the business. “We make a lot of our own things in house, like houmous and granola and dressings, and would like to push our own products a little bit more this year and maybe expand our range and our customer base.” Warke’s Deli also has a partnership with Wendy Gallagher’s Catch and Sea tours, with guests booked on the tours going out on the Boy Matthew to fish for mackerel and then returning to the shop where their catch is cooked for them alongside other local ingredients for brunch. Pre-pandemic, a monthly supper club serving tapas-style food themed on different countries such as Morocco or Lebanon had proved so popular, Jacqui had been adding a second date each month and would hope to bring it back in 2021.

Shoppers are a mix of locals, weekenders with second homes in Portstewart and summer holidaymakers, with average basket spend sitting in the £15-£20 range. “A very wide age dynamic comes in,” says Jacqui. “A lot of our customers are retired, walk a lot and try to eat healthier, but then we have young mums with school-age kids and everything in the middle.” As part of her plans to increase the 9

RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS

S&W WHOLESALE & 90 TODAY’S STORES BOOST RETAIL NI MEMBERSHIP

Michael Skelton, managing director, S&W.

etail NI has announced a significant boost to its membership, with S&W Wholesale and over 90 independently owned local Today’s stores coming on board. S&W is among the top 100 businesses in Northern Ireland, and one of the largest independent wholesalers in Ireland. Established in 1916, the company

has 250 employees and supplies ambient, chilled, fresh and frozen products across the island of Ireland from its 100,000-square-foot warehouse in Newry. “We are delighted to welcome S&W and 90 Today’s NI stores as members of Retail NI,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive, Retail NI. “We know they will make a huge contribution to our ongoing work of ensuring the voice of the independent retailers and wholesalers is heard at all levels of government. “Over the past five years, Retail NI has significantly increased its membership, recruiting independent retailers of all kinds and suppliers to our sector. With a perfect storm of crises of Brexit and pandemic, businesses now more than ever recognise the importance of having a

strong trade voice.” Michael Skelton, managing director, S&W, said: “It is safe to say that 2020 proved an unpredictable year in retail. As the pandemic hit, our front-line retail stores and entire staff had to adjust, step up and show leadership as we adapted to what unfolded. “We met this challenge head on and so did our independent retailers with their commitment and determination to continue serving their communities. Therefore, we wanted to further galvanize our support for our retailers by joining Retail NI and providing them with a voice and a platform for showcasing the importance of convenience retail in NI. “We are looking forward to 2021 and further strengthening our relationship with Glyn and the wider Retail NI team.”

INQUIRY WELCOMED INTO

POST OFFICE REPORTS STRONG ABUSE AND VIOLENCE TOWARDS SHOP WORKERS DECEMBER SALES DESPITE L PANDEMIC CHALLENGES P ost Office, the UK’s largest retail network, has reported a strong sales performance over the peak Christmas period of November 30 to December 27 despite a challenging high street environment during the pandemic. UK-wide footfall was consistent with the same period last year, with over 51.3 million customer transactions during the four-week period (-0.5%), while income increased 17% across the network to £66.3m. The week beginning December 7 was the busiest of the year for Post Office counters, handling 15.1m customer transactions, two-thirds of which were mail transactions. Mail and parcels services increased significantly, reflecting broader trends in e-commerce growth. Drop & Go, the Post Office’s fast-track service for businesses and online sellers sending parcels, increased sales value by 87%. Cash and banking remained resilient with small and independent businesses increasingly relying on their local Post Office to deposit their takings at a time that’s 10

convenient for them. Over the month, £1.56bn was deposited and £630m withdrawn at Post Office branches; only 10% lower year on year despite Covid-19 related restrictions during the period. Bill payment volumes were up 27% across Post Office and Payzone, while Post Office Travel Money transactions declined by 69% due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. “After a very challenging year for much of the retail sector, I am pleased to see 17% growth in network income over the Christmas period thanks to the hard work of postmasters,” said Nick Read, chief executive, Post Office. “The mails market, particularly for parcels, remains very strong driven by the growth in online retailing. Our physical presence has been vital across the UK, with customers enjoying the convenience, expert advice and safe hands that our postmasters offer, in addition to the invaluable support they have provided to local communities during the pandemic with 99% of the network remaining open.”

aunch of an inquiry into abuse and violence towards retail workers by the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee has been welcomed by the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN). “Violence is an unacceptable part of daily life for too many independent retailers,” said Stuart Reddish, national president, NFRN. “I get calls from hundreds of members who are crime victims. “The impact of retail crime can be devastating and long-lasting – not just in terms of physical injuries but on anxiety and stress too. The NFRN welcomes this inquiry and we look forward to working with the Home Affairs Committee.” The inquiry will ‘focus specifically on the police response to reported incidents, and the calls for a new aggravated offence’, said the Home Affairs Committee. A public survey will be launched for people who have experienced violence or abuse in the course of their work, to get a picture of what happens after an incident is reported. NFRN is encouraging crime victims to participate.

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

SUPERVALU & CENTRA KICK OFF 2021 WITH A RENEWED FOCUS ON VALUE

uperValu and Centra have put value at the heart of their current campaigns, kicking off the New Year by raising awareness of their extensive own-brand offer and promotions. The own-brand, value-led promotions showcase the most comprehensive product range to date, with over 600 own-brand products on offer at SuperValu and over 350 available at Centra stores across Northern Ireland; on average 33% cheaper than the betterknown brands. In addition to own brand, shoppers will also find over 200 special offers in SuperValu and over 100 in Centra every three-week period, starting from January 18, across food, household, cleaning and baby products. Further, over 600 branded products will be price-matched against Tesco in SuperValu, and both SuperValu and Centra shoppers will enjoy extra value on weekly Fab Four deals. “We’re committed to providing our customers with the best value in convenience and the past year has shown that value is at the forefront of the shopper’s mind as they look to

From left, Patricia McIlroy, SuperValu brand manager, and Jennifer Morton, Centra brand manager.

navigate the pressures of Covid and save money post-Christmas,” said Desi Derby, marketing director for SuperValu and Centra. “Our investment in own-brand lines demonstrates growing consumer demand for an expanded range of affordable grocery products and we are confident consumers will not be disappointed by the extensive range on offer at both SuperValu and Centra alongside their great quality and value. “Most shoppers will shop a mix of branded and own-brand products to varying degrees, so hundreds of branded products are also price checked against Tesco every week across our stores to make sure we are constantly delivering value for our shoppers on all the products they want to shop.”

COSTCUTTER TARGETS GROWING MARKET FOR PLANT-BASED FOOD

ostcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has teamed up with plant-based food and drink champion Alpro to target a growing market for vegan produce in 2021. Healthy, tasty, plantbased recipes are the cornerstone of the campaign, which aims to build on the success of CSG’s gamefocused promotions to engage shoppers and drive sales for independent retailers. “Our integrated campaign embraces Veganuary and the continued growth in demand from shoppers for fresh, healthier foods,” said Sean Russell, marketing director, CSG. “Who better to help us deliver that than market-leaders Alpro; the team there has given us some great, plant-based foodie inspiration, with recipes that shoppers can recreate at home for family and loved ones. “Staying healthy and having a positive attitude are more important than ever at the moment and our online quiz gives browsers the opportunity to find the right recipe for their mood.” 11

RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

ASDA PROVIDING 170 DELL LAPTOPS TO SCHOOLS ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND

sda has announced it is working with Dell Technologies to provide 170 laptops to schools across Northern Ireland to help those children who are at risk of falling behind in their education because they do not have the technology to take part in online lessons during lockdown. The supermarket has formed a partnership with technology provider Dell and is investing £2m so that every Asda store in the UK can donate at least 10 laptops to a school in need in their local community. Asda will donate 7,000 laptops to schools nationally, including 170 in NI. Each laptop comes with a tech bundle that includes a headset and a mobile internet dongle with a data allowance of 20gb from Asda’s network partner

Vodafone. The dongle and data allowance has been funded by a separate £500,000 contribution from the retailer’s charity arm, The Asda Foundation. Laptops will also include a oneyear warranty and technical support. Asda has launched this initiative to support schools in its communities that are struggling with digital exclusion. According to Ofcom, around 9% of children in the UK – between 1.1 million and 1.8 million – do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet at home. These children are primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds and at risk of falling further behind with their education. Each Asda store in Northern Ireland will nominate a nearby primary or secondary school with a large proportion of families struggling to support home learning. Schools will be identified by

the store’s Community Champions based on their existing partnerships through their community outreach programme. Asda’s Better Communities team will then review nominations using Government benchmarking data to ensure laptops are going to schools with the greatest need. Asda, working closely with Dell Technologies, expect to deliver the first shipment of laptops directly to schools this month with the remainder to follow in March. Each school will manage the distribution to priority pupils, and Asda’s in-house IT support team will also provide support to any school that needs help to set up the equipment. “It’s clear that digital exclusion is an issue affecting many thousands of children who attend schools in communities that we serve,” said Roger Burnley, CEO and president of Asda. “These children have been disproportionately affected by the lockdown and are at risk of falling further behind their peers. We want to do all we can to help break down the digital barriers so they can continue their education remotely.”

LIDL NORTHERN IRELAND INVITES KIDS TO DESIGN NEW RECYCLED SHOPPING BAGS

Launching the campaign are Owen Keogh, head of CSR at Lidl Ireland, and Luke Lewis.

idl Northern Ireland is calling on young artists across the region to create an eye-catching design to feature on its new durable, reusable shopping bags made from 100% recycled plastic to be introduced in stores later this year. Children are encouraged to get creative and submit a drawing, sketch or painting of what one of the Rs of sustainability means to them, choosing from the themes reduce, reuse or recycle. “We hope that this competition will spark important

conversations around the over-reliance on plastic and encourage us all to re-think how it is used and what we can all do individually to help reduce plastic in our environment,” said Angela Connan, corporate social responsibility manager at Lidl Northern Ireland. Entry forms are available in any Lidl Northern Ireland store from January 25 or can be downloaded at www. lidl-ni.co.uk/shopping-bags. Entry closes at 11.59pm on February 28. One lucky winner will be chosen to have their submission brought to life on Lidl Northern Ireland’s new recycled shopping bag range, available in all 40 stores across the region from September 2021. The winner will also receive a £500 Lidl Northern Ireland gift card. The new 100% recycled plastic bags represent the retailer’s latest move in tackling waste to protect the planet as part of its A Better Tomorrow sustainability strategy. Other initiatives include the removal of plastic packaging on fruit, providing reusable fruit and veg bags and offering in-store recycling bins. Lidl’s Plastic Pledge commitments include eliminating single use plastics, using 20% less plastic packaging by 2022 and having 100% recyclable own-brand packaging by 2025.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

NEW ENTRY DEADLINE OF JUNE 4 SET FOR ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS A new date has been set for the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2021, to be held during the GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball at the Culloden Estate & Spa on Friday, October 1. Entry for the 33rd annual event will now be open until Friday, June 4, following postponement of the usual May date for the Awards due to the ongoing pandemic. Never perhaps has there been a more important time to recognise outstanding work in Northern Ireland grocery, after the intense and unrelenting pressure faced by the sector in 2020. While regular marketing activity continued, alongside solid grocery sales as consumers in lockdown spent more on food and drink, many retailers and suppliers also tailored their campaigns to reassure shoppers over safety measures and voice their support for the brave workers keeping us fed and watered throughout the pandemic. The 33rd annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards will feature 10 categories (see right), with our new award introduced last year - Leader in Marketing – falling under the standard application process in 2021 (unlike last year when entry was via an informal email nomination). Greater detail on the judges’ scoring criteria will run in the March edition of Ulster Grocer to aid the application process and offer greater transparency to contestants. The Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are an opportunity for companies operating in the Northern Ireland grocery sector to shine a light on their successes and achievements. The awards are held during the annual GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball, the highlight of the sector’s social calendar attracting upwards of 400 guests and serving as the main fundraiser of the year for the grocery charity. Awards entry is open to all grocery stakeholders from producers, suppliers, wholesalers and independent retailers to retail groups. And the diverse range of award categories allows both

✸

well established and up-and-coming companies to enjoy valuable media exposure and branding at the Grocers’ Ball, and across the print copies, websites and social media of Ulster Grocer magazine and its sister titles at Independent News & Media. Widely regarded as the highest marketing accolade Northern Ireland grocery stakeholders can achieve, the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are recognised as a mark of professionalism, raising awareness for companies shortlisted, highly commended and winning each category.

HOW TO ENTER THE AWARDS All entry will be via an online-only mechanism at www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ ulstergrocer/ and will close on June 4, 2021.

✸GROCERYAID GROCERS’ BALL TO BE HELD ON

OCTOBER 1

A new date has been set for the GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball, featuring the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2021, of Friday, October 1 at the Culloden Estate & Spa. The GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball is the main fundraising event of the year for the charity’s NI Committee, and this year’s comes at a time when demand for its support services is peaking as shop and grocery supply chain workers face unprecedented stress and challenges. Ticket sales are now open for the Ball, which was postponed from its usual May date due to the ongoing pandemic, through GroceryAid NI Committee member Jim McAlea (jim.mcalea@yahoo.co.uk).

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS LEADER IN MARKETING Now in its second year, this accolade complements the prestigious Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer Award by recognising individuals at a more advanced stage, or the end, of their career; having made a notable contribution to the field of sales and marketing within the wider grocery sector. Entries should identify an outstanding contribution to marketing in the grocery sector, from companies, brands, roles and campaigns on which the nominated individual has worked to any additional contribution of note such as mentoring or CSR work.

✸

BEST DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

While digital is well established as part of the media mix ✸ considered by judges across the awards categories, this award exclusively focuses on online marketing activity, looking at campaigns which have successfully utilised tools such as social media, email, influencer engagement, content marketing and apps. Open to all grocery sector stakeholders (and both inhouse and agency marketing teams), judges will consider results achieved in relation to the size of the business with the onus on applicants to demonstrate a clear link between their digital campaign and any subsequent boost in sales.

BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

LORRAINE HALL YOUNG MARKETEER AWARD

This category is open to all grocery industry stakeholders from food and drinks producers and other service providers to retailers. Entries should quantify green gains they have made, such as reductions in water, energy or their overall carbon footprint, highlighting the eco measures behind those gains from local sourcing to LED lighting, solar panels and any other energy and waste reduction systems. In particular, companies should demonstrate how they have communicated their green programmes and gains to clients and consumers.

The Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer Award will seek to recognise passion and drive among the up-and-coming ✸ marketing stars of the future; those who show they have

✸

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN Our headline award, Best Marketing Campaign, could potentially involve a corporate, brand or project campaign with food and drinks suppliers, grocery wholesalers and retailers all eligible to enter. While the subject matter of the campaign may be any aspect of grocery retailing, the marketing campaign should include some or all of the following elements - press, TV, radio, OOH, in-store POS/merchandising, PR, website, leaflet, digital and SMS activity.

✸

BEST IN-STORE CONSUMER SALES PROMOTION Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion could be a standalone promotion by a retailer or supplier. Equally, it could potentially involve a joint promotion between two companies; for example, two manufacturers/brand owners running a cross-promotion on complementary products or a retail group and a manufacturer working together on a promotion. Entries are welcome involving both exclusive singlestore promotions and activity running across a group of stores.

✸

already, in their short careers, made significant contributions to their respective company and industry. The judges will look for evidence of a candidate’s success across a variety of marketing challenges, their on-going desire to learn and innovate, and their understanding of the ever-growing array of marketing tools and channels at their disposal.

BEST BRAND

Among the most prestigious and hard-fought categories, Best ✸ Brand welcomes entries outlining marketing activity aimed at building a brand of any size in the Northern Ireland grocery market. The brand could be, but is not limited to, food and drink, and equally could be a retail brand from independent stores through to multiple and discount retailers. Judges will examine the effectiveness of any brand-building activity in relation to PR, advertising and marketing campaigns, brand equity, visibility and customer loyalty, and take into account the results achieved in relation to the size of the business.

BEST NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH/RELAUNCH

For Best New Product Launch/Relaunch, entries are invited from ✸ brand owners outlining their marketing activity to launch any new grocery product (not limited to, but including, food and drink) into the marketplace. This may include any of the following: press, TV, radio, outdoor, in-store POS/ merchandising, PR, website, leaflet, digital and SMS activity. Pre-existing products which have been relaunched with new branding, and a complementary marketing strategy, are also eligible for entry. Please note: this category covers the marketing of new or relaunched products, rather than the new product development process.

BEST CSR INITIATIVE/CHARITY PARTNERSHIP

BEST EXPORT MARKETING

Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative or Charity Partnership is focused on the strength and commitment shown by retailers, producers, wholesalers and suppliers to CSR/ charity initiatives and partnerships rather than the marketing of such activity. Open to any business operating in the retail grocery sector, from small producers and independent retailers through to large suppliers and multiple retailers, this category will also be judged on tangible results from the partnerships.

Exports are a vital part of the business mix for Northern Ireland producers, and this award recognises efforts to ✸ successfully market, gain access and launch local products into

✸

international markets (from the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain to the other side of the world). Any local food, drink or other grocery product which has successfully gained access to new markets or grown their export sales/market share, secured new customers in existing markets or boosted existing export contracts is eligible for entry.

sponsored by

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

BUYING LOCAL CAN HELP OFFSET IRISH SEA BORDER PROBLEMS BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

he chaos surrounding the new Irish Sea border was entirely predictable. And it’s clear that the border and its onerous bureaucracy may well have changed the trading relationship between Northern Ireland and Great Britain; an outcome we were all keen to avoid at all costs. Worryingly cabinet minister Michael Gove fuelled the uncertainty further last month when he predicted that the chaos is likely to get worse before it gets better. How long will it be before it gets better? Gaps in food supply have already been appearing on the shelves, and a number of producers and distributors and supply operations have either suspended or withdrawn from trade relationships with Northern Ireland shops. We’ve heard of fresh fruit and vegetables, mostly from the Continent through Dover, being delayed. Stilton, for example, is now in short supply due to a breakdown in supply to our delis in particular. Many producers, it seems, were not entirely ready for the new processes and were caught out by the speed with which these were introduced. Of course, food is still getting through… but much slower than previously was the case due to confusion over the new customs rules from the cumbersome Northern Ireland Protocol. Encouragingly, all the main national supermarkets have pledged to continue to supply their customers here as before.

Sainsbury’s is a good example of the supermarkets thinking ahead. It signed a contingency agreement with Henderson Wholesale at Mallusk to provide many of the excellent SPAR branded and other products to plug gaps in foods it ships here from Britain including sausages, bacon and some convenience meals. As a result, our member companies such as Kennedy Bacon and Hellbent South African-style beef sausages are now available through the supermarket’s 13 stores. As well as providing a tremendous opportunity to grow business with Sainsbury’s, the agreement demonstrates the outstanding quality of food readily available here especially from smaller suppliers. There’s really no reason to import foods such as sausages, bacon and ready meals from Britain when they are so easily sourced from local suppliers. I do hope that shoppers will show their confidence in our industry and buy local. There is greater scope to encourage the local production of seasonal fruits and especially of vegetables… perhaps as part of a wider campaign to showcase the massive contribution of the agri-food industry to the local economy. Agri-food has developed during the pandemic and played a key role in feeding the nation. There’s a message, of course, for the supermarkets that Northern Ireland producers offer significant supply opportunities and a way to offset the new bureaucracy. We’d certainly be keen to play our part in helping them find local suppliers offering quality, outstanding taste and innovation. There have been alarming warnings from hauliers that the food supply chain could collapse if a resolution to the bureaucracy is not found… and quickly. I hope that this will not be the case before this magazine appears in February. But I fear it might be. Our haulage industry has certainly been badly impacted and damaged at a time when we are especially reliant on the shipment of foods to Britain and import from producers there to Northern Ireland. What the crisis has done is to demonstrate just how fragile the supply chains with our most important trading partner are. Our retail and food production sectors certainly cannot afford disruption to trade with Britain. It is our biggest single market and one in which leading retailers have come to depend on supplies from Northern Ireland. We need close links between the supermarkets in Britain and their operations here to continue and indeed to be strengthened in both the short and long terms. As I’ve written many times before in this column, we have outstanding food and drink and totally professional producers which have won recognition from leading food writers such as the late Charles Campion, the widely respected and perceptive MasterChef judge and outstanding commentator, who sadly passed away just before Christmas. His support for our industry was immensely encouraging. He was a game changer who showed us that our food is genuinely world class. I know Charles would have been pleased to see the connection between Henderson’s and Sainbury’s; in his own words ‘there is outstanding food and drink in Northern Ireland and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise’. 16

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

CONSUMER INSIGHT & MARKET UPDATE BY JASON WINSTANLEY, HEAD OF RESEARCH AND INSIGHT, MOY PARK LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021 A new year dawns and the world fervently hopes that it will be a better one than the one which preceded it. But, as we move into 2021, what can we expect this year for our industry? Let’s start by looking back. 2020 marked a year of hugely polarised fortunes for grocery retailers and foodservice operators and was characterised by large-scale movements of spend as lockdown measures forced consumers out of foodservice and into grocery. During the early part of lockdown #1, almost all of the calories which would have been eaten out of home moved in home, with the result that the number of in-home meal occasions soared from a monthly average of about 5.6 billion, to a record 7.1 billion (1). However, as the lockdown progressed, operators began to re-imagine their approach; many turned to direct-toconsumer solutions, driving huge growth into this fertile market, whilst those fastfood operators with drive-thru facilities were able to quickly re-open and, not only prosper, but, as little else was open, to also make huge share gains of the outof-home market. In 2021, we can expect more of the same. We are currently experiencing a severe lockdown, with little prospect of

restrictions easing in the near future and this means that drive-thrus and direct-toconsumer solutions are almost certainly going to remain as one of the very few bright spots in a gloomy foodservice market. Conversely, grocery retailers saw extremely strong growth during 2020, with the market growing by 12.3% during the course of the year (2). However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for them, as their enhanced sales were mitigated by vastly inflated costs associated with protecting their shoppers from the risks of Covid. We can definitely expect to continue to see an enhanced level of grocery sales, at least through the first half of 2021 and, during the first quarter, this will probably continue at, or close to, double digits. However, once we hit Q2, things are likely to change, and there will be two key factors at work here. The first is that we will then be annualising against the very strong growth figures from lockdown #1, when grocery surged into growth of over 20%. However, that was driven by consumers stocking up on items, as they had little idea what to expect from a lockdown; consumers are now much more aware of what a lockdown entails, so new restrictions present themselves as sales blips rather than spikes (3).

This means that growth from Q2 onwards will be hard to come by. The second factor, and of much greater longterm consequence, is that, unfortunately, Q2 is likely to be the period when the economic consequences of Covid really start to have an effect. There is likely to be a large spike in unemployment around this time, as government financial assistance schemes are withdrawn, and wages growth is likely to be in decline. In normal times, we might expect this to drive a greater degree of shopping around amongst consumers, but this trait has been much less evident since Covid struck. Instead, we are likely to see a level of trading down from a significant minority of consumers. Switches from brand to own label, from fresh to frozen and from premium to more value tiers are all likely to be examples of coping mechanisms. The vaccine brings with it the prospect of a return to a more normal way of life, but the pathway back to that will not be a linear one. Sources: 1 - Kantar Worldpanel Usage, rolling 4 weeks to 19th April 2020; 2 Kantar Worldpanel, 52 weeks to 27th December 2020; 3 - Moy Park Consumer Coronavirus Tracker, run regularly throughout 2020 and 2021.

ANDREW INGREDIENTS DISTRIBUTING RENSHAW’S INNOVATIVE NEW VEGAN CARAMEL U K manufacturer Renshaw has launched a wholesale Creamy Vegan Caramel during Veganuary, with the aim of tapping into growing demand for plant-based food and drink alternatives. Available locally from Andrew Ingredients, Creamy Vegan Caramel lays claim as the first plant-based caramel product of its kind to maintain the functionality and flavour of traditional creamy caramel. Renshaw’s Creamy Vegan Caramel is said to offer a soft texture and is not produced from the coconut milk typically used in many plant-based alternatives. With Approved Vegan Accreditation

from the Vegetarian Society, the ready-touse product is said to be ideal across food and drink applications. “The exciting launch of Creamy Vegan Caramel has had a great reception from our customers and offers them a versatile and ready-to-use solution for creating delicious vegan treats, desserts and beverages,” said Kerrie Medlicott, head of Marketing and UK Sales for Renshaw and Rainbow Dust. The smooth and creamy texture makes it a versatile product for filling chocolates, doughnuts, pastries and cakes, for flooding tarts, for drip decorations, or drizzling over desserts and hot drinks for additional flavour. Renshaw Creamy Vegan Caramel is also freeze/thaw stable.

ENERGY & SOFT DRINKS & BOTTLED WATER

NEGATIVE FOCUS ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR PREMIUM SOFT DRINKS PROMOTING HEALTH CREDENTIALS AND ADDING VALUE THROUGH FUNCTIONAL BENEFITS COULD BOOST THE SECTOR, SAYS RESEARCH ANALYST ANGHARAD GOODE IN THE MINTEL REPORT, ATTITUDES TOWARDS PREMIUM SOFT DRINKS: INC IMPACT OF COVID-19 - UK - APRIL 2020 to be reflected in the quality of the ingredients in order to justify the claim. A third characterise premium soft drinks as having a clear difference in taste to standard soft drinks. Adventurous flavours and spices can play a role here, together with detailed flavour descriptions. HOUSEHOLD INCOMES WILL COME UNDER PRESSURE DUE TO COVID-19 Households had enjoyed continued growth in spending power since early 2018. However, the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and employment is expected to put an end to this. Falling household incomes and consumer confidence will see premium products, including soft drinks, come under pressure. MODERATION AND SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH ELEVATED BY COVID-19 Almost one in five UK adults donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drink alcohol, and 17% drink once a month or less. This abstinence and moderation of alcohol intake present opportunities for premium soft drink brands. The spotlight on health resulting from the Covid-19 outbreak stands to add impetus to alcohol moderation, which premium soft drinks can look to tap. While it heightens the pressure for better-for-you NPD in premium soft drinks, interest in functional benefits points to further opportunities for the segment. AGEING POPULATION A CHALLENGE FOR THE MARKET Over the next five years, the age structure of the UK population is set to shift towards the older generations. As younger consumers are the main users of premium soft drinks, this could prove to be a challenge for the market. INGREDIENT QUALITY SEEN AS THE TOP DEFINING FACTOR FOR PREMIUM SOFT DRINKS Almost half of consumers think highquality ingredients are a defining factor of premium soft drinks. For many, a premium positioning needs 18

YOUNGER CONSUMERS DRINK PREMIUM SOFT DRINKS MORE 63% of people report drinking premium soft drinks, these proving a mass-market product despite their premium nature, reflecting the affordability of soft drinks overall. Uptake falls sharply with age, 16-34s are much more likely to drink premium soft drinks, and to do so much more frequently than older groups. This age group are also the most likely to abstain from alcohol consumption or drink it infrequently and are therefore looking for non-alcoholic alternatives, also having more of a sweet tooth. OPPORTUNITY TO PARTNER WITH ALCOHOLIC DRINK BRANDS By far the most common use of premium soft drink is on their own. Ensuring the products deliver in this primary function is core to their success. However, a third of those who drink premium soft drinks use them as a mixer in an alcoholic drink, creating a sizeable additional occasion. A quarter of premium soft drink users express interest in products that are tailored to match alcoholic drinks, suggesting an opportunity for operators to build standout and added value. TWO THIRDS PREFER LESS-SWEET OPTIONS 66% of premium soft drink users prefer less-sweet varieties. Interest rises to 73% among over-55s, in line with younger age groups typically having more of a sweet tooth. The ageing population will make such variants increasingly relevant going forward. FUNCTIONAL BENEFITS ATTRACT INTEREST A third of premium soft drinks users

would be interested in variants with functional benefits. These are wellestablished in the wider soft drinks space, offering a strong platform for premium variants to build on. Emotional wellbeing can also play a role here. TASTE IS THE PRIORITY Taste is the priority for consumers when it comes to premium soft drinks. This is unsurprising given the treat nature of both soft drinks and premium products, this putting the product experience at the heart of the consumer choice. Further emphasising this, 32% of consumers think that premium products should have a clear difference in taste to standard variants. 89% of soft drinks buyers aged over 55 prioritise taste when choosing a premium soft drink, highlighting this as a particularly key aspect for products to develop and communicate to engage this growing group going forward. WHAT WE THINK The expected income squeeze and weakened consumer confidence in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak will pose a challenge for the market. Overall, however, there are plenty of opportunities in this segment. The alcohol moderation trend will continue to lend opportunities for these drinks, potentially heightened by the spotlight on health bought about by the Covid-19 outbreak. This will however put the health credentials of the premium soft drinks too under scrutiny. The strong interest in less-sweet flavour profiles offers a notable means for operators to explore sugar reduction further and to engage the growing group of older consumers. Consumer interest in added functional benefits in this space points to opportunities to elevate the health proposition, including to tap into the current interest in immune health, which is expected to endure. Such steps to build tangible added value to products will be much needed in the times ahead.

ADVERTORIAL

KEEPING IT LOCAL WITH THE MAINE MAN HAVING DELIVERED TO HOMES FOR OVER 70 YEARS, LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS MAINE SOFT DRINKS IS MAKING STEADY INROADS IN THE RETAIL & WHOLESALE SECTORS

here are not many people from Northern Ireland who don’t know about The Maine Man and his doorstep deliveries of lemonade in glass bottles. Whether it’s Cloudy Lime, Sarsaparilla, American Cream Soda, Splice or Attaboy, everyone has a favourite flavour. Maine Soft Drinks is a familyrun, independent company based in Co Antrim, with over 70 years’ experience in producing traditional lemonades. Alongside its longestablished home delivery service, and just as important, is a growing retail and wholesale side of the business supplying the Maine range as well as the well-known Vitazade, Nash’s and Smak brands. “Maine has an extensive product range for the retail/wholesale market and is listed with many successful local wholesalers including the Henderson Group, Musgrave, S&W and O’Reillys,” says Derrick Harkness, sales director. “We also supply many 20

wholesalers outside of Northern Ireland, including BWG, PLA in Liverpool and Dunns Food & Drink in Glasgow. “Over the past couple of years, the Maine 1 Litre range has proven a success in branded stores including SPAR, Centra, Nisa and Today’s. “The range has also fitted well into local town centre butcher shops, often displayed in wooden crate-style stands. Many wellknown local family butchers have been happy to stock Maine including McKays of Ballycastle, Cunninghams of Kilkeel, Corries Meats in and around Belfast, Jacksons of Ballynure, Fred Elliots of Banbridge and BM Meats in Newry; to name but a few. “It has proved particularly successful during this difficult year. Maine has a shop sales team which provide a regular service restocking and merchandising these local butcheries.” Variants available in the Maine 1 Litre range include Pineapple, Raspberry, Brown Lemonade, Splice, Bubblegum, American Cream Soda, Sarsaparilla, Kali Water and Attaboy! A new addition in the 1 Litre format, Attaboy! is an established favourite amongst generations of Belfast families. “This mixed fruit flavour is believed to have been created over 100 years ago in West Belfast, and is best described as tasting like Kola Cubes,” says Derrick. “Attaboy! should be a successful addition to the range.” Building on the success of the 1 Litre flavoured lemonades range, Maine has also launched a new 1 Litre range of squashes and cordials, created specifically for retail, wholesale and hospitality

Daniel from Corries Meats.

markets. “Maine’s traditional squashes and cordials have been much loved over the years with our home delivery customers, and we hope it will be as well received in the retail sector,” says Derrick. “The Orange Squash and Lime Cordial contain real fruit juice, and the Blackcurrant Cordial uses natural flavourings. Maine also hopes to improve year-round sales of our famous Ginger Cordial, which has always been in great demand coming up to Christmas time. The good news for shopkeepers is this new range of squashes and cordials offers a generous margin on the RRP. “We recognise it has been a challenging year for the grocery sector, from the pandemic to Brexit, and would like to thank our existing customers for their support as well as extending a welcome to any retailers or wholesalers looking for a local soft drinks supplier. “Here’s hoping for some return to normality in 2021 and, in the meantime, The Maine Man is here to help.” For further information, contact Sales Manager Keith Millar at keith@mainesoftdrinks.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

RIBENA ROLLS UP ITS SLEEVES TO UNVEIL NEW DESIGN WHICH IS 100% BOTTLE TO BOTTLE RECYCLABLE

Ribena 500ml range

ADVERTORIAL

ibena, the number one juice drink brand in Northern Ireland1, is unveiling an eye-catching new design that will make it the largest juice drinks brand to use bottles that are made from 100% recycled plastic* and are 100% bottle-to-bottle recyclable. Ribena has been loved by consumers for over 80 years and is best known for its great tasting blackcurrant drink, rich in vitamin C. Now, thanks to a new design featuring a 77% reduced sleeve, fans can enjoy a bottle of Ribena, safe in the knowledge that if recycled, it can have another life as a bottle. In stores now, the new designs are available in a 500ml format, across the range of flavours. The new pack designs aim to draw on the familiar and distinctive aspects of the previous Ribena packaging, while modernising the brand. Every new Ribena bottle features a number of recycling messages embossed on its bottle, as well as featuring on the bottle label, to encourage consumers to recycle. The brand will also include recycling messaging on its advertising with significant investment to encourage consumers to recycle. The marketing campaign will help make the redesign unmissable to consumers and will include Video on Demand, social media and POS

Ribena 500ml then and now

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO LEVERAGE THE POWER OF OUR ICONIC BRAND AND OUR LONG HISTORY OF LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABILITY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO RECYCLE.

Ribena full range

materials. Ribena’s brand owner, Suntory Beverage and Food Ireland (SBFI), has invested €1.7M in the recent bottle redesign, which took two years to complete, as part of its ambition to make

plastic packaging completely sustainable by 2030. “We’re extremely proud to take this positive step forward to ensure our Ribena bottles can be recycled back into bottles. We want to continue to leverage the power of our iconic brand and our long history of leading the way in sustainability to encourage people to recycle.” says Michelle Darlington, Marketing Manager, Ribena, at Suntory Beverage & Food Ireland. Although Ribena’s bottles have always been 100% recyclable and have been made from 100% recycled plastic since 2007, the sleeve’s dark colour and length could stop sensors at some recycling plants from identifying the clear, recyclable bottle underneath. This could prevent the bottles from being sorted into the waste stream of plastic that can be turned back into bottles. The redesign ties in with SBFI’s vision of Growing for Good – ‘the bigger we are, the greater our positive impact can be’. The company has an ambitious target to move to using only 100% sustainable plastic bottles by 2030. A move which will play a key role in SBFI’s wider aim of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain. 1 EXT IRI Marketplace, Total NI, Drink Now Juice Drink Superbrand, Value Sales, 52wks to 22/11/20 *Cap and Label are not made from recycled material yet, but are recyclable. 23

ADVERTORIAL

NUTELLA LAUNCHES NEW BISCUIT RANGE IN IRELAND Best-selling Nutella-filled biscuits hitting shelves from January

ollowing sell-out success in Europe last year, Ferrero is launching its hugely-popular Nutella biscuit range to Ireland for the very first time. As the world’s first biscuit to contain a creamy heart of the much-loved chocolate hazelnut spread, Nutella Biscuits offer the unique taste of Nutella coupled with a delightfully crunchy golden baked biscuit, making them perfect for shoppers to share with their loved ones. Available in either a sharing pouch or a tube, Nutella Biscuits are positioned as an ideal product to be shared, giving an irresistible taste and the perfect way to deliver a truly heartwarming experience to shoppers. Levi Boorer, customer development director for Ferrero UK & Ireland, said: “After an extraordinarily successful launch in Europe, where many shops in

Italy and France completely sold out, we’re thrilled to be bringing our latest Nutella innovation to Ireland. We’re confident that Nutella fans will love the delicious taste and enjoy sharing their Nutella Biscuits with loved ones, giving retailers the opportunity to appeal to new shoppers and grow their biscuit sales.” The new Nutella Biscuit sharing packs are available in most retailers including Dunnes, Musgraves and Aldi from January at an RRP of €3.50, while the tubes first hit shelves in February for €2.50 RRP. 26

AFTER AN EXTRAORDINARILY SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH IN EUROPE, WHERE MANY SHOPS IN ITALY AND FRANCE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT, WE’RE THRILLED TO BE BRINGING OUR LATEST NUTELLA INNOVATION TO IRELAND. WE’RE CONFIDENT THAT NUTELLA FANS WILL LOVE THE DELICIOUS TASTE AND ENJOY SHARING THEIR NUTELLA BISCUITS WITH LOVED ONES.

CSR NEWS

KP SNACKS NAMES ROONEY’S EUROSPAR ENNISKILLEN A LOCAL LEGEND

P Snacks has announced Rooney’s EUROSPAR in Enniskillen as its Local Legend retailer champion with an impressive 24% of the overall vote cast by customers from all over Northern Ireland. The Local Legend search began in August and sought to shine a welldeserved light on deserving local retailers as well as thank them for their hard work during the pandemic and years of service to their community. Customers were asked to nominate the SPAR or EUROSPAR which they ‘couldn’t do without’ and which they felt has acted as a local legend throughout the pandemic in continuing to keep families well looked-after and stocked up on their necessities.

KP Snacks representative Sam Gordon presents Rooney’s EUROSPAR Enniskillen with £100 of stock alongside a Local Legend trophy after the retailer received 24% of over 150 nominations cast.

Over 150 nominations were received for stores all over NI with almost a quarter of these singing the praises of Rooney’s EUROSPAR, Enniskillen, which received £100 worth of KP Snacks stock as a prize

for all their hard work as well as a KP Snacks Local Legend trophy. Rooney’s store was a strong favourite with customers emphasising its friendly, helpful and professional manner as well as its approach in consistently going above and beyond expectations for each and every customer. The business was also praised for how it continued to put the community first during the pandemic. “Our local retailers are extremely important to us and, whilst the year has been particularly challenging for them, they have continued to work tirelessly to keep shelves stocked up as well as provide a helping hand to local communities when needed,” said Ricky Watts, KP Snacks business account manager for Northern Ireland.

BOOST RAISING FUNDS FOR AIR AMBULANCE NI WITH THE BIG RAFFLE A ir Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) and partner Boost Drinks launched The Big Raffle last month to raise essential funds for the life-saving charity. Since its first deployment in July 2017, Air Ambulance NI has been tasked on over 1,943 occasions to serious or lifethreatening situations throughout the province and, to sustain this invaluable service, the charity aspires to raise £2m per year. Tickets can be purchased from as little as £1 via www.airambulanceni.org/ thebigraffle/ for a chance to win a wide range of prizes including £1,000 cash, £500 vouchers for food shopping and

home heating oil and tickets for much more. Boost Drinks selected Air Ambulance NI as its chosen charity for the second consecutive year in 2020 and, after a difficult year for the charity, is continuing its support with this raffle. “We are thrilled to support AANI again as we are in awe of the life-saving work they do for the NI public,” said Adrian Hipkiss, marketing director, Boost Drinks. “Whether you are planning a trip to Liverpool or Cairnryan in the future, in need a £1,000 cash boost, or could really do with a fabulous new TV, there is something here for everyone.”

Colleen Milligan, area fundraising manager at AANI, launches the raffle at the AANI base in Lisburn.

The raffle will close to entrants on March 26 and the draw will take place on April 1.

SEMICHEM SELECTS NI CHILDREN’S HOSPICE AS CHARITY OF THE YEAR

orthern Ireland Children’s Hospice has been named as Semichem Northern Ireland’s charity partner for 2021. Semichem is part of Scotmid Co-operative. NI Children’s Hospice supports children and their families through endof-life care, care at home, supported short breaks for children and families, and care for the whole family. Staff are already busy making plans for in-store, virtual and sporting challenges to support the charities.

They have set themselves the ambitious target of raising £200,000 over nine months. “The target of this year’s partnership is to raise money to help the charities reach every child and family that needs their help in our communities,” said John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid. “As a community retailer, it is an ambition and cause that will resonate with our staff, members and customers.”

BREXIT REPORT

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE NORTHERN IRELAND PROTOCOL WHILE THE BREXIT TRANSITION PERIOD CAME TO AN END ON DECEMBER 31, NORTHERN IRELAND REMAINS IN THE EU CUSTOMS UNION & GROCERY SHIPMENTS FROM GREAT BRITAIN ARE NOW SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS. HOW IS IT GOING SO FAR?

trategic planning and stockpiling ahead of January 1 have failed to prevent widespread shortages among Northern Ireland’s grocery retailers in the first few weeks after Brexit. New opportunities have emerged for local producers, and retailers already committed to a local supply chain have benefitted from less impact following the end of the Brexit

Aodhán Connolly

transition period. However, new customs regulations applied to trade from Great Britain to Northern Ireland have resulted in stalled shipments and stripped supermarket shelves in January. Ulster Grocer asked retailers and sector representatives about the impact of the new trading arrangements under the Northern Ireland Protocol… Retailers are working hard to continue to supply Northern Ireland, given the changes that were brought in at the end of the transition period. Some of those regulations such as for parcels, were only given to retailers and logistics firms on 31 December which did not give any time to prepare. “That meant that some retailers stopped shipping parcels for a short period but the majority have now come back online. “There has been some disruption to supply in other areas too while some GB suppliers get used to a new way of trading with Northern Ireland, and this was exacerbated by the days that fresh food was not able to pass from the EU to GB. But retailers are adept at quickly changing supply chains and while there may be slightly less choice, there is plenty of stock. “However, in the long term, we will need the UK government and the EU to work with us to find long-term workable simplifications that keeps choice and affordability for NI families while keeping NI business competitive.” ■ Aodhán Connolly, director, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium

Patrick Doody

We have been building stocks over the last three months to mitigate the impact of Brexit. However, our suppliers and hauliers are beginning to experience delays as we all try to navigate onerous levels of bureaucracy and red tape. More bureaucracy and red tape are not good in running an efficient and just in time supply chain, especially in short life products. “We will continue to contingency plan and have productive conversations with government bodies and logistic groups on any supply issues. We don’t need to source supply from elsewhere. It is about managing delays rather than shortages at this point. “We have entered into a temporary supply agreement with J. Sainsbury supermarkets that will see both parties working together to ensure availability of a range of fresh and frozen goods for our customers.” ■ Patrick Doody, sales & marketing director, Henderson Group The first few weeks have been very challenging for GB to NI trade. Traders and carriers are starting to get on top of customs formalities and using the Trader Support Service, however, it has created significant new administration processes for operators. “The biggest challenge has been around the movement of SPS products (plant & animal origin) as this entails a whole other set of formalities and IT systems which have proven to be a serious challenge for many operators to implement in such a short space of time. “Logistics UK continues to work with various government departments on solution led discussions to mitigate the current challenges facing our members.”

Seamus Leheny 30

■ Seamus Leheny, policy manager NI, Logistics UK

BREXIT REPORT We have seen some limited disruption into the Republic of Ireland and into the North of Ireland but we’re working very closely with Government on both sides of the Irish Sea to smooth the flow of products. Our availability in both markets remains strong and the disruption is limited to certain categories, with a particular emphasis on some short-shelf-life products where every hour, let alone every day, counts. “We have done a huge amount of preparation and the feedback we’ve had from our suppliers has been - from a customs, paperwork, administration point of view Tesco is in fantastic shape and has done a great job in preparing for this but inevitably there are teething issues that you would expect with any new process that’s been set up at relatively short notice. We’re working our way through those and we would hope over the coming weeks and months, that we will end up with a much smoother flow of products.”

Ken Murphy

■ Ken Murphy, CEO, Tesco Our supply chain is strong with our pre-Brexit stock-build and contingency plan helping to ensure our stores are receiving orders. We are working closely with our suppliers, many of which are NI based, to ensure continuity of supply and at present, are trading as normal. A high percentage of our product range is sourced locally. “Musgrave has been planning extensively to seek to minimise the impact of any disruption following the end of the transition period including working closely with our suppliers to ensure readiness for the management of the new processes and procedures in place from January 1st, 2021; increasing the amount of product held in Northern Ireland; and developing new delivery routes to avoid the UK land bridge for European sourced goods.” ■ Spokesperson for Musgrave NI

We have served customers in Northern Ireland for over 50 years and our priority is to make sure we continue to deliver the same choice and great quality range that our loyal customers have always enjoyed. “Stores have been receiving regular deliveries; however, following the UK’s recent departure from the EU, we are transitioning to new processes and we’re working closely with our partners and suppliers to ensure customers can continue to enjoy a great range of products.” ■ Spokesperson for M&S

At Lidl Northern Ireland, we can confirm all our stock is moving to schedule at present. Over the past two years, we have implemented a Brexit preparation process for our supplier network to enable them to prepare for all Brexit outcomes. “We also work with more than 50 local Northern Irish suppliers who supply our everyday range and we source more than £290m worth of produce in the regional annually. “Our advanced local sourcing network in addition to our detailed preparation has meant that we do not have any significant supply issues in relation to Brexit at present, and as such we are confident that our customers will be able to continue to shop all of their trusted Lidl products in our stores across the region.” ■ Spokesperson for Lidl Northern Ireland

A small number of our products are temporarily unavailable for our customers in Northern Ireland while border arrangements are confirmed. “We were prepared for this and our customers will find a wide range of alternative products in-store in the meantime, and we are working hard to get back to our full, usual range soon.” ■ Spokesperson for Sainsbury’s 31

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE SIMON DOUGAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, YELLOW DOOR PORTADOWN BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY As a proud country boy from Co Armagh, I started my culinary education in Armagh College then to Portadown College and finally to the big smoke, Belfast College of Biz as we knew it then. I worked in a local hotel for six months before abruptly leaving to work in a lovely hotel in the Lake District. From there the lights of an even bigger city beckoned, London. I worked in various private membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clubs and had an interesting year working alongside an ex-sous chef from the Savoy; we had an unlimited budget to purchase the best produce in the country and lots of time to produce some stunning dishes. After that I spent a short period in France and Belgium before returning home. I started my first role in Yellow Door in 1993. I was but a child! I have been managing the company myself since 2000. The company is now in its 28th year. WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? Sadly, the thing I love most, cooking great dishes in the kitchen, is the thing I do least nowadays. My role involves meeting clients, writing tenders, bespoke menu planning and financially running the business. I feel very privileged to have a large talented team of professionals who are as passionate as I am about the business.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY First, I go to our bakery to check on production, new product development and upcoming events that require special attention. Then to the YD HQ in Portadown where I share an office with my events and financial teams. I like to be in the middle of things and have never had my own office. I meet my head chef and deli managers in the afternoon where we discuss new seasonal produce and what we have growing in our own large kitchen garden that my hard-working wife Jilly manages. I also check in with our Hillsborough team and Barry Smyth, my ever-resourceful business partner. PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Without doubt receiving an MBE for services to hospitality in Northern Ireland. BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? Covid-19 gave us the nudge we needed to refurbish our deli in Portadown and create more retail space, both chilled and frozen so we can sell more of our family pies, sausage rolls, grab and go family meals, healthy dishes, cheeses, smoked salmon, pate, charcuterie, desserts, ice cream and gelato; all made in-house or by local artisans. We call it Deli Market by Yellow Door. When we get opened properly again, we also want to sell locally produced fruit, vegetables,

mushrooms and produce from our own kitchen garden such as herbs, salad leaves and edible flowers. The creativity and quality of the produce our fantastic producers are now coming up with is very exciting. I feel that in the last 15 years there has been an acceleration and new-found confidence in the world-class produce we have all around us and talented individuals who want to make stunningly tasty products from the beautiful raw ingredients our farmers grow or rear. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I like to spend time in our kitchen garden and the fields beyond. I have always enjoyed being outdoors and amongst nature whist checking out the hedgerows for edible plants, berries and mushrooms. I am also a member of a small loyal shoot where a modest head of game is taken each year in the open season and all game is shared among the guns and team; nothing goes to waste. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I enjoy flower arranging. Nothing fancy, just taking flowers and foliage from the landscape around home at different times of the year, like fox gloves, cornflowers, wild roses, young beech and birch branches and ivy. I suppose it brings out my artistic side, and also brings the sights and smells of the countryside indoors.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

SUSTAINABLE DAIRY RESEARCH CRITICAL TO TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE

aunching its third EU Sustainable Dairy Fact Book, the Dairy Council NI has said local sustainability expertise can help shape future agricultural policy in Northern Ireland and ensure the sector continues to contribute towards Northern Ireland’s transition to net zero. While the sector has already reduced the carbon intensity of a litre of milk by 34% since 1990, the Council acknowledges scope remains for further progress. The new publication, From Research to Practice on Northern Ireland Dairy Farms, looks at three AFBI and CAFRE research projects carried out at scale in Northern Ireland (youngstock and heifer rearing, soil and catchment modelling and efficient concentrate use) and profiles three local dairy farms putting into practice the learning from the research. It also includes a foreword from DAERA Minister Edwin Poots and insight from Professor & Air Quality Specialist Frank Mitloehner from the University of California on how various greenhouse gases are measured, and the role of dairy herds in recycling carbon from the atmosphere through the biogenic carbon cycle. “It is essential that the dairy sector continues fulfilling its role in the transition towards net zero, and, therefore, we need to be mindful of the UN’s four pillars of sustainability - climate, nutrition, economy and culture,” said Dr Mike Johnston MBE, chief executive, Dairy Council NI. “Without sustainable local dairy farm enterprises, we cannot achieve the ambition of a sustainable future.” The Dairy Council NI fact book is part of an EU Sustainable Dairy programme in partnership with the European Milk Forum with funding from the European Union.

For more information, visit https://www.dairycouncil.co.uk/consumers/ sustainable-dairy/fact-books/fact-book-2020

CONCERN EXPRESSED FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION OF AVIAN INFLUENZA U lster Farmers’ Union has expressed its concern following DAERA’s January 6 confirmation of an avian influenza (AI) outbreak on a poultry farm in Clough, Co Antrim. “Our thoughts are with the farm family affected by this AI case,” said William Irvine, deputy president, UFU. “A farm is more than just a business, it is a passion and a way of life and the aftermath of this outbreak will have a detrimental impact on the family. “It is vital that in response to this outbreak, all poultry and bird keepers across Northern Ireland review and heighten their biosecurity where necessary to protect their farm business and the entire sector from further infection. “All birds should now be housed including backyard flocks, after housing measures came into effect on 23 December 2020. All movement in and out of bird enclosures should be minimised, clean footwear before and after visiting birds, keep farms clean and

tidy regularly disinfecting hard surfaces, and ensure rats and mice are controlled. “We urge all bird keepers to remain vigilant and to keep a close eye on flocks for AI symptoms. Any suspicion of disease or increased mortality needs to be reported to their vet or local divisional veterinary office immediately.” “I cannot stress enough how important it is for backyard keepers as well as poultry farmers to ensure their flock is registered with DAERA. Backyard keepers are those who have birds, regardless of how many, residing on their premises for personal use.” To register your flock, visit https:// www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/birdregistration-form. DAERA also has a text alert service which bird keepers should sign up to. Through this system, they will receive immediate notifications if there is a disease outbreak.

Subscribe to DAERA’s disease outbreak alert service by texting BIRDS to 67300

NEW PROJECT TO TACKLE BOVINE MASTITIS AND REDUCE ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

research project to tackle bovine mastitis and reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in dairy cattle is being launched by the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with AgriSearch and the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute. Widescale use of antibiotics in dairy cattle can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. The new approach will involve the use of mass spectrometry – an analytical method using sophisticated laboratory equipment – to develop a rapid diagnosis of mastitis, directly from a suspected milk sample. This will initially use laboratory-based equipment but could potentially be translated to an on-site test to further increase test turnaround times. The project will also explore the potential for the wider application of REIMS technology (Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry) in areas such as milk-quality analysis and the monitoring of lameness in herds.

MARKETING NEWS

GO AHEAD REBRAND TARGETS GREATER STAND-OUT ON SUPERMARKET SHELVES

lobal snacking company pladis has announced a new programme of activity across its £29m Go Ahead brand, covering NPD, an ATL campaign and a packaging and logo overhaul, to help retailers drive incremental sales during the crucial New Year sales period when shoppers are seeking out healthier options. As part of its busy NPD pipeline, the leading brand in low calorie snacking is launching Go Ahead Fruity Cake Bites with a choice of two fruity fillings, zesty Orange & Lemon and juicy Raspberry & Strawberry. Alongside this comes Go Ahead Fruit & Fibre Slices, an extension of the brand’s

popular slices portfolio, in two variants, Strawberry and Blueberry. The new products come alongside the biggest logo and packaging overhaul of the Go Ahead brand to date. As well as a fresh new logo across Go Ahead’s entire portfolio, the pack re-design sees the introduction of an attractive new colour palette and eyecatching photography – all of which will give the brand a contemporary look and feel to help achieve greater stand-out on supermarket shelves. Go Ahead will be supporting its branding overhaul, the launch of Fruity

Cake Bites and its core range of Fruit Slices and Yogurt Breaks with its Go Easy On Yourself PR, social, digital and OOH marketing campaign. On top of gently poking fun at health fads which come with the New Year, the campaign will cheerlead the small, positive changes people make – such as choosing Go Ahead as their snack of choice.

MOY PARK RETURNS AS SPONSOR DALE FARM PROTEIN EXTENDS OF UTV’S RARE BREED GRASSROOTS SPORTS

reland’s leading poultry brand Moy Park has renewed its sponsorship of UTV’s hit series Rare Breed – A Farming Year. The sponsorship will see Moy Park’s core branded range, which includes primary, breaded and ready-to-eat products, feature on primetime television for three months. The popular show returned to screens on January 12 and will feature seven families from across Northern Ireland as they look back on 2020, and the challenges it brought. “We are delighted to be back on board as sponsor of UTV’s Rare Breed, and proud to be part of a show that heroizes Northern Irish farmers,” said Moira Mills, senior brand marketing manager, Moy Park. “Farming is such an important part of both the Northern Ireland economy and the local community, and the programme gives viewers an opportunity to learn more about our excellent agri-food industry and the farming families behind it. “Each ad break during episodes features stings showcasing mouth-watering serving suggestions of Moy Park products, from a traditional whole chicken for the Sunday roast, to our breaded mini fillets – delicious in a wrap at lunch time or for a mid-week dinner.” Highlights of the new series, now in its ninth year, include three families whose daughters are stepping up to look after the family business, along with a new community farm in Co Antrim.

SPONSORSHIPS

fter a difficult year with the on-going Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty for grassroots sports in Northern Ireland, Dale Farm has demonstrated its commitment to supporting local sport by extending its sponsorship of Queen’s GAA, as well as the Irish Football Association, Ulster GAA and Athletics NI. In addition to funding, the sponsorships will see the company continue to supply squads and athletes with Dale Farm Protein Milk, aiding athlete recovery following training and competition. “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought amateur sports to a standstill with some or no competitions, and restrictions on training and development,” said Aisling Bremner, Dale Farm. “With so many tough announcements this year, Dale Farm, a farmer-owned dairy business, is committed to continuing its on-going support of four iconic sporting bodies and player development programmes in a bid to create a meaningful legacy across grassroots sports in Northern Ireland.”

Dale Farm Protein Milk has signed up to two-year sponsorship extension of Queen’s University GAA. From left, Aidan McCluskey, Derry; Blaithín Bogue, Fermanagh; Aisling Bremner, Dale Farm; Dearbháile Gallagher, Tyrone; and Tiarnán Bogue, Fermanagh.

EXPORT NEWS

NIFDA BRANDS ATLANTIC FOOD EXPORT PROJECT A SUCCESS

Atlantic Food Export members exhibiting pre-Covid at Biofach in Germany.

espite the impact of the global lockdown on international trade, a three-year food export programme delivered locally by the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association (NIFDA) has succeeded in its goal of helping 24 Northern Ireland-based food producers expand their global reach. Running since 2017, the Atlantic Food Export (AFE) programme culminated in a Virtual Food Expo event in late 2020 which brought together food producers, importers, agencies, and policymakers. Delivered through a series of presentations and interactive sessions, the online event provided a final platform to enable smaller, quality-focused NI food and drinks producers to reach international markets using collaborative export models. Overall, the purpose of AFE was to help small food producers co-operate to overcome the barriers that they face in selling to other parts of Europe. Working

together, they learnt how to sell into each other’s home markets (France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and by forming co-operative export groups, jointly planned trade fairs and trade missions. The project was co-funded by the EU under the Atlantic Area Interreg Programme and partner organisations from seven European regions, including NIFDA. Whilst Irish food producers have a strong tradition of exporting, the focus has always been on the UK. In the context of Brexit, AFE presented an opportunity to explore other European markets. The 24 NI producers which participated at AFE included Otzibrew, Cloughbane Farm Foods and Harnett’s Oils. Tricia McNeilly of Otzibrew benefited greatly from her AFE experience, particularly the marketing advice from trade professionals in the drinks industry. “A highlight of the project was our involvement in the drinks subgroup,”

she said. “Alongside producers from Wales, France, Spain, and Portugal, we participated in the Boifach Trade Show in Germany just before lockdown in February. This started our European export journey as we met retail and on-trade businesses and distributors. “I would advise anyone entering a new market to look for a distributor with a select list of premium products that will partner you in marketing because you can’t do everything remotely yourself. Also, understand your costs.” Covid-19 impacted dramatically on the project’s delivery, due to the cancellation of trade fairs and with overseas travel curtailed. Online alternatives developed by the AFE project team included training in e-commerce, zoom sales pitching, and choosing the right web platform. The export groups also participated in online campaigns and meetings in London, Denmark, and Sweden. “As a support agency the AFE project has taught us a great deal about helping companies in the new normal and beyond,” said Michael Bell, executive director, NIFDA. “Collaborative initiatives such as this have proved their worth, and while this project has ended, we will continue to look for ways to support group approaches. We can also help exporters at an individual level, so, whether exporting is part of a longterm growth strategy or a response to Brexit, I would encourage producers to get in contact and explore options alongside their sector representative association.” For more information, visit atlanticfoodexport.eu

NORTHERN IRELAND PORK EXPORTS RESUME TO CHINA

esumption of pork exports from Northern Ireland to China, following approval of Cranswick Country Foods (CCF) by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, has been welcomed by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). UFU Deputy President William Irvine said the news provided a substantial boost for Northern Ireland’s pork sector, after a challenging year for CCF including its closure for two weeks in response to Covid-19 outbreak.

FARMERS ARE NOW BENEFITTING FROM NORMAL PRICING LEVELS AFTER A PERIOD OF DECLINE AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO CCF’S EXPORTS TO CHINA GETTING UNDERWAY AGAIN.

“Credit must be given to the management and staff at CCF and also DAERA’s veterinary service,” he said. “In particular, Deputy Chief Vet Perpetua McNamee who worked diligently to restore this market and ensure business could resume as quickly as possible. “Farmers are now benefitting from normal pricing levels after a period of decline and are looking forward to CCF’s exports to China getting underway again.” 35

BUSINESS NEWS

GM MARKETING CELEBRATES 21 YEARS IN BUSINESS WITH FRESH NEW LOOK

elfast-based brand-building distributor GM Marketing has launched a new website to mark reaching a milestone 21 years in business. Founded by Gerard McAdorey in 2000, the business originally started in Northern Ireland wholesale, convenience, and retail channels and now spans the entire island of Ireland, servicing all key customers, north and south, and has a strong foothold in GB wholesale and convenience. Focusing on core grocery and non-food categories, GM Marketing has a varied portfolio spanning food, beverage, baby, household and foodservice brands, with the addition of several own-label products on behalf of its customers. The brand portfolio includes wellknown household names such as Fox’s Biscuits, Tilda, Nando’s, Filippo Berio

BOOST SECURES DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS FOR RIO SOFT DRINKS BRAND

oost Drinks has secured a new sales, marketing and distribution agreement for Hall & Woodhouse’s Rio soft drinks brand. From February 1, Boost Drinks will take on full responsibility for sales, marketing and distribution of the Rio brand in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Rio, owned by the 243-year-old Dorset-based regional brewers Hall & Woodhouse, was launched in the 1990s and has grown to become a top 10 fruit carbonates soft drink brand in

Gerard McAdorey, founder of GM Marketing.

and, the most recent addition to the portfolio, the Costa Coffee at Home range for the GB wholesale and convenience channel. “It’s a fantastic achievement and one to certainly celebrate,” said McAdorey. the UK, supplying over 1m hectolitres. “Working with Hall & Woodhouse, Rio has been on our agenda for some time, not only as a brand with a strong consumer and trade proposition but as a brand with fantastic synergies with Boost,” said Simon Gray, founder and CEO, Boost Drinks. “Manufacturing strategy, customer base and a passion for the independent convenience channel make for a natural fit. We are very excited about growing the brand in Northern Ireland, a hugely important region in which Boost is particularly strong.” Matt Kearsey, managing director, Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are extremely proud of the successful footprint Rio has established. Rio is a brand that consumers love and as the soft drinks market develops, we believe there are significant opportunities for it to grow and evolve.

“We had originally planned to toast our 20th birthday last year, but unfortunately Covid-19 put the brakes on that. “We’re now entering our 21st year stronger than ever. We have the right mix of people, experience, and expertise, with an exceptionally strong commercial team from various FMCG and retail backgrounds which ensures we understand the markets, their customers and how to effectively build brands with purpose.” GM Marketing operates distribution hubs in Belfast and Leeds and offers a strong presence in Irish retail and growing share of GB wholesale and convenience channels. The business has recently completed a recruitment drive to bolster the team across sales, marketing, operations, and finance.

Simon Gray, founder and CEO, Boost Drinks.

“There has been a meeting of minds between Boost Drinks and Hall & Woodhouse from day one and we’re delighted to have found a partner which not only holds the same values as we do, but also sees a bright future for the Rio brand.”

THE FERRERO GROUP TO ACQUIRE EAT NATURAL

lobal confectionery group Ferrero has reached agreement to acquire Eat Natural, a maker of high-quality cereal bars, toasted muesli and granola. The Ferrero Group plans to maintain and further build Eat Natural’s strong brand authenticity, while supporting the company with distribution and expansion to new markets and category segment opportunities. “Eat Natural are an excellent strategic fit for the Ferrero Group as we continue to expand our overall footprint and product offerings into the healthier snacking market segment,” said Giovanni Ferrero, executive chairman of the Ferrero Group. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the next months.

APPOINTMENTS

FOODSERVICE PROVIDER ARAMARK NAMES UK MANAGING DIRECTOR A

ward-winning foodservice provider Aramark Northern Europe has appointed Helen Milligan-Smith as managing director of Aramark UK Onshore. Her tenure began on January 4, taking over from Lawrence Shirazian. Milligan-Smith rose to sector prominence as a finalist of the UK The Apprentice 2011 after which she took on the role of head of retail in Greggs UK. Her rise through the UK foodservice and food retail industry since then has included delivering growth and operational leadership in Brakes/Sysco. She joins Aramark UK from her role as head of M&S Simply Foods, now taking charge of Aramark’s operational growth and innovation strategy for all UK markets. “This is an excellent appointment for

our UK business, as well as Northern Europe overall,” said Frank Gleeson, CEO, Aramark Northern Europe. “We’re not just excited about the skillset, expertise and experience that Helen will bring, but the character and personality we know will galvanise our entire business for the year ahead. Milligan-Smith said: “I couldn’t be happier with the challenge and opportunity ahead with Aramark. I was really impressed with their growth agenda, their innovation and the business aspirations for the year ahead. “We know the consumer and industry has changed immensely in the last 12 months, and I look forward to bringing my foodservice and food retail perspective to lead the next phase of the company’s UK growth.”

Helen Milligan-Smith

THE CONSUMER COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Noyona Chundur

he Consumer Council has announced Noyona Chundur as its new chief executive, assuming the post on January 5. She joins The Consumer Council from Invest Northern Ireland, where she was head of campaigns and digital solutions since 2006, joining the organisation in 2004. She led their communications strategy for Northern Ireland, winning multiple internationally recognised awards for marketing and digital innovation, and is also chair of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. “The Board is delighted to welcome Noyona as The Consumer Council’s new

chief executive,” said Shelia McClelland, chairperson at The Consumer Council. “Her previous roles with Invest Northern Ireland and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival have equipped Noyona with a strong portfolio of skills which she will bring to bear in furthering the vision of The Consumer Council.” Chundur said: “I very much look forward to the challenges ahead in these particularly difficult and uncertain economic times for consumers. I am thrilled to join such a highly skilled team and to lead them in representing consumers and protecting their interests to the very best of our ability.”

SHELFLIFE

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

PLADIS CREATES TRADE-UP OPPORTUNITY FOR McVITIE’S BESTSELLERS G lobal snacking company pladis is entering the special treats sub-category with household favourite McVitie’s. From January, two of the brand’s bestsellers will receive a special makeover with the launch of its new, premium Fully Coated collection. McVitie’s Digestives The Fully Coated One and McVitie’s Hobnobs The Fully Coated One will see the two classics completely enrobed in the brand’s signature silky-smooth milk chocolate. The exciting new propositions, which elevate the best-loved favourites from everyday treats to special treats, will help retailers unlock incremental sales and encourage loyal McVitie’s shoppers to trade-up, adding value to the category. “No biscuit aisle is complete without two of the most popular brands from our £457m McVitie’s range, McVitie’s Digestives and McVitie’s Hobnobs,” said Emma Stowers, brand director for McVitie’s at pladis UK&I.

“By launching our Fully Coated collection and adding an extra bit of indulgence to our bestsellers in this new format, we’ll also offer shoppers the chance to enjoy their McVitie’s favourites during even more moments of the day and make snack time even more special.” McVitie’s Digestives The Fully Coated One and McVitie’s Hobnobs The Fully Coated One are available across multiple retail, convenience and wholesale. Packaging will be recyclable through pladis’ partnership with Terracycle.

KP SNACKS FIRED UP BY EXCITING NEW MCCOY’S LAUNCH

P Snacks has launched a new McCoy’s range, McCoy’s Fire Pit, featuring three great tasting products inspired by the trend of open fire, or wood fired cooking. McCoy’s Fire Pit takes ordinary barbecue flavours to the next level with three sizzling flavours, Flame Roasted Peri Peri, Flame Smoked Chorizo and Flame Scorched BBQ Ribs. The launch taps into the fastest growing CSN flavours of Spicy (+7.1%), Meaty (+5.8%) and BBQ (+4.5%), with smoky, chargrilled flavours traditionally associated with cooking meat slowly over an open fire. Flame Roasted Peri Peri offers medium heat with great flavours of hot and tangy chili marinated 38

chicken, pepper roasted over coals and a twist of charred lime. Flame Smoked Chorizo is a milder flavour with paprika, chili, red bell peppers, spiced cured pork sausage and sautéed and roasted onions, while Flame Scorched BBQ Rib promises classic rich and tangy Deep South flavours. “McCoys is one of our most successful brands and a leader in the CSN category, across both singles and multipacks,” said Kevin McNair, marketing director of KP Snacks. “Flavour is the most important factor in CSN and we are extremely excited to bring something differentiated to the market that capitalises on this trend whilst bringing fun and innovation to the category.”

PLADIS LAUNCHES JACOB’S MINI CHEDDARS STICKS

ladis is extending its savoury portfolio and tapping into new evening consumption occasions with its biggest launch to date, Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Sticks. For the first time, the £71.2m Jacob’s Mini Cheddars brand is going beyond its signature circular crackers with brand-new nibbly, baton shapes in the form of Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Sticks. Golden-baked with real cheese and available in two bold flavours for a real flavour punch – Rich & Tangy Cheddar and Grilled Cheddar & Sizzling Steak – Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Sticks will be available in a 150g sharing pack format. “We’re very excited to introduce shoppers to a fresh new format for our bestselling Jacob’s Mini Cheddars brand, taking it beyond its traditional round shape for the first time in its history and building beyond its multipack heartland with larger, sharing bags,” said Christopher Owen, marketing controller at pladis UK&I. “With this new iteration we’ll be putting a big twist on our bestloved format to target even more consumption occasions and unlock sales amongst younger adults in the process.” The two Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Sticks variants will be available exclusively in Tesco from January and rolled out across multiple grocery and convenience in February. Packaging will be recyclable through pladis’ partnership with Terracycle.

CLASSIFIEDS WANT YOUR COMPANY TO GET NOTICED? ADVERTISE HERE...

CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

c.keenan@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS

WANT YOUR COMPANY TO GET NOTICED? ADVERTISE HERE... CONTACT CHRIS KEENAN ON 028 9264 4267 OR EMAIL:

c.keenan@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk

GROCER ULSTER

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Q&A TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I have been in the role since March 2019, and this year I will celebrate my seven-year anniversary working with Bushmills. Whilst at university, I began working at The Old Bushmills Distillery as a tour guide and whiskey educator, where I quickly fell in love with the brand, the history, the production process, the people – everything. Aside from whiskey, my main loves in life are my family and friends, travelling, fashion, iced coffee and cocktails. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? One of the things I love about my job is that there really is no typical day. However, a huge part of my role is bartender education and training. Before the pandemic, I typically started my day by planning which accounts to visit to get to know bartenders, arrange training sessions and to drop off some Bushmills merchandise (and maybe a little whiskey too). During training, I try to bring the distillery to the bar and share over 400 years of whiskey-making heritage. Bartenders have the chance to taste the full Bushmills range and it helps give them the confidence to talk about the whiskey behind the bar. Recently, I have been facilitating a lot of these trainings online. I’ve also been busy hosting a number of online events, including our Black Bush Stories series last November and December. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? I would have to say launching The Causeway Collection alongside Bushmills Master Blender Helen Mulholland - a new series of extremely rare and unique cask finished single malt whiskeys from The Old Bushmills Distillery, inspired by the Giant’s Causeway. It was a first for Bushmills and seeing the overwhelmingly positive response from everyone, as well as the love and respect for Bushmills, has made me prouder than ever to be part of the team. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The Black Bush Stories event series. Black Bush Stories celebrates the parallels between Bushmills and an individual and their craft. It highlights independent and spirited talent across the island of Ireland. So far, we have collaborated with a tea maker, a wood carver and a hot sauce maker to name a few. Whiskey lovers have the chance to learn more about 42

IN THE HOT SEAT LAUREN McMULLAN, BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR IRELAND

Bushmills and discover a new skill at the same time. They were the first big events I hosted as a brand ambassador, so it will always have a special place in my heart. WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Switching off! I love my job and have almost become synonymous with it which is great, but on my days off I have to really concentrate to put my phone away, relax and reset. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway.’ Setbacks, failure, difficult times - they only make you work harder to achieve your dreams. Don’t give up on your passion - your dedication and hard work will get you there. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I’d like to be a really good photographer. My dad is a photographer, so I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks from him over the years. As a Bushmills Brand Ambassador, I’m always taking photos at events or of new Bushmills recipes to share on social media so I’m lucky that it has become a big part of my role. WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? I admire Helen Mulholland, Bushmills

Master Blender. She’s accomplished so much in her career and was the first woman to be inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. I’ve worked closely with her on the launch of The Causeway Collection and I’ve loved being able to watch her work and talk about our shared love of Irish whiskey. I also hugely admire my mum and dad. They’ve given me some of the best life advice, helped me to learn from my mistakes and supported me in everything I’ve done so far. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? In Northern Ireland, I am very fortunate and grateful to live on the beautiful North Coast, home to The Old Bushmills Distillery, so I am spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do and see. When it comes to travelling, New York City, always. People say it casts a spell on you, and three visits later I can certainly agree. HOW DO YOU RELAX? I love getting out for a peaceful walk – I love Kinbane Castle or a sunset walk on Whiterocks Beach in Portrush. I also enjoy going for dinner and drinks with friends, which hasn’t happened as often as I would have liked in the past year. Hopefully this year we’ll have more opportunities to raise a glass of Bushmills together.