Ulster Grocer May 2016

Grocer

NO.1 MAGAZINE FOR THE LOCAL GROCERY SECTOR

™

Over 40 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

MAY 2016

ULSTER

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CONTENTS

email: info@ulstergrocer.com

45-47

Volume 51, Number 5 May 2016

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8 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

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12 SUPERCHEF: Esteemed local chef Noel McMeel has teamed up with SuperValu as Ambassador Chef, to help the Musgrave supermarket chain bring the best of fresh, quality food to the kitchen tables of Northern Ireland.

14-15 POYNTZPASS PIONEERS: Community is at the very heart of a pioneering venture into retailing for one rural family in the historic village of Poyntzpass – James and Corinna Trainor, proprietors of Trainor Bros SPAR Poyntzpass.

18-19 BALMORAL SHOW: Traffic jams drew complaints from many but the Show was a huge success, with good weather drawing the crowds and agri-food producers, processors and retailers out in force to celebrate Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink.

20 MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE: Barry McCormack, sales director at McCormack Potato, takes on the Q&A this month. Potatoes are in his DNA, says the nephew of Philomena Begley, while unseasonal frost and heavy rain give him palpitations.

27-36 ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS: SPAR Passionate about Local lifted the top prize of Best Marketing Campaign while Boost Drinks picked up Best Brand at this year’s Awards. Turn to our 10-page spread to see the other winners and guests at the Grocers’ Ball.

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Contents

Art Editor: Stuart Gray Production Manager: Stuart Gray

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18-19

45-47 A VERY GOOD YEAR: Year of Food & Drink continues with a look back at activity around Brewing & Distilling month in April showcasing Echlinville Distillery and Tesco’s new local beer and cider listings, as well as plans around Landscape & Places this month.

ULSTER GROCER

Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Contributors: Brian McCalden, Seamus McCaffrey, Michele Shirlow, Jason Winstanley Sales Manager: Mark Beckett E: markbeckett@greerpublications.com Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com

www.ulstergrocer.com

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NEWS

Celebrating excellence, supporting GroceryAid T

ogether with Sales Manager Mark Beckett, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and supporters, and congratulate the winners at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016.

Award entries were up this year, and an exceptional standard of work demonstrated by those highly commended or indeed winning their category; paying a fitting tribute during Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink. The Grocers’ Ball, at which the Awards are held, was again sold out, and a record £46,680 raised for GroceryAid – thanks are also due to those who devoted their skills, produce,

prizes and contributions on the night to reach this impressive total.

Following hot on the heels of the Grocers’ Ball was the bustling Balmoral Show, which seems to be get better every year while the roads around it get worse. UG would support calls for a new M1 exit to Balmoral Park.

I’m also going to put my head on the chopping block, and voice a personal message of support for ‘better in’ the EU.

Alyson Magee Editor

Groceries Code Adjudicator seminar held

Pictured at Stormont are, from left, NIFDA Executive Director Michael Bell, Groceries Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon and NIFDA Chairman Declan Billington.

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roceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) Christine Tacon visited Belfast last month, meeting with local food and drink suppliers to highlight the outcome of GCA’s recent investigation into Tesco, as well as explore the possibility of extending its remit in the future.

The GCA position is subject to a three-year review this summer, and Tacon is seeking input from local suppliers over areas they would like to see falling under the GCA’s remit; for example, shelf positioning or chains other than the 10 multiple retail groups currently falling under

the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).

Speaking to UG, Tacon said: “Some quite dominant retailers in Northern Ireland are not covered by the Code and, if suppliers would like to see them covered, representation needs to be made.”

Suppliers can complete the GCA 2016 survey at www.yougov.com/ gca to help shape her priorities for the year ahead.

Tacon hosted a seminar for suppliers at Stormont, supported by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), in which she outlined where the GSCOP had been breached by Tesco alongside steps taken by the GCA to ensure the retailer changes its processes and behaviours to remedy the breach.

Major improvements in Tesco’s dealings with suppliers have been reported since GCA published its report on the investigation, she added.

“I will be formally monitoring progress and requiring evidence from Tesco that my recommendations are being met,” said Tacon. “In particular, I have set a seven-day deadline for resolving pricing errors and stopped the retailer from making unilateral deductions from money owed for goods supplied.

“Suppliers will have 30 days to challenge any proposed deduction and then Tesco will not be able to make the deduction until the disagreement is resolved.

“During my investigation I also uncovered practices relating to better positioning and allocation of shelf space, such as requests for investment, range reviews, category captaincy and category management. I decided they require further scrutiny and am launching a formal consultation shortly.”

Foster launches Taste of Northern Ireland at Fortnum and Mason

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irst Minister Arlene Foster, Prince Charles and actor James Nesbitt were among dignitaries attending the launch of Fortnum and Mason’s Taste of Northern Ireland celebration in London earlier this month.

Over May 5-19, Fortnum’s is recognising the quality and innovation of Northern Ireland food and drink in a high profile promotion at its Piccadilly store.

“Northern Ireland boasts an abundance of world-class produce and we are delighted to host this London platform for Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink celebrations,” said Ewan Venters, CEO of Fortnum and Mason.

“Working in partnership with Invest NI, artisan beer, award-winning cheese and exquisite meats will be among the outstanding products offered to Fortnum’s customers. The quality of everything is astounding and we know our customers are going to fall in love with the Northern Irish food on offer.”

Pictured at Fortnum and Mason are, from left, Peter Hannan (Hannan Meats), First Minister Arlene Foster and actor James Nesbitt.

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NEWS

Willowbrook Foods leads Local Supplier Awards W

illowbrook Foods has taken home the top award at the Henderson Wholesale Local Supplier Awards, which were held on May 13 at the Balmoral Show.

The Co Down-based supplier of salad bags and bowls, freshly prepared vegetables and cooked meal accompaniments has been trading with Henderson Wholesale for 20 years, while constantly developing innovative new ranges to meet convenience consumer demands.

Other successful local food companies at the awards breakfast included Around Noon (Best Direct to Store Supplier), Kerry Foods (Best Brand Innovation), Quinfresh (enjoy local Supplier of the Year) and Gilfresh Produce (Tomorrow Matters award for outstanding practice in CSR).

Now in their fourth year, the awards recognise outstanding efforts by local companies supplying Henderson Wholesale with fresh and ambient produce.

This year, the judging panel included some of the most respected names in agri-food and business including UFU Rural Affairs Committee Chair Freda Magill, agri-journalist Richard Wright, CAFRE Food Technology Development Head Joy Alexander and Ulster Business Editor David Elliott.

“We had an outstanding level of entries for the fourth year of our awards and we’re hugely grateful to both our local suppliers and panel of judges for embracing this initiative each year,” said Neal Kelly,

Ashley Orr of Willowbrook Foods receives the overall Local Supplier of the Year Award from Paddy Doody, director of Sales and Marketing and Neal Kelly, director of Fresh Foods at the Henderson Group.

director of Fresh Foods at the Henderson Group.

“Willowbrook Foods demonstrated a high level of innovation and awareness of our brand, retailers and consumers to go forward to win the Overall Supplier of the Year award. They are a key supplier to the enjoy local own-brand range and we are confident our relationship will only grow stronger to create even better products for our stores and shoppers.”

Hogan visits NI to discuss UK referendum on EU T

Pictured visiting a farm in Warrenpoint are UFU President Barclay Bell, EU Agricultural Commissioner Phil Hogan and Pat McKay, host farmer.

he Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) used a meeting with the EU Agricultural Commissioner Phil Hogan to stress the entire farming industry is still facing deep financial problems – and that radical thinking by Brussels will be needed to ensure agriculture continues to deliver for rural areas and the wider economy in Northern Ireland.

The commissioner met the UFU as part of a planned visit to present the facts on EU membership to farmers in advance of the June referendum. While the UFU is not taking a position on this, it took the opportunity to warn the commissioner that farmers’ votes should not be taken for granted.

“A key issue for us will be assurances that the EU is still committed to the European Investment Bank (EIB) becoming involved in tackling the short-term cash flow crisis and longer term funding of farm borrowings,” said Barclay Bell, president of UFU. “The UFU has been pressing this issue with the Commission and in meetings with senior EIB officials. It wants evidence that this is still on track.

“Also on the agenda for the meeting in Warrenpoint were export market developments, not least because the Russian market, which is particularly hitting the pig industry is still closed; ways to create opportunities for young people to enter and develop within the farming industry; the EU designation criteria for areas of natural constraint; the over bureaucratic EU requirements associated with ‘greening’ which NI readily satisfies; and negotiations on EU trade agreements with other trading blocks with Mercosur and beef access being a particularly critical issue.”

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NEWS

Fane Valley and Lakeland Dairies finalise deal

Finnebrogue expands with new Artisan brand

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ane Valley and Lakeland Dairies Co-operative societies have confirmed final agreement has been reached on a deal structure which will see Lakeland acquire the Fane Valley Dairies business based at Banbridge, Co Down effective from May 1.

This simplified deal structure is considered to be a better option than the originally proposed strategic joint ventures, announced previously in August 2015, which would have involved both the dairy and agribusiness interests of the respective businesses.

“Fane Valley and Lakeland Dairies are absolutely convinced that the interests of their respective milk suppliers will be better served in a combined business which can deliver greater economies of scale and enhanced market capability,” said Trevor Lockhart, chief executive of Fane Valley Co-operative.

“The principal goal of Fane Valley has been to create a dairy business which is better positioned to deliver maximum returns to milk suppliers in the years ahead. Recognising this, the Board has decided to focus its attention on supporting Lakeland to drive forward the expanded dairy business.”

Michael Hanley, chief executive of Lakeland Dairies Co-operative, said: “The move will reinforce our continuing commitment to pay the highest possible milk price to all our milk producers through continuing innovation, efficiency and excellence in everything we do.

We look forward to working with our colleagues in Fane Valley.”

ownpatrick-based Finnebrogue has completed a £25m expansion, and created a new brand identity to boost sales, particularly in Great Britain.

The company, a major supplier to M&S, Asda, Waitrose and Aldi, has launched Artisan Finnebrogue to emphasise its commitment to traditional artisan values.

Formed by Denis Lynn in the 1990s, Finnebrogue has set a target of increasing turnover to over £100m from a current figure of £55m. The company currently employs 330 people but is planning to increase its workforce.

Over the last three years, Finnebrogue has benefited from Invest NI support of £1.7m towards its business development activities.

The latest expansion of the business is a new 160,000-square-foot processing unit with state-of-the-art product development facilities, representing a £25m investment by the family-owned and managed business.

“Being in business is not about standing still, but moving forward and being innovative,” said Lynn. “That is what we do here. As we expand and innovate, we need additional staff to help us achieve that and have always employed the best people who live locally.”

In addition to the new factory, the company has another processing unit on the nearby Finnebrogue estate, also in Downpatrick, which produces a range of venison products for leading High Street retailers.

Marine Conservation Society issues June Plastic Challenge

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he Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is urging consumers to give up singleuse plastic during June, and avoid conveniences like prepacked sandwiches, ready meals and plastic-bottled drinks for a day, a week or the whole month.

Photo credit: Andy Pearson “By its very nature, this is a tricky challenge,” said Dr Sue Kinsey, technical specialist – waste at MCS. “It highlights how reliant we have become on plastic.

Last year challengers were making their own bread, yogurt, cleaning and bathroom products like mouthwash and sugar scrubs so as not to use plastic containers that are used once, then thrown out.”

Last year, challengers reported the hardest items to find plastic-free were dried goods like pasta, rice and pulses, along with milk and loo paper.

MCS says the amount of plastic litter on our beaches has increased by 180% in the last 20 years and has become a massive threat to marine wildlife. Plastic bags, bottles and tiny plastic pieces are regularly found in the stomachs of turtles and other sea creatures, and in some cases have caused their death from starvation or choking.

“Our clamour for convenience is bad news for our seas,” said Dr Kinsey. “Plastic is durable and lightweight, but it’s these properties that allow it to remain in the marine environment for hundreds if not thousands of years. Plastics are among the most persistent synthetic materials in existence and are now a significant and extensive marine pollutant.”

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Are you a

TOBACCO RETAILER? From 6th April 2016, under the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, all retailers of tobacco products in Northern Ireland are required to be registered by law.

If Retailers do not register and continue to sell tobacco products, they could face fines up to ÂŁ5,000 and banned from selling tobacco for up to 3 years.

ACT NOW! Retailers have until 1st July 2016 to register their business. Registration is QUICK, FREE AND EASY. The simplest way is online on the Tobacco Register NI website,

www.tobaccoregisterni.gov.uk Alternatively, paper applications can be downloaded from the website, can be obtained by telephoning the Registration Authority on

028 9027 0428 or your local District Council.

RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS

Northern Irish butchers win all-Ireland awards for excellence

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even of the 12 categories in the first All-Ireland Sausage and Burger Championships for family butchery businesses were won by Northern Ireland butchers.

The inaugural annual event was organised by Butchery Excellence Ireland, an initiative by Montgomery Food Consulting of Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone to help family butchers improve standards and their overall competitiveness.

Open to all independent butchers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the All Ireland Sausage and Burger Butchery Awards aim to reinforce the quality and heritage of the wide variety of sausages and burgers provided by butchers in Ireland.

The Northern Ireland category winners were: Continental Sausage – Cunningham’s High Class Butchers, Kilkeel for Tomato, Chilli & Pork; Traditional Beef Sausage – Gary Coote Meats, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone; Steak Burger – Bergin Family Butchers, Edenderry, Co Antrim; Meatballs – Glenn’s Butchers, Limavady, Co Derry for Spicy Beef & Mozzarella; Speciality Beef Sausage – Gary Coote Meats, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone for Caramelised Beef & Mustard; Beef Burger – Lowe Bros, Dungannon, Co Tyrone; and Vegetable Roll – M&W Farm Meats, Portadown, Co Armagh.

“The All Ireland Sausage and Burger Awards are special and simply put, we had a great number of excellent entries from every corner of the

Rhonda Montgomery and Sean Owens of Montgomery Food Consulting.

country,” said Sean Owens, managing director of Montgomery Food Consulting and chief judge.

“The standard of the competition was superb and I was particularly impressed with the innovation and creation of some great tasting gourmet style speciality sausages.”

Raising a glass to 100-year-old McAlindon grandfather

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Left: Roy in his 20s; right: Roy is pictured this March, enjoying a glass of wine.

Key role in steak challenge for Northern Irish butcher

rothers Neal and Peter McAlindon, who run the award-winning McAlindon Wines – Direct Wine Shipments (DWS) in Belfast, celebrated the 100th birthday of their grandfather Melhuish Roy on May 8.

“The McAlindon family, and all at DWS, are delighted,” said Neal McAlindon.

“The benefits of drinking good wine in moderation can indeed lead to longevity.”

Roy is grandfather to the McAlindon brothers on their mother’s side of the family, and assisted their father Kevin with pricing spreadsheets in the late 1950s/ early 1960s, long before Excel was around. He also helped design and build DWM’s first wine showroom in its original premises in Duncairn Gardens (The Continental Room).

Now resident in a care home in Carrick, Roy was training as an RAF pilot in the 1930s, and became a flight engineer after damaging his eardrums in an incident on the HMS Eagle off the South China Sea. He trained flight engineers for the RAF and Fleet Air Arm (Royal Navy) before becoming a management lecturer and adviser.

Gold medals for O’Doherty’s Fine Meats

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ward-winning local butcher George McCartney is to be the chief judge in the World Steak Challenge for a second year this September.

The competition was introduced last year by GlobalMeatnews.com/Meat Trades Journal with judging to be held in Hyde Park, London over September 19-21.

Based in Moira, McCartney has been involved in the butchery business for 50 years, and is the fifth generation in the family business, now including a successful deli and café.

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Pat O’Doherty

’Doherty’s Fine Meats in Northern Ireland gained two gold medals and two silver medals in the recent Foodex 2016 awards.

The company, headed by master butcher Pat O’Doherty and based at Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh, was Northern Ireland’s most successful butchery business in the awards.

The awards included gold for its Grass-Fed Burger and Back Bacon, and silver for its Beef Burger and Black Pudding.

“We are delighted to have won the medal at Foodex, now among the most influential events in our industry,” said O’Doherty. “They are a tremendous boost for our quality products.”

Famed for its award-winning Fermanagh Black Bacon and Old Fermanagh Corned Beef, O’Doherty’s recently featured on Jamie Oliver’s hugely popular You Tube channel, Food Tube, as part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink.

RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS

Hendersons to recognise top performing suppliers at Balmoral

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ver 20 local companies have been shortlisted for the Henderson Wholesale Local Supplier Awards with winners to be announced at this month’s Balmoral Show after UG goes to print.

Now in its fourth year, the prestigious awards scheme allows the Henderson Group, which owns the SPAR and EUROSPAR franchises in Northern Ireland, to recognise the outstanding efforts of the local supply companies with which its wholesale business is developing its fresh and ambient ranges.

This year, companies were invited to submit entries across five categories which include enjoy local Supplier of Year, open to companies supplying goods for Henderson Wholesale’s popular range of own brand products; Best Direct to Store Supplier; Brand Innovation Award; the CSR-focused Tomorrow Matters Award; and the Overall Local Supplier of the Year.

SPAR is a platinum sponsor of the

Balmoral Show, giving Hendersons the perfect opportunity to showcase the excellent produce, practices and ranges of the suppliers it works with all year round, especially as the Show marks the 2016 Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink initiative.

“The Balmoral Show is the highlight in the calendar year for the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland and so, for us, it’s the perfect time to give back to our fantastic supply companies who enable us to deliver the very best quality, fresh, local food to our retailers and shoppers,” said Neal Kelly, fresh foods director at the Henderson Group.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the high volume of entries this year and blown away by the excellence suppliers can so easily demonstrate. I’d like to thank our panel of judges for coming on board and bringing their food, agri and business expertise to our awards.”

Also, SPAR is expanding its show presence.

Judging the Henderson Wholesale Local Supplier Awards were, from left, Freda Magill, UFU Rural Affairs Committee chairperson; agricultural journalist, Richard Wright; Joy Alexander, head of Food Technology at CAFRE; and David Elliott, editor of Ulster Business with (second from right) Nigel Dugan, Fresh Foods Trading controller at Henderson Wholesale.

Centra Windmill retailer takes on ‘MizMal’ challenge C

Paul McLarnon with his son Ricky.

entra Bangor Windmill retailer Paul McLarnon is preparing to take on the ‘MizMal’ cycle challenge for local eating disorder charity CARED NI. Paul, along with son Ricky and three team mates, will cycle the length of Ireland over six days from Mizen Head to Malin Head. The challenge will raise much needed funds for CARED NI (Caring About Recovery from Eating Disorders), a charity Paul’s family co-founded to raise awareness about eating disorders in Northern Ireland.

The group, which includes two team supports, hit the roads from Mizen Head, Co Cork, on May 1 as they set off on the 600-mile journey through Killarney, Ennis, Galway, Westport and Donegal Town before arriving in Malin Head, Co Donegal on May 6.

The charity was created after Paul’s daughter, Debbie Howard, suffered from a serious form of anorexia and had to travel to England to receive life-saving treatment. CARED NI provides support and advice including education.

Nisa reports positive social media engagement N

isa Retail has announced that analysis of its recent Easter social media activity shows it tracked ahead of its competitors in this vital consumer engagement medium.

The recent emphasis Nisa has placed on social media, as it looks to capitalise on the growing influence of digital communication in the retail marketplace, resulted in Nisa’s content being shared, retweeted and repinned more than any other convenience retailer, while it also recorded greater activity levels across Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest than nearly all its sector rivals.

Furthermore, Nisa was the second biggest convenience retailer in terms of customer engagement on social media, with only Co-operative Food UK ranked higher in terms of activity and engagement.

Nisa’s Easter social media activity, which ran from March 7-27, included a colouring competition, Cadbury’s Bunny Hunt and various promotion led posts under the seasonal themed design all designed to drive engagement with the brand.

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RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

Creightons of Balmoral celebrate opening with 50 new jobs

Pictured are, from left, store owners Gail Boyd and Niall Creighton, with Paddy Doody from the Henderson Group.

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UROSPAR Creightons of Balmoral has announced the creation of 50 new jobs for the area with the opening of its new super-store in Belfast earlier this month.

The 6,000-square-foot store, situated on South Belfast’s Upper Lisburn Road, has opened after a significant investment in the original SPAR store on the site, offering greater services and facilities for those in the area.

Owners of the store, Niall Creighton and Gail Boyd, also own and

operate EUROSPAR Creightons of Finaghy and SPAR Creightons of Blacks Road, also in the South of the city.

The family has been operating retail stores since the 1930s, already employing over 100 staff and joined the Henderson Group network of stores in 2005.

“We are delighted to open EUROSPAR Creightons of Balmoral, which brings not only a wealth of new services and convenience to the area, but also employment opportunities for our local community,” said Niall Creighton, store director. “In opening the store, we created 50 new full- and part-time roles from customer service to deli staff.

“We have a wealth of experience in retail having traded for over 80 years in Northern Ireland, and our links with the Henderson Group only make us a stronger business. We have been part of their retailer network for 11 years, and this latest store in our portfolio is testament to the support gained from their retail services team, in terms of assisting in the planning of the layout of the new store, merchandising and IT services.”

EUROSPAR Creightons of Balmoral will feature new services such as Creightons Barista coffee service, where an expert barista member of staff will be on hand to serve tea and freshly ground coffee and a scoop serve ice cream just in time for the summer months.

New deli and hot food-to-go facilities have been installed at the new store, selling an extensive range of on-the-go options including a hot fry, sandwiches, salad boxes, hot lunches and Sunday dinners.

Final call for SuperValu SuperMum entries

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ime is running out for mums across Northern Ireland to be nominated in the search to find SuperValu’s SuperMum 2016.

With a deadline of May 22, SuperValu SuperMums, sponsored by Robinsons and Magnum, will recognise 35 mums across every county in Northern Ireland for their dedication to family, friends and communities, at a prestigious ceremony in Parliament Buildings, Stormont on September 28.

Anyone can nominate a mum for the competition, or mothers can nominate themselves, with the winner receiving a fantastic family trip to Disneyland Paris, courtesy of Clubworld Travel. Finalists will be presented with SuperValu shopping vouchers and luxurious hampers at the grand final, hosted by TV personality Claire McCollum.

“We’ve had a fantastic response so far and we would like to thank everyone for taking the time to nominate,” said Kate Ferguson, communications manager at SuperValu. “However there is still time left to share the story of your SuperMum and we want to hear from you on why your nominee deserves to win, before entries close on May 22. To enter, nominate via www.supervalu.co.uk or www.facebook.com/SuperValuNI. TV personality Claire McCollum (right) and SuperValu’s Kate Ferguson encourage people to get their nominations in before the May 22 deadline.

Asda raises a glass to new deal with Hughes Craft Distillery

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Barbara Hughes from Hughes Craft Distillery is pictured with Jill Jones from Asda’s local buying team.

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ughes Craft Distillery, based in Lisburn, has secured a new contract to supply Asda with three products from the distillery’s RubyBlue spirits range.

The ‘RubyBlue’ range, which includes RubyBlue Premium Vodka, RubyBlue Cranberry Liqueur and RubyBlue Blackcurrant Cassis, will be available in Asda stores across Northern Ireland.

Hughes Craft Distillery is run solely by husband and wife team, Stuart and Barbara Hughes, who make their products by hand. Over the past six years, the RubyBlue range has received awards for its unique infusions and grown considerably through supply deals in the UK, Republic of Ireland and internationally.

“The premium nature of the product and unique flavours are a real point of difference for our customers,” said Jill Jones from Asda’s local buying team. “This is the first contract between Asda and the distillery and is a great example of our commitment to helping local businesses, both small and large reach their full potential.

“Barbara and Stuart are shining examples of local suppliers, they take a real hands-on approach and fully immerse themselves in their business.”

RETAIL PROFILE

Tesco supports local butcher, baker and artisan fudge maker Sean Largey, Tesco Northern Ireland’s commercial manager, talks artisan producers and how they are the emerging stars of the Northern Ireland agri-food scene

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rtisan food and drink by its definition is traditional, made in a non-mechanised way using high quality ingredients. In Northern Ireland, we have an embarrassing wealth of these ingredients whether that is from our farms, our shores or our mountain springs.

As a result, we’ve begun to see flourishing cottage industries emerge over the past few years, with cheese, dairy, craft beers and spirits, and health food brands launching from every corner of Northern Ireland.

Whether it’s down to our, at-times unpredictable weather and climate, or just to the sheer determination and ambitions of an emerging class of young artisan companies, our world-class produce speaks for itself and, at Tesco, we are fully committed to finding and mentoring the next generation of local food and drink stars.

For 20 years, we have cultivated relationships with some of Northern Ireland’s most well-known brands including Punjana, Irwin’s and Tayto but that’s not to say the small, family-owned start ups don’t excite us just as much. We are seen by many of these smaller suppliers as the gateway to growth for their business, because we deeply invest in and nurture young start-up businesses, helping them bring their products to mass market.

The Tesco Northern Ireland Artisan programme has been credited by many as the perfect platform for young and ambitious brands to bring their products to consumers and begin the journey to supplying to a wider market.

Consisting of in-store ‘pop-up shop’ opportunities and support through the buying process, the artisan programme helps fledgling businesses get their products in front of consumers and hopefully, on the shelves. A popular aid for new businesses, these popup shops have been ramped up during the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink and form a core element of Tesco’s fit-to-burst activity plan.

A HELPING HAND Following a successful artisan programme last year, that was credited by the likes of Invest NI as helping create a valuable test marketing platform for smaller producers, 2016’s promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Sean Largey

One company that is joining the ranks of other Tesco Artisans is Blackthorn Foods, creators of Melting Pot Fudge, a three-sister operation. Going since 2004, the Belfastbased, family-run business currently supplies farm shops and delis but has also begun exporting to America. This year it will also showcase its products in Tesco stores across Northern Ireland.

Also joining the Blackthorn Foods’ sisters in the 2016 Artisan class is Squeeze Wheatgrass founder, Jacquelyn Stewart. The Warrenpoint-based business is Northern Ireland’s fastest growing health food company and an artisan producer with full provenance and traceability. Its easy-to-drink fresh wheatgrass shots have brought health drinks into the 21st century using innovation and leading edge technology and will be

available for consumers to taste in various Tesco stores.

THE LASTING LEGACY OF LOCAL ‘Local’ truly has a huge emotional tag for the people of Northern Ireland, and to be able to give a helping hand to the next generation of local food and drink businesses is something that lies at the heart of Tesco Northern Ireland’s ongoing commitment to the region’s food and drink industry.

We want to shout about the quality of the food and drink here – and the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink is the perfect platform to spread the word as far as it can go; hopefully right to the margins of the food and drink industry and inspire any ambitious artisans to get in touch and take their business to the next level.

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RETAIL PROFILE

Bringing fresh, local, quality produce to your doorstep New SuperValu Ambassador Chef Noel McMeel talks to UG

Nigel Maxwell, SuperValu sales director, Musgrave NI, announces a new partnership with top local chef Noel McMeel.

WERE YOU FAMILIAR WITH SUPERVALU BEFORE YOU JOINED AS AMBASSADOR CHEF? SuperValu Fintona is my local store, and I’m very familiar with its wide offering for customers. I’m able to buy everything I need for my home-cooked meals in my local SuperValu, from fresh meats to seasonal fruit and vegetables; all on my doorstep.

The Fintona store was revamped last year as part of SuperValu’s upgrade roll out of its 35 stores and the look and feel of it is extraordinary, with a significant focus on fresh, local, quality produce.

HOW DID THE PARTNERSHIP COME ABOUT? SuperValu and I share the same passion for local and principles of using fresh, quality produce. Its 35 stores across Northern Ireland are owned and run by local families with a real passion for food, who support local suppliers and provide a large number of jobs within their community. I wholeheartedly support this community ethos and, putting it simply, I would not put my name to something I didn’t believe in. Together we want to keep it real with simple recipes using the best produce – we want Northern Ireland consumers to shop local, buy the best of local and get cooking.

WHAT DOES THE ROLE ENTAIL? I’m on a mission, with SuperValu, to bring the 12

best of fresh, quality food to the kitchen tables of Northern Ireland! I’m involved in a full programme of activity with SuperValu to celebrate the Year of Food & Drink. The advertising and marketing campaign has just recently launched and I’m looking forward to sharing my recipes and cooking tips with Northern Ireland consumers with a focus on cooking from scratch and buying local, fresh, quality produce. I am also involved in SuperValu’s Meet the Makers campaign, which is rolling out across all stores, giving local producers the opportunity to sample their produce with customers.

HOW WILL YOU FIT IT AROUND YOUR OTHER ROLE AS HEAD CHEF AT LOUGH ERNE? I’m a very busy man! Honestly though, I see this as very much complementary to my role at Lough Erne. I have dedicated my entire career to one very simple goal – finding, preparing and serving fresh food in season. For me, what we eat has to delight the taste buds, ensnare the senses and nourish the body and soul. I try to get the most out of the very best ingredients and I am not interested in cooking overworked, over-seasoned, complicated food. Simplicity is often the key to creating the best cuisine. This is my ethos for both my job at Lough Erne and my role as SuperValu Ambassador Chef.

WHAT SORT OF CHANGES SHOULD SHOPPERS EXPECT AS A RESULT OF THE SUPERVALU STORE UPGRADE? This major upgrade of SuperValu’s 35 stores across Northern Ireland will be rolled out over the next 12 months and offers an exciting new shopping experience for consumers. Following extensive consumer research, SuperValu has developed all of the categories that are important to its shoppers – fruit and veg, food to go, meal solutions, coffee, bakery and ‘free from’ range.

A major part of this journey is to significantly increase SuperValu’s fresh offering in store and produce a wider range of quality produce to appeal to all customers.

WHAT DOES SUPERVALU’S INVESTMENT IN LOCAL FOOD & DRINK INVOLVE? I believe consumers are savvier than ever and have a genuine interest in where the food on their plates is from and ensuring it is quality, local produce. SuperValu is fully tuned into this growing awareness and need amongst its customers to shop local, as 60% of everything sold in their stores is produced or sourced in Northern Ireland. More than 75% of all fresh ranges are sourced locally and all of SuperValu’s beef, pork, lamb, milk, cream and eggs are sourced in Northern Ireland.

We believe in

local

At SuperValu we are committed to bringing you quality local food and we are now going that extra mile to put great food on your table with inspiration from our very own SuperValu Ambassador Chef, Noel McMeel

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is all about ke od it real – real fo , so le op pe al for re to I am delighted my e ar sh to be able s and recipes, top tip with cooking twists e best th g in br to u yo d fussingredients an homes to es cip re free rthern No throughout ” d.

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SuperValuNI #SuperValuChef

13/05/2016 11:25

STORE FOCUS

James and Corinna Trainor

SPAR Poyntzpass James and Corinna Trainor, proprietors of Trainor Bros SPAR Poyntzpass, underline the importance of community involvement as their newly-established local business grows and prospers. By Brian McCalden

C

ommunity is proving to be at the very heart of a pioneering venture into retailing for one rural family in the historic village of Poyntzpass.

With a home just two miles from the village, locals James and Corinna Trainor know their market well.

They are on first name terms with almost all the 600-plus families in this small community that sits astride both Co Armagh and southern Co Down, separated by the River Bann.

Already the well-known owners of a longstanding family business, Trainor Bros Car, Commercial Sales and Services – established in 1958 – the couple now offer shoppers a comprehensive range of top quality, locallysourced products and services at affordable prices.

Having opened the doors of their newbuild SPAR in early February this year, it was quickly obvious they had tapped into a niché market.

“The last local food shop closed over a 14

year ago and, while we had no experience whatsoever in the grocery retailing market, we were confident that we could make a go of the new business,” says Corinna. “It had long been a dream of my husband James and his late father, Sean, to move on from the longestablished car workshop into grocery.”

That vision has now come to fruition and the new 3,150-square-foot store, that originally created 25 new jobs in the local community, now employs a further five partand full-time workers.

Targets are being met and exceeded and, while there are very long hours for the couple, they are really enjoying the experience.

“It makes a big difference being a part of the community,” says Corinna. “They very much appreciate having this new resource in the village, and we are already getting a significant level of full-trolley shoppers – not just basket convenience items.”

There have been surprises too: “The hot food counter/deli is currently turning out over 150 dinners each Sunday alone and the coffee

machine is in constant demand from shoppers.

“The new deli and hot food-to-go facilities offer an extensive range of breakfast and lunch options including Ulster frys, sandwiches, salad boxes, stew, lasagne and the popular Sunday dinners, all of which is freshly prepared by our own dedicated staff on the premises.

“Amazingly we are selling between 500 and 600 coffees each week and we are fast approaching the point where we are needing an additional coffee machine to facilitate demand for this product offering. The Barista Bar, which serves tea and freshly ground coffee, and a Quinn’s Hand Made Gelato ice cream kiosk have both been very successful with the ice cream just in time for the summer months.

“There’s a fair amount of passing trade to the busy forecourt and shop especially, as there’s nothing else in this sector between us, Tandragee and Newry.

“Busy times have proved to be lunchtime and then, once the schools get out, right through to 6pm when things slow down a little.

“We have an in-store Post Office Local that is available from 7am to 10pm every day while the shop itself is open from 6.30am to 10.30pm daily.

“James is still running the original garage across the street too, but increasingly is spending his time working with me in the new venture. That is very nice as we get to spend so much time together now.”

Plans for the future are numerous too. The old Newry Canal runs through the village

STORE FOCUS

and now boasts a very popular tow path for cyclists and walkers to enjoy.

“Up to now, they were happy just to stop off, use our conveniences and enjoy a cup of our (excellent) coffee and even sit on the bags of solid fuel outside, but that is changing,” she says.

“Outdoor summer seating is installed and proper bike racks so this year we welcome many more new faces in to the little village.

“A grand opening Family Fun Day is also being planned in association with the SPAR wholesaler Henderson’s, and that is another clue to our future thinking.

“We are already sponsoring two schools for their individual sports days, one Roman Catholic and the other Protestant and are keen to keep the cross community ethos in focus with all our locally-based activities now and in the future.”

James says: “Henderson’s has actually been fantastic and we really couldn’t have got to this point without them.

“I have no experience of the grocery trade at all and they were there to support us with help, advice and training all along the way.

There really was never any consideration given to signing with other wholesaler, such is their reputation.”

It makes a big difference being a part of the community. They very much appreciate having this new resource in the village, and we are already getting a significant level of full-trolley shoppers.”

Local suppliers are important too, and they take a great deal of locally produced in fresh and bakery items, for example. Fred Elliot’s Butchers, The Shelbourne Bakery and Windsor Bakery are included in a long list of local suppliers championed in store, and providing shoppers with a variety of fresh, pre-packed meats and a wide range of fresh bread and bakery products on a daily basis.

The new look store is located at 18-20 Chapel Street, Poyntzpass and is the one of the latest stores to join the SPAR network of 280 stores across Northern Ireland.

In addition to the quality fresh food offering, there is an EMO fuel forecourt, an ATM, onsite store parking for shopper

convenience, customer toilets and Lotto facilities.

James says: “The Trainor Bros family has been trading in the village of Poyntzpass for over 50 years so this new venture is further reinforcing our position as advocates of supporting the local economy and investing back into our community.

“I am extremely proud that the vision myself and my late father Sean had to establish a local convenience store and filling station in the area has become a reality.

Despite no longer being with us, I know that he would be extremely proud of the fantastic new store, as another local business in the Trainor name.”

Corinna added that the work of Store Manager Barry Matthews, who has over 17 years of retail experience, was also very much at the forefront of this spacious venture.

“That helped us to ensure we are offering our shoppers an extensive range of quality produce and excellent customer service, and we are confident that, with the ongoing support of the whole community and Henderson’s, we will go from strength to strength.

“We really are enjoying the experience, despite the very long hours we are committed to undertake. We just love being part of our local community.

“This is reflected with the numerous artefacts and pictures dotted around the store from the olden days‚ and this has become something of a focus for local people and visitors alike.

“We are indeed at the heart of Poyntzpass,” says Corinna.

15

ADVERTORIAL

Mash Direct: Making BBQs extraordinary M

ash Direct is bringing its award-winning vegetable accompaniments to the BBQ this summer with the launch of two new exciting new products. With six generations of farming experience, it has crafted a range of tempting sides that pair perfectly with the meaty main attractions for a legendary BBQ feast, including two new sidepieces (to go next to the centrepieces): Sweet Potato Croquettes and Potato Rosti.

The new Sweet Potato Croquettes (RRP £2.69) feature a delicious combination of fluffy sweet potato, steam-cooked to perfection, coated in a crispy, gluten-free breadcrumb.

Sweet potato is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s favourite vegetables, experiencing 76% YoY growth [Nielson Nov, 15] and no self-respecting BBQ would be complete without it. As such, this new launch is sure to become a family favourite.

The new Potato Rosti (RRP £1.50) are made from the tastiest potatoes, grown on the family-run farm on the shores of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. The potatoes are shredded with onion, and lightly fried for a mouth-watering crunchy finish. Potato Rosti are also a convenient, healthy alternative to enjoy for an easy breakfast, lunch or dinner option which pairs beautifully with a poached egg and smoked salmon.

Mash Direct’s products are made using heritage vegetable varieties chosen specifically for their flavour. All of the products in the range are gluten-free and free from artificial preservatives, flavourings, colourings and are low in salt.

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PROUD PLATINUM SPONSOR OF THE 2016 BALMORAL SHOW

Supporting local producers for over 50 years.

spar-ni.co.uk

BALMORAL SHOW

Local food showcased on the Tesco stand.

Heavenly Tasty Organics: Kristin Jameson and Ursula Bradley.

Balmoral puts on a good show for Year of Food & Drink Traffic jams around the site drew complaints from many but the Show itself was a huge success, with good weather drawing the crowds and agri-food producers, processors and retailers out in force to celebrate Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink.

Linwoods: Kathleen Quinn, Caroline Johnson and Emer Long.

Mash Direct: Sam Hamilton, Claire McCann and Lance Hamilton.

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Mackle Petfoods: Sinead Cotter and Claire McCann.

Glastry Farm: Dorothy Collins, Chloe Burgess, Alex Dickson and Michael Burgess.

BALMORAL SHOW

Avondale Foods: Sharon Wylie, Dawn Cann, Arlene McKee, Philip Conway and Colin Ferguson.

Punjana: Lindsay Skinner with Show visitors.

Irwins Bakery: Conor McKee and Chris McKee.

Little Treats: Ruth Blair, Nyan Marshall and Katie Beach.

Henderson Food Machinery: David Henderson, Noel Allen (Boost Drinks) and Stephen Lennie.

Bottlegreen: Ellen Donahue.

White’s Oats: Stuart Best and Caithlin Bain.

Asda: Paul Geary and Joe McDonald.

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My Life in the Grocery Trade Barry McCormack, sales director at McCormack Potato WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I am sales director at McCormack Potato, our family-run business in Moy. I aim to supply and delight customers from the retail/food industries with expertly-sourced, quality potatoes from the finest local and international growers. I manage our popular Nature’s Harvest retail brand and am an expert in chipping potatoes; we are the NI chip shop specialist. It’s my role to build on our well-earned reputation as one of Ireland’s most trusted and reliable potato suppliers.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE I’m proud to have worked most of my life at McCormack Potato. My father, Brian started the family potato business in 1973; I’ve been learning at his heels since I was a toddler. At 18, I spread my wings and spent four years in England completing a Business Diploma, plus a Potato Botany course at Cambridge University. I gained valuable industry expertise at two top UK potato merchants and growers, Scott & Newman and Anglian Produce. I came home in 1996, fired up with new ideas for McCormack Potato and, at 22, took on the role of sales director.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I’m hands-on with all aspects of the business, not just sales, from sourcing and quality control to marketing and product development. But first and foremost I negotiate with potato growers and buyers, ensuring customers get the best eating,

20

is the spice of life. I’m currently working with an agency to design a new website. I’m also developing sales channels for our exciting new service – freshly peeled and chipped potatoes, vacuum packed onsite.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Our Nature’s Harvest retail range is celebrating 20 years this year as the trusted family favourite. I’m very proud of its success as one of the Province’s best loved and most enduring potato brands. To mark the occasion we’ve launched new colour-coded packaging and an exciting new addition, Nature’s Harvest Chippers – the perfect potatoes for chips.

seasonal potatoes at the right price. We have a prestigious and growing client base, from multi-national retail brands to small local grocers and we also service top chip shops, restaurants and food manufacturers.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The fresh potato market is fast moving but I love the pace and thrive on seeing customers enjoying the fruits of my labour. My heart still swells with pride when I see shoppers pick up our Nature’s Harvest brand from supermarket shelves Province-wide. Unseasonal frost and heavy rain give me palpitations!

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY Mostly managing sales calls and directing orders for our freshly packed potatoes to floor staff plus overseeing quality control, meeting buyers and developing new leads. But variety

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? I’m privileged to help advise, service and support such a diverse and passionate client base. Our local retailers thrive on quality and innovation – the industry is full of great, hardworking characters and inspiring banter!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I love relaxing with my lovely wife and three children. I play golf – very badly. I look like I’m digging for potatoes! I cycle often and also enjoy a good concert or rugby match.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW Irish country singer, Philomena Begley is my aunt and Andrea Begley, who won The Voice (UK), is my cousin. Unfortunately I haven’t a note in my head!

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Championing independents for 15 years T

his year, Boost Drinks celebrates 15 years of championing the independent sector, having been launched back in 2001 by Simon Gray on the back of a love of energy drinks and the belief there was room in the market for a challenger brand.

Boost has enjoyed great success and is now established as the Northern Ireland’s number one energy brand, with 9% year on year growth and 58% market share*.

Boost Drinks will be looking to capitalise on this momentum with a programme of marketing initiatives to thank the trade for its support over the years and helping retailers to sell more product and benefit their bottom lines too.

15th anniversary competitions will involve the opportunity to win supplies of Boost as well as cash. The total prize fund across trade and consumers will be in excess of £25,000.

Founder and Managing Director Simon Gray is delighted with his team’s success, but he is also very much aware of how fortunate he has been to have had such fantastic commitment from the trade.

“To have secured the number one spot in the energy drinks market is an achievement that I am incredibly proud of, but we could not have done it without the backing of the trade,” said Gray. “We have enjoyed terrific loyalty from a whole host of customers, and I thank each and every one.”

As a champion of the independent sector, today Boost has a fantastic range across sport and energy drinks – stimulation energy and sports/ isotonic – with a product portfolio of over 40 SKUs that are not available in the multiples, and deliver very strong margins.

For further information, please visit www.boostdrinks.com *Source: IRI Convenience Northern Ireland 52 weeks to 27th March 2016.

22

ADVERTORIAL

Genesis Crafty launches new handcrafted cake range • Viennese Whirls: Viennese biscuit sandwiched with buttercream, raspberry jam and dusted with sweet snow.

• Chocolate Infinity Bakes: Shortcrust chocolate pastry with chocolate filling, chocolate sponge, topped with a swirl of chocolate buttercream and chocolate shavings.

• Strawberry & Cream Tarts: All butter shortcrust pastry with strawberry jam, topped with buttercream & a sprinkle of dried strawberry pieces.

G

enesis Crafty has introduced two new high quality cake ranges in premium packaging, following extensive consumer research identifying a gap in the market.

The innovative local baker is targeting growing demand in the quality cake market with an everyday range of four cakes, and a more expensive line of six tartlets.

“At Genesis Crafty, we Make Baking Amazing, so we are proud to be launching our new range of cakes in their new look packaging,” said David Walmsley, general manager at Genesis Crafty.

“There are two ranges, our core, every day‚ range of four cakes, which have an RRP of £1.99 and our top tier range of six tartlets that are even more amazing with an RRP of £2.99.

“Both cake ranges represent a huge opportunity for us as we see a significant gap in the market for high quality and premium cakes. In the market, there are many mainstream brands such as Mr Kipling, Cadbury and McVitie’s. However, if you want something a bit more special, there is a gap which is only serviced by M&S and a small number of local bakeries.

“At Genesis Crafty, our mission in life is to Make Baking Amazing and that runs through everything that we do. Our team of bakers take a huge pride in hand making these cakes here in Magherafelt, so I hope our customers take as much delight in eating them as we do in making them.”

Genesis Crafty is a Magherafelt-based family bakery run by six brothers, established by their parents in 1968. Well known for its wheaten breads, in particular, and other bread products such as soda bread, scones, pancakes and baps and rolls, the brand launched its first range of cakes in 1997.

24

Prior to the launch of the two new cake lines, the brand offered a range of four pack cakes and loaf cakes. The range of existing four-pack cake was refined and four new lines added in addition to a complete overhaul of the packaging.

“We listened to our consumers through a series of focus groups which helped us identify current barriers to purchase within the small cake category and the need for a premium, hand crafted range of cakes,” said JP Lyttle, commercial manager at Genesis Crafty.

“This lead us to the complete redevelopment of our packaging into a boxed format, creating stand out on shelf, maintaining product integrity and allowing us to convey the premium nature of the range.

“In terms of product development our fourpack range focuses on traditional favourites such as Raspberry Cups and Viennese Whirls.

This was based on an overwhelming response from product panelling with consumers and customers alike.

“Our six-pack tartlets took inspiration from emerging patisserie trends, which focus on indulgent flavours such as Salted Caramel and decorative hand finishing, meeting customer demand for an indulgent, premium treat to eat at home.”

The four new everyday lines are: • Raspberry Cups: Shortcrust pastry with raspberry jam, buttercream and fondant icing.

The new patisserie-style tartlets are: • Chocolate & Salted Caramel: Chocolate all-butter shortcrust pastry, a smooth salted caramel layer, a swirl of buttercream and chocolate sponge which is topped with a chocolate rosette and hazelnuts.

• Red Velvet: Shortcrust pastry, a heady layer of seeded strawberry jam, a swirl of buttercream and glorious red velvet sponge which is topped with a buttercream rosette kiss.

• Lemon Macaron: Delicate lemon macaron with smotth buttercream, a layer of lemon curd all within a buttery shortcrust base.

Topped with chocolate strings and a meringue nib.

• Chocolate Macaron: Chocolate shortcrust base filled with chocolate brownie topped with a swirl of buttercream and chocolate sauce and finished with chocolate sponge and a mini chocolate brownie.

The launch will be supported by an extensive advertising campaign including TV, outdoor, digital, social media and PoS activity.

The campaign focuses on the key message of Making Everyday Amazing with the help of Genesis Crafty cakes.

JOIN US FOR A

NISA HAS THE PERFECT RANGE FOR OUR LARGER FORMAT STORE

2016

“

Since joining Nisa we have seen a

significant sales

uplift”

“I was a Costcutter member for 21 years, but felt Nisa’s flexible model would benefit our 7,000 sq ft family-run supermarket in the village of Portglenone in County Antrim more.

Our store is now a fully-fledged Nisa Extra as it underwent a revamp including a new fascia, gondola ends and staff uniforms. The store has undergone several expansions over the years and it has a deli, butchers, off licence and a wide range of products.

A strong range and promotions are really important to us because our aim is to attract shoppers to do a weekly shop at our store,

rather than travelling nine miles to the nearest multiple. We also pride ourselves on providing a friendly customer service.

We joined Nisa because we knew we would benefit from the support and services they provide, especially the fantastic availability and range for our large store, and we look forward to a prosperous future working together.

We’re in a new era now and it’s onwards and upwards from here.”

Philip O’Neill

PORTGLENONE, COUNTY ANTRIM

To find out why joining Nisa is as easy as 1-2-3 visit www.join-nisa.co.uk 10932_NISAtradePress_Oneil_2016_A4_AW02.indd 1

14/03/2016 17:34

All your Deli Consumables are now within Reach!

Introducing Reach Retail Services From coffee cups and sandwich bags to napkins and stirrers, a new range of disposable catering supplies, offering great prices and superior service, including next day delivery, are now within your Reach.

Register today on: www.reachretailservices.ie or call us on: ROI (023) 885 8107. NI (0845) 408 4745

AN

Reach 1 Ulster Grocer.indd 1

COMPANY

15/04/2016 13:29:45

Market ingAwards

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

Grocer ULSTER

2016

Hat trick for Henderson at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016

S

PAR Passionate about Local lifted the top prize of Best 2015 Marketing Campaign for Henderson Wholesale at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016 on May 6, also picking up the accolades of Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion and Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership.

Award winners were announced during the Grocers’ Ball, an annual gala evening held at the Culloden Hotel to raise funds for grocers’ benevolent fund GroceryAid. This year’s soldout event saw £46,680 raised for the charity.

Awards were distributed across eight categories, with other winners including Boost Drinks, EUROSPAR, Mackle Petfoods, ASDA, Cloughbane Farm and Kestrel Foods.

Hosting the evening was TV presenter Adrian Logan, while presenting awards were Ulster Grocer Manager Mark Beckett, Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and individual award sponsors.

“It was fitting in Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink to see local company Henderson Wholesale lifting a number of titles,

including Best Marketing Campaign for its SPAR Passionate about Local campaign,” said Alyson Magee, editor of Ulster Grocer.

“Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended entries, and many thanks to the category sponsors and many businesses supporting the Grocers’ Ball.”

Judges of the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016 included Michael Maguire of Quintus, Marian Norwood of Ulster University and Emma Cowan of Summerisland.

■ winner: Henderson Wholesale for SPAR: Passionate about Local Best Marketing Campaign SPONSORED BY FMI Kathrina Bentley, marketing & communications manager at FMI, said: MI were delighted to sponsor the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016. We wish to pass on our huge congratulations to Henderson’s, who won Best Marketing Campaign on the night. A special well done to Hovis Ireland with its Ormo – Bake me happy campaign and Lidl with Lidl Community Works who were highly commended on the night too. Well done to all entrants and those involved in making the night so successful. We are thrilled the evening raised over £46,000 for GroceryAid, a very deserving and worthwhile charity. As Ireland’s leading field management agency, we are looking forward to building on the relationships founded on the evening.”

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Elton Hysa of FMI, Bronagh Henderson and Paddy Doody of Henderson Wholesale, host Adrian Logan, Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Ulster Grocer Manager Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “SPAR has demonstrated an excellent marketing strategy that has generated positive results worthy of Best Marketing Campaign.”

Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at the Henderson Group, said: e are delighted that the company’s growing successes have been recognised at industry level with the Henderson Group receiving three significant accolades at the recent Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. Our Passionate about Local marketing campaign received the ultimate accolade on the night, winning Best Marketing Campaign 2015. Our award wins are a real testament to our hard working staff and I would like to congratulate all on this fantastic success.”

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Sponsored by:

Established

1995

FIELD MANAGEMENT IRELAND

8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS Best Marketing Campaign ■ Joint highly commended: Hovis Ireland for Ormo – Bake me Happy Trevor McCrum, commercial director (Ireland) at Hovis, said: rmo once again was in the spotlight at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, receiving a highly commended award in the Best Marketing Campaign category. Ormo went through a major change in 2015, with a new innovation strategy, several improvements to the products and the introduction of new products. The concept of Ormo Bake me Happy was born which repositioned the brand, as fun loving and encouraged consumers to start their day with Ormo products. TV advertising was supported with six sheets, trade press activity and stand out in-store merchandising.”

Elton Hysa (FMI), Mark Higgins (Hovis Ireland), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell, Paul Gibson and Aoife Whelan (Lidl) and Mark Beckett.

O

Judges’ comments: “Lidl is to be commended on identifying a clear brand purpose, which attempted to put Lidl at the heart of the Northern Ireland community.

The effectiveness of the marketing campaign was well demonstrated.”

Judges’ comments: “Hovis/Ormo impresses with the comprehensiveness of its analysis and the forthrightness of its understanding of the market, and how it has translated that into an effective marketing campaign.”

■ Joint highly commended: Lidl for Lidl Community Works Paul Gibson, sales operations executive at Lidl Northern Ireland, said: e are delighted to have picked up the joint highly commended award with Lidl Community Works. This award illustrates Lidl’s commitment to Northern Ireland and the local community. We believe it is important to give something back to the community. Last year we carried out 350 random acts of kindness. This year will be no different with over 300 random acts of kindness being carried out. Also, there will be 32 bigger community projects, and we will also be doing around 80 sampling projects throughout Northern Ireland.”

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■ Winner: Boost – Champion of the Independents David Henderson (Henderson Food Machinery), Noel Allen (Boost Drinks), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “Boost’s promotion of its brand has been a reflection of the product name; it has boosted itself to the forefront of its market. It has done this with very strong and consistent visuals and PoS material, and the brand has acquired a high market share in the Northern Ireland soft drinks sector.”

Best BRAND SPONSORED BY HENDERSON FOOD MACHINERY David Henderson, managing director at Henderson Food Machinery, said: hat a great night at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016. Henderson Food Machinery was very proud to present the Best Brand award, which was won by Boost Drinks. This was our first time at the awards and I would have to compliment Ulster Grocer and the team for the marvellous night’s set up and entertainment. The night was such a success that we will be sponsoring the Best Brand Award 2017. We also look forward to doing more promotional work with the Ulster Grocer and last, but not least, Henderson Food Machinery would like to wish all the winners, highly commended and nominees a successful 2016 and look forward to the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2017.”

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Noel Allen, marketing field manager for Boost Drinks, said: oost Drinks is totally thrilled and incredibly proud to be recognised as the Ulster Grocer Best Brand - especially given the competition!

The accolade coincides with our 15th anniversary, having been founded back in 2001 as a challenger brand for independents only. Our Champion of the Independents stance remains a core part of our DNA – and now we have been voted Best Brand, we want to take Boost to the next level, continuing to listen and work in partnership with Ulster grocers, forecourts and convenience stores - whose support has got us to today’s position of strength. And for this we thank you - very much.”

B

■ highly commended: Hovis Ireland for Hovis bread Trevor McCrum, Commercial Director (Ireland) at Hovis, said: ovis Belfast once again reinforced its presence as a leader in the bread category at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, receiving a highly commended award in the Best Brand category. Hovis’s entry demonstrated how this iconic brand continues to innovate in response to consumer demand for healthy breads. This led to the relaunch of its Premium Seeded range and the launch of the ‘Good Inside’ range, packed with Fibre, Omega3 and Wheatgerm, and a brand new range of ‘other bakery’ products including Sandwich Thins, to reinvigorate the Hovis brand to a new audience.

We are absolutely delighted with our awards. Two highly commended awards is a fantastic endorsement of the hard work by everyone involved.”

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8 • •Ulster 3628 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

David Henderson (Henderson Food Machinery), Trevor McCrum (Hovis Ireland), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “The Hovis submission demonstrated the importance of research in unlocking the opportunity to create a strong brand presence in Northern Ireland, reflected in their strong sales and market share performance.”

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS BEST CSR/CHARITY PARTNERSHIP SPONSORED BY HUNKY DORYS ■ Winner: Henderson Wholesale for Protecting the Heart of our Community Martin McClinton, sales manager at Northern Snack Foods, said: orthern Snack Foods is now in its fourth year of sponsorship for the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, and is pleased to be associated with the prestigious and increasingly important category of Best CSR/Charity Partnership. I’d like to congratulate winner Henderson Wholesale and highly commended entry Lynn’s Country Foods for their impressive initiatives, which are making a difference both at home and in Africa.”

N

James Greer (Greer Publications), Bronagh Luke and Paddy Doody (Henderson Wholesale), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “Given the prevalence of heart disease in Northern Ireland, Henderson’s has undertaken a defibrillator initiative that will make a real difference and it is commendable it has been introduced in rural as well as populated areas.”

Kerri Smith, marketing assistant at Lynn’s Country Foods, said: he Good Little Company is delighted to have won Highly Commended for Best CSR/Charity Initiative at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016. At the Good Little Company, we believe corporate responsibility is not simply giving some of the profit away to good causes, it is an integral part of good business. It means a lot to us, as a Northern Irish producer, to have our work recognised by such a well-respected publication. Thank you once again for such a fantastic night filled with an amazing atmosphere and we hope you enjoy our sausages which are available to in Tesco NI.”

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Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at the Henderson Group, said: e were honoured to receive recognition for Best CSR/ Charity Initiative with the Protecting the Heart of our Community defibrillator campaign. Our award wins are a real testament to our hard working staff and I would like to congratulate all on this fantastic success.”

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■ Highly commended: Lynn’s Country Foods for The Good Little Company

BEST NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH/RELAUNCH SPONSORED BY MXB SHOPPER MARKETING AGENCY

James Greer (Greer Publications), Fionnuala McAughey and Kerri Smith (Lynn’s Country Foods), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “Lynn’s Country Foods is to be commended for the foresight and diligence committed through its The Good Little Company brand, which has mixed charitable outputs with a number of Africa-based charity partners.”

■ winner: Kestrel Foods for Forest Feast Street Food Tim McVicker, commercial director at Kestrel Foods, said: e’re absolutely delighted to have won the award for Best New Product for our Street Food range. At Forest Feast, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of consumer food trends and bringing innovative new products to customers. This accolade is great recognition of our team’s commitment to excellence and innovation, demonstrated by the extensive listings Street Food has achieved in its first 12 months. Our passion has paid off as we’ve created a very successful and unique product range that is inspired by the sights, sounds and spices of the global street food scene.”

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Karen Carmichael, managing director AT MXB, said: he Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards is one of the leading retail events in Northern Ireland and mxb as a specialist shopper marketing agency were delighted to sponsor the hotly contested ‘Best New Product Launch’.

Congratulations to both the winners Kestrel Foods for their ‘Forest Feast Street Food range’ and Dale Farm for ‘Dale Farm Protein Milk’, bringing to market new products which tapped into the evolving consumer demand. Innovation is key in this industry sector to maintain and grow market share and keep ahead of the consumer’s wants and needs. Sponsoring this category aligned with mxb’s understanding of the ‘shopper marketing experience’ and how this has evolved with the increasing influence of digital media to influence purchase decision.”

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Tim McVicker (Kestrel Foods), Karen Carmichael (mxb), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “An impressive entry that demonstrates Kestrel’s commitment to strategic marketing, and highlights the marketing advantage sought in segmenting their food range through the launch of Street Food.”

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS ■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dale Farm for Dale Farm Protein Milk Caroline Martin, head of Marketing for Dale Farm, said: ale Farm is delighted to be highly commended for its innovative Dale Farm Protein Milk.

The company recognised the importance of nutrition to consumers, in particular the role of protein and developed a fresh product which naturally boosts protein intake, is convenient to consume and similar in taste to standard fresh milk. We supported the launch with an integrated communications strategy consisting of traditional PR and new media, including digital and video assets. By utilising the power of trusted and respected brand ambassadors including Ulster Rugby and Tiffany Brien, Dale Farm educated consumers on the benefits of the products, and endless ways it can be incorporated into meal-times. This was all supported by robust sampling activity across local businesses, gyms and the media, as well as at key sporting events.”

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Caroline Martin (Dale Farm), Karen Carmichael (mxb), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “A comprehensive and innovative entry that demonstrates a forward-looking approach to strategic marketing; the product campaign thoroughly reflects the consumer market Dale Farm is aiming towards.”

■ Winner: Asda for the Asda Sustainability Programme

GREEN RETAILER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY BUSINESS TELEGRAPH Margaret Canning, editor of the Business Telegraph, said: usiness Telegraph was delighted to sponsor the Green Retailer of the Year award, which had an extremely worthy winner in the form of Asda’s Sustainability Programme.

Asda has led the way for other retailers, large and small, in championing sustainability, and has demonstrated that size is no barrier to protecting the environment. As a sponsor, I was over the moon to attend an extremely enjoyable, feel-good event at the Culloden, which raised money for a very worthy cause.”

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George Rankin and Joe McDonald (Asda), Margaret Canning (Business Telegraph), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “What is impressive about Asda’s entry is the inclusiveness of the strategy; it is a genuine green retailer strategy incorporating all aspects of the organisation. Judges were particularly impressed by Asda’s approach to sustainability; what they’re striving to achieve is impressive.”

George Rankin, senior director NI for Asda, said: his award is a tremendous achievement for Asda, shining a light on our commitment to sustainability across our business. For our customers ‘green is normal’ and since 2005, we have been engaged in a comprehensive Sustainability Programme, based on the belief that protecting the environment and saving people money go hand in hand. Whether it’s reducing our energy and water use in-store, improving our packaging, tracking waste or changing the ways we transport our goods, we’re always looking for better, greener ways to act. This award is testament to the continued hard work that has gone into sustainability across the business.”

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Sponsored by:

Established FIELD MANAGEMENT IRELAND

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS BEST FOOD EXPORT MARKETING AWARD SPONSORED BY INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND

■ WINNER: Mackle Petfoods for Naturo Pet Foods Stephen Haslam, export manager at John Mackle (Moy), said: e are honoured to win the Ulster Grocer Best Food Export Marketing award. This achievement is down to the hard work and commitment of everyone in the team at Mackle Petfoods. Our success is an example of how developing a super-premium product coupled with excellent service can provide a springboard for rapid growth. As we enter new export markets we trust in our vision that creating and maintaining satisfied customers is the lynchpin for success.”

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Nigel Hardy, head of Food Business Development, Food and Tourism Division at Invest Northern Ireland, said: he Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards traditionally prove to be one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland events calendar, and this year was no exception. Invest NI was very pleased to sponsor the export category award and to note the success of Mackle Petfoods in winning the category award and in Mash Direct in receiving highly commended recognition. Exporting is fundamental to the growth of the Northern Ireland food and drink industry and with many pure, natural, quality products deserving of international premium prices, it is essential we encourage the maximum number of Northern Ireland companies to work with Invest NI in penetrating international markets.”

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John Hood (Invest NI), Stephen Haslam and Elaine Hall (Mackle Petfoods), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “We were genuinely surprised to see such a high quality product offering in international markets. It demonstrated excellence in export marketing, characterised by a clear focus on branding, provenance and product quality.”

Lance Hamilton, sales director at Mash Direct, said: e are delighted to be Highly Commended for the Best Food Export Marketing Award, highlighting the quality of our business and commitment to excellence in the manufacturing of our extensive range of natural and wholesome products.

A key element of this has been our focus on driving the business forward with innovative marketing strategies and expanding the brand. The recognition for excellence will be of a tremendous benefit as we continue to develop our sales in GB and other neighbouring markets.”

■ HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mash Direct

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John Hood (Invest NI), Lance Hamilton (Mash Direct), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “Mash Direct has demonstrated diligence and commitment to export activity, following successful development of home marketing.”

BEST ARTISAN FOODS CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY REACH RETAIL SERVICES

■ Winner: Cloughbane Farm

Yvonne Farrell (Reach Retail Services), Lorna Robinson (Cloughbane Farm), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “Cloughbane is a worthy winner of this year’s Best Artisan Food Campaign because they demonstrate how a small, family-based business has developed to serve a wider market in Northern Ireland while still staying true to its values.”

Lorna Robinson, managing director of Cloughbane Farm, said: e are delighted to have won Best Artisan Food Campaign at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. Cloughbane is family run from our farm near Pomeroy.

I founded the business in 2004, and began selling pies made from family recipes in our farm shop. My son Richard, who heads up the business alongside me, says the reason we won the award is because ‘the pies look and taste the same as they did when mum made them for our family tea’. The award is a testimony to all our great team who daily create these award-winning pies for our lovely customers to enjoy.”

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Yvonne Farrell, sales manager at Reach Retail Services, said: n April, Reach Retail Services launched their exciting new range of deli consumables aimed at the convenience sector and sponsoring a category at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards on May 6 was a great introduction into the industry. With editorial and full page adverts in the magazine combined with the awards themselves, we felt this was a great way to launch Reach Retail Services to the trade. The entertainment on the night was very enjoyable and the whole event was very well organised. It was a great opportunity to meet with other sponsors and network with potential customers.”

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS ■ BEST IN-STORE CONSUMER SALES PROMOTION SPONSORED BY CONTRACT PEOPLE

■ Winner: Henderson Wholesale for EUROSPAR Tesco Price Match Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at the Henderson Group, said: enderson Group’s recent success at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards is a great reminder of the successful year we are having to date, getting to know our shoppers even better and establishing a trusting and loyal connection with them through our unique marketing initiatives.”

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Russell Johnston, director of Client Services at Contract People, said: ontract People were delighted to be a part of the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016. As always it was a fantastic event in a great venue. The Grocers’ Ball is an excellent setting to recognise some of the amazing work that is carried out in Northern Ireland by some of our brightest companies and individuals, and the standard of the entries show without doubt that the food and drink industry in Northern Ireland is thriving.”

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Russell Johnston (Contract People), Conor Toland and Leanne Rice (EUROSPAR), Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and Mark Beckett.

Judges’ comments: “EUROSPAR is setting a benchmark in in-store promotions. It has been thoroughly researched to meet Tesco head on, while usage of point of sale and local advertising has contributed considerably to its success”

Having a great time on the night

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS

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ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS

Allied Bakeries sends lucky winner on the Orient Express A

llied Bakeries supplied the star prize at the Grocers’ Ball this year, which saw Joe McDonald from Asda winning a trip for two on the Orient Express.

Guests at the Ball were invited to place £20 in a Kingsmill envelope, together with their details, with the winning envelope later drawn in the raffle and all proceeds raised going to GroceryAid. McDonald’s prize includes two flights to Paris with a two-night stay in a fabulous, luxury five-star hotel. Asda’s corporate affairs manager NI, together with his wife, will then return to London on board the Orient Express, enjoying a gourmet dinner in one of the beautifully-restored restaurant cars before arriving in London. Flights back to Belfast are also included.

“Allied Bakeries Ireland was delighted to continue to support the GroceryAid charity and hopes the lucky winner has a wonderful trip,” said Elva O’Connor, senior brand manager with Allied Bakeries Ireland.

McDonald said: “The Asda team had a fantastic time at the Grocers’ Ball and Gillian Barker, director general of GroceryAid, and Peter Henry, general manager of Allied Bakeries Ireland, present Asda’s Joe McDonald with the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. It was a brilliant event showcasing everything evening’s star prize. that’s positive about the sector.

“GroceryAid do great work and the whole event was a credit to their efforts. The icing on the cake was winning the star prize on the night – the last thing I won was an Easter Egg when I was in primary school so I certainly wasn’t expecting my name to come out of the hat. “Myself and Rose have been to Paris once before and we are really looking forward to going back, and the inclusion of a trip on the Orient Express is very exciting.

Our thanks to the organisers and Kingsmill, who donated the prize.”

Well-known industry figure retires from Tesco

A stellar year for GroceryAid at Ulster Grocers’ Ball A

Cliff Kells

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liff Kells recently retired as commercial director of Tesco NI, and his position as chairman of the local branch of GroceryAid. John Hopkins of Irwins toasts Cliff Kells A group of local suppliers decided to organise an event to recognise his support and dedication to the Northern Ireland food and drink industry over the years. A committee organising the event featured representatives from Wilsons Country, Kerry Foods, Irwins Bakery, Mash Direct, Dale Farm and Punjana.

Held at The Plough, Hillsborough with capacity for a maximum of 200 people, it was first come, first served for tickets for the Hog Roast & Bluegrass music event.

John Hopkins of Irwins gave a very amusing impromtu speech focused on his dealings with Cliff and Tesco over many years. A book of memories for Cliff was also put together, with lots of entertaining and memorable photos from over the years, and displayed on the day.

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t last count, this year’s Grocers’ Ball had raised £46,680 for the GroceryAid charity, up from £44,345 in 2015.

GroceryAid is a charity helping anyone who is working, or has worked, in the grocery industry for at least 10 years.

The grocery industry is defined as extending from the smallest shop to the largest factory across the grocery supply chain. Aid could include a quarterly payment for those struggling to get by; an emergency one-off grant in a crisis; essential household appliances; mobility items; and personal visits for the socially isolated.

Speaking at this year’s Grocers’ Ball, GroceryAid Director General Gillian Barker offered her thanks to those donating or helping the charity while updating guests on the latest developments at GroceryAid including recipients it has aided locally.

Also speaking was Musgrave NI Wholesale Director Trevor Magill, who has taken over from Cliff Kells (see left) as chairman of the GroceryAid NI Fundraising Committee.

Guests at the Ball enjoyed a six-course dinner, prize ballot and auction, the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, entertainment throughout the evening and, finally, collection of the famous hamper which was packed by staff members from Ulster Grocer, Hospitality Review NI, Greer Publications, Wincanton, SHS Group and Sainsbury’s.

SPONSOR PROFILE

Helping retailers and brands ‘pull through’ products to consumers Russell Johnston, Field Marketing Director at Contract People, talks to UG HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CONTRACT PEOPLE? Having been with Contract People for almost 15 years, I have seen the company develop from providing a merchandising service to providing a full service offering for both brands and retailers. This means that we can support both parties in a lot of ways from store set up through to maintaining their refrigeration equipment, right through to the key part of all our organisations which is pulling through product to the consumer’s baskets and trolleys. In short, all services we provide put products in danger of being sold!

WHAT SERVICES DOES CONTRACT PEOPLE PROVIDE? From store set up, where we can fit out and merchandise outlets, to installing and maintaining refrigeration systems, we can help retailers with ensuring their outlet is fit for purpose. In terms of their stores’ performance, we can give insights and subsequent actions through mystery shopping and compliance auditing, allowing symbol wholesalers and retailers to measure the key areas of customer service, availability, shopping experience, and compliance to fascia promotions and values.

Lastly we complete research from customer satisfaction surveys to focus groups to gauge what each retailer’s consumers really want from their local store.

For brands, we offer a fully outsourced sales development model, including PoS management and full reporting and insights on how they and their competitors are performing at store level, to stand alone recruitment through our sister company Sales Placement. This means that our service is fully flexible, whether a brand wants to recruit and manage their own sales developers, have a one-week distribution drive or audit, or have a dedicated full-time sales development team managed by Contract People, we can make a success of it!

WHAT IS CONTRACT PEOPLE’S USP? Our strength comes from the fact we have been successfully managing outsourced operations for over 20 blue chip FMCG companies for over 20 years throughout Ireland. This has given us great experience on what works in FMCG and allows us to learn and use best practice from all of these multinational companies.

The key, however, to our success is where

the brands and fascias meet in each and every store. We have invested heavily in training our field teams throughout Ireland in the past two years, adjusting our approach from ‘selling in’ to ‘pulling through’, to the benefit of both the brands and the retailers. We are determined that a retailer anywhere in Ireland will know when they have been visited by a Contract People representative due to their consultative approach, their interest and understanding of their business, and fitting their brand’s offering with what the retailer’s needs and wants are, rather than forcing huge volumes of products and promotions into retailers when it is not right for their store or customers.

To do this we focus on ‘pulling through’ the products to consumers. To create this demand from shoppers, we ensure that we have the range correct, availability and stock rotation are well managed, create in-store theatre through PoS items, floor displays and free standing display units and utilise promotional staff to drive product sampling.

Every Contract People sales developer, for example, knows where the best locations for secondary display are within stores and that the secondary location will drive a 19% increase in the sales of that product.

The move to ‘pulling through’ stock rather

than ‘selling in’ stock has meant the retailers are really seeing the benefit of the increased sales of the brands we work with and we are seen as a positive presence in their stores, adding value to their business. In short ‘selling in is out!’

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SPONSOR THE ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS? We were delighted to be part of the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016. Ulster Grocer has long been the ‘go to’ magazine for grocery news and this fits in perfectly with our service offering.

WHAT PLANS HAS CONTRACT PEOPLE FOR THE YEAR AHEAD? 2016 is an exciting time for Contract People as the PRL Group has purchased the business.

As one of Ireland’s leading warehousing and logistics companies, this development once again brings opportunities to expand our service offering for brand and retailers in FMCG. It’s early days but the potential and synergy between our service offerings make it an exciting time for Contract People.

Please contact Russell Johnston, Director of Client Services at Contract People, on 07894 930755 for further information.

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ADVERTORIAL

Cookstown brings its sizzle to new reduced fat sausage range C

ookstown has just launched new reduced fat sausages, in a 381g pack of 10 thin sausages, which feature all the sizzle with at least 40% less fat than its standard sausages.

The 64% meat sausages were launched in ASDA during April, and are currently being rolled out across Northern Ireland with convenience channel stockists including Nisa and Costcutter.

Cookstown is a leading provider of fresh pork, bacon, sausage, gammon and ham in Ireland, supplying most of the multiple and independent retailers with private label product as well as having one of the most popular pork brands in the market.

Cookstown also has a very successful export business, supplying top quality pork products to many international markets including the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and Asia.

Established in 1937, Cookstown has grown dramatically over the years and has changed ownership several times, most recently becoming part of the Karro Food Group, one of the United Kingdom’s leading pork processors with plants across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

INVESTMENT Over the past 12 months, Cookstown has invested over £8m in a number of major site improvements to support its plans to better meet retailer demand, provide consumer choice and stay ahead of the competition.

The business is very excited about its new state-of-the-art chilling facility, completed in 2016. Cookstown is one of the first organisations in the world to utilise this new technology which will provide for greater efficiencies in carcase chilling and production, improved meat quality and increased slaughter capacity. In addition, Cookstown will also be able to grow its butchery capacity and process more added value lines.

The business is also developing and expanding the office facilities at the site, and looking forward to finishing its new multilevel extension. The area includes a new reception, marketing suite, NPD kitchen and meeting facilities which will provide a better employee and visitor experience.

COOKSTOWN BUSINESS MODEL Since becoming part of the Karro Group in 2013, Cookstown has focused on developing a balanced business model which enables 38

the business to balance retailer, consumer, currency and seasonal fluctuations. To Cookstown, this means expanding its consumer brand into the Republic of Ireland, strengthening its business-to-business relationships and growing its export business with a current focus on the Chinese market.

AGRICULTURE Cookstown recognises its farmers as an integral part of the business, and is proud of its strong farming links across the whole of Ireland. In fact, some of its farmers have worked with Cookstown for several generations.

All its meat is sourced locally from 150 Irish farmers both North and South, with whom it works closely to ensure the best animal welfare standards, production chain traceability and supply of the highest quality pork products in the local market.

THE COOKSTOWN BRAND Cookstown has been a brand leader for over 70 years with campaigns including George Best’s ‘Best family sausages’, Pat Jennings and the Cookstown Sizzle, Local Pork No Porkies and VIP (Very Important Pork).

Over the past 12 months, it has re-focused its commitment to driving the Cookstown brand forward and simply reminding consumers and retailers it is still the best.

The Cookstown logo has been refreshed, and new brand packaging has been rolled out across all categories; the brighter logo and new packaging offer greater impact.

Plans for the brand include a multi-channel marketing campaign to reinforce the key message of taste and create desire for the product including a two-year deal to brand the taxi rank at the George Best City Airport.

The brand isn’t standing still when it coming to new products either, and always looking for new and exciting ways to meet consumer needs, through product functionality, taste, convenience and packaging. Cookstown has recently launched two exciting new products. Cookstown Bacon Delights are fully cooked medallions which can be eaten hot (two minutes in the microwave) or cold. They are 100% lean so perfect for people on protein rich diets or those trying to lose weight. Cookstown Honey Cured Prime Fillet of Ham, meanwhile, is a 1.4kg joint of prime hand cut fillet of ham, infused with blossom honey throughout.

AWARDS Karro Cookstown was named Agri Food Business of the Year at the Farming Weekly and Danske Bank Awards in 2015, recognising its commitment to local farming, development of a balanced business model, investment and NPD. Two of its products were also recognised at the Blas na hEireann / Irish Food Awards last year with the Cookstown Honey Cured Prime Fillet of Ham 1.4kg receiving a Bronze standard in the Cured Meat and Charcuterie category and its Dunnes Stores Maple Cured Irish back rasher 300g receiving the Silver standard in the Bacon/Rasher category.

with 40% less fat!

Stock up now!!!

Contact a member of our sales team on: Tel +44 (0) 2886 763321 Email info@cookstownbrand.com

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Local producers recognised by M&S at Balmoral Show

Pictured are, from left, Tom Forgrave (Ballymoney), Crosby Cleland (Saintfield), William Gilpin (Loughgall) and Larry Nugent (Tassagh).

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our local producers for Marks & Spencer have been rewarded for their excellence in farming at M&S’ Farming for the Future Awards presentation, which took place at the Balmoral Show.

The winners were: Innovation Award – Tom Forgrave from Ballymoney, Co Antrim; Outstanding Producer Award – Larry Nugent from Tassagh , Co Armagh; Contribution to Rural Communities Award (Prince’s Trust Countryside Fund) – Crosby Cleland from Saintfield, Co

Down; and Young Producer Award – William Gilpin from Loughgall, Co Armagh.

Tom Forgrave is responsible for all business and financial decisions for the family’s high welfare broiler chicken farm. His methodical approach to farming has enabled the business to grow in a profitable and sustainable manner, and the farm is currently in the top 15% of poultry producers in Northern Ireland based on profitability.

Larry Nugent runs an 80-hectare farm with the help of his family, where he produces beef for M&S supplier, Linden Foods. Two years ago, having taken part in a sustainable beef initiative, Larry made the decision to change his approach to beef farming. Following reseeding and grass sward improvement, by the second year he was producing one third more beef per acre of land with a resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Crosby Cleland produces lamb on his 76-hectare farm on the outskirts of Belfast. His lamb rearing enterprise is based on a flock of 750 ewes, and he has carefully managed clover and grass growth to ensure the best quality and supply of forage for his sheep to feed on.

Gilfresh Produce was established more than 50 years ago by the Gilpin family. William Gilpin, since taking over as general manager in 2010, has focused on the long-term sustainability of the business, with particular attention on exceeding customer requirements, caring for the environment and the maintenance of the local rural landscape.

Palmer and Harvey hosts supplier awards at Pro-retail

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ro-retail, hosted by the UK’s leading delivered wholesaler Palmer and Harvey, was held at the Telford International Centre last month to showcase new products, deals, innovations and services.

Over 200 suppliers and 6,000 visitors were estimated to have attended the two-day show.

A Gala Night dinner held during the event was attended by 1,600 guests, who enjoyed a carnival atmosphere and the annual Pro-retail supplier and retailer awards.

As well as store and other product accolades, Chilled, Fresh & Frozen Supplier of the Year award was won by Kerry Chilled and Frozen, while Palmer and Harvey Overall Supplier of the Year award went to wine producer Concha y Toro.

The wholesaler also reported a number of developments including ongoing improvements to efficiency through its Electronic Proof of Delivery system, and Among exhibitors at last month’s Pro-retail was Boost Drinks, winner of Best Brand at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016. the introduction of a new customer loyalty scheme SIRCLE. “Pro-retail is a fantastic opportunity for retailers to network, take advantage of one-off show offers and learn about the latest developments in the industry,” said Martyn Ward, MD of Palmer and Harvey.

DCNI brings European Cheese Symporium to Belfast A

Pictured at the Cheese Symposium are, from left, nutritionist Dr Carole Lowis; food writer and cook Trish Deseine; Dr Mike Johnston, chief executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland; and Lisbeth Ankersen, super-taster and CEO of Innova Consult, Denmark.

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neuroscientist, food historian and super-taster were among experts from around the world who gathered at the European Cheese Symposium held in Belfast on May 10.

Hosted by the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland and chaired by cook and best-selling food writer Trish Deseine, the European Cheese Symposium explored the past, present and future of cheese culture in Europe.

“The Belfast event is one of a number taking place across Europe as part of the ‘Cheese Up Your Life’ programme,” said Dr Mike Johnston MBE, chief executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland. “The focus of the symposia is on European cheese culture generally and our local cheese heritage in particular, and in using this as a platform to examine the place of cheese in a modern lifestyle. We have had a great deal of interest in the event with guests from a range of backgrounds attending and we hope they are inspired to start thinking differently about cheese.”

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Brewers and distillers: To patent or not to patent?

Cleaver Fulton Rankin Associate Solicitor Michael King advises on the differences between patents and trade secrets for recipes and processes

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FreeFrom success for Northern Ireland

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hree Northern Ireland companies have been recognised in the recent FreeFrom Food Awards run by FreeFrom Foods Matter.

The successful Northern Ireland companies in this year’s awards, presented by Anthony Worrall Thompson, were: Bfree – Be Wheat and Gluten Free, Crossmaglen, Co Down, gained a series of awards including winner in Foods Suitable for those with Treenut and Peanut Allergies for its Multiseed Bagels; highly commended in the Breads category for Soft White Rolls; commended in Breads for Quinoa and Chia Seed Wrap with Teff and Flax Seeds; commended for Brown Seeded Loaf; and commended in the Breakfast category for Multiseed Bagels.

Meanwhile, Linwoods, Co Armagh was commended in Superfoods for its Milled Flax, Chia Seed and Cinnamon product and Squeeze Wheatgrass, Co Down was highly commended in Superfoods for its Wheatgrass and Beetroot juice.

The annual awards celebrate the innovation and imagination shown by the food industry in creating foods that are free of wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, soya, sulphites and other allergens. The awards were started in 2008 by FoodsMatter and FreeFrom Foods Matter to encourage innovation and celebrate excellence in the freefrom food industry.

here is currently a thriving craft beer and bespoke local drinks industry with new beers, gins, and other delicacies being launched onto the local drinks scene. From a brewer’s or manufacturer’s point of view, it may be worth exploring if the processes involved could enjoy intellectual property rights, as brewers can use the law to their advantage.

A trade secret can be ‘know how’ or ‘show how’ – knowing how to do something, for example, a secret recipe or knowing the way to do something. It remains enforceable as a trade secret, only as long the information is secret.

A patent however protects novel inventions capable of industry application. Therefore, brewing, distillation and other processes in relation to the manufacture and distribution of drinks may be patentable. In this case, the inventor is given a 20-year monopoly in exchange for showing the world how the invention works.

Trade secrets can be inventions or manufacturing processes that do not meet patentability criteria or do meet the criteria but the inventor chooses to keep the invention secret. There are pros and cons to both approaches.

TRADE SECRETS Trade secrets are not limited in time as long as they remain a secret, unlike patents which last for 20 years. There is no cost or administration involved unlike the patent process.

However, a trade secret can be particularly vulnerable to reverse engineering. It may be difficult to keep it secret. As soon as it is no longer secret there is limited recourse only against those who disclosed it. A trade secret may be patented by someone who developed the information independently.

PATENTS Like all registered intellectual property rights, patents can be easier to deal with ie transfer, assign and licence rights and have a quantifiable commercial value. Patents can also be easier to enforce because there is objective evidence of a particular right. With current technology, it can be easy for a competitor to analyse a drink for its ingredients. Patents can protect against reverse engineering.

Patents also benefit from the Patent Box. This is a scheme whereby HMRC offers tax advantages for companies that register patents. Thus a company may decide to register a patent for financial reasons over and above the benefits of innovation. The key is the level of innovation not the particular industry.

The downside to patents is that the process can be expensive and lengthy. After a certain amount of years, there will also be annual renewal costs.

There is no doubt that patents can be relevant to the brewing industry. There are techniques and processes which could be patentable. The question for the individual company will be if patenting is right for it. It will have to consider the following factors: • Is the process patentable?

• Is it worth patenting? i.e. the costs of the patent as against the potential benefit; and • Can the company keep a trade secret i.e. does the company trust its employees and third parties it deals with?

Patents are highly technical documents. If a company is considering a patent, it should consult a patent attorney who can advise on whether it meets the criteria and the scope of protection available.

If the company wants to keep a secret, it should ensure that its employee contracts have sufficient protections in relation to confidentiality and that third parties – to include potential investors and business partners – sign up to non-disclosure (or confidentiality) agreements. Many of the most successful companies maintain trade secrets such as recipes for soft drinks and fried food. It’s clear the employees can keep those secrets, but the question is, can yours?

Please note: The content of this article is for information purposes only and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor before action is taken.

Please contact Cleaver Fulton Rankin on 028 9024 3141 or alternatively visit www.cfrlaw.co.uk 41

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Consumer insight and market update

BY JASON WINSTANLEY, SENIOR INSIGHT AND RESEARCH MANAGER, MOY PARK Northern Ireland update Previously, we looked at the fact that consumer confidence has started to stall, with slowly rising inflation and uncertainty over the EU Referendum vote two of the drivers behind this. Events since then have seemed to confirm this hypothesis, with inflation rising to +0.5%1, and confidence flatlining at zero for the second month in a row2. With sustained and often negative campaigning expected from both sides in the run up to the vote, it is probable that confidence will continue to be adversely affected at least until the end of June.

But how do Northern Irish consumers feel about the economy, when compared to the rest of the country? On the whole, consumers in Northern Ireland generally align with the rest of the UK in their thinking about financial matters. YouGov data from March3 suggests that, like the rest of the country, most NI consumers (77%) reported an unchanged household financial situation vs. the previous month. Looking ahead, only

22% of Northern Irish consumers expect their household financial situation to be worse in 12 months’ time, compared to 27% for the UK. Interestingly, this 5% differential is maintained for those who expect to see better circumstances in the year ahead, but here it is reversed, with fewer Northern Ireland consumers (19%) expecting to be better off than is the case for the whole country. What this effectively means is that the economic situation in Northern Ireland is perceived to be more stable than it is in the rest of the UK. This, at first, may sound like encouraging news, but the short-term trend shows a less positive picture for the region; that figure of 19% who expect to see a better financial situation in a year’s time actually stood at 32% as recently as December. Over the same period, the sentiment in the UK as a whole was virtually unchanged. So, it seems there has been a recent impact in Northern Ireland, if not in confidence per se, then certainly in optimism.

The YouGov data tallies strongly with the

latest regional findings from the Asda Income Tracker4 which, at the end of 2015, showed a mixed picture for Northern Ireland. Whilst the region experienced stronger year-onyear growth in disposable income during 2015 than any other part of the UK, by Q4, this had begun to slow. This was largely driven by a moderation in the labour market in the region, leading to a rate of growth comparable to the rest of the UK, but lower than had previously been experienced.

So, in summary, prospects in Northern Ireland are generally in line with those in the rest of the UK, but there is less volatility in terms of economic prospects and this, whilst generating a level of stability, could also mean that growth is harder to come by. However, with Brexit uncertainty set to continue into the summer, a stable platform of economic confidence may be no bad thing.

Sources – 1: ONS, April 2016; 2: GfK Consumer Confidence, to March 2016; 3: YouGov HEAT Tracker, March 2016; 4: Asda Income Tracker, January 2016 report

Roast in the Bag Sage and Onion launched in convenience market

Neil McMullan and Ronan Magee are pictured at Moy Park’s innovative ‘oven’ busshelter in Castle Place, Belfast.

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oy Park has secured listings in selected Nisa, Costcutter and Today stores across Northern Ireland through Neil McMullan for its new Good Kitchen Roast in the Bag Pork, Sage and Onion stuffed whole chicken.

The new product, which contains pork, sage and onion stuffing, will be stocked alongside the Extra Tasty and Garlic and Herb variations of 42

the award-winning range.

Moy Park was the first company to use thermoformed packaging technology for its range of innovative roast in the bag products, which were launched in April last year. The state-of-the-art packaging is a printed, sealed pack that can go straight into the oven without piercing, and self-bastes during the cooking process.

“We are delighted to secure listings in Northern Ireland’s convenience market for the newest addition to the Roast in the Bag range,” said Briege Finnegan from Moy Park. “Since the launch of the Extra Tasty and Garlic and Herb varieties in April 2015, the range has gone from strength to strength – with the products listed in major retailers across Ireland, and convenience retailers in NI, ROI and GB. “We have supported the launch and continuing roll out of the range with a fully integrated marketing strategy that includes trade press, outdoor advertising and of course our innovative bus shelter ‘oven’ in Castle Place.

“The innovative nature of the product speaks for itself, and the new listings are a fantastic step in the development of the range and we look forward to securing further listings.”

Moy Park’s Roast in the Bag range was recognised with an Irish Quality Food Award and also a CIM Ireland Award for excellence in marketing in 2015.

The Moy Park Good Kitchen Roast in the Bag range (Extra Tasty and Garlic and Herb) is available in retailers across the UK and Ireland.

The new Pork, Sage & Onion stuffed roast in the bag product has secured listings with selected Vivo, Spar, Costcutter and all Today stores in Northern Ireland.

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

White’s Oats celebrates 175 years in business

White’s grower Rory McGibben at his farm in Clough, Co Down.

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hite’s Oats, Northern Ireland’s only oat miller and breakfast cereal producer, is celebrating 175 years. A series of events is planned to mark what is a significant milestone for the company, as a follow up to the planting of this year’s harvest.

White’s has been locally milling and producing porridge oats and oat cereals since 1841 at the same site in Tandragee, Co Armagh, and has seen many changes in the growing and harvesting of oats over that time with larger machinery and new methods of working.

White’s takes great care and time over the growing and milling of its oats to ensure

the highest quality standards and reassert its provenance values. Its approach to quality has been endorsed by its considerable success at many national food awards, and is testimony to the outstanding quality of its products which derives from months of hard work leading up to harvest and right across the supply chain.

“We are immensely proud of our rich heritage and quality from farm to bowl,” said James Mathers, general manager at White’s.

“We very much look forward to celebrating our 175th anniversary with a special birthday party coinciding with this year’s harvest.’’

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and

Craigavon, Cllr Darryn Causby said: “We’re fortunate to have such calibre of companies on our doorstep. White’s Oats is the largest oat miller on the island and its longevity is testimony to the quality of its products and the wider agri-food sector in the borough.

“The borough is the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland, home to an incredible mix of artisan producers and internationally acclaimed brands. As part of the Food Heartland campaign, we are encouraging the sector to grow further with initiatives such as an export programme for small producers and marketing support to promote all that the area has to offer.”

evian: Official water of Wimbledon in 2016 e

vian will once again be keeping players hydrated this summer when it resumes its role as Official Water of The Championships, Wimbledon.

Over the last few years, evian has served up plenty of Live Young fun for tennis fans and 2016 is no exception. Produced exclusively by evian, #wimblewatch is back to capture the fun and joy of people’s reactions to The Championships, featuring specially-cast members of the public and celebrities.

To ensure you don’t miss any episodes of #wimblewatch, follow @evianwater and tune in daily to www.evian.wimbledon.com 43

FOOD PROFILE high quality, premium product with a clear point of difference. I travelled the world and found how to make the very best crisps. Then I had to pull together the money to get it off the ground and, at the end of 2011, we got the first packets out for sale.

HOW QUICKLY DID THE BRAND DEVELOP? My plan was to be at farmers’ markets selling product for a long time; I didn’t expect the product to be as successful as it was. Ireland was in the middle of a recession but Irish consumers were very willing to support a start up business, and it resulted straight away in job creation. We went from two to 27 employees now, and eight more are coming on board in 2016 – all based on site, except one export manager.

What stood out was it couldn’t be too niche. In Ireland, cheese and onion is 60% of the market so we introduced our Dubliner Irish Cheese & Onion, along with Atlantic Sea Salt & Irish Cider Vinegar and Roast Beef & Irish Stout. A year later, we launched Shamrock & Sour Cream for St Patrick’s Day, which was the first in the world to feature fresh shamrock and gained global recognition.

We took it out in March but then had calls looking for it and it’s now our third biggest seller, and we haven’t stopped selling it. Since then, we’ve introduced Irish Atlantic Sea Salt and Sweet Chilli & Irish Red Pepper. Our Roast Turkey & Secret Stuffing is a Christmas speciality and has done really well; we get calls in August.

Tom Keogh

Keogh’s offers quality crisps with a clear point of difference Tom Keogh, director of Keogh’s Crisps, talks to Alyson Magee TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY BEHIND THE KEOGH’S BRAND The Keogh family have been farming in Co Dublin for 200 years. In our earliest records, my great, great uncle paid his taxes to the Catholic Church in 1830. Over the years, we have done everything from market gardeners growing fresh vegetables and delivering them to Dublin 25 minutes away to supplying wheat, barley, strawberries and broccoli. We always had a good name for potatoes, and competition from cheap imports drove us out of those other markets.

HOW DID YOU MOVE FROM FRESH POTATOES INTO CRISPS? Irish consumers have high loyalty for Irish potatoes, preferring a potato with a high proportion of dry, floury matter. Markets 44

have changed over the years and we now deal with the multiples. Our potatoes are ideal for crisps and, over 2002 to 2012, there was a 50% drop in fresh potato consumption. We needed to do something, and had an idea to export fresh potatoes to America but had a conversation with some distributors and quickly learned fresh potato imports were banned. The lady said, why don’t you cook your potatoes, it got me thinking and we came up with crisps in 2006.

WHAT WAS THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE BRAND? What followed was a journey to figure out how to produce crisps on the farm. We knew everything about potatoes but crisps were a big learning curve. It took me around the world and I realised I had to produce a very

WHERE ARE YOUR KEY MARKETS? We export to 14 countries. Our biggest market is domestic, and 15% goes out of Ireland from China and the Middle East to America. A lot of premium food halls in Dubai, Shanghai, Berlin and New York would have our product on their shelves.

In Northern Ireland, we’d be in a lot of independents and we have a very good bar trade. Northern Ireland is our biggest export market. What surprised me is the volume of consumption in Northern Ireland, where we are distributed by GDK. The NI consumer is definitely buying into the quality difference.

WHAT PLANS HAVE YOU FOR 2016?

In April, we launched a new Farm Favourites Multipack. We already had one on the market, sold in a little potato bag, and extended it by two SKUs. Later in the summer, we’re launching a marketing campaign around the Perfect Picnic and will also have a new flavour launch.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRENDS IN THE CRISPS, NUTS AND SNACKS MARKET? There’s a growth area in sharing, driven by in-home entertaining. A lot more people are spending more time at home, with a good quality bottle of wine and large sharing bag.

Support from retailers gathers pace T

he recent decision by SuperValu to appoint Noel McMeel, a tremendous campaigner for local food and drink, as its new ambassador chef to spearhead its developing food and drink offering is another marvellous boost for Year of Food & Drink.

Food NI values Noel’s passion for local food and drink in his role as executive head chef at Lough Erne Resort. He has created some highly innovative and delicious dishes there from the wonderful ingredients provided by local suppliers in Fermanagh and further afield.

Many of these delicious and wholesome ingredients were introduced to US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron and other global leaders attending the G8 Summit in Enniskillen in 2013.

Noel is part of a cadre of highly talented and creative chefs making a huge contribution to the increasingly successful Year of Food & Drink campaign.

We’re also delighted to welcome SuperValu’s enthusiastic support for Year of Food & Drink. The retailer has already listed a number of products from artisan producers and is likely to include others over the next few months. It’s an important link up that could lead to more opportunities in the retailer’s stores in the Republic.

As part of the partnership, a series of Meet the Makers in-store events will be hosted by Noel, who will also lead culinary

demonstrations for customers. The instore series will roll out across all 35 local SuperValu stores in Northern Ireland this year as part of the retail brand’s We Believe in Local campaign.

Many of Northern Ireland’s leading retailers have now weighed in to back Year of Food & Drink, now in its fifth month and focusing of Landscape & Places during May. Other retailers will be joining the campaign shortly.

It was also immensely encouraging to see Tesco adding a group of craft beer and

BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

cider processors to its huge portfolio of local products on its shelves as a further contribution to April’s focus on Brewing & Distilling.

Asda is working closely with a group of smaller businesses to help them achieve a listing. SPAR has been a great supporter of local food over many years and continues to promote local companies through initiatives including Meet the Buyer events in its stores.

The support thus far from retailers across Northern Ireland for the campaign has been tremendous. They are helping to increase awareness among consumers of the exceptional food and drink, the great ingredients, now being produced here by artisans, smaller enterprises and larger manufacturers.

Increasing sales will boost the economic wellbeing, particularly in rural communities, and help to provide employment opportunities. The success of the campaign, I am confident, will have worthwhile benefits for our farmers, the producers of so many great ingredients.

We’ve also showcased local food and drink in the Food NI Food Pavilion at Balmoral.

Around 100 companies demonstrated products and services in the pavilion.

A great deal has already been achieved in the first quarter of Year of Food & Drink.

Much more is planned to build on the existing success of this hugely significant initiative.

Tesco NI supports local beer and cider ranges T

Nigel Logan from Hillstown Farm Brewery, Gareth Loughran from Yardsman Lager and Davy Uprichard from Tempted Cider are joined by Sean Largey, commercial manager, Tesco Northern Ireland.

o celebrate the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink’s Brewing & Distilling month, Tesco added three new ranges of local craft beer and cider to its shelves.

The new ranges from Drinks Inc. and Tempted Cider, will take the retailer’s craft offering to a new level, building on listings last year.

Tesco will be introducing two lines from Drinks Inc – The Yarsdman lagers and pale ales, and Hillstown Farm Brewery stouts and red ales, will be available in store from last month. For non-beer lovers, Tesco has also taken a line range of cider from family-owned Tempted Cider, in sweet, medium, dry and strawberry varieties, also available shortly from larger stores.

“The local drinks scene is so hot right now, with a heightened consumer demand for local craft beers and ciders, seeing existing suppliers develop new lines and ranges to keep their offering fresh,” said Sean Largey, commercial manager at Tesco Northern Ireland.

“What’s even more promising though about the interest and support for local drinks products is seeing new, artisan brewers coming to the forefront of the industry.”

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Echlinville unveils state-of-the-art distillery

Shane Braniff, founder of Echlinville Distillery.

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chlinville Distillery, a multi million-pound project on the Ards Peninsula offering visitor tours alongside spirits production, was officially opened by First Minister Arlene Foster last month.

The Distillery is believed to be unique in growing, malting and distilling its own crops, all within the grounds of the historic Echlinville Estate, at Kircubbin in Co Down.

It produces Dunville whiskies, Jawbox gin and Bán Poitín, and has plans to launch its own Echlinville single estate whiskey, superpremium Irish potato vodka and a single estate gin.

In addition to its stunning stillhouse, Echlinville’s facilities include an extensive maturation hall, bottling and storage facilities and a function room.

“We are delighted to officially open the doors of our new stillhouse and unveil

the state-of-the-art facilities that will put Echlinville on the map as the home of the finest quality Irish whiskey,” said Shane Braniff, who founded Echlinville Distillery in 2012, speaking at the opening event.

“Our impressive new building houses some of the finest distilling technology on the island of Ireland. The stillhouse has been designed to showcase the beauty of the purpose-built copper pot stills and the craftsmanship of the equipment, whilst maximising the view of the surrounding countryside and the land on which we grow the grain barley used to make our whiskeys.

“Traceability and provenance is at the heart of our production process, with every drop of spirit produced here originating from crops grown and floor malted on our own estate.

We are proud to be able to offer visitors a unique insight into our ‘field to glass’

approach during our newly launched distillery tours.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Echlinville Distillery and for tourism and employment in the Ards Peninsula. The stillhouse boasts an impressive function room – a unique entertainment venue right at the heart of a working distillery. And with plans in place to develop a Visitors’ Centre, whiskey museum and restaurant on the site, we look forward to further enhancing the Echlinville visitor experience.”

The new facility has secured Echlinville’s place as Northern Ireland’s second biggest spirits producer, with the capacity to produce around 15,000 bottles of the highest quality whiskey, gin, vodka and poitín every week.

It became the first licensed whiskey distillery in Northern Ireland in over 125 years when it received its licence to distil in 2013.

Early export success for new Jawbox Gin J

awbox, the recently launched Northern Irish premium gin, has won business in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland and will be on sale shortly in Spain, Italy, France and Germany as a result of a series of distribution deals.

The product, a classic Belfast gin, which features botanicals including mountain heather from hills surrounding the city, is expected to go on sale in the US within the next three months.

“We have had enquiries from all parts of the world and will aim to set up a new country to distribute our brand each month,” said Steve Pattison of Drinksology, the Northern Irish distribution business spearheading the Jawbox export drive.

“Our big aim is obviously the US. We are receiving lots of requests for Jawbox gin from distributors. We are hoping to have stock on sale there in the next three months. We just have to wait on approval of our label with the appropriate authorities in the US and then we will be good to go. The interest is very exciting.”

A key element in the global marketing strategy is the creation of a range of cocktails. “We know that Jawbox works in a number of amazing classics such as an Aviation, Martinez, White Lady, Negroni and, of course, the more recent classic, the Bramble,” said Pattison.

“However, we want to make things simple and we want to shout about Belfast’s great achievements so we are partnering our gin with Ginger Ale, another beverage invented in Belfast. I guess you could call it a ‘Belfast Classic’ – Jawbox and Ginger Ale with a squeeze of lime.”

Jawbox, premium gin which is distilled in Northern Ireland from locally-grown barley was launched earlier this year by entrepreneur Gerry White. It is distilled by Echlinville Distillery at Kircubbin in Co Down.

8 • •Ulster 3646 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Year of Food & Drink continues with Landscape & Places N

MAY 1 Shane’s Castle May Day Steam Rally: 10am-5pm, Randalstown Road, Co Antrim MAY 3 Bangor Beer Club: 8pm, Salty Dog, Seacliff Road MAY 5 Comber Farmers’ Market: 9:30am-1:30pm, St Mary’s Parish Church car park Comber Food Tour Takes Off: 10am-3pm, Ards Visitor Information Centre, Regent St. MAY 6-8 Garden Show Ireland – including local produce showcase: Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road

MAY 7 Walled City Market: 9am-4pm, Guildhall Square, Derry

MAY 25 Twilight Market at St Georges: 12noon-11pm, E Bridge Street, Belfast

MAY 10 Cheese Symposium: 9:30am-1pm, The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

MAY 27 Newry Farmers’ Market: 9am-2pm, Hill Street, Newry

MAY 11-13 Balmoral Show: Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn MAY 13 Dinner with a Difference – Banquet aiding Daisy Lodge: Bryansford Road, Newcastle

THIS MONTH’S EVENTS

orthern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 is a celebration of everything that makes local produce so good including epic landscapes, time-honoured traditions and the people and producers behind its food heritage.

The theme for May is Landscape & Places.

MAY 27-JUNE 5 Rathlin Sounds Maritime Festival: Rathlin, Rathlin MAY 28 Inns Market Newtownbreda: 10am-2pm, The Inns, Saintfield Road Wild about Foraging: 10am-5pm, The Narrows Social, Shore Road, Portaferry

MAY 14 Causeway Speciality Market: 9am-4pm, The Diamond, Coleraine

Ballymoney Market: 11am-3pm, Castlecroft Square, Main Street

MAY 24 Twilight Market at St Georges: 5pm-11pm, E Bridge Street, Belfast

MAY 29 Spice Night at James St South – with Arun Kapil from Green Saffron: 7:30pm, Belfast

The theme for June is Love Dairy. For more information on getting involved in Year of Food & Drink 2016, visiT WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.COM

Opportunities highlighted at Taste of Tourism

Compere Pamela Ballantine is pictured with Morgaine Gaye and Simon Parkes, both speakers at last month’s Taste of Tourism Summit.

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wide array of speakers highlighted the potential offered by food and drink tourism in Northern Ireland at last month’s tourism summit, urging the local hospitality and agri-food and drink sectors to make the most of opportunities around quality, seasonal produce.

Taste of Tourism, a one-day summit organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) and held at the Culloden Spa & Estate, featured a panel of 10 acclaimed speakers.

“In Northern Ireland you have some amazing produce,” said Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. “It’s all local, it’s all seasonal and, in a way, it’s not boasted about enough.”

Local producers offer the advantage of a more personal touch, she

8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

said, but need to ensure they are able to deliver on any promises made.

Hartnett also talked about the crowded London restaurant scene and said the days of chefs working 24/7 were over, with staff at her own venue Murano working four days on, three days off.

JP McMahon talked about the international chef symposium Food on the Edge which he is hosting in Galway for a second year. Bringing in global chefs and writers, McMahon said the initiative is a long-term project which he hopes will have a trickle down effect in promoting the virtues of Irish produce and cooking around the world.

McMahon also urged artisan producers to sell directly to the marketplace. “How we need to excel in Ireland is producing premium products,” he said. “We cannot compete with giganticness.”

For restaurants operating in the Irish marketplace, McMahon said Michelin stars were all very well but the middle market was very important and demand was high for casual dining.

Travel writer Pol O’Conghaile urged the local industry to make the most of the current trend for sharing foodie pictures on facebook, Twitter and Instagram. “Food is super shareable,” he said, highlighting the importance of food as a consideration when people are planning holidays.

Researcher Dr Tara Shine, meanwhile, highlighted the issue of food waste in restaurants, with spoilage, loss in preparation and leftovers on customers’ plates the main sources. Citing research suggesting the average UK restaurant creates half of kilogramme of waste for every customer served, Shine said restaurants could save up to 1,700 per year from taking measures to cut back on waste.

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AGRI-FOOD NEWS AGRI-FOOD ADVICE:

New capital gains tax relief for investors

By Seamus McCaffrey, managing director of Omagh-based Matrix Business Services and expert columnist for Ulster Grocer covering tax and business issues

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new Capital Gains Tax Investors Relief is to be introduced in relation to the gain on shares in an unlisted company which have been subscribed for after March 16. If eligible, the rate of capital gains tax applicable to such a disposal is to be 10% on the first £10m of a gain.

As is the case with all taxation matters, there are a number of conditions which both the company and the individual investor must comply with. Firstly, the shares must be fully paid-up in cash and issued on arm’s length terms and the issue must be for genuine commercial reasons. To benefit from investors’ relief, the tax payer must demonstrate that she/he has held the shares for at least three years. However, in relation to shares issued between March 17 (Budget Day) and April 5, this period is extended to include the time the shares were held before April 6. In other words, the three year period cannot begin until after April 6.

To be eligible for investors’ relief, the share and the company must both meet conditions. The shares acquired must be ordinary shares issued for cash after March 17 and must not be listed on any Stock Exchange. The issuing company must be a trading company or the holding company of a trading group when the share was issued and throughout the three-year period. Shareholdings in property development companies and in heavily asset-backed trading companies are able to avail of the investors’ relief provisions.

Finally, the tax payer must show that neither she/he nor a connected person has been an officer or employee of the company at any time in the shareholding period. Therefore, if an individual expecting to benefit from investors’ relief, becomes an employee of the company while still holding the shares, his entitlement will cease and will not be re-instated.

In addition, if a child of the investor became an employee in the company, this too would forfeit any right to investors’ relief, and, this would also apply if the investor marries an employee of the company, while still owning the shares subscribed for.

This new tax relief represents an opportunity for unlisted trading companies to attract external investors. However, the first draft of the legislation contains strict requirements to be met by both the investor and the company, and therefore specific accounting and legal advice is required.

50

Pictured, from left, Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank’s head of Northern Ireland; Sam Butler, president of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists in Ireland; Cormac McKervey, senior agriculture manager, Ulster Bank; and Richard Ramsey, chief economist, Ulster Bank.

Cost of an Ulster Fry at seven-year low T

he price of your Ulster fry should be significantly lower than it was last year, according to Ulster Bank’s Ulster Fry Index.

The bank’s popular measure of food price inflation, compiled by its NI Chief Economist Richard Ramsey, shows that the collective cost of items in a traditional cooked breakfast have fallen by 8.5% in just 12 months.

This makes the cost of these items the cheapest they have been since October 2008, according to the index, which is based on the official retail price statistics.

“Food makes up a significant proportion of household spending,” said Ramsey. “Food and drink is also a key sector of the Northern Ireland economy. So understanding how the prices of food stuffs are changing gives us some insight into both the current state of consumer finances, and also some of the challenges facing the agri-food industry, which employs around 90,000 people here, according to some estimates.

“Of late, for instance, households have been benefiting from low or no inflation, falling food and energy prices, wage rises, and historically low interest rates. This has created something of a sweet spot for consumers, and perhaps helps explain things like the rise in number of cafes and restaurants in Belfast, plus the relatively strong retail environment that we have seen.”

CAFRE students rewarded at Balmoral Show

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n innovative new supply chain programme developed by M&S and Linden Foods was celebrated at the Balmoral Show.

Dungannon-based Linden Foods, a supplier to M&S since 1995, has this year alone produced beef and lamb products from 30,000 cattle and 18,000 lambs, sourced from 880 farms across Northern Ireland.

As part of the programme, BSc Agriculture Technology degree students from CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus visited both Linden Foods and the Food Hall in the M&S Lisburn store at Sprucefield where they had the opportunity to tour the respective facilities and were given presentations on various aspects of the supply chain.

Following their visits the students were tasked with a project to develop a supply chain for a new food product targeted at M&S customers. The programme culminated with a visit to Greenmount Campus by M&S and Linden staff, who assessed the student presentations.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

UFU Honorary Life Members awarded at 2016 AGM A

t the 2016 Ulster Farmers’ Union Annual General Meeting, UFU president Barclay Bell presented three dedicated members of the UFU with its Honorary Life Membership.

Bobby Cummings (top) from Co Armagh has been a member of the UFU for at least 65 years, holding many positions including branch secretary, central commodity representative on milk, legal and general, rural affairs and serving on the county committee. As of this year, he has given up his central commodity roles.

Greer McCollum OBE (middle) from Co Londonderry joined the UFU and started off in the Macosquin Branch where he became secretary. Greer also served as chairman of the Beef and Lamb and vice chairman of the Seeds and Cereals Committee as well as becoming group chairman of the Co Londonderry UFU group. In 1979-1980, McCollum served as president of the Greenmount Association and was also president of the UFU (1996-1997) during the BSE crisis. During all of his time at the UFU he found time to also serve on the LMC board 2003-2009 and C.O.L.L.A.G.E. McCollum’s devotion to the industry gained him an OBE in 1997 for his services to agriculture. His passion and enthusiasm and dedication to the UFU and for agriculture during his continued time in the industry, has been immense.

Joe Patton CBE (bottom) from Co Antrim started his career in the UFU North Antrim Group as a central commodity rep for the Milk Committee in 1968. He then became president of the YFCU in 1969 and held various offices within the North Antrim Group. He was chair of the Rural Development Committee for two years before going on to be UFU president in 1980-1981. Patton has stayed very active in agriculture; he was a member of the Milk Marketing Board, a fellow of the Royal Agriculture Society SINCE 1984 and is a trustee of the Agri Research Institute for Northern Ireland.

New leadership team elected at UFU general meeting

T

he Ulster Farmers’ Union elected a new leadership team at its Annual General Meeting, held last month.

Co Down sheep, cereals and cut flower producer Barclay Bell was officially voted in as president for two years. Co Armagh sheep and arable farmer Ivor Ferguson was re-elected for a second term as deputy president and will be joined by newly elected Co Antrim beef, sheep and dairy farmer Victor Chestnutt.

Thanking the UFU council and members for their support, the new president urged the industry not to be too pessimistic over its current problems, but to instead focus on ways to tackle key issues such as price volatility, red tape and the challenge of attracting young people into an industry going through the worst crisis in a generation. Barclay Bell praised outgoing president, Ian Marshall, for leading the UFU and the industry through one of the most challenging periods in Northern Ireland’s agricultural history.

Pictured are, from left, newly elected Deputy President Victor Chestnutt, UFU President Barclay Bell and Deputy President Ivor Ferguson.

Dairy’s role in nutrition highlighted at DCNI conference T

Professor Joline Beulens, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam (left) and Professor Benoit Lamarche, Laval University, Canada, are pictured with Dr Carole Lowis, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) nutritionist, at the annual DCNI Nutrition and Health conference.

he latest developments in nutrition and science practice from the effect of breakfast consumption on cognitive and academic performance to weight loss after pregnancy and the impact on diet and quality of life of oral health in older people were among topics covered at the recent annual Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) Nutrition and Health conference.

“The diversity of the topics raised in the 2016 conference has attracted a wide and very engaged audience including dietitians, home-economics teachers, school catering managers, academics and PhD students,” said Dr Carole Lowis, a nutritionist at DCNI. “This year’s conference has brought together experts from as far afield as Canada and Amsterdam to share the most up-to-date research in nutrition science.

“The purpose of the conference is to provide the opportunity for those working in nutrition in Northern Ireland to hear the very latest research, and the feedback we have had from delegates is that the information is useful to them in their day to day practice too.”

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EXPORT NEWS

RubyBlue Potato Vodka wins business in Russia R

ubyBlue Premium Potato Vodka, produced by Hughes Craft Distillery in Lisburn, has won its first business in Russia, at an Irish bar in Belgorod.

The Russian business follows an order from Fortnum and Mason in London for both the vodka and the company’s RubyBlue Cranberry liqueur.

“Selling Irish vodka to Russia is a marvellous boost for our small batch distillery and considered by some the equivalent of selling sand to the Arabs,” said Barbara Hughes, commercial director of Hughes Craft Distillery.”

“The contract follows an approach from the Russian buyers at a trade show earlier this year. Initially discounting that Ireland can produce good vodka, the team were overwhelmed by the purity and smooth finish of RubyBlue Vodka.

“We’ve also been encouraged by the decision to import our full range including RubyBlue Whiskey Cask-aged Vodka and our four premium fruit liqueurs which are all ideal for sipping, mixing in cocktails or even in culinary uses.”

Stuart Hughes, managing director of Hughes Craft Distillery, said: “We initially suggested working with the Russian team to create distinctive RubyBlue cocktails for the Russian bars but were quickly informed Russians don’t mess with good spirits, another compliment to

the high regard in which our small batch range has been received. With stock now landed in Belgorod, we are keen to build on this relationship and to grow our sales throughout the region and wider Russian market.”

RubyBlue potato vodkas and fresh fruit liqueurs are now available at Dublin Airport, Belfast International Airport and through Amazon. As well as independent retailers, restaurants and bars throughout Northern Ireland, the range is listed in Tesco, Asda and Supervalu stores.

The liqueurs are also exported to continental Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Turkey and Australia.

Mac Ivors targets export markets with new cider

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ac Ivors, based near Armagh, has developed an innovative 4% abv Plum and Ginger Cider in 500ml bottles for both domestic and export markets.

“Plum and ginger cider is the outcome of our focus on creating deliciously different ciders to provide new taste experiences,” said Greg MacNeice, managing director of Mac Ivors. “Plum and ginger are a good pairing with our refreshing apple cider. The plum provides a rounded, fruity flavour while the ginger adds a subtle amount of heat to the finish.

“The cider is rosé in colour with delicate bubbles which make it a perfect spring-summer tipple. We taste tested the new cider at major industry festivals in Dublin and Belfast and were immensely encouraged by very positive feedback from both male and female drinkers.”

The company has also expanded its export sales with an agreement to supply a distributor in Rome. “The business in Italy is another encouraging development in the international marketplace,” said MacNeice. “We are supplying our Traditional Dry and Medium Ciders for distribution throughout Italy, a market in which premium Irish ciders are becomingly increasingly popular.

“We are also supplying our cider into the Danish market and have a number of other export markets coming on stream this summer.”

Skinny Malinkys secures Fortnum & Mason listing B

elfast-based Skinny Malinkys has won business for four of its healthy cold-pressed fruit and veggie juices at Fortnum and Mason in London.

The cold-pressed juices contain up to 70% raw vegetables, including kale, ginger, parsley, carrots, beetroot, cucumbers, courgettes and fruit, including apples, pears, pineapples and limes.

Established in November 2013 by marketer Paula Heaney, the small business has developed a range of healthy cold-pressed drinks that are said to be delicious, nourishing and cleansing, and naturally low in sugar.

“I am delighted to have this amazing opportunity to showcase my products in such a prestigious store and in a market that I’ve been targeting for growth,” said Heaney. “It’s a fabulous platform for the business and should help me to develop a strong foothold there.

“The juices are cold-pressed as this retains 50% more nutrients than any other type of juicing and uses high pressure process (HPP) to give us shelf life by putting the juice under massive pressure to kill any microbes that could cause spoilage. This gives us a 40-day refrigerated shelf life. This retains the nutrients as it is never heat treated or pasteurised.”

52

MARKETING NEWS

Velvet Quilted offers luxurious glamping escapes through on-pack promotion V

elvet Quilted is giving shoppers the chance to win a captivating forest escape every day throughout spring with a new on-pack promotion.

With every sheet of Velvet Quilted offering three layers of luxurious softness, the brand wants to extend this touch of luxury from the home to the great British outdoors, by giving away £92,000 worth of breaks every day through April, May and June.

Velvet Quilted, which is manufactured by leading global hygiene and forest products company SCA, has teamed up with Canopy & Stars to provide the added-value prize. For a chance to win, shoppers need to enter a unique promotional code found inside promotional packs of Velvet Quilted.

Each winner will have £1,000 to spend on a break of their choosing – whether it’s waking up to the sound of waterfalls in a teepee or spending a few nights in an enchanted treehouse.

“This is a really exciting giveaway for Velvet as it brings to life our ethical luxury positioning for shoppers,” said Charlotte Parrish, brand manager for Velvet. “It also gives us a chance to say thank you to our shoppers by giving them the chance to win one of the luxury breaks on offer.

“At Velvet, we care about nature and the beauty it brings to our lives, which is why we replace three trees for every one we use when making our tissue. The Canopy & Stars forest escapes will provide the perfect opportunity for shoppers to soak up their surroundings, while indulging in some envy-inducing luxury.”

The activity is being supported by a £1m media investment across, press, digital and social channels. The on pack promotion will run from April 1 to June 30, with a late draw on August 31.

Brennans on cloud nine with weather deal

Pictured are, from left, Roger Wilson, Nick Wilson, Moy Park Director of Sales Paul Burch and Paddy Jackson.

Moy Park scores with Ulster Rugby lorry livery

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oy Park has branded three of its lorries with new livery as part of its on-going partnership with Ulster Rugby. Moy Park teamed up with Ulster Rugby for the 2015/2016 season as the official poultry supplier for the team.

The new livery on the vehicles operated by Neil McMullan, who distributes Moy Park-branded products throughout Northern Ireland, builds upon Moy Park’s existing relationship with Ulster Rugby. Since the launch of the partnership, the food company has supplied chicken to the team as well as developing recipes for the players and hosting the team at Moy Park’s headquarters in Craigavon.

“Ulster Rugby’s commitment to excellence, quality and team work mirrors our brand values at Moy Park,” said Paul Burch, director of sales at Moy Park. “The new livery is a natural progression in our relationship and the ideal way to showcase our partnership and drive awareness in a very visible way. We know our customers and fans of the team will enjoy seeing the new branded lorries take to the road.”

Pictured celebrating the new sponsorship are model Dione Hull, Gary Myles, DJ on Downtown Radio and Colin Todd of Brennans Bread.

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read baker Brennans has signed a new deal to become the official sponsor of the weather on popular local radio station Downtown.

Brennans, one of the biggest bread brands in Northern Ireland, will sponsor weather reports for the Newtownards-based radio station which entertains around 217,000 listeners per week and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

“Brennans is synonymous with freshness and quality and we believe that our new role as Downtown’s weather sponsor will give fresh impetus to the brand in Northern Ireland,” said Ivan Hammond, head of marketing at Brennans Bread.

“As well as listening out for us on the radio, we would also encourage everyone to keep a look out for the brightly-coloured Brennans buses which can be spotted on various routes around Belfast and Derry.”

The Brennan bread brand offers customers over 25 different variations of bread from its Family Pan to Wheaten Brown Bread. The Be Good range is said to be popular with customers looking to reduce their calorie intake without compromising on taste.

53

TRANSPORT NEWS

More truckers take to bikes in Belfast for FTA safe driving scheme H

GV drivers will be taking to their bikes in Belfast as part of a scheme aimed at improving safety for all road users.

Last year the Freight Transport Association (FTA) joined forces with walking and cycling charity Sustrans to create Safe Urban Driving – a best practice training programme to help prevent collisions with vulnerable road users in an urban environment.

During the one-day course, around 20 drivers get on bikes to experience the road from a cyclist’s perspective in an initiative designed to improve road safety and increase awareness.

Full courses were held in April and May, building on the success of last year and continuing to improve road safety between HGVs and cyclists in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

“The feedback from local HGV operators on this road safety initiative has been extremely positive, and we are delighted to be running the scheme in Belfast again this year,” said Seamus Leheny, FTA’s Policy & Membership manager for Northern Ireland.

“It is vital that as an industry we play our part in improving road safety, especially in Belfast city centre and our other urban areas, and FTA is delighted with the proactive response from members towards this scheme.”

The Driver CPC accredited course was developed by FTA and Sustrans in partnership with Cycle Training UK (CTUK) and is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Belfast Strategic Partnership.

M&S scoop top environmental award M

arks and Spencer has been rewarded for leading the way with reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions at this year’s FTA Multimodal Awards at Birmingham NEC. FTA member M&S received the FTA Multimodal Award for Contribution to Environmental Sustainability from Freight Transport Association Chief Executive David Wells in recognition of its commitment to reducing carbon in its transport operations.

“M&S is not only demonstrating environmental sustainability but is leading the way when it comes to reducing its environmental impact and carbon emissions,” said Wells.

“Significant effort has been made so that M&S can measure, evaluate and report the carbon impact of global goods transportation and to then work with others to reduce its impact.”

Barry Wallace, M&S logistics manager international freight, said: “We are delighted and proud to receive this prestigious award. At M&S, our Plan A agenda underpins everything we do in our business and we consider all aspects of our impact on the environment and the communities that we come into contact with. This is no different when it comes to our global supply chain and international freight.”

Multimodal is the UK and Ireland’s leading freight transport and logistics exhibition, and FTA also hosted a series of seminars and workshops at the event.

Subjects covered include the impact of mega shipping vessels and maritime alliances; the future of airports in the UK; the Agenda for More Rail Freight; and responding to environmental challenges in transport.

Mac Ivors targets export markets with new cider

Government launches £2m hydrogen-fuelled fleet competition P

lans to make nearly every vehicle in the UK zero-emission by 2050 have taken a further step forward today with the May 10 launch of a £2m government fund to encourage more businesses to switch to hydrogen-fuelled vehicles.

The Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Fleet Support Scheme will allow local authorities, health trusts, police forces, fire brigades and private companies to bid for funding to add hydrogen-powered vehicles to their fleets.

The £2m fund, launched by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), could bring up to 100 more hydrogen fuel cell cars and vans onto our roads by next spring – the equivalent of tripling the number of vehicles currently in use.

Zero-emission hydrogen vehicles are cleaner and greener than standard vehicles, and the UK is leading the way in the introduction of this technology.

“We are always looking at new ways to make the vehicles of the future cleaner, and hydrogen fuel cells are an important part of our vision for almost all cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2050,” said Transport Minister Andrew Jones.

The money will cover up to 75% of the costs of new vehicles bought by next April, as well as the cost of running them for up to three years. Support will also be available for the leasing or renting of vehicles, insurance, hydrogen fuel and servicing.

Bids must be submitted by Monday, July 4.

54

APPOINTMENTS

People on the move...

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Dairy UK appoints new environment manager D

airy UK has appointed Chloe McGregor as environment manager, to help drive forward its environmental agenda.

She grew up on a small farm on the west coast of Scotland, developing a strong passion for the environment, farming and politics, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Exeter.

“I have always been interested in the way essential products, such as dairy, are produced and their benefit to the diet compared with their impact on the environment,” said McGregor. “The diversity of the environmental initiatives that Dairy UK is working on is both exciting and challenging and I am thrilled to be part of the process to drive the dairy supply chain forward.”

Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said: “The dairy industry takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. Chloe is a very welcome addition to the Dairy UK team – she has the communication skills necessary to raise awareness of the industry’s existing credentials in this area and the knowledge to help the industry deliver even greater progress. The UK must also showcase its strong track record in this area and at the same time, we must continue to look for innovative ways to stay at the forefront of environmental sustainability.”

Chloe McGregor

Cogent’s NI team grows with double appointments O n-farm services throughout Northern Ireland have been given a double boost this week as Cogent steps up efforts to improve efficiency across its regional team.

As breeding advisor for counties Antrim and Down, Angus Mawhinney will work alongside producers throughout the area to enhance Cogent’s portfolio and provide a first class service on farm. He joins Cogent with a wealth of experience in dairy herd management both for his own Holstein herd on the home farm just

outside Ballyclare and throughout his career in the pedigree sales sector.

Former Field Sales Advisor Jamie Sproule has also taken the next step within Cogent to become a fully-trained evaluator for the company’s new mating programme. In his newly defined role, Jamie will be responsible for targeting inbreeding and driving improvement within his customers’ herds. Sproule will also be covering sales in the Northwest and Cookstown areas.

Kettyle Irish Foods appoints new general manager P

PJ McCague

J McCague has recently been appointed as general manager of Kettyle Irish Foods, part of the Linden Food Group, based in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh.

McCague was previously general manager with McCarren Meats, a pork and bacon factory based in Cavan Town. Over the years, PJ has worked in a variety of rolls within the snack foods industry with Largo Foods based at Gweedore in Donegal and Ashbourne, Meath.

Prior to joining Largo Foods, McCague owned and operated Clones Poultry Processors in Monaghan, a dedicated poultry boning factory supplying poultry to foodservice and catering outlets.

“PJ will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Kettyle,” said Maurice Kettyle, managing director of Kettyle Irish Foods. “He has a very strong track record in the industry and we hope to benefit significantly from his time spent in Co Monaghan, Cavan, Donegal and Meath.

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55

SHELFLIFE

To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Mark at markbeckett@greerpublications.com or Tel: 028 9078 3235

New ‘Ripple’ design launched on Deep RiverRock range

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eep RiverRock has launched a new pack design across its 500ml range, introducing a bold ‘ripple’ effect across the front of the bottle and enhancing the impact of the logo with a higher placement of the label. The new, sleeker bottle shape better reflects the modernised Deep RiverRock logo, which was refreshed in 2015.

Furthermore, the 500ml Deep RiverRock Still bottle, which accounts for 90% of the total Deep RiverRock 500ml volume, now uses 16% less PET. The Still bottle will see a reduction in plastic from 22g to 18.5g, resulting in an estimated 135 tonnes of plastic removed from the manufacturing process annually.

Deep RiverRock is the local water brand of Coca-Cola HBC which, in 2015, was named beverage industry leader on the Dow Jones World and Europe Sustainability Indices for a second consecutive year.

The introduction of a light-weighted bottle is the latest in a series of sustainability achievements by the Ireland/Northern Ireland business and the new bottle was in circulation in time for Earth Day, April 22.

“The introduction of the lighter Still 500ml bottle also reflects our commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible

manufacturing processes,” said Oonagh Gildea, marketing manager for Deep RiverRock.

“It is fitting that the introduction of the ‘ripple’ design coincides with our latest light-weighting project. It symbolises another ‘drop’ in our sustainability commitments and one that will have a positive impact in our journey to minimise our impact on the environment.”

Plenty towels go from strength to strength P

Vita Coco offers guilt-free summer indulgence V

lenty, the UK’s number one household towel brand*, has unveiled plans for a major upgrade across its core range of products.

With product strength important to household towel shoppers, Plenty has invested significantly in Plenty The Original One and Plenty The Fat One to make them 15% stronger – even when wet.

Initial testing has shown shoppers love new Plenty so much that purchase intent has increased, along with quality perceptions and cleaning credentials**.

“This is our biggest upgrade to our core product range to date so we are really excited about the launch,” said Holly BaronMorgan, brand manager for Plenty. “Plenty is quite literally going from strength to strength. Additional strength ensures that Plenty is always fit for purpose and more versatile in use than ever before.”

A heavyweight marketing campaign is planned from April this year for Plenty, which is manufactured by leading global hygiene and forest products company SCA. TV activity will also be supported with digital and in-store media.

*Kantar data to 6th December 2015; **Consumer Home Usage testAugust 2015.

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ita Coco has recently launched a new chocolate flavour of coconut water on shop shelves across Northern Ireland. Vita Coco Chocolate, made with fresh coconut water, a dash of creamy coconut milk and finished with a generous pinch of cocoa powder, is offering the feel-good factor of an afternoon chocolate hit minus the post-indulgence guilt.

“As summer months approach and more and more consumers are focused on looking and feeling their best on the beach this summer, Vita Coco is offering a guilt-free treat with their newest flavour, Vita Coco Chocolate,” said Cara Millaney, marketing manager, Vita Coco. “Filled with natural goodness, Vita Coco Chocolate is a great source of potassium, is dairy and gluten-free, and acts as a low fat indulgent treat.”

Combining the naturally hydrating powers of coconut water with the mood-boosting benefits associated with chocolate consumption, Vita Coco Chocolate is said to be the perfect summer treat for kids and grown-ups alike, and is available in a screw-top tetra Pak making it a convenient on-the-go summer drink.

The new flavour joins Vita Coco’s seven-strong range, and is available in Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores across Northern Ireland in 1 litre and 330ml cartons.

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Q&A WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? In February this year, our team successfully broke the Guinness World Record for ‘The largest beer tasting’ with 729 people all sampling great products like Finn Pilsner, brewed locally in Newry, Co Down.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I enjoy that for a living I get to work closely with one of my hobbies, craft beer. Besides that, it is great to see the brands grow from small pilot brews, right through to the finished article pouring draught, with all the POS and marketing support helping to drive sales for the publican.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? The most difficult task is actually the part of my job I enjoy the most. This includes educating people and customers who are new to the whole craft beer scene, taking them through the different types of craft beers available, down to craft beer taste profiles and food pairings with the end goal of hopefully inspiring the start of an obsession for craft beers.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? From a previous manager: ‘There will always be obstacles in life, it’s just learning to go around them’. No truer words have ever been spoken.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? Delays; it is something that we could all live without! They always seem to occur at the most impractical times.

In the Hot Seat Kenny Fowler, business brand developer NI at Station Works Brewery TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I am a business brand developer for Station Works Brewery. The brewery itself is based in Newry beside the local train station. It is here where the team’s passion produces premium handcrafted ales. After graduating from University, I wanted a fun, yet challenging job within the FMCG sector. I was captivated by the continuous and rapid pace of the drinks sector from day one, working with global brand leaders in wines, beers and spirits. From here, I realised the excitement and buzz that was starting to build around craft beers. With 58

craft beers being a hobby, it is not surprising that I now find myself working for the largest craft brewery in Northern Ireland in an everexpanding market.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Most of the day involves the effective implementation of the brand duties across our whole brand portfolio. This ranges from account management for both potential and existing accounts, to the organisation and setup of any events or press that may be relevant to the craft beer industry.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I have always wanted to see the world, so the ability to speak fluently in multiple languages would be a welcome talent.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? I plan to continue focusing on craft beers.

There are a few exciting products in the pipeline with Station Works Brewery that I cannot wait to help develop the brand. Long term, I want to progress further in my career in the drinks industry to help the growth and expansion of the craft beer market.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? People who defy the odds and let nothing stop them to reach their ultimate goal. With dedication and determination, anything is possible.

HOW DO YOU RELAX? I enjoy my foreign summer holidays and my road cycling. Combining the two is always a great way to see what countries have to offer by exploring the local scenery and landscape.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2016:

CABARBEQUE NSupported CE by LLREock Deep River D Friday June 3rd Titanic Belfast

GOLF DAY

paddy.murney@cchellenic.com

Thursday August 4th Belvoir Golf Club david.mcwilliams@courtneyandnelson.co.uk

CANDY BALL

SUNDAY LUNCH

Friday September 30th Culloden Hotel david.mcwilliams@courtneyandnelson.co.uk

Sunday November 20th Deanes At Queens trevor.magill@musgrave.ie

Reserve these dates now to avoid missing out on our industry’s great social occasions which support the grocery charity for those less fortunate.

Trevor Magill, Musgrave NI, Chairman of the Northern Ireland GroceryAid Committee